tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-85294080323774273442024-03-12T21:49:30.307-07:00plainjanechroniclesJanehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03349327582868438176noreply@blogger.comBlogger113125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8529408032377427344.post-67706020221573832842012-12-14T21:41:00.001-08:002012-12-14T21:41:28.854-08:00Aaarrrrrggggg, strawberries give me scurvy.Today was a bit of a sobering day so I would like to share something that made me laugh ridiculously and repeatedly. Hopefully, it cheers us all up.<br />
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<a href="http://imgur.com/zhmot">Aaarrrrrggggg, strawberries give me scurvy. - Imgur</a><br />
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-JJanehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03349327582868438176noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8529408032377427344.post-18854780231170258052012-11-29T15:33:00.000-08:002012-11-29T15:33:19.129-08:00Practice Makes Perfect Part 2A little while ago I posted some <a href="http://plainjanechronicles1.blogspot.ca/2012/11/practice-makes-perfect.html">practice up-do looks</a> for the holiday season to get your opinions (I appreciate your feedback, by the way). Well now I've finally gotten around to practicing some "down" looks for you to choose between again. Here we go:<br />
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Look #3: Curly Down w/ Neutral Pink Lip</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirsE2gLAdSlLy07YxHktcwXdp2yjTGf_h_1m56M6i4wSyHWTMlXWefwmshOTwLGR2XNQpsGmkA-aHQb6jp_9kYT9_q4IZ9oVYAN6KpLbV_E5mOuNGO5jBEuzdZQXvJ3yFKcB5jqbW5WP1T/s1600/Photo+on+11-29-12+at+4.03+PM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirsE2gLAdSlLy07YxHktcwXdp2yjTGf_h_1m56M6i4wSyHWTMlXWefwmshOTwLGR2XNQpsGmkA-aHQb6jp_9kYT9_q4IZ9oVYAN6KpLbV_E5mOuNGO5jBEuzdZQXvJ3yFKcB5jqbW5WP1T/s320/Photo+on+11-29-12+at+4.03+PM.jpg" width="320" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWnTBe2pVSYqtepa4zGg7j73BsjFeJWFVIU6jeEQsEg321sl3mha6EBv88BmGM0-Yz2g6zorbJKRh7NzcduIQ9XjCSTrLNAJ67r5bW46AdalNrSiZ2i4b6A2rv0sB-ETST-dWZW6l1gBZw/s1600/Photo+on+11-29-12+at+4.01+PM+%232.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWnTBe2pVSYqtepa4zGg7j73BsjFeJWFVIU6jeEQsEg321sl3mha6EBv88BmGM0-Yz2g6zorbJKRh7NzcduIQ9XjCSTrLNAJ67r5bW46AdalNrSiZ2i4b6A2rv0sB-ETST-dWZW6l1gBZw/s320/Photo+on+11-29-12+at+4.01+PM+%232.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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With the lighting it's a little hard to tell what my makeup looks like but I swear it's a bolder eye with a nude lip. I promise.</div>
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Look #4: Half Up/Half Down Curly w/ Plum Lip</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihk15Sq-yX3hAYpBSgbICglkRikBGCRswN-TOC0zgRb9C9y1u81LjntRudi-hH1fjCiJ_BILYot4UTcXxo-_0n4CIdWJtbZn4baVWlKp3rs_y2TjklwZcks2RDMAiu_w2qpAlaMceoOT-m/s1600/Photo+on+11-29-12+at+4.11+PM+%232.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihk15Sq-yX3hAYpBSgbICglkRikBGCRswN-TOC0zgRb9C9y1u81LjntRudi-hH1fjCiJ_BILYot4UTcXxo-_0n4CIdWJtbZn4baVWlKp3rs_y2TjklwZcks2RDMAiu_w2qpAlaMceoOT-m/s320/Photo+on+11-29-12+at+4.11+PM+%232.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVDxd7oW7vpcxI-hZK7WjmOdL-Qoo5KxLlY9YQBTHz3UgJssDsp4RSFGNWBUgVetROvrsYfXBY2dNn0D9U7YwGlxkFn7aZEZ_5Pm0QF8hBXIRfXiOXom5JtYDeZoGkXHheIIXUvCQJN5RO/s1600/Photo+on+11-29-12+at+4.12+PM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVDxd7oW7vpcxI-hZK7WjmOdL-Qoo5KxLlY9YQBTHz3UgJssDsp4RSFGNWBUgVetROvrsYfXBY2dNn0D9U7YwGlxkFn7aZEZ_5Pm0QF8hBXIRfXiOXom5JtYDeZoGkXHheIIXUvCQJN5RO/s320/Photo+on+11-29-12+at+4.12+PM.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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This look would show off any jewelry a little better and I could add some nice pins or combs to finish it off too. </div>
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So which of these looks do you like better and how does/do it/they compare to the up-dos?</div>
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I bet Ken's going to wonder if he forgot some special event when he gets home and finds me all done up. Who knows, maybe he'll take me out just because I look abnormally good. With a 3 month old and a 3 year old the chances are slim but sometimes staying in can be just as nice.</div>
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-J</div>
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Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03349327582868438176noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8529408032377427344.post-84213170082985164112012-11-18T12:32:00.002-08:002012-11-18T12:32:37.582-08:00Practice Makes PerfectMy name is Jane and I am a Pinterestaholic. It all started two weeks ago when I finally succumbed to peer pressure and decided to see what this "Pinterest" thing was all about. I haven't stopped pinning since. However, some good things have come out of my addiction and one of them is that I have found some neat ideas on how to do my hair and makeup for the holiday season. I've been practicing a little bit and decided to let you all in on the action to help me decide which look looks the best - since my husband is absolutely no help with these sorts of things. I'll ask how I look and a typical response will be "Your lips are very red," or "Yep, your hair is up," as though those are actual answers.<br />
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I have two up-do looks for you today and more may be on the way depending on my energy levels over the next few weeks.<br />
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Look #1: Starting the Party with a BANG</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE4S5H0iOqANhzG5VXeacEZYNgk8NLfKqrAYxWc3qMzgyOWBmgbt9dokBCor0gSM5l8wSQM9k3VI-Z6aDtOimIEWkVHsn6AUqJxkm6eWpAZWMya95kKj6XOAr9R8R3Fgg73YjPk4tfBUjQ/s1600/Photo+on+2012-10-30+at+17.26+%232.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE4S5H0iOqANhzG5VXeacEZYNgk8NLfKqrAYxWc3qMzgyOWBmgbt9dokBCor0gSM5l8wSQM9k3VI-Z6aDtOimIEWkVHsn6AUqJxkm6eWpAZWMya95kKj6XOAr9R8R3Fgg73YjPk4tfBUjQ/s320/Photo+on+2012-10-30+at+17.26+%232.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0BrTI0Lnu_Jue2UflfE2l3Gqfrs93mSCVoUX3rtrPZYY3GYMn1sPgx3N-qliBN7gjiYu-yx4spnDb1GHvQoOp21bK6ZTqlePM5iR3sdM6CZEpSVyhBANnL8FX4ifbBPagtt75_Tl1LiXE/s1600/Photo+on+2012-10-30+at+17.26.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0BrTI0Lnu_Jue2UflfE2l3Gqfrs93mSCVoUX3rtrPZYY3GYMn1sPgx3N-qliBN7gjiYu-yx4spnDb1GHvQoOp21bK6ZTqlePM5iR3sdM6CZEpSVyhBANnL8FX4ifbBPagtt75_Tl1LiXE/s320/Photo+on+2012-10-30+at+17.26.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Look #2: Sidebun Fun</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgid_YayntmXnS_LbFPkLlrtxP33rDQp6mhPdbiAj0TcboKSN7KTjxSNiCa0mMri6WKrdVp6YbvHCr87t3hvoHFx65W10kZXp9_xUB-Ddc5lKmdl6olNXkQMpodK9RiD4bPngErgWVH_MsN/s1600/Photo+on+11-18-12+at+1.12+PM+%232.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgid_YayntmXnS_LbFPkLlrtxP33rDQp6mhPdbiAj0TcboKSN7KTjxSNiCa0mMri6WKrdVp6YbvHCr87t3hvoHFx65W10kZXp9_xUB-Ddc5lKmdl6olNXkQMpodK9RiD4bPngErgWVH_MsN/s320/Photo+on+11-18-12+at+1.12+PM+%232.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheEDuCi_7zAt7kiW1Ufg4_ZS5y2gj58H-hiFLclJRhUPsJ-YXyN2O7V68ZU2u3K3gWo1RRdgfNFMk2n7__Wk-TTI7n1F7E1VjI24wRVRdHk_2mpk66SRn9DZvR8gzN2ny7E3uPqufSc7fF/s1600/Photo+on+11-18-12+at+1.12+PM+%234.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheEDuCi_7zAt7kiW1Ufg4_ZS5y2gj58H-hiFLclJRhUPsJ-YXyN2O7V68ZU2u3K3gWo1RRdgfNFMk2n7__Wk-TTI7n1F7E1VjI24wRVRdHk_2mpk66SRn9DZvR8gzN2ny7E3uPqufSc7fF/s320/Photo+on+11-18-12+at+1.12+PM+%234.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Okay, judge away! Tell me which look you like better and why.</div>
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-J</div>
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<br />Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03349327582868438176noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8529408032377427344.post-22595655811772536852012-11-15T14:23:00.000-08:002012-11-15T14:23:13.238-08:00What's In...My PurseI realized that I have seriously been neglecting my blog. Yes, I did just recently have a baby, but I think I'm ready to start posting more regularly again. So, to kick off my new found motivation I have decided to start a series called "What's in..." followed by an item, hence, this week's item: my purse.<br />
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It's actually pretty pathetic. Since having a baby, the contents of my purse have become very Spartan because I usually cram everything into the diaper bag. Nevertheless here we go.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMukBhxrC22PZ7UPuEYbixioowBvIYzN_-A_ldMGFfgZoYcXKSUI8vzVIWPhAIQna4ORQz-JjH6mNLDWh5zeTbxXYLQsVcgDtrRbaJM6Er88xoISYM2Hul_hfihgdlkzRKlkc66lTg9UZX/s1600/_B156104.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMukBhxrC22PZ7UPuEYbixioowBvIYzN_-A_ldMGFfgZoYcXKSUI8vzVIWPhAIQna4ORQz-JjH6mNLDWh5zeTbxXYLQsVcgDtrRbaJM6Er88xoISYM2Hul_hfihgdlkzRKlkc66lTg9UZX/s320/_B156104.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAwKp7rg7eAYO27nnWQg0VsTP7ugW1FsP19h6uodBlkztVwF62kwCdqhycHxRbTDRZGC2FXttBHk_s9s07LyiSDJeIjZzu08O4CVdb5mKBk89rWmlvE970d-02M4FwzTphdcG6zrLQiB-5/s1600/_B156105.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAwKp7rg7eAYO27nnWQg0VsTP7ugW1FsP19h6uodBlkztVwF62kwCdqhycHxRbTDRZGC2FXttBHk_s9s07LyiSDJeIjZzu08O4CVdb5mKBk89rWmlvE970d-02M4FwzTphdcG6zrLQiB-5/s320/_B156105.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIeAImlTPzlibiX0n2dwFW1MAaEfTans6jgm_9zYEvS0pAHDYZEDaYMAsyXIg8Rb0fD47V5R5r93my5hlb54yBm67DfAV-wEZE1AFPztZykQQlmgjcmm9fGcOMJe3cqTzUFAtbnuZz2B3I/s1600/_B156107.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIeAImlTPzlibiX0n2dwFW1MAaEfTans6jgm_9zYEvS0pAHDYZEDaYMAsyXIg8Rb0fD47V5R5r93my5hlb54yBm67DfAV-wEZE1AFPztZykQQlmgjcmm9fGcOMJe3cqTzUFAtbnuZz2B3I/s320/_B156107.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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From top to bottom/left to right:</div>
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<ol>
<li><b>Green baby washcloth</b>. I have no clue why this is in my purse.</li>
<li><b>Kobo eReader. </b> Helps me pass the time at numerous doctor's appointments.</li>
<li><b>Last week's grocery list. </b>Yes, I have a print out with shopping categories. Helps keep me organized.</li>
<li><b>Petland receipt for fish</b>: one blue cichlid and one golden cichlid. Russell loves his fish.</li>
<li><b>Wallet. </b>The contents of which could be a topic for another day.</li>
<li><b>Blue pen</b></li>
<li><b>Baggy with baby wipes</b>. You never know when they'll come in handy - which is often.</li>
<li><b>Red USB stick</b></li>
<li><b>Keys</b></li>
<li><b>Cell phone</b>. No it's not one of those cool smart phones all the kids have these days. </li>
<li><b>Booster Juice mints</b></li>
<li><b>Revlon Colorburst Lip Butter in "Peach Parfait"</b>. Love this color. Wear it all the time.</li>
<li><b>Maybelline Lipstick in "Born with It"</b> - a nice frosted pink.</li>
<li><b>Covergirl Naturelux Lip gloss balm SPF 15 in "Sandstone"</b>. Also in regular circulation.</li>
<li><b>Revlon Just Bitten Lip Stain in "Desire"</b>. Love, love, love this color and that it's a stain so you don't constantly have to reapply and it doesn't come off on my baby's head when I kiss him all the time. I was actually looking for this and what do you know, here it is.</li>
<li><b>Package of safety pins</b>. One time I ripped a hole in the butt of my jeans and had to patch it up with safety pins in the bathroom. It was very punk.</li>
<li><b>Spun wire dreamcatcher necklace</b>. Random. I think I bought it in Mexico for a dollar.</li>
<li><b>Eveline Charles Salon business card for "Williams"</b>. He did a good job but it took way too long.</li>
<li><b>Spare keys to my parents house</b>. I think they actually changed all the locks so I better throw this one out.</li>
<li><b>Sanitary Napkin</b>. I'm surprised there isn't a tampon in here too but I guess I was pregnant recently so there was no need.</li>
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Hmm...20 items eh? I guess it's not so Spartan after all. It's just that usually there are diapers and hand sanitizer crammed in there too. I wonder, if someone didn't know me, what they would think of me just from looking at the contents of my purse. For the future I'll have to remember to carry around something extra surprising just so I don't look so boring!</div>
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So, what's in your purse?</div>
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-J</div>
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Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03349327582868438176noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8529408032377427344.post-84087440126748642002012-10-20T12:34:00.000-07:002012-10-20T12:34:25.094-07:00The Next One Might Kill MeHaving babies takes a lot of sacrifice: monetary, emotional and physical. I'm trying to lose all the baby weight right now so my mind has been focusing a lot on the physical sacrifice lately so I decided to make a list of all of the things my body has endured (as well as many other women I'm sure) in order to bring two beautiful babies into the world:<br />
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<li>Weight Gain</li>
<li>Nausea</li>
<li>Stretch Marks</li>
<li>Edema</li>
<li>General Lethargy</li>
<li>Abdominal Separation</li>
<li>2nd Degree Tears</li>
<li>Uterine Cramps</li>
<li>Hemorrhoids</li>
<li>Near Mastitis (I just barely avoided it but it was still painful)</li>
<li>Pregnancy Induced Hypertension</li>
<li>Prolonged Bleeding from Retained Products of Birth (I'm still bleeding!)</li>
<li>Gall Bladder Attacks</li>
<li>Gall Bladder Removal Surgery</li>
<li>Surgery Recovery</li>
<li>Scars from surgery</li>
<li>Hip Displacement</li>
<li>Pulled Groin</li>
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It's a pretty decent list and I only have two kids. Plus, I didn't even mention all of the sleepless nights up with newborns. I don't even want to know what might happen to my body if I have a third! </div>
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But, of course, it's all worth it when you get to hold that little bundle and wonder who he'll look like and what personality will emerge from such a tiny being - what new struggles and joys will be yours to experience just because he exists. </div>
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-J </div>
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Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03349327582868438176noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8529408032377427344.post-18237548790689873712012-09-22T13:51:00.001-07:002012-09-22T13:51:37.461-07:00CommitmentI don't really care for dramatic changes, at least when it comes to my hair style. However, yesterday I spontaneously made a huge commitment; I GOT BANGS! And not just the cute, swoopy side bangs the full on heavy fringe. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaZvgZgr-C8bOaLX615dvbILAa08lfLwJGtotV1xQcd5ge9quV0YetDgGhsHsJ4NgkirWd33tPGcdPd1lsnmiX_8RLQv9814ZtpyoGjpTmPRg2KXP5OFiUDAmp3G00gYSHqe9bjhole1oq/s1600/Photo+on+2012-09-22+at+14.44.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaZvgZgr-C8bOaLX615dvbILAa08lfLwJGtotV1xQcd5ge9quV0YetDgGhsHsJ4NgkirWd33tPGcdPd1lsnmiX_8RLQv9814ZtpyoGjpTmPRg2KXP5OFiUDAmp3G00gYSHqe9bjhole1oq/s400/Photo+on+2012-09-22+at+14.44.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I'm kind of already regretting it but it's too late now. Next time I'll plan my spontaneity a little better.</div>
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-J</div>
<br />Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03349327582868438176noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8529408032377427344.post-84854522746077982762012-09-08T16:50:00.000-07:002012-09-08T16:50:31.017-07:00Russell Says the Darndest Things<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik6adk0V_5LE76hQDrSOEkdWPk0MG8nutazujDUiKUOubfBBhr1Xd092oU2TtMhKPHrumjmUy6B20hKct-7rZmUKvt_PGBsGMgLlEhWkh1-fdBsKQO0JVtvxAEQYFhRvqceqNox8onc9Qp/s1600/DSC02992_2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik6adk0V_5LE76hQDrSOEkdWPk0MG8nutazujDUiKUOubfBBhr1Xd092oU2TtMhKPHrumjmUy6B20hKct-7rZmUKvt_PGBsGMgLlEhWkh1-fdBsKQO0JVtvxAEQYFhRvqceqNox8onc9Qp/s400/DSC02992_2.JPG" width="266" /></a></div>
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I just thought I would document some verbal gems that Russ has been dropping lately, mostly in regards to Troy. It seems he's really warmed to the babe.<br />
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1. When introducing Troy to others:<br />
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<ul>
<li>"This is our baby, Troy. He poops out his belly button" (he says pointing to umbilical cord).</li>
<li>"This is my new baby, Troy. He cries all the day. He sure does" (he says with raised eyebrows).</li>
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2. When Troy cries:</div>
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<li>"Mom! You have to help my baby. You have to help him, Mom!"</li>
<li>"Awww...he's sad. Maybe it's because he pooped" (he says pointing to umbilical cord once again).</li>
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3. When nursing Troy</div>
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<li>Russ:"Why is his mouth on your boo-boos?"/ Me: "Because that's where he gets milk from; that's how he eats." / Russ: "Oh. He can eat on my boo-boos (he asks as he lifts his shirt)?" / Me: "No, because you're a boy and I'm a Mommy." / Russ: "Right. My boo-boos is too small...and yours is BIG."</li>
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4. When kissing Troy</div>
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<li>"I just love him, Mom; I just do."</li>
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Man, I just love both of my beautiful boys; I just do.</div>
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-J</div>
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<br />Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03349327582868438176noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8529408032377427344.post-13683414579312607512012-09-07T17:44:00.001-07:002012-09-08T10:15:09.003-07:00New Arrival<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I'm very pleased to announce that I'm not pregnant anymore! Little Troy Robert Conrad was born on August 23rd at 1:50am - 2 1/2 weeks earlier than expected. He announced his 8lb, 20inch long presence into the world with a very loud scream. What I would come to know is that le bebe is very sensitive to temperature fluctuations, especially those experienced during diaper changes. Not a fan. Hence, very loud crying. </div>
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Most of the time he is a quiet little contented angel. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-u3lHDsRxCdXirusQGds8hzXGhlxCA2CanMTAxaPtFKLvVmZTIhOsAf77meSB6-qumO_L0grvYqAH1_uU4ywZgnvJKms_jh6169spGIGYi119i_nPdKMs5djL21P6EFLfxQ8zhpQGy7wX/s1600/_8255999.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-u3lHDsRxCdXirusQGds8hzXGhlxCA2CanMTAxaPtFKLvVmZTIhOsAf77meSB6-qumO_L0grvYqAH1_uU4ywZgnvJKms_jh6169spGIGYi119i_nPdKMs5djL21P6EFLfxQ8zhpQGy7wX/s400/_8255999.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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But when he is unhappy with something, he definitely lets you know...along with all of your neighbors!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwvzcf5nj-tmOOmk-cOF8ufeQNOoBe2iII-h9qV19wkY7HVLht3s-XaG2kSReX6InOn4yK2qLFkNR2P_6dphyphenhyphenTbnFK971KFBLjMmK92eQEqRruSi7gtbaC-haiLUrhpveuPVSD8MrVvyxO/s1600/_8255983.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwvzcf5nj-tmOOmk-cOF8ufeQNOoBe2iII-h9qV19wkY7HVLht3s-XaG2kSReX6InOn4yK2qLFkNR2P_6dphyphenhyphenTbnFK971KFBLjMmK92eQEqRruSi7gtbaC-haiLUrhpveuPVSD8MrVvyxO/s400/_8255983.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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I will now commence with the dramatic tale of Troy's birth (okay, it's not <i>that</i> dramatic) so for those of you who just wanted to see a cute picture and skip the details, I would suggest checking out now. For those of you who like the gory, yet abridged, story - here we go...<br />
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First, I have to give a little back story so everything makes sense. I was 36 weeks pregnant when I went in for my regular appointment with the OB on a Thursday and she noticed that my blood pressure had started to rise. So she ordered some blood tests for me and sent me home for the weekend with instructions to take it easy and come back in on Monday for a follow up. <br />
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That weekend, the family and I decided to take a little vacation and stay with my Aunt and Uncle at their cabin in Cypress Hills. We had a fabulous time where I kayaked (not an easy feat. when you are grossly off balance) and even tubed (a nice slow ride with Russ). We often joked to my Aunt and Uncle that I was so pregnant, I would end up having the baby right there at the cabin. While it would have made for a good story, I am happy to say that I did not go into labour and we had a wonderfully relaxing time belly and all.<br />
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We came home and I immediately visited the OB who, after expressing some concern with my continued high blood pressure, very calmly and matter of factly finished with,"...and that's why I think you should have the baby this week. How's Thursday for you?" While I knew that an induction was possible and even likely, I didn't think it would happen quite that soon. Nevertheless, we scheduled the induction and then frantically went on a shopping spree to buy all of the things that we needed that we had planned to buy in the next three weeks all in one night.<br />
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Thursday came quickly. The induction was scheduled for 11am so we showed up bright eyed and bushy tailed, ready to pop this baby out. This was going to be a snap, right? Not so much. Apparently there were a lot of women who were already in labour who needed more attention than me. How dare they mess up my schedule! But seriously...they totally did. After <b>8 HOURS</b> of waiting - I repeat, <b>8 HOURS</b> of waiting, we finally got the green light to be induced. Did I mention we had to wait 8 hours!? <br />
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Ken's waiting position</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_Ib_3uI5t01VOMFG2AzkkD79hSBdVJjdEaWC11C9cKP4oJ3Gok78Zw2u6Nk2fGn1eLPGtnGNeOvPWtpAGzewk506nB6QJEpi1CevpDee5Rhv5fk2vfd_MI8mX6ak8713FzOnigRvYGc8X/s1600/IMG_1064.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_Ib_3uI5t01VOMFG2AzkkD79hSBdVJjdEaWC11C9cKP4oJ3Gok78Zw2u6Nk2fGn1eLPGtnGNeOvPWtpAGzewk506nB6QJEpi1CevpDee5Rhv5fk2vfd_MI8mX6ak8713FzOnigRvYGc8X/s400/IMG_1064.jpg" width="298" /></a></div>
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They broke my water and started me on the oxytocin drip which really got the party started and fast. Within 15 minutes I was having regular contractions and they were starting to get incredibly intense. Now with Russell, I had a six hour all natural labour but this felt much different. So after about an hour of increasingly intense contractions, I asked for an epidural. I tell you, once that epidural started working, I promptly gave Ken permission to fall asleep in the corner and nearly dozed off myself. I say nearly, because I could still feel the contractions and they kept me awake.<br />
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About an hour and a half later, I felt a great amount of pressure down you know where and knew that it would soon be time to push. I will say that it was strange not to feel that overwhelming urge to push like I experienced with my first labour. With the epidural, I knew when I was having a contraction and felt pressure but I certainly didn't feel any overwhelming urge. It was pretty strange feeling. <br />
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I yelled at Ken to wake up and 30 mins of pushing later, little Troy popped out and promptly started screaming as they placed him on my chest! It was very surreal. I could feel the emptiness inside that Troy used to occupy and felt incredibly liberated in knowing that he was finally out, I had my body back and a new little life to bring home. It was amazing how alert and fully aware I felt in that moment - a feeling that I did not experience with Russell because I was just so damn tired. I didn't feel like I was just hit by a bus, which was a pleasant surprise. Not so pleasant was the fact that I tore down the entire scar line where I had torn with Russ. Not cool. Nevertheless, I had a beautiful, healthy baby boy which made the tears seem irrelevant. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_cf9E9yPLl3IRSl8UWpIMKonYi_kJ5t4ZmMjBmo_7d90PccJCDL2vg72v-J1RsXl-6bjmUa5o3WmkgXNl2BLdSRVh0KhyphenhyphensBXYs8sMvTVBNn0q9yNFne45dvORrWzN7eQZvBxwRgbfzZy_/s1600/_8235964.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_cf9E9yPLl3IRSl8UWpIMKonYi_kJ5t4ZmMjBmo_7d90PccJCDL2vg72v-J1RsXl-6bjmUa5o3WmkgXNl2BLdSRVh0KhyphenhyphensBXYs8sMvTVBNn0q9yNFne45dvORrWzN7eQZvBxwRgbfzZy_/s400/_8235964.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Russ stopped by the next day and didn't really seem all that interested in holding the baby. We had to bribe him with a game of angry birds just to take a picture! Oh well, the boy sure sold it well!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJTKvm8_yWw5WhF9_XLsZ25AATPrZidZXJE66KrFjfJHsDVHLFp3YJWTeKwCplPTVUBWcf6emdIv9ZSzG24TduvmheZa70z0UP8AtMZMV75-Qw6XUjbbs29PkEOT4dZPJxem5M_t1UmL2w/s1600/_8235970.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJTKvm8_yWw5WhF9_XLsZ25AATPrZidZXJE66KrFjfJHsDVHLFp3YJWTeKwCplPTVUBWcf6emdIv9ZSzG24TduvmheZa70z0UP8AtMZMV75-Qw6XUjbbs29PkEOT4dZPJxem5M_t1UmL2w/s400/_8235970.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Now we're home, enjoying this perfect little human being and Russ has really warmed to the little guy, bringing him blankets and soothers, teddy bears and even his coveted angry bird stuffy. Now that's love! <br />
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Just think, I've had Troy at home with me for 15 days now when, if he chose to come on time, he would be due TODAY. Thank goodness he came early!<br />
<br />
-J<br />
<br />Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03349327582868438176noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8529408032377427344.post-2014412416393796412012-07-16T06:45:00.000-07:002012-07-16T06:45:26.067-07:00Home Stretch<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Who knew that it would be so much work to paint stripes on a wall? Apparently, everybody but me. However, after 6 hours of prepping/patching the walls and painting them in two coats of white. 4 hours of measuring and taping out the stripes and another 4 hours of repainting the "bleed line"in the base color (to get a nice crisp line) and filling the stripes with the top coat gray I am finally done! Well, sort of.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0I68mhDTnWLw-r3W8sZ-Djr7Ep3yiIII9nUMRwMizvIqadEhfFz9pSUj5uoqwfOD1ErCj9HvgmCymJ7wemVvZSLWf0Vm4Wvxfjlg-xxWVRAhKN-zO1X0Hk3GeDw5Msa9hdfmpz7gfW5f5/s1600/_6255905.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0I68mhDTnWLw-r3W8sZ-Djr7Ep3yiIII9nUMRwMizvIqadEhfFz9pSUj5uoqwfOD1ErCj9HvgmCymJ7wemVvZSLWf0Vm4Wvxfjlg-xxWVRAhKN-zO1X0Hk3GeDw5Msa9hdfmpz7gfW5f5/s320/_6255905.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Since the walls are 8 feet high, I decided on a nice even 12 inch stripe which gave me 4 stripes of each color. Then I moved the baby stuff into the room deciding upon blue and green accents. Here's what I got:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMa1Ws7lSLCs9fsQDlV5ZpWYOQHwNyBDKxTw2rHikWjOZzyBDFkrmMoEv1-BlHfxjCES6ojZitzd0vevv1W8H76RXUy3lkDWHMKQs0bok4f79dnr4zd334qu1qbU6ZSkZ8hgs7aCdYUSbi/s1600/_7155912.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMa1Ws7lSLCs9fsQDlV5ZpWYOQHwNyBDKxTw2rHikWjOZzyBDFkrmMoEv1-BlHfxjCES6ojZitzd0vevv1W8H76RXUy3lkDWHMKQs0bok4f79dnr4zd334qu1qbU6ZSkZ8hgs7aCdYUSbi/s320/_7155912.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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I still have to find/make some cute artwork to add more color to the walls and put up curtains but I am now on the home stretch. I have 7 weeks to get this sucker done but for now I think I shall take a short break to nurse myself back to health as I can't seem to get rid of this nasty cough and cold I have contracted. Time for some much needed R&R...and then I'll get back to work. </div>
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-J</div>
<br />Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03349327582868438176noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8529408032377427344.post-31038851420489220512012-06-02T11:05:00.001-07:002012-06-02T11:05:47.324-07:00Dresser Redo<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Ken just started a rotation as a drilling manager of a rig way up in Northern BC and would be gone for two weeks so I figured I should do some sort of project to make the time go faster while he was away. I settled upon painting a dresser for the baby's room since we needed one anyway. The timing was perfect as my community was having garage sale day so I scoured every garage sale and found a dresser that I thought would work as a change table and storage piece in the baby's room. I picked it up for $30 and with a little help from family brought it home to the garage. It was kind of ugly but I thought it had good potential. I forgot to take a before picture with all the drawers and hardware installed so you'll have to visualize it all put together!</div>
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Before: Dresser</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV4ZwyxZa-iV_AKpqpAbLbj0IAjUlz9KWILIyycjYCBM4hKFxeGhugYUapRGUFUdF7MTBDHjfPBbiGzeTaVgqTigHE190p_2XjMpazpaBvDzWSW35LahwDpVMwF7uXinbMTpQZcGOJgiMl/s1600/DSC02999.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV4ZwyxZa-iV_AKpqpAbLbj0IAjUlz9KWILIyycjYCBM4hKFxeGhugYUapRGUFUdF7MTBDHjfPBbiGzeTaVgqTigHE190p_2XjMpazpaBvDzWSW35LahwDpVMwF7uXinbMTpQZcGOJgiMl/s320/DSC02999.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Before: Drawers</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYtDc9R-StJuw0FDCUYBGSyVL0EgSKcOZ24xZxnbIo6yckaJMwIQnQnvET9scyg0P6yJ_A6RLrrRjGSFIiwLk0DBGT6YOMkOMlDUT1dawRKWhCpaJxseBU_4geNCjy7oQaa6_e0d-FbRY6/s1600/DSC03000.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYtDc9R-StJuw0FDCUYBGSyVL0EgSKcOZ24xZxnbIo6yckaJMwIQnQnvET9scyg0P6yJ_A6RLrrRjGSFIiwLk0DBGT6YOMkOMlDUT1dawRKWhCpaJxseBU_4geNCjy7oQaa6_e0d-FbRY6/s320/DSC03000.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Before: Hardware</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG7GfeCgN2RPQGrGzl3XFpAHgueFVhRBNCw7Jb656KErO_ovBaRyARPgOI9GAr1mTkin_NiTbOm5RoG1nKxCoo4hPTGBPp7TM65p4pUvtS66tuqLJ8kHm0nayyrQMJbO8LWfz46bJOzBKb/s1600/DSC03001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG7GfeCgN2RPQGrGzl3XFpAHgueFVhRBNCw7Jb656KErO_ovBaRyARPgOI9GAr1mTkin_NiTbOm5RoG1nKxCoo4hPTGBPp7TM65p4pUvtS66tuqLJ8kHm0nayyrQMJbO8LWfz46bJOzBKb/s320/DSC03001.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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My sister-in law has painted several projects for her house so she volunteered to come over and help me out the first day. We wiped the dresser down thoroughly then gave it a good sanding to smooth it out. If you ever decide to tackle a project like this, make sure to wear a face mask to protect your lungs from the dust particles. I was especially scrupulous about this as I am pregnant and didn't want the chemicals from the previous finish to wind up in my system. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnFwHzcqPEozekWUGa_CVdW1IrPnVXD3fYq-6SjvvLqBeWuat3Wr7_hjagUtt_zcbVeL9HCRIg_5G3YG239kf9ux_jYfXAh4LKjTn80Bp7mRL3JH12qvLarSyRwqjh8QNA4Vf2LDzDffkq/s1600/DSC03003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnFwHzcqPEozekWUGa_CVdW1IrPnVXD3fYq-6SjvvLqBeWuat3Wr7_hjagUtt_zcbVeL9HCRIg_5G3YG239kf9ux_jYfXAh4LKjTn80Bp7mRL3JH12qvLarSyRwqjh8QNA4Vf2LDzDffkq/s320/DSC03003.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Since I didn't want to spend hours and hours sanding every little nook and cranny of the dresser, we used Zinsser Cover Stain (with the brown label), an oil based bonding primer to adhere to the stain. We did one coat of the primer on all the drawers and two coats on the top of the dresser, as the top will be subject to more wear and tear. We used high density foam rollers to apply the primer to the dresser base and a good ol' brush for the drawers. Getting around that molding, however, on the drawers was a real pain in the butt. I think if I were to do it over again I would use the spray on Zinsser instead. It would have saved me so much time! I let the primer dry for a good 24 hours.</div>
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Since there were a few drips and unevenness from the primer, I sanded the whole piece down with a fine sandpaper block, making sure it was nice and smooth (again wearing the face mask). I then wiped it down with a soft, dry cloth and then again with a wet cloth to get rid of any dust. Then it was time for the first coat of paint. I used Benjamin Moore Advanced in plain White (I didn't bother getting it tinted at all). </div>
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Again, the drawers were super tedious to paint with a brush and it was quite difficult to get a super smooth finish. I found that because it took so long to paint around the molding, the paint would dry too quickly and the brush would create drag marks in the paint. So I had to do a lot more sanding after each coat than I had originally intended. I did two coats of paint of the drawers and three coats on the base of the dresser, paying special attention to the top. I would have done three coats on the drawers but they were annoying me too much so I gave up haha. Now, when I did a little research on this project, it was recommended to follow the paint job with a couple of coats of polyurethane for durability. However, when I bought my paint at the store, the lady there told me that with the particular paint I bought I wouldn't have to. I'm not sure how right she is about that but I jumped at the chance to skip another step! I may regret this decision in the future but hopefully not.<br />
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One thing I overlooked in the beginning of the project was finding new hardware to match the holes in the dresser drawers. It turned out that after I had done all that work (sanding, priming, sanding, painting, sanding, painting etc...) the hardware from the dresser was a far cry from any standard size found at any local hardware store. That mean I would have to go back with wood filler, fill the holes and repeat every step for the inlay. I was not happy about this prospect but I was also not happy about the look of the hardware. So I let the project sit for a few days while I pondered my options. In the end I came up with the idea of spray painting the hardware a nice bright color. It was going to go in a baby's room, right? So a bit of whimsy is always nice, plus I was saving myself some money. I settled on a nice bright blue spray paint and set to work.<br />
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Again, I made sure to protect my lungs and the baby with a nice face mask!<br />
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I let the hardware dry for 24 hours, reinstalled it, put the drawers back into the dresser and this is what I got!<br />
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I am definitely happy to be finished and am relatively pleased with the end product. I cant wait to decorate the rest of the baby's room and see how the dresser looks in the space. So keep tuned for some further nursery projects to come!</div>
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<br />Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03349327582868438176noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8529408032377427344.post-40452703649681115092012-05-06T15:35:00.000-07:002012-05-06T15:35:04.488-07:00Funny StoryThe other day my sister came over for a visit and while she parked her car she noticed a few items neatly placed on the driveway. She brought the rain soaked items in and asked me if they were mine. I looked over the day planner and accompanying clipboard with built-in calculator and quickly surmised that they were not. I took a peak inside and found some business cards that belonged to an Old Dutch distributor. So I called him up and left a message saying that I had some things of his. <br />
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A couple of days later he calls me back and explains that his truck was broken into and that some items of his were missing because of it. We chatted a bit more and discovered that he only lives a block away from me. Some punks must have absconded with his stuff only to discard the less useful items neatly on my driveway (at least they were a little considerate). I had some errands to run that day but I left his stuff out on the bench on the front porch for him to pick up. When I came home a few hours later from my errands his items were gone and, much to my surprise, in their place were two boxes filled with Old Dutch chips! <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEictQBB_Vq4sqyJdOgyNLKRG0-y7inkPxqilZOTLHLr8SFtGNHZj-PQAuy6r6uforftCenEwuNEWayaS-SDQ-CjVk_hBn5kQhsQx_WLBujNQ7Fjs9Uip1Zh83LKjSZsQzTzEqLULM6nhGKR/s1600/Photo+on+2012-05-06+at+16.01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEictQBB_Vq4sqyJdOgyNLKRG0-y7inkPxqilZOTLHLr8SFtGNHZj-PQAuy6r6uforftCenEwuNEWayaS-SDQ-CjVk_hBn5kQhsQx_WLBujNQ7Fjs9Uip1Zh83LKjSZsQzTzEqLULM6nhGKR/s320/Photo+on+2012-05-06+at+16.01.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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While I certainly didn't expect to be rewarded for merely trying to return a stranger's possessions, I must admit, it was pretty nice to get some free stuff haha. These chips will definitely come in handy during BBQ season! </div>
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<br />Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03349327582868438176noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8529408032377427344.post-78761917633737040222012-05-01T16:23:00.000-07:002012-05-01T16:23:00.401-07:00Once More With Feeling<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaW94sfxOs_kdv699_MOUIGqgztJfH5R34q6BgftexXp7opIb8tE6XLLf8OCNdRaiiYwksz-TRz8lLN10kytnC6spe9SiDmaRDWhvRqKdFzDuVv3yT7x-g0LBZLgRlYCB3EvGh4ySfZT4_/s1600/baby.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="191" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaW94sfxOs_kdv699_MOUIGqgztJfH5R34q6BgftexXp7opIb8tE6XLLf8OCNdRaiiYwksz-TRz8lLN10kytnC6spe9SiDmaRDWhvRqKdFzDuVv3yT7x-g0LBZLgRlYCB3EvGh4ySfZT4_/s200/baby.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
I posted a while back about having <a href="http://plainjanechronicles1.blogspot.ca/2011/06/checking-out.html">multiple miscarriages</a> which is why I have waited quite a while to make the official announcement that I am, indeed, expecting again! I am greatly relieved that everything is going well, that I am now 21 weeks and that - drum roll please - we are having another BOY! <br />
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I was convinced this baby was a girl because this pregnancy felt so different than the last but I was recently shown irrefutable evidence to the contrary and so cannot argue with science haha. We couldn't be happier, though, and can't wait for the little guy to pop out in 5ish months (Sept 7th is the due date).<br />
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I still get quite paranoid at times but am trying to get over the anxiety that something will go terribly wrong. I wouldn't be able to prevent it even if it did so...here we are...pregnant, emotional and getting "fatter" every week. Did I ask for this? Oh ya, I did! Cheers!<br />
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-J Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03349327582868438176noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8529408032377427344.post-28710062569372593762012-04-30T20:44:00.001-07:002012-04-30T20:44:32.760-07:00Face CanvasA couple of months ago, for some strange and unknown reason, I became a little obsessed with wanting to try my hand at face painting. I know, right? Random! I've always had artistic proclivities, however, my brush strokes have consistently made their way onto primed and framed canvases. So I decided to run with this new interest and merely transfer the canvas to the face! I did a little researching online, bought a kit, watched some tutorials on YouTube and went to work practicing on all the wee children I could find, which wasn't difficult as I have many willing nieces and nephews. What kid doesn't like their face painted? My family all got together over the Easter weekend and I set to work with my paint set. This is the result of my impulsive new hobby.<br />
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It was fun, although admittedly frustrating at times because those YouTube people make it seem so much easier than it actually is! Haha. But I'm working on my strokes and perhaps I will be able to paint faces just as fast and easily as the pros one day. Or I may lose interest and only pull the paints out at family parties. Only time will tell. Anyone want their face painted?</div>
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-J</div>
<br />Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03349327582868438176noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8529408032377427344.post-27854168045997438162012-04-30T20:20:00.000-07:002012-04-30T20:20:49.807-07:00Cake Decorating Method<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Hello my lovely followers/subscribers, who may be fewer and fewer these days since I'm a horribly infrequent poster, as many of my friends have pointed out! I'm pleased to bring you a very simple, yet clever method of decorating cakes. Although I cannot claim it as my own - I chanced upon a tutorial while web surfing and fell in love with this genius concept. You can go to the <a href="http://www.celebrationgeneration.com/blog/2011/10/10/cake-decorating-tutorial-frozen-buttercream-transfers/">tutorial here</a> where it is explained just as well as I could explain it. It's called <b>frozen buttercream transfers</b> and it's amazing, especially if you are not very artistic and/or too lazy to free hand a cool design. I happen to be the latter! I didn't take any pictures of the process but here is the finished product that I made for my son's birthday cake. </div>
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This was the first time I tried doing a frozen buttercream transfer and it worked quite nicely. Russell was very excited to dig in! I'm sure the next time, it will be even better because I'll be more sure of what I'm doing and take a little more time to do some detailed line work. </div>
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Happy cake decorating!</div>
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-J</div>
<br />Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03349327582868438176noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8529408032377427344.post-40896900996681673302011-12-23T11:52:00.000-08:002011-12-23T12:16:15.170-08:00Songs That Feel Like Home<div>No, this isn't a Christmas song. But somehow, Russell managed to set my iTunes settings to Random and this song began to play. There was one point in my young life, where I would play this song almost five times a day and I am still in love with it. When I hear it I think about my family, my life as well as the places and people I have learned from. There are some things that I wish I was mature enough to have done differently but I have accepted the fact that I didn't but now I can. It's amazing what feelings this little song can conjure up and it almost always makes me teary eyed. Are there any songs that do this to you?</div><div><br /></div><iframe width="480" height="270" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/B4bIHFopaFM?fs=1" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe><div><br /></div><div>-J</div>Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03349327582868438176noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8529408032377427344.post-47569449887929716072011-12-07T13:21:00.000-08:002011-12-07T14:21:38.922-08:00Book Review: The Sisters Brothers<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj87DHIL75_O0Gft0Qn1xzjIn_b-LSAmSJ7SM537gcLHPrX72t4rYZIdrOr-17HNb94-QcUpWLIClZzgKaKYhNbycgPODYdn-F6x9zyZaLQunVCLWX0ckhfRsFCkxhxBzOJMohNUktAHNU5/s1600/book+jacket.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 265px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj87DHIL75_O0Gft0Qn1xzjIn_b-LSAmSJ7SM537gcLHPrX72t4rYZIdrOr-17HNb94-QcUpWLIClZzgKaKYhNbycgPODYdn-F6x9zyZaLQunVCLWX0ckhfRsFCkxhxBzOJMohNUktAHNU5/s400/book+jacket.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5683515056968302386" /></a><br />I just finished <i>The Sisters Brothers</i> by Patrick DeWitt and was very pleased with the overall experience of it. Set in 1851's American West, it tells the story of Eli and Charlie Sisters, two fiercely loyal and flinty brothers, whose affinity for killing has garnered them, not only a notable reputation, but a permanent position as assassins for the local bigwig. The book starts out with the brothers setting off to kill a man named "Warm" who has unluckily somehow offended their well paying employer, "the Commodore." Eli is the narrator and supposedly "softer" of the two brothers in manners and temperament and I found myself trusting in his rustic charm and sometimes poetic judgement. However, it soon becomes apparent, as the brother experience varying challenges and memorable characters along the way, that Eli, too, is not to be trifled with. The casual manner of the brothers' violence is juxtaposed with their filial love and allegiance for each other while their dark humor reflects the case hardened reality of their existence. I found myself laughing along with them one moment and being disgusted with them the next. <div><br /></div><div>At first, I perceived the chapters to be a little choppy but that quality seemed to lend itself well to the journey feel of the book. Stop, go. Stop, go - as though imitating the bumpy ramble of a horse. </div><div><br /></div><div>I was also surprised to discover that the book reads very much like a movie - and a good movie, at that - if it were to be treated correctly. It reminded me very much of the Cohen Brothers' interpretation of "True Grit" and I would not be surprised if a screen play were to emerge in the near future as it has all the elements of a Hollywood blockbuster: love, hate, violence, humor, redemption and a bit of mystery. Mix those ingredient with the blood and dust of the old West and you'll not only have a hit on your hands but maybe some manure too. </div><div><br /></div><div>Overall, it was a great read and I would recommend it but with a warning that this book isn't for everyone - especially those with an aversion to strong language and violence. </div><div><br /></div><div>Has anyone else read this book? What are your thoughts?</div><div><br /></div><div>-J</div>Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03349327582868438176noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8529408032377427344.post-23498900595823551602011-12-06T11:54:00.000-08:002011-12-06T12:09:47.871-08:00Merry Craftmas<div>I am not a terribly crafty person but when someone sets up an craft event and provides all the supplies and direction...I'm there! I made this with a few ladies from church and think it's pretty cute. </div><div><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz9kU-k_heYAb7Moo5LYU4edWqhVcMkUViX1PFYpof2eR52OgiXc8gAh8IxGnlBpIWZlAqiTFDRZZeAdglqsm0VA9JPHTMWICxQ29nmLQrcjDWChe0jxZLRlPSyhRyRexirhPjLC7QE09Q/s1600/_C035730.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><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/AVvXsEgz9kU-k_heYAb7Moo5LYU4edWqhVcMkUViX1PFYpof2eR52OgiXc8gAh8IxGnlBpIWZlAqiTFDRZZeAdglqsm0VA9JPHTMWICxQ29nmLQrcjDWChe0jxZLRlPSyhRyRexirhPjLC7QE09Q/s400/_C035730.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5683107647874920770" /></a>If you're wondering how to make your own (or something like it), it would probably be pretty simple, although you may need to borrow someones Cricut or Silhouette machine to cut out the vinyl. Then you just need some transfer paper, an ordinary floor tile and voila!<div><br /></div><div>Have fun crafting!</div><div><br /></div><div>-J<br /><div><br /></div></div>Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03349327582868438176noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8529408032377427344.post-29961629624703536782011-12-03T19:32:00.000-08:002011-12-03T20:11:54.274-08:00The weather outside is frightful...<div>As we travelled down the highway at a snail's pace, barely able to see two cars lengths in front of ourselves because of the blustery snow, Ken and I had a simultaneous epiphany: let's cancel our plans and just have a cozy night in . As much as we were looking forward to those plans, a stressful night in the snow seemed a good reason to reschedule. So we made a very cautious u-turn and hightailed it home to some delicious Indian food and a warm house. </div><div><br /></div><div>Then, since we were already snowed in, we decided to finally switch out our old chandelier in the kitchen for a much nicer, updated, yet economical replacement. My "before" and "after" photos got all mixed up and I'm too lazy to reload them so I'm going to spoil the surprise and show the "after" first.</div><div><br /></div><div> AFTER: Lovely </div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_7Ysw0e7g2eJ_tjc76XnNjuR3fNdkneNoFvmla2gHY2uB-gHBQMEvkxta56qe_XAS0twGuDGopSVVZMGUiNwrMrbMM0sFCC2mwiBKyVjSLWUxPi1OW53Pu41AjNFDM0ELrIx37Fg3Hs9n/s1600/_C035725.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><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/AVvXsEg_7Ysw0e7g2eJ_tjc76XnNjuR3fNdkneNoFvmla2gHY2uB-gHBQMEvkxta56qe_XAS0twGuDGopSVVZMGUiNwrMrbMM0sFCC2mwiBKyVjSLWUxPi1OW53Pu41AjNFDM0ELrIx37Fg3Hs9n/s400/_C035725.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5682116399786211698" /></a> <div> BEFORE: Eighties Monstrosity!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvJ9EmZGfgEjrh2BgyavmA4pFjyO_1GFTf2bvX82N07s8bQBdQfncgR3bd7BQmh2oWZRdKdgcUH2Bge6CXQeaLFcJoL5qzAq6rUDL2OE3a3KM3fC9yjwV-rKKTBTk6tqtVbeM1O_Fpkh05/s1600/DSC02979_2.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvJ9EmZGfgEjrh2BgyavmA4pFjyO_1GFTf2bvX82N07s8bQBdQfncgR3bd7BQmh2oWZRdKdgcUH2Bge6CXQeaLFcJoL5qzAq6rUDL2OE3a3KM3fC9yjwV-rKKTBTk6tqtVbeM1O_Fpkh05/s400/DSC02979_2.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5682116016076576786" /></a> </div><div> A closer look at the blight on my kitchen.</div><div> Doesn't it remind you of a flying saucer?<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg59jKw5fNg2kArJsfY8fuNDrKB4aNo3zMV3YT99BNQ7ydWfoskTctBFI9_S54s765-sFgccacJYXc1YJnT9xyx-_06CCoYJMbStQEF_iR7ucJVmempx58MKbp255em96nPfEB-MwQKzHT/s1600/DSC02979.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="text-align: left;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px; " src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg59jKw5fNg2kArJsfY8fuNDrKB4aNo3zMV3YT99BNQ7ydWfoskTctBFI9_S54s765-sFgccacJYXc1YJnT9xyx-_06CCoYJMbStQEF_iR7ucJVmempx58MKbp255em96nPfEB-MwQKzHT/s400/DSC02979.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5682115657393002610" /></a></div><div>I am so happy with the end result! However, now I want to switch out the table too...haha. It's a slippery slope this home improvement/decorating thing. </div><div><br /></div><div>Now it's time to whip out the hot chocolate, gaze upon the beautiful Christmas tree and enjoy a classic family film that just so happens to be on TV tonight: Uncle Buck! Oh John Candy, you are a comedic genius!</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdpnBmLD9Q8TBR1f_dHPRxlJs06-1pJaTURbOFvGLWGSRyypasFn_lBotQBAApaM85yYd0GY_8HvOqVlLU5mfVDYfyTqTDLa_GmK6TTJQ0YnbY8ObcMXtGZJhJWAtwVTGFzRGjtwjU2x-4/s1600/_C035718.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="text-align: left;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px; " src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdpnBmLD9Q8TBR1f_dHPRxlJs06-1pJaTURbOFvGLWGSRyypasFn_lBotQBAApaM85yYd0GY_8HvOqVlLU5mfVDYfyTqTDLa_GmK6TTJQ0YnbY8ObcMXtGZJhJWAtwVTGFzRGjtwjU2x-4/s400/_C035718.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5682115313057685666" /></a>-J<br /><br /></div>Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03349327582868438176noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8529408032377427344.post-85966640729396847972011-11-22T12:21:00.000-08:002011-11-22T12:46:24.986-08:00Soap BoxI just read <a href="http://edition.cnn.com/2011/11/22/world/asia/afghanistan-rape/index.html?hpt=ias_c1">this story</a> and it made me want to spit with rage. It is so frustrating to know that we live in a world where women are still treated like little more than commodities and scapegoats for the gross improprieties of "religious," Patriarchal, power mongering, victim blaming men. It's absolutely disgusting and it breaks my heart. Thank goodness for initiatives like <a href="http://becauseiamagirl.ca/">"Because I am a Girl."</a> Gender equality furthers the cause of child survival and development for all society, which is why we should never underestimate the importance of women's rights. <div><br /></div><div>Rant over. I shall now descend from my lofty soap box and get back to watching "Diego" with the boy. </div><div><br /></div><div>-J </div>Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03349327582868438176noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8529408032377427344.post-46600562182975904142011-11-17T22:50:00.000-08:002011-11-17T23:19:47.570-08:00Now That's LoveI sometimes complain about my husband and most of the time these complaints have something to do with him being "insensitive" or "oblivious." I joke about it and often it really is funny the way he seems blissfully unaware of tone and/or body language. I know that these aren't always the best ways to communicate with him and I have made a conscious effort to retrain myself to say what I want and not just assume that he will be able to "read" me. But there are times when how I feel really cannot be put into words and that dear husband of mine IS able to read me like a book. <div><br /></div><div>Last night was one of those instances. I was sick, tired and stressed out. I just wanted to have a relaxing bath and so I filled up the tub, forgetting that our hot water tank doesn't have the capacity to fill our big soaker tub. The running water turned cold and I still had 2/3 of the tub left to fill but I got in anyway, hoping to salvage the moment. And do you know what my dear husband did? He filled every pot of water in the kitchen with water and boiled it on the stove. Then he took a big bowl of water and boiled it in the microwave and carried them all up to the bathroom to fill my tub up with hot water. Then he refilled them all and did this another three times!</div><div><br /></div><div>The tub still didn't get filled all the way but my heart sure did! So the next time I feel like sharing a funny story about my hubbie's insensitivity, I think I'll share this one instead. </div><div><br /></div><div>-J</div>Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03349327582868438176noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8529408032377427344.post-45078672313275453582011-09-15T11:49:00.000-07:002011-09-15T12:49:11.502-07:00Book BanningThe American Library Association will soon be celebrating their annual <a href="http://www.ala.org/ala/issuesadvocacy/banned/bannedbooksweek/index.cfm">Banned Book Week</a> in the States which has got me thinking about this very interesting and controversial topic. This time last year, I was able to experience BBW while Ken and I were living in Houston and found it to be incredibly eye opening and fun. My local library there in Houston put out a lively display of banned books from history as well as books that were being challenged at the time. I was not surprised to see books like <i>Slaughterhouse-Five</i>, <i>1984</i>, <i>Naked Lunch</i>, <i>A Clockwork Orange</i>, <i>The Catcher in the Rye</i> and other more infamously known and commonly banned books; however, I was startled to see so many contemporary children's books on the list: <i>Harry Potter</i> (series), <i>Captain Underpants</i>, <i>How to Eat Fried Worms</i>, <i>James and the Giant Peach</i>, and <i>A Wrinkle in Time</i>. I read all of these books as a child and have reread many as an adult and was flabbergasted as to why they would be banned from any library. <div><br /></div><div>This is the slippery slope of censorship. If you don't like the book and think it is a bad influence on you then PICK A DIFFERENT BOOK. If you don't want your child reading something that you think may have a negative influence on him/her, have him/her PICK A DIFFERENT BOOK. And if your child comes across any material in a book that he/she/you deem inappropriate then TALK ABOUT IT and then, if you deem it necessary, you guessed it, PICK A DIFFERENT BOOK. </div><div><br /></div><div>I recently came across an article over at <a href="http://www.the-exponent.com/2011/09/15/book-burning-friends/">The Exponent</a>, a blog that I peruse every so often that sums up how I feel about book banning: </div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Bitstream Charter', serif; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 24px; "><h1 class="entry-title" style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; clear: both; font-weight: bold; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); line-height: 1.3em; font-size: 21px; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; "><i>Book Burning “Friends”</i></h1><div class="entry-meta" style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; color: rgb(136, 136, 136); font-size: 12px; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; "><span class="meta-prep meta-prep-author" style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; "><i>Posted on</i></span><i> </i><a href="http://www.the-exponent.com/2011/09/15/book-burning-friends/" title="8:00 am" rel="bookmark" style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; "><span class="entry-date" style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; "><i>September 15, 2011</i></span></a><i> </i><span class="meta-sep" style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; "><i>by</i></span><i> </i><span class="author vcard" style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; "><a class="url fn n" href="http://www.the-exponent.com/author/april/" title="View all posts by April" style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; "><i>April</i></a></span></div><div class="entry-content" style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 12px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; clear: both; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; "><div id="attachment_8785" class="wp-caption alignright" style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: rgb(241, 241, 241); border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 4px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 20px; margin-left: 24px; padding-top: 4px; padding-right: 4px; padding-bottom: 4px; padding-left: 4px; vertical-align: baseline; display: inline; float: right; line-height: 18px; max-width: 632px !important; text-align: center; width: 210px; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; "><a href="http://www.the-exponent.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/books.jpg" style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; "><i><img class="size-full wp-image-8785" title="books" src="http://www.the-exponent.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/books.jpg" alt="books" width="200" height="169" style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 5px; margin-right: 5px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 5px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; border-top-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-bottom-style: none; border-left-style: none; border-width: initial; border-color: initial; max-width: 570px; height: auto; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; " /></i></a><p class="wp-caption-text" style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 5px; margin-right: 5px; margin-bottom: 24px; margin-left: 5px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, 'Nimbus Sans L', sans-serif; color: rgb(136, 136, 136); font-size: 12px; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; "><i>A few books that have been banned at some children's schools</i></p></div><p style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 24px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; "><i>Remember that </i><a href="http://lds.org/friend/2010/06/trying-to-be-like-jesus/book-decision?lang=eng&query=books"><i>cute story</i></a><i> in the </i><em style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; ">Friend </em><i>about the eight-year-old who read some bad words in a children’s book she checked out from the school library? She went home and talked to her parents about it. They explained what the words meant and why they chose not to use such language. They also talked about why the characters in the book used such words. Maybe the characters were struggling to choose the right. On the other hand, maybe they came from a different background where such words weren’t taboo. They talked about how they could maintain their own language standards while showing tolerance and respect for people with different standards. They used the book as a tool to reinforce their family’s values while gaining new insights and appreciation for the perspectives of others.</i></p><p style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 24px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; "><i>You don’t remember the story? That is because I am telling it wrong. In the actual story, the girl got the book banned from her school...</i></p><p style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 24px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">I think we need to be very careful when it comes to supporting censorship - book banning in particular. Instead of dealing with/talking about any particular issues addressed in controversial books, many think simply banning the book will make those problems just go away. I'm not saying we shouldn't protect our children from material that is not suited to their ages and moral principles but banning the book completely is not the answer; education and tolerance is. </p><p style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 24px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">What do you think?</p><p style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 24px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">-J</p><p style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 24px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; "><br /></p></div></span></div>Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03349327582868438176noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8529408032377427344.post-14323810647798051312011-06-28T19:14:00.000-07:002011-06-28T19:47:31.068-07:00Checking OutAbout 8 months ago I was unlucky enough to have a miscarriage. It was difficult. Period. However, I waited the 3 months to recover (as per the doctor's orders) and we started to try again. Month after month we waited to see a positive pregnancy test but to no avail. So I decided that I was just going to take the pressure off and try to live my life like I wasn't trying to get pregnant. Enter the 3o lbs in 3 months goal. Two weeks into that goal I discovered I was 8 weeks pregnant! But two weeks after that I feared that I had miscarried again only to have my fears confirmed by an ultrasound. I didn't have a D&C and so have been going through the whole miscarriage process again - because, as anyone out there who has had a miscarriage knows - it takes time for the products of conception and the endometrium to shed. To make a long story short, for the past month, I have pretty much checked out of anything having to do with a diet - unless that diet consisted of all of my comfort foods! Jane Austin adaptations have also become a staple!<div><br /></div><div>Today I realized that I was ready to get back on the horse and resume my diet/exercise routine. I'm pretty sure I won't be as consistent about blogging about it but I do plan to share some highlights/lowlights. </div><div><br /></div><div>Although, to say that I am sad about having another miscarriage is an understatement, I am certainly very grateful for the beautiful little boy that is such a joy in my life and am very hopeful that the next pregnancy will have a successful outcome. I am also very appreciative of an understanding and patient husband who had to put up with an extra long, extra hormonal episode of PMS!! </div><div><br /></div><div>On the upside, now I can start drinking again...j/k. Wish me luck!</div><div><br /></div><div>-J </div>Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03349327582868438176noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8529408032377427344.post-52167661429174213422011-05-30T15:30:00.000-07:002011-05-30T15:51:42.245-07:00The Fountain of Death<div>When we moved into our house we discovered that the previous owners had left a few "gifts" behind for us. Some were pleasant: mirrors, floating shelves and curtains. While others were, shall we say, pretty crappy. No, I mean, literally crappy. When we viewed the house in December, the backyard was covered in snow so we had no idea until the snow melted that the entire backyard was littered with mounds and mounds of dog feces! They must have had four dogs or one really big mother...you know what I mean...to leave that much crap laying around. Ken spent two hours one Saturday raking it up and only managed to clean 1/4 of the yard. I have to give Ken some big props though because the next Saturday he spent nearly the entire day in the backyard and cleaned it up so nicely. So now we are poop free but have yet to be rid of the giant yellow grass spots left behind by copious amounts of dog urine. I'm sure in another year...or two the grass will be back to normal, but in the mean time, things are a little patchy.<div><br /></div><div>The other thing that the previous owners left behind was a giant lion-head fountain in the front entryway. Yes, you heard me - GIANT LION HEAD FOUNTAIN! This thing is the bane of my existence. At first it was a quirky novelty. We would turn on the "scary" (Russell didn't seem to enjoy the lion head) fountain to surprise guests. Ken, especially, got a kick out of filling it up and turning it on for special occasions. However, my relationship with the fountain soon turned sour when a certain little person decided it was a fun new toy (after he quickly overcame his fear of the monster). Now everything goes in the fountain: running shoes, PB & J sandwiches, hands, feet, sippy cups, cousins and diapers. It drives me nuts! This concrete, tacky, monstrosity has to go...and soon...or I will not be a happy camper. Cross your fingers for me that it will be gone by this weekend. Then all I'll have to deal with is a giant hole in the wall. No biggy.</div></div><div><br /></div><div>-J</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih2NBWpUrGQjDJ_Y8DlV-pcdQRWRmx1tf1Wrj9M0Ez28G3Zs-x94kqP9MvrZ3EJUEKAV0v98FfV76pmntu_RJR5rqVRwIp10ORVw3FCNpAUt396Lg3IQV3pI4X02ZOBh0uV0a-KQBsY7O-/s1600/DSC02981.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih2NBWpUrGQjDJ_Y8DlV-pcdQRWRmx1tf1Wrj9M0Ez28G3Zs-x94kqP9MvrZ3EJUEKAV0v98FfV76pmntu_RJR5rqVRwIp10ORVw3FCNpAUt396Lg3IQV3pI4X02ZOBh0uV0a-KQBsY7O-/s400/DSC02981.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5612645018533841266" /></a>Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03349327582868438176noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8529408032377427344.post-29105268814890832412011-05-24T12:30:00.000-07:002011-05-24T12:59:32.592-07:00Wrench in the Works<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqMNYROZaXteVm86nMJ_rURe9k-HIkt-2YhvDo9iMn0KRp3N1FeYuAicnJ35baSJyzxIUG9vpkL7h5nfwUm_8Cpj_U1plbvkKrEVQ_7mtwnftu9ijrkqo9lkPDIfel_MWjNuhNtiHDmv7A/s1600/scale+pin+up.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 313px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqMNYROZaXteVm86nMJ_rURe9k-HIkt-2YhvDo9iMn0KRp3N1FeYuAicnJ35baSJyzxIUG9vpkL7h5nfwUm_8Cpj_U1plbvkKrEVQ_7mtwnftu9ijrkqo9lkPDIfel_MWjNuhNtiHDmv7A/s400/scale+pin+up.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5610373414488474082" /></a><br /><div>I was doing so well...until the the weekend when I attended a wedding in Edmonton. Then my family was staying at my house until this morning and it was difficult to find healthy, cost effective meals to feed seven kids and seven adults. Boo! Skip to this morning when I stepped onto the scale - it wasn't a pretty sight. In two weeks I have only lost 4 lbs. On Wednesday when I weighed myself, it read that I had lost 6! How can you gain 2 lbs in one weekend?? I am hoping that some of it is water weight and that when I go back to the grindstone...I mean healthy routine and start drinking lots of water again that it will go back down...haha. Let's hope so!<div><br /></div><div>The wedding was beautiful though and I'm so happy we were able to attend. My cousin, Stacey, made one gorgeous bride!</div></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyVdm3KBh_m50vJyyEQJ_juwRBoD8enPC38vDqV2h3hcwMspE7atEcjzE6IEOeF2ZIgEZ2HzM9L42fuPno3Bo8B4wdCxKUi8i7p4eBr4SMh8zUy03jGGJB1b5Aq7TDHfXKL8TiBsBzdZnQ/s1600/_5205048.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><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/AVvXsEiyVdm3KBh_m50vJyyEQJ_juwRBoD8enPC38vDqV2h3hcwMspE7atEcjzE6IEOeF2ZIgEZ2HzM9L42fuPno3Bo8B4wdCxKUi8i7p4eBr4SMh8zUy03jGGJB1b5Aq7TDHfXKL8TiBsBzdZnQ/s400/_5205048.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5610372741292751474" /></a>Congratulations Stacey and Ken! You two are going to have a fantastic life together!<div><br /></div><div>-J<br /><br /></div>Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03349327582868438176noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8529408032377427344.post-81087375989334191152011-05-16T13:03:00.000-07:002011-05-16T13:14:14.134-07:00Quinoa For Breakfast?Before you shake your head at me, you should try this recipe. It's healthy (the Quinoa is a good source of protein and amino acids), tastes great and can be adapted to suit your tastes. This is the way I ate it:<div><br /></div><div>1/2 c. cooked Quinoa</div><div>1/4 c. soy milk (or less depending on how think you like things)</div><div>1 Tbsp Agave Nectar (or brown sugar)</div><div>1 Tbsp Flax seed</div><div>1/2 Apple diced</div><div>1 tsp cinnamon </div><div><br /></div><div>Heat everything up in a pot on the stove until the apples are soft and that's it: breakfast! Feel free to tweak the amounts and the type of fruit you use. It would also taste delicious with a splash of vanilla instead of cinnamon and blueberries instead of apples. It's up to you. </div><div><br /></div><div>-J </div>Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03349327582868438176noreply@blogger.com1