tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9590923835425663792024-03-15T18:08:55.880-07:00cakiesRubyellenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12665592531250476367noreply@blogger.comBlogger1325125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-959092383542566379.post-81837592813362154192012-07-10T14:44:00.000-07:002012-07-10T14:44:31.079-07:00WE'VE MOVED!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I started documenting in this space in August of 2007, but changed was needed and now the journey continues on over <a href="http://mycakies.com/">here</a>! If you love popping in to see slices of our life over here, well, I hope you continue to follow over <a href="http://mycakies.com/">there</a>! There are lots of good things to come, so I hope you decide to stick around. </div>
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If you read through google reader, rss subscriber, bloglovin', you will need to update the address. Thanks friends! I hope you like the new change. </div>Rubyellenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12665592531250476367noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-959092383542566379.post-52438732633709114402012-07-06T14:03:00.000-07:002012-07-06T14:06:25.067-07:00SEVEN<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiViUlUIj9QgNFeJ4IE6G0MoxARPAaEO8ujDpzfEa28WW_z-U5gr5mXVOlc8jubgSXli_zKvZ8OLkadjr3wZAKbAYjkaLypQwdkVjBNdTp-s-8faunbxt0gmVV8z7DN-Z7Oznj-JDWm8U/s1600/DSC02414.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 0em; margin-right: 0em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiViUlUIj9QgNFeJ4IE6G0MoxARPAaEO8ujDpzfEa28WW_z-U5gr5mXVOlc8jubgSXli_zKvZ8OLkadjr3wZAKbAYjkaLypQwdkVjBNdTp-s-8faunbxt0gmVV8z7DN-Z7Oznj-JDWm8U/s1600/DSC02414.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">{circa 2005 on our honeymoon. dang. he's hott!}</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It's our seven year anniversary on Monday. Seven? Really? That flew by really fast. We aren't quite sure what our plans are and seeing how we just got back from a <a href="http://mycakies.blogspot.com/2012/06/hello-summer-road-trip.html">road trip</a>, we aren't sure we want to go on another. Whatever we decide, I just want to relax and be with Ben. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I am taking off from this space until Tuesday and will be back with some fun announcement (hopefully) by then. And in case you're wondering... no, I am not pregnant. Happy weekending friends! </div>Rubyellenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12665592531250476367noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-959092383542566379.post-18230420200016027482012-07-05T08:46:00.000-07:002012-07-05T08:46:02.911-07:00THE FOURTH<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Ours was filled with fun, family, food, and of course fireworks. No matter how old you are and how many times you've seen it, fireworks are still pretty captivating.<br />
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If you're stateside, I hope you had a good time celebrating too!Rubyellenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12665592531250476367noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-959092383542566379.post-60405029587807909732012-07-03T05:30:00.000-07:002012-07-03T10:39:15.872-07:00THE FIRST HARVEST<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8rN68uwdBHJJjBrFPWFSIcQArmn-I_kVBvlG6haKhBjLd5-IlpCHDC9mSVWWymkJ47g5dVzWZ8lUVs9FKrs3z5QJA8Hp00kRGwg6EJMeLt1SCslZt6p1IQTlW9Ii3NAJU6s7C3tbBAoM/s1600/DSC_2261.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 0em; margin-right: 0em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8rN68uwdBHJJjBrFPWFSIcQArmn-I_kVBvlG6haKhBjLd5-IlpCHDC9mSVWWymkJ47g5dVzWZ8lUVs9FKrs3z5QJA8Hp00kRGwg6EJMeLt1SCslZt6p1IQTlW9Ii3NAJU6s7C3tbBAoM/s1600/DSC_2261.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7F9Hiei-XO8bxr3TBszwexeOGuxFLfpTusu7VjUbakbQsxtQLnOf4yG4nEfWCQlJDt2WbxWTKWhNa4CR7nof99y8Sm_Xf5NKEyRTfBJlWjRRm6wrc8fhWLr25VVPEcmgoYDMJ4jbinks/s1600/DSC_2265.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 0em; margin-right: 0em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7F9Hiei-XO8bxr3TBszwexeOGuxFLfpTusu7VjUbakbQsxtQLnOf4yG4nEfWCQlJDt2WbxWTKWhNa4CR7nof99y8Sm_Xf5NKEyRTfBJlWjRRm6wrc8fhWLr25VVPEcmgoYDMJ4jbinks/s1600/DSC_2265.JPG" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSt9RFNyjkEZl-HaVEl2qnAYH6MvLCpF5_TpaMc2LaixTdztKmnXbLf5RYoSfD3zFgS0KOznMDC9Otb3ppMVnTMMyAx6v1qaA8nbneuqCJnBjNgqXA9_7YgYFN96nfAaBWk5eMGt3xwQ8/s1600/DSC_2275.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 0em; margin-right: 0em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSt9RFNyjkEZl-HaVEl2qnAYH6MvLCpF5_TpaMc2LaixTdztKmnXbLf5RYoSfD3zFgS0KOznMDC9Otb3ppMVnTMMyAx6v1qaA8nbneuqCJnBjNgqXA9_7YgYFN96nfAaBWk5eMGt3xwQ8/s1600/DSC_2275.jpg" style="cursor: move;" /></a><br />
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The tomatoes are growing like crazy and doing better at this time than any of our previous years. Ben attributes it to the <a href="http://mycakies.blogspot.com/2012/06/this-years-tomatoes.html">special concoction</a> he put in when they were planted. We finally picked our first harvest and this is the first time ever we had any to pick in June. And boy are they good! Out of this first harvest, the snow white variety was my fave. It was so sweet. Sweeter than any tomato I have ever had. Get ready for all the tomato show and telling that will be happening this summer. I have a feeling there will be a lot.<br />
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What's your favorite type of tomato?Rubyellenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12665592531250476367noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-959092383542566379.post-49228143295472372732012-07-02T09:52:00.001-07:002012-07-02T09:52:13.834-07:00WEEKEND COLLECTIONS<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Kids are natural collectors. They really find the beauty and fun in the simplest of things. Their most favorite collection from this weekend... their "sleeping" beetles. Brave even took hers to church, kept it in her pocket and was showing everyone and kissing it. Yes, <i>kissing</i> it! She was also getting everyone to pet it. Not everyone was quite enthused about it, but they did it. Brave is so cute with her pet beetle!<br />
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What sorts of things do your kids collect or did you collect when you were a kid? I was a barbie collector and had a granite rock phase. </div>
<br />Rubyellenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12665592531250476367noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-959092383542566379.post-71373845702526495582012-06-30T11:44:00.001-07:002012-06-30T12:11:11.485-07:00HUZZAH!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I am big picture kind of gal. Though with that, I think I have been forgetting to stop and enjoy the little things. The details. I am going to work on that. Can you tell by <i>huzzah</i> posts of late?<br />
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Since we got back home, I find myself just watching the girls a little bit more and savoring. Not that I am just staring at them and doing nothing, but still doing things that need to get done but really taking note of them and watching. Trying to memorize them in my heart. Then late last night when all was quiet, Ben had fallen asleep, I was thinking of all of them (Ben included) and prayed for them. I honestly feel frantic all the time. It may not look like it and may not seem like it in this space, but I do feel it. I want to be more still, in my heart and not actually physically, and just savor this time God's given me.<br />
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Learned and links...<br />
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<a href="http://melodyerlbaum.blogspot.com/2012/06/its-friday.html">Melody</a> is so smart. Justice who?! I think I better start educating myself on this stuff more.<br />
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I love <a href="http://www.ambrosiagirl.com/blog/cardboard-houses/">this</a> house. This will be on the must make this summer list.<br />
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<a href="http://gingerleaf.tumblr.com/post/25081165792/atiyavt-situated-north-of-the-cap-vert">A pink lake</a>?!! Adding Lac Rose on my list to visit... one day.<br />
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Glow yells. For food at least. She jumps, scream, attacks the minute she sees that baby food come out. Sometimes, I even call her my little <i>glanimal</i>.<br />
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There will be some blog changes in the coming future. It's being worked on and I am pretty excited about it.<br />
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My friend Helen's <a href="http://ahthatslove.blogspot.com/">wedding photos</a> are amazing. <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/78361450@N06/7418376026/">This</a> one... so good!<br />
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The ipad is i-mazing!<br />
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Behind in emails, if you're waiting for one. Getting to it soon.<br />
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I love all the color in <a href="http://www.sfgirlbybay.com/2012/06/29/the-stylists-linda-bergroth/">this</a> home. I love neutral palette homes and wish I could do it because it seems so clean, but I am really much more drawn to homes that have pops of color.<br />
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Ben goes back to work Monday, but is off on Wednesday... yay! Then we celebrate our anniversary next weekend. Have a jolly weekend friends!Rubyellenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12665592531250476367noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-959092383542566379.post-32509773808757302932012-06-29T09:00:00.001-07:002012-06-29T09:00:08.221-07:00THE LOOT<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This is the extra stuff we brought home from our road trip that got jam packed into our already full car. That chair has actually been sitting at my MIL's house for a year and a half now. I saw it for sale on a blog based near San Antonio, so I emailed to find out if they could drop it off in San Antonio (or meet my MIL somewhere to make the exchange), the seller happily obliged. It was $25 and a happy color, so I thought that was a pretty good deal. </div>
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We've done some tiny house fixing up since we've been home. <a href="http://followgram.me/i/223369103268217738_9091631">Knobs are up</a> in the kitchen now and we've got some new curtains hung, but once everything is settled, there will be a house tour. Promise. Until then, I still have a couple lights fixtures to buy and add.</div>Rubyellenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12665592531250476367noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-959092383542566379.post-29465378174349029852012-06-28T01:00:00.000-07:002012-06-28T10:00:03.380-07:00HELLO SUMMER ROAD TRIP<div style="text-align: left;">
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Road trips definitely make me smile.<br />
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Whew! After 10 days of being gone, we are finally home safe and sound. Road trips are fun, but definitely intense. Though based on the number of smiles I got from my girls while trekking along, it was definitely all worth it. There were 3 major stops on the agenda (<a href="http://mycakies.blogspot.com/2012/06/hello-abernathy.html">Abernathy</a>, <a href="http://mycakies.blogspot.com/2012/06/hello-san-antonio.html">San Antonio</a>, and <a href="http://mycakies.blogspot.com/2012/06/hello-castilleja-family-reunion.html">South Texas</a>) and over 4,000 miles now added to our car. </div>
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We really love road trips. The thought of planning another brings a smile to my face and gets me excited! Flying with all the kids can rack up some bucks quick, so getting in the car and going is pretty much our MO. This was the first time with all 4 and it wasn't bad at all. I think the girls do really well on road trips. There were just 2 fights between the big girls, though there were several tantrums from #3. I think it's just that when it comes to nap time, Soul doesn't know what to do with herself, so she kind of combusts. And the baby, well, she did fantastic! Ben and I take turns driving, we had our special road trip playlist, so we did a whole lot of singing and I did a whole lot of dancing. Not to mention, I just love seeing all the different terrains we pass and simply admiring how beautiful nature is. All of these things combined make for lots of good memories and lots of smiles.<br />
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So tell me, what has been making you smile lately?</div>
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</i>Rubyellenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12665592531250476367noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-959092383542566379.post-78388625621694497112012-06-27T17:00:00.000-07:002012-06-28T09:31:09.406-07:00HELLO CASTILLEJA FAMILY REUNION<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Not only did we get to see the town and farms of <a href="http://mycakies.blogspot.com/2012/06/hello-abernathy.html">Abernathy</a>, but we also got to spend time on a ranch in South Texas. I guess we were pretty much were all over Texas. The annual Castilleja Family Reunion, his mom's side of the family, was at Ben's cousin's ranch and it was a pretty amazing place. During our drive in North Texas and in South Texas, we would talk about how nice it would be to have a house on some land where your neighbor can't peer straight into your house to see all your business. This is kind of a funny thing because when Ben's dad passed, he left us some land (Ben shared it with his sister and his aunt) in North Texas that we sold and was pretty much the only reason we were able to ever buy anything in Southern California, so the fact that we talk about wanting land in Texas is kind of ironic. For now, we will just keep the wide open space dreaming conversations happening every time we drive through Texas. I think Ben and I are such homebodies and pretty much do all our shopping online that we could pretty much move to the middle of nowhere.<br />
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The reunion was so much fun and it was especially wonderful to see the girls running around everywhere and playing with their cousins. They don't have any cousins here, so it is so great that they were able to spend time to with some over there. In addition to little cousins, there were horses, chickens, roosters, cats (and kittens), dogs (and puppies), oh and lots of mosquitos (I look like a spotted leopard now). There were family meals, games, hay rides, horse rides, auctions, picture taking, swimming, eating again, and basically just a whole lot of family bonding. The fun this past weekend was pretty endless.<br />
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Ben's cousin and her husband, the owners of the ranch, would tell us all about ranch life and particularly the horses and we really loved hearing all the stories. We really just love hearing stories. You could tell they were so proud of this place they have built and the beautiful family along with it. We were in such awe at all of it. It is also evident that a lot, I mean a <i>whole</i> lot, of hard work goes into maintaining it, but it's what they love, so it makes it all worth it.<br />
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I am so happy that we were able to go to the reunion this year, especially since the last time we went was 10 years ago when we barely started dating. I would look at my girls throughout the day and smile because they were having so much fun being free and spending time with animals. Well, True and Brave were, but Soul doesn't care about animals so much, at least not yet. When we first got the email that the reunion was on the ranch, Ben and I knew we had to go because the girls would be all about it... and boy were we right!</div>Rubyellenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12665592531250476367noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-959092383542566379.post-47204607150845562552012-06-27T05:00:00.000-07:002012-06-27T09:54:12.275-07:00HELLO ABERNATHY<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Abernathy is a small town in North Texas and there is a family there that makes this particular town quite special... the King family. Ben's dad passed away a year before we got married, therefore he never ever met his grandchildren. We tell the girls stories about their grandfather and show them pictures from time to time, but it just isn't the same. Besides Ben, his mom, and sister, his father is survived by his sister and her family.<br />
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The last time we had visited Abernathy was the summer that his father passed away. Since the girls never got a chance to get to know their grandfather, we wanted to make sure they would get to know his family and so when we were planning our summer road trip, we made sure Abernathy was on our road map. It had been 8 years since we had seen any of them, so it was definitely about time!<br />
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We met everyone at the town pharmacy, which is run by Ben's cousins Mark and Laurie. Laurie knew exactly what the girls liked and had the perfect gifts waiting for them. Anyone who gives them My Little Pony is pretty unforgettable in their book. We chatted a bit, then had lunch at a little restaurant down the street, then went back to the pharmacy to spend more time together. <br />
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It was really cute to see the girls with them. There is part of them in my girls and I think that bond is really special. <i>Family</i> is just really special. Besides seeing the girls with their Grandma Mayna, Grandpa JD, Aunt Laurie, and Uncle Mark, Ben and I really enjoyed spending time with them and hearing old stories. I love hearing old stories.<br />
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One of my favorite things of the visit was seeing how cute Aunt Mayna and Uncle JD were with each other. It was a playful sarcasm and teasing, but you can definitely see how they have grown to love and appreciate each other through the years. And Aunt Mayna kept raving about how good Uncle JD is with this or that and that reminded me of how I am a bit biased with Ben and that I think he is best at everything too. <br />
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They live on a farm so we also loved hearing the farm stories. At 78, Uncle JD still tends the cattle and there is pretty much no such thing as retiring. Ben and I have dreams of a farm, but we can only imagine the real intense work that goes into having one and we don't think we are ready for that. It sounds ideal, but really to have one there is a lot of labor and love that is involved. Having a farm isn't for the faint of heart or fickle minded for sure. Maybe we'll stick to dreams of a blueberry farm or maybe a tomato farm, we get better at tomatoes every year after all. <br />
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We were only a few short hours in Abernathy, but there are for sure plans to go back. We are so glad to reconnect with them and can't wait for all of us to spend more time together. Life is busy and family who live faraway can easily get forgotten, but it is important to always stay connected. Ben and I will both be working on that. We both tend to be bad at that. <br />
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<i>Dear King family, Thank you for sharing your afternoon with us and we love you guys and hope to see you again soon! Love, the CA Bratchers.</i>Rubyellenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12665592531250476367noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-959092383542566379.post-50388980751006415522012-06-26T03:00:00.000-07:002012-06-27T10:07:08.878-07:00HELLO AUSTIN<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Thanks to the bravery of my mother-in-law and sister--in-law to watch the 4 girls, Ben and I were able to have a full day to ourselves. San Antonio is only about 1.5 hours away from Austin and we were behind in celebrating a couple milestones in our lives, so we took the day to do so. However, we did also meet with an old buddy of his for lunch at <a href="http://www.garridosaustin.com/">Garrido's</a> (Oyster tacos?! Yes! Please!), but spent the rest of the day together exploring. We had been to Austin before, but it is a city you never tire of and it was good to visit familiar places like <a href="http://www.uncommonobjects.com/">Uncommon Objects</a> and discover new ones. </div>
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We did find a couple uncommon objects to bring home, one of which is that 1960's carnival bear cutout that will be a quirky little piece hanging in our home (and sometimes maybe for playing too). We grabbed cupcakes thanks to the suggestion one of you gave me on instagram! Mostly we spent time going in and out of vintage shops looking for clothes for Ben. I was a good girl and didn't get anything (there was one dress that was really tempting me though), but I really could cry from joy of Ben finding stuff. Five shirts to be exact. He rarely does, so when he does, I get so giddy! </div>
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We ended the day trip and did our celebrating at <a href="http://lacondesaaustin.com/">La Condesa</a>. Gosh oh gosh. That food was yum. We debated between that place or <a href="http://www.uchiaustin.com/uchiko">Uchiko</a>, but since we aren't so fond of the Mexican food options in the L.A. area, we went with Tex-Mex over sushi. We indulged in ceviche, fish, and maybe I had <i>a little bit</i> of fun with my margarita! And their beet cake... oh yeah, definitely trying to recreate that at home. That was the best dish to end the celebration dinner.<br />
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It's so strange to be without the girls for a full day, but it was a much needed break and good time to reconnect and just laugh and chillax with Ben. I may or may not have tried to get <i>fresh</i> with him all day long, but seriously, I just couldn't resist. I think that boy is pretty darn hot. Like <i>real</i> hot. And before I make you gag with all this lovey dovey stuff, don't worry, we really do have spats too. We get on each other's nerves just like any other couple. That's what makes the choice of staying together and working on our marriage even more meaningful. We both choose to be here despite our ugly sides... and boy do we have them!<br />
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All in all, the day was just grand. We came home to girls already sleeping in bed, a box full of cupcakes, Grandmama and Auntia with loads of funny stories about the girls, and a bit more rejuvenated from just having some time off to focus on each other. We pretty much love Austin and will make sure to take another day trip when we come back to San Antonio for Christmas!<br />
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<b><i>on me: </i></b>shirt, vintage via <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/MsTips">ms. tips</a>. shorts, vintage thrifted and altered. shoes, <a href="http://madewell.com/">madewell</a>. necklace, <a href="http://homako.etsy.com/">homako</a>. purse, anthropologie. sunglasses, c/o <a href="http://us.sunglassesshop.com/">sunglasses shop</a>.<br />
<i><b>on ben:</b></i> shirt, vintage. jeans, diesel. shoes, nikes.Rubyellenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12665592531250476367noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-959092383542566379.post-65808667125655852322012-06-25T05:33:00.000-07:002012-06-25T14:00:43.198-07:00HELLO SAN ANTONIO<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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If you <a href="http://followgram.me/rubyellenbratcher">follow me</a> on instagram, then you may know that we are not in California and are enjoying the Texas heat. Well, kind of enjoying. I think it takes a bit of time to get used to this heat and humidity, though we do like that the sun is pretty much out until well after 9pm over here. </div>
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The trip here is kind of special because it marks the 10 year anniversary of Ben bringing me home to Texas. It was 10 years ago he first brought me and we had just officially become boyfriend and girlfriend. We made the long trek, with his little cousin in tow, so I could get to know his family and attend his annual family reunion. During that visit, and after seeing him interact with his family, I knew that I loved this man. Maybe that part should be left for the continuation of <a href="http://mycakies.blogspot.com/#uds-search-results">our love story</a>, so I won't go into too much details. </div>
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Here we are 10 years later, back in San Antonio to spend time with his family and to attend his annual family reunion. This year it will be on his cousin's ranch, so the girls are especially excited for the hay rides and horses. Actually, I am too. We haven't been to the reunion since that first time I came to Texas and things have changed a lot now that we are married and have four kids in tow. </div>
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There are so many memories attached to this city and different phases of our relationship that it is always good to come back. I love seeing all the trees here (I don't understand why California doesn't have very many), love the Tex-Mex food (oh man, we never find really good Mexican food in California like they have here), and love spending time with family. Every time we are here, we call it "laughter-noon" because we are always laughing and having a good time. San Antonio definitely equals good times. </div>
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Any of you from or live in San Antonio, Texas? </div>
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on me: shirt and skirt, thrifted and altered. necklace, <a href="http://homako.etsy.com/">homako</a>. shoes, c/o <a href="http://www.modcloth.com/shop/dresses?utm_source=blogad_cakies&utm_medium=banner&utm_content=v3blogger__150x150&utm_campaign=june2012_juneads">modcloth</a>.Rubyellenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12665592531250476367noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-959092383542566379.post-69124590734211345092012-06-22T05:07:00.000-07:002012-06-22T08:13:45.534-07:00HUZZAH!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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When I look up at the sky, I am reminded of how small I actually am, how great God is, and how the world is <i>so</i> much bigger than me and my wants and needs. If I had the ability to pan out, I would see that I was barely a dot compared to the grandness of the entire universe. Barely a dot, imagine that. When I need a reality check of life, I look up. </div>
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Learned and links...</div>
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I really am bad at praying. Ugh! It's such a cycle. </div>
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Soul has been using the potty these past couple days! Thanks to my MIL getting started on the potty training. </div>
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True and Brave are growing in their responsibility. </div>
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Family and friends are so important. I am thankful for all those God has brought into our lives.</div>
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I really like Tex-Mex food. Oh boy yummy!!!</div>
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Mosquitos like me too much. Though I sure don't like them! </div>
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We are excited about this weekend as we have Ben's annual family reunion! It's on a ranch, so there will be hay rides and horses and I just know the girls will be superly duperly excited about that. Happy weekending friends!!! </div>
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<br /></div>Rubyellenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12665592531250476367noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-959092383542566379.post-58828033802747206492012-06-21T05:45:00.000-07:002012-06-21T05:45:00.187-07:00HOME STYLE: 1<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB8e8OKjQ3yw8NYiDnwyM14n3mcHJeV_zYEPNttc8TbrmRkq67eiVsHBTE34Au2iVMousVEJP4KM4PZCsaqEPl5UMzKYxdFhSsDtyUFfVWxjByqbr9QFB797syLWZknzpBJK5g1vLdmpI/s1600/DSC_0123+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 0em; margin-right: 0em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB8e8OKjQ3yw8NYiDnwyM14n3mcHJeV_zYEPNttc8TbrmRkq67eiVsHBTE34Au2iVMousVEJP4KM4PZCsaqEPl5UMzKYxdFhSsDtyUFfVWxjByqbr9QFB797syLWZknzpBJK5g1vLdmpI/s1600/DSC_0123+copy.jpg" /></a></div>
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Oh how my girls love dressing up. You should see their room! There are clothes strewn all over the floor. It is horrendous. They change a gazillion times a day. One minute it is for a birthday party, another for a wedding, next minute because they are princesses. At times, okay, <i>most times</i>, their messes are maddening, but at the same time I am glad they are having fun playing together and using their imagination. I remember having lots of fun doing these silly things as a kid too. I also remember my mom getting mad at me for not cleaning my room. Though I have to say, their dressing up and crazy room with clothes everywhere is kind of making me nervous for when they hit teenage years... oh boy! </div>
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This particular outfit is their princess outfit. I think it's kind of cute how True stole my shirt and layered it and it became a dress of sorts. And Brave is always wearing <i>that</i> dress. <i>Always</i>. I am sure you will see it about twenty more times in this space. I have hid it a number of times and somehow she always finds it and ends up wearing it. Oye!</div>
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These cute little <a href="http://www.maisondemarrakech.com/SearchResults.asp?Cat=1832">babouches</a>, gifted from <a href="http://www.maisondemarrakech.com/default.asp">Maison Marrakech</a>, are our house slippers. They were the first things we gave the girls once the wood floors came in. When I was little I remember I always had to wear slippers around the house because my mom said if I didn't, I was going to grow a lot of veins on my feet. I really think that was one of her myths and legends kind of thing, and while I don't think that is necessarily true, I do like it better when my girls wear some slippers on the hard wood floors. Plus, I got my own, mine are <a href="http://www.maisondemarrakech.com/white_moroccan_babouche_slippers_p/bab-01.htm">the white ones</a>, and they really are so comfy to wear around. It's an extra bonus that they are so pretty and funky!</div>
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We usually do the no shoes in the house rule, but now that we have (whitewashed) wood floors, we especially try to keep to that. The girls know they have house slippers and outside shoes. Though my question is, how do you relay to visitors that we are a "no-shoes-inside" home? Any of you do the same rule? If so, I would love to hear how you handle visitors coming over. </div>Rubyellenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12665592531250476367noreply@blogger.com40tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-959092383542566379.post-63944274955233882632012-06-20T07:20:00.000-07:002012-06-20T07:20:00.658-07:00SUMMER DAYS<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/94552249@N00/7186571687/" title="summer days by rubyellen, on Flickr"><img alt="summer days" height="416" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7094/7186571687_cf89f83fc8_z.jpg" width="625" /></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/94552249@N00/7371801432/" title="summer days by rubyellen, on Flickr"><img alt="summer days" height="416" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7218/7371801432_f9ee764812_z.jpg" width="625" /></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/94552249@N00/7371801300/" title="summer days by rubyellen, on Flickr"><img alt="summer days" height="416" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5459/7371801300_88720ba753_z.jpg" width="625" /></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/94552249@N00/7371801164/" title="summer days by rubyellen, on Flickr"><img alt="summer days" height="416" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8167/7371801164_0df89c1ed2_z.jpg" width="625" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/94552249@N00/7186571523/" title="summer days by rubyellen, on Flickr"><img alt="summer days" height="416" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7092/7186571523_d8b57ff240_z.jpg" width="625" /></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/94552249@N00/7186573751/" title="summer days by rubyellen, on Flickr"><img alt="summer days" height="416" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8014/7186573751_a90e0fae37_z.jpg" width="625" /></a></div>
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Running around the house playing games and making messes are what summer has been about so far. It's a good life for these girls. And for some reason I tolerate the messes a bit better on the wood floor. Strange, I know. It looks better on wood than carpet. Watching these girls definitely make me wish I was a kid again. One of my favorite makes about these messes is the paper drawn chess set they made using their my little ponies as pawns. So cute! Love the creativity and resourcefulness that kids come up!</div>
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What have your summer days been filled with?</div>Rubyellenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12665592531250476367noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-959092383542566379.post-90437001066171965042012-06-19T06:04:00.000-07:002012-06-19T06:04:00.088-07:00THIS YEAR'S TOMATOES<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/94552249@N00/7185509691/" title="tomato season 2012 by rubyellen, on Flickr"><img alt="tomato season 2012" height="940" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7089/7185509691_76f27f46f4_b.jpg" width="625" /></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/94552249@N00/7370739946/" title="tomato season 2012 by rubyellen, on Flickr"><img alt="tomato season 2012" height="416" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7233/7370739946_88bce4e05d_z.jpg" width="625" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/94552249@N00/7370768962/" title="tomato season 2012 by rubyellen, on Flickr"><img alt="tomato season 2012" height="416" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7232/7370768962_d3d3022525_z.jpg" width="625" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/94552249@N00/7185509499/" title="tomato season 2012 by rubyellen, on Flickr"><img alt="tomato season 2012" height="416" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7215/7185509499_d1566667d8_z.jpg" width="625" /></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/94552249@N00/7370737308/" title="tomato season 2012 by rubyellen, on Flickr"><img alt="tomato season 2012" height="416" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5072/7370737308_b4652e7a17_z.jpg" width="625" /></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/94552249@N00/7185507893/" title="tomato season 2012 by rubyellen, on Flickr"><img alt="tomato season 2012" height="416" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7233/7185507893_ec134d3d4e_z.jpg" width="625" /></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/94552249@N00/7185508361/" title="tomato season 2012 by rubyellen, on Flickr"><img alt="tomato season 2012" height="416" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8151/7185508361_378b5081e8_z.jpg" width="625" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/94552249@N00/7185508139/" title="tomato season 2012 by rubyellen, on Flickr"><img alt="tomato season 2012" height="940" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8009/7185508139_271883b9ba_b.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="625" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/94552249@N00/7185508775/" title="tomato season 2012 by rubyellen, on Flickr"><img alt="tomato season 2012" height="416" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5330/7185508775_e42ee1d97d_z.jpg" width="625" /></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/94552249@N00/7185506057/" title="tomato season 2012 by rubyellen, on Flickr"><img alt="tomato season 2012" height="416" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7241/7185506057_a21eaec24a_z.jpg" width="625" /></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/94552249@N00/7370738866/" title="tomato season 2012 by rubyellen, on Flickr"><img alt="tomato season 2012" height="940" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7072/7370738866_7ee227c78d_b.jpg" width="625" /></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/94552249@N00/7185508677/" title="tomato season 2012 by rubyellen, on Flickr"><img alt="tomato season 2012" height="416" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7214/7185508677_cfec9d54e4_z.jpg" width="625" /></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/94552249@N00/7370739084/" title="tomato season 2012 by rubyellen, on Flickr"><img alt="tomato season 2012" height="940" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8167/7370739084_f1e8f73225_b.jpg" width="625" /></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/94552249@N00/7370739644/" title="tomato season 2012 by rubyellen, on Flickr"><img alt="tomato season 2012" height="416" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7234/7370739644_6f5f98f9bd_z.jpg" width="625" /></a><br />
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Last year we grew 34 varieties, the year before we did 29, this year we are growing 22 varieties of tomatoes. I think we get slightly better at this every year, but we have yet to harvest any, so we will see. Every year we learn something new, try a different recipe on the soil and prep, and take note of the tomatoes that did well for us and those that didn't. One thing is always the same though... we are always so excited for our tomatoes! </div>
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After researching online, Ben decided to do this special little concoction for the tomatoes and the little ones were involved in all the preparation. This little recipe involved egg shells, aspirin (2 tablets), worm castings, fish bone meal, bone meal, and Gardner & Bloome Tomato Organic Fertilizer. Now, we planted these little babies over a month ago and they seem to be doing really well. We think this little recipe might have made the difference. Most of the tomato plants are growing so fast, we've already had to put the tall stakes in to start stringing them up. One of the things we love most about our summers are the tomatoes. </div>
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Of course, the teacher and homeschooling mama in me turned this into another sequencing lesson (love those!) and had True create her own sequencing chart as she was helping her Papi garden. Her charts are always so cute and informative. If you want to make your own special tomato rub, then just follow True's directions. You're guaranteed fantastic tomatoes... promise. </div>
</div>Rubyellenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12665592531250476367noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-959092383542566379.post-55277678170218600472012-06-18T05:03:00.000-07:002012-06-18T05:03:00.121-07:00LIFE'S PEACHY!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/94552249@N00/7182577785/" title="peachy! by rubyellen, on Flickr"><img alt="peachy!" height="416" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8027/7182577785_9d922b9daf_z.jpg" width="625" /></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/94552249@N00/7182577649/" title="peachy! by rubyellen, on Flickr"><img alt="peachy!" height="940" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8007/7182577649_664823b4c3_b.jpg" width="625" /></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/94552249@N00/7182577389/" title="peachy! by rubyellen, on Flickr"><img alt="peachy!" height="416" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5040/7182577389_113a1433ba_z.jpg" width="625" /></a></div>
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Our neighbor's have all sorts of fruit trees in their yard, so when they share their harvest with us, we get superly duperly excited about it, especially when they involve donut peaches. We all plowed through these little babies at the dinner table one night and its deliciousness left us wanting more. We secretly hope our neighbor will ring the doorbell again to give us another bag. </div>
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It is so sweet to just indulge in the simple things nature gives us. What fruits have you been indulging in lately?</div>Rubyellenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12665592531250476367noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-959092383542566379.post-22184611130254776592012-06-17T05:40:00.000-07:002012-06-17T05:40:00.083-07:00GLOW AND HER PINK CHAIR<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiBnEKzhdoSXpZ_ezeEm6yHxCVXmM8Jq4YDEOH6oasGXLLYCNCumEvNk__7HcV1RKGFu0eEn_fIKWMC9m0wT2piJleAHp9KwWfKGDeOxeETZLYr7UhjS-6MueuU15wzFS9GZZlJp7722c/s1600/DSC_0260.jpg" /></div>
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nine months.</div>
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She loves to eat her baby food, but doesn't like peas too much. She loves her o's and drinking water from a bottle. She gets super cranky if she doesn't get her proper naps and she her hair is pretty wild most days. I can hardly believe her first birthday is not too far from now. My baby is growing!</div>
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Here is <a href="http://mycakies.blogspot.com/2012/05/glow-and-her-pink-chair.html">8 months</a>, <a href="http://mycakies.blogspot.com/2012/05/six-months.html">7 & 6</a>, and <a href="http://mycakies.blogspot.com/2012/02/glow-and-her-pink-chair.html">5 to 1</a>. </div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">*inspired by nicole from</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="http://makingitlovely.com/">making it lovely</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">.</span></div>Rubyellenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12665592531250476367noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-959092383542566379.post-22396631082433155682012-06-16T05:02:00.000-07:002012-06-16T07:23:44.740-07:00HUZZAH!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLh6gWlGAT5nfoLAlqstL8uvwTbkUz4q6zuThKrk8N8GCOP-Fk0UjwRL_2cbtQQ77wG6nSyvyxX09T86kAES99WAKEYe1gA3ePlt1Y6M2OCNlIf2wJ5ReVdzCVLXz3p3xJqIscU9BTQnY/s1600/DSC_0271+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 0em; margin-right: 0em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLh6gWlGAT5nfoLAlqstL8uvwTbkUz4q6zuThKrk8N8GCOP-Fk0UjwRL_2cbtQQ77wG6nSyvyxX09T86kAES99WAKEYe1gA3ePlt1Y6M2OCNlIf2wJ5ReVdzCVLXz3p3xJqIscU9BTQnY/s1600/DSC_0271+copy.jpg" /></a></div>
This week was a semi-normal week. Baseboards are still not in and we haven't had the time to put the knobs in the kitchen, but there was home-cooking and lots of cleaning with playing and creating thrown in for good measure. Ben and I also realized we need to work on talking to the kids more during dinnertime because sometimes we get so caught up in catching each other up on our day that True is like, "How come no one is talking to the kids?!" Must work on that.<br />
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Ben has been spending evenings tending the garden and the girls go out with him. Then they come in and bring me tons of flowers! I border telling them to stop picking at all my flowers and just letting them have fun picking to their hearts' content. I guess I can't complain much because I am at the receiving end of their flower picking and it is always nice to have fresh flowers inside. I am totally working on taking a chill pill and just stopping more often to smell the roses. Life's fast and you just gotta enjoy it!<br />
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Learned and links...<br />
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Soul is getting more and more to be a tough kiddie. I am nervous for her teenage years...<br />
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Listening to True and Brave's conversations are funny.<br />
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Thankful for sisters that come over so I can do errands.<br />
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Definitely want to make <a href="http://www.blogmilk.com/2012/06/diy-mounted-antler-wall-hook-by-cassie.html">this</a>. So cool.<br />
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Salt on art sounds fun. Totally wanna try <a href="http://sweetnicks.com/weblog/2012/06/craft-time-watercolor-and-salt-art/">this</a> too.<br />
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Always love <a href="http://www.mishalulu.com/blog/">this</a> ladies emails and encouragement.<br />
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Trying <a href="http://www.sprinklesicecream.com/">this</a> soon for sure.<br />
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Want <a href="http://www.modcloth.com/shop/shorts/rust-ic-pathways-shorts">these</a> shorts.<br />
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I am already loving my <a href="http://www.nikonusa.com/Nikon-Products/Product/Digital-SLR-Cameras/25468/D7000.html">new camera</a>. It's been about 6 years, so it is about time I upgraded. Dear Nikon D40... you have been so good to me!<br />
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We have some fun plans this coming week, so we can hardly wait for the weekend to get started. Ben's off so that fact alone just makes me excited. I like being with him everyday, all day. Well, except when I'm mad at him, but that doesn't happen too often. Enjoy your weekend!!!Rubyellenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12665592531250476367noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-959092383542566379.post-21413246491805316432012-06-15T20:00:00.000-07:002012-06-15T20:00:05.251-07:00FAMILY MEALS: 20<div style="text-align: left;">
Back in the kitchen and cooking feels good. Meals were simple this week, but still good. One evening, we had dumplings that we had frozen back when we had <a href="http://mycakies.blogspot.com/2012/04/dumpling-dinner-party.html">this</a> party...</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/94552249@N00/7190157969/" title="family meals by rubyellen, on Flickr"><img alt="family meals" height="416" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8166/7190157969_2136f42e63_z.jpg" width="625" /></a></div>
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Despite how fancy or difficult you think they are to make, they are so easy! I plan on making and freezing another batch soon.</div>
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Another evening was for a super easy Turkey Tacos...</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/94552249@N00/7190157885/" title="family meals by rubyellen, on Flickr"><img alt="family meals" height="416" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7087/7190157885_80f88d4bee_z.jpg" width="625" /></a></div>
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This is one of my go-to dishes when I don't have time to plan much out. We're still putting our house back together and Glow was sick for part of the week, so simple and quick was the way to go. </div>
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Week of 6/18 - 6/22</div>
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Monday: Spaghetti & Meatballs</div>
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Tuesday: Pizza</div>
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Wednesday: A healthified version of <a href="http://www.food.com/recipe/panda-express-orange-chicken-103215">Panda Express Orange Chicken</a></div>
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Thursday: Spicy Salmon and Brown Rice</div>
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Friday: Sushi Night! </div>
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Anyone have any good summer recipe suggestions?</div>
</div>Rubyellenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12665592531250476367noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-959092383542566379.post-50201942440335177462012-06-14T23:13:00.001-07:002012-06-14T23:20:08.901-07:00DIY: WATERCOLOR BUBBLE ART<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Another instant art project that will definitely be fun for the kids! I am thinking we may do another tomorrow, but this time just using black. I think a black bubble one would be a nice contrast hanging next to these colored ones. Just a word of caution though, do this outside with nothing around that you don't mind getting a bit of color on. And when they're done, your kids may just have a smidge of color splatter on their face too. It's real cute!<br />
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If you do any on the instant art projects, just leave a link here as I would love to see it! See last week's instant art project <a href="http://mycakies.blogspot.com/2012/06/diy-from-photo-to-masterpiece.html">here</a>.Rubyellenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12665592531250476367noreply@blogger.com24tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-959092383542566379.post-11976513112525957152012-06-13T22:38:00.001-07:002012-06-14T09:39:19.129-07:00DIY: A NATURAL FACE WASH<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/94552249@N00/7185654165/" title="diy: natural face wash by rubyellen, on Flickr"><img alt="diy: natural face wash" height="940" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5350/7185654165_9a6d4061fb_b.jpg" width="625" /></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/94552249@N00/7185654255/" title="diy: natural face wash by rubyellen, on Flickr"><img alt="diy: natural face wash" height="416" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8001/7185654255_e79463b2e3_z.jpg" width="625" /></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/94552249@N00/7185653905/" title="diy: natural face wash by rubyellen, on Flickr"><img alt="diy: natural face wash" height="416" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8027/7185653905_d82e342ac1_z.jpg" width="625" /></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/94552249@N00/7370884944/" title="diy: natural face wash by rubyellen, on Flickr"><img alt="diy: natural face wash" height="416" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7229/7370884944_2279b2905c_z.jpg" width="625" /></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/94552249@N00/7370884830/" title="diy: natural face wash by rubyellen, on Flickr"><img alt="diy: natural face wash" height="940" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5234/7370884830_75c0a471f8_b.jpg" width="625" /></a></div>
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<b>Ingredients:</b> 1 tbsp baking soda, 2 tbsp oatmeal, 1 tsp dried lavender.<b> Directions:</b> Ground up all the dry ingredients together. Add a bit of honey to your palm, then add some of the dry ingredients (about a tsp) and mix together in your palm. Proceed to wash face with warm water and the mix.<br />
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I doubled the mix and bottled it up in a little baby food jar, along with some honey, and I have my instant face wash. When I need it, I use a q-tip to dip in the honey and mix my merry little concoction together in my palm. </div>
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Okay, so I am not an expert when it comes to these DIY natural facial cleaners at all. I have normal to dry skin, more dry I think, but this little mix is just what works for my skin and it may not for you. Though I must say that it does leave my skin feeling better than previous things I had been using. I didn't even have to apply additional moisturizer after because my skin still felt moist. It's nice. This little mix is based on a few different versions of this wash that I have seen online. </div>
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I wanted to try a natural wash because what I was using was left my skin feeling really dry and I just didn't like it. Plus, I have been using a DIY natural toner for over a year now, so might as well try a wash as well. I got the toner recipe <span id="goog_610746205"></span><a href="http://www.thevelvetbird.com/2011/03/its-miracle.html">here</a><span id="goog_610746206"></span> from <a href="http://www.thevelvetbird.com/">Vanessa</a> (<a href="http://thevelvetbird.storenvy.com/">Velvet Bird</a>) and it has worked wonderfully for my skin. I tried the toner when I was breaking out really bad and after I used it, my skin cleared up. Coincidence? I think not! The toner is part water and part apple cider vinegar, so for nights I know Ben and I might get a little frisky, I don't use it. He thinks it smells bad, while I kind of like it. </div>
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I will definitely be experimenting some more with homemade washes and masks and will keep sharing my thoughts with you all. It just feels good to put something on my face that is clean. I am certainly not anti-store bought make-up stuff as I still love my store bought make-up products, but if I do find something that works well with my skin, by golly, I will use it. If any of you have a recipe that works, please do share!</div>Rubyellenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12665592531250476367noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-959092383542566379.post-5556315216703459202012-06-12T22:28:00.001-07:002012-06-12T22:34:44.865-07:00HYPNOBIRTHING 101<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/94552249@N00/7182287459/" title="glow by rubyellen, on Flickr"><img alt="glow" height="416" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5114/7182287459_cebc371b2e_z.jpg" width="625" /></a></div>
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Some of you had some additional questions and curiosities about HypnoBirthing and <a href="http://mycakies.blogspot.com/2012/05/glows-hypnobirthing-story.html">Glow's birth story</a>. Trust me, that's normal. My <a href="http://parkedtogether.blogspot.com/">BFF</a> still thinks I am strange and new-agey because I chose to do <a href="http://www.hypnobirthing.com/">HypnoBirthing</a>. I had Glow at the hospital, my midwife knew ahead of time all about my birth plan and had seen HypnoBirthing be done successfully, so she was on board, and with the classes and all my practice, Ben and I felt completely ready for it too.<br />
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Below are some of the answers to your questions and I also had the clinical hypnotherapist that taught me all about HypnoBirthing, Dr. AnnaLynne, share some answers to a few questions too...<br />
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1. In your own words, what is hypnosis, particularly HypnoBirthing?</div>
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<b>Me:</b> So I know everyone's first thought of hypnosis is a sort of circus act come to life where adults are acting like animals on a stage. That my friends is not HypnoBirthing.While that kind of funny thing can happen under hypnosis, it doesn't happen while HypnoBirthing, unless you want it to of course. Then sure, why not?! </div>
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To me, <a href="http://www.hypnobirthing.com/">HypnoBirthing</a> is kind of like when you are driving but preoccupied with something else that you are paying attention to your driving, but your mind is somewhere else and all of a sudden, you are at your destination and you're like "Whoa! That was fast." Or when you kind of space out, but you hear and see everything going on around you, but you're in real deep thought about something else. Make sense yet?<br />
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During HypnoBirthing, I am in complete control and I choose to make myself relax or not. Of course, I had triggers (i.e. my music and a special scent) that I would only associate with going into hypnosis, but I wasn't under the control of someone else. Through the sessions I did with <a href="http://www.centerforthesacredfeminine.org/index.php?Itemid=18&catid=2:practitioners&id=8:annalynn-zinn-de-vine&option=com_content&view=article">Dr. AnnaLynn</a>, I trained myself to let my whole body completely relax like it was asleep and my mind was fully alert but just imagining I was in another place. This will sound funny, but usually I was under a big tree and there was a breeze and rolling mountains. When I had surges, which are contractions, I imagined I was swinging under the tree and the pressure I was feeling was me going against the wind as I was swinging. I honestly felt I was there and it was more peaceful than pain.<br />
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In short, it is a mind over matter thing. Just like when you get into a car accident and you aren't supposed to grip the steering wheel tighter because if you tense up, you're body will feel more pain. That is the same thing when in labor. You train your body to relax during surges that your body doesn't fight your uterine muscles working and instead of feeling pain, you just feel pressure. While the pressure can get intense, it doesn't register as pain. Really though, I have said this before, I am a chicken when it comes to pain. Heck, I hate getting shots! But with HypnoBirthing, I totally was able to do it sans epidural or any pain medication of sorts. That's pretty big for this chicken.<br />
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<b>Dr. AnnaLynne: </b> HypnoBirthing takes the fear OUT of your experience.<br />
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Yes you <i>have</i> been in hypnosis before. You just haven't realized it. You are in light trance when you are daydreaming, falling asleep, waking up and at other times when you are deeply relaxed. It's nothing airy-fairy. It's a normal, everyday experience which HypnoBirthing teaches you to manipulate and control.<br />
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2. How far along were you when you started taking classes?<br />
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<b>Me:</b> I started taking classes when I was about 7.5 months pregnant. It is 5 sessions and a couple hours each session. We did it via skype with <a href="http://www.centerforthesacredfeminine.org/index.php?Itemid=18&catid=2:practitioners&id=8:annalynn-zinn-de-vine&option=com_content&view=article">Dr. AnnaLynn</a>. It was nice because we got to do it in our home, in our bedroom, which really made it comfortable for me to relax and go into hypnosis.<br />
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<b>Dr. AnnaLynne: </b>The <i>best</i> time to begin your classes is around 28-30 weeks. When you finish class V, you will have four to five weeks to practice before labor begins. However, you can learn this method within just days of your expected birthing if you decide late in your pregnancy you'd like to use HypnoBirthing for the experience of a quick, gentle, calm and soul-filling labor and delivery of your baby.
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The average labor and delivery time for my clients<i> really </i>is 2.9 hours, even for first babies. Contact me at 909.297.6132 or hypnogodmother@gmail.com to ask any question. These classes work beautifully on skype and it's soooo easy to set up.<br />
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3. How much time before my due date do you recommend practicing hypnosis?<br />
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<b>Me: </b>I say you would want to take it in your third trimester, so that it is fresh and you are constantly practicing it up until baby decides to come. It is a big investment of time and money to take the classes and practice, but it is well worth it. I felt like I was preparing for a marathon. It was constant practice to make sure I was able to get myself into hypnosis quickly and naturally.<br />
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<b>Dr. AnnaLynne: </b>It is best to have at least four to five weeks of practice, but I have had mothers come in as late as the week of their due date and be successful with HypnoBirthing.</div>
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4. Do you have to have the IV if you go the natural route?<br />
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<b>Me:</b> You don't, but I opted for it, so I would stay hydrated.</div>
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5. Is it scary putting yourself under hypnosis?<br />
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<b>Me: </b>Once I understood it and understood I was in control, it wasn't scary at all. It was fun and really relaxing. I think it is a good technique to have to help calm down or just zone out and chill. I still do it now, especially when Ben massages me. It feels nice. </div>
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6. How did you choose your song?<br />
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<b>Me:</b> <a href="http://sarnwenandaldaron.blogspot.com/">Michelle</a>, a sweet reader, had sent me some music by her husband awhile ago and <a href="http://www.last.fm/music/Josh+Garrels/_/Lake+Yarina">Lake Yarina</a> was just so peaceful to me. It is angelic and just lovely. During our first session, when Dr. AnnaLynne told me I needed calming music, Lake Yarina was the first thing to come to mind. That was the only song I used. Even when I hear it now, I instantly calm down. It is a beautiful song by <a href="http://joshgarrels.com/">Josh Garrels</a>.<br />
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If any of you still have any questions, just leave them here in the comments and I will get to them. I am no professional at all, but I am just sharing my experience. In the end, you have to choose what is best for you. I had the first three girls in the hospital with the magical epidural and their births are just as special as the last. I am proud of the way each of my girls came into this world and epidural or not, labor is hard work. It's not called labor for nothin'! </div>
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<br /></div>Rubyellenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12665592531250476367noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-959092383542566379.post-26301674580974557242012-06-12T06:00:00.000-07:002012-06-13T09:35:12.963-07:00KNOCK KNOCK<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/94552249@N00/7364323844/" title="orange by rubyellen, on Flickr"><img alt="orange" height="416" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7074/7364323844_676a258703_z.jpg" width="625" /></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/94552249@N00/7179096413/" title="orange by rubyellen, on Flickr"><img alt="orange" height="940" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8167/7179096413_7458b0a69b_b.jpg" width="625" /></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/94552249@N00/7364323466/" title="orange by rubyellen, on Flickr"><img alt="orange" height="940" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7212/7364323466_e44f38409f_b.jpg" width="625" /></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/94552249@N00/7179096211/" title="orange by rubyellen, on Flickr"><img alt="orange" height="940" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5327/7179096211_08d1d3339c_b.jpg" width="625" /></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/94552249@N00/7179095855/" title="orange by rubyellen, on Flickr"><img alt="orange" height="416" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5075/7179095855_c913af909f_z.jpg" width="625" /></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/94552249@N00/7364324388/" title="orange by rubyellen, on Flickr"><img alt="orange" height="940" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8153/7364324388_52851ea541_b.jpg" width="625" /></a><br />
This particular day we were shopping at Ikea and I couldn't help but adore Ben as he was walking ahead of me with the three big girls. That dude has four little girls to lead, protect, and love and that is a mighty big responsibility! Then throw me in the mix, well, his job just got a whole lot harder.<br />
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I will always wonder what a little boy that consisted of Ben and me would look like, but I really think a boy would totally throw off our mojo. Having girls is all we know and we love it. Tutus everywhere, pink all the time, princesses and playing house galore. Ben does a great job with all of that.<br />
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Ben always said that when he was younger he could never get girls. I think the scale about evened out now, don't you?!!<br />
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<b><i>on me:</i></b> shirt, thrifted. jean, f21. <a href="http://www.modcloth.com/shop/shoes-heels/brick-me-up-heel">brick me up heel</a> (on sale!), c/o <a href="http://www.modcloth.com/shop/dresses?utm_source=blogad_cakies&utm_medium=banner&utm_content=v3blogger__150x150&utm_campaign=june2012_juneads">modcloth</a>. necklace, <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/homako">homako</a>.<br />
<b><i>on ben:</i></b> shirt, vintage. jeans, diesel. shoes, nike.<br />
<b><i>on true:</i></b> shirt and pants, c/o <a href="http://www.molo-kids.com/">molo kids</a>. shoes, salt-waters.<br />
<b><i>on brave:</i></b> dress and shorts, <a href="http://www.mishalulu.com/sites/spring_2012/index.html">misha lulu</a>. shoes, salt-waters.<br />
<b><i>on soul: </i></b>dress, vintage. shoes, pediped.<br />
<b><i>on glow: </i></b>shirt and pants, <a href="http://www.mishalulu.com/sites/spring_2012/index.html">misha lulu</a>.<br />
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p.s. <a href="http://www.mishalulu.com/sites/spring_2012/index.html">misha lulu</a> is on <a href="https://www.theminisocial.com/Login.aspx?ReturnURL=%2fdefault.aspx">mini social</a> <a href="http://www.mishalulu.com/blog/?p=6433">today</a>, so if you want some good deals, check it out!Rubyellenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12665592531250476367noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-959092383542566379.post-28375020088766790822012-06-11T20:53:00.001-07:002012-06-13T19:47:49.049-07:00HUZZAH!<div style="text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0lm1c7UinwpU1ixje8oMv3RziU5QBaS98Q0OApz9ApZjujKSgpcjxQlec7TAjQ5Uwm-koh9dsxIIR3G4LRPTS5ZG9N01X8UFUOrnFqKGJKJSPvOYo6nAv2bbJS_R_sgFdnEbFc54fHfE/s1600/glow.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 0em; margin-right: 0em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0lm1c7UinwpU1ixje8oMv3RziU5QBaS98Q0OApz9ApZjujKSgpcjxQlec7TAjQ5Uwm-koh9dsxIIR3G4LRPTS5ZG9N01X8UFUOrnFqKGJKJSPvOYo6nAv2bbJS_R_sgFdnEbFc54fHfE/s1600/glow.gif" /></a>The <a href="http://parkedtogether.blogspot.com/">BFF</a> sent an email demanding to know why I was MIA? I told her the next post would be good and by golly, I think this little animated gif is pretty darn good. What do you think? Glow really makes our days brighter!
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We're loving our floors and Glow loves crawling on it. Our weekend was spent putting our kitchen back together and gardening. The kitchen is almost done, but not quite as we still have to get knobs in. I am loving it already and I have a few more changes I would like to do to it (ahem, subway tile), but I would like a break from construction before we dive into another. Anyone have white/grey subway tile in their kitchen? I am particularly curious on how well is does on the backsplash of the stove because I am wondering if it is a pain to maintain the grout? We are cookers over here, so the kitchen will be used a lot and it will get dirty. If anyone has any tips or suggestions regarding subway tile, I would love to hear it! <a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/15621929927914059/">This</a> and <a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/15621929927929295/">this</a> picture is my inspiration. </div>
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Learned and links...</div>
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Glow loves drinking water from a bottle! None of my girls ever liked the bottle though. </div>
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Soul's is one spunky kid. She goes from happy to mad in 0.5 seconds.</div>
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True officially finished kinder. </div>
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Brave is excited about starting kinder.</div>
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I am not well-versed in brand name sunglasses, but I like <a href="http://us.sunglassesshop.com/celine/41732/havana-05l/35324.aspx">these</a> from the <a href="http://us.sunglassesshop.com/">Sunglasses Shop</a>, which is a new sponsor.</div>
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Just got <a href="http://www.anthropologie.com/anthro/product/clothes-pants/24113607.jsp">these</a> pants and I have a feeling I will live in them all summer.</div>
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And I may or may not have ordered <a href="http://www.anthropologie.com/anthro/product/clothes-loungewear/24883852.jsp">this</a> too. Oye!<br />
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Announced the <a href="http://www.limericki.com/">Limi Ricki</a> winner on twitter. Follow me <a href="https://twitter.com/#!/cakiestweets">here</a>. </div>
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Biggest lesson learned... God is always better than <a href="http://mycakies.blogspot.com/2012/06/heres-story.html">basketball</a>. I'm on the fence on who to go for... Miami or OKC?! Ugh. Not a fan of both.</div>
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Can Monday really already be over?!! I have a feeling this week will fly by and I am kind of excited because we have some fun plans ahead.</div>
</div>Rubyellenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12665592531250476367noreply@blogger.com13