tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10912639816739479182024-03-13T20:59:12.213-05:00spoonfulSarah Barryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16023901303151195275noreply@blogger.comBlogger299125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1091263981673947918.post-43761083304233250862010-12-22T15:36:00.000-06:002010-12-22T15:36:30.098-06:00www.thespoonfulblog.comHello all! <b>Spoonful </b>is officially moving to <a href="http://www.thespoonfulblog.com/"><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: x-large;">www.thespoonfulblog.com</span></a>. Please bookmark me, follow me, and change <b>Spoonful's</b> web address settings on <i>your </i>blog roll.<br />
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Massive <span style="font-size: x-large;">thanks </span>to each and every one of you for reading, really - <i>thank you</i>. After all the fun part about having a blog is sharing our lives, thoughts, and ideas! You all lift my spirits and encourage me on a daily/ weekly basis! <br />
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Please continue to join me as I document our life and family at my new web address!<br />
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<div style="color: #cc0000; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!</span></div>Sarah Barryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16023901303151195275noreply@blogger.com28tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1091263981673947918.post-84320233381306575752010-12-17T00:01:00.008-06:002010-12-23T15:25:16.823-06:00Sometimes, the Best Things in Life are FREEThank you Publix for this FREE yellow balloon we received on Wednesday. We had a blast playing with it, and it made my little boy giggle and squeal all the day long. It also made up for the fact that the Penny item was a box of 'off brand' Frosted Flakes. I'm a Cheerio gal. <br />
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And just because....a little recap of yesterday, a {kinda} lazy day:<br />
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awake at 5:30, too early<br />
time reading<br />
coffee, of course<br />
milk in bed with Stephen Smalls<br />
make Stephen Grande's lunch, send off to work<br />
Dr. appointment, armed with <a href="http://sbspooner.blogspot.com/2010/12/dum-dums.html">dum dums</a> <br />
Chick-fil-a<br />
play outside <br />
clean kitchen, fold clothes<br />
NAP!!!<br />
general tidying of the house<br />
SG home early from work<br />
clean baby<br />
leftovers<br />
candle light dinner<br />
The Office<br />
bath<br />
bed<br />
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Happy weekend to ya! Enjoy it!Sarah Barryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16023901303151195275noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1091263981673947918.post-67685210101131554482010-12-16T00:01:00.004-06:002010-12-26T18:22:04.354-06:00A Family Drive to the House of LightsFor a week or so we fell off the<a href="http://sbspooner.blogspot.com/2010/11/celebrating-advent.html"> Advent celebration</a> bandwagon. {For those of you who don't know - the Stephen Grande and I received an Advent calendar for Christmas last year as we planned to start the tradition of celebrating Advent as he did in his boyhood, by doing a Christmas activity every day, December 1st - 24th} <br />
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We were really on a roll and then we got busy, and a little bit sick, and down right out of the habit. But I heard a quote on the radio recently....something like "perfection is the enemy of the good enough." And I concluded that just because we missed a few days - <i>or an entire week</i> - is no reason not to continue with our Advent activities. After all its our first year. <br />
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Last night our activity was "a family drive to look at the crazy house of lights." This house is a stone's throw from ours. I don't know a town that doesn't have one of these. <br />
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</a></div>Soon after SG got home from work we loaded up for our little adventure. Conveniently a friend of mine dropped by as we were pulling out of the drive way and dropped off some Christmas treats. Half a can of <a href="http://allrecipes.com//Recipe/puppy-chow/Detail.aspx">puppy chow</a> later I was really psyched to see some lights!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_TCHjW_ANpQk/TQlI2JCEl6I/AAAAAAAAF1I/HCYNJRv9tzg/s1600/IMG_0297.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_TCHjW_ANpQk/TQlI2JCEl6I/AAAAAAAAF1I/HCYNJRv9tzg/s640/IMG_0297.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">{LOOK AT THOSE CHEEKS!!!}</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Stephen Small was excited too, though you would never know it by his expression. <br />
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I must mention that before we got to the house of lights we took a slight detour to put some air in one of my tires. And it was confirmed this morning that I will be getting a new set of wheels for Christmas {as in literal wheels} <br />
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Got to love being a grown up.<br />
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But that's neither here nor there. Life is good, Murphy and all {that's for you Dave Ramsey folks ;) }. <br />
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Hope you all have an AWESOME December 16th!!!<br />
Only 9 more days!!!Sarah Barryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16023901303151195275noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1091263981673947918.post-77302688348816845952010-12-15T00:01:00.005-06:002010-12-15T00:01:01.019-06:00Me and Stephen in the 60'sPhoto taken {with the timer}. In our front yard. May 2010.<br />
Edited using Picnik's '1960's effect.' <br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_TCHjW_ANpQk/TQg3aspK31I/AAAAAAAAFz8/J7JWMzXZ54Q/s1600/IMG_8570-1.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_TCHjW_ANpQk/TQg3aspK31I/AAAAAAAAFz8/J7JWMzXZ54Q/s640/IMG_8570-1.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
I have a new and unhealthy addiction to putting the 1960's effect on all my photos just to see what it looks like. I think its the <i>coolest</i>. I have not edited much in the past, but lately I'm lovin' it. The possibilities are endless.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Here is the original photo of the one above.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Stephen Small's hair is definitely longer on the right than on the left. How embarrassing. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TCHjW_ANpQk/TQg2saZ0i3I/AAAAAAAAFz4/GmrX5hGaOLY/s1600/IMG_8570.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TCHjW_ANpQk/TQg2saZ0i3I/AAAAAAAAFz4/GmrX5hGaOLY/s640/IMG_8570.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
The 60's effect gives the picture a certain nostalgia. It romanticizes it. <br />
<br />
Often Stephen Grande and I talk about what decade we would have liked to have experienced if given the choice.<br />
He says he'd like to experience the 70's as a trucker. Don't ask. <br />
I say the 40's as a WWII nurse.<br />
What era {and occupation} would you pick?Sarah Barryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16023901303151195275noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1091263981673947918.post-56718374025948153782010-12-14T00:01:00.000-06:002010-12-14T00:01:03.122-06:00BoysAs in COWBOYS. Many months back I fell in love with and bought 3 yards of the cutest cowboy fabric in the world {I think its called Barn Dance - from JoAnn's}. I've used it for multiple projects -- <a href="http://sbspooner.blogspot.com/2010/10/diaper-tote.html">a diaper bag</a>, this patch appliqued on a white t-shirt, and...<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TCHjW_ANpQk/TQalBwySZ3I/AAAAAAAAFrg/DwGU5FlKAIw/s1600/IMG_0257.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TCHjW_ANpQk/TQalBwySZ3I/AAAAAAAAFrg/DwGU5FlKAIw/s640/IMG_0257.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
to make Stephen Small's CHRISTMAS STOCKING! <span style="font-size: x-small;">Made in July and finally posting</span>. You better believe it will be overflowing with Reese's peanut butter cups and a new set of PJ's come Christmas morn. I plan to have it monogrammed <i>eventually</i>. Just haven't gotten that far.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TCHjW_ANpQk/TQaln8Wyf_I/AAAAAAAAFrk/8t_nhqE_hDA/s1600/IMG_0275.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TCHjW_ANpQk/TQaln8Wyf_I/AAAAAAAAFrk/8t_nhqE_hDA/s640/IMG_0275.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
And speaking of BOYS...<br />
How about some gingerbread boys? or rather <i>men</i>? <br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_TCHjW_ANpQk/TQakC7zXRxI/AAAAAAAAFrY/MwZiKXD3Lng/s1600/IMG_0249.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_TCHjW_ANpQk/TQakC7zXRxI/AAAAAAAAFrY/MwZiKXD3Lng/s640/IMG_0249.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
I used <a href="http://www.mccormick.com/Recipes/Desserts/Gingerbread-Men-Cookies.aspx">McCormick's</a> recipe and I give it 2 thumbs up!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_TCHjW_ANpQk/TQakjlDdT1I/AAAAAAAAFrc/_hvl6KtwF2k/s1600/IMG_0252.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_TCHjW_ANpQk/TQakjlDdT1I/AAAAAAAAFrc/_hvl6KtwF2k/s640/IMG_0252.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
A few notes...<br />
Dough is sticky, so be liberal with the flour when rolling out.<br />
I found it easier to cut my dough into fourths and roll out smaller pieces instead of the whole lump.<br />
I also discovered that cookies did best on 350 degrees for only EIGHT minutes, but mine were small. The important thing is to not overcook! <br />
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Merry Christmas!Sarah Barryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16023901303151195275noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1091263981673947918.post-67630980653236993182010-12-13T00:01:00.000-06:002010-12-13T00:13:07.453-06:00Feliz Navidad amigos!I'm a new lady, chipper and much more optimistic than <a href="http://sbspooner.blogspot.com/2010/12/we-met-someone-today.html">in my last post</a>. Its amazing what getting <i>ALL</i> my Christmas and baby prep shopping did to my psyche. Thanks for all your kind words of encouragement.<br />
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Saturday Stephen Grande let me out on the town to GET THINGS DONE. It was great to be so foot loose and fancy free. I went to Micheal's {twice}. I ate Chick-fil-a in my car. I breezed through Kohl's. <br />
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Friday afternoon, I made a commitment to rest, prioritize, and regroup from a things-didn't-go-my-way kind of week. And even though every inch of me wanted to deep clean my bathtub {b/c it desperately needs it}, I forced myself to read for pleasure and take a nap {which is what I needed more}. I'm 60 pages into Gone with the Wind. Y'all, <i>its good</i>. I've seen the movie at least 20 times and thought there is no way I can enjoy this book since I'm so familiar with the story. But so far I'm intrigued. And its a nice break from parenting books.<br />
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In other news of AWESOMENESS, - <span style="font-size: large;">I got a deep freezer!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!</span> My dad gave it to me as an early birthday gift. Over Thanksgiving I started talking to him about how I wanted to cook and freeze lots of meals in preparation for the next year of my life with two small children at home. Apparently he was just the person to confide in about this. After all, he is a man who owns a commercial size roll of butcher paper. <br />
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Last week I made three different meals and either doubled or halved the recipes to freeze. Talk about an emotional high - I'm on cloud three hundred and ninety nine. Each time I place a new item in the freezer my heart rate goes up.<br />
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Worth its weight in gold is the giant box the freezer came in. Parents of young children: <i>Why do we even buy our children real toys when what makes them the happiest in all the world is a giant box?!</i><br />
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Stephen Small spent the entire weekend in this box {when he wasn't eating, sleeping, or playing in the other giant box we recently received from a diapers.com order.}<br />
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With such a dandy box on hand, Stephen Grande introduced the Smalls to the wonderful world of fort building. They had so much fun doing this while I was out Saturday that they forgot to eat lunch. That's men for ya. Women don't forget to eat. <br />
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Well, I guess I better sign off. Its time to hunker down for a cold week. SG has placed weather stripping on all our doors and given me advice to not 'get out too much' in the freezing temps. I can handle that.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TCHjW_ANpQk/TQWbRX43L5I/AAAAAAAAFp8/DcmFUbSMKzk/s1600/IMG_0244.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TCHjW_ANpQk/TQWbRX43L5I/AAAAAAAAFp8/DcmFUbSMKzk/s640/IMG_0244.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_TCHjW_ANpQk/TQWZqPqExLI/AAAAAAAAFp4/ieCbitEUoE4/s1600/IMG_0238.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br />
I'm hoping to spend lots of time with my little one, building forts by the tree, and freezing meals for the deep freeze. Tough job, but someone's got to do it :)<br />
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Bundle up!Sarah Barryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16023901303151195275noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1091263981673947918.post-28502851083894702242010-12-09T22:29:00.004-06:002010-12-09T22:42:14.818-06:00We met someone....And it was largely uneventful.<br />
No crying.<br />
No screaming.<br />
No fear.<br />
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As far as I could tell, Stephen Small's only emotion was ambivalence.<br />
And it kinda looks like Santa felt the same way. <br />
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Small's feelings about St. Nick's candy canes were quite the opposite. <br />
Those he could get excited about!!!! He only opened and licked three <strike>and I think they're still in my purse</strike>.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_TCHjW_ANpQk/TQE2IVOeB3I/AAAAAAAAFnI/4mPWfuv6TqI/s1600/IMG_0155.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_TCHjW_ANpQk/TQE2IVOeB3I/AAAAAAAAFnI/4mPWfuv6TqI/s640/IMG_0155.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
He was also a big fan of this rocker airplane. {CUTE!}<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_TCHjW_ANpQk/TQE1ywwydTI/AAAAAAAAFnE/SzboDywyC3I/s1600/IMG_0153.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_TCHjW_ANpQk/TQE1ywwydTI/AAAAAAAAFnE/SzboDywyC3I/s640/IMG_0153.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
These photos were taken at a friend's 2nd birthday party. I was grateful for the activity since it has been way too cold to play outside. We partied hard and wore ourselves out. <br />
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Have I mentioned that I'm failing at Christmas?<br />
Well, I am.<br />
Our <a href="http://sbspooner.blogspot.com/2010/11/celebrating-advent.html">Advent calender</a>; we haven't done it all week.<br />
And here's the real kicker. I've been drinking hot chocolate - from the packet!!!!!! Not making <a href="http://literallyspoonful.blogspot.com/2010/12/killer-cocoa-revised-again.html">Killer Cocoa</a>. Publix brand hot chocolate was the penny item this week. I couldn't resist.<br />
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In addition to - and contributing to all of my holiday shortcomings, I'm almost 35 weeks pregnant {and all that that entails}. Head colds all around the house. Not enough sleep. Meals. Laundry. Yesterday, I told Stephen Grande that the highlight of my day was buying and installing one of <a href="http://www.2000flushesbrand.com/products/bleach/">these</a>. And I meant it - not in a bad way. <br />
<br />
I'm running on fumes.<br />
But life is good. Its all about perspective.<br />
Tonight my husband made me hot chocolate <span style="font-size: x-small;">{from the packet}</span> and then made a marshmallow smiley face. What more could a woman want? <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_TCHjW_ANpQk/TQGk8C2yIgI/AAAAAAAAFn0/2HMCDbswhww/s1600/IMG_0204.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_TCHjW_ANpQk/TQGk8C2yIgI/AAAAAAAAFn0/2HMCDbswhww/s640/IMG_0204.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
Hope you all have a nice weekend! I'm hoping to recuperate so I can finish strong this holiday and childbearing season.Sarah Barryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16023901303151195275noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1091263981673947918.post-38098288094718140452010-12-07T13:55:00.001-06:002010-12-07T13:58:10.827-06:00A Post for Bloggers who use Blogger: Tutorials, Links, and SuchAs promised, here is a post for those of you who have blogger blogs and are interested in custom blog headers, picture collages, and bigger pictures in your blog post. There is a ton of information in this post and especially in the links I've shared. Scroll around and see if there is anything you are looking for. Hope some of this info helps! Happy Blogging. <br />
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Just a few basic things worth noting {and then I'll share some links below} :<br />
<br />
1- Photo Editing : I edit all my photos using Picasa and Picnik. Picasa is google's free photo editing software and Picnik is a free online based site for photo editing which is connected to Picasa and may be accessed <i>through </i>Picasa. Picasa can be easily downloaded from google. Just make sure to read each step carefully as to not activate unwanted settings on your computer. Like anything, there is a learning curve for using Picasa, but I think the tutorials I'm sharing today will put you on the fast track to learning your way around if you are not already familiar with this software.<br />
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2- Blog Templates: Your blog template {as I understand it} is basically your blog's design or layout. The template I use on my blog is <b>Minima Stretch</b>. I have found this to be the best for do-it-yourself blog customization. Since blogger has made some updates recently, the <b>Minima Stretch</b> template is not readily available as a choice when starting a new blog. The good news is it is still accessible but you'll have to go through some computer mumbo to change it on your blog. If you are nervous about messing with your blog settings, I suggest creating a test blog and experimenting on it instead of your real blog. Copied and pasted below in red are instructions for changing your template to <b>Minima Stretch</b>. Found on this site <a href="http://www.google.com/support/forum/p/blogger/thread?tid=4f8b436ac499876f&hl=en">here</a>.<br />
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<div style="color: #cc0000;"><b>Find the Edit HTML tab. It's now on the Design page. Click that and go to the bottom. The links for the old templates are there. There will be no fonts and colors tab anymore. Those functions will be found under Advance in the Template Designer once you have the minima set. </b></div><br />
Here is a picture step by step: follow the <span style="color: #cc0000;">RED</span>.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TCHjW_ANpQk/TP6H-ytxCQI/AAAAAAAAFk4/TN75omBcnPM/s1600/blog+4.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="358" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TCHjW_ANpQk/TP6H-ytxCQI/AAAAAAAAFk4/TN75omBcnPM/s640/blog+4.png" width="640" /></a></div><br />
Once you select Edit html, scroll to the bottom of page and go to "select layout template."<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_TCHjW_ANpQk/TP6H7EyWvFI/AAAAAAAAFkw/GZPbgP-1lxc/s1600/blog+2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="358" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_TCHjW_ANpQk/TP6H7EyWvFI/AAAAAAAAFkw/GZPbgP-1lxc/s640/blog+2.png" width="640" /></a></div><br />
Then choose <b>Minima Stretch</b> or <b>Minima Lefty Stretch</b>.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_TCHjW_ANpQk/TP6H9UwyTJI/AAAAAAAAFk0/DSiYd4HRNyI/s1600/blog+3.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="358" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_TCHjW_ANpQk/TP6H9UwyTJI/AAAAAAAAFk0/DSiYd4HRNyI/s640/blog+3.png" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TCHjW_ANpQk/TP6H-ytxCQI/AAAAAAAAFk4/TN75omBcnPM/s1600/blog+4.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br />
</a></div>Okay, now that that's out of the way here are some great links and tutorials and that have helped me tremendously. Hope you like! <br />
<b style="color: #cc0000;"></b><br />
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<a href="http://memoriesoncloverlane.blogspot.com/2009/08/tutorial-on-how-to-make-blog-banner.html"><b style="color: purple;">How to make a custom blog header using Picasa</b></a> by Sarah at <a href="http://memoriesoncloverlane.blogspot.com/">Memories on Cloverlane</a>.<br />
In this tutorial you will also learn 1) how to make a collage using Picasa 2) how to erase the border that automatically comes around the header in the Minima templates.<br />
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<b><a href="http://memoriesoncloverlane.blogspot.com/2009/01/handhelp.html" style="color: purple;">How to make photos bigger in blog post</a></b><b> </b>also by Sarah at <a href="http://memoriesoncloverlane.blogspot.com/">Memories on Cloverlane</a>. {This how to is a little outdated since blogger only has the updated editor option now, but the content is still extremely helpful.} <br />
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<a href="http://www.blogguidebook.com/p/blogging-tips-tricks-hacks-and-how-tos.html"><b><span style="color: purple;">The Blog Guidebook</span></b></a> This is a great blog for blog how to's and specifically talks a lot about Picnik.<br />
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I really hope at least one of you out there benefits from this information. Please feel free to e-mail me with questions OR share any similar resources!<br />
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And because I hate to have a post without pictures.....<br />
I'll leave you with a Picasa collage.<br />
I recently had each of these photos printed in 8X10's and plan to hang them on a blank wall this week! <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_TCHjW_ANpQk/TP6QtUpzQlI/AAAAAAAAFlQ/MEV-BfBdvb4/s1600/8+X+101.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="512" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_TCHjW_ANpQk/TP6QtUpzQlI/AAAAAAAAFlQ/MEV-BfBdvb4/s640/8+X+101.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>Sarah Barryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16023901303151195275noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1091263981673947918.post-10815713275408438152010-12-05T21:04:00.000-06:002010-12-05T21:04:12.201-06:00Confessions and FootballConfession: I'm not a <i>huge </i>football person. I'm a freak of nature, I know. <br />
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Another confession: I don't just <i>love </i>dogs. Double freak. Cold hearted freak.<br />
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I feel a weight lifted as I confess these confessions.<br />
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I will say that despite being abnormally disinterested in football, I have thoroughly enjoyed Auburn's winning season {13 -0}. The Tigers are on their way to the national championship! I'm pumped - <i>seriously</i>. I spent many many years as an Auburn student. Too many.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TCHjW_ANpQk/TPwXnLoeOfI/AAAAAAAAFj4/5mV2b16yPz4/s1600/IMG_0121.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="446" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TCHjW_ANpQk/TPwXnLoeOfI/AAAAAAAAFj4/5mV2b16yPz4/s640/IMG_0121.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">{Stephen Grande and me at an Auburn game in 2004}</span></div><br />
Unlike many of my friends and family members, I will not be making plans to attend the championship game in Arizona and neither will the Grande.<br />
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We have slightly better things to do that day such as....have a BABY! <br />
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We'll be cheering on our team from the hospital room. I'm sure I'll be sipping on cranberry juice and maybe SG can <strike>sneak a beer</strike> have a coke.<br />
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War Eagle!!!Sarah Barryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16023901303151195275noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1091263981673947918.post-27261019310533021502010-12-03T15:12:00.001-06:002010-12-03T15:29:01.329-06:00Dum DumsThis brings me great joy.... a bag of 300 dum dums, 1/4th of which I colorfully displayed in a cookie jar. LOVE it. Doesn't take much to give me a thrill.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_TCHjW_ANpQk/TPlXuA6fCCI/AAAAAAAAFjY/GhGZML-KxZ8/s1600/december+10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_TCHjW_ANpQk/TPlXuA6fCCI/AAAAAAAAFjY/GhGZML-KxZ8/s640/december+10.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
The story here is I recently had to take Stephen Small with me to the OB's office for one of my prenatal visits. Now I know some of you seasoned mothers have no fear loading up all your 5 children and running errands or making appointments but I kind of freak out a little when I have to take Stephen Small certain places. Its not the fear of embarrassment or misbehavior; it just wears me out to chase him, control him, and keep him from destroying something {he's 19 months old and he can tear up a place faster than you can say Jiminy Cricket}. All this being said, as I stepped out the door to make this appointment armed with juice, snack, books, and toys I silently prayed...<i> </i><br />
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<i>"Lord, please help me find the perfect entertainment for him while I have to sit on the exam table {have the baby's heart beat listened to and such}."</i><br />
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Sure enough before I'd even finished <i>thinking </i>this prayer, I glance in my purse and see a sucker given to us by the bank teller the day before. That was my answer. Thank you, Lord. Through this whole silly ordeal, I was reminded of a verse a friend recently shared with me....<br />
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<div style="font-family: 'Charis SIL',charis,Verdana,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: center;"> <span style="color: purple;">The L</span><span style="color: purple; font-variant: small-caps;">ord</span><span style="color: purple;"> directs the steps of the godly.</span><br />
<span style="color: purple;"> He delights in every detail of their lives.</span><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Psalm 37:23 (New Living Translation)</span></span><br />
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<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></span></div></div><i>Every detail...amazing - even helping a nervous mama get through a routine dr's visit with a toddler.</i><br />
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The appointment went so smoothly. Smalls did a little furniture rearranging in the waiting room but when it came time for me to be seen by the doctor, I sat him in his Winnie the Pooh stroller and handed him a 2 cent grape sucker. He was perfect.<br />
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You better believe I'm always going to have a dum dum on hand from here on out.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: purple;">*******************************************************************************************************************</span></div><br />
Please still feel free to send me your blog questions about headers, photos, templates, etc. I'm putting a post together early next week with some great links and tutorials!<br />
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Yeah for the weekend!Sarah Barryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16023901303151195275noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1091263981673947918.post-51864670373488966782010-12-02T14:57:00.000-06:002010-12-02T14:57:19.190-06:00Tub Toy / Blogger Blog QuestionsThe word on the grandmother circuit is that this here tub toy is pretty awesome. Its a <a href="http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3539963&002=2194806&007=Search&006=4251501046&005=8834984870&004=1290012886&camp=PPC%3A356200201">Yookidoo flow 'n' fill spout</a> that is battery powered and continuously runs like the faucet using recycled bath water. Its perfect for my Stephen man because he rather enjoys the faucet running CONSTANTLY but then becomes a little obsessive over the hot and cold knobs. And that's where I usually end bath time in order to avoid a trip to the burn center. With this toy he is well entertained {for 20 to 30 minutes} and it keeps him out of trouble. Just thought I'd share. Buy one for all your toddler friends. I think this would make the perfect 1st birthday gift. The recommended age is 9 - 12 months, but S. Smalls is 19 months and thinks its fantastic! <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_TCHjW_ANpQk/TPbAEotDVvI/AAAAAAAAFhg/6qoPADMmikw/s1600/IMG_9755.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_TCHjW_ANpQk/TPbAEotDVvI/AAAAAAAAFhg/6qoPADMmikw/s640/IMG_9755.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
Now about blog stuff. First I thank each and every one of your for reading my blog! Sharing our little lives with others is what makes blogging so fun! I so appreciate your comments, e-mails, and questions. Recently, I've received several e-mails about 'how to' do certain things on blogs like make a custom header, make collages, and make pictures bigger in the side bar, etc. I'm hoping to put together a post to answer some of these questions soon! I'm not promising any tutorials <i>myself</i>, but I would be glad to share some links and resources and point some of you fellow bloggers in the right direction. If you have a question about how to do something in particular please leave a comment or send me an email to sbspooner@gmail.com.<br />
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Later.Sarah Barryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16023901303151195275noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1091263981673947918.post-44047819993784281372010-12-01T12:06:00.001-06:002010-12-01T14:08:19.198-06:00Simple ChristmasWe are keeping Christmas simple this year {and probably ever year}; its just the way I like to do things. My reasoning is <span style="font-size: small;"><b><i>'Why overwhelm myself with something that is supposed to be fun?'</i></b></span> That mindset definitely played a role in picking out our tree this year. Its a 3 footer that fits perfectly on a pub table in our living room. In future years we plan to get the real deal, let the kids decorate, and all that jazz. But a 9 month pregnant woman and a 19 month old have no appreciation for a full size tree. Bending over, sweeping pine needles off the floor, and losing ornaments on the bottom half of the tree to child's play things - no thanks! I like my little tree on the table. Sometimes you just have to adjust for your season in life.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_TCHjW_ANpQk/TPZ4TKVzKnI/AAAAAAAAFhY/oS9l_CcWsyY/s1600/xmas+tree1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_TCHjW_ANpQk/TPZ4TKVzKnI/AAAAAAAAFhY/oS9l_CcWsyY/s640/xmas+tree1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
Here are a few Christmasy links I liked....<br />
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<a href="http://www.incourage.me/2010/11/stay-sane-this-christmas-by-making-wise-decisions.html">Stay Sane This Christmas by Making Wise Decisions</a><br />
<a href="http://simplemom.net/plan-your-peaceful-christmas-prepare-the-budget/">Plan Your Peaceful Christmas: Prepare the Budget</a><br />
<a href="http://homemadeginger.blogspot.com/2010/11/felt-christmas-garland.html">Felt Christmas Garland</a> {I'm dying to make one of these.}<br />
<a href="http://www.mccormick.com/Recipes/Desserts/Gingerbread-Men-Cookies.aspx?cmpid=ps-Holiday2010-SoV_Gingerbread_Men-gingerbread_cookie-ph">Gingerbread Men Cookie Recipe</a> {Looking for one, considering trying this one.}<br />
<a href="http://traveledroad.wordpress.com/2010/11/30/homemade-ornaments-for-our-charlie-brown-tree/">Homemade Ornaments</a> my friend L made with her son {cute!}<br />
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Happy December 1!Sarah Barryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16023901303151195275noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1091263981673947918.post-65055069635569273422010-11-29T20:00:00.001-06:002010-11-29T21:28:10.695-06:00Thanksgiving Week Recap and some GratitudeHello all and <span style="color: #073763; font-size: x-large;"><b>War Eagle!</b></span> I really don't know where to begin. We've just returned home {last night} from an over-a-week-long stay at my parent's house in Mississippi. Our time was fun, relaxing, and productive all in one. It was such a treat to be with family and have so many extra hands to share in the care of Stephen Small.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TCHjW_ANpQk/TPQkJy6i4kI/AAAAAAAAFgY/2_smFngy-bc/s1600/IMG_9770.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TCHjW_ANpQk/TPQkJy6i4kI/AAAAAAAAFgY/2_smFngy-bc/s640/IMG_9770.JPG" width="640" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_TCHjW_ANpQk/TO1aTYuZ-sI/AAAAAAAAFc4/ycobEEi6jMc/s1600/IMG_9770.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">{33 + weeks. My belly has officially reached personal shelf status.}</span></div><br />
We tried to make the most of several days of 80 degree weather despite the fact that it was LATE NOVEMBER. Welcome to the south east, cold on Easter, warm on Thanksgiving, right? I <i>will say</i> the warmer temps allowed for lots of outside play and wagon rides. Stephen Small was in hog heaven! And each afternoon he crashed from exhaustion and took awesome 3, sometimes 4 hour naps. He has a play hard, sleep hard philosophy of which I am a huge fan.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_TCHjW_ANpQk/TPAkqHubFtI/AAAAAAAAFfY/YgMH8PPTjG8/s1600/IMG_9797.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_TCHjW_ANpQk/TPAkqHubFtI/AAAAAAAAFfY/YgMH8PPTjG8/s640/IMG_9797.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
The Grande joined us the Wednesday before Thanksgiving and boy did I miss him while we were apart. Its true what they say...absence makes the heart grow fonder. Coming home to a clean kitchen also makes the heart grow fonder. Thanks SG for cleaning the kitchen before you left! I love you for that.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TCHjW_ANpQk/TO3nQ4jIvrI/AAAAAAAAFd4/nRmX-bbLrG4/s1600/IMG_9806.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TCHjW_ANpQk/TO3nQ4jIvrI/AAAAAAAAFd4/nRmX-bbLrG4/s640/IMG_9806.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
T-day came around and we had our traditional feast at my cousins' lake cabin.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_TCHjW_ANpQk/TO8JHlY_zSI/AAAAAAAAFfQ/aZCuPdN4pw0/s1600/IMG_9817.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_TCHjW_ANpQk/TO8JHlY_zSI/AAAAAAAAFfQ/aZCuPdN4pw0/s640/IMG_9817.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
All day we awaited the predicted cold front. Now I remember some warm Thanksgivings in the past, but I do not recall ever running around barefooted and playing in sandboxes. And that's just what we did.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_TCHjW_ANpQk/TPMsOw44dJI/AAAAAAAAFgI/lmAs2JonMtQ/s1600/IMG_9829.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_TCHjW_ANpQk/TPMsOw44dJI/AAAAAAAAFgI/lmAs2JonMtQ/s640/IMG_9829.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">{Stephen with his cousin, Mollie}</span></div><br />
As the sun set we forced a fire for the sake of ambiance. Then the most bizarre weather phenomenon occurred. A cold wind swept in...no rain...no gradual drop in temperature...just a huge gust of <span style="font-size: large;">cold </span>air. I believe the temperature dropped 15 degrees in 37 seconds. FINALLY the seasonal weather we'd craved.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TCHjW_ANpQk/TPMrungKACI/AAAAAAAAFgE/9M2FZO8TcgE/s1600/IMG_9826.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TCHjW_ANpQk/TPMrungKACI/AAAAAAAAFgE/9M2FZO8TcgE/s640/IMG_9826.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
The cold was ever so timely for deer hunting as well as for watching football by the fire on Friday.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_TCHjW_ANpQk/TPByBmDdT4I/AAAAAAAAFfg/hcRDt8TmHL8/s1600/IMG_9840.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_TCHjW_ANpQk/TPByBmDdT4I/AAAAAAAAFfg/hcRDt8TmHL8/s640/IMG_9840.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
Have I ever mentioned that I'm an Auburn fan? Well, I am. I went there...for 5 years...and some summers. As you can imagine my mom and dad are HUGE fans too after putting me through half a decade of school there! It really is great to be an Auburn Tiger. My sister also is an Auburn grad.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_TCHjW_ANpQk/TPBxz2CbeWI/AAAAAAAAFfc/TbePtKfxQdQ/s1600/IMG_9836.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_TCHjW_ANpQk/TPBxz2CbeWI/AAAAAAAAFfc/TbePtKfxQdQ/s640/IMG_9836.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
I think we overwhelmed Stephen Small with WAR EAGLES!<br />
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My family was quick to point out that I accidentally dressed him in Bama colors, a major party foul on my part.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_TCHjW_ANpQk/TPByM1XZz6I/AAAAAAAAFfk/KM9xQ59_7BA/s1600/IMG_9843.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_TCHjW_ANpQk/TPByM1XZz6I/AAAAAAAAFfk/KM9xQ59_7BA/s640/IMG_9843.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
Saturday morning came with more hunting, the strongest coffee this side of Texas, and my dad's yummy cheese grits followed by a trip to a local nursery to buy some poinsettias.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_TCHjW_ANpQk/TPMCcsfQ2FI/AAAAAAAAFfo/_Zf5XJG3ThQ/s1600/IMG_9894.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_TCHjW_ANpQk/TPMCcsfQ2FI/AAAAAAAAFfo/_Zf5XJG3ThQ/s640/IMG_9894.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
My mom's van nearly ran out of gas on the way home. We were all nervous, except for my mom. She had faith that her van would at least get us to the closest gas station - and it did. My mom loves her van. <br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TCHjW_ANpQk/TPMCvYvWzfI/AAAAAAAAFfs/59YTz1MeJsA/s640/IMG_9899.JPG" width="640" /></div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TCHjW_ANpQk/TPMCvYvWzfI/AAAAAAAAFfs/59YTz1MeJsA/s1600/IMG_9899.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TCHjW_ANpQk/TPMCvYvWzfI/AAAAAAAAFfs/59YTz1MeJsA/s1600/IMG_9899.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br />
</a>One last wagon ride on the eve of our return home....<br />
Smalls is rotten. And I mean rotten. He totally lived the life last week.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_TCHjW_ANpQk/TPM1eQTmaOI/AAAAAAAAFgU/GT-EL9tMals/s1600/IMG_9900.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_TCHjW_ANpQk/TPM1eQTmaOI/AAAAAAAAFgU/GT-EL9tMals/s640/IMG_9900.JPG" width="640" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TCHjW_ANpQk/TPMpcpkeV7I/AAAAAAAAFgA/Mc2H6777xKM/s1600/IMG_9909.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TCHjW_ANpQk/TPMpcpkeV7I/AAAAAAAAFgA/Mc2H6777xKM/s640/IMG_9909.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">{Lovie, Smalls, and Doc}</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_TCHjW_ANpQk/TO3nczMtVCI/AAAAAAAAFeE/3HtJtlBRqto/s1600/IMG_9807.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br />
</a></div>I had hoped to do an individual post on what I'm most grateful for this year but it never happened. So in closing I'll leave you with 2 things that are on my mind and heart.<br />
<br />
I'm thankful for...<br />
<br />
1. My loving husband and all his hard work so I can stay home with our babies. <br />
<br />
2. Both sets of our parents and their dedication to disciplining and training* us as children. Parenting is hard. Being a <i>good </i>parent seems downright impossible at times. I'm really grateful for all the loving discipline and correction both Stephen Grande and I received as children and the lengths our parents were willing to go on our behalf. <span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"> *Pvbs. 22:6 Train up a child in the way he should go, Even when he is old he will not depart from it.</span><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><i>Every good and perfect gift is from above, </i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, </i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>who does not change like shifting shadows. </i>James 1: 17 </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Thank you Lord for your many good and perfect gifts! </div>Sarah Barryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16023901303151195275noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1091263981673947918.post-9210045905102198852010-11-23T22:27:00.000-06:002010-11-23T22:27:26.638-06:00The PlayhouseI've written about my cousins before - the ones that grew up two doors down from us. My siblings and I spent many of our formative years playing in their back yard. They had a trampoline, zip line, and AWESOME playhouse complete with heating and cooling systems. Since grandchildren have come along the playhouse has been updated from its former 'country' style to a more modern <a href="http://www.melissaanddoug.com/">Melissa and Doug</a> look.<br />
<br />
While visiting my family for T-day, Stephen Small has certainly put his time in at this little house. Its so perfect and childproof. I've considered shutting him up in there and reading a book or taking a nap on the front porch. We played here for one solid hour yesterday and had ourselves the largest time!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_TCHjW_ANpQk/TOvuGU05NvI/AAAAAAAAFa4/691gK4_uKFc/s1600/IMG_9653.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_TCHjW_ANpQk/TOvuGU05NvI/AAAAAAAAFa4/691gK4_uKFc/s640/IMG_9653.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">{The play house matches the real house.}</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TCHjW_ANpQk/TOvzDfJ6T6I/AAAAAAAAFb0/oXvqWt6E8Ow/s1600/IMG_9747.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TCHjW_ANpQk/TOvzDfJ6T6I/AAAAAAAAFb0/oXvqWt6E8Ow/s640/IMG_9747.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TCHjW_ANpQk/TOvzmiWiSMI/AAAAAAAAFb4/Zw9qFl7IPXk/s1600/IMG_9681.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TCHjW_ANpQk/TOvzmiWiSMI/AAAAAAAAFb4/Zw9qFl7IPXk/s640/IMG_9681.JPG" width="640" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_TCHjW_ANpQk/TOvuQKB71_I/AAAAAAAAFa8/kxnzo4wZcm8/s1600/IMG_9676.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">{S. Small made hamburgers}</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_TCHjW_ANpQk/TOvuco_s-II/AAAAAAAAFbA/ySWfL-1561Y/s1600/IMG_9680.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_TCHjW_ANpQk/TOvuco_s-II/AAAAAAAAFbA/ySWfL-1561Y/s640/IMG_9680.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_TCHjW_ANpQk/TOvu5HA__4I/AAAAAAAAFbE/qC4m3NaZAGk/s1600/IMG_9683.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_TCHjW_ANpQk/TOvu5HA__4I/AAAAAAAAFbE/qC4m3NaZAGk/s640/IMG_9683.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>{He went straight for the ketch up and put it on his 'burger' - a boy after my own heart. That shows you how much ketch up we eat at our house. We love it!}<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TCHjW_ANpQk/TOvvCqUsaRI/AAAAAAAAFbQ/lS61zavEG9o/s1600/IMG_9686.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TCHjW_ANpQk/TOvvCqUsaRI/AAAAAAAAFbQ/lS61zavEG9o/s640/IMG_9686.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_TCHjW_ANpQk/TOvvN9Wma6I/AAAAAAAAFbU/g-dvNXZpgQg/s1600/IMG_9689.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_TCHjW_ANpQk/TOvvN9Wma6I/AAAAAAAAFbU/g-dvNXZpgQg/s640/IMG_9689.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_TCHjW_ANpQk/TOvvYQ9gbBI/AAAAAAAAFbY/CGH8KWbUzvY/s1600/IMG_9692.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_TCHjW_ANpQk/TOvvYQ9gbBI/AAAAAAAAFbY/CGH8KWbUzvY/s640/IMG_9692.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_TCHjW_ANpQk/TOvvvO50EjI/AAAAAAAAFbg/kvZdm7NgWZg/s1600/IMG_9703.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_TCHjW_ANpQk/TOvvvO50EjI/AAAAAAAAFbg/kvZdm7NgWZg/s640/IMG_9703.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TCHjW_ANpQk/TOvvjjXy2BI/AAAAAAAAFbc/OzFLHMOvSQY/s1600/IMG_9702.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TCHjW_ANpQk/TOvvjjXy2BI/AAAAAAAAFbc/OzFLHMOvSQY/s640/IMG_9702.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TCHjW_ANpQk/TOwUGwW8oFI/AAAAAAAAFck/GHaKNXMlidc/s1600/IMG_9650.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_TCHjW_ANpQk/TOwTTT-JyBI/AAAAAAAAFcA/-3O_kx9DogA/s1600/IMG_9697.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_TCHjW_ANpQk/TOwTTT-JyBI/AAAAAAAAFcA/-3O_kx9DogA/s640/IMG_9697.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TCHjW_ANpQk/TOwco-CgerI/AAAAAAAAFco/WQy0tGvM40w/s1600/IMG_9682.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TCHjW_ANpQk/TOwco-CgerI/AAAAAAAAFco/WQy0tGvM40w/s640/IMG_9682.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_TCHjW_ANpQk/TOvv595qgzI/AAAAAAAAFbk/dq1_rxjpVGo/s1600/IMG_9705.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_TCHjW_ANpQk/TOvv595qgzI/AAAAAAAAFbk/dq1_rxjpVGo/s640/IMG_9705.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TCHjW_ANpQk/TOwUGwW8oFI/AAAAAAAAFck/GHaKNXMlidc/s1600/IMG_9650.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TCHjW_ANpQk/TOwUGwW8oFI/AAAAAAAAFck/GHaKNXMlidc/s640/IMG_9650.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">{My cousin made these quilted valences. Its the details like this that make the house so charming.}</div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_TCHjW_ANpQk/TOwTIkwq8eI/AAAAAAAAFb8/i8gKN3aieFs/s1600/IMG_9647.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_TCHjW_ANpQk/TOwTIkwq8eI/AAAAAAAAFb8/i8gKN3aieFs/s640/IMG_9647.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">{Oh and this ironing board - have you ever seen anything so cute?}</div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_TCHjW_ANpQk/TOwTmhGpJHI/AAAAAAAAFcI/BqM8aGvqpBY/s1600/IMG_9734.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_TCHjW_ANpQk/TOwTmhGpJHI/AAAAAAAAFcI/BqM8aGvqpBY/s640/IMG_9734.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_TCHjW_ANpQk/TOwTTT-JyBI/AAAAAAAAFcA/-3O_kx9DogA/s1600/IMG_9697.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a>{I'm teaching him to be a good husband one day. This one is going in the rehearsal dinner file.}</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_TCHjW_ANpQk/TOwTdZE1vjI/AAAAAAAAFcE/U7ipnpTJaEg/s1600/IMG_9732.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_TCHjW_ANpQk/TOwTdZE1vjI/AAAAAAAAFcE/U7ipnpTJaEg/s640/IMG_9732.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> I love my sweet boy.<br />
Stephen Grande <i>has </i>to build us one of these...one day. </div>Sarah Barryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16023901303151195275noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1091263981673947918.post-51125637344131488962010-11-22T23:01:00.001-06:002010-11-23T07:13:40.991-06:004DI had a 4D ultrasound this morning at my dad's clinic - so fun, right?! <span style="font-size: small;">{FYI : all you local Greenville, MS and Delta people, <a href="http://www.greenvilleclinic.com/">The Greenville Clinic</a> does 4D prenatal ultrasounds now. Tell all your friends!} </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Now I know these pictures are blurry and you can't see them so well but I don't have a scanner and the best I could do was to take a picture of a picture. The originals are very clear and I got a video too.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">This is my new little baby. And he {or she} is the spitting image of Stephen Small. It's really remarkable how much this little one looks like brother. I never got to see much more than the profile. He/she wasn't so cooperative and the umbilical cord kept floating across the lower half of the face --- and baby kept arms curled up on the side of its head. Oh well. It was still an awesome experience. We are SO pumped and ready to welcome this new person into our family and the WORLD.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TCHjW_ANpQk/TOrPlT78X-I/AAAAAAAAFaQ/w1RE7PjlQZs/s1600/november+10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TCHjW_ANpQk/TOrPlT78X-I/AAAAAAAAFaQ/w1RE7PjlQZs/s640/november+10.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
If you're wondering, we still did not find out the gender - totally avoided that area altogether.<br />
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We did not do a 4D with Stephen Small so this was a real treat!Sarah Barryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16023901303151195275noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1091263981673947918.post-42056364874035076752010-11-21T15:43:00.000-06:002010-11-21T15:43:28.147-06:00Let the Festivities BeginHello from my birth state of Mississippi. Its always good to be here. My little man and I jumped in the car and road tripped it on Thursday afternoon. We are happily settling into a week long slew of Thanksgiving festivities and are looking forward to Stephen Grande joining us later this week. I'm always a little uneasy about traveling such a far distance alone with the Smalls. Thankfully, we had very uneventful travels with the exception of a little temper tantrum on a gas station convenience store floor {ewww}. His newest thing is falling out like a wet noodle when I want him to do something against his wishes. Seriously - falls. flat. on. the. floor. - and morphs into dead weight. I'm really trying to come up with a proper, effective, and consistent response to this tactic.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_TCHjW_ANpQk/TOip7nmWSCI/AAAAAAAAFY8/Tl7qAhQZTBM/s1600/IMG_9620.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_TCHjW_ANpQk/TOip7nmWSCI/AAAAAAAAFY8/Tl7qAhQZTBM/s640/IMG_9620.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
Since being here we've been doing some sock, shoe, and clothes shopping for noodle head Smalls and its taken more than one store to find his size in socks. Until now he's only had 3 pairs and they travel solo. One in the <a href="http://sbspooner.blogspot.com/2009/09/worshin.html">worsh</a>, one in the dirty cloths, one in the dryer, one on his foot, one on the bathroom floor, one wadded up in his crib. They almost never ever ever EVER stick together as a pair. To remedy this situation I started pinning his dirty socks together so they don't get separated or eaten in the washing machine. My mom had us do this growing up and it is a nifty way to keep your socks in <i>pairs</i>. Occasionally a sock might get tangled up on the safety pin, but I believe you salvage way more socks than not by using pins.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_TCHjW_ANpQk/TOiqBNza97I/AAAAAAAAFZA/WkCewF8gGYA/s1600/IMG_9628.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_TCHjW_ANpQk/TOiqBNza97I/AAAAAAAAFZA/WkCewF8gGYA/s640/IMG_9628.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
I've also had the chance to start up that nursery project I mentioned in a previous post. I'm recovering two cushions that go in a wooden chair. I've never upholstered before so it is quite the experiment. Fortunately, <i>for me</i>, I'm not a perfectionist and I think/hope/pray I'll be happy with the end result.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_TCHjW_ANpQk/TOiqNHf2nVI/AAAAAAAAFZI/Mnh1DFvkTqg/s1600/IMG_9630.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_TCHjW_ANpQk/TOiqNHf2nVI/AAAAAAAAFZI/Mnh1DFvkTqg/s640/IMG_9630.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
In food and pregnancy matters....With the holidays and all I'm trying not to eat my weight in sweets. My test results came back negative for gestational diabetes (yeah!), but that doesn't give me a license to consume all the sugar in the state of Mississippi. I so craved sweets when pregnant with Stephen Small, especially towards the end of pregnancy and this time around seems to be quite similar. <a href="http://sbspooner.blogspot.com/2008/12/clementine-is-everything-orange-should.html">Clementines</a> are helping to curb my craving. I'm really making an effort to snack on these instead of Oreos in between meals. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TCHjW_ANpQk/TOiqWd6_SfI/AAAAAAAAFZQ/WYrc99AqDxs/s1600/IMG_9631.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TCHjW_ANpQk/TOiqWd6_SfI/AAAAAAAAFZQ/WYrc99AqDxs/s640/IMG_9631.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
Lastly and relevant to the topic of my giant sweet tooth, here is my little brother's birthday cake that I just got through icing. He's 22 today and its fun to be able to celebrate with him in person. HAPPY BIRTHDAY GEORGE! <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_TCHjW_ANpQk/TOmJEAl-QiI/AAAAAAAAFZs/HrbDAreiaXU/s1600/IMG_9644.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_TCHjW_ANpQk/TOmJEAl-QiI/AAAAAAAAFZs/HrbDAreiaXU/s640/IMG_9644.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
That's all for now! I'll be back soon. Wish you all a great Thanksgiving week! Sarah Barryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16023901303151195275noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1091263981673947918.post-26252142761269531272010-11-19T09:07:00.003-06:002010-11-19T09:19:36.806-06:00Nursery ShamsHere's a little peak of our guest room that is being transformed into a temporary nursery for new baby due in January! I say temporary because eventually I'd like for both kids to share a room. When they are old enough, I'll put them together and covert the guest room back to a true guest room.<br />
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The nursery project budget - $0, so far. I hope to spend no more than $20 in the end. Granted I already have a lot of stuff to work with.<br />
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I used fabric scraps and old throw pillows {that I've been hoarding <i>for years</i>} to make these kid friendly shams.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TCHjW_ANpQk/TOaCmiqXQ4I/AAAAAAAAFYM/SQ7U1q1U91E/s1600/IMG_9594.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TCHjW_ANpQk/TOaCmiqXQ4I/AAAAAAAAFYM/SQ7U1q1U91E/s640/IMG_9594.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
The baby is going to sleep in a bassinet that my grandfather built for me when I was born.<br />
My mom graciously treated us to a mattress for the bassinet and some fun fabric for me to recover a chair with.<br />
I'm still brain storming about artwork. <br />
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The most common question I'm asked about not finding out the baby's gender is...<i>How do you decorate the room? </i><br />
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You simply make do. And I rather enjoy the challenge! We will fill in the pink or blue eventually.<br />
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Hope you all have a truly WONDERFUL weekend!Sarah Barryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16023901303151195275noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1091263981673947918.post-49927536420487731782010-11-17T20:13:00.000-06:002010-11-17T20:13:03.172-06:00Who needs toys when you have a Volvo?Many months ago Stephen Grande purchased a used Volvo. It was a steal and he had grand plans to fix it, sell it, and make a little spending money {a hobby of his}. That is still the plan, but its taking a little longer than originally expected.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TCHjW_ANpQk/TOPbDmnlgNI/AAAAAAAAFXE/b5Bw6wAB0Cc/s1600/IMG_9421.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TCHjW_ANpQk/TOPbDmnlgNI/AAAAAAAAFXE/b5Bw6wAB0Cc/s640/IMG_9421.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
However, I feel that we've gotten our money's worth as it has become the Smalls favorite toy. It all started when Stephen Grande let Stephen Small play on the inside while he was working on the engine. Now he'd be thrilled to eat, sleep, and bathe in the there if we let him.<br />
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I'm gonna be kind of sad to see it go - one day - if it ever goes.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_TCHjW_ANpQk/TOPbuikQwEI/AAAAAAAAFXM/rOR4-5T-LMw/s1600/IMG_9423.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_TCHjW_ANpQk/TOPbuikQwEI/AAAAAAAAFXM/rOR4-5T-LMw/s640/IMG_9423.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
Who needs toys? <br />
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If I had a dollar for every hour he's played in this car, I could afford to buy my mama a Cadillac. <br />
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But then she'd have to sell her van.<br />
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And she really loves her van.<br />
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Almost as much as Smalls loves his Volvo.Sarah Barryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16023901303151195275noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1091263981673947918.post-24201899474972176262010-11-16T20:11:00.000-06:002010-11-16T20:11:35.873-06:00Celebrating AdventI don't want to get too ahead of myself by discussing Christmas before we've even had Thanksgiving, but I do want to share about our Advent calendar in the event that any of you might be interested in celebrating Advent in a similar fashion as we plan to this year. This is a tradition Stephen Grande's family had growing up - the celebration of Advent with an Advent calendar. Each day they did something special in light of the season of awaiting the coming of Jesus the Christ Child. My mother-in-law would write down an activity, a verse to read, or something as simple as make hot chocolate and put it on a little piece of paper to stuff in the Advent calendar pockets. Last Christmas when she was taking orders for what we wanted for Christmas, Stephen Grande and I both agreed that an Advent calendar was our hearts' desire. We knew we wanted to carry on this childhood tradition of his with our children. <br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_TCHjW_ANpQk/TOMA-dSw7rI/AAAAAAAAFW8/_4Z-GGi97TQ/s1600/IMG_9570.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_TCHjW_ANpQk/TOMA-dSw7rI/AAAAAAAAFW8/_4Z-GGi97TQ/s640/IMG_9570.JPG" width="638" /></a></div><br />
This morning I dug out our calendar from our Christmas storage - still in the plastic packaging as this is our first year to use it. Before I went to bed last night I jotted down a few activities to write down and stuff in each pocket to carry out in the spirit of Advent. I look forward to this being the first of many Advents we celebrate in this way and can't wait until our children are old enough to understand and participate a little better! <br />
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Here is a sampling the things I came up with:<br />
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<div style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: small;">read the Christmas story from <a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/0310708257/?tag=googhydr-20&hvadid=3353373687&ref=pd_sl_35i6yh8pld_b">The Jesus Storybook Bible</a></span></b></div><div style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: small;">make Christmas cookies</span></b></div><div style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: small;">hang door wreath</span></b></div><div style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: small;">set up Nativity scene</span></b></div><div style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: small;">have friends for dinner</span></b></div><div style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: small;">go out for breakfast</span></b></div><div style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: small;">make a Christmas gift for the new baby </span></b></div><div style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: small;">write a real letter to a friend </span></b></div><div style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: small;">watch a Christmas movie </span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <b><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">memorize Isaiah 9:6</span></span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_TCHjW_ANpQk/TOMAjNYcGJI/AAAAAAAAFW4/KpGwgYNhVRg/s1600/IMG_9565.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br />
</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i>For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. </i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I just think this is the one of the greatest ways to celebrate the typical holiday season activities and keep the real reason for the season at the forefront of our minds and hearts! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">When I googled Advent calendars there were lots for sale...some at Pottery Barn kids. I really like ours because it has the Nativity theme. Found the exact one <a href="http://www.porterhousecrafts.com/product/kids/children_s_nativity_christmas_advent_calendar_wall_hang-KUB-8916.htm?portal=nextag">here</a>.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">My friend Emily does an excellent job of explaining more about advent in <a href="http://emilydudley.blogspot.com/2010/10/you-may-cringe.html">her blog post</a> {scroll down}.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I also found <a href="http://www.focusonthefamily.com/parenting/holidays/making-meaningful-christmas-memories/celebrate-advent.aspx">this article</a> with a list of Advent readings.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Happy Advent! </div>Sarah Barryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16023901303151195275noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1091263981673947918.post-13868980763650318452010-11-15T14:33:00.006-06:002010-11-15T21:14:01.567-06:00Aahh, WeekendsWe had a good one - especially since it started with a 9:30 pm bedtime on Friday night. Rest is a good good thing.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_TCHjW_ANpQk/TOCYLZGMunI/AAAAAAAAFI4/kLDwJWiYqLY/s1600/IMG_9440.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_TCHjW_ANpQk/TOCYLZGMunI/AAAAAAAAFI4/kLDwJWiYqLY/s640/IMG_9440.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
Saturday I had the opportunity to do a photo shoot for a friend decorating a gorgeous local home for a party. In the process I learned what a <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fiddlehead_fern">Fiddlehead</a> is. Can you believe there is such a plant?! God really outdid Himself when creating the world. The VARIETY! Its astounding.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_TCHjW_ANpQk/TOCbV19tMII/AAAAAAAAFJM/049Upso06J0/s1600/IMG_9449.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_TCHjW_ANpQk/TOCbV19tMII/AAAAAAAAFJM/049Upso06J0/s640/IMG_9449.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
Stephen Small had a glorious 4 hour nap on Saturday afternoon. He awoke to me and the Grande cheering on the Auburn Tigers. S.G. moved the TV to the back porch and we watched the last half of the game together as a little fam of three.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_TCHjW_ANpQk/TOCYu0_ttiI/AAAAAAAAFI8/64EbSshaz8Y/s1600/IMG_9505.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_TCHjW_ANpQk/TOCYu0_ttiI/AAAAAAAAFI8/64EbSshaz8Y/s640/IMG_9505.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
We taught the Smalls to say Wwwwwwwaaaaaaarrrrrr EAGLE <span style="font-size: large;">Hey</span>! And despite being not much of a talker, he caught on right away. It is the cutest thing I've seen in all of my born days. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_TCHjW_ANpQk/TOCX1UKlNYI/AAAAAAAAFI0/z5mRBhg5Go4/s1600/IMG_9518.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_TCHjW_ANpQk/TOCX1UKlNYI/AAAAAAAAFI0/z5mRBhg5Go4/s640/IMG_9518.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
His front row seat was thoroughly enjoyed.<br />
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</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_TCHjW_ANpQk/TOCZr_dvLdI/AAAAAAAAFJA/Q33DVYW9xy4/s1600/IMG_9515.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_TCHjW_ANpQk/TOCZr_dvLdI/AAAAAAAAFJA/Q33DVYW9xy4/s640/IMG_9515.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_TCHjW_ANpQk/TOCbV19tMII/AAAAAAAAFJM/049Upso06J0/s1600/IMG_9449.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br />
</a></div>After Auburn's victory we had a group over to grill hamburgers. <a href="http://www.allthingsfarmer.com/">James T III</a> was in attendance and took over the meal {and my kitchen} in the best kind of way. He made <a href="http://www.allthingsfarmer.com/2009/11/how-to-make-farmers-tea.html">the Farmer's sweet tea</a> and a special sauce for the French fries. Captain Steve was on <a href="http://literallyspoonful.blogspot.com/search/label/captain%20steve%27s%20burgers">the hamburgers</a> of course and I was totally freed up to snuggle on the porch with my War Eagle baby. <br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_TCHjW_ANpQk/TOCdCHKRW3I/AAAAAAAAFJY/cRRCiW82Lkg/s1600/IMG_9521.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_TCHjW_ANpQk/TOCdCHKRW3I/AAAAAAAAFJY/cRRCiW82Lkg/s640/IMG_9521.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><br />
Some of our other friends brought their happiest seven month old little girl over. And I'll have you know Stephen Grande scooped her up half way through the night just because he wanted to hold a pink baby. He looks good with a pink baby, don't you think?<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_TCHjW_ANpQk/TOCb6w-GUiI/AAAAAAAAFJQ/bax0sCNyP8Y/s1600/IMG_9524.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_TCHjW_ANpQk/TOCb6w-GUiI/AAAAAAAAFJQ/bax0sCNyP8Y/s640/IMG_9524.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_TCHjW_ANpQk/TOCb6w-GUiI/AAAAAAAAFJQ/bax0sCNyP8Y/s1600/IMG_9524.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br />
</a><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: left;">Sunday morning came soon and we got dressed and ready for church with minimal drama. It seems that whether we wake up at 5 am or 9 am we are always rushing to church. Its the devil. Recently <strike>I</strike> we came up with a new "all hands on deck" policy when it comes to Sunday mornings. That basically means that if you are an adult in our household on Sunday morning, you are allowed no leisure time whatsoever. All efforts must be complied to get us dressed, fed, and out the door. I can only imagine how this gets more and more challenging with more children. We might just have to take our sleeping bags up to the church on Saturday night and and sleep in the sanctuary when this second baby arrives. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_TCHjW_ANpQk/TOCcT9d3UpI/AAAAAAAAFJU/lbPUIrO7z1Y/s1600/IMG_9525.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br />
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</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_TCHjW_ANpQk/TOGPMsVMXEI/AAAAAAAAFJw/O6Bi5Bv8VDg/s1600/IMG_9527.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_TCHjW_ANpQk/TOGPMsVMXEI/AAAAAAAAFJw/O6Bi5Bv8VDg/s640/IMG_9527.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">The rest of the weekend involved leftover hamburgers, a baby shower for one of my friends, a bloody nose, and me making plans to head over to Mississippi later this week! I can't believe Turkey Day is coming so soon. </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_TCHjW_ANpQk/TOCdp2UhzZI/AAAAAAAAFJc/s356wcboJc4/s1600/IMG_9533.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_TCHjW_ANpQk/TOCdp2UhzZI/AAAAAAAAFJc/s356wcboJc4/s640/IMG_9533.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">And on that note, I just have to say I'm grateful for the rain today - and a quiet afternoon. </div><div style="text-align: left;">Hope this post finds each of you well.</div></div>Sarah Barryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16023901303151195275noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1091263981673947918.post-67208538534471690462010-11-12T15:20:00.001-06:002010-11-12T16:26:39.401-06:00The Stir CraziesI'm not going to lie and tell you I haven't been a little stir crazy this week. We're still reeling from the <a href="http://sbspooner.blogspot.com/2010/11/its-amazing.html">post nasal drip</a> {it came back to bite me, and the Smalls}. And of course I'm understandably struggling with <strike>my ever growing size</strike> <a href="http://sbspooner.blogspot.com/2010/05/broke-down-with-motherhood.html">the motherhood</a>. Sleep is hit or miss, but overall we are hanging in there and very much looking forward to a weekend watching Auburn football and grilling hamburgers! <br />
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I have a little philosophy to deal with the stir crazies. And that philosophy is "When in doubt, take a walk." When I'm doubting what I should do next at home particularly because I lack motivation or because I just can't stand the thought of folding another piece of laundry or washing another dish, I know its time to GET OUT and get some fresh air.<br />
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The Smalls and I walked and played in the yard most of yesterday morning leaving my agenda to deep clean the kitchen by the wayside. It was so good for our souls. We came in around lunch time and felt like new human beings! Aunt Lu brought us over some corn chowder she made and we ate on the back porch. It was lovely. <br />
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</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TCHjW_ANpQk/TNyJFQCYYlI/AAAAAAAAFHg/IFXQliv_qZo/s1600/IMG_9406.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TCHjW_ANpQk/TNyJFQCYYlI/AAAAAAAAFHg/IFXQliv_qZo/s640/IMG_9406.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_TCHjW_ANpQk/TNyJllYiT_I/AAAAAAAAFHs/bUNy7bsWOeg/s1600/IMG_9410.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_TCHjW_ANpQk/TNyJllYiT_I/AAAAAAAAFHs/bUNy7bsWOeg/s640/IMG_9410.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
These pictures capture an over stimulated Stephen Small playing in my favorite quilt I bought on sale at Target two years ago. I'd like to decorate {if I were good at decorating, which I'm not} an entire room - or house for that matter, with its color scheme.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_TCHjW_ANpQk/TNyKLZDoDqI/AAAAAAAAFHw/px8jCpBeh3g/s1600/IMG_9411.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_TCHjW_ANpQk/TNyKLZDoDqI/AAAAAAAAFHw/px8jCpBeh3g/s640/IMG_9411.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_TCHjW_ANpQk/TNyKwQA10DI/AAAAAAAAFH8/o5uSlWbAvNE/s1600/IMG_9412.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_TCHjW_ANpQk/TNyKwQA10DI/AAAAAAAAFH8/o5uSlWbAvNE/s640/IMG_9412.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TCHjW_ANpQk/TNyLTJRqnXI/AAAAAAAAFIA/GnO29CbTL08/s1600/IMG_9416.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TCHjW_ANpQk/TNyLTJRqnXI/AAAAAAAAFIA/GnO29CbTL08/s640/IMG_9416.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><br />
I'm still working on preparing the room for the new baby and it looks like it will be early December before I finish. My mom bought some of <a href="http://premierprintsfabric.com/htybbb.shtml">this ADORABLE fabric</a> for me to tackle a little project with over Thanksgiving. <br />
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I also hope to get some significant cleaning underway before the holidays. So far its going very slow. <br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_TCHjW_ANpQk/TNyNFScjW0I/AAAAAAAAFIc/EFgXG4513FQ/s1600/IMG_9433.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_TCHjW_ANpQk/TNyNFScjW0I/AAAAAAAAFIc/EFgXG4513FQ/s640/IMG_9433.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_TCHjW_ANpQk/TNyL5fuKk-I/AAAAAAAAFII/wWjDRNGboHo/s1600/IMG_9417.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_TCHjW_ANpQk/TNyL5fuKk-I/AAAAAAAAFII/wWjDRNGboHo/s640/IMG_9417.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
I blame it on my largeness. <br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_TCHjW_ANpQk/TN2qRujRpxI/AAAAAAAAFIw/9QZ96UFAFaI/s1600/IMG_9430.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_TCHjW_ANpQk/TN2qRujRpxI/AAAAAAAAFIw/9QZ96UFAFaI/s640/IMG_9430.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">{baby belly at 30.5 weeks}</span></div><br />
Hope you all have a great weekend!!!Sarah Barryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16023901303151195275noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1091263981673947918.post-76607079118665791342010-11-09T22:43:00.000-06:002010-11-09T22:43:15.203-06:00Same 'ol Same 'olI have nothing new. We do the same 'ol same 'ol these days. Coffee, Y, Publix, play outside, watch Veggie Tales, eat lunch, nap {Small}, laundry {me}, read books, try to convince S.S. that he likes to color {he doesn't}, cook dinner, bath, wait for Grande to come home, watch T.V., bed - <span style="font-size: large;">REPEAT</span>.<br />
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I'm thankful for our routine because I love it! I'm thankful for a little boy who likes to play outside. I'm thankful for this gorgeous weather, for a healthy nephew born today, for <a href="http://literallyspoonful.blogspot.com/2010/11/freezer-sandwiches.html">freezer sandwiches</a>, for encouraging news from a friend, for the approaching holidays, and for <a href="http://www.focusonthefamily.com/about_us/profiles/dr_james_dobson.aspx">James Dobson</a> {who I've nicknamed Jimmy D. but I don't say it out loud because it sounds disrespectful and I don't mean it that way}. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TCHjW_ANpQk/TNn6yRyw3vI/AAAAAAAAFHM/9Cu02z4A0Fs/s1600/IMG_9384.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TCHjW_ANpQk/TNn6yRyw3vI/AAAAAAAAFHM/9Cu02z4A0Fs/s640/IMG_9384.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
I'm also grateful for YOU people who read my blog! Y'all are great.<br />
Hope you're having the best of weeks!Sarah Barryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16023901303151195275noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1091263981673947918.post-67038661273181627822010-11-08T15:48:00.002-06:002010-11-08T16:09:20.212-06:00Its amazingIts amazing how a minor case of post nasal drip can take you out for <i>days</i>. More so the lack of sleep secondary to the post nasal drip is what got me. And all of the combined issues lead to emotional instability, irrational spending, irritability, and sloppy wardrobe choices.<br />
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I'm thrilled to say I'm feeling SO much better and we once again have staple foods in our home such as milk, bread, eggs, bananas. Things are on the mend.<br />
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Though I can't say we've made much improvement in the way of our appearance, we are quite comfortable, me {in my faithful yoga pants that I've never done yoga in} and S. Small {in his camo and stripes}.<br />
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Whenever I'm coming off an "illness" or just feeling plain overwhelmed with the basic everyday household tasks, I make a list. I like to write down one or two single items at a time no matter how big or small. Once I can cross one thing off, then I think up the next thing to do and write it down.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_TCHjW_ANpQk/TNhOOnu0ILI/AAAAAAAAFHA/mva-Lp0-0NY/s1600/IMG_9376.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_TCHjW_ANpQk/TNhOOnu0ILI/AAAAAAAAFHA/mva-Lp0-0NY/s640/IMG_9376.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
I start by asking myself the question "What <i>must </i>be done today?" or "If I could only accomplish one thing today, what would it be?" <br />
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It helps. Hope you all are having a grand Monday!Sarah Barryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16023901303151195275noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1091263981673947918.post-18661429335876734882010-11-03T21:09:00.001-05:002010-11-03T21:24:14.290-05:00BookmarksDon't be deceived and think I'm all computer savvy because of this blog. I made a C in high school computer, a class known to be an easy A. Most of what I know now I've learned from the Grande. In fact, he taught me a new skill just last week - <i>bookmarking</i>. Its changed my life. I no longer have to write web addresses down on a post it note. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TCHjW_ANpQk/TNIKg2pMKvI/AAAAAAAAFGQ/_VGWU-LZNKI/s1600/IMG_1233.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TCHjW_ANpQk/TNIKg2pMKvI/AAAAAAAAFGQ/_VGWU-LZNKI/s640/IMG_1233.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">{bag packed and ready for <a href="http://sbspooner.blogspot.com/2010/10/routine-check-ups.html">3 hour glucose test</a>}</span></div><br />
Here's a few of my recent bookmarks.<br />
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I made <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ina-garten/jalapeno-cheddar-cornbread-recipe/index.html">this cornbread</a> minus the jalapenos and scallions. FABULOUS.<br />
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Love <a href="http://www.cluckclucksew.com/2009/10/tutorial-scrap-buster-fall-pillow.html">this tree pillow</a> and want to make one for new baby's room. <br />
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A friend recently told me about <a href="http://www.todaysletters.com/">this blog</a> - I'm hooked.<br />
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Recently started reading <a href="http://joannagoddard.blogspot.com/">this one</a> too. <br />
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Really liked these <a href="http://simplemom.net/7-ways-to-find-motivation-at-home/">tips on how to stay motivated at home</a>.<br />
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Hope you all are having a great week - its flyin' by.<br />
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What have you bookmarked lately? I'd love to know.Sarah Barryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16023901303151195275noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1091263981673947918.post-57784636579407446312010-11-02T21:05:00.001-05:002010-11-12T16:27:04.656-06:00Some Days are Better than OthersAnd today fell right in the middle. Although this morning at 2 A.M. as I was tossing and turning with the <a href="http://sbspooner.blogspot.com/2010/05/broke-down-with-motherhood.html">motherhood</a>, I would have pronounced this day a total loss from my lack of rest. But somehow thanks to some power sleep between the hours of 4 A.M. and 7 A.M, I was actually worth a little something this morning. <br />
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We voted.<br />
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And exercised.<br />
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And that's where the productivity ended. The rest of the day was spent watching entirely too much TV and napping. <br />
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Mamas get tired sometimes.<br />
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Post nap and feeling a second wind, I threw a load in the <a href="http://sbspooner.blogspot.com/2009/09/worshin.html">worsh</a> and started thinking about dinner.<br />
Bird in a basket it was. It was delish.<br />
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Hoping for better rest tonight. <br />
I've got a lot of ironing to do tomorrow. <br />
And I need energy to recover from seeing Ricky Martin on Oprah.Sarah Barryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16023901303151195275noreply@blogger.com3