tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-40863716890188645362024-03-05T18:20:13.198-08:00Baby Makes TwoCassiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14481725475847496111noreply@blogger.comBlogger202125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4086371689018864536.post-86645991210572888002013-01-20T21:09:00.001-08:002013-01-20T21:09:25.297-08:00Its been almost an entire year since I posted here. For some reason that feels a little sad to me. I used to really love and value this space and it disappoints me that I cant give the time and attention to blogging that I once could.<br />
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So it goes.<br />
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So much has changed. Cruz is about to turn three years old.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4m4SMzP1elCb-7CKLE3_NEZcHqDsncrptK6yCaP1YzxfzlzTxRUol9mgGCadjQlDN0up4pGDMw6vzZ21GtfoLehUlTI11QI6GKfAmWtxxr7xaWEPNzHg_rtKncrdxUDFU49HJHZxNY1Hl/s1600/IMG_1105.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4m4SMzP1elCb-7CKLE3_NEZcHqDsncrptK6yCaP1YzxfzlzTxRUol9mgGCadjQlDN0up4pGDMw6vzZ21GtfoLehUlTI11QI6GKfAmWtxxr7xaWEPNzHg_rtKncrdxUDFU49HJHZxNY1Hl/s640/IMG_1105.JPG" width="478" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyvrzBabM7b6-PjMLIlPTME4loG7mwbflGGLA8-eOP4EiYgoID93xiZ0hvXX7HQK9ETw-sjEImGkJwEMvPQ0hiOROsNVGRSNU3mUjwSmIz3m7Co0fmttwkH-G3DTZ0JlbjD0ksLUyvkk5O/s1600/IMG_1046.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyvrzBabM7b6-PjMLIlPTME4loG7mwbflGGLA8-eOP4EiYgoID93xiZ0hvXX7HQK9ETw-sjEImGkJwEMvPQ0hiOROsNVGRSNU3mUjwSmIz3m7Co0fmttwkH-G3DTZ0JlbjD0ksLUyvkk5O/s640/IMG_1046.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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Not very much to say. Just missing this space tonight.Cassiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14481725475847496111noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4086371689018864536.post-43900506951485613192012-02-14T00:00:00.000-08:002012-02-14T00:00:10.342-08:00Strong Willed Child or Dreamer<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXr60hgYNvCD3lU_B-VL-Tvncc-NRu3y8rldRvut_TYFcHffWC_44SeBC5SP6nG3mxl07W_HqNqDou9Po2a04VJsO4iOxpc5cWq2Tevp0OgGtvuYHVhJf0RMa2K5voCNPOesL4jaEsZVyD/s1600/strong-willed-child-or-dreamer-3.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXr60hgYNvCD3lU_B-VL-Tvncc-NRu3y8rldRvut_TYFcHffWC_44SeBC5SP6nG3mxl07W_HqNqDou9Po2a04VJsO4iOxpc5cWq2Tevp0OgGtvuYHVhJf0RMa2K5voCNPOesL4jaEsZVyD/s400/strong-willed-child-or-dreamer-3.jpeg" width="266" /></a></div>
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I have never read any parenting books before but I bought this one on a recommendation (.13 on amazon)! </div>
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While I dont really believe in labeling your children (in the same way that I dont really get into labeling my parenting style) I think its really important as parents to do our best to understand our children, their personalities, their needs, wants, etc on a personal level instead of just having a "this is whats best for children" mentality. Each child is so so different and requires you to parent, respond, interact, entertain in such different ways. </div>
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For example, I hate routine. Any kind really. I find it super mundane and really prefer to drift, never quite sure what the next day holds. I hate making plans and sticking to them or being nailed down to something. However I have been realizing that this has been coming through in my parenting. Routine is super important to children and Cruz thrives on it. I had to understand that even though my son is only 2, I needed to start paying more attention to who he was and and that even if I had a preconceived notion about the way things should be, it was more important to watch him and his cues as a way to understand the best means of parenting him in particular. Its easy to file children away into certain groups like "strong willed" or "stubborn" when that may not be the case at all. I embrace that he is his own unique person but realized that I needed to put more effort and attention into understand his personality and the things that work well for it. </div>
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I am interested to see what this books hold. Do you guys read any parenting books or have any suggestions on the subject?</div>Cassiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14481725475847496111noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4086371689018864536.post-6429235271883783552012-02-13T14:09:00.000-08:002012-02-13T14:09:10.562-08:00<br />
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<span style="text-align: left;">Busy Busy Busy. </span></div>
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It was Cruz's birthday and then mine (our birthdays are five days apart). I am pretty sure Cruz thinks that its all just one big birthday for him because usually we do a little something fun on his actual birthday and sing and do presents. Then we have a little family party that weekend. And then at some point in the week I get a cake and a happy birthday song for my birthday, but Cruz obviously thinks its for him. So I think he might grow up under the impressions that birthday celebrations are a week long instead of just a day. Oh well, I always love a good excuse to celebrate my boy a little extra. </div>
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I am off to make valentines and red velvet cupcakes for my own sweet valentine. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii2H6jcN99aFh1ePY9tJ1dcSLfQuzMDq_IYTqsrCN2XkeeNVGFTEhW3NtR5ggVn_Zy6FlF4tAWyV96yHpBfyZaJpDS25lLef1b4bmTdQhnXu5ujVMOmzG3HoVDB0GiRzMk0G3bGW6InR8E/s1600/cupcake-going-red-velvet-Favim.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii2H6jcN99aFh1ePY9tJ1dcSLfQuzMDq_IYTqsrCN2XkeeNVGFTEhW3NtR5ggVn_Zy6FlF4tAWyV96yHpBfyZaJpDS25lLef1b4bmTdQhnXu5ujVMOmzG3HoVDB0GiRzMk0G3bGW6InR8E/s640/cupcake-going-red-velvet-Favim.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-zIwryP1bukP3a2oTJ2dR7wOKDHDJ2wZsKXVomg3IZ9qayUG40unKI4hfTntShr13VpDxHlL43z64KTiJIkwbeCVUTugZjk7x7caIWH8Qry_Cirj21yiZ0__4wCO_JnuTnMCoIWeqBgMe/s1600/cruzvday.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-zIwryP1bukP3a2oTJ2dR7wOKDHDJ2wZsKXVomg3IZ9qayUG40unKI4hfTntShr13VpDxHlL43z64KTiJIkwbeCVUTugZjk7x7caIWH8Qry_Cirj21yiZ0__4wCO_JnuTnMCoIWeqBgMe/s640/cruzvday.jpg" width="494" /></a></div>
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<i>*the valentine I made for Cruz. </i></div>
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<i>My first attempt at drawing with Illustrator. I've since decided its just not my strong suit. </i></div>
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</span>Cassiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14481725475847496111noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4086371689018864536.post-26110869150969712302012-02-02T13:30:00.000-08:002012-02-02T13:30:01.030-08:00Etsy LoveI ordered these two little vintage kitchen sets for Cruz's kitchen from <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/jillscripps">here</a>. I am so excited and I can't wait for them to get here. Hopefully in time for his birthday party because I think I am going to give him the rest of his presents on his actual birthday (I am so awful, I can almost never wait to give him his presents. He got a good 1/4 of his Christmas presents early because I am just addicted to that little smile of his). The rest of his gifts are all art supplies and crafts because he really plays with those things so much more then actual toys.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4DsafYm8etsz5i0Gna_KBk0cMBq8v6XN6m8ynpMlqsMlKfKrBc4X3TLV-ICpiND4hR1YGk51zwOJvOgI95nHa406pZR-4Un5k_RHc41s1Oul3QNZyeHDzVpfMuftEFdKk9zOhz9Ef5JRY/s1600/il_fullxfull-1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4DsafYm8etsz5i0Gna_KBk0cMBq8v6XN6m8ynpMlqsMlKfKrBc4X3TLV-ICpiND4hR1YGk51zwOJvOgI95nHa406pZR-4Un5k_RHc41s1Oul3QNZyeHDzVpfMuftEFdKk9zOhz9Ef5JRY/s640/il_fullxfull-1.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyye5wKlPgVgl28sVdoUWo7_zJH5MkJ4zUAnvgo8u18I4UdAgsM8F25QJoo_S6UDewEJvzT03pq8uAd8WVZkvlcGbVwJm6d8JI5bDRhxRSmIOYj5wG4iksDAu2hyphenhyphenukrnKwCNUPDmkyHiV-/s1600/il_fullxfull-2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyye5wKlPgVgl28sVdoUWo7_zJH5MkJ4zUAnvgo8u18I4UdAgsM8F25QJoo_S6UDewEJvzT03pq8uAd8WVZkvlcGbVwJm6d8JI5bDRhxRSmIOYj5wG4iksDAu2hyphenhyphenukrnKwCNUPDmkyHiV-/s640/il_fullxfull-2.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"> only $6.00 for this whole lot!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDojL0Rg8BOzDBOg8TdizQVDVYMcit5IoezVdrfi_zHEmX4TlOiOJyveLI-lgCfkU_goCvf1C1s28owF6i54J8zU6Q0Y96ThyphenhyphenIQeBB9f0lLvoGfgPtcgxVPjneqWSOvPdEhhaizaKfFvgY/s1600/il_fullxfull.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDojL0Rg8BOzDBOg8TdizQVDVYMcit5IoezVdrfi_zHEmX4TlOiOJyveLI-lgCfkU_goCvf1C1s28owF6i54J8zU6Q0Y96ThyphenhyphenIQeBB9f0lLvoGfgPtcgxVPjneqWSOvPdEhhaizaKfFvgY/s640/il_fullxfull.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">and $4.00 for this one! Love etsy!</span></div>
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I also really wanted one of these for his kitchen, but I just couldnt afford it with the rest of his gifts. Maybe next year!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkbRmdH09l9ldWaqFFxc4e76ZEFDTiwmujlSolC-76n9MQW9Gu-gL1H37fWJUjbWPLh5OldvSBzayKdL4Rouf6FbqRLmHgd-KwQVIjLVD0SjMcnflyM26kS9R0ZRfDkDsdhNBvcECx2b4J/s1600/il_fullxfull-4.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="510" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkbRmdH09l9ldWaqFFxc4e76ZEFDTiwmujlSolC-76n9MQW9Gu-gL1H37fWJUjbWPLh5OldvSBzayKdL4Rouf6FbqRLmHgd-KwQVIjLVD0SjMcnflyM26kS9R0ZRfDkDsdhNBvcECx2b4J/s640/il_fullxfull-4.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/89647558/vintage-blue-with-oranges-decorative?ref=sc_4&sref=from_your_shopping_cart">source</a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLrAqMc4s4e1tBh6arg7PFSCJFjccGJQSZV7-lgCIrdR-qOm97yrYEvL4OVpgo_VZxs5gpuu8VsmSNsfXMTYcJ_Ddu3X-rawNDBrc1GCywKyF-etl0hSs3WUbIxyLB8my11y8cYByQddN2/s1600/il_fullxfull-3.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLrAqMc4s4e1tBh6arg7PFSCJFjccGJQSZV7-lgCIrdR-qOm97yrYEvL4OVpgo_VZxs5gpuu8VsmSNsfXMTYcJ_Ddu3X-rawNDBrc1GCywKyF-etl0hSs3WUbIxyLB8my11y8cYByQddN2/s640/il_fullxfull-3.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/81130308/toaster-childs-play-art-plaid-rooster?ref=sc_1&sref=you_recently_viewed_this_item">source</a></div>Cassiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14481725475847496111noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4086371689018864536.post-66784170194004445752012-02-01T00:00:00.000-08:002012-02-01T00:00:14.094-08:00Birthday PresentsFor Cruz's birthday this year I decided to flesh out his <a href="http://www.babymakestwo.org/2010/11/real-men-cook-in-buff.html">play kitchen</a> because it is his favorite thing and we spend countless hours playing there. His new favorite kitchen thing to do is play with spices, probably because he sees me using them almost every night when I am making dinner.<br />
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Well, last week he wanted to pour cream of tar tar in the coffee pot which I usually wouldn't care about but I had just bought the spice for making playdough and I didnt want him to spill it all. So in a moment of genius I decided to let him play with the only spice that I happen to have two of...cinnamon.<br />
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Fast forward about 15 minutes and everything, everything is coated in cinnamon. For those of you who dont know, it irritates/burns your skin. Cruz and I were covered in bright right splotches all evening. It also coats the inside of your nose and stays put for a good long time causing you to go into coughing/sneezing fits at frequent intervals.<br />
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Needless to say it was not my best move. But it did inspire me to come up with a way to satisfy Cruz's desire to play with spices without sacrificing my ability to smell anything for several days.<br />
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So this little project was born. I made them as a birthday gift and I can't wait to see if he likes them.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYvFi90gatQs0OGNCSq9ZlSE3kFDiEeFa2LNxO4pHfHsHKjQHhisLH5EpQpyQzAAdQgId7w6mvGdGHGdE35Ft6Yi4xOa5Sam0WDcYLItPzsVaM0SNt_ecPUDkPcke2pqaZsptNDp-N9kR3/s1600/8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYvFi90gatQs0OGNCSq9ZlSE3kFDiEeFa2LNxO4pHfHsHKjQHhisLH5EpQpyQzAAdQgId7w6mvGdGHGdE35Ft6Yi4xOa5Sam0WDcYLItPzsVaM0SNt_ecPUDkPcke2pqaZsptNDp-N9kR3/s640/8.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I thought glitter was a good representation of "spices" plus they come in little jars with tops just like spice jars. I got these at Michael's but you can get glitter at almost any craft store.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUFAYJbAnpR6GfWjX69Y2mFMRuOzS8rChuYLeQRqcfUTJPzaFntbAWgRON8mH3KP1VdBMdXmBcnenrs8YXj3XpFPZEyompHONKMX2WrCDm3ku-nhB4b1HVmPhu8qBXuhCBiKW1hmNa0I7T/s1600/7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUFAYJbAnpR6GfWjX69Y2mFMRuOzS8rChuYLeQRqcfUTJPzaFntbAWgRON8mH3KP1VdBMdXmBcnenrs8YXj3XpFPZEyompHONKMX2WrCDm3ku-nhB4b1HVmPhu8qBXuhCBiKW1hmNa0I7T/s640/7.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I took the original label off of one jar to use as a template. I taped it down on the paper and then folded the paper over several times (I made 4 labels, so 4 times) so that I could cut them all at once.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirqiHzZ2pQns8yv8Y05zI7VBKtIVl9EIV8OquUMGcDAFg4ZzqqUxrLD3I0aAOuX4VfOZjqHkJRJiaFf5gzpUtLnHcEd9j-Bofl7Ije2r1FUGUwfB-5OBlkJ-aSNYxiobOVpj4QG81kcL1g/s1600/6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirqiHzZ2pQns8yv8Y05zI7VBKtIVl9EIV8OquUMGcDAFg4ZzqqUxrLD3I0aAOuX4VfOZjqHkJRJiaFf5gzpUtLnHcEd9j-Bofl7Ije2r1FUGUwfB-5OBlkJ-aSNYxiobOVpj4QG81kcL1g/s640/6.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I used butcher paper from the thrift store that I had laying around. Its pretty thin so I had to tape it down to keep it from moving around. It made it much easier to paint.</div>
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You can get creative with the labels. We have a lot of McCormick spices so I was sort of trying to emulate that look with the stripe. </div>
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Let the paint dry. During this time I put the chickens in, burnt my dinner, ate my burnt dinner anyways, folded Cruz laundry, tripped over the dog and went to the bathroom. </div>
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After it dried I wrote the spice names with a thin, black sharpie. Again, get as creative as you want. I made "pepper" for the silver sparkles, "cream of tartar" for the white, "cinnamon" for the red and "coriander" for the gold. </div>
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ed: this post was written in advance and scheduled for today which is actually Cruz's birthday! We are most likely in San Francisco at the kid museum and Cruz may or may not have already opened this gift. I will be sure to let you know how he likes them!Cassiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14481725475847496111noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4086371689018864536.post-90770541522326918062012-01-31T00:00:00.000-08:002012-01-31T00:00:13.764-08:00Toddler Activities<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Keeping little hands busy during these long, cold days is crucial.</div>
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Here is one Cruzy really liked.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">"Snowball"Transfer</span></div>
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We used:</div>
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cotton balls as "snowballs"</div>
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a bowl to hold the cotton balls</div>
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a little scoop to used for transferring</div>
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an icetray to fill </div>
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I showed him how to use the scoop to put one ball in each little slot.</div>
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He used his hands when he was struggling with the scoop. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEoK77fY7fySI5Rxi-gwN4a3N5mRAxzAbxqnv3pF7-aKNxsU4rE-P5weiUgwV5CNlgnfS5eDOuR_igj0ARuXp9VMQ0-mHp_NC6vUUxgvhfgMDhjAtQSYrVZ5ZwoZjEovaLyKIesqmTn5xn/s1600/DSC05404.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEoK77fY7fySI5Rxi-gwN4a3N5mRAxzAbxqnv3pF7-aKNxsU4rE-P5weiUgwV5CNlgnfS5eDOuR_igj0ARuXp9VMQ0-mHp_NC6vUUxgvhfgMDhjAtQSYrVZ5ZwoZjEovaLyKIesqmTn5xn/s640/DSC05404.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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He did well and enjoyed it. He got more then one in some slots but he made sure each one had some. </div>
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Do you have any fun toddler activities that your little ones like to do?</div>
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Also, I have been searching everywhere to find some toddler sized tongs to use in place of scoops and spoons and I can't seem to find them anywhere. Any ideas?</div>Cassiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14481725475847496111noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4086371689018864536.post-9319463181969695962012-01-30T00:00:00.000-08:002012-01-30T00:00:08.522-08:00Free Rangin'<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
This week marked the start of our chickens beginning to free range. We had a small massacre take place a little bit ago and the only survivor was the rooster, Lennox. After getting a couple of hens, I kept them in their run until they started bonding and becoming a flock because I was afraid that they wouldn't free range together and that they would run off. Also, I was training them to come to the sound of Cruz or I calling "chicken" which has been successful as they associate it with expecting scratch (dessert for chickens). And lastly, there are quite a few free range flocks on the neighboring farms who range far and wide and I wanted to make sure my ladies (and guy) were united enough that they wouldnt get bullied if/when they ran into other chickens on the road (only in the country do you have such worries!)</div>
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At first, everyone was a little unsure. The chicks didnt want to come out of their run and Cruz was not at all happy that his chickens werent where they were supposed to be. He was awfully confused and ran around yelling at them and pointing his finger telling them to get back in their coop. </div>
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*my 50 pd bag of feed that got left out in the storm and is now fertilizer. fail. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrZBx_pbjPsApxUkdYOhPz91i3kQ0v92smXhyphenhyphen9IjU3On7-rbs-wouv1J3o9p2-gkyKbkaaFyMqQ_ZV_RXcPdZYbTqngZ5n94RbbJzS7ZJruH_EOVlheLK0zCQjfGjQKrKcWy-jaukICLoD/s1600/DSC05393.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrZBx_pbjPsApxUkdYOhPz91i3kQ0v92smXhyphenhyphen9IjU3On7-rbs-wouv1J3o9p2-gkyKbkaaFyMqQ_ZV_RXcPdZYbTqngZ5n94RbbJzS7ZJruH_EOVlheLK0zCQjfGjQKrKcWy-jaukICLoD/s640/DSC05393.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Finally everything calmed down enough for Cruz to show me his belly and request a picture of his favorite rainboots. Funny guy.</div>
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And the chickens greatly enjoyed their free ranging and were back in their coop promptly at sundown. They are now enjoying a happy, leisurely life as one of the many free ranging flocks in these here parts. </div>Cassiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14481725475847496111noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4086371689018864536.post-48190394433268043212012-01-27T18:13:00.000-08:002012-01-27T18:13:41.052-08:00Monkey Baby<div style="text-align: center;">
If you follow me on instagram then you have already seen these pictures, but he is such a funny little dude that I wanted to post it here. </div>
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He started here. I left to go do the dishes...</div>
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and came out to this kid. </div>
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I was gone about 2 1/2 mins and I can clearly see and hear into the living room from the kitchen. So he did this quietly and stealthily.</div>
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He never, ever stops cracking me up. </div>
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<br /></div>Cassiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14481725475847496111noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4086371689018864536.post-55911906074844320662012-01-25T16:01:00.000-08:002012-01-25T16:01:56.264-08:00On Nursing Toddlers and Other Terrifying ActsWith Cruz's 2nd birthday right around the corner, I thought I would answer one of the questions I get asked most online as well as in real life "are you still nursing" and "when do you plan to stop?"<br />
<br />Both answers are pretty simple. Yes, I'm still nursing. And I dont really have a game plan around stopping. My thought has always been that we will just continue doing what we do until it feels like the right time to stop. To that answer, I usually always get the same response "hmmmm..." People never really seem to know what to say. Which doesn't really bother me much.<br />
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I don't know many people who breastfeed their babies past 12-18 months but it doesnt really make much difference to me. I also dont know anyone who climbs into the bath fully clothed just to make their toddler laugh, but that didnt stop me from doing it. I dont know anyone who has had a sheet fort up around their bed for 3 weeks, but thats where you will find Cruz and I sleeping as of late. I don't know one single person who has the same sweater that I am wearing right now, however that would never stop me from wearing it...I like it. And thats pretty much my view on breastfeeding; I very rarely do things in my life simply because others approve or disapprove of it so why wouldn't the same be true of breastfeeding. Cruz likes it, I like it, simple stuff.<br />
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That being said, nursing a toddler is much different then nursing a newborn. At times it feels more like a defensive sport then a bonding experience or nutritional encounter. Sometimes Cruz is sweet as pie and lays still, looking up at me and smiling and making me the happiest mama in the world. Other times he bounces all over, whips his head around to look at something in the opposite direction or thinks that it might be a really good idea if he nurses with his feet on my shoulder. To be blunt, at times, its painful. But so much more than worth it in my opinion.<br />
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A little nursling in big boy undies</div>
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Just to clarify, as much as I dont appreciate judgement, I also dont judge others. I have zero thoughts or opinions about how it works for others mamas and babies. If you do breastfeed, if you dont, if you try, if you never want to think about it, its all the same to me. I think you should at least give it a try, but if you dont, that doesnt change my opinion at all. And I respect that choice just the same as well. I don't like people who breastfeed more then people who dont. I dont hold them in higher regard. If there is one thing I believe in this world, its to live and let live. To each their own. Everyone deserves that respect, so please be respectful.Cassiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14481725475847496111noreply@blogger.com24tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4086371689018864536.post-69445059243376468732012-01-24T15:44:00.001-08:002012-01-24T15:44:41.893-08:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I had no idea it was possible to love someone so much.</div>
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<br />Cassiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14481725475847496111noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4086371689018864536.post-1564354579042791992012-01-23T19:37:00.000-08:002012-01-23T19:37:00.293-08:00<div style="text-align: center;">
Like I mentioned we are pretty under the weather this week. Its only fitting seeing as I started school and Cruz's birthday is just around the corner. I always seem to get sick when important things are looming. </div>
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This little sicky has been enjoying much Toy Story 3 on the laptop. In bed. With popsicles.</div>
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He is so funny. This little man is obsessed with Woody in every way possible. More so his hat then anything. There is about a 20-30 minute segment in the middle of the movie where Woody looses his hat and Cruz makes me fast forward through the whole thing until he gets his hat back. He taps his head and says "HA. GO" aka "Woody lost his hat, please go to the part where he gets it back."</div>
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I just love this little boy so dang much. I'm so lucky to be his mama. </div>
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And speaking of haircuts, Cruz's Dad cut his hair the other night without telling me. He drove up and I opened the door to get Cruz out of the car and there sat my little boy with significantly less hair then I had dropped him off with. I cried far more then I care to admit. </div>Cassiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14481725475847496111noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4086371689018864536.post-265574502759424472012-01-22T19:30:00.000-08:002012-01-22T19:30:20.063-08:00haircut<div style="text-align: center;">
I just chopped my bangs right off in my bathroom this morning.</div>
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before:</div>
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We are quite sick around these parts this week so excuse the lack of any beautification on my part.</div>
<br />Cassiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14481725475847496111noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4086371689018864536.post-62363444538452093102012-01-17T00:00:00.000-08:002012-01-17T00:00:00.279-08:00School<div style="text-align: center;">
School starts again today. </div>
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If you never, ever hear from me again its probably because my brain imploded. </div>
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<br />Cassiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14481725475847496111noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4086371689018864536.post-74369279020364001322012-01-16T00:00:00.000-08:002012-01-16T00:00:16.094-08:00<div style="text-align: center;">
I very rarely ever get lonely. </div>
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But sometimes I do feel very sad that I miss moments like these. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1r1e4SPG3JHFtJwoiMZsOSZNov-es_LWb2Z89CLJAHq39Y0t4zbRgUL_o-6pallKnkv0pWsOvFSGFLyJfyC1obNPwILOdnGbGiLCyxplRa3Qyl0TevfIEZeYURjjHPizP8tZsxEyLInOE/s1600/8.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1r1e4SPG3JHFtJwoiMZsOSZNov-es_LWb2Z89CLJAHq39Y0t4zbRgUL_o-6pallKnkv0pWsOvFSGFLyJfyC1obNPwILOdnGbGiLCyxplRa3Qyl0TevfIEZeYURjjHPizP8tZsxEyLInOE/s400/8.jpeg" width="268" /></a></div>
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I wont ever get to see my son with his Papa.</div>
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I wont ever get to see what their relationship looks like. How its grows, changes.</div>
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I wish, very much, that it were different. </div>Cassiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14481725475847496111noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4086371689018864536.post-30701963550557633932012-01-09T00:00:00.000-08:002012-01-09T00:00:08.762-08:00Lately<div style="text-align: center;">
This wild and crazy (almost) 2 year old of mine is a very busy guy these days. Quiet activities are usually a bust and sitting still for any length of time is more than out of the question. </div>
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We attempted this <a href="http://elisabethstone.blogspot.com/2011/11/day-2-month-with-mama-nature.html">cute project from Manic Mrs. Stone.</a></div>
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For the most part, I painted the egg carton and Cruz painted the wood pile behind us. Its all one and the same to him. </div>
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We attempted to collect some similar color objects from around the yard to fill the carton, but had to abandon it half way through to break up a chicken squabble and then head to kindergym. We will get back to it later today. </div>
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I've been attempting to get Cruz involved in a lot more programs and activities outside of the house lately. It helps a ton with burning his energy as well as directing his attention toward education and exercise vs the god forsaken television at home (one of his favorite shows is "My Name is Earl." He actually says "Eawl" when he wants to watch. Wonder who's fault that is...) </div>
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I used to go to this play gym as a child so its lots of fun to watch Cruz play here as well.</div>
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I've also looked into signing him up for a Momma and me nursery school on Friday mornings. Coincidentally, it is the same nursery school I went to when I was his age. Seeing as it wasn't so very long ago that I was a child myself, I find that there are lots of places/experiences/programs that I was involved in when I was young that are still around for Cruz. It's one of the many fun little perk of having a child when you are not so far from being one yourself--Although I do truly belief this about childhood:</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">photo <a href="http://123rf.com/">via</a> (adaptations by me)</span></div>Cassiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14481725475847496111noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4086371689018864536.post-46589478375055950352012-01-06T00:00:00.000-08:002012-01-06T00:00:04.765-08:00Importance<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggr9FM4KNWnRz1qbjnGfLHQll3CTmLuQWwnQbOajMuldGl34e_dLLZZ7tNOnkgL4cM13S73yXmF0AKp6SFbeDjBaEDCavlK2BdaOpCCImRlx_M6yOMZR4PeN-J_BiOkABXAkMXNzhmMxca/s1600/youissmart.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="344" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggr9FM4KNWnRz1qbjnGfLHQll3CTmLuQWwnQbOajMuldGl34e_dLLZZ7tNOnkgL4cM13S73yXmF0AKp6SFbeDjBaEDCavlK2BdaOpCCImRlx_M6yOMZR4PeN-J_BiOkABXAkMXNzhmMxca/s640/youissmart.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I watched The Help earlier this week. </div>
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I took so much away from it, more than I can articulate in this post.</div>
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But I can articulate just how much I loved this quote. </div>
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It was an awesome reminder about how <u>important</u> it is to tell your kids that they are<u> important</u>. </div>
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Its such a simple concept and I think about how important Cruz is to me every single day. But it never quite occurred to me to tell him that one simple word. I tell him how sweet he is. How smart. How cute. But not of his importance. </div>
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I believe in loving and encouraging your children to the fullest. But more than anything I believe its important to instill in your children the ability to be proud and loving and encouraging of themselves. To not have to seek the approval of others in order to be fulfilled. That if they love and respect themselves, outside influence can never have any real or harmful affects on them. </div>
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So today and everyday I will make sure that my son knows and hears that he is important.</div>
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To me.</div>
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To the world</div>
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And most importantly, to himself. </div>
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<br /></div>Cassiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14481725475847496111noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4086371689018864536.post-64615367637973492932012-01-04T00:00:00.000-08:002012-01-04T00:00:07.243-08:00Dinner Party<div style="text-align: center;">
I have been seeing this idea bouncing around the blogosphere lately and while I dont usually participate in them, I thought this one was a fun one:</div>
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<b>If you could throw a dinner party for any 10 people, dead or alive, who would it be?</b></div>
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Its actually harder to come up with then you might think, but here are the 10 people who I think would make the most interesting group for dinner party:</div>
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<u>Janis Joplin</u></div>
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What can I say, I just love her. I think we would have been kindred spirits.</div>
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<u>William Sidis</u></div>
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Who in there right mind wouldn't want to meet a child prodigy?</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK7Y08oaNV4F53uYu2qD4GId0Lexr_smvm7iicoRkPjTNu3ccAmvyxbWq5EsWuZDQbZXgGVPNsAMob0k7-adHz561S5Ee49D6TtxerxufWJ-6MbhhcdFfxLo_6zkOFB1UL4tGxwjV-cuvS/s1600/220px-William_James_Sidis_1914.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK7Y08oaNV4F53uYu2qD4GId0Lexr_smvm7iicoRkPjTNu3ccAmvyxbWq5EsWuZDQbZXgGVPNsAMob0k7-adHz561S5Ee49D6TtxerxufWJ-6MbhhcdFfxLo_6zkOFB1UL4tGxwjV-cuvS/s400/220px-William_James_Sidis_1914.jpg" width="305" /></a></div>
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<u>Amos Lee</u></div>
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For no other reason then I love his music. </div>
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<u>Bob Marley</u></div>
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What kind of party would it be if at least one person wasn't high out of their mind. </div>
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Maybe I'm just being nostalgic of High School/College.</div>
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<u>Richard Pryor:</u></div>
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For obvious reasons</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKKHPEME-4TxJqFDPrROfGzHxRnv0uf3113yfauXX3AR8UPy5NDFBua7I9dxAS-6km4Ayb5R0pXrvLB9Wd7vGZYBm9rzqqfFqfz5lHAJDm_svtVJRgSWmP5dJqh6kl7RJ6Bm2EJzPoLVlo/s1600/ny11512102133.grid-4x2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKKHPEME-4TxJqFDPrROfGzHxRnv0uf3113yfauXX3AR8UPy5NDFBua7I9dxAS-6km4Ayb5R0pXrvLB9Wd7vGZYBm9rzqqfFqfz5lHAJDm_svtVJRgSWmP5dJqh6kl7RJ6Bm2EJzPoLVlo/s400/ny11512102133.grid-4x2.jpg" width="265" /></a></div>
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<u>Mahatma Gandhi:</u></div>
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You couldn't really not invite Gandhi to a dinner party.</div>
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Plus, he would balance out Richard and Bob.</div>
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<u>Sigmund Freud:</u></div>
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Not because I necessarily agree or disagree with his theories, but every party needs a little pyscho-babble. Plus, if things got dull, he could psychoanalyze us all which could be interesting/tragic.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt3pUFGUX4XcIQ6XHyxXSFz6OKeAtEcuAZvKoLfKXNkzIrrbpFEi-A0y6SKFniKvbS44Nv_IBl_MNVkGVcCtkBiHYBKo4A961kFN97yy1fhnF1mfXtOGyrnfnY_GAceUYXq9_kLZ0y2EkR/s1600/freud.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="233" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt3pUFGUX4XcIQ6XHyxXSFz6OKeAtEcuAZvKoLfKXNkzIrrbpFEi-A0y6SKFniKvbS44Nv_IBl_MNVkGVcCtkBiHYBKo4A961kFN97yy1fhnF1mfXtOGyrnfnY_GAceUYXq9_kLZ0y2EkR/s320/freud.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<u>William Addison Dwiggins:</u></div>
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Since I love (and am majoring in) Graphic Design, this is the man who coined the term "Graphic Design" and was an incredible designer in his time. I'd love to see his artistic genius at work. </div>
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Plus, he was the first old man to rock a faux hawk, so...</div>
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<u>Steve Carell:</u></div>
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Because I desperately miss Michael Scott.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFwx12n9VO-rb5UZJvqD9l3XiSncQJqFlc7K4ZrIjC6qAKrLPF1GVmtfJ80rRDsjwMsVOsMpjIf7vbN0gcyuuice94XdOKOMJJ64Pbb-g49ozYGZJ8p3nxVS-bFDTmd8SxVEW0kGTnuO6v/s1600/pictures-of-steve-carell-78.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFwx12n9VO-rb5UZJvqD9l3XiSncQJqFlc7K4ZrIjC6qAKrLPF1GVmtfJ80rRDsjwMsVOsMpjIf7vbN0gcyuuice94XdOKOMJJ64Pbb-g49ozYGZJ8p3nxVS-bFDTmd8SxVEW0kGTnuO6v/s400/pictures-of-steve-carell-78.jpg" width="277" /></a></div>
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<u>E. E. Cummings:</u></div>
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One of my very favorite poets. </div>
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His use and manipulation of the English language is both confusing and captivating to me.</div>
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<u>And this kid:</u></div>
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He technically makes 11, but its just never as fun with out this guy around to share it with.</div>
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<br /></div>Cassiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14481725475847496111noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4086371689018864536.post-81795191854188676152012-01-03T00:00:00.000-08:002012-01-03T00:00:10.218-08:002 Years<div style="text-align: center;">
It is completely beyond my ability to grasp how fast these last two years have gone by.</div>
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Let me quote the biggest of cliche's when I say "It was gone in the blink of an eye." But truly it was. </div>
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In an effort to stay ahead of the madness this year, I designed Cruz's birthday invitations last night and hope to print them off and get them sent out by the beginning of the new year. </div>
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Because, ya know, two year old birthday parties are a big deal and people may need time to clear their schedules! </div>
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For my little circus performer:</div>
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Actually, in all honesty, I keep Cruz's birthday parties pretty low key. I design the cards every year because they are fun for the baby book (and quick/easy pieces to add to my portfolio) but other then that I try not to go overboard with crazy birthday planning. Its usually just family and a few friends, minimal gifts and lots of doting on the man of the hour. </div>
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How do you celebrate birthdays? I am in the market for a fun birthday tradition for my guy. </div>
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<br /></div>Cassiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14481725475847496111noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4086371689018864536.post-91116443318659312592012-01-02T00:00:00.000-08:002012-01-02T00:00:11.239-08:00One of the hardest things about blogging for me (and one of the reasons that I filter in and out so much lately) is that, as much as I enjoy blogging, it can often cause stress for me.<br />
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If I dont post on time, I feel guilty. If I dont reply to a comment that I intend to, I feel guilty.<br />
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Its funny that something that brings me so much happiness, companionship and release can also cause feelings of stress and guilt --- Such is life, I guess.<br />
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I am constantly recreating the boundaries for myself around blogging so that I am able to realistically keep it in my life, but also continue to glean from it and not be drained by it.<br />
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So, for me, right now, it means that if I need to post less in order to reply to comments/emails more, then so be it. I blog for myself and the relationships that are created here, not necessarily for other people. I have retained a small readership, even through my lengthy hiatuses, and those are the people that are important to me.<br />
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Keeping all the aspects of my life in perspective has been a big learning curve for me this year and I plan for it to continue to be a learning experience for me into and throughout this next year. Balance is so key to a healthy life. I love being able to fit in all the aspects of life that I enjoy while still keeping the balance.<br />
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So to those of you who have hung around, I thank you and value your readership more than you know.<br />
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<br />Cassiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14481725475847496111noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4086371689018864536.post-79786174402434892442011-12-31T00:00:00.000-08:002011-12-31T13:19:11.956-08:00Vinyl<div style="text-align: center;">
One of my most treasured Christmas presents this year was from my Grandpa. </div>
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I got so many amazing gifts this year (including livestock!) but this one was such a surprise and something I have wanted in the worst way for the longest time. </div>
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As my sweet Grandpa heads in for triple bypass surgery this month, I hope to find a little comfort in the sounds that come from this old player. </div>
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Please keep him in your prayers.</div>Cassiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14481725475847496111noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4086371689018864536.post-89835330094869614672011-12-30T00:00:00.000-08:002011-12-30T00:00:12.227-08:00<div style="text-align: center;">
Similar to the annual trip to San Francisco this year, I pretty much took zero pictures of Christmas morning. I always feel sad after the fact when I don't have any photos of a special event for Cruz, but I strive every day to live more in the moment and a lot of time that comes at the sacrifice of good photos. I just try to keep in mind that the lack of good photos signifies the abundance of good memories that were made instead. </div>
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Here are the only ones from Christmas. </div>
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Breakfast being had in his new fort</div>
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Some Christmas morning ironing on his new ironing board</div>
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(with a new tricycle in the background)</div>
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Have Sit-and-Spin, will travel</div>
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Cruz working on his self portrait skills</div>
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What an amazing, hectic, down to the wire holiday it as been. </div>
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So thankful for another year with this little man of mine. He is, and will always be, my very best (and favorite) gift. </div>Cassiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14481725475847496111noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4086371689018864536.post-47131434623871961022011-12-29T00:00:00.000-08:002011-12-29T00:00:14.424-08:00San Francisco<div style="text-align: center;">
We made our annual trip to the City earlier this month. </div>
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Its been a Christmas tradition for my family for several years now. Although, this year, it was a little bit last minute so I was pretty ill equipped as far as photo taking. </div>
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You can see all the fun things, like the huge castle cake and designer chocolates, on <a href="http://www.babymakestwo.org/2010/12/i-left-my-heart-in-san-francisco.html">last years post</a> (can you believe just how little Cruz looks)!</div>
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Here are the very few photos we were able to snag this year. </div>
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Taking it all in</div>
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Store front</div>
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Roasted Chestnuts</div>
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He sat himself in this chair and instructed me to take his picture. The gallery attendant remarked "He wouldn't be an only child would he?" My little ham.</div>
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Designer chocolates = dirty fingers </div>
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Several failed attempts at a Mama/Baby photo</div>
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I love this little tradition that we have and its so fun to add new stops and sights to the trip each year. </div>
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Its an ever evolving tradition, isn't that the <strike>most contradicting</strike> best kind there is?</div>Cassiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14481725475847496111noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4086371689018864536.post-55781625791806208642011-12-28T00:00:00.000-08:002011-12-28T00:00:11.318-08:00My Little Boy on His Last Day with Long Hair<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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We cut it the next day. It was traumatic for everyone involved (save Cruz's Papa as it was per his request). Cruz cried, I tried not to. </div>
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I miss these sweet, long curls. </div>
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They are now tucked away in a baby book. </div>
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It's growing back quickly and I hope we dont have to cut it again for a long, long time. </div>
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p.s do you love his red velvet vest!?</div>Cassiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14481725475847496111noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4086371689018864536.post-20651473973114016632011-12-27T14:48:00.000-08:002011-12-31T13:18:52.419-08:00<br />
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What a crazy season this has been!</div>
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Between school and Christmas-ing and Mama-ing, I've been in over my head for a bit. </div>
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But school is on break now so I hope that I will be able to give a little more attention to this space that I love so much. </div>
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I have had so many fun experiences and made so many fun memories with my little guy over this holiday season. Its been amazing to see how much he has grown and changed since last year at this time. I miss that little baby so much, yet I love this new little guy more then words can say. </div>
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It's so late, but here was Cruz and I's Christmas card this year. </div>
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Hopefully I'll be back today or tomorrow with some of our amazing Christmas scores!</div>
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<br /></div>Cassiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14481725475847496111noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4086371689018864536.post-5619584266234248302011-11-10T00:00:00.000-08:002011-11-10T00:00:03.008-08:00Rice Rice Baby<div style="text-align: center;">
Do you like that all my baby activities can be set to the tune of Vanilla Ice?</div>
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I threw this together quickly while Cruz was napping. </div>
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Forgive the awful pictures.</div>
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But he loved it so I thought I would share.</div>
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We have been playing with rice in the sensory bin for quite some time now. It's SUCH an easy and cheap activity that can change and grow with children.</div>
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When he was really little he was happy to just run in through his fingers. </div>
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As he got older I would let him scoop it into empty egg cartons. </div>
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The other day we put a bunch in a big plastic bag, added paint, he shook it up for a while (his favorite part) and then we laid it out on paper to dry in the sun. When it was done he had new blue rice and just changing the color made the whole activity fun and new again.</div>
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This day I decided to bury some puff balls in it and gave him some utensils to dig it out with and some bowls to separate it into. </div>
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We also have these wooden scoops that I ordered on <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/clarkewoodworks?ref=seller_info">etsy</a> that I added after he woke up. They are his favorite because they are just his size (think bath salt size). </div>
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Quick and easy is the name of the game for us lately as Cruz looses interest quickly. </div>
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I'm just going to say rice, rice baby one more time. </div>Cassiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14481725475847496111noreply@blogger.com3