tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20998717084000061652024-03-04T23:22:03.900-06:00this joyful lifeTonjahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17837111852774095149noreply@blogger.comBlogger593125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2099871708400006165.post-77674381030441731612016-02-24T15:07:00.001-06:002016-02-24T15:13:24.651-06:00A new dining room tableAfter buying our house last month I searched and searched for the perfect dining room table and came up totally empty handed. I literally spent days on the computer looking for something that would serve our family well, but that was cute and stylish. No one wants an ugly dining room table. Especially when you can see it when you walk in the front door.<br />
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My biggest problem was the size of our dining room. I don't know if you could call it a 'room' over-say... maybe more like a dining area. It is tiny. And then theres the master bedroom door right smack dab in the way! Who designs these houses anyway?<br />
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You can see from right here just how tiny the area is with our old table. And this pic didn't even include the leaf that made it bigger!<br />
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My biggest problem during the whole search was the quality of the products and price. These sites wanted an arm and a leg for compressed wood that never stands up to anything much less a house full of boys. I needed real wood! Solid wood that can withstand meltdowns, spills, pocket knives and crashing hot wheels. Do you know how hard that is to find? So after almost calling it quits I decided to search Pinterest for ideas and it was staring at me. Right there on the screen. </div>
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<i>Build yourself a pipe leg table!</i></div>
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How did I not think of this before? It couldn't be <i>that</i> hard right? I mean it is just some wood and pipe screwed together.</div>
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Well let me tell you... It was so easy! And I even decided to make a bench to match! I swear if I can make something that looks like this then anyone can make one! And not only was it cheaper than buying a new table, but I have a feeling that is way sturdier than anything I could buy in a store. </div>
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I still need to sand the rough edges and decide whether I am going to stain it or not, but the family and I are already enjoying eating at this table made with love.</div>
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<i>I will post in the next few days all the details of the table and how you can make your own :)</i></div>
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<i>P.s. The <a href="http://www.target.com/p/carlisle-metal-dining-chair-set-of-2/-/A-14413762?ref=tgt_adv_XS000000&AFID=google_pla_df&CPNG=PLA_Furniture%2BShopping&adgroup=SC_Furniture_Top+Performers&LID=700000001170770pgs&network=g&device=c&location=1026631&gclid=CIq0kdemkcsCFZeEaQodPBcCnA&gclsrc=aw.ds">metal chairs</a> are from Target and we love them! And we got rid of the <span style="color: #990000;">ugly red</span> <span style="color: #990000;">walls</span>! Yay!</i></div>
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Tonjahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17837111852774095149noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2099871708400006165.post-88863306261812772102016-01-25T14:09:00.000-06:002016-02-24T14:13:14.013-06:00GET IN MY BELLY!<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
Yesterday at lunch as I was looking over the menu I found ceviche. It's like one of my fave foods! Beyond excited I went to order and the waitress told me that even though it was on the menu they had not been making it for quite some time. My first thought was to politely give her my second option and then wonder what the hell? If it is on the menu I am a firm believer that you need to get to makin it! That is toying with peoples emotions for crying out loud! </div>
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So naturally I decided to make it myself. </div>
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It has been years since I have made any form of ceviche but I remembered the basics. I really wish I had some sort of fish on hand, but I didn't so it was gonna be loaded with tons of shrimp! and the <span style="font-size: large;">best thing about this recipe is that it is so light, refreshing AND it is healthy! </span>I have been snacking on it all day. </div>
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I will tell ya to be careful when it comes to the jalapeño and serrano peppers though. I don't know what they are normally like where all of y'all are from but around here sometimes you get them and they are like an odd shaped bell pepper. Absolutely no heat at all! Then there are the times that you get them and WHAM! It's so dang hot your teeth are on fire. </div>
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1 to 1.5 lbs peeled and deveined shrimp</div>
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1 avocado</div>
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1 jalapeno</div>
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1 serrano pepper</div>
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1 cucumber, peeled</div>
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1 cup red onion</div>
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1/2 cup of lime juice</div>
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1/2 cup lemon juice</div>
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1/2 bunch of cilantro</div>
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Start by getting your water on the stove and put over medium-high heat. Have a medium size bowl next to the stove with some ice water ready for when you pull the shrimp out. </div>
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Finely dice your jalapeño, serrano and red onion. Next dice your cucumber and avocado into small chunks. Chop up the cilantro really good and add everything to a large bowl. </div>
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Next juice your lemons and limes. I used a citrus juicer to make sure that I got out every bit of juice I could. It took me about two of each. Add to the bowl.</div>
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Add your shrimp to your boiling water and cook for 3 to 4 minutes or until pink. Immediately add to the ice water and let cool completely. </div>
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Once the shrimp is cool, drain and cut to where you end up with 4 pieces of shrimp. </div>
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Mix everything together and season with salt. Refrigerate for 12 to 24 hours to allow flavors to marinade together. </div>
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Serve with tortilla chips or eat right out of the bowl! </div>
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Tonjahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17837111852774095149noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2099871708400006165.post-24909403108454294292016-01-21T13:37:00.000-06:002016-02-24T14:13:07.563-06:00this rut i'm inHere I sit.<br />
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In the doorway of my closet because I really don't feel like taking the laundry all the way across the house to be washed.<br />
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Instead I am going to sit here and talk about the damned style rut that has been plauging me for months! All day I have been going through my closet seeing if there is anything that can be turned into a cute outfit. Surprisingly, thanks to Pinterest I have a lot more to work with than I thought! Who would have known?<br />
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I sure as hell wouldn't! I never really dressed to impress before, but since we moved to small town america I have just felt like what is the point?? Who am I gonna see that is gonna care if I am wearing my house shoes in the middle of the day? Or that I am probably wearing the same shirt as I did the day before? It was clean enough right. The only time I actually see people is when I go get the mail or I have to run to the corner market. There is that occasional night I go up to my husbands shop and hang out and drink beer... Lets get real tho... they really don't care about what I look like. And worst case scenerio they will just tell people that I looked like a hobo that say. No biggie.<br />
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But I will confess... <span style="font-size: large;">I AM SICK OF WEARING YOGA PANTS ALL THE TIME!!!</span> Even my husband is sick of seeing me in those black stretchy pants! Maybe I could just start wearing black leggings and argue that it really is clothes and not workout clothes. Just a thought.<br />
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I think the biggest part of not putting on real clothes is because I have no reason to put on real clothes. My cat isn't that hard to impress and is it really worth it to get all dolled up just so you can wipe up pee from the toilet seat in the kids bathroom?<br />
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I would like to tell you no. It's not worth it. But in reality it is. I have noticed that when I put on a nice pair of skinny jeans and a cute top that fits (that is a whole nother' blog post) I really feel better about myself and the day seems to be a lot better in general. It is really nice to not feel like a frumpy stay at home every now and then.<br />
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So if you are feeling like there is no point to get up and dressed because you have nothing to do and no one to see, take it from me IT IS ABSOLUTELY WORTH IT! Even if you plan on doing dishes or a load of laundry. Throw on some lipstick and a cute top and get after it. You will be surprised by how much it alters your outlook on the day.<br />
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Here are a few casual, nothing too fancy outfit ideas I got from the things that I have hiding in my closet...<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">(all images via Pinterest)</span></div>
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Tonjahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17837111852774095149noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2099871708400006165.post-33481672087743646642016-01-19T14:12:00.000-06:002016-02-24T14:12:58.978-06:00Tipsy TuesdayThis week I wanted to start off on the right foot so naturally that meant with a yummy cocktail recipe!<br />
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Lately I have been trying to stay away from beer because all it seems to do is make me a little more fluffy around the mid-section than I would like. I mean really. Why can they not make a beer that taste great with fewer carbs and calories? Because I will tell you that 'healthier beer' is not making the cut! </div>
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So instead of being sad that I am not drinking beer I decided to raid the liquor cabinet and get to working on some new drinks to enjoy.</div>
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First up is one of my favorites. I have had it any times while out and there is this one place that makes the absolute best! It is Charleston's in Edmond if you are ever in the area and looking for some great food and an amazing drink! And that amazing drink is the...</div>
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<span style="color: lime; font-size: x-large;">MEXICAN MARTINI</span></div>
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Now, I am sure that there are a million ways to make these, but I was sure to ask the bartender at the restaurant what was in his and wrote it down on my napkin of all things. I have now put my own spin on it because I did not have all of the ingredients but I think that it came out just as delicious.</div>
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You will need:</div>
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3 oz Tequila <span style="font-size: x-small;">(I use Patron or Pura Vida for just about everything)</span></div>
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1.5 oz Cointreau or Triple Sec</div>
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1.5 oz fresh squeezed lime juice</div>
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A splash of olive brine</div>
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Lime wedges and olives</div>
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Take your martini glass and salt the rim. Then add all of your ingredients to a shaker with a few cubes of ice and give it a few shakes. Strain into your glass and garnish with some olives and a lime wedge.</div>
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There you go! That is it. So simple to make and wonderful to drink with some great Mexican food or while you watch The Gourmet Detective on the Hallmark Channel like I do : D</div>
Tonjahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17837111852774095149noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2099871708400006165.post-57722292040170663732016-01-01T14:04:00.000-06:002016-02-24T14:36:14.760-06:0010 months 3 weeks and 6 days<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">(just a little fyi this is back dated so I can play catch up with what I had started)</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">HAPPY NEW YEAR Y'ALL! </span></div>
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It has been a long time since I have blogged and I am ready to jump back in the saddle. I have so missed reading all my favorite blogs and sharing all of life's joyful messy adventures. This past year has flew by and so many things have changed! Oh so many!</div>
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I am super excited to say that we started of this year as <span style="font-size: large;">NEW HOMEOWNERS</span>!!</div>
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So there will be plenty of blogging going on with DIY stuff and home decor as well as all the crazy stuff that goes on with living the small town life :)</div>
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I do want to take a minute to let y'all know this man right here has put up with so much and I am so so so thankful that he is willing to do life with me and put up with all my craziness and provide for us like he does! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7vT8gwm3fpHk1LzD6wa_USYktgqcq8cAIk_PFq8Hx1Vlgdy1afaT08ySzJ2QM-KJNecDnIb4oLdjZng8u40Wt1j8AY8OzH1eaBRpA4FcdvO3f4EVKt_BtQtepO00fzwf_XKF5XwBtVz4/s1600/10363090_1096840387022887_5440209580436562244_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7vT8gwm3fpHk1LzD6wa_USYktgqcq8cAIk_PFq8Hx1Vlgdy1afaT08ySzJ2QM-KJNecDnIb4oLdjZng8u40Wt1j8AY8OzH1eaBRpA4FcdvO3f4EVKt_BtQtepO00fzwf_XKF5XwBtVz4/s640/10363090_1096840387022887_5440209580436562244_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
Tonjahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17837111852774095149noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2099871708400006165.post-35728921461292301732015-02-04T07:30:00.000-06:002015-04-01T16:02:30.518-05:00Living Room Makeover<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I never thought in a million years that I would be sitting here staring at my living room walls and planning all the things that I was going to hang on them. </div>
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We bought our house almost 10 years ago from an older couple who left the house exactly how it was when it was built. Carpet and all. So when we moved in the only thing new in the house was the kitchen countertops and sink. They were still not my favorite, but I couldn't complain. The living room was probably the worst. Not only was it the first thing that you saw when you walked through the front door, but to me it was ugly! </div>
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Over the years I was able to talk my husband into letting me do little things here and there. Then there were times that I would do stuff while he was at work and just let it be a surprise for him when he got home. Then last year I was finally able to talk him into letting me hire someone to come and redo the walls and buy me new floors. </div>
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I don't think the room is anywhere near complete and I plan on changing it some more, but for now I am happy and like spending time in the room I was once disgusted by. So here is a little walk down memory lane with me while I show you what my living room once was compared to what it is today. </div>
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<b><u>Over the Years</u></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidmT10qI6cjsGiT-Rnq8IrbiXVTWqxqsLFoCi2Hl0MhRV_gA-JwmEIPFyxxiSNmUQdusvgWMn5n3QAOV0BmQLmJTTbBqAPDr9OdzaxB28QFhtidniheiPM1rgTvPeDxeigFEn5HndqxVc/s1600/LRBefore35.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidmT10qI6cjsGiT-Rnq8IrbiXVTWqxqsLFoCi2Hl0MhRV_gA-JwmEIPFyxxiSNmUQdusvgWMn5n3QAOV0BmQLmJTTbBqAPDr9OdzaxB28QFhtidniheiPM1rgTvPeDxeigFEn5HndqxVc/s1600/LRBefore35.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b><u>Now</u></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifRxils3r5W1VjbVHwnGQrjxL41ZM9FC7haeioizBN_QO0sOJQ89tm5ZXgQYV6SAqtdmoo1unu2t-5mhrRWFfK0s9qHsLiivL6ab6W9DWkQoT1pzLgsP8g_WtXtJPcSH0vwavhcKbPBeM/s1600/IMG_3392.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifRxils3r5W1VjbVHwnGQrjxL41ZM9FC7haeioizBN_QO0sOJQ89tm5ZXgQYV6SAqtdmoo1unu2t-5mhrRWFfK0s9qHsLiivL6ab6W9DWkQoT1pzLgsP8g_WtXtJPcSH0vwavhcKbPBeM/s1600/IMG_3392.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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Linking to: <a href="http://www.savvysouthernstyle.net/2015/03/wow-us-wednesdays-215.html"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Savvy Southern Style WOW Us Wednesday</span></b></a></div>
Tonjahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17837111852774095149noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2099871708400006165.post-76282090365810915262015-02-03T09:08:00.000-06:002015-02-03T15:55:01.208-06:00Just a few pictures from the last couple of months...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbIvg6sXgY4L9zhNDr5Gym3PguilIbd4_I6b9DPc-EcxqPtgbananDVzhAJYAuM5xgsY2bzkZzNY9xNZ6qFTUjMYxm8uL2I76ofmx9I5h0L0DXmlbNqJXkbKtU9li2Y_FLBMqWFvMgOzY/s1600/FullSizeRender.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbIvg6sXgY4L9zhNDr5Gym3PguilIbd4_I6b9DPc-EcxqPtgbananDVzhAJYAuM5xgsY2bzkZzNY9xNZ6qFTUjMYxm8uL2I76ofmx9I5h0L0DXmlbNqJXkbKtU9li2Y_FLBMqWFvMgOzY/s1600/FullSizeRender.jpg" height="640" width="467" /></a></div>
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We went from winter snow...</div>
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(eating snow ice cream before school)</div>
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... to Spring like weather in a matter of days!</div>
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Tonjahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17837111852774095149noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2099871708400006165.post-59223889000599458652014-12-18T09:35:00.000-06:002015-08-28T09:37:24.298-05:00I {heart} Jo Totes!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I did it again! I ordered myself a new camera bag for Christmas. If you know me at all you know that a camera bag is the last thing I need for Christmas. But to be honest I asked Santa for a new camera this year. Yes, I am holding out for a better camera. I really wanted the Mark, but in all reality I am going to have to save my money for that bad boy. So I asked Santa for the new <a href="http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/986390-REG/canon_8469b009_canon_eos_70d_dslr.html">Canon EOS 70D with 18-135mm lens</a>. It would be a huge upgrade from my Canon T2i but not as pricey as the Mark.</div>
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Anyhoo, back on topic...</div>
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As you can see from <a href="http://michaelandtonja.blogspot.com/2011/03/turquoise-makes-me-happy.html">here</a> and <a href="http://michaelandtonja.blogspot.com/2012/09/in-love.html">here</a> and <a href="http://michaelandtonja.blogspot.com/2011/09/my-epiphanie.html">here</a> and <a href="http://michaelandtonja.blogspot.com/2013/10/one-crazy-month.html">here</a> I really don't <i>need</i> any more camera bags, but they are just so darn cute and functional that I can't help myself sometimes. And I am particularly drawn to the Jo Totes camera bags. I'm not sure if it is because the <a href="http://www.jototes.com/collections/all/products/rose-teal">Rose</a> was my first or not, but they are just so comfortable to carry and are so roomy.</div>
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This time when I started looking for a camera bag I wanted something that I could carry with me everywhere and that would not only my camera, but all my other stuff too. So I read review after review, blog after blog and countless pictures. </div>
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And then I found her.</div>
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I found the <a href="http://www.jototes.com/collections/all/products/gracie-mint">Jo Totes Gracie in Mint</a>. Originally I wanted the <a href="http://www.jototes.com/collections/all/products/missy-mint">Missy in Mint</a> but thought that she would be too big for my day to day use. So I waited patiently for my very special delivery to arrive.... </div>
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It arrived this morning at 6:37am. Yes, I said AM. I'm not complaining though. They were really nice and just left it on my doorstep for me to find after I took the boys to school. Best way to start your day. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhImQRPl4h0JO439LztJl-nXXjq2DNMwVytmCJ8-cSaPJEZTthWFYz3fX-TroMhAWwtyWUYtf4-vrwbHU2NUpp75JxNVumvXZeokmOWZuZN1MSMBmCghDoispk5jLZSEcx4HcErLMXq55Y/s1600/IMG_4746-001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="260" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhImQRPl4h0JO439LztJl-nXXjq2DNMwVytmCJ8-cSaPJEZTthWFYz3fX-TroMhAWwtyWUYtf4-vrwbHU2NUpp75JxNVumvXZeokmOWZuZN1MSMBmCghDoispk5jLZSEcx4HcErLMXq55Y/s1600/IMG_4746-001.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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As I tore open the box. Carefully of course. I noticed that the bag shape was slightly off.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij1ccuzC7KVoYb_1aWpYI6qrSmMnA-ql-BYhXKCfTna2L7DnfY3HcOCkOxZQ__E1tUq3moq6mi2yt01v7s_YOENgbtzZrZ57f9KFn-GGTNBx8Zqe2a0YdupqSOAkAC4u25xLWVKrjsJ00/s1600/IMG_4752.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij1ccuzC7KVoYb_1aWpYI6qrSmMnA-ql-BYhXKCfTna2L7DnfY3HcOCkOxZQ__E1tUq3moq6mi2yt01v7s_YOENgbtzZrZ57f9KFn-GGTNBx8Zqe2a0YdupqSOAkAC4u25xLWVKrjsJ00/s1600/IMG_4752.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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When I opened the dust bag I was surprised to see inside was the Missy in Mint! Not the Gracie. And you know what... she was beautiful! I swear the pictures do not do this bag justice. </div>
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I do want to take a minute and tell you all how helpful Jo Totes was with the mixup. I contacted them this morning about it via email and they responded very quickly. After I explained the situation they emailed me back and told me that they were going to be sending out the right bag right away. It's companies and people like that that restore your fait in humanity and let you know that there are still companies that care about their customers. <b>I CAN NOT THANK THEM ENOUGH FOR THEIR GREAT CUSTOMER SERVICE!</b> I HIGHLY recommend Jo Totes and they will be my first choice the next time I am needing a new camera bag!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilbC-l8jIaztFGTnvbzVG-WKGM6zaTOmVVDm9PjlxgK-FZYIeHbjL0hEvcZyt_tXzHfXiluojG-zYtIrUVeJm815BfssZANz5yw8hJKRrg59Gz1QH_uWeXO_cj44zsq0ilqgimnshAuyo/s1600/IMG_4762.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilbC-l8jIaztFGTnvbzVG-WKGM6zaTOmVVDm9PjlxgK-FZYIeHbjL0hEvcZyt_tXzHfXiluojG-zYtIrUVeJm815BfssZANz5yw8hJKRrg59Gz1QH_uWeXO_cj44zsq0ilqgimnshAuyo/s1600/IMG_4762.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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There is so much room on the inside. It has pockets on both sides, a place to put your iPad, laptop or whatever you need it for. Personally I will be using it for my planner since my iPad is older than my grandma. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheVEs5HGD-EjAGsOrZWhdtUkoG2QDmZEP3SyPAk3NhLCCASeMUqbxyO_bT-e06_PA97XsepLPHzsKvsneiHSJkLu-MzDKeFDdN5xkmwe5qvFZwf7Z5jItmRw26Jq9tlHnBMmkcEbAzMgE/s1600/IMG_4772.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheVEs5HGD-EjAGsOrZWhdtUkoG2QDmZEP3SyPAk3NhLCCASeMUqbxyO_bT-e06_PA97XsepLPHzsKvsneiHSJkLu-MzDKeFDdN5xkmwe5qvFZwf7Z5jItmRw26Jq9tlHnBMmkcEbAzMgE/s1600/IMG_4772.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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It came with 5 dividers. I am sure that I will rearrange this a million times before I find the perfect one, but for now this is the way I left it. There is plenty of room for my camera, an extra lens (50mm f/1.4), my wallet, planner and anything else I decide to throw in on the go.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUfRfcbE9xz7BsJa6hAlFjCbkNSEnA9FYZBhfao1kxTxWPYbQWOm5AD-RYBKHbsZVuxlWKBk0ZmxNibQ2__zzQKQ-kc7w44WfBJFarAegu1OUYBz-AwUK8Fl2XY7B1NviqKOmDU3-RCdY/s1600/photo+3-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUfRfcbE9xz7BsJa6hAlFjCbkNSEnA9FYZBhfao1kxTxWPYbQWOm5AD-RYBKHbsZVuxlWKBk0ZmxNibQ2__zzQKQ-kc7w44WfBJFarAegu1OUYBz-AwUK8Fl2XY7B1NviqKOmDU3-RCdY/s1600/photo+3-2.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdfBZxChiC-jLvEdj39NrUFLAMqgBpi269tW2p-Se52dGZEbxN7YpIxA_fFjnjFnD6S6axHIi2iWMfsckAqkrKJQQRtsat9OFo4JQcTM9v10K66xqEJfotfdbT2Cx72kNpXjs1H5LogM8/s1600/photo+4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdfBZxChiC-jLvEdj39NrUFLAMqgBpi269tW2p-Se52dGZEbxN7YpIxA_fFjnjFnD6S6axHIi2iWMfsckAqkrKJQQRtsat9OFo4JQcTM9v10K66xqEJfotfdbT2Cx72kNpXjs1H5LogM8/s1600/photo+4.JPG" width="636" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyLKzq9s1LKucx3SlZ7_jWenHgWguAPl-v9cNqx0xVNkmNaftse5BbAHFlcTmTddvOdSpXvq_OOOrGCTrZmWBS3TYNvi_ghUQSz9EIsASTXdxijZkMZoeNcM0qst7A96SAkfFNMEEsGTg/s1600/IMG_4726.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyLKzq9s1LKucx3SlZ7_jWenHgWguAPl-v9cNqx0xVNkmNaftse5BbAHFlcTmTddvOdSpXvq_OOOrGCTrZmWBS3TYNvi_ghUQSz9EIsASTXdxijZkMZoeNcM0qst7A96SAkfFNMEEsGTg/s1600/IMG_4726.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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This morning Tyler was up at 3:15am. Yes, AM!</div>
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He had dressed himself, made his<i> and </i>his brothers lunches, picked up his mess, brushed his teeth and was ready for school. He then decided I needed to wake up because he was ready to go to school. </div>
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If only he had this enthusiasm everyday. *sigh* Most days are a struggle to even get him to do his homework so I will take the good days when I can get them and just pray that they come along more ofter. </div>
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When I tried telling him that he was going to be tired come this afternoon he responded by telling me that he took a little nap so he was going to be good to go. Haha. The things that boy comes up with. </div>
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Once I had all the kiddos dropped at school I was able to get a head start on my day. I finished my Christmas shopping, wrapped all my presents, picked up the house and even made a delicious soup for lunch! Go me! </div>
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Now that I feel somewhat accomplished I thought it would be a good time to show off some of my holiday decor! </div>
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My living room and mantle</div>
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My lovely leopard 'tree skirt'. I couldn't find a tree skirt that I liked so a couple of years ago I bought some leopard fabric and I just wrap it around the bottom of my tree. It's not fancy, but I love it!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjExsiuOdX_U4u8vfHIzKaLu496LjKr2oJ5OBBPTEpPcKEq-1V0hedj7ziwny9-ICq3AFWg_XmRIhWQK2WebhecYuI3iHgh2mQaK9A3Rbr0f6gPV4Z5Hs_gn6zqnFTP6fopgDbLxGXMMYs/s1600/photo+3-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjExsiuOdX_U4u8vfHIzKaLu496LjKr2oJ5OBBPTEpPcKEq-1V0hedj7ziwny9-ICq3AFWg_XmRIhWQK2WebhecYuI3iHgh2mQaK9A3Rbr0f6gPV4Z5Hs_gn6zqnFTP6fopgDbLxGXMMYs/s1600/photo+3-1.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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A few of our fave ornaments...</div>
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Our coffee table centerpiece. It looks really pretty here, but my cat has knocked off half the berried and likes to scratch the candle. I think next year I am due for a new centerpiece. </div>
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Tonjahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17837111852774095149noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2099871708400006165.post-57413602419361849702014-12-08T07:00:00.000-06:002014-12-11T16:14:55.275-06:00they look so grown up!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDRrtHaXAmNeEy_Da7Qbp4JzyIbvrvR7i-YOgSlRXyGgcK2CBqtIs16qCR8ZQELZT4FrAO8ZXIDT_XqXYdElM-FjpPdnjM9r85zFtwNC1I3nQcfDe2Uj2kqnrenTy9_qEOpohrOHb-5qY/s1600/IMG_4424-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDRrtHaXAmNeEy_Da7Qbp4JzyIbvrvR7i-YOgSlRXyGgcK2CBqtIs16qCR8ZQELZT4FrAO8ZXIDT_XqXYdElM-FjpPdnjM9r85zFtwNC1I3nQcfDe2Uj2kqnrenTy9_qEOpohrOHb-5qY/s1600/IMG_4424-2.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqsjYK-CE5EEPg_vJ2HvXR5QY9NEO1J8popNmEkMbXAmqfwLHa5VCrVDE4ceJfNkKByW9QEi20WWGdg0cpdwnNJ63QAJaQ-K1o2ktfO5EbUeI1Fy2wKUMrjJwLBPANldkubXQ4-i6rlF8/s1600/IMG_4410-003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqsjYK-CE5EEPg_vJ2HvXR5QY9NEO1J8popNmEkMbXAmqfwLHa5VCrVDE4ceJfNkKByW9QEi20WWGdg0cpdwnNJ63QAJaQ-K1o2ktfO5EbUeI1Fy2wKUMrjJwLBPANldkubXQ4-i6rlF8/s1600/IMG_4410-003.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxyZCxH69fIUWY3_Td-h2uWhjTUj6THLBAMETo5dGQ6lu2vCRYt8iIbWN-O6IN-f1YGX3kDl9pphh9tWKIunNzWw-pZXrN8djOhg_S0nvdVG4sh4XF2WBjEkpRiPA0v1GmsMynrlrpON0/s1600/photo+1-3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxyZCxH69fIUWY3_Td-h2uWhjTUj6THLBAMETo5dGQ6lu2vCRYt8iIbWN-O6IN-f1YGX3kDl9pphh9tWKIunNzWw-pZXrN8djOhg_S0nvdVG4sh4XF2WBjEkpRiPA0v1GmsMynrlrpON0/s1600/photo+1-3.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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Can you believe that Halloween is just a little over a week away?</div>
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This year I am looking forward to a low key time with my boys and friends. </div>
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Plus, this year it is going to be a little hard with it being my dad's birthday and my dads favorite holiday so I am just wanting to relax with the people that I love. I am hoping that they will help take my mind off the fact that he is not here with us this year. </div>
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But one thing I did do this year that I have never done is decorate my front walkway! </div>
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I know, it is pretty exciting right? I thought so too!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5T4B5R9KNrGmkiNbg9keA0bjpCEfebgYiaBTPIY3lAhxwws6VtkTlCwe6lBIgQPZz3icNK5RURUk70UPdomUVCvTbJuUv8m1PhuRs8X6HJS0_rd8mUOoeTzHyKP3kxhMHt48yvRQdUEw/s1600/photo+2-3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5T4B5R9KNrGmkiNbg9keA0bjpCEfebgYiaBTPIY3lAhxwws6VtkTlCwe6lBIgQPZz3icNK5RURUk70UPdomUVCvTbJuUv8m1PhuRs8X6HJS0_rd8mUOoeTzHyKP3kxhMHt48yvRQdUEw/s1600/photo+2-3.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFdCYiiZzU3II4v-8rYcSt5AJW7cUg8bwl9HYbBj3fOUY2YZp7XZl6OxhuioEa0pyCv7f9rM3PFsoPEM1C4QTeSreeLMaB73KuBlYE7KH5HzZlr6Pz0igfZPqDqvIYClu4SgTUQLV1bJo/s1600/photo+3-3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFdCYiiZzU3II4v-8rYcSt5AJW7cUg8bwl9HYbBj3fOUY2YZp7XZl6OxhuioEa0pyCv7f9rM3PFsoPEM1C4QTeSreeLMaB73KuBlYE7KH5HzZlr6Pz0igfZPqDqvIYClu4SgTUQLV1bJo/s1600/photo+3-3.JPG" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/" style="background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 20px; left: 42px; line-height: 0; min-height: 20px; min-width: 40px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 1532px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/" style="background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 20px; left: 42px; line-height: 0; min-height: 20px; min-width: 40px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 1532px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a>Tonjahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17837111852774095149noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2099871708400006165.post-81717450595872912842014-10-15T08:05:00.001-05:002014-12-11T16:14:55.342-06:00Short hair, Don't care!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Last week my long awaited hair appt. arrived. I had no idea what I was going to do!</div>
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Did I want to stay blonde? Do I cut it? Did I just want to shave my head?</div>
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These were some of the questions I had been asking myself for two weeks. But when it came down to it and I sat down in that chair I knew exactly what to do :)</div>
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Here I was a couple of weeks ago at a charity cook off.</div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">(Sorry for the bad pic. It was really bad lighting)</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBBe5iVhi6Z2CsxfT_h5GVzc4-a0OeK1wHCqrAnAb7Nm9NojJEbuPw5gtTbvdlt-qJgd6oO-w9LDv8lyQUZE0uuhrCCxHd4MoZafD5Rcu6jgCl6aYCIibO_DlfaXSyUGk8zBMIHOhTa-s/s1600/photo+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBBe5iVhi6Z2CsxfT_h5GVzc4-a0OeK1wHCqrAnAb7Nm9NojJEbuPw5gtTbvdlt-qJgd6oO-w9LDv8lyQUZE0uuhrCCxHd4MoZafD5Rcu6jgCl6aYCIibO_DlfaXSyUGk8zBMIHOhTa-s/s1600/photo+1.JPG" height="640" width="344" /></a></div>
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In the chair...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBqI-Ha3mNBTunyjd-6CJNE3es2CyAMnnFTeQU6vz0qUgI3C-7ja9Th2DhNfxPiXhqhTeM1fP7hLrMU5NESOrHcfsvy6rc_pktD1d2ozP8wLC6ebkpO5hncfCf_RSLIYFZO-6F5AXPCpw/s1600/photo+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBqI-Ha3mNBTunyjd-6CJNE3es2CyAMnnFTeQU6vz0qUgI3C-7ja9Th2DhNfxPiXhqhTeM1fP7hLrMU5NESOrHcfsvy6rc_pktD1d2ozP8wLC6ebkpO5hncfCf_RSLIYFZO-6F5AXPCpw/s1600/photo+2.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">***THE BIG REVEAL***</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLIIfosYb-zV0uQiUuVBqF4YFUunyqtfGcbzS-ZIF4QY5J0fCQet1pg55y0Q3B73qKcREaoq5k8BhPqa64DmpZw9y3gfyzh9ETBDtobCNClIzNZTvuaHmbxoTXWuSzJRnYXwoqcu6mUSQ/s1600/photo+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLIIfosYb-zV0uQiUuVBqF4YFUunyqtfGcbzS-ZIF4QY5J0fCQet1pg55y0Q3B73qKcREaoq5k8BhPqa64DmpZw9y3gfyzh9ETBDtobCNClIzNZTvuaHmbxoTXWuSzJRnYXwoqcu6mUSQ/s1600/photo+3.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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Before and After</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvQEIT1qd5v8n-xVL7QZ0IDK4Lh7FtyouqwKrB7zyPf1b_9o1peDxHFffLlNOVqGq7ecT5vl9O8dLhrYooTbEFxVDzbwz-YMC-rp6tfsMWRHOcPr3J2pVsHdMpa9D3esrlOdwz0GBsCzs/s1600/photo+4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvQEIT1qd5v8n-xVL7QZ0IDK4Lh7FtyouqwKrB7zyPf1b_9o1peDxHFffLlNOVqGq7ecT5vl9O8dLhrYooTbEFxVDzbwz-YMC-rp6tfsMWRHOcPr3J2pVsHdMpa9D3esrlOdwz0GBsCzs/s1600/photo+4.JPG" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />Tonjahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17837111852774095149noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2099871708400006165.post-31862119805885996792014-09-22T14:32:00.002-05:002014-12-11T16:14:55.197-06:00Did my child really say that?As much as I wanted to post about our lovely Fall weather, today I am going to get real and pour out my confused, broken heart.<br />
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Jacob, my third grader has had a rough couple of years at school. He is a very emotional child that is extremely tender hearted and tends to overreact in certain situations. On top of all of that he has had a very, very rough time making friends. I have tried helping him but he can be overwhelming for some kids.<br />
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Everything got so bad last week and he got so upset that he told his teacher that he wanted to kill himself with a pencil.<br />
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Now, a few days after I have let it all set in and gone through every emotion imaginable I see where he was overreacting and lashing out for attention. But sadly, the effects of the statement have not gone away. The school takes these kinds of things very seriously and he does not quite understand why they are making it seem like he is crazy. Knowing my son I do not feel like he is going to harm himself in any way.<insert breaking="" heart="" here=""></insert><br />
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There are just so many questions running through my mind. What am I supposed to do or say in a situation like this? Are we not doing enough to show him we love him?<br />
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These are a few of the questions that I have been asking myself this last weekend. My mind is like mush. At his appointment today with his pediatrician they suggested that he see a psychiatrist and we discuss him being medicated. See my mind is pure mush. I don't think that medicating him is going to solve these problems. And I definitely don't want him to think that anytime you have a problem that we just mask it with pills. Is that wrong?<br />
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As a mother it breaks my heart to see my child so upset. I would give anything to help him make friends and take away his pain. And I definitely don't want people to think that he is crazy!<br />
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I guess one of the reasons I am writing this is hoping that there is someone out there that has been through the same thing and has some advice for me.Tonjahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17837111852774095149noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2099871708400006165.post-41779415589077394582014-08-25T07:00:00.000-05:002014-12-11T16:14:55.233-06:00Another school year has begun...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyNEH5eyD6CIPSFkaZMxqUHWFMuja71kI-7Vin0E6JSIWND3tsFl-FTGlmKbul62eU6FhXnLzTIO4avoQq2JALxdDhrbPW5fnRpcLVQGS27vkJHj9q9RxjTE9wlgzdQOThH9mP1CnI9L0/s1600/IMG_4289-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyNEH5eyD6CIPSFkaZMxqUHWFMuja71kI-7Vin0E6JSIWND3tsFl-FTGlmKbul62eU6FhXnLzTIO4avoQq2JALxdDhrbPW5fnRpcLVQGS27vkJHj9q9RxjTE9wlgzdQOThH9mP1CnI9L0/s1600/IMG_4289-2.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
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Today was the boys 1st day of school.<br />
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Normally on the first day of school after I drop off the kids I go back home and do a happy dance. But this year. I am sad that summer is officially over. O-V-E-R. I feel like we didn't get to do as much this summer as we have in summers past. It's like time flew by and we completely missed it.<br />
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I might be grasping at straws here but my boys are growing up way too fast. Jacob is still to little to be a 3rd grader. I mean is that even possible? And Tyler. I just dropped him off at his first day of Kindergarten. There is <i>no way</i> he is a 1st grader. This mama is just so sad that her babies are growing up. I don't even want to think about what the teenage years are going to be like.</div>
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This year I am super excited for my boys. They have great teachers and some kids in their classes that they know. But mostly this year I pray that Jacob has a much better year than he did last year. It was hard on all of us, but I know it was really hard on him. Being teased and made fun of is no easy thing to go through. He is such a sweet boy and I pray that he finds his place and some great friends.</div>
Tonjahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17837111852774095149noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2099871708400006165.post-65903619056669691932014-08-08T07:00:00.000-05:002014-12-11T16:14:55.298-06:00|| t h i r t y ||<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcI_MXQQrXNxb2JgQ1TlXGWKpl_jCmEqbA5upsq_7C3ukk7bRYBIX8M0gOmsl42a_u1z00sXUFQ4HjemNMXdGXms78FsnUXUuXZ82X_KIKrvYMmGuCbK1evJLxU9lI5v-DS_mcmoEwi9k/s1600/01d13973e0e4cd50d66fddc4f5e8b5fb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcI_MXQQrXNxb2JgQ1TlXGWKpl_jCmEqbA5upsq_7C3ukk7bRYBIX8M0gOmsl42a_u1z00sXUFQ4HjemNMXdGXms78FsnUXUuXZ82X_KIKrvYMmGuCbK1evJLxU9lI5v-DS_mcmoEwi9k/s1600/01d13973e0e4cd50d66fddc4f5e8b5fb.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
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Today is my last day in my twenties. Just typing it makes it seem more real than before. Just like that I am no longer a twenty-something, I am a woman in my thirties.<br />
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When I used to think about this day I was horrified. </div>
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<i>I absolutely dreaded it!</i></div>
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Deep down I thought that I had not accomplished enough while in my twenties. But when I sat and thought about it I <i>had</i> accomplished a TON!</div>
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I married the man of my dreams. </div>
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Bought a house. </div>
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Gave birth to not only one but TWO wonderful boys. </div>
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We started a business. </div>
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Started doing photography. </div>
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Went back to school. </div>
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Just to name a few... </div>
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Now that I have gotten over being depressed about the whole thing tomorrow also marks 8 months since my dad has been gone. It seems surreal that it has been that long. I know that tomorrow morning I am going to wake up and wait for his call, the one he made every year, at the exact time of my birth. He was just awesome like that. It makes me incredibly sad to think that I will be celebrating this milestone in my life without him. Then I remember that my daddy is in heaven, no longer in pain and loving every minute of it.</div>
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I am ready to face this next year ahead with confidence and joy for the things I have been blessed with. I am going to smile more. Eat better. Workout more often (ya right!). Drink less. Continue to love on those sweet, precious boys of mine. Go on more dates with my husband. Live more intentionally. Spend more time with God. Clean my house more. Meet new friends. Go outside my comfort zone every now and then.<br />
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Okay 30. Lets do this! </div>
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Tonjahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17837111852774095149noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2099871708400006165.post-72787676150479934182014-07-16T07:00:00.000-05:002014-12-11T16:14:55.323-06:00Planning Summer Fun ActivitiesSummer has been in full swing for the past 6 weeks and we still have another 5 1/2 weeks to go so I am always looking for fun things to do with the kids in and around our town. It would be nice to live closer to super cool, fun things to do but we don't. Around here we have to get creative when we want to take the kids to do fun stuff. And even though my kids will be splitting time between my hubby's work and here at home with me I would love to have a few things that we can go do just so we are not cooped up in the house. No kid wants to be stuck at home with their mom all day.<br />
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Here are some great ideas for this summer...<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><u>Go to the Movies</u></span><br />
Every summer Cinemark movie theaters has a summer movie clubhouse. It's 10 kids movies, all rated G or PG, for $1 a movie or all ten for $5. If you are willing to take your own snack rather than buy them there it is a super cheap thing to do. If not this last week I spent almost $20 on small popcorns and small cokes for just us three. So I highly recommend throwing some snacks in an oversized purse. But don't tell them I told you that :) If you are interested you can go to <a href="http://www.cinemark.com/summer-movie-clubhouse">Cinemark's Summer Movie Clubhouse home page</a> to find a participating theater near you. These are the movies showing at our theater:<br />
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<u><span style="font-size: large;">Bowling</span></u></div>
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Last summer I discovered the website <a href="http://www.kidsbowlfree.com/">Kids Bowl Free</a>. It allows you to register each of your children to bowl <b><u>2 </u></b><u><b>FREE</b></u> games every day this summer. You will have to pay for yourself if you would like to bowl with your children, but sometimes they will let you bowl with your kids for free if they are not busy. You will also have to pay for shoe rentals, but most days they are only $1 (except on the weekends).</div>
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<u><span style="font-size: large;">Swimming</span></u></div>
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Even though I have a swimming pool in the backyard sometimes it is fun to head to the city pool for the afternoon and meet up with cousins or friends that we rarely get to see. For me and the boys to get in for the afternoon it is $9 and we bring our own water and snacks. And then on Tuesday and Thursday nights they have family nights and only charge $4.50 for a family of four. </div>
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And no day of swimming is complete without stopping for a snow cone on the way home. </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><u>Local Baseball Games</u></span></div>
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My boys love to watch baseball with their dad and I feel horrible that we have never taken them to a local baseball game. This summer we are going to change that. Although it is probably one of the most expensive things we can do as a family this summer (about $10 a person + the cost of dinner while we are there), but it is great family fun and they host a ton of theme nights or nights where they give away prizes. </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><u>Picnic at the Park and Bike Riding</u></span></div>
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Who doesn't love a good picnic and bike ride? Most kids would love to pack a lunch head off to the park and ride around for a while. We are lucky that there is a park so close. It would be super easy to pack up a backpack full of lunch and then ride around the neighborhood after we got done eating. It's a day worth of a nap when you get home. </div>
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Tonjahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17837111852774095149noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2099871708400006165.post-54297252291025153462014-07-12T14:00:00.000-05:002014-12-11T16:14:55.267-06:00Our Austin Trip 2014While on hiatus these past couple of weeks Michael and I celebrated 9 wonderfully happy, crazy and sometimes downright stressful years of marriage!<br />
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So far it has been quite a ride. Even after everything we have been through, the good, the bad and the ugly I would not change one minute of it. I am incredibly blessed. God could not have given me a better man. He is a wonderful and I look forward to rest of our lives together. </div>
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This year for our anniversary we decided to take a family trip to Austin. And since our anniversary is so close to the 4th of July we just made a weekend of it. </div>
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While we were gone I should have taken more pics. But to be honest most of the time I just got caught up in the fun and ended up forgetting to take pics. Damn the fun! However, I did get some so I will share our Anniversary/July 4th weekend with y'all.</div>
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<u><span style="font-size: large;">Thursday July 3rd:</span></u><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div>
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We didn't get in until late afternoon so we didn't so much. All we had time to do was check in to the hotel and eat dinner before it was time to crawl into bed and prepare for the 4th of July fun ahead. When we travel by ourselves we like to stop everywhere and take our time. Not being on a time schedule is the best way to travel! </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We were excited to see some afternoon thunderstorms roll in. Rain is always a good thing!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">When we got to town we went out to eat with our cousin. I don't know how he does it, but he always picks the best places to eat. (And I just realized how blurry this photo is. Eeeek!)</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">What would any vacation be if you didn't take at least one picture of your food :)<br />
Z Tejas Grill has an amazing crispy salmon!</td></tr>
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<span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span style="font-size: large;"><u>Friday July 4th</u></span></span></div>
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We got up early to eat breakfast and then drive the hour and half to the Guadalupe River for a day of floating fun! After getting everything in order and hauling our massive tubes down to the river we were off for 5 hours of fun in the hot Texas sun. We ended up making several new friends and at the end of the night we took the boys to their very first concert to see the Eli Young Band. It was probably the best 4th of July I have ever had.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We fell in LOVE with Torchy's a while back in Dallas. Now we have to eat there all the time. We were lucky to find one just a few blocks from our hotel so we ate there EVERY SINGLE morning for breakfast.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">RIVER BOUND!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And were off... </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Perfect way to end a wonderful day!</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><u>Saturday July 5th</u></span><br />
This just so happened to be a recovery day for all of us. We were so exhausted from all the fun and sun we got the day before that we drove around Austin looking at all kinds of fun things. We got to take the boys to the Texas State Capitol! Neither Michael or I had ever been so it was something we could all experience for the first time together.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Texas State Capitol</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYfecmsFq2PSXIvxUvA2VDZW56PW-0vvCT6oCklT-ZubVl4Z9p6cgaJs-Nof5qrTkSwJPGVNFBqFPgBygCtqGqOM6rp4uJ0jp78rflda5ay2Q41P_s0Umjv5IAW8qogi-LpApT8OvYJpY/s1600/IMG_0448.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYfecmsFq2PSXIvxUvA2VDZW56PW-0vvCT6oCklT-ZubVl4Z9p6cgaJs-Nof5qrTkSwJPGVNFBqFPgBygCtqGqOM6rp4uJ0jp78rflda5ay2Q41P_s0Umjv5IAW8qogi-LpApT8OvYJpY/s1600/IMG_0448.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I love these guys!!!</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht9CaRSwLdYTj73j5bTPgaU01HaEu4iYEWcK6vfrE8XVrW5HMN6DFWClDy3U2r-xIoxeJrPn678ezhvJae49rriqEXBEhZELydAsbDcLFruRdd9tSzng208jOYHozcMlOuI8L797BjhlU/s1600/IMG_0453.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="jdfksjdf" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht9CaRSwLdYTj73j5bTPgaU01HaEu4iYEWcK6vfrE8XVrW5HMN6DFWClDy3U2r-xIoxeJrPn678ezhvJae49rriqEXBEhZELydAsbDcLFruRdd9tSzng208jOYHozcMlOuI8L797BjhlU/s1600/IMG_0453.JPG" height="640" title="" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here we all are inside the capitol.<br />
The boys had a blast!</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSqRFmGo_QcS3nZrUjRMfe0fTnBIfHa3tI5mGlizgbyfbodx6FRvQIUidKFzKMG0iN3L6lwHEIsOBnw1CFgkYr4OiuuoG2N-BoEXZzvMXMxDVMI8WFxCFdcdEWXg7sO2RjcyWf3LuHFO4/s1600/IMG_0474.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSqRFmGo_QcS3nZrUjRMfe0fTnBIfHa3tI5mGlizgbyfbodx6FRvQIUidKFzKMG0iN3L6lwHEIsOBnw1CFgkYr4OiuuoG2N-BoEXZzvMXMxDVMI8WFxCFdcdEWXg7sO2RjcyWf3LuHFO4/s1600/IMG_0474.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We couldn't help but laugh at this sign at Whole Foods. </td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioB5TZq88rxjnmJ8OdxpYP9JrrDq9ZjWtq2P173mNdAIlrKvx5xeex7mlDpYo2OcZJti_ud9DTEV6T6Kp8E5ztUojXPzTYlpscRCh36eCHSemnKFxs-aQIRe4f94bah68E0oz7Bs6K5mM/s1600/IMG_0416.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioB5TZq88rxjnmJ8OdxpYP9JrrDq9ZjWtq2P173mNdAIlrKvx5xeex7mlDpYo2OcZJti_ud9DTEV6T6Kp8E5ztUojXPzTYlpscRCh36eCHSemnKFxs-aQIRe4f94bah68E0oz7Bs6K5mM/s1600/IMG_0416.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">To be honest we came here every day. Our bedtime snack was fresh fruit. Yum! I would love to have one of these here in town, but until then I will just dream of the day I get to go back. *sigh*</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisH7M11NDMVZOF__LkSUP2PNr6P_uQ9GbzQ-WHfhgzxVVoar-kmnyrNrJW2t3Kg0fmNdOd3_FUyqAbkpssuXhnqFnYWmO0ff5hK0m6DUStzMq2qHVFlujscX_4F72kpk3jP9BaimGpric/s1600/IMG_0413.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisH7M11NDMVZOF__LkSUP2PNr6P_uQ9GbzQ-WHfhgzxVVoar-kmnyrNrJW2t3Kg0fmNdOd3_FUyqAbkpssuXhnqFnYWmO0ff5hK0m6DUStzMq2qHVFlujscX_4F72kpk3jP9BaimGpric/s1600/IMG_0413.JPG" height="640" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We even made it to The Container Store. Have you ever been there? If not I suggest you go. It was probably the coolest store I have ever been in. I loved it!</td></tr>
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</div>
Tonjahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17837111852774095149noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2099871708400006165.post-81944867058908620142014-06-23T14:51:00.001-05:002014-12-11T16:14:55.347-06:00Crockpot Meatloaf<div>
Happy Monday Everyone!<br />
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Hope y'all all had a fantastic weekend.<br />
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This week I have a super easy recipe that is sure to be a family favorite! I have had meatloaf before and to be honest it has not been one of my favorites. It is either dry or too sweet or doesn't have any flavor at all. But for some reason I have been craving meatloaf so I decided to try and put together a recipe that would be moist and flavorful. <span style="font-size: large;">It came out fantastic!</span> Everyone loved it so much that there were no leftovers at the end of the evening.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgunFMwWq1lMxubSD5ACPPzNcs-zKSU7yo5wR8FKXSDI4E9YsSjIVdbeI8gvN5pdFM8lA4um_EqcnSor4frrU1w6SuFyQWcQFERBnGfg3OxE_WJ4FufSd1_HlJ21ddpqpVShlXMHR3JVfg/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-12-012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgunFMwWq1lMxubSD5ACPPzNcs-zKSU7yo5wR8FKXSDI4E9YsSjIVdbeI8gvN5pdFM8lA4um_EqcnSor4frrU1w6SuFyQWcQFERBnGfg3OxE_WJ4FufSd1_HlJ21ddpqpVShlXMHR3JVfg/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-12-012.jpg" height="640" width="570" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Ingredients:</span> </div>
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1.5 lbs. ground beef</div>
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1/2 onion, minced</div>
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2 cloves garlic, minced</div>
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3/4 cup breadcrumbs</div>
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Dash or tow of Worcestershire sauce</div>
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1 tsp. mustard</div>
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1/2 can tomato sauce</div>
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1/4 cup brown sugar<br />
1 egg</div>
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Salt and Pepper</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Topping:</span></div>
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1/2 can tomato sauce</div>
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2 heaping tbs. ketchup</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Directions:</span><br />
1. Preheat your oven to 400*. You can always prepare it ahead of time and refrigerate until you are ready to cook it.<br />
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2. Mix all the meatloaf ingredients in a large bowl. You can either use a spoon or your hands. I find the spoon to be a lot less messy and just as effective.<br />
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3. Place tin foil on a baking sheet. Spray with olive oil spray. Place meatloaf of the pan and shape into a loaf.<br />
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3. Bake in oven for 1 hour or until internal temp reaches 165*.<br />
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4. Mix the other half of the tomato sauce with the ketchup and spread over top of the meatloaf. Bake for another 10 minutes. </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">If you are going to make it a crockpot/freezer meal:</span></div>
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If you want to make this a freezer meal prepare the Meatloaf as if you were going to bake it. Once it is all mixed together shape it into a loaf and vacuum seal or place in a freezer safe bag. When ready to cook thaw completely and cook in the over at 400* for 45 - 60 minutes and then top with tomato sauce/ketchup mixture or you can place in the crockpot with topping and cook on low for at least 8 hours.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">For the green beans:</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTM-HurfmAeIsyY_ZmNqGiy6VMlu5aUmYC_KBH87pUUypqbSDy6p7SZ3mIFkShzu1z3L0s9pb2NA7zV0GMqjtPMcJLdeFVbz0KuH-dnrdMjKqQPClud2Ar7FryVmtK4f31x0j1EA3mTJw/s1600/photo+2-4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTM-HurfmAeIsyY_ZmNqGiy6VMlu5aUmYC_KBH87pUUypqbSDy6p7SZ3mIFkShzu1z3L0s9pb2NA7zV0GMqjtPMcJLdeFVbz0KuH-dnrdMjKqQPClud2Ar7FryVmtK4f31x0j1EA3mTJw/s1600/photo+2-4.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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Sautee two slices of bacon in a pan until cooked. Add 1/4 teaspoon of minced garlic and cook for another 60 seconds. Next add a bag of frozen whole green beans and stir until green beans are coated with bacon grease. Place a lid on the pan and let cook until heated through. Season with salt and pepper. Best green beans EVER!</div>
Tonjahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17837111852774095149noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2099871708400006165.post-8146945852837122252014-06-20T10:02:00.001-05:002014-12-11T16:14:55.337-06:00oh stormy day<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Wednesday as I was sitting in the living room watching some TV before everyone got home for the evening when I noticed that there were some pretty dark storm clouds heading our way. Not too soon after the boys walked through the door. They made it just in time too. Not too long after they came in the sky started getting really dark and the wind started blowing. We decided that since it is very rare that we get good storms these days we would sit outside and watch it and all it's glory.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwhfgON_P-li8KjjEnc6ndXFRC1ZO0V1TTh7wgp0H5IvCb1IL4xKnokngo56tVPfb9YytQbxuFTsTUv3OcI616eRtSEsGH08HzjFzn8J3VHJzItbyD3Ou3gy5W-pccZPGiBj4QVnoU6KU/s1600/photo+1-3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwhfgON_P-li8KjjEnc6ndXFRC1ZO0V1TTh7wgp0H5IvCb1IL4xKnokngo56tVPfb9YytQbxuFTsTUv3OcI616eRtSEsGH08HzjFzn8J3VHJzItbyD3Ou3gy5W-pccZPGiBj4QVnoU6KU/s1600/photo+1-3.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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Sadly our neighborhood got about 5 minutes of rain and 15 minutes of wind while 2 miles away got 2.5" of rain. It was really disappointing. Either way the boys had a fun time riding their bikes outside listening to the thunder and watching the lightning. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFdSS0o15CisNFP763-VAPzVOgXzIIjtY6CsEmNeCS0nGPhRc0rXSnjxw1J5fINbvzkSMUd8PspnGFuLrB5Nh2I2fYOTHBLrla9Tl4OU5IxTTC-VPpbt3vOpBY2ZGGZ5ywN6rrlfh4sJk/s1600/Recently+Updated.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFdSS0o15CisNFP763-VAPzVOgXzIIjtY6CsEmNeCS0nGPhRc0rXSnjxw1J5fINbvzkSMUd8PspnGFuLrB5Nh2I2fYOTHBLrla9Tl4OU5IxTTC-VPpbt3vOpBY2ZGGZ5ywN6rrlfh4sJk/s1600/Recently+Updated.jpg" height="420" width="640" /></a></div>
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After we were done playing in the drizzle that fell from the sky we headed inside for dinner where I had been cooking these crockpot chicken tacos all day. I originally found the recipe from <a href="http://www.mychocolatetherapy.com/2012/01/crockpot-chicken-tacos.html">Chocolate Therapy</a> but made my own taco seasoning instead of using the packaged kind. I just like homemade better than the packaged stuff.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Ingredients:</span></div>
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6 boneless skinless chicken breast</div>
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2 tablespoons homemade taco seasoning or 1 pkg taco seasoning</div>
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1 jar salsa - I used mild pace picante</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Taco Seasoning Recipe:</span></div>
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2 tablespoons chili powder</div>
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1.5 tablespoons paprika</div>
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1.5 tablespoons cumin</div>
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1/2 tablespoon onion powder</div>
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1/2 teaspoon garlic powder</div>
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Dash of cayenne pepper</div>
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You can double the recipe if you like to have more on hand for a later date! </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Directions:</span></div>
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1. Place all ingredients in the crockpot. Give it a good stir. </div>
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2. Set on HI and cook for 6-8 hours. Chicken should fall apart when you stir with a fork.</div>
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3. Serve chicken on warm flour tortillas with lettuce, tomatoes, sour cream, guacamole and salsa.</div>
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You can even freeze and use your leftover meat to make an easy Chicken Tortilla Soup!</div>
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(recipe to come later)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgPSeMUopStQKOUw1ilaEl6OKlW-CTyb1QrcWT5tRTTbzVq4zXHJ6sQVkoGLZbm7aisRy1xHkihFeNXtCK2YSqs1ccuA2SqviGyvVFs7zIDu13rqbAZyhntoI2IIWLjtIfmcBSlmxhldY/s1600/photo+2-2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgPSeMUopStQKOUw1ilaEl6OKlW-CTyb1QrcWT5tRTTbzVq4zXHJ6sQVkoGLZbm7aisRy1xHkihFeNXtCK2YSqs1ccuA2SqviGyvVFs7zIDu13rqbAZyhntoI2IIWLjtIfmcBSlmxhldY/s1600/photo+2-2.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">For the rice:</span></div>
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Rice is one of Tyler's favorite things to eat so when he asked me if I bought the rice just for him I took that as the highest of compliments from a 6 year old. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ1O9ELeONXne_bnMSKn8CfJbTznWVmnDuMAnp4uqHvG_iucdO4XLi3T33rPKIF6X6hiO4REoUa0hba7381bdMaWQm8633BSfXINtv03Mb2e_M7_1U-0oX4DKfjyNFrfT95djgnu3Dsw8/s1600/photo+3-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ1O9ELeONXne_bnMSKn8CfJbTznWVmnDuMAnp4uqHvG_iucdO4XLi3T33rPKIF6X6hiO4REoUa0hba7381bdMaWQm8633BSfXINtv03Mb2e_M7_1U-0oX4DKfjyNFrfT95djgnu3Dsw8/s1600/photo+3-1.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Ingredients:</span></div>
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2 cups of long grain white rice</div>
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1 can petite diced tomatoes</div>
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1/2 cup water</div>
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1 tablespoon oil</div>
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Spanish rice seasoning</div>
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Knorr Caldo de Tomate seasoning</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Directions:</span></div>
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1. Heat oil in a large skillet. Add the rice and cook until slightly browned.</div>
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2. Add the entire can of diced tomatoes with juice, the water, spanish rice seasoning and caldo seasoning.</div>
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3. Bring to a boil. Turn down heat and cook on low until rice in cooked. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. </div>
Tonjahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17837111852774095149noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2099871708400006165.post-10580966852031061252014-06-09T07:30:00.000-05:002014-12-11T16:14:55.175-06:00:: the start of summer and a menu plan ::<div style="text-align: center;">
Happy Monday Ya'll!</div>
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It is officially summer...</div>
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And mohawk season!!!</div>
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Tonjahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17837111852774095149noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2099871708400006165.post-36129183323070952422014-05-30T10:10:00.000-05:002015-02-03T09:13:59.802-06:00pizza friday's<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Back in the day when the boys were a little younger, okay more like last summer, we always designated Friday nights as pizza and a movie night. We let the boys pick a movie and we would all pile up on the couch and just hang out as a family. <span style="font-size: large;">It was great!</span> I loved our Friday nights! I miss our Friday nights. I think they are going to make a come back really soon. </div>
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When we were poor I would always make home made pizza, but then it just got easier to order Dominos (and less messy too!). But then I started to miss making home homemade pizza with the boys. </div>
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Does it make a <span style="font-size: large;">HUGE</span> mess? Yes, of course it does. But it can be cleaned. </div>
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Do they always eat the ingredients before they make it onto the actual pizzas? Duh! What kid wouldn't?</div>
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But it always so much fun to gather in the kitchen and pick out what they want on their own pizzas. I mean look at these happy faces...</div>
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(2009)</div>
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(2012)</div>
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Now our big thing has been cooking outside. With the weather so nice these past few weeks it makes it really hard to not want to cook outside. Then on Pinterest one day I saw that people were grilling pizza. </div>
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Ya, I know. I thought they were crazy too. </div>
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After seeing several pics of people grilling pizza and doing some more reading into it I thought I would give it a shot. worst thing that could happen is I completely screw it up and we eat takeout that night.</div>
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<u style="font-size: x-large;">Ingredients:</u></div>
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2 boxes Jiffy pizza crust or you can make your own using the recipe below</div>
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Pizza sauce</div>
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Mozzarella cheese</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><u>Pizza Toppings of Your Choice:</u></span></div>
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Pepperoni Ground Beef </div>
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Sausage Ham</div>
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Chicken Pesto</div>
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Peppers Onions</div>
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Olives Jalapeños</div>
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Mix and match with whatever you like! </div>
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<u><span style="font-size: large;">Directions:</span></u></div>
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1. Start by making your crust. Either out of a box or from scratch. While your crust is rising, preheat your grill.</div>
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2. Once your dough has risen, form a ball and cut in half. </div>
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3. On a piece of wax paper brush on some olive oil.</div>
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4. With each half roll out a crust on the oiled wax paper. You don't want to go to thin or it will not work on the grill. </div>
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5. Gather all of your toppings so they will be easily accessible. </div>
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6. Once you are ready to grill your pizza flip your crust over so that the wax paper is facing up. The wax paper will will pull right off. </div>
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7. Let the crust cook with the lid open for 6-8 minutes (mine was on medium)</div>
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8. Once cooked flip over and start applying your sauce then toppings.</div>
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9. Close lid and let cook another 5 minutes.</div>
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10. Remove from grill, let cool and enjoy!</div>
Tonjahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17837111852774095149noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2099871708400006165.post-58352443741660453382014-05-29T13:50:00.003-05:002014-12-11T16:14:55.279-06:00A Mini Vacation and a Graduation<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
It's sad to say that I am just now getting around to blogging about our little mini family vacay that we took almost two weeks ago! It has been so crazy with the school year coming to a close, me starting school (i'll have to blog about that after my final), kids running around, birthdays and lots of things needing to be done around the house. </div>
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But here I am ready to go into picture overload mode. </div>
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We usually don't take many vacations during the school year, especially if the boys will have to miss any days, but Michael's little brother was graduating with his masters from seminary (we are so proud of him!) so we decided to pull the kids out of school for a couple of days and make a quick road trip to go see him walk the stage. </div>
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We started our trip off a day early so we could take the boys to Great Wolf Lodge and spend a little bit of time together as a family. Work has been crazy for Michael so it was fun to just hang out without the worry of work. Our friends have always told us about Great Wolf, we had just never been ourselves. It was so much fun that now we can't wait to go back! </div>
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If you have never been I would highly reccomend going. The kids will love it!!</div>
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The boys loved the 'wolf den' that they got to stay in. They felt special that they had their own little space, even if it was just for one night. </div>
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So perfect for two little boys! </div>
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That night Michael's sister flew in from Missouri so we all met up with his little brother for dinner. We went a mexican food place called Mi Cocina. It wasn't too shabby for mexican food east of here. The crazy part being while we were outside waiting on our table Troy Aikman (Dallas Cowboys Troy Aikman) walks out! I don't watch football but I know who he is and my SIL just loves him and was speechless. The look on her face was priceless. Apparently it is one of his fave restaurants to eat at and is there all the time. Who knew? He was much taller and tanner in person than I would have imagined.</div>
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And here we all are...</div>
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Since we were at dinner so late we got up bright and early the next morning for a hearty breakfast before we headed down to the water park. </div>
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It was this huge breakfast buffet and Tyler chose cereal. Crazy boy!</div>
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Me and my man</div>
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Love him to pieces! </div>
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Unlike Tyler, I had an awesome breakfast!</div>
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Then went back for more bacon.</div>
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Right before putting the phone away so we could go down our first water slide.</div>
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(we don't get many family pics so I absolutely love this one) </div>
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The boys are ready! </div>
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One of the many fun play areas that they have for the kids</div>
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Tyler did not want anymore pictures so I got Jake to take pics with us (: </div>
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He is such a sweet boy.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj47UBvS4gtuK-PjBen0ThyphenhyphenerRlvcMYiTVocehVYInF-aEgDYmZMlHJZSs4Kva1NYOAxSi0JAd5kzs7XgYq2HwrNQ7okWPfIX6dlTfqnzCX4G9x3UDtCq3BFaw1prtpRsO_ztAEKheFK9E/s1600/IMG_9572.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; display: inline !important; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj47UBvS4gtuK-PjBen0ThyphenhyphenerRlvcMYiTVocehVYInF-aEgDYmZMlHJZSs4Kva1NYOAxSi0JAd5kzs7XgYq2HwrNQ7okWPfIX6dlTfqnzCX4G9x3UDtCq3BFaw1prtpRsO_ztAEKheFK9E/s1600/IMG_9572.jpg" height="400" width="300" /> </a> <br />
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Another family pic! </div>
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Two in one day is just unheard of for us!</div>
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After our super fun and exciting day at Great Wolf we headed up the car and headed for the Holiday Inn to get cleaned up and ready for Ethan's graduation. You should see five people in one room trying to shower and get ready in less than two hours. But after all was said and done we met up with Michael's parents and headed for the church. </div>
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It was really weird being in a place with so many well educated people. I felt bad at times because I had no clue what they were talking about. The boys were so exhausted from swimming that they fell asleep within 5 minutes.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">WooHoo Ethan! </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-LmKEpE2jIRLdj8jqhtPcE7cU55xF-YASVTLsh_71Ded-G57BL7G8AfL4xFa_EOHp9wIbOzJRfPlGohgQoWRngQrfVgAtCQbMlNsOM-V8nc88NSe_NsMgFIEdjbINmOIpPlPMVsgAmJk/s1600/Ethan+Grad.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-LmKEpE2jIRLdj8jqhtPcE7cU55xF-YASVTLsh_71Ded-G57BL7G8AfL4xFa_EOHp9wIbOzJRfPlGohgQoWRngQrfVgAtCQbMlNsOM-V8nc88NSe_NsMgFIEdjbINmOIpPlPMVsgAmJk/s1600/Ethan+Grad.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
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We are so proud of Ethan for his hard work and dedication to his education. We pray he finds a pastoral job that he will love grow even more in Christ in. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7jTRudd1LuVsToWR-5HzEKMLFxoC4oh0fHNek7uLCw9TRIIIMz_v3jgU8zCfeQIWzIajFlaikMwqgY9G3gGPAgXUkVZ9DN6qVF1XbkYK6ZQi0SbiiemIL7ZKkMfBrvemkzeVUwE5hC8o/s1600/IMG_9677.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7jTRudd1LuVsToWR-5HzEKMLFxoC4oh0fHNek7uLCw9TRIIIMz_v3jgU8zCfeQIWzIajFlaikMwqgY9G3gGPAgXUkVZ9DN6qVF1XbkYK6ZQi0SbiiemIL7ZKkMfBrvemkzeVUwE5hC8o/s1600/IMG_9677.jpg" height="478" width="640" /></a></div>
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The next morning we all gathered for breakfast at Torchy's Tacos (and it was delicious!) before we all went our separate ways. </div>
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We enjoyed the time with family we rarely get to see and missed the ones who couldn't be there with us. </div>
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We hope to get to see everyone again soon! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2VuQGTUVzqcYq-iFBcy8_V6H0zcSvOg60RHHu2PZ1v8HQZN1OyyRW_M2a6qm7bxeSfp9p89FTRsC8vjw_5gc2ICHU27dp9wj3vcg1TArz-YRkYxNMnBNJjf3GWLrzOoYZGbIoIp70G2I/s1600/IMG_9715.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2VuQGTUVzqcYq-iFBcy8_V6H0zcSvOg60RHHu2PZ1v8HQZN1OyyRW_M2a6qm7bxeSfp9p89FTRsC8vjw_5gc2ICHU27dp9wj3vcg1TArz-YRkYxNMnBNJjf3GWLrzOoYZGbIoIp70G2I/s1600/IMG_9715.jpg" height="300" width="640" /></a></div>
Tonjahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17837111852774095149noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2099871708400006165.post-75771825509703841902014-05-24T13:07:00.000-05:002016-02-24T14:15:13.958-06:00I Absolutely LOVE Rainy Days<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Happy Saturday Lovelies! </div>
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Hope that you had a fantastic week and that you are enjoying your extended holiday weekend.</div>
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This week I worked so hard to make my pool super pretty for this weekend. Happily Mother Nature had other plans. We are supposed to get rain all weekend long. And I couldn't be more excited! We desperately need it. In a really bad way. So the more rain the merrier. Plus, as much as I like laying out in the pool, I love sitting on the porch and listening to the rain even more!</div>
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Bring on the rain clouds!!!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXnePJRJTLbkN0C0FI6hbZ_RhFiEIn3_q2dCbczC_3clgrPjredsdIwSuvGXuCnnS7UiRALtAcVjuDMhBxMo5zWM-dOKRRtzbKIZfSBwu3ENW7lfY61CZ-2qjYv8gD5V5ppMlU01Myfps/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXnePJRJTLbkN0C0FI6hbZ_RhFiEIn3_q2dCbczC_3clgrPjredsdIwSuvGXuCnnS7UiRALtAcVjuDMhBxMo5zWM-dOKRRtzbKIZfSBwu3ENW7lfY61CZ-2qjYv8gD5V5ppMlU01Myfps/s1600/photo.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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The most entertaining part was realizing that Miss Molly had never seen the rain. And talk about excited! She ran around the entire yard trying to catch the rain. </div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzWIMlYNGphCCsxhuRgtV7nMD484QMgCycfCw1m_LB_gHpQUVklRaGmmcKtAuB3VAlnej4d-1B7d6RpytSxDg' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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What I love even more than the rainy weather is the fact that I can make rainy day soups! </div>
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Here is one of m super fave rainy day recipes...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj84Gt0ffyfsN1f2jUuAfFcJ_sqCuhbNuy25r8CiGa-95e5F-CGLGuABQY-kIYwAxi3fnZi8aJ8yjQ2e0pYSC7rj1pgMpzSRX-uxUHtlLCPTt3TfBKk7NbqDHhCWZ6uRvfbVW2NTwXj9JY/s1600/IMG_4196.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj84Gt0ffyfsN1f2jUuAfFcJ_sqCuhbNuy25r8CiGa-95e5F-CGLGuABQY-kIYwAxi3fnZi8aJ8yjQ2e0pYSC7rj1pgMpzSRX-uxUHtlLCPTt3TfBKk7NbqDHhCWZ6uRvfbVW2NTwXj9JY/s1600/IMG_4196.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><u>Ingredients:</u></span></div>
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4 russet potatoes, peeled and cut into pieces</div>
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16 ounces chicken stock</div>
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3 tsp flour</div>
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2 cups of milk (I used 2%)</div>
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1 cup heavy cream</div>
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Salt & Pepper to taste</div>
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Red pepper flakes, optional</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><u>Garnish:</u></span></div>
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Colby jack cheese</div>
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Green onion</div>
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Bacon </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><u>Directions:</u></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">1.</span> Heat your chicken stock in a medium saucepan over high heat.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">2.</span> Peel, wash and cut up your potatoes. Add to chicken stock, cover and cook until fall apart tender.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">3.</span> While the potatoes are cooking whisk together your flour and milk.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">4.</span> Once the potatoes are falling apart and looking kind of mushy add the milk/flour mixture and the heavy cream. With a potato masher mash the potatoes until you get a chunky soup consistancy.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">5.</span> Add the heavy cream, salt, pepper and red pepper flakes. Put on low heat and let thicken.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">6.</span> Serve garnished with cheese, green onion and bacon.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj02zWprvStr5KsKwzgzDNjbZ5bzhXpSVqCJB_TcYpf6Lf8fdCeHSN-n8ii7UAcknhl9mF2-17ejDS34bpfgsXL5eQlNONN3TMRm53nfpUI-N905FLglQrmwsL-N0BHfVE74WCBi-ciMGA/s1600/IMG_4202.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj02zWprvStr5KsKwzgzDNjbZ5bzhXpSVqCJB_TcYpf6Lf8fdCeHSN-n8ii7UAcknhl9mF2-17ejDS34bpfgsXL5eQlNONN3TMRm53nfpUI-N905FLglQrmwsL-N0BHfVE74WCBi-ciMGA/s1600/IMG_4202.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
Tonjahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17837111852774095149noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2099871708400006165.post-30948730682018814032014-05-09T16:38:00.000-05:002014-12-11T16:14:55.192-06:00boys.I know I have not posted about my boys in a long while so I thought today would be about them.<br />
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This morning they were complete and total hams.<br />
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I love seeing there sweet smiles early in the morning.<br />
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I really love the 2.3 seconds that they are sweet loving brothers.<br />
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Then well all hell breaks loose until bedtime.<br />
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(Yes, I know the hair is a bit messy, but we are growing it out so they can have mohawks again this summer. It will only get worse over the next couple of weeks.)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4pH4-Uq-f7cxOeoLx5w6alifM-NZ6F_UCd2ApybOrrMaUeN0Kt5oprtV0bU7GSymLyI66bZFKEHExRAr13zTddBwa2V5fOEa6WdQabPMF0ajy3nsS3Hiy0yp7v0WNRb9Ik_pE1n8p2xw/s1600/photo+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4pH4-Uq-f7cxOeoLx5w6alifM-NZ6F_UCd2ApybOrrMaUeN0Kt5oprtV0bU7GSymLyI66bZFKEHExRAr13zTddBwa2V5fOEa6WdQabPMF0ajy3nsS3Hiy0yp7v0WNRb9Ik_pE1n8p2xw/s1600/photo+1.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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Tyler saw some girl the other day on TV doing the famous 'duck face' that seems to be all the rage, so he thought he would give it his best try. Hilarious! I think he nailed it!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6-YOb2B8dsXMhLGBWWvgdEbFVFRKXKXlHFNGJSqOK8B497fZxUhWLrtFw3LiNXU7rLcF-c-ZkhQuaH0-FKZzj2o-1PmTPMqa4LQrZa9VnoFRxjv8Mc7bwu2yhuUNDx86_HMt07IWE0OQ/s1600/photo+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6-YOb2B8dsXMhLGBWWvgdEbFVFRKXKXlHFNGJSqOK8B497fZxUhWLrtFw3LiNXU7rLcF-c-ZkhQuaH0-FKZzj2o-1PmTPMqa4LQrZa9VnoFRxjv8Mc7bwu2yhuUNDx86_HMt07IWE0OQ/s1600/photo+2.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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Tonjahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17837111852774095149noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2099871708400006165.post-34189593278468762692014-04-30T07:00:00.000-05:002016-02-24T14:15:33.725-06:00Pickled Vegetables<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Recently I made <a href="http://michaelandtonja.blogspot.com/2014/04/quick-pickles.html">homemade quick pickles</a> and they were such a hit that I decided to make some quick pickled vegetables and see how they turned out. I mean who doesn't love fresh, crisp, pickled vegetables?</div>
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New to the whole pickling of vegetables I decided to just use the same recipe I used on my pickles with some little tweaks here and there.</div>
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I started off my chopping up my head of cauliflower and slicing some carrots, cucumbers and jalapeños. There were a few strips of onion in there, but I didn't care too much for them. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIKkku4tCVCSECEMPb1J3p8fVK6ZK_p3Mz_4JQ2OM7kw8Kx0XtdQVGPSbwEo9R2msqapuc0nZf9QbuzUJDZV29T9jHsGV09kOIBCuGhozKqWpItslxdsn0L7e5eZ2ErGU4AS0tJ39kbbA/s1600/IMG_8823.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIKkku4tCVCSECEMPb1J3p8fVK6ZK_p3Mz_4JQ2OM7kw8Kx0XtdQVGPSbwEo9R2msqapuc0nZf9QbuzUJDZV29T9jHsGV09kOIBCuGhozKqWpItslxdsn0L7e5eZ2ErGU4AS0tJ39kbbA/s1600/IMG_8823.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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Once everything was chopped and sliced I started layering my ingredients just like I did with the pickles. Then I poured on the brine, sealed the jars and placed in the fridge. Voila! There you have quick refrigerator pickles.</div>
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I would really like to figure out a way to be able to seal these so they have a shelf life instead of having to be refrigerated.</div>
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Next time though I will be using bigger jars, these pints are not big enough! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjogdvGyvfYkFUhYWKGfVZ0NOCCDv_mdPePs77lIX_mbcRXcSIVomOi3TiJgrUQipaInkl5LguxlkZYDclyKDdRssIMW8H-8shMXw3tTGyjn6iM0_HSeMlW72_5CqqTSx5ceIPUwOyfcwQ/s1600/IMG_8824.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjogdvGyvfYkFUhYWKGfVZ0NOCCDv_mdPePs77lIX_mbcRXcSIVomOi3TiJgrUQipaInkl5LguxlkZYDclyKDdRssIMW8H-8shMXw3tTGyjn6iM0_HSeMlW72_5CqqTSx5ceIPUwOyfcwQ/s1600/IMG_8824.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Quick Refrigerator Pickles</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">1/2 tsp black peppercorns</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">a little more than a dash of red pepper flakes</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">1 tsp dill seed </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">1 clove minced garlic</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">1 whole head of cauliflower, cut into bite size pieces</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">6 jalapeños, cut into slices</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">1 medium bag of carrots, peeled and sliced</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">1 medium white onion, cut into thick strips</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Combine :</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">3 TBS kosher salt</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">2 TBS sugar </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">1 1/4 cup of distilled white vinegar</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">2 cups of cold water</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Add the dry ingredients to the bottom of the mason jar. Then add the chopped veggies to the jar, alternating layers. Be sure to pack them in tight, but not too tight. Pour the liquid mixture over the veggies. Seal the jars and place in the refrigerator for at least 24 hours. It is tempting to want to eat them before then, but I promise that the wait is worth it! </span></div>
Tonjahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17837111852774095149noreply@blogger.com0