tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-84808374940813004652024-03-13T23:49:13.487-07:00grace & goodwillJulie@GraceandGoodwillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13917116075741822451noreply@blogger.comBlogger27125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8480837494081300465.post-1855051430432626792012-10-22T21:26:00.001-07:002012-10-22T21:26:58.997-07:00Croup.<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hello friends & family!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">SO...the past week of our life has been consumed by croup. Yes, Babycakes caught that nasty, horrific bark-sounding cough that keeps sad babies and worried parents up at night. We went to the doctor last week and even though she was sick, Lucie seemed to love every second of being in the office. Fancy gown. Mirrored wall. People outside to wave at. Lots of things to play with! Anyway...very thankfully, she is on the mend and things seem to slowly be getting back to normal around here. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Banging on the window at passers by. Lots of people waved to her...it was pretty entertaining! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So, after quarantining the poor kid for the week, John and I decided to let her experience some freedom and fresh air over the weekend. We went to a nearby park. And, well...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">...I think she enjoyed herself!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Yay!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Wee!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Can't get over how much she does NOT look like a baby anymore...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hahahahaha this face!!!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Learning how to walk in her new shoes (like a drunken sailor!)!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You'd think she'd never seen grass before!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">She wasn't too sure about it that day...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We had a great time and we have been THOROUGHLY enjoying the cooler temperatures. It has given us a chance to break out some of her winter clothes. Let me tell you...the hand-me-down hooded vest below is quickly becoming my new favorite!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It makes for great "lounging around on a cloudy day" wear!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In case you're wondering what she is staring so intently at: Disney's "Enchanted." </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">She L-O-V-E-S it. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Happy, almost healthy girl!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Oh my.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">OH MY.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Happy Fall!</span><br />
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Julie@GraceandGoodwillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13917116075741822451noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8480837494081300465.post-15391218172754194582012-10-09T13:32:00.001-07:002012-10-09T14:20:54.495-07:00Pumpkin Patching<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Happy Fall, everyone!</span><br />
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<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'm feeling especially fall-ish today. Perhaps, it is because the temperature high is only in the 70's (thank the Good Lord!!!). Perhaps, it is because I am eating a slice of my mom's homemade apple pie at noon. Perhaps, it is is because I am eating <i>two</i> slices of my mom's homemade apple pie at noon. Ya...that must be the reason.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">To officially welcome the autumn season, the Hubs and I took Babycakes to a pumpkin patch over the weekend! We decided to go to Tanaka Farms in Irvine. Why all the way to Irvine? Because the place is humongous and rustic and dusty and beautiful and if Charlie Brown's Great Pumpkin really existed...it would probably live there. That's why. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Side note: If you want to know where "hipster" college students go to pick out pumpkins...go here. Never have I seen so many TOMS shoes-wearing, skinny jean be-decked millenials with pumpkins in hand (whereas having a child automatically throws us into the "you've become slightly dorky and might not be able to pull off those skinny jeans anymore" category). It was quite a sight to see! </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="text-align: start;">Also, we didn't even buy a pumpkin here. Woops! My parents grew a <i>perfect</i> pumpkin at their house that they had brought us a few days before...so our trip to Tanaka was </span><i style="text-align: start;">basically</i><span style="text-align: start;"> a photo op (and a fun, new experience!). I mean, come on. We have a new-ish baby. </span><i style="text-align: start;">Everything</i><span style="text-align: start;"> is a photo-op.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">On that note...here are some photos...enjoy!</span><br />
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She started out generally confused by everything...</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9xzfMTHAbd4/UHR-nmeIEoI/AAAAAAAAA4s/FkYEt6uqZu4/s1600/IMG_4654.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9xzfMTHAbd4/UHR-nmeIEoI/AAAAAAAAA4s/FkYEt6uqZu4/s640/IMG_4654.jpg" width="480" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
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Then, we let her sit IN the pumpkin patch...and she loved it! </span></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uX4AJlztn_c/UHR_ZMraAqI/AAAAAAAAA5s/rjDc7SWi1fg/s1600/IMG_4676.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uX4AJlztn_c/UHR_ZMraAqI/AAAAAAAAA5s/rjDc7SWi1fg/s640/IMG_4676.jpg" width="480" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
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</span></div><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="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_4ZUVoV7AKo/UHSAStBl3fI/AAAAAAAAA64/r4ifba5hGlA/s1600/IMG_4707.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_4ZUVoV7AKo/UHSAStBl3fI/AAAAAAAAA64/r4ifba5hGlA/s640/IMG_4707.jpg" width="480" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br />
</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Confused again... </span></td></tr></tbody></table><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="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-a-wz0jR-03Y/UHSAasQZoKI/AAAAAAAAA7A/kawIc2nyPio/s1600/IMG_4708.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-a-wz0jR-03Y/UHSAasQZoKI/AAAAAAAAA7A/kawIc2nyPio/s640/IMG_4708.jpg" width="480" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br />
</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Kind of getting it...</span></td></tr></tbody></table><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="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WL_5LDZo7es/UHSAx7RyXMI/AAAAAAAAA7Y/LvZGDjuOzSk/s1600/IMG_4711.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WL_5LDZo7es/UHSAx7RyXMI/AAAAAAAAA7Y/LvZGDjuOzSk/s640/IMG_4711.jpg" width="480" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br />
</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Nope, still pretty confused... </span></td></tr></tbody></table><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="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fw16_u2-6KE/UHSBG3ReWwI/AAAAAAAAA7o/MWpybIDABPo/s1600/IMG_4720.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fw16_u2-6KE/UHSBG3ReWwI/AAAAAAAAA7o/MWpybIDABPo/s640/IMG_4720.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br />
</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">It was a gorgeous day! But, a little windy...</span></td></tr></tbody></table><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="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xjU9wHFTJUY/UHSBRThBEnI/AAAAAAAAA78/dENAOBp4nFQ/s1600/IMG_4743.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xjU9wHFTJUY/UHSBRThBEnI/AAAAAAAAA78/dENAOBp4nFQ/s640/IMG_4743.jpg" width="480" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br />
</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Wee!!!</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BbOoHoeGDdA/UHSBYW9xhSI/AAAAAAAAA8M/XyWMJvG5fEE/s1600/IMG_4753.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BbOoHoeGDdA/UHSBYW9xhSI/AAAAAAAAA8M/XyWMJvG5fEE/s640/IMG_4753.jpg" width="434" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
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</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Lulu...distracted in a family photo? That's odd...</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0Otg424LE-I/UHSDOibCB8I/AAAAAAAAA8k/tsVKGsDiqMU/s1600/IMG_4725.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0Otg424LE-I/UHSDOibCB8I/AAAAAAAAA8k/tsVKGsDiqMU/s640/IMG_4725.jpg" width="504" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
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</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We had a great time! Thanks, Tanaka Farms! :)</span><br />
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Julie@GraceandGoodwillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13917116075741822451noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8480837494081300465.post-28242791854824962352012-10-01T11:21:00.000-07:002012-10-01T11:22:57.630-07:00Beach Day<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Well, it continues to be a thousand degrees here in Southern California. I don't think I'd mind the heat so much if we lived near the beach...but man. If you drive 20 minutes inland from the coast - ridiculously hot with little relief! So after church yesterday, we packed our little babe into the car and set our sights towards the sea!</div>
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BUT first...a quick detour to the Irvine Great Park. No offense to Irvine - but the Great Park wasn't that great. I think that the "Great Park" name conjured up images of giant trees, lots of cool shade, fantastic play areas, splash pads, duck ponds, petting zoos, etc. etc. Basically, we got our hopes up (and probably didn't do enough pre-trip research). In its defense, there <i>were</i> "coming in 2013" signs everywhere for different features of the park - but not much was available to us yesterday. </div>
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We planned to high-tail it to the ocean but decided we should take advantage of one of the free park features before we left: the merry-go-round! So, we got in line. Well, John and Lucie did. I did not. Want to know why? Because merry-go-rounds make me want to hurl. Even <i>watching</i> them go round and round makes me motion sick. So, John will now and forever be the designated parent companion on any and all amusement park rides that make me want to lose my lunch. </div>
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As I said, John and Lucie got in line...only to be rejected at the front for not having a hand stamp. So we went to the visitor's center for the stamp that you can only receive after signing a waiver allowing them to use photos of you and your family in their Great Park advertising ventures. I thought this was weird...but whatever. It was free. So, keep an eye out for John and Lucie's photo on the Great Park website! Because, look at how much fun she's having!!!! Or...wait...nevermind...</div>
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In a word: unimpressed. </div>
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This was the largest smile (or smirk) she cracked the entire time. I think she was confused and hot (it was almost 100 degrees!) and annoyed that she had to be strapped in and that John wouldn't allow her to taste the brass pole in front of her. All in all...maybe a little too young to enjoy the merry-go-round. Haha oh well. We'll try again in 2013. :)</div>
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SO...we quickly enacted Plan B: Laguna Beach. </div>
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Hello, lover. </div>
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"Who needs a merry-go-round?! THIS. IS. AWESOME!!!!!"</div>
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Gazing. </div>
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Attempting to run into the ocean!</div>
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I love them.</div>
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WEEEE!!!!!</div>
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Attempting to run into the ocean...again. We'll be watching this one like hawks when she can walk on her own!</div>
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"Pointing" is her new thing. Not so much pointing at things...but just pointing in general. I think that she thinks it helps her balance while toddling around. :)</div>
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Blurry photo...but love this face! </div>
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"Why'd you have to put this hat on me, mother?"</div>
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And now for the family photos:</div>
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Thank you Lord for two of your most wonderful gifts: family and the ocean!<br />
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<br />Julie@GraceandGoodwillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13917116075741822451noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8480837494081300465.post-28223187171021567132012-09-26T14:40:00.000-07:002012-09-26T14:56:19.473-07:00Water Baby<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After the success of our Sea World adventure, John and I decided we needed to get the babe to another splash pad ASAP. We found one semi-nearby in Chino Hills (our resident Glendora splash pad was turned off for the day), so we made our way there. Then, we let her go to town. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This splash pad was a bit more intense than Sea World's, </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">so she was a little apprehensive at first...but Daddy helped with that!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">John sacrificed his dry clothing to help her into the water...what a guy! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Studying the other kids...learning proper splash pad technique...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If it isn't obvious...shoes are new to this kid. She doesn't know what to do when she has them on. She just stands there awkwardly frozen...completely unsure of what her next move should be. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"Hey, that's a cute baby! What's his name? Why can't he walk by himself?" </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Kids are so wonderfully uninhibited. Also, she thought Lulu was a boy...haha...not sure why the bathing suit and flowered sandals weren't a give away??</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Enough standing around. Time to make a run for it!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Once she figured out how to move with her shoes on...she LOVED it. Running through this imaginary water-logged mine field became her favorite activity for the rest of our time there. She and John ran through (while I sat comfortably with my feet up and watched)...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">...over...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">...and over...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">...and over again! Fun!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I leave you with this final photo and thought: I love baby cankles.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The end.</span></div>
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Julie@GraceandGoodwillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13917116075741822451noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8480837494081300465.post-49477093889828924922012-09-23T21:22:00.000-07:002012-09-24T13:59:37.698-07:00Sea World<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">How do I love thee, San Diego? Let me count the ways. I love thy ocean breeze and thy clean air. I love your impecable weather and friendly villagers. I love that thou so tenderly holdest (yes... "holdest") the sweet memories of my upbringing. While Tony Bennett croons beautifully of leaving his heart in San Francisco...I screech un-melodically of losing mine in an avocado grove. Wherever I am in this world, San Diego...thou will-est alway be-ist home-eth to me-ith. :)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So, in case you haven't already guessed, I like San Diego. It is where I grew up and where my family still lives. It is where I was while John and I were dating. It will always be one of my favorite places on earth. So this weekend, I was extremely excited to share one of San Diego's hottest attractions with Lulu for the first time. That's right, folks. We went to Sea World! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Anyone who knows me, knows I had my heart dead-set on becoming a marine biologist when I was a child. My entire room was be-decked with miniature Orca figurines. For each holiday and birthday, I requested a new Orca book (like textbook-style marine-biology books about Orcas...). I had an Orca-themed bedspread all throughout junior high and high school (that, in a bleeding-heart moment of weakness, I sold at a garage sale for $5 in college...remember that, Tina?? It still keeps me up at night...). When my parents were gone one day, I painted my entire room an "under the sea" theme. Closet doors and all. What can I say? Some kids liked Star Wars. Some kids liked Strawberry Shortcake. Me? I preferred to memorize the scientific names of whales and dolphins in my spare time (did you know that Orcas are more closely related to the dolphin family than other whales?). My husband took me to Vancouver in 2010 to see Orcas in their natural habitat. I was the only one on the whale watching tour who cried when we finally caught up with a pod. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Why I didn't end up following this dream is a topic for another blog post that - let's just be honest - I'll probably never get around to writing. But don't worry...I plan on being a neurotic mother who lives out her dreams through her child. Lulu begins training in the scientific names of marine mammals tomorrow. Just kidding...maybe...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Also, a topic for another blog post is how I actually have an ethical issue with Orcas in captivity. So, I won't go see the Shamu show. I know you're also thinking right now that going to Sea World when I have an ethical issue with it, <i>is</i> actually unethical...but all I can say is...no comment for now. And...don't be like me. And, Orcas were meant to swim thousands of miles each year in the ocean. And, that's all. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So, now that you have a lot of extra background information that you didn't need, the next unflattering photo should be self-explanatory. </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />Shamu mugs, frames, figurines, shot glasses, paperweights, etc. John put his foot down when I demanded a sparkly Shamu snowglobe...</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">She was generally entertained by the animals (though still a little young to understand why they were so interesting). But, her favorite part of the entire day was the splash pad (which I suppose could have been replicated with a hose in the backyard...ha!)!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ok so Sea World is also in cahoots with Sesame Street in some way. Lucie LOVES watching Elmo on TV so we thought it'd be a great idea to introduce her to the monster-sized Elmo and Telly characters. Though she didn't cry (like some kids in line), she definitely wasn't amused. She seemed almost angry...ticked off that Elmo wouldn't talk to her the way he does on TV and that he had been super-sized without her permission. But seriously...even I was intimidated. Elmo is supposed to be small. He was huge and his silence...unsettling.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The drive home...success!!!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Thanks for the SW passes, Mom & Dad! Thank you, Lord, for such a fun day! </span></div>
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Julie@GraceandGoodwillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13917116075741822451noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8480837494081300465.post-19672820297511993722012-09-20T16:08:00.001-07:002012-09-23T19:38:10.832-07:00"All is fair in love and motherhood."<div style="text-align: justify;">
So. I haven't been here in a while. I've no good excuse other than...well, you know how when you get really into exercising after New Years...and you're such an efficient exerciser that there comes a day when you say, "it won't matter if I skip a day." And then the next day comes and you say, "eh, why not? There's alway tomorrow." Then Abraham Lincoln's booming voice rings in your ears, "Leave nothing for tomorrow which can be done today." Then you remind yourself that, while Abraham Lincoln proclaimed Emancipation and preserved the Union, he never mothered a wild baby whose sole mission in life is to seek out shoes and other unsanitary objects and chew on them. And then you chastise yourself for comparing your daily rituals to Honest Abes' towering achievements. And by the time you stop arguing with yourself, five months have flown by and you haven't written one blog post. </div>
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Ya. Well, that's kind of what happened. So...rather than rehash all the exciting things that have happened over the past five months (a cute, severely teething, almost-walking, 9 month old unfortunately doesn't allow me the time to do so...), I shall start afresh with the current happenings in the Mooney household. Thank you for understanding!</div>
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So. Here's 9-month old Lulu now. </div>
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She's basically an adult. And she looks exactly like her dad (especially when she's wearing his specs!). And she took her first steps this week. Four confident strides towards the couch - without falling awkwardly as she usually does - chest puffed out as if she were ready to scream, "FREEDOM!" Thank goodness she hasn't taken more than a couple of steps in a row since. Because I seriously need time to emotionally process the fact that my "baby" is very quickly becoming a "toddler" (queue my weeping heart and aching uterus). </div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-u6Q1X5S9TwY/UFuf7tCiASI/AAAAAAAAAjo/OP8HoE5gT_8/s1600/photo.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-u6Q1X5S9TwY/UFuf7tCiASI/AAAAAAAAAjo/OP8HoE5gT_8/s320/photo.jpeg" width="240" /></a>We also are very quickly realizing that our house is a death trap. Danger everywhere! So severe baby-proofing has happened this week. All those kitschy little trinkets I used to collect from thrift stores? Glass mason jars = unspeakable terrors. Photo frames = weapons lying in wait for a victim. Who told me these things were a good idea?! And then there's our furniture. The coffee table corners were maliciously seeking eyes to poke out...so we got rid of it. The flat screen TV was waiting for a reason to pounce on my unsuspecting offspring. So we mounted it to the wall. </div>
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I suppose these are all good things to think about as a parent...and I also suppose I can only do so much to protect my child who seemingly seeks out precarious predicaments to put herself in. But, I'm amazed (and undeservedly blessed) daily by the fact that that God thought it was a good idea to entrust us with the life of our precious little booger! "Wow...I'm a train-wreck. Thank goodness, God, that You know what You're doing!" has now become my daily (ok, hourly) song of praise!</div>
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Anyway, I'm glad to be back and I promise you will hear from me again before Lucie turns 18. </div>
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Love,</div>
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Julie@GraceandGoodwillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13917116075741822451noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8480837494081300465.post-87862703138670452702012-04-17T12:35:00.000-07:002012-04-17T12:37:04.144-07:00Lucie's 4 Month Photos<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Happy 4 Months, Lucie!<br /><br />This is a big month for you! You are still a big, happy baby! You weigh 17 lbs 12.7 oz and are 27 inches long (WOW!). You have also started teething...sad for you and for me...what happened to my little girl?! Stop growing! <br />Here is what you look like at 4 months... </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">"Sophie the Giraffe" is your favorite toy...it is a "teether"...and you chew on it and drool all over the place.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Notice the drool running down your cheek... :)</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Notice the whiteness on the bottom of your gums...you are a teething 4 month old! :(</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Have a great day, everyone!</span></div>
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</tbody></table>Julie@GraceandGoodwillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13917116075741822451noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8480837494081300465.post-12014391611923721122012-04-15T16:10:00.000-07:002012-04-15T16:10:03.270-07:00One Year Ago Today...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We found out we were having a baby! Surprise. Excitement. Terror. Can't believe it has been an entire year since that wonderful day. Take a walk down memory lane with me!</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">"Am I reading this thing right?! Wait...oh my gosh...Jooohhhnnnn!!!!!" </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">(Is it weird that I'm showing you this? Sorry...)</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-v4C9-aN3kJs/T4s7LgW3v8I/AAAAAAAAAc0/ihPPpOu69bU/s1600/36+Weeks+Baby+Bump_3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-v4C9-aN3kJs/T4s7LgW3v8I/AAAAAAAAAc0/ihPPpOu69bU/s400/36+Weeks+Baby+Bump_3.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">36 Weeks (and SOOO ready to meet that baby - remember we didn't know the gender!)</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5SAOOIxezD4/T4s7i7vTTHI/AAAAAAAAAdc/xC8GEzTH2-s/s1600/MG7550.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5SAOOIxezD4/T4s7i7vTTHI/AAAAAAAAAdc/xC8GEzTH2-s/s400/MG7550.jpg" width="266" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Thanksgiving 2011 - three-ish weeks away! (Again...feeling enormous.)</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">SMILE! (Ugh...or trying between contractions...)<br /><br /><b>AND THEN...41 hours later...</b></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">SO proud!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nIgNZ156yFw/T4s-ZrRfeMI/AAAAAAAAAfE/CkkdiSZnA74/s1600/Lucie_0180.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nIgNZ156yFw/T4s-ZrRfeMI/AAAAAAAAAfE/CkkdiSZnA74/s400/Lucie_0180.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">So...tell me how we went from this tiny little creature...</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5zRrPXXFRBU/T4s-EfNNlWI/AAAAAAAAAe0/os_ULbrFUzQ/s1600/Lucie_0116.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5zRrPXXFRBU/T4s-EfNNlWI/AAAAAAAAAe0/os_ULbrFUzQ/s400/Lucie_0116.JPG" width="266" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">(Our little glowworm wrapped in her Jaundice Treatment UV Blanket)...</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vMqY12Eg5To/T4s8sj5MkHI/AAAAAAAAAd0/qHSUNus-628/s1600/photo_7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vMqY12Eg5To/T4s8sj5MkHI/AAAAAAAAAd0/qHSUNus-628/s320/photo_7.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">...to this porky little munchkin?!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lb9ITnVf_ok/T4s9UBftBoI/AAAAAAAAAd8/Cl_DKexqv-w/s1600/photo_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="382" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lb9ITnVf_ok/T4s9UBftBoI/AAAAAAAAAd8/Cl_DKexqv-w/s400/photo_1.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">We just LOVE her!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Happy 4 months, Lucie! Happy <i>oh-my-goodness-we-survived</i>, John!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What a difference a year makes, huh?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Praising our amazing God today! </span></div>
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<br />Julie@GraceandGoodwillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13917116075741822451noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8480837494081300465.post-14798556278814498372012-04-01T12:20:00.003-07:002012-04-01T12:20:55.516-07:00Lucie's Homemade Crib Mobile<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xrWia-HWjGo/T3ij9KJXofI/AAAAAAAAAa4/WFChd32FrWQ/s1600/Phones_0885.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xrWia-HWjGo/T3ij9KJXofI/AAAAAAAAAa4/WFChd32FrWQ/s640/Phones_0885.JPG" width="640" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xrWia-HWjGo/T3ij9KJXofI/AAAAAAAAAa4/WFChd32FrWQ/s1600/Phones_0885.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ah...the great pains we will endure to entertain our children. After a thousand paper cuts and a few nasty hot-glue gun burns, I have <i>finally</i> finished Lucie's crib mobile! Amen!</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3D9mv-QdbQ4/T3iiq3I3pXI/AAAAAAAAAZw/YFc2P-suChc/s1600/Phones_0859.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3D9mv-QdbQ4/T3iiq3I3pXI/AAAAAAAAAZw/YFc2P-suChc/s640/Phones_0859.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> To construct her mobile I used:</span></div>
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<li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A cool, old stick that I found (free)</span></li>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The fabric from our old shower curtain (free...and is that gross?)</span></li>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Pages from a poetry textbook I found at Goodwill ($2.00)</span></li>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A roll and a half of gardening twine from Ace hardware ($2.49 per roll)</span></li>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">About 20 small hot glue sticks ($1.00-$2.00)</span></li>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A small hot glue gun ($5.99 on sale at Michaels - got it a long time ago)</span></li>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Two wreath forms from Michaels - $4.99 each</span></li>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So basically, I made this mobile for under $25! And while it was relatively cheap to make ("AMEN!," says John), it <i>was</i> a long labor of love. Patience is not one of my strong suits...and this thing took time and patience!</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sxMH-xKYJTY/T3ii18wX9BI/AAAAAAAAAZ4/mAwDtj-MFC0/s1600/Phones_0864.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sxMH-xKYJTY/T3ii18wX9BI/AAAAAAAAAZ4/mAwDtj-MFC0/s640/Phones_0864.JPG" width="640" /> </a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0xS_T_TOHdw/T3ijSHIW87I/AAAAAAAAAaQ/-mdtQwHMImQ/s1600/Phones_0873.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0xS_T_TOHdw/T3ijSHIW87I/AAAAAAAAAaQ/-mdtQwHMImQ/s640/Phones_0873.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WBlyx7M1w5Q/T3ijj9REsMI/AAAAAAAAAag/WptNyuYuDKg/s640/Phones_0876.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Each flower petal had to be individually folded before being glued into the flower shape. There are 47 flowers...so that means 235 flower petals! Yikes!</span></td></tr>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ck2nk5icsec/T3ijrsV1zuI/AAAAAAAAAao/cQcDHbkselo/s1600/Phones_0877.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ck2nk5icsec/T3ijrsV1zuI/AAAAAAAAAao/cQcDHbkselo/s640/Phones_0877.JPG" width="640" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VeUMEojvhhE/T3ijaCFbTuI/AAAAAAAAAaY/S74gX0ZkHEY/s1600/Phones_0874.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VeUMEojvhhE/T3ijaCFbTuI/AAAAAAAAAaY/S74gX0ZkHEY/s640/Phones_0874.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ymOyLaRb3vk/T3ii8vkqzCI/AAAAAAAAAaA/ju0hsPw31Z0/s1600/Phones_0865.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ymOyLaRb3vk/T3ii8vkqzCI/AAAAAAAAAaA/ju0hsPw31Z0/s640/Phones_0865.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Lucie wanted to be in a picture! AND, she actually <i>likes</i> the mobile! THANK GOODNESS.</span></td></tr>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8LPv2MOhRMw/T3ij084oNGI/AAAAAAAAAaw/RLImVUZs4Oo/s1600/Phones_0882.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8LPv2MOhRMw/T3ij084oNGI/AAAAAAAAAaw/RLImVUZs4Oo/s640/Phones_0882.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Just had to include this adorable photo of my two best critics during this mobile-making process! I love them! :)<br /><br /></span></td></tr>
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As I said, this mobile tested my patience (and I might have accidentally burned off portions of my fingerprints...), but I'm <i>very</i> happy with the end result! Hope you like it too! Happy Sunday!<br />
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Love,<br />
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<br />Julie@GraceandGoodwillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13917116075741822451noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8480837494081300465.post-53118290279189335342012-03-29T09:43:00.000-07:002012-03-29T09:43:30.713-07:00Thrifting Thursday: Vintage Books & Candlestick Holders<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ocNEXHmTHOQ/T3P-WQKABKI/AAAAAAAAAYY/S6FrvZb2x8M/s1600/Phones_0836.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ocNEXHmTHOQ/T3P-WQKABKI/AAAAAAAAAYY/S6FrvZb2x8M/s640/Phones_0836.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Fabulous Finds: </b>Vintage Books & Glass Candlestick Holders</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>From:</b> Candlestick Holders at Goodwill. Books at Goodwill/Garage Sale/Local Book Store Sale Bin</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Cost:</b> Candlestick Holders: $8 total ($4 each) // Books: $20-ish total (About $2 per book)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>What I love: </b>Some of these books are "First Editions" - wonderful finds for only $2! Some are in great condition, some are not...but I enjoy imagining how many other people have held these books before I did! As for the candlestick holders - well, they are just plain gorgeous. I love the color, and they look beautiful even without candles in them. I don't know much about where they came from or who made them (they could be from Target, for all I know - thought I suspect they are not!)...so if anyone out there recognizes these or can give me more information about them, please let me know! </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JN-gWzF_aTo/T3SN-lZcP-I/AAAAAAAAAZo/6fjeKGRX2jc/s1600/Lucie_0444.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JN-gWzF_aTo/T3SN-lZcP-I/AAAAAAAAAZo/6fjeKGRX2jc/s640/Lucie_0444.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Beautiful!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0qzWtJvg9F4/T3P-e0e7fPI/AAAAAAAAAYg/c057NbyxP5s/s640/Phones_0839.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">So interesting!</span></td></tr>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0qzWtJvg9F4/T3P-e0e7fPI/AAAAAAAAAYg/c057NbyxP5s/s1600/Phones_0839.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></a></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xzZ3e5UcwTs/T3P_JCqgPSI/AAAAAAAAAZA/9h6DeKr7GVg/s1600/Phones_0845.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xzZ3e5UcwTs/T3P_JCqgPSI/AAAAAAAAAZA/9h6DeKr7GVg/s640/Phones_0845.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />Published in 1902!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ot5cVQRKb2k/T3P-_eLjbfI/AAAAAAAAAY4/_upqL31qvqQ/s1600/Phones_0844.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ot5cVQRKb2k/T3P-_eLjbfI/AAAAAAAAAY4/_upqL31qvqQ/s640/Phones_0844.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><i>"To Miss Philopina, from Jenkins. Oct. 1904"</i> - in <u>Rhymes and Roundelays from "Life"</u><br /><br />So neat! I just wish I knew the story of Miss Philopina and Jenkins! Were they friends? Secret lovers? Teacher and student? Was Jenkins, Miss Philopina's mailman?? The possibilities are endless!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-779mHh8mWiM/T3P-pl93OTI/AAAAAAAAAYo/4bao5ggK3mE/s1600/Phones_0840.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-779mHh8mWiM/T3P-pl93OTI/AAAAAAAAAYo/4bao5ggK3mE/s640/Phones_0840.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">One of my favorite books to look at is: <u>Front Page / 100 Years of the Los Angeles Times</u>. It is just what it says - the front page of every Los Angeles Times issued between 1881-1981. It is just fascinating! I paid $2.50 for this!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rO3Y2wUfU1g/T3P-2ZEx6wI/AAAAAAAAAYw/ELPUxcXEPno/s1600/Phones_0841.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rO3Y2wUfU1g/T3P-2ZEx6wI/AAAAAAAAAYw/ELPUxcXEPno/s640/Phones_0841.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">December 7-8, 1941...chilling! </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--UVXmzvOZVo/T3P_QdQyLwI/AAAAAAAAAZI/t5vTQ0029jg/s1600/Phones_0848.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--UVXmzvOZVo/T3P_QdQyLwI/AAAAAAAAAZI/t5vTQ0029jg/s640/Phones_0848.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Not a great photo...but this book is very pretty!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lk7Nm5rwjyI/T3P_ZGK2ezI/AAAAAAAAAZQ/jNj-sUFwNyo/s1600/Phones_0850.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lk7Nm5rwjyI/T3P_ZGK2ezI/AAAAAAAAAZQ/jNj-sUFwNyo/s640/Phones_0850.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">"Miss Lillian Korber, Birthday Greetings, June, 1916" <br />Written in <u>Strength for Today<b>: </b>A Beautiful Compilation of Thoughts for my Friend</u></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rrKPNZ5yoko/T3P_uzuAmhI/AAAAAAAAAZg/IyG0gQR16AQ/s1600/Phones_0852.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rrKPNZ5yoko/T3P_uzuAmhI/AAAAAAAAAZg/IyG0gQR16AQ/s640/Phones_0852.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Amen, Mr. Lincoln!<br /></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Happy Thrifting!</span></div>
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</tbody></table>Julie@GraceandGoodwillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13917116075741822451noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8480837494081300465.post-6745757351154535512012-03-28T11:18:00.001-07:002012-03-28T11:18:39.431-07:00Lucie's 3 Month Photos!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0l9UgXUDbH0/T3NQa4rbTdI/AAAAAAAAAYQ/soYLWrFfXqw/s1600/Phones_0773.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0l9UgXUDbH0/T3NQa4rbTdI/AAAAAAAAAYQ/soYLWrFfXqw/s640/Phones_0773.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Happy 3 Months, Lucie!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Weight: </b>16 Lbs 4 Oz. (That was on your 3 month bday - 3/15 - today you weigh 17 lbs!)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Height: </b>24.75" </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Things you LOVE:</b></span></div>
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<li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Eating!</span></li>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Talking! This month's noise of choice is "gurgling."</span></li>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Laughing hysterically when Daddy sings "The Hokey Pokey"</span></li>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Blowing spit bubbles and drooling</span></li>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Laying on your tummy, now that you can hold your head up</span></li>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sitting and standing up (with lots of help!)</span></li>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Chewing and drooling on your hand (and anything else we'll let you hang on to)</span></li>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Pulling Mama's hair out</span></li>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Your swing (You <i>finally</i> love it! Thank you again for that generous gift, Erinn!)</span></li>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Your swaddling blankets...I cut them into quarters so you can use them as "birdies" ("birdies" = "blankies" ...I'll explain this in a future post.) without strangling yourself! You carry them everywhere - and now we have an endless supply!</span></li>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Here is what you looked like at 3 months (OK 3 and a HALF months)...sorry the lighting isn't that great. I'm still a bit hesitant about using the flash in your face, so I do the best I can with our apartment's version of "natural light." Hey, I never said I was a photographer...</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2zZQZ04I4Ts/T3NPNQyrmCI/AAAAAAAAAXA/GtAkIAhlO2w/s1600/Phones_0743.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2zZQZ04I4Ts/T3NPNQyrmCI/AAAAAAAAAXA/GtAkIAhlO2w/s640/Phones_0743.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Believe it or not, you actually were NOT sad in this photo...this is what your face looks like when you make your "gurgling" noise...pretty funny!</span></td></tr>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AU4Ma7nVt6Y/T3NPbu5oeVI/AAAAAAAAAXQ/wxGBWMiMurY/s1600/Phones_0752.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AU4Ma7nVt6Y/T3NPbu5oeVI/AAAAAAAAAXQ/wxGBWMiMurY/s640/Phones_0752.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Your Auntie Shelly was singing you "The Hokey Pokey" to try and make you laugh...so bummed the lighting isn't better! Either way, you were entertained... :) </span></td></tr>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LBDJOEQvXho/T3NQBj_hO-I/AAAAAAAAAX4/nOC4LYIuV1U/s1600/Phones_0766.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LBDJOEQvXho/T3NQBj_hO-I/AAAAAAAAAX4/nOC4LYIuV1U/s640/Phones_0766.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We LOVE you, you sweet, humongous baby!!! Can't wait to see what you do next! :)</span></div>
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<br />Julie@GraceandGoodwillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13917116075741822451noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8480837494081300465.post-80416641238494731492012-03-26T21:55:00.002-07:002012-03-26T22:00:09.778-07:00Contagious.Yes, my little family has been sick for the past week...but <i>no</i>, that's not the kind of "contagious" I'm talking about here. I'm talking about the <i>good</i> kind of "contagious." Laughter! This video was taken with my phone so it's not the best quality...but you'll get the general idea. :)<br />
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Be still our hearts...we love this kid. Hope this brings you some joy!<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8wL185oFg8g/T01dDaAximI/AAAAAAAAAPk/OOpc1aItBqQ/s1600/Blog+Signature.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8wL185oFg8g/T01dDaAximI/AAAAAAAAAPk/OOpc1aItBqQ/s1600/Blog+Signature.png" /></a></div>Julie@GraceandGoodwillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13917116075741822451noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8480837494081300465.post-55162566251568078282012-03-23T15:09:00.001-07:002012-03-23T15:09:42.553-07:00Is this normal?!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
So, my parents came up yesterday to see Lucie and my dad took this video. And I have to ask...is it normal for a 3 month old to want to walk so badly?! She seems to be under the impression that she is NOT a baby anymore! This kid ONLY likes to be sitting up or "standing" now (with a lot of help, of course - I'm gonna have arms like Gorgeous George pretty soon here!) - no more "baby" hold for her...good gracious.</div>
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And <i>now</i> she has the audacity to believe she can just get up and walk! What happened to my little newborn?! Does she have no consideration for her mother's emotional health?! There <i>used </i> to be a sweet fetus-like creature around here, but I'm pretty sure she got eaten by the cute little monster you see below. It's all going too fast...sigh... </div>
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Happy Friday, friends!<br />
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<br />Julie@GraceandGoodwillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13917116075741822451noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8480837494081300465.post-73258016355468879332012-03-22T09:55:00.005-07:002012-03-23T14:24:06.050-07:00What's in a Middle Name?<div style="text-align: justify;">
Hello long-lost friends!</div>
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I am so sorry that I haven't posted in a while. I caught a bad cold over the weekend...and the last thing I wanted to do was be near a computer. So rather than post, I sat on the couch (didn't have much choice because of the torrential downpour outside!), watched a movie with John and my sister, sanitized my entire house in an attempt to keep my loved ones from getting sick, and ate lots of food...lots... </div>
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So, this <i>is</i> Thrifting Thursday, right? Right. But, this week is special - so I'll be adding Thrifting Thursday's post tomorrow (Friday).</div>
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So - to before I begin, here are the things I owe you:</div>
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<li style="text-align: justify;">A Thrifting Thursday post (coming tomorrow)</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">Lucie's 3 month photos (which I have <i>yet</i> to take...honesty - even through shame, is the best policy)</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">Photos of my progress on Lucie's room (Progress? Oh ya - that's that thing that happens when you actually <i>do</i> something about the things you want to change...I haven't yet. I told you you'd have to nag...)</li>
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<span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">Alright, as I said, this week is special. I have an important post to share with you today regarding Lucie's middle name (Zella) and the incredible woman who inspired our choice: John's 88-year old maternal grandmother - or as she is more affectionately known to us, <i>Nana</i>. </span></div>
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John and I are house-sitting with Nana this week while his parents on are on a <i><b>WELL</b></i> deserved vacation to Kauai (where John's uncle lives...the lucky dog). It has been a wonderful opportunity for our little Sack O' Sweet Potatoes to spend some quality time with her Great-Nana...and I've had a fabulous time documenting all of the festivities with my new iPhone!*</div>
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<i>*OH MY WORD. I could write an entire post about how much I love this silly invention, but I'll spare you. I must say though, that my husband bought it for me AGAINST my stubborn wishes - and I was terrified of it for the first 24 hours. It was a full 18 hours before I even took it out of the box. I just sat, scowling at it - meditating on how much I hate change and new technology. Call me a sell-out...but, I AM A BELIEVER! This non-sensical thing is absolutely amazing. </i> </div>
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This woman, bless her heart, is not one to sit and lazily watch the world go by. She is a go-getter...involved in more clubs and societies and organizations than I can keep track of. She is generous to a fault... answering every "Oh Nana, you shouldn't have done that for us" with an "Oh, it's fine! I sold my car!" FYI - she sold her old car sometime in the late 90's... </div>
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She's the most technologically saavy octogenarian you'll ever meet - easily navigating between her cell phone, Kindle E-reader, computer, and complex photo scanner/printer (which I still don't know how to use...she has to explain it to me every time) with ease. She's got gumption (like <i>my</i> maternal grandmother "Gam!") - an adventurous soul unhindered by the restrictions that an 88-year old body might impose. She doesn't let the ailments on this side of heaven stop her from trying...I just love that. She is one of those individuals who <i>should be listened to</i>...as almost nine decades on this earth have yielded a <i>deep</i> pool of knowledge and wisdom. Most importantly, Nana is a woman of strength and of <i>faith</i>...her beautiful spirit and gracious heart are overwhelmingly apparent to all who meet her. Is it obvious yet? I just <i>love</i> Nana.</div>
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When I came on the scene...God bless that woman - she welcomed me with wide open arms. </div>
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Nana and I quickly bonded over our love for history, Antiques Roadshow, and other such fun things (i.e. our new shared obsession, PBS' <i>Downton Abbey</i>!). And when the time came, she generously (understatement) <i>gave</i> John her grandmother's diamond for my engagement ring...w-o-w. Talk about overwhelmed. Talk about humbled.</div>
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I am so thankful for Nana - and that she has "adopted" me as a granddaughter. She makes the sting of missing my own grandparents a little less painful. But, I cherish the memories with them and treasure the photos that stand in place for times when I was too young to remember. Looking at these sweet photos, I know this will be the same for Lucie. She loves her Great-Nana!</div>
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I love this lady very much and am honored that my daughter shares a piece of her beautiful name, <i>Zella</i>.</div>
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So...what's in a middle name? When you're named after Zella Cramer...a whole heck-of-a-lot! :)</div>
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If you want a good cry (and laugh), check out the clip below. We didn't find Lucie's gender until she was born, so it was such an overwhelming moment to announce WHAT she was (we'd been calling her "it" the entire pregnancy...poor thing). The clip is of John telling Nana Lucie's full name. He taped it for me since I was laying back in the hospital bed - half-dead from labor, but happier than I could have ever dreamed of with my new baby. Ah! It gets me every time... </div>
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We love you, Nana! Thank you for letting us invade your space this week! :)<br />
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<br />Julie@GraceandGoodwillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13917116075741822451noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8480837494081300465.post-68875405983875961912012-03-15T09:49:00.000-07:002012-03-15T09:49:41.105-07:00Thrifting Thursday: Everyday Dishes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ku9lwaYAUiE/T1f6gGNSoXI/AAAAAAAAASw/ozTNvzuz1DU/s1600/Lucie_0480.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ku9lwaYAUiE/T1f6gGNSoXI/AAAAAAAAASw/ozTNvzuz1DU/s640/Lucie_0480.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Thrifting Treasure:</b> <i>Almost</i> complete set of everyday dishes (I loaned some to my sister, so the photo above shows less than what I had originally purchased)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Found:</b> Goodwill</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Cost: </b>$39.99!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Reason Bought:</b> A few months before our wedding, I moved into the apartment that John and I would soon be sharing. We had registered for "nice" everyday dishes at Crate & Barrel, but they wouldn't be arriving for a while. Empty cupboards yielded a need for something to eat off of. You'd think my joblessness would've meant I went with paper plates...but, $39.99 seemed like a very worthy bargain. We've definitely gotten our money's worth over the past three years!</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_Zheml6kbrY/T1f6md5qs5I/AAAAAAAAAS4/c_JH0LMhpKA/s1600/Lucie_0478.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_Zheml6kbrY/T1f6md5qs5I/AAAAAAAAAS4/c_JH0LMhpKA/s640/Lucie_0478.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I very much like the simple black and white design...I might've registered for a similar pattern had it been available around the time of our wedding. We actually use these MUCH more often than our "nice" C&B everyday dishes! And the wonderful price means it's not the end of the world if they chip or break (we know from experience)... </span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3f-VIyozXNU/T1f6ryIRS6I/AAAAAAAAATA/blzIh_N5j7A/s1600/Lucie_0477.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3f-VIyozXNU/T1f6ryIRS6I/AAAAAAAAATA/blzIh_N5j7A/s640/Lucie_0477.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Drinking tea out of a cup and saucer is just so fancy...wouldn't you agree? Today, I readily <i>embrace</i> fanciness! Or imagined allusions of fanciness, anyway... </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Happy Thrifting!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">P.S. Happy 3 Month Birthday, Lucie! WE LOVE YOU! <i>(3 Month Photos Coming Soon!)</i></span>Julie@GraceandGoodwillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13917116075741822451noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8480837494081300465.post-82160966257901534432012-03-14T09:20:00.003-07:002012-03-14T10:43:24.460-07:00Operation: Finish Lucie's Room<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"Hi Mommy! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It's me, Lucie. The light of your life. The apple of your eye. </span></div>
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<span style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Well, remember when we had that lovely conversation about all the wonderful plans you had for my bedroom? </span></span><br />
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<span style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And then we laughed maniacally as we discussed how Pottery Barn would be pounding on our front door, begging to purchase your ingenius and earth-shattering ideas for their Spring 2013 Baby Nursery Decor line? And I continued to laugh maniacally at how large your left nostril was?</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Well, I just <i>can't wait </i>to find out what you've done with the place! Let's take a look-see...</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VbHOf4YqhEk/T197SY2wddI/AAAAAAAAATg/X62QoOSGjcY/s1600/Lucie_0561.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="425" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VbHOf4YqhEk/T197SY2wddI/AAAAAAAAATg/X62QoOSGjcY/s640/Lucie_0561.JPG" width="640" /></span></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Oh dear...a</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">m I supposed to be </span><i style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">impressed</i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">? </span><i style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What</i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> the heck happened, Mom?!"</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"Lucie, my dear, sweet daughter. I can assure you there is a <i>very</i> simple explanation for this. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You see, as I began decorating your room, I suddenly got hungry. Then, I got thirsty. Then, you got hungry. Then, you got thirsty. Then, I was distracted by the television. Then, I was distracted by the need to shave my legs. Then, I wanted a piece of chocolate. Then, I was distracted by your father. Then, your father was distracted by my unshaven legs. Then, you were distracted by your father being distracted by my unshaven legs. Then, your father was distracted by you being distracted by him being distracted by my unshaven legs. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Well, by that time, I only started opening your bedroom door when I was "cleaning" the rest of the house - essentially, using it as a secret storage space in which to throw all of the things in our home that I didn't know where else to put. Then I got distracted again. Then, I got lazy.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So, in order to find a cure for Mommy's procrastinatory ways, she is going to show all of her readers your room in its current, shameful state. That way, they can keep her accountable to the promises she made to you. It might be embarrassing, but at this point (three months in and no progress on the decorating homefront), it is <i>more</i> <i>than</i> <i>necessary</i>."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Here we go.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Yeah, I don't know either...</span></span> </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Shameful, isn't it?!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So, I have decided that I am going to do something about this. Lucie's room is going to be my project for the next week or so, and I'll likely need plenty of nagging to complete it. So feel free to pester me!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My specific goals in no particular order are:</span></div>
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<li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Painting </span><i style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">would</i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> be my #1 goal except we are not allowed to, as we are at the mercy of landlords. Quite sad...but I suppose it is one less thing for me to do.</span></li>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Organize all of the junk and get rid of things that don't belong in her room (i.e. Christmas decorations...).</span></li>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Find some sort of bookshelf (by thrifting, hopefully) - this kid already has a library full of books, thanks to friends and family! Hooray for literacy!</span></li>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Figure out which clothes still fit her (my guess is, there are very few left...) and put them away.</span></li>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Finish framing/hanging all wall art.</span></li>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Finish her ceiling mobile.</span></li>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Vacuum the carpet that I have forsaken since we moved in.</span></li>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Find a way to thank our wonderful friends who gave (yes, GAVE) us their daughter's very recently outgrown crib, dresser, and changing table. Their generosity knows no bounds!</span></li>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I've already started making the mobile for above her crib. See <i>very</i> early sneak preview below. I am using an old poetry book's pages as the basis for this creation...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;">I am actually not quite sure what this mobile will end up looking like - but my projects always tend to be a bit "organic" (in this instance, I believe "organic" is a kinder word for "odd" or "scatter-brained."). The folded flower tutorial can be found <a href="http://foldingtrees.com/2008/11/kusudama-tutorial-part-1/">here</a>, if interested!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I've also hung her A-Z Animal Alphabet Letters...small accomplishment...</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Aren't these just adorable?! So colorful and creative! Each animal is doing something ''human-like," for example, wearing a piece of clothing, playing a game, drinking tea, etc. These cute 5x7 alphabet cards can be found</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0811877795/ref=wms_ohs_product_img" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">here</a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">!</span></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">By the way, I love the fact that this card set uses lesser-known animals for certain letters. For example, "Quetzal" instead of a "Quail" for the "Q." What the heck is a Queztal, anyway?! Hello, Wikipedia! Here's the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quetzal">link</a>. They're strikingly beautiful!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Quetzal's are found in wooded areas, especially in humid highlands. They subsist on a diet of...wait...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">...what were we talking about, again? </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Oh ya, Lucie's <i>unfinished</i> room. My goodness! </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Distracted again! </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You have my permission to NAG until I finish this project. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Happy Wednesday, friends and family! Be sure to stop by for <a href="http://graceandgoodwill.blogspot.com/search/label/Thrifting%20Thursdays">Thrifting Thursday</a> tomorrow!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">P.S. "So, this guy walks into a bar with a Quetzal on his shoulder..." AH! See! HELP.</span></div>
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</div>Julie@GraceandGoodwillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13917116075741822451noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8480837494081300465.post-4625570810655213992012-03-08T13:52:00.001-08:002012-03-14T09:23:57.526-07:00Thrifting Thursday: California Pottery Double-Sided Serving Dish<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Thrifting Treasure:</b> Vintage California Pottery Double-Sided Serving Dish in Yellow</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Found:</b> <i>New Unto Others</i> Thrift Shop on Vermont Avenue in Glendora (such a cool place! Read more about their unique mission <a href="http://www.newuntoothers.org/index2.php?ver=v1">here</a>.)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Cost: </b>$11.00 (typically, house ware items at thrift shops are <i>not</i> this expensive...however, someone over there clearly knew this was worth a bit more than the other junky trinkets)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Reason Bought: </b>It's cute, of course!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Fun Discovery: </b>Well, I actually knew what I had discovered before I even left the shop (thanks to my mother). </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Growing up, there were a few California Pottery pieces in my home - <i>much</i> more rare/valuable than this particular dish - that had belonged to my grandfather. My mom would show me the pieces, colors, and markings - so that I would always know what to look for, as many people donate these items without knowing what they are. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">See "Made in USA" & "No. 101" etched into the bottom of dish. California pottery is always stamped.</span></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Case in point!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So...with treasure in hand and squalling baby in tow (she was <i>so</i> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">over</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> being in the stroller!), I knew I needed to act fast. In thirty seconds flat, I snatched up the dish, ran to the counter, threw some money at the poor fellow and dashed out of the store to get Lucie home.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I am feeling extremely triumphant right now! </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;">I know that this dish would be <i>so</i> great for serving snacks at swanky dinner parties...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;">...at someone else's house. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;">I am a realistic mother of a baby now. I will not be hosting a swanky dinner party <i>anytime</i> soon. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Happy Thrifting!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>Julie@GraceandGoodwillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13917116075741822451noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8480837494081300465.post-42847415387843982542012-03-06T12:23:00.001-08:002012-03-06T16:04:16.586-08:00Big Day for Lucie!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My little Pipsqueak has been holding her head up for a few seconds at a time here and there for the past couple of weeks...but this morning, she was feeling particularly ambitious! Her squeak at the end is my favorite! I'm so proud...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After the previous "Little Owl" video, my dad sought out to find her a stuffed toy owl that would "hoot" for her. It's kind of hard to hear the owl's noises, so you might have to turn up the volume. Anyway, we got it today and I think she's found a new best friend! :)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Apparently, this morning's holding-up-of-the-head triumph was only the beginning! This video (taken a couple hours later) is of Lucie's first legitimate laugh...and I can't believe I caught it on camera! I honestly don't know if <i>any</i> sound has every brought me more joy (you can probably tell by my cackling in the background)! :)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>Julie@GraceandGoodwillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13917116075741822451noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8480837494081300465.post-74460452015045847332012-03-05T13:42:00.001-08:002012-03-07T16:05:46.393-08:00I blame this on my parents...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Now, before you think I'm one of those people who blames every one of my irrational issues on my sweet parents</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">(I have a plethora of issues...)</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- I must assure you, that I am not. I </span><i style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">can</i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> assure you, however, that it is </span><i style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">entirely</i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> their fault that I am not a good cook. Ok, maybe not entirely. But their shameful behavior definitely contributed to my kitchen-associated delinquency. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Shall I tell of the travesties my parents committed? Well, since you asked...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My dad consistently attempts to <i>cook </i>and<i> barbecue</i> the impossible. And HE SUCCEEDS. My mom consistently attempts to <i>bake</i> the impossible. And SHE SUCCEEDS. Let me tell you...with my parents at the helm, "impossible" ALWAYS<i>.</i> TASTES. SO<i>. </i>GOOD. The audacity!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So tell me...what choice did my little 6-year-old mind have, but to rationalize: "why on earth would <i>I </i>need to learn to this stuff?!" And thus, began my delicate relationship with the kitchen. As you can imagine, I very quickly took on the role of enthusiastic <i>consumer</i>, rather than adept and agile <i>creator</i>. Since childhood, I have taken this role <i>so</i> seriously, in fact, that there are VERY few foods - ethnic, exotic, or otherwise - that I would ever refuse ("refuse-worthy" exceptions are: pretzels, white chocolate, chocolate/peanut butter combinations...hurl). </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And then I got married. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Look at that sweet, unassuming guy --------------------> In my frightening grip. Unable to escape. Not knowing what was he was in for, when it came to his new bride's cooking. It's OK - I'll chime in along with you... "poor John!"</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Anyway, my husband's loving encouragement helped me to eventually figure out how to at least "fake it." Pretend like I know what I'm doing and pray over whatever I've created. And wouldn't you know it, on many occasions, "faking it" has yielded an edible...or even a <i>decent,</i> meal!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And though I have no issues identifying myself as a <i>sub-par</i> cook, I've always felt comfortable telling others that I'm an <i>adequate</i> baker. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Then, this morning happened. Apparently, I overestimated myself. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After <b>charring</b> the edges of this Lemon Blueberry Bundt Cake (a fancy "rose" shaped bundt pan created the rough, fluted edges...I'm not <i>that</i> bad.), I had no choice but to pick off all of the sticky blackness, piece by piece. And no, I'm not ashamed to say I ate some of it...I told you I'll try almost anything. Unfortunately, I didn't take a "before-picking" photo, so the shot above actually doesn't look too terrible. But trust me, I almost cried when it came out of the oven. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This is the cake, "post-picking." The dark spots you see are not burned edges, but blueberries (though the blueberries themselves are probably charred too).</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">SO, in conclusion - five things for today:</span></div>
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<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I absolutely love my parents, but this morning's baking disaster </span><i style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">is</i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> their fault! I mean, they were just </span><i style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">too</i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> darn good in the kitchen and had the gall to feed me wonderful things. Therefore, my lifelong refusal to learn a new skill and better myself is completely logical, right? Don't worry. I plan to explore this issue further in therapy.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I love my husband. And, I'm thankful that he still loves me in spite of myself and his bored, aching stomach. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I need a regular bundt pan. Fancy, flute-edged bundt pans are beyond my skill-set. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If you havent already guessed - this </span><i style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">is not</i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> and </span><i style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">will never be</i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> a cooking/baking blog. You </span><i style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">do not</i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> want to be like or listen to me when it comes to that kind of stuff. That said, if on the rare occasion I </span><i style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">do</i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> have a cooking/baking triumph, I </span><i style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">will</i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> tell you about it...out the sheer need to shout it from the rooftops.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The </span><i style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">inside</i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> of the Lemon Blueberry Bundt better taste good, because I'm serving it at small group tonight. They're just going to have to deal with it.</span></li>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Figuring it out - one irrational issue at a time,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">P.S. HAPPY BIRTHDAY to my beautiful cousin, Marcie! Would you like me to bake your birthday cake??</span></div>
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<br /></div>Julie@GraceandGoodwillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13917116075741822451noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8480837494081300465.post-10005257921324859362012-03-03T11:22:00.000-08:002012-03-14T09:24:27.091-07:00Mama & Baby Gift Ideas!<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;">Happy Saturday, Friends!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Before I begin, I must say - endorsing products in <i>not</i> one of the main purposes of this blog. However, as I was reading to Lucie from a cute little book my mom gave me - I realized that it would be a wonderful new mama gift idea! So, I'd like to share it (as well as a few others) with you. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Oh, by the way, the authors of these books and creators of these products don't know me from Adam. They have NO idea I'm endorsing their creations. These are just things I have really loved, as a new mama. Just in case you were wondering! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Here we go!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1) <b><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Little-Book-Moms-Anniversary-Edition/dp/1599620758/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1330733253&sr=1-1">The Little Big Book for Moms</a></b> edited by<i> Lena Tabori </i>&<i> Alice Wong</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My mom gave me this book when I was pregnant for my first "Pre-Mother's Day!" It is SO stinkin' cute I can barely handle it! It compiles famous fairy tales, stories, songs, recipes, activities, games, nursery rhymes and poetry for moms and children. It will transport you to your childhood faster than you can say "Pat-a-Cake!" Also, they have "The Little Big Book" for Dads, Grandmothers, Cats, America, Boys, Animals, Love, Life, California, Roses, Brides, and more. NO kidding. Such an adorable gift - thanks, Mom! You can find it <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Little-Book-Moms-Anniversary-Edition/dp/1599620758/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1330733253&sr=1-1">here</a>.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: justify;">2) </span><b style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Prayer-Starters-Busy-Moms-Laundry/dp/B002UXS30E/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1330733882&sr=1-1">Prayer Starters for Busy Moms</a> </b><span style="text-align: justify;">by Tracy Klehn </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; text-align: justify;">My mother-in-law gave me this book and it has been such a blessing! Sometimes, in the thick of cleaning-feeding-diaper-changing-feeding-not-showering-feeding-loving-a-baby, its hard to find time to pray, know how to pray, or know what to pray (other than S-O-S!). Essentially, I become spiritually tongue-tied. Well, for <i>me</i>, this book is has been a huge help. It has short, quick devotions and "prayer starters" to help a busy mama incorporate "scriptural prayer" into all aspects of her life. A great (and for me, necessary!) gift! Thanks, Sue! You can find it <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Prayer-Starters-Busy-Moms-Laundry/dp/B002UXS30E/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1330733882&sr=1-1">here</a>.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>3) <a href="http://www.baby-neo.com/#!productsstackergalleryv20=8"><i>Rainy Day</i> Onesie</a> </b>&<b> <a href="http://www.baby-neo.com/#!productsstackergalleryv20=11"><i>Oh My!</i> Onesie</a> </b>by Baby Neo</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My sister's thoughtful boyfriend, Matt, brought this cute-as-can-be <i>Rainy Day</i> onesie to Lucie at his last visit </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">(Emily, he's a keeper - put a ring on it!)</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">. I flipped out at its adorable-ness. It is made by <b><a href="http://www.baby-neo.com/">Baby Neo</a></b>, a San Diego-based eco-friendly clothing company. Their products are quite pricey, $22 for a onesie (so I only bought one -</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> but, it is </span><i style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">to die for</i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">! See below...). This is one of those situations, though, where the quality</span><i style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">and responsible production practices warrant the extra bucks, if you have them. You can read more about Baby Neo's philosophy </span><a href="http://www.baby-neo.com/#!about" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">here</a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">. Made in the USA, yo!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Lucie will now model the <i>Rainy Day </i>(find it <a href="http://www.baby-neo.com/#!productsstackergalleryv20=8">here</a>) &<i> Oh My! </i>(find it <a href="http://www.baby-neo.com/#!productsstackergalleryv20=11" style="text-align: center;">here</a>)<i> </i>onesies for you. I'd like to say that they run small, but our sweet 11-week old baby just runs <i>big</i>...if you know what I mean! She's wearing <i>Rainy Day</i> in 3-6 month size...a bit snug, but still cute. The <i>Oh My!</i> onesie is 12-18 month...a little big, but at the rate she's growing, I'm sure it will fit her perfectly by next week. :)</span></div>
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<br /></div>Julie@GraceandGoodwillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13917116075741822451noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8480837494081300465.post-11801775936771096072012-03-01T09:47:00.000-08:002012-03-01T10:30:28.933-08:00Thrifting Thursday: Libbey Juice Glasses<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Welcome to my first</span><b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Thrifting Thursday</b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The thrill of the thrifting "treasure hunt" was instilled in me as a young girl by my deal-seeking, antique-loving, classically sentimental mother. "Thrifting" had always been a fun hobby, but it became <i>functional</i> when John and I said "I do." </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When we got married, I didn't have a job. I had relocated from San Diego to Glendora right as the economy tanked, and joined the millions of other people searching for steady employment and relative financial security. During that time, I remember sitting in our empty apartment, trying to recharge my job-hunting batteries through creative inspiration. But, the white walls just weren't helping. So, as I pounded the pavement, I simultaneously learned to satisfy my decorating sweet-tooth on our meager newlyweds' budget. Hellooo <i>thrifting</i>! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Each Thursday, I will post about one of my excellent finds! The majority have been treasure-hunted from our local Goodwill or garage sales in the area. I hope this will inspire you to get creative, think outside of the "shopping" box, and most importantly, save some money! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So without further ado...<b>Thrifting Thursday</b> begins!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Thrifting Treasure(s):</b> Six unique, stackable juice glasses. Only five pictured because I accidentally broke one! Sad day...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Found: </b>Goodwill Glendora on Route 66 and Lone Hill</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Cost: </b>$6.00 ($1.00/glass)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Reason Bought: </b>They matched our kitchen perfectly, and looked similar to <i>pretend</i> vintage glasses I had wanted from Anthropologie...just WAY cheaper!</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Notice the small script "L" on the pebbled base of the glass!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Fun Discovery: </b><i>Authentically</i> vintage! Stamped with Libbey Glass' signature script "L," these glasses feature a floral and plant design with a pebbled base. They were produced as part of Libbey's "Country Garden" collection, circa 1970's. Through a little research, I found that the light blue and light pink sets are more difficult to come by than the common amber color. They still aren't worth much, but making money is not the reason I chose them!</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Stackable! But don't stack too hard...that is why I now only have five. Oops!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Don't you just love these little beauties?! They make such a pretty addition to our kitchen; and, at $1.00 a piece, even my husband couldn't protest their girly "cuteness." I mean, he did...but if there is no financial reason to make me take something back - it's "cuteness" trumps all! :) John, I can see you rolling your eyes right now...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Thanks for joining me on my first <b>Thrifting Thursday!</b> Please comment if you happen to find any fun treasures or bargain beauties this week - I'd love to hear about them! :)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Happy Thrifting!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>Julie@GraceandGoodwillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13917116075741822451noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8480837494081300465.post-48845470411857654442012-02-29T12:20:00.000-08:002012-03-05T13:50:24.882-08:00Leap Day Smoothie...Gone Wrong<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Happy Leap Day!</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;">In today's honor, I decided to give tiredness the boot. I decided to ignore last night's abnormal sleep schedule and </span><i style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;">leap</i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"> (ha!) into all the wonderful things this day had in store. After a quick breakfast of yogurt, homemade granola, and berries - I took Lucie for a fun little visit with her Great-Nana Zella (who Lucie is middle-named after) and Aunt Lisa. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After our visit, I brought Lucie home to nap. Rather than nap with her, I decided to take advantage of the <i>free time</i> (if such a thing exists anymore!). I <i>leapt</i> into a devotion from a book my loving mother-in-law had given me. Feeling good! I <i>leapt</i> into a yoga workout in our living room. Feeling healthy! I <i>leapt</i> into a conversation with my neighbor's cat, Marley, through our living room window. Feeling neighborly! And weird...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Anyway, with all these wonderful feelings <i>leaping</i> around inside of me...I decided to harness my unbridled momentum and make a<i> green smoothie</i>! Green smoothies, in all their splendor, are <i>extremely</i> trendy at the moment - especially if you use the current celebrity of leafy vegetables: kale. They are an easy and delicious way to incorporate nutrient-packed greens into one's diet - and during late pregnancy, my sweet husband hefted me (yes, <i>hefted</i> - no leaping then...) onto the trendy bandwagon. So yes, a green smoothie would be just lovely on this Leap Day! Right?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I should have taken a nap with Lucie. Here's how it went down.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I gathered my ingredients. Kale. Spinach. Baby carrots. Strawberries. Mango. Papaya. Banana. Vanilla soy milk. Ice. A wooden spoon.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A wooden spoon. The utensil of my downfall. Apparently, using the spoon to shove the smoothie ingredients closer to the blades can...well...have consequences...</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">...for the spoon...</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cSyFXU4n2hQ/T06CbIzj6rI/AAAAAAAAAQc/skXIMdZXq88/s1600/Lucie_0515.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cSyFXU4n2hQ/T06CbIzj6rI/AAAAAAAAAQc/skXIMdZXq88/s640/Lucie_0515.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">...for the ceiling...</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">...for just about everything!</span></td></tr>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oYR3fgmRIBQ/T06CV6QiVYI/AAAAAAAAAQU/pYDdAnGqzWY/s1600/Lucie_0510.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oYR3fgmRIBQ/T06CV6QiVYI/AAAAAAAAAQU/pYDdAnGqzWY/s640/Lucie_0510.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Oh well...when all else fails, there's always Fruity Bunnies...a</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">nd Leap Day naps... :)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Figuring it out - one mess at a time,</span><br />
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<i style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white;">"The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in Him, and He helps me. My heart </span><b style="background-color: white;">leap</b><span style="background-color: white;">s for joy, and with my song I praise Him." Psalm 28:7</span></i><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white;">P.S. Be sure to stop by tomorrow for my first "<b>Thrifting Thursday</b>!"</span></span>Julie@GraceandGoodwillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13917116075741822451noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8480837494081300465.post-79213790230958979502012-02-23T22:22:00.000-08:002012-02-28T15:04:05.291-08:00Our Little Owl!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Our 10-week old Lucie LOVES to "talk!" :)</div>
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Hours of entertainment! We just love it!</div>
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YES, my mom is in the clip above...making a poor attempt to hide in the background! Ha! :)</div>Julie@GraceandGoodwillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13917116075741822451noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8480837494081300465.post-42247137298813532552012-02-21T18:50:00.000-08:002012-03-05T13:51:30.505-08:00Glimpse of Heaven: Relief<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LZGk9Qqcx-A/T0aDuIL5DWI/AAAAAAAAAMQ/kZ28jUuSoH0/s1600/Lucie_0354.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LZGk9Qqcx-A/T0aDuIL5DWI/AAAAAAAAAMQ/kZ28jUuSoH0/s400/Lucie_0354.JPG" width="400" /></a>Relief. What a fabulous feeling. It might sound strange, but after this past week's events, I'd argue that "relief" can hold a candle to even <i>love </i>or <i>joy</i>. Let me explain...and perhaps you'll see what I mean. </div>
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First, a trivial (but OH SO REAL) example. I have a small bladder. So pregnant me had an even smaller bladder. Too much information? Sorry. It is necessary, I promise! Ok - so with that in mind, pretend you're me and imagine the following scenario:</div>
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<i>You're driving along. Your abdomen has been lovingly hi-jacked by a growing baby, dancing right on top of your tiny bladder. You come upon a traffic jam. You're stuck. No where to go. And you HAVE to pee. Not the "I can wait" way. The "if we don't start moving soon, I will abandon this car and start walking to the nearest gas station" way. After ten agonizing minutes...the jam clears. You race off the freeway, find the nearest open business, waddle inside and desperately ask if you can use the restroom. The Front Desk Worker says, "we don't have a public restroom." Your eyes begin to well up with tears. Out of sheer sympathy for your pathetic condition, an exception is made for you. You shout out "oh, bless you!," promise to name your child after said Front Desk Worker (I didn't...woops!), and run, as well as a pregnant woman can, towards the bathroom door. Relief...thank the good Lord!</i></div>
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<i>Relief</i>. Again I say, there may be <i>no</i> greater feeling, right!?</div>
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Ok, so on a more serious note...this past week, John and I endured the most nightmarish day of our entire lives. Our sweet 2 month old, Lucie suffered a severely adverse reaction to her first vaccination. Before I proceed, two things: (1) Lucie, from what we can tell, is absolutely fine now - <i>relief...</i>thank the good Lord! and (2) this is not a "you <i>should</i> or <i>should not</i> vaccinate your child" post. I realize that debate could rage for ages, and I firmly believe parents should make their own decisions regarding what is best for their specific child/situation. For the sake of the story, however, I found it necessary to include the vaccine detail. </div>
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Anyway, John and I found ourselves in a situation where we had absolutely, completely, NO control. It felt as if, for the first time in our lives, there was <i>literally</i> nothing that we could do to remedy what was happening (I've since realized this will be the continual theme of parenthood!). We just had to wait in agony, terror and heartbreak while whatever Lucie was reacting to exited her little system. NEVER has the message of 1 Thessalonians 5:17 - "Pray without ceasing" been more real to us. We prayed hard. We prayed audibly. We prayed with our whole beings. We prayed through tears, tears, and more tears (I'm even weeping now!).</div>
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Relief. After twelve horrible hours, our Brave Little Toaster slowly became herself again. Relief. We praised God for His healing hand and asked for continual protection over Lucie. No relapses came and she continued to improve. Relief. The next day, we met with our very empathetic, understanding pediatrician who listened intentionally and provided sound, common-sense advice. Relief. What a wonderful feeling it is. </div>
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Since that day, we've admittedly wondered why God allowed Lucie, such a sweet, innocent little thing, to go through so much pain (as I'm sure many parents have done when their kids are sick/hurting). We realize that we might never have the answer to that question. We're also coming to terms with the fact that, while we can do our best to protect our little one, God is in <i>complete</i> control of her life. And on this imperfect side of Heaven, that can seem like a very scary thing. But, if we really trust the Lord who has given Lucie life, we must look at what happened and learn something from it. </div>
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Ok so things we've learned:</div>
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<li>We are not kids anymore. We're adults who have been entrusted with raising another human being. And quite frankly, that is frightening.</li>
<li>Parenthood is absolutely terrifying! Holy cow. John and I were given a glimpse of what parents of really sick children go through 24/7...we honestly don't know how they manage to endure - bless their brave, breaking hearts. </li>
<li>"Pray without ceasing" is not just a friendly catch phrase! It is a stern, loving invitation from a benevolent Creator to join in conversation with Him - to align with His will...as He is ultimately in control of our lives. It is our means of <i>sanity</i> in the midst of insanity. And in the midst of last week's events, it was our means to <i>relief</i>...thank the good Lord!</li>
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Most importantly, we learned that...the feeling of <i>relief</i> is a <i>glimpse of Heaven</i>. You see, one day, when we are standing in front of the God who created mountains, oceans, and solar systems... the God who <i>understands</i> the agony of watching His Child in pain... the God who keeps His promises, who is the Author and Perfecter of our faith... when we meet Him, Perfect to imperfect faces, I suspect we'll breathe a collective sigh of <i>relief</i> <i>...</i>and shout<i> </i>"thank the good Lord!" </div>
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And then I'll run for the nearest bathroom. :)</div>
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Figuring it out - one prayer at a time,</div>
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<i>"I love the Lord for He heard my voice. He heard my cry for mercy. Because He turned His ear to me, I will call on Him as long as I live." Psalm 116:1-2 </i></div>
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<br /></div>Julie@GraceandGoodwillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13917116075741822451noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8480837494081300465.post-34605641065275586052012-02-18T14:19:00.000-08:002012-02-27T17:12:07.117-08:00Lucie's Two Month Photos!<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="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CLi-307VAHA/T0Afn9tW2fI/AAAAAAAAAJI/vjwZdkPCD18/s1600/Lucie_0255.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CLi-307VAHA/T0Afn9tW2fI/AAAAAAAAAJI/vjwZdkPCD18/s400/Lucie_0255.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Happy 2 Month Bday, Lucie (and Happy "We Survived 2 Months of Parenthood" John!)!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">YES, 14 lbs 4 oz. / 25 inches long is big! She's in the 100th percentile for girls her age - and we LOVE our huge baby! :)</span></td></tr>
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