tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25249127939410928432023-11-16T10:44:32.298-08:00Side Hugs and Puppy Bearshokiejennylynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17893149963522208443noreply@blogger.comBlogger44125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2524912793941092843.post-37015345227589561512012-04-30T18:47:00.003-07:002012-04-30T19:15:59.507-07:00Things I Want to Remember About My 19 Month Olds<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Annabelle and Stephen are doing so many cute things lately and I just want to remember them:</span><br />
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<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">They love Elmo, especially Elmo’s Song, which they ask for by saying, “La La? La La?” We usually let them watch Elmo videos on YouTube during breakfast so that is always the first thing they say when we get downstairs.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Stephen likes to crawl into your lap and grab your cheeks and say, “Cheeks” and then proceeds to give you an anatomy lesson of your face including, “Eyes. Nose. Mouth. Chin.” </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Annabelle loves shoes. She has slept with her shoes. The first thing she says in the morning when she wakes up is, “Shoe-ies? Shoe-ies?” She stole some other kid’s shoes at daycare the other day and ran off with them. She likes to put two or three pairs in her arms and carry them around.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">When you ask Stephen what a monster says, he replies, “Roar!” When you ask him what else a monster says, he replies, “COOKIES!”</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">When he get ready to go downstairs, Stephen reaches out and says, “Hand? Hand” and then holds my hand all the way down. One time he held it going up the stairs and it reminded me of a three legged dog.</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"> </span>Annabelle calls Stephen, “Buddy” and “Ci-Ci”. Stephen calls Annabelle, “Ahh-Bell” and “Sissy” (which Brian hates, but I LOOVVVEEE).</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Annabelle has started disciplining Stephen by saying, “NO! NO! Buddy, TIME OUT!”</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">When you get mad at Stephen or speak harshly to him, he gets the saddest pout you have ever seen and his eyes well up with tears and you can see him trying to hold himself together. Sometimes he will go put himself in time out.</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"> </span>They call popsicles “Dopadees”.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Stephen has started saying “No” when I think he really means “Yes!”</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">When they are saying bye to someone, they also add, “See Ya!”</span></li>
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<b>Words We Know!</b></div>
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<li><b>Stephen:</b> Button, Grandpa (sounds like Wam-pa!), Nana, Mommy, Daddy, Buddy, Mimi, Puppy, Oh Yes, Woah!, Auntie, Addy, Abby (Abby Cadaby), Elmo, Bath (Ba! Ba!)</li>
<li><b>Annabelle: </b>Nanny (for Nana), Jo-Jo, Mommy, Daddy, Elmo, Juice, This, Mimi (which she equates with the phone), Abby Cadabby, Elmo, Puppy, Bath (Ba! Ba!)</li>
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<b>Sounds We Know!</b></div>
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<li>Santa Clause says, "Ho Ho Ho"</li>
<li>The Puppy says, "Woof Woof"</li>
<li>The Choo Choo Train says, "Choo Choo"</li>
<li>The Car says, "Vroom"</li>
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<b>Sign Language We Know!</b></div>
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<li>Please</li>
<li>Thank You</li>
<li>Milk</li>
<li>More</li>
<li>Water</li>
<li>Apple</li>
<li>Baby</li>
<li>We are in the process of learning "I'm Sorry"</li>
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<b>Stuff We Understand</b></div>
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<li>Um, pretty much everything.</li>
<li>They can throw their diapers or anything else you tell them to away in the trash can</li>
<li>They lay down when it is time to get their diaper changed</li>
<li>Kiss Kiss</li>
<li>Dance</li>
<li>Hands Down! Touch the Ground! (They do a Downward Dog position on the floor and then you flip them over)</li>
<li>They can point to their Head, Eyes, Ears, Nose, Cheeks, Toes, Feet, and Belly.</li>
<li>Around 6:30 every night, they go to the stairs and say, "Ba! Ba! Ba!" b/c they are ready for their bath. Sometimes they get very upset if we aren't giving them a bath that night.</li>
<li>How to brush their teeth</li>
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<b>Other Stuff</b></div>
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<li>Annabelle loves to wear her jacket all the time. She gets very upset if you won't let her put it on or if you try to take it off too soon.</li>
<li>She also really likes to get naked. We have at least one meltdown a day in which she wants to take her pants off and I will not let her.</li>
<li>They received Elmo and Abby Cadabby dolls for Christmas. They learned their names very quickly.</li>
<li>Stephen loves to talk and babble.</li>
<li>Annabelle associates the phone with her Aunt Mimi. Anytime she sees a cell phone, she walks around saying, "Mimi, Mimi, Mimi"</li>
<li>Whenever Stephen hears the train go by, he points the window and goes, "Choo Choo!!"</li>
<li>They definitely understand when they are being disobedient.</li>
<li>Annabelle's way of venting, it seems, is to bang her head on the ground.</li>
<li>Stephen's most annoying habit is whining, "Ah Ah Ah Ah Ah Ah Ah" continuously. OMG.</li>
<li>They are both great cuddlers sometimes. </li>
<li>They loved loved loved my parent's dog JoJo. </li>
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<b>Favorite Memory</b></div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">Last month, Stephen was up from 2:30-5:00. He cried and cried and we were going in and out trying all of our "tricks". Here's a bottle. You have teddy. I will hold you. I will rock you. Daddy will hold you. Daddy will rock you. Finally Brian was laying with him in the guest room and Stephen is almost asleep and then he starts whispering to Brian, "Hi! Hi!" and then starts blowing in his face. He then starts baby babbling and Annabelle hears from the other room and starts babbling back. It was 3:30 am and they were just talking back and forth across the hall. I ran downstairs to find the video camera but by the time I got back upstairs, Brian had put Stephen back in his crib. He did not think it was as cute as I did.</span></b></div>
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</div>hokiejennylynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17893149963522208443noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2524912793941092843.post-89620634541961279092011-10-23T18:27:00.000-07:002011-10-23T19:52:36.315-07:00The Brian & Jen Show: Creative Cakes<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Brian and I undertook the challenge of making a Yuengling Beer Bottle Cake for one of our coworkers. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">After a bit of research, we began the process.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">First, we got lots of supplies and ingredients. (Spoiler Alert, we had to go out and buy more) and a Yuengling bottle to use for inspiration.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Second, we baked some cake with my adorable teal mixer.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Third, we got real frustrated because we didn't let the cake cool much and it broke. And we baked another one and it broke too. So we had to get more cake. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Fourth, we learned this technique called "Crumb Coating" where you put a thin layer of icing on the cooled cake and seal it so when you put the real icing on, it isn't all "crumby". </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Fifth, Brian measured the beer bottle and then scaled up, marked the cake with toothpicks, and cut it.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">When he did that, we had a lot of cake left over that we had to throw away. It would have made Funn Matt sad.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Sixth, I made a bunch of buttercream icing. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Using LOTS of sugar!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Then, I sat down to make the beer bottle label. The plan was to use a Wilton Sugar Sheet and some Food Writer markers to freehand draw the Yuengling label onto the sheet. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">This. Was. Frustrating.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">So then I had the fantastic idea to print the label and trace it onto the sugar sheet. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">This worked MUCH better.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">That was probably the hardest part. After that, we made some sweet (literally) green and maroon icing. The green was for the beer bottle and the maroon was for the label border. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">After icing the cake, the finishing touches included the maroon border, bottleneck label and the bottle cap. The labels and the cap were all done with sugar sheets. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The finished product turned out pretty well, I think!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">We are currently thinking about going into retirement...until the next time someone asks us to bake them a creative cake and we say, "yeah, that would be awesome!"</span></div>
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<br /></div>hokiejennylynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17893149963522208443noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2524912793941092843.post-69861225196131723292011-10-10T18:20:00.000-07:002011-10-10T18:20:31.541-07:0013 Months of Awesome<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="font: normal normal normal 9px/normal 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Yesterday I told Annabelle to go get me the “Daddy Loves Me” book. And she got me the “Daddy Loves Me” book. And then I told her to get me the "Babies" book. And she got me the "Babies" book. And then I told her to get me the "Elmo" book. And she got me the Elmo book. She. Is. A. Genius.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">We let them try chilli. Annabelle LOVES it. Loves Loves Loves it. Stephen…not so much. He makes this horrible(ly cute) face and shakes his head and reaches his arms up and coughs and you can tell he is just thinking, “no no no no no no no no no”. So I made him try it a few more times…to make sure he didn’t like it…and to see that reaction again.</span><br />
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font: normal normal normal 9px/normal 'Times New Roman';"> </span>Things They Definitely Know</span></b></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;">Please (Sign Language), Head, Nose, Toes, Feet, More (Sign Language), Light (Sign Language), <span style="font: normal normal normal 9px/normal 'Times New Roman';"> </span>“So Big!”, Give Kisses, How to Dance, The difference between getting me a book and a toy, Washing Their Hair, Stephen can kind of feed himself with a spoon, Water (Sign Language)</span></div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;">Things Seasoned Moms Would Shrug Their Shoulders at but Are New To Me:</span></b></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;">We have entered a super clingy phase. Annabelle and Stephen are no longer content to do anything by themselves. I must be there. Sitting with them. I don’t necessarily have to play with them but I cannot do anything else. Like empty the dishwasher. Or check email. Or go to the bathroom. No sir. I must sit. And read Go Dog Go for the 17<span style="font: normal normal normal 11px/normal Arial;"><sup>th</sup></span> time. I kind of love it.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;">They fight over me. And I love it. Fight may be a strong word. But if one is in my lap (usually Annabelle) the other (usually Stephen) throws himself on my and finds a way to edge her out and take over. It is pretty cute. When I sit on the couch, one throws themselves with arms up at my lap begging to be picked up and then the other one comes and pushes the first one out of the way and they just go back and forth. It is cute. If I am holding one, the other one is right there with their arms up begging to be picked up too. They weigh over 20lbs each. It is getting heavy. But at least I am getting a work out. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;">Their 18 month clothes fit better than I think they should. They are definitely still big but not as big as they should be in my head. Last night, we didn’t have any clean PJs for Annabelle so I pulled out one of the 18<span style="font: normal normal normal 11px/normal Arial;"><sup>th</sup></span> month onsies, thinking “this is going to be HUGE”. It was not huge. It was a little baggy. But it fit. And that kind of made me sad.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;">They are doing weird food things. There are some days where Annabelle wants her milk first and won’t eat a bite until she has had that. Then sometimes she will only eat one thing at a time until it is finished. Sometimes she needs sips of milk between each bite. And sometimes she needs two bites of this, two bites of that. Stephen does not seem to like milk much. He takes a few sips of it and throws his sippy cup on the floor. He has no interest. Oh well.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;">They, like, know stuff. It is CRAZY. They know where their head is and where their toes are. They know what the light is. They know how to act “strong” and how to dance. If I say, “Go get me a book” Annabelle goes and gets a book. Stephen can put the right shapes through the right holes on this little toy (picture of shape sorter toy). Annabelle points to pictures of Brian and says “Da-Da!” They can do paddy cake - especially the “roll-it” part. I am just not ready for this level of genius.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;">When I leave the house in the mornings, they go to the window, move the curtains and wave and smile and stick their tongues out. It is the sweetest thing in the world. And it makes me want to cry. I am so ready to stay home with them.</span><br />
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hokiejennylynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17893149963522208443noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2524912793941092843.post-85059078684359310592011-09-29T20:22:00.000-07:002011-09-29T20:22:27.048-07:00The 90's Called. They Want Your Cuffed Jeans Back.<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">For some reason I am currently obsessed with Jennifer Aniston and Justin Theroux. I think it is because I got on a Friends kick recently and remembered how much I loved Rachel Karen Green. I may or may not have a Google News alert sent to my email about them. I think my favorite nickname for them is "JenTheroux" or perhaps "Justifer" or maybe even "Jenthrax". I don't know. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I am not, however, too excited about this look that she seems to keep wearing:</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">What is the deal with the rolled up pants and weird shoes? I am not a fashionista by any means but I really don't want this look to roll down to us common folk next year. Or maybe it has already rolled down and I am just supper out of it. But still. Say it ain't so.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I am a HUGE fan of her big grey scarf though. So if you can find one that is not 17 trillion dollars, please let me know. I love scarves! And those Aviators.</span></div>
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Speaking of the 90's - I discovered this :</div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/iJEe7Eo7Mts?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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All I will say is that's not Chynna Phillips singing back up...</div>
hokiejennylynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17893149963522208443noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2524912793941092843.post-41445323274409612232011-09-17T09:04:00.000-07:002011-09-17T09:04:07.845-07:00A Fall Gift For You!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLAOyo28uBdXIPRNrzHKFcyaFenK-9MJqzbn2H7jriAjb9gun-NoW46phCEjgfbnSDuYLQslyupPFYs_C0li5rNPrEpOvHnxINsGdGr09YEPqpdqOkWFDUow5KxL4kzygnnqvMXAAP77Iv/s1600/starbucks-pumpkin-spice-latte.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="198" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLAOyo28uBdXIPRNrzHKFcyaFenK-9MJqzbn2H7jriAjb9gun-NoW46phCEjgfbnSDuYLQslyupPFYs_C0li5rNPrEpOvHnxINsGdGr09YEPqpdqOkWFDUow5KxL4kzygnnqvMXAAP77Iv/s200/starbucks-pumpkin-spice-latte.jpg" width="200" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>P</b><b>SLs Without The Calories!</b></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;">A few years ago, I was raving to my friend Kelly about the PSL (Pumpkin Spice Latte) at Starbucks. I went on and on about how great it was so she decided to order one. I ordered after her and got a chai tea. She was like, “Wait? What? You’re not getting one?” very incredulously. And I said, “Oh no. There are so many calories in that thing, I can’t drink that.” I am a terrible friend.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;">So here we are, four years later, I can finally make it up to her. I got the recipe for a low-cal PSL substitute that basically tastes like the real deal – terrible sugar/caffeine afterbreath and all.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;"><b>1 Grande Bold Starbucks Coffee of the Day</b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;"><b>2-3 Pumps of Pumpkin Spice Syrup</b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;"><b>Add your own Splenda and Half & Half</b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;">You are left with an [estimated] 90 calorie version vs. the normal 380 calories. So put on your scarf and drink up!</span></div>
hokiejennylynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17893149963522208443noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2524912793941092843.post-85961004182867278842011-09-12T18:47:00.000-07:002011-09-12T18:47:44.812-07:0010 Things About Marathon Training You Didn't Know<ol>
<li>Diaper Rash cream works like a gem to prevent chafing.</li>
<li>Ice Baths are the real deal. Take them after every run longer than 10 miles. 15 minutes of torture is worth it. And wear wool socks so you don’t get hypothermia and have to get your feet amputated.</li>
<li>It turns out that you need a crap-ton of Gels, Electrolyte Drinks, and Water. At least 30-60 grams of carbs PER HOUR! That is like 2 gel packs an hour. That is about 5 times more than the two Gus that I took during my last marathon. I am excited to see if I don’t feel like my stomach is being ripped out of my body after I finish this race.</li>
<li>On that note, it is really true that if you aren’t going to bother with nutrition and hydration then you might as well not bother with training.</li>
<li>When you think you have had enough water, you haven’t. Drink more.</li>
<li>The key to long runs is breaking it up in your head mentally so you only focus on small increments. For example – an 18 mile run is actually 2 sets of 4.5 miles out and 4.5 miles back or 3 sets of 3 miles out and 3 miles back. A 12 mile run is only two sets of 3 out, 3 back. Mentla games work wonders.</li>
<li>Running for over 4 hours gets boring. Doing anything for over 4 hours is boring. Except for watching good TV on DVD. Like Friends or Friday Night Lights. </li>
<li>Running for over 4 hours is hard and it hurts. Embrace it. Accept it. And Keep Moving Forward.</li>
<li>Nesquick double chocolate milk is the perfect recovery drink. And thoughts of it get me through the last three miles every time.</li>
<li>I start every run over 3 miles wondering if I will finish. And I am surprised every single time that I do finish. It never fails. It is a great feeling to complete something you really aren’t sure will happen.</li>
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hokiejennylynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17893149963522208443noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2524912793941092843.post-79782557466444773372011-09-08T19:29:00.000-07:002011-09-08T19:29:26.810-07:00Dr. Seuss Birthday PartyI wanted to post some of my favorite details of the Dr. Seuss Birthday Party. We got lucky in that Target and Michaels were featuring Dr. Seuss this summer so we had lots and lots of stuff to work with.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiep4Uza1voU_XLWiS2WHbsD2LbP3_xOxZ4pCPw1OIGfp-6UjTZIVD1YYGPukhozsOiMvgXy6LRFw-KLGfLcL_YrZY49LP1p74hlBM8TeCW28nXgjGeaztKD3PPaCCUxdv2ajrYNQ93khlc/s1600/IMG_6520.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiep4Uza1voU_XLWiS2WHbsD2LbP3_xOxZ4pCPw1OIGfp-6UjTZIVD1YYGPukhozsOiMvgXy6LRFw-KLGfLcL_YrZY49LP1p74hlBM8TeCW28nXgjGeaztKD3PPaCCUxdv2ajrYNQ93khlc/s400/IMG_6520.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cat in the Hat Life-Size Cut Out for a Picture Station</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjacGexTosfLmjNFXV8eSJcHOVaFSqhDYFIEnQ7bv7in9orGKf1O5tJoEFjZZ6VsOGAeeWbv0Rqk4rRtvMoozOf__hlGehXozDzMJO8VEMJTIet9emzmZCPAinJdQqyb9XS8-46ybHY1rk8/s1600/IMG_6521.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjacGexTosfLmjNFXV8eSJcHOVaFSqhDYFIEnQ7bv7in9orGKf1O5tJoEFjZZ6VsOGAeeWbv0Rqk4rRtvMoozOf__hlGehXozDzMJO8VEMJTIet9emzmZCPAinJdQqyb9XS8-46ybHY1rk8/s400/IMG_6521.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Poms!!!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVhLXwl3QbbnaukwV6l8u0eTzjkw3J9QiB1BzMlKmQvaUlAiN8n9JKDFsCqJ5s4-CsBLsVktbW1RKHNW3fFa9y0Tcfc7xZYQkJnLVBOb7JxOKimGWuilBiKg_naR3bznRUcvNSrIoHmF60/s1600/IMG_6523.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVhLXwl3QbbnaukwV6l8u0eTzjkw3J9QiB1BzMlKmQvaUlAiN8n9JKDFsCqJ5s4-CsBLsVktbW1RKHNW3fFa9y0Tcfc7xZYQkJnLVBOb7JxOKimGWuilBiKg_naR3bznRUcvNSrIoHmF60/s320/IMG_6523.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Favors with lots of stuff from the Dollar Spot at Target</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPJUhOWert0d6buHHPjd41gHiSkp_9ZUh5kwU6v2dPezho3FPenAp_hZ-p3t3pe0T01FNbNQJsKIpM4BALls13wmNg5T6wexTHaP0C9F1DNtpGJBUE-BNO2G6c7v4tl_rwDQ14RPgpnmc5/s1600/IMG_6525.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPJUhOWert0d6buHHPjd41gHiSkp_9ZUh5kwU6v2dPezho3FPenAp_hZ-p3t3pe0T01FNbNQJsKIpM4BALls13wmNg5T6wexTHaP0C9F1DNtpGJBUE-BNO2G6c7v4tl_rwDQ14RPgpnmc5/s400/IMG_6525.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Happy Birthday to you Books served as the Guest Books for everyone to sign</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLMGDTx1YCsmjMsQNMv9YXqzD5b5uqN_8m8a7gPTE5DezQDJcp5XwqQo60EoWGJVw4-iqj5FnvWUgTBz8DlhO80QhcpfleQYnSqOJRC0OPvbyT__94UT0hCxQ7ssGUNozVk5ZdtPdBfWzF/s1600/IMG_6527.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLMGDTx1YCsmjMsQNMv9YXqzD5b5uqN_8m8a7gPTE5DezQDJcp5XwqQo60EoWGJVw4-iqj5FnvWUgTBz8DlhO80QhcpfleQYnSqOJRC0OPvbyT__94UT0hCxQ7ssGUNozVk5ZdtPdBfWzF/s400/IMG_6527.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I used a Dr. Seuss calendar to make different posters.<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMhya8ZHCiXpEvx0QHkCOsPWodeA5ct3pNVK14hxLGcQbLJ9IxIDc-M1oZJ0saqk3ocyR-CFepuPsgrQ_VQcp_YzKSwQPyC-iMf7lnoiFGCdflbrE2amK2F7Zs_kRn9h2QwIPmju1fzrJg/s1600/IMG_6529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMhya8ZHCiXpEvx0QHkCOsPWodeA5ct3pNVK14hxLGcQbLJ9IxIDc-M1oZJ0saqk3ocyR-CFepuPsgrQ_VQcp_YzKSwQPyC-iMf7lnoiFGCdflbrE2amK2F7Zs_kRn9h2QwIPmju1fzrJg/s400/IMG_6529.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We Love Poms!<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-3-7OBjE8xu579gGrSxuNZINGo01xIH_VaAp8uJZt0wcODIVYl7HrwSDTjM2xID7QQQ0TH0vMuiLTqJBKDxutzqvaeOlhR2Qu_kLD2bq3mUvdGvDuKZ4ZjarqVGrRoAKYfdRS1bJb6Z3P/s1600/IMG_6540.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-3-7OBjE8xu579gGrSxuNZINGo01xIH_VaAp8uJZt0wcODIVYl7HrwSDTjM2xID7QQQ0TH0vMuiLTqJBKDxutzqvaeOlhR2Qu_kLD2bq3mUvdGvDuKZ4ZjarqVGrRoAKYfdRS1bJb6Z3P/s400/IMG_6540.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jello + Sprite = Beezlenut Splash</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmfd_S915ESS5brEOmg1HMmF5Tc8fAxaIrUcSkss1kBUzLd_YrNd4f-A-yNRNuIPu5MiPLFVFUNYmy_IHEAF732kkpSMJElN1Aa1sm58zilgiPANCvx99fsiox8cwsCumyogGGcj5Z9k_N/s1600/IMG_6543.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmfd_S915ESS5brEOmg1HMmF5Tc8fAxaIrUcSkss1kBUzLd_YrNd4f-A-yNRNuIPu5MiPLFVFUNYmy_IHEAF732kkpSMJElN1Aa1sm58zilgiPANCvx99fsiox8cwsCumyogGGcj5Z9k_N/s400/IMG_6543.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It wouldn't be a party without Green Eggs and Ham!<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Julie's attempt at a bowl of Jello with Fish. Most of the [Sweedish] Fish "died."</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiezDyiC8sSrgBR_hNyIXLyCBeamh7wN_CBH960aiqXYZwFJhDrqqKUvtfPSO3o5qtKHq3Rb4aX3X7aQ62TfT6AbeP25hbaqhxaoO5FbERO-ov5f_-Ot0PLT95okRJ1p8oC33J6pbknRIyN/s1600/IMG_6545.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiezDyiC8sSrgBR_hNyIXLyCBeamh7wN_CBH960aiqXYZwFJhDrqqKUvtfPSO3o5qtKHq3Rb4aX3X7aQ62TfT6AbeP25hbaqhxaoO5FbERO-ov5f_-Ot0PLT95okRJ1p8oC33J6pbknRIyN/s400/IMG_6545.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All the toothpicks were made from adhesive foam stickers from Michaels.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Family Picture! We found Cat in the Hat shirts at Kohls.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I ordered the plates and napkins online.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_SiOf4hcMmIYc5g1f5l7woClFfr0LKFd6cmyRKyNYc3NFW3g3GSSQunvmcZpynm1QucVwJJc5eF-Nfmc1CaURb6SdVmRXtx1dv-0ucSPXwg9-aNrofiXlO_pLU9Qq9y4BqZTCo-n_y2lL/s1600/IMG_6519.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_SiOf4hcMmIYc5g1f5l7woClFfr0LKFd6cmyRKyNYc3NFW3g3GSSQunvmcZpynm1QucVwJJc5eF-Nfmc1CaURb6SdVmRXtx1dv-0ucSPXwg9-aNrofiXlO_pLU9Qq9y4BqZTCo-n_y2lL/s400/IMG_6519.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My favorite detail is this 12 month birthday banner. It is hard to see in the picture but it was pretty freaking awesome. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPMfxJFqgVjpj8Y-posHauqGhh-ZAQQhfaOxmD4382iiWhyphenhyphen_s3UTZ6tBQjOCVM57vX5UlqlXzuEre_rACpQhYeWnVKqjT_0PFlSO3pQbhyphenhyphenIzxcqTCvFKBNNARG2rvo3VIJtqkRiDcWK14v/s1600/IMG_6537.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPMfxJFqgVjpj8Y-posHauqGhh-ZAQQhfaOxmD4382iiWhyphenhyphen_s3UTZ6tBQjOCVM57vX5UlqlXzuEre_rACpQhYeWnVKqjT_0PFlSO3pQbhyphenhyphenIzxcqTCvFKBNNARG2rvo3VIJtqkRiDcWK14v/s400/IMG_6537.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This cake was the source of a lot of stress. But thanks to Brian and Julie it turned out amazingly.<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5r_ea_5Jn48d9YMXORUTtt7-43wOdL3B1koJ42_wjfxi71dvLpR0X7Eg5JtSwCT6aw-JrkyLtQLSf5jqAYQx8D0py9INcOUGlTAU8tHGtZFA2AVsX06rxgjq-Tne7MdHG9L5MQUfFy5QC/s1600/IMG_6567.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5r_ea_5Jn48d9YMXORUTtt7-43wOdL3B1koJ42_wjfxi71dvLpR0X7Eg5JtSwCT6aw-JrkyLtQLSf5jqAYQx8D0py9INcOUGlTAU8tHGtZFA2AVsX06rxgjq-Tne7MdHG9L5MQUfFy5QC/s400/IMG_6567.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Separate Birthday Cakes for Annabelle and Stephen to eat.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_jvbxZ6TAAec_UTAOvjJeeiQuX-ieqRFlZUJX6lOdiXv8LwOrNfp9iSbGZ3jJUJdHmbU5yASU7NWu5wRilU_yMbdrTluQNQasZrvwrWloXaMQ3dqsCZgy1ne6Or8xsp7soHsKw7bhTHdH/s1600/IMG_6577.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_jvbxZ6TAAec_UTAOvjJeeiQuX-ieqRFlZUJX6lOdiXv8LwOrNfp9iSbGZ3jJUJdHmbU5yASU7NWu5wRilU_yMbdrTluQNQasZrvwrWloXaMQ3dqsCZgy1ne6Or8xsp7soHsKw7bhTHdH/s400/IMG_6577.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We made the cake pink and blue for A & S.<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyq8-VfM4WGrc0FTVKxaH75ZNBdzjNdkMUAQih8ldL8KcABxD-gi9Lc4LD4zMEGsPvBMtd6O-hG9SF5dKYmxcIGaKPHNkCOwy56zdLplmIqY2ogEtu3j-xXxEOJdl4G4wTHyjrDRgYYDB7/s1600/img_3148.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyq8-VfM4WGrc0FTVKxaH75ZNBdzjNdkMUAQih8ldL8KcABxD-gi9Lc4LD4zMEGsPvBMtd6O-hG9SF5dKYmxcIGaKPHNkCOwy56zdLplmIqY2ogEtu3j-xXxEOJdl4G4wTHyjrDRgYYDB7/s640/img_3148.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I ordered the iron-on Dr. Seuss "1's" from Etsy. They turned out splendid.</td></tr>
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<br />hokiejennylynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17893149963522208443noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2524912793941092843.post-14270017420215107262011-09-06T18:45:00.000-07:002011-09-06T18:51:26.955-07:00We Survived the First Year!!!!We have officially been parents for one year, and three weeks! We survived a year with twins. And it has been one of the greatest years of my life. Even better than 8th grade, which was seriously one of the best years of my life thanks to being on the Bay Beacons and watching lots of Bob Ross and playing SPIT.<br />
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The babies are pretty much entirely different people than they were in my last update. They are so awesome. I can't get over how much fun they are.<br />
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<b>Annabelle Rae </b>is running the show. She is definitely the dominant one at this point. Some of my favorite things about her are:</div>
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<ul>
<li>She loves her baby dolls. </li>
<li>She loves to bring stuff to you and make you pat them like they are a baby doll. </li>
<li>She loves to be picked up and when you do pick her up she waves at all the pictures and things on the shelves. </li>
<li>She has three teeth as of August 25. </li>
<li>She has started saying, "Hi" just like I do. She just goes, "hi. hi. hi. hi." and when I notice that I do it too, it makes me so happy. </li>
<li>She can also say Ma-Ma, Da-Da, and Baby.</li>
<li>When Brian comes in the room she goes, "Da-da-DA-DA" very excitedly.</li>
<li>She dances. Really well. Especially to the Glow Worms.</li>
<li>She knows where her head and her nose are. </li>
<li>If you tell her to get you a book or a toy she knows what to do. And she has definitely mastered saying "please" in sign language. </li>
<li>She loves to climb in and out of laundry baskets and Huggies boxes. </li>
<li>She is the sturdiest walker and so speedy. At our company picnic she just walked and walked and walked. </li>
<li>She is the sassiest and most outgoing one at home but in public she is shy, serious, and takes a while to warm up to people. </li>
<li>She also very much enjoys climbing onto the bottom shelf of the book shelf and pushing all of the books onto the floor. </li>
<li>Right now, my absolute favorite thing that she does is bring me a book and then scoot her way into my lap and snuggle in to turn the pages. It is the best. </li>
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<b>Stephen Michael</b> is just the sweetest boy in the world. I love him because:</div>
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<ul>
<li>He is such a cuddle bug. </li>
<li>He is very focused. </li>
<li>When he is playing with a toy he gets engrossed in it. </li>
<li>And he can sit and play with one thing for a while. </li>
<li>He loves his See and Say. </li>
<li>He is a big flirt. </li>
<li>He has the best smile and when he is in public he makes googly eyes and smiles at everyone. </li>
<li>At our company picnic he went up to random strangers and held his arms up to get them to hold them. </li>
<li>He is a walker too. </li>
<li>When he gets really tired he walks like a drunken sailor and often times tries to reach out for the couch or the table and just misses completely. </li>
<li>He loves to go to the window and wave when you leave the house. </li>
<li>He has the giggliest laugh in the world. </li>
<li>He loves to pull every piece of tupperware out of the cabinet in the kitchen. As does his sister. </li>
<li>He still only has two teeth. </li>
<li>My favorite thing about him lately is that he will just sit in my lap contentedly for a few minutes here and there and it is the greatest time of my life. </li>
<li>He can say Da-da, Ma-Ma, and Nana. </li>
<li>He knows how to give kisses and high fives. </li>
<li>He has crazy hair. </li>
<li>He is also pretty freaking good at patty cake. He dominates it.</li>
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A few more cute family pictures:</div>
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Finally, I am well on my way to being trained up for running the Marine Corps Marathon on October 30th. I will probably write a separate post about it but it is really exciting to be here. I started the year in January running 3 minutes and walking 1 minute at a time with the hopes of training for a 10K. And now I have run 16 miles and I have 18 miles this coming Saturday and then we have 8 weeks till the race. I really didn't think I could get here . So it is pretty exciting. Crazy. Crazy. Crazy. And exciting.</div>
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hokiejennylynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17893149963522208443noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2524912793941092843.post-85695258459553550142011-08-28T19:04:00.000-07:002011-08-28T19:10:01.039-07:00Things That Seem Harder Than They AreThere are a few things that are apparently the hardest thing in the world for Brian and I. Or at least they feel that way. These include:<div>
<br /></div><div><ul><li>Putting Netflix movies in the mail. We just mailed one that I think we have had since June. </li><li>Charging my phone/ipod/garmin/any other electronic device. It just feels so hard b/c I have to dig through my gym bag or purse and find the darned thing and then walk all the way upstairs to plug it in.</li><li>Putting laundry away. I think this is universal. But it is still hard.</li><li>Starting the dishwasher at night. It is the worst feeling in the world to realize that you only have two bottles left b/c you forgot to start it the night before.</li><li>Keeping our breakfast bar, dining room table, china hutch, and desk surfaces free of clutter. </li><li>Eating fruit that I buy at the grocery store. I think I have a disorder where as soon as I buy it I get convinced it has gone bad and won't touch it. But I will eat 4 day old pizza or 6 day old Buffalo Chicken Dip. </li></ul></div><div>
<br /></div>hokiejennylynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17893149963522208443noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2524912793941092843.post-61693601627563258022011-08-27T18:56:00.000-07:002011-08-28T19:00:50.236-07:00Random Thoughts for AugustEvery night I make Brian and I say our favorite things about Annabelle and Stephen for that day. I am going to try to remember to post some of them here.<div>
<br /></div><div>Today, Brian's favorite thing about Annabelle was that every time he and I would cuddle or hug, she would climb right in between us and break it up. I totally used to do that to my parents all the time. My favorite thing about Stephen today was when he let me cut his toenails and fingernails and he just sat so calmly in his highchair like it was no big thing. Yesterday, my favorite thing about Annabelle was that when you pick her up she waves to all the pictures and figures on the shelves and pretty much everything in the room. It is very cute.</div><div>
<br /></div><div>Also, on Thursday we noticed a new tooth coming in for Little Miss Belle. This will be her third and it is her front right.</div><div>
<br /></div><div>I ran 16 miles for marathon training today. It was good. I still am having hard time wrapping my mind around 26.2 though. Only 10 weeks to go. </div>hokiejennylynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17893149963522208443noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2524912793941092843.post-9080481032344041082011-07-14T18:44:00.000-07:002011-07-14T19:01:10.585-07:00Duggar Quotes I Love<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj3X-waxrqkqR8330L5-Tcguir2ja1zD8DwMzkIY0RVrnoAECcbYLeMEScJNoqZalfKIFW-X4Ub78hQ2hXGzdJ1QzcXzLiMHJkG8FR2xZ8CgiCjj8L5K7gyu5ncKk1677Kn8KK_HQNme6X/s1600/Duggar+Family.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFPd-KA2eTvMM0cG5qtGdJ3SnUQc5SFecnD2EhCXYilkbNkKOeAJKeLIdMZoYZjbqmIVEWR6lKLXVJO6h9V9kJa01ed6jJ4y2UPRWSBTDeYkp725JFtm9IJFkbOi3jf8nhOc4RdbHvRRKd/s1600/Duggars+Shirt.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFPd-KA2eTvMM0cG5qtGdJ3SnUQc5SFecnD2EhCXYilkbNkKOeAJKeLIdMZoYZjbqmIVEWR6lKLXVJO6h9V9kJa01ed6jJ4y2UPRWSBTDeYkp725JFtm9IJFkbOi3jf8nhOc4RdbHvRRKd/s320/Duggars+Shirt.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5629392907097231554" /></a><br /><div>I think you know I. LOVE. THE. DUGGARS. So I thought I would post some quotes that stick in my mind from them.</div><div><br /></div>"If you can train a strong-willed child to do what is right; they will be strong-willed to do what is right."<div>~Jim Bob - on Jessa being very strong willed when she was younger.<br /><div><br /></div><div>"If I don't have their eyes, I don't have their heart" </div><div>~On why Michelle makes her little ones look her in the eyes when she instructs and disciplines them.</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(24, 24, 24); line-height: 18px; font-family:georgia, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">"Be careful what you're good at doing, because you'll probably do a lot of it.<br />Be careful what you praise your children for doing, because they'll do a lot of it.<br />Be careful what you criticize your children for doing, because they won't want to do it anymore."</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(24, 24, 24); line-height: 18px; font-family:georgia, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">~Jim Bob </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia, serif;color:#181818;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px; font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia, serif;color:#181818;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px; font-size:medium;">"Show me your friends and I'll show you my future"</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia, serif;color:#181818;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px; font-size:medium;">~Grandma Duggar</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia, serif;color:#181818;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px; font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div>"Modest is Hottest"</div><div>~I don't know if this is an actual quote but I think they would agree with it.</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj3X-waxrqkqR8330L5-Tcguir2ja1zD8DwMzkIY0RVrnoAECcbYLeMEScJNoqZalfKIFW-X4Ub78hQ2hXGzdJ1QzcXzLiMHJkG8FR2xZ8CgiCjj8L5K7gyu5ncKk1677Kn8KK_HQNme6X/s400/Duggar+Family.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5629393008991157410" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 296px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div>You can watch them on TLC every morning from 7:00am-8:00am or at 9:00 on Tuesday nights.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div></div>hokiejennylynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17893149963522208443noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2524912793941092843.post-74105981089650381972011-07-06T18:59:00.000-07:002011-07-09T18:22:39.700-07:00Why I Run<div style="text-align: left;">So I have agonized for the past two months about whether I am going to run the Marine Corps Marathon at the end of October. Finally, my running coach, Sherri, said, "If you show up on July 11 and tell me you are running the marathon, then you are running the marathon." And for some reason I said, "Okay." And since then, I have not questioned it. I have set my mind to it and I am starting to believe it will happen.</div><div><br /></div><div>Over the past two months I have thought more and more about why I run. And I have decided that I am motivated by three things.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>1). Goals</b> - I don't run because I just love running. I am just not the type of person who says, "I really just feel like going for a run today." I need to be training for something, moving toward something, and have a deadline to look forward to and an "end date". </div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPhV-9PMcwET_A_cIO3N-5QJayOevghTb-QZXc2Pkhqjf54rA_n5w3Nd4qo15lA4LDsp082lq0_W8MNZI0gWAzGA3HoreQspvdaAS2k1bV08UXEghbwlYpvwkT35PeLjo37GfB0pDh_EDt/s400/00+Wine+Finish.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5627526191066537362" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><br /></span></div><div><b>2). Guilt</b> - I have found that I run best when I have paid a significant amount of money (in the form of a race fee and/or training group) that makes it more painful to my wallet and my conscience (and for Brian) to quit or give up.</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkWCHMH6wKOxE4DfQNiRbU4_w79FyvBgZnGn64j5VlA3tSCt4mFcJw8Wznasyd6L68cDiUcFXUXvP9dAHUc1DjJtvI5zDNjMLDLmgfYQjU0tm3StyavqGepwgFgcHYlZhUCX-pakkJSifC/s400/IMG_2369.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5627525305088274098" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></span></div><div><br /></div><div><b>3). Group</b> - Running with people, be it a training buddy or The Running Store Training Group (which is the most awesome thing ever) helps me a lot. There is accountability, there is someone to show up for, and there are people to help me keep going when all I want to do is stop. There is something about having someone beside you, even if you don't say a word, that helps you to keep moving forwar</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdgdWwUXlYhyphenhyphen-tv21xYndyF78qBR3-a7kf8oYd74PBFgXUs2izjUF4-dL4oEbaUBim14BLRKh2uEjju80PZsalsOGICfY7zQrp9FaFjQm17ttVVXBEe-DdNQKvspwN8gnnCDe2AgQeZIlW/s400/Jen+%2526+Tierney+Finish.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5627526196855621490" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 226px; height: 400px; " /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><br /></span></div><div>I don't know that these are the best reasons to run but these are MY reasons to run. I like being a runner but I have a very hard time actually being a runner without the above mentioned factors. And I am happy to have realized it, embraced it, and to use them to help me get to the finish line on October 30th.</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1_vBoKO2tbpp26QRhbPzr2xpMhq5e1IA8ZWovR3sul0Ti0IvFVrKrsj5zgSQQ11zcnRM_GxjlkAmj5ETueD-Wq20jqHm7F2e3cWyv9cLZe1WeTZ-rrBJ2jSgboPODXg_ob_PyxI7BlSUi/s400/IMG_2371.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5627525307409836114" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyAJavriZ6UFMjYdh30wqTzD7QSkMba2M_hBkhC-z1OWW6dQWBC2qhMWlmoxUA0-NzW0LLsLsHA0Wrl69kPK6d80nh8fv6o5OKfcjVF7coH2dIPsDpeSzQwPKxhATYG-yzu6tfE8N03eKo/s400/n588635795_390028_8143.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5627525317833313618" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIaoymCLwepXkPOZY2kT23TI2kE_5H0fjYEsUSA2Fcmsqju1b760zbcT2WSGLKaO2vHR1xdZtw2oBIQ6FgRHHBSLWLgRgxyo_MvJqTcnPHOUiOAsh332K7dWjqvmNEOLya3_7FMEODwwg_/s400/n588635795_390025_7179.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5627525313249949698" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjATE_8Q-GdSYY3AZii8KStgqIINNk8cXudcHK02a9Z3hYTnXKE5JGYVB_M3rGyUiYk0LT7xh2iARkbv508puM-uzQ7uGffC8PcMa5X2xG2CBPg89MT54koDydjrWBwi-TAeYGgkBHDAjvX/s400/IMG_2377.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5627527799912100258" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></span></span></div><div><br /></div>hokiejennylynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17893149963522208443noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2524912793941092843.post-72694064976539946982011-07-03T12:01:00.000-07:002011-07-03T12:14:27.714-07:00No Spend Month – Final UpdateSo…we survived No Spend Month.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>To be honest, I sort of feel like calling it “No Spend Month” sounds a lot more hardcore than it really was. Because we definitely spent money on stuff that we didn’t need.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>But I think calling it, “Paying Attention to What You Spend and Trying Not to Waste Money Month” is not as catchy. <p class="MsoNormal">It was definitely a learning experience and I do think that some of our bad habits were broken (or at least weakened).</p> <ul style="margin-top:0in" type="disc"> <li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1;tab-stops:list .5in">We learned that it works really well to plan meals in two-week intervals and go to the<img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 110px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6Kjc6cvGPgfXgTo2ksyt7bQETrWHN_NBPxN5HWrJ9r7EdzWIQQd46jP7WyuxsEowyMvzX2f2CNdtEi6cXtCsmNVIGQ-qyivRHGGY2OXzAlf5ocsa0-52pB-eup-O81dvO-dBQMlf0DY6L/s200/Starbucks-Cafe-Estima2.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5625206260444630114" /> store after we get paid for groceries for the week.</li> <li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1;tab-stops:list .5in">We learned that knowing what you have in your pocket to spend for the two weeks makes you plan a lot better and prioritize how you want to spend your money.</li> <li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1;tab-stops:list .5in">I learned that making coffee at home can be just as good as going to Starbucks everyday. I also learned that being a people pleaser makes you not want to go back and face the Baristas at Starbucks who you used to see everyday for the fear that you will have to explain why you haven’t been by in two weeks.</li> <li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1;tab-stops:list .5in">Brian learned that he can say no to going out to lunch every day and he will survive.</li></ul><div>Two Ironic Things</div><div><ul><li>I was going running and I just HAD to get a new shirt b/c I didn't have time to go home and get one. I stopped at T.J. Maxx on the way to run and bought one. As soon as I took the tags off, I realized I had actually packed an extra shirt and just forgot about it.</li><li>Brian and I spent a whole day talking about budgeting and not spending too much money on frivolous things and then I found out that Harry Potter 7.2 tickets were on sale and I freaked out.</li></ul></div> <p class="MsoNormal">During this last pay period we tried a new tactic where we divided up the money left over after paying our fixed bills and groceries so we each got an equal amount of “fun money” that we could use for whatever we wanted.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>This has also worked well for us b/c it means that Brian can go have a $50 taco night and I won’t freak out about it b/c it is “his” money and if that means he can’t buy anything else for the rest of the pay period, it does not affect me and vice versa. </p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p> <img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ4c1BMJtDPIgBvZLUepaJEtgvx3m-Puv1mNo7wZqa428d_VIUOcMycgdFiPwOHWdRJuwPdbnM9KoWkUdOa3qjp0ZLbkGpAn2dJRZygMN61XkQub6XQsHWZpbN4pDGSlZxXQhSgYOEpSkt/s200/debt-repayment-is-a-high-interest-no-risk-investment_1.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5625205840438652322" style="float: right; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 195px; " /><p class="MsoNormal">One other encouraging thing that I realized that doesn’t really have much to do with No Spend Month is that when we got married we had seven different payments for debts that we owed. In a year and a half we have gone from seven payments to two and we have reduced our total debt by one third.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>It is really encouraging to look at how far we have come, even though we have a ways to go.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">In July our focus is going to be to try to start eating better and fresher. One thing we found is that in going shopping at Walmart every two weeks, we have been eating a lot of packaged quick foods and we both feel gross and sluggish. So the goal for July is to incorporate more fruits and vegetables into our diets and we are going to start shopping at the farmer’s market or at a real grocery store like Harris Teeter for our groceries.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>So if you have any good suggestions for eating fresh, keeping fruits and veggies from going bad, or good recipes, please send them my way!</p> <!--EndFragment-->hokiejennylynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17893149963522208443noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2524912793941092843.post-56832672045692489892011-06-21T19:30:00.000-07:002011-06-23T16:59:42.356-07:00My Little Bear<div style="text-align: left;">Dear Sweet Stephen,</div><div><br /></div><div>Last night, you woke up screaming at 2:00am because you are getting your second tooth. We changed your diaper. We gave you juice. We gave you tylenol. We gave you orajel. We gave you more juice. And then we let you cry. And you cried and cried and cried. For over 20 minutes. So finally, I got to snuggle with you.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>I took you into the guest room and we cuddled close. You laid there gnawing on your hand and my fingers, making sweet noises. I smelled your washed hair and nuzzled your cheek and rubbed your head and helped you calm down. And I thought about how someday, when we dance at your wedding, I will remember getting to be The One for you for this short time. </div><div><br /></div><div>The One you love. The One you need. The One who calms and soothes and snuggles and loves. The One who provides. The One who cares. The One who will never be able to completely let you go.</div><div><br /></div><div>I love you so much more than I can say. And last night was one of the best nights of my life.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>XOXO,</div><div>Mommy</div><div><br /></div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbZqZTcaMVqQNLFf4rCvUak9r2ZK8e5ULyE5PXmfvs-_dp_mOoJkIOghQlTzQI6fWyXfmeEny7QI2P8UoApfyF1gyX32Yh38NeuXwgDTyi9ae8Hwg61YTy8XVgJglO2zWC-mZ8krYxlsz5/s400/s41814ca116990_53.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5620868686845891922" /><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipi3thfdKK3XOlA-FO51HmSaCMWMAwoqq7y6uWz-1aa10sQBWuwkbyWGe72dkM5RbQZw1AfGalo3n3E_rw9CWgG4jyTduXUCP92sDFWE-W4kXE_UGAEHazSbXlaQzv24Iqu13eGL0qQolb/s400/IMG_5249.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5620868692859093410" /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><br /></div>hokiejennylynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17893149963522208443noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2524912793941092843.post-31930571900660466412011-06-21T14:53:00.000-07:002011-06-21T14:56:12.613-07:00No Spend Month – Update # 2<span class="Apple-style-span" style=" border-collapse: collapse; font-family:arial, sans-serif;font-size:13px;"><div style="border-top-width: medium; border-right-width: medium; border-bottom-width: 1pt; border-left-width: medium; border-top-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-bottom-style: solid; border-left-style: none; border-top-color: currentcolor; border-right-color: currentcolor; border-bottom-color: windowtext; border-left- padding-top: 0in; padding-right: 0in; padding-bottom: 1pt; padding-left: 0in; color:currentcolor;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; padding-top: 0in; padding-right: 0in; padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 0in; border-top-color: currentcolor; border-right-color: currentcolor; border-bottom-color: currentcolor; border-left- border-width: initial; border-style: initial; color:currentcolor;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:arial, sans-serif;font-size:13px;"></span></span></span></p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Calibri;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; "><span style="font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">Time for a quick update for how our No Spend Month is going. </span></span></p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"></span></span><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; "><span style="font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"> </span></span></p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"></span></span><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; "><span style="font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; "><span style="font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">I don’t know that it can necessarily be classified as a “No Spend Month” anymore. I would say that we are still succeeding pretty well in the eating out area. We have only eaten at restaurants 6 times in June compared to 14 for the same timeframe in May. We are down over 50%.</span></span></p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"></span></span><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; "><span style="font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"> </span></span></p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"></span></span><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; "><span style="font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">We went to Yorktown this past weekend for a wedding that I was in. This was also something that was planned before the No Spend Month was established so there were some expenses that went along with it like getting my hair done, dress alterations, and suit alterations for Brian that were unavoidable. I mean I guess if I was super committed I could have done my own hair but…I wasn’t. Maybe next time.</span></span></p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"></span></span><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; "><span style="font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"> </span></span></p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"></span></span><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; "><b><u><span style="font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><br /></span></span></u></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; "><b><u><span style="font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">Our Wins for June 9 – 20</span></span></u></b></p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"></span></span><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; "><span style="font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"> </span></span></p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"></span></span><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; "><span style="font-size:100%;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">Jen</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"> – Yesterday morning we were out of coffee and I didn’t even want to stop at Starbucks. I just drove right by it and had a diet coke instead and avoided the caffeine headache I usually get.</span></span></p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"></span></span><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; "><span style="font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"> </span></span></p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"></span></span><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; "><span style="font-size:100%;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><br /></span></b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; "><span style="font-size:100%;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">Brian – </span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">He really wanted to buy a cigar a few times and used self control. Someone at work ended up giving him one out of the blue which was exciting.</span></span></p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"></span></span><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; "><span style="font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"> </span></span></p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"></span></span><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; "><b><span style="font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><br /></span></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; "><b><span style="font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">Our Wins</span></span></b></p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"></span></span><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; "><span style="font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">We have successfully eaten the food we bought the grocery store for dinner instead of going out to eat b/c we didn’t feel like cooking.</span></span></p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"></span></span><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; "><span style="font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"> </span></span></p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"></span></span><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; "><b><u><span style="font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><br /></span></span></u></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; "><b><u><span style="font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">Our Rooms for Improvement</span></span></u></b></p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"></span></span><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; "><b><u><span style="text-decoration: none; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"></span></span></span></u></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"> </span></p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"></span></span><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; "><span style="font-size:100%;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">Brian – </span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">Brian went out with the boys for tacos one Thursday night. Originally he was supposed to use a gift card that ended up being totally confusing and unusable (NOTE: Restaurant.com gift cards are not the greatest gifts). So my expectations were pretty high. I thought maybe he would spend like $20 and $25 max but hopefully closer to $15. The bill ended up getting split equally and Brian paid twice as much as I thought he would. To say I was upset is putting it very lightly. Livid, About to Cry, Wanting to Gnash my teeth and heap iniquities upon him is more accurate.</span></span></p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"></span></span><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; "><span style="font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"> </span></span></p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"></span></span><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; "><span style="font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; "><span style="font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">This leads us to…</span></span></p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"></span></span><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; "><span style="font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"> </span></span></p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"></span></span><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; "><span style="font-size:100%;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><br /></span></b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; "><span style="font-size:100%;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">Jen – </span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">The same week of the Taco Night Debacle, I ended up spending $14 for a foam roller for running, $25 for Bible Study snacks that I hadn’t planned on, and $8 for something else that I can’t even remember now. As I was getting angry enough to cry at Brian about what he spent at dinner, I was convicted that I had spent literally the exact same amount on unplanned things that I didn’t need to. It was a glaring reminder of how hypocritical I can be – holding Brian to a higher standard than I ever set for myself. I give him a hard time while he gives me grace every time I mess up.</span></span></p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"></span></span><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; "><span style="font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"> </span></span></p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"></span></span><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; "><span style="font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; "><span style="font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">We have had a few other areas for improvement this week but I don’t need to go into all the gritty details. I think we are learning how hard it can be to delay gratification, to not get what we want when we want it, and to spend conservatively for things like gifts and times with friends.</span></span></p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"></span></span><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; "><span style="font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"> </span></span></p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"></span></span><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; "><span style="font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; "><span style="font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">I am thankful for grace. We don’t have to be perfect. And if all we do is get our eating out at restaurants under control, I will call this month a success.</span></span></p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"></span></span><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; "><span style="font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"> </span></span></p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"></span></span><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; "><span style="font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; "><span style="font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">But we still have 9 days to go and I am hoping we will finish well!</span></span></p></span><p></p></div></span>hokiejennylynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17893149963522208443noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2524912793941092843.post-49445185957263911952011-06-08T18:31:00.000-07:002011-06-09T18:29:00.022-07:00No Spend Month Update - Week 1<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">We have officially completed Week 1 of "No Spend Month". We have not been perfect by any means but I am trying to give ourselves grace b/c we are learning and this is a trial thing. We are under grace, not the law here. So I decided to share our "Wins" and our "Learning Opportunities" for Week One.</span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><b>Jen's Win</b> </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">After I ran a half marathon on Saturday I wanted pizza worse than anything in the world. Brian gently reminded me that it was No Spend Month so I opted for Macaroni and Cheese instead. I figure we saved $18 at least. WIN!</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><b>Brian's Win</b> </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">Brian has been invited to go out to lunch at work at least twice by people in his office and he has opted to stay back and have Spaghettio's or a sandwich. $15 saved. WIN!</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><b>Our Win</b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">We used a gift card to buy a pound of Starbucks coffee that lasted us 10 days. We paid $12 for the pound. It comes out to about $0.50 per person per day. If we had purchased coffee at our respective coffee shops, we would have spent $20 this week. We are also learning to perfect the art of making your own coffee. WIN!</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><b>Learning Opportunities</b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">We went to a really fun wine festival with some friends on Sunday. We had made the commitment to go prior to deciding on June being the No Spend Month. It was a really fun time and honestly, worth the $24 per person tickets but it was still money that we spent on something frivolous. Although, there was this chocolate wine that was pretty much worth every penny.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">Brian bought some suits last month and the alterations ended up being about twice as much as we expected. But he needs them for a wedding we are going to this month. So what can you do.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><b>Goal for Week 2</b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">This coming week I hope that we will make less quick trips to the grocery store. There were a few times where we were craving something and so we went to get it instead of just making what we had. So the goal is to plan the meals ahead of time and stick to it. And to make sure we have stuff to make homemade pizza always on hand :o)</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><br /></span></div><div><br /></div>hokiejennylynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17893149963522208443noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2524912793941092843.post-62328944880678771362011-06-01T18:12:00.000-07:002011-06-01T18:40:06.221-07:00The Glamorous Life of Living on a Budget<span style=";font-family:Calibri;font-size:100%;" > <br /><span style="font-family: georgia;">Doesn’t living on a budget seem glamorous in certain ways? Maybe it is just me, but when I read blogs and see fri</span></span><span style=";font-family:Calibri;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-family: georgia;font-family:georgia;" >ends who are “living simply” I feel this longing to do the same.</span><br /></span><div style="text-align: justify;font-family:georgia;" id=":52" class="ii gt"><div id=":53"><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">So I a</span><span style="font-size:100%;">nalyze our spending down to the penny. I make excel spreadsheets and figure out that we spent 26% of our income on diapers and formula and 15% on eating at restaurants. I come up with spending reduction goals and tell Brian that we can each only spend $6 a day.<br /></span></p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">And then something happens.<span> </span>I like to call it the Romans 7 principle:<br /></span></p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-size:100%;">“I do </span></span></i><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-size:100%;">not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do.”</span></span></i></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span></span></i></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-size:100%;">The </span></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY7nC_b9AwYDvFtpbdOC_8IYlpsq4xavSiRJtLo7qUmnRlx6YipYj4aOUVfT6Q33jXwxNQy0_9u2ywqg59p9AYQUSfzIhooqY_iBRZD6KyWXt4CwaOcdzljcHhDKljQEg1sLzJGZterxfi/s1600/Expensive+Coffee.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 108px; height: 170px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY7nC_b9AwYDvFtpbdOC_8IYlpsq4xavSiRJtLo7qUmnRlx6YipYj4aOUVfT6Q33jXwxNQy0_9u2ywqg59p9AYQUSfzIhooqY_iBRZD6KyWXt4CwaOcdzljcHhDKljQEg1sLzJGZterxfi/s200/Expensive+Coffee.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5613428442195070594" border="0" /></a><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-size:100%;">da</span></span><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-size:100%;">y after I make my decree, I stop at Starbucks (because I’ll get a headache without my morning coffee) a</span></span><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-size:100%;">nd get a breakfast sandwich (b/c we were out of </span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-size:100%;">granola</span></span><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-size:100%;"> bars) and I tell myself it is okay b/c I will eat lunch at my desk and have soup for dinner. And then my coworker says, “Let’s go to Chick-Fil-A” and I say, “OKAY” (b/c who can turn down Chick-Fil-A???). On the way home I stop at Target to pick up something we need and end up spending $150 (b/c I ne</span></span><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-size:100%;">ed some more totes to organize baby clothes and eye makeup remover and 17 other things I did not intend to buy) and then I get home and all we have is pasta with no sauce and Oreos so I decide we really must order pizza (b/c I also have to have pizza at least once a week).<span> </span>And then I feel guilty for eating o</span></span><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-size:100%;">ut so much and spending money so I just decide to not look at our bank account until it’s time to pay the bills again and I hope we stay in the black.<span> </span>It is a great system, Right?</span></span></p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-size:100%;">As our babies get cuter and cuter (and cuter) and more fun, my desire to stay at home with them increases exponentially. And when we have Baby #3 it will become a necessity (b/c childcare costs are whack and believe it or not, working is actually pretty freaking expensive).<span> </span><br /></span></span></p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOEzYnvQ7Eio_aDK_fIrdBT-xU2seCznVsOVw96UTEoY7xVngYDDSMCaMNodym7f36bguWa_suPruOnK0PAgavM6Rber5yS8-BoCUJ6tZJuM4EvuM1E7rwecIm6J6xNxp2eU1oCQ4B8uPj/s1600/IMG_5914.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOEzYnvQ7Eio_aDK_fIrdBT-xU2seCznVsOVw96UTEoY7xVngYDDSMCaMNodym7f36bguWa_suPruOnK0PAgavM6Rber5yS8-BoCUJ6tZJuM4EvuM1E7rwecIm6J6xNxp2eU1oCQ4B8uPj/s400/IMG_5914.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5613429875057038818" border="0" /></a></p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-size:100%;">But in order to make that possible we have to be disciplined with our finances in a few ways:</span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span></span></p> <ol><li><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-size:100%;">We need to figure out how much money we need to live frugally but not miserably. It is okay to eat out once or twice a week. But we do it a lot more than that. For no good reason.</span></span></li><li><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-size:100%;">We need to actually have a budget. Like a real one. That we follow. And are accountable to. </span></span></li><li><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-size:100%;">We need to not spend so much money on stuff we don’t need. Like eating out. And eating out some more.<span> </span>And Target. </span></span></li><li><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-size:100%;">We need to give more to our church. I am a firm believer that God will bless us when we are cheerful givers and give as an act of trusting Him. It is really easy for me to think of our giving to God as an option when really it should be a priority. But I am admitting here that a lot of times it is not. So I want to get better at that.</span></span></li></ol> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfP18wEd2-tBc4Hx827p94NF1_nFsg0KsHQMp1gh5GRX77vEK-2yjIJZesv57uY-g50odPa37w7U7xrpyrxAvYZQKoRo34lkTXMKes-eK2eIkJpq6GsBBJ5xmnwwEVpw_hNHFqOqThQOD4/s1600/3rd-no-spend-month.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 175px; height: 189px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfP18wEd2-tBc4Hx827p94NF1_nFsg0KsHQMp1gh5GRX77vEK-2yjIJZesv57uY-g50odPa37w7U7xrpyrxAvYZQKoRo34lkTXMKes-eK2eIkJpq6GsBBJ5xmnwwEVpw_hNHFqOqThQOD4/s320/3rd-no-spend-month.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5613430191184073250" border="0" /></a></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-size:100%;">I have a renewed focus on all this because we spent a little too much last month and, as a res</span></span><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-size:100%;">ult, we are making June a <b>No Spend Month</b>. I heard about this from my favorite blog, Small Notebook (</span></span><a href="http://www.smallnotebook.org/" target="_blank"><span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 255);font-size:100%;" >www.smallnotebook.org</span></span></a><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-size:100%;">) and I am looking forward to the challenge. Basically, you don’t spend money on stuff you don’t have to (like eating out, stuff you want but don’t need, trips, activities, etc).</span></span></p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-size:100%;">We have talked about it a few times but that’s all it was – talk. So now we HAVE to do it. I think it will be difficult and that a lot of our bad habits will be revealed and tested.<span> </span>But I know that it will be beneficial and if we can actually make it through to the end, we will be better for it. <span> </span>I will keep you posted on our progress.</span></span></p> </div></div>hokiejennylynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17893149963522208443noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2524912793941092843.post-58022967572024471952011-05-30T18:30:00.000-07:002011-05-30T18:59:50.362-07:009 Months Old!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEY-l_bLEMYmX0nNR9Bp0YYR4wbNwLF08os3PKJky08VW7lNcKL1IViXDgksdVCL3fZyCq_klXOo3JoZSjeXBykv26A-LuDaL8azRPjidcXTMHD70zFpsh1DUl03ECkWhAVYGO2PFwMwaT/s1600/IMG_6056.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEY-l_bLEMYmX0nNR9Bp0YYR4wbNwLF08os3PKJky08VW7lNcKL1IViXDgksdVCL3fZyCq_klXOo3JoZSjeXBykv26A-LuDaL8azRPjidcXTMHD70zFpsh1DUl03ECkWhAVYGO2PFwMwaT/s400/IMG_6056.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5612693317134503778" border="0" /></a><div id=":4k" class="ii gt"><div id=":4l"><ul><li><span style="font-family:Calibri;font-size:100%;">We have two little “Cruisers” on our hands!!! Did you know “cruising” is when they can walk around furniture holding on to it? Now you do.</span></li><li><span style="font-family:Calibri;font-size:100%;">They are both pretty fast crawlers</span></li><li><span style="font-family:Calibri;font-size:100%;">They can pull up to standing from just about anything.</span></li><li><span style="font-family:Calibri;font-size:100%;">Eat fruits, vegetables, Gerber puffs, yogurt bites, and bread.</span></li><li><span style="font-family:Calibri;font-size:100%;">Like to drink ice water out of a big cup – they sort of lap at it like a dog and then it goes all over them</span></li><li><span style="font-family:Calibri;font-size:100%;">Can hold their own bottles with one hand</span></li><li><span style="font-family:Calibri;font-size:100%;">Drink less formula throughout the day than they had been</span></li><li><span style="font-family:Calibri;font-size:100%;">They are more aware of each other – they talk and play in their cribs in the mornings and babble some</span></li><li><span style="font-family:Calibri;font-size:100%;">We have been working on the signs for “More” and “All Done”. They haven’t gotten it yet but I think they are close.</span></li><li><span style="font-family:Calibri;font-size:100%;">Can sit in high chairs at restaurants</span></li><li><span style="font-family:Calibri;font-size:100%;">Fight over toys</span></li><li><span style="font-family:Calibri;font-size:100%;">They do this thing where they put their fist up to their mouth and turn their head back and forth and make this funny sound – if one starts, the other will follow and it is pretty cute.</span></li><li><span style="font-family:Calibri;font-size:100%;">Have started getting baths together without their baby bathtub.</span></li><li><span style="font-family:Calibri;font-size:100%;">Tori observed that Stephen is the more vocal baby and Annabelle is the more physical baby which I think is a great observation. I am curious to see what that will mean for their development in the future.</span></li></ul><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJpqPUc2o9aqnBRJx5B1AcuTDmg1BIMGU8c33HYmhwFwpMK1HtGQoWQjJRkkGv1ewut03raOYTyo6aPx8pzsFvJT-XCViEFiyKqhQTiUC5OCqVieVN3ht6ouCoduwBOcOOD79QAaf4Bveb/s1600/IMG_6079.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 225px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJpqPUc2o9aqnBRJx5B1AcuTDmg1BIMGU8c33HYmhwFwpMK1HtGQoWQjJRkkGv1ewut03raOYTyo6aPx8pzsFvJT-XCViEFiyKqhQTiUC5OCqVieVN3ht6ouCoduwBOcOOD79QAaf4Bveb/s400/IMG_6079.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5612693321184136738" border="0" /></a> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Calibri;font-size:100%;"> </span></p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqBS3wkFBF-GtknQVnlIXkltsj5l-iVdzR5fcLFxwCMA7NJjnS0N_zFp9jpSpIOTuVFkxIJq34K65ZVdOXgucBifkv0iDqvzGvP4sXMOgKyoke8AXd7e05Q9p-GYA4X-M-rcHUv5_yplNV/s1600/IMG_5950.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqBS3wkFBF-GtknQVnlIXkltsj5l-iVdzR5fcLFxwCMA7NJjnS0N_zFp9jpSpIOTuVFkxIJq34K65ZVdOXgucBifkv0iDqvzGvP4sXMOgKyoke8AXd7e05Q9p-GYA4X-M-rcHUv5_yplNV/s400/IMG_5950.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5612692535098574002" border="0" /></a></p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></span></b></p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Annabelle</span></span></b></p> <ul><li><span style="font-family:Symbol;"><span></span></span><span style="font-family:Calibri;font-size:100%;">Waves Bye-Bye – and a lot of times waves bye-bye backwards</span></li><li><span style="font-family:Symbol;"><span></span></span><span style="font-family:Calibri;font-size:100%;">Plays Peek-A-Boo and it is super cute</span></li><li><span style="font-family:Symbol;"><span></span></span><span style="font-family:Calibri;font-size:100%;">Smiles so much</span></li><li><span style="font-family:Symbol;"><span></span></span><span style="font-family:Calibri;font-size:100%;">Gets separation anxiety from me more than Stephen</span></li><li><span style="font-family:Symbol;"><span></span></span><span style="font-family:Calibri;font-size:100%;">Can walk really fast when you hold her hands</span></li><li><span style="font-family:Symbol;"><span><span style="font: 7pt 'Times New Roman';"></span></span></span><span style="font-family:Calibri;font-size:100%;">Can stand on her own for about 7 seconds until she realizes that she is not being helped and loses her balance</span></li><li><span style="font-family:Symbol;"><span><span style="font: 7pt 'Times New Roman';"></span></span></span><span style="font-family:Calibri;font-size:100%;">Has two little budding teeth on the bottom front (first sighting was May 16)</span></li><li><span style="font-family:Symbol;"><span><span style="font: 7pt 'Times New Roman';"></span></span></span><span style="font-family:Calibri;font-size:100%;">Sleeps on her stomach with her bottom straight up in the air</span></li><li><span style="font-family:Symbol;"><span><span style="font: 7pt 'Times New Roman';"></span></span></span><span style="font-family:Calibri;font-size:100%;">Can say, “mommomomomom” but I don’t know that it counts as “Mom” yet</span></li><li><span style="font-family:Symbol;"><span></span></span><span style="font-family:Calibri;font-size:100%;">Crawls into my lap a lot and likes to be held. </span></li><li><span style="font-family:Symbol;"><span></span></span><span style="font-family:Calibri;font-size:100%;">Is wearing 9 month clothes and has so many insanely cute dresses it overwhelms me and I rejoice at poop explosions b/c it means she gets more use out of her clothes</span></li><li><span style="font-family:Calibri;font-size:100%;">Loves to be chased around. I say, “I’m gonna get you!!” and crawl after her and she just squeals with delight.</span></li></ul><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcWXHP360BYRSQu3lS40r2E4ek6F7ELTbDQPDdmTg4DHDF23UFxyFj4ZbUNW5XRnBj-0TiwEDGE8nIjK4dlDoYtXjfl3g4w-Va36WCFf9b1DCk0870og_YOrzlfVidpxgUTrYNXKJS5-GE/s1600/IMG_5795.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcWXHP360BYRSQu3lS40r2E4ek6F7ELTbDQPDdmTg4DHDF23UFxyFj4ZbUNW5XRnBj-0TiwEDGE8nIjK4dlDoYtXjfl3g4w-Va36WCFf9b1DCk0870og_YOrzlfVidpxgUTrYNXKJS5-GE/s400/IMG_5795.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5612692524043620466" border="0" /></a> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiMSeQ6bua5GSJMwUQ_UFjZ5R-Py-UhevH13atWRPZGtRSrk0kmEjwTkuFIhKc87E6Po_CBuLAGZHKzKcrrlN9WjrU7Y2D9LaPjQXvptR7e2t3zdbQI8YxDjShsG7sk3MZHGckYTjw4N_a/s1600/IMG_5631.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiMSeQ6bua5GSJMwUQ_UFjZ5R-Py-UhevH13atWRPZGtRSrk0kmEjwTkuFIhKc87E6Po_CBuLAGZHKzKcrrlN9WjrU7Y2D9LaPjQXvptR7e2t3zdbQI8YxDjShsG7sk3MZHGckYTjw4N_a/s400/IMG_5631.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5612692520468517266" border="0" /></a></p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhni3JzdKZObjLyIMenmWoWIet7_fH3-ZmH1uQhzhQOH4MlitnAYZA8xxFF8qYRWy1putHt7O9qpNPACNmUFeA2lIkHuuQUBXtrHcAwBvXYXGIT2Oj5WJEqU51RJ8hjEHklvjLmXTs61eCX/s1600/IMG_6126.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhni3JzdKZObjLyIMenmWoWIet7_fH3-ZmH1uQhzhQOH4MlitnAYZA8xxFF8qYRWy1putHt7O9qpNPACNmUFeA2lIkHuuQUBXtrHcAwBvXYXGIT2Oj5WJEqU51RJ8hjEHklvjLmXTs61eCX/s400/IMG_6126.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5612693324666537186" border="0" /></a></p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></span></b></p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Stephen</span></span></b></p><ul><li><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Looks just like Brian’s dad when he was a baby – it is creepy</span></span></li><li><span style="font-family:Symbol;"><span><span style="font: 7pt 'Times New Roman';"></span></span></span><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Still has crazy scientist hair and we think he has the unfortunate Armstrong hair pattern (i.e. it grows in a circle)</span></span></li><li><span style="font-family:Symbol;"><span><span style="font: 7pt 'Times New Roman';"></span></span></span><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Can crawl, pull up, and sit up</span></span></li><li><span style="font-family:Symbol;"><span><span style="font: 7pt 'Times New Roman';"></span></span></span><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Claps his hands and loves to play Paddycake</span></span></li><li><span style="font-family:Symbol;"><span><span style="font: 7pt 'Times New Roman';"></span></span></span><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Has taken to screaming at the top of his lungs when he is not getting attention and we are trying to figure out how to handle this</span></span></li><li><span style="font-family:Symbol;"><span><span style="font: 7pt 'Times New Roman';"></span></span></span><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Wakes up in the middle of the night less than he used to but it is still pretty regular</span></span></li><li><span style="font-family:Symbol;"><span><span style="font: 7pt 'Times New Roman';"></span></span></span><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span style="font-size:100%;">No teeth in sight yet.</span></span></li><li><span style="font-family:Symbol;"><span><span style="font: 7pt 'Times New Roman';"></span></span></span><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span style="font-size:100%;">If you put your hand over his mouth and pat it, he makes the Indian call sound thing (I don’t know a better way to describe it)</span></span></li><li><span style="font-family:Symbol;"><span></span></span><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Is wearing 9 month and 12 month clothe</span></span></li><li><span style="font-family:Symbol;"><span><span style="font: 7pt 'Times New Roman';"></span></span></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:Calibri;">Can also say “Momomomom” and sometimes will say “Daddadadadad”.<span> </span>We are also trying to get him to say, “T T T T” for Tori, their babysitter, but he usually just laughs and shakes his head.</span></span></li></ul> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Calibri;font-size:100%;"> </span></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD58J_k8_zwMn89xZGa923h7L0bbHTYKs-k9-Cj9VN49uMbFMp-qgoqdFsJuYcdR9jS-93ROtvjObgvTnH24Mry6dqSMd_QvNnrFS_hXqx9yBg_J3QbPskcglmPboYmaEx1nAOelGAbD62/s1600/IMG_5964.JPG"><br /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQvrgf_wmoZa9KipIdJRMKJPKHmGQ5K71Hdg6P6VJXMNLeMZvPoxEp0MuWlg20qqA7MHOXtcoNrvGehFAFL_qfU-vlPNUMKzFm6CWh7S6XkXwKZBq7PoAlaXNngRsFHQyqhF2eKek5LtZF/s1600/IMG_5911.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQvrgf_wmoZa9KipIdJRMKJPKHmGQ5K71Hdg6P6VJXMNLeMZvPoxEp0MuWlg20qqA7MHOXtcoNrvGehFAFL_qfU-vlPNUMKzFm6CWh7S6XkXwKZBq7PoAlaXNngRsFHQyqhF2eKek5LtZF/s400/IMG_5911.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5612692530524457218" border="0" /></a></p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><br /></span></span></b></p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghoKC4r8W-TcQOSUIMfW_jnrHvMqqTJbTkcE4fD093_qeWw23V3I7kI27EgXCDUMLhE6uyBWeIVysh5DJIzfknuAPmVoa65K9SGdUNlEF3cxPhHGAo-QwHcgLq4GEWXfa8R8FzpaRo58jf/s1600/IMG_6097.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghoKC4r8W-TcQOSUIMfW_jnrHvMqqTJbTkcE4fD093_qeWw23V3I7kI27EgXCDUMLhE6uyBWeIVysh5DJIzfknuAPmVoa65K9SGdUNlEF3cxPhHGAo-QwHcgLq4GEWXfa8R8FzpaRo58jf/s400/IMG_6097.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5612693318859234002" border="0" /></a></p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><br /></span></span></b></p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:Calibri;">Mom</span></span></b></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:Calibri;">I really love this stage of the babies a lot. They are just so cute and so much fun. I literally can’t wait to wake them up in the morning or get home from work to see them. They have just become so interactive and I love it a lot. <span> </span></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Calibri;font-size:100%;"> </span></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Calibri;font-size:100%;">I am feeling more and more anxious to get to be a Stay-At-Home-Mom which, at this point, cannot be a reality for at least another year and a half or so. I am praying that God will continue to provide for us. He already has provided in so many crazy ways so I don’t doubt that, if we are faithful with our money and are good stewards with what He has given us, He will provide a way for me to stay home with our kiddos.</span></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Calibri;font-size:100%;"> </span></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Calibri;font-size:100%;">I am going to run a half marathon next weekend -13.1 miles. It doesn’t feel like that big of a deal until I look back to January and see that I was running 4 minutes at a time and then walking. So 13.1 miles is pretty far. I am having a love hate relationship with running so I don’t know if how much further I will go with it. But still, 13.1 miles, 9 months after having 2 kids isn’t too shabby.</span></p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD58J_k8_zwMn89xZGa923h7L0bbHTYKs-k9-Cj9VN49uMbFMp-qgoqdFsJuYcdR9jS-93ROtvjObgvTnH24Mry6dqSMd_QvNnrFS_hXqx9yBg_J3QbPskcglmPboYmaEx1nAOelGAbD62/s1600/IMG_5964.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD58J_k8_zwMn89xZGa923h7L0bbHTYKs-k9-Cj9VN49uMbFMp-qgoqdFsJuYcdR9jS-93ROtvjObgvTnH24Mry6dqSMd_QvNnrFS_hXqx9yBg_J3QbPskcglmPboYmaEx1nAOelGAbD62/s400/IMG_5964.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5612692538222221330" border="0" /></a></p> </div></div>hokiejennylynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17893149963522208443noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2524912793941092843.post-870109099481119962011-03-31T20:53:00.000-07:002011-03-31T21:21:02.029-07:00JoyfullyRecently one of my favorite blogs wrote an entry challenging her readers to write their joyful stories about motherhood. <div><br /></div><div>Since Brian was away for the past two weeks, I was on baby duty every night and on the weekends. The thought of being by myself with them for that long was very overwhelming and scary. I knew that I would have lots of help from our awesome family and friends but at the end of the night, it was my responsibility to love them and manage them and keep them alive.</div><div><br /></div><div>There were some challenging experiences (read - two trips to "walk around the mall" and dinner at Olive Garden that solidified my conviction that we will not be doing those things again for a very long time) but we have survived.</div><div><br /></div><div>What I have found in the last two weeks is that I really do know my babies and I am excited and proud about that. I know their schedule. I know their cries. I know the unexplainable things.</div><div><ul><li>I know when Stephen is just so tired that he can't stand it and that Annabelle is in a clingy stage where she will follow you around until you pick her up. </li><li>I know that in the morning Stephen will take a nap and then as soon as he wakes up Annabelle will fall asleep. Maybe I will get lucky and it will overlap for 15 minutes.</li><li>I know that even though it <i>seems</i> like they don't like their vegetables or meat, they <i>will, </i>in fact, eat all of it if you make them. </li><li>I know that when Stephen wakes up between 3:30 and 5:00am, all you need to do is give him a bottle - like just hand it to him - make sure he isn't wet, and go back to bed.</li><li>I know that if you don't make eye contact with them while you are washing dishes or checking Facebook, they will play contentedly but as soon as they see you see them, they want you.</li><li>I know that if Stephen is crying I can sing him "his song" and he will stop and smile at me real big.</li></ul><div>I literally feel like every day I am more excited to go into their room to say "Good Morning" and I feel a little more urgent to get home to them after work. Like I can tangibly feel love grow. It is crazy. </div></div><div><br /></div><div>They are just the greatest little people. I feel like watching them grow and change and learn and develop is the most exciting thing and also a little heartbreaking. Because they will never be this small again. They will never not know how to scoot or fit in to their 0-3 month clothes or be 6.7lbs again. I will never get to live the first day of their life again. But I will get to live lots of other firsts and I am excited for that. I just hope that I can savor each moment and love them better each moment and that at the end of my life, I will be able to confidently say that I did not waste this time with them.</div><div><br /><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;color:#535353;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px; word-spacing: 1px; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div></div>hokiejennylynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17893149963522208443noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2524912793941092843.post-40432563642395495022011-03-29T18:15:00.000-07:002011-03-29T18:42:44.100-07:006 Months of Loving My Babies!I wrote this post way back in February but have been delinquent in posting it.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Month 6 in the L</span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-0Qy23Ucy660MccQ97ivJ5xRMmNhVlDKI6knzVa-dVJ644xUeAc3AmR9luOaAgUmrMxAhzsoPIBR3lI_EuFSDQ64pVAY-h5_VWZrN7LJq0TtPkpX_itSBsTjr1D4LGahOhTis63-mX6I7/s1600/IMG_5054.JPG"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-0Qy23Ucy660MccQ97ivJ5xRMmNhVlDKI6knzVa-dVJ644xUeAc3AmR9luOaAgUmrMxAhzsoPIBR3lI_EuFSDQ64pVAY-h5_VWZrN7LJq0TtPkpX_itSBsTjr1D4LGahOhTis63-mX6I7/s200/IMG_5054.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5589680714187961602" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">ife of Annabelle Rae and Stephen Michael</span><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; font-family: georgia;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">This month, Annabelle and Stephen have really shown us some personality. <span> </span>I think they are definitely becoming more aware of each other. They will grab each others faces and give “kisses” on the head somet</span><span style="font-size:100%;">ime and laugh at each other. Every once in a while it seems like </span><span style="font-size:100%;">they are talking back and forth or like one of them is trying to antagonize the other one. The other day Stephen was falling asleep in his swing and Annabelle kept scream/laughing and waking him up. He would whine and she would do it again. </span></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; font-family: georgia;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; font-family: georgia;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">Both babies can completely hold their own bottles; eat peas, green beans, applesauce, pears, bananas, carrots, and oatmeal. They love the exersaucers and being upright. They hate their bumbos.</span></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; font-family: georgia;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; font-family: georgia;" class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></b></p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; font-family: georgia;" class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size:100%;">Annabelle</span></b></p> <ul><li><span style="font-size:100%;">Does this scream/laugh that is the cutest thing in the world</span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIzwbIJww-yQGWmdwrcHpftKksSuVuyWH1O1YrDaBrAqA0KceKzTsB1epTSyXcF2PlljpWkkXuSBxNbZ-6hrQ1n2Ola4gA-ZXPfUXmK-KoB65lt9BmMk7vBo_7sRYtebOVglS8GVJGd9tD/s1600/IMG_4913.JPG"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIzwbIJww-yQGWmdwrcHpftKksSuVuyWH1O1YrDaBrAqA0KceKzTsB1epTSyXcF2PlljpWkkXuSBxNbZ-6hrQ1n2Ola4gA-ZXPfUXmK-KoB65lt9BmMk7vBo_7sRYtebOVglS8GVJGd9tD/s200/IMG_4913.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5589680536686811794" border="0" /></a></li><li><span style="font-size:100%;">Has the best smile ever</span></li><li><span style="font-size:100%;">Has become an official daddy’s g</span><span style="font-size:100%;">irl – following him everywhere with her eyes</span></li><li><span style="font-size:100%;">Examples: one Friday night, Brian came home while I was giving the twins their bottles. He came over and said hi to them and then went in the kitchen. Annabelle stopped eating and cried until he came back and fed her. Later that night we drove to Bible Study and Annabelle screamed the entire car ride which is very unlike her. We even stopped the car to change her diaper. Every time I would say her name she would just keep crying. Every time Brian would say her name she would scream even louder. I think it was because she wanted his attention.</span></li><li><span style="font-size:100%;">One night Annabelle was incredibly fussy. I was holding her and she </span><span style="font-size:100%;">was squirmy and inconsolable. I handed her off to Daddy and she stopped immediately. He tried to hand her back to me and she cried. So it begins…</span></li><li><span style="font-size:100%;">Is officially too long for pretty much all of her <span> </span>3 month clothes</span></li><li><span style="font-size:100%;">Likes to have us blow in her face</span></li><li><span style="font-size:100%;">Is pushing up on her hands and knees</span></li><li><span style="font-size:100%;">Kind of does “The Worm” to get to stuff</span></li><li><span style="font-size:100%;">Reaches for toys</span></li><li><span style="font-size:100%;">Loves to grab and touch faces</span></li><li><span style="font-size:100%;">Loves when I put her fingers in my mouth and pretend to bite them</span></li><li><span style="font-size:100%;">Her bald spot on the back of her head is almost gone and her hair is coming in much lighter than we thought it would.</span></li></ul> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; font-family: georgia;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; font-family: georgia;" class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size:100%;">Stephen</span></b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXgw6NEK2Al8pjkCvanrwTfCruzSQ9Y4DNj9w-UB3vGiyjhZW4BpxKbfWc1J7oNW2u_x13dyuF1p4RHggJmCSLl75zIGnMkJZqBFR3UyOoUwRSI3uDh6VL-NrmbwNYDvvQNbWOkV8e3LQC/s1600/IMG_5067.JPG"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXgw6NEK2Al8pjkCvanrwTfCruzSQ9Y4DNj9w-UB3vGiyjhZW4BpxKbfWc1J7oNW2u_x13dyuF1p4RHggJmCSLl75zIGnMkJZqBFR3UyOoUwRSI3uDh6VL-NrmbwNYDvvQNbWOkV8e3LQC/s200/IMG_5067.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5589680149862314146" border="0" /></a></p> <ul><li><span style="font-size:100%;">Smi</span><span style="font-size:100%;">les a lot</span></li><li><span style="font-size:100%;">Is officially out of 3-6 month onsies and on his way to being out of the 6month clothes. I put a 3-6 month gerber onsie on him the other day and I could barely get it over his head and then it wouldn’t snap at the bottom. I thought I was going to have to cut it off him</span></li><li><span style="font-size:100%;">HATES HATES HATES getting dressed and screams like you are torturing him.</span></li><li><span style="font-size:100%;">Is getting better at tummy time</span></li><li><span style="font-size:100%;">Laughs at Brian a lot</span></li><li><span style="font-size:100%;">Stephen likes raspberries blown on his tummy</span></li><li><span style="font-size:100%;">His legs are like giant hamhocks</span></li><li><span style="font-size:100%;">We started putting Aquaphor on him as lotion b/c he has baby eczema and now he has the softest skin ever</span></li><li><span style="font-size:100%;">Has to sleep with a lovey touching his face</span></li><li><span style="font-size:100%;">This month we started giving him a bottle in his crib when he wakes up at 5am and he will hold it, drink it, and go back to sleep until at least 6:30. This is a welcome change from bringing him in to the bed with his so we could hold the bottle for him.</span></li><li><span style="font-size:100%;">He also pushes up on his hands and knees a little bit. </span></li><li><span style="font-size:100%;">His hair is coming in really blond and after a bath he kind of looks like an Albert Einstein Teddy Bear</span></li><li><span style="font-size:100%;">One evening I was feeding the babies in their high chairs and Stephen was clearly pooping. I thought nothing of it until I picked him up to change him and realized that he had an explosion that went all the way up his back. I didn’t know what to do so I took him upstairs to give him a bath. I didn’t even know how to get the onsie off without getting poop all over his face. So I just stuck him under the faucet in his onsie but forgot to turn the water to warm so it was ice cold. He didn’t like it. We were all a hot mess. But it turned out okay.</span></li></ul> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; font-family: georgia;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; font-family: georgia;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; font-family: georgia; font-weight: bold;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">Mom</span></p> <ul><li><span style="font-size:100%;">I can run 2.5 miles without stopping.</span></li><li><span style="font-size:100%;">I have lost 7 pounds on Weight Watchers.</span></li></ul><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; font-family: georgia; font-weight: bold;" class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; font-family: georgia; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;" class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; font-family: georgia; font-weight: bold; text-align: left;" class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; font-family: georgia; font-weight: bold; text-align: left;" class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; font-family: georgia; font-weight: bold; text-align: left;" class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnL3SCNPXLYS6tHnpuTOzvR2_65KPyIsEFojoMNX2XlQfgyw14PaESTQB8FX33xx8FI4z_dN072sUvwFoEcTa93bNN9te24h2hPM3k2mFrWkQEUfg74PQAXULOPe7mw2Up1vW56noWWQ5T/s1600/IMG_4899.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnL3SCNPXLYS6tHnpuTOzvR2_65KPyIsEFojoMNX2XlQfgyw14PaESTQB8FX33xx8FI4z_dN072sUvwFoEcTa93bNN9te24h2hPM3k2mFrWkQEUfg74PQAXULOPe7mw2Up1vW56noWWQ5T/s200/IMG_4899.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5589681231947970418" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRT_5EaFK9vo_7Z7-254ORhb0vv_p1BloiWbh3wMgJLevMjgp8MHjrHML2Y6jHgHwcAt6XlEzmNcmE17YhF42dAI1GM_1FgRZ8fPN4Gu-Mjj8fpbwHWsiCRkwgNzw9z8CIIWkMnaG3G_NQ/s1600/IMG_4989.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRT_5EaFK9vo_7Z7-254ORhb0vv_p1BloiWbh3wMgJLevMjgp8MHjrHML2Y6jHgHwcAt6XlEzmNcmE17YhF42dAI1GM_1FgRZ8fPN4Gu-Mjj8fpbwHWsiCRkwgNzw9z8CIIWkMnaG3G_NQ/s200/IMG_4989.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5589681438381037842" border="0" /></a></p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; font-family: georgia; font-weight: bold;" class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ4BazbJ3h9GQXSxjmW7ZevWSQcdsVYHWiwpvXVGa26qaMaO6SIyG3k8fdWGFdMo9Sy5wWYwTIIjOVKRuJ1UoGdKPKM2bsM6xX8nhNKJo7xxSIDxam7qoeDMzHXCf9CRrg36GHm9SsRaN1/s1600/IMG_5081.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ4BazbJ3h9GQXSxjmW7ZevWSQcdsVYHWiwpvXVGa26qaMaO6SIyG3k8fdWGFdMo9Sy5wWYwTIIjOVKRuJ1UoGdKPKM2bsM6xX8nhNKJo7xxSIDxam7qoeDMzHXCf9CRrg36GHm9SsRaN1/s200/IMG_5081.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5589681609174317730" border="0" /></a></p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT8PPcjefgYL_-vLZEOISHURzRGbuA79ySuacqm9skljAuEVH4HzJZgTnc9_9X6YqB3fxZPyDJhc-yWIYARDj3NSHE6XMk7YMBYfheJS4-3o03wbmkQqxxnpm5ZdDn9QbomBEST_z21n1W/s1600/IMG_5041.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT8PPcjefgYL_-vLZEOISHURzRGbuA79ySuacqm9skljAuEVH4HzJZgTnc9_9X6YqB3fxZPyDJhc-yWIYARDj3NSHE6XMk7YMBYfheJS4-3o03wbmkQqxxnpm5ZdDn9QbomBEST_z21n1W/s200/IMG_5041.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5589682259511602418" border="0" /></a>hokiejennylynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17893149963522208443noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2524912793941092843.post-80159153851983526432011-03-24T19:48:00.000-07:002011-03-24T19:56:56.548-07:00Sleepy TimeI know I need to update this thing more. And I will. I think I even wrote a blog about the babies at 6 months but never actually posted it.<br /><br />Anyway, I had a revelation that I wanted to share.<br /><br />The thing that I hated the most when I was pregnant were all the comments about sleep.<br />"Get your sleep now!"<br />"You will never sleep again"<br />"Sleep while you can"<br />EtC<br /><br />I realized that what people should REALLY say is, "Enjoy your uninterrupted sleep, catching up on sleep, and sleeping in."<br /><br />I think we are blessed with babies who sleep well but I also think that people build up the sleep thing so much that I literally thought I would never sleep again. So I am pleasantly surprised to find that I actually get more sleep now on the average night than I did before I had kids.<br /><br />I think part of this is the fact that I treasure it more so I will go to bed at 8:30 instead of staying up until 12:00 or 1:00 in the morning.<br /><br />The thing that is hard is the fact that even with good sleepers, they don't sleep in. And I inevitably have to get up at least once every night (between 3:30 and 5:00) to give Stephen a bottle or change his diaper. It takes 15 minutes and I fall back to sleep pretty quickly but I just miss the uninterupted, lounging in bed, ability to "catch-up" on sleep when I need to. Now, if I want to "catch up" I have to go to bed earlier b/c I am definitely not going to get to sleep later. <br /><br />I am writing this at 11:00pm when I should be working. So I know tomorrow is going to be hard. But perhaps, tomorrow night, I can get my sleep now.hokiejennylynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17893149963522208443noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2524912793941092843.post-73689389450044537232011-01-25T19:28:00.000-08:002011-01-25T19:33:18.320-08:005 Month Old!<div><b>Annabelle at 5 months</b></div><div>• Wakes up smiling</div><div>• Loves to grab things</div><div>• Is very interested in touching my face – she loves to put her hands on my face, in my mouth, on my eyes and cheeks</div><div>• Rolls around and sometimes does the “worm” to try to get to something she wants</div><div>• Loves to sleep on her stomach</div><div>• Sucks on her fingers nonstop</div><div>• Is much more interested in Stephen than he is in her</div><div>• She is very interested in other babies in general – the other day she grabbed Karis Means’ hand in church</div><div>• Squirms like crazy – especially when getting dressed or getting a diaper changed</div><div>• Loves to eat her green beans much more than rice or applesauce</div><div>• Splashes a lot in bathtime.</div><div>• Is very predictable about bedtime – she will cry for a few minutes and fall right to sleep</div><div>• She can hold her own bottle.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Stephen at 5 months</b></div><div>• Still cries if you put him down although he will stop after a few minutes</div><div>• Loves to sleep with the lamb or frog fuzzy lovey and has to have it touching his face</div><div>• Was weaned from his pacifier</div><div>• Talks a lot in baby babble</div><div>• Prefers to be standing up on your lap</div><div>• Can roll from his belly to his back</div><div>• Can push up pretty far on his belly</div><div>• Smiles a lot when he is being held</div><div>• Loves to cuddle and just sit on your lap while you do things</div><div>• Is getting too big for 3-6 month onsies</div><div>• HATES getting dressed and screams like he is being tortured</div><div>• Loves to eat all the time</div><div>• Loves rice, applesauce and is okay with green beans</div><div>• Loves to be naked</div><div>• Found his feet and likes to hold on to them.</div><div>• Loves to hold his own bottle!</div><div><br /></div><div>Both babies don’t really like to be in their bouncers or in the swing that much. We can put them in the swing when they are falling asleep but that is about it. They will sit in their bumbos for a few minutes but don’t love it.</div><div><br /></div><div>They both love the toys they got for Christmas. Especially the talking Puppy Bear, the Farm See & Say, and the little toys that play songs and make noise. Really, anything that makes noise entertains them.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Mom at 5 Months</b></div><div>After encouragement from my dear friend and cousin Tierney, I joined a running group that meets on Mondays and Saturdays so I have been running consistently for the past month. I am up to almost three miles run/walking. Fun fact, the coach told me that you actually can come back stronger from pregnancy because of the increased levels of oxygen that run through your blood during pregnancy and some other stuff that I can’t remember. I thought that was pretty cool.</div><div><br /></div><div>So I am running more and I joined Weight Watchers Online to get my diet in order. It is a completely new system than the old one that I was used to so it is taking some time for me to get acclimated with it. I have heard good things, though, so hopefully I will see results.</div><div><br /></div><div>I am going to be in a wedding in June and my goals are:</div><div>1). The dress that I ordered would be too big</div><div>2). That I would not hate the way I look when I see the pictures</div><div>3). That I would have some muscular arms.</div><div><br /></div><div>My big goal is to lose about 40 lbs. I am trying to focus on two at a time right now.</div><div><br /></div><div>I also turned 29 this past week. It was very low key. I feel like an interesting thing I am experiencing post-pregnancy is the let-down of the anticipation and excitement that comes with being pregnant. I feel like I was in a constant state of that since April of 2009 when Brian and I got engaged. We were married for less than a month when I found out I was pregnant so I feel like I was on this continuous cycle of being excited about major life events for a year and a half. So it almost feels like something is missing right now.</div><div><br /></div><div>It is nice to not have anything big on the horizon but I also feel more and more nostalgic about the first days with the babies – especially the day they were born. I miss that excitement and wonder at these new little lives we had made together. At least once I week I still think, “I can’t believe I have twins. How did THAT happen??”</div>hokiejennylynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17893149963522208443noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2524912793941092843.post-51054651943374622622010-12-28T20:07:00.000-08:002010-12-28T20:12:15.910-08:00A Few Things I Really Like Lately...<span class="Apple-style-span" style=" border-collapse: collapse; font-family:arial, sans-serif;font-size:13px;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">1). Washing my face with a baby wash cloth. Who knew it could be so refreshing?</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; "><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; "><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">2). Peanut Butter M&Ms. They are my downfall.</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; "><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; "><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; "><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">3). George W. Bush’s book Decision Points. He writes in a way that makes you feel like you are sitting in a room listening to stories. I also like all his nicknames for people.</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; "><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; "><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; "><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">4). Turning off the TV.</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; "><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; "><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; "><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">5). The Twisted Peppermint flavor at Bath & Body Works. It is all I can think about. And sadly when I went to buy some for myself, they were all sold out. It's gonna be a long 2011.</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; "><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; "><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; "><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">6). The Glee version of Katy Perry’s Teenage Dream. There's something about a male acapella group singing about their "skin tight jeans" just speaks to me.</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; "><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; "><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; "><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">7). Plastic Utensils and Paper Plates. When you are suddenly robbed of a simple pleasure, you realize how much you were taking it for granted.</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; "><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; "><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; "><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">8). Scarves and fingerless gloves. I am always cold.</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; "><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; "><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; "><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">9). The way Stephen and Annabelle hold my shoulder really tight when I am holding them. I love snuggling.</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; "><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; "><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; "><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">10). Christmas Ornaments as presents. They are my new favorite thing to give and to get!</span></span></p></span>hokiejennylynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17893149963522208443noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2524912793941092843.post-69508572171585100062010-12-08T19:17:00.001-08:002010-12-08T19:44:18.043-08:00Highlights of Weeks 10-15 in the lives of Annabelle and Stephen<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCn1WwS7-bB8kmiYSXsFkn-HjYvVFOWNLE2wdLYVPfDlySnNBw-EGiAk_jP2z6D5z1uhv5nReI2clzQIopqv0yIt42-bNae6mVVUBPV2mvg5tR-v9FBdu7U1-MarNKdMv4FGksBZxz6a9S/s1600/IMG_2239.JPG"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCn1WwS7-bB8kmiYSXsFkn-HjYvVFOWNLE2wdLYVPfDlySnNBw-EGiAk_jP2z6D5z1uhv5nReI2clzQIopqv0yIt42-bNae6mVVUBPV2mvg5tR-v9FBdu7U1-MarNKdMv4FGksBZxz6a9S/s200/IMG_2239.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5548517814552312178" border="0" /></a><span style=";font-family:Calibri;font-size:100%;" ></span><div id=":5x" class="ii gt" style="font-family:georgia;"><div id=":5y"><span style="font-size:100%;">1). Annabelle rolled over on Wednesday, December 1st! She is a rolly poley girl and had been flopping around for a few days. Wednesday night we were just maxin and relaxin and noticed that she was on the floor making these squealy grunting sounds while rolling back and forth. A few minutes later, she had managed to maneuver her way to her belly and then back on to her back. It was a very exciting night! We think Stephen has more girth and weight to maneuver so he tends to lay on his back still. I am confident his time is coming.<br /></span><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">2). <span> </span>They are talking a lot. They respond to you when you ask them questions with “ahhs” and “eeees” and “ooohhs”. It is pretty cute.</span></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">3). They had their first Thanksgiving. We let Stephen try mashed potatoes and he seemed to like them, although I don’t think he can tell the differe</span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8RgR-HtN810T-MwP2MC6xtiLYaTkxdNnFQOXc3Ed6_7N8qs-EhJdtsvM7vy7nbbFdwhYSgNDTIx5KjKxV-TsPBKkzNmggEfoeWr6QEtedT0JHLXmLDTz0ssE7zlLppJW0nYRHjys6cfY7/s1600/IMG_2282.JPG"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8RgR-HtN810T-MwP2MC6xtiLYaTkxdNnFQOXc3Ed6_7N8qs-EhJdtsvM7vy7nbbFdwhYSgNDTIx5KjKxV-TsPBKkzNmggEfoeWr6QEtedT0JHLXmLDTz0ssE7zlLppJW0nYRHjys6cfY7/s200/IMG_2282.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5548519168878682450" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:100%;">nce between those and the rice cereal he eats every day.</span></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">4). They are eating baby applesauce with their rice cereal twice a day. We are thinkin</span><span style="font-size:100%;">g of moving them to three feedings a day soon. They are also consistently eating 6-8 oz/feeding instead of 4.</span></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYbpEu7s4_CrhmUsSRGSoueh1wrzSfDftR44E98e_c_QMK1TS6VVZPJ-dzPljDdm7PTmo_ab6DuDL94ThfG_e84orE2zFjyhHZV3sa3-G3gLcc2nmQwr9RdKMsdP10_R8ThFlVwb7udUto/s1600/IMG_2276.JPG"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYbpEu7s4_CrhmUsSRGSoueh1wrzSfDftR44E98e_c_QMK1TS6VVZPJ-dzPljDdm7PTmo_ab6DuDL94ThfG_e84orE2zFjyhHZV3sa3-G3gLcc2nmQwr9RdKMsdP10_R8ThFlVwb7udUto/s200/IMG_2276.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5548519469164093602" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:100%;">5). They moved from the pack ‘n’ play in our room to Annabelle’s crib in the nursery on Thanksgiving eve. This was a lot harder for me than it was for them. I liked having them a few steps away instead of across the hall. They still sleep swaddled and together though. I want to keep them together for as long as we can, mostly b/c they are just so freaking cute. Every night we lay them down side by side and every morning we come in to find that Stephen has maneuvered himself down so his head is under Annabelle’s chin. It is just precious.</span></p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFtG2p6SpU-CXRXcHc8J-JhDRL_KNG26jkcAlucak9LcGPvyOlXOwKPljnhMDOCZxNRxF7lffsgKdnL4nE6Dd7xHxvgQmB70EtPB3Vm9j24CEcwvLDjqrQuzURdQthuNJjgPx2ihgwTCoc/s1600/IMG_2267.JPG"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 127px; height: 170px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFtG2p6SpU-CXRXcHc8J-JhDRL_KNG26jkcAlucak9LcGPvyOlXOwKPljnhMDOCZxNRxF7lffsgKdnL4nE6Dd7xHxvgQmB70EtPB3Vm9j24CEcwvLDjqrQuzURdQthuNJjgPx2ihgwTCoc/s200/IMG_2267.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5548518470907035090" border="0" /></a></p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">6). They actually play with some toys. When they are in their baby play place they will grab the rings and rattles th</span><span style="font-size:100%;">at hang down. Stephen also has a lovey that he always holds when he sleeps. It seems to calm </span><span style="font-size:100%;">him down. When we can’t find a lovey, we use a burp cloth as a substitute. He is not picky.</span></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">7). They are so much more responsive and interactive.<span> </span>Stephen loves to stand on your lap. He cries when he is “held like a baby”. He wants to be looking around, standing up, snuggling, and getting LOTS of attention. He is so much like me!<span> </span>Annabelle is so content and pleasant. Her features remind me of a precious moments doll. She is always happy to sit in her chair and watch with folded hands what is going on around her. She is very active. She loves to splash in the bath and squeals with delight all the time.</span></p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">8). They had their first Halloween! We did not do costumes this year but we got cute pumpkin ons</span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVW9QeNKAVI_0XNfhq7CUMcBLV3B07gcE_uuRMVhVje62izqCvysAYMy1Zj8JIwOHELrV9p9H0GpE5_sGhOUYdk005rsy392PVH5pWZYJ5IR4cDWI7CmGs2rOyULUPt_Swhb8MRWOYbDSW/s1600/IMG_4559.JPG"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVW9QeNKAVI_0XNfhq7CUMcBLV3B07gcE_uuRMVhVje62izqCvysAYMy1Zj8JIwOHELrV9p9H0GpE5_sGhOUYdk005rsy392PVH5pWZYJ5IR4cDWI7CmGs2rOyULUPt_Swhb8MRWOYbDSW/s200/IMG_4559.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5548520330891919778" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:100%;">ie</span><span style="font-size:100%;">s</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> with little hats and I think it was good. The day after Halloween we got their costumes for next year for</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> $7 total. The cuteness factor of these will blow your mind and I am going t<br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></u></b></p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-size:100%;">What’s New With Mom</span></u></b></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-size:100%;">I Went Back to Work</span></u></b></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">The biggest eve</span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixn5uNsEGQUBuuHwbB9emEr0ACEcsStM95O8rOZNHvaJB6EKith230i8H1di8Bs3odYtOGrQNqTHrGEOvf81cbl5J2nEuBe1Qpjm3M9AwgClItyJKTddSvXPKHOIugjHIwnU9WbU0rxr8H/s1600/IMG_4583.JPG"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixn5uNsEGQUBuuHwbB9emEr0ACEcsStM95O8rOZNHvaJB6EKith230i8H1di8Bs3odYtOGrQNqTHrGEOvf81cbl5J2nEuBe1Qpjm3M9AwgClItyJKTddSvXPKHOIugjHIwnU9WbU0rxr8H/s200/IMG_4583.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5548518864923331730" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:100%;">nt for me in the past five weeks is that I went back to work on Nov 16<sup>th</sup>. I was not really looking forward to it. In fact, I was pretty sad about it and I cried a lot beforehand. It is ironic b/c everything I said about having babies, “I’m scared… I’m not ready... Etc,” I said about going back to work. Just like having the babies, going back to work has been much better than I exp</span><span style="font-size:100%;">ected. <span> </span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">I did not realize how much I would appreciate putting on real clothes and going to be around adults during the day. <span> </span>I feel like I am a better mom when I am with them b/c I really appreciate each moment I get to spend taking care of them. <span> </span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">A lot of this is a testament to God’s grace. He has provided an awesome babysitter for them that we all LOVE so much. I am also thankful that I work for a company that made coming off maternity leave easy. Everyone was so kind and understanding and I appreciated that a lot.</span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheG-41dUPYlw_seEHQ7Q3Iu8rU7x82XMlZ4T29WtO-xvzhkbXOOBsAhN42qVkCoLpwD9bVkiWYvO5Eqhw0fks0KPXw0WweNEXq-qY-hgiQllH0I8c-3DXrERMB-7bTk4RKA0qNPnSxiNWy/s1600/IMG_4564.JPG"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 134px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheG-41dUPYlw_seEHQ7Q3Iu8rU7x82XMlZ4T29WtO-xvzhkbXOOBsAhN42qVkCoLpwD9bVkiWYvO5Eqhw0fks0KPXw0WweNEXq-qY-hgiQllH0I8c-3DXrERMB-7bTk4RKA0qNPnSxiNWy/s200/IMG_4564.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5548521195150092738" border="0" /></a></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></u></b></p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-size:100%;">I Started Running!</span></u></b></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">I have gone running twice since returning to work and worked out in the gym twice. The first day I was out for 30 minutes and ran for 22 of those! This is huge! I have not run in almost a year so I was expecting it to be a lot harder than it was. I am hoping to be able to run a 10K in April, a half marathon in June, and maybe maybe maybe the Marine Corps Marathon in October. I might be overly ambitious. We’ll see.</span></p> </div></div>hokiejennylynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17893149963522208443noreply@blogger.com1