tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-51517867639829992452024-03-09T18:45:45.395-08:00Because I Said Sonicolesspirit878http://www.blogger.com/profile/16194275366832027650noreply@blogger.comBlogger66125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5151786763982999245.post-74414820311467170902011-07-21T14:34:00.000-07:002011-07-21T14:34:44.104-07:0023 weeks...how many are left?<b><span style="font-size: large;">23 weeks</span></b> and I feel pretty good, no real complaints besides the occasional crippling back pain but it passes. Summer is going well, the kids are enjoying every minute of it and this heat wave has been spent inside in<span style="font-size: large;"> <b>central air</b></span><b> </b>so I REALLY can't complain at all. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbFPxIiBkwuyf5-oT5YJMi9-WsSWNA_4er14AV_9dSloXmxwjunaqbWxWmCkCwQgxbLSjktlf-ZiwGUYFmFuhXt3T6Lxv2kIjT42wi0ZWdg0FC9EfU9AjwU0oKaFvVrMxOuujsivx6voiW/s1600/23+weeks+%25234.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbFPxIiBkwuyf5-oT5YJMi9-WsSWNA_4er14AV_9dSloXmxwjunaqbWxWmCkCwQgxbLSjktlf-ZiwGUYFmFuhXt3T6Lxv2kIjT42wi0ZWdg0FC9EfU9AjwU0oKaFvVrMxOuujsivx6voiW/s400/23+weeks+%25234.jpg" width="227" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>How far along</b> - 23 weeks 4 days</div><b>Weight gain</b> - +3 pounds<br />
<b>Cravings</b> - Crispy Chocolate cookies with cold milk and only at 9:30 at night<br />
<b>Sleep </b>- like a log<br />
<b>Gender</b> - It will remain a mystery<br />
<b>Movement</b> - Active and baby is really getting the hang of ninja kicks to the bladder<br />
<b>Activity</b> - Lets just say if there is a lot of toys on the floor, they are gonna stay there.<br />
<img src="http://i777.photobucket.com/albums/yy60/LauraJaneDesigns/cb039dfb.png" />nicolesspirit878http://www.blogger.com/profile/16194275366832027650noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5151786763982999245.post-89757666791514189632011-07-08T05:28:00.000-07:002011-07-08T05:28:47.415-07:00My personal mascara journeyI do not wear much makeup. I wear just a simple tinted moisturizer, some light bronzer, and mascara on a day to day basis but if I'm in a rush or just around the house I wear only mascara. Its the one item that I feel perks up my whole face and transforms it from frumpy mom to bushy tailed domestic goddess, well that might be an extreme description but I have to say I at least feel less frumpy. So I went to Sephora a year ago and said well, hell if I love mascara so much than I should put maybe investigation to the best that's out there and go through trial and error and over the course of a year I tried them all and have come to the conclusion that I have found THE ONE.<br />
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<b>1st- Buxom</b>, Sephora Price $22.00<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXODdJ2ZnTfBlrLZIGF0adGqeBZgaAiIugLf13CkkR1Ok8eFH9MesgG1UF0emiT0BCTrGcaCdk4E-5DFhVoXrcvfWFqGwmDtlF30jX2kcgGmd_eJKPw88UMpdZzrsWPJRCrkq21PV-Ap-z/s1600/buxom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXODdJ2ZnTfBlrLZIGF0adGqeBZgaAiIugLf13CkkR1Ok8eFH9MesgG1UF0emiT0BCTrGcaCdk4E-5DFhVoXrcvfWFqGwmDtlF30jX2kcgGmd_eJKPw88UMpdZzrsWPJRCrkq21PV-Ap-z/s200/buxom.jpg" width="200" /></a> Conclusion- Thick lashes but hours later tiny black flakes end up on my cheeks, not long lasting. Adios.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxWqVSiw7OAEKPymD8Xv3S0wjArt3Gdy8fTAkhxqAMXbXcY3nxegR6icY0WcdmA4-BszMjczli7ZsfmVpQ6Su3E7FDKx9YWkAWWJ-7PH8zAl0CXo1Q4QW4bzOSNtMFfEtTIWbxAcQipxPn/s1600/dior.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxWqVSiw7OAEKPymD8Xv3S0wjArt3Gdy8fTAkhxqAMXbXcY3nxegR6icY0WcdmA4-BszMjczli7ZsfmVpQ6Su3E7FDKx9YWkAWWJ-7PH8zAl0CXo1Q4QW4bzOSNtMFfEtTIWbxAcQipxPn/s200/dior.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br />
<b>2nd-Dior Show Waterproof,</b> Sephora, Price $24.50<br />
Conclusion- Not a good lash separator, Clumps, Does not come off easily with makeup remover, so if you get a clump your stuck with it unless you pluck out offending clumped lashes.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYkZE0FESGIlUBl-tcAZ8Fy7YD9xiZuww0WvKHcN0GNwiVqr4a0VwhzD8GMiM4wntMADYqh2zjduiZCdCz02BmqRWB71IvK0Mqwd-KALY2_5iDkljLHvO6ETL9KurHxFMTSdMFmQ0aL9cO/s1600/mascara.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYkZE0FESGIlUBl-tcAZ8Fy7YD9xiZuww0WvKHcN0GNwiVqr4a0VwhzD8GMiM4wntMADYqh2zjduiZCdCz02BmqRWB71IvK0Mqwd-KALY2_5iDkljLHvO6ETL9KurHxFMTSdMFmQ0aL9cO/s200/mascara.jpg" width="200" /></a><b>3rd-Kat Von D High Frquency</b>, Sephora, Price$18.00<br />
Conclusion- Too thick, a few hours of wear before you get raccoon eyes.<br />
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<b>4th- Clinique High Impact</b>, Macys, $14.50<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHIarS8xelPYal1YPx4uCQWBMfLTdYp6LHrK0FZ274phyphenhyphenwDQFsKVpqxnkiaWJ9xzJULQTa1BplX0P0TQl6k-Sg_Pz5T1XMuX0bJksFFrCd7n-Ltlys-kwuY6_0dcvN6Hy7WohX_BN5_adq/s1600/masca.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHIarS8xelPYal1YPx4uCQWBMfLTdYp6LHrK0FZ274phyphenhyphenwDQFsKVpqxnkiaWJ9xzJULQTa1BplX0P0TQl6k-Sg_Pz5T1XMuX0bJksFFrCd7n-Ltlys-kwuY6_0dcvN6Hy7WohX_BN5_adq/s200/masca.jpg" width="200" /></a> Conclusion- Great color, you have to reapply to keep a good effect, not waterproof<br />
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<b>5th Maybelline Define a Lash</b>, Rite Aid, $6.00<br />
Conclusion- Not bold, good separator, does not wash off well, Have to reapply but that proves difficult due to the waterproof feature.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUj7bxAekSaEnyXl89zu7qrXdOUgh1z9u67AvCZ8ETglcAsd7FjXNDqes4Cyz4I00k8DTAw8yGW63giaNZPAGQ00GNLqhG9-5P41y3yd4JbpVyHraJwUPDdbXPgLS1V3XbRXbRThVdnesQ/s1600/define-a-lash-volume-waterproof_small-shot_160840.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="185" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUj7bxAekSaEnyXl89zu7qrXdOUgh1z9u67AvCZ8ETglcAsd7FjXNDqes4Cyz4I00k8DTAw8yGW63giaNZPAGQ00GNLqhG9-5P41y3yd4JbpVyHraJwUPDdbXPgLS1V3XbRXbRThVdnesQ/s200/define-a-lash-volume-waterproof_small-shot_160840.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
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<b>6th- Givenchy Phenomen'eyes effects</b>, Sephora, Price $29.50<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy96riRvMAmKIYV4qe4t7CpkcA6eE8qhNulEhuR03zxir5kR1xk_UsntAZqCrwgNr7OPGbMAQ0M07nWrz17q3zi927xTZQqy4JaQSTTuR45GE_Zc9EILzCZRvGcxQYGAzEX8wq8yGEgw_k/s1600/mas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy96riRvMAmKIYV4qe4t7CpkcA6eE8qhNulEhuR03zxir5kR1xk_UsntAZqCrwgNr7OPGbMAQ0M07nWrz17q3zi927xTZQqy4JaQSTTuR45GE_Zc9EILzCZRvGcxQYGAzEX8wq8yGEgw_k/s200/mas.jpg" width="200" /></a> Conclusion- I had high hopes for this funky looking wand but every time I used it I was wiping off more than I put on with a q-tip. I don't qualify for the talent this takes. It is bold in color, but clumps, uneven, and leaves raccoon eyes after a couple hours.<br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>7th and FINAL Cover Girl Lash Blast Waterprrof</b>, Rite Aid, $7.79</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbPE7W9dyEP7j-WGegf7Xga3WdOtR8Zpt2PxG0Ijn7O-N24jVdZqn5ZUxCtWD1j7uu3cgYtJkdDB7h4OFGPbzK7GeSUZ_HzJhqmAO3aAMuHSELnc5rf_EMUJ20PdJ9TjeIyyH9JFjEXMsv/s1600/lash.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbPE7W9dyEP7j-WGegf7Xga3WdOtR8Zpt2PxG0Ijn7O-N24jVdZqn5ZUxCtWD1j7uu3cgYtJkdDB7h4OFGPbzK7GeSUZ_HzJhqmAO3aAMuHSELnc5rf_EMUJ20PdJ9TjeIyyH9JFjEXMsv/s200/lash.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Conclusion- My by far favorite. A great separator, thickener, bold color, lengthener, does not wear off, no reapplication needed, washes off with remover or shower</div><br />
So after a few bad eye days a lot of money wasted but a wealth of knowledge gained with no thanks to the Sephora makeup consultant, whom I noticed never had on great mascara, I don't know why I followed her so blindly to new products to try. Now do I look like the commercials with the models with OBVIOUS falsies on with mascara...no but that's okay.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIHOhaaRkY7MGw-DurXJU0E7ybW2VjczuuYgl_9SU_0bFxf5IjkQP6UbNj0wVPW3E0l4MA_akrVijCk3Z8QTovNgqeEl7PcMgmIY6UiLQSchlpaF1LUxDhZpE53OHvadxVDf3E6LKNnJ2b/s1600/images.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="195" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIHOhaaRkY7MGw-DurXJU0E7ybW2VjczuuYgl_9SU_0bFxf5IjkQP6UbNj0wVPW3E0l4MA_akrVijCk3Z8QTovNgqeEl7PcMgmIY6UiLQSchlpaF1LUxDhZpE53OHvadxVDf3E6LKNnJ2b/s320/images.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>::side note:: Look at her, do people think you can roll out of bed and whip on some mascara and look like that? Heck no, that chick spent 4 hours in a chair getting lash extensions and then they probably photo shopped it. <br />
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I have found my go to mascara and who would have thought, its right around the corner.<br />
<img src="http://i777.photobucket.com/albums/yy60/LauraJaneDesigns/cb039dfb.png" />nicolesspirit878http://www.blogger.com/profile/16194275366832027650noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5151786763982999245.post-30575293145014757332011-07-01T07:38:00.000-07:002011-07-01T07:38:34.460-07:00Flashback Friday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo_iA-Ehfu6CapONLIdT4tdiYTWMrxogDhTsHg4DnU9USkbWKvcbu8zQR5nZDnM3JkXveV85-wNpM1OG-4xqTlekbTqRf0-unKu2wQ_oefWfwlxGx-Q0Oul_sndBdSUxufw63_aKeZr3oO/s1600/P1010534.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo_iA-Ehfu6CapONLIdT4tdiYTWMrxogDhTsHg4DnU9USkbWKvcbu8zQR5nZDnM3JkXveV85-wNpM1OG-4xqTlekbTqRf0-unKu2wQ_oefWfwlxGx-Q0Oul_sndBdSUxufw63_aKeZr3oO/s400/P1010534.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Flash back</b></span> to 2008 when my dear fiancee was still living in Maine finishing up his Fellowship year in OMT. He never thought he would ever end up back in Michigan in fact he swore he never would but with my circumstances I had to stay in Michigan and he decided that the kids and I were worth this sacrifice and he didn't blink. We had a great romantic final week before we Uhauled all his belongings to Michigan. We were married in December of this year. This picture was taken at Acadia Park and I am wearing 3 day old clothes because the airport lost my luggage at JFK during my connecting flight (grrr). So I wanted to look fabulous and adorable but I was with my toothbrush, lotions and clothes. So we had a run to Meijer and picked up what I need until it came. When your so deep in love on a mini honeymoon, that kind of stuff doesn't bug you as much as say it would any other time. That trip was very memorable, the clam chowder and lobster at outdoor restaurants, puffin watching the great Irish pub down the street and cuddling on his god awful futon.<br />
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Link up your own Flashback Friday<br />
<img src="http://i777.photobucket.com/albums/yy60/LauraJaneDesigns/cb039dfb.png" />nicolesspirit878http://www.blogger.com/profile/16194275366832027650noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5151786763982999245.post-3527713968348880452011-06-28T10:28:00.000-07:002011-06-28T10:32:22.767-07:00Back with a bangI could ramble on of the reasons I haven't touched my blog in awhile but I'm gonna sum it up in a little package of I didn't feel like it and leave it at that. I have so many things that have recently been going on as school is now out for summer and the largest being I am PREGNANT with baby number four. Do you know how weird it is to know this is my life? I am completely ecstatic with it and I really am in love with everything in my life. This coming from the girl who made it well known that I was going to travel, be single, unattached and mostly that I never wanted children is now making leaps and bounds to becoming a unique fusion of some obsessed soccer mom, wine drinking connoisseur, crafting, scrapbooking, knitting, momarazzi, (as of Wednesday) Minivan driving, phenomenal savory cook (humbly) mother. Talk about the the transformation. I am desperately trying to get the house in order, which is mostly cosmetic such as : painting, laying new wood floors, making an upstairs homework nook and making the master bedroom /6 month nursery ready. So life is good, we are blessed and everyone is happy and healthy. Can't say much more. So I'll post my current pregnancy bio stats to catch everyone up to date.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD912jNFciSkBZatTxQ_VURk7oLHqYXQGpqY4G-HePI9j-v7c1gvkHqNUbWFMuD-lln_hS3-Il8cpqQQFAjr5AbWGJ_FLPvTD49JmSAHqCqKFhsJ7E5nFSY5EX-9r8a66rA_ohpT3avOtP/s1600/20+week+pregnant+%25234.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD912jNFciSkBZatTxQ_VURk7oLHqYXQGpqY4G-HePI9j-v7c1gvkHqNUbWFMuD-lln_hS3-Il8cpqQQFAjr5AbWGJ_FLPvTD49JmSAHqCqKFhsJ7E5nFSY5EX-9r8a66rA_ohpT3avOtP/s400/20+week+pregnant+%25234.jpg" width="400" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>How far along</b> - 20 weeks 2 days</div><b>Weight gain</b> - +1 pound<br />
<b>Cravings</b> - Avacodo with lemon<br />
<b>Sleep </b>- Better now that I have the Cool Max pregnancy pillow<br />
<b>Gender</b> - It will remain a mystery<br />
<b>Movement</b> - Active but nothing strong<br />
<b>Activity</b> - This week it has definitely become a pain in the ass to bend over to put on toddler shoes<br />
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Here are the kiddies enjoying their summer so far.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS6Jorp7_SgBdD4P8YKNggc7Rt99nAu757jr1hLMTVxJfkbP0MUnCGXxtWIiG44QEoqWOChme4KfaTOascHa1mpwr1okgkRgcT0vnpS3XDPzLMYTrbWCOCtoUpdneznTJQA3xhJvsD1Lri/s1600/Picnik+collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="321" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS6Jorp7_SgBdD4P8YKNggc7Rt99nAu757jr1hLMTVxJfkbP0MUnCGXxtWIiG44QEoqWOChme4KfaTOascHa1mpwr1okgkRgcT0vnpS3XDPzLMYTrbWCOCtoUpdneznTJQA3xhJvsD1Lri/s640/Picnik+collage.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
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<img src="http://i777.photobucket.com/albums/yy60/LauraJaneDesigns/cb039dfb.png" />nicolesspirit878http://www.blogger.com/profile/16194275366832027650noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5151786763982999245.post-17756809327695631872011-03-22T06:19:00.000-07:002011-03-22T06:19:28.951-07:00Tales of Cloth We have cloth diapered Adrian since birth and I have found it to be a<b><span style="font-size: large;"> very enjoyable process</span></b> (well as enjoyable as poo and pee can be). I became obsessed with researching cloth diapers when pregnant. Our family was trying to do our part in being eco conscience (if you know me, you have to ignore our 8 passenger vehicle for this part), we were recycling, buying local as much as we could, we painted with LVOC paint but I was starting to feel guilty about all the diapers I would soon be dumping in to Michigan's already <span style="font-size: large;">HUGE trash issue</span>. So after being overwhelmed with information for about 4 months I decided this was the right thing to do for our family. I went with the cloth diaper brands<a href="http://www.theluvyourbaby.com/"> <span style="font-size: large;">Kawaii</span></a><span style="font-size: large;"> </span>and<span style="font-size: large;"> <a href="http://www.happyheinys.com/">Happy Heinys</a>. <span style="font-size: small;">I did buy into the fabulous website and many reviews of the popular brand BumGenius and against popular opinion, this diaper never met my expectations as they did not hold up to washing over months and you pay more for the simple fact that they are popular, so needless to say this is my least favorite cloth diaper thus far and are no longer in my rotation.</span> </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1nDZLFdvm0825915SM9buIwOR0OJnbwQyLB228OBFTDL1Byuj2Ifk-xZCBHov4ZrnmcsAQginjCnUUE0XiJoyZooOoaG6DLBuL09nMGPzDick69uf7IqA2fuQnQIgxfNS3qFAkBDXhEDq/s1600/008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1nDZLFdvm0825915SM9buIwOR0OJnbwQyLB228OBFTDL1Byuj2Ifk-xZCBHov4ZrnmcsAQginjCnUUE0XiJoyZooOoaG6DLBuL09nMGPzDick69uf7IqA2fuQnQIgxfNS3qFAkBDXhEDq/s200/008.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><b><span style="font-size: large;"> My husband was on board</span></b> which really helped the decision along, I did not want to be the only one changing diapers here. So we began to shop around and tell our friends of our plans, I wasn't prepared for the looks like <b><span style="font-size: large;">I was some crazy crunchy hippy</span></b> for wanting to cloth diaper, but I soon became very good at my schelded eco friendly benefits, convience,and myths speech that often accompioned said looks.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6nghwg_whjI67TvSA69m793IIQpCzebIjCs7cHljWlwzj-IZKhcCtjpn0w-QQcAD3vN3EbjnM9NfRA1h9nygtCvh7IeQcG_esHTYmJEQfaYiwSCAJrSQ0K8CuQiDWaW07O2azxnK0Ane7/s1600/097.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6nghwg_whjI67TvSA69m793IIQpCzebIjCs7cHljWlwzj-IZKhcCtjpn0w-QQcAD3vN3EbjnM9NfRA1h9nygtCvh7IeQcG_esHTYmJEQfaYiwSCAJrSQ0K8CuQiDWaW07O2azxnK0Ane7/s320/097.JPG" width="240" /></a><b>::side note:: </b>I am not going to go in detail here about those facts as there as a million blogs and websites that go over the detailsmuch better than I will.<br />
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So the cloth diapering began and I was so impressed with the ease and adorableness of it all, that<b><span style="font-size: large;"> I became a raving lunatic for more cute prints</span></b>, larger wet bags and talking to random strangers about cloth (which I apologize for I'm sure that was obnoxious). We never had a poop blowout, never a leak and I was ecstatic once again for our choice. I hated nothing more than going out somewhere with my past babies and many times that cute outfit their wearing ended up being soiled before anyone saw them looking so cute and all that time you spent stalking Gymboree for the perfect church outfit is now<b><span style="font-size: large;"> shoved in a bag in the bottom of your diaper bag</span></b> (ugh) and now are wearing a simple fleece sleeper.<br />
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Now these are ins and outs of my everyday cloth diapering life<br />
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1. I do <b><span style="font-size: large;">one</span></b> load of laundry a week- rinse, wash, dry and in the summer I lay out the diapers on the deck<br />
2. I have two large wet bags and a small travel bag to put dirty diapers in which I wash with my loads<br />
3.I use regular wipies<br />
4. I dump out what ever poo will shake off and the rest <b><span style="font-size: large;">will rinse and wash clean EVERY TIME</span></b><br />
I'm going to take a break for a sec to talk about <b><span style="font-size: large;">poo dumping</span></b>. Regardless if you cloth or not ALL poo is supposed to be dumped in the toilet the EPA states<b><span style="font-size: large;"> it is illegal to dump excrement in your trash</span></b>, like the kind everyone does with disposable. This practice is almost never practiced but it is what we ALL are supposed to do anyways.<br />
5. I do have a <a href="http://www.amazon.com/bumGenius-Diaper-Sprayer/dp/B0019HXQLS">diaper sprayer installed </a>on my toilet if I want to rinse out my poo diapers more, but this is not essential at all.<br />
6. After doing disposables for 2 previous babies the convience is not less with cloth. One extra load of laundry and an extra minute per change does not equal out to an inconvience.<br />
7. Travel with cloth is just as easy as long as there is a washing machine around. I even had my diapers cleaned while staying at the 5 star hotel Broadmoor in Colorado with zero problems.<br />
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So this really was more or less my experience with diapers not the do's and don't of diapers, like I said there are a lot of mommy blogs out there with this repeating info . Here are a few of my fav's<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.theclothdiaperwhisperer.com/">http://www.theclothdiaperwhisperer.com/</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://crunchybeachmama.com/">http://crunchybeachmama.com/</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.clothdiaperblog.com/">http://www.clothdiaperblog.com/</a></span><br />
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On April 23rd there is going to be a Guinness world record event called the <b><span style="font-size: large;">The Great Cloth Diaper Change </span></b>in locations around the world and the United States. The location is to educate and bring awareness on modern cloth diapering as well as host the largest mass synchronized cloth diaper change Me and my close friend <a href="http://theboydfamily-aaronandheather.blogspot.com/">Heather</a> will be attending with our fluffy butt babies and we are very excited. For any of you that want to become involved it is easy as there are daily many locations being added. <b><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://greatclothdiaperchange.com/">http://greatclothdiaperchange.com/</a></span></b><br />
<img src="http://i777.photobucket.com/albums/yy60/LauraJaneDesigns/cb039dfb.png" />nicolesspirit878http://www.blogger.com/profile/16194275366832027650noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5151786763982999245.post-76743329458229838002011-02-14T11:14:00.000-08:002011-02-14T11:14:26.778-08:00All wrapped up in love.<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Valentines day </span></b>has a new meaning when your all grown up.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsiW1X3fIUZOs2Y7SLdxOml2VR2AlNmGxd9O60JWIMQmDg-ionxXCxH-wkkXgTzbP3n8_0zN4J9jCiC-w9cLd_8_TD6UuvBnDX8D-1GuhpfajggJzdNQwCTtexpKsb0ZAoQG-FL_KNOsuG/s1600/valtines+collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="242" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsiW1X3fIUZOs2Y7SLdxOml2VR2AlNmGxd9O60JWIMQmDg-ionxXCxH-wkkXgTzbP3n8_0zN4J9jCiC-w9cLd_8_TD6UuvBnDX8D-1GuhpfajggJzdNQwCTtexpKsb0ZAoQG-FL_KNOsuG/s640/valtines+collage.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<img src="http://i777.photobucket.com/albums/yy60/LauraJaneDesigns/cb039dfb.png" />nicolesspirit878http://www.blogger.com/profile/16194275366832027650noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5151786763982999245.post-37441666213248804902011-02-12T06:40:00.000-08:002011-02-12T06:43:31.561-08:00So I could get used to this life!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf6b5zg8z3NuYiqyQ4cTxsceEgu5xvRM3HVzGc4vGlXqz3vTT5tEOmrxExQcQP47mcceIokD5PmrTJ-r9p4l7OhhD6fJXnjOIn7F4BVeE2xV3FaOMXp_rQ0D0Lm0GVh4kBHb-nNuTiOAbf/s1600/dinner+table.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf6b5zg8z3NuYiqyQ4cTxsceEgu5xvRM3HVzGc4vGlXqz3vTT5tEOmrxExQcQP47mcceIokD5PmrTJ-r9p4l7OhhD6fJXnjOIn7F4BVeE2xV3FaOMXp_rQ0D0Lm0GVh4kBHb-nNuTiOAbf/s320/dinner+table.jpg" width="320" /></a>For <b><span style="font-size: large;">Valentines</span></b> we decided that we would do something a little unique and special. So we thought about doing a private Valentines dinner for us and 2 other couples we are close with here at home, but what is so great and romantic about cooking a huge meal, hosting and cleaning for 6 people, well its not. So we started to look at some other <span style="font-size: large;">options</span>. My husband is work acquaintances with the wonderful<b><span style="font-size: large;"> <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/shows/season-3-adrien-sharp/index.html">Adrien Sharp</a></span></b>, Adrien was on <b>The Next Food Network Star</b> show, hosts a T.V. show called Food Circus, plans out meals and is head chef at our local hospital, as well as host Kraft online commercials.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ5nqssA5QAB5xI2SCvYTK9Lio7BPM67-xVmRA1Nn9UtxPcybN_dDfQaNMJFTF0bc3JkcRYXNAx3fit6mEOb1L-3SKwk7qMPEYhDi3SwYa3qg23pOyWONEv6_z_D8L8ty7Q3oNzJ8dJTIK/s1600/chef+sharp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ5nqssA5QAB5xI2SCvYTK9Lio7BPM67-xVmRA1Nn9UtxPcybN_dDfQaNMJFTF0bc3JkcRYXNAx3fit6mEOb1L-3SKwk7qMPEYhDi3SwYa3qg23pOyWONEv6_z_D8L8ty7Q3oNzJ8dJTIK/s320/chef+sharp.jpg" width="241" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKfbfiVBB1olCR3NaT2bKEftJ7F3qTrZLEjyNcZu2-U56OZSXgbGhNTeH1aDbfVkIg95OMraUFZyf8khF03Spz4PbrDMGMQC_nDa6YKKyJviE_HFFN6_WukukTWcSe9cUob1aYuoLtb72Y/s1600/chef+sharp+cooking.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKfbfiVBB1olCR3NaT2bKEftJ7F3qTrZLEjyNcZu2-U56OZSXgbGhNTeH1aDbfVkIg95OMraUFZyf8khF03Spz4PbrDMGMQC_nDa6YKKyJviE_HFFN6_WukukTWcSe9cUob1aYuoLtb72Y/s320/chef+sharp+cooking.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>We knew he was a <b><span style="font-size: large;">very busy man</span></b> but thought that we would still ask him if he would be interested in gracing out kitchen with his <span style="font-size: large;">mad skills</span>. He accepted and I was giddy with excitement to have a fabulous meal cooked just for us and friends and not have to prep one thing or clean a dish afterward.<span style="font-size: large;"><b> Giving over reign</b></span> of my kitchen was something I was slightly nervous about, I mean what if they didn't put my scrubby thing back in the right spot under the sink.<b><span style="font-size: large;"> So anyways I let go and I loved it</span></b>. He was great to watch in the kitchen although how hard is it to watch an attractive, genuine, family man who loves to create great food in my kitchen, well...it wasn't too hard at all.<b> <span style="font-size: large;">Dinner blew us all away.</span></b><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibnEwtZtWW_thTTG5hkFwPnxEDhXXF-9iI_Xpdi1hujX3khno7yB8sD8ViXgOhn21jex4CjiOsAOW6Dik3MS21VXS7e8g2W-EXcowD3_g_A2WxVNfNstgz1sKoX4jBR9jMZGP7hP0ePFPO/s1600/valentnes+crew.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="198" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibnEwtZtWW_thTTG5hkFwPnxEDhXXF-9iI_Xpdi1hujX3khno7yB8sD8ViXgOhn21jex4CjiOsAOW6Dik3MS21VXS7e8g2W-EXcowD3_g_A2WxVNfNstgz1sKoX4jBR9jMZGP7hP0ePFPO/s400/valentnes+crew.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Here was the menu: <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><b>Starter-</b><br />
Classic Italian Bruschetta on Whole Grain Baguette with Buffalo Mozz, Fresh Basil, Heirloom Tomatoes with balsamic reduction and pine nuts<br />
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<b>Salad-</b><br />
Arugula and Spinach salad with Candied Pecans, Dried Cherries, Feta Cheese, and Home Made Honey Dijon White Wine Vinigrette<br />
<b></b><br />
<b>Entree-</b><br />
Beef Tenderloin with Herbed Goat Cheese Tomato Shoe String Onions, Balsmaic Reduction and Truffle Oil<br />
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<b>Dessert-</b><br />
Dark Chocolate Cheesecake with Raspberry Coulis<br />
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I <b><span style="font-size: large;">honestly meant to</span></b> take pictures of all these dishes and post them but I had a<b> few glasses of Moscato</b> to start with and by appetizers<span style="font-size: large;"> I forgot</span> I had a camera. Oh well just trust me it was unbelievable and if I could afford it I would do this all the time. <span style="font-size: large;"><b>So to Adrien, thank you so very much for creating a magical night and being so gracious to us and our friends. Cheers! </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #c00000; font-size: small;"><b>Host of JTV-"</b></span><span style="color: #1f497d; font-size: small;"><b>Food Circus</b></span><span style="color: #c00000; font-size: small;"><b>" watch it online @</b></span><span style="color: #c00000; font-size: small;"><br />
</span><a href="http://www.jtv.tv/" target="_blank">http://www.jtv.tv/</a> <br />
<b>(517)787-8817</b><br />
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<b>Howdini Productions- Kraft Picnic Video</b><br />
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S8pDpdGVKpU" target="_blank"><b>http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S8pDpdGVKpU</b></a><br />
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<b>Meredith Productions- Kraft Video </b><br />
<a href="http://www.kraftrecipes.com/recipes/sweet-potato-gnocchi-citrus-119274.aspx" target="_blank"><b>http://www.kraftrecipes.com/recipes/sweet-potato-gnocchi-citrus-119274.aspx</b></a><br />
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<b>Foodnetwork.com Profile</b><br />
<a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/shows/season-3-adrien-sharp/index.html" target="_blank"><b>http://www.foodnetwork.com/shows/season-3-adrien-sharp/index.html</b></a><br />
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<span style="color: red;"><b>"The Next Food Network Star" Highlights </b></span>- <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p55nWb6GRw4" target="_blank">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p55nWb6GRw4</a><br />
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<b>Facebook Page:</b><br />
<a href="http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/profile.php?id=1179461343&ref=profile" target="_blank"><b>http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/profile.php?id=1179461343&ref=profile</b></a></span><br />
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<img src="http://i777.photobucket.com/albums/yy60/LauraJaneDesigns/cb039dfb.png" />nicolesspirit878http://www.blogger.com/profile/16194275366832027650noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5151786763982999245.post-71851056116288081652011-01-23T11:00:00.000-08:002011-01-23T11:00:29.979-08:00We rocked the headboard! Sorry the following post has <span style="font-size: large;"><b>nothing</b></span> involving headboard rocking maritals but its close!<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>One</b></span> trip to Lowes and one trip to JoAnn fabric and we were ready to start "<span style="font-size: large;">project headboard</span>". I was only slightly worried that this could either be a very romantic gesture to our marriage bed or cause a gladiator Saturday fight over the assembly. From shopping to assembly everything went smoothly and I would have to say it all went perfectly except when it came to putting the duvet in the duvet cover. Really the only bickering occurred because there was a lack of knowledge on <span style="font-size: large;"><b>what a duvet was and why it needs a cover</b></span> (ahem:<span style="font-size: large;"> not me</span>). I was proud of<b><span style="font-size: large;"> us</span></b> and it was fun and we both put in equally as much time and creative juice into this project. We have some future projects coming up which is a potential mirror wall, new paint, custom built night stands and the<span style="font-size: large;"> high hope</span> that I can keep fresh flowers on those night stands.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivxov9UaApcVcrylCAhHVSsJX4v9Xa4c5AWPBvP5s_jRrXlznxbt58YWPkY34B9RxNkSYaYQG-uCb24bLauoi8e7m9O-S4KOa9-oB8dPgZ_mnHjfesE-fwiFypxyPH64OjVrcQ7OHJ3-xk/s1600/headboard.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="459" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivxov9UaApcVcrylCAhHVSsJX4v9Xa4c5AWPBvP5s_jRrXlznxbt58YWPkY34B9RxNkSYaYQG-uCb24bLauoi8e7m9O-S4KOa9-oB8dPgZ_mnHjfesE-fwiFypxyPH64OjVrcQ7OHJ3-xk/s640/headboard.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>nicolesspirit878http://www.blogger.com/profile/16194275366832027650noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5151786763982999245.post-45335845530241720882010-10-25T05:41:00.000-07:002010-10-25T05:41:36.703-07:00Perfect Fall Yesteday.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>The kids listened and played so very well together starting from Friday I couldn't believe it, I didn't have to cook or clean up for 2 nights in a row, my husband surprised me with a new cookware set I had my eye on . The only set back was getting our new elliptical shipped to us, spent 2 days putting it together, plug the damn thing in and NOTHING. We are assuming its a busted computer after all the trouble shooting failed but we kind of let that one roll off our backs today because today, this day was a PERFECT day it was ALL about family and only family.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi551BtX195ggwX3vTyoTh2G4YSS98GgD2ibB0W_QPWDzZlrBy9ynruR6ixFy1lE0T4e4QV6nEOu1nlijyLt77CVQjGvAaEZ9JLDpZi2jZSRG8b5GHBapHWPOi5K0yL1c8-b9rhFQap8L6t/s1600/blogpumpk2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="231" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi551BtX195ggwX3vTyoTh2G4YSS98GgD2ibB0W_QPWDzZlrBy9ynruR6ixFy1lE0T4e4QV6nEOu1nlijyLt77CVQjGvAaEZ9JLDpZi2jZSRG8b5GHBapHWPOi5K0yL1c8-b9rhFQap8L6t/s320/blogpumpk2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLFHdrgSzwIF-qxFUFQFglixjWBxZN-TT1rKtuUXciJdKYKwhQUnNEtE7S20PgEEC0OCMqhWD6AH9Dx5tgsds3PxXAufcN05tHrPEGuiOtd0zcBWBiluIiRhC4RbvMms1grbifAm5IVVz6/s1600/blogpumpk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="131" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLFHdrgSzwIF-qxFUFQFglixjWBxZN-TT1rKtuUXciJdKYKwhQUnNEtE7S20PgEEC0OCMqhWD6AH9Dx5tgsds3PxXAufcN05tHrPEGuiOtd0zcBWBiluIiRhC4RbvMms1grbifAm5IVVz6/s200/blogpumpk.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKOJEw0s6hutA7AOIPQenqeYNEJMxQwqtcbmqPisY6RP8HDhirB0-Mh0w4Ztv75avNze1aZ3q-nb5wN0BV8-TaDX0RBmLmUQsRw8OSdCCH3vrDI46B7gA-XoG9ldxoYjHTz0f30QD4QSol/s1600/adrian+reading.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="143" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKOJEw0s6hutA7AOIPQenqeYNEJMxQwqtcbmqPisY6RP8HDhirB0-Mh0w4Ztv75avNze1aZ3q-nb5wN0BV8-TaDX0RBmLmUQsRw8OSdCCH3vrDI46B7gA-XoG9ldxoYjHTz0f30QD4QSol/s200/adrian+reading.jpg" width="200" /></a>We had nowhere to go, no soccer, no ballet, no lunches, no bible studies, no work call, nothing and it was fabulous. We made Halloween cookies, watched a movie, carved pumpkins, had a very long lazy lunch and somehow we even managed to squeeze in a family pile nap on the couch at one point (sounds very cute but not so comfortable or very long). Its one of those days that you wished didn't end.<br />
(yes, if your looking closely that is a spider pumpkin and a deranged bunny pumpkin made with yellow zucchini) <br />
<img src="http://i777.photobucket.com/albums/yy60/LauraJaneDesigns/cb039dfb.png" />nicolesspirit878http://www.blogger.com/profile/16194275366832027650noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5151786763982999245.post-28591464138183497212010-09-14T04:49:00.000-07:002010-09-14T04:49:35.025-07:00Party of the year!!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgio5S6XzsVmSpwyhm7Mv5o4PBXuA-RnYR4yaI2XpHmeZweMSo2SKvRilfGiDQYIjy7EbGBPTXfWUbPxsHkr97E2URpuzP4jy08vKt0XeF5MWQ1UDqGU-q_F9y0UEizWHA-I7mT18bfzVwA/s1600/baby+in+utero.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="196" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgio5S6XzsVmSpwyhm7Mv5o4PBXuA-RnYR4yaI2XpHmeZweMSo2SKvRilfGiDQYIjy7EbGBPTXfWUbPxsHkr97E2URpuzP4jy08vKt0XeF5MWQ1UDqGU-q_F9y0UEizWHA-I7mT18bfzVwA/s200/baby+in+utero.jpg" width="200" /></a>We<b><span style="font-size: large;"> laughed,</span></b> we ate, we took a million pictures and<b><span style="font-size: large;"> we loved</span></b> our little boy turning <span style="font-size: large;"><b>one year old</b></span>. To think back a year ago I can state the obvious of how uncomfortable and huge I was, or how I was nesting and folding baby clothes till late in the night. Those were days of preparation and <span style="font-size: large;"><b>anticipation</b></span> but regardless of having children before you never are prepared for how full your heart can become, how you can go on no sleep and feel no pain just from the <b><span style="font-size: large;">high of love</span></b> that you have for this new warm life snuggled on your chest. He was again more than I could have hoped for and he is still a high I can run on when I am empty.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">I love you <span style="font-size: large;"><b>Adrian</b></span> and you have made this family more beautiful for being in it. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQYxMdQzZzXjukwGViepPrVzqHlHsfyxXq9tswWbJ7Ts3fCcgwzJV063cYoa9H-SsuKMSYJXwTdRVzkgVpDVAGVMB2I2Pxgj-CjqtA-2E7FBsVjUeDimYK1DJbzaynirpLVhIcjZImbQ8q/s1600/Picnik+collage+birthday.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="188" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQYxMdQzZzXjukwGViepPrVzqHlHsfyxXq9tswWbJ7Ts3fCcgwzJV063cYoa9H-SsuKMSYJXwTdRVzkgVpDVAGVMB2I2Pxgj-CjqtA-2E7FBsVjUeDimYK1DJbzaynirpLVhIcjZImbQ8q/s640/Picnik+collage+birthday.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
I have always loved the <span style="font-size: large;"><b>Very Hungry Caterpillar</b></span> book and so that is where the theme grew from. I had a fabulous baker from Jackson Michigan 'Oh Susannah' make the Very hungry Caterpillar cake for me and she did a fabulous job. We had chocolate covered cherry, raspberry puree and marshmallow filled cupcakes. Everyone was very impressed and<b><span style="font-size: large;"> very full</span></b>. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGPtWQ_N5bgwF5klNcGvNaD7jE9S7qmnsKQR0KKxz4hWWkWvgU7nQZ1ss2gS3ec-PH3h2OdV-hBOzcK35vh3L-YmPUlepCSm9vErwDstVy75q-qtzKqSPkrIihPjaCP9o-1jHtgkYN2Jji/s1600/birthday+collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="294" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGPtWQ_N5bgwF5klNcGvNaD7jE9S7qmnsKQR0KKxz4hWWkWvgU7nQZ1ss2gS3ec-PH3h2OdV-hBOzcK35vh3L-YmPUlepCSm9vErwDstVy75q-qtzKqSPkrIihPjaCP9o-1jHtgkYN2Jji/s640/birthday+collage.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span id="goog_1339447865"><br />
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<span id="goog_1339447865">We had family up for the entire weekend to celebrate Adrian's birthday and it was really a joy. Adrian never once was too overwhelmed by the attention, the singing and the presents but I do thank the nap he had an hour or so before things started to that! He of course had his<b><span style="font-size: large;"> first taste of sugar </span></b>with his first cupcake and he ate that thing in its entirety without making a peep just savoring the wonderful thing that is <span style="font-size: large;"><b>FROSTING</b></span>. Adrian loved his birthday and the thing he loved the most where the<span style="font-size: large;"><b> balloons</b></span>.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf9MQjJVfKF5l738s294Fo4GhjvV0_zuq1hUf0b4D_Vfa2MhSmstEbJ2NE2FwRXEpbyu0DnRKwAvG-akFaiWFhVLRL18wG1K2nQ7wIRMzE6l3FwtRX28SZEADdJO_ZblPUv5s5T8IszwJ4/s1600/birthday+collage+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="294" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf9MQjJVfKF5l738s294Fo4GhjvV0_zuq1hUf0b4D_Vfa2MhSmstEbJ2NE2FwRXEpbyu0DnRKwAvG-akFaiWFhVLRL18wG1K2nQ7wIRMzE6l3FwtRX28SZEADdJO_ZblPUv5s5T8IszwJ4/s640/birthday+collage+2.jpg" width="640" /></a><span id="goog_1339447865"> </span><br />
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<img src="http://i777.photobucket.com/albums/yy60/LauraJaneDesigns/cb039dfb.png" />nicolesspirit878http://www.blogger.com/profile/16194275366832027650noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5151786763982999245.post-71460848255291898072010-09-03T06:51:00.000-07:002010-09-03T06:51:46.833-07:00A few questions answered<div style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></div><br />
I thought I would close out the week with a few questions I have been asked before which mean someone is mildly interested in my life, which does wonders for my<b><span style="font-size: large;"> social acceptance</span></b> issues! HA!<br />
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1. <span style="font-size: large;">What is your favorite blog?</span> I think if I thought about this too much it would take me longer to decide but honestly the blog post I look forward to the most is <a href="http://hyperboleandahalf.blogspot.com/">HYPERBOLE AND A HALF</a>! She is a <b><span style="font-size: large;">literary genius</span></b> and my husband, mom, sister all gather around the computer laughing at her genius! GO Run RIGHT NOW and check it out!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4kxxXhfcafecvcu0FH6KCoho7LObeuA22MQjYy6DVQeU0nbjPjMPQZ0DHOlfGMAQoGtu60QObwW1Z5QHWBuCspSHs2pmvVk994kmav9PXUugclOCe58xGW8PR7A6VHYJFzOKmZzR82brB/s1600/watch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4kxxXhfcafecvcu0FH6KCoho7LObeuA22MQjYy6DVQeU0nbjPjMPQZ0DHOlfGMAQoGtu60QObwW1Z5QHWBuCspSHs2pmvVk994kmav9PXUugclOCe58xGW8PR7A6VHYJFzOKmZzR82brB/s200/watch.jpg" width="160" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOjWPZ_O1Ff9sOGWQDzF6Bhv4bLLbszZUMnyIfKtbnkDEaS-S9czHtube7Ai0o0QfmtDsfLDmOIcL2DGkjuK-SmWuCihf6DhUdukeK3MxU9PbwFGg0375Wh8s6y7ZnXs-IX7-HdVY1HxFs/s1600/hyperbolye.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOjWPZ_O1Ff9sOGWQDzF6Bhv4bLLbszZUMnyIfKtbnkDEaS-S9czHtube7Ai0o0QfmtDsfLDmOIcL2DGkjuK-SmWuCihf6DhUdukeK3MxU9PbwFGg0375Wh8s6y7ZnXs-IX7-HdVY1HxFs/s320/hyperbolye.png" /></a></div> 2. <span style="font-size: large;">Who is your favorite designer?</span> Hands down<span style="font-size: large;"> <b>Michael Kors</b></span>! I alas can't afford most of his fabulous designs. I am currently obsessing over this <br />
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3<span style="font-size: large;">. The thing I struggle most with my marriage?</span> I have to say is remembering to be more sensitive to my husband on a day to day basis. I get <b><span style="font-size: large;">so caught up</span></b> in maintaining the household, kids, and scheduling everyone that I forget that he is not on vacation from 8am to 5pm but has also been working. I want to hand off the kids so I can have a moment of quiet, basically asking him to<b> <span style="font-size: large;">keep them away from me</span></b> while I cook dinner so they are not crawling in the dishwasher or asking for a snack in 20 creative ways before we eat. I know he is tired and need decompression time but <b><span style="font-size: large;">I often forget</span></b> and throw him from one job to another. Something I need to work on.<br />
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4<span style="font-size: large;">. My biggest judgmental moments?</span> Its a toss up between<span style="font-size: large;"><b> politics</b></span> and<b><span style="font-size: large;"> beauty pageants</span></b> and I know that sounds weird. If I coudl let loose and be completely Judgy McJudger, I refuse to even listen to why people put their babies and children in beauty pagents, I think its wrong, <b><span style="font-size: large;">disgusting</span></b> and unfortunate. Second politics or peoples view of them. When people are staunch Republican or Democrats and hate the other side just for being so.<b><span style="font-size: large;"> Its ignorant </span></b>and puts us as a functioning society a hundred steps back. I know that is asinine and seems non progressive in itself but I don't hate either group of these people but hate the ideal instead.<br />
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5. <span style="font-size: large;">My favorite recipe I make?<b> Lamb meatballs and lasagna roll ups</b></span>. Its simple and fabulous.<br />
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1 pound ground lamb<br />
1 tsp. cumin<br />
a handful of fresh chopped parsley<br />
2 cloves minced garlic<br />
1 egg (room temp)<br />
sea salt<br />
1Tbs fresh or freeze dried basil<br />
Sm. package of crumbled feta<br />
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mix it all together in 2 tbl spoon meatballs put on broiler rack in oven 350 degrees for 15 minutes.<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">lasagna rollups</span>- boil lasagna till done. mis feta, riccota, mozzerella, fresh parsely,basil and salt. spread mix on lasagna roll up place vertically in glass dish and cover with diced tomatoes mixed with pressed garlic,salt and a 1/2 pound pitted kalamata olives diced. spread over lasagna roll ups and bake at 350 for 15-20 mins.<br />
ITS FABULOUS.<br />
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6. <span style="font-size: large;">Thing I would change about myself if I could?</span> I am tempted to say a boob job but that's an obvious go to after 3 babes. Honestly I really wish I had the motivation and know how to do my hair<b><span style="font-size: large;"> everyday</span></b>. If I could just do my hair everyday I know I would feel better about myself as a whole but that's hard when you realize it 4pm and you have yet to do anything but throw it in a lazy, frizzy ponytail. The days I do my hair I feel more organized and put together. It sounds to simple to be a wish but it is!<br />
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Go ahead and leave a comment answering a few of these questions yourself!!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>nicolesspirit878http://www.blogger.com/profile/16194275366832027650noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5151786763982999245.post-29103597300066832922010-09-01T05:21:00.000-07:002010-09-01T05:21:38.377-07:00You think your kids is awesome, they have nothing on my daughter!<b><span style="font-size: large;">Firs</span><span style="font-size: large;">t</span></b> I will show you the pics because it hard to describe with out a visual aid.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7pm0ftWSNuF8OklXCTz2oPgdHMOGm64HwtZj5gEmhFYrQwgm0cSB9kThELlP5wXrPUW193IW503AJS0RoKUegccyFTWJj52bZxpaJPqmq5GCHFAZLP4eY_jVUR-r1lWVOBOM8IlOZdADz/s1600/002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7pm0ftWSNuF8OklXCTz2oPgdHMOGm64HwtZj5gEmhFYrQwgm0cSB9kThELlP5wXrPUW193IW503AJS0RoKUegccyFTWJj52bZxpaJPqmq5GCHFAZLP4eY_jVUR-r1lWVOBOM8IlOZdADz/s320/002.JPG" style="cursor: move;" /></a></div> She is your<b><span style="font-size: large;"> typical 5 year old</span></b>, quirky, rambunctious, mouthy, loving, mommas girl and anxiously awaiting her first day of kindergarten BUT, this little sweetheart is hiding a deep dark secret underneath that <b><span style="font-size: large;">cute smile</span></b> and I do mean that literally. Are you ready for this?, because I was <b><span style="font-size: large;">SOO not ready</span></b> for this shocker!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-zYi2zCf11jUDySSGPFt9Icpk9Q5MNQpxehg1HoKcEGq2DtV1X9vAsca6oXF6fzACGIuhWjgtANgQ5Z6GF1OBnq207LoowqEPz8UTcbLLsA67X92D9FoQ10WcIEgfKkklrrg5g9n0Hd5A/s1600/003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-zYi2zCf11jUDySSGPFt9Icpk9Q5MNQpxehg1HoKcEGq2DtV1X9vAsca6oXF6fzACGIuhWjgtANgQ5Z6GF1OBnq207LoowqEPz8UTcbLLsA67X92D9FoQ10WcIEgfKkklrrg5g9n0Hd5A/s320/003.JPG" /></a></div>Do you see <b><span style="font-size: x-large;">IT</span></b>? My little girl is a <b>shark</b>! I noticed this little surprise during church and instead of being able to run to the internet to figure out what kind of issue this truly was I had to sit there for another 40 minutes listening to the pastor on the sermon on the mount but kept having mixed visions of Kya growing her full set of "shark teeth" and <span style="font-size: large;">Jesus beating her off with a stick</span>! So anyways as soon as I could get my hands on the trusty internet I found that this is a <b><span style="font-size: large;">common problem </span></b>and is ironically called "shark mouth". After the shock wore off I thought "how the hell did I never hear about this if its so common?" So once again you are not fully prepared for these little surprises along the road. So the question is really <b><span style="font-size: large;">what are we going to do about it?</span></b> She has a dentist appointment on the 9th and the dentist will tell us if we leave them till the adult teeth rot out the baby teeth root (<b>disgusting</b>) and they fall out or he may have to pull the baby teeth so the adult teeth can move forward properly. So let me be the <b><span style="font-size: large;">"shark tale"</span></b> to all you mothers out there, this stuff happens its apparently normal and besides that fact it will still shock the crap out of you!<br />
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<img src="http://i777.photobucket.com/albums/yy60/LauraJaneDesigns/cb039dfb.png" />nicolesspirit878http://www.blogger.com/profile/16194275366832027650noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5151786763982999245.post-16868911651142159602010-08-25T05:35:00.000-07:002010-08-25T05:35:11.940-07:00My crazy zoo boys!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwR-ldLEbcAWaWZfXnjVWXgx-f_pn-eL_YGxmo8ay2lamEHKj97qnKvJGKQiUOT5qvs9tmTABYK3aK8C_b0Aw' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>The decibel level in my house with 3 kids and 2 dogs is <b><span style="font-size: large;">deafening</span></b> sometimes but I love the noise.<br />
<img src="http://i777.photobucket.com/albums/yy60/LauraJaneDesigns/cb039dfb.png" />nicolesspirit878http://www.blogger.com/profile/16194275366832027650noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5151786763982999245.post-19533896902290452662010-08-23T04:54:00.000-07:002010-08-23T04:54:33.845-07:00Soooo I'm lazy or too busy.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2RQ9FnHfnVtFlunlDab9dsSEPy6Iqf08LOHDNfndPmCcepIBzwXIv616hyphenhyphenzyoTpQndbQlkVWo34S_pLUdzYFlhroWQoQ4WAS1A4nOr_vrt-4ihTxKOejBcK3BONDxS_HdlfesNjAbCeWW/s1600/CrazyRunner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2RQ9FnHfnVtFlunlDab9dsSEPy6Iqf08LOHDNfndPmCcepIBzwXIv616hyphenhyphenzyoTpQndbQlkVWo34S_pLUdzYFlhroWQoQ4WAS1A4nOr_vrt-4ihTxKOejBcK3BONDxS_HdlfesNjAbCeWW/s200/CrazyRunner.jpg" width="191" /></a><b><span style="font-size: large;">I feel bad </span></b>loyal followers that I have not updated in a week but with back to school coming, last weekends garage sale, <b><span style="font-size: large;">Adrians 1st birthday party</span></b> to plan and my sons new crazy soccer schedule I'm getting a whole lot of nothing done and running around like a crazy woman or as much as I want to be getting done! So for the next little while I will be hit or miss. Although I'm not sure why I'm apologizing for my <span style="font-size: large;">apathy</span> I'm sure many of you had no idea I had gone! Alright now I feel <b>better and worse</b> at the same time because <span style="font-size: large;"><b>1.</b></span> this is not an interesting post and <span style="font-size: large;"><b>2</b>.</span> that I explained my absence. Enjoy the last of August, I know I will as I'm trying to<b><span style="font-size: large;"> soak in every bit of summer </span></b>that is left with the kiddies.<br />
<img src="http://i777.photobucket.com/albums/yy60/LauraJaneDesigns/cb039dfb.png" />nicolesspirit878http://www.blogger.com/profile/16194275366832027650noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5151786763982999245.post-10724781142231955852010-08-13T07:53:00.000-07:002010-08-13T07:56:05.364-07:00The kids taught me a lot this week!You get<span style="font-size: large;"> cocky</span> after a few kids, with your confidence in how well you schedule everyone, run the house and manage not losing your mind in the process. Then either your rose colored glasses fall off or just plain ol' reality sets in that in fact you <b>DO NOT</b> have it all under your badly manicured thumb and can be surprised daily.<br />
What the kids taught me this week were not life lesson but <b><span style="font-size: large;">lessons</span></b> nonetheless.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTo_MfkgH3TA1CxDc-ufXSoxqfSWr_YW7Z0CkzoUUGq20NcY7yPzHDqfkFOB_qJi1n3L-gOppfI6II7hE-sFqfyiPch1dVG0vg33AQjTxEpNKEp2hs6dZAkT841EiFN8BPC61FhEuRKpMj/s1600/061.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTo_MfkgH3TA1CxDc-ufXSoxqfSWr_YW7Z0CkzoUUGq20NcY7yPzHDqfkFOB_qJi1n3L-gOppfI6II7hE-sFqfyiPch1dVG0vg33AQjTxEpNKEp2hs6dZAkT841EiFN8BPC61FhEuRKpMj/s200/061.JPG" width="150" /></a><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">1</span></b>. Being an 8 year old boy around other 8 year boy all playing soccer means that he will not converse with you while you are on the sidelines asking him question. <span style="font-size: large;"><b>You are on your own</b></span> and he does not know you until he needs food or water.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">2</span>. A 10 moth old refuses to nice and neatly feed himself so that the food falls on his over size bib but feeds himself so that it only falls beside him to stick to the fabric covering and his pants. So I have <span style="font-size: large;">refused</span> to put the adorable cover on the highchair (the reason I bought it) so I can just disinfect it after each meal with out doing a load of laundry and save a lot of<b> time</b>! It now does not look cute but is more functional, oh well <b><span style="font-size: large;">sa la vie</span></b>.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>3</b></span>. A 10 month old does know how to feed the dog from the table.<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">4</span></b>. 5 year olds are<b><span style="font-size: large;"> incapable</span></b> of putting their shoes on unless you actually check to see that they are actually on their little feet because it is possible that you will drive an hour from home get out of the car and hear "Mommy I don't have any shoes on." and then walk your child into Target<b><span style="font-size: large;"> barefoot</span></b> to purchase some new shoes.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiNMdMdOgLI95mFUPcgT9GIzI99p28Q1MJ2raDYSVQNVyIdqVZ21hsJJMQLvhI8wNF0ZzIe7GCXbyBkVHSiRhPqLfFuqp0g1wWya2Y0kmOBTpEWtaTe8t-_rnQz2UbijYBjZWodv4VIXVk/s1600/076.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiNMdMdOgLI95mFUPcgT9GIzI99p28Q1MJ2raDYSVQNVyIdqVZ21hsJJMQLvhI8wNF0ZzIe7GCXbyBkVHSiRhPqLfFuqp0g1wWya2Y0kmOBTpEWtaTe8t-_rnQz2UbijYBjZWodv4VIXVk/s200/076.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><br />
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You will be keeping your eyes to your nose as people MUST be judging you, thinking how you are an incapable and neglectful mother. Put some rocking new pink Converse shoes on her and then hear "<b><span style="font-size: large;">your the best mommy</span></b>" and be suddenly okay with the whole situation.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">5</span>. When an 8 year old is allowed toe ride in the front seat he automatically thinks he is DJ Jazzy Fresh, allowed to rule the radio an CD player with a 5 year old shouting request like a 13 yr old at a <b>New Kids On The Block</b> concert ( is that reference out of date?) from the back seat!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOxNxyIZksrjMsBHsP7OXPk362-I-_JG3xBoHlB6Kt0vBYCeLtmrCJcHHHaa9MA3h7L2_ohcwLTU396rIfiSRsqhjcx0OD6sYD1ngW-XyzJrOVvrq8IG_hzHt8DiuoM2MKcO5FnTPd20fG/s1600/075.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOxNxyIZksrjMsBHsP7OXPk362-I-_JG3xBoHlB6Kt0vBYCeLtmrCJcHHHaa9MA3h7L2_ohcwLTU396rIfiSRsqhjcx0OD6sYD1ngW-XyzJrOVvrq8IG_hzHt8DiuoM2MKcO5FnTPd20fG/s200/075.JPG" width="150" /></a><b><span style="font-size: large;">6</span></b>.<b><span style="font-size: large;"> You will never</span></b> get used to the first time your baby says<span style="font-size: large;"> mama</span> out of the blue while eating dinner and smiles at you. You also forget that you go crazy and become addicted to them saying it over and over again like <b><span style="font-size: large;">crack</span></b> until your husbands says "hon give him a break".<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">7</span>. An 8 year olds socks can smell so bad coming out of their soccer bag that it can make you <b><span style="font-size: large;">dry heave</span></b>.<br />
<img src="http://i777.photobucket.com/albums/yy60/LauraJaneDesigns/cb039dfb.png" />nicolesspirit878http://www.blogger.com/profile/16194275366832027650noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5151786763982999245.post-23175739898500922872010-08-08T05:49:00.000-07:002010-08-09T13:04:53.318-07:00It's official I'm not 20 anymore. McFatty Monday<span style="font-size: x-large;">R</span>egardless of birthday gifts, cake, candles and friends all gathering at your favorite restaurant.<span style="font-size: large;"><b> Aging doesn't always click.</b></span> Do we celebrate birthdays to say "Congrats you didn't die this year."? "Congrats and hey, try not to die this coming year so we can party again".? or is it " Congrats and we better party because you are saying goodbye to the best years of your life"? Yeah those might be a slight morbid but in my opinion more accurate than not!<b> So I haven't been 20 for a while and I'm fine with it</b> as long as I felt young or as young as you can feel after 3 kids. Feeling young to me is possessing the ability to stay up late, wake up early and still function, falling and healing without breaking a stride. endless endurance that could come from eating Mountain Dew, cold pizza, taco bell non stop and not calling in to work with stomach cramps and bathroom runs. Each year I take better and better care of my body and I seem to have<span style="font-size: large;"><b> less and less</b></span> of those qualities.<br />
So the<b><span style="font-size: large;"> big realization</span></b> that I am not 20 anymore is not because my** birthday is coming up but because yesterday I played in a 4v4 sand volleyball tournament with some friends and I experienced something completely new. <b><span style="font-size: large;">Fear of getting hurt</span></b>, being right about getting hurt, complaining like my grandmother about my feet, and drinking a gallon of water just to be able to stand up right. This all proved to me more that if I want to be "Demi Moore in shape" as I get older<span style="font-size: large;"><b> <span style="font-size: xx-small;">( yes I do realize the she is a result of good genes and plastic docs though)</span></b></span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzo5ngUhrvNjP3JQcf_bkEXm0_JKqglrYVLHwIix69_RyO3eobVBuUkDbgcwSPfCBvuo6aAuFtkyprZWs1lLTwQ-zF2YwjHwxghNnbvm46VhpXSZEai8F9nQJhloWNndblT5O4lp32V5aA/s1600/demi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzo5ngUhrvNjP3JQcf_bkEXm0_JKqglrYVLHwIix69_RyO3eobVBuUkDbgcwSPfCBvuo6aAuFtkyprZWs1lLTwQ-zF2YwjHwxghNnbvm46VhpXSZEai8F9nQJhloWNndblT5O4lp32V5aA/s200/demi.jpg" width="170" /></a><span style="font-size: large;"><b> I need to freaking get on the ball.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b>When did you realize that you are not immortal and have to try harder? </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">and no there are no fabulous pictures of me eating sand at this glorious event so don't ask.</span><br />
<img src="http://i777.photobucket.com/albums/yy60/LauraJaneDesigns/cb039dfb.png" />nicolesspirit878http://www.blogger.com/profile/16194275366832027650noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5151786763982999245.post-48387966707221565352010-08-05T05:20:00.000-07:002010-08-05T05:20:29.554-07:00No-Go BlogHer blog hop and questions!!!<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: navy;"><b><b><span style="color: orange; font-weight: normal;"><a href="http://www.tobethode.com/category/nogoblogher" target="_blank"><img alt="NoGoBlogHer" border="0" src="http://i26.tinypic.com/j8pqmb.gif" /></a> </span></b></b></span></div><span style="color: navy;"><b><b><span style="color: orange; font-weight: normal;"> <span style="color: #674ea7;"> </span></span></b></b></span><br />
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<span style="color: navy;"><span style="color: orange; font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #674ea7;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: large;">Yes</span></span></span></span><b><b><span style="color: orange; font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #674ea7;"><span style="color: black;"> I do wish I could go to BlogHer but I'm not sure if its because that it would be three days of not being "a full time mom". </span></span></span></b></b><span style="color: orange; font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #674ea7;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: large;">Wear heels</span></span></span></span><b><b><span style="color: orange; font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #674ea7;"><span style="color: black;"> without carrying a diaper bag and dropping kids off to soccer or to network with other great mom bloggers that I love! Either way life did not have it in the cards. The kids are hitting a climax of activity this time of year and with a husband on call as much as he is there is no way I could make it. So I am </span></span></span></b></b><span style="color: orange; font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #674ea7;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: large;">stoked </span></span></span></span><b><b><span style="color: orange; font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #674ea7;"><span style="color: black;">(is stoked still a cool word to use?) to be joining the NoGo BlogHer!</span></span></span></b></b></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPN3ZPnycQYYUIVlkjPx6YRRsU9Ir2cg4kzqWI3KDkY6nazBobYl6NYK1XVF9Hu38Wiz-sFjB-Cs4POkO1HninbTqwgBCBLA8B0bsMTtqzTXC1I5wD1xS0D-xm_PuAKNompfjteJYPjq9A/s1600/polaroid.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPN3ZPnycQYYUIVlkjPx6YRRsU9Ir2cg4kzqWI3KDkY6nazBobYl6NYK1XVF9Hu38Wiz-sFjB-Cs4POkO1HninbTqwgBCBLA8B0bsMTtqzTXC1I5wD1xS0D-xm_PuAKNompfjteJYPjq9A/s320/polaroid.jpg" width="273" /></a><span style="color: navy;"><b><b><span style="color: orange; font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #674ea7;"><span style="color: black;"> </span></span></span></b></b></span><br />
<span style="color: navy;"><b><b><span style="color: orange; font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #674ea7;"> When did you start blogging?</span></span></b><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: large;"> I never even knew anything of the blogging world till I joined a site called <i>The Bump</i> during my last pregnancy with my son and started talking to other moms out there and seeing what blogs where all about</span>. </span></b></span><span style="color: navy;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></b></span><br />
<span style="color: navy;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"> <span style="color: black;"> </span></span></b></span><br />
<span style="color: navy;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: #8e7cc3; font-size: small;">Why did you start blogging?</span> </span></span></b></span><br />
<span style="color: navy;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: black;">I loved the idea of blogging first. I have always as a kid wanted to keep a diary. I had locked unicorn diaries, Lisa Frank diaries and many other glittery things that I never finished. I always started out well with 2 weeks of solid entries and then blank pages. So the idea of blogging and having a record of my life was very intriguing. </span></span></b></span><span style="color: navy;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: black;"> </span></span></b></span><br />
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<span style="color: navy;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: #8e7cc3; font-size: small;">What is one thing you are doing this week that is way cooler than attending BlogHer?</span> </span></span></b></span><br />
<span style="color: navy;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: black;">We have swim lesson for the kids the rest of the week and then Saturday I was asked to play in a 4v4 sand volleyball tournament. Right now I'm thinking "how the hell am I not going to die while I pretend to be 22 again". UGH!</span></span></b></span><span style="color: navy;"><b> </b></span><br />
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<span style="color: navy;"><b><span style="color: #8e7cc3;">Share a post that is your favorite or the best description of you. </span></b></span><br />
<span style="color: navy;"><b> <a href="http://nicolesspirit878.blogspot.com/2010/04/5-things-about-us.html"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: black;"> http://nicolesspirit878.blogspot.com/2010/04/5-things-about-us.html</span></span></a></b></span><br />
<img src="http://i777.photobucket.com/albums/yy60/LauraJaneDesigns/cb039dfb.png" />nicolesspirit878http://www.blogger.com/profile/16194275366832027650noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5151786763982999245.post-44034437334929494332010-08-04T14:37:00.000-07:002010-08-04T14:37:13.073-07:00My thought on "the mom tattoo".<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3t2sKfFtgGw5JsF2kpNLO3iXlRSiWZq0G1kI7nZlkILy-SgoqedVpqth-rxK9_l1BbhzME2Vo8gs-8wI5gMKSMGDB7MYWVvWqeWaaElilKClWleahawg89ruK4z6F5XfxYV8fxIuXdQNj/s1600/tat1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3t2sKfFtgGw5JsF2kpNLO3iXlRSiWZq0G1kI7nZlkILy-SgoqedVpqth-rxK9_l1BbhzME2Vo8gs-8wI5gMKSMGDB7MYWVvWqeWaaElilKClWleahawg89ruK4z6F5XfxYV8fxIuXdQNj/s200/tat1.jpg" width="200" /></a>Today we went and had little Kyas hair cut at a new salon in town and as I was being type A all over the hairdresser to make sure they didn't give her the "pineapple" cut I noticed the stylist on break lounging in her chair with a little tattoo on her foot and it intrigued me. She had a small pair of scissors tattoo in just black and white something similar looking to this. <br />
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Now I have been thinking for years now about getting a tattoo and what I could live with for the rest of my life. I really was struck by this young hairdressers choice because its her career, maybe her passion and apparently something she can and will live with for the rest of her life. I thought about other professionals that decide to have it imprinted forever on their bodies.<br />
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Seamstress <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpBB2yemdgKp2yCsNJONWuvMnhu6r_G1sXS8lwkxQ-ReCagZ5XixID4iZcGV011UCtAq3jZ0uIhl1o-8yK1yjC1G_i2Wai7VsyEa4nSDVE4hZAQdQrPmkILCVj23n3M9OMXnX7Id_d0tFr/s1600/tat2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpBB2yemdgKp2yCsNJONWuvMnhu6r_G1sXS8lwkxQ-ReCagZ5XixID4iZcGV011UCtAq3jZ0uIhl1o-8yK1yjC1G_i2Wai7VsyEa4nSDVE4hZAQdQrPmkILCVj23n3M9OMXnX7Id_d0tFr/s200/tat2.jpg" width="151" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Chefs<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnsLEZyIKe2kA6fpko8weyE_b0lY5EcxXJnN28z_dUrcs1tlOkLKSm907np65ZKhzFUrwDbSDKiD7_kJnyt4obhFlHe43DCJu5kjbETTL7rPSC5kc4bG0kk6wmXZV1CY3PH5a7CnJUfh73/s1600/tat3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnsLEZyIKe2kA6fpko8weyE_b0lY5EcxXJnN28z_dUrcs1tlOkLKSm907np65ZKhzFUrwDbSDKiD7_kJnyt4obhFlHe43DCJu5kjbETTL7rPSC5kc4bG0kk6wmXZV1CY3PH5a7CnJUfh73/s200/tat3.jpg" width="132" /></a></div><br />
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To have the guts to put this on yourself you had better be dang good at your job otherwise you just kinda look like well...an ass.<br />
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Now as a stay at home mother what kind of instrument displays my joy of motherhood? A diaper? A bottle? A soccer schedule? Folded laundry? A child climbing my leg? The more I thought about it I realized unlike many professions out there motherhood has no specific instrument that defines your "job". So I'm still thinking about what I want to get but it could be years away still or maybe next month but I do know its not any easy decision and the only thing I do know I carry everyday as I do my "job" is a heart bursting with love. Although I don't think that a graphic tattoo of a heart bursting is going to look very good. <br />
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Do you have any tattoos? What do you think is the best mom tattoo?nicolesspirit878http://www.blogger.com/profile/16194275366832027650noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5151786763982999245.post-69743011203396282322010-08-02T04:51:00.000-07:002010-08-02T04:51:24.247-07:00The kids new favorite game and a giveaway!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxPipdC8V8I7lXY2Xa-wLycv-m6-QYmGnh1zAa6HuIR6RnMP3HUvKgMosvXklBeemZvj6rgCqkfoEFIu2VVet-BO2tdXzZDJVLthFeu0DbUATMF5DeVKi-IwgeddUTxrv39T40pW7r4Rmi/s1600/jumpstart-logo.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="88" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxPipdC8V8I7lXY2Xa-wLycv-m6-QYmGnh1zAa6HuIR6RnMP3HUvKgMosvXklBeemZvj6rgCqkfoEFIu2VVet-BO2tdXzZDJVLthFeu0DbUATMF5DeVKi-IwgeddUTxrv39T40pW7r4Rmi/s320/jumpstart-logo.gif" width="320" /></a></div>I was contacted by <a href="http://www.jumpstart.com/"><b>JumpStart</b></a> a few weeks ago to test out their program for kids and I <b>graciously</b> accepted. I wasn't sure what to expect. I consider myself a kid game conasuir. We own the Playstion 3, Wii, Leapfrog Leapster x2 and the DS. I know what is appropriate for kids, what is easy for kids, what is actually educational for kids and what if fun for any age between 4-10.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMYGXHpSZh4tUVewAlH_dnSHCg_zTeiGQukJXMo392bdQ6iSyPmsUqVH1T_Ojv3D9r3KaVBbJWrRK26BYWhZDgRoUQxWRvCiisKn_41O5F9XKAKZmHN8fTkuHLWdpnMYnvA3Tw0X9Ue3C1/s1600/005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMYGXHpSZh4tUVewAlH_dnSHCg_zTeiGQukJXMo392bdQ6iSyPmsUqVH1T_Ojv3D9r3KaVBbJWrRK26BYWhZDgRoUQxWRvCiisKn_41O5F9XKAKZmHN8fTkuHLWdpnMYnvA3Tw0X9Ue3C1/s320/005.JPG" /></a>Also because of this <span style="font-size: large;">overload</span> of gaming systems in our house the kids are critical of games and get bored very easily, so we were really a great family to review this. We logged in together and since the minute they got to custom design their character they were HOOKED. <b>They love it and I love it.</b> The kids love the fact that it is a free range game that allows them to go and do whatever they want. If they want to follow a laid out adventure they can and receive certain special prizes. They are responsible for how far they go and can advance by earning coins by playing many games in adventure land and spend their earned credit to make changes to the character or homes. The game offers <span style="font-size: large;">many</span> educational games put in a fun field for kids so that they are actually having fun but learning and sharpening their reading, math or logic skills while they do it. I love how I can sit in the other room and hear "<span style="font-size: large;">awesome</span>", "<b>that's sweet</b>" <span style="font-size: large;"><b>"mom come look at my score</b></span>". So bravo to JumpStart and their product.<br />
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Now on to fun stuff for you. <a href="http://www.jumpstart.com/"><b>JumpStart</b></a> is a membership only site and they have generously offered to provide one of my lucky readers a 3-month completely free membership. WOOT! If you have a child between ages 5-10 I would really recommend you sign up.<br />
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**Now for the details**<br />
Mandatory entry: <a href="http://www.facebook.com/#%21/JumpStart">Like JumpStart on Facebook </a><br />
Tell me who you want the membership for<br />
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Extra entries: <a href="http://blog.jumpstart.com/">Follow the JumpStart blog</a><br />
Follow my blog<br />
Follow me on twitter<br />
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Leave a separate comment for each entry and make sure you have an email for me to contact you in case of a win! Good luck and check out there site. Giveaway will close on August 8th at midnight.<br />
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<div><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Garamond;">“</span><span style="font-family: Garamond;"><i>Disclosure</i></span><span style="font-family: Garamond;">: </span><span style="font-family: Garamond;"><i>I was provided with a JumpStart membership at no cost by Knowledge Adventure in order to test the products’ abilities and give my own personal opinions on it. The opinions I have given are mine and may differ from others but were not influenced by the company or the free product provided.”</i></span></span></span></span></div><span lang="en-US"></span><br />
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<img src="http://i777.photobucket.com/albums/yy60/LauraJaneDesigns/cb039dfb.png" />nicolesspirit878http://www.blogger.com/profile/16194275366832027650noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5151786763982999245.post-54993688125708295542010-07-26T08:58:00.000-07:002010-07-26T08:58:16.146-07:00So are we in this together?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisK_aytRqCgtLWJWo_T1sJ2JF7QXj3tweo9VhRtXvA2TYUdVhZHi40oXyP1M_z88mLDWtxsh7yLWrjYhkN6O6AR7DMRP70WzB_mNYXtRYixS31gCT_39AUn7X2nyIkJljJK8wykmwKH5eM/s1600/cookie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisK_aytRqCgtLWJWo_T1sJ2JF7QXj3tweo9VhRtXvA2TYUdVhZHi40oXyP1M_z88mLDWtxsh7yLWrjYhkN6O6AR7DMRP70WzB_mNYXtRYixS31gCT_39AUn7X2nyIkJljJK8wykmwKH5eM/s320/cookie.jpg" /></a></div>My husband at dinner last night made the grandiose statement of <b>"okay enough is enough , I need to get back in shape"</b>. I have heard him say he was getting back in shape a dozen times all with no results. He was always chubby and I have to admit that I kind like a chubby guy. Alas I was excited to hear this news because I know that doing the weight loss thing alone has been a failure and in all honesty I am kinda hoping that it can only improve our <span style="font-size: large;"><b>sex life</b></span>..right? If I have a partner, my husband by my side admonishing each other during this journey I think we may very well have lasting results. So he has committed to using that much neglected gym membership and I saw him pack his gym clothes while getting ready this morning. I have not decided what I am going to do for an exercise routine but I know I have a slew of DVDs collecting dust. We both can<span style="font-size: large;"> no longer </span>use the excuse of baby weight because well... hes not a little baby any more and it was a cope out originally anyways. So wish us luck as we keep each other in line, encourage each other when we are too tired to push it for 30 more minutes and <span style="font-size: large;">giving each other the side eye when we reach for some cookies at 10 pm.</span><br />
<img src="http://i777.photobucket.com/albums/yy60/LauraJaneDesigns/cb039dfb.png" />nicolesspirit878http://www.blogger.com/profile/16194275366832027650noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5151786763982999245.post-29395629323851645582010-07-25T06:36:00.000-07:002010-08-02T05:05:09.749-07:00Welcome to the new view and oh yeah, a rocking giveaway.<div style="text-align: center;"> THE WINNER IS<a href="http://marblesrolling.blogspot.com/"> <span style="font-size: large;"><b>http://marblesrolling.blogspot.com/ </b></span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>CONGRATS </b></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br />
</b></span><br />
So I have taken a little hiatus, while my blog was being redesigned by the fabulous,<span style="font-size: large;"> creative blog savior</span><b><a href="http://laurajanedesigns.blogspot.com/"> Laura Jane</a></b>. I just threw a few pics her way and a VERY broad idea of what I wanted and she created <b>this</b>. She has a knack for what she does and is now number 1 on my referral list. I love it and it really fits me so perfectly. If your looking to reinvent yourself, look like a million bucks but not spend a million she is YOUR girl, go run and check her out. <a href="http://laurajanedesigns.blogspot.com/"><b>http://laurajanedesigns.blogspot.com/</b> </a>Okay enough singing her praises but I really could go on. <span style="font-size: large;">Thank you, Thank you, Thank you.</span><br />
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Okay so a couple of weeks ago I had received an e-mail from an anonymous reader who said that they would read more often if I did less fluff pieces and something more real and meaty. I never thought I was fluff but I looked through my archives and ...yeah I'm a little fluffy. I find it hard to blog honestly and as grotesque as I want to be sometimes because people read this, that I may not want to be burdened by my rough edge writing. So right now I am writing a disclaimer. There may be some things here in the future that may not be so puppies and rainbows. Things that will leave me open for judgment and paint a more realistic picture on my thought process through marriage, motherhood and everything between which I am realizing is less and less these days. Now what is my first blog nitty gritty post... I have no idea but<b> please </b>don't hate me if its pictures of our new dog! ::shamed::<br />
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Now for a very exciting giveaway which I know EVERYONE can love. My brand new obsession<br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>ROCKIN GREEN Detergent</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9OLTFCKJq_gpw4wmhF50Aja0rPhMd-nteNGj8kXjRwb7truU4THCY2NxXpwOGJ5MLLWqqVfoeguPe4V8QmucutIdjcv9QLllUycZtLnq3ZlUrxoo0EBaRXQ06aNmaqW1cZdpPQ9EulYmx/s1600/rockingreen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9OLTFCKJq_gpw4wmhF50Aja0rPhMd-nteNGj8kXjRwb7truU4THCY2NxXpwOGJ5MLLWqqVfoeguPe4V8QmucutIdjcv9QLllUycZtLnq3ZlUrxoo0EBaRXQ06aNmaqW1cZdpPQ9EulYmx/s320/rockingreen.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>I will be giving away one Rockin Green detergent or Pail freshener of the winners choice</b>. I have tried a few different detergents for my cloth diapers and they were all OKAY but nothing really stood out and worked. This product has done both. A scented detergent, that is free of dyes, chemicals, enzymes. It works on the most sensitive butt and the hardest waters. I really love the concept behind this product and the results that live up to the name. The site is very informative and can answers anything you can think of regarding wash. </div><a href="http://rockingreensoap.com/">http://rockingreensoap.com/</a><br />
Now our family has a front loading HE washer and dryer and we have always used an HE free and clear detergent but we are switching primarily to Rockin Green for ALL our laundry. We love the scents and my husband is very grateful for the pail freshener in Smashing Watermelons, its smells deliciously edible and edible is not exactly what one thinks when thinking of a "wet bag"<br />
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<b>RULES</b>- <br />
Mandatory entry- Visit Rockin Green detergent and tell me what product you would like if you win. That's it. Must be done for additional entries to be counted<br />
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<b>Extra Entries</b>-<br />
- Tweet this giveaway<br />
<b>RockinGreen Detergent Giveaway http://nicolesspirit878.blogspot.com/ </b> One tweet per day- leave separate comment for each tweet.<br />
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-Tell me a topic you would like me to blog about (one entry)<br />
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-Join my fabulous new blog. <br />
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-Join me on twitter (button on top of the page)<br />
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Giveaway ends 7/31 at midnight and the winner will be chosen at random through random.org<br />
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<b>Its that easy. Good luck and check out my new favorites</b> <br />
<a href="http://laurajanedesigns.blogspot.com/">http://laurajanedesigns.blogspot.com/</a><br />
<a href="http://rockingreensoap.com/">http://rockingreensoap.com/</a>nicolesspirit878http://www.blogger.com/profile/16194275366832027650noreply@blogger.com30tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5151786763982999245.post-34629590615483187572010-07-09T04:46:00.000-07:002010-07-09T04:46:40.868-07:00Sitting in the grass with fluffy butt!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9TXHdtJDnJn3vuLvrDUno8TqPMpyydqcFX6J5dVYMi9iqgZ1jRuWmffQjpYzf2Fqou55_Nb6D3teQS7SWGsEC-QgQhMaXLkH8ZKiLtYBlgqF5eSmksaYCZeysBQr5YKOwE5mWXdyEKB4t/s1600/005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9TXHdtJDnJn3vuLvrDUno8TqPMpyydqcFX6J5dVYMi9iqgZ1jRuWmffQjpYzf2Fqou55_Nb6D3teQS7SWGsEC-QgQhMaXLkH8ZKiLtYBlgqF5eSmksaYCZeysBQr5YKOwE5mWXdyEKB4t/s320/005.JPG" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh85JeCIuKSfYnCz2vpQrykN5Rx4xw6790TmPVQeNtKc2AQ2FhIMpHut85eMy1tCsV-9V7I6LOMflc_2brDrguMmb-h_1JfnoN9Ir-vw4eLKrP2TdLjCK6p60DNN-rRBIqDLMf2AFwjKVAy/s1600/adriangrass.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh85JeCIuKSfYnCz2vpQrykN5Rx4xw6790TmPVQeNtKc2AQ2FhIMpHut85eMy1tCsV-9V7I6LOMflc_2brDrguMmb-h_1JfnoN9Ir-vw4eLKrP2TdLjCK6p60DNN-rRBIqDLMf2AFwjKVAy/s320/adriangrass.JPG" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtPx3NPceJYa05LPYHy7H5L1dxM_op1dbKjiugBDjCMsb98YxoxQC82Ajc14ioEYxxQ9n_wc34DyAf4ZAxjGReedGViwF7KH_XXjCknj_KKYYMErPrY3vnm7k8DUEx-niDbccciHc3MY6U/s1600/007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtPx3NPceJYa05LPYHy7H5L1dxM_op1dbKjiugBDjCMsb98YxoxQC82Ajc14ioEYxxQ9n_wc34DyAf4ZAxjGReedGViwF7KH_XXjCknj_KKYYMErPrY3vnm7k8DUEx-niDbccciHc3MY6U/s320/007.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">ADRIAN ZIV</span> </div><br />
This child has tested my mothering abilities more than my other two ever had as a infant and baby. He is often demanding, is VERY attached to me and only me, did not sleep for 7 months and still does not take good naps.I could keep going but really most of it is your normal run of the mill parenting struggles. Every morning when he stand up in his crib smiles and jumps up and down, all of my stress melts away. When he tries to give me kisses and I have drool running down my cheek, all of my worries melt away. When he cuddles with me before bedtime, playing with my hair and looking in my eyes not a thing in this world could ever be more important. He is proof your heart can bust at the seams with love.nicolesspirit878http://www.blogger.com/profile/16194275366832027650noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5151786763982999245.post-24714926148508837962010-07-07T05:35:00.000-07:002010-07-07T05:35:45.508-07:00Who's better Working mom or Stay at home mom? Part 1<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_GTJIixFmndLgVIZNVZzhfTnOje44xj0YwrslMTC89y9hQ9D66oxFWf-jDt0HlxUw1kJ0bOCeUxcY3SKR0p4xRGIrpNjmNV1IH3cYIJOaa0i8Alcpt1sr28XihtRgqGKXhthASQAggmXW/s1600/jugglingmom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_GTJIixFmndLgVIZNVZzhfTnOje44xj0YwrslMTC89y9hQ9D66oxFWf-jDt0HlxUw1kJ0bOCeUxcY3SKR0p4xRGIrpNjmNV1IH3cYIJOaa0i8Alcpt1sr28XihtRgqGKXhthASQAggmXW/s320/jugglingmom.jpg" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT9IxOty6VLzbvsCt8d7qj7JhRNEFvrUDtPeM9n_Ypq7yJRs1Eu8iFWGlcsMbH6TrB1S0BwfLAaBhx60K5QUa4OdDs2-AM_MjdBhfmkXU_-tMgO2_4g4IoO0tGEMHANAxHFho993fnXzev/s1600/sahm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT9IxOty6VLzbvsCt8d7qj7JhRNEFvrUDtPeM9n_Ypq7yJRs1Eu8iFWGlcsMbH6TrB1S0BwfLAaBhx60K5QUa4OdDs2-AM_MjdBhfmkXU_-tMgO2_4g4IoO0tGEMHANAxHFho993fnXzev/s200/sahm.jpg" width="186" /></a><br />
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Well first off let me say that with the blogspehere on fire with this question lately I have yet to read a post that is not biased but desperately trying to make one or the other group feel bad. All of them have been and everyone has an agenda they would like to get across and that's fine but don't disguise it as "I'm a blessed stay at home mom" and sum it up with I could never work, not that there is anything wrong with that. We can all hear the judging under tones. There also have been a lot of "I work, still do the laundry and raise a happy baby" holier than thou statements and I know that's a bunch of BS too.<br />
Now will this post be completely unbiased? Probably not but I'm not going to lie and say that it is because blogs should be about saying what ever you want and who cares if a couple people stop following you. <br />
I have done the working mother thing and I have done the stay at home thing. Which is better? When my first son was born I had to go back to work at 6 weeks even after he was in NICU for 2 and I had a c-section I was not ready for that at all. I went to work 2nd shift and my husband at the time worked 1st. We traded off baby and I worked close enough (walking distance) that he would bring him in to my work to breastfeed because I refused to give that up so soon and I really thought that I was super mom. A mere month later all that stopped when my work suffered or I could no longer get away and I pumped when I could but the bottle was inevitable. My husbands and I's relationship dissolved and looking back I can't even pinpoint the main problem. Blame it on age, blame it one work but apparently no one wanted to work hard enough on the marriage and I moved out. So I was doing the single mom thing and that kicked my ass. There are many moments of his first years I don't even remember and it was because I was working all the time and between split custody I just plain ol missed out on them. Did I have a choice but to work? No. I had to work but I still felt so guilty. Many women say "why do you feel guilty? women have worked hard to get where we are and you should take advantage of the education and career options you have, make your children proud". I still felt guilty, and I would still change it if I could and I could not explain it away or justify it. It plain sucks to drop your kid off to daycare to have someone else feed, change and play with them so that you can work and barely pay that bill alone. It was a catch 22 and I felt bad everyday. Now when I had my daughter I was back in a relationship but the worse one imaginable and I worked and I felt ridiculously guilty this time as well. I made good money, my hours sucked and I got home in time to do everything domestic, do my part in parenting and it started all over again before I had a chance to breath. Working mothers say how that you can have it all and I have to disagree, whenever you have more than one working mother in a room with another, the conversation will turn to how hard it is to leave them and the guilt they sometimes feel. Do they say they want to stay home NO and for good reason because that's not awesome either all the time. Some people have great jobs, they worked very hard to get and they do "want it all" so they juggle as best they can but that is what they are doing juggling. You can set up an Army regimented schedule for everyone to follow and you can work, cook dinner, clean the house, do the shopping, have a relationship with your significant other, sleep and be a good parent BUT and yes there is a but because in my years of doing the working mom thing I felt like I was BARELY doing all of those, yes I did them and yes I was good at what I was doing and to the outside world I looked like I was really holding it together but honestly I felt like I was walking the thinnest line and one little breeze could throw it all spiraling out of control. The guilt that would occur after realizing that I COULD NOT spend as much time as I wanted on the kids or Fill in the blank was overwhelming. I was committed and unfortunately I was committed to my job first and if many mothers are honest you are too because you cant just call in day after day to take your child's needs first without losing said job and you can't just leave when you want if they get sick instead you sit at your desk dialing a bunch of numbers to figure out who can get there instead of you because you HAVE to stay. I felt like this and I don't think many mothers explain this feeling well enough to future working mothers. To the mothers that have the choice to work not have to work you are in a different realm because you no that you can take it or leave it you had to but being cornered in your working status is a very taxing feeling. Its hard, Its stressful and its demanding. I am saying this even if you have some great job you love, I would assume you still would feel this pull. Now not all situations are the same. I worked 40+ hours a week and at one point I had an hour commute both ways, I worked some weekends and holidays. Those things really add to the hard task of working with kids. Now after I said all of that, even in my guilt to drop them off at the sitter at God awful early hours, there where days I was happy to go to work and I dreaded coming home (no one saw that coming)I knew how much work awaited me at home and at work at least I had a set schedule of what needed done and after a very long day of working knowing that you are going home to everyone NEEDING you, physically and emotionally was mentally draining to prepare for and there where many days I was not prepared and I got by, by going through the motions and it is to this day the hardest thing I have ever had to do.<br />
I have realized that I am now making this a 2 parter because there is too much to read here as it is. I'm looking forward to the comments and I'm sure some will be a shame on you but remember I said before this is not unbiased and I still don't think I have joined a side on this debate. Stay tuned for part 2 in a day or so.nicolesspirit878http://www.blogger.com/profile/16194275366832027650noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5151786763982999245.post-34447367690693744712010-07-02T06:41:00.000-07:002010-07-02T07:00:27.707-07:00Our vacation and hurricane AlexSo we booked our vacation for Riviera Maya 2 months ago and we counted down everyday till we left. We arrived in Mexico on Thursday and it was beautiful weather, <a href="http://www.secretsresorts.com/silversands/">the resort</a> was fabulous and the food was PHENOMENAL. We booked an adults only resort and I'll tell you if your traveling without kids that is the way to go, no screaming, no splashing at the pool, and no complaining in the restaurants.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLmPxc2oY46vD986ZpJDcDKpyNEoN7qgy3Qf3hGMyVjimvoj0l60CNx7Xg2qvIxx9rjjyA0tp54Efgl-hNk049P_sa5T2jLi9fJBtXPXZD62wC_e_9V-MZx5gYi4SuR3Jyq_eJbZzT9y8r/s1600/secrets_silversands_resort.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLmPxc2oY46vD986ZpJDcDKpyNEoN7qgy3Qf3hGMyVjimvoj0l60CNx7Xg2qvIxx9rjjyA0tp54Efgl-hNk049P_sa5T2jLi9fJBtXPXZD62wC_e_9V-MZx5gYi4SuR3Jyq_eJbZzT9y8r/s320/secrets_silversands_resort.jpg" /></a> It was all 5-star treatment the whole time we were there and between 8 restaurants, 5 bars we were a very indulged couple the whole time. Little did we know that hurricane Alex also wanted to go on vacation in Mexico and everyday after our first day there was full of extreme winds, and sideways rain but it did not stop us from sitting in that hot tub ordering drinks. It was still 80+ degrees out so us Michiganders didn't hesitate and let the big bad hurricane stop us from enjoying it. Many tourist stayed inside playing Monoploy but we opted out of being losers and stuck it out.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuIIUL-uDKonA6pv_38UzGbJ8o6Qhiw7nMjVF854pZor2k8pfHYQyeJCizu6gaHPJfeTRy1SuWT432w-wKTFCnqAzDywr5Kb2OE4ZJDYNO5zzQCvH0LjivEA3Hp-t6hTzMVHdkfXylnA0l/s1600/026.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuIIUL-uDKonA6pv_38UzGbJ8o6Qhiw7nMjVF854pZor2k8pfHYQyeJCizu6gaHPJfeTRy1SuWT432w-wKTFCnqAzDywr5Kb2OE4ZJDYNO5zzQCvH0LjivEA3Hp-t6hTzMVHdkfXylnA0l/s200/026.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikCRsSqUeCn2RK5QNXgPZ4khxzzSK3XhIypVPpKc-gCH4jRReIPQaaTr33zweNvnALgKj7OIMeq9D_zXhmcWIXxx-A1CTP3NvRauOHZYFn-0Tete-fxOrIHbIBhdcMcZ0hAT65f2LV0q9B/s1600/027.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikCRsSqUeCn2RK5QNXgPZ4khxzzSK3XhIypVPpKc-gCH4jRReIPQaaTr33zweNvnALgKj7OIMeq9D_zXhmcWIXxx-A1CTP3NvRauOHZYFn-0Tete-fxOrIHbIBhdcMcZ0hAT65f2LV0q9B/s200/027.JPG" width="200" /></a></div> The picture above is me thinking taking a shot of Sake would be good, the next picture is of me trying to not vomit up said Sake.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKQdS6GLGk8P6dygmeSogo3pSEs7XzmcAXPKm_Vzarp_P-KJh5DFmt_QAzv61wAivPaGZW-Do30j6lKmlre3HPm973UuOo9YFg6CaDY22N2fSJYWnwO3KsFthv_szrAGLYL8WvVPidr0yW/s1600/069.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKQdS6GLGk8P6dygmeSogo3pSEs7XzmcAXPKm_Vzarp_P-KJh5DFmt_QAzv61wAivPaGZW-Do30j6lKmlre3HPm973UuOo9YFg6CaDY22N2fSJYWnwO3KsFthv_szrAGLYL8WvVPidr0yW/s400/069.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>We did hit up the spa a couple days and there is nothing better than getting a couples massage and then still be on vacation after. We met a fabulous crew of people and did almost everything together. Our room was amazing, and i am going to pre-apologize to parents and parent like figures in my life for the next statement but vacation sex is truly awesome and was much needed. We connected to home by Facebook and internet. My lovely sister nannied for us the whole time, which gave us such a safe feeling about everything back home. So we left the morning that Hurricane Alex passed the Yucatan by and we flew out in gorgeous weather.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeuoaZQkgPWmxEN_Bj8BehMVlQ1w7jjxdWJXM5MoGYQx-fwzNaEFSK3A4cs-7daHf5bJ69Z1KB5cXekZLJrb9bpMO1-3iADeWHiEmlpx_nXuD7Nft1lGJBaHzNobmYXYDJYmeKNyvkCGnF/s1600/052.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeuoaZQkgPWmxEN_Bj8BehMVlQ1w7jjxdWJXM5MoGYQx-fwzNaEFSK3A4cs-7daHf5bJ69Z1KB5cXekZLJrb9bpMO1-3iADeWHiEmlpx_nXuD7Nft1lGJBaHzNobmYXYDJYmeKNyvkCGnF/s320/052.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>In the end though we were completely ready to go home to our babes.<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/216/72D71845CA7BAD29FEBE6900E14C4B26.png" style="border: 0 !important; background: transparent;"/></a>nicolesspirit878http://www.blogger.com/profile/16194275366832027650noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5151786763982999245.post-54071193995616240772010-06-23T04:09:00.000-07:002010-06-23T04:31:13.051-07:00I'm leaving on a jet plane and I'm pumped.Mimosas, swim up bar, sleeping in Late, yoga on the beach and time alone with my amazing husband! We are going on vacation and we could not be more excited. Its our first "official" trip away as we never did the honeymoon thing, husbands work schedule just didn't allow it and instead of going on a trip we got a Jeep Commander so that kinda blew the budget. So we are leaving today for <a href="http://www.secretsresorts.com/capri/index.asp?gclid=CPjN9f-MtqICFaJL5wod9FQ65w">Secrets Capri in the Riviera Maya.</a> <br />
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Obviously I won't be posting for a bit but I will be posting plenty of pictures and resort reviews when I get back. Have a great week everyone!nicolesspirit878http://www.blogger.com/profile/16194275366832027650noreply@blogger.com2