tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-75959247213083764392024-02-02T00:30:31.692-08:00Functioning in ChaosAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07641939494735963839noreply@blogger.comBlogger35125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7595924721308376439.post-80395160819332618032017-06-24T08:44:00.000-07:002017-06-24T08:44:17.546-07:00Report Card and our summer homework <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
As you can see, our report cards came. All the kids have poor organizational skills. Sadly, I am not surprised. You just have to look at our walkway or their bedrooms. :-/ We have been working on that. I need to work on it a bit harder. It doesn't help that even the adults have clutter spots. Although we have been decreasing those.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTn8YtS0GLZuW46sp6ClicErpbiLkMTdU1wWOrIf9lslnCkogYRy7R4cPw81meTfbBvazffcMHfweOrQZ_2JWKFTg6mlgouX_0W9jmhh3vLwAR5ajV_oVVUt2VuMJBjjng3s9T_z8NIvo/s1600/B4FB5148-48B6-479E-9A72-BC5414A4A96E.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="679" data-original-width="1600" height="168" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTn8YtS0GLZuW46sp6ClicErpbiLkMTdU1wWOrIf9lslnCkogYRy7R4cPw81meTfbBvazffcMHfweOrQZ_2JWKFTg6mlgouX_0W9jmhh3vLwAR5ajV_oVVUt2VuMJBjjng3s9T_z8NIvo/s400/B4FB5148-48B6-479E-9A72-BC5414A4A96E.jpg" width="400" /></a><br /><br /><span style="text-align: start;">Our school uses a 1-5 grading scale. 5 is not the best. The child above is Clark. For those who do not know, Clark has Autism. I know he has a higher reading level and comprehension level than that. He just doesn't want to take the tests. Clark loves to read (when he isn't being told to). He also doesn't like any sort of structured writing. Clark can do it, but he will get mad and work himself up into a meltdown. Any guesses on what we are working on this summer? </span><br style="text-align: start;" /></div>
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<br />Math. This is another struggle for Clark. Clark does not do well memorizing times tables. He has never done well in math. I believe his earliest IEP that involved math had Clark's goals set to doing 5 math problems on his own. Then someone would encourage him to do more and "help" him by writing out what he told them. This last year we wanted him to do half a page on his own. I wish I could remember what this next years goal was. I want to say it is a whole page. It is better to set the goal high than leave in low expectations. We want Clark to succeed to the best of his ability in life, not "just get by". We will never be able to do that if we don't push the envelope with him. This summer we will be using our Kindle Fire as a tool. Clark loves electronics. Normally they are a reward. We will be (as of later today) using them to do math. Our school uses Moby Max. Continuing to use something that is familiar to him will increase out chances of success.<br /><br /><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim-pqXK5CaLy0QpKgR8D8nAdCE-oekSMukpW1Q6Zh_8SONozCZZ6xKzlX6g4hbnMr53vO5UiMspnH1td_u7Kr5igTeP_HZ4Ey4x0YkKpoV_6h3_RowqYw9avAReUSKrl0ev6CLu8biaaw/s1600/E8487281-6E29-45FB-9D03-2D57395C7F60.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1405" data-original-width="1600" height="351" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim-pqXK5CaLy0QpKgR8D8nAdCE-oekSMukpW1Q6Zh_8SONozCZZ6xKzlX6g4hbnMr53vO5UiMspnH1td_u7Kr5igTeP_HZ4Ey4x0YkKpoV_6h3_RowqYw9avAReUSKrl0ev6CLu8biaaw/s400/E8487281-6E29-45FB-9D03-2D57395C7F60.jpg" width="400" /></a><br /><br />Clark is the only child that receives something like this with his report card.We have behavioral goals as well. Goals are set and we work on them both at home and at school. Some we can't work on at home, like the going to his Specials/Enrichment Classes. However, we can reward him for meeting his weekly goal with those and add a tracker bar into his planner.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3MMIXOyfq7SVKl0iKlqalqx_qVff9w9k6xB7ClvYgnlMnBYyZ8DKhjJYNO1uh0SgLt_Xg4UMs7wFwnH4obCrSzP6aTpz9vFUxi8AvdPxEB8WObOCNdmusrC3EcFPmuzVAe3zh-JrS-2U/s1600/F62C40D5-2020-4D6E-A523-79773D96E5DE.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1433" data-original-width="1600" height="357" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3MMIXOyfq7SVKl0iKlqalqx_qVff9w9k6xB7ClvYgnlMnBYyZ8DKhjJYNO1uh0SgLt_Xg4UMs7wFwnH4obCrSzP6aTpz9vFUxi8AvdPxEB8WObOCNdmusrC3EcFPmuzVAe3zh-JrS-2U/s400/F62C40D5-2020-4D6E-A523-79773D96E5DE.jpg" width="400" /></a><br /><br />We have worked so hard to get Clark to see the classroom as "his room" with "his people" that he doesn't think he needs to ask to take or play with items. This has become a big problem at home too. He is normally not meaning to do something wrong, Clark's brain just works a little differently than most kids and so he perceives things differently. For example, we put the coloring stuff in the spare room to keep it away from the little girls. Clark has asked if he could use it before and has been told yes. So Clark feels it is ok to go into the spare room and get them when he wants. Every time he asks, it registers as a "It is ok to use it when I want". I know that we need to work on consistent wording addressing that this is one time permission every time he asks. Sometimes we are rushed with 5 other kids asking for soemthing and simply say "yes". Instead we need to say something like "You may use it this once. You need to put it back when you are done."</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07641939494735963839noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7595924721308376439.post-69239691289178063552017-06-22T16:13:00.001-07:002017-06-22T16:13:14.909-07:00An interesting time at McDonald's<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFvC2-eccWmTLXcE3SPjpEYx81wfWJZXU0NNGh2odSwovepZirBLO955xr4SctCv8JgGa0r2Rew6F2JLMIF6lThf7-RIKDvGYFVbxbimi52MHHK6Opg7uShV9fITh0KInoMMDtaBShxIk/s1600/IMG_2670.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFvC2-eccWmTLXcE3SPjpEYx81wfWJZXU0NNGh2odSwovepZirBLO955xr4SctCv8JgGa0r2Rew6F2JLMIF6lThf7-RIKDvGYFVbxbimi52MHHK6Opg7uShV9fITh0KInoMMDtaBShxIk/s400/IMG_2670.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiPC8alOzHAv5x7jH3t07PD2Ed6Ns_penEw3Q7fyFN9tG32GGKd0Nmt-ePlMPs_9ikpPgK8o-LzIfiMFubwwhUjyV8f6vHnYO1-SnfJ2QEie_lM2X6Yy563PyXBNwqN3xQgKfssN8zI_Q/s1600/IMG_2675.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><br /></a>Auntie A had the day off today. So we met her at the McDonald's with a Play Place. We rarely ever go, so the kids get pretty excited when we do. It started out like any other time. The kids dash into the play area and play while I place our food order.<br /><br />The kids came down to eat... or half eat. Clark started to wander. I reminded him that these adults were having adult time while the kids played. One lady responded to him saying "Hi" and the conversation started. I went to remind Clark that we were here to play, but she shook her head and mouthed "It's ok". Soon she had 3 of the 6 kids talking to her. They discussed older Game Boys and Pokemon. After a bit I told Clark to say goodbye and go back to playing, she insisted it was ok and that she was a teacher. I gave Clark and his siblings another minute and reminded them that it was time to play since we would leave soon. Sadly Clark's new teacher friend had to go. Clark decided to pretend to be some sort of Pokemon and go play with all the other kids.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiPC8alOzHAv5x7jH3t07PD2Ed6Ns_penEw3Q7fyFN9tG32GGKd0Nmt-ePlMPs_9ikpPgK8o-LzIfiMFubwwhUjyV8f6vHnYO1-SnfJ2QEie_lM2X6Yy563PyXBNwqN3xQgKfssN8zI_Q/s1600/IMG_2675.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiPC8alOzHAv5x7jH3t07PD2Ed6Ns_penEw3Q7fyFN9tG32GGKd0Nmt-ePlMPs_9ikpPgK8o-LzIfiMFubwwhUjyV8f6vHnYO1-SnfJ2QEie_lM2X6Yy563PyXBNwqN3xQgKfssN8zI_Q/s320/IMG_2675.JPG" width="240" /></a>I am not sure what triggered it, but Clark suddenly stopped. From across the room he started to tell me how he was glad that segregation was over and he as happy that he could play with his new friends. Oh no. Ok, I can handle this. I asked him to come closer and on his way he proceeded to retell me what he had just said. I admit, I was a little embarrassed and horrified. I could see thisgoing one of two ways. One way would be that everyone understood he was trying to make a connection. The other involves being called a racist and some profanity (yes, we have had that one before).<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFd5AQ_6QO14H4o9c2EEkahnoVMCBTBohBgPuqS0vTvMdaPNsaBohW422XAU9YE90MWsDC6mJnwlT6pUAci6Ko9NKPwbkmtYZ7_1MSj8m8GuDRaOeNWERsMZrHqhRFXteLa6UNxcBeKuM/s1600/IMG_2674.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFd5AQ_6QO14H4o9c2EEkahnoVMCBTBohBgPuqS0vTvMdaPNsaBohW422XAU9YE90MWsDC6mJnwlT6pUAci6Ko9NKPwbkmtYZ7_1MSj8m8GuDRaOeNWERsMZrHqhRFXteLa6UNxcBeKuM/s400/IMG_2674.JPG" width="300" /></a><br />I met Clark half way and told him that I would love to have this conversation with him, but maybe we should do so at our table. He happily agreed. Now, some will say that I need to teach him that there is a time and a place to speak of things like this. I agree and disagree. The middle of a Play Place is not the best spot to discuss a topic that could lead to a heated debate if others joined in that did not quite understand what he was trying to say. At the same time,hushing Clark would only teach him that we do not speak of these things. He may feel shamed. Children do not see the world as we do and do not take things the same way as adults do. Who knows what this could turn into in his mind. Clark has Autism. Clark was trying to make a meaningful connection with the people around him. He wanted to share something he had learned and he wanted them to know that just because he is Caucasian, he is not like those people in the past. To Clark, this makes perfect sense. We may find the drive to do that a little odd, but to Clark it isn't. He wasn't really doing anything wrong. He was just going about things in a way that most other people wouldn't.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGYjbzX1zl0fneZ__wOg37TLyM_b6cPzBuJZMvANrB63-UbChV5p0QxZobLQXp3CHsZ2FhQ90DpLG7gfO1WDl0pDzw1AOIWBPJBTAMGJSmLeO12ME2kXMAYel5c8B69YjTs9ddO-dbgH4/s1600/IMG_2678.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGYjbzX1zl0fneZ__wOg37TLyM_b6cPzBuJZMvANrB63-UbChV5p0QxZobLQXp3CHsZ2FhQ90DpLG7gfO1WDl0pDzw1AOIWBPJBTAMGJSmLeO12ME2kXMAYel5c8B69YjTs9ddO-dbgH4/s320/IMG_2678.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />We had our discussion and I thought he would go back to playing. Nope. Clark was still fixated on having a discussion with every adult there on segregation. *sighs* I did not manage to stop Clark in time. The gentleman was kind and understanding. Come to find out, he worked at a school and understood. Next Clark decided he would go talk to the African American couple who were seated in the back of the Play Place. The gentleman was on the phone and judging the body language of his wife, I am not quite sure this would play out very well. I told Clark that the gentleman was on the phone and it was rude to interrupt. Clark turned around and started to make a circle around the play area. He was not going to give up. He wanted to make that meaningful connection. Oh Clark... I did not think the wife looked very comfortable. Once again I reminded Clark that adults liked to have adult time, that the man was on the phone, and he wouldn't want to be rude, would he? Clark turned and I could see he was thinking of turning back again. "Clark, we are here to play." That worked.<br />
<br />Could I have handled it better? Maybe. Hindsight is funny like that. At the time, you do the best you can. Later you can always see things you missed and ways you could have handled it better. It's so easy to judge others on what they could have done better. Yet if we are in the same position, how many people could have actually have done better? Or would they simply have hushed the child?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0Hp6o_JGhg7LCDpgtGwzilC09OnAyXmwc_ULVQqns0v4ITzGaOV18gYNobX4axNPSo-5jk7_KNwMn7zsWEdVwmYhe9A0fULjayUTm-_PSNidWMa30D4wReBYtC2t58RjMPR3VfSkQX3I/s1600/IMG_2682.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0Hp6o_JGhg7LCDpgtGwzilC09OnAyXmwc_ULVQqns0v4ITzGaOV18gYNobX4axNPSo-5jk7_KNwMn7zsWEdVwmYhe9A0fULjayUTm-_PSNidWMa30D4wReBYtC2t58RjMPR3VfSkQX3I/s320/IMG_2682.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07641939494735963839noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7595924721308376439.post-33753489764645058682017-05-16T13:11:00.000-07:002017-05-16T14:41:03.314-07:00Our camper: The Beginning <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuZZljhLCzuKNjPPF2a3UV-HqPH6W9FhW-D7AGAL34fKcQv1Oa7xmNqohQb78FBLG9OSIWpaCjQBKN6l9aIBPXfN3IXjziM0jCEGr4UrZoOKZWWdi3r0KQCtZ7IHdKnfMdhKN8Lnu4Fxo/s1600/10384756_771018639588090_2308752876989969179_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuZZljhLCzuKNjPPF2a3UV-HqPH6W9FhW-D7AGAL34fKcQv1Oa7xmNqohQb78FBLG9OSIWpaCjQBKN6l9aIBPXfN3IXjziM0jCEGr4UrZoOKZWWdi3r0KQCtZ7IHdKnfMdhKN8Lnu4Fxo/s200/10384756_771018639588090_2308752876989969179_n.jpg" width="148" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our Teepee tent. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCh1zCJj-iaJcmVnU3d4ZgyMJvYdMQMGADhCFqj5BY6k1jMr9QqyYeH-VbuHrov_KaUczs8Q3yNjtsvfsZCdjrjqvnyWwWZal-BftkRyslHT-37s0B3Aj90-CWGwgKZALC5JLSHCtH2Ag/s1600/10450419_770806609609293_6887349429376116576_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCh1zCJj-iaJcmVnU3d4ZgyMJvYdMQMGADhCFqj5BY6k1jMr9QqyYeH-VbuHrov_KaUczs8Q3yNjtsvfsZCdjrjqvnyWwWZal-BftkRyslHT-37s0B3Aj90-CWGwgKZALC5JLSHCtH2Ag/s200/10450419_770806609609293_6887349429376116576_n.jpg" width="148" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Clara at 8 months camping</td></tr>
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We have tent camped for about 4 years now. It gets a little tricky and stressful during camp set up and take down since I am the only fully able bodied adult. Last year the older kids (then 8-6 years in age) tried to help me out several times, but it proved to be a better idea to just let me do it. Camp set up takes a bit and I just want to get it done so I can start dinner.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP7ydMlcdSLmq824sVQWN4Uq_QeqWDD_X9kjqAsD8IvbkWQXNuilCJCLqtUHaXKOuPKjhM2Rij-XSdUsFGeGiwFWJTdCBjdVXnfbr9PVBa09j8hxV7R71-7L8d7IiJj2esJvPe_6NvluY/s1600/10487479_776100995746521_7130992182695894534_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="148" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP7ydMlcdSLmq824sVQWN4Uq_QeqWDD_X9kjqAsD8IvbkWQXNuilCJCLqtUHaXKOuPKjhM2Rij-XSdUsFGeGiwFWJTdCBjdVXnfbr9PVBa09j8hxV7R71-7L8d7IiJj2esJvPe_6NvluY/s200/10487479_776100995746521_7130992182695894534_n.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We don't stop camping if it rains.</td></tr>
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My only requirements for camping are that it is under $30 a night for our spot (tricky with a family of 8) and there needs to be water near by. We don't need electric. I am ok with port-a-potties and vault toilets.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My 6 plus my Bonus Child. </td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "times new roman";">Last fall my best friend and neighbor brought home a pop up camper that she was trying to sell. I figured it would be much more than I could talk my husband into. To make the story short, I bought the popup for $600 with the understanding that it needed some work done to it, but not too bad. A few smaller holes in the canvas and the front end storage needed work.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj40WQwC44SH33wYq3MvfPAPlyjpAtKZuL9M6Q8_ybGDIoo_TTAlScm77lDQo5kSxOJgMdksGU0aSHltMNq5HCLMmXzDhahb3iTHd9bvKTKWLmcDQGVLSDPIQBA7zLkBA1Ot5bUFLKRvVQ/s1600/13494753_1148991091790841_2682916342512258988_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj40WQwC44SH33wYq3MvfPAPlyjpAtKZuL9M6Q8_ybGDIoo_TTAlScm77lDQo5kSxOJgMdksGU0aSHltMNq5HCLMmXzDhahb3iTHd9bvKTKWLmcDQGVLSDPIQBA7zLkBA1Ot5bUFLKRvVQ/s320/13494753_1148991091790841_2682916342512258988_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We used this one all last year</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCho-kO64VUUETyXQ-lcYFdUErQ6BTdxeaIVXjYEEQvia8ng5vBaQ4R8bLSgMClRKohyphenhyphenkxMGdM__1SsRg8mqrBKrX8vivIQM-0ZvY5tOk4CVq0h8CvVfr4Ol0Uj3UXGc2pZtwx4iy2ycI/s1600/IMG_0876.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCho-kO64VUUETyXQ-lcYFdUErQ6BTdxeaIVXjYEEQvia8ng5vBaQ4R8bLSgMClRKohyphenhyphenkxMGdM__1SsRg8mqrBKrX8vivIQM-0ZvY5tOk4CVq0h8CvVfr4Ol0Uj3UXGc2pZtwx4iy2ycI/s320/IMG_0876.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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My neighbors were kind enough to bring it over into my driveway, position it for me, and then teach me how to put it up and down.<br />
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What type of pop up is this? It's a 1994 Coleman Destiny Rio Grande. I am told that the front end storage is known to have leaking issues. Also the type or roof will sometimes get cracks in it as well, but you can refinish it and have no issues. So far we have no leaks in the roof. I do plan on refinishing the roof next year as well as painting the outside.<br />
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">When we opened it up this spring, we discovered some mice had gotten into it over the winter and caused more damage to the canvas.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">Good news: We can patch it and still use it this year.</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman";">Bad news: Our camper will look a hair on the ugly side</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfHFLsShTkkNAhjxGMHDZotCxcj4vrA0V7Fnbea40wEeJZ4TrE25Btji8JKf4bYZORlDiwiXVVtJhC09cvdFwdAb9DSFwuofYQ93W62nU6ZIIXNdc_a1aQPGGvUk7JSo85bO2I_kpQtY8/s1600/IMG_0871.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfHFLsShTkkNAhjxGMHDZotCxcj4vrA0V7Fnbea40wEeJZ4TrE25Btji8JKf4bYZORlDiwiXVVtJhC09cvdFwdAb9DSFwuofYQ93W62nU6ZIIXNdc_a1aQPGGvUk7JSo85bO2I_kpQtY8/s320/IMG_0871.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
I know many people would turn up their noses at this, but this is truly a blessing for our family.<br />
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Please keep in mind, all these pictures were taken before any cleaning was done.<br />
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To the left is a large hole that had a wasp nest on both sides of the canvas.<br />
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On the right, you can see the damage the mice did to the curtains. There are also some small holes in the canvas.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcAJruMJbc-IsIyBR-7127dKdSBUpb-EFWKikZqxy9H2d10R6Yw0eGYHpnW34NpXhPunHEQDpSVUudvnefA3ZV7XY9Eura_eYX5tDMc5QEWU7OvH4XKx-ubvV7HWLWU_VGey7T5p_3WMw/s1600/IMG_0873.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcAJruMJbc-IsIyBR-7127dKdSBUpb-EFWKikZqxy9H2d10R6Yw0eGYHpnW34NpXhPunHEQDpSVUudvnefA3ZV7XY9Eura_eYX5tDMc5QEWU7OvH4XKx-ubvV7HWLWU_VGey7T5p_3WMw/s320/IMG_0873.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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The galley is fine. The water and stove top works. Although I plan on taking it out. I have no intentions of ever cooking inside the camper, even if it is raining. I have a camp kitchen that sits under an EZ up canopy. One year it rained all Memorial Day weekend. I cooked under my canopy and the kids played under it and we had a lot of fun! So for us, this is a pointless feature. Although, with 6 or 7 kids going camping with me, I do need space. So out it comes!<br />
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This camper also has a small heater in it. I have no intentions of using it either. The kids and I have been camping with weather down to 42* at night and no one got cold. It is all about being prepared.<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBinjZAxaUIdzNNpURUcVHt00dQ41Y5_9n1xOAIw9LIcgiIR2h9j4svuCgGiz5avcaJ-CtF36wUH66T20JE1z5RdNcSwJLcMcj3y1viu4_Wot16hQxUk_WoYBLzJhhpFAf70biornmPU0/s1600/IMG_0869.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBinjZAxaUIdzNNpURUcVHt00dQ41Y5_9n1xOAIw9LIcgiIR2h9j4svuCgGiz5avcaJ-CtF36wUH66T20JE1z5RdNcSwJLcMcj3y1viu4_Wot16hQxUk_WoYBLzJhhpFAf70biornmPU0/s320/IMG_0869.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The other bunk end</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRj63sz9G7x_mLx9_tiUC5W8XWkA-sT21l5wKYdj5P4u3DZFl1KiK5g0CCtb3J65fEKZtcaDeKZvnLhMbJ9AxgXS-5X3N62kMK4QYNl3ZDD0c0-VPuA9QHtT9Vj7I1BgCSnENL4mbkRIo/s1600/IMG_0884.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRj63sz9G7x_mLx9_tiUC5W8XWkA-sT21l5wKYdj5P4u3DZFl1KiK5g0CCtb3J65fEKZtcaDeKZvnLhMbJ9AxgXS-5X3N62kMK4QYNl3ZDD0c0-VPuA9QHtT9Vj7I1BgCSnENL4mbkRIo/s320/IMG_0884.JPG" width="240" /></a><br />
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Yes, there are a few holes. We are not in a position to replace our canvas this year. Still, I would like to be able to use this pop up camper this year. I can set this up in 15 minutes all by myself. That is much faster than a tent. Also, I do not have to set up any camping cot for The Elder. His Cerebral Palsy makes it hard for him to sleep close to the ground. So we invested in a camping cot two years ago.<br />
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The holes in the canvas can be patched for this year. It will be on the ugly side, but usable and keep us dry. This fall we will be putting in an order for a new set of tenting for our pop up.<br />
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Now to clean this up and start making it uniquely ours!<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07641939494735963839noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7595924721308376439.post-12614530642565787742017-03-14T13:05:00.000-07:002017-03-14T13:28:09.273-07:00Shirley's Open Heart Surgery<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Edited in: Wow, So this unfinished post just kinda showed up and posted. This is from 2 years ago.<br /><br /><br />Shirley had open heart surgery February 3rd. Things were a bit trickier than they thought, but it all worked out in the end.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMASkBnVbniA6rdvC77r9e7BKzelEZssS1_xkrGj3bMrojJ2T6kOcbWhAoDV4utHvPnO06jAOXJQQmRFkwgHpQUiBLmlze8S9zySEgT90nSBVC65dPDReLOnGNHT9DTpyLJ6XTStt3QF4/s1600/photo+2+(29).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMASkBnVbniA6rdvC77r9e7BKzelEZssS1_xkrGj3bMrojJ2T6kOcbWhAoDV4utHvPnO06jAOXJQQmRFkwgHpQUiBLmlze8S9zySEgT90nSBVC65dPDReLOnGNHT9DTpyLJ6XTStt3QF4/s1600/photo+2+(29).JPG" width="239" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDWyS2ix1NCPPB1r-I0fpx9B_w_CjUvqcTFxUPAODeudtfayl-JWDnaegHaH7Qtzf7N-l-DvND9hKyJfW8MlFSbS88mxtnPyvVHGlrjX8H6ZunyKHxaGwf4TsxXCARB0KfxHjwLN6qEK8/s1600/photo+3+(20).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDWyS2ix1NCPPB1r-I0fpx9B_w_CjUvqcTFxUPAODeudtfayl-JWDnaegHaH7Qtzf7N-l-DvND9hKyJfW8MlFSbS88mxtnPyvVHGlrjX8H6ZunyKHxaGwf4TsxXCARB0KfxHjwLN6qEK8/s1600/photo+3+(20).JPG" width="239" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifxUJqRiVPL1ZXIq8c4AQUZYyCNEH3lMwKoCvRv9OGkhNe5utOCiyJby0CzregKjq9AezlKjrHl1oegB7o4NB7EMLkn7gIXCRTN7CJwT6mTkKtUtwp9msqG-zefsv208cXC8Il9RoFbwk/s1600/photo+3+(25).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifxUJqRiVPL1ZXIq8c4AQUZYyCNEH3lMwKoCvRv9OGkhNe5utOCiyJby0CzregKjq9AezlKjrHl1oegB7o4NB7EMLkn7gIXCRTN7CJwT6mTkKtUtwp9msqG-zefsv208cXC8Il9RoFbwk/s1600/photo+3+(25).JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFIeES9YOr3NxkZpS8wW9-gGS6GT3V9oGtU0wPDGbniX9a9un7Zr0cK6wky2-Sek7CAI1GLvgafGlwyY2Botrne-2c4Q6OuC9NpGE-un-2p8FCd48LXso1ZvMXRLF2p9ph_GzK2r1TpTI/s1600/photo+4+(22).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFIeES9YOr3NxkZpS8wW9-gGS6GT3V9oGtU0wPDGbniX9a9un7Zr0cK6wky2-Sek7CAI1GLvgafGlwyY2Botrne-2c4Q6OuC9NpGE-un-2p8FCd48LXso1ZvMXRLF2p9ph_GzK2r1TpTI/s1600/photo+4+(22).JPG" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Day 4 starting to wake up. Peaking at mama. </td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmLEqHFDtyMfTGfdVUY_Dx9a2g89cL6KrsJxUr_jA3yHutXddhdwzFERDRvntjwAVb_BE-LljwQCUgr6X08C1x_5TLTcp_hTVwaA-MY3mduxzIyz2PdqE5k6DxY1S9k4pmh9Nlik8PMb8/s1600/photo+5+(18).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmLEqHFDtyMfTGfdVUY_Dx9a2g89cL6KrsJxUr_jA3yHutXddhdwzFERDRvntjwAVb_BE-LljwQCUgr6X08C1x_5TLTcp_hTVwaA-MY3mduxzIyz2PdqE5k6DxY1S9k4pmh9Nlik8PMb8/s1600/photo+5+(18).JPG" width="239" /></a></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07641939494735963839noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7595924721308376439.post-13833771019743174632015-09-19T09:26:00.000-07:002015-09-19T09:26:00.232-07:00What I think about when I bowl...For our anniversary, The Elder purchased a Boogie Board for me. They use them at his work to take notes with and he thought I may enjoy one. What do I do with it? This is what I did at bowling while waiting for my turn. If I plan it out, I don't have to think in the morning.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3u0JsDI0fDnOaXM4Wg4TIIW9c2xAhA6QLJhYpMJcugcX_UMP3OFlxAgNWIbA1M7Mhrho59H_jAYg8g01si7DKUlk-seqaRBiwozB3WsRETZLF0zgu403sVQu82bGE13GehDipfRm4Zrs/s1600/IMG_20150913_202126.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3u0JsDI0fDnOaXM4Wg4TIIW9c2xAhA6QLJhYpMJcugcX_UMP3OFlxAgNWIbA1M7Mhrho59H_jAYg8g01si7DKUlk-seqaRBiwozB3WsRETZLF0zgu403sVQu82bGE13GehDipfRm4Zrs/s400/IMG_20150913_202126.jpg" width="226" /></a></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07641939494735963839noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7595924721308376439.post-83245482251983769382015-01-30T04:30:00.000-08:002015-01-30T04:30:01.125-08:00Menu for Week 5 of Taking the "100 Days of Real Food" Mini Pledge (14 weeks)Once again we have to plan at being at the hospital most of next week. I used several of the meals I made for The Elder's lunches for work. Hopefully surgery won't be canceled this week like it was last week.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmiFv-eNLF1JOagK_3ZDv_fpuLVK6A1rEQNgJE0xXufrBqPPFMQqYfEiWTjS6BTIveKULMsk6gNEhkz7lqlTdOY4GkvMsctVLB6ECo2iRtG5sGBEbGTnIxFz7_cdg4LZTYKq_qM5j3u6g/s1600/photo+5+(17).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmiFv-eNLF1JOagK_3ZDv_fpuLVK6A1rEQNgJE0xXufrBqPPFMQqYfEiWTjS6BTIveKULMsk6gNEhkz7lqlTdOY4GkvMsctVLB6ECo2iRtG5sGBEbGTnIxFz7_cdg4LZTYKq_qM5j3u6g/s1600/photo+5+(17).JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<a href="http://www.100daysofrealfood.com/2011/04/08/mini-pledge-week-5-two-new-whole-foods/"><strong style="background-color: white; font-family: 'century gothic', verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.6000003814697px;"><span style="color: #426900;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Week 5: Try two new whole foods</span></span></strong><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'century gothic', verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.6000003814697px;"> – Try a minimum of two new whole foods that you’ve never had before</span></a></blockquote>
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I have tried many things in my time. Without going to a specialty store, I don't think I could easily find a whole food that I've never had. So, I am opting to interpret this in a different way. I think we will eat 2 whole foods that AJ or the FAMILY has never eaten. Honestly, that will be a lot easier. Although we have already tried several new things since we have started.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpyPr5m9UdAV9D2LjzHOQeVbA9rw4FBpD_ooU2tznW_r-YnrVKqKyMV2RL8wGwDS6lXxtDeDhIvDkXvGA5EelhhpP3S7nwT737DnjR5LPRmvB7lWQybNTQkKDM0MhpDGiyv3HCjNuPbzI/s1600/photo+1+(31).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpyPr5m9UdAV9D2LjzHOQeVbA9rw4FBpD_ooU2tznW_r-YnrVKqKyMV2RL8wGwDS6lXxtDeDhIvDkXvGA5EelhhpP3S7nwT737DnjR5LPRmvB7lWQybNTQkKDM0MhpDGiyv3HCjNuPbzI/s1600/photo+1+(31).JPG" height="239" width="320" /></a><br />
What are the 2 new whole foods? Eggplant and turnips. Yes, I know they are both vegetables. We tried lentils for the first time last week. Quinoa was already introduced to our diet. I am not introducing any new grains at this time because they can be costly for a family our size.<br />
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Meal plan is:<br />
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<a href="http://www.piebirds.org/2012/01/lighten-up-eggplant-parmesan.html"><b>Eggplant</b> Parmesan</a> using homemade breadcrumbs, Pasta with sauce, and Swiss Chard.<br />
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<a href="http://kristineskitchenblog.com/2014/12/10/quinoa-sweet-potato-enchilada-casserole/">Quinoa and Sweet Potato Enchilada Casserole</a> and <a href="http://kblog.lunchboxbunch.com/2010/10/vegan-apple-dumpling-cinnamon-rolls.html">Apple Dumpling Cinnamon Rolls</a>. I will use coconut oil in place of the canola oil.<br />
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<a href="http://www.eatingwell.com/recipes/chicken_stew_turnips_mushrooms.html">Chicken Stew with <b>Turnips</b> and Mushrooms</a>. I may serve this with some quinoa or brown rice because The Elder is never full with "just soup".<br />
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Chicken Stir Fry over Brown Rice<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyFssmVACU0ZmDYLkFHhtvZQQHGzZcNASxvv3BJXeeV769ENUeMNMhZhOQqw9r083E_iM_MNtB0Mr9UkAJ7g9RjCkV_-7gGN44xk3gY5ucoa_AOl-lwOgbdUUlinHdmFZrTjFwLmQTe7s/s1600/photo+4+(21).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyFssmVACU0ZmDYLkFHhtvZQQHGzZcNASxvv3BJXeeV769ENUeMNMhZhOQqw9r083E_iM_MNtB0Mr9UkAJ7g9RjCkV_-7gGN44xk3gY5ucoa_AOl-lwOgbdUUlinHdmFZrTjFwLmQTe7s/s1600/photo+4+(21).JPG" height="239" width="320" /></a><br />
<a href="http://www.raininghotcoupons.com/sliced-baked-potatoes/">Loaded Baked Potatoes</a> - Bacon, Cheese, Salsa, Sour Cream... The difference is, I use raw bacon and bake it with the potato. Works out well. Serve broccoli on the side.<br />
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Chicken, Vegetable, and Brown Rice soup. I will use whatever vegetables come with the CSA basket this week. I know there will be <b>Turnups, </b>carrots, and some type of green. Plus I will add in some peas, green beans, and any other veggies I find in the freezer.<br />
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<a href="http://www.cookingchanneltv.com/recipes/michigan-pasty-meat-hand-pie.html">Pasties</a> - I notice that the CSA this week is also suppose to have <b>Rutabagas</b> in it. There we go! A 3rd new whole food this week! I will use butter instead of lard. I may make some with chicken too and use them for lunches or to go into the freezer. Maybe add Parsnips?<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">They wear pjs on Sunday bowling nights.</td></tr>
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For lunches, we will eat some Pasties and anything else I have time to make or space to pack. Otherwise we will eat in the hospital cafeteria. Where will we keep it? We will either keep it at my parents house (20-25 minutes away) or in a one of the hospitality houses the hospital has. One we can reserve a room and the other is first come, first served with special consideration tot hose who drive further than others. We are about an hour away in good traffic, so we are low priority. The other one has rooms more often and you can reserve them. It also costs a little more a night. With both, you can only stay 5 days unless you are a NICU parent (Shirley no longer is in there) or another long term situation.<br />
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The minions will remain with Julie and eat whatever is easiest for her. We have some boxed foods (I know, I know) as well as plenty of freezer meals (ones I made). She actually specifically requested the boxed items because she always forgot to grab a freezer meal the night before or early in the day last time. Is it the best thing for the minions to eat? No. Still, this poor woman is taking care of 5 kids who are 7 and under. One is Autistic. So if she wants that to make the weeks she has here easier, then we can do that for a week.<br />
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I will still make the full sized meals above. That way we have some to take and we will have several more freezer meals to add to our stash. Who knows, maybe Julie will want to try one.<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07641939494735963839noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7595924721308376439.post-56184338264889937302015-01-27T16:24:00.003-08:002015-01-29T16:22:04.297-08:00How it's going - Week 4 of Taking the "100 Days of Real Food" Mini Pledge (14 weeks)<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tokyo on the "computer bag".</td></tr>
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It's only Tuesday and it's already been a unique week. I have to admit that I ate fast food (Jimmy John's) yesterday for lunch. No chips. I had tea to drink. I have no clue what sandwich I ate. I know it had mustard and some sort of meat and veg.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Elder holding a fussy Shirley.</td></tr>
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We took Shirley in for her pre op testing yesterday. We had her xray done, they took vitals, I let them know she had an on and off stuffy nose. The nurse looked at her and said it was fine. The then sent in one of the surgeons who will be working on her heart. He went through things and then asked about if she was sick, cough, runny nose, fever... I told him she had an on and off runny nose (not bad) and then a green bugger popped out of her nose. That is not what we had been seeing prior, but it was there. That green little booger is what stalled her surgery. Since the surgery can wait a little bit if needed, they felt it was better to wait. If Shirley was put on a ventilator and she had a cold, it could become much worse. Not something you need when recovering from open heart surgery. Especially when you are just shy of 2 months old. Surgery has been rescheduled for next week.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Colonel Sanders moved her chair into her brothers' room.</td></tr>
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Once again we were caught off guard. What are we going to do? It's not easy for us to find care for the minions. Luckily Julie was able to change out her vacation days for the days needed next week (now minus one day).<br />
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We put a plea out to our friends and family for some help with week 2 of Shirley's stay. If I don't have to, I don't want to have to come home every night, stay till I can get the boys to school and come back home when they get out of school. We have had some friends come to our aid. Right now we are trying to piece that all together since some people can only do a few hours, some can only take 2, some 1, some can do an over night for one night. The Elder and I are very grateful. We are shooting for a back up plan of staying in the hospitality house the second week of our stay. Only because they can house all 7 of us. The school has agreed to make an exception for missed school and send homework home if it comes down to it. That will be last resort.<br />
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I did get several meals made for the trip. My Easy Lunchboxes lunch bag kept everything cold and it was still frozen solid when we arrived home. So I put it all (4 meals) in the freezer for next week.<br />
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Keeping our fingers crossed that the sniffles go away. I am not sure Julie's boss will be so understanding and nice if they have to reschedule it again.<br />
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Since my food budget was already used this week, I didn't want to buy more food. At the same time, I didn't want to use what I had because a lot of thought went into kinda healthy (and some not) food for the minions while we were gone. Luckily I have my CSA and the freezer meals still. Yes, I like to cook (some day's its a chore) and even while "resting" I would cook a few meals a week. So that is what is saving us this week.<br />
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Tonight we had Chicken Parmesan and CSA Kale.<br />
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The other meals will be <br />
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<a href="http://vegetarian.about.com/od/maindishentreerecipes/r/ricelentilloaf.htm">Lentil "Loaf</a>", <a href="http://dandydishes.blogspot.com/2011/10/spaghetti-squash-au-gratin.html#.VMgkymjF9Gt">Spaghetti Squash Au Gratin. </a> and Spinach<br />
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My local chicken for the week is a Whole chicken. So I will bake it and have CSA Squash with Baked Apples.<br />
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<span style="text-align: start;"><br />Chicken, CSA Carrot, Parsnip, and Veggie Noodle Soup. I will use the chicken carcass to make the broth.<br /><br />Stuffed Pork Rolls (freezer meal) with Mashed Potatoes, and Carrots and Parsnips (CSA)</span></div>
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<span style="text-align: start;"><br />White Lasagna with Broccoli</span></div>
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<span style="text-align: start;"><br />I suppose I should start thinking about next week... Try 2 whole foods I haven't had before. Umm... This shall be interesting. Since joining the CSA I have had food I have not had before. Swiss Chard and Celery Root. I never had Rainbow Lentils before. I picked those up at Sam's Club 2 weeks back. Coconut Oil. And there are a few others. Looks like I will need to be looking for something that's easy to travel with.</span></div>
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I will have to think about that. I will be shopping Friday this week. I expect I should have meals figured out by then. I will also post what is in the containers below for dinners at the hospital for next week... Hopefully.<br />
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Oh Miss Shirley, No more ucky nose!<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07641939494735963839noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7595924721308376439.post-63337583329538495322015-01-24T11:58:00.001-08:002015-01-24T11:58:28.677-08:00Update and Week 4 of Taking the "100 Days of Real Food" Mini Pledge (14 weeks)<b><a href="http://www.100daysofrealfood.com/100-days-of-mini-pledges/"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'century gothic', verdana, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 19.6000003814697px;"><span style="color: #426900;">Week 4: No fast food or deep-fried foods</span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'century gothic', verdana, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 19.6000003814697px;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'century gothic', verdana, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 19.6000003814697px;">– No fast food or any foods that have been deep-fried in oil.</span></a></b><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Normally this challenge would not be an issue, but this week it will be. The day this challenge starts (Mondays for me) we will be leaving for a 10 day stay at the hospital. 5 of those days we can stay on site at a hospitality house the hospital has. The rest will be spent either in limbo between home taking care of the minions, at the hospital (an hour from home), or sleeping at my parents' house (20 minutes past the hospital).<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ready to go to the cardiologist.</td></tr>
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Wednesday was Shirley's cardiologist appt. They did a heart echo and noticed some changes as well as an obstruction in her heart. So we went from surgery being in another 4 months to being in 4-8 weeks. Shirley's cardiologist told us that he was going to review her case with the rest of the team and get back to us.<br />
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Later that night we received a call asking if we could come back into town to attend a surgical consult the next day.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thursday afternoon for the surgical consult.</td></tr>
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Thursday afternoon the surgeon came in and told us that things had progressed much quicker than anticipated. Shirley already took the medicine that helps with her valve. Her purple spells have become longer and harder to come out of and there were a few more things. The team felt that she was putting on weight well and they wanted to do the surgery soon. They felt it was in her best interests to not delay it. By soon they meant in 5 short days. The expected stay time is about 10 days.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_dfSpHxJ6KHYFgIqkqDUdkfLv0XofTm81pwxmw4c2I91Mq-fIqjtopvyWpfFv9ElBqd_t-hdoVIg0vBRthC28gOzzeZLQZBZKrlfcGBFB9xKTU2jU5QEEun8ntP8rMVwOknyqxnTaNqo/s1600/photo+2+(24).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_dfSpHxJ6KHYFgIqkqDUdkfLv0XofTm81pwxmw4c2I91Mq-fIqjtopvyWpfFv9ElBqd_t-hdoVIg0vBRthC28gOzzeZLQZBZKrlfcGBFB9xKTU2jU5QEEun8ntP8rMVwOknyqxnTaNqo/s1600/photo+2+(24).JPG" height="320" width="239" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikgesv-jO2ucooWdHEwaQ37fCZ8G_XjHH3jgJwweMW4zk_3zaZ25nVUrhbTMssyo77t9AdlcUdOAGzvn5BimU4RBeYckJFWgT7Rtk-K0p8aJKfml7sL2QemGgQeNX4c3QEEquhcg7THUI/s1600/photo+5+(14).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikgesv-jO2ucooWdHEwaQ37fCZ8G_XjHH3jgJwweMW4zk_3zaZ25nVUrhbTMssyo77t9AdlcUdOAGzvn5BimU4RBeYckJFWgT7Rtk-K0p8aJKfml7sL2QemGgQeNX4c3QEEquhcg7THUI/s1600/photo+5+(14).JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikgesv-jO2ucooWdHEwaQ37fCZ8G_XjHH3jgJwweMW4zk_3zaZ25nVUrhbTMssyo77t9AdlcUdOAGzvn5BimU4RBeYckJFWgT7Rtk-K0p8aJKfml7sL2QemGgQeNX4c3QEEquhcg7THUI/s1600/photo+5+(14).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><br /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikgesv-jO2ucooWdHEwaQ37fCZ8G_XjHH3jgJwweMW4zk_3zaZ25nVUrhbTMssyo77t9AdlcUdOAGzvn5BimU4RBeYckJFWgT7Rtk-K0p8aJKfml7sL2QemGgQeNX4c3QEEquhcg7THUI/s1600/photo+5+(14).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><br /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikgesv-jO2ucooWdHEwaQ37fCZ8G_XjHH3jgJwweMW4zk_3zaZ25nVUrhbTMssyo77t9AdlcUdOAGzvn5BimU4RBeYckJFWgT7Rtk-K0p8aJKfml7sL2QemGgQeNX4c3QEEquhcg7THUI/s1600/photo+5+(14).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><br /></a>Needless to say this was a bit unexpected. We went from shock to panic. The hospital Shirley will have her surgery at is an hour away by highway. What were we going to do with the other kids? This is pretty short notice. Luckily Julie was able to save the day again! She is able to cover 8 days of that time. We are extremely grateful. We don't have many options when it comes to people to care for the 5 other minions.<br /><br /><br /><b>Back to the challenge:</b><br /><br />With careful planning, we could meet this weeks challenge. Local meat (week 3) part would not come into play except for a meal, maybe 2. Although that was what we were doing anyway. I can still stay away form soda (week 2). I know The Elder won't. He likes his soda.<br /><br />Another issue is storing things. The hospitality house has a shared kitchen. I just don't want to be spending my normal amount of time in the kitchen when my daughter is in ICU (first few days) or then in her room. We can stay 5 days in the hospitality house. Then we can use my parents fridge to store meals for other days, but we will bring that days meals with us to the hospital.<br /><br /><br />Had I known sooner, I would have purchased some more <a href="http://www.easylunchboxes.com/">Easy Lunchboxes</a>. We have used them on car trips before and I know they stay closed and are sturdy. Although I think I will order some anyway and have them shipped to my parent house. I could use them for part 2 of our stay. In the mean time, we will use the few we have and pack larger containers with some food.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTqYKkTUtLe7hnyDe5MLabOj0sxbIbGU0ju0Z64xzwXfeVCG9VVPjnZ-Raz-GBkfg5tN2sWj9uD5G58XX5Xn-Xp29jWljte1edEXWFbEtOZ8Ftz0_QeKeuzxPahtR5MIiSu5RGLLgM1sc/s1600/photo+5+(13).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTqYKkTUtLe7hnyDe5MLabOj0sxbIbGU0ju0Z64xzwXfeVCG9VVPjnZ-Raz-GBkfg5tN2sWj9uD5G58XX5Xn-Xp29jWljte1edEXWFbEtOZ8Ftz0_QeKeuzxPahtR5MIiSu5RGLLgM1sc/s1600/photo+5+(13).JPG" height="320" width="239" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikgesv-jO2ucooWdHEwaQ37fCZ8G_XjHH3jgJwweMW4zk_3zaZ25nVUrhbTMssyo77t9AdlcUdOAGzvn5BimU4RBeYckJFWgT7Rtk-K0p8aJKfml7sL2QemGgQeNX4c3QEEquhcg7THUI/s1600/photo+5+(14).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><br /></a><br /><br />Now I need to figure out a meal plan that won't break the budget. I already hit budget with getting foods easier for my friend to prepare. My brain is drawing a blank. I figure I will use the salad bar in the cafeteria several times because it is an easy way to get fresh fruit and vegetables. I just don't want to often. We spent $50 a day eating while Shirley was in NICU when she was born. Not to bad, but it adds up. So does housing costs ($45 at the hospitality house, but we would rather pay it and be closer), and gas to and from my parents as well as home on days we need to go back to keep the kids covered near the end.<br /><br />Tomorrow I hope to have a menu.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07641939494735963839noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7595924721308376439.post-67997850972542598292015-01-18T08:29:00.000-08:002015-01-27T13:36:02.673-08:00Week 3 menu planned out - <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnD2Cp0G7JH8jPHsxpMHYGNuhgwa0Jwxk94rh85jm-_9V34Ofzpnxev0P5sD9eKtNYKiH8yCT1SPr47mp6nsu2341bpYc1xHvB3H0STK70oaBgp6b1TQbqXCcKAdJWI8Lm1HvsMW-vPJs/s1600/photo+(12).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnD2Cp0G7JH8jPHsxpMHYGNuhgwa0Jwxk94rh85jm-_9V34Ofzpnxev0P5sD9eKtNYKiH8yCT1SPr47mp6nsu2341bpYc1xHvB3H0STK70oaBgp6b1TQbqXCcKAdJWI8Lm1HvsMW-vPJs/s1600/photo+(12).JPG" height="298" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Learned from my mistake and planned what day we eat each meal.</td></tr>
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I have finally figured out next week's menu. The problem was, I had shopped on Friday instead of on Saturday. I had made a rough plan since I knew what was going to be in my CSA basket. I lost my list. I realized it once I got to the store. I had no intention of packing the 3 girl back up once I was there. To keep in budget, there is no going back out unless it is under $5 total. So I won't plan on picking anything else up. I keep finding recipes where I am off just one ingredient that can't be just dropped or easily substituted. This is a little frustrating.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3Vb-BmJaUSlL1nqOyFDmKH4TkWsTBcppqrFhGmDZa3sMqBc5ya-GUxiaq1avM4wdZTsvQcDV_wFtzm8Ajjsvl3Fvq4l0Fto2YoGnHoisOUgn4bp5sozmkny6rEVPhynfrwcE5EuiM97U/s1600/photo+4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3Vb-BmJaUSlL1nqOyFDmKH4TkWsTBcppqrFhGmDZa3sMqBc5ya-GUxiaq1avM4wdZTsvQcDV_wFtzm8Ajjsvl3Fvq4l0Fto2YoGnHoisOUgn4bp5sozmkny6rEVPhynfrwcE5EuiM97U/s1600/photo+4.JPG" height="298" style="cursor: move;" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; padding-top: 4px; text-align: center;">Sometimes a Lunchable becomes a bribe if we are out later than expected.</td></tr>
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The goal is to USE my CSA vegetables to add to a current freezer meal or to use to make a meal. I don't want a lot of leftovers from the week before again. I had some from last week, more than I thought. I still have half my kale, half my brussel sprouts (becoming a snack now), my celery root (used for the soup this week), a few carrots (which I am now over run with), and 3 leeks.</div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc3wCf1JQjUyu72FzU52KS9g1tenZWKvi4Wph5ruRvf06BvCddInfikjiYJmnE8FqHYbDwllJYfCl7JSExiwiKf6FTL6xVTmFs89r4I3d963hGkVEVkqWSZJUd7iCRZv2Nf5hg4HI0-gk/s1600/photo+2+(20).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc3wCf1JQjUyu72FzU52KS9g1tenZWKvi4Wph5ruRvf06BvCddInfikjiYJmnE8FqHYbDwllJYfCl7JSExiwiKf6FTL6xVTmFs89r4I3d963hGkVEVkqWSZJUd7iCRZv2Nf5hg4HI0-gk/s1600/photo+2+(20).JPG" height="239" width="320" /></a><br />
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<b>Dinner:</b><br />
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Vegetable Noodle Soup with Chicken.<br />
Using up those veggie from last weeks CSA. The goal was to not make meat the focal point. I think this work. Celery root, carrots, kale, parsnips, and some spinach.<br />
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Freezer Meal: Chicken Parmesan Casserole with whole wheat noodles. Broccoli. <a href="http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Sauteed-Swiss-Chard-with-Parmesan-Cheese/Detail.aspx?event8=1&prop24=SR_Title&e11=swiss%20chard%20parmesan%20cheese&e8=Quick%20Search&event10=1&soid=sr_results_p1i1">Swiss Chard with Parmesan Cheese.</a> <br />
I won't be using the white wine in the Swiss Chard recipe.<br />
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Freezer Meal: Mu Shu Pork.<br />
Add the cabbage that was given to us by a friend and some extra carrots. The Elder will take leftovers for lunch.<br />
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<a href="http://www.amyscookingadventures.com/2014/10/roasted-buttercup-squash-bacon-pasta.html">Roasted Buttercup Squash with Bacon Pasta</a> -<br />
Whole milk will be used. I will use butter instead of olive oil. Also I will be using Parmesan cheese instead of Romano. Also I am unsure of what type of pasta will be used. I will use whatever I have in the pantry. Luckily I picked up some bacon for breakfast. I guess it will go for this instead.<br />
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<a href="http://www.superhealthykids.com/crockpot-creamy-fun-guy-soup/">Crockpot Creamy Fun-Guy Soup</a> with homemade <a href="http://www.100daysofrealfood.com/2010/04/08/super-easy-recipe-whole-wheat-biscuits/">Whole Wheat Biscuits </a><br />
This will be Saturday when I go back to the Farmer's Market. I have everything but the mushrooms. I noticed a table with locally grown mushrooms. I had thought about picking some up, but decided not to since I had no plan for them and it would have used the last of my grocery money. I wish I had now. Oh well. I will not be using cream, just whole milk.<br />
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<a href="http://vegetarian.about.com/od/maindishentreerecipes/r/ricelentilloaf.htm">Vegan Lentil and Rice Loaf</a> with<a href="http://www.realsimple.com/food-recipes/browse-all-recipes/rosemary-roasted-beets-carrots"> Rosemary-Roasted Beets and Carrots</a><br />
I am a little nervous about this one. Only the rice and carrots are part of our normal diet. I will serve this with PB&J served as back up (out of sight and served after dinner). I know I should not throw this curve ball at my family, especially with picky eaters and a child with ASD who has texture issues. I am not sure if he will eat it or not. We will try though. Sometimes I am surprised. I will be using brown rice in this one. Also I think I will make patties as suggested in the comments. I think that would make it more appealing to my family.<br />
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<a href="http://kristineskitchenblog.com/2014/12/10/quinoa-sweet-potato-enchilada-casserole/#_a5y_p=3092526">Quinoa and Sweet Potato Enchilada Casserole.</a> Serve with some sort of Chicken or Beef. Avocado slices.<br />
I know The Elder will be going nuts without his beloved meat by this point. So I will some how add some meat to this on the side.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxvSHc5FIGtLvuwkxWdJaUcQjCzV7jV1bmXN5D6vXPqFUxmTbt6gD3_Q0ZNx0WbAFUp2JVLk7rHjxof1wPEOxtbJFGLWv9S0bVxzpOqi6kb9ydcYJtX9wMaPEsbEgaTxYD1cen02Fnig8/s1600/photo+2+(21).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxvSHc5FIGtLvuwkxWdJaUcQjCzV7jV1bmXN5D6vXPqFUxmTbt6gD3_Q0ZNx0WbAFUp2JVLk7rHjxof1wPEOxtbJFGLWv9S0bVxzpOqi6kb9ydcYJtX9wMaPEsbEgaTxYD1cen02Fnig8/s1600/photo+2+(21).JPG" height="400" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Helping mama cook.</td></tr>
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<b>Lunches for the girls (and maybe daddy too):</b><br />
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Potato and leek soup.<br />
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<a href="http://www.inspired-recipes.com/2014/08/homemade-hash-browns-with-spinach-and.html">Homemade Hash brown with Spinach and Carrot</a><br />
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<a href="http://www.budgetbytes.com/2012/07/sweet-potato-corn-cakes-with-garlic-dipping-sauce/">Sweet Potato Corn Cakes</a><br />
Made with no green onions and no cayenne pepper.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixU73GFW5bMM7Nx-nzrcMQIOaaECjtpuBpollMK1CidZopIA8plMcMJvxKnaBQ2FEIkax_lOdapuI_OCchhCColvbpZ8tJqZbtmEWLs0Nf_gDo05VqRhXdy1E1bCqxtFql8YJ8JcwhkJU/s1600/photo+3+(18).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixU73GFW5bMM7Nx-nzrcMQIOaaECjtpuBpollMK1CidZopIA8plMcMJvxKnaBQ2FEIkax_lOdapuI_OCchhCColvbpZ8tJqZbtmEWLs0Nf_gDo05VqRhXdy1E1bCqxtFql8YJ8JcwhkJU/s1600/photo+3+(18).JPG" height="320" width="239" /></a></div>
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<b>School Lunches:</b><br />
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Sandwiches with Apple Slices, Cheese Stick, and Carrots (hummus)<br />
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French Toast Dippers, Yogurt, and Apple Slices<br />
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Tortilla Chips, Salsa, Cheese Stick<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB7Ypv9x2yEwZS4Iyxg2-3CLun3oZEZeADgpTfaze3tfD0zSRNNZpq1uv3yxnkn5xBgycAZ5nGsI72D40bqiNRqAVrHEqs5x7JhCWTMYyrvHAmBBmAsIM58LHG_s82fKXRc6xXHYbrkNY/s1600/photo+3+(17).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB7Ypv9x2yEwZS4Iyxg2-3CLun3oZEZeADgpTfaze3tfD0zSRNNZpq1uv3yxnkn5xBgycAZ5nGsI72D40bqiNRqAVrHEqs5x7JhCWTMYyrvHAmBBmAsIM58LHG_s82fKXRc6xXHYbrkNY/s1600/photo+3+(17).JPG" height="320" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Loving our green eggs!</td></tr>
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<b>Breakfast:</b><br />
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<a href="http://www.inspired-recipes.com/2014/08/homemade-hash-browns-with-spinach-and.html">Homemade Hash brown with Spinach and Carrot</a><br />
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<a href="http://www.100daysofrealfood.com/2010/04/21/recipe-whole-wheat-banana-pancakes-freeze-the-leftovers/">Whole Wheat Banana Pancakes</a><br />
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Green Eggs, Banana Bread Toast (Aunt Agnes made the bread) with Peanut Butter and Banana Slices.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjny5dvQr37tkmQmAin87_f-P-cF7JAHcfryEy-0dHlEJVg0BKHnFM3NRHFgDNjR7MEIWCkzKUfasrwiiE0twX6T0BqXU8Z2heed-973hncUdQDxFruH5ok9gBH2RTZ510ba8fKqtyo_oY/s1600/photo+5+(10).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjny5dvQr37tkmQmAin87_f-P-cF7JAHcfryEy-0dHlEJVg0BKHnFM3NRHFgDNjR7MEIWCkzKUfasrwiiE0twX6T0BqXU8Z2heed-973hncUdQDxFruH5ok9gBH2RTZ510ba8fKqtyo_oY/s1600/photo+5+(10).JPG" height="400" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is what happens when you tell baby "No".</td></tr>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07641939494735963839noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7595924721308376439.post-55860169131087451222015-01-17T07:48:00.002-08:002015-01-17T07:48:25.309-08:00Our CSA for week 1/17<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJGQd86xDXM8W2Gf6wJDsKinkb7YT3hl5cxafJwZylwBkUC-kMC_nA6hwFxsHPbylHzQvNg1iIyIX1Hj7drJKgklWNYdJRJV_Z1SketKqgvh-mSocZpa63UMiJEKBNy99hhU5LWE_nNiE/s1600/photo+5+(11).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJGQd86xDXM8W2Gf6wJDsKinkb7YT3hl5cxafJwZylwBkUC-kMC_nA6hwFxsHPbylHzQvNg1iIyIX1Hj7drJKgklWNYdJRJV_Z1SketKqgvh-mSocZpa63UMiJEKBNy99hhU5LWE_nNiE/s1600/photo+5+(11).JPG" height="298" width="400" /></a><br /><br />This is what came in our CSA box this week! Now, I have to admit that I still have some carrots and a celery root from last week. It looks like I have some sort of a squash, carrots, apples, beets, sweet potatoes, swiss chard, and some sort of herb.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIlBdHjZWGFyPZTJJRdmQhrqfA4O3Gy16VWPYwL3FHPz9xX8WFvqzdRY4MN6mzrQCeiU7eCFCCREGOl8d8ZDQx6tL8zsPYwpEBKzCqTchSwIpJqYQfDcpOo3y81nd-deO6aBAGE8EAwwA/s1600/photo+2+(19).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIlBdHjZWGFyPZTJJRdmQhrqfA4O3Gy16VWPYwL3FHPz9xX8WFvqzdRY4MN6mzrQCeiU7eCFCCREGOl8d8ZDQx6tL8zsPYwpEBKzCqTchSwIpJqYQfDcpOo3y81nd-deO6aBAGE8EAwwA/s1600/photo+2+(19).JPG" height="298" width="400" /></a><br /><br />In hope of the minions taking more of an interest in food (or maybe to make my shopping expierence more chaotic), I allowed each child to pick out something at the indoor Farmer's Market. This is (mostly) what they chose. Baskets are 3 for $10. So each walker picked out one and then I picked out the potatoes and tomatoes. I had 2 minions pick apples and 2 pick carrots. Next week we will go for something new.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN-YNfoV7hDU2NKpmI9D9HMb8vviKdcAAJVDzH0xh5Hh5j9BseLCOpl2w_M3NduyKFXa4_X1H62UFE4umowyg3ZbxCiksoPdfhJX2cfZjN6-zsUdieh2bzgqcI46DvXq11_qGaXLEMuz0/s1600/photo+3+(16).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN-YNfoV7hDU2NKpmI9D9HMb8vviKdcAAJVDzH0xh5Hh5j9BseLCOpl2w_M3NduyKFXa4_X1H62UFE4umowyg3ZbxCiksoPdfhJX2cfZjN6-zsUdieh2bzgqcI46DvXq11_qGaXLEMuz0/s1600/photo+3+(16).JPG" height="400" width="298" /></a><br /><br />Random: Karl cutting out flashcards. Why? Because he wanted to and he asked me to include this.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgobWBSX_sQYnoOvArJKPTx8mY79YIFLzN3lD0E23GXwGjPVJZpZSq6FRlHBjvfVn11Fop3K1D_wSUIHlmuzh8r4_KFB0l4PYUCtBPqcFY8TtABx-jPF4ktXF-_gMHH8VHm91n11u5OI4Q/s1600/photo+4+(15).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgobWBSX_sQYnoOvArJKPTx8mY79YIFLzN3lD0E23GXwGjPVJZpZSq6FRlHBjvfVn11Fop3K1D_wSUIHlmuzh8r4_KFB0l4PYUCtBPqcFY8TtABx-jPF4ktXF-_gMHH8VHm91n11u5OI4Q/s1600/photo+4+(15).JPG" height="400" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My pack of 2 drumsticks walked off apparently.</td></tr>
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The CSA once a month meat pick up also came today! Just in time for <a href="http://www.100daysofrealfood.com/100-days-of-mini-pledges/">Week 3 of the 100 Days of Mini-Pledges</a>. This chicken is raised local (a little over an hour away) and processed there. I decided we will use ONE of the chicken packages a week. Not a lot of meat when I use the thighs and the 2 drumsticks, but that is ok. The goal was for the meat to NOT be the center of attention. I am thinking soups for those 2 packages. We will still buy other meat as needed.<br />
<br />Tonight I will work out a menu... and a way to figure out how to store all this...Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07641939494735963839noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7595924721308376439.post-2119499799982937522015-01-16T20:37:00.001-08:002015-01-16T20:38:19.617-08:00Week 3 announced - Taking the "100 Days of Real Food" Mini Pledge (14 weeks)We are getting ready to start week 3 of the challenge. <br />
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<li><a href="http://www.100daysofrealfood.com/100-days-of-mini-pledges/"><strong><span style="color: #1a3e00;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Week 3: Meat</span></span></strong> – All meat consumed this week will be locally raised (within 100-miles of your hometown). Meat consumption will also be limited to 3 – 4 servings this week, and when it is eaten meat will not be presented as the “focal point” of the meal. Instead meat will be treated as a side item or simply used to help flavor a dish.</a></li>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9-EmzvtBwj6KoG0t8fsajRmxmUPgOyWI01NHryNs3-FiHK-0q2Q9MKoEIxw8_9NhEhli4vCXae-zHb9-O7lKD_XZaJMqBuf7G-brvUiKu0h8KucsuVaIrtjbWl06UfAVuhldOjtwAdTM/s1600/photo+1+(18).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9-EmzvtBwj6KoG0t8fsajRmxmUPgOyWI01NHryNs3-FiHK-0q2Q9MKoEIxw8_9NhEhli4vCXae-zHb9-O7lKD_XZaJMqBuf7G-brvUiKu0h8KucsuVaIrtjbWl06UfAVuhldOjtwAdTM/s1600/photo+1+(18).JPG" height="320" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Random lunch. Vegetable chicken soup with rice bears. Meat taking a lesser role in the meal.</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKnUYq_aDeqVg384KLKK1rPS3GGCaTZTen8DbBulP0jvR_n70kQ6pfRlZwjEezhEylgmIyhhxWGNUXnDtnD1PjqqVN9gj0JII1AyUpKV7RsBDqOKmzKgMVbh2E7Hi5ULSFUx0-ahyphenhyphen6c4g/s1600/photo+(7).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKnUYq_aDeqVg384KLKK1rPS3GGCaTZTen8DbBulP0jvR_n70kQ6pfRlZwjEezhEylgmIyhhxWGNUXnDtnD1PjqqVN9gj0JII1AyUpKV7RsBDqOKmzKgMVbh2E7Hi5ULSFUx0-ahyphenhyphen6c4g/s1600/photo+(7).JPG" height="239" width="320" /></a>While we do have access to local sourced meats here, I have to admit that it just isn't going to happen 100% this week... or in the next several weeks. Not until taxes come back and we purchase the 1/2 pig and 1/4 of a locally raised cow. It would just blow my food budget out of the water. I can't do that.<br />
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What I CAN do is, I can use less meat, purchase 1/2 our eggs from the CSA, and make 1 or maybe 2 meal per week with local meat. The CSA had an add on chicken package. It is not a lot for a family our size and it is only once a month. Still, in the end, the goal is to eat better and to take baby steps. So we do what we can do.<br />
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We fumbled a lot last week. Some was due to poor time management and some was due to failure to write down our meal plan. We do better when the menu is on the board. This week we will remember to do that.<br />
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Tomorrow I will have a better idea as to what we will eat after I see our CSA basket. I also get to take SEVEN children to the Farmer's Market tomorrow... alone. *gasps* Actually I am not expecting it to be much different than taking my 6. The extra is a 13 year old who has high functioning autism. Very similar to Clark. So I think it will be ok. The winter market is a lot smaller and less people. I think there are maybe 8 vendors total and they are indoor.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07641939494735963839noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7595924721308376439.post-15712353119387856082015-01-14T09:55:00.001-08:002015-01-14T09:55:55.975-08:00Week 2: Taking the "100 Days of Real Food" Mini Pledge (14 weeks)<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtnjj8ahVZOqbNWp3_eu_oBCnSX0Njfj_kVPB1aJ6t0HV2RPcDBRznigKTeLzm1_xMIqWkzYMdzLCXRZTAImhuq77UQ1NS8Dg7EqeN9c7BEnGjQ3gvuGRB9nf_pktR8pdmuDL7zhaRZGM/s1600/photo+2+(15).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtnjj8ahVZOqbNWp3_eu_oBCnSX0Njfj_kVPB1aJ6t0HV2RPcDBRznigKTeLzm1_xMIqWkzYMdzLCXRZTAImhuq77UQ1NS8Dg7EqeN9c7BEnGjQ3gvuGRB9nf_pktR8pdmuDL7zhaRZGM/s1600/photo+2+(15).JPG" height="400" width="298" /></a><br /><br />Oops! It's Wednesday and I forgot the pledge for this week. We start on Mondays.<br />
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<li><a href="http://www.100daysofrealfood.com/100-days-of-mini-pledges/"><strong><span style="color: #426900;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Week 2: “Real” beverages</span></span></strong> – Beverages will be limited to coffee, tea, water, and milk (only naturally sweetened with a little honey or 100% pure maple syrup). One cup of juice will be allowed throughout the week, and wine (preferably red) will be allowed in moderation (an average of one drink per day).</a></li>
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</blockquote>
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I know this will not work for The Elder. That is ok. I will pick and choose my battles with him. I have done pretty well. I am NOT a fan of straight water. I craved it at various points during pregnancy. Now it doesn't sit well. I am sure I am just psyching myself out. So instead of straight water I drink iced tea (unsweetened) or water with a little lemon.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxT2qV4ctN8MByxZL-ybUy7Qvy2oKKeEgRbAopfVZP_UQmXjm7ftR9eCVNUI__V15LwOqGTlPAA5R5pOFYXsKLDDpsHKueCUDAaLSErekVnhCgE_l1d3oy0c8yzE69noJUDg_57MzLqLk/s1600/photo+4+(11).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxT2qV4ctN8MByxZL-ybUy7Qvy2oKKeEgRbAopfVZP_UQmXjm7ftR9eCVNUI__V15LwOqGTlPAA5R5pOFYXsKLDDpsHKueCUDAaLSErekVnhCgE_l1d3oy0c8yzE69noJUDg_57MzLqLk/s1600/photo+4+(11).JPG" height="239" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pan fried Brussels sprouts, garlic, and bacon.</td></tr>
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The minions mainly drink water and milk. Juice is not very often and is sometimes given in packed lunches.<br /><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghlzlDs-AoNlf4uIvlEbvfs_7D0Rf2bi_ZIeKtu06qUnOMnGgYP51h_8vnDju7obIR_GmGTgk6Qvhx4XyVlEoBFR3Qq773TJWVEcN0V1_ARjsVNbTM8EMbn0PWU9wnRU6-PqbEI9hUMpE/s1600/photo+(10).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghlzlDs-AoNlf4uIvlEbvfs_7D0Rf2bi_ZIeKtu06qUnOMnGgYP51h_8vnDju7obIR_GmGTgk6Qvhx4XyVlEoBFR3Qq773TJWVEcN0V1_ARjsVNbTM8EMbn0PWU9wnRU6-PqbEI9hUMpE/s1600/photo+(10).JPG" height="239" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2 freezer meal thawing in the fridge.</td></tr>
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This weeks meal plan for us was:<br />
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Mini steaks (4oz), Pan Fried Brussel Sprouts with Bacon, Potatoes, and Northern Blend vegetables.<br />
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Chicken, Leek, and Kale Pastie (with Parsnips)<br />
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Freezer Meal: Lasagna (I make mine with spinach) with Broccoli.<br />
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Freezer Meal: Green Chili Chicken Tacos served with Avocado Rice(not freezer) and Baja Corn<br />
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Freezer Meal: Chicken Sausage with Peppers and Perogies with an unknown vegetable<br />
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Freezer Meal: Italian Chicken and Potatoes with added Carrots and Kale.<br />
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Chicken and Dumplings using chicken soup "starter" from the freezer. Homemade stock with shredded chicken. Add in carrots, parsnips, spinach, and a bag of mixed veggies.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7PJNUigzRp6EN4FC3Ki4yAplv74I0NXodKDVXgxR8vQJcW2BrWJ8JLmi_b3qNFc2jPb8eEh8HXb3GKnfbJ7cyH5QvWjhUj6PtXlYmbd6W4JkDOxPLp-oRW4QkZUbqKC-ox5YpUpBlKYk/s1600/photo+1+(16).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7PJNUigzRp6EN4FC3Ki4yAplv74I0NXodKDVXgxR8vQJcW2BrWJ8JLmi_b3qNFc2jPb8eEh8HXb3GKnfbJ7cyH5QvWjhUj6PtXlYmbd6W4JkDOxPLp-oRW4QkZUbqKC-ox5YpUpBlKYk/s1600/photo+1+(16).JPG" height="400" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">She loved the Brussels Sprouts. 4 out of 5 minion tried them.</td></tr>
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We were under our grocery budget this week. I am quite happy with that. I used the extra to buy a few extra items for the pantry like extra maple syrup, whole wheat flour, and I honestly forgot what else. Maybe I should start posting about the next week on our shopping day (Now Saturday due to the CSA pick up)<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGx2G_uyNU9ZIv3ysT3wBB0G9y2JZs9Spy0Ly0z5QesjL-gfuTaB0xsS5a3RuL93Pp3IzESJ0FqN4YRly19K8vXVGKqLeaQRKeMfSfK55WpUTScVibQPbWhqq7lMgPU5vzRaqCx-nOQMQ/s1600/photo+1+(15).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGx2G_uyNU9ZIv3ysT3wBB0G9y2JZs9Spy0Ly0z5QesjL-gfuTaB0xsS5a3RuL93Pp3IzESJ0FqN4YRly19K8vXVGKqLeaQRKeMfSfK55WpUTScVibQPbWhqq7lMgPU5vzRaqCx-nOQMQ/s1600/photo+1+(15).JPG" height="320" width="238" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This week CSA</td></tr>
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We already had 2 hiccups this week. Monday was Mc Donald's due to a very hectic day and poor planning on my part. I had been organizing a room and sorting out to small clothes for 3 children. Then I needed to go pick up my milk. Last night (Tuesday) was also not the best. I thought I had out my lasagna, but didn't. We recovered from that by having breakfast for dinner. I had some very ripe bananas I was going to make banana muffin with. <span style="text-align: center;"> </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQO15ApBQ2QdkSMVTN1hgWAR_UFG9aLgNDPOYLRH-93inQZKHCSf5OnfLUA_NXh3NLwcSwUWQc4kyABqb8n_EAeHTnott7iFK7HpXlsd-yXCDZASe9UCd3YodoTzPgus-bz1tktjWKEXo/s1600/photo+4+(12).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQO15ApBQ2QdkSMVTN1hgWAR_UFG9aLgNDPOYLRH-93inQZKHCSf5OnfLUA_NXh3NLwcSwUWQc4kyABqb8n_EAeHTnott7iFK7HpXlsd-yXCDZASe9UCd3YodoTzPgus-bz1tktjWKEXo/s1600/photo+4+(12).JPG" height="320" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Karl helping measure and mix the pancakes</td></tr>
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Instead we made <a href="http://www.100daysofrealfood.com/2010/04/21/recipe-whole-wheat-banana-pancakes-freeze-the-leftovers/">Whole Wheat Banana Pancakes</a>. We added some leftover blueberries in addition to 2 extra bananas.The minions loved helping me make them. I made a double batch and had enough leftover for 2 breakfasts.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJk2kCZY4in-TEugRkfyUr8jUeg0NzDITpg4Kx_316ls2k3S4zgzriVHDX141lTHkVskCYyV98DWFB5jjgXYn7hTRgETYJd0LkNILeQxVlabj6Lv5-bGD2WGLqoqovwDy9Q_y-WLe0s4w/s1600/photo+4+(13).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJk2kCZY4in-TEugRkfyUr8jUeg0NzDITpg4Kx_316ls2k3S4zgzriVHDX141lTHkVskCYyV98DWFB5jjgXYn7hTRgETYJd0LkNILeQxVlabj6Lv5-bGD2WGLqoqovwDy9Q_y-WLe0s4w/s1600/photo+4+(13).JPG" height="320" width="239" /></a></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07641939494735963839noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7595924721308376439.post-24169117128583051922015-01-06T10:41:00.000-08:002015-01-06T10:57:29.636-08:00Start of week 1: Taking the "100 Days of Real Food" Mini Pledge (14 weeks)<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs-glN-3BTY0T0whCuQuGNQvDg9Yjnd1_mDeaL4fOjRizq5Estwr-x0R7iRWjOWExOfAfagZKe9CLX8a8QzdkhBEiIB0YNDodwyaIfWLrzMnaYOnFB9TyalQTJ1KnK5fAd6CPFoxQfj-U/s1600/photo+4+(10).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs-glN-3BTY0T0whCuQuGNQvDg9Yjnd1_mDeaL4fOjRizq5Estwr-x0R7iRWjOWExOfAfagZKe9CLX8a8QzdkhBEiIB0YNDodwyaIfWLrzMnaYOnFB9TyalQTJ1KnK5fAd6CPFoxQfj-U/s1600/photo+4+(10).JPG" height="298" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Still eating freezer meals made for after Shirley's birth. This is how I meal plan and do a shopping list.</td></tr>
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We are taking the <a href="http://www.100daysofrealfood.com/2014/12/22/cut-processed-food-14-weeks/">100 Days of Real Food Mini Pledge - Cut out processed foods in 14 weeks.</a> We have slowly worked our way here. I think this could be a success! The Elder finally agreed to join the CSA in our area and has become open to new things. Most people started on the 1st. We are running a little behind. The Elder was a little afraid to try this because he is not a big fruit or vegetable person. He mainly humors me. He is also afraid of the cost. Our grocery (food and non food) budget is $200 a week. This includes diapers for 3 children because I just don't have the energy for cloth diapers right now. Also included is dog food, cat food, kitty litter, and other non food items we need. As long as I can stay in budget (total for the month), then he will be ok with any changes I wish to make. Although now that $200 a week from December 25th-January 24th ($800) is now $159.75 a week ($639 for the month) because we joined the CSA. This will be very easy this month because I made all the freezer dinners. So almost no meat needs to be purchased weekly. I already made up the extra money spent making freezer meals in November by how little was spent in December. The cost for the CSA covered 7 weeks. So some will be taken out of next month's budget to cover half of the next 7 weeks. That is not my headache to worry about though. I am just told my weekly food budget and work with that.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDIde3MdV370NvxTt7gGL0AegqBoufL49aifAXFDFMUAj_h92y5QmunZjz315DAI1rZT8dBV_8GEX0Aj2YPFyC-Q3E8hr7688fGE4wXnP5elxuHWnM32dBtI0UzQxpUm571vf5m0V7gSg/s1600/photo+1+(14).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDIde3MdV370NvxTt7gGL0AegqBoufL49aifAXFDFMUAj_h92y5QmunZjz315DAI1rZT8dBV_8GEX0Aj2YPFyC-Q3E8hr7688fGE4wXnP5elxuHWnM32dBtI0UzQxpUm571vf5m0V7gSg/s1600/photo+1+(14).JPG" height="400" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There are 6 more in the small chest freezer!</td></tr>
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<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<b>Week 1: </b></blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'century gothic', verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.6000003814697px;"><a href="http://www.100daysofrealfood.com/100-days-of-mini-pledges/">Eat a minimum of two different fruits or vegetables (preferably organic) with every breakfast, lunch, and dinner meal.</a></span></blockquote>
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We got this! Well, I have this. The minions have this. The Elder... I will take 2 for lunch and 2 for dinner as a win. He refuses to have anything other than yogurt and coffee for breakfast. </div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVdeJ9DcHmXVdtmy5dBTDZ-qNBcizX-akWEaiRuKQoNW6vuyayfkhJEyQR2sSjf6UzY5yQ0PvfZdMyBssNHEO2esbMCJAHYQNmokThL6bzp3OWkDjzGEarmn9rQuBZbfJSPEceLfMaKVU/s1600/photo+2+(12).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVdeJ9DcHmXVdtmy5dBTDZ-qNBcizX-akWEaiRuKQoNW6vuyayfkhJEyQR2sSjf6UzY5yQ0PvfZdMyBssNHEO2esbMCJAHYQNmokThL6bzp3OWkDjzGEarmn9rQuBZbfJSPEceLfMaKVU/s1600/photo+2+(12).JPG" height="400" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I really do call him The Elder</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
I'm not quite sure how my picky eater will take this. Just because it is on his plate or sent with lunch does not mean he will try it. Having him pick out foods with me has not proven effective. Still, I encourage him to help me pick out fruits and help me cook.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6wDpwnIwHwE1HaMvH6kJaMXbzg5-wCKAs4zgjoYgi1TwYqZHgYiIm_lVFude9NOCgpi7ZKKgS-LfNIw2rrfj8XSbJ0Ghr3wrgf58FflbrhUApuKG9JuCuyqUjln7N4FZdtDfLuEHeE_E/s1600/photo+(7).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6wDpwnIwHwE1HaMvH6kJaMXbzg5-wCKAs4zgjoYgi1TwYqZHgYiIm_lVFude9NOCgpi7ZKKgS-LfNIw2rrfj8XSbJ0Ghr3wrgf58FflbrhUApuKG9JuCuyqUjln7N4FZdtDfLuEHeE_E/s1600/photo+(7).JPG" height="298" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Karl helped me pick which fruits go with which meals.</td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
Having Karl help me with cooking hasn't worked at getting him to try things either. The only thing it has done is help him learn the basics of cooking. While that is a good thing, I would still really like it if Karl <span style="text-align: center;">would try some more fruits and veggies. He is limited himself to strawberries, green grapes, apples, and sometimes oranges. No vegetables. Oh well, they still go on his plate!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrMsDCjeOnJhjIxUpgMUN15U3LYdFURksWcRIH2iFq8S4gEze-gAwM9SuZNfoEOPlQcYAHtmg0XCa_DIIKRN-VLig1nAOnp8hN5-ebiWnUaAdcVJ9BWcJaif4Aw3Ti2uLzoEUMX21Z8JY/s1600/photo+3+(11).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrMsDCjeOnJhjIxUpgMUN15U3LYdFURksWcRIH2iFq8S4gEze-gAwM9SuZNfoEOPlQcYAHtmg0XCa_DIIKRN-VLig1nAOnp8hN5-ebiWnUaAdcVJ9BWcJaif4Aw3Ti2uLzoEUMX21Z8JY/s1600/photo+3+(11).JPG" height="400" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Working on that eating better... Can't see half the fruit. Who wants to organize it for me?</td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
One thing I have learned, if I use the bottom drawers in the fridge, we will end up with a veggie/fruit graveyard. So I took them out. It doesn't look as nice, I know. Now it is easier to see everything (kinda) and we use almost everything.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
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The next few weeks will be a little interesting meal wise with adding in the extra fruits or vegetables. I made over 50 freezer meals before Shirley was born. We still have about 24 or so left. So we need to keep using those.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHoTxGSWQuSxemdxt0lQhGqGp365_AtI9LJYgTRIsZ1xFsbryEKvWuHibGzJQ2cIeN-08lKJdmjem5panAJ_ZdS9OcGR6tTkGX3qyydsEw2f8ZanYyEpc8kD74OlKo8Y6h9dJTU8QcTrg/s1600/photo+5+(8).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHoTxGSWQuSxemdxt0lQhGqGp365_AtI9LJYgTRIsZ1xFsbryEKvWuHibGzJQ2cIeN-08lKJdmjem5panAJ_ZdS9OcGR6tTkGX3qyydsEw2f8ZanYyEpc8kD74OlKo8Y6h9dJTU8QcTrg/s1600/photo+5+(8).JPG" height="400" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Random picture</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Clearly we still eat some pretty processed foods. Most of the time it is in moderation. I can buy 4 bags of tater tots and it may take 3-5 months to eat them all. We will work further on phasing out the bad and replacing it with non/little processed items or better choices. I have no intention of going through my pantry and tossing it. For starters, my budget couldn't handle it. Also the minions and The Elder would go into shock. I can't risk seeing a food regression with Clark (ASD).</div>
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<b>Our meal plan for this week:</b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYCoLqMfYgXUkOm9YY5zhD7ONtfuKFkTdMEmDIWXHCKSKE790Zy8RTkVOry43ozJzbMjQKycYM-hSPgkE6t7dArbdZH2yxfgv-Mw2sH1MmBEkcbnLHZF-DT_kv4LxDCfSzz2JMGRhAwJs/s1600/photo+2+(13).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYCoLqMfYgXUkOm9YY5zhD7ONtfuKFkTdMEmDIWXHCKSKE790Zy8RTkVOry43ozJzbMjQKycYM-hSPgkE6t7dArbdZH2yxfgv-Mw2sH1MmBEkcbnLHZF-DT_kv4LxDCfSzz2JMGRhAwJs/s1600/photo+2+(13).JPG" height="478" width="640" /></a><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
I have poor handwriting. I know.</div>
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<b>Dinners:</b><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Sliders, chips, with green beans and a chocolate banana for desert. I blend a little onion and spinach in with the hamburger for the sliders. Not enough to count as a serving, but a little is better than none!</div>
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Spaghetti with homemade tomato sauce. Blackberries and yogurt for desert (AKA evening snack). The sauce I make and add puree of carrots, a little spinach, and some squash. Add salt. The family has yet to figure it out. They like it.</div>
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White lasagna with broccoli. The lasagna already has spinach in it. Enough to count it as a serving.</div>
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Herb chicken, corn on the cob, and green beans.</div>
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Onion tater tots covered in chili and cheese. Desert is yogurt with fruit (evening snack). My chili has squash, fresh tomatoes, and carrots all pureed in it. Then some fresh tomato diced. So yes, you can count that as 2 servings of vegetables. The minions will eat seconds of this.</div>
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Chicken stir fry and I will add some kale from the CSA box (picked up that morning)</div>
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Chicken pot pie. Growing up, my parents bought the frozen pot pies. When they were done, we took off the tops and added a large cooking spoonful of vegetables. Then we mixed it all together in the over stuffed shell. That being said, my chicken pot pie should really be called vegetable pot pie with a little chicken.</div>
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<b>Did I stay in budget for this week?</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
No. I was over by almost $5. That is ok though.</div>
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<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>Not on the list items purchased</b>: </div>
Fresh strawberries, blueberries, and blackberries. They were on sale but not in the flyer. I also picked up 2 rotisserie chickens at Sam's Club. Never go when you are going home to eat dinner. I also bought 2 packs of Mother's Tea ($10) and a 48 count pack of AA batteries to go into the toys Pa gave the minions for Christmas. I think I will need to purchase more next week. Also I purchased Babybel cheese from Sam's Club because Karl showed interest in it. This is in addition to the cheese sticks on the shopping list.<br />
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I also opted to not get the chia seeds this week and purchased real maple syrup instead.</div>
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How did breakfast go on day 2 (today)? I would say it went rather well.</div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKZhkME50KTnnJYi4_TYvBzCx_y_YgL7DdrCpBJnPivM5ykPUGgYOOyoWyiondjHlQZTd1Wss82qyfH0Wbpud-ZvTRdYyp1uKUW2kzSjCgLAFfKZ6g9hVcGpAztik6XB2hJ14x9awguZg/s1600/photo+(5).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKZhkME50KTnnJYi4_TYvBzCx_y_YgL7DdrCpBJnPivM5ykPUGgYOOyoWyiondjHlQZTd1Wss82qyfH0Wbpud-ZvTRdYyp1uKUW2kzSjCgLAFfKZ6g9hVcGpAztik6XB2hJ14x9awguZg/s1600/photo+(5).JPG" height="320" width="269" /></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
I did not give the minions any butter or syrup with their banana and blueberry pancakes today. They were pleased with them. Plus they all ate another banana while I made the pancakes.</div>
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FYI, taking pictures of children while they chew their food will result in funny faces.</div>
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We do occasionally sit for breakfast. This morning was not one of those mornings.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdttxOa-40XaZGv0auDsjkVoMClxqRU25Ipyhy1QneP8Tv3qP0gF72gsYNDL5pYPJNGJMFi32UOhk8mcxsJV_SxJ_LJNbjRariD1xS54QKNR9lVKM58LIylB87u7wN8DqimvcngUKZfoA/s1600/photo+1+(13).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdttxOa-40XaZGv0auDsjkVoMClxqRU25Ipyhy1QneP8Tv3qP0gF72gsYNDL5pYPJNGJMFi32UOhk8mcxsJV_SxJ_LJNbjRariD1xS54QKNR9lVKM58LIylB87u7wN8DqimvcngUKZfoA/s1600/photo+1+(13).JPG" height="320" width="239" /></a><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
This is my banana eating machine. Clara has had a banana every morning for 5 months. We know she is sick if she refuses to eat one. Even then, she still demands one so she can walk around with it. Here she is asking for a second banana.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07641939494735963839noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7595924721308376439.post-40035032737220816012015-01-01T09:17:00.000-08:002015-01-01T09:17:00.678-08:00The good, The bad, and The Ugly (and random pictures)<h4>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2gRVXrpJ8AuwrmVEatiZaS4O4SKDQ4MXVxwXlrK2vf7REkjUnZq2TC_PzfizT3mS1ESxA4JIz6Tl2sn4EdyHTquizyr57tYX6XA-mH37Y7OmK1d-DSoEHzTC9GB8BUIkjzDZxw1fr7bo/s1600/10351882_767638179926136_8211012837662673583_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a></h4>
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<b>The Good.</b></h2>
<b><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBV7pJ4-vs94141WBZrbWmOwgqO-a0xckPsV8c3zWZ-CFXyFyL6EeiT8YJw148pWjPI9rqmPImmTkPcT1rLk8tyyeF9qMNe5WN92r6tnoGaSHcD3x9Q-eaoCIbh3KXYLqOKWtpWXZI64Q/s1600/photo+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="font-weight: normal; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBV7pJ4-vs94141WBZrbWmOwgqO-a0xckPsV8c3zWZ-CFXyFyL6EeiT8YJw148pWjPI9rqmPImmTkPcT1rLk8tyyeF9qMNe5WN92r6tnoGaSHcD3x9Q-eaoCIbh3KXYLqOKWtpWXZI64Q/s1600/photo+3.JPG" height="320" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Viking Mummy baby with her mismatched socks and faithful steed.</td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-weight: normal;">Remember last years goals? They kinda fell off to the side with the addition and then the pregnancy of our last child.</span></div>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><div style="text-align: center;">
Not this year! The Elder did his crunching of numbers and he OK'ed me to finally join the CSA! Actually, I think he was afraid I would join it anyway. I normally stay away from household finances since he is the one with a BA in accounting. What I do know is, I have kept in budget with groceries and my last idea of freezer meals worked out like I told him. Actually, it worked out a lot better than planned.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1_Wi5WzlN6aP7BgXM2KisALRq9YMcSQN0_R7d3Ncv7FqYB3bSkJgK1Vq5v2Uh1xRWp7-5u-J8neuWNAgnGDPhJz1eoZiEgf20QiYvFPRTaBWN14uZH2-Uil0w9BWvhut7ycPnrPH34yI/s1600/10441001_827851037238183_7303924082467573965_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1_Wi5WzlN6aP7BgXM2KisALRq9YMcSQN0_R7d3Ncv7FqYB3bSkJgK1Vq5v2Uh1xRWp7-5u-J8neuWNAgnGDPhJz1eoZiEgf20QiYvFPRTaBWN14uZH2-Uil0w9BWvhut7ycPnrPH34yI/s1600/10441001_827851037238183_7303924082467573965_n.jpg" height="400" width="292" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Why yes, The Elder is wearing Minnie ears.</td></tr>
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<div style="font-weight: normal;">
The instant he said yes, I was signing up for the CSA. Yes, there is a CSA that runs year round in Michigan. It just happens to be 40 minutes south of me and delivers to our Farmer's Market year round. I actually buy from <a href="https://crispcountryacres.com/">Crisp Country Acres</a> already. I bought a lot from them at the Farmer's Market this year. So we signed up for the rest of the winter session for produce. Eventually we will get to eating the better meat. We decided once we empty out our freezers more, we will purchase half a pig and some beef. Maybe we will ease into it and sign up for the chicken short session next time...<br /><br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="font-weight: normal; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw7c124F_hQ0tjOQYwr0jqVQLb6Itb-3BNhkR1KR6EgJuNtw6cAwTHhxCKh1rE_Y2G3RGyya-jIvhK4YhRH9rrLfPrYE_C1dngpe3x9OnXmww5-0UBhkzdIxdYh_VT4bbZpje6wDDVCFA/s1600/10857790_848986811791272_8770512325969715214_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw7c124F_hQ0tjOQYwr0jqVQLb6Itb-3BNhkR1KR6EgJuNtw6cAwTHhxCKh1rE_Y2G3RGyya-jIvhK4YhRH9rrLfPrYE_C1dngpe3x9OnXmww5-0UBhkzdIxdYh_VT4bbZpje6wDDVCFA/s1600/10857790_848986811791272_8770512325969715214_n.jpg" height="298" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Karl (Tyke), Clara (Glow Stick) and Shirley</td></tr>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-weight: normal; text-align: center;">
Remember I wanted to join the goat share? Guess who has an intolerance to cows milk? I will give you a hint, it is the pants-less child in the picture above. It's kinda funny how things work out. So every week I head out to <a href="http://countrywindsfarmllc.webs.com/">Country Winds Farm</a>. Goats milk is cheaper through a share (even with driving) than it is purchasing it from the store. We tried non dairy milks and either it did not agree with her belly or she flat out refused it. Yes, a 1 year old can and will refuse a drink for long periods of time if they don't like it. I will not force something like that on her if I can find something she does like. Now, veggies are another matter. That share is a little bit of a drive, but I am ok with that.<br /></div>
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Is anyone else joining the <a href="http://www.100daysofrealfood.com/100-days-of-mini-pledges/">100 Days of Mini Pledges</a>? I opted to. I think this may be what I was looking for but just didn't work out on my own. The goal is to take baby steps in eating better over 14 weeks. Each week has a goal. If something just isn't obtainable to you (local meat), then that is ok. You just do what you can. I know some weeks will be pretty easy and others will be a challenge.<br /> </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijJfEMq84QIOTsHAr53MpBmFiWrNMsrcRh8tGORS_Qc_3E5qZ1Dta676TtpuRpMtu90HihNYcnGHaor3NuPmLx-6kjJB_yPgqf5826AWCvFRbbisDoyQm8X8VtYn0Cj4Z79wxH3D5tVQA/s1600/photo+2+(1).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijJfEMq84QIOTsHAr53MpBmFiWrNMsrcRh8tGORS_Qc_3E5qZ1Dta676TtpuRpMtu90HihNYcnGHaor3NuPmLx-6kjJB_yPgqf5826AWCvFRbbisDoyQm8X8VtYn0Cj4Z79wxH3D5tVQA/s1600/photo+2+(1).JPG" height="400" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I know you needed another cuteness fix</td></tr>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;">I know the first week challenge will be easy. Week 1 is Eat 2 Fruits and or Vegetables Per Meal. I just need to add in one more fruit or veggie to breakfast and lunch. </span><br /></div>
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<h2>
The Bad</h2>
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2gRVXrpJ8AuwrmVEatiZaS4O4SKDQ4MXVxwXlrK2vf7REkjUnZq2TC_PzfizT3mS1ESxA4JIz6Tl2sn4EdyHTquizyr57tYX6XA-mH37Y7OmK1d-DSoEHzTC9GB8BUIkjzDZxw1fr7bo/s1600/10351882_767638179926136_8211012837662673583_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2gRVXrpJ8AuwrmVEatiZaS4O4SKDQ4MXVxwXlrK2vf7REkjUnZq2TC_PzfizT3mS1ESxA4JIz6Tl2sn4EdyHTquizyr57tYX6XA-mH37Y7OmK1d-DSoEHzTC9GB8BUIkjzDZxw1fr7bo/s1600/10351882_767638179926136_8211012837662673583_n.jpg" height="320" width="238" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: normal;">This year has been warmer than normal. Remember how we had 9 free range chickens? Yes, we really did let them run wild all over our fenced in back yard. We lost them all over a 2 night span. We smelled skunk outside. It stunk up the whole house. I knew it wasn't going to go well. My coop door wasn't shutting properly. I had someone who was going to come out, but they could not make it for several days. I did my best to block it off. Sadly, it wasn't good enough.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: normal;">We did have a rooster named Stew. Sadly he became aggressive. So we were forced to eat him. The Elder was squeamish about eating a "pet". So I didn't tell him when we had Stew. Sandy (Colonel Sanders) was a little to excited about eating Stew. She very happily announced that we were eating Stew every time we had dinner. It was quite funny.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<h2>
The Ugly<br /> <span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></h2>
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Postpartem Depression is never a pretty thing. I know what triggers mine. I know how I react. So we try to avoid those situations. </div>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;">Triggers: Lack of sleep, stress, and how messy my house is.</span></div>
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Reaction: Anxiety attacks, not wanting to see anyone, shutting down on all others and only focusing on the kids, and lack of motivation to do household chores (unless it is cooking).</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">2 weeks before having Shirley. Yes, I do really exist.</td></tr>
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I am grateful that I have no desire to hurt myself or anyone else. I opt to see a counselor. Mine can be managed without the use of medication. For that I am grateful. Still, it's hard to go see someone when you are in a downward spiral.</div>
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Lack of sleep: I have 6 kids. One is autistic and doesn't know what sleep is. Another child is up at 4:30-5am every morning because she is 1 and likes to be up early. She can go to bed at 10pm and still be up at 5am. It's sad when the newborn is not the reason you need more sleep.</div>
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Stress: The Elder has Cerebral Palsy. This means household things are more on my shoulders. Did I mention they opened up over time? They did. So The Elder is working that too. Our eldest was mentioned above. Need I say more? Now Shirley has a heart condition. Ok, not to much I can do about that. Getting a sitter for any evening appts is pretty much all we can do. I should be released to go to the gym in about 4 more weeks. I know that will help with stress relief. Things could be worse. I know that.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">No worries, it's just bath crayons.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;">House: 6 kids all on winter break. Can we say chaos? Although this time we wised up. Arrangements</span><span style="font-weight: normal;"> were made to have a family member and a friend come out once a week to help. I am grateful for their help. I really am. The only spiral I had had to do because of being overwhelmed the last 2 weeks before Christmas and Christmas week. I did make it to all appts though and to Christmas with everyone.<br /><br /></span><h2>
Good Times</h2>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZpKFGRszZ0JFySmhKNnbAm6pJwAzNnDHduP3FcLe1aYUr9kuW7U9YDwRkdjA0i5ogcIDmbZftPFGcho8pwQJy4YlRCanqkIj64sqNT2ANxnVYcZPjVMkErDCV1-jnJOqGaoPgzu3GbcY/s1600/photo+4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZpKFGRszZ0JFySmhKNnbAm6pJwAzNnDHduP3FcLe1aYUr9kuW7U9YDwRkdjA0i5ogcIDmbZftPFGcho8pwQJy4YlRCanqkIj64sqNT2ANxnVYcZPjVMkErDCV1-jnJOqGaoPgzu3GbcY/s1600/photo+4.JPG" height="298" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All 6</td></tr>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;">And this is how we grocery shop! :-) Except I forgot to bring my Moby. :-/ Baby wearing makes my life easier. I happened to bribe them with a Lunchable since we ended up out all day between appts and some shopping. Normally there is no bribe. No baby was hurt at all or during this shopping trip. This was Christmas Eve. I had forgotten a few things (ok, like 30 things) because my shopping day was moved.<br /><br />Don't worry, I went off the deep end years ago!</span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07641939494735963839noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7595924721308376439.post-55797470102307038552014-12-30T07:35:00.000-08:002014-12-30T07:35:05.244-08:00Our newest minion. Meet Shirley.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh47NhWVgC4fKTuegHptGVjqe-KduMdPdpHUXYGLleXwmEWi9uVC77m7BC0WBa9DE5GgIUcErWG6I2_nTLZvSMLR2e6MHS6krU499YQQcZ9tFSTBSYF0xYOVAfAHGT7QYLSDaj-LIcUjII/s1600/150144_841649275858359_3808860126137740367_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh47NhWVgC4fKTuegHptGVjqe-KduMdPdpHUXYGLleXwmEWi9uVC77m7BC0WBa9DE5GgIUcErWG6I2_nTLZvSMLR2e6MHS6krU499YQQcZ9tFSTBSYF0xYOVAfAHGT7QYLSDaj-LIcUjII/s1600/150144_841649275858359_3808860126137740367_n.jpg" height="298" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Behaving just long enough to take the picture. Chaos ensued. </td></tr>
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<br /><br />This picture from the last OB appt before Shirley was born. Yes, all 5 had to go with me. Finding a sitter is not as easy during the day. There is no way I will pay $50+ to send 5 to a daycare for 2 hours. Nope. Not happening.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXaV8_mFGl6K5DYMPOJmxgyGqHibafUGKsD-E4aYH_U6oPKjCs3Ko43shGcahb9_Fe_2or5IIeho2_a9r2SD3-dnU-8l7v2lFUfnK28mXcXvU45OETPIOZH3JbIJUuW4Dc0I-rB2o5LXY/s1600/IMG_7714.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXaV8_mFGl6K5DYMPOJmxgyGqHibafUGKsD-E4aYH_U6oPKjCs3Ko43shGcahb9_Fe_2or5IIeho2_a9r2SD3-dnU-8l7v2lFUfnK28mXcXvU45OETPIOZH3JbIJUuW4Dc0I-rB2o5LXY/s1600/IMG_7714.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a><br /><br />As you can see, Shirley was born pink. A few hours after the Csection (interesting one) we went to our room. The Pedi came to do the newborn screening as we were calling Aunt Julie to bring the minions to the hospital. The kids literally made it to the parking lot when the nurse came in and told us that she needed us to wait. The Dr. needed to talk to us. Shirley would need to stay in the nursery.<br /><br />The Dr. detected a heart murmur. She felt because nothing was detected on any ultrasound that it was most likely a PDA. I can handle a PDA. Clark had one when he was born. They gave him some medicine and it helped it close. Not a huge deal. Still, our hospital did not have the equipment needed to do further testing. The decision was made that she would be taken to the closest NICU. It was an hour away and happened to be the one Clark was in. The only hitch was, I had just had a Csection with a tubal ligation. They do NOT bring the mother with the baby. So I remained and started begging my OB to release me so I could be with my daughter.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6UO0bxcCIjO4LqoFipqyVQ3rDa13TYNkqShD9DsV8LusyDdYyR_A-uzUn0zQSMNE0q11ofdCVkPgzgMincwDpNDByYK1it2zf5JqrUnBmbwJ9kJe0QF-_W8v6z_bnAtwX7kQie6UAHJ0/s1600/photo+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6UO0bxcCIjO4LqoFipqyVQ3rDa13TYNkqShD9DsV8LusyDdYyR_A-uzUn0zQSMNE0q11ofdCVkPgzgMincwDpNDByYK1it2zf5JqrUnBmbwJ9kJe0QF-_W8v6z_bnAtwX7kQie6UAHJ0/s1600/photo+1.JPG" height="298" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shirley getting ready to leave with the transport unit.</td></tr>
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<br />I sent The Elder to be with her. Pa took him for support. The nurse with the transport unit felt it was more than a PDA. So they left with Shirley and my OB came back in to talk to me. She was really nice and made a deal with me. This was far from my first Csection. I already knew what not to do and danger signs. So, as long as I could pee enough on my own, as long as I could keep down food, and as long as I could make a full lap around the halls, she would release me the next day.<br /><br />Testing was finished at about 10pm. The Elder had the Pediatric Cardiologist call me. Sadly, I had the beginnings of a spinal headache. I could barely follow what was going on. The Elder opted to come back to me that night (I told him to stay there with our daughter).<br /><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMMmLz2MeR3AzVtFH8DFCoYxvhJF4zR0BP8zsfVh-T8F8hVZkRDct_vNEdtT2g6X_ujK1UNcULgCadTbOtWn6-mWSG25JHcTI1_vy2LZ1KrD-GnpWRO8anNf6lXuBrqfINzK8jNRleHpI/s1600/photo+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMMmLz2MeR3AzVtFH8DFCoYxvhJF4zR0BP8zsfVh-T8F8hVZkRDct_vNEdtT2g6X_ujK1UNcULgCadTbOtWn6-mWSG25JHcTI1_vy2LZ1KrD-GnpWRO8anNf6lXuBrqfINzK8jNRleHpI/s1600/photo+2.JPG" height="400" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dr. Chris drew this for me</td></tr>
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<br /><br />This is what came back with The Elder. Dr. Chris (Shirley's Pediatric Cardiologist) had been nice enough to draw this picture for me. By this time, it was about 11:30pm. My nurse had made arrangements for the anesthesiologist to see me first thing in the morning to see about a blood patch. I was warned that they may not release me even though I was doing what they asked of me. Mainly because while I could do it all, it was clearly a struggle due to the pain in my head.<br /><br />Shirley has Tetralogy of Fallot. There is a hole between her ventricles. In addition to that, the valve where the blood goes from the heart to the lungs is tight. It moves enough to let some blood through, but not enough for her to have 100% oxygen saturation. She was hanging out between 75-85%. This is why her nose was a purple color.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIH8-u3cHqgLPX2upXP5u_bmt-uoIUWz969ggxeUzelwOUcY4v93mPXHU_GXqnkb8hFEncvygr4Ax8qNcyoK8u_3lu6TneqrXxHr4sQkAyv-0EXWSc8QM2hBW6vkX6A1wd3Tj3UgKN2t4/s1600/photo+1+(1).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIH8-u3cHqgLPX2upXP5u_bmt-uoIUWz969ggxeUzelwOUcY4v93mPXHU_GXqnkb8hFEncvygr4Ax8qNcyoK8u_3lu6TneqrXxHr4sQkAyv-0EXWSc8QM2hBW6vkX6A1wd3Tj3UgKN2t4/s1600/photo+1+(1).JPG" height="298" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shirley in NICU</td></tr>
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My OB did end up releasing me about 30 hours after my Csection. She pretty much asked me was I sure. She knew I was struggling to do things, but she was my OB with Clara (Glow Stick). She knew how stubborn I can be. I was sure and I was released to go be with the youngest Minion.<br /><br />I know she was the easiest baby in all of NICU. Walking into the nursery she was in (#11. Not a small NICU) brought back memories of Clark's 73 day stay. By then Shirley was keeping her oxygen saturation at around 89%. Her stay was extremely short. She only needed to stay for 3 days. She is on medicine to help the valve move. We have weekly visits to check her saturation levels (steady at 85-89%).<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjK6MOo5N4YvUEzfcrlVPaacTlPpn8mJvGHi6jWS5i6j-AAqXRvD7VOWQxeciuF5d-fDrCdw2czNH_vJbN_4N4zACYkt810SLOKms0QC6ahLjCAF-J4PE3e41lvz3nxJq2BRXrYR6kUvI/s1600/1503270_848941688462451_8075939463144428459_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjK6MOo5N4YvUEzfcrlVPaacTlPpn8mJvGHi6jWS5i6j-AAqXRvD7VOWQxeciuF5d-fDrCdw2czNH_vJbN_4N4zACYkt810SLOKms0QC6ahLjCAF-J4PE3e41lvz3nxJq2BRXrYR6kUvI/s1600/1503270_848941688462451_8075939463144428459_n.jpg" height="400" width="297" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thinking about stuff and things. 3 weeks old.</td></tr>
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<br />What does this all mean for us? We are lucky and we know it. We cannot let her cry a lot or she could turn blue. We have a baby that turns a dusky purple at times. LOTS of hand washing and sanitizer in the house. If she gets ill, we have to take her to be seen right away. Meds every 6 hours and she will have surgery between 3-6 months of age. They will replace the valve and repair the hole in her heart. She may never be able to do most sports, but that is ok. We will just have to wait and see how that goes. At some point she will need another surgery before she is an adult.<br /><br />The goal now is for her to grow as big as she can before surgery. Either way, it needs to be done before she becomes active. Shirley is now a month old and doing well. :-)<br /></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Minions</td></tr>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07641939494735963839noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7595924721308376439.post-66993313681948438612014-08-01T07:40:00.000-07:002014-08-01T13:27:58.588-07:00Let's play catch up. The addition!<embed id="cfmoxs" style="display: block; height: 0.2px; width: 10px;" type="application/x-firefox-plg"></embed><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Adding on 2 rooms and expanding the existing room on that side. We lost the window and some space due to needing a hall and the window placement.</td></tr>
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A lot has happened to my little tribe. I told myself that I would start to post again. It is a way to wind down at the end of the day... or something to do while I am ignored in the morning. Where shall we start? Hmm... How about the addition. A little back story, yes, we are a one income family. We haven been saving for several years now for this addition, basically since we moved into this house and the Elder realized I was right. There wasn't enough room to put 2 bedrooms into the man cave and still keep it for his side's family Christmas party. That was just shy of 4 years ago. This house was originally a 2 bedroom house with an above garage family room and a living room in the main house. We already had 3 minions at that time. We had hopes to have the addition the year after Colonel Sanders was born (we co sleep). Only my van died. So it was delayed. We were trying to do this all without an added loan. This means saving like mad and some sacrifices.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlI_iTblIj2Kfa7rlx5b_uLAzYHUosJUBvDJyNqnu0n8eVhCPMIsSlOY9sM5YO6-eyeHvBeV3XiRBt23Rnr-GTJWUAE1BE4tcr2NR6IAETFRDG1ro573Lr55sf1nvczHTAafg83STZ-Ns/s1600/10348232_745128432177111_508190759187098758_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlI_iTblIj2Kfa7rlx5b_uLAzYHUosJUBvDJyNqnu0n8eVhCPMIsSlOY9sM5YO6-eyeHvBeV3XiRBt23Rnr-GTJWUAE1BE4tcr2NR6IAETFRDG1ro573Lr55sf1nvczHTAafg83STZ-Ns/s1600/10348232_745128432177111_508190759187098758_n.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a><br />
Anyway, IT FINALLY HAPPENED!!!! The hope was it would be finished by Clark's birthday at the end of June. No luck. After many hiccups, scheduling issues, and being at a stand still because the inspector stood us up, we finally had our last inspection this last Tuesday!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEianAsENw-yk7OLdqIL__EXGmSoNFHbPCw3KBDbHtBPqtRpOq_e93gBbY2427UGkJwGHeXcQNJChWQLL8oWWaXQFlP4NWsG1k0q2K9kurufB5pJSbpT4Hdbdk54Vf6OFaZUIccpGdIZymU/s1600/10308371_745849005438387_4584072621745200202_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEianAsENw-yk7OLdqIL__EXGmSoNFHbPCw3KBDbHtBPqtRpOq_e93gBbY2427UGkJwGHeXcQNJChWQLL8oWWaXQFlP4NWsG1k0q2K9kurufB5pJSbpT4Hdbdk54Vf6OFaZUIccpGdIZymU/s1600/10308371_745849005438387_4584072621745200202_n.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a><br />
Our contractor and his little crew work mainly on the weekends (Fri-Sunday). Sometimes a guy or 2 would come out during the week. It meant slower work, but that was ok. They are great guys and they did awesome with the minions.<br />
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We built onto the back of the house. At this end there is the bathroom to the left and on the right was our old bedroom. We decided that our old room would become the boys' new room. We added a slider into the plans for one of the new bedrooms.<br />
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The plan was to build as much on the outside as they could before they broke through the existing outer walls to the house to join the 2. The main reason was to keep the house closed up as much as possible since we had little ones.<br />
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They framed in the new addition and then put in the closets. Next came another inspection, then taking out the walls between the old and new, another inspection. Electrical was run next... with another inspection.<br />
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This picture is of where they took out the 2 walls to what use to be our bedroom. Our bed ended up in the living room for almost a month. You see the beam running across? That is where the old exterior wall use to be. All that was our room. So there is the frame in for the hall and also for the expansion of the old room. They used plastic to keep dust out of the house and minions out.<br />
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This view is from the existing room. You can see where they took away from the room to make the hall and made an opening to the main house. Colonel Sanders thought this was the coolest thing ever. That mess of wires is our cable modem and router. It was located in our room.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu4t-KrLKW0RHFDhD6IgN29t00ehhwxa8Jn08gzebZioQ8Tf0EsQDY8qafIpFaxMcabUWutEITcqjIXJhKA5kDhahvAvEkuGDT5P2cjY0aUbQgkOO4VXWg2YSeZL3hrjMXvQc_bvtiJbE/s1600/10417457_756414617715159_8796875364358812487_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu4t-KrLKW0RHFDhD6IgN29t00ehhwxa8Jn08gzebZioQ8Tf0EsQDY8qafIpFaxMcabUWutEITcqjIXJhKA5kDhahvAvEkuGDT5P2cjY0aUbQgkOO4VXWg2YSeZL3hrjMXvQc_bvtiJbE/s1600/10417457_756414617715159_8796875364358812487_n.jpg" height="297" width="400" /></a><br />
While we waited for the inspection, to run electrical, and the electrical inspection, the guys did the siding. Notice the 2 colors? Our house has old cedar siding that was in need of being replaced in the next few years. So we opted to have the siding done in the color we want the house to be. Then next year we will finish the rest of the house.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzOhg0G2l_H32LA7NfcCrzGAthb1_h8EUpv0xgnv24FE4FhOHGDgaNyG4flqzX53SR32MEJqw5UAwWT4JLBREyjHMU4kvFl3B1CNWCVLDM2vphi10r5ytOSO6dzoNKGodwFegP5kLIX6A/s1600/10409547_765206036836017_5521727444000879874_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzOhg0G2l_H32LA7NfcCrzGAthb1_h8EUpv0xgnv24FE4FhOHGDgaNyG4flqzX53SR32MEJqw5UAwWT4JLBREyjHMU4kvFl3B1CNWCVLDM2vphi10r5ytOSO6dzoNKGodwFegP5kLIX6A/s1600/10409547_765206036836017_5521727444000879874_n.jpg" height="298" width="400" /></a><br />
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Next came drywall. The inspection, and then the drywallers had to mud the rooms... with another inspection when they were finished. Really. I never knew you needed so many inspections while building. They only inspect on Mondays and Thursdays in our area. So if we were stood up for a Thursday inspection (happened), then we lost a whole weekends worth of work. <br />
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See that? Happened as a combo of The Elder tripping (uneven floor) while walking to the bathroom and the minions then realizing the wall could be like clay... Mama was NOT amused. Luckily the guys came back the next day and repaired this before the inspection. They just laughed. I am so grateful for such a great group of guys working on our home!<br />
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Next came flooring. First they had to even out the floor. When they poured the new foundation, they had it level on the bathroom side. Instead they should have done it on the bedroom side. Our house is pretty old and was actually built in sections. I am told most of the older houses out here use to be cabins that people later built onto. So the new hall was not even with the new added rooms. There was also difference in the height of the floor in what use to be our master bedroom. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcJ1-39tVvr2G-0PviCgDzc9FpS0CjwL71BZO4vs0FYj15fbF8r4FAZWlW1-KSpMXAZRtErlkM-HnQcxlU854LuetYzybUegm85vAQNa9UEHifAE_wG-WmMfqk0rSMx9OWaQisyVRMrCo/s1600/10553612_778314685525152_694716293739513170_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcJ1-39tVvr2G-0PviCgDzc9FpS0CjwL71BZO4vs0FYj15fbF8r4FAZWlW1-KSpMXAZRtErlkM-HnQcxlU854LuetYzybUegm85vAQNa9UEHifAE_wG-WmMfqk0rSMx9OWaQisyVRMrCo/s1600/10553612_778314685525152_694716293739513170_n.jpg" height="400" width="297" /></a><br />
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Here it is! Even! We had forgotten to ask them to move the heat vent to another location. See that orange? It's suppose to be lava. We allowed the minions to pick the colors they wanted. Clark wanted blue, Pork wanted green like grass, and Tyke wanted lava. For 3 weeks he told us about how cool lava would be. Ok... We compromised. The ceiling is a blue (looks good), the back of the door is green and so is the dresser (a post in the future), and the spots for the supporting beams from the old outer wall were turned into lava. The rest was painted off white. We allowed the minions to pick the shades they wanted too.<br />
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Glow stick did not get a voice in the girls' shared room. The Colonel wanted a pink princess room. That pink was the color she chose. I refused to have a room done in total pink. She also requested a "princess room". The compromise was to let her pick out princess curtains, the one wall painted the pink of her choice, and I painted the remaining walls a color called Soap Bubble. It is an extremely light pink that looks white while there is light on it. When it is dim, it is a very light pink.<br />
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Our room did not turn out as planned. I got a green with the same concept of when light was on it, it looked white, when dim it was a light green. Then I opted to paint one wall a "metallic" green. It sounds horrid, but the color is nice... To bad the greens did not go well together once on the walls. They looked good in paint swatches. The darker green makes the other walls appear a mint green all the time. Oh well. It is slowly growing on me. Mainly because we did all the painting (to save some money) and I was tired of painting.<br />
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Now comes the task of moving everyone into their new rooms. I have stuff from bedrooms in my living room, it has taken over my dining room, and I still have a disaster area in the boys' old room to clean up.<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07641939494735963839noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7595924721308376439.post-9125170540962922662014-05-21T09:16:00.000-07:002014-05-21T09:16:16.291-07:00News<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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PPD hasn't been very kind to me. I do not have any intention of hurting anyone, I just lack motivation. <br /><br />Anyway, so news here... Guess what? </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiYJ266vgsjcfSlsDcuNcjcYXUkmfmexa4SYf6vSVL-1aa38yGWMwRwg2QjbqFxbuuSf6Z1zURycOKoH4cgz7PsTM_I3k4SSBfw9Ak5D5mQ7g2Sej8SJqeEXiRmmA-ivvu7uOPZHNO398/s1600/ultrasound.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiYJ266vgsjcfSlsDcuNcjcYXUkmfmexa4SYf6vSVL-1aa38yGWMwRwg2QjbqFxbuuSf6Z1zURycOKoH4cgz7PsTM_I3k4SSBfw9Ak5D5mQ7g2Sej8SJqeEXiRmmA-ivvu7uOPZHNO398/s1600/ultrasound.png" height="320" width="273" /></a></div>
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That's right. The final addition to our family will be here early December. <br /><br /></div>
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<br /><br /><br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07641939494735963839noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7595924721308376439.post-61654689043357861042014-01-14T21:14:00.000-08:002014-01-14T21:14:19.470-08:00First Bowling of the New Year<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCgcjlVe1OOu8ZSUNf6P1xGSeltSKoEvbL0cPOOz0P9xtvc8eKx81WPN4t3yXB3d8F01ww6f9heCt65iMMFsSK20TmNnjlJhBbToJghJEELUOP6gN2NSW5luwpMN4CbPOWmR8bF5t4Evw/s1600/photo+1+(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCgcjlVe1OOu8ZSUNf6P1xGSeltSKoEvbL0cPOOz0P9xtvc8eKx81WPN4t3yXB3d8F01ww6f9heCt65iMMFsSK20TmNnjlJhBbToJghJEELUOP6gN2NSW5luwpMN4CbPOWmR8bF5t4Evw/s400/photo+1+(2).JPG" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Clark</td></tr>
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<br />First round of Bumper Bowlers league of 2014! Forgive my poor pictures. As you can imagine, it is very hard to keep everyone going and together when it is just me. I had 4 little ones bowling this year. The best I could do is super quick snapshots.<br /><br />Notice no headphones on Clark? Yeah! We over came the noise overload at the bowling alley! </div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguooKMsv1GnkPTOBOCdC0n5u0t-q6SozogPCDKEPJLNMW3nAkDpgR-bEirz9kt7fyGOiCcLqUZYfiqj04VZgHEclr6tR494VTrslfM3hzwFCoq4J6ME3o0efLfUd4zC0VAHey9cCzZ9bc/s1600/photo+1+(3).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguooKMsv1GnkPTOBOCdC0n5u0t-q6SozogPCDKEPJLNMW3nAkDpgR-bEirz9kt7fyGOiCcLqUZYfiqj04VZgHEclr6tR494VTrslfM3hzwFCoq4J6ME3o0efLfUd4zC0VAHey9cCzZ9bc/s400/photo+1+(3).JPG" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tyke</td></tr>
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This one is pretty bad. I cannot figure out why he chose to sit down to watch his ball. As long as he got up when it hit the pins, I let Tyke do as he pleased. At least I knew where he was.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfHSqSzI1OY__SRVYgqAyWFerBXSnLV9bL_zmQBxcPL3LYyeXciWz5v-YrDlHob8kQuj8ZpMOM3NmA4Hh4YOUBuKJBvGrcVabsHSmZtgrbPRbWCjsMeqHbOTjq8JQpu-q2FNHA_Okcv38/s1600/photo+2+(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfHSqSzI1OY__SRVYgqAyWFerBXSnLV9bL_zmQBxcPL3LYyeXciWz5v-YrDlHob8kQuj8ZpMOM3NmA4Hh4YOUBuKJBvGrcVabsHSmZtgrbPRbWCjsMeqHbOTjq8JQpu-q2FNHA_Okcv38/s400/photo+2+(2).JPG" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pork</td></tr>
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Pork decided he was going to lay the ball down and roll it. No matter what I did, I could not get him to toss it. Needless to say, even though he is the strongest child (and the heaviest by 15+ lbs), he had the slowest moving balls.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht_V-HySIj73_MwfQ-0Vqe51FQ_L9aylhFjEV8GJ11m359oojUxnCPdBt_YJvyNiOaIcR7_wUVWperbRr1EYN8f6orjpuIaiGbe1CqTJIKW1kLhuaITjAFiAJhEI-Qjelnl-WL5lGPGq4/s1600/photo+3+(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht_V-HySIj73_MwfQ-0Vqe51FQ_L9aylhFjEV8GJ11m359oojUxnCPdBt_YJvyNiOaIcR7_wUVWperbRr1EYN8f6orjpuIaiGbe1CqTJIKW1kLhuaITjAFiAJhEI-Qjelnl-WL5lGPGq4/s320/photo+3+(2).JPG" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pork</td></tr>
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Oh Pork Pork. At least the ball made it down all the way. The boys all have their own balls. The Colonel does not. So she had to use one of theirs.<br /><br />The Elder was going to join us. Normally he is out of work at 3:30pm. Only his job opened up over time until May or June. This means he will not be out of work until 5:30pm. This leaves me to handle bowling (4:30pm) alone.<br /></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjROg0ztWRligcHuUDGODQdcmI69OWLGBfzDKAzX-ybWQNJ7iuOx5NEe9ddVdpbhgtkUHq-wO-iUKTKlJF9aLXnmpcMKLqvAGtrlIn2yT5h-bu_aGsYG2Axg0xskw3PBZLUM4q63Gypr2s/s1600/photo+2+(3).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjROg0ztWRligcHuUDGODQdcmI69OWLGBfzDKAzX-ybWQNJ7iuOx5NEe9ddVdpbhgtkUHq-wO-iUKTKlJF9aLXnmpcMKLqvAGtrlIn2yT5h-bu_aGsYG2Axg0xskw3PBZLUM4q63Gypr2s/s400/photo+2+(3).JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Colonel Sanders</td></tr>
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This is the first time The Colonel has been allowed to bowl on the league. Normally they will not allow them till they are 4 (or very close). The Colonel turned 2 in November. The Elder has bowled here for years. Everyone knows him. The boys bowled all last year. So they knew our family as a whole. One of the coaches told us that if The Colonel would remain interested, then they would gladly allow her on the league. YES! It makes my life easier (kinda).<br /></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3SrEdbi0856UpzYxSz73j5J_GSp8Mcfms74wnwfPORRTqBs7APeeIJgRagw_kq8T3e6rChqjn_tTEiE4fMs9FLCneH_JXxBdQRHc0iQH9jhjYg0zTVsOKplyFC2H744squHJLuBpAkt0/s1600/photo+4+(1).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3SrEdbi0856UpzYxSz73j5J_GSp8Mcfms74wnwfPORRTqBs7APeeIJgRagw_kq8T3e6rChqjn_tTEiE4fMs9FLCneH_JXxBdQRHc0iQH9jhjYg0zTVsOKplyFC2H744squHJLuBpAkt0/s400/photo+4+(1).JPG" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">C - Our beloved Glow Stick.</td></tr>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07641939494735963839noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7595924721308376439.post-69937149493322506972014-01-03T10:06:00.000-08:002014-01-03T10:06:26.585-08:00Bowling!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_OZMA8nkDuMVgMPwzEnGBx4EMo22ej3V6jBexqpU49GFFM_QdnFIP59fOtVoPUaB9IF53a8CbGHxZr2lH2vcKg2W-9pqu-YlLlxRc6fH-ygIEzxUYVh7y8GBRcMGUhw76PCz6K0IA0Fs/s1600/iphone+591.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_OZMA8nkDuMVgMPwzEnGBx4EMo22ej3V6jBexqpU49GFFM_QdnFIP59fOtVoPUaB9IF53a8CbGHxZr2lH2vcKg2W-9pqu-YlLlxRc6fH-ygIEzxUYVh7y8GBRcMGUhw76PCz6K0IA0Fs/s320/iphone+591.JPG" width="239" /></a><br /><br /><span style="text-align: start;">Clark has come a long way with bowling! We no longer need the headphones. He no longer melts down near 6th frame. Now Clark just has a few problems getting started. Last "season" we had bowling on Saturday mornings. First thing in the morning is always a good time for us. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirVOwsRxATwzRJ8y7uY34WVTkNHlo5lWysnVR0HS99Teu5efvhT8V0HT6W_UFyj4PXe-IXJ8xiB42owIZtDzHTxE-Jvt0-METLsqog-A1fbQml0hOqyyorJT1afNSTsbDwVEqD7UBc8G0/s1600/iphone+594.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirVOwsRxATwzRJ8y7uY34WVTkNHlo5lWysnVR0HS99Teu5efvhT8V0HT6W_UFyj4PXe-IXJ8xiB42owIZtDzHTxE-Jvt0-METLsqog-A1fbQml0hOqyyorJT1afNSTsbDwVEqD7UBc8G0/s320/iphone+594.JPG" width="239" /></a><br /><br />Yes, they participate in bumper bowling. Over the last 2 "seasons" they have improved. The bumpers are not always in use.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMVnxF5_se0Dm_k2APZT587sqLvwfB8WgghVoR-g2EeaER0LH6i2TiuKyV7u9AhA0L4gG0n-AIT_VEeJbVS5xOcR9VwosbCXV6jZgQZWH6IW-zHMU5fwxUmv0kd1j77AjVLiQBDHrayo4/s1600/iphone+600.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMVnxF5_se0Dm_k2APZT587sqLvwfB8WgghVoR-g2EeaER0LH6i2TiuKyV7u9AhA0L4gG0n-AIT_VEeJbVS5xOcR9VwosbCXV6jZgQZWH6IW-zHMU5fwxUmv0kd1j77AjVLiQBDHrayo4/s320/iphone+600.JPG" width="320" /></a><br /><br />Snack while bowling seems to be key at keeping the minions in one place. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCuV3VEom4f7V1_-f5FGkFscEWEjqZiZwCsU3irk0EE9S7KO1nqUqV7BUqYXY_G9EoYQg6T2OdVYH6qjdIho-of-rEMB8-LfIY8XuHfWT_KqVKHJFu1u2QLW43jwBTlh0rtkJ1-LkZT4w/s1600/iphone+601.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCuV3VEom4f7V1_-f5FGkFscEWEjqZiZwCsU3irk0EE9S7KO1nqUqV7BUqYXY_G9EoYQg6T2OdVYH6qjdIho-of-rEMB8-LfIY8XuHfWT_KqVKHJFu1u2QLW43jwBTlh0rtkJ1-LkZT4w/s320/iphone+601.JPG" width="239" /></a><br /><br />This winter their league went to 5 week long sessions instead of 10-11 week sessions. There is no longer a Saturday league. Our only option this winter is 4:30 on Tuesdays. Tuesdays will now become Crock Pot Tuesdays!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOeBUIPlYW2o9nr2wV__UMq0lgxe2PL23lcnL91RrOr1z61MjLRp5swbonJ3KaHgiphnp3XvOKYZjG9E-hLUMiWrsHIYX2YbGKu9sTYNy0_X-zyi4Iz1_6K_E0eBFe66iXXPyzdbReP6Y/s1600/iphone+604.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOeBUIPlYW2o9nr2wV__UMq0lgxe2PL23lcnL91RrOr1z61MjLRp5swbonJ3KaHgiphnp3XvOKYZjG9E-hLUMiWrsHIYX2YbGKu9sTYNy0_X-zyi4Iz1_6K_E0eBFe66iXXPyzdbReP6Y/s320/iphone+604.JPG" width="320" /></a><br /><br />My 3 bowling Minions...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnFgM1FVLtY-N44dYhGCPT5Odq8AMgGgXjBmfGOQoW3YeOSg0AnOxsvwqR90bwnpAp8gQ8GFObGR0d3ONGFAoyklDkVO7ryHJjWvrKObIOUBoe6kL13H2qYYEwXgMvOup3Pxzqfq01jLA/s1600/iphone+605.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnFgM1FVLtY-N44dYhGCPT5Odq8AMgGgXjBmfGOQoW3YeOSg0AnOxsvwqR90bwnpAp8gQ8GFObGR0d3ONGFAoyklDkVO7ryHJjWvrKObIOUBoe6kL13H2qYYEwXgMvOup3Pxzqfq01jLA/s320/iphone+605.JPG" width="320" /></a><br /><br />:-) Like the shirts? I actually have one for all 5 minions. The Colonel will be joining the boys this winter. She is still under the age, but since The Elder bowls on Sundays there and the boys make up their own team, they agreed to let Colonel Sanders join early, after all, she is there anyway and it will help keep her amused.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07641939494735963839noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7595924721308376439.post-60606858478604714412013-10-31T07:29:00.001-07:002013-10-31T07:29:41.006-07:00A very late update<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNARMpN7E7BM9y9QEYzUVTT4tRJx80ZE3AOJO7kXuo5FJDpK7EuYZwcQCGUne-MLDsopDOfNt0lr9YE3rJcUje8vWa_rAkVs3F3LuBlIMNiVQ74pi3E7Wyl7hTiNLQdCGtum8Q7-kkkgk/s1600/1375956_633353153354640_1003775778_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="297" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNARMpN7E7BM9y9QEYzUVTT4tRJx80ZE3AOJO7kXuo5FJDpK7EuYZwcQCGUne-MLDsopDOfNt0lr9YE3rJcUje8vWa_rAkVs3F3LuBlIMNiVQ74pi3E7Wyl7hTiNLQdCGtum8Q7-kkkgk/s400/1375956_633353153354640_1003775778_n.jpg" width="400" /></a><br /><br />We added a new member to our household earlier this month. This is Glow Stick. She was born weighing 8lbs 12oz and is a very awake baby. Due to jaundice, she had to remain in the hospital for 5 days. The minions came up to visit us daily. Due to the government shutdown, The Elder was not able to take his time off. Glow Stick was born in the morning and The Elder was back to work by noon.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUXMv6gF64b4hFzFNIqJZFdSeBw61oV6BA8a4eYHkuS3ZNiyFFd8SVeQo2AZ2gLDyQ9CaJ9Nlp_tORGGiE-LxX3wRYReJEwOilgoo0KSuqIVVSvAfBT9HS5qC1zTN-vJnlh9WtRKY3VE4/s1600/1382388_633197410036881_787797599_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="297" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUXMv6gF64b4hFzFNIqJZFdSeBw61oV6BA8a4eYHkuS3ZNiyFFd8SVeQo2AZ2gLDyQ9CaJ9Nlp_tORGGiE-LxX3wRYReJEwOilgoo0KSuqIVVSvAfBT9HS5qC1zTN-vJnlh9WtRKY3VE4/s400/1382388_633197410036881_787797599_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Clark and Tyke reading with Grandma in the hospital.</td></tr>
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We were one of the lucky families and we had money in the bank. So we were fine even though The Elder was not paid for several weeks. Once the government was "running" again, The Elder took his two weeks off. This is the last week he is off. I have to admit it is almost like having a 6th child.<br /><br /></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibuEMy9t4rkLgZvXnk2KH_JCblNEmWhJFngCcOuxrIxZRhwR-3f8nIBm2sIGx6V18XyqszFUb5J9wYTFzGxuYSxRA1aAB0zIeG-4_G1R_h5Q8N37r_Q7NUcL51Q0a0bU6b4lQA_uU9G5c/s1600/photo+(8).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibuEMy9t4rkLgZvXnk2KH_JCblNEmWhJFngCcOuxrIxZRhwR-3f8nIBm2sIGx6V18XyqszFUb5J9wYTFzGxuYSxRA1aAB0zIeG-4_G1R_h5Q8N37r_Q7NUcL51Q0a0bU6b4lQA_uU9G5c/s400/photo+(8).JPG" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Colonel Sanders loves her sister.</td></tr>
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In the mean time, Clark has been having a bit of a rough time at school. More meltdowns, he has turned into a runner, and he had to be taken out of the lunch room. The noises and other kids are just to much for him in the gym. So he eats with his teacher or another adult every day. The Elder has stopped in to have lunch with the boys several times while he has been off. Clark loved it and his teacher reported that the rest of that day and the one after the lunch time visit went smoother than normal<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifpP7i6OL_PmVoXNNo95gNkui8fZsHHIKxeQ49VkuomcVCq2g12gUSZTO7iiaAo6tA5H7CglafLXA84NkgTpkwlimhtZumnQ7MYB0_SLPHn8-99nHorZLzMyYd5-8b6eQqWs22SX_GVA4/s1600/photo+%25287%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifpP7i6OL_PmVoXNNo95gNkui8fZsHHIKxeQ49VkuomcVCq2g12gUSZTO7iiaAo6tA5H7CglafLXA84NkgTpkwlimhtZumnQ7MYB0_SLPHn8-99nHorZLzMyYd5-8b6eQqWs22SX_GVA4/s400/photo+%25287%2529.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is why she is called Glow Stick. She came home on a bili blanket and was on it for a week at home.</td></tr>
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Tyke also enjoyed the lunch time visits. He is doing well in his class. He keeps an eye on his older brother at school. Pork did not make it into preschool. We work on things at home though. Colonel Sanders is such a big girl. She likes to sit on the potty and help feed her sister when we bottle feed.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidQHR-69mg1EO03dIylPAZxd_dttMjMITDdHj9TSmGgzLvAgDBL5slAPnGRVz5SfgD7vJeh1crPMDLF73Xz_Qz5oKNJO340w-0qdy-_EqTHTU5B5e8HI_JsXyN3bBZxfFS_QdlGQyvXMc/s1600/1396802_10202371200189288_323656478_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidQHR-69mg1EO03dIylPAZxd_dttMjMITDdHj9TSmGgzLvAgDBL5slAPnGRVz5SfgD7vJeh1crPMDLF73Xz_Qz5oKNJO340w-0qdy-_EqTHTU5B5e8HI_JsXyN3bBZxfFS_QdlGQyvXMc/s400/1396802_10202371200189288_323656478_o.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our family</td></tr>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07641939494735963839noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7595924721308376439.post-87582392884097446702013-09-04T06:57:00.002-07:002013-09-04T07:00:33.378-07:00First day of school<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Here they are! Clark and Tyke on their first day of Kindergarten! Pork is still fighting potty training, so he did not make it into preschool. The boys got ready and ate breakfast with no issues. We were actually early!<br />
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After we dropped Clark and Tyke off, the remaining 2 minions and I decided to go out on a date. The minions had first breakfast at 7am. Pork wanted to be like mama (who was having decaf coffee). So we put OJ in his mug.<br />
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Colonel Sanders was a little to excited! <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoxwJx93zk9mK6lfjA6JWFvFpu-LlFS7Usrn88qqCvU3ZnNrQcZuJZrjxr7zjhcdBaOW5dkz1vQL8mpW7WafULcmrhZNEF_VETBdu55vSDV31dOINHQFpgJu1dPuACw8CpF1WtpsL_94o/s1600/1044777_620070734682882_947153909_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoxwJx93zk9mK6lfjA6JWFvFpu-LlFS7Usrn88qqCvU3ZnNrQcZuJZrjxr7zjhcdBaOW5dkz1vQL8mpW7WafULcmrhZNEF_VETBdu55vSDV31dOINHQFpgJu1dPuACw8CpF1WtpsL_94o/s400/1044777_620070734682882_947153909_n.jpg" width="297" /></a> <br />
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This is what is left after 2nd breakfast. By the time food came up, it was 9am. Pork and The Colonel both had a very large Mickey Mouse pancake. Pork at that, some of my omelet, and the toast you see there. This is after eating 3 pieces of french toast, milk, and fruit just 2 hours prior.<br />
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Outside of smearing her face with chocolate, Colonel Sanders was not to interested in her breakfast. I did not expect her to be.<br />
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The rest of the day was spent relaxing, playing and I had a Dr. appt to take off a bump (nothing interesting, no worries!).<br />
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Pork was VERY happy to see Tyke at the end of the school day! <br />
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Yes, that is a parked car behind The Colonel. That is the pick up line. I was standing and watching her carefully. There was not to much sidewalk to play on. Colonel Sanders was a little to happy to run around the bench. I know she does not look amused here, she has sun in her eyes.<br />
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Poor Clark. He was the last class out and you could tell he was over stimulated. I called his teacher later and she told me that he had a wonderful day and no sensory items were needed to help him cope with all that was going on. I feel a little silly rushing back to the school after drop off (before 2nd breakfast now). We provide the items he needs for sensory. So I have several sensory brushes, clay (a tiny piece helps him focus), chew tops for his pencils, and wet wipes. The list changes depending on what he is doing. Right now he is not wanting a weighted pad or vest. He does well with a bean bag for his hands, but it was decided we would wait to see if he would be ok without it.<br /><br />As far as lunch, Tyke ate all but his carrots. Clark did not eat well at all. He ate just the 5-6 grape halves and the fruit strips. I think he was distracted over the noise in the lunch room as well as the other kids.<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07641939494735963839noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7595924721308376439.post-8666192843697678062013-08-26T10:41:00.002-07:002013-08-26T10:41:30.247-07:00Our first trial for the yearThe plan was, put minions in the tub, set out their clothes, make breakfast, get minions out of the tub, dress minions, feed breakfast and while they eat breakfast I would make lunches. Any other time this may have worked. Today there was nothing but fighting. Then my Angry Birds cutters went MIA. I was not a pleased mama.<br />
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<br />I just received my FunBites cutters in the mail and wanted to give them a try. I thought they would work perfect for an Angry Birds lunch! I even had some Angry Birds cutters that I had purchased for Tyke's birthday.<br />
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To bad things did not go my way. Next time I need to gather all cutters before I start lunch. I had the FunBites, but the Angry Birds were no where to be found. *sighs* I know the minions have been fascinated with them. To bad they chose to play with them. The baby has drained most creativity from my brain (5 more week till baby is born!). I had no clue what to do. So I decided to just go with what I had, not worry about it and make lunch.<br />
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I need to warn you, apple rabbits do NOT turn out to well when you are out of practice and are using a steak knife. Yeah, don't ask. It was a steak knife or a very large knife. I decided keeping my fingers would be best and went with the steak knife.<br /><br />Things still turned out. Clark and Tyke informed me that they loved their World of Goo lunch... Ok then. I will guess that is a game their father put on the Nabi Jr. Glad they liked it. I also discovered that with no morning snack (they have one at home but not at school, so we had no snack this morning) they need more food than normal. Tomorrow I will do better!<br /><br />There is a little concern over Tyke not eating as many small meals though. We put in a morning snack because it is better for him... So we shall see....Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07641939494735963839noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7595924721308376439.post-45947079874547470192013-05-28T08:00:00.000-07:002013-05-28T08:00:00.421-07:00Odd rash on The Colonel<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Crazy times over Memorial Day weekend. Friday morning Colonel Sanders had a red line near the top of her diaper. I assumed it was from how she was laying in bed with her blanket bunched up or something. We had our bath for the day and life went on.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMPj6uQIC6coPue9-FtgjTQKuIOgDyDJemPxa21rhHqkZT44uksOMwZAeTstFP1Vv3jSfe7KxU15gzgQGpdMq16lF8KnjVhhjNG_fD6bNqQt8hTxXWO-Z2cIm09bBrcs1jnPRCDSArr8I/s1600/photo+(1).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMPj6uQIC6coPue9-FtgjTQKuIOgDyDJemPxa21rhHqkZT44uksOMwZAeTstFP1Vv3jSfe7KxU15gzgQGpdMq16lF8KnjVhhjNG_fD6bNqQt8hTxXWO-Z2cIm09bBrcs1jnPRCDSArr8I/s320/photo+(1).JPG" width="239" /></a><br /><br />After the Dr. office closed, this is what greeted me. The red near her diaper did not go below her diaper. I was stumped. I have never seen anything like this. We had not been outside in 2 days due to rain. No new foods. No new soaps (I have allergies to soaps). You would think with 3 boys I would have already seen it all. Especially with a child like Tyke. I had no clue. It did not itch and there was no pain when I touched it. No fever. The house has AC so it was not heat related. So I went to some fellow moms an asked them.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDfaUGHmxWj28s-zZPp5o5XyxAFyn0wRnjJhPjE9tEOhA6ZLgGvQ2LThrYghshXWgnTeBPo5itmfK2D5dRsyrK_Hj5p1R5Zd3WliWI1mRbhMwE5worUkZt3GUP6hGK3Z_yFSKWLCAvz04/s1600/photo+(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDfaUGHmxWj28s-zZPp5o5XyxAFyn0wRnjJhPjE9tEOhA6ZLgGvQ2LThrYghshXWgnTeBPo5itmfK2D5dRsyrK_Hj5p1R5Zd3WliWI1mRbhMwE5worUkZt3GUP6hGK3Z_yFSKWLCAvz04/s320/photo+(2).JPG" width="239" /></a><br /><br />There were many ideas and many things that it looked somewhat like. It ranged from fifths disease to ringworm. I knew it was not ring worm, but I can understand from the pictures. So I called the on call Dr. and she told me that she was not to concerned for The Colonel, but she wanted her to go in anyway just in case it was something that could problems with my pregnancy. This made me feel a little odd.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh08fvhyphenhyphenZUolY_ZQuXo_e4o_dmlGvMOLUcU768ltvQt8RIinUDaQOI-gYbr5d8Dx4uJi8cnURWR1ZLsw7Et2VmKh9QvnwtIzdkSwH1jzJ5VpB0EsugeYhnxH9IY4voL7MUPudbMaSzN6ks/s1600/photo+(3).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh08fvhyphenhyphenZUolY_ZQuXo_e4o_dmlGvMOLUcU768ltvQt8RIinUDaQOI-gYbr5d8Dx4uJi8cnURWR1ZLsw7Et2VmKh9QvnwtIzdkSwH1jzJ5VpB0EsugeYhnxH9IY4voL7MUPudbMaSzN6ks/s320/photo+(3).JPG" width="239" /></a><br /><br />Anyone who knows me is aware that I do not like going to the ER. If it will not kill you over night, then why not wait till morning to see the Dr? I am more cautious with the kids than I am myself, still, had this been on a Thursday, we would have just waited till the next morning to see the Dr.<br /><br />The intake nurse was a little puzzled since the red marks were flat. A 2nd nurse came in, looked at it from a distance (she was pregnant) and left telling me that I would have another nurse. That made me worry a bit, but well, too late, if it was bad I was already infected.<br /><br />The Dr. came in, was a little puzzled that it did not itch, it did not hurt, and it was flush with the skin. He left and so we waited. After an hour he came back and told me that The Colonel had him stumped for a little bit. They decided that what she had was hives caused by an allergic reaction. To what? no one had a clue.<br /><br />So we went home and went to bed. Saturday morning there was nothing on The Colonel. By afternoon it had come back half as bad, but by Sunday morning there was nothing again.<br /><br />We still have no clue what caused them.</div>
<br /><br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07641939494735963839noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7595924721308376439.post-74928719118839037522013-05-23T12:07:00.000-07:002013-05-23T12:07:21.257-07:00The update I have been promising........If you have ever lived with a roommate, you know it isn't easy. Everyone does things differently and what is expected in one family is totally different in another. How/what things are said (sarcasm) also varies in different family groups. So tone of voice has to be watched. Things can get stressful pretty fast. Especially when you add in 4 children and one is autistic and another one has to have a monitored diet due to acid reflux. We cut out a lot of boxed items and convenience foods. It all ends up being a learning curve for both parties involved. Along the way there is bound to be some hurt feelings and misunderstandings. <br /><br />The most important thing to do is always keep open lines of communication and for both parties to talk things out. This is especially true when one (or both) parties suffer from depression and or anxiety. If you let things build up, it will only make things 10 times worse. When one or both parties fail to do this... well it makes a stressful household and ends in disaster.<br /><br />That is all that will be said about that.<br /><br />Going back in time a bit, January 28th I found out I was pregnant with minion #5. By early February I had the worst morning sickness ever. If I sat still I was fine. The instant I got up to do anything, I was heaving. Even on Zofran. It was so bad that the kids missed school several times. We relied heavily on Julie for a bit to keep the house going as normal as possible. Aunt Agnes was picking up the kids from school.<br /><br />Things slowly got to a manageable level by mid April. In early May I started to have some constant heart palpation and a heavy chest. I also had some blackouts. One lasted a little over an hour. My OB sent me to the ER several times and I was also put on a heart monitor for 24 hours. The monitor showed the palpations but it did not show anything wrong. All blood tests came back normal. They did an ultrasound at one point (we did not get to see the baby, but it gave me an official due date) and the baby was fine. They finally decided it could all be stress related.<br /><br />Julie is no longer living with us. Sadly it was rather abrupt and it took Clark a week to come to terms with it. Near the end there was 2 days of him being on a constant hair trigger and many meltdowns. I had to send myself into time outs several times. I am happy to say that everyone is doing well now. The blackouts and heart palpation have gone away.<br /><br />On Monday The Elder and I had an ultrasound and were able to see the baby for the first time. I am now 20 1/2 weeks along. I still have nausea on and off and still need to take Zofran to keep it in check.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07641939494735963839noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7595924721308376439.post-1903412352965071392013-05-16T12:51:00.000-07:002013-05-16T12:51:16.456-07:00Bowling<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyo5eobKptK8M6Pq6dow6PtNpOg9X6HFiqKaK337QmeAl4UO9Ss90v34vigeP8FmPHQbDiDwzwg5WEa4WWNRfwkLnLVHPAAGNqhk2kgPmt9Ua9TwO7CbUCxV-TgxMWXa82hSyT-AqHv8k/s1600/IMG_0043.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyo5eobKptK8M6Pq6dow6PtNpOg9X6HFiqKaK337QmeAl4UO9Ss90v34vigeP8FmPHQbDiDwzwg5WEa4WWNRfwkLnLVHPAAGNqhk2kgPmt9Ua9TwO7CbUCxV-TgxMWXa82hSyT-AqHv8k/s400/IMG_0043.JPG" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Elder and Clark</td></tr>
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<br />We missed the cut off for spring Tball. So we signed the boys up for bowling. In the past they have enjoyed it. The good part is, all 3 boys can participate. With Tball, only Clark and Tyke can. We did consider soccer, but the field they use in this area is just to noisy. There is to much noise for Clark. It's sad because he really likes it. We may do it this fall though.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisCdexP17Y3sDM5OK46WFhdt79COvYeRhTaWsnBURq9AHSm1RnV075uMdQpEidktL-ii3DXJRZ1Kinlw56ikX1P1kK9jOlU4ZgWOjH-Ne7ntLEqMdQ1ghlcgTy7tnbQ1ZOl-98g2e7T0U/s1600/IMG_0045.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisCdexP17Y3sDM5OK46WFhdt79COvYeRhTaWsnBURq9AHSm1RnV075uMdQpEidktL-ii3DXJRZ1Kinlw56ikX1P1kK9jOlU4ZgWOjH-Ne7ntLEqMdQ1ghlcgTy7tnbQ1ZOl-98g2e7T0U/s400/IMG_0045.JPG" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Elder and Clark watching the ball.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYhcz3ly-ZmGe-YEpbeAISyS9DT01ZN-OLlUsy74fvgxoAHaH65nv9BqmGoUPIgiZLGdP_MsfuxkbKjqzQvUUlNdZag0ZzPA1mKjKmejM6-fFfrUNtcg3tO2k2jrLAP8aWLKSyNPU8aKE/s1600/IMG_0046.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYhcz3ly-ZmGe-YEpbeAISyS9DT01ZN-OLlUsy74fvgxoAHaH65nv9BqmGoUPIgiZLGdP_MsfuxkbKjqzQvUUlNdZag0ZzPA1mKjKmejM6-fFfrUNtcg3tO2k2jrLAP8aWLKSyNPU8aKE/s400/IMG_0046.JPG" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tyke getting his ball.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF4SKv2yJrznTcNptqe9m6y_me6Zg8sCcPzSjXGdhVRGUImwoVO7gyRCHC_mkTDCUSPtkMeSNlkcvxSZeT7LQh0YGW1CGwq7-xMRKAVHZ71tmZg2GfYl19bh7bA2OkF6KK3sACnz5UuHc/s1600/IMG_0047.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF4SKv2yJrznTcNptqe9m6y_me6Zg8sCcPzSjXGdhVRGUImwoVO7gyRCHC_mkTDCUSPtkMeSNlkcvxSZeT7LQh0YGW1CGwq7-xMRKAVHZ71tmZg2GfYl19bh7bA2OkF6KK3sACnz5UuHc/s400/IMG_0047.JPG" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pa and The Colonel</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1YG6E_8y6eVgiX4CmxIG9NrvmazkcLswK-hDfwouTltwLWR7iHRMAvKvTBoYaUlVPJ0k-6W0Jgmw0aj_YKpDkgwt-ey9Ybba9QHIqS2Sg8VJW5-W_pHLiNB6PD-7oyQ8GkXVz7u7-bcU/s1600/IMG_0048.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1YG6E_8y6eVgiX4CmxIG9NrvmazkcLswK-hDfwouTltwLWR7iHRMAvKvTBoYaUlVPJ0k-6W0Jgmw0aj_YKpDkgwt-ey9Ybba9QHIqS2Sg8VJW5-W_pHLiNB6PD-7oyQ8GkXVz7u7-bcU/s400/IMG_0048.JPG" width="298" /></a><br /><br />We have bowled 4 times so far. Tyke seems to do the best. All these pictures are from a previous week. Clark now needs to wear headphones to bowl. The noises in the bowling alley are to much for him once they have the teens bowling too. That is ok though.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEmLxWiowuX-erL7w-UcHz_ZAQWcXHMxc2TBpT1GzANuqFkw_KbsFNALpArFYf-Y_ARAFccFc6xqz-5g3LiZxds5aiqCEBdGNbO1Lj-CCCOKnBgAUwPMEUzL7Gq6GrLCw63HLB7jAVwIY/s1600/IMG_0050.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEmLxWiowuX-erL7w-UcHz_ZAQWcXHMxc2TBpT1GzANuqFkw_KbsFNALpArFYf-Y_ARAFccFc6xqz-5g3LiZxds5aiqCEBdGNbO1Lj-CCCOKnBgAUwPMEUzL7Gq6GrLCw63HLB7jAVwIY/s400/IMG_0050.JPG" width="298" /></a><br /><br />Oh Pork Chop... He and Pa are lining up the ball and he just tossed it.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvrWzSI2Z_nJUwC381-tOAejPFhqFOtxfxY9U7d1jK1oe05ZCKsebmWu7p7tfFNOt_Ngo8_58ro02bu_Poy3yBJ7Lcbx4kO0uqRl5WoDjKwhwexQlZ26rpt6fxFZe4hNi9k9pcwxYKZQM/s1600/IMG_0052.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvrWzSI2Z_nJUwC381-tOAejPFhqFOtxfxY9U7d1jK1oe05ZCKsebmWu7p7tfFNOt_Ngo8_58ro02bu_Poy3yBJ7Lcbx4kO0uqRl5WoDjKwhwexQlZ26rpt6fxFZe4hNi9k9pcwxYKZQM/s400/IMG_0052.JPG" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Go! Go!</td></tr>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07641939494735963839noreply@blogger.com0