tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-44270879443250030782024-03-13T08:52:08.629-04:00Two For One WellsKatie Wellshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11739283220730209147noreply@blogger.comBlogger287125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4427087944325003078.post-69729827322737211882020-12-01T14:21:00.005-05:002020-12-01T14:21:51.622-05:00Twenty-Twenty {For The Record}: February<p>Here we go with February! (I gotta get a move on if I'm gonna catch up!) </p><p>I LOVED looking through February's pictures! Looking back, it was such a fun month! I love February because the January/post-Christmas blues are gone, we have settled back into our routine, and everyone has essentially already broken their New Years resolutions, so I don't feel the pressure to CONQUER THE WORLD in the New Year anymore. (<i>Seriously, social media in January just kills me.</i>)</p><p>We kicked off February with our very first wedding here in the Wells household. I'm not sure where Greyson got inspired to play "wedding", but he picked out some "fancy clothes" for ALL of us and I officiated in "the pretty room". (<i>Clearly, Greyson did not pick out fancy shoes for me.</i>) Manny was the witness and there was even dancing and a reception afterwards, that consisted of squeezables and goldfish. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-V33_sTscrWI/X8aIQ5Jth6I/AAAAAAAAIFY/KCTkKy_AUiUi02TAsJlOYJGBRO64VPDqQCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0007.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-V33_sTscrWI/X8aIQ5Jth6I/AAAAAAAAIFY/KCTkKy_AUiUi02TAsJlOYJGBRO64VPDqQCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_0007.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p>The wedding made Greyson INSIST that he needed his own blazer (instead of wearing his dad's) so we headed to the consignment shop and hit the jackpot. Taylor picked out a princess dress and these two were just cute as buttons.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JNM7iFaOwtg/X8aIr6_UnCI/AAAAAAAAIFg/CuriGjhkSkUcO9HNBSnR-Xds8J6Vwc56ACNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0001.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JNM7iFaOwtg/X8aIr6_UnCI/AAAAAAAAIFg/CuriGjhkSkUcO9HNBSnR-Xds8J6Vwc56ACNcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_0001.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4BX7crna5mE/X8aIsJRYh9I/AAAAAAAAIFk/BjCMWsHqDXoaHA5vDBhsUVB3kEdI8i-BwCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_4683.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4BX7crna5mE/X8aIsJRYh9I/AAAAAAAAIFk/BjCMWsHqDXoaHA5vDBhsUVB3kEdI8i-BwCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_4683.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><p>Valentine's Day followed shortly after and Greyson had the sweetest little party at school and we went to Playstreet afterwards with friends. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Hb9KIC3_4ko/X8aJZQ71G9I/AAAAAAAAIF0/HZ5EvMUhXLkAklG5XslrmtKMOj9RhPY2wCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_4735.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Hb9KIC3_4ko/X8aJZQ71G9I/AAAAAAAAIF0/HZ5EvMUhXLkAklG5XslrmtKMOj9RhPY2wCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_4735.HEIC" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kdMyLM32JWw/X8aJZbMv-mI/AAAAAAAAIF8/5GsJdhtoUSMd2EjqFSM0J4PYKmaMSyo7wCNcBGAsYHQ/s4032/IMG_4736.JPEG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kdMyLM32JWw/X8aJZbMv-mI/AAAAAAAAIF8/5GsJdhtoUSMd2EjqFSM0J4PYKmaMSyo7wCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_4736.JPEG" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Taylor made the cutest little construction worker </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-812XFfE7yew/X8aJZU659BI/AAAAAAAAIF4/n7jZQKe_wT0zG5vmiGS1-NqH_D3ine5zwCNcBGAsYHQ/s4032/IMG_4740.JPEG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-812XFfE7yew/X8aJZU659BI/AAAAAAAAIF4/n7jZQKe_wT0zG5vmiGS1-NqH_D3ine5zwCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_4740.JPEG" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ag3XI_hDv_8/X8aJabiNVKI/AAAAAAAAIGA/FRd-MtIntTA4OMLA4gGYXRlD_QGp-gZ-QCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_4741.JPEG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ag3XI_hDv_8/X8aJabiNVKI/AAAAAAAAIGA/FRd-MtIntTA4OMLA4gGYXRlD_QGp-gZ-QCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_4741.JPEG" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">In the most romantic turn of events, Jeremie actually had a business trip to LAS VEGAS during Valentine's Day. Honestly, after 11 year of marriage, I was fine with it. Until he started texting me the "company events" he had to attend in the evening, like AN AEROSMITH CONCERT. And then a little while later he text me saying: "<i>Have you ever heard of a group name Lady Antebellum?</i>"</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">. He made up for it by sending flowers and Tiff's Treats.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rLQkkdeJQeQ/X8aJaU1dhUI/AAAAAAAAIGE/l1RjOqK1t68UoxNT0_rsEUaF8ZFQDZ_6ACNcBGAsYHQ/s4032/IMG_4774.JPEG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rLQkkdeJQeQ/X8aJaU1dhUI/AAAAAAAAIGE/l1RjOqK1t68UoxNT0_rsEUaF8ZFQDZ_6ACNcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_4774.JPEG" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fF2c60cHiBE/X8aJatYjdtI/AAAAAAAAIGM/xlvYKZAOV2QCSXA5K7SvQ4JiXVw3SOz-QCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_4777.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fF2c60cHiBE/X8aJatYjdtI/AAAAAAAAIGM/xlvYKZAOV2QCSXA5K7SvQ4JiXVw3SOz-QCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_4777.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Nothing like a warm cookie delivered to your door.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-unRd-q8-tmw/X8aJa94_WYI/AAAAAAAAIGQ/Xhx-p5PQWosZd2K_5ZEMPtIFx8lbbkEwQCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_4780.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-unRd-q8-tmw/X8aJa94_WYI/AAAAAAAAIGQ/Xhx-p5PQWosZd2K_5ZEMPtIFx8lbbkEwQCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_4780.HEIC" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AoMi0IT4aCs/X8aJbNYewII/AAAAAAAAIGU/OV-BxUaaZ3g9PpuqMmdYqwtKVq-9s1YmACNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_4781.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AoMi0IT4aCs/X8aJbNYewII/AAAAAAAAIGU/OV-BxUaaZ3g9PpuqMmdYqwtKVq-9s1YmACNcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_4781.HEIC" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">We did Valentine's crafts and then the kids passed out from sugar coma.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5qwSedFkSP0/X8aJbMSA1sI/AAAAAAAAIGY/pcEs_tRKyIAo4mtx9_EGVV2HoOK0UQ5OgCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_4784.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5qwSedFkSP0/X8aJbMSA1sI/AAAAAAAAIGY/pcEs_tRKyIAo4mtx9_EGVV2HoOK0UQ5OgCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_4784.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LqoLFbjNP8M/X8aLH0-GwVI/AAAAAAAAIHE/sg41KEIj71ooB8iNFesHhzBpcr0SdAJ2ACNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_4788.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LqoLFbjNP8M/X8aLH0-GwVI/AAAAAAAAIHE/sg41KEIj71ooB8iNFesHhzBpcr0SdAJ2ACNcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_4788.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">After bedtime, I sat down to eat some more cookies in peace and decided to re-heat them on my cute little Valentine's plates. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DfqgeZ_AK7A/X8aLsIPzz3I/AAAAAAAAIHM/HI5z_5DkwvE58lKMJshkhNt7lyhmJOmmACNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_4789.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DfqgeZ_AK7A/X8aLsIPzz3I/AAAAAAAAIHM/HI5z_5DkwvE58lKMJshkhNt7lyhmJOmmACNcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_4789.HEIC" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Unfortunately, those shiny little sliver hearts are foil material. So you can just imagine what happened after 30 seconds in the microwave. You wanna see a mama move??? I honestly wasn't so panicked about the house catching on fire as I was loosing the last Snickerdoodles. But thankfully, they survived. And the house didn't burn down. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We also made a fun trip to the Dallas World Aquarium with the Swope crew. (<i>Not pictured is one sweet little baby girl that is now added to the Swope crew!</i>)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TVVXZJRe5s8/X8aMfm_NvFI/AAAAAAAAIHo/JUv5X7Et-lU3svunlBUkvg7AStuFUkTvgCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_4747.JPEG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TVVXZJRe5s8/X8aMfm_NvFI/AAAAAAAAIHo/JUv5X7Et-lU3svunlBUkvg7AStuFUkTvgCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_4747.JPEG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JSjIVFqDrCQ/X8aMfivmtBI/AAAAAAAAIHc/MrK_aWV8BiM5ClQEamW9VvnT5OiSNvOQACNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_4748.JPEG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JSjIVFqDrCQ/X8aMfivmtBI/AAAAAAAAIHc/MrK_aWV8BiM5ClQEamW9VvnT5OiSNvOQACNcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_4748.JPEG" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2dFpeXEqi84/X8aMfCzwciI/AAAAAAAAIHY/vXW0w07I9oAF_hcV3gw-aCWtyKbHeDlPACNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_4755.JPEG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1682" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2dFpeXEqi84/X8aMfCzwciI/AAAAAAAAIHY/vXW0w07I9oAF_hcV3gw-aCWtyKbHeDlPACNcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_4755.JPEG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ALvE2E1_1bA/X8aMf54ozSI/AAAAAAAAIHg/cvlm0aUjqEgdV0PV86XCnJfbwyVWArJvACNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_4760.JPEG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ALvE2E1_1bA/X8aMf54ozSI/AAAAAAAAIHg/cvlm0aUjqEgdV0PV86XCnJfbwyVWArJvACNcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_4760.JPEG" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YACDXjdeedg/X8aMgINPTpI/AAAAAAAAIHk/3q-c09avGHsvG2EctWyaA7wgdTovhh6PgCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_4763.HEIC" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YACDXjdeedg/X8aMgINPTpI/AAAAAAAAIHk/3q-c09avGHsvG2EctWyaA7wgdTovhh6PgCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_4763.HEIC" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Baby Shark...<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1DIxmmZXjPY/X8aMgdcquxI/AAAAAAAAIHs/VwmW22Lw_wU9a4-4UXtCEv2cfZfyP--BwCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_4771.JPEG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1DIxmmZXjPY/X8aMgdcquxI/AAAAAAAAIHs/VwmW22Lw_wU9a4-4UXtCEv2cfZfyP--BwCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_4771.JPEG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">In another twist of fate, I landed a ticket to the most amazing event, the IF GATHERING, which is a Christian conference that was created by a local Dallas woman, Jennie Allen. The lineup was some of my favorites like Beth Moore, Ruth Chou Simons, Ann Voskamp, etc. It was absolutely incredible. Jeremie happened to be taking Greyson to the MS Rodeo with his family that weekend, so Lil T got to hang with a sitter while I worshipped....</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5tglmO-2yk0/X8aPHBTPD6I/AAAAAAAAIIQ/dhFsbYHXXL4jy0Q-duXxYQt010jmN2WAwCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_4714.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5tglmO-2yk0/X8aPHBTPD6I/AAAAAAAAIIQ/dhFsbYHXXL4jy0Q-duXxYQt010jmN2WAwCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_4714.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And ate some HOME COOKIN' by myself during lunch break. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SatbwB7mQA8/X8aO-y6W1jI/AAAAAAAAIII/l1upe_6T2UMtgjMH2beRn8h_d0ULf5VGgCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_4710.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SatbwB7mQA8/X8aO-y6W1jI/AAAAAAAAIII/l1upe_6T2UMtgjMH2beRn8h_d0ULf5VGgCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_4710.HEIC" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Meanwhile, Greyson was clearly living his best Rodeo life...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HbpfL_OsUK8/X8aPi-KwCZI/AAAAAAAAIIk/FWMLsYeEKp4MPrLtC34_Sc8hAV1qKKYIwCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_8361.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HbpfL_OsUK8/X8aPi-KwCZI/AAAAAAAAIIk/FWMLsYeEKp4MPrLtC34_Sc8hAV1qKKYIwCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_8361.JPG" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3gs1HklxC5U/X8aPjDHBWHI/AAAAAAAAIIo/2trkQMEqupkCmuqFV0iLRdOR7x3vb7kkgCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_8362.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3gs1HklxC5U/X8aPjDHBWHI/AAAAAAAAIIo/2trkQMEqupkCmuqFV0iLRdOR7x3vb7kkgCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_8362.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-L4sBwaUk0cA/X8aPxlDgY0I/AAAAAAAAIIw/9b3YGDJPHzo7UntsFuhwu_2zdaWfKnBdgCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_8363.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-L4sBwaUk0cA/X8aPxlDgY0I/AAAAAAAAIIw/9b3YGDJPHzo7UntsFuhwu_2zdaWfKnBdgCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_8363.JPG" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-go740qq4-YY/X8aPjAb3-QI/AAAAAAAAIIs/j9FBN-JeaicG0S7nMkJT6rvPEh5eAGR6wCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_8365.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1178" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-go740qq4-YY/X8aPjAb3-QI/AAAAAAAAIIs/j9FBN-JeaicG0S7nMkJT6rvPEh5eAGR6wCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_8365.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Dixie National Rodeo was a tradition for Jeremie's family for years, so this year, they revived it!<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Jeremie's BIG BIRTHDAY (the one that comes after THIRTY-NINE) was up next and we had a great time celebrating him all week! We opened gifts, had cake, and went to the Arboretum. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vepeHVrq2rQ/X8aRBHznAvI/AAAAAAAAIJM/CxcNnk9yP8AO2fuBZXVRYoyYw7KYnjepQCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/60459208327__886DF301-2AF8-491F-80EB-79F7F2C9D2C5.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vepeHVrq2rQ/X8aRBHznAvI/AAAAAAAAIJM/CxcNnk9yP8AO2fuBZXVRYoyYw7KYnjepQCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/60459208327__886DF301-2AF8-491F-80EB-79F7F2C9D2C5.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Greyson loved the inflatable walker....Jeremie...not so much...<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XVLNwxTYqFQ/X8aRBJAHJVI/AAAAAAAAIJQ/fokey6KSA1oMvmqvmkM7cij-nHT4Rf0iQCNcBGAsYHQ/s4032/IMG_4853.JPEG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XVLNwxTYqFQ/X8aRBJAHJVI/AAAAAAAAIJQ/fokey6KSA1oMvmqvmkM7cij-nHT4Rf0iQCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_4853.JPEG" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8nQfAtw0vPo/X8aRA9Rgc-I/AAAAAAAAIJI/lDUDTyM27vkujCKKIoi0ifkMlVm9iLFqgCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_4855.HEIC" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8nQfAtw0vPo/X8aRA9Rgc-I/AAAAAAAAIJI/lDUDTyM27vkujCKKIoi0ifkMlVm9iLFqgCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_4855.HEIC" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The kids love "helping" open presents<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZGSYaPHbitM/X8aRaSz3SQI/AAAAAAAAIJk/Z6Je7Yt8B9AKnXtA1i3RIjcQQvEHAAWwQCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_4864.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZGSYaPHbitM/X8aRaSz3SQI/AAAAAAAAIJk/Z6Je7Yt8B9AKnXtA1i3RIjcQQvEHAAWwQCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_4864.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CfbLkSTa-7I/X8aRaMhUrwI/AAAAAAAAIJg/Kv_e50XVt24EhFUiQpOEVJkciItw1awgACNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_4875.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CfbLkSTa-7I/X8aRaMhUrwI/AAAAAAAAIJg/Kv_e50XVt24EhFUiQpOEVJkciItw1awgACNcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_4875.HEIC" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-s-SLFrxX5Ao/X8aRaz8G1GI/AAAAAAAAIJs/XWIVd08QT7oAmD2PhycUJWG6eSpsZcErgCNcBGAsYHQ/s4032/IMG_4884.JPEG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-s-SLFrxX5Ao/X8aRaz8G1GI/AAAAAAAAIJs/XWIVd08QT7oAmD2PhycUJWG6eSpsZcErgCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_4884.JPEG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ijaZxG-nyOE/X8aRbiXQQ_I/AAAAAAAAIJw/KwDy8ehbsywkfvonCEqDoFOLT7ETO35-QCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_4891.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ijaZxG-nyOE/X8aRbiXQQ_I/AAAAAAAAIJw/KwDy8ehbsywkfvonCEqDoFOLT7ETO35-QCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_4891.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">When we returned from the Arboretum, I knew Jeremie's business partner had a "surprise" for him, which was a really fun/huge Happy Birthday yard sign...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">But little did I know the rest of the surprise until this guy showed up at our door a few minutes later...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KEXoFM48Yqk/X8aSNBOWZoI/AAAAAAAAIKM/9Qer5j1bnsgNNSllvOKoUc_d3-IkGNl5gCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_4901.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KEXoFM48Yqk/X8aSNBOWZoI/AAAAAAAAIKM/9Qer5j1bnsgNNSllvOKoUc_d3-IkGNl5gCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_4901.HEIC" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">A REAL LIVE singing telegram. I've never experienced one before but this guy was hilarious. He started out signing "Who Let the Dawgs Out", and then just kept going...it was awesome. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The rest of Jeremie's gift was a trip to Big Cedar Resort in Branson, MO, which actually fell in March...so that's for next time! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Here's the rest of our random shenanigans in February:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qnOTpxNj5Mc/X8aJaRm1nRI/AAAAAAAAIGI/2W6-qkYGDe0dN2DmxsU6_hRtJIZxexEOgCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_4776.HEIC" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qnOTpxNj5Mc/X8aJaRm1nRI/AAAAAAAAIGI/2W6-qkYGDe0dN2DmxsU6_hRtJIZxexEOgCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_4776.HEIC" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">These themed box stickers were so much fun!<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-j91ogKyg2qQ/X8aTs4PPqVI/AAAAAAAAIKs/hwMqhf1wMTsLNCJoGmjWSB3KmfMRQsF8gCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_4686.JPEG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-j91ogKyg2qQ/X8aTs4PPqVI/AAAAAAAAIKs/hwMqhf1wMTsLNCJoGmjWSB3KmfMRQsF8gCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_4686.JPEG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">These two were curled up watching a movie together and they just looked so big and little at the same time! Sweet sweet...<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TcdvpZAjdTA/X8aTstxgtyI/AAAAAAAAIKk/4nNel7kzAZIfc0mDOetGbkpkLhsI2PHpACNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_4689.HEIC" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TcdvpZAjdTA/X8aTstxgtyI/AAAAAAAAIKk/4nNel7kzAZIfc0mDOetGbkpkLhsI2PHpACNcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_4689.HEIC" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Boys lunch date : ) <br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-N2e-ectzVuY/X8aTtToUyAI/AAAAAAAAIKw/PtRcIRKlFNQcvhA1EBGdiaVH-WV504ZGwCNcBGAsYHQ/s4032/IMG_4695.JPEG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-N2e-ectzVuY/X8aTtToUyAI/AAAAAAAAIKw/PtRcIRKlFNQcvhA1EBGdiaVH-WV504ZGwCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_4695.JPEG" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iNQZ3Pgr9Nk/X8aTuLUkLxI/AAAAAAAAIK8/1x901Zp0Uck2FcfVleFRSCgqNzkzo5otwCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_4698.JPEG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iNQZ3Pgr9Nk/X8aTuLUkLxI/AAAAAAAAIK8/1x901Zp0Uck2FcfVleFRSCgqNzkzo5otwCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_4698.JPEG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Donuts with Dad at school. Jeremie's little princess...<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-V__BbKyANDs/X8aTuHjA4zI/AAAAAAAAIK4/oQ1fIYXp31knfdcu5cn2D6bdr9W6pVZ1QCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_4702.JPEG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-V__BbKyANDs/X8aTuHjA4zI/AAAAAAAAIK4/oQ1fIYXp31knfdcu5cn2D6bdr9W6pVZ1QCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_4702.JPEG" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SOXneYTNQCA/X8aTuUMcFyI/AAAAAAAAILA/jcujU5aoOgk5R6xVmHXdq2hDLlujuFZNwCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_4730.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SOXneYTNQCA/X8aTuUMcFyI/AAAAAAAAILA/jcujU5aoOgk5R6xVmHXdq2hDLlujuFZNwCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_4730.HEIC" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Jigtvfii9Mo/X8aTvGF2D9I/AAAAAAAAILE/GrOG1kN0DdIr2hOJIyoODWeLSE4NJk8ZQCNcBGAsYHQ/s4032/IMG_4792.JPEG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Jigtvfii9Mo/X8aTvGF2D9I/AAAAAAAAILE/GrOG1kN0DdIr2hOJIyoODWeLSE4NJk8ZQCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_4792.JPEG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Texas Baby<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Um-q6FqCyFg/X8aTvCmuTEI/AAAAAAAAILI/Jvnyf5fmyzEkr1k-m4UAKnUVOR17tFjYQCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_4801.HEIC" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Um-q6FqCyFg/X8aTvCmuTEI/AAAAAAAAILI/Jvnyf5fmyzEkr1k-m4UAKnUVOR17tFjYQCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_4801.HEIC" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Greyson's favorite park: The "tank" park (He's up there, but you can't see him..because he's in camoflauge)<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--ttU_-DF-iE/X8aTvc6GlfI/AAAAAAAAILM/i7z9y14COBUQ1jHECA2sECJHVCW3dsEpgCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_4803.HEIC" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--ttU_-DF-iE/X8aTvc6GlfI/AAAAAAAAILM/i7z9y14COBUQ1jHECA2sECJHVCW3dsEpgCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_4803.HEIC" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Greyson created his own Elsa outfit and stuck that hat on poor Taylor to be Olaf : ) <br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0RG3QJWlllU/X8aTvpUJw7I/AAAAAAAAILQ/HzeATMNC-ckjeQ3DbivwqkDniu4bmjrYgCNcBGAsYHQ/s4032/IMG_4810.JPEG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0RG3QJWlllU/X8aTvpUJw7I/AAAAAAAAILQ/HzeATMNC-ckjeQ3DbivwqkDniu4bmjrYgCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_4810.JPEG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Taylor representing Daddy's company<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-w0w2709AAsQ/X8aTwBTOwhI/AAAAAAAAILU/7-VtreLHWLoEjlthgq_7h9NuATInMXLrACNcBGAsYHQ/s4032/IMG_4828.JPEG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-w0w2709AAsQ/X8aTwBTOwhI/AAAAAAAAILU/7-VtreLHWLoEjlthgq_7h9NuATInMXLrACNcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_4828.JPEG" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0PwqLlNbHgs/X8aTwR4l_tI/AAAAAAAAILY/wpq61wzXAWo4pvA6bhe31u1u41uO2QnmgCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_4834.HEIC" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0PwqLlNbHgs/X8aTwR4l_tI/AAAAAAAAILY/wpq61wzXAWo4pvA6bhe31u1u41uO2QnmgCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_4834.HEIC" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And apparently during February...(I put a quick stop to this) the kids were OBSESSED with playing in my bathroom. <br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZSl5BrIWRlI/X8aTwqlnd_I/AAAAAAAAILc/3JEzgfcaFW8syOLVILmlJpcS6khvM9AhQCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_4838.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZSl5BrIWRlI/X8aTwqlnd_I/AAAAAAAAILc/3JEzgfcaFW8syOLVILmlJpcS6khvM9AhQCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_4838.HEIC" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hjF4dVitI9s/X8aVrUCHF_I/AAAAAAAAIMA/6zIWqq4YTiYtVyRdS5Z2AP2ia5_0Tm12ACNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hjF4dVitI9s/X8aVrUCHF_I/AAAAAAAAIMA/6zIWqq4YTiYtVyRdS5Z2AP2ia5_0Tm12ACNcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_0002.JPG" /></a></div><p>And that's February! We all know what March brought....DUN DUN DUN... So THANK YOU, FEBRUARY. </p>Katie Wellshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11739283220730209147noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4427087944325003078.post-23379530509912062442020-11-19T13:05:00.002-05:002020-11-19T13:05:08.178-05:00Twenty-Twenty {For the Record}: January <p>Well, here we are on the cusp of a NEW YEAR. And even though I realize that this DUMPSTER FIRE will not end at the stroke of midnight on December 31st, I for one, cannot wait to EXIT STAGE LEFT this year that we call 2020. I have so many thoughts that I cannot even wrap them into words, but hopefully I can at some point. </p><p>In the meantime, I REFUSE to let the most memorable year get away from me again without recording some of it. I love documenting our lives here, (<i>it's mainly for my own benefit, but I love sharing</i>), and I have let busy-ness and distraction get in the way for almost 2 years now. </p><p>So I'm gonna <b>REACH</b> back to January and try to go month by month before we ring in the new year. </p><p>There's nothing like the last minute, right?</p><p>I'm looking at January and just LAUGHING at how "cute" the new year seemed. How innocent we were about what was coming for us in a matter of weeks. The normal things we were doing....</p><p style="text-align: center;">Greyson had an "alphabet parade" at school...and of the dozens of darling costumes he has, he made me print out a paper mask of "Jango Fett" from Star Wars...</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kfNzA9bILMc/X7aq9881EeI/AAAAAAAAIAU/mXpQF5LUt7EMhiBVLJVmA5BbQkpIKJA7ACNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_4507.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kfNzA9bILMc/X7aq9881EeI/AAAAAAAAIAU/mXpQF5LUt7EMhiBVLJVmA5BbQkpIKJA7ACNcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_4507.HEIC" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_99t9AcDfSA/X7aq94pBDrI/AAAAAAAAIAY/afzdbA9HGNgxBMRyzqeXgF-TFI7XT9o4wCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_4514.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_99t9AcDfSA/X7aq94pBDrI/AAAAAAAAIAY/afzdbA9HGNgxBMRyzqeXgF-TFI7XT9o4wCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_4514.HEIC" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Taylor was rocking school too in her leopard print...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XzmVy0Nn8Qo/X7auQoC2ehI/AAAAAAAAID0/EW2jyEFZWDAHAjMLFeMb1FSorvx02DE4gCNcBGAsYHQ/s4032/IMG_4674.JPEG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XzmVy0Nn8Qo/X7auQoC2ehI/AAAAAAAAID0/EW2jyEFZWDAHAjMLFeMb1FSorvx02DE4gCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_4674.JPEG" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;">She enjoyed her new big girl chair she got for Christmas...</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Bodu9XQieVk/X7arMkuiF9I/AAAAAAAAIAg/tQOTizh5ybQnq2FkhF9u-pgli25n_9OQgCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_4471.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Bodu9XQieVk/X7arMkuiF9I/AAAAAAAAIAg/tQOTizh5ybQnq2FkhF9u-pgli25n_9OQgCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_4471.HEIC" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And they ate many breakfasts and snacks at the new "Diner" they got for Christmas...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nlBnhUy7aeU/X7arOBJXaQI/AAAAAAAAIA4/IRIgfF03p94hu70hxmHmXkj3pF0YFiMigCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_4532.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nlBnhUy7aeU/X7arOBJXaQI/AAAAAAAAIA4/IRIgfF03p94hu70hxmHmXkj3pF0YFiMigCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_4532.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">We went to birthday parties and our favorite, Playstreet Museum for open play...</div><div><br /><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iijWw-OQLjQ/X7arMlBUbUI/AAAAAAAAIAk/dnItPRmfITsai7AOh4-Tubrvn6ZNuaFvQCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_4492.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iijWw-OQLjQ/X7arMlBUbUI/AAAAAAAAIAk/dnItPRmfITsai7AOh4-Tubrvn6ZNuaFvQCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_4492.HEIC" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XlMfcbU_G4E/X7arODq_shI/AAAAAAAAIA0/v4AKWcNm4RUiNTKFJtcWWIW2Dto8UZbMgCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_4535.JPEG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XlMfcbU_G4E/X7arODq_shI/AAAAAAAAIA0/v4AKWcNm4RUiNTKFJtcWWIW2Dto8UZbMgCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_4535.JPEG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We made random costumes on demand...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xY5KebroGJM/X7arOnv58lI/AAAAAAAAIA8/MCqhbFmNR44rPscFhyg9t7wB0FSzMBz9ACNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_4541.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xY5KebroGJM/X7arOnv58lI/AAAAAAAAIA8/MCqhbFmNR44rPscFhyg9t7wB0FSzMBz9ACNcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_4541.HEIC" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pjQ1L8ONXVU/X7arO5KDiWI/AAAAAAAAIBE/do3E53wr7BcYpsM837INy0AXuhvQv55ZACNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_4543.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pjQ1L8ONXVU/X7arO5KDiWI/AAAAAAAAIBE/do3E53wr7BcYpsM837INy0AXuhvQv55ZACNcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_4543.HEIC" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We hung out at the playground....</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ix2oF02_T28/X7arPMQD8UI/AAAAAAAAIBI/L7Lc_5TMW6sSblD-pAN_pPk-0npt5aPHACNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_4551.JPEG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ix2oF02_T28/X7arPMQD8UI/AAAAAAAAIBI/L7Lc_5TMW6sSblD-pAN_pPk-0npt5aPHACNcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_4551.JPEG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-y9gUKz1UkNQ/X7asGpfcFLI/AAAAAAAAIBo/u-6YPsvFTPUP7q5kyn-A9Mx5Q91W4wv0QCNcBGAsYHQ/s4032/IMG_4657.JPEG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-y9gUKz1UkNQ/X7asGpfcFLI/AAAAAAAAIBo/u-6YPsvFTPUP7q5kyn-A9Mx5Q91W4wv0QCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_4657.JPEG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-U_vtZ3YZ_2E/X7asvoSaYJI/AAAAAAAAIB4/xjwuSLQ8jgYskfmfagUjFecC-25YTLoGwCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_4584.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-U_vtZ3YZ_2E/X7asvoSaYJI/AAAAAAAAIB4/xjwuSLQ8jgYskfmfagUjFecC-25YTLoGwCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_4584.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I accompanied these two little munchkins in "Chapel" at school (these two buddies have the same birthday) </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3sdim7ki7LY/X7arNShiKUI/AAAAAAAAIAo/_3xcJb8s7zgujo5uSqvuSrnt6Dcib2F8QCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_4521.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3sdim7ki7LY/X7arNShiKUI/AAAAAAAAIAo/_3xcJb8s7zgujo5uSqvuSrnt6Dcib2F8QCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_4521.HEIC" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Taylor got her first haircut...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NiHCLbQJrZQ/X7asvVAnN6I/AAAAAAAAIBw/Rt1NaC4MTxYIpWdNr92-sblnZ_kRzvrwACNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_4663.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NiHCLbQJrZQ/X7asvVAnN6I/AAAAAAAAIBw/Rt1NaC4MTxYIpWdNr92-sblnZ_kRzvrwACNcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_4663.HEIC" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5-_NqhMAtPY/X7asvQNpmMI/AAAAAAAAIB0/EJghUyMe9g4QXucOCsYkUCVwSdO1JeIsQCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_4665.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5-_NqhMAtPY/X7asvQNpmMI/AAAAAAAAIB0/EJghUyMe9g4QXucOCsYkUCVwSdO1JeIsQCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_4665.HEIC" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">And started throwing her first tantrums...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EaVOcqf7Eek/X7asvzridUI/AAAAAAAAIB8/qD0Thf2Gqd4kSxUlB6iJJoBjexTTi0DIACNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_4667.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EaVOcqf7Eek/X7asvzridUI/AAAAAAAAIB8/qD0Thf2Gqd4kSxUlB6iJJoBjexTTi0DIACNcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_4667.HEIC" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">But it's hard to stay mad long...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-roOHnmBdCaQ/X7asv8HpjEI/AAAAAAAAICA/7zctEcGSibsXd8807nvNalBbcmqy42RTQCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_4671.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-roOHnmBdCaQ/X7asv8HpjEI/AAAAAAAAICA/7zctEcGSibsXd8807nvNalBbcmqy42RTQCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_4671.HEIC" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We even made it to our favorite winter tradition...the Fort Worth Stock Show. Usually we go to the rodeo too, but weren't able to get tickets this year because of the new venue. But we still had an awesome time seeing all the animals and walking around. The smell of a barn just takes me right back to my sheep and pig showing days! I love it! Greyson even checked something off his resolution list...Riding a Horse! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3YHfigaqh8U/X7atwzfLHfI/AAAAAAAAICg/QGM0M_Unj2wLIzydXkDOs7WWKxlgrvs4ACNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_1479.JPEG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3YHfigaqh8U/X7atwzfLHfI/AAAAAAAAICg/QGM0M_Unj2wLIzydXkDOs7WWKxlgrvs4ACNcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_1479.JPEG" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1c_rxeFtCug/X7atwszXeWI/AAAAAAAAICY/Cazwx8Wqzusur2S8GDVhiiuWRUtswScvACNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_1489.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1c_rxeFtCug/X7atwszXeWI/AAAAAAAAICY/Cazwx8Wqzusur2S8GDVhiiuWRUtswScvACNcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_1489.HEIC" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9sRSeOdvgzo/X7atwqw-40I/AAAAAAAAICc/po41to5BKEsUoXfX9zoAV5QaIRnEFv_RQCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_1494.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9sRSeOdvgzo/X7atwqw-40I/AAAAAAAAICc/po41to5BKEsUoXfX9zoAV5QaIRnEFv_RQCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_1494.HEIC" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Z59wlpu6weA/X7atxX2yPlI/AAAAAAAAICk/5Ynbkd-961cGBd0Od79KGoIN0bf9dAvsACNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_1506.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Z59wlpu6weA/X7atxX2yPlI/AAAAAAAAICk/5Ynbkd-961cGBd0Od79KGoIN0bf9dAvsACNcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_1506.HEIC" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EfeZ9dfH0ZM/X7auB97lT7I/AAAAAAAAIDM/1DoMqaaMnzoE7spEMiP-BWMLQqY84h00wCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_4615.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EfeZ9dfH0ZM/X7auB97lT7I/AAAAAAAAIDM/1DoMqaaMnzoE7spEMiP-BWMLQqY84h00wCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_4615.HEIC" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6RV90lwmSZ8/X7atyXWER0I/AAAAAAAAICs/CcT4a787kI8poPc_ZLtfQlziWA4dBpDKwCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_1516.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6RV90lwmSZ8/X7atyXWER0I/AAAAAAAAICs/CcT4a787kI8poPc_ZLtfQlziWA4dBpDKwCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_1516.HEIC" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QPvJAdcIt3o/X7atyR_CGhI/AAAAAAAAICo/RGulqGCCmg03WdOXA12wJumQ4YjRh2CZQCNcBGAsYHQ/s4032/IMG_4601.JPEG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QPvJAdcIt3o/X7atyR_CGhI/AAAAAAAAICo/RGulqGCCmg03WdOXA12wJumQ4YjRh2CZQCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_4601.JPEG" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QwwIf9JWa2o/X7atzR0xQ4I/AAAAAAAAIC0/G452pkTA4xEo6UijCWxP2tsWwAMEQxpxwCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_4602.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QwwIf9JWa2o/X7atzR0xQ4I/AAAAAAAAIC0/G452pkTA4xEo6UijCWxP2tsWwAMEQxpxwCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_4602.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xQPf4ZwKs1M/X7atzdxl2QI/AAAAAAAAIC4/wu2fyHiXJNIc-7NnBjGFnyYVGqQjSJJ0gCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_4603.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xQPf4ZwKs1M/X7atzdxl2QI/AAAAAAAAIC4/wu2fyHiXJNIc-7NnBjGFnyYVGqQjSJJ0gCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_4603.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-u3iJ3rj06wA/X7atzXyzxzI/AAAAAAAAIC8/XvCJu0p_xv8a_DpBUzeH3PDuBT48n_ONQCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_4610.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-u3iJ3rj06wA/X7atzXyzxzI/AAAAAAAAIC8/XvCJu0p_xv8a_DpBUzeH3PDuBT48n_ONQCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_4610.HEIC" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EjIlt7aHQdI/X7atz3xdbkI/AAAAAAAAIDA/3GF8ikDhsygzipiAla43vgC88qa-FFlPwCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_4613.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EjIlt7aHQdI/X7atz3xdbkI/AAAAAAAAIDA/3GF8ikDhsygzipiAla43vgC88qa-FFlPwCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_4613.HEIC" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xRi7T2KQP2M/X7at0QQv_ZI/AAAAAAAAIDE/vOa56m3RE1w4Z4WrrKbLwIF-gU0-TfP1ACNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_4620.JPEG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xRi7T2KQP2M/X7at0QQv_ZI/AAAAAAAAIDE/vOa56m3RE1w4Z4WrrKbLwIF-gU0-TfP1ACNcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_4620.JPEG" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>In late January we found a "farm" property to look. It has always been our dream since moving to the city to have a place to get away in the country. We miss it and would love to expose our kids to some of the "country life" that we grew up with. We absolutely fell in love with this place. It was 65 acres of pure heaven. NO LIE, the property line was actually in the shape of Mississippi and in a town called Taylortown. It was like the Good Lord put it right in our laps. We made an offer, it was accepted, and we were set to close March 13th, just 3 weeks after of Jeremie's 40th birthday. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QVJYHdPXOi4/X7auP4Ey1QI/AAAAAAAAIDo/uKI6_AIULpMOPD-UU_C_Mc0w-zyi0oQygCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_4557.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QVJYHdPXOi4/X7auP4Ey1QI/AAAAAAAAIDo/uKI6_AIULpMOPD-UU_C_Mc0w-zyi0oQygCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_4557.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vOh3kZGHp0s/X7auPw7Mo2I/AAAAAAAAIDg/jiqjKrHyJdA4ApnJan4AuLEUzkLacemNgCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_4562.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vOh3kZGHp0s/X7auPw7Mo2I/AAAAAAAAIDg/jiqjKrHyJdA4ApnJan4AuLEUzkLacemNgCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_4562.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>I feel like you already know the end of the story. If you didn't catch the foreshadowing: SPOILER ALERT...we did not get it. COVID-19 stole that dream about 48 hours before we made it to the closing table. But I'll unravel that story over the next few posts. </div><div><br /></div><div>I took these pictures on the way back from seeing that property for the first time. I was in utter awe of the picture God painted in the sky that afternoon. I'm still in awe of how Sovereign He is and has been over this whole year that felt out of control. Even thoughI have been a "a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind" (James 1:6), He has remained the same. </div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"> <a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-m8K4bKGva8o/X7auQjGpy8I/AAAAAAAAIDw/sOMbQlrf8y48IOv_mJbuM28iAPpU4yK6ACNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_4573.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-m8K4bKGva8o/X7auQjGpy8I/AAAAAAAAIDw/sOMbQlrf8y48IOv_mJbuM28iAPpU4yK6ACNcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_4573.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OtzcvCjruQU/X7auP4wsAzI/AAAAAAAAIDk/-STGru9XQMsIi6C-FfX5fY9JtRBPqQ8DQCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_4566.JPEG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OtzcvCjruQU/X7auP4wsAzI/AAAAAAAAIDk/-STGru9XQMsIi6C-FfX5fY9JtRBPqQ8DQCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_4566.JPEG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And on a lighter note, this was literally the last picture I took in January! I LAUGHED OUT LOUD when I saw this! I took a picture of this song that was playing for my college room mate as an inside joke, but BOY, could it not be more appropriate for what was coming in 2020! </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g75763_xh1g/X7auQixNoiI/AAAAAAAAIDs/MkAQE9j9vT0h4wPnGIp8v6gPBAftkimmACNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_4673.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g75763_xh1g/X7auQixNoiI/AAAAAAAAIDs/MkAQE9j9vT0h4wPnGIp8v6gPBAftkimmACNcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_4673.HEIC" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>And that was JANUARY! Stay tuned for February, the month that I shall forever call "Ignorance Is Bliss!" : ) </div></div>Katie Wellshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11739283220730209147noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4427087944325003078.post-21704953201725513262020-04-08T16:47:00.001-04:002020-04-08T16:50:17.100-04:00Raise Your Hand If You're Struggling<div class="MsoNormal">
It happened yesterday. I finally broke down. I could feel it
coming. In fact, I was shocked it took me three weeks to cry, being the FEELER
that I am. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I was simply trying to make some homemade pizza dough. Even
though this Friday felt the exact same as every one of the last three Fridays, I
was gonna make this a FUN FRIDAY FAMILY NIGHT whether we liked it or not, gosh
darn it. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Yet when I reached for the can of evaporated milk that my
Grammy’s recipe calls for, it was nowhere to be found. A staple in my pantry,
now missing. So as any normal person would do three weeks in to a global pandemic,
I LOST IT. I bawled my eyes out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Kleenex
after valuable Kleenex, the tears kept coming. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
My husband, completely unaware, walked in the back door, and
stopped dead in his tracks. You know how men get we cry….that
OH-CRAP-Deer-In-The-Headlight Look. He asked me what was wrong and I just
spewed ALL THE THINGS I feel. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">I FEEL SAD.<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Mainly I feel SAD. And it’s so multi-layered and sporadic
because I’m sad about the BIG stuff, the little stuff and everything in
between. One minute I’m weeping over doctors, nurses, first responders and
critically ill, and the next I’m heartbroken over telling my son we’re not
going to Disney. Within the same hour, I’m in despair over an article about the
rise in child abuse cases and minutes later I’m crying over decorations I found
for my little girl’s birthday party that we had to cancel. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I get sad thinking about the nursing homes,
about people who lost their jobs, their retirement, about kids that depend on
school for most of their meals, about people that can’t get the medical help
they need, about families that will never be the same because of this. I’m sad
that my husband is in the next room racking his brain about the decisions he
can make to keep his company alive. I’m sad that t-ball, and Bible Study, and
family vacations, and Easter plans are cancelled. I’m sad that I can’t HUG MY
FRIENDS because I’m from the South and THAT’S WHAT WE DO when things get bad. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">I FEEL OVERWHELMED.<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Seemingly overnight, I feel like I became a homeschool
teacher, a grocery strategist, and a full-time cook. It seems like the
housework, the meals, and <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">especially</b>
the trash has doubled. The amount of housework I do and the state of my house just
doesn’t make sense. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I’m overwhelmed by all the information. The “Daily
Schedules”, the suggestions, tips, resources, the ideas of activities to do at
home. Please don’t get me wrong, I LOVE all these things, but when it all hit
my Inbox and Newsfeed in the matter of 72 hours, it was just too much. I know
that wasn’t what ANY of these posts intended. But remember that feeling when
EVERYONE was posting their New Year’s resolution and you got that antsy feeling
that you’re sort of an underachiever if you didn’t jump on board? <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">That’s how I feel.</b> <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I feel like I’m supposed to be bursting with
positivity, a quarantine bucket list, and that my kids are supposed to have a
new-found love of crafting all day. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I’m overwhelmed with the needs of my people. All the needs.
All the time. With young children, there is just so much physical need. This
crisis has definitely revealed selfishness in me, but at the same time there is
only so much of myself I can give each day. Regardless of how carefully I plan
for downtime, there is always someone that needs to poop, needs to "tell me something", needs a snack, a
breathing treatment, a snack, a diaper change, a favorite toy, a snack, a
costume Velcro-ed, a snack, a different dose of medicine, a snack, a bath. DID
I MENTION A SNACK???!!!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There is always something that needs doing and I finish the
day utterly exhausted. To be super honest, (<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">and
if you’re a parent, you’ll understand</i>) I’m overwhelmed by not knowing when
I will really get a break. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But ultimately, I’m overwhelmed by this virus in general. I’m
overwhelmed by the stats, the precautions, the wiping down of every item that
comes through my front door. I feel like my brain is on crisis mode, and I’m anticipating
the next announcement, the next move I need to make to be “ready” for the next
phase. And that leads me to my next feeling….<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">I FEEL OUT OF CONTROL.<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I think we could all agree that this is the most
uncomfortable feeling in all the world. Being out of control is just against
our human nature, period. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I don’t feel in control of hardly anything these days. I
have no control over the pandemic. I have no control over some of the
heartbreaking situations that I mentioned above. I have no control over ventilator
or mask production or toilet paper supply. I have no control over how this
could affect my own parents or grandparents. I have no control over how much
this will affect our family financially. I have no control over how long this
will continue. I have no control over when or if school will start again and
apparently, I have no control over my two-year old’s epic tantrums. And even
though I take all precautions, I still don’t have complete control over the
safety of my family. We could simply go check the mail and be exposed.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But perhaps WORST of all, I have no control over how devastating
this will be. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And I think everyone would
agree, that is excruciating to think about. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And I think that’s why I broke over a missing ingredient for
my pizza dough. The evaporated milk was just the proverbial straw that broke
the camel’s back, if you will. I broke over the loss of control. Our homemade
pizza party was the one tiny thing I felt like I could control that day to
bring joy to the gloom that loomed over us. And I couldn’t even control that. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
_____________________________________________</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So where do I go from here? (<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Because clearly, there is not enough Kleenex in the supply chain to go
through a box every day until the end of this crisis</i>.) I’m no therapist, but boy it certainly felt
good to name these feelings and get them out. After I had my little break down,
I stumbled upon <a href="https://hbr.org/2020/03/that-discomfort-youre-feeling-is-grief">this article</a> that helped me label my feelings as GRIEF. I never
imagined that the diagnosis of grief would be so relieving. It’s like I finally
got the green light to <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">grieve</b> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">all
the things</i></b> I mentioned earlier, even though some may carry more weight
than others. I did not think that I, a healthy, non-exposed person who doesn’t
live in a high-risk area that has a fully stocked pantry was allowed to grieve.
Because, even though it’s well-intentioned, there are people who will say I
should be more grateful, that I shouldn’t complain, because “things could be
worse.” While I agree that considering those with tougher circumstances can
really change your perspective, this can sound really dismissive. And ultimately,
if you think about the <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">worst</i></b> thing you’ve ever been
through, if you really stretched your imagination, couldn’t it<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> ALWAYS</i> be worse? If we always operated
with this mindset, we would <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">never</i></b> grieve, and I think we can all
agree, that is certainly unhealthy. I fully desire to be someone who is thankful
and “<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">joyful despite circumstances</i>”, not
fueled by the guilty reminder that “<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">it
could be worse.</i>” It <i>is</i> possible to be counting your blessings yet sad about circumstances at the same time.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The other takeaway from <a href="https://hbr.org/2020/03/that-discomfort-youre-feeling-is-grief">the article</a> is that “<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Emotions
Need Motion</i></b>”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
My faith directs me to take all my emotions to The Lord. And
I’m telling you, I’ve been praying, I’ve been reading the Bible, I’ve been serving
in the places I can, and everything still felt out of reach for lack of better
words. I felt like a spinning top, not being able to grasp my focus. From a
spiritual perspective, it’s like I just couldn’t “land the plane” on something
solid, even though I know where solid ground is. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But on one particular Zoom call this week, someone brought
up the verse “<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Be still</i></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> before the Lord
and <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">wait patiently </b>on Him</i>.
(Psalm 37:7.) <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Honestly, I’ve read that verse before, but I didn’t even remember
that “being still” was an option. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We
live in such an instant loving, plan-of-action, self-help culture, and I am the
first to admit I fly the “Check that Box” flag proudly. I can handle a
situation if you just give me the parameters and a time frame. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But now I realize that my feelings about a global
pandemic just can’t be band-aided with positive thinking, a bunch of coffee cup
verses, and daily color-coded schedules. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I wish I could say I had some sort of “action plan” now, but
I do not. I’m settling on the fact that the motion to my emotions is to just <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">be still</b>. And being still doesn’t mean
that I do <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">nothing</i></b> (<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">I still have a
circus to run, folks</i>), nor does it mean that I put blinders on. I can’t
dive in to the biblical definition of this (<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">there
are much smarter people on this) </i>but from what I can tell, it simply means to
stop trying to work things out on your own and listen for God.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There will be days I’ll wake up feeling overwhelmed and ill-equipped.
There will be days that I totally blow it. I’ll give up trying to create it for
myself because after some really long hamster-wheel-spinning days over the past
4 weeks, I realized I can’t do any of it on my own power. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I’ll wait for Him for comfort, for clarity, for physical,
mental and emotional strength. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m obediently
trusting the same God that has been Sovereign since the beginning of time. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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“Be still and know that I am God.” Psalm 46:10<o:p></o:p><br />
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Katie Wellshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11739283220730209147noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4427087944325003078.post-1855138362466553642018-11-18T19:01:00.000-05:002018-11-18T19:01:49.108-05:00Our Ozark Adventure! <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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October and November showed us WHO'S BOSS for sure. It was full of good things, so I'm trying to back up and catch up!<br />
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Ever since trekking to Fayetteville last year to watch The Dogs play the Hogs, we have been dying to go back to Arkansas! We fell in love with the rolling hills and Ozark Mountains and knew this would be the perfect place for our next family vacation! </div>
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Y'all know me. I did all the research throughout the year and finally found the perfect lodging for the Wells Family 2.0! (<i>It was certainly different having to consider a new baby in the mix. We are professionals at squeezing a pack-n-play hotel closets and bathrooms, but TWO kids is a little more to consider.)</i></div>
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And despite whatever impression or stereotype you have about Arkansas (<i>I can say this because people do the same thing to Mississippi), </i>it is the most beautiful place with the friendliest people and SO much to do! Honestly, there were several things we didn't make it to because we couldn't squeeze one more activity into our schedule! </div>
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We stayed in <a href="https://www.fortsmith.org/play/">Ft. Smith</a> last year because we went at the last minute and all the hotels in Fayetteville were booked up! But I'm so happy we did because we simply fell IN LOVE with this historic town. My grandfather was actually based at the military fort there years ago. The Historic District has a military park with the original fort, some cannons, museums, and the most adorable park called The Park at West End with a Ferris wheel and other rides. So we intentionally spent the night in Ft. Smith to go to the park, but sadly, our first day of travel was POURING down rain. So we ate at a delicious family Italian restaurant called Joe's Pizza and Pasta and headed out for Eureka Springs the next morning! </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Greyson will be the most seasoned hotel child ever! I'm almost glad he practically lived in one the first few months of his life! Buddy loves a rolling cart.<br /></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">The weather was perfection the next day when we arrived in <a href="https://www.eurekasprings.org/">Eureka Springs</a>. I can't say enough how <b>absolutely adorable</b> this town is. The history, the architecture, the personality is unlike anything I've ever seen! People flocked to this town in the 1800's due to the legendary "healing powers" of the natural springs and waters. Eventually, the wealthy came to Eureka Springs to "show off" and consequently, it is a mecca of gorgeous and intricate Victorian homes. </span></div>
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Since we knew there was a ton of history behind this town, we started with a narrated trolley tour when we arrived! We love starting any trip with at tram or trolley tour to just get a good overview of the town and spot places we might like to go back to! The kids shockingly did great. (<i>I was nervous, because it was a 90 minute tour and 90 minutes of ANYTHING is like eternity for a toddler.</i>) </div>
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It was really hard taking pictures of the town because it was tight quarters, but GOODNESS. It is SO CUTE. The town is literally carved into the mountains and winds around so the streets are almost on top of each other! Some of the houses look like regular homes but hang off the mountain so they are really 4 and 5 story homes! Can't be captured in pictures anyway, so you'll just have to go yourself! ; ) </div>
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Thanks UPS man for ruining my shot.<br />
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This is the historic <a href="https://www.hotelsone.com/eureka-springs-hotels-us/the-crescent-hotel-and-spa.html?as=g&aid=8659196198&dsti=135500&dstt=8&akw=crescent%20hotel%20eureka%20springs&asrc=Search&ast=&gclid=CjwKCAiAuMTfBRAcEiwAV4SDkRjIIAmMbIqY_JqkjvgTCeutVeJmPd5IAXldYTjChluEY_J91dbAHBoCDRUQAvD_BwE">Crescent Hotel</a> (we actually stayed on this property but in a cabin). Greyson called it the "castle" and it was QUITE the history of serving as hotel, hospital, and yes, event asylum. No surprise that it's super spooky and supposedly very haunted. (<i>We didn't get to go on a ghost tour, but they hosted many!</i>) It was beautiful inside and had a gorgeous balcony that overlooked the mountains.</div>
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The springs were beautiful but not exactly what I expected. There IS a spring where there is a pool that people still "dip" in, but we didn't see that one. This was the Grotto Spring that we got to inside. Greyson loved it. </div>
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After the Trolley tour, we checked into our cabin which was just a short stroll from The Crescent Hotel. And it was even much larger in person! Super happy with it, so if you take a family vacation, these cottages are the PERFECT size! We had two bedrooms and two bathrooms, one of course turned into Taylor's nursery. : ) We were on the lower level cottage so we even had our own personal elevator which was probably Greyson's favorite feature. We did a lot of relaxing on the deck and in the hot tub after our long days of pushing strollers and herding little ones.</div>
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That night, we were worn out from traveling and unpacking (<i>I seriously felt like I unpacked our whole lives</i>), so we ordered pizza from the hotel and snuggled up for story time. This was the first time we didn't bring an air mattress for Greyson; he got his own room which happened to have a king sized bed. He thought that and the 52 adorning pillows on the bed were the most amazing thing ever. We did so many fun things on this trip, but little thrills like this are the best memories.</div>
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The next day was FREEZING so we actually ventured to <a href="https://www.wareaglecavern.com/">War Eagle Cavern</a> for Greyson's first cave tour! (<i>After all, it's a constant 58 degrees in the cavern, much warmer than the 42 degrees outside!</i>) This little place was so darling. The people were so friendly, the tour was short and sweet, and the cave was beautiful. There were supposed to be bats in the cave, but much to Greyson's disappointment (and my COMPLETE JOY) they had not flown in that day. (<i>Let's just ponder what those bats are dropping as they fly over your head.</i>) Taylor was a trooper and just hung out (<i>literally</i>) in her carrier. We also got to do a little "gold mining" which just thrilled Lil' G, since he is a big fan of Gold Rush. Our little bag of dirt JUST HAPPENED to to be FILLED with treasures. Wink wink.</div>
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Greyson picked out a little stuffed eagle we named "Clifty" (<i>the name of a town we passed by on the way)</i> and we bought Taylor a wolf ("Wolfie") that she snuggled up to pretty quick. As we left the cave, I turned around and saw my two little blessings back there holding their new stuffed animals and I ABOUT DIED. My heart just melted.<br />
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Afterwards, we headed to <a href="https://wareaglemill.com/">War Eagle Mill </a>which is a an old grist mill in a beautiful red barn with a cozy restaurant upstairs. They were days away from their annual craft show, which apparently HUNDREDS of thousands from all over the country turn out for. Fortunately, we made it before the crowds and got some delicious bean soup and blackberry cobbler. The grounds and drive in were breathtaking!<br />
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That was about as much as we could pack into that day, so that night Jeremie made his famous oven s'mores and off to bed we went! </div>
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The next morning we all had fancy breakfast at the "castle" and headed downtown to explore Eureka Springs and do a little shopping. </div>
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I will admit that Downtown Eureka Springs is not the most stroller friendly area. The sidewalks were bumpy and hilly (cuz, duh, we were in the mountains) and all the shops were really close quarters for little ones. But we had a great time. And since the kids had missed a lot of naps the past couple of days, we had a low key day and back to the cabin for naps!<br />
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The next day we were up and at 'em and headed out for <a href="https://www.silverdollarcity.com/theme-park">Silver Dollar City</a> which is an amusement park in Branson, about an hour drive. I can't even begin to describe how AMAZING AND FUN this place is!!! Think Cracker Barrel meets Six Flags. It's like a country-themed amusement park that is nestled in the trees. It is SO toddler friendly! Greyson rode rides almost all day! There were also shows that we didn't make it to and an underground cave that is supposed to be beautiful, but we simply ran out of time! And we pretty much opened the park up at 10:30 ish and closed it down at 6:00. The weather was PERFECT and it was probably one of my favorite days of parenting ever.<br />
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They had a whole store devoted to costumes which was Greyson's dream come true. He picked out a jet pack to go with his Astronaut suit. </div>
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Greyson's favorite area was a brand new exhibit called Fireman's Landing. There were all types of fireman related rides and a huge indoor feature that had balls that you shoot out of big fire hoses. It was SHEER CRAZY but he loved it!<br />
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This treehouse feature called the "Half Dollar Holler" was INCREDIBLE! Greyson climed, ran, crawled and jumped until he couldn't anymore.<br />
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The old me would have NEVER attempted taking a 6 month old to an all-day amusement park, but I'm so glad we went; we had the best time and it's a memory I'll always hold dear! This place is the PERFECT family destination!<br />
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The Lord ended a perfect day with a perfect sunset on the drive back.<br />
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BUT.....if you told me I had to do it again the next day, I'd die. My body was SO TIRED. We definitely milked the hot tub that night!<br />
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The next day we decided to go for a more relaxing vibe, and headed to <a href="http://www.dogwoodcanyon.org/">Dogwood Canyon Nature Preserve</a>. This was a lucky online find, and it ended up being one of our favorites! It is a 10,000 acre nature preserve tucked in between mountains and owned by the founder of Bass Pro Shops. We lucked up and got on a morning wildlife tour. (<i>Sidestory: They were all booked up online, so I called first thing in the morning and they said they had opened one up, but it left in an hour. Y'all. It was a forty minute drive there. We were literally still in our pajamas. But we moved FASTER THAN LIGHTNING and got out the door in 10 MINUTES. TEN MINUTES with two kids. I think we should win the Nobel Prize for that.</i>) Anyway, the wildlife tour was amazing; we saw elk, bison, longhorn, and even a bald eagle, the real life "Clifty". <br />
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The grounds were BREATHTAKING. Seriously, it's the one of the most beautiful places I've ever seen. There was a restaurant on the property, an amazing treehouse that Greyson LOVED, and a neat learning center inside with all kinds of fun and educational stuff for the kids. (<i>And of course a gift shop where Greyson picked out a sweatshirt with horns on it that said "I'm a Deer."</i>)<br />
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This is a real life eagle's nest! HUGE!</div>
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I love that the people who offered to snap our picture got a "Before" and "After".</div>
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At the end of the day, EVERYBODY was tired.</div>
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On the way back we stopped by the Christ of the Ozark statue which is located on the grounds of <a href="http://www.greatpassionplay.org/christ-of-the-ozarks.html#.W_HzLmbMzOQ">The Great Passion Play.</a> (<i>Which I would love to see, but the kids are a little young for.</i>) It was beautiful and much larger in real life than I expected! </div>
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I can't help when I look at this to think of the verse: <span style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;">Jesus said, "<i>Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these</i>." Matthew 19:14</span></div>
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We had one last dinner at the Rooftop Restaurant at the castle, and here's how Taylor handled it: </div>
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The next day we packed up the car to head out! It was RAINING, but we didn't let it stop us from one more excursion! We just can't pass up a train ride, so we boarded the steam engine at the <a href="https://www.esnarailway.com/index.html">ES&NA Railway</a> and took about an hour ride down the tracks. <br />
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This train depot was originally built in 1872! It was gorgeous.</div>
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This is probably my favorite family pic from the trip! ; ) </div>
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ALL ABOARD! </div>
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We did stop in <a href="http://visitrogersarkansas.com/things-to-do?gclid=CjwKCAiAuMTfBRAcEiwAV4SDkbKd8MSw-ReYcXDI9u-3PiHrInm8nmn9ZoWOsBoY_zKWwe7zYBpHORoCWPQQAvD_BwE">Rogers, Arkansas</a> on the way out, which is another adorable town that I wish we'd had more time to explore! We ate lunch at the most amazing grilled cheese restaurant called <a href="http://hammontreescheese.com/">Hammontree's Grilled Cheese</a> (<i>I'm hungry just thinking about it</i>) and then took Greyson to the <a href="http://www.daisymuseum.com/">Daisy Airgun Museum </a> (think The Christmas Story). Greyson was IN HEAVEN and picked out his very first BB gun. He was so excited; I can't believe I didn't get any pictures!!!<br />
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We stopped again to spend the night in Ft. Smith, because it was late by then. Again, more rain, so I guess we'll just have to go back so we can go the <a href="https://www.fortsmith.org/the-park-at-west-end/">Park at West End</a> one day!<br />
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The next day we took our weary bodies back to Texas...<br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qRTOyGL0FzY/W_H3kBOHHgI/AAAAAAAAHiI/VEwu0JgZyy0ODlU2uBjxIDVv61dgTh9RwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_8311.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qRTOyGL0FzY/W_H3kBOHHgI/AAAAAAAAHiI/VEwu0JgZyy0ODlU2uBjxIDVv61dgTh9RwCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_8311.jpeg" width="240" /></a><br />
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......and as always, there's no place like home.<br />
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We had the most amazing time though; it was the perfect first vacation as a family of four! And honestly, I think we could do another Arkansas trip just based off the things we found while we were there! And I can't believe I'm saying this, but I definitely want to make a trip to Branson now! The whole area is just super relaxed and family friendly!<br />
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There's nothing I love more than making memories, and we certainly did just that! I have a million more pictures, but I'll try to contain myself!<br />
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Will try to catch up soon with the rest of this crazy month! </div>
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Katie Wellshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11739283220730209147noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4427087944325003078.post-11964184503678300702018-09-04T22:52:00.000-04:002018-09-04T22:52:12.871-04:00The Summer O' Survival Part One<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
WHOO. Y'ALL. WHAT. A. SUMMER.</div>
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I started out the Summer with the best of intentions. Y'all know how I feel about the "Summer O' Fun". I hang the banner, I make the Bucket List, I host themed parties. And despite having a FOUR WEEK OLD, I swore to myself that no matter what, I would carve out time to do weekly posts on our happenings. This blog is truly our digital scrapbook and I just love documenting our lives and looking back on all that we've done.<br />
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Well, you know what? LIFE HAPPENED. A newborn happened. REFLUX happened. And sleepless nights happened. So the banner never even got hung. The Bucket List sorta evolved as we went along, and my creative activities went out the window.<br />
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Honestly, I feel like the Summer had two parts: <b>During Reflux</b> and <b>After Reflux</b>. After Taylor's body sort of "woke up" from that initial newborn stage, she STOPPED NAPPING and STARTED SCREAMING. We went from the newborn "Eat, Sleep, Repeat" stage to wide awake and screaming most of the day. If she did nap, it was for MAYBE 30 minutes and back to..........screaming.<br />
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I tried all the tricks. All the contraptions. The Rock N Play. The Dock-A-Tot. The bassinet. The bassinet with the vibration. The crib. Swaddle. No swaddle. Swaddle with each of the contraptions. I was so desperate I even tried the ole car seat-the-dryer trick. No bueno.<br />
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The ONLY way she would rest is if I wore her in a carrier. Which looks real sweet until you do it for EIGHT HOURS A DAY.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dtiT1zARx0g/W47PrljuozI/AAAAAAAAHPc/rhqwZQzfVFEiXWXKXMazFdjmy1qI8cNBACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_6643.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1203" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dtiT1zARx0g/W47PrljuozI/AAAAAAAAHPc/rhqwZQzfVFEiXWXKXMazFdjmy1qI8cNBACLcBGAs/s320/IMG_6643.jpeg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">We tried the cute, snug little Moby wrap.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CXuARJiTLuM/W47Prs-5rmI/AAAAAAAAHPg/rFXpUYWYXXkBjoeWo0UD96yownyS7Y4rACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_6663.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1203" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CXuARJiTLuM/W47Prs-5rmI/AAAAAAAAHPg/rFXpUYWYXXkBjoeWo0UD96yownyS7Y4rACLcBGAs/s320/IMG_6663.jpeg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">But after many hours and days, I had to upgrade to what we called the "military grade"</span></td></tr>
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Thank goodness for the cover feature on this carrier, because I could safely eat all my meals without dropping crumbs on Taylor's head. <br />
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You know what's harder than a newborn who won't sleep? A newborn who won't sleep AND a housebound toddler.<br />
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I will say that Greyson was a total rockstar and became quite the independent player during this time. This may or may not have been accompanied by several new toys and bribery. ; ).<br />
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So needless to say, our first few weeks of summer (pretty much through the month of June) were LONG and HARD. At this point I was still nursing, so getting out and keeping G occupied while I nursed in public was just too hard. So we spent most days at home just trying to survive. But that was hard too because I felt isolated and in a constant state of nursing Taylor or comforting Taylor and since she wan't napping, I really couldn't get any one on one time with Greyson. I missed him and craved time with him too. I really felt on the verge of tears most days and was SO RELIEVED when Jeremie would walk through that door.<br />
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I was also SO THANKFUL that we had arranged for a sitter to come a few afternoons a week to play with Greyson and help with things around the house. God knew what our circumstances were going to be and "Miss Kendall" was a LIFESAVER.<br />
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I'm going to share something embarrassing too. I truly thought Taylor wasn't napping because she was wetting her diaper. I could tell she was exhausted; she would fall asleep, but like clockwork, she'd wake 30 minutes later screaming bloody murder. I'd check on her and of course, she'd be wet. Greyson also HATED a wet diaper, so I just assumed this was Greyson 2.0.<br />
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So y'all, as one would, we ordered ALL THE DIAPERS. ALL THE KINDS. All the remedies. Fleece inserts. Cloth inserts. And none of them worked.<br />
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I ended up calling the doctor in sheer desperation. I felt SO DUMB calling to complain that my baby was wetting her diaper. Then the nurse started asking A TON of questions. She asked me about Taylor's feedings and I mentioned that she was actually fussing a LOT during feedings. To make a<br />
LOOOOOOONG story short, we came to the conclusion that T was suffering from "Silent Reflux". (Reflux without spit up.) One of the most COMMON symptoms is <b>interrupted naps</b> because any position on their back is super painful. This led me to do some more research, and sure enough, she had almost all the symptoms of reflux! Honestly, I was SO RELIEVED to have an answer and on the road to recovery, which was a prescription for Baby Zantac.<br />
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But guess what? <b>It didn't work.</b><br />
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At the same time all this was happening, I started getting plugged/clogged ducts that were SO painful. My supply was decreasing, and I was worried that Taylor wasn't getting enough. In addition, without going into a ton of detail, I thought I had rapid let down, which can worsen the symptoms of reflux. I tried nursing T at an incline, kept her sitting up after each feeding, but still, nothing seemed to be working. Taylor had an especially hard night one evening, where she just couldn't sleep and was crying non-stop. I kept trying to nurse her, but felt like I had no supply. Finally, at 2:00 in the morning, but husband <i>(being the problem solver he is</i>), made an executive decision. He told me we were shutting the milk parlor down, and went to Wal-Mart to get formula.<br />
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She sucked down 4 ounces and I can't tell you how relieved I was.<br />
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The next day, we headed BACK to the doctor. Our usual doctor was off that day (of course), and while I LOVE the other one, I was disappointed because I felt like I had to explain the whole situation over again. But as soon as I started describing symptoms, behaviors, etc, she told me: "<i>Say no more. My son went through the EXACT same thing and the first medicine didn't work.</i>" She said Taylor probably need a different type of medicine, so I left with a knew shiny prescription and a whole lotta hope. I'm SO thankful that God lined it up for us to see that particular doctor.<br />
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And y'all, between the new medicine and the formula, I had a different baby. A different life. The relief was overwhelming.<br />
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One more contraption later, and we had a happy, napping baby!<br />
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Whew! Enough of that! Once we got Little Miss comfortable, we finally kicked it into gear and got our Bucket List cranked up!<br />
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First up was Greyson's Vacation Bible School! This was Greyson's first year; I couldn't wait until he was old enough, and of course he had a blast.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">I feel like this photo pretty much sums up our summer. Up a creek.</span></td></tr>
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We always go to Mississippi for a Summer trip, but I wasn't quite ready to tackle traveling and a plane ride with a newborn yet. So Jeremie took Greyson and they had the best "Boys Trip" together! I was so sad to miss, but so glad that Greyson got his summer country trip in!<br />
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Meanwhile, me and Lil' T had some quality time together. We did brunch, we did Marshalls, we did naps ; ) This was truly my first extended alone time with her and it was so nice to do some Mommy-Daughter bonding.</div>
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I tried my hand at doing some outings with both of them, and let's just say practice will make perfect. ; ) </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Playstreet Museum for the win!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.800000190734863px;"><span style="font-size: small;">Story time in Downtown Plano (G insisted on the Flash Gordon costume in the 100 degree weather.) </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Splash pad and playground at Hope Park (This one went shockingly well)</span></td></tr>
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Meanwhile, Taylor did this.....</div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IVpzKswV2aQ/W482umaKDiI/AAAAAAAAHTQ/wITBftbM6UsyiwXZmG4gP-MOd1yBYGRKgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_6573.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IVpzKswV2aQ/W482umaKDiI/AAAAAAAAHTQ/wITBftbM6UsyiwXZmG4gP-MOd1yBYGRKgCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_6573.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div>
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And this....</div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Z6eiGzyrYdo/W482uermskI/AAAAAAAAHTM/MvhNW9IvW7AjKyX2cuEgEpVOe2CNXGk-gCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_6640.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Z6eiGzyrYdo/W482uermskI/AAAAAAAAHTM/MvhNW9IvW7AjKyX2cuEgEpVOe2CNXGk-gCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_6640.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div>
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And some more of this...</div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ct6rfJ5vZuc/W482vJ-EUlI/AAAAAAAAHTY/odWuKizvURk6RnarvxtCtBUMR049LmoyQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_6645.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ct6rfJ5vZuc/W482vJ-EUlI/AAAAAAAAHTY/odWuKizvURk6RnarvxtCtBUMR049LmoyQCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_6645.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div>
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And a little bit of this.. </div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-l2HO3YkA9uY/W482uv7oO7I/AAAAAAAAHTU/XjIuNbCy9BAMz_A6aQzmWfSwh0q50WeUwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_6553.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-l2HO3YkA9uY/W482uv7oO7I/AAAAAAAAHTU/XjIuNbCy9BAMz_A6aQzmWfSwh0q50WeUwCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_6553.jpeg" width="240" /></a><br />
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It still baffles me how newborns get so much sleep but parents GET NONE.<br />
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My parents showed up on my birthday and the two extra set of hands might be the best birthday present ever! You just can't be raw, needy or boss people around like your own family. ; ). They were such a huge help with T and entertainment to G.<br />
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We did venture out and knock a BIG outing off the Bucket List, <a href="https://www.flightmuseum.com/">The Frontiers of Flight Museum</a>. I'd heard so much about this place and was waiting till G was a little bit older to take him. This place was beautiful, amazing, and so family/kid friendly! It's housed in a huge hanger with all types of real planes inside! Historic war planes, jets, spaceships, and even a huge part of a commercial plane that kids can run in and out of! The volunteers were so sweet and even walked Greyson around and told him about the different planes. And he was actually interested!<br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XZPO8TIuA94/W4838XkEBZI/AAAAAAAAHUQ/jJWEvstdsf4lIQkojhodAiGMqVbCwpkkwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_6880.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XZPO8TIuA94/W4838XkEBZI/AAAAAAAAHUQ/jJWEvstdsf4lIQkojhodAiGMqVbCwpkkwCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_6880.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nz05I_mmmn0/W4838iSo-UI/AAAAAAAAHUU/b0w3h8vgjgc-KtiV_nwlALRdPljiWzrxACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_6881.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nz05I_mmmn0/W4838iSo-UI/AAAAAAAAHUU/b0w3h8vgjgc-KtiV_nwlALRdPljiWzrxACLcBGAs/s320/IMG_6881.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
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My dad is one of the smartest people I know; he can read something once and remember it forever! He is a huge history buff, so this was right up his alley!<br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WNQkj8dXmUI/W483-KQHydI/AAAAAAAAHUg/rK0PuezCVWEZ0KeTAZjDRwaGGRGJNJ3KgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_6887.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WNQkj8dXmUI/W483-KQHydI/AAAAAAAAHUg/rK0PuezCVWEZ0KeTAZjDRwaGGRGJNJ3KgCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_6887.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
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There is even a toddler play area with all types of fun planes and an "air traffic control" tower to climb on! Greyson had the BEST time! It was so nice to get out and have a big adventure again!<br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bVb5OzIuO8M/W483_oXraOI/AAAAAAAAHUs/aR57KnlN3l4-Yo7PY-HAgjSRb_bragz9ACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_6894.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bVb5OzIuO8M/W483_oXraOI/AAAAAAAAHUs/aR57KnlN3l4-Yo7PY-HAgjSRb_bragz9ACLcBGAs/s320/IMG_6894.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Taylor seemed to enjoy her big outing too. </div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZfKbdbhAKpE/W483_cr3ARI/AAAAAAAAHUo/7SrD4_upeYArcOXAIyhA_osX3SfmX6RNACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_6891.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZfKbdbhAKpE/W483_cr3ARI/AAAAAAAAHUo/7SrD4_upeYArcOXAIyhA_osX3SfmX6RNACLcBGAs/s320/IMG_6891.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div>
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Pretty sure CC and Pop enjoyed their visit. </div>
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My mom is probably in the background somewhere making dinner, washing clothes, giving G a bath....basically conquering the world. ; )<br />
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And I did manage to escape for a little while for a birthday brunch with some of my best girls. <br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Q7hWQxEH_co/W4838A0_XpI/AAAAAAAAHVI/e2zJsZTX794v1V-j3P0GPD6ptpi8eopYACEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_6851.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Q7hWQxEH_co/W4838A0_XpI/AAAAAAAAHVI/e2zJsZTX794v1V-j3P0GPD6ptpi8eopYACEwYBhgL/s320/IMG_6851.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Also on the bucket list for this summer was Soccer lessons. We've been wanting to sign Greyson up for some type of sport for a while now. We decided to start with soccer and fortunately, our Rec Center had an INDOOR summer series. This was a perfect thing for Greyson and Jeremie to do together on Saturday morning! Greyson loved it and now we're in an actual league with uniforms and games! Yep, I'm an official Soccer Mom.<br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8mcRpzQ4v68/W484AiZ9GeI/AAAAAAAAHVI/4tyoOQVhoHEP1jKx79j-GeBdOdATtoS-QCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_6913.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8mcRpzQ4v68/W484AiZ9GeI/AAAAAAAAHVI/4tyoOQVhoHEP1jKx79j-GeBdOdATtoS-QCEwYBhgL/s320/IMG_6913.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Yn30c3fUqdg/W484BYyaJBI/AAAAAAAAHU4/_7fE9zFfENQJbuIA7y08axLp2dC8twqFACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_6916.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1199" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Yn30c3fUqdg/W484BYyaJBI/AAAAAAAAHU4/_7fE9zFfENQJbuIA7y08axLp2dC8twqFACLcBGAs/s320/IMG_6916.jpeg" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Our buddy Ford took lessons with us. These boys were born on the same day, just a few rooms away from each other. And I swear they have a special bond. </span></td></tr>
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So despite the tears, the crying, and the tantrums (<i>and I mean this for EVERY member of the family</i>), we squeezed out some summer fun and made it out of May and June alive.<br />
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Most days the house ended up looking like this...</div>
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And my motto was this...</div>
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But we were together. </div>
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And we made it through the days together.</div>
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And getting through the tough days make the "normal" ones even sweeter. </div>
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The second half of the summer was definitely less dramatic and easier! Part Two coming soon! </div>
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Katie Wellshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11739283220730209147noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4427087944325003078.post-13872040061260373502018-06-18T18:00:00.006-04:002018-06-18T18:00:56.924-04:00Taylor's Tall Tales: Pregnancy<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Okay! So I'm back with another post that is LOOOONG
over due. I kept meaning to document my
pregnancy, but I was well...PREGNANT. And chasing a 3 year old. I am AMAZED at how much harder pregnancy was
with a toddler.<span style="font-size: large;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I get so tickled because I'm pretty sure I updated
the blog with my WEEKLY bump pictures and according fruit size during Greyson's
pregnancy. AS IF anyone cared about that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Insert crying laughing face.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This pregnancy couldn't have been more
different.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I could barely remember how
many weeks I was and certainly didn't make the effort to take a bump picture
each week. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So let's recap it all in one pretty post, shall
we?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Here goes.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Jeremie and I knew that we'd like to have another
child, but for a lot of reasons, we decided to be a little more "strategic"
about the timing of #2. I really didn't want to have another child in late
Fall/Winter because newborns in the cold, dark winter can be sorta tough on on
the soul if you know what I mean.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Strolling in the Dallas Ice Storms is not an option, and we had already
experienced traveling to Mississippi for the holidays with a newborn.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And it was NOT FUN. I've nursed in more gas
station parking lots than I'd like to admit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>So winter baby was out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And I
won't even talk about being pregnant in the summer months in Texas. NO THANK
YOU.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So in my mind, I thought, "An April baby would
perfect." (<i>I know what you're thinking...."Ummm....you can't plan
this out perfectly."<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And trust me,
I asked Jesus to take the wheel, but there's nothing wrong with having something
to shoot for, right?</i>) <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So after a little trying (<i>I mean come on, we're all adults here), </i>it
was mid-August and time to take a pregnancy test. I was actually at a Moms Blog Executive
Retreat the whole weekend and really had a feeling I was pregnant. I took this picture in one of the "Big
D" signs in downtown Dallas after dinner one night. And now it just CRACKS me up because, boy, I
was about to get <b>BIG</b>.</span><span style="font-family: Times, serif; font-size: 16pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I COULDN'T WAIT to get home to take a test with
Jeremie by my side. I sped home on Sunday morning after our breakfast meeting.
And just like that, 180 seconds later...we found out #2 was certainly on its
way! We were SO EXCITED! </span><span style="font-family: Times, serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I immediately began the pregnancy feasting....</span><span style="font-family: Times, serif; font-size: 16pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wMmXd9R5f3g/Wygn_NxPnUI/AAAAAAAAHLs/3HblhONAp3Q-bx8HLHxu7Pft7LfghV09wCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_4161.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wMmXd9R5f3g/Wygn_NxPnUI/AAAAAAAAHLs/3HblhONAp3Q-bx8HLHxu7Pft7LfghV09wCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_4161.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In the beginning I was all about some fajitas (random) and then I moved to craving ALL the French toast, waffles, and blueberry pancakes.</span></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After the 12 week sonogram we were ready for
Greyson to make his big announcement to the world.....</span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A little PSA if you are pregnant: The 12 week
sonogram is usually when they use the Doppler tool to listen to the
heartbeat. Please know that it's a
common thing for them not be able to detect it right away or at all with the
Doppler, so don't fret! It happened to me at this appointment but they took me
right into an ultrasound room and I saw Baby T in seconds! (I was still
freaking out for those long 90 seconds.)</span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I didn’t have a ton of morning sickness for this
pregnancy…the worst was around week 7.
But GOOD LAWD, the exhaustion in the first trimester was unmatched. Again, I think this was probably the
combination of pregnancy and toddler. I
slept in until Greyson woke up. (I usually got up long before him.) I napped
while he napped. And even snuck in an extra nap on school days. There wasn’t a
choice..it’s like I physically couldn’t stay awake! I also noticed that my
pooch appeared like IMMEDIATELY the moment the lines turned pink on the
pregnancy test. My bump showed up a lot
quicker than it did with #1. Fine by me. Just more reason to slip into those
maternity pants. Lord knows I love a full panel. So comfortable. (Till it’s not.) </span><span style="font-family: Times, serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GhZiK_0q7SY/WygoSe49goI/AAAAAAAAHL4/C-TRSfhYiD8WahmvO86_aaXFIvnYpl6fQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_4936.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GhZiK_0q7SY/WygoSe49goI/AAAAAAAAHL4/C-TRSfhYiD8WahmvO86_aaXFIvnYpl6fQCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_4936.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">This was my first "bump" picture and I already was sporting the full panel jeans. I remember felt SO PUDGEY and thought I already looked so pregnant that day.</span><span style="font-size: small;"> </span><span style="font-size: small;"> </span><span style="font-size: small;">HAHAHAHAHAHA.....</span></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><o:p> </o:p>And here's the succession of bump pics I managed to
take after that.</span></div>
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Message Header"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Salutation"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Date"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text First Indent"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text First Indent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Block Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Hyperlink"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="FollowedHyperlink"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Document Map"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Plain Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="E-mail Signature"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Top of Form"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Bottom of Form"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal (Web)"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Acronym"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Address"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Cite"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Code"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Definition"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Keyboard"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Preformatted"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Sample"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Typewriter"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Variable"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal Table"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="annotation subject"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="No List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Contemporary"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Elegant"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Professional"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Subtle 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Subtle 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Balloon Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Theme"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Level 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Level 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Level 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Level 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Level 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Level 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Level 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Level 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Level 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" QFormat="true"
Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" QFormat="true"
Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" QFormat="true"
Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="41" Name="Plain Table 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="42" Name="Plain Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="43" Name="Plain Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="44" Name="Plain Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="45" Name="Plain Table 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="40" Name="Grid Table Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46" Name="Grid Table 1 Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51" Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52" Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46" Name="List Table 1 Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51" Name="List Table 6 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52" Name="List Table 7 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 3"/>
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<o:p></o:p><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
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<br /></div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uTRhQ9vc4gg/WygMqs_ceHI/AAAAAAAAHGw/oysyPE3DY_sDoJOS7qO8uvSvZ6CGnqaEQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_4823.JPG"><span style="color: #0000e9; font-family: "Times",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times; mso-no-proof: yes; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"><!--[if gte vml 1]><v:shape
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I will say that another advantage to our strategic
pregnancy window that I didn't account was being pregnant during the
holidays/winter time. I ate more cookies
than Santa Claus himself and sported leggings and big sweaters the whole time.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In regards to gender, I really thought this baby
was another boy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My symptoms were the
exact same<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>and honestly, I really wanted
another boy so that Greyson could have a brother.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Between Jeremie and I, there are about 12
immediate families (between aunts/uncles/cousins) and only 2 sets of brothers!
So I thought this would be a fun change.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Because #secondchildproblems, we decided not to do a gender reveal
party.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My doctor did an early sono for
me around 17 weeks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jeremie wasn’t with
me, so I had the sonographer put the picture with result in an envelope. Then
Greyson and I took it to J’s office to look at together. When we pulled it out
and I saw the word “GIRL”, I was SHOCKED.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Of course our moms totally freaked out because it was NO SECRET they were
ready for the curls and pearls. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But after just a little bit of looking at the
DARLING outfits on Etsy, I was SOLD with a girl. Another sweet thing is that my
Grammy (<i>who was in hospice at the time</i>) was able to hear that it was a
girl. My mom took her a big cupcake with
PINK icing. She was THRILLED and I’m so happy she found out before she passed
away. If I would have waited until my 20
week appointment to find out, it would’ve been too late. </span><span style="font-family: Times, serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ppvCAq_7J3o/Wygo_KelJ1I/AAAAAAAAHMg/IbPgQcehgOMfRMOg74XEq_0QZtvFB1i0ACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_5251.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="375" data-original-width="310" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ppvCAq_7J3o/Wygo_KelJ1I/AAAAAAAAHMg/IbPgQcehgOMfRMOg74XEq_0QZtvFB1i0ACLcBGAs/s320/IMG_5251.jpg" width="264" /></a></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We had the best time making a little Gender Reveal
video..<span style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwLEewkhb9jEHwx41BsCpc3p8O07wuYXNQNnU_IPaO_4yH3mutEmuR32LHEkTYujfMKbLJ3he5GK3s9Yw895g' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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<td style="border: none; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 415.15pt;" width="415">
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<span style="color: #0000e9; font-family: "Times",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times; mso-no-proof: yes; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"> </span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">About the time we found out the gender and my
fatigue subsided, my sinuses decided to ACT A FOOL. Y’ALL.
I was so miserable. Colds turned
into sinus infections that couldn’t be treated with strong antibiotics.
Research said that sleeping at an incline would help, but I couldn’t sleep on
my back anymore. Seriously…WHO HAS EVER
slept on their side at an incline?!
Super comfortable, friends. At
one point, the sinus congestion was so bad that MY TEETH HURT. Literally. It’s a thing.
And it was horrible. That went on
through the holidays. </span><span style="font-family: Times, serif; font-size: 16pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-E9X85yUd5iw/WygplgEjl-I/AAAAAAAAHNI/bwbCbIVbYR4iKCZZSmZbuGtt6zyp_wQ5wCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC_5386.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1072" data-original-width="1600" height="267" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-E9X85yUd5iw/WygplgEjl-I/AAAAAAAAHNI/bwbCbIVbYR4iKCZZSmZbuGtt6zyp_wQ5wCLcBGAs/s400/DSC_5386.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">We managed to get Thanksgiving dinner on the table and enjoy ourselves before I headed off to Urgent Care ; ) </span> </span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-y-tV-GlvhZw/Wygplns9l2I/AAAAAAAAHNE/ZOw4NJ3Z72EsXh01uTB5vo0gWrcumUXmwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_5385.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-y-tV-GlvhZw/Wygplns9l2I/AAAAAAAAHNE/ZOw4NJ3Z72EsXh01uTB5vo0gWrcumUXmwCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_5385.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-v1qZHDxsxVw/Wygpls1L0VI/AAAAAAAAHNA/9nnT2OPEe1Qd9IUDteKqUQ0IEiTmvWRwwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_5433.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1341" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-v1qZHDxsxVw/Wygpls1L0VI/AAAAAAAAHNA/9nnT2OPEe1Qd9IUDteKqUQ0IEiTmvWRwwCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_5433.jpg" width="335" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Favorite Christmas card EVER.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And then it’s like I looked up and I was the size
of a house.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "Times",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Lz-D8-FYK_I/WygXgPd_1xI/AAAAAAAAHI4/iwDW2a6TzkUwbitfusdZnxJlk3a0bWlLgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_6263.jpg"><span style="color: #0000e9; font-family: "Times",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times; mso-no-proof: yes; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"><!--[if gte vml 1]><v:shape
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I was definitely WAY more uncomfortable way earlier
on in this pregnancy. It was so hard on
my hips. I finally headed to the chiropractor and it helped TREMENDOUSLY!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And before we knew it, it was time to clear out the
nursery, (formerly the guest room), transform G’s room into a “Big Boy Room”
and reassemble the good ole crib.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I just
love how both their rooms turned out. (<i>That'll be for another blogpost!</i>)
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Jeremie and I headed to San Antonio for our
Babymoon… (Which I still need to blog about; it was amazing!)</span><span style="font-family: Times, serif; font-size: 16pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Taylor was showered by my beautiful family and
friends….</span><span style="font-family: Times, serif; font-size: 16pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We celebrated Easter, where I felt like I was about
to “Hatch”. </span><span style="font-family: Times, serif; font-size: 16pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZdlLCa9Wpss/WygqGMi-dHI/AAAAAAAAHNc/2VmakWIrtS8hEAQEsxCHKHqy_u-706OMwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_6192.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZdlLCa9Wpss/WygqGMi-dHI/AAAAAAAAHNc/2VmakWIrtS8hEAQEsxCHKHqy_u-706OMwCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_6192.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I started having Braxton-Hicks/contractions around
30 weeks, very different from pregnancy #1, where I didn’t feel ANYTHING until
my water just broke one night! Every night I went to bed with my bags packed,
wondering if this would be the night…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Greyson eventually started asking me after each nap
if I had “dropped” the baby yet…#ifeelya<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And finally, my doctor decided to schedule me for
an induction. I felt sure that I would
go into labor on my own the second we scheduled it, but I didn’t. (<i>I’ll talk
about the actual birth story later.</i>) <span style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">With an official Birthday on the calendar for Miss
Taylor, we squeezed in our last few outings as a family of three. It was pretty surreal, that soon, it wouldn't
just be our little crew anymore. <span style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">All the family started arriving into town! My mom
arrived a few days early, to help me finish up last minute things and entertain
Greyson since I pretty much couldn't move anymore. (What a God-send she is!) My dad drove in
from his turkey hunting trip, and my in-laws flew in the day before induction! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We all headed to our favorite burger joint that
night.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(<i>Because now I know how hungry
you get during labor and can’t eat!)</i> I was feeling some MAJOR contractions
during dinner and just made sure I scarfed down my favorite peanut butter pie
before it was too late! ; ) I remember sitting there at dinner and watching
everyone around me have totally normal conversations while I knew in a few short
hours I was going to be pumped with medicine to put me in a LOT of pain and
that I'd have a newborn baby. It was totally surreal. Being induced definitely
stirred some anxiety even though I knew it was the right choice for us!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Shockingly, the burgers and pie didn't send me in
labor and Lil T stayed in there! After a sleepless night, it was finally 4:30
a.m. and time to head to the hospital! We were so excited to meet Taylor and
MORE THAN EXCITED to not be pregnant anymore! </span><span style="font-family: Times, serif; font-size: 16pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-woVgMxj9-xA/WygqY-H8OXI/AAAAAAAAHN0/lwXjPspp_l0wcBGnFtFyLRoE4XthC3QwACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_6317.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-woVgMxj9-xA/WygqY-H8OXI/AAAAAAAAHN0/lwXjPspp_l0wcBGnFtFyLRoE4XthC3QwACLcBGAs/s320/IMG_6317.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Off to the hospital!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Even though this pregnancy seemed to last FOREVER,
it feels like it went by in a flash now, and all of a sudden we have a 2 month
old. It truly is amazing how God knits
together a child womb. What a gift.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I think anyone would agree that it WAS ALL WORTH
IT.....</span><span style="font-family: Times, serif; font-size: 16pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="header"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="footer"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" SemiHidden="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="table of figures"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="envelope address"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="envelope return"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="footnote reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="annotation reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="line number"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="page number"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="endnote reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="endnote text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="table of authorities"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="macro"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="toa heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Signature"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Message Header"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Date"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text First Indent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Hyperlink"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="FollowedHyperlink"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Plain Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="E-mail Signature"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Top of Form"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal (Web)"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Acronym"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Address"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Cite"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Code"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Keyboard"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Preformatted"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Typewriter"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="No List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Elegant"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Subtle 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" QFormat="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" QFormat="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" QFormat="true"
Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" QFormat="true"
Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="41" Name="Plain Table 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="42" Name="Plain Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="43" Name="Plain Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="44" Name="Plain Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="45" Name="Plain Table 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="40" Name="Grid Table Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46" Name="Grid Table 1 Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51" Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52" Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 3"/>
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Katie Wellshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11739283220730209147noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4427087944325003078.post-38101060152495638092018-06-10T14:48:00.000-04:002018-06-10T14:48:49.373-04:00The Summer 'O Fun 2018WHOOOOO......HEY THERE WORLD. So it's been a while. Too long. But we've been a bit busy over here. (<i>Like the kind of busy where you forget that you have to go to the bathroom.</i>) I'll catch up eventually on all the NEW ADDITIONS happening around here, but for now there are pressing matters like...<br />
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<b>IT'S SUMMERTIME AGAIN</b>. And the toddlers are "home" for the next 3 months and need to be entertained. (<i>By "home", I mean no Mother's Day Out, bible study, or weekday activities</i>.) It's like anyone and everyone remotely related to the childcare industry says PEACE OUT and moves to Abu Dhabi. (<i>And I don't blame them one bit.</i>)<br />
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It's the bittersweet season where everyone on Facebook looks like they're having THE TIME OF THEIR LIVES but they're really dying inside. <br />
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I'M JUST KIDDING. Sort of. I actually do love the Summer season. It gives us some freedom from a schedule and allows us to plan things that we normally wouldn't do or NOT plan anything at all! Some of the best times are when we spend half the day in our pajamas and the other half in the backyard.<br />
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I feel like some memories are made naturally and some take effort, so three Summers ago, I decided I would aim to do a little bit of both. And out of each Summer came some of our best and favorite memories. This has stirred a serious passion in me about Summertime with my littles!<br />
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Greyson was only 8 months old for his first summer and I was still nursing. But I rolled the dice, booked a condo at the beach and booked another one across the parking lot for my Mother and Mother-in-law. I split my time between my girlfriends and my squishy little fish. It was the first trip away from home with a baby and really opened my eyes that life could and would go on and made me excited for future family vacays!<br />
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Our second summer was the first one that Greyson was really on the move! We hit all the splash pads, playgrounds and pools! <br />
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And last summer was no different! We made our list and checked (<i>almost everything</i>) off one by one! We picnic-ed, we swam, and added some new experiences, like Legoland and the new Star facility.<br />
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And each summer we trekked over the river and through the woods (<i>literally</i>) to visit our favorites in Mississippi. <br />
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We are already a couple weeks into Summer and due to the newborn, of course it's looking a little different than the ones before. I've forced myself to lower the bar quite a bit and accept that it might not be as "glamorous" or eventful as some of the past summers. But I know that we will still be making special memories!<br />
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But since I can't stand NOT to make a Summer Bucket List...and because we can't just stay in the house all day ER'DAY, I do have a few things that we'd like to check off! <br />
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So here we go for the <b><span style="color: magenta; font-size: large;">SUMMER 'O FUN 2018</span></b>: <br />
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- First Vacation Bible School (this is next week!)<br />
- <a href="https://www.cinemark.com/camp-cinemark-allen">Camp Cinemark</a> (A super cute theatre designed for children)<br />
- <a href="http://peeknplayarea.com/">Peek N Play</a> in Grapevine (indoor play place)<br />
- <a href="https://www.dallasrectrac.org/wbwsc/webtrac.wsc/search.html">Lake Highlands Rec Center Play time</a> (complete with bounce houses, etc.)<br />
- Lemonade Stand @ home<br />
- <a href="https://cumc.com/moviemondays/">Movie Monday @ CUMC</a><br />
- <a href="https://www.flightmuseum.com/">Frontiers of Flight Museum</a><br />
- Kid's Bowling<br />
- Summer Service Project<br />
- Attend Performance at one of the Children's Theaters (There are a couple good one's here like Genesis and <a href="https://northtexasperformingarts.org/plano-childrens-theatre/">Plano Children's Theatre</a>)<br />
- Lots of home playdates with friends<br />
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This is probably pretty ambitious with a nursing newborn. But it gives me a goal each week and mentally helps me have something to look forward to, because let's face it---however precious, life with a newborn can be a little isolating and make you feel homebound sometimes.<br />
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I hope YOUR summer is off to an amazing start and I'd love to hear some things on your Bucket List!<br />
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I can't say that we've done EVERYTHING that the Dallas Metroplex has to offer, because new amenities are popping up almost daily! But I will say we've done A LOT of them! Feel free to look back at any of my Summer 'O Fun blog entries from past summers OR grab some ideas from the MASTER Summer 'O Fun List I made last year! (<i>You can find that link by clicking <a href="http://jeremieandkatiewells.blogspot.com/2017/06/the-ultimate-2017-summer-o-fun-bucket.html">here</a>.</i>)<br />
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And as always, I recommend checking out <a href="https://dallas.citymomsblog.com/">Dallas</a> and <a href="https://collincounty.citymomsblog.com/">Collin County Moms Blog</a>; they have a TON of great summer idea posts regardless of where you live!<br />
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OK! So Happy Summer and I hope to be updating the blog again sooner than later...<br />
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<br />Katie Wellshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11739283220730209147noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4427087944325003078.post-8421944278848795712018-01-12T16:26:00.004-05:002018-01-12T16:26:51.864-05:00Friday Favorites! <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
WHOO HOO!!! It's FRIDAY folks, and HOW LONG has it been since I've done Friday Favorites?! </div>
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I'm going to milk my energy and good health for all it's worth right now....because I feel like I was in a long season of just YUCK, and I know the newborn stage is just 3 months around the corner....so the blog will yet again, likely take the back seat....</div>
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But for now, let's chat about my favorites this week! </div>
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1) I am LOVING some Emily Ley right now. She is the designer behind The Simplified Planner, which I do not have (<i>they are sold out</i>), but I just finished her book Grace over Perfection. It was a breath of fresh air. She talks about all the aspects of mommyhood and the challenges that come with it, but combats it with how to give yourself grace in all the seasons. It's not over complicated or super-theological, just good ole fashioned godly encouragement. This week, I received her second book, A Simplified Life. This is more of a logistical book about how to purge and declutter...from your mind, to your schedule, to your kitchen cabinets. I'm in full nesting mode right now, so I'm super eager to purge and organize. This book is a great is a great guide on how to make that happen. Even better, I got an alert on Facebook that Emily herself is coming to Dallas next week for a book signing! So I'll be there with bells on! You can find her books on Amazon <a href="https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_ss_c_1_8?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=a+simplified+life+emily+ley&sprefix=a+simple%2Caps%2C167&crid=1FUQD7QRIZNY7">here</a>. </div>
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2) Speaking of purging, I had a Come To Jesus meeting with all of Greyson's toys while he was at Mother's Day Out on Tuesday. After his birthday in October and then Christmas, it was OUT OF CONTROL. This place looked like Toys 'R Us had thrown up. I just couldn't take it anymore. I ended up with a bag of trash toys (like JUNK), and two boxes and a bag of giveaway toys. I reallocated the several of the favorites to the new upstairs playroom. And it was so freeing. We ended up with ONE basket on the floor that is not overflowing with mountains of toys. </div>
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The playroom is starting to take shape. I still have lots of fun decorative details to add, but at least we have storage space where all toys can be tucked away. This sight just makes me take a deep breath. WHEW. It took several trips to multiple Ross stores, but I managed to end up with all matching bins. They were just such a good deal that it was worth the hunt. (<i>Cute storage stuff is SO expensive if you need a lot of it!</i>) </div>
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3) Another victory this week was in the closet under the stairs. As you recall, THIS used to my "baby jail"....</div>
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Once Greyson got old enough to conquer the baby gate, it ended up being a toy closet. And you know how that goes. After a brief attempt to keep it organized and straight, it ended up being a dumping ground for EVERYTHING. ALL THE THINGS. Toys, gloves, hats, jackets, swim bag, balls, and costumes, which are IN ABUNDANCE right now. Everything just ended up on the floor in a panic-attack-inducing pile. So after my toy purge, I hung hooks on the walls and now everything is off the floor ! I realize this would be much more effective with a "Before" picture, but I was pretty much too embarrassed to take one. So here's the end product, everything has a home and is easy to get to. And all the mamas said....<b>#AMEN</b>.<br />
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4) Another thing that is making my life easier is my new Apple Watch. I have been "watching" : ) these for a LOOOOONG time and couldn't WAIT to get one. I'm typically not the techy-new product guru, but this thing has changed my life. With a two story house, I no longer need to carry my phone around with me every time I switch floors. I can read text messages on my arm without going around to look for my dinging phone. (T<i>his is especially handy for the ones that don't need to be responded to right away.</i>) I can even take/make calls on it and continue doing what I'm doing! Since I DON'T have my phone near me as much, I tend to look at it <i><b>so</b></i> much less, and therefore, not waste time sitting there scrolling/trolling while G is wanting me to be "involved". And when I DO start working out again, it'll track my heart rate, Fitness goals, etc. I"m totally a fan.<br />
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5) This week I also simplified our meal planning and signed up for the <a href="http://www.sixsistersmenuplan.com/product/smaller-family-healthy-plan/?switch-subscription=162156&item=99734&_wcsnonce=d93f86414c&auto-switch=true">Six Sister's Meal Plan</a> service. I don't mind cooking but I'm in a menu rut so I tend to procrastinate meal planning, which leaves us eventually coming full circle and eating the same thing every week because then I'm just trying to get food on the table. I always thought-if someone would just tell me what to make, I'd do it! Well, this service is exactly that. It's $10 a month and sends you 6 main dishes, two sides, and a snack recipe each week. (<i>I signed up for the Healthy Plan option which is all 500 calories or less per serving</i>.) They send you the menus on Friday, so I was able to order all the necessary groceries/make my list at the beginning of the week. I was scanning through all the ingredients and making my list, when I finally scrolled down to the bottom....and found a pre-made grocery list already there!!!! I could have literally taken it to the grocery store OR just gone straight to it to start adding those items to my cart. The recipes were simple ingredients and instructions. Our first few meals have been really good, so I am certainly a fan so far! It really was a relief for me this week, and come on..I'd spend more than $10 on one trip to Chick-Fil-A! Can't wait to see next week's menu! </div>
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So that is my week of favorites. Clearly there is a "simplify" theme here, and I sure hope it keeps up! Well....until Baby Taylor gets here...and then I KNOW our lives will be turned upside down! </div>
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I hope you had an amazing week, and I'd love to hear some of YOUR favorites! </div>
Katie Wellshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11739283220730209147noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4427087944325003078.post-88889563521639703542018-01-10T22:46:00.000-05:002018-01-10T22:46:48.228-05:00New Year Goals and 2017 Review!Well, here we are folks, 10 days into our shiny new year of 2018 and so far, so good. The PLAGUES (<i>flu, stomach virus, etc.</i>) are ALL AROUND us <i> (literally, Jeremie had the flu and we are flanked by sick neighbors</i>), so it will be by the grace of the Good Lord if we don't get it. <br />
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Looking back at 2017, we had quite a year. Greyson transformed from babbling baby to a talkative, independent toddler. <i> (The changes from two to three are amazing.</i>) Jeremie's business officially launched and is full steam ahead. We had some getaways, did some of our favorite traditions, and made wonderful memories. There were also some painful times and tough struggles, but as always, the Lord was present and waiting. Waiting to strengthen, waiting to comfort, waiting to provide peace. I've been in Romans 8 this week with BSF, which talks about the Spirit working within you and though you. And I realized that I need to "keep in step" (Galatians 5:25) with the Spirit at <i>all times</i>. It's easy for me to feel joyful, thankful, and in a "<i>good mood</i>" when things are going right, but when circumstances are tough, I tend to let that dictate my attitude. I tend to write seasons off as "W<i>ell, this is just going to be a bad season</i>"...or I just have my head set on "<i>getting through it</i>". By doing that, I miss the every day JOYS of ordinary life. And trust me, with a three year old, there are so many precious moments to cherish during the day. (<i>Even the "bad" days.</i>)<br />
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So that's one of my goals for 2018. To live life TO THE FULL. Even Christ says: "I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full." (John 10:10). If He is the light of the world, and He lives inside of me, I should radiate His light. I know this is going to be ESPECIALLY hard this year with a newborn. Even with the thrills and joys of a newborn, the newborn stage brings loss of routine, isolation, sleep deprivation; essentially <b>ALL</b> the circumstances change. I <i><b>will</b></i> struggle in this. So I'm already praying that I can embrace the change and let the Spirit work peace and joy through me during this time. <br />
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On a lighter note, I do have all the fun and typical New Year's goals this year! I'm in full nesting mode right now; I want all the cabinets purged and cleared out! I don't know if I'll actually be able to accomplish all this, but I am gonna try to have a reckoning with a lot of my JUNK. <br />
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In reality, my Goals before Baby Taylor is born (<i>so within the next 3 months)</i> are: <br />
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1) Transform Guest Bedroom into Greyson's "Big Boy Room"<br />
2) Put crib back together and transform boy nursery into.....<span style="color: magenta;"><b>GIRL NURSERY</b></span>! YAY!<br />
3) Organize/store/clear all pictures on computer and phone. (Something tells me I'm gonna need the storage space.) I do NOT look forward to this task. <br />
4) Review all insurance/phone/subscriptions/TV plans. I feel like we set them up so long ago, that there might be changes we can make to save money here and there. <br />
5) Finish Greyson's playroom. That's right. I said I'd never have one. But the super mature un-used "Home Office" is now baby-gated and has ALL THE BINS for ALL THE TOYS. #adulting #parenthood #babyjail<br />
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Ok! So let's briefly relive 2017, shall we? I love looking through all the monthly recaps. It really is fun (and sometimes scary) to look back at a year of life to see what all has taken place. <br />
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I'm looking through some of my 2017 pictures/posts and you know what I'm thinking??? <b><span style="font-size: large;">SKINNY</span></b>. At almost 26 weeks pregnant and over 20 pounds heavier (<i>I can say that because I'm pregnant</i>), I look at myself from last year and I'm a little jealous. Bless it. Maybe I will see those jeans again. Maybe not. Heaven knows.<br />
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So here we go! (<i>You can click on each month to read the full riveting details</i>.)<br />
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In <a href="http://jeremieandkatiewells.blogspot.com/2017/02/january-2017-review.html">January</a>, Greyson got the stomach virus SO terribly that it sent us to Children's Hospital twice. It was a nightmare, and seeing this little guy so sick just broke my heart. I shiver at the mere thought of January. Just the word <i>January</i> smells like vomit to me. I sure hope this January is different.<br />
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By <a href="http://jeremieandkatiewells.blogspot.com/2017/03/fab-february.html">February</a>, we were on the road to recovery, so Jeremie and I took a little weekend getaway to Houston and we did a family trip to the zoo and the rodeo. What a calm month. How delightful.<br />
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<a href="http://jeremieandkatiewells.blogspot.com/2017/04/march-madness.html">March</a> brought lots of park trips, Cowboy Day, grocery store tantrums, and our refrigerator went out. We did make our annual <a href="http://jeremieandkatiewells.blogspot.com/2017/03/fab-february.html">Spring Break</a> trip to Mississippi, where I established the first Annual "<b>Professional Development Day</b>". (<i>Essentially a day where I dump my kid with someone else and get my hair cut and do whatever I want to do. I highly recommend you mark yours on the calendar.</i>)<br />
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<a href="http://jeremieandkatiewells.blogspot.com/2017/05/april-is-for-fools.html">APRIL</a>. OH APRIL. If January smells like vomit, then April definitely smells like a whole bunch of pee. We began potty training on April Fools Day. And I'm pretty sure the emoji I would use for the month would be...<br />
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We attempted our Annual trip to the Ennis Bluebonnet Festival which ended in me having a nervous breakdown in the Tractor Supply and crying all the way home. (<i>And yes, it had to do with potty training.)</i> You can read all about that glorious treasure of a day <a href="http://jeremieandkatiewells.blogspot.com/2017/04/the-day-that-wasnta-tale-of-bluebonnets.html">here</a>.<br />
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We spent <a href="http://jeremieandkatiewells.blogspot.com/2017/04/easter-recap.html">Easter in Mississippi</a>, which was a last minute decision, but just what we needed to come up for air with the stress of potty training. (<i>Speaking of coming up for air, Greyson did fall in my in-laws pool that weekend</i>.) Anyway, I am proud to update the world that Greyson has been fully potty trained for several months now and it is great not to be changing diapers...well, for at least another 3 months. ; )<br />
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<a href="http://jeremieandkatiewells.blogspot.com/2017/06/may-daze.html">May</a> was crazy and busy. We celebrated our Mother's Day, our 8 year anniversary, ended school, started summer, and celebrated Memorial Day with a last minute weekend getaway to the Adolphus, where we played in the pool and ate lots of watermelon. J built us a sandbox and we took an emergency trip to the doctor on a Saturday morning due to a mosquito bite that had G's eye swollen shut. Sounds pretty typical, right?<br />
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We really kicked off our "Summer O Fun" in <a href="http://jeremieandkatiewells.blogspot.com/2017/07/june-recap.html">June</a>, by hitting splash pads, the pool, the Cowboys practice field, and even started swim lessons! We celebrated Father's Day and my birthday with a trip to Legoland and Rainforest Cafe. <i>That's what happens when you get older, you pick things on your own birthday that you know your kids will love.</i> ; ) We made our <a href="https://jeremieandkatiewells.blogspot.com/2017/06/summer-o-fun-week-2.html">annual summer trip to Mississippi </a>, and took Greyson to his very first movie on Father's Day. <br />
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<a href="https://jeremieandkatiewells.blogspot.com/2017/08/goodbye-to-july.html">July</a> was full of more pool time, playdates, and the most fabulous <a href="http://jeremieandkatiewells.blogspot.com/2017/07/somewhere-on-beach2017-vacation-recap.html">beach vacation</a> with our family. I even got to sneak away for a few days with my ole Tallahassee girlfriends who I haven't seen in 5 years! It was incredible!<br />
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By <a href="https://jeremieandkatiewells.blogspot.com/2017/09/august-recap-better-late-than-never.html">August</a>, I was sorta losing my mind waiting for school to start. And now I can reveal that I had found out I was pregnant that month, hence the picture of delicious French Toast. (<i>Apparently this is my ultimate pregnancy craving</i>.). I was a little behind on my August recap: a foreshadowing of what the entire first trimester would be like. It TOOK ME DOWN Y'ALL.<br />
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<a href="https://jeremieandkatiewells.blogspot.com/2017/10/september-recap.html">September</a> was full of pumpkins, festivals, and nap times on my part. We took a trip to the <a href="http://jeremieandkatiewells.blogspot.com/2017/09/labor-day-getaway-hyatt-lost-pines.html">Hyatt Lost Pines</a> for a Labor Day getaway, and it was just what our little growing family needed! We also met my parents in Ruston and took Greyson to his first MSU football game! He loved it and it was a much better experience than I anticipated with a toddler!<br />
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We boarded the crazy train in <a href="http://jeremieandkatiewells.blogspot.com/2018/01/better-late-than-neveroctober-recap.html">October</a>, and to be honest, I feel like we just got off. This month really started the holiday season shuffle, as we celebrated Greyson's birthday, Halloween, and all the theme days that come with it. Jeremie and I did manage to sneak down to College Station for the Aggie game while Greyson had his first sleepover with Aunt Jorie and Preston. Greyson thoroughly enjoyed October and all the costumes that came with it. <br />
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<a href="http://jeremieandkatiewells.blogspot.com/2018/01/andnovember.html">November</a> was a WHIRLWIND. We had G's THIRD birthday party, took a trip to Waco, then Fayetteville, found out we were having a girl, and muscled through Thanksgiving with the worst sinus infection <b>EVER</b>. <br />
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Nona came to rescue us on December 1st...and then....<br />
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December 2nd. I got the call that my precious Grammy had passed away. It was indeed expected but the hardest news to accept. I can assure you that she lived a long life full of all the things she probably ever dreamed of: a devoted, loving husband, children, grandchildren, cross-country travels, and years of fun traditions and beautiful memories. I want to emulate her sassy, loving spirit, and her talent of making even the most simple things something special. <br />
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We did get to enjoy a lot of our favorite Christmas traditions <a href="http://jeremieandkatiewells.blogspot.com/2018/01/this-december.html">This December</a>, including The Polar Express, our Downtown Dallas overnight, Christmas movie day, looking at Christmas lights, and my Annual Girls Pajama Party. Greyson even got to experience his first "real" snow while we were in Mississippi. <br />
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Whew! And that was 2017! What a fun way to look back at the ups, downs, and in betweens. </div>
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I can't believe that we'll be adding another family member in just a little over three months! Our monthly updates are about to look very different! A little baby and a lot of crazy is certainly awaiting us! </div>
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I hope that you are having a wonderful New Year so far! Here's to 2018! </div>
Katie Wellshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11739283220730209147noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4427087944325003078.post-72528232070233039972018-01-07T14:06:00.001-05:002018-01-07T14:08:52.379-05:00This December And last but not least.....the December recap! I made it!!! December was a tough month for a lot of reasons, but we still managed to squeeze in some fun and joyful memories. <br />
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On exactly December, 1st, Nona made another attempt to fly in to give us a weekend of relief. She could tell I was really struggling to get over my sinus stuff, and Jeremie was just crazy busy at work. </div>
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She flew in on Friday, and that evening, we headed to the Polar Express in Grapevine since we already had tickets. This is the most precious event! Greyson throughly enjoyed himself this year; he was the perfect age for it! </div>
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We were able to get our annual-terrifying-picture-experience with Santa while we were there. Greyson was a hot mess the whole time we stood in line, but SOMEHOW the magician of a photographer pulled this out. </div>
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Last year, it was literally 30 degrees the day we went, but this year, the weather was more "Texas-winter", so we got to enjoy outdoor stuff too. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">I did not wear pajamas this year because my belly pretty much pokes out of all of my own pajamas. I've resorted to Jeremie's white t's.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">ALL ABOARD!!!!</span></td></tr>
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The train was decorated beautifully!!!! So magical!</div>
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Much like any other "character" such as Santa or the Easter bunny, Greyson was skeptical of Mrs. Claus.<br />
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When you pull back into the station, they have "transformed" everything into the North Pole, complete with a Christmas tree stroll through the "snow". </div>
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Afterwards is a cute and brief little show that included the big man himself. Greyson shockingly sat on the stage the entire time! Santa mixes up some "Magic Snow Milk", and afterwards everyone gets a mug. (<i>In reality it's the best chocolate milk you've ever had. Pretty sure Santa does mix up some magic in there.</i> )<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Greyson was chugging it like it was happy hour.</span></td></tr>
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On our way out, Nona and G hit the carousel. </div>
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This is one of my favorite Christmas events in the area; I hope that Greyson (and Taylor) love it for a long time....<br />
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Sadly the next morning, I got news that my sweet, special Grammy passed away. She had been sick for a while and was on hospice. But the news was still just so hard to take. There are no words for how special this woman was to me. We spent countless hours together and her cheerful spirit and love for her family was just incredible. I miss her so much already. <br />
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So the next few hours were spent making plans and packing up for Mississippi. Greyson ended up flying back with Nona the next day. (<i>God just situated an available seat next to her on a flight that is usually full</i>.) Jeremie and I drove, which is much quicker and simpler without a toddler.<br />
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Grammy's service was beautiful, but it was certainly a tough few days. After the funeral, we were able to spend some time with my family, which was good. <br />
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We finally took Greyson to see "The Star" movie, which was absolutely adorable!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">My dad gets in full character while entertaining G. : ) </span></td></tr>
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We went to the Bounce Park, and Greyson stayed behind the cannon most of the time.<br />
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And shockingly, the day we were supposed to head back to Texas, Mississippi was hit with a random blizzard, which has happened maybe twice in my lifetime. They got more snow than New York City that day. Since J had already headed back to Texas, my parents had planned to drive me back. We of course said the heck with it and played in the snow! Greyson LOOOOOVED it! I was so glad he got to experience it!</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Our sad attempt at a snowman. Of course my mom just happened to have a little Texas themed cowboy hat! ; ) </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Snow in the country is absolutely beautiful. </span></td></tr>
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The next day, after a quick stop at Dairy Queen, we hit the (LONG) road to Texas with CC and Pop. <br />
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And because I didn't have the heart to cancel, and I needed a party in life that week, the next night, I hosted my Annual Girls Pajama Party and Gift Swap. (Fortunately, my mama was there to help me quickly get ready! She's the <b><i>original</i></b> Master Party Planner!)<br />
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This year we swapped all things "Drinkware" and we all ended up with darling mugs, cocoa, teas, and glasses. This is one of my favorite traditions! </div>
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On Tuesday, Greyson's class hosted a "Happy Birthday Jesus" party, and they sang "Away in a Manger" while they rocked "Baby Jesus". It sort melted my heart. Greyson is gonna be just fine with little sister. Just look at his perfect holding technique while all the other babies are strewn on the floor....that's my boy.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">We decorated sugar cookies at his party. </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">And they presented us with all of their darling Christmas crafts. </span></td></tr>
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On Wednesday we headed to Aunt Jorie's house for our Second Annual Christmas breakfast and movie day. Jorie whipped up Christmas tree waffles this year. PRESH.<br />
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We all exchanged Christmas gifts, and although Baby Taylor is not here yet, she is already getting spoiled. (<i>See the darling maroon tutu in the background?</i>)</div>
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We ALL spent ALL day in our pajamas watching Christmas movies and eating snacks. My kind of tradition. <br />
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We also made "Reindeer Food" to sprinkle in the yard on Christmas Eve. It was super simple and darling. You can find what we did <a href="http://www.messylittlemonster.com/2015/12/magic-reindeer-food-free-printable-poem-labels.html">here</a>.<br />
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The next night I attended a cookie swap party. (<i>It hit me the night before that I was supposed to bake two dozen cookies the next day</i>.) Fortunately, I found a SUPER SIMPLE cookie recipe in my Six Sisters cook book. They were 4 ingredients and I literally whipped them up in 20 minutes. They are called Fudge Crinkle Cookies, and you can find the recipe <a href="https://www.sixsistersstuff.com/recipe/2013/01/fudge-crinkle-cookies/">here</a>! I've never been to a cookie swap party, but MY OH MY, I'll never miss one again! I sure hope my friend makes a tradition out of this! Everyone brought 2 dozen cookies and we all sampled, voted on the best one (super hard to choose), and we all got to take away boxes of ALL of the flavors! We were eating cookies for days!<br />
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The next night we did our Annual Overnight Christmas date to Downtown Dallas. (We've been doing this for 5 years!) This year, we took Lil G with us and went to the ICE Exhibit at the Gaylord before heading downtown. I've been wanting to do this for years, and this year was the first time we felt like G was old enough to appreciate it. <br />
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Okay, so my official review on the ICE Exhibit is that...well folks, it's COLD. Not like "freezing point" 32 degrees cold, IT'S NINE DEGREES IN THERE. That even made our Michigan friends raise their eyebrows. They give you parkas before you go in, and don't get me wrong, the exhibit is absolutely incredible and beautiful. I really have no idea how they make all that out of ice. But it's SO COLD that we really moved fast and didn't stop to stare and enjoy too much. It's definitely something that everyone should experience once though!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Seriously, the WHOLE SLEIGH is ice. Everything you see!</span> </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">This area had actual ice slides you could go down, but G was having none of it. I was still amazed at this room and the gorgeous green ice Christmas tree. </span></td></tr>
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After you exit the ICE Exhibit, there is a huge room with all types of fun Christmas-y activities, entertainment, and snow tubing slides, which cost extra and we didn't participate in. <br />
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Afterwards, we went to the hotel side of the Gaylord and the Atrium is over-the-top in Christmas decorations. It was gorgeous. There are huge trees, gingerbread houses, a model train that goes up in the air; it's amazing!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">This is a GINGERBREAD HOUSE! Definitely doesn't look like the Costco one that we crafted.</span></td></tr>
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Overall, we had a good experience, but it wasn't my <i>favorite</i> Christmas activity we've ever done. Granted, we went on a Friday afternoon/evening, so it was EXTREMELY crowded. I can't imagine what the weekends are like. If we go back next year, I'll probably just take G to eat at one of the restaurants and enjoy the decorations in the atrium. <br />
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Afterwards, we headed downtown to eat at one of my favorite areas, <a href="http://www.trinitygroves.com/">Trinity Groves</a>. This time, we tried the Italian restaurant, <a href="http://www.saintroccos.com/">Saint Rocco's</a>. It was warm and delicious and hit the spot. So far, we've tried Souk, Amberjacks', and the Cake Bar there, and everything is outstanding! <br />
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It's just got a great atmosphere and beautiful views of the city. <br />
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We were totally zapped by the time we made it to the <a href="http://www.adolphus.com/">Adolphus</a>. I love this hotel. They got our room mixed up this time, but at the end of the day, we were drinking hot cocoa and eating chocolate chip cookies, so we were happy campers.<br />
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The next morning we ate breakfast at <a href="https://www.gritsrule.com/">Ellen's Kitchen</a> and did some trollin' around Downtown. <br />
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On our way home we stopped at the Galleria to see the famous Christmas tree and ice skating rink. In our 5.5 years here in Dallas, we have NEVER been to the Galleria! How crazy is that?! We found another "BIG D" sign and made our way in!<br />
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The tree really was impressive!!! We shopped around the mall for a few minutes and headed back to the 'burbs! Our little 24 hour escape was perfect and is always my favorite Christmas tradition! </div>
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We ended the weekend with our Home Group's Christmas party! And I have no idea why this picture turned out like this, we were NOT bigger than our Christmas tree this year. Total illusion! : ) </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Little G stayed in his pj's and played with the babysitter. ; ) </span></td></tr>
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We had a great time with our sweet friends. Couldn't do life here without them. </div>
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The next week was spent preparing and traveling to Mississippi for Christmas. You can read all about our trip <a href="http://jeremieandkatiewells.blogspot.com/2018/01/the-christmas-revue.html">here</a>. (<i>Spoiler alert-Jeremie and the flu the whole time we were there.</i>)<br />
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We returned to the Lone Star State the day before New Year's Eve, so we spent NYE just resting, eating, unpacking and decorating our Gingerbread house that we never got around to.....<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">I made my famous cinnamon rolls for breakfast...</span> </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The gingerbread house was a fun activity, but it CERTAINLY looked NOTHING like the picture on the box. Regardless, it brought a big smile to Lil G's face. Still not sure if this will make the Christmas bucket list every year. #uncrafty #handcramps #toomanypieces</span></td></tr>
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We rang in 2018 with the Eastern Time Zone and called it a night. </div>
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I'll admit, this Christmas season held lots of heartache. It was my first Christmas in 33 years to not get a hug from my sweet Grammy. Years ago, she gave me this "Little White Church" as she called it. It had been in the attic with the rest of my Christmas decorations when the fire happened, where everything was destroyed. Everything except the "Little White Church". So I thought of her every time I passed this beautiful gift. </div>
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But as Grammy would have wanted, we found joy in a season that I know she <i>especially </i>loved, and made sweet memories. She was so excited to know that our little baby GIRL is on the way, and this is certainly one of my favorite gifts to look forward to this coming year! </div>
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Katie Wellshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11739283220730209147noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4427087944325003078.post-82927703405529899822018-01-04T17:37:00.000-05:002018-01-04T17:37:41.243-05:00The Christmas Revue <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
For organizational purposes (<i>which I'm sure you're concerned about</i>), I'm going to recap Christmas by itself before I dive into the December recap. </div>
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And NO, I did not mis-spell "Review" in the title. The definition of "Revue" is a comical theatrical production and that's pretty much what I always feel like our Christmas is. </div>
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Since we always travel to Mississippi for Christmas, we typically do our little family Christmas together before we leave town. We wanted Greyson to have a "Christmas morning" here at home, so this ended up being the morning of the day we actually left town, which was not stressful at all. (<i>Packing up ourselves, the dog, and all the gifts, no prob.)</i> </div>
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And since we are the typical parents who wait until the last minute, we were putting a pirate ship and tee-pee together at 11:00 the night before. When Jeremie decided that we needed to create a "treasure hunt" complete with clues at 11:30, I told him PEACE OUT. </div>
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So "Christmas morning" arrived and we indeed had a great time. It was all worth it of course, because Greyson is such a fun age and so into ALL THE TOYS. I had ordered some pirate-themed gifts and then J got to Amazon-surfing and went with a Native American theme. It was like Pirates of the Caribbean and Braveheart landed at the North Pole. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Sadly, we have sorta forgotten to stuff Manny's stocking the past couple of years (that's what happens when you have a kid), but this year we made up for it! </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The pirate ship has been....worth it's weight in gold...pardon the pun...He LOVES it.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Cutest little Indian I've ever seen.</span></td></tr>
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The last gift was a a little Melissa and Doug Treasure chest. I scored this cheap little treasure map off Amazon, and Jeremie did indeed stay up hand drawing and cutting out some "clues" that matched the treasure map. He placed them around the house and the "treasure" was outside the front door with a big red "X" on it, just like the map. <i>Not sure who is enjoying being a little boy more.....</i><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">It really was adorable and G loved the treasure hunt. Definitely set a higher standard for our daytime activities. Thanks, J.</span></td></tr>
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After we finished unwrapping gifts, Jeremie and I GOT TO IT. Clothes were flying in bags, bags were flying in the car, and we actually pulled out mid-day, about 30 minutes ahead of schedule. (<i>We are typically one hour behind schedule, so we were high-fiving each other on the way out of town.</i>) </div>
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We drove halfway and stopped in Ruston to spend the night. The next morning, we were off to Mississippi and of course had to make our traditional stop at the Welcome Center to look at the river. (<i>And the cannons.</i>) Someone offered to take our picture but she clearly was not patient with us getting our act together. This was the BEST of 3. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Never get tired of this view.</span></td></tr>
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Not long after we crossed the state line, I had white cheese dip on the brain. (TEXAS, PLEASE GET ON BOARD WITH THIS.) So we stopped at the first Mexican restaurant we saw and dove in. <br />
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Much to our luck, there was an excavator and dirt pile behind the restaurant, so little buddy got out the wiggles. </div>
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We finally arrived at Nona and Papa's house and at that point I'm like handing my kid over, putting my pj's on, and chugging hot cocoa in the corner. He had a great time reuniting with all his Mississippi friends. (<i>The big monkey was Jeremie's childhood animal, and the old Simba is mine. We thought they belonged together now</i>.) </div>
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The next night we went to the most darling event called Zoo Lights at the <a href="http://www.zoohattiesburg.com/">Hattiesburg Zoo</a>. It was so festive and fun!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">In this action shot, Greyson is telling me to STEP OFF of the carousel. </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">We rode the "Polar Express"...which in MS, means the 75 Degree in December Express. The lights around the park were so pretty!</span></td></tr>
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Greyson was obsessed with going in and out of the Prairie Dog tunnel, which SHOCKED me because it was dark in there. He was confident with his lights and following the other kids.<br />
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The next day I did a little shopping with my mom in Downtown Laurel (home of the "Home Town" show on HGTV) while the in-laws <strike>spoiled </strike>played with Greyson. I came home to him in a Spider-Man costume that he just HAD to have. One more for the collection. He requested I take a picture.</div>
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Unfortunately, my beloved started feeling SUPER SICK that day, and I'll spare you the cliffhanger; it ended up being the flu. I was so sad for him, but we essentially quarantined ourselves from him the rest of the week. He was so sad to miss all the festivities. </div>
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On Christmas Eve, we put out our "Reindeer Food" that we had made at Aunt Jorie's and also left cookies and milk for Santa. This is the first year that G has sort of taken to the idea of Santa. We don't really talk about him too much or make it a big thing, but let's be real people, he's all over the place during Christmas. So we kind of make it a fun side thing and let him bring Greyson a small gift on Christmas. (<i>He ain't gettin' credit for my themed gifts and treasure hunt.</i>) </div>
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I love the morning sunrises at my in-laws house and Christmas morning was no different. </div>
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Greyson woke up and immediately checked the cookie platter and was relieved to see that Santa left him some in the jar..... : ). </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">He loved his "Worker Vest" and insisted on wearing it the rest of the day.</span></td></tr>
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We headed to "Party #1", which is always breakfast at Jeremie's grandparent's house. </div>
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The grand and great-grand children ABOUND in this family. We have certainly mastered the art of multiplying. The little baby on the right is NOT a doll BTW, that's a real baby. The littles had a great time, and in a moment of panic, me and one of the Mamas got locked in a bedroom with all of them. It was like The Hunger Games in there. Fortunately, someone let us out from the other side.<br />
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Party #2 commenced back at my in-laws house. This is when the real spoiling begins. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">These two little cousins played SO HARD. </span></td></tr>
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After G's nap, we headed to my parent's house for PARTY #3. Greyson went straight for the Paw Patrol wrapping paper. </div>
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And he finally got what he'd been asking for FOR WEEKS....A Chase costume....off came the Worker Vest.</div>
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Auntie Amy is the "Fun Aunt" and the main attraction at my parents. She gives her duties 150% went she's with G. It's amazing. She gave him a set of puppets and he got the biggest kick out of them.<br />
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Of course my Dad had to join in too....</div>
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After gifts my mom had her famous Gumbo ready for us, and we all chowed down. At that point, I was so exhausted; my preggo body was literally about to give out. </div>
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The rest of the week was pretty low key. We spent lots of time playing and enjoying my fam. (<i>And staying away from Jeremie and his germs.</i>) </div>
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By the end of the week, Jeremie was feeling better, and alas, it was time to return to Texas. </div>
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As most of you know, my sweet Grammy passed away this month, so I had to pop into her home one more time before I left town. For me, this house was like my second home; it is full of a lifetime of incredible memories. It was a bittersweet way to end Christmas break. But super thankful for the time I got to spend with her and my Big Jack here. </div>
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And that was Christmas y'all! I hope yours was full of good things. I am super excited to have our little baby girl join us next year! ; ). </div>
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Katie Wellshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11739283220730209147noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4427087944325003078.post-42047741033951497462018-01-02T16:41:00.000-05:002018-01-02T16:41:09.920-05:00AND.....November!That's right November, I'm on a role and I'm coming for you...time to catch up....here we go...<br />
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We kicked off the month with a brand new haircut which always makes Greyson look about 10 years older. And then this pic on the motorcycle in the hair salon about did me in....<br />
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That weekend my in-laws came for Greyson's birthday party weekend. (<i>My grandmother was really sick, so mine weren't able to come.</i>)<br />
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They showed up with a brand new cowboy costume, which CLEARLY was a hit.<br />
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We left the grands to night time duty and peeled out on two wheels to a new restaurant called <a href="https://www.mesero.net/">Mesero</a> at <a href="https://legacywest.com/">Legacy West</a>.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">It was SO NICE to have a date night with my man. </span></td></tr>
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On Saturday we celebrated our big THREE year old with his very own Firetruck themed party. We started off with cake and gifts and then walked to the Fire Station across the street for a tour. </div>
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It was a big hit; you can read all about Chief Greyson's throw down <a href="http://jeremieandkatiewells.blogspot.com/2017/11/chief-greysons-third-birthday.html">here</a>. </div>
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In a random twist of fate, we ended up in Waco the next week. My parents had actually tried to book a VRBO there twice, and with my grandmother being sick, they just weren't able to make it. So instead of canceling, my friend Ashley and I took our little people for a little getaway. Of course, our first stop was the Silos! </div>
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This was my second time at the Silos, and second time it was randomly blazing hot in a season that shouldn't be. #TEXAS. It was also a normal weekday during school season, and y'all, this place is just plum dee CROWDED. It's insane. Definitely worth a visit, but the store is super hard to physically navigate, especially with a toddler. I grabbed my "Texas Forever" shirt and got the heck out of Dodge. <br />
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We didn't get to explore too much (because #toddlers), but there are a ton of other amazing antique/decor/boutique stores in Waco to hit up. We did make it into <a href="http://spicewaco.com/">Spice Village</a>, which was adorable and I could have stayed for hours! </div>
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Instead of trying to shop and tie the toddlers down to their strollers, we went to Waco's <a href="http://www.cameronparkzoo.com/">Cameron Park Zoo</a>, which was absolutely precious! It was beautiful, well-kept, and had some wonderful exhibits! We did the entire zoo in about an hour and half and it's super toddler-walking friendly if that makes sense. If you have a little one and are in Waco, I highly suggest a trip to the zoo!<br />
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The kids were troopers and ended each day with a little Mickey Mouse clubhouse. </div>
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In another twist of fate, that week we found out we were having a GIRL!!!!! (More on that later.) I immediately knew the colors I wanted to use and scored this beautiful painting and randomly found the perfect matching bumper at Babies R Us! </div>
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And then we had a little fun with our "Gender Reveal" and had G use his "magic wand" to light a Christmas tree up in PINK lights! (<i>Heaven knows I wasn't going to attempt a piñata again.</i>) It was adorable.</div>
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And that week was Lil G's turn to catch the cold. So high fever and no school for us! By Thursday I was losing my mind and we escaped to the library for some puppet show fun. </div>
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And by Friday, we figured it had run it's course enough, and since we already had tickets and room, we hit the road for Fayetteville, Arkansas to watch the Dawgs play the Hawgs. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The Oklahoma skies were breathtaking!</span></td></tr>
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Unfortunately, the weather couldn't have been worse for the game. It was beautiful and sunny the day we arrived, and by the next morning it was misty rain, windy as Chicago, and 40 degrees. And still against our better judgment, we soldiered on like college football fans do. (<i>This decision earned me a horrible sinus/upper respiratory infection.</i>) We made it to halftime and called it a day. The experience and atmosphere was fun, and Arkansas' campus is gorgeous though.<br />
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We spend the afternoon cuddled up. These two are my whole heart.</div>
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The next day was of course beautiful, so we found a darling little park and rode around Ft. Smith, which is were we stayed; about an hour outside of Fayetteville. </div>
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We absolutely fell in love with the beautiful little town! We rode around some of the old neighborhoods, and spent some time in their downtown area by the Fort's historic park. </div>
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And we stumbled upon a little western town replica, where some folks with full Old West gear were sitting with a horse and buggy. We got to talking and they were actually shooting a movie in Ft. Smith that day and were waiting on the call for their shot. They asked if we wanted to take a ride around the block in the meantime.....</div>
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We even picked out a house...#yesplease</div>
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On the way back, we passed a huge prison in Oklahoma, and we DIED when we spotted this road sign....YEP.</div>
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We also got a chance to use our first "Posh" Luxury Restroom Rentals at a gas station. Seriously, can't make this stuff up.</div>
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That week was Thanksgiving, and we did our traditional meal as usual. I was starting to feel bad, but pushed through and we really had a great day. Making memories on days like this is seriously my favorite thing ever.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Watching the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Can't wait for Baby Taylor to be at the table next year!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yiAl3JxAvqc/WkvyxzoFmYI/AAAAAAAAGxw/8Ifd11en9TwwCXl1DZkBZP-wnPfclMqaQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_4974.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yiAl3JxAvqc/WkvyxzoFmYI/AAAAAAAAGxw/8Ifd11en9TwwCXl1DZkBZP-wnPfclMqaQCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_4974.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">And yes, these little tantrums are part of the memories. GEEZ. Mama cooked for 2 days and he was throwing a fit because we tried to get him to eat more than a roll.</span></td></tr>
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This year I FINALLY executed a tradition that I have been wanting to "enforce" for years (<i>let's face it, most traditions are forced, right?</i>). I got a light colored table cloth, some fabric pens, and every year for Thanksgiving, I want everyone around the table to sign it, and write what they are thankful for. (<i>Exceptions are: NO GIRLFRIENDS OR BOYFRIENDS signing until they are married. I'm not having teenage lover's quarrels every year.</i>) Anyway, I read that a family did this for like over 30 years, and they had so many friends and family's signatures, even some that had passed away, so it was super special. Anyway, my new found tradition went fairly well. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">We asked G what he was thankful for, and he said "All of you."....MELTING...</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Here is Jeremie's...very appropriate...</span></td></tr>
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And I angst-ed over what to write for the LONGEST time. Honestly, I wanted to say I was thankful that the terrible two's were over, but I felt like that might hurt Greyson's feelings in the future. So I tried to put a positive spin on it, and after all that thought, I was the one who messed up my writing. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Totally left out the word "patience" and had to squeeze it in . INSERT BIG EYE ROLL. Jeremie laughed and laughed that I was the one to mess up the beautiful new traditional table cloth.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I was REEEEEALLLY starting to feel bad by that afternoon, but yet again, against my better judgement, we muscled through the "Home For the Holidays" event in downtown McKinney, because it's just so darn </div>
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Greyson was OBSESSED with the humongous Frosty bounce house this year. Last year he lost his mind in there and J had to go rescue him. <br />
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This year we kept telling him through the window that it was TIME TO GO, but he wouldn't come out! So yet again, J had to crawl in the bouncy house for a retrieval mission. Those things look terrifying inside to me with 50,000 bouncing kids, but they all seem to be having the time of their lives.</div>
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Their enormous tree was absolutely gorgeous, but G was having none of my photo shoot.</div>
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By that afternoon, my sinuses were hurting so bad that my teeth hurt. I know that sounds crazy, but if you have bad sinuses, you get it. </div>
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As crazy as it sounds, we put up a few Christmas decorations the next day....because toddlers don't stop for your sickness, and honestly, opening up boxes full of fun decorations kept him occupied. I'll share our (<i>barely</i>) finished product in my December recap! It felt like we were taking it down as soon as we put it up this year. : (</div>
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I finally gave in to taking some antibiotics, bought a <a href="https://www.amazon.com/s/?ie=UTF8&keywords=pure+mist+handheld+steam+inhaler&tag=googhydr-20&index=aps&hvadid=177766800380&hvpos=1t1&hvnetw=g&hvrand=10790002703739610994&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=b&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9026835&hvtargid=kwd-67817092301&ref=pd_sl_38zih8yvvv_b">Mist Inhaler </a>(AMAZING!), and started rounding the corner by the next week. Praise the LAWD. It was a bad one. </div>
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In some better news, Jeremie's partner snatched us some Cowboys tickets the next week and we finally got to attend our first NFL GAME! The stadium is CRAZY, the atmosphere is electric, and it was so fun to watch DAK! </div>
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I figured this was the perfect place for my next bump picture! (<i>I was determined to SQEEEEEZZEE into my Prescott jersey!</i>) </div>
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In the last piece of November news, we finally transferred Greyson to a toddler bed. I really think the child would have stayed in a crib until he was 16; he NEVER attempted to climb out. But this thing is going back to being a crib for Baby Taylor, so it had to happen. Fortunately, I think I waited so long, that there wasn't any transition! He's a champ! </div>
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Okay! Whew! That's all I got for November! I'm so happy to cross another Monthly Recap off the list and will have December coming at-cha soon!</div>
Katie Wellshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11739283220730209147noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4427087944325003078.post-57950852809858000732018-01-01T17:36:00.001-05:002018-01-01T17:37:07.911-05:00Better Late than Never...October Recap!Good LAWD. Happy New Year Y'all. That's right, on New Year's Day, I'm backing all the way up to October. This catch up game is more for my sake than yours though, because I just love looking through our monthly recaps; it's almost like a digital scrapbook and the only thing I semi-keep up with. (<i>I made it all the way to September with my recaps, so I figured 9 out 12 is a pretty good success rate, right?</i>) The ultimate goal is to finish up my monthly recaps for the year, so I can wrap up 2017!<br />
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To be honest, this is the best I've felt since my pregnancy test revealed a double line in August. Between first trimester exhaustion, sinus stuff, and my sweet Grammy's passing, let's just say it's been a rough 4th quarter.<br />
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At the same time, we really have packed in some good memories. But this mama is ready to SLOW. DOWN.<br />
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But here goes nothing....I bring you, October.<br />
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I LOVE October, namely because it's when my little cherub was born. Plus there's football, a break in the heat, and Halloween (<i>which I've decided is most fun when you're in college and then when you have small children.</i>)<br />
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We kicked off October with school pictures, which shockingly turned out in our favor this year. And you know when you nail a school picture....ER'BODY gets a framed one for Christmas. Just look at how handsome Mr. Tinypants looked on picture day...<br />
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The next week the sinus stuff hit me with FULL FORCE and I was so miserable. Fortunately, I had booked Jeremie's Mom for a visit during my first trimester (<i>like I literally text her while I was hanging over the toilet and asked her to buy a plane ticket.</i>) I was so happy she was coming to rescue us that weekend. </div>
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UNFORTUNATELY, Mother Nature had different plans in store. Nona arrived on a Friday afternoon, giving me just enough time to get my hair cut and grab a nap. But then Hurricane Nate headed straight for South Mississippi and canceled her return flight on Sunday. The only reasonable option was for her to hurry up and fly out the next morning, which left us with about a 18 hour visit. Y'all, I was DEVASTATED. I cried like a baby as we took her back to the airport. (<i>I know this sounds crazy, but if you have kids and live far away from family, you know exactly what I mean.</i>) I had been banking on some relief for 3 weeks and there was no end in sight for me. <i>Perhaps there were a few hormones involved too. </i>It was no one's fault and totally out of our control, but I was SO SAD. Anyway, if Hurricane Nate doesn't ring a bell for you, that's because it ended up being a little rain shower. Clearly, the Weather Channel was on HIGH ALERT after Harvey and Irma. </div>
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We tried to redeem the day by stopping by Oktoberfest in Southlake. It was super cute, but I admit, I ate my Bratswurst very grumpily. </div>
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Then there was "Cowboy Day" at school, and my boy WAS ALL IN. </div>
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I lucked up and found him some Wranglers and the CUTEST little cowboy shirt at the consignment shop. I think I was as obsessed as he was....<br />
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He pretty much dressed wore this look for the remainder of October.<br />
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We had appointment #2 with the little nugget, which gave me a scare, as they couldn't find her heartbeat with the regular Doppler device. So I rushed into a sonogram and everything was fine...she was just hiding.....(<i>this was at 12 weeks; SHE CAN'T HID ANYMORE.</i>) I'll be doing an extended post on my pregnancy/fun girly baby stuff soon...I hope...maybe before she's born.<br />
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Afterwards, we hit up Pumpkin Patch #2 with our Besties, Jorie and Preston. <br />
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Because after appointment #2, I COULDN'T WAIT to tell the world we were expecting....so we brought our props...</div>
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Greyson was SUPER into pumpkins in general this year, and also took to the Petting Zoos, which usually isn't his thing. I had to all but drag him away from the goats. </div>
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Our last pumpkin patch visit was to the <a href="http://www.dallasarboretum.org/">Dallas Arboretum</a>, of course. The MOTHER of all pumpkin patches. This places just takes my breath away every time I go. This year the theme was "Wizard of Oz", and it was spectacular. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">A great pumpkin patch picture is every Mother's dream come true, right?!!!</span></td></tr>
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And of course we had to "Follow the Yellow Brick Road"...</div>
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As I said, Lil G was super into the pumpkins this year. But he sealed the deal by KISSING the pumpkins on the way out of the Arboretum. Bless it.<br />
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Then this little muffin turned THREE, so I had to take a picture on his last night as a two year old. TEAR. Actually, there were lots of tears (<i>on both sides)</i> during the two's. But the transitions and changes from two to three are really amazing and it was a great year. <br />
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We celebrated with gifts and donuts since his party wasn't until November. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">His favorite gift was probably his Gecko costume, which is what he wanted to be for Halloween. Listen, this child is WAY into costumes. We are accumulating quite the collection. </span></td></tr>
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We headed to the new <a href="http://psmallen.com/">Playstreet in Allen</a>, and it was adorable! We stayed in the plane most of the time, because my pilot said we were "flying to Mississippi". Pretty sure that's the only place he thinks planes go. </div>
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Since we were destined to be in costume ALL of October, Greyson's school also hosted the "Noah's Ark Parade". Fortunately, my little guy is in the lower end of the growth percentile, and we re-used last year's monkey costume. </div>
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Jeremie and I left Greyson with "Aunt Jorie" for his first official "sleepover" with a friend, and we headed to College Station for the MSU/Aggie game. We've been once before and this school is just amazing with all their traditions and customs. </div>
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Our dear friends and Aggie Alumni, Holly and Clint met us down there and were the best tour guides. We had the best time! And the Bulldogs pulled off the win. ; )<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">This is in "Bottle Cap Alley"...a literal alley that is Lord knows how deep in <i>an assortment</i> of bottle caps. ; ) I know that the Aggies think "tradition", but all I was thinking was Tetnus shot. </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">At this point, the vest already wasn't zipping up. </span></td></tr>
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After checking out of our hotel, I noticed this sign for a business that I feel like sums up my life....</div>
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We got back into town and immediately headed to Trunk or Treat at our church. No rest for the weary!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">These are Clint and Holly's precious three that we all adore.</span></td></tr>
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We didn't plan on Trick-or-Treating for actual Halloween night, but Greyson was (of course) already in his costume and we thought what the heck. Lil Gecko enjoyed himself and was super into the candy this year. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">These little moments are what it's all about. Love making these memories with my people. </span></td></tr>
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Okay! And that was October! Fingers crossed that I can stay feeling good and get back to blogging more regularly again! November's up next! Stay tuned!Katie Wellshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11739283220730209147noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4427087944325003078.post-34293432328755827572017-11-21T17:22:00.001-05:002017-11-21T17:22:16.092-05:00Chief Greyson's Third Birthday <div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
I can't believe my sweet baby boy turned THREE last month! The transformation and changes from 2 to 3 has been mind blowing. </div>
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I'll admit the first part of the 2's was a battle of the "wills". (Greyson's newfound will vs. our will.) We experienced four alarm meltdown's, the "NO" stage, a three month period where he was terrified of baths, a long stretch where he ONLY allowed me to put him to bed, POTTY TRAINING (GOD BLESS), and his discovery of manipulation. It was quite a year. </div>
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But there have been so many amazing changes too. Greyson's communication skills increased exponentially. I have no idea where he picks up all these words (<i>actually, I have a strong guess...HE GET IT FROM HIS MAMA</i>), but he can essentially participate in a full conversation now. He remembers things about his day and even months ago, and really picks up on other's feelings and perceives cause and effect. Child still loves to dance like a fool, dress in multiple costumes a day, and loves his sweets. I don't have another child to compare him to, but in general, he is really just the most JOYFUL person in general that I've ever met. He gives every day all he's got and then just passes out from the sheer exhaustion from it. </div>
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And so I had to snap this last picture of my 2 year old the night before his 3rd birthday....</div>
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His birthday fell on a Monday, so we celebrated with presents and Shipley's donuts. </div>
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Afterwards, I took him to the new <a href="http://psmallen.com/">Playstreet</a> in Allen, which has a "Transportation" them. We spent most of our time in the plane while the "Pilot" bossed me around to load up my luggage and sit down in my seat. ; ). <i>We were headed to Mississippi by the way.</i> </div>
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A couple weeks later we held his actual birthday party, and of course we HAD to have a firefighter theme. Greyson has been utterly obsessed with all things firefighter/firetruck for over a year now, so I've actually been sitting on this theme since last year. It turned out super cute; every year I say "<i>Oh, this theme is my favorite!</i>" </div>
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I just can't throw a theme party without having theme food, so the "menu" so consisted of: 'Lil Smokies, Fireballs, Stop Drop & Cinnamon Rolls, Firehoses (Twizzlers), and Firetruck Fuel (beverages). Clearly none of this took much culinary effort, but just giving things a name makes it more festive! </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">My favorite part was the little kids table, which really came in handy at this age. No parents had to hover over kids trying to sit in big chairs and everything was accessible to them. </span></td></tr>
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The party room we held it in was perfect and the kids ran around like wildcats, just the way I envisioned. (<i><b>Party tip</b>: If you have your party offsite in a simple room, spread out a few toys for the kids to play with. I usually go with whatever theme the party is, so last year, I brought a bunch of toy trains, and this year I brought a few of Greyson's firetrucks. Because he only has 752 of them</i>.) </div>
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I loved this little backdrop that my sweet hubby and Father-in-law labored over right before the party. I swore to them there were no last minute projects, but let's face it, there always are. ; ) </div>
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After a very lively round of <strike>The Hunger Games</strike> opening presents in front of a group of toddlers, we headed to the fire station across the street for a tour. The firemen we so gracious to show us the inside of the station and then took us to the trucks and did some demonstrations with their equipment. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The kids loved giving the firefighter "High 5" after he was all geared up. Except Greyson. Despite his fascination, I think he was a little too Darth Vader with his oxygen mask on. </span></td></tr>
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Yet again, another year of parenthood has stretched and challenged us far beyond the mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual capacity we thought possible. But as all parents know, the love you have for your child is more than enough and makes every day more than worth it. </div>
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HAPPY "THREE" to my sweet boy. I love you with all my heart. </div>
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Katie Wellshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11739283220730209147noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4427087944325003078.post-59171009778402016412017-10-10T18:22:00.000-04:002017-10-10T18:22:48.557-04:00September Recap!<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
Happy Tuesday everyone, and for those of you in my neck of the woods, HAPPY FALL!!!! IT'S HERE! FOR A LIMITED TIME! SO ACT FAST! Throw on your scarves, boots, and leggings and put some Taco Soup on the stove! BUT. Keep your bathing suit handy, cuz it'll be 90 on Saturday, kay? </div>
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Anyway, I've been trying to recap September for a few days now, so let's see if I can actually finish it up! </div>
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September was fun and hot as Hades for the most part. September is slightly better than August because school is fully back in session, there's a three-day weekend, and it seems like Fall relief is just around the corner. (<i>Or at least we can throw some pumpkins on the front porch and try to convince ourselves of that.</i>) And I would say that football is back, but the Bulldogs have already thrown this season away, so I can't say I'm too invested in that anymore either. </div>
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We kicked off September with a super fun trip to <a href="https://lostpines.regency.hyatt.com/en/hotel/home.html">Hyatt's Lost Pines Resort</a> in Austin. You can read all about our trip <a href="http://jeremieandkatiewells.blogspot.com/2017/09/labor-day-getaway-hyatt-lost-pines.html">here</a>. It was a blast and if you're looking for the perfect family friendly getaway, this is it! </div>
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A few days later, I ended up sitting in the audience for Good Morning Texas! This was a super fun opportunity through Dallas Moms Blog! It was a Fall Fashion show and there were LOTS of giveaways. Jewelry. Home Decor. A $400 Brahmin bag. You know what I went home with? Some honey and plates that have flowers on them that are "portion-sized" so you know how much meat, veggies, and carbs to serve yourself. I could tell my skinny jeans didn't feel so skinny anymore, but GEEZ. Regardless, I had a great time with these ladies and it was super fun to see what happens behind the scenes. </div>
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That weekend, Greyson and I took off for Louisiana to go camping with my parents at Lake D'Arbonne. It was the most beautiful park! This was Greyson's first camping trip and needless to say, it was one of his favorite adventures! He loved building and watching the campfire with Pop...</div>
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And picnic-ing for every meal. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">CC had ALL the yummiest treats and meals prepared! </span></td></tr>
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We walked in the "woods"...</div>
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And played on the docks...</div>
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And even spotted a rare Sasquach! ; ) </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">My dad has quite the flare for the dramatic...he really worked this fake beard my mom found at the thrift store...</span></td></tr>
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We did some antiquing in the adorable town of Farmerville and had THE BEST catfish dinner at a little joint there. Greyson's first encounter with a jukebox, and he was amazed...</div>
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We had a blast with CC and Pop and Greyson can't wait to stay in the "little house" (camper) again!</div>
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On Saturday, we headed into Ruston for the MSU/LA Tech football game! Auntie Amy and Uncle Adam met us there! This was Greyson's first football game, so I didn't really know what to expect. (<i>Well, actually, as a well seasoned toddler-mom, I expected the worst.</i>) But he actually did GREAT! He was super into watching the band and the football game itself. He kept saying he wanted to go down and play "real football"....</div>
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The LA Tech fans were the most FRIENDLY fans I've ever met! The campus was beautiful and I loved the small town atmosphere! My grandfather's side is from Ruston, and my mom was born there, so for her, it's super special!</div>
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And let me tell you...LA TECH holds NO BARS on their halftime show. They ran a fireworks display THE ENTIRE length of halftime that rivals any Fourth of July display I've ever seen! Talk about perfect for kids! G was loving it! </div>
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The game started at 6:00, so he was tapped out after halftime. I decided not to push my luck, called it a success and got the heck out of dodge. We headed to our hotel and sacked out. </div>
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And there's nothing better than a good hotel breakfast the next morning......</div>
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And now, my friends, along with Fall comes birthday season. I don't know how this happened, but essentially, all of our friends have Fall birthdays, including G of course. </div>
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Our first stop was for our sweet friend Everett, who requested to celebrate at Chuckie Cheese. And I'll tell you, even his mom was like, "<i>REALLY? Anywhere else?</i>" But I admit, they put on a smashing birthday party. Everything was taken care of, there was more than enough entertainment for the kids, and zero clean up. And G had a downright blast. </div>
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Call me crazy, but Chuckie might be on the birthday short list in the future. The problem now is that Greyson remembers things and knows what Chuckie Cheese's is. Hopefully, he doesn't discern that it's only 2 miles down the road. </div>
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As I mentioned, MSU's football season has been a flop, but we've still enjoyed "tailgating" from home....</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">We call this the "Last Supper", as it was eaten during a fantastic win over LSU. I mean LSU, people; they're legit right? And then they got beat by Troy, so now we know. And we haven't won a game since. </span></td></tr>
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We finally made it to the Plano's famous Hot Air Balloon Festival. While there were some fun kid's activities, Summer was still going strong here in late September and there was not the first slice of shade to be had. I'm pretty sure the night glow is the way to go. ; ). </div>
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We still had a good time....</div>
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I'm pretty sure Greyson's favorite part was meeting Miss Texas. Heck, y'all know how I feel about pageants, so I think my favorite part was meeting Miss Texas. Especially since the Miss America pageant had just happened two weeks before! </div>
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That being said, I'm SUPER SAD to report that I did not host a Miss America watch party this year. It was the Sunday we returned from Ruston, so I just couldn't swing that. I really missed adorning my friends in sashes and crowns, but I begged J to watch AND PARTICIPATE in the judging with me, and my beloved agreed. He picked out his top 15, narrowed it down after each category and everything. I'm pretty sure this was as much torture for him as it would be for me to muscle through a 2 hour "Alaska Frontier" show, but he was a great sport! </div>
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Greyson is going through a "Costume" phase, where he changes outfits, or personas, about every 30 minutes. We go from Monkey, to Cowboy, to Pirate, to Construction Worker, to Firefighter, all in one day! It's quite entertaining. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">And believe it or not, this photo was not staged. He was in the monkey costume and instinctively asked for a banana. ; ) I died.</span></td></tr>
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We are slowly picking things up for Greyson's birthday party, and he requested me to take his picture with this cow piñata. </div>
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We made our first official trip to the pumpkin patch, and <a href="http://hallspumpkinfarm.net/">Hall's Pumpkin Farm</a> did not disappoint. They had a corn maze, farm animals, two playgrounds, a tractor race, hay ride, and of course, pumpkins! We had never been to this one before, but we'll definitely be back! I want to go at night when all those string lights are lit up! </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">I hope Greyson is down for a lifetime of cheesy photo opps with his Mom.</span> </td></tr>
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And that's it for September! The end of Greyson and Jeremie's sword fight kinda wraps up how I feel about it! </div>
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I think we're pretty much full speed ahead from now until through the holidays, but that's okay....because it's definitely my favorite time of the year!Katie Wellshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11739283220730209147noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4427087944325003078.post-2765880916736020162017-09-26T18:24:00.001-04:002017-09-26T18:24:33.086-04:00Labor Day Getaway: Hyatt Lost Pines <div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
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Well, I'm caught up to Labor Day weekend on the blog, so makin' progress! </div>
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We booked a semi-last minute getaway for Labor Day weekend to the <a href="https://lostpines.regency.hyatt.com/en/hotel/home.html">Hyatt Lost Pines</a> resort outside of Austin, and I'm so glad we did! I think ER'ONE in the family needed a little break from the ordinary. We'd heard great things about this resort and how family-friendly it was, so we decided to give it a try. (This post is not sponsored, just a personal review of our visit!) </div>
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Of course, you can't be on Highway 35 without stopping in West, Texas at <a href="http://www.slovacekwesttexas.com/">Slovacek's</a>. (I love the original <a href="http://www.slovacekwesttexas.com/">Czech Stop</a> too, but Slovacek's is just a little bit bigger, with some more options, making it more toddler friendly.) </div>
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While the boys chose ham and cheese sandwiches on freshly baked bread, I stood in line at the Kissing Pig Cafe for some good ole-fashioned BBQ. And it did Mama right. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Seriously, this place is so much more than a pit stop....there's the cafe, the deli with all sorts of treats, and amazing gifts and shopping! I'm not above doing some Christmas shopping at the gas station...trust me, if you are a recipient of one of these gifts, you'll NEVER KNOW....</span></td></tr>
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We finally made it to the other side of Austin and down the THREE MILE winding driveway to the lovely Lost Pines resort. It feels sorta in the middle of nowhere which we loved. But trust me, this place had every amenity of your heart's desire. </div>
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When we checked in, we were given a "Calendar of Events" for all the things going on during the weekend. And goodness me, it was like one big 3 day party.....</div>
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First up was a tractor ride down to the Colorado River.....</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">It doesn't get much better than a tractor ride for this baby.</span></td></tr>
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The property itself is something like 200 acres....it even has it's own stables and fields with Longhorns hanging out.....</div>
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That evening, I was "S'MORE" than excited (hehe) to participate in the S'More roasting. </div>
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The best part is that they had everything prepped for you! Marshmallows were already on the sticks and ready to go! </div>
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They even had servers attending the table and "assembling" your s'more for you! They have it down to a science! </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Surely there is a similar banquet table in Heaven.</span></td></tr>
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Greyson was QUITE THE FAN of the S'more. He's still talking about it and will randomly start listing out what's in a s'more and how to make it. (<i>Think he's hinting around?!</i>)</div>
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It helped that the weather was sheer perfection. September was already toying with the idea of Fall, so it wasn't brutally hot. The evening was SO BEAUTIFUL on the back lawn by the fire pit. Kids were running around playing and laughing; it really is the quintessential family resort.</div>
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The next day we decided to hit up the pool(s). More like an aquatic resort, if you will. I loved that everything is built around a grove of pecan trees and there are beach chairs and relaxing areas tucked away around all of the water features. This place is complete with a kiddie pool, a splash pad, a small sandy "beach" with a zero entry into a pool, lazy river, a water slide (that lands into the lazy river) and a private Adult Only pool in case you are one of the lucky ones that gets to break away from the CRAZY and enjoy some quiet time. (<i>We were not those people.</i>) Regardless, we really enjoyed it! Greyson is still not a big fan of a lazy river, but he enjoyed the splash pad and kiddie pool. And really the best part about it is that there is a full service staff walking around, so you can just order food and drinks while you splash around with the fam all day! </div>
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The ONLY negative thing about the pool situation is that (other than the adult pool I'm assuming), there wasn't a regular/traditional pool that you can actually "swim" in. The zero entry beach pool is probably 3 feet at it's deepest. I know it's meant to be more of an "activity pool" with the volleyball net and basketball goal, but me and Jeremie felt a little weird just standing knee deep in the water. Greyson likes to do "Candy Balls" off the side of pools, so this wasn't really a possibility in the pool or the lazy river. And since the main pool WAS zero entry from the sandy beach, I could just feel sand in the pool. And listen, after what WAS a glorious week at the beach this summer, I still have PTSD from all the sand. </div>
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The water activities did seem to be pure JOY for older kids. Jeremie and I commented that ONE DAY, we WILL be the parents laying in the cabana with the kids old enough to run back and forth from the slide to the lazy river and just come back when they're hungry. I'm not rushing it, BUT WE WILL BE THOSE PARENTS, RIGHT? Please, older parents, assure me. </div>
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The next day we took advantage of the many other amenities on the resort. We didn't fish, but look how charming the little morning fishing was.....</div>
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One of Greyson's favorite things was the bike selection. Under a beautiful grove of pecan trees, they have all sizes of bikes from toddler to adult! He found a "motorcycle" that we about couldn't get him off off. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Jeremie loved toting him around in this little bike seat...it was adorable!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Every cyclist needs his cowboy boots right?</span></td></tr>
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Good thing he had his cowboy boots on, because later in the day we stumbled upon a Cow Ropin' lesson....and my little Texan got it on his FIRST TRY...</div>
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To complete your Texas experience, they brought out their very own mascot Longhorns for a photo opp....<br />
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Racing down the LOOOOONG hallway was a favorite for the weekend...</div>
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And so was the horse inside, who Greyson deemed "Miss Sally"....</div>
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More hallway fun....</div>
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After nap time, we caught Mississippi State's first football game....</div>
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And then caught the train ride...more than once...</div>
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This was pretty much the scene at the end of each day....COWBOY WAS TIRED.</div>
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The resort has like 7 dining options on the property from poolside food to fine dining. (Which again, we did not get to participate in.) BUT everything/everywhere we did eat was incredible! The first night, we ordered pizza from Old Fashion Creamery and took it to our room, and it was probably one of the best pizzas I've ever had. We did the buffet at one restaurant for breakfast and dinner, and listen, it wasn't Golden Corral people. When I walked in and saw the DESSERT TABLE complete with a fondue fountain, I giggled like a school girl. The food at all the stations was fresh and delicious...our favorite was also the "Create your own Pasta Dish" station. #givemeallthealfredo</div>
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The last night we ate at the restaurant on the golf course, called Major Neighbors. It was divine!<br />
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And how charming was the fire pit that night with everyone sitting around it?!</div>
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We had the best time and will certainly be back. If you are looking for a family friendly-one stop shop resort, this is it! You don't even have to leave the property and there is more to do than you even have time for! (There are a TON of extra activities from horseback riding to scavenger hunts to airboat rides!) I'll also add that they DO have a "Kid's Camp" so you can get a little time away if you'd like. <br />
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Of course the resort itself was incredible, but I am always so refreshed when we just get away for some family time. Just a change of scenery and routine always makes me realize that I might be taking life a little too seriously sometimes, if that makes sense! ; )<br />
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So that was our trip! Good thing I always do a thorough check of the hotel room before we leave.....because apparently Greyson had put his new Armadillo (<i>also "Miss Sally"</i>) down for a nap in the closet. <br />
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She did nap with with him on the way home though...</div>
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Katie Wellshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11739283220730209147noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4427087944325003078.post-67853623443555001992017-09-22T15:45:00.001-04:002017-09-22T15:45:55.711-04:00Friday Favorites!<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
Well HELLO AGAIN and Happy Friday! I'm already patting myself on the back for attempting to post 2 days in a row! Fingers crossed that I actually finish this post, because it's nap time and Mama needs a minute.... ; ) </div>
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As Greyson says (<i>well, he copies this phrase from me</i>) <b>"BUT FIRST"</b> (<i>with the #1 finger by his mouth</i>), let me give you my Friday Favorites....linking up with <a href="http://tabanderika.blogspot.com/">Erika</a> today!</div>
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This week seemed to fly by and we had a good one. I always count it as a WIN when Greyson is healthy enough to make it to both days of MDO AND Bible Study! Here are some fav moments from this week:</div>
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<b>1) Football Saturday:</b> After traveling for the first TWO weeks of football season, this was the first weekend we got to be HOME and do our classic tailgate spread and watch the game together at home. It was GLORIOUS. </div>
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But EVEN MORE GLORIOUS than this spread was the fact that WE KICKED LSU'S TIGER TAIL. Listen. I DESPISE the LSU game, because they ALWAYS seem to come back from the grave and whoop us. But there was not field-goal decider.....no last minute plays....no over our double-over time. It was a good-ole fashion whoopin'. And hey-I'm sorry LSU, but this has only happened twice in the last 16 years, so lemme just dwell in this, and I'll celebrate again next decade. </div>
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<b>2) Chuckie Cheese Birthday Party:</b> Ok, so I Chuckie Cheese is a LOT rowdy, but oh my goodness, Greyson had THE BEST time at a birthday party here on Saturday morning. I have never taken him to CC...(was kinda avoiding it), but the kid was enamored with everything from the games to rides to the light up dance floor to Chuckie himself. It is always a favorite to see my little guy enjoy himself. </div>
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<b>3) Sweet reminders</b>: I bought this print a while back that says "Love Your Season". This reminds me of Ecclesiastes 3:11, which has always been a very special verse to me. In what we consider "chaos", I often have to remind myself to "Love Your Season". I finally got it framed this week and love passing by it each day! (I also love that it was designed by Emily Ley, who has great planners and I'm loving her book, <a href="https://www.emilyley.com/products/grace-not-perfection-book">Grace Not Perfection</a>.)</div>
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<b>4) Preacher Man: </b>In other deep thoughts, Greyson has been ALL ABOUT the B-I-B-L-E this week, which is adorable. Between our little chat, MDO, and Bible Study on Wednesday, he is REALLY soaking some things up. He carried it around with him all week and would sit down and say: "This is the Bible, God's TRUE WORD. Everything in it is TRUE." And then when I'd ask him to tell me a story from the Bible, he'd open it up and say: "<i>David fought the giant. But what did he do BEFORE he fought the giant</i>?".....PAUSE....."<i>Pray to God</i>". And yes, I melted over and over and over again. The fact that he is actually absorbing this is mind-blowing. </div>
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<b>5) Happy Fall Y'all:</b> And finally, TODAY is the first day of Fall, despite the fact that our temps still begin with a "9". It is supposed to cool down next week, but I just couldn't wait to get started on the Fall cooking and decor. So last week, I whipped up the Sausage balls, taco soup, pumpkin bread, and wassail! (This is actually a sneak peek of my upcoming Collin County Blogpost too!) </div>
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Okay!!! It's official! I officially made it through this post and blogged 2 days in a row....I think it's Gecko's expression from yesterday's PJ Mask episode is fitting for how I'm feeling.....</div>
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Hope you had a great weekend and here's to a wonderful weekend!!!!<br />
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<br />Katie Wellshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11739283220730209147noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4427087944325003078.post-13706753091971901902017-09-21T12:59:00.000-04:002017-09-21T12:59:30.949-04:00August Recap {Better Late Than Never} <div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
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WOW. The August Recap passed me by without a fleeting thought. (I considered joining August and September, but DEAR GOODNESS that stress me out.) So we'll hit Rewind and reminisce. </div>
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I'm usually not a Negative Nancy, but to be honest, a general look back at August does not fill me with warm thoughts. It seemed to hold everything from horrible natural disasters to my BFF's Dad suddenly being diagnosed with Stage 4 Lung Cancer, to a health scare for my brother-in-law (<i>who is in remission from lymphoma.</i>) GEEZ. The Lord's ear certainly heard HEAVILY from The Wells household in August. </div>
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I will say that it was amazing to watch our country respond <i>whole-heartedly</i> to ALL who were suffering from the hurricanes, my friend's Dad was in a ONE PERCENT grouping who didn't required classical chemo, and my brother-in-law's scare is just an infection. PRAISE THE LORD for answered prayers. </div>
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And in the meantime, there certainly were some fun moments in August. So let's chin-up and celebrate those, shall we? </div>
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Greyson goes through monthly obsessions, and this month it was "Cowboy Music" (<i>Garth Brooks Pandora station</i>) and Cowboy boots. NO ONE in the household is exempt from wearing the boots. Weather they match your workout shorts or pajamas or whatever...you'd better put them on or you've got yourself a four alarm toddler meltdown.</div>
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I also got to spend a whole weekend in Downtown Dallas with my fabulous Dallas/Collin County Moms Blog Executive Team. I am really enjoying my new "job" and connecting moms is just my jam. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The view overlooking Victory Park didn't hurt either.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Since there are 17 of us, you can hardly tell, but we're in front of one of the famous "Big D" signs that are scattered throughout the city!</span></td></tr>
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While I did enjoy my "adult" weekend....I'll admit, I feel like Jeremie and Greyson were living pretty BIG while I was gone! </div>
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And then we slowly slipped into those final few weeks of August that could also be known as the 7th Circle of Hell. It's late summer. IT'S HOT AS...WELL...YEAH. School hasn't started yet and I'm out of ideas and everybody's losing their minds. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Greyson even started doing this thing where he fought his nap with VENGEANCE. His crib acrobatics rivaled an Olympic audition. The first few times, I'd get him up and muster through the afternoon, but after a few days, I just sort let him flip until he passed out. </span></td></tr>
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We had to get creative....so we lined up our trucks...smallest to largest....(this is developmental, right?)</div>
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We played "Hide the Animals" in the dark....</div>
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AND FINALLY......SCHOOL STARTED.....</div>
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Mama dropped him off....and although I felt like I just left one of my limbs at school...I did not cry on the way out as other Mamas CLAIM TO DO...</div>
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Instead, my girl Lindsey and I headed to the local cafe and had this.....</div>
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AND THIS.....</div>
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And the relief just continued.....even the temps started falling....</div>
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So naturally, I had to buy THIS from Costco....</div>
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We finally met up with our BFF's, The Reiter's for a family dinner and park date....</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">This picture took about 15 minutes to get in order, in fact, we had to promise little Preston that he could count to 100 if he would be still. (YES, HE CAN COUNT TO 100 AND MY KID'S STILL MIXING LETTERS AND NUMBERS.) But in the end, we were all happy to catch a family memory. </span></td></tr>
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And that was August! The good, the bad, and the ugly. We have rolled through September like a steam train, and hopefully I'll be catching up soon! </div>
Katie Wellshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11739283220730209147noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4427087944325003078.post-39942688840242138032017-08-30T21:43:00.000-04:002017-08-30T21:47:49.584-04:00The Summer O' DONE<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
Do you remember about 12 WEEKS ago, when I announced the beginning of the "SUMMER O' FUN". I was all EAGER. ANTICIPATING. FULL OF ENERGY. I even made a logo. </div>
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It is cute. And listen. It WAS fun. LOTS of fun. Lots of laughs. Lots of new adventures, lots of old favorites. Lots of sunscreen. And pool time. And pictures. And memories made. It was one for the books. (<i>Or the blogs, if you will.</i>) Our Summer 'O Fun lived up to all my expectations and I even though I feel exhausted, I look back at what all we squeezed into 12-ish weeks, and I'm more exhausted! </div>
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I never recapped Week 11, but we went out with a bang, and one of them probably won the "<i><b>Activity of the Summer Award</b></i>".....</div>
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And that was the <b><a href="http://www.dallasfiremuseum.com/">Dallas Firefighters Museum</a>.</b> Located in the old Fair Park Fire Station that was built in 1907, this place is truly a historic jewel and TODDLER fantasy, if that makes any sense. It is filled with antique firetrucks and equipment downstairs, and amazing memorabilia upstairs. (<i>There is also a little kids theatre upstairs that shows darling little safety videos!</i>) </div>
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There is a full "locker room" of kid-sized fireman jackets and hats and the kids are free to climb aboard the firetrucks! It was seriously a dream come true for all our little people! </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Does it get ANY CUTER THAN THIS, PEOPLE?</td></tr>
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Admission is free to the museum and they do tours, most of which we didn't get to catch, but would love to in the future. The gentlemen hosting the tour is a former firefighter and was actually on duty when J.F.K was assassinated. </div>
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Everyone in the museum was SO friendly and they even gave all the kids little goodie bags with badges, coloring books, and fire hats. </div>
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The museum was such a treat and we will definitely be back! </div>
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On a whim last Saturday, we headed to the <a href="https://dallasfarmersmarket.org/">Dallas Farmers Market</a> in downtown. And oh my goodness, we LOVED IT! I can't believe we've never been here before! Definitely marked this one on in the "Surprise Finds" in the Summer 'O Fun category! </div>
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Along with the traditional outdoor Farmer's Market pavilion, there was a huge indoor pavilion with amazing food vendors and boutiques! </div>
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The following Tuesday, our Summer 'O Fun officially ended as we did meet the teacher and had our 2nd Annual Mother/Son lunch afterwards at Mcallister's across the street. (They have the best $.99 kid's menu!) </div>
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I am happy to be back on a schedule, and even Greyson kept saying he was "Ready for Schooltime!" Looking back over all of our Summer 'O Fun posts though, it's hard to pick favorites! We loved our trips to Mississippi, the beach, Greyson's first trip to the movies, the arboretum with Dad, lots of time with friends, G's first trip to the Stockyards, Sandy Lake, Rainforest Cafe, and so on! If you wanna catch up on all of our summer outings...you can find them here: <br />
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<a href="http://jeremieandkatiewells.blogspot.com/2017/06/the-summer-o-fun-week-1.html">Week 1</a><br />
<a href="http://jeremieandkatiewells.blogspot.com/2017/06/summer-o-fun-week-2.html">Week 2</a><br />
<a href="http://jeremieandkatiewells.blogspot.com/2017/06/summer-o-fun-week-3.html">Week 3</a><br />
<a href="http://jeremieandkatiewells.blogspot.com/2017/07/the-summer-o-fun-week-4.html">Week 4</a><br />
<a href="http://jeremieandkatiewells.blogspot.com/2017/07/the-summer-o-fun-weeks-5-6-and-7-ish.html">Weeks 5, 6, and 7-ish</a><br />
<a href="http://jeremieandkatiewells.blogspot.com/2017/08/the-summer-o-fun-week-8.html">Week 8</a><br />
<a href="http://jeremieandkatiewells.blogspot.com/2017/08/the-summer-o-fun-week-9.html">Week 9</a><br />
<a href="http://jeremieandkatiewells.blogspot.com/2017/08/the-summer-o-fun-week-10.html">Week 10</a><br />
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I hope you had an amazing Summer! As we were out and about, I still found even MORE things to put on next year's list! So when that time comes....Summer 2018, I'll be ready for ya! <br />
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Until then....this <b>Summer is 'O Done! </b>Katie Wellshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11739283220730209147noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4427087944325003078.post-80921460869791846572017-08-25T15:25:00.002-04:002017-08-25T15:25:40.717-04:00Friday Favorites: Summer Shenanigans (At Home)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
WHOO HOO and HAPPY FRIDAY Y'ALL! We officially wrapped up the "Summer 'O Fun" this week as Greyson started Mother's Day Out. And the all the Mama said...AAAAMMMMMEEENNN!!!! I have had the best time with that little stinker, but even he was ready to go back to school! </div>
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Today, I'm linking up with <a href="https://graceandloveblog.com/">Narci</a>, who is sharing some darling "transition" pieces, as we are about to move into that very awkward time where it'll soon be Fall, but still be blazing hot. <i>Not summer enough to sport the Lily Pulitzer, but not Fall enough to wear a sweater. </i></div>
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Since we are wrapping up The Summer 'O Fun this week, I'll share some of the fun "at home" activities that have been most popular in the Wells household this summer. Even though I've mainly been posting about our big outings and activities, we actually DID have a lot of time at home together which has been so much fun! Even though I would LOVE to get out and about every day, this little cherub does ask to "stay at home" often. And I'm always glad when we do. Here were some of our shenanigans around the house...</div>
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1)<b> Firefighter Play</b>: If this child doesn't grow up to be a firefighter, I don't know what he'll be. He's obsessed. So EVERY DAY, we MUST do something firefighter related....respond to emergencies, rescue cats out of trees, and on this particular day, the solo cups were our "masks". He ALWAYS gives me the cheapo flimsy hat and says: "<i>Here, you get to wear the SPECIAL hat</i>" </div>
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Nice try buddy... but I wasn't born yesterday...you ain't foolin' me...</div>
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<b>2) The Chore Chart: </b>I decided that if G was smart enough to remember what a "hydraulic boom arm" is in a Blaze episode, he's smart enough to get the concept of chores and allowance. So I purchased this very fancy chart with stickers from the Dollar Tree at the beginning of the summer, and every time he'd help me with something, I'd let him put a sticker on the chart and I'd give him a little money. (We started out doing following the days of the week, but I'll be honest, fell off of that! ) We kept his money in a little monkey coin pouch and at the end of the week, I'd take it with us to a store and let him pick out and "pay" for a toy. Normally, he would spot something in Wal-Mart or wherever we were at the beginning of the week and remember it! He'd talk about all the way until we broke down and went back for it on Friday! The Chore Chart was really surprisingly successful and one of my favorite things we did this summer. He grasped the concept much more than I really anticipated and when he really had his heart set on something, he'd say: Let's do some chores and get some money!" </div>
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FYI-The "chores" I asked him to do were very simple. Like taking a few boxes to the recycling bin, throwing clothes into the washing machine, wiping the banister with a wet rag, etc. We will certainly keep the Chore Chart alive. </div>
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<b>3) Bear Hunts: </b>Greyson's little cards from MDO used to say that "Today we went on a Bear Hunt!" I never knew what exactly that meant, but sounded super fun! So one raining day, we got a flashlight and went up to Greyson's room, which is dark because of the blackout curtains. I would gather all his stuffed bears and hide them around the room while he waited outside the door. Then I'd let him in and he'd search for the bears with his flashlight. I started simple with my hiding, and then would get more advanced, like putting one in the dresser drawer with just the foot hanging out. </div>
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It was SO much fun that we would do all kinds of groupings of animals he had....Monkey Hunt, Doggie Hunt, Turtle Hunt...(he has a LOT of stuffed animals.) This activity kept us occupied MANY a day. </div>
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<b>4) Bunny Hunts:</b> Our Bear Hunts then inspired Bunny hunts outside since our neighborhood is OVERRUN with little Peter Cottontails. We have had some pretty hot weather at the end of the summer, but honestly, the larger portion of it wasn't terrible. I really like to get out of the house, so this made a normal walk around the neighborhood much more enticing to G! Greyson asks to go on a "Bunny Hunt" almost every day! And now that I think about it, we could apply this to anything and all seasons....Bird Hunt, Flower Hunt, Acorn Hunt, etc....</div>
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<b>5) Home Playdates: </b>And finally, I feel like we just had friends over to play at home a lot this summer, which I loved. While I intentionally planned a lot of outings, I also left a lot of space free to say YES to last minute playdates or spur of the moment get togethers. I feel like those are sometimes the most fun because everybody's sort of in a natural element..the kids just get to play with toys and I actually get to chat with my friends without watching G like a hawk. </div>
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The sandbox and ice cream for the win.....</div>
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So that was our "Summer in the Meantime", if you will. It's not far from me that our summers together are precious, valuable, and limited. Once camps, tournaments, and other summer activities start, our long days together will dwindle. So I'm glad I was able to have this time with G this summer and I know I'll look back on our shenanigans (<i>event the tacky fireman hat</i>) and cherish these times!Katie Wellshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11739283220730209147noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4427087944325003078.post-53581595115899091962017-08-23T15:43:00.000-04:002017-08-23T15:43:18.818-04:00Serious Conversations<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
Lately, Greyson has been really into a Mississippi State snow globe that I gave Jeremie for Christmas a long time ago. He loves to hear it play the fight song and shake the "snow" in it. We also tell him about all the buildings on campus that are in the snow globe and the fun memories we've had there...</div>
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<b>The Drill Field</b>....where the brick is that has our names and wedding date inscribed. I revealed it to Jeremie on the day of our wedding....</div>
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<b>The Football Field</b>...where we've spent countless hours tailgating and cheering on the Bulldogs...</div>
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<b>Lloyd Ricks</b>...the Agricultural building where I took all of my classes...</div>
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<b>The Coliseum</b>...where basketball games are played and where we walked across the stage with our diplomas...</div>
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<b>Lee Hall</b>...one of the oldest buildings on campus....(which also happens to be "Pop's name", I tell him) </div>
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<b>The Chemistry Building</b>...where both of us STRUGGLED (<i>I'll admit, Jeremie was in much harder chemistry classes than I</i>) </div>
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And of course...<b>The Chapel Of Memories</b>...where "Mommy and Daddy got married"...</div>
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I keep telling Greyson that maybe one day he'll go to school at Mississippi State and make his own memories on campus. </div>
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Meanwhile...he's soaking this all up more than I know. </div>
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Today while he was looking at the globe, he says...."I go to Mississippi State?" And I said...."<i>Sure buddy....as long as you don't go to <strike>Ole Miss</strike> another school up North". </i></div>
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He pointed to a building we don't talk about much (<i>because I wasn't smart enough to be in it</i>), and said: <i>"What's that place?"</i> I told him it would make Mama VERY PROUD if he ended up in that building, because that... is the ENGINEERING BUILDING. </div>
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And he quickly replies "<i>NO, I wanna go to the football field and watch the Bulldogs play.</i>" Okay. Seems like we have a boy who is already destined to skip class for sports. </div>
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He continues on and spots the "America Flag", and water tower, and then his next comment split my soul in two....</div>
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He pointed to the Chapel and said: "<i>And I could get married there, too</i>"...</div>
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And I about lost it all right there. I told him "<i>Yes, you could, baby.</i>" And in my head I'm thinking GOD BLESS THE GIRL THAT TAKES MY BABY AWAY. Just kidding. Sort of.</div>
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But this "conversation" has me envisioning him <b>growing up</b>. Being school age. Then High School age. And then I pictured him actually walking around campus with his backpack (<i>No, not a Pottery Barn one with dump trucks and his name adorably embroidered on the back</i>). And even though I KNOW he won't be a toddler forever, sometimes it seems like it. Sometimes I don't prepare for the next stage because I'm just trying to get through this one. </div>
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And even though it made me sorta weepy, it was actually encouraging. Because it gave even more purpose to our days. (<i>Besides mastering potty skills and putting food on the table.</i>) I am literally preparing him to be a "BIG BOY"... a disciple, a gentleman, a student, a professional, a grown up...and yes...hopefully one day, <i>a husband</i>. (Lord have mercy, I'm tearing up as I type it!) </div>
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If his thoughts are this complex at almost 3 years old, what will he be thinking at 5...6...10...16? </div>
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This little mini-conversation gave me a fresh perspective, new goals for our future "conversations", and definitely some details that I can start praying about in his life that just haven't been on my radar. </div>
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I found several quotes about children growing up (<i>another great way to cry your eyes out</i>), and I especially loved this one...</div>
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Katie Wellshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11739283220730209147noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4427087944325003078.post-58233976030001368852017-08-18T17:04:00.000-04:002017-08-18T17:04:06.604-04:00Friday Favorites<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
HAPPY FRIDAY! I'm a little late posting, but better late than never, right?! </div>
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OH, Friday, how I love thee. The moment that Jeremie's truck rolls up on a Friday afternoon is about my favorite thing in the world. Of course, I'm always excited to see that handsome face, and Friday means a weekend of family time together, but let's be real, it also means two extra hands. Because this week, the little bandit has turned into a "Threenager", as they say. </div>
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Regardless, we've had some good moments, so let's recap them, shall, we? Today I'm linking up with <a href="http://tabanderika.blogspot.com/">Erika</a>, who is recapping her fab trip to L.A., and reviewing her trip to Warner Bros. Studios, which looks SO FUN, and something I'd love to do one day! </div>
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1) Last Friday, I said PEACE OUT to the fam and headed downtown to our Dallas/Collin County Moms Blog Executive retreat. I felt like I had gone through a time-warp when I arrived at the swanky W Hotel. Hours before I was at the splash pad full of toddlers, and now I was standing in the lobby with the Harlem Globetrotters. (<i>No kidding. I did not go fan-crazy though and get pictures.</i>) </div>
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Our suite literally overlooked Victory Park! </div>
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I had the best time working, planning, and chatting with these ladies and eating multiple meals with two hands! </div>
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2) Meanwhile, Jeremie FULLY REVELED of being the FUN PARENT. </div>
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<b><i>I was getting pictures like this....</i></b></div>
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<i><b>And this...</b></i></div>
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<b><i>And this...</i></b></div>
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So it's safe to say that Greyson was probably a little disappointed when I walked in the door on Sunday afternoon. I did notice that he seemed to have been in the SAME outfit ALL weekend (based on FaceTime and pictures), and Jeremie confessed that he TOTALLY FORGOT to put him in his pajamas on Saturday night. Like it didn't even hit him until the next morning when he woke him up and G was still in his play clothes! I laughed SO HARD.<br />
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3) This week G and I took a trip to Costco for a few items <i>(I bribe him by telling him they'll be samples.)</i> Costco typically overwhelms me because nothing is ever the same OR in the same place. But we got what we needed and I seriously could have bought my entire Fall wardrobe there. Just look at this long sleeve tunic top and puffer vest. You can't see the vest well, but it's a soft cotton fabric and is actually flattering for a vest, because its kinda rouched. (<i>Spelling?</i>) Anyway, I'm pretty sure this will be my fall/winter uniform. </div>
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Greyson picked out a little fishing hat. And ate 7 samples of the smoked sausage. </div>
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4) So my little cherub has been giving me a really hard time with his nap this week. Like, it's been miserable. One day he just didn't nap at all. Another day he SCREAMED like a banshee. I tried all the things to help comfort him and realized none of it was working. So he screamed until he gave up. And another day he took to gymnastics in his crib. Like he was trying out for Team USA. </div>
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SIGH. It's an understatement to say that a difficult nap time makes for a difficult mama. Apparently it's something in the moon (<i>or the upcoming solstice everybody's all talking about</i>), because apparently several of my friends with similar ages kids were doing the exact same thing this week! Heaven help. </div>
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5) And today, my child truly AMAZED me. We've been keeping a "Chore Chart" this summer, and Greyson has legitimately been helping me with simple tasks like taking the recycling to the bin, throwing the clothes in the wash, or wiping down the banister, etc. He gets a little "chore money" each time, and at the end of the week, we take it to a store and I let him pick out a toy. (<i>Usually, he's been eyeing a certain one he's seen before.</i>). Sure enough, ALL week, he's been talking about this "Ambulance" that he saw "at Superhero Story Time." We DID go to Superhero Story Time at Barnes and Noble TWO WEEKS AGO, and I had NO RECOLLECTION of any ambulance. But I decided to trust his iron-sharp memory, and today, we trotted into the book store and sure enough, he walked straight to the kids area to a display of toys from the Cars 3 movie. And there it was, plan as day....the Ambulance. He said "That's It!" and I seriously had to pick up my jaw as it had dropped to the floor. He has been happy as a lark with his new purchase today. </div>
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That's all I've got today! Hope everyone has a great weekend!Katie Wellshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11739283220730209147noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4427087944325003078.post-84474839499387714512017-08-16T16:00:00.001-04:002017-08-16T16:01:17.614-04:00The Summer 'O Fun Week 10! <div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
We are down to the wire here people and just rounded up week 10! This week (Week 11) is our LAST "official" week of the Summer 'O Fun before school starts! I can't believe it! We have had an absolute BLAST, but it's about to be the Summer 'O DONE. Time to get back to a routine, people. </div>
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Anyway, we checked out a couple new places on our bucket list during Week 10, but also did some repeats! </div>
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<a href="https://lakefrontlittleelm.com/amenities/little-elm-beach/">The Little Elm Beach</a> went on our list pretty quick this year because a lot of my friends had mentioned it! We finally got around to visiting on a cloudy day, which was actually pretty fabulous since it wasn't blazing heat. This beach is adorable! It has a large sandy area, beach volleyball, and I think you can rent kayaks. There's a couple of restrooms and stations to wash the sand off your feet before you get in the car! There's also a little cafe that is super reasonable and smelled great! (We didn't eat there, cause we planned to go to Hula Hut!) </div>
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This place totally quenched our beach desire here in Texas! As far as Greyson was concerned, we were at the real beach! He enjoyed playing in the sand, and the water was actually really nice too! On the same property (within walking distance) is a darling playground too! Little Elm has really designed this park/playground well and there's SO MANY Events and Activities to check out on the beach like Movie in the Park, Autumn Fest, Christmas at the Beach, and a Kids Fishing Tournament. You can find all their events <a href="https://lakefrontlittleelm.com/event/">here</a>! We will definitely be back! </div>
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About a mile down the road, and situated on the other side of the lake is the most darling Austin based restaurant, called <a href="http://www.hulahutlittleelm.com/">Hula Hut</a>. </div>
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As you know, I'm a sucker for atmosphere, and this place certainly has it! It's the wildest combination of Mexican and Hawaiian. In fact, on their website it's called "Mexonisian". The decor is laid back and fun and there's an awesome outdoor area you can walk around with ducks, a volcano and dolphin fountain. SUPER ENTERTAINING for the little ones. Our waitress even gave Greyson some duck food because he was <strike>melting down</strike> being so charming.</div>
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We didn't have to wait, but there's some cute stuff out front if you did! Our food was really good and the overall experience is just super fun and family friendly! I definitely recommend it! </div>
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The next day we made another appearance at <a href="http://www.sandylake.com/">Sandy Lake Amusement Park</a> with our friends. This place just never disappoints! So fun and charming! </div>
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They had even opened up the "Rocket ship Ride" which Greyson rode THREE TIMES. He had to experience from the driver's seat AND the shooter's seat! </div>
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That afternoon, we headed over to my friend Jorie's house for lunch, nap, and play! I totally forgot that Preston has transitioned to a toddler bed, so I had no idea what G would do. MUCH to my surprise, he laid right down and napped like normal! This helps me wrap my brain around transitioning! I had to get a picture when he woke up! He looked like such a big boy! </div>
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After nap time, we played on Preston's new and very exiting water slide! G was a little apprehensive about this, but they had a good time. Of course I went down it and thought it was a blast! ; ) </div>
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Later in the week, we joined <a href="http://dallas.citymomsblog.com/">Dallas Moms Blog</a> on their Playdate tour at <a href="https://www.polkadotpartyandplay.com/">Polka Dot Party + Play</a>. They had ALL the fireman gear, so guess what G did for an hour and half. He ESPECIALLY enjoyed reporting the "Emergencies" into the play walkie talkie. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">And yes, those are Paw Patrol slippers. We bought them at Target earlier that day and he REFUSED to take them off. I resigned to the fact that he's still young enough to wear slippers in public and people still think it's cute. </span></td></tr>
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And finally, we took lunch to Daddy's office! This was on our Summer Bucket List and we've done it maybe 2 other times this summer. We really love seeing him during the day, and he says it definitely brightens his day, too. And even though Greyson doesn't fully understand, I think it's good to expose him to Jeremie's office and see where he is all day. Eventually he'll catch on and understand that this is "Work." (<i>It also reminds ME how hard he works every day!</i>)</div>
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At one point during lunch, Greyson was playing with an unplugged phone, but Jeremie got a real phone call....and I had to snap this picture....<br />
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This is definitely something I want to do more all year round! </div>
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And that's it! Week 10 is in the books and next week will be my LAST Summer 'O Fun post! We're trying to finish strong and stay sane! I'll let you know how that goes next week....; ) </div>
Katie Wellshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11739283220730209147noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4427087944325003078.post-86820723875223048332017-08-11T09:51:00.003-04:002017-08-11T09:51:58.106-04:00Friday Favorites: {Extra}Ordinary Moments...<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
HAPPY FRIDAY LADIES!!!! Whoo hoo!!! We made it! I'm headed to Downtown Dallas all weekend for a <a href="http://dallas.citymomsblog.com/">Dallas</a>/<a href="http://collincounty.citymomsblog.com/">Collin County Moms Blog</a> Executive Retreat! I'm super excited, and my boys are actually equally excited to commence what they are calling the "<b>Manly Man Weekend</b>." Apparently there's gonna be lots of pizza, donuts, and I'm guessing camouflage will be worn at some point.</div>
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But first, I'm linking up with <a href="http://tabanderika.blogspot.com/">Erika</a> today for the usual Friday Favorites! She's sharing some adorable back-to-school kids fashions today! </div>
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We've had a fairly "low key" week, and now are just ONE week away from "school" starting back up! I was telling a friend that as busy as we've been this summer, we've had equal amounts of time at home just hanging out. The transformation from 2 year to 3 years has been astounding and fun and hilarious, (and all the other emotions you can think of.) </div>
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But when I was looking through our pictures this week, and I'm just loving the regular, every day moments we are having. The thing about parenthood though is that there really AREN'T an regular, ordinary days. There are no days that look exactly like the one before, or just run of the mill. You can run on a routine, but 99% of the time, kids do something totally unexpected. They are doing new things, remembering things, and using that wild imagination to come up with the most hilarious conversations. Every day, there is something brand new and unexpected and well, ANYTHING but ordinary. And that's actually my favorite part of parenthood! </div>
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On Sunday, we were hanging around at the house and me and Jeremie were just kinda running on empty tanks. G though, was full of energy and enthuse, so Jeremie got creative and made a "racing ramp" out of his truck ramps and some wood planks. That lead to building balance beams and forts and all sorts of fun. These wooden beams lasted us the entire afternoon. </div>
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Greyson is in FULL FORM in the mornings. He often wants to bring a new "friend" downstairs for breakfast, and on this day, "Lion" (very original) ate with him in the chair. </div>
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This week, Greyson has also been REALLY into turning on Pandora and playing "Cowboy music". BUT, we also have to both put on our cowboy boots AND HATS. So we've had a few dance parties in our pj's this week. </div>
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Most mornings, I TRY to have like 10 minutes of "Learning Time" where we got through the Alphabet and read a Bible Story. (Listen, that's about all his attention span and my patience can handle.) Greyson is taking one from his school days and likes to tell me where to sit, and then he sits on the couch and is the "Teacher". He says "We're going to to a story now. You ready?" And proceeds to teach and preach. I hear a lot of mumbling and then a random "Jesus" sprinkled throughout. It's adorable. </div>
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This week, we headed over to "Aunt Jorie's" after our morning playdate for lunch. G needed little nap though and I totally forgot she has transitioned Preston to a toddler bed. I was pretty sure G wouldn't know what the heck do and wouldn't nap. But he totally cuddled up in that little bed and napped like a champ. I thought he looked like SUCH a big boy in that bed! Made Mama so sad! I had to get a picture! Preston wanted in with his darlin' little Marshall robe! </div>
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Speaking of Marshall, Greyson picked out some Marshall slippers yesterday and is OBSESSED. (He's had a pair before and REALLY likes slippers.) We had a playdate that afternoon, and he WOULD NOT take them off, so I said what the heck. He's only young enough once to be out in public wearing slippers and people think it's adorable. </div>
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So those are a few of my favorite and {extra}ordinary moments from this week! Hope you have a wonderful weekend and please link up and share YOUR Friday Favorites!Katie Wellshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11739283220730209147noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4427087944325003078.post-63908561875843520442017-08-10T21:13:00.000-04:002017-08-10T21:13:23.831-04:0010 On The 10th: Back to School Supplies<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
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Last month, I linked up with <a href="http://www.perfectlyportfamily.com/">Perfectly Port Family</a> for "10 on the 10th". I love all the different topics for each month, so I decided to join again this month! This month is 10 Back to School Must Haves!</div>
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Even though Greyson isn't in "Grade School" yet, he does attend a Mother's Day Out. And while I don't have to search kingdom come for a "Non-Perforated spiral notebook" and 12x18 <i><b>WHITE </b></i>drawing paper (this DOES NOT EXIST BY THE WAY), we do our MDO packing down to a science so I figured I'd share!<br />
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1)<b> Backpack: </b>I actually got his backpack on sale at Pottery Barn this year, but this <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Olive-Kids-Trains-Planes-Backpack/dp/B004N8C0RG/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1502404219&sr=8-3&keywords=wildkin+backpack">Wildkin Backpack </a>has been a good this past year! (The pictures on Amazon don't really do it justice.) It has held up SO WELL! We use this DAILY, so backpacks really only last about a year around here. Before potty training, of course it was full of diapers and wipes. To me bacpacks MUST have a cupholder and front pouch for snacks! Wildkin has SO MANY PRINTS!<br />
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<b>2) Lunch bag/box:</b> The other great thing about Wildkin is that they have the matching lunch box! This one has held up really well. I loved the inside net pocket...it perfectly fit one of those flexible ice pouches. </div>
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<b>3) Napmat:</b> Y'all, nap mats have come a LONG WAY since the red and blue ones of the yesteryear. (<i>I overheard one mom ask another if they got the Memory Foam this year!.....WHAA..Me and Jeremie JUST got a memory foam bed!</i>) Anyway, I WILL admit I tried to go cheap with this last year and it was pitiful. After Greyson didn't sleep the first couple times at school, Jeremie made me buy a REAL one. And HEAVENS, I would certainly be happy to nap on the thing. It's the most plush nap mat you ever did see. </div>
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4) Big bag to carry everything: This Medium Utility Thirty-One tote fits everything perfectly so I'm not trying to wrangle Greyson and carry 50 things at one time. If you know anything about Thirty-One, you know it's amazing and that they also have the Large Utility Tote (a little bigger) and even the Deluxe Utility Tote (the mama jama!) My BFF Mary sells Thirty-One, so if you're interested check out her website <a href="https://www.mythirtyone.com/MerryMaryGifts">here</a>!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">I realize there's A LOT of prints going on here. Listen. I would love everything to match as much as the next mama. But that's just not reality for us, so we work with what we got. ; ) </span></td></tr>
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<b>5) School Clothes: </b>I LOVE <a href="http://www.carters.com/">Carter's</a> (they have great sales), but I also like to stock up on some cheap Garanimals brand clothes from Wal-Mart for school season. It's SO REASONALBE and let's face it, I'm NOT sending my cherub to school in a customized shirt when I know he's gonna be fingerpainting! </div>
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<b>6) "Bento Boxes":</b> I mean, this Bento Box trend can be as expensive as you want. (<i>Who went and named it, anyway...isn't it essentially a good ole fashioned divided Tupperware?!</i>) Again, I admit, I tried to go with the good ole fashioned Ziplocks like my Mama did, but I can imagine that it's much easier and more time efficient for the teachers to pop a top off a Bento Box than unwrap every single thing form a Ziplock. (<i>Yes, last years teachers are probably still cursing me.</i>) So I did find <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Qualitas-Products-Premium-Bento-Boxes/dp/B00WALEOC2/ref=sr_1_9?s=kitchen&ie=UTF8&qid=1502406464&sr=1-9&keywords=kids">these on Amazon</a> that reasonable and actually big enough to fit more than 2 bites in each compartment. </div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-b3f3X_fbmfY/WYzoY8_1uCI/AAAAAAAAGVU/RBsVOsCgV2Qe3hYTUFe-yDLA4Aq2gdKSACLcBGAs/s1600/bento%2Bboxes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="338" data-original-width="355" height="304" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-b3f3X_fbmfY/WYzoY8_1uCI/AAAAAAAAGVU/RBsVOsCgV2Qe3hYTUFe-yDLA4Aq2gdKSACLcBGAs/s320/bento%2Bboxes.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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7) <b>Sippy Cup labels: </b>These are obviously a MUST, and not only for school, but church too....or anywhere your kid goes! Last year, I meant to order some personalized ones from <a href="https://www.inchbug.com/">Inchbug</a> (I want to try their orbit labels too), but I procrastinated and ended up finding some Cars themed ones at Wal-Mart. They actually withstood the dishwasher really well and I made it the whole year with one pack! I love <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Bottle-Labels-Self-Laminating-Daycare-Waterproof/dp/B010R38VC8/ref=sr_1_9_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1502407241&sr=8-9&keywords=waterproof%2Bsippy%2Bcup%2Blabels&th=1">these</a> on Amazon too! They are "self-laminating"...</div>
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<b>8) Planner</b>: Now that we've got all the littles ones read, Mommy needs some "school supplies" too! A new school year means that there's 17 theme days that need to go on the calendar!</div>
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I am on year 2 or 3 of using the Mead large planner from Target. I love this planner because it's flexible and BIG so I can fit all my dates AND my daily to-do lists! </div>
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There's a large monthly view...</div>
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And then lots of space for each day to list individual tasks! Event extra space at the bottom for our weekly menu!</div>
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<b>9) Small Notebook-</b> I've also been using these Mead Five Star small notebook for years. Small and light enough to throw in your purse, but also has dividers with pocket for things like invitations and bills. (And a pen holder!) </div>
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<b>10) A little inspiration: </b>My Mother-in-law have me this book for Mother's Day and I absolutely love it! Emily Ley is a designer and creates of <a href="https://www.emilyley.com/collections/simplified-planner">The Simplified Planner </a>(which I want to try now) and this book is the neatest combination of faith based inspiration on how to make your life simpler. From emotional clutter to logistical clutter! It's such a great and useful book! Definitely gets me in a fresh state of mind to start out a new "year"..cuz let's face it, the new year is the school year, right?! </div>
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Ok! That's all I've got! Happy Back-to-School and I'd love to hear your favorite school supplies and tips too!Katie Wellshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11739283220730209147noreply@blogger.com0