tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-40426718257238129132024-02-18T19:46:30.568-08:00The MommyistElliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00868343544876287327noreply@blogger.comBlogger66125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4042671825723812913.post-20012864947006155082011-08-29T21:17:00.000-07:002011-08-29T21:17:56.505-07:00Pandas<div style="text-align: center;"><object height="266" width="400"><param name="allowfullscreen" value="true" /><param name="movie" value="http://www.facebook.com/v/10150280596565881" /><embed src="http://www.facebook.com/v/10150280596565881" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" width="400" height="266"></embed></object></div>Elliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00868343544876287327noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4042671825723812913.post-2715697582141996512011-06-27T15:22:00.000-07:002011-06-27T15:22:29.706-07:003 going on 14Today I told Flora to clean her room. She grunted, stormed off in a huff and then threw herself on her bed in protest. After a few minutes of moping on her bed she began to clean. She picked up maybe 3 toys before coming out to the living room huffing and puffing to declare that she was "too exhausted to clean." Is my three-year-old supposed to act like a teenager?Elliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00868343544876287327noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4042671825723812913.post-57319565341976862562011-06-14T20:47:00.000-07:002011-06-14T20:47:54.558-07:00VaccinesI hate vaccines. Really I do. Every time Flora gets shots something goes wrong. When she was little they would keep her from sleeping and having a decent poop for weeks. And she would cry, oh would she cry. As she's getting older they still affect her sleep and bowel movements but a new, even less desirable side effect has surfaced. She gets really irritable and agressive. What do I mean? I mean she has melt downs over nothing and hits and kicks for no reason. Nothing makes her happy and she takes it out in very inappropriate ways. This is not normal for my sweet little girl who may be strong willed but usually manages to maintain her composure.<div><br />
</div><div>I don't mean this behavior exists the day she gets the shots or even just the day after. I mean she got vaccines on June 6th and today I was still dealing with these behavior issues. (Yes Flora is still getting vaccines at 3. I got her almost all of her shots but never more than 2 at a time. I don't believe giving a small child 6 vaccines at a time could possibly be OK.) Sometimes I wonder why I continue to get her shots. Plenty of people are forgoing vaccines for lesser reasons. </div><div><br />
</div><div>The only reason I continue to get her vaccines is craniosacral therapy. A friend recommend it after a particularly bad round of shots sometime before Flora's first birthday. I didn't understand how it worked and I was skeptical but decided to give it a try anyway. I am here to tell you that I still don't understand how it works but it does. It's like magic. Flora had a session today, took a nap and woke up her normal, pleasant, self. </div><div><br />
</div><div>She didn't collapse into tears when I reminded her that we don't stand on the couch. She took a huge poop, her first decent bowel movement since shots over a week ago. She ate dinner, vegetables and all, without screaming, spitting out food or any other inappropriate table antics. </div><div><br />
</div><div>If you are experiencing any behavior issues with your child, whether related to vaccines or not, I highly recommend you look into craniosacral therapy. It's my understanding that it helps not only in situations like mine but also with ongoing emotional issues, learning disabilities and sensory issues. </div><div><br />
</div><div><i>Have you ever had problems with vaccines? Have you ever tried craniosacral therapy? </i></div><div><i><br />
</i></div><div><i><a href="http://www.topmommyblogs.com/" target="_blank" title="Best Mommy Blogs"><img alt="Visit Top Mommy Blogs To Vote For Me" border="0" height="50" src="http://www.topmommyblogs.com/directory/images/banners/tmb-150x50_vote_banner.gif" width="150" /></a></i></div>Elliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00868343544876287327noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4042671825723812913.post-84772299735940927932011-06-01T21:16:00.000-07:002011-06-01T21:16:37.775-07:00June FirstWe just returned from a short trip to California. It was great. Flora ran around in shorts and a t-shirt and I got a sunburn. Today is June first and when Flora woke from her nap she said: "Brrrrr. It's freezing. Turn the heat on. It's cold in Oregon." That about sums it up.<br />
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<a href="http://www.topmommyblogs.com/" target="_blank" title="Best Mommy Blogs"><img alt="Visit Top Mommy Blogs To Vote For Me" border="0" height="50" src="http://www.topmommyblogs.com/directory/images/banners/tmb-150x50_vote_banner.gif" width="150" /></a>Elliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00868343544876287327noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4042671825723812913.post-89471127659794220652011-05-19T23:23:00.000-07:002011-05-19T23:25:15.590-07:00Riding on a Pony<div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;">We're very serious about music at our house.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><iframe frameborder="0" height="300" src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/23990609?title=0&byline=0&portrait=0" width="400"></iframe></div><a href="http://vimeo.com/23990609">Yankee Doodle</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/user5748920">Ellie Saldana</a> on <a href="http://vimeo.com/">Vimeo</a>.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.topmommyblogs.com/" target="_blank" title="Best Mommy Blogs"><img alt="Visit Top Mommy Blogs To Vote For Me" border="0" height="50" src="http://www.topmommyblogs.com/directory/images/banners/tmb-150x50_vote_banner.gif" width="150" /></a></div>Elliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00868343544876287327noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4042671825723812913.post-88185293351191942062011-05-06T21:13:00.000-07:002011-07-05T22:35:13.652-07:00Bridge to the PastYesterday I took I5 and crossed the river into Washington. There has been a lot of talk about replacing this bridge. It's too narrow to support traffic and does not allow for light rail to cross into Vancouver. I understand that the project is necessary but I for one will miss the Interstate Bridge.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv_TFkeVV7Q47osS9SZTPfEaTm__t3ZbGvuhwFMNdfAHblfpwiCp01J8jzKTjTAkUhZvHn25yt8Aiqzvb64jwQ_WBg8CsscUrAH3ByzO_mh6iAywOUFY-lOhoZKwvk1YzliTGeoy-0kL_Y/s1600/The+I-5+Interstate+Bridge+joining+Portland%252C+OR+and+Vancouver%252C+WA.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="430" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv_TFkeVV7Q47osS9SZTPfEaTm__t3ZbGvuhwFMNdfAHblfpwiCp01J8jzKTjTAkUhZvHn25yt8Aiqzvb64jwQ_WBg8CsscUrAH3ByzO_mh6iAywOUFY-lOhoZKwvk1YzliTGeoy-0kL_Y/s640/The+I-5+Interstate+Bridge+joining+Portland%252C+OR+and+Vancouver%252C+WA.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.rootforce.org/2009/06/18/portland-protest-against-i-5-bridge/">source</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
My dear friend <a href="http://www.samimi-extremie.blogspot.com/">samimi-extremie</a> has been doing these lovely posts on <a href="http://samimi-extremie.blogspot.com/search/label/here%27s%20to%20longing">longing</a>. She and I have been good friends for about 10 years now and I think we share that constant sense of longing. <br />
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Driving over the Interstate Bridge is an experience that, for me, brings that sense of longing to the forefront. Portland has many bridges and they all conjure different feelings but this bridge is different. It's special. It's the bridge I crossed countless times to return to college after coming down to Portland to visit family. It's the bridge I crossed to visit my college boyfriend when he spent the summer on Bainbridge Island and I in Portland. Most importantly, it's the bridge I crossed in labor on my way to the hospital before my daughter was born. <br />
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Now when the occasion for me to visit Washington arrises the emotions associated with all of those memories come flooding back as I cross the river. It's a feeling of deep melancholy and love. A longing for times past, though I am quite happy with my life as it is now. I fear that when the bridge is replaced the longing will go with it. <br />
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To make things worse, for financial reasons they are talking about replacing it with a simple bridge similar to the I205 bridge crossing the Columbia only a few miles away. There is no beauty to the new proposed bridge. It is not the kind of place where memories are formed. <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrH2GC74Vf0XEonTGBFfX9pui6iIHO-1WZPHh1kbkJVwrFuAW0svofd4huF9m9SZqPvwc1G9j21-BqSPGW0tGk0PRHkyDXc1EGBWEd3YMdv5Rfi55E5_gIhvQ-nyXhorVw9YUVMJzA5O8q/s1600/i5bridgerender.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="322" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrH2GC74Vf0XEonTGBFfX9pui6iIHO-1WZPHh1kbkJVwrFuAW0svofd4huF9m9SZqPvwc1G9j21-BqSPGW0tGk0PRHkyDXc1EGBWEd3YMdv5Rfi55E5_gIhvQ-nyXhorVw9YUVMJzA5O8q/s640/i5bridgerender.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://blog.oregonlive.com/breakingnews/2008/06/portland_council_backs_new_i5.html">source</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table> <i>Can you relate to the sense of longing I experience when crossing the Columbia? </i><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.topmommyblogs.com/" target="_blank" title="Best Mommy Blogs"><img alt="Visit Top Mommy Blogs To Vote For Me" border="0" height="50" src="http://www.topmommyblogs.com/directory/images/banners/tmb-150x50_vote_banner.gif" width="150" /></a>Elliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00868343544876287327noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4042671825723812913.post-61176802059041062062011-05-04T22:40:00.000-07:002011-05-04T22:42:32.977-07:00Rhododendron GardenIt's a good thing we finally had a nice day here because I was running out of things to keep both Flora and myself entertained indoors. Today we enjoyed the sun at the <a href="http://www.portlandonline.com/parks/finder/index.cfm?PropertyID=27&action=ViewPark">Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden</a> in Southeast. It's a great place to go with kids. It's relatively flat so the little ones can run and there are beautiful flowers, bridges, ponds, fountains and ducks to keep them interested and asking questions. The best part is that it's free on Tuesday and Wednesday. Just don't plan on having a picnic in the field. It's covered in goose poop. There are plenty of benches if you want to sit down and have a snack.<br />
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</div><div>We went to the garden with my friend Angie and her son Nico, who is a little younger than Flora. They are good buddies and very cute together.</div><div><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe frameborder="0" height="300" src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/23301865?title=0&byline=0&portrait=0" width="400"></iframe><br />
<a href="http://vimeo.com/23301865">Flora Runs Circles around Nico</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/user5748920">Ellie Saldana</a> on <a href="http://vimeo.com/">Vimeo</a>.<br />
</div><div><br />
</div><div>Nico was tired today and slept through the first part of our visit so Flora checked out the waterfall by herself.</div><div><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDSrehqqv6Yie2aAdhuzGCIyMlMzi3mp87wCG8kzo7bs_1soyX9QuAOTlZb3eCSGprYfUtlLjCEgKa0BcBbhdzKLEoDuWOXsqTqjME0VLN2tTzhtkIRucUMdyXSsMeyPD48bfG0Jm9uRRB/s1600/IMG_0141.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDSrehqqv6Yie2aAdhuzGCIyMlMzi3mp87wCG8kzo7bs_1soyX9QuAOTlZb3eCSGprYfUtlLjCEgKa0BcBbhdzKLEoDuWOXsqTqjME0VLN2tTzhtkIRucUMdyXSsMeyPD48bfG0Jm9uRRB/s640/IMG_0141.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Then she watched the ducks. There were lots of ducklings today and that was exciting but you could tell that Flora wanted her friend to wakeup.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwg9ob47YGvaBN7e2b0MN3hzEsvRapY0c7hZWJGiUBm1LkH6bGXsmz_UxLcbmjOzrK_rJTNBPj6KfKkObdolTn0S3Ro1souykvJKmC18aIIi49aHfuIfgaX03CIOspRqsT17C6X-D-a2fF/s1600/IMG_0143.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwg9ob47YGvaBN7e2b0MN3hzEsvRapY0c7hZWJGiUBm1LkH6bGXsmz_UxLcbmjOzrK_rJTNBPj6KfKkObdolTn0S3Ro1souykvJKmC18aIIi49aHfuIfgaX03CIOspRqsT17C6X-D-a2fF/s640/IMG_0143.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div>Nico did eventually wake up but he remained drowsy for a while. Flora on the other hand, had plenty of energy. She decided to run some laps.</div><div><br />
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</div><div>Being spring, there were plenty of babies. The goslings were fun to watch but we were careful to keep our distance for fear of making mama goose mad!</div><div><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqNHiQ_I7sIZAL14XFxumGH0gtoE3yKMjswUC1cmp2Ahkes5n6-ctReAX3BBvpNSv0jG9O3_ZBCSVy0bXvVbEirAQv5l8SzTMhKB-IaFZtdJLyrGmmIHePthJFI1w7-RKT8pmrWVrFigdI/s1600/IMG_0161.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqNHiQ_I7sIZAL14XFxumGH0gtoE3yKMjswUC1cmp2Ahkes5n6-ctReAX3BBvpNSv0jG9O3_ZBCSVy0bXvVbEirAQv5l8SzTMhKB-IaFZtdJLyrGmmIHePthJFI1w7-RKT8pmrWVrFigdI/s640/IMG_0161.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div><br />
</div><div>Did I mention the geese aren't the only one's having babies? Nico is going to have a baby brother soon!</div><div><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzwBynW-LCEs_JwK5huPRFj8NQKlEoiViGoru9r0CWnGUEMtsj9ijOakp_E5h56S_6_qmPAStuaSiR9Q4kK_-WA_KXlbdcZukCgOSIMqCpJiSBgsj9BbgtS_xDNjl_8ocEe3Qh1Agdo008/s1600/IMG_0165.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzwBynW-LCEs_JwK5huPRFj8NQKlEoiViGoru9r0CWnGUEMtsj9ijOakp_E5h56S_6_qmPAStuaSiR9Q4kK_-WA_KXlbdcZukCgOSIMqCpJiSBgsj9BbgtS_xDNjl_8ocEe3Qh1Agdo008/s640/IMG_0165.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div><br />
</div><div>Flora was too busy having fun to hang out with me but I did snag her for one picture.</div><div><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7nSftjA_Kon3iygVQeveQC4qwfuKt1vtYbYjoVUcgSP4D8gpePsNT7-qlhYdLiqCnV0y4uJdqCREMkUHcWRLetEWo6fsLC7rkc7aoaB8yEhKJTx07EyMUeStEkXbXlWt65DlTIKOzBQag/s1600/IMG_0169.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7nSftjA_Kon3iygVQeveQC4qwfuKt1vtYbYjoVUcgSP4D8gpePsNT7-qlhYdLiqCnV0y4uJdqCREMkUHcWRLetEWo6fsLC7rkc7aoaB8yEhKJTx07EyMUeStEkXbXlWt65DlTIKOzBQag/s640/IMG_0169.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div><br />
</div><div>Flora and Nico have an interesting dynamic. Nico constantly wants Flora to chase him and trow balls. Flora on the other hand, wants to hold Nico's hand, put her arm around him and exchange small gifts. It's really funny to watch. I guess that's the difference between boys and girls. Despite their differences they are crazy about one another. Flora talks about Nico when he's not around and Nico's face lights up every time he sees her. Here is Flora attempting to put her arm around Nico. He is not interested. My favorite part is right after Nico makes his escape and, Flora crosses her little arms and makes her mad face. So funny! The anger didn't last long, they chased each other a little right after this. </div><div><i><br />
</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><iframe frameborder="0" height="300" src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/23301976?title=0&byline=0&portrait=0" width="400"></iframe></i></div><div><i><br />
</i></div><div><i>Do you think the differences in how Flora and Nico want to play should be attributed to gender or individual personality? </i></div><div><i><br />
</i></div><div><a href="http://www.topmommyblogs.com/" target="_blank" title="Best Mommy Blogs"><img alt="Visit Top Mommy Blogs To Vote For Me" border="0" height="50" src="http://www.topmommyblogs.com/directory/images/banners/tmb-150x50_vote_banner.gif" width="150" /></a></div>Elliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00868343544876287327noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4042671825723812913.post-24072850737090300922011-04-28T14:53:00.000-07:002011-04-28T14:53:55.858-07:00Stir CrazyLike most other people I know who live in Portland I've been going a little stir crazy lately. We're still getting a lot of rain and the temperatures are below normal for this time of year. I'm sick of being cold so I don't want to go outside in this weather, neither does Flora. On Tuesday I just couldn't stand it any longer. I needed a change of scenery so we jumped in the car and drove out to Multnomah Falls.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW9gO3FsyyOcH6ly0T3wlglgSczc5eTo02CG8iKMMgmgbMFDGsDvuLJcYpS8UMQgp7DceOsryom6IhTq0F9V14fpJLU-FKrJLaxE9hBxYb7S3nh0dISG5Bc_ESSlJcy1-1rLNOYYRQLjQF/s1600/P1130057.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW9gO3FsyyOcH6ly0T3wlglgSczc5eTo02CG8iKMMgmgbMFDGsDvuLJcYpS8UMQgp7DceOsryom6IhTq0F9V14fpJLU-FKrJLaxE9hBxYb7S3nh0dISG5Bc_ESSlJcy1-1rLNOYYRQLjQF/s640/P1130057.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We stopped at the <a href="http://vistahouse.com/">Vista House</a> on our way out. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfNhvSXBT8_8ihHMXaVezadYJ24xorQCiwNVbBnmC9zEVdhsIYPrXp7mughePtgsn549yiTy10Nieudw08Q0qOAP0vJBrMK4hxG_hoxG5VdVb37HHPyBUqsFUcofFojC7_s29b79VOrCpu/s1600/P1130064.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfNhvSXBT8_8ihHMXaVezadYJ24xorQCiwNVbBnmC9zEVdhsIYPrXp7mughePtgsn549yiTy10Nieudw08Q0qOAP0vJBrMK4hxG_hoxG5VdVb37HHPyBUqsFUcofFojC7_s29b79VOrCpu/s640/P1130064.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Flora wanted to give self portraits a try. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg4PJEJe9Nzc2a86M8vGLxvFVIjZOLe1e97Siof-ModNEEbdDdd7YajXjvwP6vzj_99gR8w-JFyAhsLGvZkgdjfAnmyqhT_MCNaRfahICEhwzXXhl-sFCqW4WPKKMJ1q7accm6NxnxRfU5/s1600/P1130067.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg4PJEJe9Nzc2a86M8vGLxvFVIjZOLe1e97Siof-ModNEEbdDdd7YajXjvwP6vzj_99gR8w-JFyAhsLGvZkgdjfAnmyqhT_MCNaRfahICEhwzXXhl-sFCqW4WPKKMJ1q7accm6NxnxRfU5/s640/P1130067.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">When we got out to the falls I really wanted to go for a little hike but it started raining and Flora was cold. She refused to walk and I didn't want to carry her so we just took a few pictures, marveled at the falls, ate some food and came home. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I attempted to get a photo of us in front of the falls. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC2jtpb5V1pG45AAM-QCYI0H7UDpdEm5xi1xJHM72U_wd92k0dqnwi4xshFaIJSVTfSSWO9iHGnoaiFMG9UL6TXaWhgmoRhpv5Ty2p02MuvHTxOs_JMiOfaepI7eb9lFEBuMnHGqq8gYjp/s1600/P1130076.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC2jtpb5V1pG45AAM-QCYI0H7UDpdEm5xi1xJHM72U_wd92k0dqnwi4xshFaIJSVTfSSWO9iHGnoaiFMG9UL6TXaWhgmoRhpv5Ty2p02MuvHTxOs_JMiOfaepI7eb9lFEBuMnHGqq8gYjp/s640/P1130076.jpg" width="360" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">But then a kindly man offered to help.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDOW_gxKcMo7XKMX8T6ad2bfVCC4yJi-nWu3R63h6WkJ_m1TDCpl7wMhPpR74zzV-mcKLlqzwx_fxPmDNq0qV40uVofH_fAQ8xRWbX-6M9iP5Riq40jqOcbIJ-eomcj7IRgG46Ws6moGTG/s1600/P1130077.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDOW_gxKcMo7XKMX8T6ad2bfVCC4yJi-nWu3R63h6WkJ_m1TDCpl7wMhPpR74zzV-mcKLlqzwx_fxPmDNq0qV40uVofH_fAQ8xRWbX-6M9iP5Riq40jqOcbIJ-eomcj7IRgG46Ws6moGTG/s640/P1130077.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It wasn't exactly the trip out into the woods I was hoping for but even a beautiful drive out scenic Hwy 30 and a few minutes at the falls helped lighten my mood a little. Hopefully the weather will improve soon and Flora will go on a little hike and have a picnic with me. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i>How do you keep entertained during the long winter?</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.topmommyblogs.com/" target="_blank" title="Best Mommy Blogs"><img alt="Visit Top Mommy Blogs To Vote For Me" border="0" height="50" src="http://www.topmommyblogs.com/directory/images/banners/tmb-150x50_vote_banner.gif" width="150" /></a></div>Elliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00868343544876287327noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4042671825723812913.post-86069730673579249192011-04-24T22:29:00.000-07:002011-04-24T22:29:17.707-07:00EasterWe're not religious, I never went to church and David stopped going when he was young, so for us Easter is really more about tradition that religion. The Easter Bunny and Brunch are the traditions we choose to follow. This was the first year that the Easter Bunny visited our house. Flora was too young to care previous years so we didn't bother. <br />
<br />
To prepare for Easter we've been reading "The Country Bunny and the Little Gold Shoes." I think the story stuck because last night Flora stayed awake, lying in her bed, until 10. Every time we asked her to go to sleep she said "I'm waiting for the Easter Bunny to come." We tried to explain that the bunny wouldn't come until she was asleep but she was convinced she could see that bunny. See how it always comes back to not sleeping with this girl?<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWY5ZumwWcdn72lTyqhWX109O8cpV5SBox0rwDZmHT4HILD8ECtwZF6jXyM6_5LDYHiYjzrlPzQ_t5Zu6GckBt49BGxZB04kxn1Tc9uGfBg060elbfL9G6i1UKzwojSExvzQBrkh1dxelu/s1600/The-Country-Bunny-and-the-Little-Gold-Shoes-Gift-Edition-with-Charm-Heyward-Dubose-9780547144184.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWY5ZumwWcdn72lTyqhWX109O8cpV5SBox0rwDZmHT4HILD8ECtwZF6jXyM6_5LDYHiYjzrlPzQ_t5Zu6GckBt49BGxZB04kxn1Tc9uGfBg060elbfL9G6i1UKzwojSExvzQBrkh1dxelu/s640/The-Country-Bunny-and-the-Little-Gold-Shoes-Gift-Edition-with-Charm-Heyward-Dubose-9780547144184.jpeg" width="514" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.betterworldbooks.com/the-country-bunny-and-the-little-gold-shoes-with-pendant-id-0547144180.aspx">source</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div><br />
</div><div>She did finally fall asleep and then she did something she almost never does. Sleep in. Until almost 7. In our house 7 is late. When she woke the first thing she did was yell from her bed, "Is the Easter Bunny still here?" After breaking the news that the Bunny had come and gone we went to go see what she left. Since Flora doesn't eat sugar the bunny left eggs filled with playdough and stickers and a basket full of outdoor toys like sidewalk chalk. She was thrilled!</div><div><br />
</div><div>A new gardening hat.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkgNcxBvVQslnCHDNVoNeCUfyzUx3XcCun6ienaYCI1yjLEqvbYyxFkZ0FpbnVP-60h6k5D9bZOlhEgEf6CiJ2s-Lno7g8lCdlPWVjzuDZcX-2D4cOrxqYKUc1eKb4sPLjIG7Mx7c9VgzD/s1600/P1120885.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkgNcxBvVQslnCHDNVoNeCUfyzUx3XcCun6ienaYCI1yjLEqvbYyxFkZ0FpbnVP-60h6k5D9bZOlhEgEf6CiJ2s-Lno7g8lCdlPWVjzuDZcX-2D4cOrxqYKUc1eKb4sPLjIG7Mx7c9VgzD/s640/P1120885.jpg" width="360" /></a></div><br />
More loot.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhT5DBeJHmopsS_Rx9C2wrqu04OigurWMfXo21_liDXR17Lgq5dxzEOgO-WYhFULkL-VDjNbz_IYvpCU2KkL5j72Smqq-WoA8jVl5h5jtcPRHjqm_k5VsDmx9iBtK6cVY3liGIqbI_Bk5z/s1600/P1120886.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhT5DBeJHmopsS_Rx9C2wrqu04OigurWMfXo21_liDXR17Lgq5dxzEOgO-WYhFULkL-VDjNbz_IYvpCU2KkL5j72Smqq-WoA8jVl5h5jtcPRHjqm_k5VsDmx9iBtK6cVY3liGIqbI_Bk5z/s640/P1120886.jpg" width="360" /></a></div><br />
Excited about the eggs hiding around the house.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggGBOYtb8S_IUVUbRYwXyARVftidadu2u-YJ4oIcSHhqdQ99TJj7HLDg0l2vBxax5uqCDZli7C_HqvpQWlsI5hSxjPpHbytqcwLGkmf3eHkIUWCLDqzsP-h7QViff6fikSek5QGLrm4C93/s1600/P1120893.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggGBOYtb8S_IUVUbRYwXyARVftidadu2u-YJ4oIcSHhqdQ99TJj7HLDg0l2vBxax5uqCDZli7C_HqvpQWlsI5hSxjPpHbytqcwLGkmf3eHkIUWCLDqzsP-h7QViff6fikSek5QGLrm4C93/s640/P1120893.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
She got a little sassy as the morning progressed.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr8FwvSnk_S8_EPw65wfQRgjEZv_gr9jU0a99Wd1x5amz-H31DritK73rGdXq9NcZQuzUBXAcXmBJQr_B5Qmw4jjiyn1rVywOYCQYlEkPrQcpLMAsg8RuTTb1pvoqdjLHrJVO7g1yiEQEp/s1600/P1120985.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr8FwvSnk_S8_EPw65wfQRgjEZv_gr9jU0a99Wd1x5amz-H31DritK73rGdXq9NcZQuzUBXAcXmBJQr_B5Qmw4jjiyn1rVywOYCQYlEkPrQcpLMAsg8RuTTb1pvoqdjLHrJVO7g1yiEQEp/s640/P1120985.jpg" width="360" /></a></div><br />
After the excitement of the morning died down we all got dressed up to go have brunch at <a href="http://www.redstartavern.com/">Red Star</a> with my aunt, uncle and cousins. Flora was excited about brunch but not about David taking her picture. Based on her outfit, you might think we are trying to turn our daughter into a little princess but we're not. Trust me we're not. She just REALLY likes pink and I have no idea why.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6klBkbiVbNh5ShWdl1auhUO7AAgOmgS-G4Qs_NWf4aiTBHqM0rLExepdTXs3e38x639zWv4TNC6G0kvgmXpYTEJGXnFvs6upMFLncceqTT15cjDSiU78zJ8d34m_10o4inL_zkc-WDs4T/s1600/P1120990.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6klBkbiVbNh5ShWdl1auhUO7AAgOmgS-G4Qs_NWf4aiTBHqM0rLExepdTXs3e38x639zWv4TNC6G0kvgmXpYTEJGXnFvs6upMFLncceqTT15cjDSiU78zJ8d34m_10o4inL_zkc-WDs4T/s640/P1120990.jpg" width="360" /></a></div><br />
Did I mention we don't have any dress shoes that fit so she wore her high-tops?<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgQ9eG1JR2C0XXRGV1AY1sYJpmw08w1Xtw2X4_nphu3L7okXtMte-XzUK1rzQggdayhoJS5jUEdVnjWwwhFrnmyhBfjE-0bs-n9kA2houUXyVQr3Iibz5bFEK0QrOC_gxwdEcdoWlapt2d/s1600/P1120993.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgQ9eG1JR2C0XXRGV1AY1sYJpmw08w1Xtw2X4_nphu3L7okXtMte-XzUK1rzQggdayhoJS5jUEdVnjWwwhFrnmyhBfjE-0bs-n9kA2houUXyVQr3Iibz5bFEK0QrOC_gxwdEcdoWlapt2d/s640/P1120993.jpg" width="360" /></a></div><br />
Her sassy attitude had me a little worried about brunch but she settled once we got there and colored like a big girl.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsAWl4FIXaYt0aaaht8YV2aIaVR83bQMzKUlgpK2PXyy4sC1jx6yW1_a9k79czgzMGfawcFOtPEmNHSgc3Qt0hbP_Yk7n5TEns8h3yInGjqgDsl86UkXy6vmAX1yrPwtYMmmpQZLiGt8lZ/s1600/P1130004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsAWl4FIXaYt0aaaht8YV2aIaVR83bQMzKUlgpK2PXyy4sC1jx6yW1_a9k79czgzMGfawcFOtPEmNHSgc3Qt0hbP_Yk7n5TEns8h3yInGjqgDsl86UkXy6vmAX1yrPwtYMmmpQZLiGt8lZ/s640/P1130004.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
Then, to ensure she would remain happy, we seated her next to Maggie, my 7-year-old cousin. They love each other.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF7huEly3QyQ-XZa_pB22Kj6S0gnY6gZtJYiUi0yFz8gZK-36Ft-9jvDGcmsAK1DnyD9EM7uiYfAbVfeeNK0EIcWdzub5hoKWzqrjbk-KtEyKGs7HyyRFPFBklymZvXNvDCZPkTTD9BAe_/s1600/P1130016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF7huEly3QyQ-XZa_pB22Kj6S0gnY6gZtJYiUi0yFz8gZK-36Ft-9jvDGcmsAK1DnyD9EM7uiYfAbVfeeNK0EIcWdzub5hoKWzqrjbk-KtEyKGs7HyyRFPFBklymZvXNvDCZPkTTD9BAe_/s640/P1130016.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div><br />
Because I'm in the middle of my <a href="http://themommyist.blogspot.com/2011/04/spring-cleaning.html">cleanse</a> I had a big green salad at brunch. It made me a little sad not to eat a big plate of eggs and bacon but most everyone seemed underwhelmed by their food. I'm glad I didn't cheat for less than stellar food! Red Star may not have a great brunch but if I remember correctly, their happy hour is pretty good.<br />
<br />
We spent the rest of the day taking it easy and trying to run a couple of errands that will have to be dealt with later since stores close early on Easter. Oh, and we watched the new Doctor Who episode. Judge all you'd like but I love me some Doctor.<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><i>How was your Easter?</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><i><br />
</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><i><a href="http://www.topmommyblogs.com/" target="_blank" title="Best Mommy Blogs"><img alt="Visit Top Mommy Blogs To Vote For Me" border="0" height="50" src="http://www.topmommyblogs.com/directory/images/banners/tmb-150x50_vote_banner.gif" width="150" /></a></i></span></div>Elliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00868343544876287327noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4042671825723812913.post-56353177551828022992011-04-24T09:04:00.000-07:002011-04-24T09:05:23.181-07:00RearrangingLast week I put Flora down for a nap. I could hear her in her room talking for about 20 minutes but then there was silence so I assumed she had fallen asleep. About 30 minutes latter I heard more noise so I went back to check on her. Knowing that she was supposed to sleep she had closed her door so that she could play quietly without me hearing. I opened the door to tell her to get in bed and found that she'd completely destroyed her room. Very quietly I might add.<br />
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Toy box area.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQvcgxZJickY14wWOSs5aOf1FVpO-AqGNZgsQXWIBkea2iHmi3AFIMAYW1MbNQk4Yn1vGuqV_lyzMGQWBzBg8ZIS5ghCP4uCRTAU1zhFrNzYlZdxNXic56FVxnMWGbT8wmmLIcFolEQCrU/s1600/P1120881.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQvcgxZJickY14wWOSs5aOf1FVpO-AqGNZgsQXWIBkea2iHmi3AFIMAYW1MbNQk4Yn1vGuqV_lyzMGQWBzBg8ZIS5ghCP4uCRTAU1zhFrNzYlZdxNXic56FVxnMWGbT8wmmLIcFolEQCrU/s640/P1120881.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Her bed.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVc2qzhuhDyrzhlYRav74TWFBMzZhlN9-4AVMy6i2kcW-d7JF5d_4uPcBsR-Sl15Fx6luaEvq8cZ3-6QRsQiD1a2D20qoVLu9n0NCtHM114EjRLWRO80nMRvpUhJCILjIV4bf175Y_Cjmx/s1600/P1120880.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVc2qzhuhDyrzhlYRav74TWFBMzZhlN9-4AVMy6i2kcW-d7JF5d_4uPcBsR-Sl15Fx6luaEvq8cZ3-6QRsQiD1a2D20qoVLu9n0NCtHM114EjRLWRO80nMRvpUhJCILjIV4bf175Y_Cjmx/s640/P1120880.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>More toys.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghGe_vLMXfoKfuDnJ7Kawy21cZq4vshNNrjj54BeCRHyLJvc3zkIp7feh2gAcilMOQ-Er_R0GUcVnZaZLzTMR64tK_TziPeB_zZEkLb00DbunJ9dyubSG0yAZwdflFEmL1eDPb0ZAeFr5T/s1600/P1120877.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghGe_vLMXfoKfuDnJ7Kawy21cZq4vshNNrjj54BeCRHyLJvc3zkIp7feh2gAcilMOQ-Er_R0GUcVnZaZLzTMR64tK_TziPeB_zZEkLb00DbunJ9dyubSG0yAZwdflFEmL1eDPb0ZAeFr5T/s640/P1120877.jpg" width="360" /></a></div><br />
She even took her rug off the floor and draped it over her dresser for a completely new look.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbM9dR90SY6Z5JPFk0kjjvUIW0tYRJQew2jQgFaYW00YMX9yYRxQEoLxPU2fKj47aA1glTJH0RrIGxA7JLK5tjftjq2dvSdrzG8165DRBTzDgYy7kyYfSFPG5QyD9qziZKbqdaQeckOwD0/s1600/P1120876.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbM9dR90SY6Z5JPFk0kjjvUIW0tYRJQew2jQgFaYW00YMX9yYRxQEoLxPU2fKj47aA1glTJH0RrIGxA7JLK5tjftjq2dvSdrzG8165DRBTzDgYy7kyYfSFPG5QyD9qziZKbqdaQeckOwD0/s640/P1120876.jpg" width="360" /></a></div><br />
You may wonder how she did all this without me hearing and all I have to say is that the kid is sneaky. She knows I would be upset and make her get back in bed if I heard anything so she was quiet. Very quiet. <br />
<br />
On a completely unrelated note, last month when we were in Austin we saw this guy riding his horse to the bars downtown. Austin is not a small town. He's an urban cowboy. He even earned himself the nickname "6th Street Cowboy" after he was arrested riding his horse down the popular bar lined street drunk on a Friday night. His horse and mule (which we saw his friend riding) were confiscated but he got them back because this photo was taken after the arrest. You can read more about his 15 minutes of fame <a href="http://www.myfoxaustin.com/dpp/top_stories/6th-Street-Cowboy-Speaks-to-FOX-7-20110113-ktbcw">here</a> or like him on facebook <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/6TH-Street-Cowboy/175164292518657">here</a>. I would also like to add that the horse and mule were extremely mellow and not spooked in the slightest by rowdy drunken hipsters passing by. I was impressed.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicTUGa_mA_-iw0tw8PV6YSrCJW5DYl7d4yVdwY8tAv-RFDvcVRjNwPnfgF9fLj2zjJmJ4tMqClZ8LumwotjRPjxT1eCX_xy38DRotD1SN2c0SPhwmDqLizV3MC9eGBkTGjh0PpmLEqdvrz/s1600/P1120807.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicTUGa_mA_-iw0tw8PV6YSrCJW5DYl7d4yVdwY8tAv-RFDvcVRjNwPnfgF9fLj2zjJmJ4tMqClZ8LumwotjRPjxT1eCX_xy38DRotD1SN2c0SPhwmDqLizV3MC9eGBkTGjh0PpmLEqdvrz/s640/P1120807.jpg" width="360" /></a></div><br />
Maybe the two posts aren't completely unrelated. I'm pretty sure the girl who tears her room apart and the urban cowboy could be great friends if introduced. The both like to challenge the limits of social norms. <br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Have you ever met an urban cowboy?</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><i><br />
</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><i><a href="http://www.topmommyblogs.com/" target="_blank" title="Best Mommy Blogs"><img alt="Visit Top Mommy Blogs To Vote For Me" border="0" height="50" src="http://www.topmommyblogs.com/directory/images/banners/tmb-150x50_vote_banner.gif" width="150" /></a></i></span>Elliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00868343544876287327noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4042671825723812913.post-57716325753967689352011-04-17T21:46:00.000-07:002011-04-17T21:46:53.993-07:00Spring CleaningYesterday, under the supervision of my <a href="http://saldanation.blogspot.com/2011/02/five-questions-for-dr-eric-blake-nd.html">naturopath</a>, I began the <a href="http://www.standardprocess.com/display/psppurification.spi">Standard Process 21 Day Cleanse</a>. I can eat as many fruits and vegetables as I want, I just have to keep a 2 to 1 vegetable to fruit ratio. I also get to eat some lentils everyday and I take supplements and drink a ton of water. Technically I only have to drink 64oz but I've been extremely thirsty since starting the cleanse so I've probably been drinking twice that. After 10 days I get to add meat to my diet.<br />
<br />
I decided to do this because I hope it will help with some skin issues I've had for a while and I'd like to lose a couple of pounds that I gained after I stopped breastfeeding and before I adjusted to eating less. I haven't progressively gained weight but I did gain a few pounds right after I stopped and I haven't been able to lose them. I'll keep you updated on my progress.<br />
<br />
So far the cleanse has been pretty painless. I'm hungry but for the most part it's just my mind that is hungry, not my stomach. I have a problem with eating when I'm bored or stressed. Eating spinach or carrots for comfort just isn't that appealing so maybe I'll be able to break that habit as a part of this cleanse. I've also been a little irritable but Dr. Blake told me I could expect the first few days to be difficult. So far it is not as difficult as I feared it might be.<br />
<br />
I'm not the only one working on a deep clean. Today my wonderful husband moved the appliances in our kitchen to sweep and mop underneath. I may do most of the daily cleaning but I like to pass off the heavy lifting to someone stronger.<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Have you ever done a cleanse? Did you get good results?</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><i><br />
</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><i><a href="http://www.topmommyblogs.com/" target="_blank" title="Best Mommy Blogs"><img alt="Visit Top Mommy Blogs To Vote For Me" border="0" height="50" src="http://www.topmommyblogs.com/directory/images/banners/tmb-150x50_vote_banner.gif" width="150" /></a></i></span>Elliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00868343544876287327noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4042671825723812913.post-15931305996529777102011-04-14T22:53:00.000-07:002011-04-14T22:53:53.733-07:00I Try Not to JudgeAs parents we are constantly being judged harshly for our parenting choices so I try my best not to criticize other parents, or when I do I usually only share my judgements with my husband. Then there are actions that aren't really bad parenting choices so much as they just show a complete lack of regard for others. Today I witnessed one of those. <br />
<br />
I took Flora to the children's museum and we had a great time. At one point during our visit I saw a mom talk to her 2 maybe 3 year old daughter who was playing next to Flora. The girl must have told her mom she went potty because I then saw the mom pull down her daughter's pants, remove her diaper, set the diaper on the floor, wipe her butt, and put put a new diaper on. In the middle of the museum. Then the mom threw the diaper away in a trashcan in the middle of the exhibit. I was appalled, I didn't say anything but maybe I should have. It's the children's museum, there are no shortage of changing tables and I'm hardly a germaphobe but that action shows a lack of common decency. Not only for the germ factor, which I'm surprised the mother didn't consider since she repeatedly told her daughter not to put the museum toys in her mouth because "those things are covered in germs," but also because it seems to show a complete lack of respect for the daughter. Give the girl the privacy she deserves. <br />
<br />
Flora looked confused and I was upset so we moved on and enjoyed the rest of our time at the Museum. Please excuse the grainy photos, they were taken on my ipod.<br />
<br />
The Curious George exhibit, or Monkey George as she calls him.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilLy7TnT3NFUPPtnTLizufzfdLQtMamTJkfDlPSHGB5pKH-Hf4ABu43dMh3is7Sjei7A9dnab3L0TKA0JfBAWbcSpEN9wChZ4BICn7zLvC9ZJjRvoFmwNZlrmdk34EKCkR3G1dsbOsuAi_/s1600/IMG_0126.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilLy7TnT3NFUPPtnTLizufzfdLQtMamTJkfDlPSHGB5pKH-Hf4ABu43dMh3is7Sjei7A9dnab3L0TKA0JfBAWbcSpEN9wChZ4BICn7zLvC9ZJjRvoFmwNZlrmdk34EKCkR3G1dsbOsuAi_/s640/IMG_0126.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Very excited to play with clay.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjphp0z2JE6oCUss459XpG5erUT0Ac2-bbuGuFz0NbS7DsJjlCUydoY0v1hDAntsGlDsTcxx-Kyyva3oM4YfvK-Mv0eqJgFJGWk6EreGkAaMgyw-v_6y01kuoWvB3ZNHFBx66dC1DsJog14/s1600/IMG_0131.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjphp0z2JE6oCUss459XpG5erUT0Ac2-bbuGuFz0NbS7DsJjlCUydoY0v1hDAntsGlDsTcxx-Kyyva3oM4YfvK-Mv0eqJgFJGWk6EreGkAaMgyw-v_6y01kuoWvB3ZNHFBx66dC1DsJog14/s640/IMG_0131.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div>Working the light board.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaMFSskkEKc3_ycnU6fRbWI8LnfQwF4hzpEJ22Cbp1xgutCRPtaiqs2vQ5gxtKM5Cy6BpcHgtp9gEwXtvJZuyWivmZr4hGfq72o4EUTZhsDf2HXvuaAaA9NnFn3FmohywrGhUXnCGXWmu5/s1600/IMG_0133.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaMFSskkEKc3_ycnU6fRbWI8LnfQwF4hzpEJ22Cbp1xgutCRPtaiqs2vQ5gxtKM5Cy6BpcHgtp9gEwXtvJZuyWivmZr4hGfq72o4EUTZhsDf2HXvuaAaA9NnFn3FmohywrGhUXnCGXWmu5/s640/IMG_0133.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br />
And finally, painting her face.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPhYJxwA2LXTAYBO_9Lqsp2vGLZyV8218MBibxR0YT4wac0pSjfNSt_V7qE3u_V-guBHUw4PVJUYKEOFnocVVerWQQro3Yo66QLzoV2ZzW3WVmjsFg_lDjslvZouKx_ryuPVh2kSCM62GZ/s1600/IMG_0138.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPhYJxwA2LXTAYBO_9Lqsp2vGLZyV8218MBibxR0YT4wac0pSjfNSt_V7qE3u_V-guBHUw4PVJUYKEOFnocVVerWQQro3Yo66QLzoV2ZzW3WVmjsFg_lDjslvZouKx_ryuPVh2kSCM62GZ/s640/IMG_0138.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><i>What would you have done if you'd seen a mom changing her diaper in the middle of the museum? Am I alone in thinking this is totally inappropriate?</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><i><br />
</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><i><a href="http://www.topmommyblogs.com/" target="_blank" title="Best Mommy Blogs"><img alt="Visit Top Mommy Blogs To Vote For Me" border="0" height="50" src="http://www.topmommyblogs.com/directory/images/banners/tmb-150x50_vote_banner.gif" width="150" /></a></i></span>Elliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00868343544876287327noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4042671825723812913.post-17394436869271444122011-04-11T13:25:00.000-07:002011-04-11T13:25:32.659-07:00Yankee Doodle<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">The following scene played out yesterday afternoon. Last night David and I lay in bed cracking up over what a goof our kid is. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">INT. CAR - PARKING LOT OUTSIDE WHOLE FOODS - AFTERNOON<br />
<br />
DADDY and FLORA sit in the car waiting for MOMMY to return with avocados. Daddy<br />
rolls the windows down with the controls to his left. Flora does not see him do it.<br />
<br />
FLORA<br />
Hey, who rolled those windows down?<br />
<br />
DADDY<br />
I don't know, Flora. I think it was that guy.<br />
<br />
Daddy points to a DUDE with a FEDORA walking by with a few OTHER PEOPLE. The dude's<br />
got a feather in his hat.<br />
<br />
FLORA<br />
What guy?<br />
<br />
DADDY<br />
That guy.<br />
<br />
FLORA<br />
That guy with the black hat?<br />
<br />
DADDY<br />
Yeah, him. He did it. I think he's<br />
shifty.<br />
<br />
FLORA<br />
He rolled the windows down?<br />
<br />
DADDY<br />
Yup. He's got a feather in his hat. That<br />
means he's shifty.<br />
<br />
FLORA<br />
A feather?<br />
<br />
DADDY<br />
Uh huh. Flora, when you get older you're not<br />
allowed to date dudes with feathers in their hats.<br />
<br />
FLORA<br />
Like Yankee Doodle?<br />
<br />
DADDY<br />
Yeah. Especially him. That Yankee Doodle is real shifty.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Thanks to David for writing that out for me since I didn't actually witness the hilarity. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><a href="http://www.topmommyblogs.com/" target="_blank" title="Best Mommy Blogs"><img alt="Visit Top Mommy Blogs To Vote For Me" border="0" height="50" src="http://www.topmommyblogs.com/directory/images/banners/tmb-150x50_vote_banner.gif" width="150" /></a></span></span><br />
<div class="hm" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #777777; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"> </div>Elliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00868343544876287327noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4042671825723812913.post-2083013499646553762011-04-07T21:20:00.000-07:002011-04-07T21:20:14.878-07:00I'm BackLack of sleep and a spring that is breaking records as the coldest and wettest spring EVER has left me feeling uninspired. We went to Austin for a week which was great but it only made returning to the cold and wet more difficult. Despite that life is still good. Flora has been sleeping a little more. I stress little, but even when she sleeps she has trouble staying in bed.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7tA0_kcDWFFGnWSgZSytnADOzpN7Dy1OLYHNAxApvN9rz-OgmTPJnl4yiu7_p_ph9aVsqWrfPELfe-YtnHI_HX4H7m4bbNFmwTZijBWoJTlr-Fqxr3F6D6_1ogiymis4WgSacy6jpi9K8/s1600/P1120761.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7tA0_kcDWFFGnWSgZSytnADOzpN7Dy1OLYHNAxApvN9rz-OgmTPJnl4yiu7_p_ph9aVsqWrfPELfe-YtnHI_HX4H7m4bbNFmwTZijBWoJTlr-Fqxr3F6D6_1ogiymis4WgSacy6jpi9K8/s640/P1120761.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgToOkli8fACoNqMQaeq-kNrUaeHFjOvshg4iD5_UU2ib43w0-95T1kBwDjV1YcXrywTV0E4ZDcY_TeWqCZrSM_n9qNr1wCU4kiHaRIg6IrDvpYsW86tZpgiy6Rd6OSMo-74hLNiSBA4xSv/s1600/P1120763.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgToOkli8fACoNqMQaeq-kNrUaeHFjOvshg4iD5_UU2ib43w0-95T1kBwDjV1YcXrywTV0E4ZDcY_TeWqCZrSM_n9qNr1wCU4kiHaRIg6IrDvpYsW86tZpgiy6Rd6OSMo-74hLNiSBA4xSv/s640/P1120763.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidD3mjlfmFlBAjQNyF1UPVMloIpXq2tDoZgYv6Te4CR54nGrUD2KncEVqQ2DFTpwvCYUjYxqOMf5fq4rqW7cg1evxzkOTYyUX8euMm5oIs3MsSyYBdlQJLs_S-7iDn2kOIO-Gpyr9rR3Lj/s1600/P1120771.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidD3mjlfmFlBAjQNyF1UPVMloIpXq2tDoZgYv6Te4CR54nGrUD2KncEVqQ2DFTpwvCYUjYxqOMf5fq4rqW7cg1evxzkOTYyUX8euMm5oIs3MsSyYBdlQJLs_S-7iDn2kOIO-Gpyr9rR3Lj/s640/P1120771.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">She got to spend some quality time with David's family while we were in Texas. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Watering the lawn with grandpa.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi03raPpgIac8_f2C004PAq5Rmn48g5jllynmYIRSEuz8eA8OcDYdfdIuOJ3nVrz92N4QYd4Azo56ls0CIxdowQhZ4kwJwx23wUhiVqo3HShMx2V9gmRoeu_EDtZwRYwArrK3zYU6ENcnzg/s1600/P1120724.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi03raPpgIac8_f2C004PAq5Rmn48g5jllynmYIRSEuz8eA8OcDYdfdIuOJ3nVrz92N4QYd4Azo56ls0CIxdowQhZ4kwJwx23wUhiVqo3HShMx2V9gmRoeu_EDtZwRYwArrK3zYU6ENcnzg/s640/P1120724.jpg" width="360" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">She was having a good time and did not want to be disturbed. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimNjagdTppwQif1-tuouWC80T2rG20qO1uujpggX_plS21u4pASw5CXf9YEecM6ugfDC4jk761YLBuhQ59LtMJ39Kw4jeb0PWpTT0cQRmrnYsnJ43qTf0hGuroD-AGOR0SdYy4pedVEgNy/s1600/P1120729.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimNjagdTppwQif1-tuouWC80T2rG20qO1uujpggX_plS21u4pASw5CXf9YEecM6ugfDC4jk761YLBuhQ59LtMJ39Kw4jeb0PWpTT0cQRmrnYsnJ43qTf0hGuroD-AGOR0SdYy4pedVEgNy/s640/P1120729.jpg" width="360" /></a></div><br />
Playing with her Grandma and cousin Jake.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix2-PMKhNQwT119itOIiVaI8mujX46_F2q78pEq_jhe6KIzvWES4zRcLl2p7WHmckdiby-k8F88CKO59a6L1-bMpA9GaHvWGtk_NTmBBUjoXP5Kggz-bIKjJm1_f7kdGjqvpOxjt2eaGGL/s1600/P1120792.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix2-PMKhNQwT119itOIiVaI8mujX46_F2q78pEq_jhe6KIzvWES4zRcLl2p7WHmckdiby-k8F88CKO59a6L1-bMpA9GaHvWGtk_NTmBBUjoXP5Kggz-bIKjJm1_f7kdGjqvpOxjt2eaGGL/s640/P1120792.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It's hard to be too down when you spend all day with this girl.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4phh3-ftLXYpsv1Em8rTBVpKNMlZpzZ9dwHn31nU__MMFgPmsL3AXYAbHbejkiLQ9APr6nvE7O70CQeSLyyKt9VeeB7olqNfm0kHpQ5f26VaIpnRbALsJeJJughaiurp68m6rQMSIIDxq/s1600/P1120738.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4phh3-ftLXYpsv1Em8rTBVpKNMlZpzZ9dwHn31nU__MMFgPmsL3AXYAbHbejkiLQ9APr6nvE7O70CQeSLyyKt9VeeB7olqNfm0kHpQ5f26VaIpnRbALsJeJJughaiurp68m6rQMSIIDxq/s640/P1120738.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div>And are married to this guy. Seriously. I love this guy.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVwRnrzGlY0GtUDmjzUbKZi6zaVjlXcCNiQiFbRNXCSqbPz0jR9IjMJgjWQ_GoO3L4u7pCJVNBW3LboKPLWhOmprwQ5RB-k6IJJH62N_7eiE93AJ1ANYyE4llRhdEvba1LKTZKVEb1mH0R/s1600/P1120700.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVwRnrzGlY0GtUDmjzUbKZi6zaVjlXcCNiQiFbRNXCSqbPz0jR9IjMJgjWQ_GoO3L4u7pCJVNBW3LboKPLWhOmprwQ5RB-k6IJJH62N_7eiE93AJ1ANYyE4llRhdEvba1LKTZKVEb1mH0R/s640/P1120700.jpg" width="360" /></a></div><br />
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">How's your spring so far?</span></i><br />
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
</span></i><br />
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.topmommyblogs.com/" target="_blank" title="Best Mommy Blogs"><img alt="Visit Top Mommy Blogs To Vote For Me" border="0" height="50" src="http://www.topmommyblogs.com/directory/images/banners/tmb-150x50_vote_banner.gif" width="150" /></a></span></i>Elliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00868343544876287327noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4042671825723812913.post-82080630551187795592011-03-14T20:43:00.000-07:002011-03-14T20:43:07.782-07:00Bad News, Good News<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Bad news is that Flora should be sleeping right now. Good news is that she can count to 27.</div><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijHmxhTw098i1qDtiXP3MMe1NWJEY0blHGmvPfePuSwhMr1cdqLB8vyb87GT4s0GKI8NgC6DVs8D2JVvefax_aIbcAeo7CO8urIhYvEzBT01eTZ4pI6_Mss8BRXsK-Z8zDpLIvL2h1hJW8/s1600/P1120076.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijHmxhTw098i1qDtiXP3MMe1NWJEY0blHGmvPfePuSwhMr1cdqLB8vyb87GT4s0GKI8NgC6DVs8D2JVvefax_aIbcAeo7CO8urIhYvEzBT01eTZ4pI6_Mss8BRXsK-Z8zDpLIvL2h1hJW8/s640/P1120076.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Who could stay mad at that face?</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<div><a href="http://www.topmommyblogs.com/" target="_blank" title="Best Mommy Blogs"><img alt="Visit Top Mommy Blogs To Vote For Me" border="0" height="50" src="http://www.topmommyblogs.com/directory/images/banners/tmb-150x50_vote_banner.gif" width="150" /></a><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"></div><br />
<span id="goog_1772333809"></span><span id="goog_1772333810"></span></div>Elliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00868343544876287327noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4042671825723812913.post-38349775513605434602011-03-07T20:14:00.000-08:002011-03-07T20:14:50.039-08:00SewingI used to sew. Not particularly well but well enough and I enjoyed it. When I was pregnant my grandmother bought me a nice sewing machine and I used it maybe two times. Then Flora was born and I didn't have the energy or attention span to sew. Last week that changed. I sewed Flora a dress. It's super cute and I'll share pictures soon. I don't have any right now. <br />
<br />
Today Flora saw a picture of a little girl carrying her baby doll in Bjorn style carrier and she asked me for one. I told her i would not buy her a carrier for her doll but if she wanted one I would sew it. Flora jumped up and down and said yes so I got right on it. She now has a sling for her baby. I cheated and made a super simple sling that would not be safe for a real baby but is perfect for a doll. Don't let Flora's little hands fool you, she doesn't have to hold her baby up. She's just a nervous mommy using her sling for the first time.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ-4tZ9yGYCg1aWwR_eOr8XUcZ_AsBb3tvoXtaARe1Pk4cLibPJcSrW_GciACoxOkb2eACONYryqdaV6Ok6sfJ-yITOw3OjeID7VXVDiKamaa_B0kMDSPVuM1KkGg6cpsItjVK7f7gQVpm/s1600/P1120481.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ-4tZ9yGYCg1aWwR_eOr8XUcZ_AsBb3tvoXtaARe1Pk4cLibPJcSrW_GciACoxOkb2eACONYryqdaV6Ok6sfJ-yITOw3OjeID7VXVDiKamaa_B0kMDSPVuM1KkGg6cpsItjVK7f7gQVpm/s640/P1120481.jpg" width="360" /></a></div><br />
Then it was dinner time. Flora pretends she doesn't like broccoli but she does. Thank goodness since it's the only green thing she'll eat. How do I have a child who doesn't like vegetables? Me. Are you familiar with my diet? I drink a huge mug of pureed vegetables for breakfast every day! I don't get it and I can only hope she'll outgrow it soon. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA1yJV73genKCH4ELH_Y8zP8EsF2q3mj0501m1YD1synfs1yks9Kiyrwhwc4rxctDFv2RQvZV0uOmuI-GH8D1jh8difbiyf8AVD9MieBmwqfifUXNG4ZaLPM0QqQe-SY68NInF2F_UnT1K/s1600/P1120496.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA1yJV73genKCH4ELH_Y8zP8EsF2q3mj0501m1YD1synfs1yks9Kiyrwhwc4rxctDFv2RQvZV0uOmuI-GH8D1jh8difbiyf8AVD9MieBmwqfifUXNG4ZaLPM0QqQe-SY68NInF2F_UnT1K/s640/P1120496.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
This is a video of my chatty girl finishing her dinner while I make some bread. I love her.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe frameborder="0" height="300" src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/20772738" width="400"></iframe></div><a href="http://vimeo.com/20772738">Chatty Dinner</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/user5748920">Ellie Saldana</a> on <a href="http://vimeo.com/">Vimeo</a>.<br />
<br />
It's been a long day and I plan to spend the rest of my evening lying in bed with a glass of wine and my foot up. My foot and ankle are REALLY swollen and in pain tonight. They have been all day. I broke my toe three weeks ago. Should it still be swelling? I refuse to require any sort of medical care. I will fine tomorrow. I will.<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><i>How do you get your child to eat vegetables? Please don't tell me to let her dip or to make faces out of the vegetables. Flora will laugh your right out of the kitchen if you try those techniques on her. </i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><i><br />
</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><i><a href="http://www.topmommyblogs.com/" target="_blank" title="Best Mommy Blogs"><img alt="Visit Top Mommy Blogs To Vote For Me" border="0" height="50" src="http://www.topmommyblogs.com/directory/images/banners/tmb-150x50_vote_banner.gif" width="150" /></a></i></span>Elliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00868343544876287327noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4042671825723812913.post-49839915453690149012011-02-28T20:30:00.000-08:002011-02-28T20:30:57.355-08:00Five Questions for Dr. Eric Blake ND DLAc on SALDANATION<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">David has a great blog, the focus is mainly short fiction with a comic every Wednesday but occasionally he'll do a Five Question Interview. I've decided to share his most recent interview with you because Naturopathy, and Dr. Blake specifically, has made such a large impact on my family's life. An excerpt from the post appears below.</span><br />
<div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">"<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">If you're like most people, you see a doctor when faced with illness or injury but have grown accustomed to certain discomforts. Maybe cheese gives you a stomach ache and sugar makes you moody but you eat them both anyway. You chalk up fatigue and stress to work and not enough sleep. Hitting the gym makes you sore for a week and you figure you're just out of shape. You don't feel sick but you don't feel healthy. Perhaps you're fine. Sure thing. Take some pills...or maybe keep reading.</span></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
<b>SALDANATION</b> is fortunate to have touched base with Dr. Eric Blake ND. He's a Naturopath and director of Hollistic Health pc, a Naturopathic clinic in Porltand, Oregon. We asked him five questions."</span></span><br />
<div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><a href="http://saldanation.blogspot.com/2011/02/five-questions-for-dr-eric-blake-nd.html">Visit SALDANATION to read the full interview. </a></span><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.topmommyblogs.com/" target="_blank" title="Best Mommy Blogs"><img alt="Visit Top Mommy Blogs To Vote For Me" border="0" height="50" src="http://www.topmommyblogs.com/directory/images/banners/tmb-150x50_vote_banner.gif" width="150" /></a></div>Elliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00868343544876287327noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4042671825723812913.post-10541343620265746342011-02-24T20:42:00.000-08:002011-02-24T20:45:02.732-08:00Portland's Idea of a Snow DayAfter days of hype regarding the pending winter storm it finally came. We got one inch of snow, maybe. School was canceled and a surprising number of businesses shut down despite the fact that roads were clear. That's what happens when it snows in Portland. <br />
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Flora was thrilled to have snow, no matter how little. We had big snows the last two winters but she can't remember those so in her mind, this was her first time seeing snow. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7jRImaXdM6qDxzQczuikZPs5ZkugrXrtzEjQUxylem-puvCzioEqt-vNpIax1Xeci2JR8kyYIg0os-X7QX__FpBR22gWwtJei3USjLvn5cEnuJaGbEEY0vEtbQ9AodCQ7wbtKC42DkA0l/s1600/P1120458.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7jRImaXdM6qDxzQczuikZPs5ZkugrXrtzEjQUxylem-puvCzioEqt-vNpIax1Xeci2JR8kyYIg0os-X7QX__FpBR22gWwtJei3USjLvn5cEnuJaGbEEY0vEtbQ9AodCQ7wbtKC42DkA0l/s640/P1120458.jpg" width="360" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">She caught snow flakes on her tongue. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS-bVfsv9VHr5cT4HUMOZWzaXlx1meILk0j056QMDkeV8SHYBGciCA4zNjHQgYdbsi_uA2SdudI_tFcWnP_6xmqmSZeY1Jme3vgowJVsuoDCMVQF1pdf6RBmIXlFgyMc7zzav4irTnghBb/s1600/P1120452.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS-bVfsv9VHr5cT4HUMOZWzaXlx1meILk0j056QMDkeV8SHYBGciCA4zNjHQgYdbsi_uA2SdudI_tFcWnP_6xmqmSZeY1Jme3vgowJVsuoDCMVQF1pdf6RBmIXlFgyMc7zzav4irTnghBb/s640/P1120452.jpg" width="360" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Made footprints. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfTAyuYZi3vhcO3mwnmOU-jUU04Hg93II3XtnCw5FFq5OH5HP7tihN9LdizPJNskMYkAbm_XcU76hjzZc0PK0ZtSG96Xkw106OqhVuDfJAFFFZEuPFiAbOB_XwhKYukUzy7PQriKymckHg/s1600/P1120453.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfTAyuYZi3vhcO3mwnmOU-jUU04Hg93II3XtnCw5FFq5OH5HP7tihN9LdizPJNskMYkAbm_XcU76hjzZc0PK0ZtSG96Xkw106OqhVuDfJAFFFZEuPFiAbOB_XwhKYukUzy7PQriKymckHg/s640/P1120453.jpg" width="360" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And built a snowman.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJaYepXhCUdEFoo942gLjz0tLH9Kz2luyfX9tqoizJnAd9Lw0Fp2vd3nUaR5dTD8SCbK07Hq3z00FkTs1wnnqo-B5ceKzynq6J7Q0lSZsJAFbueY1uJMKUvWUs4eT9l36zbNaUrdJ-lWL1/s1600/P1120467.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJaYepXhCUdEFoo942gLjz0tLH9Kz2luyfX9tqoizJnAd9Lw0Fp2vd3nUaR5dTD8SCbK07Hq3z00FkTs1wnnqo-B5ceKzynq6J7Q0lSZsJAFbueY1uJMKUvWUs4eT9l36zbNaUrdJ-lWL1/s640/P1120467.jpg" width="424" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">A sad little snowman.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvkvDYYKiNzR9Kg2BptKUFF6Nn-fhPexc7UNIfIVgkbfBr3I9PkQQihca71MP0R_PBj-BvSs-NWxfNPkHKJm_q5tQEiSSINaR7pUXxFodYVVDT0l-LqkNxMshAlu8kbkptDS2Op3fWXN5A/s1600/P1120474.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvkvDYYKiNzR9Kg2BptKUFF6Nn-fhPexc7UNIfIVgkbfBr3I9PkQQihca71MP0R_PBj-BvSs-NWxfNPkHKJm_q5tQEiSSINaR7pUXxFodYVVDT0l-LqkNxMshAlu8kbkptDS2Op3fWXN5A/s640/P1120474.jpg" width="424" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Look how proud she is! It's killing me. <3</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">After building our snowman we drove up to my aunts house and watched some big kids sled on asphalt. They were keeping the dream alive. By the time we got home at noon the snow had all melted from our yard and our snowman was a little pile of slush and raisins. It's amazing how fun an inch of snow can be when you spend the day with a two year old. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Is your city prepared for snow or does it shut everything down?</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><i><br />
</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><i><a href="http://www.topmommyblogs.com/" target="_blank" title="Best Mommy Blogs"><img alt="Visit Top Mommy Blogs To Vote For Me" border="0" height="50" src="http://www.topmommyblogs.com/directory/images/banners/tmb-150x50_vote_banner.gif" width="150" /></a></i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div>Elliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00868343544876287327noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4042671825723812913.post-2904352650840229132011-02-21T19:17:00.000-08:002011-02-21T19:18:17.113-08:00Nearly 'Nilla WafersInspired by Mama Pea over a <a href="http://peasandthankyou.com/">Peas and Thank You</a> I decided to make some Vanilla Waffers. I used Mama Pea's recipe as a template and modified to accommodate my food intolerances and cooking supplies. You can see the original recipe <a href="http://peasandthankyou.com/2011/02/18/spontaneous-vanilla-wafers/">here</a>.<br />
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We ate all but one cookie before I realized I should probably take some pictures so here is the one, lonely, remaining cookie.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJrL04S9F41XWQ6TKplEDsBm7cRztp0j6eG7vDrVVpMgi8_DHJ5Otc23Inxa0KdpVv4wSQl3WV38pdcD5-zpXG7kl9BywllpuDHSP1t3FXBehxBdm2YPWJEauAgsdIE4dIIIeTegZJ3Tdl/s1600/P1120398.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJrL04S9F41XWQ6TKplEDsBm7cRztp0j6eG7vDrVVpMgi8_DHJ5Otc23Inxa0KdpVv4wSQl3WV38pdcD5-zpXG7kl9BywllpuDHSP1t3FXBehxBdm2YPWJEauAgsdIE4dIIIeTegZJ3Tdl/s400/P1120398.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
It looks good, right? Well, here's the recipe.<br />
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1/2c Non-hydrogenated shortening<br />
1/2c granulated fructose<br />
2T Soy Milk<br />
1t Vanilla Extract<br />
1 1/3c Whole Wheat Flour<br />
1/2t salt<br />
1t Baking Powder<br />
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1. Preheat oven to 350*<br />
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2. Cream shortening, fructose, soy milk, and vanilla extract on high for several minutes.<br />
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3. Mix remaining ingredients in a separate bowl. <br />
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4. Gradually stir dry ingredients into creamed mixture.<br />
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5. Make tablespoon sized balls and flatten them onto a cookie sheet with the heel of your hand.<br />
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6. Bake at 350* for 9-11 minutes.<br />
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These cookies are so good! I made the dough yesterday and cooked a few. I put the rest in the fridge an cooked a few more tonight. I'll probably bake more tomorrow. If you make them with white flour instead of whole wheat they really will taste like 'Nilla Wafers but I enjoy the richer flavor of the whole wheat and I try to avoid feeding white flour to my daughter.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.topmommyblogs.com/" target="_blank" title="Best Mommy Blogs"><img alt="Visit Top Mommy Blogs To Vote For Me" border="0" height="50" src="http://www.topmommyblogs.com/directory/images/banners/tmb-150x50_vote_banner.gif" width="150" /></a>Elliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00868343544876287327noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4042671825723812913.post-81010427536852104722011-02-20T07:17:00.000-08:002011-02-20T07:17:49.363-08:00Not Quite Movie NightLast night I went out with a mommy friend of mine. It was fun. We see each other pretty regularly but always with our kids and it's been a while since we've even done that since her husband took their son on an extended trip to visit his family in Argentina.<br />
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We had so much fun talking during our dinner of Ethiopian food that we missed our movie. Our plan was to see "Boy" at the Portland International Film Festival. It looked good and I was excited but they oversold the show and by the time we got there, even though we were ticket holders, there were no seats. Oh well, I can hope for an art house release.<br />
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We didn't let the movie being oversold ruin our night. We enjoyed a glass of wine and some more conversation. It was great to learn more about someone I consider to be a friend but who I really knew little about. We always meet with our children and that can make it difficult to hold a real conversation. <br />
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Check out the preview for "Boy." Maybe it will come to your town and you'll do a better job of getting to the theater in time to watch it. Apparently it sold out every night it was in Portland.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/MSbxwnMO0LA" title="YouTube video player" width="640"></iframe>Elliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00868343544876287327noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4042671825723812913.post-53459018550815808012011-02-15T16:28:00.000-08:002011-02-15T16:28:09.215-08:00Injured on the JobIf you'll remember, my <a href="http://themommyist.blogspot.com/2011/02/valentines-day.html">Valentine's Day</a> involved a vomiting child. I went to bed thinking about Flora's fever and upset stomach so when she called out for me at 1:30 in the morning I jumped out of bed and rushed to her. Except I didn't make it more than two steps before I slamed my bare foot into the baseboard heater. I collapsed to the ground and sent David to Flora's bedside. <div><br />
</div><div>I knew it wasn't your average toe stubbing so after David attended to our child's needs I asked him to get me some ice and and ibuprofen before going back to sleep. When I woke up this morning my foot was swollen and bruised and all my toes looked like fat little sausages. David called in to work so he could take care of Flora, who is still under the weather, while went to the doctor to get my foot checked. After spending 2 1/2 hours at urgent care it's official; I broke my toe, right where it connects to the foot. I was given some medical tape, a fancy shoe and some Vicodin to help me through the next couple weeks. </div><div><br />
</div><div>I have a feeling I'll be seeing a lot of this the next couple days because the nurse also informed me that I have a fever and must be coming down with whatever Flora has.</div><div><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNVAIyJH3WkpwVNQ3SvD6I8oHVYbYgN6hkdBXG3yzAhQ-rU1vetyvhgfbJ9RdXSLtUVmS6iUh8mpnEzEAvTP0McobS4Fc3GSdBxSsS8Wb45Jn70u1jmMabwd_ZyJ6kUHhV_GLEOCJ9RqUJ/s1600/photo+%25281%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNVAIyJH3WkpwVNQ3SvD6I8oHVYbYgN6hkdBXG3yzAhQ-rU1vetyvhgfbJ9RdXSLtUVmS6iUh8mpnEzEAvTP0McobS4Fc3GSdBxSsS8Wb45Jn70u1jmMabwd_ZyJ6kUHhV_GLEOCJ9RqUJ/s640/photo+%25281%2529.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"> This is my first broken bone. Have you ever broken anything?</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.topmommyblogs.com/" target="_blank" title="Best Mommy Blogs"><img alt="Visit Top Mommy Blogs To Vote For Me" border="0" height="50" src="http://www.topmommyblogs.com/directory/images/banners/tmb-150x50_vote_banner.gif" width="150" /></a></span></div>Elliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00868343544876287327noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4042671825723812913.post-39657749821756005512011-02-14T19:53:00.000-08:002011-02-14T21:09:06.697-08:00Valentine's DayMy Valentine's day started off great: flowers and a card from my wonderful husband. It ended poorly: vomiting toddler with a fever. <br />
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Not the most romantic way to spend an evening but I'm happy I got to spend it with my two favorite people and if one of them was going to throw up on me, I'm glad it was Flora.<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">How did you spend your Valentine's day? </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.topmommyblogs.com/" target="_blank" title="Best Mommy Blogs"><img alt="Visit Top Mommy Blogs To Vote For Me" border="0" height="50" src="http://www.topmommyblogs.com/directory/images/banners/tmb-150x50_vote_banner.gif" width="150" /></a></span>Elliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00868343544876287327noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4042671825723812913.post-14855937776292035652011-02-09T21:39:00.000-08:002011-02-09T21:47:12.809-08:00Blue SkysIt was chilly today but the sky was blue so I let Flora play in the backyard while I cooked dinner. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE2mYuacZsqAI2raDMu2l_5_lU5TZtLiG0zqoXmNLAhU2GiiSKJ9q1si792DthdtiHDSwGv421yPqzWO6_xAmIPu_snmu2QAccC36yiIuMvKbkkSBjf201hewqCzF88nkv3KLQzYZXVhA4/s1600/P1120345.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE2mYuacZsqAI2raDMu2l_5_lU5TZtLiG0zqoXmNLAhU2GiiSKJ9q1si792DthdtiHDSwGv421yPqzWO6_xAmIPu_snmu2QAccC36yiIuMvKbkkSBjf201hewqCzF88nkv3KLQzYZXVhA4/s640/P1120345.jpg" width="360" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghSxXvNnOnQbmhkMr4fsvHQxdLbSrvqMgqyz8LOzRH4TDRMuNWvVPNnBUtPEUXqr3dfjZFKHPjqhdT-5kWgyo9NIJ7fQz1o7-ScBqu89wlJO8Hp3EDYF-3GYfyYv5nZIwiqu5JdgUw8MSz/s1600/P1120352.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghSxXvNnOnQbmhkMr4fsvHQxdLbSrvqMgqyz8LOzRH4TDRMuNWvVPNnBUtPEUXqr3dfjZFKHPjqhdT-5kWgyo9NIJ7fQz1o7-ScBqu89wlJO8Hp3EDYF-3GYfyYv5nZIwiqu5JdgUw8MSz/s640/P1120352.jpg" width="360" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHi7DWphbscENqHyaKNnlHrHVQbV9WRxWftQTQwyMt3GWldBVHVq7VJH248-PW-iquAlAFiacOzAxegov60EbClHsoGBuB-MfQR3XnM5rUUWopT979kqKwbPnM-rk9HKaBfTRQbB5w_d8c/s1600/P1120356.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHi7DWphbscENqHyaKNnlHrHVQbV9WRxWftQTQwyMt3GWldBVHVq7VJH248-PW-iquAlAFiacOzAxegov60EbClHsoGBuB-MfQR3XnM5rUUWopT979kqKwbPnM-rk9HKaBfTRQbB5w_d8c/s640/P1120356.jpg" width="360" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Do you let your child play in the backyard when you're not out there? (I can see her out the window.)</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.topmommyblogs.com/" target="_blank" title="Best Mommy Blogs"><img alt="Visit Top Mommy Blogs To Vote For Me" border="0" height="50" src="http://www.topmommyblogs.com/directory/images/banners/tmb-150x50_vote_banner.gif" width="150" /></a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Elliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00868343544876287327noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4042671825723812913.post-88036481398413120242011-02-07T16:55:00.000-08:002011-02-07T16:56:18.922-08:00Short WalkAfter nap Flora and I went for a walk. Walks with Flora are never fast but this one was particularly slow. We walked one block in 30 minutes. <br />
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First Flora insisted upon bringing all of her babies covered in many blankets so they wouldn't get cold.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisAz2jWAamI4M18yxvsfrJjOX_m9tc6wJEjA5swZ6NqFMsOVW1gxU3bUEgxeTVFITsZAkxHqVKrZTsKMCZaEk5JH8iOlwmAqTaTMZbPAubf0YnCzC9b4KJQeZZd9x4MC1YaDx_4j1lQ_to/s1600/P1120332.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisAz2jWAamI4M18yxvsfrJjOX_m9tc6wJEjA5swZ6NqFMsOVW1gxU3bUEgxeTVFITsZAkxHqVKrZTsKMCZaEk5JH8iOlwmAqTaTMZbPAubf0YnCzC9b4KJQeZZd9x4MC1YaDx_4j1lQ_to/s640/P1120332.jpg" width="360" /></a></div><br />
Next she built nests on the sidewalk.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpB_9qOt3Y1EcxtMQhgHxIfzV8IlNXyNnXCQRW1b0-D8AwU3fvJKKPKuMOkngBEh6CbnJ1nmVGKWoWv_Dqu7boQauRaRVfVokGQRugKqQ2nJxfJ8GC2PR0000mVkUCyC7BX1N3WCvfEtpD/s1600/P1120336.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpB_9qOt3Y1EcxtMQhgHxIfzV8IlNXyNnXCQRW1b0-D8AwU3fvJKKPKuMOkngBEh6CbnJ1nmVGKWoWv_Dqu7boQauRaRVfVokGQRugKqQ2nJxfJ8GC2PR0000mVkUCyC7BX1N3WCvfEtpD/s640/P1120336.jpg" width="360" /></a></div><br />
Then she spun around in circles before deciding it was time to walk home for a snack.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitFmUNmihl6_PWtfR07KbJ_6AWont9McKiHQ5HpVphhA8ZkpT-2zoArfv2_UL9YN2KYGdKq4Jk8tgcAxLUQOp7umFEf8XMNWKD9tZKPg3LDC4F7ElW6Hcgt5TxqthGXD-62U3mYFBYaoF0/s1600/P1120343.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitFmUNmihl6_PWtfR07KbJ_6AWont9McKiHQ5HpVphhA8ZkpT-2zoArfv2_UL9YN2KYGdKq4Jk8tgcAxLUQOp7umFEf8XMNWKD9tZKPg3LDC4F7ElW6Hcgt5TxqthGXD-62U3mYFBYaoF0/s640/P1120343.jpg" width="360" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It wasn't exactly good exercise but she had fun. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.topmommyblogs.com/" target="_blank" title="Best Mommy Blogs"><img alt="Visit Top Mommy Blogs To Vote For Me" border="0" height="50" src="http://www.topmommyblogs.com/directory/images/banners/tmb-150x50_vote_banner.gif" width="150" /></a></div>Elliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00868343544876287327noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4042671825723812913.post-20967989975703583232011-02-05T18:15:00.000-08:002011-02-05T18:16:11.647-08:00My Favorite DaySaturday is my day to sleep in. David and I have to take turns because Flora doesn't care that it's the weekend, she still gets up at 6am. Some day she'll be old enough to get up, pour herself a bowl of cereal and watch Saturday morning cartoons but we're not there yet. Yes, I'm the mom who will send her kid to the living room alone for a couple hours on a a Saturday morning when she's old enough. She's hardly starved for attention. I'm sure she'll be fine. Until that day, Saturday is my day to sleep in and Sunday is David's. <br />
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While I sleep David and Flora watch cartoons, play and Skype with David's parents. I get up around 8:30, yes that's sleeping in at my house, drink some coffee and go to yoga. By the time I get home from yoga it's lunchtime, which is followed by nap time. That means every Saturday I'm essentially off mommy duty until 1:30 when Flora wakes from her nap. It's the only significant chunk of time I get when I don't have to feed or entertain her and it's amazing. <br />
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If you live in Portland you should check your <a href="http://www.thepeoplesyoga.org/">The People's Yoga</a>. It's where I go and they have a great business model. If you don't live in Portland you should see if your city has something similar. I know New York does...<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJRg2aDyjvdVTS5vjPI7Luqi8QefqQZ5gDxCUaoVdHxPRZ1yTS1c0wttOSj-SiImfFy2cRk8ObKpwVlFjp0zJ8Q4mSQW-iInfgMhtu_57y19nsCNFF0ZWmfOgvmtULssrpXkjIcHt0YEZR/s1600/The+People%2527s+Yoga.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJRg2aDyjvdVTS5vjPI7Luqi8QefqQZ5gDxCUaoVdHxPRZ1yTS1c0wttOSj-SiImfFy2cRk8ObKpwVlFjp0zJ8Q4mSQW-iInfgMhtu_57y19nsCNFF0ZWmfOgvmtULssrpXkjIcHt0YEZR/s1600/The+People%2527s+Yoga.gif" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.thepeoplesyoga.org/">source</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><i>What do you look forward to every week?</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><i><br />
</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><i><a href="http://www.topmommyblogs.com/" target="_blank" title="Best Mommy Blogs"><img alt="Visit Top Mommy Blogs To Vote For Me" border="0" height="50" src="http://www.topmommyblogs.com/directory/images/banners/tmb-150x50_vote_banner.gif" width="150" /></a></i></span>Elliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00868343544876287327noreply@blogger.com2