tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15295121522045672872024-02-07T22:02:33.966-06:00One Beer MomSometimes a beer helps a gal be a better mom...PersimonDreamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10105015955842841242noreply@blogger.comBlogger277125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1529512152204567287.post-84723743100082719622012-05-28T20:51:00.001-05:002012-05-28T20:51:38.961-05:00Monday Update – Broken Bones and Butcher Knives<p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-PaEtFjeqorw/T8QquMvc5gI/AAAAAAABDE8/bHOvABo2OZ0/s1600-h/cedi%252520cast%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="cedi cast" border="0" alt="cedi cast" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-tRlSb966NOA/T8Qq6OLkaFI/AAAAAAABDFE/1vsM4hwAiDs/cedi%252520cast_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="345" height="453" /></a>Yup – it’s finally happened.  I’ll be honest – I’ve been waiting for the phone call I got last Wednesday for a long time.  Cedi is such a monkey – I think she started climbing before she started to walk.<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-jIGF4xbYUUc/T8QrCjjl5UI/AAAAAAABDFM/UyVrBRuqVmc/s1600-h/Cedi%252520cast%252520red%252520lobster%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="Cedi cast red lobster" border="0" alt="Cedi cast red lobster" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Sm1rbQKGAd8/T8QrLTCYSbI/AAAAAAABDFU/Pvql4bNkvQc/Cedi%252520cast%252520red%252520lobster_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="363" height="363" /></a></p> <p>Anyway – it turns out that Cedi fell off the monkey bars at school and landed on her wrist.  I took her to the doctor on Wednesday and the initial diagnosis was a sprain.  The radiologist looked at the x-rays on Wednesday night and I got a call on Thursday morning – bring her in for a cast – a buckle fracture.<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Mez7ezeSRn4/T8QrT-asYQI/AAAAAAABDFc/TSHHPa3Hh08/s1600-h/cedi%252520cast%252520firetruck%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="cedi cast firetruck" border="0" alt="cedi cast firetruck" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-5gT_ks06pTs/T8QrZQ_48TI/AAAAAAABDFk/kZ4UoPN848A/cedi%252520cast%252520firetruck_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="376" height="376" /></a>   When they showed me the x-ray it turns out that both bones in her wrist had buckle fractures.  Once Cedi had her cast on she was a completely different girl – energy back, no more moping around.  We’ll see how long that lasts when she really realizes what it means to not go swimming or in water for 4 weeks…<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-GC7ydhZPsdk/T8Qrh3_XlkI/AAAAAAABDFs/_BlrSxI0-3M/s1600-h/pip%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="pip" border="0" alt="pip" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-3SXtD-pUimk/T8QrpvdpV7I/AAAAAAABDF0/kKA0ysa4Mfo/pip_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="348" height="348" /></a>And just for chuckles (yes, I just wrote chuckles) I had to share this picture of Pip with you.  Yes – she’s sucking on her Butcher Knife – don’t worry it’s plastic but it IS one of her favorite toys.  You should see the looks we get at restaurants when she’s playing with her knife.   </p> PersimonDreamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10105015955842841242noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1529512152204567287.post-79428279218921011122012-05-22T19:49:00.001-05:002012-05-22T19:49:07.738-05:00The Cupcake Song – my beautiful ballerina’s<p>The ‘sweet’ part of my weekend was my girls in their <a href="http://sspoynette.com/id18.html">ballet recital</a>.  They were so cute and adorable and did such a good job.  AND they were very well behaved considering how long of a day Saturday was.  I have a bunch of pictures to show you so I’ll get right to it!<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-2M4mjdUQ8vI/T7wzehOHKxI/AAAAAAABCi8/XxZLvtdR4mc/s1600-h/balletcupcakes4.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="ballet cupcakes" border="0" alt="ballet cupcakes" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-HiLymWxsm0s/T7wzhOdrZrI/AAAAAAABCjE/BmQbpgDXS3Y/balletcupcakes_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="355" height="355" /></a>A friend of mine from my mom’s group made up these adorable cupcakes that we handed out to all the little ballerina’s in honor of their ‘Cupcake Dance’.  <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Fc56lJ6D1D8/T7wzi7-m-VI/AAAAAAABCjM/3iFEn1D4Jpo/s1600-h/balletpre4.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="ballet - pre" border="0" alt="ballet - pre" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-p2L1GUE3-S0/T7wzlwEZomI/AAAAAAABCjU/PgNwQxFdBAg/balletpre_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="355" height="355" /></a>I curled the girls hair in the morning.  They were just so cute!    <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-DgZkyDrBDko/T7wzoBXbbxI/AAAAAAABCjc/c1H7iobG-G4/s1600-h/0034.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="003" border="0" alt="003" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-uohlYnEo4bA/T7wzqAp2egI/AAAAAAABCjk/RUJZ-roeP6U/003_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="296" height="434" /></a>Snapped a picture of the girls while we waited in line before the <a href="http://sspoynette.com/id18.html">first recital</a>.  <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Z6c8rNbPNRk/T7wzsxGi3TI/AAAAAAABCjs/I2ikrN3e5JE/s1600-h/0024.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="002" border="0" alt="002" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-ehOOap8pt5Y/T7wzuw9p9LI/AAAAAAABCj0/vWGU7BwxNJA/002_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="309" height="453" /></a>We had to get a picture with their friend Savannah who actually was in two dances in the recital. Savannah has inspired Capri to want to be tap dancer…we’ll have to see…<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-ceVY5Vgf6Us/T7wzxPreALI/AAAAAAABCj8/1F-B1pU2g4Y/s1600-h/ballet34.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="ballet3" border="0" alt="ballet3" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-WtQcNpzMtvQ/T7wzyyw4gUI/AAAAAAABCkE/iDykztCgD0c/ballet3_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="386" height="308" /></a> Melanie, the girl on the left was Capri’s partner for this ballet and here are some pictures her mom snapped of the girls. <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-nMbS_joRSYg/T7wz0wkRyvI/AAAAAAABCkM/GbHHGYbZ06A/s1600-h/ballet44.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="ballet4" border="0" alt="ballet4" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-n-S1UfcPFmo/T7wz3rpkNHI/AAAAAAABCkU/AcK0Po-7kJA/ballet4_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="353" height="414" /></a>Here they are in one of their moves – usually Capir is all in Melanie’s face and she keeps her distance – Wednesday nights have been hilarious.     </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-f8liKFv8CBQ/T7wz57NKaVI/AAAAAAABCkc/mX-nrWl2fLM/s1600-h/zachandcedi5.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="zach and cedi" border="0" alt="zach and cedi" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-K8Tc5LM4lRk/T7wz71xhqbI/AAAAAAABCkk/GjYaDgm287w/zachandcedi_thumb3.jpg?imgmax=800" width="391" height="302" /></a> And here’s Cedi with Zach – I don’t think she know what to do when getting a picture with a ‘boy’ – so cute!<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-PTaTAfv99Fs/T7wz-E18lpI/AAAAAAABCks/fiRLMEgymI0/s1600-h/balletpost4.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="ballet - post" border="0" alt="ballet - post" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-o-xGgbTJmy4/T7w0AgZUrgI/AAAAAAABCk0/m9oR2LO7Q-U/balletpost_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="356" height="356" /></a></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p>And after being gone for 10 hours, two recitals in, 6 minutes of dancing done, we got home and Cedi did some snuggling with her baby sister.  It was such a sweet moment.  </p> <p>All in all – Saturday was a good day.</p> PersimonDreamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10105015955842841242noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1529512152204567287.post-51850631360125221622012-05-21T21:12:00.001-05:002012-05-21T21:12:42.418-05:00Living In Grace<p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-eqkplRyXY5E/T7r1K-nCWaI/AAAAAAABCb8/q0io0m2tAPM/s1600-h/Grandma%252520Landwehr%2525201942%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="Grandma Landwehr 1942" border="0" alt="Grandma Landwehr 1942" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-KTa0mwqbdn4/T7r1Qdn2PWI/AAAAAAABCcE/tmDj_Pv2DEs/Grandma%252520Landwehr%2525201942_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="375" height="459" /></a>This past weekend was a bittersweet weekend.  The girls did amazing and looked adorable in their ballet recital (I’ll share pictures later…) on Saturday.  On Sunday my family said goodbye to my amazing Grandma after 92 years of life and today, we buried her with our final prayers and goodbyes.  My cousin wrote a wonderful obituary for my Grandma <a href="http://www.ryanfh.com/_mgxroot/page_10780.php?id=1071107">HERE</a>.  It was not an easy weekend.<img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="4 generations" border="0" alt="4 generations" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-5KPuNWK-iis/T7r1UbXS4tI/AAAAAAABCcM/tigbxKULrrI/4%252520generations_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="381" height="290" /></p> <h6 align="center">Four generations – Cedi, Me, my mother Joan, and my Grandma Grace </h6> <p>We were all so lucky and blessed to have had my Grandma in our lives for so many years.  I think the hardest part about all this is imagining a world without her in it.  When I say that I realize that this world <strong>does </strong>still have her in it.  <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-3AYgrNWpUbM/T7r1ZhUJQbI/AAAAAAABCcU/nL6HUrk8V68/s1600-h/DSC01029%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="DSC01029" border="0" alt="DSC01029" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-pzWx5aA9Ezs/T7r1fOAToVI/AAAAAAABCcc/o-T4IC72gNg/DSC01029_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="380" height="290" /></a></p> <h6 align="center"> Grandma with her 7 daughters</h6> <p>She left behind 13 children, 34 grandchildren, and 37 great grand children (and counting).  She has touched each and everyone of the members in of her family and their spouses and has given us memories that will always live with us.  I know many of the things she did and taught me I hope to share with my own children someday or I hope my mother shares them with my children.  </p> <p>My grandma did not have an easy life – her own mother died when she was just 11 and a lot of the child raising and farm work was put on her shoulders.  Her family lived through the depression – her stories from that time were just unimaginable.  She never drove a day in her life – she walked everywhere.  And anyone with an ounce of sense knows it couldn’t have been easy.  But she lived her life with Grace.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-g01sAk1gI5w/T7r1lWc2LtI/AAAAAAABCck/z6Gd1wZpg5g/s1600-h/Grandma%252520and%252520Cedi%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="Grandma and Cedi" border="0" alt="Grandma and Cedi" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-8jtvwXrTaYo/T7r1pN_3WNI/AAAAAAABCcs/GXHmocaEdWE/Grandma%252520and%252520Cedi_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="397" height="302" /></a></p> <h6 align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-g01sAk1gI5w/T7r1lWc2LtI/AAAAAAABCck/z6Gd1wZpg5g/s1600-h/Grandma%252520and%252520Cedi%25255B4%25255D.jpg"></a>Grandma Landwehr and Cedi</h6> <p>I asked my husband what he remembered about my grandma and he said, “That she was always feeding me and she always made it feel like home.”  I don’t know how many of you that read this blog have a big family like my mom’s side but it is truly amazing.  All of my memories of my grandma’s is not just of her, it’s of all the various aunts, uncles, and cousins, stopping by for coffee, or to play cards or to have lunch or dinner.  The house that she lived in was always bustling with family and fun.  My brother and I were the only cousins that did not grow up in the DePere are so I’m sure we missed out on a lot of what Grandma had to offer.  <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-3inH8mKpi1w/T7r1t58q0dI/AAAAAAABCc0/BoqXPmsnH0g/s1600-h/GrandmaCards0001%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="GrandmaCards0001" border="0" alt="GrandmaCards0001" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-DRBwpv5Vx1Q/T7r11impBPI/AAAAAAABCc8/CfiG6mZfKrE/GrandmaCards0001_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="396" height="479" /></a> BUT, since we didn’t live there we had many a sleep overs at Grandma’s house and there were even times when my parents were moving or went on a trip that we got to stay at Grandma’s for a week or so at a time.  Those were some of the best weeks of my life!  You always tried to wake up early so you could have Grandma to yourself and play around of Gin Rummy or King’s Corners with her before the rest of the crew arrived.  You never just had a bowl of cereal for breakfast – you had bacon and/or sausage, eggs, toast, banana bread, Tang, and of course – chocolate chip cookies.  Yes, my Grandma even put a plate of cookies out for breakfast.  In fact, she had what seemed to be a bottomless cookie jar at her house and it was the first place all of her visitors sneaked into when they stopped by.  </p> <p>Whenever there was a special time or trying time happening in your life you could always count on Grandma lighting a candle for you.  </p> <p>Christmas was a time of the year that I cherished with the Landwehr’s (I honestly cherish anything that has to do with tradition – but just wait).  When I was younger we lived in Minnesota and would travel to Wisconsin for the holiday’s.  We stayed at my Grandma Landwehr’s and would run down in the mornings to a wonderfully decorated Christmas tree that Santa had visited generously.  I’m not sure if I am remembering correctly when we celebrated with the family but I think it was on Christmas Eve.  This was just in the early years of my life but we would all gather in Grandma’s basement for the holiday.  I was pretty young then but I do remember a room full of laughter, cheer, kids running around wild, and of course, Grandma right there in the middle of it. As our family continued to grow (we now number well over 100 at our Christmas’) we moved our celebration to a hall that we rent.  It was much nicer this way – plenty of room for card playing, uncontrollable laughter, food to be enjoyed, catching up with family, a visit from Santa and course, Grandma was in the center of all this as well.  <img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="Grandma and Capri" border="0" alt="Grandma and Capri" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-G8S2tjhpxwQ/T7r15V8DRpI/AAAAAAABCdE/r5mkACPojAI/Grandma%252520and%252520Capri_thumb%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="281" height="412" /> </p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <h6 align="center">Grandma Landwehr and Capri</h6> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p>The service for my Grandma today was a wonderful service.  I loved the Gospel that was read - </p> <blockquote> <h5>Luke 10:38-42</h5> <p>New International Version (NIV)</p> <h5>At the Home of Martha and Mary</h5> <p><sup>38 </sup>As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha<sup></sup>opened her home to him. <sup>39 </sup>She had a sister called Mary, <sup></sup>who sat at the Lord’s feet <sup></sup>listening to what he said. <sup>40 </sup>But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, “Lord, don’t you care <sup></sup>that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!”</p> <p><sup>41 </sup>“Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried <sup></sup>and upset about many things, <sup>42 </sup>but few things are needed—or indeed only one.<sup>[<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke+10%3A38-42&version=NIV#fen-NIV-25406a">a</a>]</sup> <sup></sup>Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”</p> </blockquote> <p>All of her children nodded and laughed when they heard what she picked as they could relate to why it was read.  </p> <p>During communion the song ‘Amazing Grace’ was sung and it brought tears to my eyes yet again.  Both of my Grandma’s are named Grace at this song has always held special meaning to me.  </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-R7S6KrTphPA/T7r1_GJSDjI/AAAAAAABCdM/vhN9sG7zxDM/s1600-h/Grandma%252520%252526%252520Grandma%252520Nov%2525207%25252C%2525201942%25255B9%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="Grandma & Grandma Nov 7, 1942" border="0" alt="Grandma & Grandma Nov 7, 1942" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-0eeDmh7lWJc/T7r2E6aeAAI/AAAAAAABCdU/jHTKbzMFcFg/Grandma%252520%252526%252520Grandma%252520Nov%2525207%25252C%2525201942_thumb%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="368" height="438" /></a> </p> <p>As I’m writing this more and more things about my missed Grandma are coming back to me.  I’ll try to wrap it up though as this is getting pretty long.  It’s going to be hard driving by her house and not stopping by for cookies, coffee and a game of cards and I know that she is happily joining her husband, daughter, granddaughter, brothers and sisters and other loved one in heaven right now.  I know she looked down at the throngs of people that shared their condolences with the family she left behind and smiled (but at the same time wish there wasn’t such a fuss made).  I know that what Cedi said when I told her the news about Grandma was a perfect response, ‘Aw, that’s a bummer.’  And I know that even though Grace Elizabeth is no longer in this world, she lives on through her children, her grandchildren, her great grand children, and all the other people her soul has touched these past 92 years.  </p> <p>I’ll love you forever, Grandma.</p> PersimonDreamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10105015955842841242noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1529512152204567287.post-79070539282530232112012-05-14T21:15:00.001-05:002012-05-14T21:15:00.941-05:00Face Painting Fun<p><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="002" border="0" alt="002" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Cx7KKdbCVhc/T7G4c9fyOiI/AAAAAAABB-M/L09njvQSNIg/002_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="400" height="300" /></p> <h6 align="center">Capri was so, so, so happy with her face – you rarely see her smile and show her teeth!</h6> <p>At this weekends <a href="http://www.lapaceksorchard.blogspot.com">Apple Blossom Days</a> we had a wonderful face painter – Angela from <a href="http://www.beboldandamazing.com/">Be Bold and Amazing</a>.  <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-fWjhmeAnkUw/T7G4h3-LVEI/AAAAAAABB-U/4HvheYdwKoY/s1600-h/005%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="005" border="0" alt="005" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-EBJeEJ_3jlk/T7G4m7AtvGI/AAAAAAABB-c/UQIhBIqogbo/005_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="395" height="270" /></a> The girls had such a wonderful time getting there face painted, getting tattooed, and of course, watching her every move. </p> <p>On Saturday night, the girls INSISTED that they get a bath so they could have there faces washed off for a NEW one the next day…</p> <p></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-56V6ODQ5UcE/T7G4phIdHWI/AAAAAAABB-k/TFQJBjmUado/s1600-h/facepainting%252520day%2525202%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="facepainting day 2" border="0" alt="facepainting day 2" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-cdy4t_yDrWI/T7G4xxotDJI/AAAAAAABB-s/NMPSXSy3QrY/facepainting%252520day%2525202_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="405" height="405" /></a>So – here’s the girls on day 2 of the <a href="http://www.beboldandamazing.com/">Face Painting Bonanza</a> (maybe I need to rename Apple Blossom Days and more people will show up?) <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-b2e8M-gR4G8/T7G46mzpqKI/AAAAAAABB-0/mxZSWHZIS60/s1600-h/facepainting%2525202%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="facepainting 2" border="0" alt="facepainting 2" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-JHXiLXTKzVg/T7G5AQrsYAI/AAAAAAABB-8/4xQO8vOaSOE/facepainting%2525202_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="371" height="482" /></a></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p>Savannah ended up having her face painted both days too!  I just love how a little paint brings out whole new kids!</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-o0LMo57LXhM/T7G5CysA6RI/AAAAAAABB_E/R9mgoCtHIJI/s1600-h/facepainted%252520gavin%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="facepainted gavin" border="0" alt="facepainted gavin" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-y5_vXscqrD4/T7G5FoQs4tI/AAAAAAABB_M/cj-lSoWr1LA/facepainted%252520gavin_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="381" height="381" /></a> Here’s my friend’s son <a href="http://theveldes.blogspot.com/">Gavin</a> giving me his Spiderman ‘pose’.  Love it!</p> PersimonDreamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10105015955842841242noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1529512152204567287.post-22621884342867264812012-05-09T15:28:00.001-05:002012-05-09T15:28:35.860-05:00Chicken n Rice Casserole – SUPER EASY DELICIOUS RECIPE! oh – and a Ballet Photo<p>I know I’m shocking you all by doing a DOUBLE post today!  I’m actually shocking myself – but I didn’t want to forget to share this recipe, show you the photo and tell you about my plans for tomorrow…</p> <p>This is super easy and super delicious.  EVERYONE in the family just sucks it down – it takes about 5 minutes of prep, stick it in the oven for 2 hours and you have a wonderful meal!</p> <h3>Chicken n Rice Cassserole</h3> <p>1 cup raw rice <br />1 pkg. Lipton Onion Soup Mix <br />can of cream of mushroom soup <em>(if you don’t like mushrooms – cream of chicken, cream of celery, and cheesy broccoli soup work well too…these have been my alternates if I didn’t have the mushroom soup in the cupboard)</em> <br />soup can of water <em>(IMPORTANT – for some reason I always forget this – it’s still good but a bit dry…)</em></p> <p>Put in 9x13 pan and place raw (cut-up) chicken pieces on top.  Bake 2 hours at 300-degrees.</p> <p>Enjoy!  I have my casserole in the oven right now!</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-aUVS_Eh-XH8/T6rTZuA9IHI/AAAAAAABBoA/VzzeSiwHJ24/s1600-h/ballet%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="ballet" border="0" alt="ballet" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-YpdxtfNLLiY/T6rTchNEnPI/AAAAAAABBoI/xWWD7XtSAwc/ballet_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="321" height="421" /></a> Cedi and Capri had their ballet photo’s on Monday night.  You may have already seen this photo on my <a href="http://www.kimscraftyapple.blogspot.com">crafty blog</a> but I had to post here too in case you hadn’t.  Mel (the cute girl on the right) started the pose.  When Mel’s mom and I told the girls to do what Mel was doing they both did these poses – crazy how symmetrical they are!</p> <p>The recital is on Saturday May 19th – two shows –one at 11:30 and one at 4:30. If you want to come see my cuties perform just let me know and I’ll send you more info!</p> <p>I’m heading to the Poynette School tomorrow for a long afternoon.  I get to be the parent representative in the interviews for a new first grade teacher.  I’m really happy that I get to give my input and I’ll be interested to see how the whole process works.  </p> PersimonDreamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10105015955842841242noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1529512152204567287.post-86259524821138421192012-05-09T15:20:00.001-05:002012-05-09T15:34:48.544-05:00Happy First Birthday Persimoni Mae! (almost two weeks ago…ooops)<p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-G4qfmZPSaJE/T6rQhr6Sq2I/AAAAAAABBkg/B3kipkmZYek/s1600-h/FIPApril20124.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="FIP - April 2012" border="0" alt="FIP - April 2012" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-FQPGJNsY3Nk/T6rQjgM1eNI/AAAAAAABBko/KGhhTteDywY/FIPApril2012_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="399" height="304" /></a>  above photo’s by <a href="http://www.friendsinphotography">Friends in Photogrpahy</a></p> <p align="left">Okay, okay – so I’m a lot late on this post.  But there just so many pictures to go through and edit!  We had such a great day for Pip’s first birthday!</p> <p align="left">One year ago on her birthday – we looked like this:  <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-nOxEil4AnLs/T6rQl9UeN5I/AAAAAAABBkw/H-BVJqtMMCk/s1600-h/001%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="001" border="0" alt="001" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-JA1pEfs4LSQ/T6rQnpMdFgI/AAAAAAABBk4/q8UAU3G2C48/001_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="288" height="422" /></a>and here she is today… </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-j4uVAcTEsZs/T6rQp1ffJ2I/AAAAAAABBlA/Onq2x2HS9sw/s1600-h/207%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="207" border="0" alt="207" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-kT_8YVe8Cqo/T6rQsGWyr8I/AAAAAAABBlI/SVdKl4ZFP6U/207_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="339" height="415" /></a>On my babies birthday’s I tend to reminisce about their birth story.  If you missed Pip’s – you can read it <a href="http://www.onebeermom.blogspot.com/2011/05/our-new-little-bundle-persimoni-pip-mae.html">HERE</a>.  <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-2JWNYFIzqIQ/T6rQushNhYI/AAAAAAABBlQ/wIaGKTkCU-8/s1600-h/066%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="066" border="0" alt="066" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOy3XK__PZOO_gDRmAO6y5_u_LZWSt-ObznVQ_bljjBT87OOCk_aLIo-Ij2qQHzIZDdec_kalYSbGuYBGx0EU-ZplQ6DPCEczAseGnrMZt_VIhKhk2rVZWVKJ-tPVlWluBthfSUdJ6gG0/?imgmax=800" width="214" height="428" /></a>We had a wonderful celebration at home for Pip’s Birthday.  The weather was pretty rainy so I’m glad we didn’t have any major plans.  Grandma and Grandpa Van came to celebrate during the day and we all wore our birthday hats!<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-caiRslmAQ-M/T6rQy-D_EVI/AAAAAAABBlg/qvOur80sJeY/s1600-h/075%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="075" border="0" alt="075" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-B8gq2WXbp2A/T6rQ0jDge2I/AAAAAAABBlo/KjgaRoYk_PU/075_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="393" height="268" /></a>Pip had no idea what to do to blow out her candle – she’ll get the hang of it by next year.  <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-jqQudZOvHc0/T6rQ3zIEsSI/AAAAAAABBlw/nGZkSlPP5Sg/s1600-h/076%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="076" border="0" alt="076" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-sF6JC0-VbFY/T6rQ5-h9A6I/AAAAAAABBl4/Andh9m1fgec/076_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="389" height="296" /></a> The day before Cedi and Capri had helped me make her birthday cake.  They’ve decided that Pip’s favorite color is red – don’t ask.  So, we tried to dye the cake red and orange (girls’ choice).  It sort of worked…)<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-IDFsxHEjGO4/T6rQ8_S9mwI/AAAAAAABBmA/dfCjlmypYu0/s1600-h/079%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="079" border="0" alt="079" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-j7SUqpTtOQQ/T6rQ_IQRt5I/AAAAAAABBmI/q6JZV4_m8Tk/079_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="385" height="293" /></a> Pip enjoyed her cake!<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/--g_vGIdSnnE/T6rRBFnkIEI/AAAAAAABBmQ/yP48ypSody8/s1600-h/117%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="117" border="0" alt="117" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-vP8xp5LQJ7I/T6rRDKqrsII/AAAAAAABBmY/xgSahTRThYo/117_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="297" height="435" /></a> For dinner her Great Grandma Lapacek, Grandma Lapacek, Grandpa Lapacek, her godparents – Kim & Lee, cousin Shaun and Denise came to celebrate.  Grandma had made a ‘sacrificial’ cake just for Pip to enjoy.  So, we stripped her down, put a table cloth on the table and put the cake in front of her.  It took her a bit to figure out what to do…<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-aSxk91_lfYM/T6rRFcRgVgI/AAAAAAABBmg/0GErFhlvdJY/s1600-h/156%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="156" border="0" alt="156" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-O3M6Wyjh_Q4/T6rRH2y_0lI/AAAAAAABBmo/1G6DLRZ1HHg/156_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="287" height="421" /></a> but before too long – she was enjoying her very own cake.<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-0gQA6B1Zr38/T6rRKz_7grI/AAAAAAABBmw/crH8cpuDXdo/s1600-h/166%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="166" border="0" alt="166" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-ltzfvj4swAk/T6rROPLdCaI/AAAAAAABBm4/u1Gc8xmxUxo/166_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="298" height="436" /></a> After all that sugar – there’s nothing like a cold beer on Grandma’s lap.  <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-HzgHmLhVcH4/T6rRQVRZNKI/AAAAAAABBnA/4S7mOQ8Yu-Y/s1600-h/168%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="168" border="0" alt="168" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-ffxSW97bvJY/T6rRSG1hw4I/AAAAAAABBnI/rRJjd5m8dYg/168_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="412" height="281" /></a>And since two cakes weren’t enough – we also had to have a delicious ice cream cake – YUMMY! <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-LyqqAy47-ME/T6rRUc3Z-lI/AAAAAAABBnQ/GcMBkmVa75Y/s1600-h/174%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="174" border="0" alt="174" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-xQbstHt7ogc/T6rRWUPKvFI/AAAAAAABBnY/PDSgdulCGuA/174_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="399" height="272" /></a>  </p> <p>Here’s Pip hanging out with her Godparents – Lee and Kim.  <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-c2F392a3IQI/T6rRYruKz8I/AAAAAAABBng/mPaebVVninU/s1600-h/057%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="057" border="0" alt="057" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-_3jHYXP00x4/T6rRbH1NC-I/AAAAAAABBno/h_8Y0ibuvzM/057_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="387" height="264" /></a>When it’s either Cedi and Capri’s birthday they always have a hard time dealing with all the gifts the other one was getting.  I was really proud with how they handled Pip’s birthday.  They were truly excited for her and tried to make the day as special as possible for her – it was really sweet.  </p> <p>A few days after Pip turned one we headed to the doctor for her well baby visit.  </p> <p>Here are her stats:  </p> <p><strong>Height:</strong>  30” (78.5%) – same as Capri and three quarters of an inch taller than Cedi</p> <p><strong>Weight:</strong>  21 lb 10 oz (59.87%) – 1lb 2 oz heavier than Capri and almost 3 lbs heavier than Cedi!</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-ax6AtCMr82U/T6rRdVs_zBI/AAAAAAABBnw/IX7EfHJlgoY/s1600-h/birthday%252520pip%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="birthday pip" border="0" alt="birthday pip" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-1M5jaLmDSsA/T6rRfVYcCQI/AAAAAAABBn4/3xUtzGka4io/birthday%252520pip_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="351" height="351" /></a> </p> <p>Who is Pip most like?  I would say that she’s a wonderful mix of both girls.  She is independent like Cedi, but does let us hold her when she’s tired or in the mood to snuggle.  She’s sweet like Capri and gives us wonderful smiles, hugs and sloppy, open mouth kisses!  I’m guessing I have another stubborn kiddo but I do have hope that she’ll be more mellow like Jared.  Her toothy smile makes everyone’s heart melt and her crazy hair do makes everyone smile.  </p> <p>Pip will patiently hang out in her stroller, feet up, while we get work done around the farm.  She loves to sit and watch her sisters playing and if she does get bored her sisters love to push her around the driveway.  She’s walking so well now that it won’t be long until she’s right there in the midst of it all with them!</p> <p>We are so lucky to have such a wonderful sweet little Persimoni.  I can’t wait to see what the next 12 months brings to us with her!</p> PersimonDreamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10105015955842841242noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1529512152204567287.post-71857826477008023882012-04-23T19:31:00.001-05:002012-04-23T19:31:10.304-05:00Monday Update<p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-EA8H0eRCoEw/T5XzupOi4KI/AAAAAAABAFY/BAg8choKE-U/s1600-h/my%252520family%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="my family" border="0" alt="my family" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-cGklszZzPWM/T5Xzwy3CbkI/AAAAAAABAFg/8Y4XbJ7-eUY/my%252520family_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="391" height="273" /></a>I know I’ve been slacking on this blog lately so I’m going to do my best to at least post once a week. *try*</p> <p>On the morning of my birthday party Cory of <a href="http://www.friendsinphotography.com/">Friends in Photography</a> came to the orchard and did a photo shoot of my family.  I’m only showing you three of the amazing pictures – to see more check out Cory’s Blog – <a href="http://www.friendsinphotography.com/2012/04/18/the-lapacek-family/">The Lapacek Family</a>.  </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Z21tfHy8gto/T5XzzRep1uI/AAAAAAABAFo/4oFckl1lXkk/s1600-h/cedi%252520me%252520and%252520capri%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="cedi me and capri" border="0" alt="cedi me and capri" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-7ecDzN_a_Ws/T5Xz1IPOSRI/AAAAAAABAFw/hRyDU3eYrhc/cedi%252520me%252520and%252520capri_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="383" height="267" /></a>  I love this photo Cory got of me with Cedi & Capri.  I wish Pip would have been cooperating at this point but she wanted nothing to do with us.<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-wpZcKzRrSJw/T5Xz3Z_jLlI/AAAAAAABAF4/9M-l67LdGR0/s1600-h/Pip%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="Pip" border="0" alt="Pip" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-lFnZss0omjI/T5Xz5VTGnJI/AAAAAAABAGA/NQi7gUeTRmg/Pip_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="296" height="425" /></a></p> <p></p> <p>I think this one is so sweet though! </p> <p>What else went on last week?  WELL – we’re going to be having a garage sale at the orchard during apple blossom days (the first two weekends in May) so I decided it was time to go through the girls clothes.  The first step was to empty the closets and drawers so I could properly go through it all. After I did that I literally had a pile of clothes 4 feet high by 8 feet by 8 feet.  It was nuts!  I guess that’s what’s happens with 3 girls…</p> <p>3 days later…</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-tP1ckgndSws/T5Xz7aI_qHI/AAAAAAABAGI/jlEr6lYaFa4/s1600-h/002%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="002" border="0" alt="002" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Py3UH2JtsIk/T5Xz9eFe2gI/AAAAAAABAGQ/HnXA8XssQSw/002_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="354" height="191" /></a>Pip’s clothes.</p> <p>I have decided that even though Cedi’s a bit taller than Capri, it’s time they share clothes.  so…<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-KVCF_O6Ylq8/T5Xz_mGB3TI/AAAAAAABAGY/wj_7yuKIBS8/s1600-h/001%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="001" border="0" alt="001" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-rmP4uvI28r0/T5X0BjFHS-I/AAAAAAABAGg/xsnTbz-D7m0/001_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="386" height="191" /></a> Cedi & Capri’s – short sleeve and sleeveless shirts, <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-n3quAk0KaN0/T5X0DxBgAxI/AAAAAAABAGo/c5vpL2B4MCU/s1600-h/004%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="004" border="0" alt="004" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-P8VTMVqUKag/T5X0GPNcraI/AAAAAAABAGw/9yC8x2mzZJM/004_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="381" height="269" /></a>long sleeve shirts,<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-16ciO__9mTg/T5X0Ip6VZ8I/AAAAAAABAG4/lBjVKrkyXZ0/s1600-h/003%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="003" border="0" alt="003" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-cMOJ6tV8nGI/T5X0KsRnQ8I/AAAAAAABAHA/mW6mJ9ivUZc/003_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="373" height="266" /></a>  and of course – dresses and skirts.</p> <p>And yes – they are coordinated by rainbow – of course!</p> <p>I didn’t take any pictures but in one day I did the same to my closet – and yes – also coordinated by rainbow.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-6QRkrIcb7yA/T5X0MprjyII/AAAAAAABAHI/4qpbIDGGnMc/s1600-h/007%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="007" border="0" alt="007" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-AoRzJ8pq9Mk/T5X0O5TJvGI/AAAAAAABAHQ/Snl2F_XAQcA/007_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="276" height="404" /></a>Capri dressed herself the other day – I love her style! </p> <p> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-ilZrpNEVrGc/T5X0RPIGpMI/AAAAAAABAHY/lsRqd8jOXLk/s1600-h/011%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="011" border="0" alt="011" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-fBK78W4UUu8/T5X0TUGdmMI/AAAAAAABAHg/etV9qr8oUYI/011_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="278" height="407" /></a>and Pip is teaching herself how to play the harmonica.  Pip is on the MOVE!  She’s transformed from must being a walker to being a RUNNER!  Her two older sisters adore her and are good at watching what she’s getting into.  Another new thing we’ve been doing is Eskimo kisses.  At first she looked at me like, “What is this lady doing?” but now she looks away, smiles, and then brings her nose back to mine.  She’s just so sweet!  I cannot believe that she's going to be ONE on Saturday!  This year has just flown by! </p> <p>Cedi and Capri have already started their Christmas lists.  </p> <p>Capri’s:</p> <ul> <li>Table</li> <li>Chair</li> </ul> <p>Cedi’s:</p> <ul> <li>Coziest Hoodie Ever</li> </ul> PersimonDreamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10105015955842841242noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1529512152204567287.post-54628548895579693272012-04-15T19:34:00.001-05:002012-04-15T19:34:28.988-05:00I’m 30!!!!<p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-T0OgvoA0fls/T4toI3aQDuI/AAAAAAAA_O4/qXknnlugAd8/s1600-h/053%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: 0px" title="053" border="0" alt="053" align="left" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-YIrEa4NW6GU/T4toL9sB1UI/AAAAAAAA_PA/xlygPKiXOfk/053_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="161" height="240" /></a> I know some people dread the big milestone birthday’s but I have to say – I pretty much LOVE all birthdays!  It’s a great way to celebrate and a wonderful excuse to spend time with friends and family you may not get to see as much as you would like.  And that’s exactly what I did this year!  </p> <p>I put on my birthday crown (from <a href="http://www.whichgoose.etsy.com">whichgoose</a> – I’ve been DROOLING over these for YEARS but since I already was married by the time I discovered her shop I didn’t really ‘need’ a crown.  BUT a friend of mine pointed out that I could have a ‘Birthday Crown.’  And that’s all the excuse I needed!  I must admit I got a few weird looks at the local Pick N Save – but who cares!?) and we had a big ole party.  </p> <p>We also had LOTS of pink balloons for the party.  I had to share with you all some of the pictures I snagged of the girls with the balloons.  </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-2PIItleknxw/T4toPG0dpDI/AAAAAAAA_PI/JHCdMFgCNtQ/s1600-h/037%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="037" border="0" alt="037" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Aj_H0IGk7Z4/T4toSirpwoI/AAAAAAAA_PQ/eUpLPhnR9T8/037_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="321" height="461" /></a>Can it get any cuter than a naked baby with pink balloons? <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-9XbcjihDEGg/T4toXGAoHdI/AAAAAAAA_PY/Frgzf8rgP6w/s1600-h/043%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="043" border="0" alt="043" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-YEAz3XFXG10/T4toZbkqaUI/AAAAAAAA_Pg/xLEYIedYU5Y/043_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="399" height="304" /></a>How about a naked baby doing a downward dog yoga move with a pink balloon? <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-MUkUci_BK9k/T4tocU1BglI/AAAAAAAA_Po/VTRt2pjQt78/s1600-h/045%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="045" border="0" alt="045" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-8zdAfMMKTOI/T4toe_0HEUI/AAAAAAAA_Pw/DuQHc8mZCvc/045_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="298" height="427" /></a>Here’s Cedi in her new dress from <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/faithworks4u">FaithWorks4U</a> with 20 pink balloons! <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-QmeSlAz_VFI/T4tohfKwcxI/AAAAAAAA_P4/ZNLUtBRKBtk/s1600-h/046%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="046" border="0" alt="046" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi88toCTBKxvyRgnl2K90irQgWjTKRu-qDUVKwaqfaCtCe5rhOLGzIBJOSf5uJE8RHkpR6dqEZT-coMeXIVhL9b_6uchjyoHbc1amdNR9SPyqd2neQxLxEf3K8y2O8CGo5M5ZXJ1FrZE6g/?imgmax=800" width="321" height="461" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7mkhEa-FaJKTMZ1tLeJnk54UXHJeRImB8TnneEXGPNEe2wQ6XBNOMRFXeyIkR3IBT7YbQ3lv9PZ1CXhSde5jGbjrmuU6Dn5ISpjrWL831AICIH0hjAoDedRKmmsDAV4xg0__17hOfLws/s1600-h/051%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="051" border="0" alt="051" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-qmtL-eTxRAY/T4tonphnyGI/AAAAAAAA_QQ/7W0I8XVeKFE/051_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="396" height="300" /></a>Capri just has the sweetest face… <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-AVi-X_IRIQE/T4tosDH6osI/AAAAAAAA_QY/sh0bJrSeJqo/s1600-h/052%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="052" border="0" alt="052" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-LLD_0a-_9Q4/T4toxIbWCJI/AAAAAAAA_Qg/YTn7LaxhE7Q/052_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="289" height="415" /></a>And here’s Capri in her new dress from <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/faithworks4u">FaithWorks4U</a> and her pink balloons! </p> <p>We started the party around 2 in the afternoon yesterday – had lots of games set up, nacho bar, cake, and beer.  I would say 40 to 50 people showed up and enjoyed the night with us!  My parents were kind enough to whisk the girls away around 4:30 and take them to a hotel swimming for the night.  I managed to stay awake until midnight (which is way harder now that I’m 30!) and toasted my birthday minute!  If anyone that came to the party reads this – THANK YOU so much for celebrating with me.  It really made the night!</p> <p>Today the girls came home later in the morning and right away were excited to work on their gift for me.  I took a lovely nap while they worked with their Papa. <img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="058" border="0" alt="058" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-UL8bzoWcvEs/T4to6nFa6xI/AAAAAAAA_Qo/pcxJ3mBzpLU/058_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="277" height="415" /></p> The first gift I opened was a stool for me to sit on at my craft sales.  The girls did a lovely job painting the legs of the stool so I am sitting in style! <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-A-er10uwH4E/T4to-VmVdOI/AAAAAAAA_Qw/mWJ96Ag45bA/s1600-h/061%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="061" border="0" alt="061" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-d4Kzqw0ZwkE/T4tpBJzuzII/AAAAAAAA_Q4/Qkff7fbvrg0/061_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="277" height="415" /></a>My next gift was from Capri.  She decided she wanted to paint me a plaque that said “MOM” for my new craft area! <img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="065" border="0" alt="065" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-vHLj2Avr1m8/T4tpEuF4JmI/AAAAAAAA_RA/1e4h5y7vPok/065_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="267" height="400" />And finally – Cedi decided to give me a garden gnome!  I’ve been talking and dreaming of creating a ‘gnome garden’ in the orchard but hadn’t found the perfect one to start the fun and collection.  I’m so happy with the one Cedi chose to start the garden out!   <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p>I hope you enjoyed the 15th day of April too!  It really is a good day to be born on!</p> <p>PS.  Sorry about my lack of blogging lately – I was really busy and then I couldn’t see well for a few weeks.  Hopefully I’ll get back into it soon!</p> PersimonDreamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10105015955842841242noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1529512152204567287.post-61997937708975053662012-03-02T22:12:00.001-06:002012-03-02T22:12:51.365-06:00Happy 4th Birthday Capri!<p><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="capri ballet" border="0" alt="capri ballet" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-LA9ZPhZ-yB4/T1GZcLGnfgI/AAAAAAAA7ok/gcw7UnhRCts/capri%252520ballet_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="378" height="378" /> </p> <h6 align="center">Capri waiting for ballet to start</h6> <p>Per usual, I got sick on Capri’s birthday so this post is a bit lately.  LUCKILY, it didn’t start to hit me until the end of the day so I was able to celebrate with her all day.  Before we get to the celebration – let’s see how Capri’s grown these last four years…<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-I5K_wFq2ulc/T1GZeHkJffI/AAAAAAAA7os/4ZHASsZpBOY/s1600-h/capri%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="capri" border="0" alt="capri" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-2DbjTqYAPxk/T1GZgl4Co2I/AAAAAAAA7o0/9ev2TZYxUvE/capri_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="354" height="270" /></a>Capri just before we left for the hospital – yes I made Jared stop to take one.<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-PaBdviQowlY/T1GZiwM-MJI/AAAAAAAA7o8/81q9FFHWylE/s1600-h/capriborn%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="capriborn" border="0" alt="capriborn" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-4qXP1yYVi4U/T1GZl7WVjSI/AAAAAAAA7pE/u9diZy9kMvs/capriborn_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="353" height="270" /></a>Capri just after she was born.<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-w2nKflSnQ9E/T1GZo279d8I/AAAAAAAA7pM/WzD9q5asOgY/s1600-h/capri%2525201%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="capri 1" border="0" alt="capri 1" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-vitUJGFAQ6E/T1GZrG1ERKI/AAAAAAAA7pU/bIXgGPLnydw/capri%2525201_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="351" height="267" /></a>Capri at 1<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-5cMAwXzBCYo/T1GZtzEjekI/AAAAAAAA7pc/Rawdcqzg38g/s1600-h/capri%2525202%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="capri 2" border="0" alt="capri 2" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-9NVd-rqtthw/T1GZwDc3CUI/AAAAAAAA7pk/k6BvkKOm0-M/capri%2525202_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="260" height="372" /></a>Capri at 2<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-YYQ7HjCGy1Y/T1GZzH9DyNI/AAAAAAAA7ps/no4P_6W-h8k/s1600-h/Capri%2525203%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="Capri 3" border="0" alt="Capri 3" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-_uMGCJG8pZI/T1GZ1aRikWI/AAAAAAAA7p0/7EDCAJEiIRY/Capri%2525203_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="270" height="387" /></a>Capri at 3<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-dBRM2DqK_xI/T1GZ4HfKtQI/AAAAAAAA7p8/eIDtRya_u5g/s1600-h/008-1%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="008-1" border="0" alt="008-1" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-5i7QlXuBcbM/T1GZ6zIkkxI/AAAAAAAA7qE/XOoW6RfLz4E/008-1_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="276" height="404" /></a> Capri at 4 – WOW!  I can’t believe that Capri is FOUR already!  It’s so crazy!  I know that technically Pip is my baby now, but to me – Capri will also always be my baby.  Cedi never really let us hold her – slightly independent.  So when Capri came along and let me hold her we had a special bond.  Capri can be the sweetest, most kind child you’ve ever met.  She gives out ‘sweet kisses’ to just a select few.  If you’re lucky enough to be one of those few she’ll take your face with both hands, look you in the eyes and truly give you the sweetest kiss you’ve ever had.  Seriously – boys watch out!  She loves to snuggle and she’s in love with her ‘bear’.  I have no doubt that Capri is going to be an artist.  She’ll spend hours coloring, cutting, gluing, taping, and creating some of the most amazing things!  And YES I’m super excited about this! </p> <p>But – Capri is also highly emotional.  She wants what she wants when she wants it and she doesn’t want to compromise.  Hopefully this is a phase but I’m guessing it’s just a sneak peak at what’s to come.  </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-G7GpblKxmQw/T1GZ97OrRNI/AAAAAAAA7qM/EsJFTEsibgY/s1600-h/007%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="007" border="0" alt="007" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-i-iSmLdr5VE/T1GaBPSfH-I/AAAAAAAA7qU/9HMFlYvpIYY/007_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="284" height="419" /></a> Well – we started the day with waffles and ice cream.  Ice cream was going to be the theme of the day.  After lunch we had ice cream cake – pancake’s and ice cream for dinner and ice cream for a bedtime snack.  Can you guess which of my kiddo’s likes ice cream?</p> <p>We also had some great visitors over throughout the day to wish Capri a happy birthday.  Things were pretty low key since earlier in the morning we discovered that Pip had a ‘raging’ ear infection.   I had no idea she was that sick but she’d been a bit fussy the night before and since we were going for Capri’s 4 year old check I’d figure I’d take Pip to get her ears looked at too.  Super glad I did!  (she’s doing fine now)  Capri weighed in at 37 lbs (2 lbs more than Cedi at 4) and measured 3’ 6.5” (exactly the same as Cedi did at 4)<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-2LItC9cNgSc/T1GaDR0BO1I/AAAAAAAA7qc/h8X2w7rXB7E/s1600-h/019%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="019" border="0" alt="019" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-VP_2ozCNkzY/T1GaFlRfVPI/AAAAAAAA7qk/FvmERr1xNgw/019_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="260" height="381" /></a> Capri’s big present was a big girl bike!  And since we’ve had such a mild winter she was already out biking around the driveway the next day – she’s a bit of pro!</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-ZOy91Ovy6iI/T1GaIpfT5VI/AAAAAAAA7qs/aBPeA8dlvKI/s1600-h/024%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="024" border="0" alt="024" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Icrgu3u5WX0/T1GaLFZoLrI/AAAAAAAA7q0/DHPYkifx7Uk/024_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="259" height="380" /></a> Capri had a Tinkerbell Dairy Queen Cake – she loved it!<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-MJsvHvLSfT4/T1GaN59E2qI/AAAAAAAA7q8/B3WOIxgYzOw/s1600-h/028%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="028" border="0" alt="028" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-4N-IvFT11cM/T1GaQamaHVI/AAAAAAAA7rE/nS4L-eDNJuU/028_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="349" height="327" /></a>     </p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p>After the whirlwind of activities we did for Cedi’s birthday it was nice to just have a low key one for Capri – and I know Capri had a good time too!</p> PersimonDreamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10105015955842841242noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1529512152204567287.post-66473711195024117232012-02-06T16:51:00.001-06:002012-02-06T16:51:30.066-06:00BIG NEWS!<p>Pip took her FIRST STEP this morning!  It was so cool!  Capri said, “Mom, Stop Screaming!”  But I couldn’t help it!</p> <p>Yeah Pip!</p> PersimonDreamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10105015955842841242noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1529512152204567287.post-27001590278476342992012-02-03T21:50:00.001-06:002012-02-03T21:50:14.287-06:002012 Fifth Annual Valentine’s Craftacular – TOMORROW!<p>I’ll be vending at the <a href="http://craftacular.glitterworkshop.com/">5th Annual Valentine Craftacular</a> at the East Side Club in Madison, WI tomorrow from 10 to 4.  Please stop by to visit me if you’re in the area!</p> <a title="2012 Craftacular Sneak Peek's - KimsCraftyApple by KimsCraftyApple, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/33166641@N07/6808596529/"><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" alt="2012 Craftacular Sneak Peek's - KimsCraftyApple" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7146/6808596529_eb60143ac5.jpg" width="387" height="387" /></a> 1. <a href="http://flickr.com/photos/33166641@N07/6808563631/">Swarvoski Heart Hoop Earrings</a>, 2. <a href="http://flickr.com/photos/33166641@N07/6804494313/">'Paper' Doll Cowboys - Interactive, Dress UP</a>, 3. <a href="http://flickr.com/photos/33166641@N07/6804494053/">Matryoshka Worry Dolls</a>, 4. <a href="http://flickr.com/photos/33166641@N07/6804494591/">Braided Hand-Dyed Fabric Memory Wire Bracelets</a> Created with <a href="http://bighugelabs.com" rel="nofollow">fd's Flickr Toys</a> <p>Above is a sneak peak of a few of the new items I’ve created for the show.  I will also have my candy drop jewelry, flower jewelry, typewriter rings, a few quilts, some fun hair accessories, apple butter, NEW Chocolate Raspberry Topping and MORE!  </p> <p> </p> <p>Hope to see you tomorrow!</p> PersimonDreamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10105015955842841242noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1529512152204567287.post-503952987365733162012-01-29T22:50:00.001-06:002012-01-29T22:50:28.418-06:00Dear Persimoni Mae – 9 months<p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-IdUg0misaUw/TyYhbQ18X8I/AAAAAAAA7Ek/VD71A46oYMs/s1600-h/405467_10151146783410543_726195542_22417262_330404037_n%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; margin-left: 0px; border-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="405467_10151146783410543_726195542_22417262_330404037_n" border="0" alt="405467_10151146783410543_726195542_22417262_330404037_n" align="left" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-eb0MsyU33LU/TyYhfuONybI/AAAAAAAA7Es/DC_VH4NhUN0/405467_10151146783410543_726195542_22417262_330404037_n_thumb%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="199" height="240" /></a> </p> <p>My sweet little Pip!  You turned 9 months yesterday!  I can’t believe how fast this time has gone.  You are so much fun right now!  AND you have your Papa completely wrapped around your finger.  </p> <p>It’s impossible to leave you alone at this point since you move as fast as lightening in either a crawling motion or a bear crawl.  You can walk along furniture but when we put you behind a push toy you stubbornly sit right down on your bottom.  Sometimes you will let go of the couch or us and stand for a few seconds on your own.  I’m afraid that walking isn’t too far off…</p> <p>Your hair is so long that I have to put in a cute and fun little pony tail on the top of your head. If I don’t it hangs out in your eyes and is wild and crazy.  </p> <p>There are two teeth on the bottom gums but I won’t be surprised if a new one pops up soon.</p> <p>You hate getting your diaper changed but if your older sisters clap for you – you start to calm down.  You truly hate getting your coat or snowsuit on but once it’s done it doesn’t take long for you to calm down.  Capri has also decided that your belly is the BEST for Herberts (I think they’re supposed to be called Zerbert’s but I messed it up when Cedi was little so in our family they are Herberts)</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-IaVt5pdyFzU/TyYhiIMcdAI/AAAAAAAA7E0/1xGEu0hWv1Q/s1600-h/419844_10151195266325543_726195542_22570219_1055630583_n%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; margin-left: 0px; border-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="419844_10151195266325543_726195542_22570219_1055630583_n" border="0" alt="419844_10151195266325543_726195542_22570219_1055630583_n" align="right" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-dl62t-dbKAk/TyYhkg3FeyI/AAAAAAAA7E8/JGNTVak6Ly8/419844_10151195266325543_726195542_22570219_1055630583_n_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="180" height="240" /></a>You are a very good baby.  Happy and easy going.  So independent right now, I can only imagine how that will translate as you get older.  It’s a rare occasion for you to fall asleep in my arms or snuggle into my shoulder, but when those times do happen – it’s truly amazing!  Your innocence and beauty – they melt me.  I love you my dear, sweet, Persimoni Mae.   </p> PersimonDreamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10105015955842841242noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1529512152204567287.post-70911173576765614852012-01-22T17:14:00.001-06:002012-01-22T17:14:17.039-06:00Junie B.<p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-omkCleLxozc/TxyYMmFVtyI/AAAAAAAA6-0/zQzTMjGUpDY/s1600-h/001%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="001" border="0" alt="001" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-TkQYTWGNsLs/TxyYOZk4FmI/AAAAAAAA6-8/jNrLOo6RNX0/001_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="197" height="244" /></a> I know I’ve said it before, but I have the BEST neighbor girls.  J and S came over last night so Jared and I could go on a date.  Along with them came a gift for my girls – an amazing collection of Junie B books!</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgniu3KpxVvoeK-FYmV8ccZ08G6WyKtKUl3OUuWNavbYO4mhLt-cfKbP0k13vGM5YB16GAEXlBceZQjNk-RwVHBmIEC1byNXrpyi23mAzerMAivZBQVPp9JaVFLWe37sT4imuH2J55Tyk/s1600-h/003%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="003" border="0" alt="003" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Nq7MkWf_UrI/TxyYSHXBtKI/AAAAAAAA6_M/XdUJbbZHgL8/003_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="236" height="244" /></a>I’ve been meaning to start reading some chapter books to my girls (one chapter a day) and I was going to start with my childhood favorites – Beverly Cleary.  BUT when I saw these <a href="http://www.randomhouse.com/kids/junieb/">Junie B books</a> I knew they’d be perfect!   </p> <p>We started Junie B Aloha-ha-ha! this morning and there is 9 chapters so we’ll done by early next week (or maybe earlier…they may get a treat of two chapters in a day if they’re good).  </p> PersimonDreamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10105015955842841242noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1529512152204567287.post-27584705915930769452012-01-20T12:58:00.001-06:002012-01-20T12:58:40.171-06:00Uncommon Awesomeness<p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-e4uXAKAtkHI/Txm5UFktp0I/AAAAAAAA67c/StXf_NdnNxk/s1600-h/401306_10151163138790543_726195542_22468450_1828429729_n%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="401306_10151163138790543_726195542_22468450_1828429729_n" border="0" alt="401306_10151163138790543_726195542_22468450_1828429729_n" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-dxO0KjCtCBQ/Txm5XixpQTI/AAAAAAAA67k/5IjoeRpo98U/401306_10151163138790543_726195542_22468450_1828429729_n_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="384" height="293" /></a> </p> <p>This doesn’t happen often but I’ll take it when I can!  The girls snuggled together to watch “The Little Mermaid”.  Pip played around them.  Happy Afternoon to ME!</p> PersimonDreamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10105015955842841242noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1529512152204567287.post-70834549784533573922012-01-08T12:12:00.001-06:002012-01-08T12:12:33.102-06:00Interesting find on ‘Pip’<p>My dad discovered interesting about what Pip means while working on a crossword puzzle the other day.  I had to go to dictionary.com to see if it was true:</p> <blockquote> <h4><a href="http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/Pip">pip</a></h4> <sup>3 </sup> [pip] <a href="http://dictionary.reference.com/help/luna/Spell_pron_key.html"><img border="0" src="http://sp.dictionary.com/dictstatic/g/d/dictionary_questionbutton_default.gif" /></a> <a>Show IPA</a> <p>noun</p> <p>1.</p> <p>a small seed, especially of a fleshy fruit, as an apple or orange.</p> </blockquote> <p>And sure enough – Pip is part of an <a href="http://www.lapaceksorchard.com">apple</a>!  Too ironic!</p> PersimonDreamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10105015955842841242noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1529512152204567287.post-20541369215949056872012-01-08T09:11:00.001-06:002012-01-08T09:11:59.636-06:00Persimoni and InfantSee<p>I heard about the <a href="http://www.infantsee.org/">InfantSEE</a> program soon after I had my first daughter, Mercedi.  I’ve been able to utilize the program for all three of my girls.  <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-HNLWLWooGzc/TwmyMgeQ3iI/AAAAAAAA6Y0/qRyIO5A_eRs/s1600-h/383575_10151106793595543_726195542_22264301_1794490272_n%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="383575_10151106793595543_726195542_22264301_1794490272_n" border="0" alt="383575_10151106793595543_726195542_22264301_1794490272_n" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-E3bO82WbilQ/TwmyPrBn8XI/AAAAAAAA6Y8/I7GcgeLkUd4/383575_10151106793595543_726195542_22264301_1794490272_n_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="304" height="399" /></a> Persimoni had her free <a href="http://www.infantsee.org/">InfantSEE</a> visit at <a href="http://www.deforestvision.com/ourpractice.html">Essential Family Vision Care</a> in DeForest last week.  We see Dr. Trixie Eakin and my girls ADORE her!  </p> <p>From the <a href="http://www.infantsee.org/">InfantSEE</a> website:</p> <blockquote> <p>Assessments at six to twelve months of age can determine healthy development of vision. Early detection of eye conditions is the best way to ensure a baby has healthy vision for successful development-now and in the future.</p> </blockquote> <p>There are many clinics that offer this visit for FREE – just click <a href="http://www.aoa.org/x5428.xml">HERE</a> to find a doctor near you!</p> <p>Pip was assessed for her visual acuity, ocular motility, binocularity, refractive status, and ocular health.  She passed all with flying colors – no issues were seen at this time.  Now I don’t have to bring her in again unless I feel like something is off or before she starts 4K.  It was a laid back visit and most of the testing was done using toys.  </p> <p>Cedi had her vision rechecked at this visit as well.  We went to see Dr. Trixie before she started 4K and her eyes were at fairly significant levels that may have effected her reading.  The doctor wasn’t too concerned yet but wanted to watch her to see how she progressed.  Little ones eyes change so quickly – they could have improved in sixth months time – and they did!  It does look like she’s starting to lean towards near-sightedness but it’s not to the point that she needs glasses yet.  This does not surprise me at all since Jared has bad eyes and I have really bad eyes!  </p> <p>When it was time to leave the Eye Doctor both of my girls gave Dr. Eakin a HUGE hug!  If you’re in the DeForest area I strongly recommend going to <a href="http://www.deforestvision.com/ourpractice.html">see her</a> – she’s a fantastic eye doctor!</p> PersimonDreamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10105015955842841242noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1529512152204567287.post-73477747560197617122012-01-01T20:59:00.001-06:002012-01-01T20:59:55.350-06:00What a Day<p>We’ve all (except Papa) been dealing with super fun pink eye since Christmas.  Well, I also added a cold onto the pink eye with a nasty sore throat on Wednesday.  I finally decided I couldn’t handle it anymore and went to urgent care today.  So – my nasty, horrible, terrible, no good sore throat was…an ear infection!  I’m hoping the antibiotics kick in soon and I start to feel better!</p> <p>In meantime, Jared’s been off work since Friday for the New Year holiday and yes – we put up my new small throat long arm!  I still need to go take some lessons on loading the quilt in and using it but it’s UP!  <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-poZbaStDAkQ/TwEdVLhl-kI/AAAAAAAA6Dk/lQx27avfsq4/s1600-h/009%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="009" border="0" alt="009" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-I54-uKbLhVg/TwEdXc-jadI/AAAAAAAA6Ds/3id4vKiCZ44/009_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="365" height="253" /></a>Woo Hoo!  What that means, in turn, is that I am completely rearranging my crafting area.  And I’m sure you all know that when you rearrange/reorganize you always make more of a mess before it gets better.  <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-vbc8bSxLANc/TwEdaf6Z2fI/AAAAAAAA6D0/J7wCkp6aiUM/s1600-h/011%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="011" border="0" alt="011" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-aJ8h3S05LXM/TwEdcyoimvI/AAAAAAAA6D8/2oiS7PSgQcs/011_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="240" height="207" /></a>Trust me when I say that it is quite impressive that I could even make more of a mess than I had.  I am so lucky to have Jared!  Just wait until I show you what he did to store the 8 boxes of carpet/upholstery sample books so that I can actually look through what I have to work with.  </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-5Q09SEdPFmw/TwEdgLshiwI/AAAAAAAA6EE/wQyfIDzs29g/s1600-h/020%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="020" border="0" alt="020" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-xpiU3lYSt0o/TwEdi7eTCJI/AAAAAAAA6EM/T_ZiRZuTRgc/020_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="372" height="310" /></a></p> <p>Yup – there hanging on the walls as you walk down the stairs… </p> <p>There were some really great moments with the girls today that I wanted to share with you all.</p> <p>One – i was helping Cedi with her swirl art kit that she got for Christmas and when she was done she said, ‘Mama, you can blog about this.”</p> <p>Capri was having a meltdown over something Cedi did and she said as she cried, “I am not happy right now.” *so adorable when she says this*</p> <p>Pip – wow – I have so much to say about Pip.  One of the big things i realized today is no matter how crappy you feel or how cranky you are, if you just look at Pip or hang out with her for even a few seconds, you forget about all that and you smile.  She’s got such an amazing personality.  She hasn’t felt the best the last few days either but she still smiles, laughs and says ‘Ga Ga’.  (Cedi started calling her ‘Baby Ga Ga’ – I swear I didn’t start it!)  She is just truly incredible.<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-gINCukyLfno/TwEdmGrL-pI/AAAAAAAA6EU/_8y1PY4fVu4/s1600-h/058%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; margin-left: 0px; border-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="058" border="0" alt="058" align="left" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-N1K3OKEfeQM/TwEdqZMjVaI/AAAAAAAA6Ec/xGd1x7HXob4/058_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="161" height="240" /></a></p> <p>She got into a bushel of golden delicious apples today that were waiting for drying and she managed to eat a decent amount of one – with just two tiny teeth!  But, boy was she happy!  </p> <p>I hope to get to bed soon and wake up miraculously without my throat hurting…*fingers crossed*</p> PersimonDreamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10105015955842841242noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1529512152204567287.post-11508853314739722062011-12-30T19:19:00.001-06:002011-12-30T19:19:29.911-06:00Bedazzled & Caterpillar Beer<p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-11Y91jqSZUA/Tv5iaHYrUqI/AAAAAAAA6Bc/VLnC5bCKa58/s1600-h/0094.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="009" border="0" alt="009" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-WZ_YRGEtbzY/Tv5ib4AS0MI/AAAAAAAA6Bk/PCeGRrJE8qQ/009_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="305" height="347" /></a> Every year we do something a little different for Christmas – from <a href="http://www.kimscraftyapple.blogspot.com/2008/12/christmas-hats.html">Making Hats</a>, <a href="http://www.onebeermom.blogspot.com/2009/12/ugly-sweater-contest.html">Ugly Sweater Contests</a>, or Boat Races.  This year, in our yearly Christmas email that gave us instructions of what we need to bring to participate in the festivities this was written:</p> <blockquote> <p>3) Each adult is requested to bring (1) one decorated beer bottle. </p> <p>    The bottles must be capped and full of beer.</p> </blockquote> <p>So, the Thursday before Christmas we sent the girls to Grandma and Grandpa Lapacek’s for a sleepover and Jared and I got to work on our bottles.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-4NnvWRcerzo/Tv5idkQCnjI/AAAAAAAA6Bs/x-ZcE9zMDN0/s1600-h/0104.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="010" border="0" alt="010" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-St7RBd-KAGk/Tv5ifc458eI/AAAAAAAA6B0/rH5b2OV6Zf0/010_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="416" height="277" /></a>Jared really wanted to use <a href="http://www.buypumpkinteeth.com">Pumpkin Teeth</a> in his design so he started with that for his inspiration.  <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-kexFBzEtt3w/Tv5ihUHqg8I/AAAAAAAA6B8/ipAe4nyD4-k/s1600-h/0114.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="011" border="0" alt="011" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-jSfs5mzjfAA/Tv5ijPAFDFI/AAAAAAAA6CE/hPkhOrMQ_0M/011_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="298" height="447" /></a>I was inspired by some jewel cabochons that I found being stored in my breezeway.   <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-YbG181UbQ7o/Tv5i2WsDxeI/AAAAAAAA6CM/Vno7lW6VhwA/s1600-h/0123.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="012" border="0" alt="012" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-thZ5A7-gBn4/Tv5i4vwrOHI/AAAAAAAA6CU/snKW_nbV9K4/012_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="346" height="362" /></a> In the end Jared came up with this fantastic caterpillar.  He took the stuffing out of one of the girls stuffed animals and then<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-JnL6Hbju4Ik/Tv5i9CyFfRI/AAAAAAAA6Cc/LsDj8uBPoJI/s1600-h/0133.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="013" border="0" alt="013" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-m2GRZOV5FhY/Tv5i-4GJMuI/AAAAAAAA6Ck/WEyVWl5Cw5k/013_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="389" height="383" /></a>Made a fantastic ‘face’ for the caterpillar with the pumpkin teeth.  There is even a gold glittery one!  Just imagine taking a swig out of that bottle and opening your eyes to this! <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-8a7IJ_Eq8Cg/Tv5jAseDPeI/AAAAAAAA6Cs/PJa28TEaHy4/s1600-h/0143.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: 0px" title="014" border="0" alt="014" align="left" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-gtRN56s8Vsg/Tv5jDF-tyQI/AAAAAAAA6C0/MAncJ1aBgU8/014_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="98" height="240" /></a> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-knwfeGp-wc0/Tv5jFRLgxQI/AAAAAAAA6C8/Uu1KKee6Jnw/s1600-h/0163.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: 0px" title="016" border="0" alt="016" align="right" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPjXprG8UKkYValQLGDX_TxJXAWS7TP0cNO-fEyt38GUJe3BX8U7bDpmfnCNbePGQ0UXME_l8DiEhS9Y-xU6UXY2_YrFfsdVcxQJffqQrdyUMS3xTZzvW5nqRVrxaix-qRHAHg-vlTynA/?imgmax=800" width="89" height="240" /></a>  </p> <p> </p> <p><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="015" border="0" alt="015" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-NZxjSkgCv60/Tv5jIU7FatI/AAAAAAAA6DM/nF1tAbouiWc/015_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="168" height="152" /></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p> </p> <p>Here is a view of my bottle from all angles – I personally am super happy about how it turned out.  Maybe I need to make a whole series of ‘bedazzled/bejeweled’ bottles.  Both of my girls told me that ‘It was a winner in their contest’.  </p> <p>To see the other bottles brought to Christmas 2011 check out this <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/33166641@N07/sets/72157628637061401/">LINK</a>.  </p> <p>But I will show you the winners…</p> <p>In 4th place:</p> <a title="Decorated Beer Bottles for the Van Grunsven Christmas by KimsCraftyApple, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/33166641@N07/6601154457/"><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" alt="Decorated Beer Bottles for the Van Grunsven Christmas" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7148/6601154457_87855d692f.jpg" width="251" height="500" /></a> <p>In 3rd place: </p> <p><a title="Decorated Beer Bottles for the Van Grunsven Christmas by KimsCraftyApple, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/33166641@N07/6601160639/"><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" alt="Decorated Beer Bottles for the Van Grunsven Christmas" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7152/6601160639_00f156024f.jpg" width="283" height="500" /></a> In Second Place:<a title="Decorated Beer Bottles for the Van Grunsven Christmas by KimsCraftyApple, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/33166641@N07/6601144603/"><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" alt="Decorated Beer Bottles for the Van Grunsven Christmas" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7015/6601144603_dec47a7687.jpg" width="257" height="500" /></a>And First Place: <a title="Decorated Beer Bottles for the Van Grunsven Christmas by KimsCraftyApple, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/33166641@N07/6601159919/"><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" alt="Decorated Beer Bottles for the Van Grunsven Christmas" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7144/6601159919_290219a962.jpg" width="405" height="280" /></a></p> <p>I am excited to see what my relatives come up with for next years Christmas!</p> PersimonDreamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10105015955842841242noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1529512152204567287.post-22356314443733423802011-12-29T20:34:00.001-06:002011-12-29T20:34:19.194-06:00More Christmas FUN!<p><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="022" border="0" alt="022" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-eNUJf_QLMsk/Tv0hpmEq2CI/AAAAAAAA56o/g864msHFy4I/022_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="393" height="274" /></p> <h6 align="center">Christmas Toes!</h6> <p>Well – we made it through Christmas healthy but we’ve all come down with Pink Eye and colds since (except Papa).  So – it’s been a lazy, uneventful week as we all just try to get healthy.  This post is mostly going to be a slide show of some pictures I got during our different holiday celebrations…enjoy!<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-p4FxvCYMd4s/Tv0huJnPLBI/AAAAAAAA56w/b81BMZm45PQ/s1600-h/028%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="028" border="0" alt="028" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-cJ7N0MABPY8/Tv0hx6RBUDI/AAAAAAAA564/rXhfJdMoo5o/028_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="291" height="417" /></a> Mouse Mask from <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/Mahalo">Mahalo</a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqsjaH0NvNG4Jwwh9dlWYvyYT8fllA7O-1EL6seWe85Qjx4EC0S-EXSXDnl7JdyNkHNiLsoHqbKYB4Q0r5fbe5rJ8B8YAqcm7BN-xw8GuyA0Xp27owghmrK8pwrO13-4__P5FWWn81G9I/s1600-h/029%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="029" border="0" alt="029" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-w0Bo6QgLEh8/Tv0h3c3cIXI/AAAAAAAA57I/V199WuN3q5w/029_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="363" height="521" /></a> Pig Mask from <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/Mahalo">Mahalo</a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-CU5DDjVGwIs/Tv0h7-ArOVI/AAAAAAAA57Q/KOIZa7rJrKU/s1600-h/032%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="032" border="0" alt="032" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-MSCK4SOFTxw/Tv0h-rXh_sI/AAAAAAAA57Y/2l8ZTZY9m3s/032_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="277" height="399" /></a> The girls and I in our masks from <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/Mahalo">Mahalo</a>  (I had to wear Pips)<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Vl4y-5L5mJU/Tv0iBQU3g9I/AAAAAAAA57g/F94CGvZwxcQ/s1600-h/037%25255B8%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="037" border="0" alt="037" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-z-PoCKvCDlU/Tv0iEJQzNGI/AAAAAAAA57o/Cu6Zo5_kerA/037_thumb%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="353" height="246" /></a> Pips godparents may have spoiled the girls with toys this year.  I have to admit though – they have already had HOURS of fun with their new kitchen set, food, and other toys (thanks Kim, Lee & <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Rock-N-Wool/271692892887361">Shaun</a>!)<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Nh5qzfzHsM8/Tv0iHFPH_VI/AAAAAAAA57w/m6F-LLYjn20/s1600-h/040%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="040" border="0" alt="040" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-IfJv_csf15U/Tv0iKtgl8eI/AAAAAAAA574/w_XDm5xQpjk/040_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="322" height="465" /></a> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-kzEGHHzfxRc/Tv0iOPNBjiI/AAAAAAAA58A/7spYSZxo2qU/s1600-h/043%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="043" border="0" alt="043" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-CSR9qII_b74/Tv0iRDp7o_I/AAAAAAAA58I/BJKh8LyLtGU/043_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="316" height="454" /></a> </p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p>Shaun and I assembled the girls’ new kitchen – it’s amazing!  I’ll have to do an entire blog post on it sometime so I can tell you about Cedi’s world famous restaurant that she runs now - “The World Buffet” is what she named it…<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-GXb-VK8GUWM/Tv0iT-NujKI/AAAAAAAA58Q/x5qBZwtt3u4/s1600-h/004%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="004" border="0" alt="004" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-HvGQGgl-F-w/Tv0iWhSTNCI/AAAAAAAA58Y/4c9o8AxD8KM/004_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="309" height="452" /></a> “Hmmm…what do I do with this?”<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-e7Bdby1OIxc/Tv0iZE1v_kI/AAAAAAAA58g/RuCvFJwcQco/s1600-h/005%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="005" border="0" alt="005" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-4ygvuWjincU/Tv0icCicd0I/AAAAAAAA58o/QYA1scD4wgs/005_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="329" height="482" /></a> “Maybe if I suck on it I can see what’s inside…”<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-M8siEHrwVkk/Tv0iehMY5hI/AAAAAAAA58w/YxcVI9driXY/s1600-h/006%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="006" border="0" alt="006" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-97JO0CECJ84/Tv0ihtvglLI/AAAAAAAA584/1KJwQmsIIy8/006_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="286" height="419" /></a> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-w9402coUwPg/Tv0ikl9oRzI/AAAAAAAA59A/oyBKzN9PCXw/s1600-h/007%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="007" border="0" alt="007" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB99wNMPIc_RRQNKdXJgUH8_6dilc9y2FxN0VojZ-2dfdRK_Omkgetiy3xZt0y6nsuTttco2T28Ae5IO7DRav_WEd-wwwW4dtEItJpIxZ1jW5L7tHuWE9UnBNNWx0hi7G2l-a28MhyphenhyphenoX4/?imgmax=800" width="380" height="259" /></a> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-F2XdXh3ao3Q/Tv0iqM592TI/AAAAAAAA59Q/JK8mqMrkoWo/s1600-h/011%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="011" border="0" alt="011" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-ifkdYdMZK6Q/Tv0isuSxZMI/AAAAAAAA59Y/V4dAJ_7kihQ/011_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="289" height="424" /></a> Cedi just tore through her presents from Santa.  I think she may have been slightly desensitized to presents after the 8+ celebrations we’d had over the last few weeks… <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-3eBiIa4SQ7Q/Tv0iwXCTexI/AAAAAAAA59g/EtfLDUU8lfA/s1600-h/021%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="021" border="0" alt="021" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-dcYH1emtEKc/Tv0izPLr-mI/AAAAAAAA59o/FBRd7j3VlTk/021_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="368" height="256" /></a> I was so excited for santa to come that I was up a good hour before the kids were!  I decided to bake a birthday cake for Jesus – a tradition my Grandma Van used to do every year – I think it’s time to bring it back!<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-5dkkIE9MEF4/Tv0i2cI4gvI/AAAAAAAA59w/MkUM3lA1Wp0/s1600-h/059%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="059" border="0" alt="059" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-xys3iZ4kLGo/Tv0i49-uFxI/AAAAAAAA594/MvYapjD-M80/059_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="277" height="406" /></a>So, my cousin Paul isn’t really into kids but he really got into holding Pip.  So cute! <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-povQ14vL2PM/Tv0i728jdoI/AAAAAAAA5-A/xbHJsU0ftwg/s1600-h/063%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="063" border="0" alt="063" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgasGKBJpYDNAE-tDv4HB24-fpJi6h9EAzfkQ3NRwZ2NPEylRz6oPxiETeFx_-kuC57o2Vf_s21HCPeI8WZj0AsSXavfQ79ONfUytNotdKSfPFXZrUb2uZAja_zQtBKL0urPb5LONNhf1g/?imgmax=800" width="410" height="281" /></a> On the other hand, his brother Scott LOVES kdis – and boy to my kids love him.  Cedi even cried when she found out he was getting married!</p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-39EteRr-c_Q/Tv0jBQjNH9I/AAAAAAAA5-Q/fa70DAcpkN0/s1600-h/055%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="055" border="0" alt="055" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-MdW9MMlg9Sg/Tv0jETQuxzI/AAAAAAAA5-Y/0Omz3N3WnIE/055_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="389" height="266" /></a></p> <p></p> <p>Six of the nine grandkids sporting their Packer gear (the babies weren’t in this photo).  I think it helped the Packer’s kick some butt that night!</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Zf3-cRe-DFQ/Tv0jHkk9YMI/AAAAAAAA5-g/4kfy6lF36mc/s1600-h/004%25255B10%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="004" border="0" alt="004" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-wQG65zSGXEM/Tv0jKZA9oFI/AAAAAAAA5-o/NVl3nwLVkJY/004_thumb%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="381" height="266" /></a>The girls all on one of their ‘bikes’.  I have to say the girls got A LOT for Christmas this year.  Probably too much.  But I also have to say – they have spent HOURS playing without me by there side, imagining, creating, and enjoying their things.  Sure – we’ve been under the weather this week – but we haven’t been bored. </p> <p>PS.  Pip figured out how to use her knees in her crawling motion today – it’s official – we have a crawler!</p> PersimonDreamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10105015955842841242noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1529512152204567287.post-55622915544168954622011-12-24T20:27:00.001-06:002011-12-24T20:27:04.691-06:00We Wish You a Merry Christmas<p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Joo5Aj7Sv9Q/TvaJL9ti9OI/AAAAAAAA5ww/tzNF6bvvzLQ/s1600-h/0184.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="018" border="0" alt="018" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-yGXH3lciykM/TvaJPa_iw-I/AAAAAAAA5w4/MeJ-2m7_KbE/018_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="393" height="268" /></a>I wanted to wish everyone a Merry Christmas before I shut my computer down for the next few days.  My littles are tucked into bed with instructions that Santa won’t come unless they are sleeping.  After the last few days of celebrating they’ve had I can’t believe that they will be up long.<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Wpzxep7dvYo/TvaJSy9CmeI/AAAAAAAA5xA/f0wb6OZXVbI/s1600-h/0174.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="017" border="0" alt="017" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-gZ6KG9-9BSk/TvaJWCuiH7I/AAAAAAAA5xI/lrTs5OtcKBk/017_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="322" height="385" /></a>I’m sitting here enjoying a nice hot cup of Friendship Tea as I blog.  I have probably shared this in the past but if you don’t remember – here’s the simple recipe.  (also can make a beautiful last minute gift – just put it in a mason jar with a ribbon tied around the lid…)</p> <p><strong>Friendship Tea</strong></p> <ul> <li>1 cup Instant Tea <br />2 cups Tang <br />2 pkgs of presweetened lemonade (if unsweetened add 1 cup of sugar…pink lemonade makes it look even prettier…) <br />1 tsp cloves <br />1 tsp cinnamon </li> </ul> <p><em>Mix together and store in covered jar.</em></p> <p><em>Use 1 heaping tsp or more to 1 cup boiling water</em></p> <p>Friendship Tea has become a ‘comfort’ drink for me.  It reminds me of childhood – being warm and snuggly, under a blanket and enjoying a good book. <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-fD8qlUFjqks/TvaJZ_1bXxI/AAAAAAAA5xQ/8dGOG3v6NxQ/s1600-h/378656_10151016007585543_726195542_2%25255B2%25255D.jpg"></a></p> <p><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="378656_10151016007585543_726195542_21860137_1958786147_n" border="0" alt="378656_10151016007585543_726195542_21860137_1958786147_n" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-F_nI26C8Geg/TvaJdHWOspI/AAAAAAAA5xY/59z8aX3s5hQ/378656_10151016007585543_726195542_2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="294" height="386" /></p> <p></p> <p>We still have a few Christmas celebrations left but so far things are going nice and smoothly (knock on wood). </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-3Mk5EmZhmWc/TvaJgFW9NUI/AAAAAAAA5xg/7zNXlocmTX0/s1600-h/0193.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: 0px" title="019" border="0" alt="019" align="left" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-NNFvfe0LUtE/TvaJi0B4NNI/AAAAAAAA5xo/vG28Aco5gW4/019_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="160" height="240" /></a>We’ve had too many Christmas’s that the girls have laid on my lap and let me open their presents from Santa for them because they were just too sick.  Really, really hoping and praying that they wake up super excited tomorrow morning!   They are at such a wonderful age for all the Christmas magic of the season…except Pip – but she really does enjoy eating the wrapping paper!  </p> <p>The other day I got really nostalgic about some of the <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-2h0YcqHDOHE/TvaJn90TtkI/AAAAAAAA5xw/aqB6fGzmN5E/s1600-h/0223.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: 0px" title="022" border="0" alt="022" align="right" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-R0lG9spzYRA/TvaJq9z-LWI/AAAAAAAA5x4/nOWUUziMbGM/022_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="160" height="240" /></a>movies I used to watch at Christmas time when I was a kid.  They included <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Muppet-Christmas-Carol-Kermits-Anniversary/dp/B000ATQYT2/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1324777760&sr=8-1">The Muppet Christmas Carol</a>, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/One-Magic-Christmas-Mary-Steenburgen/dp/B0001I55YM/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1324777747&sr=8-1">One Magic Christmas</a>, and <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Night-Saved-Christmas-Carney-All-Region/dp/B006942FGS/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1324778722&sr=8-1">The Night They Saved Christmas</a>.  I decided to order them so that I could have my kids have the same memories of them as me.  (I have now added <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Elf/dp/B000YHG72E/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1324779017&sr=8-1">Elf</a> and <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Bad-Santa-Unrated-Billy-Thornton/dp/B004SEUJPU/ref=sr_tr_sr_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1324779026&sr=8-2">Bad Santa</a> to those favorites…but don’t worry, I won’t let the girls watch Bad Santa for a long while).  </p> <p>I never expected the movies to arrive before Christmas since I asked for the ‘Free Shipping’ method.  But, much to my surprise – two of the movies arrived today!  It was a Christmas Miracle :)  Jared and I are watching the Muppets tonight and I’m sure I’ll be watching it again with the girls tomorrow night while Papa is at the Packer Game with Uncle Brian.  <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-L0SgVxsluGU/TvaJtx7C1HI/AAAAAAAA5yA/XdAuG-3X7Tw/s1600-h/400117_10151062088450543_726195542_2%25255B2%25255D.jpg"></a></p> <p><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="400117_10151062088450543_726195542_22025712_396110234_n" border="0" alt="400117_10151062088450543_726195542_22025712_396110234_n" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-sTA3rlAfonc/TvaJxDb6VoI/AAAAAAAA5yI/Ung6-71hrMU/400117_10151062088450543_726195542_2%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="331" height="435" /></p> Pip still only has her one tooth…but she’s been such a happy adorable baby.  Also – so tolerant of the crazy schedule and rocked to sleep naps in the car seat.  We are so blessed to have these wonderful babes. <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-aGPmGra6WZU/TvaJ0VTMnVI/AAAAAAAA5yQ/oypFEtGRtOA/s1600-h/404904_10151060428120543_726195542_2%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="404904_10151060428120543_726195542_22019986_1463799184_n" border="0" alt="404904_10151060428120543_726195542_22019986_1463799184_n" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-0OmIw7ol9-U/TvaJ3U5RIQI/AAAAAAAA5yY/hVHxmROurL4/404904_10151060428120543_726195542_2%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="272" height="357" /></a>I won’t leave you in suspense too long – I’ll be blogging more about this next week.  I’ll leave you with yes – that’s a bedazzled beer bottle full of High Life AND a caterpillar/<a href="http://www.buypumpkinteeth.com/">pumpkin teeth</a> beer bottle full of High Life.  AND yes – it is for one of our Christmas celebrations… <p></p> <p>And with that – Merry Christmas to everyone!  I’m signing off the computer for a day or so and just taking the time to enjoy my family and this wonderful holiday!</p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-QjlPm5vSHUo/TvaJ6We9g2I/AAAAAAAA5yg/BIrgGRN0380/s1600-h/0199.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="019" border="0" alt="019" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-onrXmJHRm90/TvaJ9uvCzoI/AAAAAAAA5yo/cRQ6MfwY8U8/019_thumb5.jpg?imgmax=800" width="367" height="531" /></a> </p> <p align="center"><em>See how to make your very own felt stockings </em><a href="http://www.kimscraftyapple.blogspot.com/2011/12/new-christmas-stockings-diy.html"><em>HERE</em></a><em>!</em></p> PersimonDreamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10105015955842841242noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1529512152204567287.post-31851264136927797942011-12-23T22:52:00.001-06:002011-12-23T22:52:24.293-06:00Gingerbread Houses and Grasshoppers<p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-LZwRIR4Lil4/TvVaMLHybqI/AAAAAAAA5uo/CMR3XpQ15Us/s1600-h/001%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="001" border="0" alt="001" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-B3wCYftqlo0/TvVaOgldDuI/AAAAAAAA5uw/VCrQvu_4xNg/001_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="386" height="265" /></a> We have also celebrated our Christmas with Grandma and Grandpa Lapacek.  Earlier, Grandma Diane had made Gingerbread houses for the girls – they were very proud of their creations (Capri especially proud of her mailbox). <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-znv6E5iyIyE/TvVaShBDLvI/AAAAAAAA5u4/C3DZGCTXsII/s1600-h/002%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="002" border="0" alt="002" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-mhwq0e6mQAY/TvVaVcObo0I/AAAAAAAA5vA/1kXLKi5p9ak/002_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="394" height="269" /></a>  One of our traditions for this celebration is to enjoy Grasshoppers – the adults are ‘special’ and the girls are alcohol free.<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-k_bmU0UArbQ/TvVaY9o_ZXI/AAAAAAAA5vI/o3x-MrBmG0A/s1600-h/004%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="004" border="0" alt="004" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-kXQlJ-ZYc8w/TvVab4ysLYI/AAAAAAAA5vQ/ZAe5XBCZlFA/004_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="328" height="481" /></a>  The girls sure love these delicious minty treats!<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-fAtoggthUq8/TvVaeisdwmI/AAAAAAAA5vY/461E5DmMw-c/s1600-h/006%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="006" border="0" alt="006" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-vf8I4p_VuGo/TvVahn-3yLI/AAAAAAAA5vg/lWGtFELCLxY/006_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="288" height="422" /></a> </p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p>Thanks Grandma and Grandpa!</p> PersimonDreamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10105015955842841242noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1529512152204567287.post-146534386794186672011-12-23T22:42:00.001-06:002011-12-23T22:42:45.322-06:00Christmas Time – the early celebrations<p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-ifWqkEHfz2o/TvVXho1L7qI/AAAAAAAA5s4/A0GUrg9jMYE/s1600-h/007%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="007" border="0" alt="007" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-0FwvFV2MvbA/TvVXlW9jWhI/AAAAAAAA5tA/jclUpesE8iQ/007_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="361" height="246" /></a> As I’m sure it is for many of you – Christmas time is a busy time.  For us a personally, we have ten Christmas celebrations to partake in this year.  So far we’re half way done and my children haven’t quite turned into monsters from all the presents, sugar, and attention they get at the occasions. </p> <p>One of my favorite ones is the Landwehr Christmas (my mom’s side).  My grandma had 13 kids so when we get together there is well over 100 people – we rent a hall.  This year our standard hall was booked so my Uncle Mike and Aunt Judy came to the rescue and we used a cafeteria/gym in a school they had bought.  (long store)  It’s nice because the adults can talk/play cards and the kids can run around in the gym area.  <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-G3IlBPjKC10/TvVXomNaWoI/AAAAAAAA5tI/YYdqiAVx3k0/s1600-h/009%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="009" border="0" alt="009" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-qx134dh9jBY/TvVXspFCwqI/AAAAAAAA5tQ/3pELKCa7u4c/009_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="301" height="441" /></a>    My Grandma is 91 so it seems like lately everyone has made an extra effort to get to the celebration.  It’s also nice, because they hold it the Saturday BEFORE Christmas so it doesn’t tend to conflict with other celebrations. It also seems like every year there are at least 2 or 3 new babies that join us at the party – this was Pip’s first Landwher Christmas.  She definitely had a good time :) <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-o4diXyKZBcc/TvVXvj-x2BI/AAAAAAAA5tY/9AiWFz35AtI/s1600-h/013%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="013" border="0" alt="013" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-nO-eBJdtl3M/TvVXzFkc09I/AAAAAAAA5tg/m9C3YSnxHpM/013_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="300" height="432" /></a>   I get to see my adorable goddaughter Eleanor at the Landwehr Christmas too! (My sweater is made by <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/thepainteddaisy">the Painted Daisy</a>).    Unless your godparents or godchildren are at the party very little present exchanging is done.  Instead, everyone makes an ornament and that’s how we decorate the tree at the party.  Then, when the festivities are over, we pick a name and that person gets our ornament, and so on.  I really enjoy this tradition and I have developed quite the ornament collection throughout the years.  <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-i-mxdsGyveA/TvVX2-1XPeI/AAAAAAAA5to/dHn8KoTaZ64/s1600-h/016%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="016" border="0" alt="016" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-CK072j9s4xc/TvVX6MOSSDI/AAAAAAAA5tw/8-YvOHS94Bw/016_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="287" height="421" /></a> We decided to stay at my parents after the celebration and do our immediate family Christmas.  Pip wanted her glow in the dark skeleton PJs on for the fun.<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-egWZCi-0XYQ/TvVX9FwvYWI/AAAAAAAA5t4/9wFii68gs_s/s1600-h/017%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="017" border="0" alt="017" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-9nOe7QWb-CQ/TvVYAMNjwKI/AAAAAAAA5uA/GKy1Pgh-UAA/017_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="270" height="395" /></a>My parents gave Cedi the adorable pink outfit shown above.  When Cedi got it she laid it out just like the picture and said, “See, that’s what I’ll look like in it.” serious as could be! <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-q9mwSrbb-no/TvVYDDtkC1I/AAAAAAAA5uI/TYAKZckIZOU/s1600-h/018%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="018" border="0" alt="018" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-G1O3xiSaaXU/TvVYH1rHVEI/AAAAAAAA5uQ/QFr2TH5mykA/018_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="328" height="480" /></a>Capri was just a little excited about all her gifts – just kidding.  The expressions she made with the gifts she opened is the whole reason that Christmas is going to be extra magical this year.  It’s just pure joy and wonderment.   <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-PyBjZRRD3Yc/TvVYL1aoGEI/AAAAAAAA5uY/dwSZ6vedjcw/s1600-h/019%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="019" border="0" alt="019" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-BCstxbaXdCs/TvVYQ-lFAfI/AAAAAAAA5ug/fOarjVQhfnk/019_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="288" height="419" /></a>And of course – the best part of Christmas is getting to spend time with family you don’t get to see too often.  I think when the girls see their Uncle Brian, they don’t leave him alone much.  Of course – he had to read them their bed time story.</p> <p>I’ll have more pictures from the holiday’s to come …stay tuned…</p> <p>And with that, have a Merry Christmas Eve EVE! </p> PersimonDreamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10105015955842841242noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1529512152204567287.post-8423214332413235572011-12-21T21:58:00.001-06:002011-12-21T21:58:31.454-06:00Christmas Lights<p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-qJP3T7_IfJA/TvKqgPvJtiI/AAAAAAAA5qE/UQ0Cc40rRCs/s1600-h/005%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="005" border="0" alt="005" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-D_FMAwnHKNU/TvKqmMwlKVI/AAAAAAAA5qM/lCf4NaYk8DA/005_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="325" height="476" /></a>Every year at Christmas time, Jared takes me on a drive to see all the cool light displays around.  This year, we put the girls in their PJ’s, ignored that it was a school night and went for a drive… <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-HJCMDJ_ccSY/TvKqrkdEGVI/AAAAAAAA5qU/pbu5Hqiu8UA/s1600-h/006%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="006" border="0" alt="006" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-AFTBOnD6P8g/TvKquimJ1HI/AAAAAAAA5qc/iAI5reIc26w/006_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="368" height="251" /></a> I decide that I love taking pictures when they don’t know you’re going to!<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-YfLA-Q1a5dw/TvKqxnpgfSI/AAAAAAAA5qk/Iftbnd8LVkA/s1600-h/007%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="007" border="0" alt="007" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-gxMWwoj9sgc/TvKq2TV03lI/AAAAAAAA5qs/pIdq7JoIYqE/007_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="385" height="263" /></a> They were so excited to see all the beautiful light displays! </p> <p><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="010" border="0" alt="010" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-tPak9oW6R6s/TvKq5bd094I/AAAAAAAA5q0/1ICyQo4muR4/010_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="399" height="272" /></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p>Normally we go to Madison for the display on John Nolan Drive but this year we went to Waunakee – the Rotary put a really nice display at the park there.  Of course – they had to enjoy some hot fudge Sunday’s for the ride…</p> PersimonDreamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10105015955842841242noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1529512152204567287.post-51136209238118686822011-12-19T19:40:00.000-06:002011-12-20T19:42:39.095-06:00First Tooth!Pip got her first tooth today! Lower right :) So exciting!PersimonDreamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10105015955842841242noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1529512152204567287.post-88386333260456929852011-12-18T21:14:00.001-06:002011-12-18T21:14:34.538-06:00Santa Claus is Coming to Town<p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/--l_-IU-fLq8/Tu6rxwlbrbI/AAAAAAAA5lM/zuKtybet1GE/s1600-h/018%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="018" border="0" alt="018" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-DhQEN-VpBac/Tu6r18EZiiI/AAAAAAAA5lU/xtpP4JEQkSI/018_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="373" height="255" /></a> Once again we headed to the Arlington Curling Club to visit Santa Claus.  The local Lion’s club puts this on every holiday season and the girls really enjoy it.  </p> <p>Cedi and Capri were so cute – they didn’t even talk to Santa – just handed them their lists which consisted of chickens, ducks, chicken toys, and a tea set.<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-ddfY9BqwUno/Tu6r6NGrlyI/AAAAAAAA5lc/RYQF5kU4OfI/s1600-h/019%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="019" border="0" alt="019" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-wb7oeZMbuNc/Tu6r-OKdnvI/AAAAAAAA5lk/zIVcOEaGVxM/019_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="282" height="413" /></a>Pip wasn’t quite sure about Santa at first. <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-fvvbVJZNhXk/Tu6sCk81XSI/AAAAAAAA5ls/cNWknaTVJvs/s1600-h/022%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="022" border="0" alt="022" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-AIe990CqY1I/Tu6sGHpDc4I/AAAAAAAA5l0/vPQ5gHC-GEk/022_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="285" height="411" /></a> But it didn’t take too long for us to get this adorable smile!</p> <p>Cedi just had to draw a picture for school of a family tradition.  It got me thinking – what ARE our family traditions?  We sure our busy but we do a lot of things because it was MY tradition growing up.  I think it’s time we create some of our very own family traditions.</p> <p>I would love to hear what traditions you all celebrate as a family.</p> PersimonDreamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10105015955842841242noreply@blogger.com0