tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2443549469909572392024-03-13T10:11:06.899-07:00Lizzard Loves...The title says it all! "Lizzard Loves..." is all about what I love! You can expect to see a lot of my cooking/baking adventures, some organizing projects, home improvements and crafty things too. I hope you enjoy.Lizzardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16250989239685167000noreply@blogger.comBlogger170125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-244354946990957239.post-50863529272311499442021-03-24T14:22:00.001-07:002021-03-24T14:22:53.582-07:00March 21l 2021; Spring is Springing<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"> Lizzard Loves Spring. </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qRORdlw5JcI/YFusubaoreI/AAAAAAAAnd8/ANzl88QfiRoO8uDzvpZl--h4V4q2niurwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2016/IMG_5739.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qRORdlw5JcI/YFusubaoreI/AAAAAAAAnd8/ANzl88QfiRoO8uDzvpZl--h4V4q2niurwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_5739.jpg" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Well, I mean, I don't love the cold/rainy/windy parts of it. Nor "Spring Forward" into Daylight Savings Time. Dark mornings? No thank you. No, not at all. </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OZKRsB3exU8/YFus4gu4qII/AAAAAAAAneA/DNYTj4VDxh4vw3-dAcJqEPc_RpjeinJrgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2016/IMG_6078.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OZKRsB3exU8/YFus4gu4qII/AAAAAAAAneA/DNYTj4VDxh4vw3-dAcJqEPc_RpjeinJrgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_6078.jpg" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hlROItTEnQY/YFus5rEYEaI/AAAAAAAAneI/5UQR4BSHQCsAnREulSYwDxpimts2cvoTgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2016/IMG_5975.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hlROItTEnQY/YFus5rEYEaI/AAAAAAAAneI/5UQR4BSHQCsAnREulSYwDxpimts2cvoTgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_5975.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QCWJFkTS8Ks/YFus5WdxSbI/AAAAAAAAneE/PLXwLfky3iQtA7J8_sjmGkwv-GCACtQfACLcBGAsYHQ/s2016/IMG_5745.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QCWJFkTS8Ks/YFus5WdxSbI/AAAAAAAAneE/PLXwLfky3iQtA7J8_sjmGkwv-GCACtQfACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_5745.jpg" /></a></div><br /></span><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">But the shockingly (& deliciously) sun warm days that rise out of nowhere to remind you that you won't always be cold. The trusty spring flowers pushing their way up through the melting snow, proving that anything is possible. The birds singing loud & proud songs especially in the early morning (aka right now). The ever present mud puddles available for the Bug & Henry Pants to splash in. The sense of starting over/renewal that always comes this time of year. The bikes coming out of their winter hiding place in the shed to trundle us along on adventures (mainly to the "bakery store" as we lovingly refer to <a href="https://www.tagsbakery.com/">Tags Bakery</a> and local playgrounds). Digging in the dirt again - a slow preparation for planting our garden beds after Mother's Day. Planning for socially distanced Easter celebrations with BoBo & the Kearney clan. Daydreaming about travel beyond our area. Baking Irish Soda Bread with Lulu Bug. Occasionally running in a tank top, strange how quick it is to get out the door when you don't need to bundle up so much. Spring in our house also brought our first COVID-19 vaccination! Ice cream cones (with frinkles - duh) to celebrate Chris!</span><span style="font-family: georgia;">**</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QYAfK7f5A_U/YFutI1gFSYI/AAAAAAAAnek/adg5oA7uOZ4Jo6RYupY7PerEkdUW9Zw5ACLcBGAsYHQ/s2016/IMG_6098.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QYAfK7f5A_U/YFutI1gFSYI/AAAAAAAAnek/adg5oA7uOZ4Jo6RYupY7PerEkdUW9Zw5ACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_6098.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZKoO7E9bmVQ/YFutHnvoNzI/AAAAAAAAneY/EZSw2fDxa5EqFLcgSU8og7UaDFptyfGsgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2016/IMG_5853.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZKoO7E9bmVQ/YFutHnvoNzI/AAAAAAAAneY/EZSw2fDxa5EqFLcgSU8og7UaDFptyfGsgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_5853.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nxXTVWv9nj8/YFutGTNfWmI/AAAAAAAAneQ/B_rsmUrHMWkg-ny4hDz1blsMtES24OB7ACLcBGAsYHQ/s2016/IMG_5778.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nxXTVWv9nj8/YFutGTNfWmI/AAAAAAAAneQ/B_rsmUrHMWkg-ny4hDz1blsMtES24OB7ACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_5778.jpg" /></a></div><br /></span><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Spring in the Chicagoland area is certainly not my favorite season. But I do find plenty to love about it. What do you love about Spring wherever it is that you call home? </span></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OcNn6V7EPcI/YFutWbCJCDI/AAAAAAAAne0/WRqbPxzFHK0Cq6PPBq1ckYU175_zIvt0QCLcBGAsYHQ/s2016/IMG_6123.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="2016" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OcNn6V7EPcI/YFutWbCJCDI/AAAAAAAAne0/WRqbPxzFHK0Cq6PPBq1ckYU175_zIvt0QCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_6123.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Y1h8pRiXPig/YFutWKDNfXI/AAAAAAAAnew/DAMwkM31Jiczr-1_bZVEm0UlRwC8YMm6ACLcBGAsYHQ/s2016/IMG_6125.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Y1h8pRiXPig/YFutWKDNfXI/AAAAAAAAnew/DAMwkM31Jiczr-1_bZVEm0UlRwC8YMm6ACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_6125.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">**Usually this list would include some spring break travel, but not for us yet. Travel is on hold until we have all those shots in our arms. Oh COVID-19. How you royally screw with so many things!</span></p>Lizzardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16250989239685167000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-244354946990957239.post-18926407555436234092020-12-12T14:01:00.004-08:002020-12-12T14:01:34.310-08:00Welcome Henry Pants! Only 14.5 months late<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"> Lizzard Loves becoming a mom again - to our sweet Henry Pants!</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OeatAEAknRY/X9U5lakwyXI/AAAAAAAAkVk/4IDEp3XLhegm8sesE64Rm_0xYfcNpxoFwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0803.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OeatAEAknRY/X9U5lakwyXI/AAAAAAAAkVk/4IDEp3XLhegm8sesE64Rm_0xYfcNpxoFwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_0803.JPG" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zw-uOzzvV-A/X9U68DHhiYI/AAAAAAAAkWA/R3okEKAgBt43sQVKUEb9r3IO6bCXLtuSQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/07-DSC_2780.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1553" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zw-uOzzvV-A/X9U68DHhiYI/AAAAAAAAkWA/R3okEKAgBt43sQVKUEb9r3IO6bCXLtuSQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/07-DSC_2780.jpg" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">We welcomed Henry the day after my birthday in 2019 (last fall). Our biggest little man was born via a scheduled C-section which Chris & I compared to going to the dentist for a cleaning. Super chill, nothing stressful or chaotic about it. Don't get me wrong, a spinal tap followed by abdominal surgery is no cake walk. But Lulu's C-section was not scheduled/planned & it felt SO DIFFERENT. Henry Pants was a giant baby, weighing close to 10 pounds and had a huge head :) Looking back at the first photos we have of him - he looks so big while also looking so tiny.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FdW-qbfxbwA/X9U50BZVtNI/AAAAAAAAkVo/qz1RmOpDpbw-_9OyPNFUaCO-tnnFSTOXQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0841.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FdW-qbfxbwA/X9U50BZVtNI/AAAAAAAAkVo/qz1RmOpDpbw-_9OyPNFUaCO-tnnFSTOXQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_0841.JPG" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Mom & Dad brought Lulu Bug down to the hospital to meet our newest addition. Its hard to describe how full my heart felt having our newest love in the room with our oldest loves (my parents). It takes a village to do just about everything & having a baby falls square in that category. I was so thankful that Mom & Dad took care of Lulu while Chris & I went to the hospital, it was such a relief knowing she was in such loving hands.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XTZ1lg-m9-k/X9U6VpKaMHI/AAAAAAAAkV4/Y1zwA8ceKAMS68E5EfaQZE5WY3oLq4UAQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/10-DSC_2824.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1524" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XTZ1lg-m9-k/X9U6VpKaMHI/AAAAAAAAkV4/Y1zwA8ceKAMS68E5EfaQZE5WY3oLq4UAQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/10-DSC_2824.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Life was wild that first month of Henry's life, Lulu had just started preschool a few weeks before he was born and it wasn't an easy transition. No one was sleeping much right after we came home from the hospital. Lulu climbed out of her crib for the first time the night we came home from the hospital. Fun skill debut on that one. Chris needed to go back to work 2 weeks after Henry was born, so Marg came into town to help with that transition. Chris ran the Chicago Marathon again, Lulu woke up at 2am that day & didn't go back to sleep. It was a groggy day. But we made me through! Life as a party of 4 (5 if we count Owenn) was off to the races!</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-odS_2nM-h2c/X9U8G_VCARI/AAAAAAAAkWM/6n1mFsvljR8ZJK0NJQd7GtpV-pPuALx_gCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_1001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-odS_2nM-h2c/X9U8G_VCARI/AAAAAAAAkWM/6n1mFsvljR8ZJK0NJQd7GtpV-pPuALx_gCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_1001.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OJs5B13LYLQ/X9U8VrzYWZI/AAAAAAAAkWQ/Q8Dc5Y-sypMYejgf33sRo8NE1vaNzTVFACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_1035.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OJs5B13LYLQ/X9U8VrzYWZI/AAAAAAAAkWQ/Q8Dc5Y-sypMYejgf33sRo8NE1vaNzTVFACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_1035.JPG" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zqiMdQ2nBcU/X9U8hkV3aAI/AAAAAAAAkWY/_fK5N63b1x4CJ8G8efLh_EW8aZIu7F2JgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_1004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zqiMdQ2nBcU/X9U8hkV3aAI/AAAAAAAAkWY/_fK5N63b1x4CJ8G8efLh_EW8aZIu7F2JgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_1004.JPG" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VMpIevFK3X4/X9U8xgzHNfI/AAAAAAAAkWk/aAA4UBH9NIAuysXlZcIWgHe1LvJsqJZxACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_1023.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VMpIevFK3X4/X9U8xgzHNfI/AAAAAAAAkWk/aAA4UBH9NIAuysXlZcIWgHe1LvJsqJZxACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_1023.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p>Lizzardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16250989239685167000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-244354946990957239.post-45845719067247054552020-12-12T13:29:00.004-08:002020-12-12T13:29:38.373-08:00Its been..........awhile<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"> Lizzard Loves..........catching up! </span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Starting fresh! </span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Getting re-started on something I miss!</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">So, Its been a long time since I lasted posted anything. Lots has happened in the past 18ish months. Birth. Death. Travel. Pandemic. Family. Friends. Running. Cooking. Baking. Kitchen dancing. So. I'm going to do a couple of catch up posts, but then I'm moving forward. </span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Ready, set, go!</span></p>Lizzardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16250989239685167000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-244354946990957239.post-68663533182400758672019-07-07T13:00:00.001-07:002019-07-07T13:00:51.859-07:002019 Spring Celebrations - Kane's 1st Communion, Mother's Day, Mary's 1st Birthday, Father's Day<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I suspect part of the reason this spring flew by is that we had so many great things to celebrate!!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">We were so proud of Kaneroo for making his 1st Holy Communion this year. He was selected to be a reader and nailed it! He looked so darn handsome & grown up - it was like looking into the future.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">That same weekend we celebrated Mother's Day with a semi-catered brunch at our house. The whole family joined us for mass at St Nick's - our church in Evanston. We headed home afterward to enjoy celebrating all the moms - Mom, Tara, Peggy, & me!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">If you can believe it, we also celebrated (not so) baby Mary's 1st Birthday in the same weekend!! She was pretty excited about the delicious cake her mom baked for her & wore her party flair for pretty much the entire celebration!! She is such a sweet little one, it in ridiculous that she is already a year old!</span></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-S2U5E-myvsY/XSJGiCDHocI/AAAAAAAAISI/6JmOK_ZOoyQVhSap8Vt-4rpPtyhqEazqwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_2953.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-S2U5E-myvsY/XSJGiCDHocI/AAAAAAAAISI/6JmOK_ZOoyQVhSap8Vt-4rpPtyhqEazqwCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_2953.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Last, but certainly not least, we celebrated Father's Day over the course of a couple of weeks. Lulu & I celebrated Chris at home on actual Father's Day (but because we'd hosted a big party in our home the day before ...... I was not on my A game :( Dad was in Lake Tahoe with Mom, Marg, Kobi & the girls so they celebrated out there. I did pick up breakfast sandwiches from Bagel Art Cafe and tremendous treats from Hewn Bakery......but I also fell asleep hard on the couch at 7:30pm. Sorry about that honey. It is not a reflection of how much I love you - only of how totally tired I was!!</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Father's Day treats from Hewn</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">All smiles for Daddy on Father's Day!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">We reconvened at the end of June in Glenview to enjoy a wonderful dinner Mom cooked and toast Dad, GR, Chris & Kobi (in his absence - sadly he couldn't make the trip) with the kids and grandkids all there!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I seem to have inadvertently deleted all the photos I took of our belated Father's Day celebration with my Dad. Technological fail on my part to be sure :( </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Whoosh, what a fun & busy a spring it was!</span></div>
Lizzardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16250989239685167000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-244354946990957239.post-565992219244200872019-07-07T12:06:00.001-07:002019-07-07T12:06:40.343-07:00May & June 2019 Kramer Family Visits<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TTpyQniIxKw/XSJAg6FeWlI/AAAAAAAAIQk/W_2Srw0_LwY05AquR-fGpnLws4X1wgQyQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_3038.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TTpyQniIxKw/XSJAg6FeWlI/AAAAAAAAIQk/W_2Srw0_LwY05AquR-fGpnLws4X1wgQyQCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_3038.JPG" width="240" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Park time with Aunt Beth (Godmother Beth too :)</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TY8nC7uJvEU/XSJBBdvFisI/AAAAAAAAIRA/MwA4aaWBneIhMiYFzVFPS4vht58MM9CtwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_4012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TY8nC7uJvEU/XSJBBdvFisI/AAAAAAAAIRA/MwA4aaWBneIhMiYFzVFPS4vht58MM9CtwCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_4012.JPG" width="240" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Sad to say goodbye to (great) Aunt Terry</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">We were so lucky to have visits from Chris's sister Beth & aunt Terry in May & June respectively. Life gets so busy & hectic - sometimes the visits are squeezed into trips for other reasons! Beth was in town for work & was able to hang with us for an afternoon & Terry was in the Midwest for a concert & stayed with us for a couple of nights to extend her trip!</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TH7tRN2Phvo/XSJA_zXWJ5I/AAAAAAAAIRI/5tpnLmmOwlUG4koN-6oCBVjnsVXCVpsagCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_3989.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TH7tRN2Phvo/XSJA_zXWJ5I/AAAAAAAAIRI/5tpnLmmOwlUG4koN-6oCBVjnsVXCVpsagCEwYBhgL/s320/IMG_3989.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Aunt Terry was very tolerant of Lulu's chicken burrito obsession, despite the fact that she doesn't eat animal products at all!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ho4CS-SVxvk/XSJAc_aK-II/AAAAAAAAIQo/JTpovxoRYzoh128pYwdC3jdwUKE7ae52ACEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_3027.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ho4CS-SVxvk/XSJAc_aK-II/AAAAAAAAIQo/JTpovxoRYzoh128pYwdC3jdwUKE7ae52ACEwYBhgL/s320/IMG_3027.JPG" width="240" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Walking to the park with Aunt Beth</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">We couldn't appreciate it more when our family & friends make time to come see us. What a treat it was to spend time with 2 wonderful ladies :)</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Thankfully Aunt Beth was willing to do "big pushes" </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Dc2eoJlAUwE/XSJA-k-NjuI/AAAAAAAAIRI/z04N_xBcNlw4vjMAa4ZfZaugKQu5KFSPQCEwYBhgL/s320/IMG_3990.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Such a good sport to hang out in Lulu's hideaway</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Clearly Lulu was thrilled at the company, such a lot of fun to see her Aunt Beth & (great) Aunt Terry within a few weeks of one another!</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sDpkAUs1RS0/XSJAblmCJwI/AAAAAAAAIQs/zW1Z3-g4G38v5xbBEUpUKolISjuDv55_QCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_3034.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sDpkAUs1RS0/XSJAblmCJwI/AAAAAAAAIQs/zW1Z3-g4G38v5xbBEUpUKolISjuDv55_QCEwYBhgL/s320/IMG_3034.JPG" width="240" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Daddy met us at the park!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">So many laughs with Terry!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Thanks for visiting us guys, please come back soon - we can't wait to have you!</span></div>
Lizzardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16250989239685167000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-244354946990957239.post-4972669054475796582019-07-07T10:40:00.001-07:002019-07-07T10:40:07.561-07:00June 2019 - Welcome to the World Baby Pearl/PK!!<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MnAtDk_SebI/XSIjCtMq8kI/AAAAAAAAIMA/-x6EqLRkYwA6QvhTKaCt8tEnC46cd6C3wCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_3907.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MnAtDk_SebI/XSIjCtMq8kI/AAAAAAAAIMA/-x6EqLRkYwA6QvhTKaCt8tEnC46cd6C3wCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_3907.JPG" width="240" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Welcome to the world sweet baby PK!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Hip hip hooray! Marg & Kobi welcomed their 3rd daughter, Pearl (PK) early in June in Reno, NV! I was lucky enough to meet her the day she was born and she is just an absolute delight!</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">How many girls is too many girls in a Target shopping cart?</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">$20 Target baby pool was a great investment!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Oi8c2MBKcys/XSIjjFpnSOI/AAAAAAAAIMI/NwzUH167-m41y-49TE58nylbTndZTR-LACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_3590.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Oi8c2MBKcys/XSIjjFpnSOI/AAAAAAAAIMI/NwzUH167-m41y-49TE58nylbTndZTR-LACLcBGAs/s320/IMG_3590.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Just relaxing by the pool with Uncle Kobi</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0EIGFlKPPzQ/XSIjpiKGt0I/AAAAAAAAIMU/UEldLAFf24AXULEPUnMVOX8zH9Ydsm9cwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_3592.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0EIGFlKPPzQ/XSIjpiKGt0I/AAAAAAAAIMU/UEldLAFf24AXULEPUnMVOX8zH9Ydsm9cwCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_3592.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Maybe the last photo of the Platt family as a party of 4!!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pTyZJiYbPCQ/XSIj1IyO9BI/AAAAAAAAIMs/xq3c6RVj8c0En-DA-HF0QbY2ZMlXZpKfQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_3641.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pTyZJiYbPCQ/XSIj1IyO9BI/AAAAAAAAIMs/xq3c6RVj8c0En-DA-HF0QbY2ZMlXZpKfQCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_3641.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">There were lots of treats....</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dl94bR_dEUw/XSIj1dFKySI/AAAAAAAAIMw/DWfj9-0Y94MF1_T5YzJ-xNKJD6tLT9ppACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_3648.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dl94bR_dEUw/XSIj1dFKySI/AAAAAAAAIMw/DWfj9-0Y94MF1_T5YzJ-xNKJD6tLT9ppACLcBGAs/s320/IMG_3648.JPG" width="240" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Headed to the nursery so PK's birth mom could nap</span></td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I spent a few days with Lulu, Hennie & Neva in Reno while Marg & Kobi spent time in the hospital with Pearl. What fun we had going swimming, to the children's museum, to parks and in the hot tub at the rental house! Thankfully we had beautiful weather our whole stay and were able to enjoy lots of time outside. Marg & I snuck in a run every morning before she & Kobi headed over to the hospital which was a good way to prepare for my day with 3 girls 4 & under :) Must preserve one's mental health whilst caring for so many kiddos!</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LKcJXAU21aw/XSImIygqeQI/AAAAAAAAINU/odOviBU33ukNhCwANlk2YDOKLLA2KnTrgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_3679.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LKcJXAU21aw/XSImIygqeQI/AAAAAAAAINU/odOviBU33ukNhCwANlk2YDOKLLA2KnTrgCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_3679.JPG" width="240" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Waiting to meet PK at the hospital - these 3 are such goofs!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4UFPntFec5Q/XSImJFMBD0I/AAAAAAAAIOQ/Cn0a1c_00UsocM2eW8Bxa0_xG1TeFeyVACEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_3677.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4UFPntFec5Q/XSImJFMBD0I/AAAAAAAAIOQ/Cn0a1c_00UsocM2eW8Bxa0_xG1TeFeyVACEwYBhgL/s320/IMG_3677.JPG" width="240" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Waiting to go meet Baby Pearl for the 1st time</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SIXzDiN_okk/XSImIorrU2I/AAAAAAAAIOc/si44sX66pvQfh9kcmiAVyQ5EJfslB8fewCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_3682.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SIXzDiN_okk/XSImIorrU2I/AAAAAAAAIOc/si44sX66pvQfh9kcmiAVyQ5EJfslB8fewCEwYBhgL/s320/IMG_3682.JPG" width="240" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Proudest big sisters anywhere</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XkHnfdaaTtw/XSImNseKYPI/AAAAAAAAIOY/VdQGQV_QvqY7UAz_kHPk-t_13xQl-RIpQCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_3719.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XkHnfdaaTtw/XSImNseKYPI/AAAAAAAAIOY/VdQGQV_QvqY7UAz_kHPk-t_13xQl-RIpQCEwYBhgL/s320/IMG_3719.JPG" width="240" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Platt Family, party of FIVE!!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TsbWd8omcCc/XSImTUh0ZgI/AAAAAAAAIOY/_h6JToN_tYUNZR0JeMr6T95MBCd-a4eOQCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_3744.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TsbWd8omcCc/XSImTUh0ZgI/AAAAAAAAIOY/_h6JToN_tYUNZR0JeMr6T95MBCd-a4eOQCEwYBhgL/s320/IMG_3744.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">These 3 :) </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zY9OjTkladE/XSImKpcdL2I/AAAAAAAAIN8/D8d9ERQf3dUHJWFc8SjXFZBHFcyAiDMtgCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_3748.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zY9OjTkladE/XSImKpcdL2I/AAAAAAAAIN8/D8d9ERQf3dUHJWFc8SjXFZBHFcyAiDMtgCEwYBhgL/s320/IMG_3748.JPG" width="240" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Proud Aunt</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KLfetfAui9c/XSImPb59oXI/AAAAAAAAIOc/5Yk75l5Z26IjE7d5Wl6dhdZfcUUZsPnXACEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_3753.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KLfetfAui9c/XSImPb59oXI/AAAAAAAAIOc/5Yk75l5Z26IjE7d5Wl6dhdZfcUUZsPnXACEwYBhgL/s320/IMG_3753.JPG" width="240" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Proud parents of Pearl</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VSOp26_KVvQ/XSImVtqf_AI/AAAAAAAAIOc/8Rgm0OLo28gDK_cSkV6RfQngl6663zBsQCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_3827.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VSOp26_KVvQ/XSImVtqf_AI/AAAAAAAAIOc/8Rgm0OLo28gDK_cSkV6RfQngl6663zBsQCEwYBhgL/s320/IMG_3827.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Proud cousin Lulu</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TWNp9i86-tI/XSIma7nUDaI/AAAAAAAAIOU/jS9SCiuB7qc4_0UGo1VxUiMIRWc1L4qEwCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_3835.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TWNp9i86-tI/XSIma7nUDaI/AAAAAAAAIOU/jS9SCiuB7qc4_0UGo1VxUiMIRWc1L4qEwCEwYBhgL/s320/IMG_3835.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Hard to believe Baby K #2 will be the next baby to join Pearl & the rest of our crew</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VCaX1MfDc1g/XSImTnCDXGI/AAAAAAAAIOQ/brmGInsF0QoMxMLSVT5ZG2jAt3rg-L2bgCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_3771.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VCaX1MfDc1g/XSImTnCDXGI/AAAAAAAAIOQ/brmGInsF0QoMxMLSVT5ZG2jAt3rg-L2bgCEwYBhgL/s320/IMG_3771.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Nice face shot Neva. Real nice.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eZ0HUN7eYNA/XSImeZBVhBI/AAAAAAAAIOc/8oCda-bjz9kbjKFEbtDc8cB6Z80kG9T8wCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_3868.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eZ0HUN7eYNA/XSImeZBVhBI/AAAAAAAAIOc/8oCda-bjz9kbjKFEbtDc8cB6Z80kG9T8wCEwYBhgL/s320/IMG_3868.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Sweetest sweet PK</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VzCrBPSiN98/XSImc2kjogI/AAAAAAAAIOc/mtILsVvtMRshU0dkowZcN4hnR9wRI-CjgCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_3862.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VzCrBPSiN98/XSImc2kjogI/AAAAAAAAIOc/mtILsVvtMRshU0dkowZcN4hnR9wRI-CjgCEwYBhgL/s320/IMG_3862.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Trouble makers ;)</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZLDRr2LQfOI/XSImeHwYHoI/AAAAAAAAIOY/wPnSXWZBlUUo_dybAAb6p05SfgwggsiwgCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_3841.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZLDRr2LQfOI/XSImeHwYHoI/AAAAAAAAIOY/wPnSXWZBlUUo_dybAAb6p05SfgwggsiwgCEwYBhgL/s320/IMG_3841.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I love H's face here</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FaGswIGe6eE/XSImV-_W8wI/AAAAAAAAIOQ/xrcBHXbMpWY0fQ7QXEPDHrU7aaiKCY9QgCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_3781.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FaGswIGe6eE/XSImV-_W8wI/AAAAAAAAIOQ/xrcBHXbMpWY0fQ7QXEPDHrU7aaiKCY9QgCEwYBhgL/s320/IMG_3781.JPG" width="240" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Ready to hit up the Children's Museum</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Once Pearl was discharged from the hospital, we all set out for Lake Tahoe (by way of Truckee, CA) and a different rental house. What an abundantly beautiful part of the world Tahoe is!! Holy moly, I can't wait to go back. The beaches are wonderful, the water is crystal clear and the mountains are snow capped even in June. Kobi found a ridiculously nice Airbnb for us in Incline Village, NV. It truly felt too nice to have kids in it.......but they were listed as family friendly!! It had a big, beautiful deck overlooking the Lake where we had s'mores over the fire pit. It was giant, lovely & incredibly comfy.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3V8NBdwDxn8/XSIsI7eFJpI/AAAAAAAAIOk/0JnIPbwa5x8oyJ84JEsUiOPjEDJPVMLEwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_3882.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3V8NBdwDxn8/XSIsI7eFJpI/AAAAAAAAIOk/0JnIPbwa5x8oyJ84JEsUiOPjEDJPVMLEwCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_3882.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Pearl is home from the hospital!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ukopy0U3A1k/XSIsJPK78lI/AAAAAAAAIOo/wR7aPZRFzbsa8ZnlMjHwVtYSaV45IOnQwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_3889.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ukopy0U3A1k/XSIsJPK78lI/AAAAAAAAIOo/wR7aPZRFzbsa8ZnlMjHwVtYSaV45IOnQwCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_3889.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">CA bound!!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eYdorqhzMYU/XSIsJM6VwFI/AAAAAAAAIOs/vbZ47NtkWPQSy8wec0iMtFdaaZZ_O2ZhwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_3891.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eYdorqhzMYU/XSIsJM6VwFI/AAAAAAAAIOs/vbZ47NtkWPQSy8wec0iMtFdaaZZ_O2ZhwCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_3891.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I scream, you scream, we all scream for ICE CREAM </span></td></tr>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oLGdeKenuko/XSIsP8O424I/AAAAAAAAIO0/XRyUO1EdKi0goePTt1Eys7Zud7K2uMPRgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_3894.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oLGdeKenuko/XSIsP8O424I/AAAAAAAAIO0/XRyUO1EdKi0goePTt1Eys7Zud7K2uMPRgCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_3894.JPG" width="240" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Exploring Truckee, CA</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nBkEbDH5GNk/XSIsPkS3VmI/AAAAAAAAIOw/oklhRlelhmoV_SQJsXkxTBHGvnNJzBRYwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_3904.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nBkEbDH5GNk/XSIsPkS3VmI/AAAAAAAAIOw/oklhRlelhmoV_SQJsXkxTBHGvnNJzBRYwCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_3904.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">It is s'mores o'clock</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uKiivxva7XU/XSIsWehIl7I/AAAAAAAAIO8/W4etkYDzwbQRcRXVncjlcKuaRcR0tu3dACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_3910.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uKiivxva7XU/XSIsWehIl7I/AAAAAAAAIO8/W4etkYDzwbQRcRXVncjlcKuaRcR0tu3dACLcBGAs/s320/IMG_3910.JPG" width="240" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Lovely morning run in Tahoe </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HPRh0VzeL8s/XSIsW7_NzPI/AAAAAAAAIPA/YRpR-UGUxxsKJh_98ppzrtGQwBawypD8ACLcBGAs/s320/IMG_3912.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Take me back there - it was so darn beautiful</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The Bug & Neva checking out Lake Tahoe</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">See any fishies? </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3fl386B2rjo/XSIse-xzs5I/AAAAAAAAIPU/4ipFiSH6_YM1ADRKDV1-7LX6TUcX8vQEACLcBGAs/s320/IMG_3936.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="240" /></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">PK & Nevie having breakfast at the beach</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3fl386B2rjo/XSIse-xzs5I/AAAAAAAAIPU/4ipFiSH6_YM1ADRKDV1-7LX6TUcX8vQEACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_3936.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br /><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3fl386B2rjo/XSIse-xzs5I/AAAAAAAAIPU/4ipFiSH6_YM1ADRKDV1-7LX6TUcX8vQEACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_3936.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Just unreal in how pretty it was</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Beach fun in CA</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Lulu & I had a lot to do back at home, so headed out almost as soon as Mom & Dad arrived! At least we got to have an afternoon at the pool and dinner together before we left. We were sad to say goodbye to sweet PK and the rest of the crew, but it was a wonderful trip!</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cQi6xaIJ2yE/XSIsmxAqQbI/AAAAAAAAIPo/PnWm-F5_5igAw2zBZ0yTNJFUyH0h4kX-wCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_3959.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cQi6xaIJ2yE/XSIsmxAqQbI/AAAAAAAAIPo/PnWm-F5_5igAw2zBZ0yTNJFUyH0h4kX-wCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_3959.JPG" width="240" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">BoBo & Bump made it to NV!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-C6SxyJ-gjo0/XSIsmrKpPDI/AAAAAAAAIPk/WzkGX7c1O9QcNinba49dkx7Uc3WMYB7wQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_3961.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-C6SxyJ-gjo0/XSIsmrKpPDI/AAAAAAAAIPk/WzkGX7c1O9QcNinba49dkx7Uc3WMYB7wQCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_3961.JPG" width="240" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Couldn't get enough pool time</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pcJiJr05pec/XSIsqLlXQ_I/AAAAAAAAIP0/uDdCffnGWdEnJ1vNoSsFw-Os9CLdaenOgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_3965.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pcJiJr05pec/XSIsqLlXQ_I/AAAAAAAAIP0/uDdCffnGWdEnJ1vNoSsFw-Os9CLdaenOgCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_3965.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Delish dinner with BoBo & Bump</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TQDRSy9a48Y/XSIsq4n4jUI/AAAAAAAAIP4/CC6-rEpMsVsSNlWNMHyHZfTasVuTdjexgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_3970.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TQDRSy9a48Y/XSIsq4n4jUI/AAAAAAAAIP4/CC6-rEpMsVsSNlWNMHyHZfTasVuTdjexgCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_3970.JPG" width="240" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Look who is wide awake?!? PK with her big beautiful eyes</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UZ6ou06sFdU/XSIsoua7sHI/AAAAAAAAIPw/vvMM0YJ95bgivc5iGT2_IkeX2q7Cilo9wCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_3977.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UZ6ou06sFdU/XSIsoua7sHI/AAAAAAAAIPw/vvMM0YJ95bgivc5iGT2_IkeX2q7Cilo9wCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_3977.JPG" width="240" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">After waking at 330am to catch our flight, not too surprising that Lulu was ready for a nap on the plane</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Welcome to the world PK, we are thrilled to have you here & part of our wild & crazy family!</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Sweet home, Chicago :)</span></td></tr>
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Lizzardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16250989239685167000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-244354946990957239.post-37113902215310908842019-07-07T09:34:00.000-07:002019-07-07T09:34:40.651-07:00May 2019- Chris' Birthday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Happy Birthday my love!!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Birthdays are fun, am I right?!?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">We decided to accept an Airbnb reservation for Chris' birthday weekend, so we spent it up at the Lake which was delightful. I can't remember why, but no one else was up, so we had a weekend to hang out just with Team Kramer :)</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AhsHdXRljUs/XSIdwX30UII/AAAAAAAAILs/nK5_KRwVdCkqWpYQNK0DjbNryId7JtgYACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_3479.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AhsHdXRljUs/XSIdwX30UII/AAAAAAAAILs/nK5_KRwVdCkqWpYQNK0DjbNryId7JtgYACLcBGAs/s320/IMG_3479.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Hang time at the Lake</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Lulu & I are so lucky to have Chris as our Daddy/husband respectively. We try to make him know this all year round, but especially on days like his birthday! </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cpcbR-EZJv4/XSId4stbbEI/AAAAAAAAILw/nnkIuLclwnQbz3Lyq_s74KOpo1q7VkjWACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_3484.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cpcbR-EZJv4/XSId4stbbEI/AAAAAAAAILw/nnkIuLclwnQbz3Lyq_s74KOpo1q7VkjWACLcBGAs/s320/IMG_3484.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Nothing better than swinging in the "hammock swing"</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Lulu & I picked up Chris at the train station closest to the Lake and decided to stop for food on the way back to the house. Which is how we ended up having dinner on Chris' actual birthday at our new favorite "restaurant" (its actually more like a drive in, there are only outdoor picnic tables, no indoor space) at the Lake; <a href="https://www.yelp.com/biz/meggy-moos-dairy-ripple-walworth">Meggy Moos</a>. It has way better food than I EVER would've imagined - cooked fresh & arguably the best fried cheese curds we've ever had - light & crispy breading, hot gooey cheese, just perfect. Plus soft serve and/or hard scoop ice cream (complete with toppings - Lulu's fav - rainbow sprinkles, my fav - what they call "twinkles" or crunch coat....sweetened chopped peanuts with rainbow sprinkles). Its just so good. Its just so unassuming. We've been frequenting it since we "discovered" it on Chris' birthday. </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Waiting for Daddy's choo choo train (on tracks that are NOT in service - I'm not a crazy person!)</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Birthday dinner at Meggy Moos</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Because birthdays are so darn fun, we continued the celebrating at home with Mom & Dad in Glenview! I made a batch of brown butter cupcakes with brown butter buttercream icing for Chris's family celebration - they are from the Nigella Lawson cookbook <a href="https://www.amazon.com/How-Be-Domestic-Goddess-Comfort/dp/0786886811/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1FTRDK97KKZXX&keywords=how+to+be+a+domestic+goddess&qid=1562516047&s=gateway&sprefix=how+to+be+a+domes%2Caps%2C227&sr=8-1">"How to be a Domestic Goddess"</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">her recipes make about 1/2 as much as most American cupcake recipes do, but for our purposes - it was perfect. Obviously they are easily doubled for larger groups :)</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Let the fun continue back in Glenview</span></td></tr>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RZ0niY7g_7M/XSIdCH9CU5I/AAAAAAAAILc/BOkYNcfbD2wMamEe9ujjPFwOb9bQhcYlgCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_3526.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RZ0niY7g_7M/XSIdCH9CU5I/AAAAAAAAILc/BOkYNcfbD2wMamEe9ujjPFwOb9bQhcYlgCEwYBhgL/s320/IMG_3526.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Cupcakes I mentioned above - really delicious!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Do you & your family have any birthday traditions? We really do just the typical - cake, ice cream, dinner with family. I am always interested in how other people celebrate - I'd love to know what you & yours do for birthdays!</span></div>
Lizzardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16250989239685167000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-244354946990957239.post-56639361836992751532019-07-07T08:59:00.000-07:002019-07-07T08:59:33.372-07:005/19/19 - Stacey's 1st Bridal Shower<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kYgnCfwLWLY/XSIV-3yU-OI/AAAAAAAAIJ0/n4MreYc9jyU_CQr8JtyXItx3w--6-XVqgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_3137.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kYgnCfwLWLY/XSIV-3yU-OI/AAAAAAAAIJ0/n4MreYc9jyU_CQr8JtyXItx3w--6-XVqgCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_3137.JPG" width="240" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">What fun we jammed into 1 weekend this spring!! Not only did we celebrate 1 best's friend's baby, but my mom & her friends hosted a beautiful bridal shower for the other best friend!! So so so many wonderful things to celebrate this year!</span></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wFFlUqhN7Ps/XSIWFE8O-QI/AAAAAAAAIJ4/6WzSfeh9ViAjTCY9_p3BrY-t-q4_5C3WwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_3119.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wFFlUqhN7Ps/XSIWFE8O-QI/AAAAAAAAIJ4/6WzSfeh9ViAjTCY9_p3BrY-t-q4_5C3WwCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_3119.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">My parents have been in a Gourmet Club for God only knows how long - as long as I can remember - so I'm guessing somewhere between 25-35 years. This group of ladies hosts showers for their member's daughters when the "young" girls are engaged :) They are so fun and festive and fancy and always full of delectable food! Stacey's 1st bridal shower was no exception!!</span></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UZJWMLjh6ak/XSIWMqB5efI/AAAAAAAAIJ8/h6oLO5fuZBwdNB2duqQKTHsPKxKUBSwkACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_3126.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UZJWMLjh6ak/XSIWMqB5efI/AAAAAAAAIJ8/h6oLO5fuZBwdNB2duqQKTHsPKxKUBSwkACLcBGAs/s320/IMG_3126.JPG" width="240" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I am so happy to have friends in my life that I've known for literally my whole life. It seems like a gift I am not certain I deserve. The fact that I have TWO of these friends makes me lucky simply beyond belief.</span></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LIpVrX4J1ZE/XSIWXh54C9I/AAAAAAAAIKM/HHkbBJUDfrQ3BmdpSqXMr3amXMz9tktqQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_3128.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LIpVrX4J1ZE/XSIWXh54C9I/AAAAAAAAIKM/HHkbBJUDfrQ3BmdpSqXMr3amXMz9tktqQCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_3128.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">It seemed clear that our bride to be was so very happy to be celebrated - it was a wonderful party full of fun people, beautiful flowers, great gifts and an awesome lunch.</span></div>
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Lizzardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16250989239685167000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-244354946990957239.post-87484820290480215252019-07-07T08:49:00.002-07:002019-07-07T08:49:33.081-07:005/18/19 - Cody's Baby Shower<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LPJpWvSZH2U/XSITLFAPpyI/AAAAAAAAIJE/fnxbRg40AIc_mB0RQ0K1ti4VQUWqAJLGwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_3096.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LPJpWvSZH2U/XSITLFAPpyI/AAAAAAAAIJE/fnxbRg40AIc_mB0RQ0K1ti4VQUWqAJLGwCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_3096.JPG" width="240" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">What could be more fun than being pregnant? OK, honestly - lots of things could be......as typed by the woman who is 28 weeks into pregnancy #2...... but the "right" answer is being pregnant with your best friend!!</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-azw3nwaoacg/XSITh0d09TI/AAAAAAAAIJM/KQU3g93Cr0MNAzQw-j1uOEo28U2YhzRpgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_3099.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-azw3nwaoacg/XSITh0d09TI/AAAAAAAAIJM/KQU3g93Cr0MNAzQw-j1uOEo28U2YhzRpgCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_3099.JPG" width="240" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The 3 of us have been best friends since we were born. This fact makes me truly happy.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">We celebrated Cody & Baby C in style at her parents' house in Glenview. Her big sister, Maggie & her mom threw a wonderful party to celebrate both Coot & the baby!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Our little ones will be about 6 weeks apart and I can't wait for them to meet :) Our bumps have had some quality time so far this spring & summer, I only hope the babies can get together as much.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Chris brought Lulu to pick me up at the end of the party, she was pleased as punch with the cake!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Also loved Auntie Stacey's willingness to do big jumps :)</span></td></tr>
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Lizzardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16250989239685167000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-244354946990957239.post-88739532119997194972019-07-07T08:38:00.000-07:002019-07-07T08:38:45.066-07:00April 2019 - Lulu is TWO and a trip to AZ<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Happy 2nd Birthday Lulu Bug!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">So cliche, but so true - the time has flown by with our Lulu bug! All the sudden she is two years old! How on Earth did that happen?? I feel so darn lucky to have the Bug as my daughter - she is funny, talkative, loves to sing and swim and dance and run and do big jumps, she loves food nearly as much as I do, can't get enough of her grandparents, cousins, aunts & uncles, she thinks choo choos/trucks/airplanes are the bees knees, she thinks going to the Costco grocery store and eating cheese pizza is one of life's simple pleasures, she loves to read books, make yummies in her kitchen and help me in the big kitchen. Life is so different with Lulu in it, but it is, in so many ways, so much better.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">This one is so funny, sitting on the same couch but 19.5 months separates the top photo from the bottom! Nevie was brand new on the top, Lulu was 4.5 months old, and H was 2.5 years old. Such big kids in such a short amount of time!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">We took a trip to Scottsdale, AZ to revisit the place where Neva was born and enjoy a family spring break-ish vacation. The entire trip consisted of sleep, eat, swim, repeat! We went to the Old Town Scottsdale Farmer's Market (I would HIGHLY recommend - it was a great market indeed) and the Four Seasons for lunch as our only 2 adventures outside of the rental house!!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">We continued to celebrate with friends & family at home after we got back from AZ. How lucky is our Bug to have so many people who love her so much?!? Happy 2nd Birthday to my biggest, best Bug!</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">She tried valiantly to blow out the candle :) She ultimately needed a bit of help!</span></td></tr>
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Lizzardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16250989239685167000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-244354946990957239.post-58517322288816666892019-07-07T08:11:00.001-07:002019-07-07T08:11:53.893-07:00Sunday summer time blog catch up - ready? set? go!<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Enjoying a sunny, cool, summer morning</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Darn my New Year's Resolution of blogging once per week. The wheels certainly came off of that one :( But here I am, back in full effect, ready to play catch up on the last few months that I've been silent!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">It is blissfully cool this morning, after 2 weeks of heat & humidity. I am, for the first time this summer, enjoying the tree house feel our sun porch gives me. So we majorly need to have our trees trimmed......but it is glorious to have them cocoon me in the porch, potential roof damage aside!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">We've had a busy summer so far between traveling to NV for baby Pearl's birth & adoption (hooray for a new niece!), spending time up at the lake, and hosting and attending a bevvy of wonderful parties for my best friends. This week was our chance to stay home & recharge/reset before the next round of Airbnb guests, travels and adventures begins. This morning is the first time in a long time that Chris & Lulu are spending their morning together - I love that they do their weekend morning thing - it is fun for them and feels vital to me. It is so nice to have the house to myself (technically Owenn puppy is home - but he is lurking downstairs like the grade A creeper that he is) and take a bit to do things like catch up on this blog; which I have neglected for far too long!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Today marks 28 weeks of pregnancy with Baby K #2, a great milestone indeed. Hoping to play blog catch up & get back in the habit before the baby arrives and throws us all into a top notch love filled tail spin :)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Happy Sunday morning to you, I hope you are finding some quiet moments to do what makes you happy this weekend!</span></div>
Lizzardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16250989239685167000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-244354946990957239.post-22918667227686890682019-03-24T04:38:00.000-07:002019-03-24T04:39:26.150-07:00Sunday Fun Day - 3/24/19 - Lent, Swim "Graduation", Spring!, Garden Bed<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Oh dear. I'm falling down on my renewed New Year's Resolution of blogging weekly! Darn it! Oh well, time to play some catch up!! Giddy up!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>1. Lent</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">So it has become customary within Catholicism (and maybe Christianity more broadly? I can't really speak to anything other than how us crazy Catholics roll) to "give up" something during the 40 days of Lent between Ash Wednesday and Easter Sunday. As I understand it - you take this period to make sacrifices (not of the fatted calf variety - this is not Biblical time for goodness' sake) to keep you connected to the sacrifices Jesus made to save the world. Whoosh. Heavy stuff, right? Side note- you more learned Catholics- please inform me of the "real" reasoning behind Lenten promises- as with so much of my life - I fear my understanding is at approximately the 3rd grade level!!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Either way - I read an article written by a Jesuit priest a few years ago which encouraged "taking up" something for Lent, rather than "giving up". Prior to reading the article, I would go without Diet Coke (as I said this was years ago when I was in the thick of that habit), chocolate, dessert, or meat. I have appreciated the "taking up" side of this coin much more - and I think, have become a better version of myself in the process. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">So this year, I decided to "take up" a kindness every day. Whether a random act of kindness or something that took more planning doesn't really matter, the goal is to do something thoughtful/helpful/useful/connecting/kind for a friend, family member, neighbor, or my community. So far I have done A LOT of litter pick up. It doesn't take any planning, but litter is (sadly) everywhere. Now that the snow & ice have melted, a whole winter's worth of litter has been revealed :( Lulu will sometimes get in on this one, which makes me quite glad. Also - some days I am the poop fairy. I try to look at these abandoned piles of dog shit without judging the dogs' owners - hoping that they forgot a bag or their dog pulled a fast one & pooped twice on 1 walk. I hate to admit I resent the dog poop more than general litter.....although it could be said that all litter is created equal! But poop. Ugh. More fun stuff has been baking treats, writing notes, sending all the good vibes I have to people going through hard times or great times. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I'm really enjoying it so far this season. I think it makes me a happier person to do something positive for the world each day. I'm open to ideas and welcome them in fact! Send me an email or comment below if you have random (or not) acts of kindness suggestions!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>2. The Bug's Swim "Graduation" </b></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jNNww53gGTM/XJdoRYeEyEI/AAAAAAAAHTA/iR007Qbkj2sERYvbaNpqtPvBApNpbvovwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1525.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jNNww53gGTM/XJdoRYeEyEI/AAAAAAAAHTA/iR007Qbkj2sERYvbaNpqtPvBApNpbvovwCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_1525.JPG" width="240" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Test day in coat & boots</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Test day in sweater & shoes</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Whoosh! We started this 4 week session of swim lessons back at the start of February.......for reasons too many (& too boring) to list - we didn't finish until March 19!!! But, we are done for now! I love that we have committed to ISR for teaching Lulu to be safe in/around water, but the closest instructor works out of Lake Forest :( So it is an hour of round trip driving every day (M-F) for 10 minutes in the pool.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7DNBT4WAf1s/XJdoR-7-tUI/AAAAAAAAHTE/KDzBtI4TJtUMHADws0MZ3gYawhJv0ZHRACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1586.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7DNBT4WAf1s/XJdoR-7-tUI/AAAAAAAAHTE/KDzBtI4TJtUMHADws0MZ3gYawhJv0ZHRACLcBGAs/s320/IMG_1586.JPG" width="240" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Congrats Bug!!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">So I'm relieved to be done - and SO SO SO proud of our Bug for working so darn hard at learning to swim and practicing her float. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_6r_BbSpmKA/XJdoVCmhQhI/AAAAAAAAHTM/IzeYLu2gjeI30a0Oi_SigoZIncNC75--ACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1598.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_6r_BbSpmKA/XJdoVCmhQhI/AAAAAAAAHTM/IzeYLu2gjeI30a0Oi_SigoZIncNC75--ACLcBGAs/s320/IMG_1598.JPG" width="240" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Donut to celebrate!!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>3. Spring!</b></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lvmJ2Hmv71U/XJdpeJPrN_I/AAAAAAAAHTs/KcPsl4IU_NkpnAE2tMQnAkMpuA8YDTdKQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1392.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lvmJ2Hmv71U/XJdpeJPrN_I/AAAAAAAAHTs/KcPsl4IU_NkpnAE2tMQnAkMpuA8YDTdKQCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_1392.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">In the span of 2 short weeks we went from this huge ice/snow pile at the water's edge</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1k1riTfkZH0/XJdpAMYdj8I/AAAAAAAAHTg/gmgTq_v6T2otM_r69uTfnol0TCCsAOvdwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1559.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1k1riTfkZH0/XJdpAMYdj8I/AAAAAAAAHTg/gmgTq_v6T2otM_r69uTfnol0TCCsAOvdwCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_1559.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">to this - no ice/snow on the beach at all! Still in snowsuit & hat - but it was only 8am :)</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KMhLBmU4yiI/XJdptXCx6LI/AAAAAAAAHTw/MGA_XwPBlYIso6fGxvXL56TaFp1UOC2QwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1558.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KMhLBmU4yiI/XJdptXCx6LI/AAAAAAAAHTw/MGA_XwPBlYIso6fGxvXL56TaFp1UOC2QwCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_1558.JPG" width="240" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Owenn thinks this is the perfect season for swimming in Lake Michigan!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Its coming! Or is it here?? The calendar says it is here- I am not entirely convinced :) But it is certainly coming! As I type this, the birds are chirping outside - loudly, insistently, seem to be telling to me one of Lulu's fav lines from "Go Dog Go" by P.D. Eastman "Get up! It is day! Time to get going! Go dog go!" </span><br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cX8YTvVCn58/XJdo0Esz9QI/AAAAAAAAHTc/0iW5JSA3V2I_xa6MD0j3jj58okH45DJDwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1479.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cX8YTvVCn58/XJdo0Esz9QI/AAAAAAAAHTc/0iW5JSA3V2I_xa6MD0j3jj58okH45DJDwCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_1479.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Thank goodness our trusty spring bulbs are popping up in each of our garden beds around the house. I'm excited for the bursts of color to come forth - purple & white alliums, brilliant yellow daffodils, tulips of several colors. The tiny bits of green forcing their way toward the sun are encouraging enough for now - but oh it will be lovely when the yard/garden start to be awash with color.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-J1zRp1NjiHk/XJdrvvOLAZI/AAAAAAAAHUU/XOpkMM5mxJ4mwDXk3F8zEte-PeaR3l5vwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1691.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-J1zRp1NjiHk/XJdrvvOLAZI/AAAAAAAAHUU/XOpkMM5mxJ4mwDXk3F8zEte-PeaR3l5vwCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_1691.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Spring means our 1st family bike ride of the year!!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>4. DIY Raised Bed Garden</b></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zUxrfSThvtM/XJdqaQMvxxI/AAAAAAAAHUA/mgWTtftSwro4P2Fu878inUZSgfwp8rwCwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1477.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zUxrfSThvtM/XJdqaQMvxxI/AAAAAAAAHUA/mgWTtftSwro4P2Fu878inUZSgfwp8rwCwCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_1477.JPG" width="240" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">My DIY dream husband!!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Chris took a 10 week long woodworking class this winter and it has really reignited his interest in this hobby. I am beyond excited that he gave me an early Mother's Day gift of a handmade cedar raised bed garden for our backyard!! He was incredibly efficient at making it - I think was done with it in less than a day! I was also grateful to my brother & Dad for helping move the bed from its building location on the patio to its "final resting place" along our back fence. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wB6jw_AfD2g/XJdqlTuGSXI/AAAAAAAAHUE/6zAvB_rHV1srtSKPpqE7_1HfuyH_mtclwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1505.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wB6jw_AfD2g/XJdqlTuGSXI/AAAAAAAAHUE/6zAvB_rHV1srtSKPpqE7_1HfuyH_mtclwCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_1505.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Finished product - in place!! My first little weeds are growing so fast!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I ordered seeds to start from The Seed Savers Exchange, I figure if nothing really works I can always buy seedlings (which is what I've done in the past). But I'm looking forward to the seed starting too. It feels exciting to try new things - lots of learning I have to do - but thankfully some family & friends are more experienced than I am in this regard - so hoping to glean some knowledge from them!!</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-a0JTpv0-pwU/XJdr8FQBKrI/AAAAAAAAHUY/7JXSysBVyeIdAZdco5kslQbjx35UkQ9nwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1692.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-a0JTpv0-pwU/XJdr8FQBKrI/AAAAAAAAHUY/7JXSysBVyeIdAZdco5kslQbjx35UkQ9nwCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_1692.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">So much possibility!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>Lizzardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16250989239685167000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-244354946990957239.post-18214081301855830792019-03-04T13:03:00.001-08:002019-03-04T13:03:50.395-08:00Friday Round Up 3/4/19 - Technically a Monday Mash Up<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Things have been kind of wild & crazy around our house during the month of February. And unfortunately, not in the most fun ways :( Some snow, then rain, then freezing temps, then ice, then do it all over again has left us feeling a bit, shall we say, under the weather. Like the February weather was a horribly wet, icy blanket we all wore around endlessly! I am pleased that this longest shortest month has come to a close & am doing this one mash up to account for the whole month!! Here we go!</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">1. Article to read/podcasts to check out</span></b></div>
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<a href="https://www.inc.com/amy-morin/5-ways-lawnmower-parents-hurt-more-than-they-help-even-though-their-hearts-are-in-right-place.html"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">5 Ways Lawnmower Parents Hurt More Than They Help</span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Some takeaways I had from this article - none are rocket science or really even new to me - maybe I appreciated this article because it reaffirmed the way I try to parent?? Struggle is good. Dealing with life's little difficulties & discomforts prepares kids to be high functioning adults. Natural consequences are some of life's best teachers. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">NPR's new series of podcasts called <a href="https://www.npr.org/lifekit#updates">LifeKit</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">So far they've produced episodes on Health, Money & Parenting - I listened to all 3 in their "Eat Your Way to a Healthier Life" series in one nap time & loved them. Admittedly, I could think/talk/hear about food all day long - so its not too much of a stretch for me. But it was a lot of good reminder type information. A good reminder that white/refined carbs are processed by our body in the same way as refined/white sugar. A good reminder that 1/2 of my plate should be filled with fruits & veggies every meal (man I have a long way to go on this one :( A good reminder that not every diet is created equal & not everyone should try to follow the same diet. I look very forward to listening to more of what they have to offer!</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">2. Visiting an old friend</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Man, there's nothing like visiting an old college roommate to make you miss your college days. The days that were almost wholly unplanned/unstructured, the days that left hours for chatting over coffees, meals, drinks. The days that melted into late nights without anyone seeming to notice. I miss most of all that time to just "be" with my close friends. Not a girls night out, not a book club, not a coffee date, but just time to be. Literally just hanging out. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The closest I can come to recreating that feeling is a weekend away visiting my friend Lauren (& her lovely husband - also a Chris & their beautiful daughter Kate - who is near in age to the Bug) on my own. I had a 5.5ish hour drive with nothing to do but listen to music and catch up on podcasts. And eat all the snacks. Whats a long drive without all the snacks??</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">We enjoyed a lazy weekend together of just hanging out. Lauren & I had the luxury of time alone together (eating out, shopping, getting coffees) to really talk. And, in my case anyway, not have to spell out the bevvy of swear words I use. It was a delightful weekend & I am quite thankful Lauren & Chris did not balk at my inviting myself :) Thanks guys!!</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">3. Skating on the golf course</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Despite the fact that Chris ended up mildly concussed on this adventure (see above re: my overall happiness at February's conclusion!) Lulu & I had fun skating on the glassy ice that covered the public golf course near our house.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">See above re: how over this strange weather I am...... but in this case -the cold snap came without any wind & the puddles froze over as smoothly as a freshly Zamboni-ed rink!! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Our neighborhood has many perks - one of our most favorite is the golf course. I must admit I didn't expect it to ever offer us a nearby place to ice skate!!</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">4. Bobo & Lulu laughing</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dyWr63W5qQ-uf2Tlu9PJPqF49zjIPrw1sLPxBnHEk_8Zz5ZgfGFxz5eS0i1K9ANAIyQp9B2s4zSkriM-3mYzw' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">This happened the night Lulu & I arrived home from our week in Colorado. Chris got stuck on a delayed train, so wasn't able to come & pick us up from O'Hare at the time we'd planned on. Thank goodness my parents were willing to come for us.........and then let us stay for dinner with them :) Lulu now asks to watch this video by saying "BoBo DuDu ha ha ha" yes, you read that right - Lulu doesn't have her "L" sound nailed down quite yet :)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">How was your longest shortest month? Were you hoping it was over as quickly as I was?? Or did you & your family have a better month??</span></div>
Lizzardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16250989239685167000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-244354946990957239.post-14529970072492335422019-02-04T17:43:00.001-08:002019-02-04T17:43:54.165-08:00Friday Recap - 2/1/19 - The Mountains Are Calling & I Must Go - several days late!<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I am a couple days late in posting this - our travel plans went slightly off the rails due to the polar vortex which descended on Chicago last week. Snow and extreme cold did not make for easy air travel! Our time in Colorado felt like a tropical vacation in comparison! One day Marg & I snowshoed up mountain only wearing long sleeved t shirts and leggings- so hats/gloves/coats! So yeah, pretty much the beach.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">So this week's post is dedicated to fun with Chris, Marg, the Bug & her cousins!</span></div>
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Lizzardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16250989239685167000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-244354946990957239.post-87313330306379606352019-01-25T02:00:00.000-08:002019-01-25T02:00:04.246-08:00Friday Round Up - 1/25/18 - Change in Plans, Snow!, Cousins Skate, "The Disease of Being Busy"<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Happy Friday! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The Polar Vortex is ripping its way across the Midwest.....</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">the temperature is expected to be approximately</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> -1 with a wind chill of -19 when this post is published! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Yikes. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">At least we like Old Man Winter around here!!</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">1. Change in Plans</span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">We have some travel coming up & due to the freezing rain/sleet mixture our area had this week combined with Lulu rocking a fever.....we changed our travel plans! We virtually never do this, but our plans were flexible for once & there were very few downsides! Thankfully we are visiting my flexible sister & her girls - so our lodging didn't need to be tweaked at all!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The notable one is that my parents are taking us to the airport in the 5am hour......and I will miss my Mom's Group Dinner Club. The theme is "Dinner in the Hamptons" and everyone is making one of Ina Garten's recipes. I love the Barefoot Contessa - I love her recipes & her vibe! Sad to miss out on this theme, but it made the best sense for us.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Why punish oneself with the possibility of flight delays or worse, cancellations when your airline offers to change your flight for free??? I'm not a crazy lady - so I went with the change in plans :)</span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">2. Snow!</span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">We have had some good snowfalls this week! We've had enough snow to cross country ski, sled, and romp around happily!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">A few highlights of the snow this week:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I cross country skied up to one of our favorite coffee shops, Backlot to read my book and drink an oat milk latte that is, in my humble opinion, one of the best on the planet.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">We met friends to sled with babies & dogs. It was cold, snowy, windy - so we didn't last too long....but we were invited back to their home for a cozy winter dinner. I love that Lulu is getting old enough to be interested in her friends. It makes my heart feel full to watch her play with some of the little people in her life!</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Lulu & her friend Lilly rocking the teeter totter in the cold & dark :)</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">We took Owenn skiing with Lulu in her stroller with the ski attachments! What a great purchase that was - Lulu can be cozy under the cover of the stroller, in a nest of snowsuit & blankets while we get a great workout in hauling her along!</span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">3. Cousins Skate</span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Despite Lulu's cousins, Aunt Tara & Uncle GR having a bonkers weekend, they invited us to skate on their backyard rink this past Monday! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Again, cold, windy, sort of polar vortex-y, but Lulu loved it. She had so much fun being pushed around on the ice by her big cousins! She certainly doesn't have the hang of skating yet - but loves to talk about it anyway! BoBo & Bump came out to watch the antics, as did Lulu's cousins' Nana. A very fun afternoon topped off by hot chocolate made by Kane & a fire in their fireplace. Winter perfection!!</span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">4. <a href="https://onbeing.org/blog/the-disease-of-being-busy/">"The Disease of Being Busy"</a></span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I often listen to the program <a href="https://onbeing.org/">"On Being"</a> on weekend mornings on WBEZ. I appreciate its commentary on faith, spirituality, religion, and all things in between. This post made me realize I should look at the program's website more often than the never that I currently do! A woman who I went to sleep away gymnastics camp with shared this article on Facebook (I'm almost sure I've read it already....can't be sure if I've shared it here.....sorry if this is a repeat!) this week & it struck a chord with me.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">It seems to me I've read a hundred articles/posts about the benefits of allowing ourselves (& our kids) to be bored. To allow space for deep/big thoughts, creativity, wondering, imagining. Lots of good things can come from being bored it seems. And yet, it is so hard for us, (in the age of screens everywhere) to give ourselves this time/space.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Do you make space for boredom in your house? For yourself? For your kids? I'd love to hear your thoughts on this and the ways that you do it (if you do)! I don't know if I leave enough space for boredom - but it is on my mind, which is probably the first way I'm going to be able to accomplish the goal, right??</span>Lizzardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16250989239685167000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-244354946990957239.post-59572464582803721452019-01-18T09:31:00.004-08:002019-01-18T09:31:50.054-08:00Friday Recap 1/18/19- Dad's Birthday, Choo choo to Booked, Snow fun, Oatmeal S'mores Cookie Recipe, "You Should Actually Send That Thank You Note", <div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Happy Friday! Winter storm warning here this afternoon through 12noon tomorrow! Hooray! Hooray! Hooray for snow!</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">1. Dad's Birthday</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">My Dad turned 84 (or 48 if you ask him) last week & we celebrated on Sunday evening. It was a fun, chaotic, loud and delightful party for Dad/Bump! It seems impossible that my Dad is 84, there are so many moments when he seems so much younger to me. I love getting together to celebrate these life events - its fun for me - but also teaches Lulu the importance of celebrating other people's big days!</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">2. Choo Choo to Booked</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Lulu & I rode the CTA to go to one of our favorite book stores, <a href="https://www.bookedevanston.com/">Booked</a>, yesterday to enjoy their kiddo music. The store is just delightful, with a wonderful selection of kiddo books (plus some grown up ones too) and a cozy atmosphere. The owner is warm and welcoming every time we visit & is more than happy to order books we want that she doesn't have in stock.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Lulu enjoyed the music for approximately 5 minutes before she demanded "out" :(</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">This week I was placing an order for some books for Lulu specifically about birds - she's been really into look for ducks & birds when we walk on a bridge near our house. I would love to know more about birds and thankfully my wonderful friend & college roommate, Amber, is into birding already! She also happens to be a mom to 2 beautiful littles, so I figured she'd have some insight into little kid bird books. Of course she did not disappoint! In case you want to know what I ordered, the books are: <a href="https://www.bookendsandbeginnings.com/book/9780061363047">"Birds"</a> by Kevin Henkes & Laura Dronzek, <a href="https://www.bookendsandbeginnings.com/book/9780764972461">"Charley Harper's Count The Birds"</a> by Zoe Burke & Charley Harper and <a href="https://www.bookendsandbeginnings.com/book/9781442421165">"Mama Built a Little Next"</a> by Jennifer Ward & Steve Jenkins</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">As I so often do, I got sidetracked by books when I thought I was going to be writing about Lulu's love of trains :) But it is worth noting that for the bargin price of $2.50 you can bring your train loving little on the CTA to geek out!! Double bonus if you only stay at your destination for less than 2 hours.....you can go home for the price of a transfer.......a whopping $0.25! Lulu still talks about seeing Santa on the choo choo (when we rode the CTA Holiday Train back in December) I'm guessing she's a touch disappointed each time I tell her that, no, Santa is unlikely to be on this choo choo :)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>3. Snow Fun</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Man. I love the snow. It didn't matter that we didn't get a ton last weekend, it mattered that we got some!!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">We went sledding with friends (& had pizza delivered here afterward) and went cross country skiing the next day.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">We also went sledding with some of Lulu's cousins - so much fun all the way around :)</span></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-w2BQpifi_sE/XEHFfTHctvI/AAAAAAAAGuY/3fUYvcl9ckkxTKyHNU-NmWSv0dgyccUPwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_0308.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-w2BQpifi_sE/XEHFfTHctvI/AAAAAAAAGuY/3fUYvcl9ckkxTKyHNU-NmWSv0dgyccUPwCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_0308.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Pure & simple - wintry bliss!! Have you & yours had any snow lately? What's your favorite snowy day activity? I should mention that after we play in the snow, we typically retreat inside, light a fire, drink hot drinks & read. Lest you think we are outside & active all winter :)</span></div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rf1YEb07BUQ/XEHFl1EsLEI/AAAAAAAAGuc/zxKMHDTG57sy0_pBPAttJEd9sm-JhweOACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_0298.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rf1YEb07BUQ/XEHFl1EsLEI/AAAAAAAAGuc/zxKMHDTG57sy0_pBPAttJEd9sm-JhweOACLcBGAs/s320/IMG_0298.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.thecandidappetite.com/chocolate-oatmeal-cookie-smores/#easyrecipe-10761-0"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>4. Chocolate Oatmeal S'mores Cookies</b></span></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VxgmLhImPaM/XEHHydEr2CI/AAAAAAAAGus/HI8TBzlYXIMqSx9nBRfsu3YfCJhgCd_LQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_0316.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VxgmLhImPaM/XEHHydEr2CI/AAAAAAAAGus/HI8TBzlYXIMqSx9nBRfsu3YfCJhgCd_LQCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_0316.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I will be more careful with the marshmallows next time....these do not look very pretty :)</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I don't remember where I came across this recipe.....Pinterest? Instagram? Did one of you lovelies send it to me? I have not a clue - such is life with mom brain ;) Either way - I had some downtime during Lulu's naps this weekend, so I made this cookie dough. I baked some of the cookies & brought them to my parents' house for my Dad's birthday party. They were really good. Sort of scary good. I made them open faced - it seemed honestly like too much to have 2 full sized cookies, nutella & a marshmallow be 1 serving......I am not judging if you would like to have 2 of these - but 1 cookie per serving felt much more reasonable!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">What are you baking during this winter season? I love to try out long, lazy recipes on these cold, sometimes dark days. Would love to know what's making your house smell like heaven!!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>5. <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2018/07/20/science/thank-you-notes.html">"You Should Actually Send That Thank You Note"</a></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Gratitude is sort of a buzz word at the moment, would you agree? I don't mind - in my most humble opinion we could all benefit from expressing (& receiving) more gratitude. Science seems to bear out the benefits of gratitude - I know I've shared articles to this end in the past - but these things bear repeating! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">This article is not talking about the thank you notes we write for gifts given - the random gift card thank you note that is obligatory is not what was studied here. The researchers studied the "big" thank you notes where the writer expresses big feelings & deep appreciation for the recipient's actions/help. Thank you for supporting me when I was going through a tough time. Thank you for being with me during a time of grief/loss. Thank you for your guidance as I navigated a career or job change. The big things. Sometimes we all feel these big feelings for small things, it is worth writing the big thank you notes anytime you feel the big feels. The researchers found they were not met with the awkward feelings the writers anticipated. Quite the opposite - receiving these big thank you notes made the recipients feel so good they rated the feeling at a 4 out of 5 on the happiness scale they were given in the study. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">If you could, by investing a few minutes & a postage stamp, make a friend or family member feel the 4 out of 5 feels.......wouldn't you do it???? I know I would :) I guess I do already - but I can always write more of these notes. I like to tell my people how important they are to me. Most days I couldn't get through the day without my tribe of family and friends. We are social animals - there is no denying it. We require the closeness of others. Its high time we start acknowledging the great import these people play in our lives. </span></div>
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Lizzardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16250989239685167000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-244354946990957239.post-81016288967602030852019-01-11T04:04:00.000-08:002019-01-11T04:04:16.277-08:00Friday Round Up 1/11/19 - 1st Ever Book Review, Back at the Zoo, Back at Inspiration Corporation, Pack Your Patience <div style="text-align: center;">
Happy Friday! This has been an odd weather week - spring in January - then right back to single digit wind chills. Another week of weather whiplash! Fingers crossed for some snow this weekend!! Hope you have a wonderful weekend planned and happy reading.</div>
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<b>1. <a href="https://www.bookendsandbeginnings.com/book/9780385496094">Traveling Mercies</a> by Anne Lamott Review</b></div>
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I figure to keep myself honest about my New Year's resolution to read at least 12 books this year, I should track the books I read this year! Thank goodness my wonderful friend Camilla came over this week to catch up. She is well versed in the world of <a href="http://goodreads.com/">Goodreads</a> and gave me a helpful tutorial! Turns out I had signed up in 2009.......but never really kept up with it, so I am back! Let me know if you want to be connected. Since I'll be tracking my books read on that site/app, I figure its a good exercise to write reviews when I'm done. I was saddened to realize that I forget books in their entirety...when going through the website with Camilla I found myself saying "that one sounds familiar.....but I'm just not sure if I've read it or not" so this resolution will help me remember what I've read (& ideally what I think about what I've read) over the years.</div>
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So without further ado, here is the review I posted to Goodreads for Traveling Mercies! And thanks to my friend Jay for recommending it!</div>
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This is my first time reading Anne Lamott and I plan to explore her other writing! She is achingly honest in her discussion of life, motherhood, faith and family. The book made me laugh & cry in almost equal measure. There is almost a short story/vignette quality to the chapters, they don't all follow a single story line (outside of the fact that it is her life/faith we're reading about). I didn't mind this style, I quite liked it actually, worth mentioning in case you aren't in for it. Great for anyone interested in a frank discussion of Christian faith without a single, solitary speck of preachy-ness - I struggle to handle preaching.....but love to read about spirituality and faith. This book hit the mark.</div>
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Are you reading anything wonderful lately? Let me know in the comments - I would love to add it to my "to read list"!!</div>
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<b>2. Back at the <a href="https://www.lpzoo.org/">Lincoln Park Zoo</a></b></div>
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Due to childcare issues (& then our "new" car breaking down in December) I've hardly been volunteering at the Zoo this winter. This week was the start of a new normal where I volunteer on the weekend rather than during the week. It makes so much sense since Chris is home on the weekends and I don't have to hunt for a daytime babysitter! I already miss my Wednesday volunteer friends though. The great news is, this week at least, Lulu & I were guests at the Zoo on Wednesday and ran into several of our favorite volunteer friends! </div>
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I've written about the importance of volunteering here before; but I do think it helps me to be a better person. I really love having some things outside of our home that are just for me. I imagine it is the same type of feeling working moms might have about work. A place to go that is your own, full of adults, and no diapers! Add to that the fact that volunteerism seems to be woven into my DNA. My parents are both regular volunteers and offer all kinds of support to their family and friends to boot (myself happily included!!) I guess it makes sense that I would see the value in giving back.</div>
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My volunteer shift fell on an unseasonably warm & sunny day - so the Zoo was, well, a zoo! Despite not knowing any of the other volunteers, I had a good day & met some interesting guests. I loved talking to 2 young sisters about the family troop of gorillas in particular. The girls seemed to have endless (& interesting) questions and stayed to talk through the answers for upwards of 15 minutes. What fun it is to see the world through the eyes of kiddos.</div>
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<b>3. Back at <a href="http://www.inspirationcorp.org/">Inspiration Corporation</a></b></div>
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Hooray to be back in the cafe at Inspiration Corporation serving breakfast after a months long hiatus! Again, due to childcare issues I had taken a break from my regular volunteer shift. Its funny isn't it, how the simplest solution is sometimes the hardest to see?? Without going into boring details - I am able to (quickly & easily) take the train to volunteer and Chris brings Lulu in the car to meet me at the end of my shift. He hops on the train & heads downtown. Why was I so worried about finding an early morning babysitter when the answer was just so simple?!? Feel a little sheepish about not figuring this out more quickly - but such is life, right? </div>
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Either way, all of the same comments about volunteering I made above apply here- except in this case I get to stay with my regular crew of volunteer friends!! What a lovely treat to see such wonderful people at 6:30am! An added bonus is many of the cafe guests are habitual and come on the same days each week, so I had many friendly faces to serve as well. </div>
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I was relieved the cafe wasn't too terribly busy for my first shift back in awhile - didn't want to fall down on the "job"! I embarrassingly screwed up one guests' name - a guest I've been serving for years- and screwed it up badly. I hate that I'm not great with names and taking a months long break from a group of people doesn't do my brain any favors :( That aside - it was great to be back. I'm happy to be there to be sure. </div>
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<b>4. Pack Your Patience</b></div>
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I read a lot of New York Times articles it seems......maybe because they do a lot of advertising on Facebook and I click on their posts which perpetuates itself by showing me more of those ads?? Who knows/who cares, but this article, <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2018/11/05/smarter-living/how-to-be-a-more-patient-person.html">How to Be a More Patient Person</a> caught my eye and was really interesting. I certainly feel like I could use some support in the patience department - I hate when I lose my cool in airports, traffic, or with Lulu. How reassuring that patience, like so much else is life, can be learned and practiced and improved upon?? I do not love rushing - so what makes me feel that impatient, rushed feeling so often?? I don't know, but this article gave several ideas of how to exercise one's patience muscle- so that it can become your default setting!</div>
Lizzardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16250989239685167000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-244354946990957239.post-22453032758930042182019-01-04T04:17:00.003-08:002019-01-04T04:17:46.415-08:00First Friday Recap of the New Year! 1/4/18 - Quiet Morning, Skiing, NYE Party, Fondue, Volunteering, Dogsledding<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Happy New Year to you & yours!! Did you make any resolutions this year? I know people have strong feelings for & against resolution making......but if you want to read about mine, check out my post about them <a href="https://lizzardloves.blogspot.com/2019/01/new-year-new-resolutionssome-of-same-too.html"><span id="goog_177927362"></span>here<span id="goog_177927363"></span></a>.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">So here we go, kicking off the new year with some goodness.</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">1. Quiet Saturday Morning</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Chris & Lulu have their one on one hang time each Saturday morning, which gives me some time on my own. I took a snowy walk up to one of my favorite coffee shops to catch up on my blog! Being the Saturday between Christmas & New Years, there were so few people out and about. Very minimal traffic, I don't think I passed anyone walking a dog, no runners. Felt like I had our little city all to myself. The fact that it snowed enough to cover the ground made me abundantly happy. Gray rainy weather makes for mud....and mud doesn't feel holly jolly to me!</span></div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OrNJHgZmF1Q/XC9AUkB6J7I/AAAAAAAAGpo/ftOFNkgodUMicvchUqcO-WHOQX5WRbsuQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_0013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OrNJHgZmF1Q/XC9AUkB6J7I/AAAAAAAAGpo/ftOFNkgodUMicvchUqcO-WHOQX5WRbsuQCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_0013.JPG" width="240" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I am incredibly grateful that Chris wants his own time with Lulu, that he sees value in fathering her solo. It is such a treat, at this stage of my life, to have a couple of hours on my own. Particularly after the hustle & bustle of Christmas! Double grateful that Lulu woke up seeming much more herself, which was an incredible relief after a week of her being so out of sorts.</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">2. Skiing with the Bug</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxxiqfFOkgJXlTZA5zo-UE1QQxDDLpiVtf3YbjBb56HjEzdUiCgYo8Wwpx2nK-frB7ZzgXFjZ8hVAlopLPMgw' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">We have a bit of a family motto, sort of a joke, sort of not - that goes like this "It dosen't have to be fun to be fun" Its sort of a joke because it sounds pretty harsh and is quite funny. But the more I think about it - the more it actually rings true. So much of what my family does for fun would be categorized as a fuck ton of work to most other people. Such is the case with bringing your 20 month old to WI for an afternoon to continue teaching her to downhill ski!</span></div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YeDjKE2stNw/XC9Cyu6t-PI/AAAAAAAAGp4/EAor1IepDLc7jUaBoaQNaFOk2ECgzyaWQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_0058.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YeDjKE2stNw/XC9Cyu6t-PI/AAAAAAAAGp4/EAor1IepDLc7jUaBoaQNaFOk2ECgzyaWQCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_0058.JPG" width="240" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Despite the fact that it is hard work for Lulu to learn to ski and hard work for Chris & I to gather all of our gear, load the car, unload the car, and then try our best to teach Lulu to ski - it is so worth it. Even on the tiny hills the Midwest offers us. Even though Chris & I each did one chairlift ride solo to ski one non-bunny hill run. Even though Lulu's feet were so cold by the end of our outing that she was near inconsolable. Even though we made 2 unplanned stops at Walgreens and Starbucks to get Lulu a bottle and some warm milk to drink from it. Even though....</span></div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ADjSjknj8bs/XC9Dd3rkRJI/AAAAAAAAGqc/KxgzoEUC59sKmIBpjv8xftkw1VAmxSKEwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_0064.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ADjSjknj8bs/XC9Dd3rkRJI/AAAAAAAAGqc/KxgzoEUC59sKmIBpjv8xftkw1VAmxSKEwCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_0064.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Those things fade into the background of my memory so quickly when I think of how much I love skiing and how totally wonderful it was that my parents took the time and the days of sore backs to teach me how to ski when I was 2. I love skiing. It makes me feel so free to stand at the top of a mountain and know I can (mostly) safely speed down it. Skiing down a steep groomed run is the closest thing to flying I've ever felt. Riva's Ridge at Vail is the perfect run for this feeling. </span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">3. New Years Eve Party</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Our wonderful friend Lisa hosted us for a beautiful NYE party in her cozy, perfect home. The Lulu bug was invited as well, which I was grateful for (not just because I like to spend time with Lulu.....but also because none of our babysitters were in town so we couldn't have attended the party if Lulu wasn't invited!)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I guess this season of life is one with fewer grown up parties. More bounce house type parties than cocktail parties....which is fine, but man it was lovely to have an excuse to dress up and go out as a family! The fact that all 3 of us were healthy made a huge difference too. Lulu really enjoyed visiting with Roger, the cat. Chris & I loved sipping delicious drinks, eating a million wonderful appetizers Lisa made and having some adult conversations!</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">4. New Year's Night Fondue</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Chris & I wanted to do something special for New Year's Day this year and very easily settled on making cheese fondue at home in front of the fire. Something about fondue feels special and festive and anytime I have an excuse to eat 1/2 a pound of cheese.........count me in :)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">As with the excuse to dress up mentioned above, we don't necessarily have that many occasions that we prepare a "fancy" meal at home. As much as we both love parenting our toddler - it is deeply tiring! There are many nights that frozen pizza graces our laps as we sit/lay on the couch. So to have an excuse (& the vacation energy) to make a special meal was a real treat. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Do you have any New Year's Day traditions? Tell me about them in the comments, I'm always on the lookout for new ones to try out. Fireside fondue might become one for Chris & me!</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">5. Volunteering with Family</span></b></div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xd9kMGUS3-s/XC9LzCrTawI/AAAAAAAAGrk/B2iesANM8-U41v1LFMJemX6nEIMORD6IQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_0117.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xd9kMGUS3-s/XC9LzCrTawI/AAAAAAAAGrk/B2iesANM8-U41v1LFMJemX6nEIMORD6IQCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_0117.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Am I the last person on Earth to have heard of <a href="https://www.berniesbookbank.org/">Bernie's Book Bank</a> in Lake Bluff?? Tara, my sister in law, invited Lulu & I me to volunteer with her & her 4 kiddos there this week. We had so little planned for the days when Chris went back to work - it was quite easy to say yes! Plus (if you know me at all or have been reading the blog for awhile) I love volunteering! Oh and (same qualifiers as the previous sentence) I love books!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">This place is incredible. A giant warehouse filled with giant boxes (think the boxes that Costco sells stuff from) filled with books destined for at risk kids. Did you know that on average, low income/at risk kids have 1 age appropriate book to share with 300 other kids? Which is to say, they have no age appropriate books in their home. Contrast that with middle income kids who have an average of 13 age appropriate books all to themselves in their home. Contrast that to a child like Lulu who has dozens and dozens of books all her own. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">This place is working to change those stats in the Chicagoland (all the way up to Milwaukee, WI) area. We did our part for an hour (was supposed to be an hour & a half. I was late :( ) to further the mission. Our job was to inspect donated books to see if they meet Bernie's criteria for being passed along to kids who need them. Bernie's Book Bank provides kids 12 age appropriate books every year from birth to age 12. They want the books to feel/seem new to the children who receive them. They want the books to feel as special as they are. After all, books are a window to the wider world we didn't know existed, right?? Is there anything more special than that??</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">It isn't easy to find a place to volunteer that truly welcomes all ages - so if you want to volunteer as a family (and who doesn't - it is such a positive experience for everyone involved) this is a great spot to do so. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">All of the staff were warm, engaging, friendly & willing to answer our millions of questions. The founder of Bernie's was in the warehouse the night we were volunteering and he wanted to chat and was excited to have us there. Of course I know he was the founder because I read through their website before we went & then again when we got home! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Are there volunteer opportunities for families in your area? Do you volunteer alone or with your family/friends? I'm always curious to know how others incorporate volunteerism into their lives! Let me know in the comments!</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">6. Dog sledding</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">A stranger took this video for us - which I was surprised by & thankful for in equal measure! We took advantage of our tiny amount of snow to go sledding with Lulu last weekend. Another family was doing the same thing! Chris had what, at the time, seemed like a totally harebrained idea to have the dog pull us (being one parent + Lulu) down our tiny neighborhood hill. It seemed like a terrible idea to me, rife with the possibility of bodily harm, but also the possibility of fun - so I agreed.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Unfortunately - Chris went first & the other family didn't video it - but man - what fun! It seemed like Owenn enjoyed it too & it must've been a good bit of work for him!!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">So thanks for the video family who was visiting local grandparents!! Sorry you don't live here so we can't be neighbor friends, but Team Kramer really appreciates your willingness to record our antics!</span></div>
Lizzardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16250989239685167000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-244354946990957239.post-9771852989700949592019-01-02T11:40:00.003-08:002019-01-02T12:31:27.774-08:00New Year, New Resolutions.....some of the same too<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Happy 2019!! I hope you celebrated well with family and friends last night (maybe into this morning if you happen to not care for small children?!?), we were lucky to be invited to a party at a friend's home - all 3 of us were invited! Needless to say, we had to leave the party by 8:15 since Lulu (at full volume) was shouting "go" "out" "house", never all 3 together - but it was pretty easy to piece together the fact that she was done done done with the party & wanted to go home! She was a good sport and made it well past her bedtime, I was grateful for time with my family, my wonderful friend & some delightful new faces.</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Updates on last year's resolutions:</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">1. So this time (ish) last year, I resolved to <b>blog weekly</b> - to write a Friday Round Up/Friday Recap each week to ensure I didn't let this blog lay untouched for too long.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I am happy to report I blogged more than my resolved 52 times (not much more......58 times if I counted correctly) which means this resolution sticks around for 2018.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">2. My other resolution in 2018 was to always have <b>homemade cookie dough in the freezer</b>. Seems so random, I'm sure. But this resolution was born out of the fact that I live to take care of other people. It is a defining part of who I am. I love for those around me to feel cared about & cared for - and what better way to communicate those sentiments than through a homemade treat? Reality bite though, right? We don't always have the time/space to make treats from scratch. My trick is to do most of the work when you do have the time, perhaps you quadruple a recipe for peanut butter cookie dough, making your mixer work overtime!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I am a big fan of the saying"don't let perfect be the enemy of good" and to that end - I will keep this cookie dough resolution for 2019 despite the fact that some weeks did go by when the freezer only held frozen peas & the delicious garlic naan from Trader Joe's. I am updating this resolution to include keeping homemade dry mixes in the pantry; I made a few jars of pumpkin muffin mix from this Smitten Kitchen recipe before Christmas and was quite pleased with them. Not only do I love the way the ingredients look all stacked in the jar, but it was so much easier to make the muffins when I had the dry ingredients pre-measured. </span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">New resolutions for 2019:</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>1. Read at least 12 books this year.</b> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I'm quite certain that I do this anyway - but I want to be sure to do so! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">So far, I know I will read these 3:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">1. <a href="https://www.bookendsandbeginnings.com/book/9780385496094" target="_blank">Traveling Mercies</a> by Anne Lamott (recommended by my mom's group friend Jay)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">2. <a href="https://www.bookendsandbeginnings.com/book/9780735219090" target="_blank">Where the Crawdads Sing </a>by Delia Owens (my Mom's choice for our January meeting of Mother/Daughter Book Club)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">3. <a href="https://www.bookendsandbeginnings.com/book/9781400207572" target="_blank">For the Love</a> by Jen Hatmaker (recommended by my mom's group friend Katie)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>2. Manage my phone use. </b> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I made a place in our kitchen for my phone to "live" for Lent last year. It was a helpful reminder to keep my usage in check. Though, as with so many Lenten promises- my curtailing my screen time didn't last past Easter! I'm eager to restart my efforts - mostly because I use my phone as a crutch - to guard against being bored, even for a second. If I am bored/restless/anxious - I can click through social media to distract myself. I dont' think it serves me well. Given how loudly the Bug shouts "no" when I'm looking at my phone when she wants me to look at her - I think Lulu would agree :) </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>3. Run Streak</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I'm going on a run streak. I will see how many days in a row I can run at least one mile. Doesn't matter if it is outside or on the treadmill, but I am 2 days in & looking forward to more runs in my future!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I would love to know if you are resolving anything for 2019! Please leave your resolutions (or your reasons for not doing New Years resolutions) in the comments. I find it so interesting to know what people resolve & why.</span></div>
Lizzardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16250989239685167000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-244354946990957239.post-61179098444499527692018-12-29T07:32:00.001-08:002018-12-29T07:32:31.058-08:00Reindeer Round Up - Christmas Edition - 12/28/18 - Wonderland Express, Santa Cruise, Forza Meats, BoBo & Bump Time, Cousin Love<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Whoosh. For as much as I love Christmas - this past week was a <i>bit</i> of a challenge. Poor Lulu was sick, first with a stomach bug, then with a cold that then led to a double ear infection. If you have littles in your life you might or might not know that sick littles = not a ton of relaxing for their grown ups. Our week of fun, food, adventures with family, Ho Ho Ho, and holly jolly quickly turned into puke, snot, screaming at family (Lulu), How Are We Going to Make It, and not so holly jolly. We did have fun. We did have some hours that were mostly scream free. We did not have a lot of naps. We did not have a lot of fully formed adult thoughts or conversations. But we did have time with family, which took some of the edge off of the Bug being so upset/uncomfortable/flat out miserable.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">It was humbling to have the Christmas week not go anywhere near as I planned.....we still did all of the activities we'd hoped/planned to. Just with a lot less joy on my part. It is hard for me to enjoy myself when my littlest Bug is monkey clinging on to me while also swatting me/screaming in my ear. I'm sure that seems shocking that I wasn't having the time of my life ;) That is life though, right? Things don't go as planned. Particularly with kids involved. But they still were great. Different. Louder. Less relaxing. But still great because we were together.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Without further ado, here are some of the merry & bright moments of the past week!</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">1. <a href="https://www.chicagobotanic.org/wonderland" target="_blank">Wonderland Express</a> at the <a href="https://www.chicagobotanic.org/" target="_blank">Chicago Botanic Garden</a></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">What fun to see the train display at the Botanic Garden through the eyes of Lulu, Hennie & Neva!</span></div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0jOPvPqt7Mo/XCeLUf6HJMI/AAAAAAAAGlU/TUqQ_Ow12RQif7MWul2DG1wkM_fiAr7vgCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_2282.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0jOPvPqt7Mo/XCeLUf6HJMI/AAAAAAAAGlU/TUqQ_Ow12RQif7MWul2DG1wkM_fiAr7vgCEwYBhgL/s320/IMG_2282.JPG" width="240" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The girls were super jazzed, Lulu kept saying "choo choo" "choo choo" which was really sweet.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Qyw-ASsCf1M/XCeMC0-lSKI/AAAAAAAAGls/D_RiiHzUZBYCri0VcuvQnsKaupzhYc6cgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_9775.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Qyw-ASsCf1M/XCeMC0-lSKI/AAAAAAAAGls/D_RiiHzUZBYCri0VcuvQnsKaupzhYc6cgCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_9775.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">These are the types of photos that truly show how sick Lulu felt :(</span></td></tr>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9CehsgzmjNQ/XCeMDc2SGFI/AAAAAAAAGlw/sNx3__1w8TAVHGs159J0jPe_FKEO3ZEfwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_9776.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9CehsgzmjNQ/XCeMDc2SGFI/AAAAAAAAGlw/sNx3__1w8TAVHGs159J0jPe_FKEO3ZEfwCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_9776.JPG" width="240" /></span></a></div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zs_UkLIz57s/XCeMCi7DkpI/AAAAAAAAGlo/Nuz19-JQ6nQQfMAy7IOCGkaaTwvr29h8wCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_9778.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zs_UkLIz57s/XCeMCi7DkpI/AAAAAAAAGlo/Nuz19-JQ6nQQfMAy7IOCGkaaTwvr29h8wCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_9778.JPG" width="240" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">We all know how much Chris loves trains - I have to admit that I am beginning to fall under their holiday spell as well.</span></div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Fa6zCk-XI3g/XCeLXNHZJFI/AAAAAAAAGlc/EJ23SLfis8IxidAYoQs50XQP8Ju_Om5YgCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_2376.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Fa6zCk-XI3g/XCeLXNHZJFI/AAAAAAAAGlc/EJ23SLfis8IxidAYoQs50XQP8Ju_Om5YgCEwYBhgL/s320/IMG_2376.JPG" width="240" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I love that we have traditions that are fun and appropriate for all 3 generations of our family, I'm pretty sure BoBo & Bump get a kick out of seeing the trains each year with the kids :)</span></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AU4OvXNHjJc/XCeLXwr7LiI/AAAAAAAAGlg/TamJVwkG6ZMhxEIe6_F4nawGCPNt5StOACEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_2391.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AU4OvXNHjJc/XCeLXwr7LiI/AAAAAAAAGlg/TamJVwkG6ZMhxEIe6_F4nawGCPNt5StOACEwYBhgL/s320/IMG_2391.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">2. <a href="https://santacruiselakegeneva.com/" target="_blank">Santa Cruise</a> up at The Lake</span></b></div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yBxV3xlu8-0/XCeOLEsypcI/AAAAAAAAGm4/25eQBkWgHsACruzjiZlAq2p3cM8lakoawCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_9844.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yBxV3xlu8-0/XCeOLEsypcI/AAAAAAAAGm4/25eQBkWgHsACruzjiZlAq2p3cM8lakoawCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_9844.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0ZRi3j680a8/XCeOK0AQHkI/AAAAAAAAGm0/8cwFdOTdngADsuKI7zZplErKCPXG8nnnwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_9863.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0ZRi3j680a8/XCeOK0AQHkI/AAAAAAAAGm0/8cwFdOTdngADsuKI7zZplErKCPXG8nnnwCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_9863.JPG" width="240" /></span></a></div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QZFkm1GvYAU/XCeM-neEkJI/AAAAAAAAGmM/HqW8fReo4uYl_4yFod0SqgNVLhLnC_2vACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_2445.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QZFkm1GvYAU/XCeM-neEkJI/AAAAAAAAGmM/HqW8fReo4uYl_4yFod0SqgNVLhLnC_2vACLcBGAs/s320/IMG_2445.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QEgIaq1-1lY/XCeM-EFdV1I/AAAAAAAAGmI/DQfIp3mqgz4nf1ykViJkitPpwALQz-M8QCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_9852.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QEgIaq1-1lY/XCeM-EFdV1I/AAAAAAAAGmI/DQfIp3mqgz4nf1ykViJkitPpwALQz-M8QCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_9852.JPG" width="240" /></a><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cnrRuTjGzLg/XCeM9fEuXpI/AAAAAAAAGmE/eWUAoYgBcg076NRfg84E0l1SrekQYdG8ACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_9866.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cnrRuTjGzLg/XCeM9fEuXpI/AAAAAAAAGmE/eWUAoYgBcg076NRfg84E0l1SrekQYdG8ACLcBGAs/s320/IMG_9866.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">This was our first time trying this fun experience; I loved it! The novelty of a winter time boat ride (our boat comes out of the water in October), festive lights along the way, a bit of caroling on the boat, a lakeside Santa cameo, candy canes, and just fun. I would do it again in a heartbeat!!</span></div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zEcGqqLrth0/XCeN0SyQ-OI/AAAAAAAAGmo/et8xw-XC2VIrMgWC0vSJZZAPN0PoylCPgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_2424.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zEcGqqLrth0/XCeN0SyQ-OI/AAAAAAAAGmo/et8xw-XC2VIrMgWC0vSJZZAPN0PoylCPgCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_2424.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6ptH-pLUsq0/XCeNzA93-VI/AAAAAAAAGmk/aVEAxsZS2vg6PwToKtfl4z1b0BBqY4I4QCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_2458.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6ptH-pLUsq0/XCeNzA93-VI/AAAAAAAAGmk/aVEAxsZS2vg6PwToKtfl4z1b0BBqY4I4QCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_2458.JPG" width="240" /></span></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">3. Delectable Sandwiches from <a href="https://forzameats.com/" target="_blank">Forza Meats</a></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">If you live or work in or near Glenview, run don't walk to Forza Meats. Having grown up in Glenview & watched the development of the Glen pull resources & interest away from the downtown area of my town, it makes my heart SO glad to see interesting new businesses making downtown Glenview home. I am aquainted with the guys who started the business & they seem to be quite heavily involved - in a good way :) Both were in the shop the day my mom & I popped in.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">We tried 5 different sandwiches & they were all awesome. Oddly, I loved the vegetarian one - I realize that sounds ridiculous given "meat" is in the name of the business- but it was incredibly flavorful & full of different textures. Oftentimes the veggie sandwich option is a throwaway disappointment - not this one! From what we saw - you can't go wrong with the sandwiches.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">My mom bought pork shoulder to prepare for Christmas Eve dinner (our "main" Christmas meal) - it was also top notch. Added bonus - one of the co-owners telling us about the farm where the pigs are raised.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I picked out some jarred delights for Chris' stocking, there were ready to bake pizzas, frozen sauces, fresh pastas, salads, olives, all sorts of delights waiting to be discovered.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Check out this new spot - I promise you won't regret it!</span></div>
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<b>4. <a href="https://www.imprintmusic.org/about-us.html" target="_blank">Imprint Music</a> Concert</b></div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nNoSVSiBRbw/XCeOUh7HmAI/AAAAAAAAGm8/iOSCtKJosVo93xB_GRDM6lhouLRQsZ5oQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_2410.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nNoSVSiBRbw/XCeOUh7HmAI/AAAAAAAAGm8/iOSCtKJosVo93xB_GRDM6lhouLRQsZ5oQCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_2410.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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A classmate & close friend of Marg's is the VP of the newly formed non profit Imprint Music. They are awaiting their 501(c)3 status - but a cool idea for an organization! The group brings together alum from Glenbrook South (& maybe other places too) to perform beautiful choral concerts benefiting other nonprofits!</div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">We grabbed dinner before the show and loved listening to Christmas carols sung by such talented people. Bonus - the concert was held at the church where I attended preschool 30+ years ago. Fun to be back in a place that I spent so much time when I was tiny!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> <b>5. BoBo & Bump Time</b></span></div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LbLt1EaQa1M/XCeP9h6gUzI/AAAAAAAAGnU/2IRTOeNqLzgWaNC5QWfUFIuT_JahiyVAQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_9689.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LbLt1EaQa1M/XCeP9h6gUzI/AAAAAAAAGnU/2IRTOeNqLzgWaNC5QWfUFIuT_JahiyVAQCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_9689.JPG" width="240" /></span></a></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lwt1IIsDKdw/XCeP867CmyI/AAAAAAAAGnQ/UXoyH47gUwkLZgUc3PAUci1g77_9d5s3gCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_9729.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lwt1IIsDKdw/XCeP867CmyI/AAAAAAAAGnQ/UXoyH47gUwkLZgUc3PAUci1g77_9d5s3gCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_9729.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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There is so much to be said for the kids having time with their grandparents. My only regret is that because Lulu (& to be fair - Hennie & Neva too) really weren't feeling 100% - they were clingier than they usually are.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-h9V24BSqZUI/XCeQBEDfMUI/AAAAAAAAGnc/MlGD9vOKzk4qEEuCrbonUPw9izb0_rXTQCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_9787.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-h9V24BSqZUI/XCeQBEDfMUI/AAAAAAAAGnc/MlGD9vOKzk4qEEuCrbonUPw9izb0_rXTQCEwYBhgL/s320/IMG_9787.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Wonderland Express fun with Bump & BoBo</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OGi-b8BO2L8/XCeQByxhAgI/AAAAAAAAGng/TaSJAACa28sl49kg1_5JHlv42JlLz6DcgCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_9795.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OGi-b8BO2L8/XCeQByxhAgI/AAAAAAAAGng/TaSJAACa28sl49kg1_5JHlv42JlLz6DcgCEwYBhgL/s320/IMG_9795.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Do you think the girls were getting tired?!?</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">In a normal day - the girls love to hang with BoBo & Bump. This Christmas they seemed to stick closer to mom & dad - but such is life. Thankfully they all got some time despite the germiness!</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KbM12noUH3M/XCeP-GI93bI/AAAAAAAAGnY/hmy6DikeJSAQRyoa2Iaua07w3HWpX83jQCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_9758.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KbM12noUH3M/XCeP-GI93bI/AAAAAAAAGnY/hmy6DikeJSAQRyoa2Iaua07w3HWpX83jQCEwYBhgL/s320/IMG_9758.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Taking a break from the ice skating adventure with BoBo</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-76xdzSYBtuw/XCeQCZEBvjI/AAAAAAAAGnk/6K9LlkvdMmoKx_n7VS5Q_UZWhmJ_bhfLQCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_9939.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-76xdzSYBtuw/XCeQCZEBvjI/AAAAAAAAGnk/6K9LlkvdMmoKx_n7VS5Q_UZWhmJ_bhfLQCEwYBhgL/s320/IMG_9939.JPG" width="240" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Lulu wasn't really enjoying Christmas morning - but had time for a heart to heart with Bump</span></td></tr>
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<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">6. Cousin Love</span></b></div>
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I'm not terribly close to any of my cousins, except those that live across an ocean in Ireland & Germany.</div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XxUzbVLvRHU/XCeRZwrmyXI/AAAAAAAAGoE/Hl0zWfJ_bCcPN4-vuRr2_sMEfAleRiP0wCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_9945.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XxUzbVLvRHU/XCeRZwrmyXI/AAAAAAAAGoE/Hl0zWfJ_bCcPN4-vuRr2_sMEfAleRiP0wCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_9945.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I suppose that is part of the reason it makes me so happy to see Lulu really developing relationships with her cousins.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Despite the fact that a bunch of our family got sick - the kids still really loved being together. If that isn't what this season is all about - then what is??</span></div>
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Lizzardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16250989239685167000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-244354946990957239.post-36377691635808655092018-12-21T03:50:00.000-08:002018-12-21T03:54:13.473-08:00Friday Round Up 12/21/18 - CTA Hoilday Train, Neighbor Help, Neighborhood Caroling Party, 1st Ever Mom's Group Dinner Club, Christmas Family Time<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Happy Holidays........Happy Holidays....... they are officially here!! I've been doing a great job of taking my time with this holiday season - and then this week the stomach bug came & made me feel like I needed to amp up my pace to Nth degree to keep up with all the germ killing!! Oh well, that's life, right? Sometimes family members get sick at what feel like the worst times. Knocking on wood here- but so far only 3 people have gotten it, so I'm desperately hoping the rest of us are in the clear!</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">1. CTA Holiday Train</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">This time of year is so fun - every institution seems to have something special going on to celebrate Christmas or the holidays generally. The CTA is no exception! They've been rocking the Holiday Train (or Santa Train) for years! We had friends come over to ride the train together & have dinner. As a grown up, I love the fun of the train - lights - music- decorations outside & inside, special seats, CTA workers in costume passing out candy canes, impromptu singing on board, all the things. The train was 40 minutes late so we played at the park as long as we could - then went to a coffee shop for hot chocolates :) 'Tis the season, right?? Despite being packed in super tight, we had a great time on the "choo choo" as Lulu calls trains of any sort.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">We had our friends over for pizza after the train, which is always so fun! Its also a little bonkers when there are 6 kiddos running around our modestly sized house :) I do my level best to relax & embrace the chaos! What helps is Lulu's excitement about all the playmates in the house! She's the littlest one in the group, but loves to have everyone over. She must've ridden down our slide 40 times throughout the night - it was hilarious to see her doing her laps amongst all the other littles. She so clearly is a mix of Chris & me personality wise - and these moments where I watch her jump right into the mix of a group of big kids- remind me of me. I love a good party. I love to be surrounded by friends and family. I'm still learning the art that more is not more when it comes to parties - but still :) It is nice to see her little sense of self developing and watching her figure out how to navigate a room full of people.</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">2. Neighbor Help</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Sometimes your dog gets away from you unexpectedly & "runs away" - quotes because he doesn't <i>actually</i> want to leave your family, but because he's running after a squirrel. Sometimes you spend an hour & a half looking for him, the panic rising with the passing minutes. Sometimes you realize you can't find the dog alone, so you send the SOS out to your neighbors & community. Sometimes your neighbors & friends turn out in wonderfully helpful numbers to search for the dog. Sometimes it is your sweet neighbor girl who finds the dog, 20 yards from where you lost him, stuck behind a fence designed to keep people (& animals?!?!) off of the CTA tracks. Sometimes your husband, who had headed home to put your human baby down for a nap, passes off said human to a wonderful neighbor to sprint back to you. Sometimes you have to climb a fence, avoid the barbed wire & lift your shaking and crying dog over a 6 foot high concrete wall (no barbed wire there - thank goodness) and hand him to your husband. Whoosh. Owenn puppy. Keeping us all on our toes. Majorly keeping us on our toes. Not the most holly jolly Saturday morning I've ever had!</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">3. Neighborhood Caroling Party</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Last year I was recovering from the flu when our neighborhood caroling party happened :( I went outside to see the kiddos singing - but didn't go to the cookie exchange/craft creation party at our local American Legion Hall :)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">This year we were able to go to the cookie + warm up the vocal cords part of the fun - but not the outdoor part. I love that we live in a neighborhood filled with families that want to hang out together. It is a great place to live and I adore the fact that Lulu has so many "big kid" neighbors who seem to look out for her.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I cooked up the idea for a dinner club based on what my parents have been doing for 20+ years with a group of their good friends. They call it Gourmet Club, but everyone shares in the hosting and cooking duties- and you cook a themed menu once a month or every other month, whatever. I love to share dinner with friends- but at this stage of my life - its not joyful to prepare the entire menu myself. It feels much more like work than fun, So this type of elevated potluck speaks to me! I went to my mom's group to see if there was any interest - and indeed there was! We squeezed a meeting in just before the wild & crazy Christmas season got into full swing - and it was a relaxing, fun evening in!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Our theme was Smitten Kitchen......which isn't really a theme - but everyone had to select a recipe from the Smitten Kitchen blog or cookbooks. Everything came together quite well from a flavor standpoint - it felt and tasted like a cohesive meal, even though 8 people prepared it!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Lots of good conversation around the dinner table, delicious food, good wine, what's not to love? Already looking forward to the next one!</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">5. Pre-Christmas Family Time</span></b></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Just remember girls - it doesn't have to be fun to be fun!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Despite the fact that a stomach bug is taking out family members, we are still finding ways to enjoy each others' company. In between bouts of Clorox wiping, hand sanitizing, hand washing & Lysol-ing that is.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">That's the bitch about the holidays, isn't it? By the time they come around - you've been running ragged for weeks, parties, cooking, shopping, errands, decorating, wrapping, gifting. So your body gives you the middle finger & forces you to slow the F down. Enter the stomach bug. This is not our first Christmas that involved a stomach bug, but of course its felled my Dad & my Bug. My brother was out for a day but bounced back well. Fingers crossed that all the cleaning helps the rest of us avoid it!! Ho Ho Ho!</span></div>
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Lizzardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16250989239685167000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-244354946990957239.post-38430108826168791072018-12-15T04:26:00.000-08:002018-12-15T04:26:24.267-08:00Friday Recap 12/14/18 - Christmas in the City, Birthdays, Surprise Engagement Party, Coffee for the Crossing Guard<br />
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">'Tis the season for all things holly jolly, Christmasy, wintry and
wonderful!! Let's do this team! I'm a day late because I went to bed at 7 last night........fighting a Christmas cold. That's about the only un-awesome thing about this time of year!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>1. Christmas in the City - and by city I mean Chicago</b><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our little girl in the big city :)</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Bug was obsessed with the Serpentine Bridge!</td></tr>
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Lulu & I met Chris downtown for some wonderful wintry
traditions on Friday afternoon! Gluhwein at the Chriskindlmarket and Caroling
at Cloudgate (aka Carols at the Bean) were the best kick off to the weekend a
girl could ask for! The only way it would've been a more perfect day was if
there was snow on the ground or snow falling! But it was delightful. </span></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lulu & her DaDa enjoying all the sights</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gluwein, beer & my daughter inside the warm beer hall tent thing :) The yawn + hat askew make it seem like she was imbibing......she wasn't!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Love Christmas traditions!</td></tr>
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">So many
people out & about enjoying the winter fun in the city. The Bug really
liked watching the ice skaters at the Ribbon at Maggie Daley Park as well as the
rink at Millennium Park. It was quite the thrill for her! Also - the serpentine
bridge over Columbus Dr. was an unexpected hit with her - she thought it was
pretty much the best thing since sliced bread! <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The city's Christmas tree in Millennium Park was beautiful & striking as always. It is just SO BIG. I think that's one thing that I am still awed by, despite being a grown up. Honestly though - to see all things Christmasy through the eyes of a child is the right was to see them. Something like the Bean that I know blew my mind the first time I saw it....no longer does. You grow accostumed to the beauty & wonder around you & then stop seeing it. But then you bring your 1 year old under the Bean & watch her head pretty much explode. She was running around looking at herself & us & all the other people reflected and it felt like we could see the little gears in her mind turning, trying to make sense of something so wonderful. There is so much wonder & joy around us everyday, but especially during the Christmas season. May we all approach this most awesome time with open arms & eyes!!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>2. Birthdays celebrated on the same day!</b></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rDTfbFBQMWY/XBToHDqN0YI/AAAAAAAAGXY/6ppis794nhQMBwyUmL-SEvXUAWV6HasHgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_9564.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rDTfbFBQMWY/XBToHDqN0YI/AAAAAAAAGXY/6ppis794nhQMBwyUmL-SEvXUAWV6HasHgCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_9564.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Birthday FaceTime with PopPop</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Lulu's PopPop's birthday is 1 day before that of our biggest little nephew man! This year we celebrated our nephew's birthday a day early - so we had some FaceTime with PopPop and a family birthday party with Lulu's BoBo, Bump, Aunt Tara, Uncle GR, and 4 of her cousins! </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Appetizers with BoBo & Bump</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The oldest & youngest siblings :)</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Happy 9th Birthday sweet little man!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Y-P_St9rGlQ/XBToYeeMSCI/AAAAAAAAGXs/kfQqugb4BLwP804A2byFr1ugwnMxVR_0ACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_9582.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Y-P_St9rGlQ/XBToYeeMSCI/AAAAAAAAGXs/kfQqugb4BLwP804A2byFr1ugwnMxVR_0ACLcBGAs/s320/IMG_9582.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Someone was enjoying the cake :)</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Hooray for birthdays really anytime of the year.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>3. Surprise Engagement Party </b></span><br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dydRFL6aw6VOmZpOYyrBtHHokBih8kWwZj3agkbuOm9A1FiXPiGYvkE8E-QZsHSC_l24gbmfaYghTL7ESWWSg' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Its not everyday that you are invited to a surprise engagement party for your best friend!! Chris & I were thrilled when an evite arrived from Stacey's (now fiance, then boyfriend) inviting us to a bar in Lincoln Park to celebrate the occasion of him proposing.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">How hard it is to keep such a big secret for a WEEK!! At least our other best friend lives in San Diego - so I spent a lot of time talking to Cody about all things engagement in the intervening days!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Now that both the future Mrs. & Mr. have posted to social media about the big news.......I can share it here!! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Chris & I are simply so excited for Stacey & Bruce - they are a wonderful couple & will have an incredibly happy life together. We will be along for the ride ;)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>4. Coffee for the Crossing Guard</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">So we have a pretty consistent morning routine that involves Lulu, Owenn & I walking Chris to his train and then doing a wide lap around the neighborhood, stopping at a couple of parks so Lulu can get her fix.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">We occasionally pop into a local treat spot <a href="https://bethslittlebakeshop.com/" target="_blank">Beth's Little Bake Shop</a> for a muffin, scone, croissant and/or coffee in conjunction with the train drop off. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Lulu had (all week long) been saying "go" "go" "go" as we walked by Beth's, so I told her we could stop on Friday for a treat. We thought we'd be able to stop with Chris, but alas & alack - the morning rush was for naught - Chris didn't have time to join us. Lulu & I let someone behind us go first so we could fully investigate all the treats in the case. We settled on a French Toast muffin, kind of has a bread pudding consistency under a crunchy, cinnamon sugar dome. Yum. We were happy to see one of the crossing guards in line behind us & got her coffee for her. It was foggy, damp & dreary outside and I guessed she could use a pick me up. It turned out she had forgotten her mug of coffee at home on the table :( Lulu & I are loving the reverse Advent Calendar idea - it is giving us license to do random acts of kindness every day (as if we need license - maybe reminder is a better choice of words!). </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I encourage you to buy the person in line behind you a coffee - it made everyone in the tiny little bakery seem a smidgen happier. You might be surprised how much tiny little niceties can have a bigger impact than you expect! I was surprised yesterday how nice I felt for the whole morning - knowing I had slightly improved someone's day. It put a tiny spring in my step! It was a real treat for us & hopefully for one of our crossing guards too.</span>Lizzardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16250989239685167000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-244354946990957239.post-21948647358772111212018-12-07T17:52:00.000-08:002018-12-07T17:52:31.993-08:00Friday Round Up 12/7/18 - Early Mornings, Cookie Exchange + Homemade Oreo Recipe, Reverse Advent Calendar, Snowless Sledding<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Truly, how is it December already?? I am loving the extra week between Christmas & New Years to be sure - but somehow this month has crept up on me in a MAJOR way!! Again, not complaining - just feeling a bit of shock & awe!</span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">1. Early morning time in front of the Christmas tree(s)</span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I have been waking at 5 (earlier if it is a bread baking day) since we put up the Christmas trees for the express purpose of sitting on the couch with only the trees/wreaths in the windows for light and reading/relaxing/drinking coffee/texting/whatever I want to do! These have been some of my most relaxing, peaceful, silent hours of the Christmas season. I am in love with these hours. I am typing this post in one of these hours. The house is silent, the light is low, the world is still dark as night, it feels like found time and it feels delightful. </span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">2. Cookie Exchange + New Recipe</span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">My "back up Mom" or BUM for short, Lynn, hosts a ridiculously sumptuous brunch party each December where each guest is invited to bring 2 dozen cookies to share. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Everyone then goes home with a variety pack of 2 dozen delicious treats!! I love the concept of a cookie exchange - what fun to share the fruits of our baked goods with a group of lovely women. Lynn is kind enough to include the Bug in the invite - but the party falls smack in the middle of nap time - so I got a babysitter this year.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">See #3 for my first effort at a cookie to bring. It didn't make the cut! So I decided to make Homemade "Oreos"! Full recipe is at the end of the post! I adapted it from a blog called Sally's Baking Addiction.</span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">3. Reverse Advent Calendar</span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I don't know if that is the right thing to call it - but I decided this year for Advent Lulu & I would aim to do something kind each day. A random act of kindness, a gift, a card, whatever it may be. So far its been a complete success I'd say! I've been enjoying thinking of small ways to make December more joyful for others & though the Bug is small, I'm loving trying to involve her in the process. The most fun so far has been dropping off some homemade cookies to our local fire station. We were invited in to see the truck, engine & ambulance up close which was a huge thrill for my truck loving little one. I am trying to shift the focus of the season from getting to giving in my own mind to hopefully raise Lulu to love to give. Not that I expect her to eschew gift getting! Not by a long shot! I hope she receives gifts with great enthusiasm & excitement & appreciation. I just also hope she learns to give with the same level of excitement.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I tested a recipe for Lynn's cookie exchange & didn't love it at all. It was labor intensive & ended up being cloyingly sweet. Too sweet for my tastes. Turns out Chris loved them, so I didn't feel bad about what Lulu & I did with most of them! We brought them to our local fire station as a Happy Holiday/Merry Christmas/Happy New Years treat for the women & men who would come a running if our house ever caught on fire. They deserve some treats & recognition for the hard work they do in our community. Extra bonus? The firefighter who answered the door let Lulu into the garage to see the fire engine, fire truck & ambulance up close! Also didn't bat an eye about letting Owenn come in :) </span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">4. Snowless Sledding</span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Turns out this is a thing if you are a parent of a toddler who really enjoyed sledding during the week we had snow...........and you didn't put the sled somewhere out of sight! Each time we come into the backyard, the Bug hops onto her sled and is ready to go. We go around and around and around our postage stamp sized backyard (not complaining - perfect size for us- not too hard to kept the grass mowed, still hard to keep plants alive in the garden beds.......maybe that has more to do with my brown thumb than with the size of our yard? I digress). So this is a bit of a warning to parents out there: if you are in a snowless period, put away the sled. If you don't - you risk working really hard to pull your child on the grass :)</span><br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Homemade
Peppermint "Oreos"<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Yields
approximately 36 sandwich cookies<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Ingredients<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Cookies<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">2 ½ cup all purpose flour<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (sifted if lumpy)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">2 teaspoons baking soda<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">2 teaspoons espresso powder<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">½ teaspoon salt<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">1 cup butter, room temperature<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">1 ½ cup granulated sugar<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">½ cup packed brown sugar<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">2 large eggs, room temperature<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">2 teaspoons vanilla extract<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Cream
Filling<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">¾ cup butter, room temperature<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">½ cup coconut oil, melted to liquid state but cooled to room
temperature<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">5 ¼ cup powdered sugar (sifted if lumpy)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">2 teaspoons vanilla extract<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">2 teaspoons peppermint extract<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Decoration<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">1 cup crushed candy canes<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Directions</span></b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">1. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Make the cookies.</b> In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour,
cocoa powder, baking soda, espresso powder, and salt. Set aside.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">2. Using a handheld or stand mixer with the paddle attachment,
beat the butter on high speed until creamy, about 3 minutes. Scrape the sides
& bottom of the bowl.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">3. Add both sugars and beat on medium speed until thoroughly combined,
about 2 minutes. Scrape the sides & the bottom of the bowl.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">4. Beat in both eggs and the vanilla on high speed. Scrape the
bottom & sides of the bowl.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">5. Using a scoop or measuring cup, slowly add the dry
ingredient mixture to the bowl. Best to add with the mixer off so you don’t
send a dry ingredient cloud all over yourself and your kitchen. You’ll need to
stop & scrape the bowl a couple of times while you’re incorporating the dry
ingredients- it is a very sticky dough!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">6. Cover the bowl tightly and refrigerate for 30 minutes. Don’t
skip this step! Your cookies will spread and be sad if you skip this step!! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">7. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees while the dough is
chilling.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">8. Line 4 cookie sheets (not airbake – just plain old cookie
sheets) with parchment paper or silpats. You will only bake 2 sheets at a time –
but you can be forming the next 2 sheets while the 1<sup>st</sup> 2 are in the
oven. Time management brought to you by me ;)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">9. Roll the dough into balls, using about 1 teaspoon of your
chilled dough per ball. Bake 12 per sheet. Using the heel of your hand, press
down on each ball to flatten it slightly.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">10. Bake for 6-8 minutes (my oven needed 7 minutes) rotating the
sheets halfway through. The cookies will still look soft when done – they will
have cracked slightly on the top.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">11. Place the cookie sheet on a cooling rack & cool for a
few minutes. At that point the cookies will have firmed up enough to slide onto
the rack itself to finish cooling.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">12. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Make the cream filling.</b> Using a handheld
or stand mixer with the paddle attachment, beat the butter and coconut oil together
on high speed until creamy & fully combined – about 3 minutes. Scrape the
bowl at least once as the coconut oil will firm up against the cool bowl &
try to stick.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">13. Add the vanilla & peppermint extracts and beat on high
speed another minute or so until they are fully incorporated.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">14. Add the powdered sugar (about a cup at time) to the bowl
with the mixer turned off. Beat on low after each addition until it is fully incorporated.
Once all sugar has been added, beat the filling on high for a minute or 2 until
creamy & thick.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">15.<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> Assemble the
cookies.</b> Pair up cookies based on size, the better the size match, the
cuter the cookie! Turn the cookies upside down in their pairs (flat size up).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">16. Roll approximately 1.5-2 teaspoons of filling into a ball
and flatten slightly using your fingers. Place on 1 cookie. Repeat until half
of the cookies have filling on them. Now wash your hands :)You don’t want
filling on the outside of the cookies, do you??<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">17. Close the cookie pairs to make the sandwiches, pressing
down firmly to ensure they adhere & a bit of the filling squishes out to
the edges.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">18. Roll the edges in the crushed peppermint/candy cane, pressing
firmly to make sure the candy sticks in the filling.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">19. Enjoy the cute cookies your made!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />Lizzardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16250989239685167000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-244354946990957239.post-85036930832205115302018-11-30T04:38:00.000-08:002018-12-06T03:45:33.013-08:00TGIFriday Recap 11/30/18 - Christmas Trees, Cousin Love, Going Away, Toy Guide, 1st Real Snow, Cooking, Re-reading a Beloved BookAs much as I love Thanksgiving - I do love the time between Thanksgiving & Christmas!! Its such a blast to prepare for Christmas; decorate, bake, plan parties, think of great gifts & get them wrapped, be cozy by the fire with family & friends, really just all the things! So here goes - the start of the Christmas-y awesomeness<br />
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<b>1. Christmas Trees</b><br />
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We had the chance to cut down a Christmas tree for Chris' parents last Friday! Rather than shop til we dropped, we hopped on a hayride with the kiddos & picked out the perfect evergreen to grace the living room!<br />
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It wouldn't be a seasonal outing without a fire & roasting marshmallows! Since we have visited this farm before - we anticipated the marshmallows & brought our own chocolates & graham crackers for legit s'mores!<br />
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We couldn't very well cut down a tree for the Kramers & then leave it naked! We helped decorate it with our niece Samantha on Saturday night before we flew home.<br />
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Once we made it home from the Kramer family Thanksgiving festivities - we had a chance to set up one of our Christmas trees! Despite the insanity of a 5:30am flight out of Philly (& the 6:20am arrival into Midway) we had a full, fun day at home! Lulu cat napped on the plane, we had delicious breakfast at my parents, played a new card game & then headed for home to officially bring Christmas out of storage and into the house!<br />
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We may not have hung any ornaments on the trees yet.....but all in due time!<br />
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We will (hopefully) cut down a real tree this weekend - it might rain - which would put a literal damper on the idea....<br />
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<b>2. Cousin Love</b><br />
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Lulu doesn't get to see her Kramer cousins all that often - what a treat to be with them over Thanksgiving!<br />
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<b>3. Going Away Playdate</b><br />
I don't like the idea of the moving away- I positively detest when people I adore leave this area for all the reasons people move :( But, it was such fun to play with Cait & Alex before they (along with hubby/dad Adam) move to Boston today. Cait is in the mom's group I started & has been such a fun presence in our lives. She is an enthusiastic participant in all things mom related and I love that about her. I knew all along that her time in Evanston might be short - her husband was doing post doctoral/doctorate?!? work at Northwestern & the inevitability of a "real" job was there from the get go. I had my fingers crossed that the job would be local. Alas & alack, the dream job appeared in Boston - so off they go - flying to their new home today. We were lucky to have such a kind hearted friend here for as long as we did & she will be missed dearly.<br />
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<b>4. <a href="https://www.simplefamilies.com/2018-top-holiday-toys/" target="_blank">Toy Guide</a></b><br />
I really enjoy listening to the <a href="https://www.simplefamilies.com/category/podcast/" target="_blank">Simple Families Podcast </a>and following along with the Facebook page of the same name. The woman behind the blog was in the Social Work program with me at Miami, which is delightful! She curates a minimalist's guide to holiday toy buying which I so appreciate! We have already purchased Lulu's gifts for the year - but if we hadn't - we would certainly be checking out some of the offerings she suggests! I share it thinking that others may need gift ideas for your own kiddos, nieces/nephews, grandkids, etc.<br />
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<b>5. The 1st "Real" Snow</b><br />
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I do truly love snow. I especially love the first snow - it fills me with such complete happiness. I love the way the snow blankets everything & dampens all the sounds.<br />
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I love the way it softens the shapes of the world so everything takes on a marshmallow quality. I love the way it forces us all to slow our rolls - you can't be in a rush on snow & ice; you'll slip & fall, crash your car, etc. The forced slowness allows me to really appreciate all the beauty that snow brings.<br />
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Winter Storm "Bruce" brought over a foot of snow to some areas near us. We got a few inches (I'm always happy for more snow - but it was great to have enough to cover the grass & trees). Happily we got to walk Chris to the train in the snow & also go sledding with friends in it!<br />
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<b>6. Cooking - For a Crowd</b><br />
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I love the way that winter inspires me to cook giant batches of pretty much everything. I love having enough food to share with family, friends, neighbors. It is such a treat to make something delicious & not only enjoy it at home, but spread that enjoyment around!<br />
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This week saw a good bit of bread baking, a double batch of <a href="https://www.skinnytaste.com/chickpea-sweet-potato-stew/" target="_blank">Sweet Potato, Kale & Chick Pea Stew</a>, a quadruple batch of Peanut Butter cookie dough, a double batch of <a href="https://www.browneyedbaker.com/homemade-chex-mix/" target="_blank">homemade Chex Mix</a>, a double batch of Apple Jack Stew & phew, a double batch of Coconut Veggie Curry. Winning. Winning at winter cooking!<br />
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<b>7. Re-reading a great book</b></div>
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This Christmas/holiday season I'm working hard to slow down & <i>actually </i> enjoy the season rather than rush rush rush around so much & so fast that I miss all the goodness of it. In that spirit I am re-reading the book <a href="https://www.bookendsandbeginnings.com/book/9781426776427" target="_blank">Slowing Time</a> by one of my favorite writers, Barbara Mahany. </div>
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She is an incredible writer who brings such a calming presence into my days. I love reading her <a href="https://pullupachair.org/" target="_blank">blog</a> as well - it is worth checking out her writing if you have time. Well, honestly, it is worth making the time to check out her writing - I can't imagine that you'll regret it.</div>
Lizzardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16250989239685167000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-244354946990957239.post-68530941973145779722018-11-23T09:46:00.001-08:002018-11-23T09:46:07.825-08:00Friday Round Up 11/23/18 - ThanksgivingHow is it possible that Thanksgiving was yesterday? I feel like it was just summertime & the fall truly flew by. I have been channeling my sister & already wrapped a bunch of Christmas presents - so I can't be in too much denial I suppose!!<br />
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<b>1. Thanksgiving</b><br />
Everybody gets up at 330 on Thanksgiving morning, right?? No? Weird. But if you like the first flight out - you need to be pushing back from the gate at 6am!! Thank goodness that Lulu continues to be a relaxed and go with the flow type traveler. No worries if we wake her up at 3:45am, seems to be totally fine no matter what we throw at her!<br />
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Beautiful sunrise as we climbed out of Chicago!<br />
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Cousin time + MomMom & PopPop time + aunt & uncle time = happy Lulu!!<br />
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Also there were 5 dogs at Thanksgiving - all of whom are smaller than Lulu.....which I think made her feel all powerful ;)<br />
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Oh, and a dinosaur visited our Thanksgiving - how about yours?!?!<br />
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Party popper crowns are always a huge hit!<br />
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Samantha decorated cupcakes that her mom baked - cute & delish!<br />
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Our little turkey cracks us up daily - Thanksgiving or not! Hope it was a food, family, & friend filled holiday for you!<br />
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<b>2. Hopping </b><br />
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Lulu's newest favorite thing is being on Chris' shoulders while he hops up & down. She gets a HUGE grin on her face, tips her head back, there is so much joy radiating from her!</div>
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She really enjoyed some hopping when Cody was in town too :)<br />
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<b>3. Friendsgiving Slumber Party</b><br />
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It was simply indulgent to have Stacey & Cody to myself for dinner & a slumber party on Sunday! We've been friends since I was born - 36 years going strong! I tried the BBC recipe for pork & plums plus a so-so new sweet potato cranberry recipe. The star of the show was the apple galette I made using the crust recipe I learned at King Arthur Flour & Smitten Kitchen's filling. And obviously had Jeni's Salty Caramel ice cream on top.<br />
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Its easy enough to forget how much you miss something when you don't have it day to day or week to week. But what an incredible treat to have 2 of my absolute best girls over (together) with nowhere to be/no worries about getting home, and giving us hours of catch up time. Fire in the fireplace, cold outside, good wine & better conversation. It was just perfect.<br />
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<b>4. Turkey Trot & Drumstick Dash</b><br />
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Lulu ran her first race on Sunday! She ran a 50 yard dash & seemed to love it! Big smile during her run :) Chris & I had a good 10K too, Lulu was a relaxed rockstar in the stroller!<br />
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If ever you find yourself wanting to run a Turkey Trot not on Thanksgiving Day (because for us - it never works for us to run on Thanksgiving!) we would strongly recommend the <a href="https://www.lincolnwoodil.org/enjoy-lincolnwood/parks-and-recreation/turkeytrot/" target="_blank">Lincolnwood Turkey Trot</a><br />
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Lizzardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16250989239685167000noreply@blogger.com0