tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23136367956354507152024-02-08T00:00:53.134-06:00I Spilled My WineAnnehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13761627608758353554noreply@blogger.comBlogger262125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2313636795635450715.post-19045823897258431722023-08-15T06:38:00.000-05:002023-08-15T06:38:50.717-05:00Dear Lara, Today You're 9.I keep thinking these years will slow down, but here we are....your last year in single digits. This evening, as we kept our tradition alive of doing a mini birthday photoshoot, I kept looking at you thinking how beautiful you are. Your little freckles....your blue eyes, your smirky little grin you make when I embarrass you. You're a little stunner and you're dads terrified. <div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj--X0wgxzDPRG1cPh4B5X9rNTP4V98IR5wUtM6-VJggLI5DOC0mGaIuftWx2tMInoUQt8Kw8aMDWw7yIlJyDqUMcj2PnNO6OIzLmZLnkwzsGtfbV_x7mUXsfTkPWFY0c1lGcyrbI-ktloKZ8nyK64wY10S_fnF8grYf12dCc3g8oR9FU9f-CXBy-nXbnQ/s2048/IMG_5494.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1365" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj--X0wgxzDPRG1cPh4B5X9rNTP4V98IR5wUtM6-VJggLI5DOC0mGaIuftWx2tMInoUQt8Kw8aMDWw7yIlJyDqUMcj2PnNO6OIzLmZLnkwzsGtfbV_x7mUXsfTkPWFY0c1lGcyrbI-ktloKZ8nyK64wY10S_fnF8grYf12dCc3g8oR9FU9f-CXBy-nXbnQ/s16000/IMG_5494.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div><br /><div><br /></div><div>But I'm not. </div><div><br /></div><div>You're beautiful, but you're so much more than that. What I'm most proud of is how confident you are, even when it nearly breaks me. </div><div><br /></div><div>Literally. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_Vh9QsDXEDA0L5KkD-wSrglFJ3mXJDFdyYv21vofaTlgLCdCmCVhlwrn9hq_3g4Ye4wCUbLw2kBgI2dak0U6788f34cZlS20nI2b8kFWmlwTMdKwbch7xnZwGlsrH8I-2YBfpB-UIl91RpSHjJzMUylueMRtjnI9NUxOf4hRMedvJCGVxtl4Mviwp5oc/s2048/IMG_5477.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_Vh9QsDXEDA0L5KkD-wSrglFJ3mXJDFdyYv21vofaTlgLCdCmCVhlwrn9hq_3g4Ye4wCUbLw2kBgI2dak0U6788f34cZlS20nI2b8kFWmlwTMdKwbch7xnZwGlsrH8I-2YBfpB-UIl91RpSHjJzMUylueMRtjnI9NUxOf4hRMedvJCGVxtl4Mviwp5oc/s16000/IMG_5477.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>I know YOU know how incredible God made you and that to me is the thing I'm most proud of as your mom. </div><div><br /></div><div>Your strong will is something I wasn't expecting. You're our first child, so as your parents, we're learning each new phase of parenting right alongside you. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKuYKnQLkXj-KnmQ_aIyikod31DWoW1xN1Afuye7a3GUr8G0eQ41DA225q8X9Jk5yg4jWSQSNiKUYn8SZNApetW3rJAS2DL2QFC27QgiAIHI8eswd_WxaKHu6sxLfHP7YsNaOseCA5aQs5ewoTd55NyOBh2HM6jXiVzBKuoy82FjZDv3nUgmJk75RuQlQ/s2048/IMG_5552.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKuYKnQLkXj-KnmQ_aIyikod31DWoW1xN1Afuye7a3GUr8G0eQ41DA225q8X9Jk5yg4jWSQSNiKUYn8SZNApetW3rJAS2DL2QFC27QgiAIHI8eswd_WxaKHu6sxLfHP7YsNaOseCA5aQs5ewoTd55NyOBh2HM6jXiVzBKuoy82FjZDv3nUgmJk75RuQlQ/s16000/IMG_5552.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>And at times, you give us a run for our money. But we wouldn't have it any other way.</div><div><br /></div><div>Most people still see you as the shy one...the quieter, more subdued one of the three Xenos girls. Which always makes your dad and I laugh. In actuality, you are full of passion about the things you care about. </div><div><br /></div><div>God. Your sisters. Sports. Acro. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOF_W4BZBrDQc2SNTBY4Tf98zf85GkQWKfU999QX1XWjaAJVT6wK-ixGlzFFyEpkk82QnUyMupTP5-qW80MjeUEtxS4ksR40NjnatF8mVlnsUaelVghNJ2-pxxbonmIoDV5xDBYS_N5bomm7Gf6-i0sW1sMIhqFPBN8CVm2lD1F2hh4ExyRfM0IKzVhP8/s2048/IMG_5566.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1365" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOF_W4BZBrDQc2SNTBY4Tf98zf85GkQWKfU999QX1XWjaAJVT6wK-ixGlzFFyEpkk82QnUyMupTP5-qW80MjeUEtxS4ksR40NjnatF8mVlnsUaelVghNJ2-pxxbonmIoDV5xDBYS_N5bomm7Gf6-i0sW1sMIhqFPBN8CVm2lD1F2hh4ExyRfM0IKzVhP8/s16000/IMG_5566.jpg" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Lately we've noticed how you seem to think you can outsmart us. Sometimes I let you think it, but most of the time I have to remind you that I am and always will have years of wisdom on you. I know someday you'll grow to respect that, just as I learned with my own Mom. </div><div><br /></div><div>You're starting to get embarrassed by Dad & I's crazy antics....wait, you've always been like that. Which makes us want to do it even more. You're welcome. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCkpGRz6aKR8PQPwsKHlPa57BA8AyBlHaRJSNytGgLB7E1BlgtJFVG1pYXLMp1bzryjtRhjfekBPZ9vjwjSEVTy3Y999Tps2wqdgX03ESleYtz0ZiU8J2ynCTc3RB_AWmwlAEOIufFVYCPiVdm0Of78KJMsDNBZ_Sxk-DxrxZ0Bq-BhpYqCL2FL2hBmLM/s2048/IMG_5592.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1365" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCkpGRz6aKR8PQPwsKHlPa57BA8AyBlHaRJSNytGgLB7E1BlgtJFVG1pYXLMp1bzryjtRhjfekBPZ9vjwjSEVTy3Y999Tps2wqdgX03ESleYtz0ZiU8J2ynCTc3RB_AWmwlAEOIufFVYCPiVdm0Of78KJMsDNBZ_Sxk-DxrxZ0Bq-BhpYqCL2FL2hBmLM/s16000/IMG_5592.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div>My wish for you as you enter your THIRD GRADE year is that you learn to embrace your emotions and not be embarrassed by them. You're learning to navigate friendships & the beauty AND challenges that come with them. </div><div><br /></div><div>I hope you continue to run after God and learn more about what is means to have an awesome Father in heaven that adores you, even when you mess up. Baby, we're all messed up. And he loves us anyway. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGkBTrdtQAHNmWRB0EZRqk_Pl2nw9fk7exZrNc1hMGxbULu_4cUHr10Pixi8ZIQB2L2OvPSlkCGqebp9LlNrWnsW62OkDiSS8P9EOukpODcISEI18y1HUEok8HBw2UtVIH7NWuLjZXIyr8_kDdn7IgJcK1K0xMvRxivGR3gI4d7wzA1N_dbL6eiheLbGs/s2048/IMG_5498.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1365" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGkBTrdtQAHNmWRB0EZRqk_Pl2nw9fk7exZrNc1hMGxbULu_4cUHr10Pixi8ZIQB2L2OvPSlkCGqebp9LlNrWnsW62OkDiSS8P9EOukpODcISEI18y1HUEok8HBw2UtVIH7NWuLjZXIyr8_kDdn7IgJcK1K0xMvRxivGR3gI4d7wzA1N_dbL6eiheLbGs/s16000/IMG_5498.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div><div>I hope you continue to love your little sisters with that big heart of yours. Lately, you've shared with me how hard it is to be the oldest.....</div><div><br /></div><div>With great responsibility comes great reward. Your little sisters have the BEST big sister in the whole world and while they may not be able to express that right now, they show it by wanting to be JUST LIKE YOU. </div><div><br /></div><div>And I don't blame them. You're one cool kid and there's not a day that goes by that Dad and I aren't so darn grateful that we get to be your parents. </div><div><br /></div><div>We love you, our beautiful, intelligent daughter. SO, SO much.</div><div><br /></div><div>XO, </div><div>Mom & Dad</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div></div>Annehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13761627608758353554noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2313636795635450715.post-68794546972391618442022-12-01T14:41:00.001-06:002022-12-01T14:58:27.540-06:00Dear Sadie, Today You're 6.<p> Oh my sweet Sadie June. I'm not sure who's having a harder time with you turning 6....</p><p><i>Me or you. </i></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW_R8BB9W6GrvbpxddxivzuVZZj7ezDlEeBEA214lBMP4e6oA-D7V1DwXe81pj-CmyT5CP9lQkYBA19F9RCfgM5buUnRcTEqZGU-_6PQ6Q5gjlA3SNi9ey5EwoCgdy9xw7HnNZVckzvhdOBTTOc71ahM2fb5Z8jK7RdcLmIdVFmPk-zctT_BpLWDu7/s3688/IMG_4574-2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2459" data-original-width="3688" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW_R8BB9W6GrvbpxddxivzuVZZj7ezDlEeBEA214lBMP4e6oA-D7V1DwXe81pj-CmyT5CP9lQkYBA19F9RCfgM5buUnRcTEqZGU-_6PQ6Q5gjlA3SNi9ey5EwoCgdy9xw7HnNZVckzvhdOBTTOc71ahM2fb5Z8jK7RdcLmIdVFmPk-zctT_BpLWDu7/s16000/IMG_4574-2.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p>Over the past month, you've realized you're no longer a "baby," and you seem quite surprised by that. Your little sister is 2, and I'm not sure if it's just now setting in that SHE'S the baby in the house and to be honest, I know that's been hard on you lately...</p><p>About the time you turned 3, we realized you had an affinity for chicken nuggets. In fact, you still do. I started calling you my little chicken nugget and the name just stuck. Earlier this week, you asked me if you could always be my "little chicken nugget." I wonder if you'll ask me that same question when you turn 16...? ;) </p><p><br />You found an old photo book from our very first trip to Branson at Christmastime. I believe it was when you were around 4. You brought the book upstairs and asked if we could talk privately. That's what you girls say when you're needing some mommy time. You showed me a picture of you and I snuggling, riding on a horse drawn carriage. You pointed to the picture and with big, puppy dog eyes, you said to me, "I'm not a baby anymore. I'm not your little chicken nugget." </p><p><br /></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdKdNnMulzkQpgNTouUV1enZ--Eu5iodgx6oeRyW1oQhWbRJP33f291NlmOd9OpxfyG2Pf2ihX89iE8vv0u7ibcLfxmwEBruO56guR4aSDdmIRBpwyhRbXBsX3WTFI_ICbotJTE6eFd4PuPtUfLemVe9aktHDhQZ_om1MOUNed9pnvVkDRfVQK_T6S/s5147/IMG_4598.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5147" data-original-width="3431" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdKdNnMulzkQpgNTouUV1enZ--Eu5iodgx6oeRyW1oQhWbRJP33f291NlmOd9OpxfyG2Pf2ihX89iE8vv0u7ibcLfxmwEBruO56guR4aSDdmIRBpwyhRbXBsX3WTFI_ICbotJTE6eFd4PuPtUfLemVe9aktHDhQZ_om1MOUNed9pnvVkDRfVQK_T6S/s16000/IMG_4598.jpg" /></a></p><p>I have to admit, while it pulled at my heart strings, I also chuckled to myself because I secretly love that you want to be mommy's little girl for a little while longer. </p><p>And listen, I'm 100% ok with that. You got a deal, kid. </p><p>You have always been the sweetest soul, the calm to the chaos, the jokester. You love to laugh and I just ADORE that about you! You think burping and farting are the most hilarious things in the world and for some reason, you refuse to flush the toilet, much to our dismay. We've told you a million times - SADIE!! Flush the toilet!! And you just won't do it. <br /><br />I can't figure out if it's because you don't like the sound, or your laziness. Probably the latter. ;) </p><p>While you aren't the cleanest of kids (you leave a path of destruction and clothes just about everywhere you walk), your wit and spirit ALL but makes up for it. </p><p>But you know what I love most about you, my Sadie girl? Your generous spirit!! It's amazing to me how a a 6 year old can be so tremendously giving - heck, you'd give the shirt off your back to your sister, to us, to your friend. </p><p><br /></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-rLV2LE_6_Ah7QE8OKKcBLNhUFWXXBsF8mjCDpMS4xTSH_4rEMz4tGMwmJB0OeJfZBgXgoTMTZzcztjfu8qlI1OdfyrL9oSlf-d3QBzxhClP29lPA57cl9Q0rkwQZGRd2-6P0_sW5NYxL_ok59wVGqf98iJWHZ8D2VZaDDavsS2HLAnTWeKqeZXZt/s4606/IMG_4580.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4606" data-original-width="3071" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-rLV2LE_6_Ah7QE8OKKcBLNhUFWXXBsF8mjCDpMS4xTSH_4rEMz4tGMwmJB0OeJfZBgXgoTMTZzcztjfu8qlI1OdfyrL9oSlf-d3QBzxhClP29lPA57cl9Q0rkwQZGRd2-6P0_sW5NYxL_ok59wVGqf98iJWHZ8D2VZaDDavsS2HLAnTWeKqeZXZt/s16000/IMG_4580.jpg" /></a></p><p>While your allowance is a few quarters here and there, you save those quarters up just waiting for the chance to share them with someone in need. The other day, you wanted doughnuts before school. Heck, everyday you want doughnuts! I told you we couldn't get doughnuts two days in a row, but that if you wanted to spend your own money, I'd take you. </p><p>You ran to find your wallet and immediately began counting your quarters. You wanted to make extra sure you had enough to buy Lara a doughnut, too. </p><p>You find so much more joy in GIVING to others and that, my sweet little girl, is a GIFT. YOU ARE A GIFT. </p><p>While you've been sassier than normal lately, I have a sense that because things have been calmer around the house, you finally feel the space you need to release some of your new, big emotions you're feeling since starting kindergarten... </p><p>Speaking of kindergarten - your teacher told us at parent teacher conferences a few weeks ago, what a mother hen you are around class. You CARE so much about others and always make sure everyones getting along. That's usually the role you play around the house, so no surprise there! ;) </p><p>While I could go on and on and on about how adored you are, Sadie girl, I'll close with this: whether you're turning 6 or 60, you'll <i>always</i> be my little chicken nugget. </p><p>XO, </p><p>Mom & Dad</p>Annehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13761627608758353554noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2313636795635450715.post-52160001274332355632022-10-31T21:10:00.007-05:002022-10-31T21:10:58.373-05:00Dear Lainey, today you're 2<p>I normally write these letters the night BEFORE your birthday....but last night, I was too emotional to conjure up words to express how much I love you, Lainey Rose. </p><p>As I was rocking you to sleep last night you let me sing you "<i>the song</i>." While you're quite demanding with your night night songs (usually a mix between row row & twinkle twinkle), you must've sensed I needed to sing "the song," because you didn't once stop me. Trust me, that's unusual for you. </p><p>The song I've sang more times than I can count. The song I danced to at <i>my wedding</i> with your Grandma. The song I've been singing you girls to sleep with for 8 years and counting. </p><p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l4_6eQm7RTQ" target="_blank">The Best Day</a>. The song is written from a daughter's perspective on growing up, a song she wrote for HER mom. </p><p><i>"There is a video I found from back when I was 3. You set up a paint set in the kitchen and you're talking to me. It's the age of princesses and pirate ships & the seven seas.... Daddy's smart and you're the prettiest lady in the whole wide world."</i></p><p><i>"Now I know why, all the trees change in the fall. I know you were on my side, even when I was wrong. And I love you, for giving me your eyes. Standing back and watching me shine. I didn't know if you knew....but I'm taking this chance to say, I had the best day....with you....today." </i></p><p>As I sang the words, I thought about how fast you're growing up. How fast the past 2 years have gone. I thought about your giggles, your sweet voice, your head strong spirit, your grin, your sweet little pigtails. </p><p>I thought about everything YOU ARE. My last baby. My bookend on her last night being ONE. And I cried....</p><p>I PRAY that when you grow up, you look back on these years & see those <i>same videos</i> and feel how LOVED you are. </p><p>It's a strange dichotomy, being a mom. You love seeing your baby grow up, learn to eat, learn to walk, learn to run. But your heart <i>literally</i> aches at the same time. </p><p>I swear you came out smiling, Lainey Rose. Everyone that meets you instantly falls in love with your coyness, your silly spirit, your big blue eyes.</p><p>But out of everyone in the world, your sisters are your favorite people, your BEST friends. When you walk into a room, you're looking for Lara & Sadie before anyone else and I hope it always stays that way. </p><p>Your big sisters love you more than <i>anything</i> in the world, even though you boss them around day in, day out. You demand they play with you by reaching out your hand saying, "PAY." While you love watching Bernard or Blippi, you also demand someone sits by you, patting the couch and yelling "SIT" to whoever's walking by. </p><p>Spoiler. we all sit. You run this house & you know it.</p><p>Everyday you're saying new things & while most of the time I use Lara as your interpreter, I'm getting better at deciphering the Lainey Rose dialect. We'll say, "Lainey, come here," and if you're in the mood to join, you'll say, "Ooootay." </p><p>At night, you demand a pretty regimented process and secretly, I love it. Once your jammies are on, you'll say "Rock you," which means sit your butt down and rock me NOW. You ask for your washies over and over again until you have at least 3, then a few minutes later, you want in your bed. We kiss your plump little cheeks, lay you down, you roll over and get tucked in with your blanket or as you call it, "banket."<br /><br />Then, in the sweetest little voice you start saying, "Lovesssss you." <br /><br />Over and over and over again, long after we've closed your door. In fact, some nights you'll yell it at us thru the door until you get a response. </p><p>The ending to yet another "best day" with our Lainey Rose. </p><p>My sweet baby, I hope <i>you</i> always know how much we 'lovesssss YOU.'</p><p>XOXO,</p><p>Mom & Dad</p>Annehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13761627608758353554noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2313636795635450715.post-74259959956622648492022-08-15T06:50:00.002-05:002022-08-15T06:50:39.597-05:00Dear Lara, today you're 8.<p>Where to begin? Tonight we sat around on the couch talking about the night before you were born, 8 years ago. It's funny, because as I told the story, all the details came RIGHT back to me as if it happened yesterday...</p><p>I remember being absolutely terrified to have a c-section, but with your stubbornness, it was the only safe way to bring you into the world being that you were breech.</p><p>Little did I know, that stubbornness would exacerbate over the years to come. ๐ <br /><br /></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl5TVj89wi9YfLJ_lS7zsgSMnGlW1YFVoftpmlkIsrCw7kstWtlRkjyiZZJeSYXt724Z8MnLGoKf7ercYkBVJIV1Bd9RHRKKyGXqQBVky0mMY8f9BKf3u9aYgQ97SZuUO2iWjsTyqbzNeXF8Qzej1azYXwyKYHDMNgdfFna0hcR48O9y9S0XDpNxJX/s2666/IMG_0905.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1777" data-original-width="2666" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl5TVj89wi9YfLJ_lS7zsgSMnGlW1YFVoftpmlkIsrCw7kstWtlRkjyiZZJeSYXt724Z8MnLGoKf7ercYkBVJIV1Bd9RHRKKyGXqQBVky0mMY8f9BKf3u9aYgQ97SZuUO2iWjsTyqbzNeXF8Qzej1azYXwyKYHDMNgdfFna0hcR48O9y9S0XDpNxJX/w640-h426/IMG_0905.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p><br />I can't pretend like it's been easy being your Mom, because it hasn't. You have challenged me EVERY single step of the way, and I'm sure your teenage years will prove to be equally as tough.</p><p>BUT, you have taught me more in the past 8 years than I could've learned in a lifetime without a daughter like you. </p><p>However, over the past year you've grown into a softer Lara. A more loving & empathetic little girl, with a stubborn streak that you're <i>slowly</i> learning to reign. <br /><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIO-ddDMqdeWh3xMyLm1c-dKb4n7PXcbJ1CxTpR4XEUAluHEzCtMZxGaj_90dIUCIJcNL0Oxpg9h7z7wmdRquw4Mq4-OTkXSFMDSFYbIOx10DHHn32RAA6rAkIWCk9kqp5osb_tgKQ5w4NeUhNaGZlvRmrXDesMh8QJnZWB3SGdwCYam6R-faixBaZ/s6240/IMG_0958.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4160" data-original-width="6240" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIO-ddDMqdeWh3xMyLm1c-dKb4n7PXcbJ1CxTpR4XEUAluHEzCtMZxGaj_90dIUCIJcNL0Oxpg9h7z7wmdRquw4Mq4-OTkXSFMDSFYbIOx10DHHn32RAA6rAkIWCk9kqp5osb_tgKQ5w4NeUhNaGZlvRmrXDesMh8QJnZWB3SGdwCYam6R-faixBaZ/w640-h426/IMG_0958.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p>You love animals more than most humans and with how society has behaved the last couple of years, I don't blame you. You adore your baby sister, even when she swats you in the face and leaves a bloody scratch above your left eye. A scratch that's turned into the ever so slight scar you'll likely carry for a lifetime. You adore that little girl anyway. <br /><br /></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL_b8T3tmYPpn57hgR-HFO62rbdiFkcPVgLfMU2Jo_bSx81f4oYDVBW16N1er_lVQuTF6oRmtXngGqmO8Ftnw4oYWnmnb7o-qvx57Ys-MPUGOoAF_V90vaAziV9V1D3wQXkWms1RmAHjp7aSFsBrg8hlAp5T4B3g_GbJUQ8ySkiOD19AU-EuPiJzJJ/s5836/IMG_0788.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3891" data-original-width="5836" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL_b8T3tmYPpn57hgR-HFO62rbdiFkcPVgLfMU2Jo_bSx81f4oYDVBW16N1er_lVQuTF6oRmtXngGqmO8Ftnw4oYWnmnb7o-qvx57Ys-MPUGOoAF_V90vaAziV9V1D3wQXkWms1RmAHjp7aSFsBrg8hlAp5T4B3g_GbJUQ8ySkiOD19AU-EuPiJzJJ/w640-h426/IMG_0788.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p><br /></p><p>You and Sadie have your spats, but deep down, I know you love her light hearted spirit. She brings out a child like side of you that most people don't get to see. Sometimes, when you get home from a day away, you'll both disappear downstairs and play together quietly for an hour or more in your book nook turned Xenos Horse Ranch. ๐</p><p>I joke with friends & family that you truly are a better parent than I, and while I laugh it off, deep down I know it's kind of true. You're always watching things unfold around you with an eagle like eye. Waiting for someone to screw up. Today, Lainey grabbed an antibacterial cleaning spray and had it in her mouth...by the time I realized what was happening, you'd already yanked it out of her hand, shocked that I would put her in danger like that. ๐</p><p>While we're polar opposites in most ways, you're the little ying to my yang. I love our 1:1 time more than you'll <i>ever know</i>. You open up and talk your little heart out and I get to see how much you're growing into a little lady right before my eyes. You have zero interest in boys and would prefer to grow old with your massive collection of stuffed animals. You display them every so precise in your bed, ensuring you leave just enough space for you to sleep. You're doing cartwheels and back walkovers everywhere you go, constantly flipping around, more than you actually walk. </p><p>Over this next year, I pray you grow in <i>confidence</i>. Confidence in who God created YOU to be, Lara Anne. You are strong and stubborn, <i>sure</i>, but you are also full of SO much love & empathy. I want you to be confident enough to have strength but ALSO show the side of you that's humble & kind.<br /><br /></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp-dWpw2Jfa1JBMVEVFFtxCsDWAZUEEYwSyMMQjhV0USWmsLD0Znj0Vu_hK4qQsIjhsLmBfhQKNUduhdTRfraiJ4uJVyIlagJ-CXFIuvYwAVWbJpg3UyjLvacJYKOCfDzv2Vavah2MhmyoQNTU6nsqjsTXpZXtdU2dFpb0OmJPqZnN30O2rHqVEs6v/s5953/IMG_0848.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3969" data-original-width="5953" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp-dWpw2Jfa1JBMVEVFFtxCsDWAZUEEYwSyMMQjhV0USWmsLD0Znj0Vu_hK4qQsIjhsLmBfhQKNUduhdTRfraiJ4uJVyIlagJ-CXFIuvYwAVWbJpg3UyjLvacJYKOCfDzv2Vavah2MhmyoQNTU6nsqjsTXpZXtdU2dFpb0OmJPqZnN30O2rHqVEs6v/w640-h426/IMG_0848.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p><br /></p><p>I know people say their wish is for their daughter to be a "world changer," but I don't. I already KNOW you're a world changer. My wish is that God gives your Dad & I the strength to survive parenthood so we can witness the difference you, my girl, will make in this crazy world. </p><p>But seriously, can you go easy on us this next year?</p><p>XO,</p><p>Mom & Dad </p>Annehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13761627608758353554noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2313636795635450715.post-79430300308608485302020-12-01T08:05:00.002-06:002020-12-01T08:22:40.339-06:00Dear Sadie, today you're four. <p style="text-align: center;">I'd like to say it's a shock that we're here. That we're celebrating you turning <b><u>FOUR</u></b>, but baby girl, you have brought so much light and joy to our lives that'd it'd be impossible to say we haven't loved every single year of your little life. </p><p style="text-align: center;">Our little makeup queen.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRwU_MTWnewm4yRUyYNU-i5aFsucLmRoMAALqZGz3HT_h-iCToaUalnqdVrg5HtXFTLPWBxV4J9FX7fyzrF-QcRx5_Vd9WacImN2UHNXXP_QysFVB57EUkL0gQpItWZ9V2wq-y6SD-oV4/s2048/79114027_960208967022_3972715693622689792_o.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRwU_MTWnewm4yRUyYNU-i5aFsucLmRoMAALqZGz3HT_h-iCToaUalnqdVrg5HtXFTLPWBxV4J9FX7fyzrF-QcRx5_Vd9WacImN2UHNXXP_QysFVB57EUkL0gQpItWZ9V2wq-y6SD-oV4/s16000/79114027_960208967022_3972715693622689792_o.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><p style="text-align: center;">But boy, what a year this has been for you, our sweet Sadie June-bug. We've watched you morph into a little girl and as much as I fight it, I just can't seem to make you stop growing. We talk about this often and you adamantly explain that you HAVE to get bigger. Yesterday when I picked you up from school, you asked me how much you'd grow overnight...because after all, today is your birthday. </p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXKWLDg8ZwJRU84_cZORnZTmDg_IBh86WyqERd2EVcwuO4fbt26MhutEyvZ0MvuerZoG7NRFuR7FPYukEzcKcw0xpAKWb6Pgl8Ya4l3VoSNcjdZDOiC0NznaaEYoSJh4oJgr-JMoUlmDk/s1810/87225243_973846357582_7330547234741682176_o.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1810" data-original-width="1448" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXKWLDg8ZwJRU84_cZORnZTmDg_IBh86WyqERd2EVcwuO4fbt26MhutEyvZ0MvuerZoG7NRFuR7FPYukEzcKcw0xpAKWb6Pgl8Ya4l3VoSNcjdZDOiC0NznaaEYoSJh4oJgr-JMoUlmDk/s16000/87225243_973846357582_7330547234741682176_o.jpg" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">But, I'd be lying if we still don't witness your toddler-esque tantrums from time to time...and when you throw them, it's go big or go home. You do everything in life FULL of passion.</p><p style="text-align: center;"> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqNsKzMtbEmG8WPmH6si3qFn9wRUGVYZFKawu5iMloJCpoycsa2LOBE29uy5OaxLWES_u1fapud_Y_jYcoe4N6s7ndzNjnIZ8_EGv110hBfgDvfHXnGm5SOnAe5rYkAS8EdcvYp1JN3ro/s2048/79340941_961737508812_2577440063654723584_o.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqNsKzMtbEmG8WPmH6si3qFn9wRUGVYZFKawu5iMloJCpoycsa2LOBE29uy5OaxLWES_u1fapud_Y_jYcoe4N6s7ndzNjnIZ8_EGv110hBfgDvfHXnGm5SOnAe5rYkAS8EdcvYp1JN3ro/s16000/79340941_961737508812_2577440063654723584_o.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">This past Christmas, you finally decided you'd become friends with Santa. I was kind of surprised it took as long as it did because you befriend just about everyone you meet. </p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfDksFhpc03Ke9955E4Q7xmShVVz10WcruUTU-O9f4rCvlYZFTUP48SiR9H1ZRwnzbCAvgZrZ5lTbUvsRosbVaXZBqfH5x12i7DuV2HjibnV5xE0Coh4lySzHDTdI0zzC2JJSjWhlGhEM/s2037/79241682_961799399782_8861195470760837120_o.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2037" data-original-width="1358" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfDksFhpc03Ke9955E4Q7xmShVVz10WcruUTU-O9f4rCvlYZFTUP48SiR9H1ZRwnzbCAvgZrZ5lTbUvsRosbVaXZBqfH5x12i7DuV2HjibnV5xE0Coh4lySzHDTdI0zzC2JJSjWhlGhEM/s16000/79241682_961799399782_8861195470760837120_o.jpg" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">You say the funniest things, and <i>always</i> when we're least expecting it. The other day, Lara was throwing a fit about something and you looked at me and said, "Mom, she's just living her life. She's just living her life, mom." </p><p style="text-align: center;">You seem to understand your big sister better than most. Even though you're complete opposites, you girls are BEST friends. I can't wait to see what spice Lainey Rose brings to the mix!</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW_UIR4tS91j10M8GpjeSd1yCjV5amD-nmEtcEyOvJ0cA5WzrOmgEHu5xnybieBk7ktWczZU2RDty-6oqRqr5LnyR539-noQgyfISppCunUSdYvxGvsBgObCist_n_5UqjEdyGlfpMh0Q/s2048/82440199_966873271702_1832003022910128128_o.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW_UIR4tS91j10M8GpjeSd1yCjV5amD-nmEtcEyOvJ0cA5WzrOmgEHu5xnybieBk7ktWczZU2RDty-6oqRqr5LnyR539-noQgyfISppCunUSdYvxGvsBgObCist_n_5UqjEdyGlfpMh0Q/s16000/82440199_966873271702_1832003022910128128_o.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpIMsRZJ2NiJWHWPu1JiWLxOJTJ0iEFwt4U77s0swzjzcV0ukTI8Qh_c9Ile-ZSiwE1weWWGdVJxt0iYGyM3XYd5-HAEJCItx8Nbyvx1vP-ERGsN8RQ70bBey9bjc8V6n5LX_w22Azh_E/s2048/106505835_10100101354192832_2496933954050861305_o.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpIMsRZJ2NiJWHWPu1JiWLxOJTJ0iEFwt4U77s0swzjzcV0ukTI8Qh_c9Ile-ZSiwE1weWWGdVJxt0iYGyM3XYd5-HAEJCItx8Nbyvx1vP-ERGsN8RQ70bBey9bjc8V6n5LX_w22Azh_E/s16000/106505835_10100101354192832_2496933954050861305_o.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGIrB502UHeuOa7HrPSM4t88m5vkQnW3m8ew-TrITFmPSIaM677RYx3Q7VaUMXMOM9IpiStR3HXQqAkTf9BvuU-fGH4RQx6mgedKBGNdGuky5ISyjHrtGMV_WThlwrs2n0nlKyOmMe9ho/s2048/78938833_960461441062_571983974746816512_o.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGIrB502UHeuOa7HrPSM4t88m5vkQnW3m8ew-TrITFmPSIaM677RYx3Q7VaUMXMOM9IpiStR3HXQqAkTf9BvuU-fGH4RQx6mgedKBGNdGuky5ISyjHrtGMV_WThlwrs2n0nlKyOmMe9ho/s16000/78938833_960461441062_571983974746816512_o.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p style="text-align: center;">You became a big sister a month ago and every time we call you a "big sister," you calmly explain you're not a <i>big</i> sister, you're a <i>MIDDLE</i> sister. You're proud of that title, "<i>Middle Sister.</i>" </p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7GnEwM8HUGPNQMbs-eOxtKnY0NDKOTTi1tFY8Qno-EYkV9rgZ2elh8TkluUOYjgifGq83y6cSg6gI2wEZfA86jht-twrpYRRuNp-VTCHvqPuafN-3OLZ77-QbtHuiNSHAFtlKSQ8qgig/s2048/IMG_0992.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7GnEwM8HUGPNQMbs-eOxtKnY0NDKOTTi1tFY8Qno-EYkV9rgZ2elh8TkluUOYjgifGq83y6cSg6gI2wEZfA86jht-twrpYRRuNp-VTCHvqPuafN-3OLZ77-QbtHuiNSHAFtlKSQ8qgig/s16000/IMG_0992.JPG" /></a></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQU-djVQk-aHbVI90emmLs7dDC5_ydq74wxyF5wkz3I9KnEnG37POv97Ut0UnaD8yAq4Mi-0TxAFyLfW6iJwrxoEbkBSAhnqvWSTm04gLGAgPHY6v0OeTFDf9VPrbo6aJPxU7QiiYeffM/s1541/123766704_10100126192536592_5468696421186479930_o.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1027" data-original-width="1541" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQU-djVQk-aHbVI90emmLs7dDC5_ydq74wxyF5wkz3I9KnEnG37POv97Ut0UnaD8yAq4Mi-0TxAFyLfW6iJwrxoEbkBSAhnqvWSTm04gLGAgPHY6v0OeTFDf9VPrbo6aJPxU7QiiYeffM/s16000/123766704_10100126192536592_5468696421186479930_o.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p style="text-align: center;">You carry your "piggy" and "washie" everywhere. EVERYWHERE. You got this little stuffed piggy at a zoo in North Carolina over a year ago and since then, you've slept with this little piggy every single night. </p><p style="text-align: center;">Now that Lainey is here and has her own set of washies, I put you in charge of picking out which washie she uses everyday. It's basically a job that was made for you. You keep them folded in her closet and are truly the "keeper of the washies" around this house. </p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQHrO-YACLlwQRH5Pukkq4KTH6xAv5la0ETNBkm7LbAgg5PSV0819bL36hctEwJkfdNpAUv1Scb_hyphenhyphenuoxViMTy67A1gCa_dzQD8fb3cQQWBDNDI6ZXG3sUPr8aYJC4TJh7vavYG8itS18/s2048/105956665_10100101354043132_8296501876089907743_o.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQHrO-YACLlwQRH5Pukkq4KTH6xAv5la0ETNBkm7LbAgg5PSV0819bL36hctEwJkfdNpAUv1Scb_hyphenhyphenuoxViMTy67A1gCa_dzQD8fb3cQQWBDNDI6ZXG3sUPr8aYJC4TJh7vavYG8itS18/s16000/105956665_10100101354043132_8296501876089907743_o.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p style="text-align: center;">You started swimming underwater this past summer, but let's be real. That actually consisted with you wearing goggles the size of your head and you sticking your face just below the surface for 0.5 seconds only to whip it right out, take a HUGE, deep breath and then do it again....for 0.5 seconds. It was the cutest thing to watch because you were just SO proud of yourself! </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0NSua3Dv2AIbHGAhkvA-tMdrVRnK84AoShpwoD13_Em7yyjtQXQINws-yZvE1P_CRuBy_B_OZx6Aw07XsW6cDmOCo-uOfzZLafMq6HhR4DvxJwaxSwvvIHIj2sFqoNkdq3USg3BGJ8EM/s2048/120825456_10100120624664652_2833011195359921354_o.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1535" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0NSua3Dv2AIbHGAhkvA-tMdrVRnK84AoShpwoD13_Em7yyjtQXQINws-yZvE1P_CRuBy_B_OZx6Aw07XsW6cDmOCo-uOfzZLafMq6HhR4DvxJwaxSwvvIHIj2sFqoNkdq3USg3BGJ8EM/s16000/120825456_10100120624664652_2833011195359921354_o.jpg" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN57jbyMnuUqIHxdpjlt_UEVhGodOS9NWDWnVJPVXrE5ESVO0FKrfjG9zx7I0c4cGLN3wzBpfiNuXTSKmsTGzhtbmVpLa3gPPPhG8SEUoKki8tvHRlHAo_z26_PF-3pneAmW6K2vyX82w/s2048/117317879_10100110216323052_6781967152811492615_o.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN57jbyMnuUqIHxdpjlt_UEVhGodOS9NWDWnVJPVXrE5ESVO0FKrfjG9zx7I0c4cGLN3wzBpfiNuXTSKmsTGzhtbmVpLa3gPPPhG8SEUoKki8tvHRlHAo_z26_PF-3pneAmW6K2vyX82w/s16000/117317879_10100110216323052_6781967152811492615_o.jpg" /></a></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs_co8YyqA0PWw_sBDDe26AgzgTiWv_T9rzIQ8ZGyrWm8hhiohmKu8ypwGWS8X_ylyJZ5DPZl_mgvmsqUjlTxpiR5wcKkieMtPpKR4p6GHTKy6ajW8J-3NQ0s68wAm3MIeJ9jDuOKLj7o/s2048/117694631_10100110215694312_8490025764237056878_o.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs_co8YyqA0PWw_sBDDe26AgzgTiWv_T9rzIQ8ZGyrWm8hhiohmKu8ypwGWS8X_ylyJZ5DPZl_mgvmsqUjlTxpiR5wcKkieMtPpKR4p6GHTKy6ajW8J-3NQ0s68wAm3MIeJ9jDuOKLj7o/s16000/117694631_10100110215694312_8490025764237056878_o.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><p style="text-align: center;">You've always marched to the beat of your own drum, my girl. And owned every bit of it. That's what I adore about you the most - your undeniable confidence. You do you and if someone doesn't like it, you move on. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_mZxHAGXIWEAhyZaGJzRZbxXRI-urBJdmhkgkfazDYWAbTcEB5f5NpTEw-YdPztAA_WF1ck6on8IxyWfnh1Y6T4uct-PQXRSj6CE488M_A7uq74Q02Qr4QvWGnFMoUdn3IlEQqm4yMGA/s2048/101969141_999593759582_2914130061885964288_o.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_mZxHAGXIWEAhyZaGJzRZbxXRI-urBJdmhkgkfazDYWAbTcEB5f5NpTEw-YdPztAA_WF1ck6on8IxyWfnh1Y6T4uct-PQXRSj6CE488M_A7uq74Q02Qr4QvWGnFMoUdn3IlEQqm4yMGA/s16000/101969141_999593759582_2914130061885964288_o.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Your confidence. It always amazes me. This past spring while in Colorado, there was this MASSIVE tubing hill and you hopped on my lap and giggled the ENTIRE way down! I was secretly terrified because we were flying down this hill at nearly 60 mph and I had my 3 year old on my lap - what mom does that?!? But you were unphased. I'll never forget that moment. Your big sister went down once and was SO mad because it terrified her so much, that she refused to go back down. Your dad, well he didn't even get on a tube! </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I hope you use your fearlessness to conquer the world, my girl. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu07SSyI3kGxMYZDM6ct4rdJUN2XsAufb9KYa2uAB829NDd_aiC4vZytOnTx1Wq71NjVwbO9tq2ilDcJ69uitHM5sxCCPBIl3zB_zdZmOz1WkQz_8Nib5QZEiYNc3cwblH4RTYxKlEadQ/s1774/86776522_973847749792_4989265642914840576_o.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1774" data-original-width="1331" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu07SSyI3kGxMYZDM6ct4rdJUN2XsAufb9KYa2uAB829NDd_aiC4vZytOnTx1Wq71NjVwbO9tq2ilDcJ69uitHM5sxCCPBIl3zB_zdZmOz1WkQz_8Nib5QZEiYNc3cwblH4RTYxKlEadQ/s16000/86776522_973847749792_4989265642914840576_o.jpg" /></a><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqsgrdF0Q6nQDxY_uWUr83QOJSvZySYbTrnHFzKHfRk67lFSCyZZ72XqjyqQ_pjtx6J4YEhoSQvUq-jNelkN1KaKKEGb-gZtiy8v_C3UuUwVk7Q7_Ip0BGgLM5n_TE-JcNp08b_2JNtfw/s1992/120912972_10100120626615742_650301061450747434_o.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1992" data-original-width="1494" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqsgrdF0Q6nQDxY_uWUr83QOJSvZySYbTrnHFzKHfRk67lFSCyZZ72XqjyqQ_pjtx6J4YEhoSQvUq-jNelkN1KaKKEGb-gZtiy8v_C3UuUwVk7Q7_Ip0BGgLM5n_TE-JcNp08b_2JNtfw/s16000/120912972_10100120626615742_650301061450747434_o.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div><br /><p style="text-align: center;">Even the doctor doesn't scare you. You know you get a sucker and a sticker at the end of each appt, so if it were up to you, you'd go see the doc everyday. </p><p style="text-align: center;">You have the biggest sweet tooth of the entire family. I'm convinced you'd live on donuts and smarties if we'd let you. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGS3wfLQj6-7rGFvmv1PrVcXDExVA2FYPZG9jcINJoHdhoqd0NC80kZxOabT1gZ0o0mZo_6BQ-BmnbQswZP_cDhGMsW7qJPOHfnZBXhzzCFQukDt6JrWp9kLaddcs5DmebrYHE2z3_yOM/s2048/91335483_982388034992_7474450655160041472_o.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGS3wfLQj6-7rGFvmv1PrVcXDExVA2FYPZG9jcINJoHdhoqd0NC80kZxOabT1gZ0o0mZo_6BQ-BmnbQswZP_cDhGMsW7qJPOHfnZBXhzzCFQukDt6JrWp9kLaddcs5DmebrYHE2z3_yOM/s16000/91335483_982388034992_7474450655160041472_o.jpg" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">Now, you're also the laziest child of our crew and you own that more than I wish you would - haha! You still wear pull ups at night (because you REFUSE to sleep in panties because that'd require you to get out of bed and go pee <u>in the toilet</u> in the middle of the night). </p><p style="text-align: center;">I'll probably still be buckling your seatbelt when you're 10 because that requires effort. You LOVE being taken care of - sometimes a little too much. I've always called you "my baby," and I think you've taken that to heart and have no intent of letting that title go anytime soon.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb_epMgqXSwZW8NbBlTUNTwArXbT3rSfmneP7JLBnL10XUD69NivAQ0JAPOmOSdf8vXCNu6fcAqSdtKVm7PXuHAatcK4NQqbB1dNMCrHD0DJQ_DB2UpOR6Qgn_77ah2ODV3rf-dHx-_Eg/s2048/91402583_982393469102_5530303059739017216_o.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1366" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb_epMgqXSwZW8NbBlTUNTwArXbT3rSfmneP7JLBnL10XUD69NivAQ0JAPOmOSdf8vXCNu6fcAqSdtKVm7PXuHAatcK4NQqbB1dNMCrHD0DJQ_DB2UpOR6Qgn_77ah2ODV3rf-dHx-_Eg/s16000/91402583_982393469102_5530303059739017216_o.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6JEODiT0W7zmIzmSng-M2Ve45mnn_e1IAWs_uRxkzq8jGBLopkSUhqpu83hLeKOkcJBUoxiV5jnfK2AwmKCNK-4dvXF3NsCfyC-mNE-2pv14JzUQVdLj4_LB3dwEI7tnDQqgIJhl2bIk/s2048/121130599_10100121679206342_5197023806168064091_o.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6JEODiT0W7zmIzmSng-M2Ve45mnn_e1IAWs_uRxkzq8jGBLopkSUhqpu83hLeKOkcJBUoxiV5jnfK2AwmKCNK-4dvXF3NsCfyC-mNE-2pv14JzUQVdLj4_LB3dwEI7tnDQqgIJhl2bIk/s16000/121130599_10100121679206342_5197023806168064091_o.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibl1o7HC62qAYLpxIAKAIUwx7G8AZMBLC1_Vgm7yf89jpki_jrVkh3UbmGjH_2OGq8XV-Ze65mYFE_UdV0f3ec9UqYO4rfXCDbm_my6Hy4Dged7DXai9sLKqgXPrIXXVFxze5KHJVHgQQ/s2048/120845952_10100120626136702_903326213736338459_o.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibl1o7HC62qAYLpxIAKAIUwx7G8AZMBLC1_Vgm7yf89jpki_jrVkh3UbmGjH_2OGq8XV-Ze65mYFE_UdV0f3ec9UqYO4rfXCDbm_my6Hy4Dged7DXai9sLKqgXPrIXXVFxze5KHJVHgQQ/s16000/120845952_10100120626136702_903326213736338459_o.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><p style="text-align: center;">You and I have been kindred spirits since you were born because we're basically the same person. I get you more than I may ever get your sisters...but I also know that will prove challenging for us as you grow up. </p><p style="text-align: center;">We'll probably fight hard, but Sadie Boo, I hope you know I'll always love you harder. </p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhApe17vbW8GF2UCYl5S5Xeoy-BiM8XrqU3d38KnW1IA2LCs_QahYCm2iFS9dhMXG5BpElcEWRGwNss_tOKyMwO3CaC88wvzT-4t5l4IsN6SmHQjx-WTRDTaWJsK2Pa68LPFVfcdhYTY6k/s1233/88261148_976160809402_6115235072393084928_o.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="881" data-original-width="1233" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhApe17vbW8GF2UCYl5S5Xeoy-BiM8XrqU3d38KnW1IA2LCs_QahYCm2iFS9dhMXG5BpElcEWRGwNss_tOKyMwO3CaC88wvzT-4t5l4IsN6SmHQjx-WTRDTaWJsK2Pa68LPFVfcdhYTY6k/s16000/88261148_976160809402_6115235072393084928_o.jpg" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center;">You have this wisdom about you that always surprises your dad and I because 99% of the time, you're FULL of silliness. You love the word poop and say it just about any chance you get so you can then giggle hysterically. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEKHRIDyIFkhSu-9nOVPh550c32naShMmQr8ot1_fiZhlhATP90fZQDZHAMIOR8CxgmROjqM-fZ_mFwIRHuoLT07fZLQAmtRRxDn7_XGt5AA-jyOlSbtPTv4cDk1xwCpItnhyphenhyphenxUR7Yie8/s2048/122140169_10100123123377212_2520883105957684560_o.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEKHRIDyIFkhSu-9nOVPh550c32naShMmQr8ot1_fiZhlhATP90fZQDZHAMIOR8CxgmROjqM-fZ_mFwIRHuoLT07fZLQAmtRRxDn7_XGt5AA-jyOlSbtPTv4cDk1xwCpItnhyphenhyphenxUR7Yie8/s16000/122140169_10100123123377212_2520883105957684560_o.jpg" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">But then other times, you have the capability to sense pain in others and do everything you can to ease that pain. When Mommy gets mad about something you've done, within seconds you want to hug it out. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1OsX2hTPDxnF86jajPufTqZNgJMTDXe275AGgyCErY6YDxOCDlWrjS2Tdb-TeW8t79o3Y8Crr9r_H8LO5915cAxSBdTSRzi1aRN77nXrFlMQHTZ42QOKYQPPPF6NtqDghVs9_JVn_5ME/s1350/123085425_10100125335284532_3961923595393525076_o.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1350" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1OsX2hTPDxnF86jajPufTqZNgJMTDXe275AGgyCErY6YDxOCDlWrjS2Tdb-TeW8t79o3Y8Crr9r_H8LO5915cAxSBdTSRzi1aRN77nXrFlMQHTZ42QOKYQPPPF6NtqDghVs9_JVn_5ME/s16000/123085425_10100125335284532_3961923595393525076_o.jpg" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">You love to hug <i>all</i> of us, even little Staggie boy. What's funny is that it took you a few weeks to warm up to Stag, but ever since, he's been your little buddy. You adore him and he lets you love all over him <i>all the time - </i>even when it turns to tormenting. </p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPtF8qDXvXg2VrcZ96a-Pg4aH1kimTMt6hKn8y2gIJ59esdxotKaDdCQ3kYJa1ItXUfov0bynfPyZaibC2kUzTMPtWaSi5J3zcausfDRB3aSf6s3kiSxFjHUnYyXwe1lBo_kGVrChN1hc/s1792/78455372_960461640662_4084711063264690176_o.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1195" data-original-width="1792" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPtF8qDXvXg2VrcZ96a-Pg4aH1kimTMt6hKn8y2gIJ59esdxotKaDdCQ3kYJa1ItXUfov0bynfPyZaibC2kUzTMPtWaSi5J3zcausfDRB3aSf6s3kiSxFjHUnYyXwe1lBo_kGVrChN1hc/s16000/78455372_960461640662_4084711063264690176_o.jpg" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center;">You pucker up that bottom lip of yours and say "sorry, momma," with those big puppy dog eyes. I mean, you've made it nearly impossible for Dad or I to ever stay mad at you. </p><p style="text-align: center;">While you love your big sister more than anyone in the world, you're also totally content just chilling by yourself. In fact, you seem to savor the quietness of the house when she's gone and you could just play for hours on end without saying a peep. </p><p style="text-align: center;">In the weeks since we've brought your little sister home from the hospital, I've watched you become so nurturing, especially to your big teddy bear that's half the size you are. You bring her into Lainey's nursery and pull out your little sisters blankets. You make a pallet on the floor for teddy and gently cover her up. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6NtF2mCrQUk3rTDkI8FGP9GM7Pph1gAObEuqIYumOQShGbLxkWWE5JZjhwKzUpTx6101XYSXds0mYSBKDP2Dkwow1ihg1z_ZznVRVXAjrvc36wtHKExvpGfeJTyXRPSgrqjyLYLEyIe8/s2048/103533206_999593694712_298024306040897536_o.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6NtF2mCrQUk3rTDkI8FGP9GM7Pph1gAObEuqIYumOQShGbLxkWWE5JZjhwKzUpTx6101XYSXds0mYSBKDP2Dkwow1ihg1z_ZznVRVXAjrvc36wtHKExvpGfeJTyXRPSgrqjyLYLEyIe8/s16000/103533206_999593694712_298024306040897536_o.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><p style="text-align: center;">I then watch you sssshhh her while softly patting her back, but not before reading to her. You LOVE to read! You pull out every book from Lainey's bookshelf and make up story after story. Lately, it's your favorite thing to do and secretly, it's my favorite thing to watch. </p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">I adore your spirit, my daughter. In fact, I adore everything about you. I know that God sent you to OUR family so that we'd always have a dose of joy on even the hardest days. Your smile, your laughter, your innocence, your feistiness, ALL of you has been one of our GREATEST gifts. </p><p style="text-align: center;">Sadie June, I'm so blessed that you call me MOM. </p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>I'll love you forever, I'll like you for always. As long as I'm living, my baby you'll be.</i></p><p><br /></p></div>Annehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13761627608758353554noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2313636795635450715.post-8046124169107768742020-08-15T14:38:00.004-05:002020-08-15T14:42:15.852-05:00Dear Lara, today you're 6.<p> Last night, when we put you to bed and explained you'd be waking up a 6 year old you said, "Mom, I'm just so excited...I don't know how I'm going to fall asleep!"</p><p>To most, they'd assume it's because of the big party we'll have in a few hours, or all hte fun presents. But to you, it's honestly because you're just plain darn happy to be getting OLDER. You've always been our little wise one, wise beyond your years. You're shy, you take your time with people & new situations. You listen (when you want to!), and you analyze peoples emotions like no other child I've ever known. </p><p><br /></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFct3h5teSJrWWC8HvaULrn5ApCwkjUlBfDWZDSA9nzz6EKOEK1hSko8Em5MLLhyphenhyphenMO27diFFM5ER8MxIN6Ot4BMXE8yKwxmcpIYOR5UkVSmWtYD2N7EAcrDkjLAtdjswCeVYUpmOVbFW4/s2048/IMG_3783.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFct3h5teSJrWWC8HvaULrn5ApCwkjUlBfDWZDSA9nzz6EKOEK1hSko8Em5MLLhyphenhyphenMO27diFFM5ER8MxIN6Ot4BMXE8yKwxmcpIYOR5UkVSmWtYD2N7EAcrDkjLAtdjswCeVYUpmOVbFW4/s640/IMG_3783.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p><br /></p><p>You want to GROW UP so badly, and sometimes I feel ready....primarily when you're having a melt down in bed because you're "burrito" gets messed up. I feel the need to explain, because when we look back at this note in 20 years, I'm not sure we'll know what I'm referencing.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpUbg8LsSepS2s1R4OjbkiZaAcM_Jw5OhNhH7hvwa7Ceb8IlVgZyeN2uHEavrcTv9SFReYVHaV6kZsjysQbV5zUk9K7-UoTmOzqEy7ArovG-8NIpa7xx-boVTaGzRSiRzL1CNHUiQ6pmo/s2048/IMG_3812.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1365" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpUbg8LsSepS2s1R4OjbkiZaAcM_Jw5OhNhH7hvwa7Ceb8IlVgZyeN2uHEavrcTv9SFReYVHaV6kZsjysQbV5zUk9K7-UoTmOzqEy7ArovG-8NIpa7xx-boVTaGzRSiRzL1CNHUiQ6pmo/s640/IMG_3812.jpg" /></a></div><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>See, you started this thing where you like to be tucked in SUPER hard, like every ounce of cover has to be pushed up under your little body like a little cocoon. And if it comes undone in the slightest, all hell breaks loose in our house.</p><p>And GOD forbid Daddy fix the burrito, is HAS to be mommy. </p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoiVw5Tr11WwGjoE0ulOFdYu1zCh0lZB8FS4gsITV1MmSfrJIbjbERnAtZFJPbRR08NETS6lxQoVYiFI7cGD3zvyWqoEG7JPmPKIIT2LjWqTMf8BOL0QmiuwW0_dTZCeaxZ545qfUq8qY/s2048/IMG_3787.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoiVw5Tr11WwGjoE0ulOFdYu1zCh0lZB8FS4gsITV1MmSfrJIbjbERnAtZFJPbRR08NETS6lxQoVYiFI7cGD3zvyWqoEG7JPmPKIIT2LjWqTMf8BOL0QmiuwW0_dTZCeaxZ545qfUq8qY/s640/IMG_3787.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I know we'll laugh about these things someday, but those nights where you start screaming at us downstairs because you need to be re-wrapped in your burrito, I'm nowhere near laughing. ;) </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Your dad and I were talking last night about you turning 6 today, and unlike other years where I don't feel ready, I do this year. I'm ready for you to come into your own as a little girl & continue maturing into the wise young woman God's made you to be.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizr3sZs_1x-R_G1DxMPXojEwsfXA4VVpXjXrp88RFU5kSJC3oIWzJcP9RdsrGt26M7Bn5e3OZQJrM5Fqwm4qLdeTuz2yrO1VXYRu1awFSEKJt0CnYSgCfeasaeZlIl8Wt32KoyKfNOUDk/s2048/IMG_3830.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizr3sZs_1x-R_G1DxMPXojEwsfXA4VVpXjXrp88RFU5kSJC3oIWzJcP9RdsrGt26M7Bn5e3OZQJrM5Fqwm4qLdeTuz2yrO1VXYRu1awFSEKJt0CnYSgCfeasaeZlIl8Wt32KoyKfNOUDk/s640/IMG_3830.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This year is a BIG, big year for you, my sweet girl. You start Kindergarten in a week and become a big sister AGAIN, in November. So far, you seem to be embracing all the "newness" coming your way, which is something you didn't always welcome.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It shows me how much you're growing up each month that passes. You're becoming more confident, too. We just got back from a vacation and you made two new little girlfriends during our time on the beach. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">A couple of years ago, you'd have been too painfully shy to talk to another little girl your age...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhicLVEAWMw-5HIchNnLkz74i_wRPXBH8zoUEKDW1lqeIx2ATtVIujgYpob9uEpinecMiznfvKK_WVvbafn8eZjXP4crsdamCEJ8CDtIMukla5Z6e3ep31nNw-DLekMiNOVJsZDqTSxNEs/s2048/IMG_3818.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhicLVEAWMw-5HIchNnLkz74i_wRPXBH8zoUEKDW1lqeIx2ATtVIujgYpob9uEpinecMiznfvKK_WVvbafn8eZjXP4crsdamCEJ8CDtIMukla5Z6e3ep31nNw-DLekMiNOVJsZDqTSxNEs/s640/IMG_3818.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">You continue to love your little sister with ALL your heart and it makes mine want to burst out of my chest. Don't get me wrong, y'all fight from time to time and you're little gunslingers, you two. You hold nothing back. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">But I never worry about your bond because you fight hard and love harder, and as long as that's the case, your dad and I have done our job. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I have a feeling things will be no different with this new little one joins our family this fall...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheDmP0YAGiL7HHbTPtYfzB4B94rEisQPYwQ53yGqlMAAHFQpCYyirhuICy8Xa8EU-nBu5BLqfHS_VXGVuxJYurE4iitLF7PgRDme9uVpvvRFU2vNYYFxIqi6pPwjvdkJXLa8GlnDL7oeo/s2048/IMG_3810.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1365" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheDmP0YAGiL7HHbTPtYfzB4B94rEisQPYwQ53yGqlMAAHFQpCYyirhuICy8Xa8EU-nBu5BLqfHS_VXGVuxJYurE4iitLF7PgRDme9uVpvvRFU2vNYYFxIqi6pPwjvdkJXLa8GlnDL7oeo/s640/IMG_3810.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">My daughter, sometimes when I look at you, your beauty takes my breath away. I was just talking to Grandma about how I remember her saying that to me when I was a little girl, never understanding the depth of what she meant.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Well, when I look at you, I now know. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPhFpGa4omrET-bvmdzuM4kHaibNBeB5qKiz4dF3Z8pq10yF9l2K4bT7NwvKRveq51BQB0MeQSnPKt5r6AxfQVDSXc6t0ONQtG7zNoNHLaIB_CQIdxYnLNt6gRIiVH0AdpOu9MlXrQc5o/s2048/IMG_3836.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPhFpGa4omrET-bvmdzuM4kHaibNBeB5qKiz4dF3Z8pq10yF9l2K4bT7NwvKRveq51BQB0MeQSnPKt5r6AxfQVDSXc6t0ONQtG7zNoNHLaIB_CQIdxYnLNt6gRIiVH0AdpOu9MlXrQc5o/s640/IMG_3836.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">You made me a momma and boy have we learned SO MUCH together these past 6 years. Thank you for showing me patience & grace as you'll aways be the kid we're "learning on," paving the way for your little sisters. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Lara Anne, our love for you is BIGGER than you'll ever know. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">XO,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Mom </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><p></p>Annehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13761627608758353554noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2313636795635450715.post-58454741493736353412020-05-08T14:34:00.001-05:002020-05-08T14:34:50.070-05:00To My Preschool Graduate!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I saw your preschool graduation pictures and nearly choked. Wait, say what?!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWKLYon053Icqbpi-ysh6C2YK00rOu6kEfNFITxiF_wEAhy1CLlcZHa8kRm66PH1QXYp7LSNo0u6QCi9IqnuK3DeRLqJAm8pgz5XZLvHbTZhBFm18Gg48vf4avoF6jQZwvcjJnlXCXvlA/s1600/IMG_4373.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1144" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWKLYon053Icqbpi-ysh6C2YK00rOu6kEfNFITxiF_wEAhy1CLlcZHa8kRm66PH1QXYp7LSNo0u6QCi9IqnuK3DeRLqJAm8pgz5XZLvHbTZhBFm18Gg48vf4avoF6jQZwvcjJnlXCXvlA/s1600/IMG_4373.jpg" /></a></div>
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<br />
While I'm super freaked out about you starting Kindergarten, a part of me has felt peace about it lately...<br />
<br />
Maybe it's because I'm pregnant with your littlest sister, but you are just such a little grown up to me. And to be honest, you've always kind of been that way.<br />
<br />
You talk eloquently, you feel deeply and you are mature beyond your years (most of the time). Like last weekend when you threw yourself on the ground at Walmart because I only let you pick out one pack of stickers.<br />
<br />
But those moments, while still so challenging to manage as your mother, are becoming fewer and farther between.<br />
<br />
You listen intently and seem to learn a million new things every single day. You ask deep questions on the reg, and I've finally resorted to just telling you that I have no freaking idea how to answer some of them.<br />
<br />
Or, I tell you to ask your dad. Let's be real, that's my go to for LIFE. You already believe your daddy knows EVERYTHING, so I'll leave the tough stuff to him.<br />
<br />
Every evening when we put you and Sadie to bed for "quiet time," you color a million pictures. When Dad & I come to bed a few hours later, we find our bed untucked, and decorated with all your favorite stuffed animals. You leave your adorable pictures with sweet notes on each, all across our bed. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirDHDZRlz1E50H8LSVG_haydNI0tFrExFEUc7nAbK-0fVC5CagLMckZs3ev0RMhLhzp5jB1Q21jlDxZHMb6_2U3ms6ejzW8c7D5T64-P9xD2JMBGXiLZ-WUP1AlhNOFBCTWD83vEPeVuY/s1600/IMG_4174.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirDHDZRlz1E50H8LSVG_haydNI0tFrExFEUc7nAbK-0fVC5CagLMckZs3ev0RMhLhzp5jB1Q21jlDxZHMb6_2U3ms6ejzW8c7D5T64-P9xD2JMBGXiLZ-WUP1AlhNOFBCTWD83vEPeVuY/s1600/IMG_4174.HEIC" /></a></div>
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When you were asked by your preschool teacher awhile back what you wanted to be when you grew up, you said, "I want to be a mommy." <br />
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All the tears. All the yelling. All the time outs. All the frustration. All the love. All the admiration. All the smiles. All the laughter. <br />
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It's all worth it, daughter. <br />
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When I learned you were a girl, you made all my dreams come true. My wish for you, sweet girl, is that someday you have a daughter JUST LIKE YOU. A little girl who sheds tears nearly every time you drop her off somewhere because she hurts deeply to be too far from you. A little girl who gives the BEST hugs. A little girl who asks you to "wrap her up like a burrito" every night at bedtime and when you say to her, "Goodnight burrito." <br />
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She'll say back, "Goodnight taco."<br />
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I love you to the moon and back, my little preschool graduate. I'm already SO proud of all that you'll become. You're going to conquer this whole world, and love people fiercely while you do it.<br />
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XOXO,<br />
Mom</div>
Annehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13761627608758353554noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2313636795635450715.post-26285625066598615162019-08-15T07:24:00.003-05:002019-08-15T07:24:46.659-05:00Dear Lara, today you're 5.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Well, here we are again. You see, I have a love hate relationship with time. I'm sure we all do. We beg it to speed up when we're waiting for something exciting, and then plead with it to slow down when we're smacked in the face with milestones we're not quite ready to accept.<br />
<br />
Like my little 6 lb baby who was too small for newborn clothes, turning 5. Like, wait, she was just born yesterday?!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTSF1Jmm788lQSD4P-5iPioSb9rJ5WDMPisDwjQOe7qdqARxgkZul-AatddcpuFjAOqgXsDQZquU5IxPYC00Xuy7zTAE2LLFzDtp5dpoxTnyNRcho63QOwHLxdGFfC0kMZ9E3trBaduIE/s1600/10417014_660055177622_3946312641567766939_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="960" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTSF1Jmm788lQSD4P-5iPioSb9rJ5WDMPisDwjQOe7qdqARxgkZul-AatddcpuFjAOqgXsDQZquU5IxPYC00Xuy7zTAE2LLFzDtp5dpoxTnyNRcho63QOwHLxdGFfC0kMZ9E3trBaduIE/s1600/10417014_660055177622_3946312641567766939_n.jpg" /></a></div>
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F.I.V.E. It feels so <i>big</i> to me...<br />
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I know there are mom's reading this, silently laughing because you just sent your daughter off to college and here I am whining about my baby turning 5. Trust me, I get it. I'm sure I'll laugh at all the preschool moms, too, someday.<br />
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But today is <i>not</i> that day. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8X_WqDWR6Ssty9TlSipRLAof-PeQTf-PgSVuIqsec8OUoRN0wzojmCbr6kp8L7M6TzZOub8Kaa2vvjpyj0USwWPdSoMY96ORatb-9AosHLpDIs7dVFCsTJ9DiuZDMR-DrAX3LvjFRI0g/s1600/55892335_915811400102_2629774515034390528_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8X_WqDWR6Ssty9TlSipRLAof-PeQTf-PgSVuIqsec8OUoRN0wzojmCbr6kp8L7M6TzZOub8Kaa2vvjpyj0USwWPdSoMY96ORatb-9AosHLpDIs7dVFCsTJ9DiuZDMR-DrAX3LvjFRI0g/s1600/55892335_915811400102_2629774515034390528_o.jpg" /></a></div>
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Lara, raising you has been the hardest thing I've ever experienced and at the same time, the thing I'm <i>most proud</i> of in this world. <br />
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You feel things <i>so big</i>, daughter. <i>SO, so big</i>. From your little sister wearing your dirt stained, purple flip flops, to seeing a microscopic insect 700 yards away, to being told it's time for bed. To you, these things are the <i>end of the world</i>. The things that upset you these days, you feel them <i>deep </i>within your soul and have the tears to show for it.<br />
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But what that <i>also</i> means, is that you love <i>SO, so big</i>. When we found out the Lord was blessing us with another baby girl, we weren't sure how you'd take it. But turns out, you may be a better mom to Sadie than I am. You love your baby sister with your whole heart, and watching you two together is my greatest joy. My GREATEST joy! <br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQFhY7QIfmPvwDGQOwmaUPEYPJQY5Jxz63YG1nc2dAoRIdS2QFD12lwVYZ0XPgVbrwZoj8nnzF3B2TIeZZui4d2i1Ecot2IveO27osMQWJEOqAFdegNdQ3_dDUxJS9sJM3umcNBgnoKZE/s1600/54349976_913899446672_8941644988513517568_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQFhY7QIfmPvwDGQOwmaUPEYPJQY5Jxz63YG1nc2dAoRIdS2QFD12lwVYZ0XPgVbrwZoj8nnzF3B2TIeZZui4d2i1Ecot2IveO27osMQWJEOqAFdegNdQ3_dDUxJS9sJM3umcNBgnoKZE/s1600/54349976_913899446672_8941644988513517568_o.jpg" /></a></div>
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I often hear you talking to her in the morning, convincing her to let you pick out her outfit. And like any good little sister, she always obliges. You put her in a frilly dress, just like you. You then patiently help her put on her shoes, buckling them for her because her little fingers still can't maneuver the tiny buckles, and then you <i>proudly</i> bring her into our room to show her off. <br />
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She is your <i>real life</i> baby doll, and thankfully Sadie loves every second of it, too. She looks up to you more than you'll ever know. She loves being in your room, watching you at your big girl vanity brushing your hair. I'll never forget the morning you fixed her hair for her so it would look just like yours. That picture will forever be engrained in my heart because I was <i>so proud of you</i>. You welcome her adoration instead of letting it annoy the hell out of you. Daughter, at times you are wise beyond your years. <br />
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You have become so perceptive, watching and observing your surroundings along with listening to every single word that comes out of your father and I's mouth. Whether we want you to listen or not, YOU ARE. And man, it makes you HOT when we spell things in front of you. Remember when I said you feel things "so big," well, us spelling words in front of you ticks your little heart off. You <i>always</i> want to be in the know and it frustrates you to no end that you can't quite figure out what we're spelling.<br />
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My favorite time with you is when you're in a talkative mood, spilling all your secrets you store in your great, big imagination. Some of my favorite moments are laying next to you in bed while you tell me all about what's going on at school, with your friends, and lately....with your boyfriends. <br />
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Yeah, boyfriends. Like, when did that start? <br />
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The other day you told me you were going to marry Tucker, the new boy at your school. Now, whether you've talked to Tucker about this or not, that's still up in the air. But you could care less, which I adore about you. You know what you want, and that's that.<br />
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The outside world sees you as a timid little girl because it takes you awhile to warm up to people, the complete opposite of myself. I warm up too easily, which has resulted in my heart being hurt when the person turns out to be not what I expected. But you, you're a slow burn. You make people earn your trust and I admire that about you.<br />
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You challenge me everyday to see the world differently. You've taught me patience. And most of all daughter, you've allowed me to feel a love so deep it knocks the breath out of me at times. I feel it when I look at you and watch the little girl you're becoming right before my eyes.<br />
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When I was a little girl, my mom (your grandma!) wrote me a note that I still carry in my wallet today. <br />
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<i>"Dear Annie,</i></div>
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<i>I hug you in my heart & pray your journey is peaceful as you go. </i></div>
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<i>You have to be the greatest daughter any mom could have! </i></div>
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<i>You truly are my sunshine!</i></div>
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<i>Love you beautiful,</i></div>
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<i>Mom"</i></div>
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To my Lara, my beautiful girl, I pray the same for you. I will hug you in my heart all the days of my life. Happy 5th birthday, baby!<br />
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XOXO,<br />
Mom</div>
Annehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13761627608758353554noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2313636795635450715.post-31205569479911022682018-08-15T09:00:00.001-05:002018-08-15T16:15:27.401-05:00Dear Lara, today you're 4.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Today, you're 4.<br />
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I can hardly believe it. I realize every mom says that...but honestly, I can't. You're turning into a beautiful soul right before my eyes. </div>
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To be transparent, this past year has had it's challenges. But that's to be expected with three, right? I was told that a million times, but I didn't believe it. </div>
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I brushed off all those moms who came before me, telling myself they had it <i>all wrong</i>. That all the tantrums, emotions and epic meltdowns would end the moment you transitioned from 2 to 3. </div>
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Well, I was wrong. But, like most things in motherhood, aren't we always? We live and learn everyday, all the while our little ones steadfastly, blindly loving us while we navigate this whole motherhood gig. </div>
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And you, my daughter, are no different. I remember when you were a baby, trying to get you to smile for pictures. You stared me down with this solemn look on your face, rarely smiling and never when I asked, of course. It drove me crazy! I remember being concerned, wondering how I'd raise this quiet, serious spirit of a child...</div>
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Each year that passes, I embrace & adore every ounce of the little lady you are. </div>
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You are analytical, always nervous in new places and situations. You sit back, typically clinging to my leg, taking it all in. It used to be hard for me to watch you be fearful of new things, but I've grown to <i>admire </i>that about you. </div>
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You are very different from I, very quiet and shy until you feel comfortable with the new people around you. As you grow into a young woman, I know this trait will protect your heart. You've taught me <i>so much</i> in your short, 4 years of life. You've taught me patience, Lord have you taught me patience. You've taught me to forgive. But most of all, you've taught me a love I never knew before you.</div>
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I remember the moment you were born as if it was yesterday. I can still smell your sweet, soft skin as your daddy held you up to my lips so I could kiss your tiny, little face. You were stubborn from the start, breech and not budging, so a c-section it was. I laugh about it now, because this scheduled, planned labor was <i>exactly </i>how you would've wanted it. </div>
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You like plans. You like routine. You like to <i>always </i>know what's coming. </div>
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You also LOVE shoes, especially mine. You have mastered the art of walking in heels, heels that are 10 sizes too big, mind you.<br />
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And makeup. And purses, oh do you love purses. </div>
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Everywhere we go, you ensure you have a matching purse filled to the brim with your horsey bracelet, pretend credit card and teal Moana flip phone. And your sunglasses, the hot pink sunglasses. Those are never, ever left behind. </div>
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What can I say, you love your accessories. I have no idea where you get that from. #guilty</div>
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Watching you become a big sister has been my biggest joy. You are gentle with her, even when she is screaming because she wants the baby doll that YOU have. Not one of 800 baby dolls sitting right next to her. </div>
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You are wise beyond your years, understanding that she wants what you have because she adores you. She looks up to you and everything you are. And why wouldn't she? </div>
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You, my little love, have a heart of gold. </div>
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As you grow up, I hope you always...always remember, that everyday I get to spend with you is <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l4_6eQm7RTQ" target="_blank">"The Best Day"</a> of my life. </div>
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Love,</div>
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Mom</div>
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Annehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13761627608758353554noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2313636795635450715.post-72338521460558012832017-12-01T07:00:00.000-06:002017-12-01T07:00:16.675-06:00A note to my Sadie June on her FIRST Birthday.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
It seems like just yesterday your Dad and I were strolling the aisles of CVS, trying to kill time and calm nerves before heading to the hospital for my induction to have YOU. It was November 30th, <i>your due date</i>.<br />
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We planned an evening at the Plaza full of wonderful food and a "stroll" thru the lights. I'm not sure why I thought I was capable of "strolling" at this point in my pregnancy with you. Hell, I had contemplated getting one of those motorized chairs the last few weeks of my pregnancy.<br />
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Since my pre planned <i>stroll </i>was most definitely not happening, CVS sounded like a good pit stop instead. Dad stocked up on Oreos. Me, well I picked myself up some chapstick.<br />
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That super soft, Baby Lips stuff Maybelline makes. Man, I loved that chapstick until your big sister pulled it out of the tube and smashed it a few days after you were born.<br />
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You have been the calm in our crazy this past year. <br />
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You are so, so easy going unless someone tries to pry a toy of your liking from your fierce death grip you seem to have. Unfortunately, your sister has attempted to do just that quite a few times over the past year. But you, Sadie June, hold your own. And I totally dig that about you. <br /><br />At the same time, you let her tackle you and tickle you endlessly. The sound of you girls giggling is literally the best sound I've ever heard.<br />
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I find myself fiercely protecting you due to your sweet demeanor, but then I witness one of your mini temper tantrums and realize you'll have no problem protecting yourself. <br />
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I laugh at the fear I felt when learning you were a girl. I thought it not possible to love another girl, but dang, <i>I was so wrong</i>. I love you endlessly. You were everything I didn't know I needed. <br />
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You have brought so much joy to our lives, with those dimples and those two wittle teeth now poking thru your bottom gums. There is literally nothing cuter than your sweet little grin.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTNkjdEkOxyOfW74DldTQ623k4SKjfpxdQ-JWkrDukFi2eCUJLJsucC0j38wsgzFVwtjYEWQzVyoNvx2mVT_Zao4AVXpxkYN_ecHccb6jAu8OM0PmIlxJCPE9uShjEMBgcp711wpI9rUU/s1600/IMG_2168_Facetune_28.10.2017-13_06_32.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1168" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTNkjdEkOxyOfW74DldTQ623k4SKjfpxdQ-JWkrDukFi2eCUJLJsucC0j38wsgzFVwtjYEWQzVyoNvx2mVT_Zao4AVXpxkYN_ecHccb6jAu8OM0PmIlxJCPE9uShjEMBgcp711wpI9rUU/s1600/IMG_2168_Facetune_28.10.2017-13_06_32.JPG" /></a></div>
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I thought your big sister would not adjust well to sharing her world with you, but quite the contrary. Much to our surprise, she loves you more than she loves us! <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6RHPFj1VrDl-k_xIxM4ZFcS5tOLEBhl2xvrHeF93eovh09zviRXZCFNXh5EKOrA6D16E_dBt8oroIBPC2_xqEm3nta6STRoVVSoSCPA7b58Fd_26Dyd8mjCf2ann98KL0gw23Bt1dH0Q/s1600/IMG_0135.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6RHPFj1VrDl-k_xIxM4ZFcS5tOLEBhl2xvrHeF93eovh09zviRXZCFNXh5EKOrA6D16E_dBt8oroIBPC2_xqEm3nta6STRoVVSoSCPA7b58Fd_26Dyd8mjCf2ann98KL0gw23Bt1dH0Q/s1600/IMG_0135.JPG" /></a><br />
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She calls you her chicken nugget. In fact, last week she sang happy birthday to you....instead of using your actual name, she plugged in the words, "happy birthday my chicken nugget," and I thought my heart was going to explode.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4OplL4rrq-LWDlNxtsqr0Gg8AcIardItwaYJpcdXHOk2eEVv2ydC6_IqI-bOmPtOGHpugeEqVIUEPB8M0xnEK85cff-Wv3X25RUFfNk5jBzFJKz5FeuLGKFuCbZCpnkqmt92U5DvyhfI/s1600/IMG_6065.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4OplL4rrq-LWDlNxtsqr0Gg8AcIardItwaYJpcdXHOk2eEVv2ydC6_IqI-bOmPtOGHpugeEqVIUEPB8M0xnEK85cff-Wv3X25RUFfNk5jBzFJKz5FeuLGKFuCbZCpnkqmt92U5DvyhfI/s1600/IMG_6065.JPG" /></a><br />
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You are crazy about your dad, hell both of you girls are.... <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifSAMYxUBFj5il-owvzOMKtfUHYAI82gplYf3JutmvxYmBPd1-ppfakajneyzRyosbWPmFdWci4NVd79BD62V35ECD2ovzTA2HSuFE90cXat2FesdvzAD17EuUJaucQqnxvLqpCoc22EA/s1600/IMG_0928.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifSAMYxUBFj5il-owvzOMKtfUHYAI82gplYf3JutmvxYmBPd1-ppfakajneyzRyosbWPmFdWci4NVd79BD62V35ECD2ovzTA2HSuFE90cXat2FesdvzAD17EuUJaucQqnxvLqpCoc22EA/s1600/IMG_0928.JPG" /></a><br />
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But you....you Sadie June, <i>really </i>love your mommy and you're not afraid to show it. You scream bloody murder when I take one step out of your eyesight. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPaSQyJqw2aiNJF0Jsr7ODN4tYcd3tMkjvkI3l0U1bmIp-sP25xWVW6qUOKJzG54k26M9lPnTBqpuXOnxgm994RiCx7pQF4YiXk_yVh0Rtos6hL5NqJTcuiz1_2ikWZLsA-H0a1RclH7E/s1600/18740304_796861212232_5999097972947448985_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="768" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPaSQyJqw2aiNJF0Jsr7ODN4tYcd3tMkjvkI3l0U1bmIp-sP25xWVW6qUOKJzG54k26M9lPnTBqpuXOnxgm994RiCx7pQF4YiXk_yVh0Rtos6hL5NqJTcuiz1_2ikWZLsA-H0a1RclH7E/s1600/18740304_796861212232_5999097972947448985_n.jpg" /></a><br />
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But listen here, I'll take every last ounce of the love you have for me, because someday you'll run out the front door hollering bye to me as you hop in the car with a boy.<br />
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Your first love, perhaps. <br />
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And my heart will ache out of fear knowing that no one will possibly take care of you the way I have. It will feel as if my own heart has just skipped out the front door. Someday, when you're a mom, you'll realize that your children walking around is like your very own heart walking around outside your chest, out in the great big world.<br />
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You girls carry my heart with you every moment of everyday.<br />
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When you hurt, I'll hurt deeper. When you cry, I'll cry harder. When you're happy, my joy will be even more bountiful. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge3VpUtH-MS4k-yA5SmuT194bBBrrCFlKK-EJnUyk59-A77fWSoVfFGDdG9h0K_8JveU8DqPmOz3QURwsKmWHIFGU76SeFXgn1BJUerVbOUl7p274zrmdzJY5ObgAmRAPB7OGu4qdwIbQ/s1600/20604468_814058872982_4739083344856726790_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="960" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge3VpUtH-MS4k-yA5SmuT194bBBrrCFlKK-EJnUyk59-A77fWSoVfFGDdG9h0K_8JveU8DqPmOz3QURwsKmWHIFGU76SeFXgn1BJUerVbOUl7p274zrmdzJY5ObgAmRAPB7OGu4qdwIbQ/s1600/20604468_814058872982_4739083344856726790_n.jpg" /></a><br />
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So like I said, for now, I'll soak up every last ounce of the love you have for me. I'll take the crocodile tears you shed when I walk out of the room. Because someday, I won't be able to swoop you up in my arms and kiss your sweet, chunky cheeks coated in wet tears.<br />
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In an instant, all is right in your world again. But little did you know, the moment <i>you </i>were born, my precious Sadie June, you made everything right in <i>my world</i>. <br />
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Happy FIRST Birthday to our precious <i>chicken nugget</i>.<br />
<br />XOXO,<br />
Mom</div>
Annehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13761627608758353554noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2313636795635450715.post-78820588252067477252017-11-19T15:53:00.001-06:002017-11-19T15:53:27.464-06:00Play.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Well look at me. Blogging twice in one week?!<br />
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I figured after the last post, I'd lighten it up a bit. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_zc9vntKjeaqklecq97bVaQBzJhznBMP0WcgNPt6DE_9jy3R2clsoEV3uOTyxiuvZbhPdX86GOXiiaVm5Y30LvAdc6_wq3D0gc90izytFkNOowQbIeFKzMv1Fu0uk3Y5IxBVGQ_ASjmE/s1600/IMG_6636.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_zc9vntKjeaqklecq97bVaQBzJhznBMP0WcgNPt6DE_9jy3R2clsoEV3uOTyxiuvZbhPdX86GOXiiaVm5Y30LvAdc6_wq3D0gc90izytFkNOowQbIeFKzMv1Fu0uk3Y5IxBVGQ_ASjmE/s1600/IMG_6636.JPG" /></a><br />
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When we bought our home a few years ago, one of the top things on my wishlist was a playroom near our living space. I'm OCD about a few things, and toys laying around my living room is one of them. <br />
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Yes, I've heard all the quotes about "<i>letting them be little</i>," and "<i>embracing the fingerprints on the walls</i>," as well as my favorite, "<i>putting the laundry down, leaving the toys strewn all about and just play with your kids.</i>"<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg77Rq3w6EZMZsh4wn45URHYfqD6KazGauZt_OwI0TrW77iKW3Y2wfmkARUQAkZ3gLSMKA1XrWIf42uLM3ViFVyWdSWY8PrXubFL2ER-qlAEYtOpfrLkhrnpqeSlwrmHzCR8Et_oCUuClk/s1600/IMG_6631.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg77Rq3w6EZMZsh4wn45URHYfqD6KazGauZt_OwI0TrW77iKW3Y2wfmkARUQAkZ3gLSMKA1XrWIf42uLM3ViFVyWdSWY8PrXubFL2ER-qlAEYtOpfrLkhrnpqeSlwrmHzCR8Et_oCUuClk/s1600/IMG_6631.JPG" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3_9DpwcnRQsGrlyW0K7_uwG1aBP7ytluiPFGWnFbPvOKobixRCcWXXdcAldTLLYY6F32l-Ml86yqc92j54hkf3PzlUd0EVDU5_2CRqQ3oMIX59HraNt-lcgRcL5EGCPeYy9n9yeXr-qM/s1600/IMG_6623.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3_9DpwcnRQsGrlyW0K7_uwG1aBP7ytluiPFGWnFbPvOKobixRCcWXXdcAldTLLYY6F32l-Ml86yqc92j54hkf3PzlUd0EVDU5_2CRqQ3oMIX59HraNt-lcgRcL5EGCPeYy9n9yeXr-qM/s1600/IMG_6623.JPG" /></a></div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB3hMnT1xtBzb7m1DsPYB4UN-nQMn81A1qO_UjTCE2FLpw2v_NpYtq9spKjCD7MPRPj-0FjDWejZiNzyKmPBNw-lglRBYb_7-KnHblQBnVdj9yaUVGOvifiYTge811kuAUb18VybE0Nm4/s1600/IMG_6638.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1184" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB3hMnT1xtBzb7m1DsPYB4UN-nQMn81A1qO_UjTCE2FLpw2v_NpYtq9spKjCD7MPRPj-0FjDWejZiNzyKmPBNw-lglRBYb_7-KnHblQBnVdj9yaUVGOvifiYTge811kuAUb18VybE0Nm4/s1600/IMG_6638.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Toy chest made by Grandpa!</td></tr>
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Well, listen here. I'm a better mom when the <i>chaos is contained</i>. And my kids have clean panties. So thanks for the advice, but I'll never be able to "<i>embrace</i>" stepping on play-doh or sharp blocks as I walk across my kitchen, <i>or </i>not doing laundry for more than a week. <br />
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When it was just Lara, the thrown together playroom in the pictures below worked fine. We had a massive TV cabinet where I stuffed away most of the junk and a toy chest. As time went on, the TV cabinet became a catch all for toys we needed to get rid of, not for actually storing a television. <br />
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So off it went, and off we went to Ikea. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibbc4eE0QOC7r_kwfH_6bWO673z6l0SbZMymTET9Vlf7nvCK2wg3yPX_fpaIV24xYVszb6SgjTt2bh02um2B5bZILyLJ-p2Z3nSWS8SZDHtg9g-MY4cPd6lyxm_Xv8kxhGRXqDO1BOn4I/s1600/playroom+before+two.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibbc4eE0QOC7r_kwfH_6bWO673z6l0SbZMymTET9Vlf7nvCK2wg3yPX_fpaIV24xYVszb6SgjTt2bh02um2B5bZILyLJ-p2Z3nSWS8SZDHtg9g-MY4cPd6lyxm_Xv8kxhGRXqDO1BOn4I/s1600/playroom+before+two.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Playroom Before</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo7zkEtY_EKpqU0WlwM_k5RoJytsGl8msOe8UgXiPaymLipSRchSRggCscb4UDXXfKt45m5mE-WHSzJU_jhxoxN2Z-7YRn_F33zlRz17tcHqoE7lDAetzQN8hwfe8T7mdM_D7suqjiM_o/s1600/playroom+before+three.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo7zkEtY_EKpqU0WlwM_k5RoJytsGl8msOe8UgXiPaymLipSRchSRggCscb4UDXXfKt45m5mE-WHSzJU_jhxoxN2Z-7YRn_F33zlRz17tcHqoE7lDAetzQN8hwfe8T7mdM_D7suqjiM_o/s1600/playroom+before+three.JPG" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-X41tiTQMi4yEEjMJeUh8naV6ar-SovDwPE3ej2EttQ4ikIvkw8rJdl9ro6mpRncL1yNXyy6f2LRp00nIicB4vshQXc7-nMj6aqnVCCKPBkjtKvhh1ZZ016jKcJvHcM7taKtfAENiaK4/s1600/Playroom+before+one.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-X41tiTQMi4yEEjMJeUh8naV6ar-SovDwPE3ej2EttQ4ikIvkw8rJdl9ro6mpRncL1yNXyy6f2LRp00nIicB4vshQXc7-nMj6aqnVCCKPBkjtKvhh1ZZ016jKcJvHcM7taKtfAENiaK4/s1600/Playroom+before+one.JPG" /></a></div>
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For less than $300, we now have a playroom that mom and kids can enjoy because every toy is organized because every toy <i>has a spot. </i><br />
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<img border="0" data-original-height="972" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHzb6K-I5kR-qznkgX7N-aLiKJ5leqy6VaXgcnTnCNyQzs3h7EtdEPu8XHfekMfYHo4CUk1LEksjOlmSA650HMQglMNIZvnEPcSTWljPGnAqJJmXQKZjg7NtCWolFa-eISNXEPXhKU7nU/s1600/IMG_6599.JPG" /><a href="http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/S89857541/" target="_blank">IKEA Kids Storage Cabinet</a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7QUigoZB24A7kJFNRlozaOyC895XljCHPVgUuzJC9s0QTdpVUhClttHgBjoENKq7_DlqaOXIgdWW2_OXRYaEq2wsGjwMAK9jHK2CsaM3kzTzmGzIj7BgBU70Ikn04uf4HCHvnKWXmGn0/s1600/IMG_6600.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1143" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7QUigoZB24A7kJFNRlozaOyC895XljCHPVgUuzJC9s0QTdpVUhClttHgBjoENKq7_DlqaOXIgdWW2_OXRYaEq2wsGjwMAK9jHK2CsaM3kzTzmGzIj7BgBU70Ikn04uf4HCHvnKWXmGn0/s1600/IMG_6600.JPG" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMYTk0MZlWQVLbD_HvBD_65P2JN81-uv-kQ4kyQDMqVyXtRb_u_hug_jVmpqXppQIPJhJLwpetqQqpbYaFD1Z-wucu-TTbatyx36T6eM6KogZE3seJwD4r56jCgkgvcWt55Q_J7KfRAnc/s1600/IMG_6607.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMYTk0MZlWQVLbD_HvBD_65P2JN81-uv-kQ4kyQDMqVyXtRb_u_hug_jVmpqXppQIPJhJLwpetqQqpbYaFD1Z-wucu-TTbatyx36T6eM6KogZE3seJwD4r56jCgkgvcWt55Q_J7KfRAnc/s1600/IMG_6607.JPG" /></a></div>
<br />I'll link some of my favorite items in the event you're looking to organize your play space this winter! <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZQ1Eo8QyUkytHkeOn9eKxC2LtWijUYopSRLTEdvjOE6CcSfyk96PIGAwNfld_aw75s7cZ7h_wLKNSoaFUuPpAINEJNYnjl6u97GAbKNbUYVeiZbQMYZUhv9DWdlDHch9XDaQW-gpEQns/s1600/IMG_6592.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1143" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZQ1Eo8QyUkytHkeOn9eKxC2LtWijUYopSRLTEdvjOE6CcSfyk96PIGAwNfld_aw75s7cZ7h_wLKNSoaFUuPpAINEJNYnjl6u97GAbKNbUYVeiZbQMYZUhv9DWdlDHch9XDaQW-gpEQns/s1600/IMG_6592.JPG" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvzRhvw93gb7s1w8INBBXIfXfoEDMHUiaL7D_EPOIYl6m1rCNwb3sI_J3FPS9RiPbdgbMevPQ-8m6RnBCcIA51LP0KEANp-U8VN8rdHcxTzPFOefv3cJnCxiGH87-GcBIImPSdgrVhmuk/s1600/IMG_6594.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvzRhvw93gb7s1w8INBBXIfXfoEDMHUiaL7D_EPOIYl6m1rCNwb3sI_J3FPS9RiPbdgbMevPQ-8m6RnBCcIA51LP0KEANp-U8VN8rdHcxTzPFOefv3cJnCxiGH87-GcBIImPSdgrVhmuk/s1600/IMG_6594.JPG" /></a></div>
<a href="http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/60095321/" target="_blank"> IKEA Dog Tail Hook</a><br />
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<a href="http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/90328833/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt=" IKEA Toy Trunk Storage" border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCE06ERvLpI4F1eTLPKCv77gjh0kNBc5zefSGRfWoXlUfuywESFp_2qsfTgEPpUGugqgwGDJw5Oj0yIsKWHFm5Q7W3o77cueVsfmQHSC1HPPCATjI_OVLR3Kq6o5-F_UmGFv2SBxQSMh4/s1600/IMG_6597.JPG" /></a></div>
<a href="http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/90328833/" target="_blank"> IKEA Kids Toy Storage Trunk </a><br /><br />
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<a href="http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/60075295/" target="_blank"> IKEA Metal Wire Photo Hanger</a><br />
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<a href="http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/40291766/" target="_blank"> IKEA White Ledge Shelf </a><br />
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<a href="https://www.hobbylobby.com/Home-Decor-Frames/Furniture/Round-Childs-Pencil-Table/p/80133829" target="_blank">Hobby Lobby Pencil Table is ($27!) </a></div>
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<a href="https://www.hobbylobby.com/Home-Decor-Frames/Furniture/Childs-Pencil-Chair/p/80133827" target="_blank">Hobby Lobby Pencil Chairs ($13.99!) </a></div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiD0Rg7Thy4entS5rHI_I5c3IVlnZcwdXChRqLSOITIzumDgre9A8LXl2xZdA2zYWQR0VB00RhSZnvoJ28spP92nkAHHTlKQJ-XETACHKy-yYX1ujLe32zwGnoAELO3v8olhwwIDiH9a4/s1600/IMG_6617.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiD0Rg7Thy4entS5rHI_I5c3IVlnZcwdXChRqLSOITIzumDgre9A8LXl2xZdA2zYWQR0VB00RhSZnvoJ28spP92nkAHHTlKQJ-XETACHKy-yYX1ujLe32zwGnoAELO3v8olhwwIDiH9a4/s1600/IMG_6617.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pandora Disney Music all day, every day on this nifty little Bluetooth speaker. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjto5XgXXz359KQ0UEzikalvnRk-fBZ2YqwLsartmy9I0KMnHdUn2nL8U2rl9fm5py0FHodJhHXaQadu_hClL2IGgAgcENRBMVtRFP6zuznmS8T7INP2U2BcK314w0tibOYojCEnMY4uHE/s1600/IMG_6628.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1143" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjto5XgXXz359KQ0UEzikalvnRk-fBZ2YqwLsartmy9I0KMnHdUn2nL8U2rl9fm5py0FHodJhHXaQadu_hClL2IGgAgcENRBMVtRFP6zuznmS8T7INP2U2BcK314w0tibOYojCEnMY4uHE/s1600/IMG_6628.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The best gifts are homemade gifts! Made for Lara by a dear friend for her first birthday<br /><br /> </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Annehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13761627608758353554noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2313636795635450715.post-75669931340400787882017-11-16T19:00:00.000-06:002017-11-16T20:21:59.306-06:00November.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="MsoNormal">
Oh, November. Iโve been
feeling all the feels these past few weeks as November is now upon us. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This time last year I was 38 weeks pregnant. Our house was under a massive renovation,
walking was nearly unbearable due to how physically uncomfortable I was and I
was convinced I wasnโt going to love this baby as much as I loved my first as I
hadnโt yet connected with her. <br /><br />
And then, I lost my job. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Iโve been reminiscing a lot these days as Sadieโs first birthday
quickly approaches. Iโm in awe that one
short year ago, it seems like things were <i>so
dark</i>. </div>
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Iโm reading this book and a recent chapter really struck a chord. Itโs discussing how much growth you have when
thrown into situations that seem debilitating.
Those times where youโre forced to close chapters you donโt think youโre
ready to close, and start new ones. Moments where youโre forced to take new roads,
maybe roads less traveled, and youโre freakinโ terrified. Overwhelmed, perhaps.<br />
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
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Itโs in those moments where <i>life changing</i> growth happens. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Letโs just say November was a month of growth for meโฆliterally
and figuratively. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
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But looking back, I would do it all over again. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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I would get pregnant when Lara was a mere 18 months old, when
I was in the midst of dealing with postpartum anxiety I didnโt realize I had. I
would do it all again <i>in a heartbeat</i>
just to watch my two girls roll around, giggling on the living room floor
together. I remember vividly praying to God
to allow us to become pregnant when <i>he
thought we were ready</i>. If it wasnโt
meant to be for another few years, I was <i>totally
ok</i> with that. But sure enough, that
pregnancy test was positive a few short weeks later and I freaked out. <o:p></o:p></div>
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I panicked, really. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Here I was in the throws of PP anxiety from my firstborn,
pregnant again!! But God always has
better plans than ours, doesnโt he? <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Because of the anxiety, Jon and I would find ourselves at
church a few short months later. I
remember crying those first few services we attended because I thought my
brokenness would <i>never</i> heal. Then a crazy thing happened. We joined a small group, formed life changing
friendships with others who were hurting, <i>and slowly</i>โฆ.a small glimmer of light
began peeking thru the curtain that was drawn.</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvkFXCRKB0MMyYkKTvY5P0grjyDTC_QuNew23djn7bvFjomGo83cf6wNus0Gf-fRChD6lpxxgvpyjrGUiyAP1dESixwwy2f0JFeLHlxISKj3TjtYZJEuB_I8yvhcP5-HJpc25miCxE7is/s1600/AX+LX.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="791" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvkFXCRKB0MMyYkKTvY5P0grjyDTC_QuNew23djn7bvFjomGo83cf6wNus0Gf-fRChD6lpxxgvpyjrGUiyAP1dESixwwy2f0JFeLHlxISKj3TjtYZJEuB_I8yvhcP5-HJpc25miCxE7is/s1600/AX+LX.jpg" /></a></div>
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<o:p><br /></o:p></div>
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<o:p><br /></o:p></div>
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I would take on another house renovation because this
winter, we wonโt worry about our family being cold because our windows are so
old. I feel beyond blessed every time I
walk into our home. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcV28x0xLAc36MhFYHlgNsSp4WMD2g6qKhigU_yIWZRHuUgOCmngJAyPy5CkrRfZ2q5KY3QZxo1jRUkyauA35ogWr3LegOTaKujtGc7t514hvV9YoENpd-2qo-BywlFV5U_H4xpS8yShg/s1600/House.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcV28x0xLAc36MhFYHlgNsSp4WMD2g6qKhigU_yIWZRHuUgOCmngJAyPy5CkrRfZ2q5KY3QZxo1jRUkyauA35ogWr3LegOTaKujtGc7t514hvV9YoENpd-2qo-BywlFV5U_H4xpS8yShg/s1600/House.jpg" /></a></div>
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Blessed to have a place to raise our family; a safe, warm
place. I would do it all over againโฆ<i>just maybe not at 9 months pregnant. </i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcV28x0xLAc36MhFYHlgNsSp4WMD2g6qKhigU_yIWZRHuUgOCmngJAyPy5CkrRfZ2q5KY3QZxo1jRUkyauA35ogWr3LegOTaKujtGc7t514hvV9YoENpd-2qo-BywlFV5U_H4xpS8yShg/s1600/House.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd9IuWhNABojQSh9FnLVVK3vvpQnEDZPEwHrIv-LDRDc6nmX8h2RSZHjWPUcLlI3Cl62WiAnAoI3v7QQPD0tdopI-Ufq17gneiyaC4LTdYVvD29xxrIfLZDau2vGuUr8jsK7H8azD4RHI/s1600/House+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="960" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd9IuWhNABojQSh9FnLVVK3vvpQnEDZPEwHrIv-LDRDc6nmX8h2RSZHjWPUcLlI3Cl62WiAnAoI3v7QQPD0tdopI-Ufq17gneiyaC4LTdYVvD29xxrIfLZDau2vGuUr8jsK7H8azD4RHI/s1600/House+2.jpg" /></a></div>
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I would lose my job all over again if I could. While it was one of the most excruciating
experiences of my life, <i>man</i>, Iโd go
thru it all over again. The day I received the news, I sat sobbing on my couch.
Horrified and humiliated. The feeling of
failure in that moment felt insurmountable.
<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Shortly after, God provided me professional opportunities I
felt undeserving of, <i>and still do at
times</i>. One opportunity in particular
felt so right, but so terrifying. Not one
to shy away from a good challenge, I dove in headfirst. This past year, returning to work after two
kids, would have been so much more grueling if I wasnโt doing something I
believe so passionately in. Thatโs Godโs
work right there. I will forever be grateful
for those that helped orchestrate where I am today. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Additionally, I was to be able to take an extra-long maternity
leave with my new baby girl, my baby girl who I found myself <i>so madly in love with</i>. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPnp9M-GWreSSvWWTK5M7HVDPNidyyD5wYhec5yre3X5KXwffPs_dsMxi3uZNrwseGlywIeM___P7gNiOSL7OtRhJBfeXyR51528ZU52H7VsBeTq9oXRfQhQ8XUCDaH5LvyTEPThO53NM/s1600/SJ.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="960" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPnp9M-GWreSSvWWTK5M7HVDPNidyyD5wYhec5yre3X5KXwffPs_dsMxi3uZNrwseGlywIeM___P7gNiOSL7OtRhJBfeXyR51528ZU52H7VsBeTq9oXRfQhQ8XUCDaH5LvyTEPThO53NM/s1600/SJ.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
Life is funny sometimes, isnโt it? If you find yourself in darkness, hang in
there. Youโll see the sun again soon. I
promise. <o:p></o:p></div>
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And try not to follow my cueโฆ.like renovate your house, get knocked up and lose your job. <o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
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Maybe just try some yoga instead.<br />
<br />
And a glass of wine.<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
Annehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13761627608758353554noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2313636795635450715.post-6919214506845174802017-08-27T20:20:00.002-05:002017-08-27T20:20:25.581-05:00#LipSenseDropout<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Well, hello! <br />
<br />
I always struggle with how to start posts after long absences. Do I apologize? Do I acknowledge the absence? Do I come up with some elaborate explanation? <br />
<br />
I've decided to do all of the above. <br />
<br />
First and foremost, I'm sorry. I realize I haven't blogged in nearly three months. Explanation? <br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>I decided to sell lipstick instead.</b><br />
<br />
Lipstick.<br />
<br />
Just let that sink in.....<br />
<br />
I joined the "dark side" (<i>as haters would call it</i>) and dove into multi level marketing in hopes of becoming one of those elusive females to pocked $60,000 a month selling makeup. <br />
<br />
All while driving a beautiful new car <i>also </i>gifted to me by the company. <br />
<br />
I had visions of mornings spent sipping lattes in my zebra print office chair, wearing hot pink lipstick mind you, watching my bank account get deposit after deposit for doing <i>nothing</i>. I mean, isn't that how this whole multi level marketing thing works? You pay a little enrollment fee and voila, you're quitting your job to make a killing sitting on your ass.<br />
<br />I know this will come as a major shock to all of you, but i'm here to say, folks, that's most definitely NOT how it works.<br />
<br />
Multi level marketing is hard work, y'all. You have to put in a <i>ton of time</i>, energy, passion and creativity to see that elusive financial reward people speak so freely about. <br />
<br />
You have to learn an entire company as well as their products all on your own, no built in orientation or easy training courses to take those first few weeks of "<i>employment</i>." You have to hustle, <i>day and night</i>. You have to have DRIVE. You have to study not only the products themselves, but learn how to market the products in a way that convinces others to not only purchase, but join you in selling them as well! Listen, that's no easy feat.<br />
<br />
These girls (or guys) have to have <i>tremendous passion</i> about what they've chosen to sell, whether that be leggings, an at home workout program, killer face cream, magical toothpaste....or LipSense.<br />
<br />
And here's the thing, I just didn't. I'm passionate about a number of things in my life, but LipSense wasn't ever going to be one of them. And that's totally ok.<br />
<br />
I have very limited free time these days and I want to ensure I spend that time in a way that makes me <i>happy</i>. In a way that <i>fulfills </i>me. <br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2QIKa0f0MvNso5u7TrNtVCvkh4tS4hVKKgcnhyaU-Pt3jZ4D_gmkWs_HzonH8iDVH-0q_EQPSHf-g-Dq3MtWI7RYoKjvvTyynRztICZAoqdJZv9Sa2sXuMbkxhn3N0c3i1Omq5Il5Lfw/s1600/LipSense+Dropout+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="987" data-original-width="1079" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2QIKa0f0MvNso5u7TrNtVCvkh4tS4hVKKgcnhyaU-Pt3jZ4D_gmkWs_HzonH8iDVH-0q_EQPSHf-g-Dq3MtWI7RYoKjvvTyynRztICZAoqdJZv9Sa2sXuMbkxhn3N0c3i1Omq5Il5Lfw/s1600/LipSense+Dropout+%25282%2529.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
In saying all of that, this goes out to all those women <i>who do have a passion for their MLM product or business</i>, let's all quit hating on them. <i>Please</i>.<br />
<br />
One thing I've learned since jumping into the world of MLM sales is that to some, this is a career, their livelihood. These women put a ton of behind the scenes work into <i>their business</i>, whether it's a side biz or full time job. And you know what, good for them! <br />
<br />
If they're finding killer success and they reach out to you to ask you to join them, tell them no. Or heck, tell them yes. But don't <i>make fun </i>of them for working their ass off doing something they're proud of.<br />
<br />
Did you know there are entire Facebook groups out there hating on these girls? You want to talk about cyber bullying, well let's get real here people, that's a form of it. <br />
<br />If you don't want to wear their leggings. Don't.<br />
<br />
If you don't want to join their workout program. Don't.<br />
<br />
And if they add you to a private group without asking, <i>get over it</i>. Don't get your panties in a wad, just leave the damn group. <br />
<br />
<i>No need to shame them</i>. <br />
<br />
Selling LipSense may be one of the few things <i>that brings them joy</i>. And in some cases, puts food on the table for their families.<br />
<br />Every single day, I'm grateful to have an amazing career I'm <i>super </i>proud of. I don't need to sell LipSense to financially support my family, but listen, <i>some people do</i>. And now that I've been there, tried that, I know how hard these girls are working behind the scenes.<br />
<br />
So next time you have the urge to gossip about "all those women on your newsfeed selling stuff," don't.<br />
<br />
Because listen, she's excited about her little side biz, and heck, isn't that what we're all chasing? Happiness. Financial freedom. Something to be proud of. <br />
<br />
So instead of getting annoyed, show some support and buy a tube of her LipSense instead. <br />
<br />
<br />
XOXO,<br /><br />
Anne #LipSenseDropOut Xenos<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
Annehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13761627608758353554noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2313636795635450715.post-31328855956369781932017-06-11T21:26:00.001-05:002017-06-11T21:34:19.411-05:00SJ || 6 Months<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Tonight, as I fed Sadie her bottle, I had a flashback to the moment we learned SHE would be joining our family. Her nursery is the same room where Jon and I sat, listening to the words, "It's a GIRL!," play out on a voicemail from the OB office left earlier that afternoon.<br />
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Her big blue eyes and her coy little grin, a grin that takes over her entire face, producing the most adorable dimples I've ever seen, bring me more joy than I ever thought possible. </div>
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This weekend has been one that I'll tuck away in my mind, to pull out when the girls get older and they're screaming at each other for stealing one another's clothes, or boyfriend for that matter (...if Dad ever lets them date). </div>
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I just frickin' love the way Sadie giggles when Lara gets real close to her face, so close their noses could touch, and says, "tickle tickle tickle!" I'm actually kind of shocked Lara hasn't smothered her by now.</div>
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Sadie doesn't realize it, but whether she likes it or not, teacher Lara will always insist on "reading" <u>to her</u>.</div>
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<img alt="Image may contain: 1 person, sitting" aria-busy="false" class="spotlight" src="https://scontent-dft4-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t31.0-8/19095533_799993774552_7742660101519584353_o.jpg?oh=bfdfd8bc8cc7623e155f000307dcb9e2&oe=59DDED95" /></div>
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One thing teacher Lara doesn't seem to quite understand is the art of sharing. On the regular, she takes Sadie's toys from her, which doesn't phase Sadie one bit, only to tell me that, "Sadie is sharing."</div>
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<i></i><br /></div>
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And she's dead serious. </div>
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Stealing and sharing....right now, they're one in the same in our house.</div>
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And on that note, let's move onto Miss Sadie June's 6 month update!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihTtX2EqJbbxOivIF-OKop8VVOhvV18z9Eqp3tywUp5hScTau_clbHIVr_5GyFzfyfhjD532rdienuFyrE2KPMS9EXe1-tkubf0PUvKRUaKsLRXK00Adxi0g9d_xZ98pVDw12i1vS9OgI/s1600/fontcandy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1066" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihTtX2EqJbbxOivIF-OKop8VVOhvV18z9Eqp3tywUp5hScTau_clbHIVr_5GyFzfyfhjD532rdienuFyrE2KPMS9EXe1-tkubf0PUvKRUaKsLRXK00Adxi0g9d_xZ98pVDw12i1vS9OgI/s1600/fontcandy.jpg" /></a></div>
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<u>Sadie June: By the Month</u></div>
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<b>Sadie Weighs </b>.....Close to 16 pounds!</div>
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<b>Sadie's Height</b>.....Not sure, but my guess is 25 inches</div>
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<b>Sadie is Wearing</b>.....9-12 months, and can even rock an 18 month outfit on occasion! Baby girl is growing like a WEED!</div>
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<b>Sadie is Sleeping</b>....pretty well! We continue to give her a couple tablespoons of cereal in her nighttime bottle, and that seems to do the trick. It also helps if we feed her some baby food for dinner an hour or so beforehand. Sis goes to bed around 7 each night and every now and again, she'll wake around 4 and need a bottle, but rarely.</div>
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<b>Sadie is Eating</b>.....7 oz on the regular. And loving all the baby food!! She put down an entire container of sweet potatoes yesterday! Today, she tried green beans and the jury's still out on if she liked it or not. She loves carrots and seems to favor any type of fruit. I'm trying to get more consistent on feeding her 2-3x a day, but dang, I forgot how hard feeding is at this age! It easily takes a good 30-45 minutes to get thru a serving. </div>
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<b>Sadie Loves</b>.....when I kiss the bottom of her little feet!! And seriously, I could just eat 'em. Chunky little baby feet are just EVERYTHING. Can I get an Amen!?!?</div>
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<b>Sadie Hates</b>....hmmmm....again, a tough one as the kid is a freaking angel baby. I'm going to go with strangers. She is totally a momma's girl and I totally dig it. I'm just soaking it up because #toddlerhood is just around the corner. And she will not like me one minute. Love me the next. And the next minute, throw something at me. So yes, I'll take my little baby loving me and only me!</div>
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Annehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13761627608758353554noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2313636795635450715.post-11160047418869189012017-05-14T16:43:00.003-05:002017-05-14T16:52:25.585-05:00Love, Mom.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
To My Gorgeous Daughters,<br />
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Today is Mothers Day. This morning I opened my beautiful ceramic plate adorned with your purple hand print forming the petals of a painted on flower. Your baby sister's tiny footprints decorated another piece of artwork honoring me. You and your daddy made me the sweetest book, each page decorated with photos of you and I over the past couple years. We colored in your Paw Patrol coloring book, ate breakfast and all rushed off to Church. After church, we picked out a beautiful tree that Dad planted in our front garden as you ran thru the green octopus sprinkler in the front yard.<br />
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This whole day has been spent honoring <i>me</i>. Thanking <i>me</i>. But the truth is, <i>you're the one</i> I want to thank.<br />
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Before you came into my world, I thought I was<i> so tough</i>. I drove fast, I drank too much and cursed like a sailor. I never slowed down to soak in the world around me. I was selfish. I judged. And if someone hurt me, I sure as hell didn't forgive.<br />
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But then, <i>I became I mom</i>.<br />
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I grew you in my womb. I grew and I grew and I grew. And then one day, at the break of dawn, I laid on an operating table scared to death. I had my abdomen sliced open, my organs pushed around and then, <i>I heard your cry</i>. In that moment, my world changed forever. <br />
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For the first time in 28 years, I had a purpose <i>so much bigger</i> than my egotistical self. I had a daughter of my own. It was now my job to teach <i>you</i>, but little did I know you'd teach me more in these two years <i>than I could ever teach you</i>.<br />
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<i>You've </i>taught me the true meaning of love. Not only how to love you, but how to love <i>others</i>. <br />
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You've taught me empathy. <br />
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You've taught me patience, <i>boy have you taught me patience</i>. <br />
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You've taught me how to be selfless. <br />
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You've taught me how to slow down, to soak in all these moments of joy.<br />
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Watching you, in your Paw Patrol hat and sparkly princess sunglasses, run thru the front yard playing in the sprinkler. Man...these are the moments<i>. The joy I feel watching you grin from ear to ear is indescribable.</i><br />
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Everyday I spend loving you girls, teaching you, worrying about you, disciplining you, <i>and loving you girls some more</i>. All in hopes that you'll grow into strong, courageous, brave young women.<br />
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But the truth is, I wasn't strong, nor brave....nor courageous <i>before you</i>.<br />
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You girls make me strong. <br />
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You make me brave<br />
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You make me courageous.<br />
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Someday, <i>many years from now</i>, you'll think you're so tough. You'll drive fast, you'll drink too much and curse like a sailor. You'll never slow down to soak in the world around you. You'll be selfish. You'll judge. And if someone hurts you, you sure as hell won't forgive.<br />
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But then, you'll fall in love and have babies of your own. And you'll become soft. You'll become empathetic. You'll learn the true meaning selflessness.<br />
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You'll do more laundry than you ever could've imagined.<br />
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You'll still drink your wine, but just a glass because you're too tired after one to even think of having another. <br />
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You'll love deeper. You won't sweat the small stuff. You'll forgive. <br />
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You'll be more vulnerable than you could've ever imagined. And it'll scare the hell out of you. <br />
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And maybe motherhood will break you, as it did me. You may wake up one day and feel like you've lost your mind. You may be scared, so so scared. But honey, you'll be ok. Because that little girl will give you purpose. She'll give you a reason to keep fighting. Heck, you'll even be crazy enough to have another! <br />
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So while today is all about honoring me, sweetheart, <i>I want to honor you</i>. You make me better. You soften my tough edges, you slow me down. Every single solitary day, I thank the Lord for choosing me. For choosing me to be your mommy. <br />
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That in itself is the best gift I'll ever, <i>ever receive</i>.<br />
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Love,<br />
Mom</div>
Annehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13761627608758353554noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2313636795635450715.post-4755038963036883192017-05-01T07:00:00.000-05:002017-05-01T07:00:04.457-05:00SJ || Five Months<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Phew. Well, that was fast. April flew by in a whirlwind of new routines and lots of rain. Lots and lots of rain.</div>
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As of May 3rd, I've officially been back to work for a month, and I can honestly say, I've never felt better. Yes, it's definitely hard leaving my kiddos and some days are harder than others. However, I feel very much at peace knowing that they're in wonderful hands. It's because of these hands that I get to take on a new career that has reignited a fire inside me that I was worried was gone.</div>
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I plan to share more details about what I'm up to professional, but for now, let's just talk all things Sadie (and Lara, of course). This little soul is such a blessing to our chaotic world. </div>
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Lara has had a tough, tough weekend. She decided she hates her bed. Like, vehemently hates it. She wants nothing to do with her bed, or really her room in general. Saturday night was filled with lots of tears, and not just Lara's tears. During the knock down battle that ensued with bedtime, she decided to pick up her sound machine and proceeded to bang it over and over again on the inside of her door. All the while, Sadie snoozed away in the room next door.</div>
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I know this too shall pass, but when? </div>
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Speaking of time passing by, how is this little one quickly approaching half a year in our lives?!?!?! </div>
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<u style="font-family: raleway;">Sadie June: By The Month</u></div>
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Today, Miss Sadie June is officially <b>5 months old</b>!</div>
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<b>Sadie Weighs </b>.....13 lbs, 13 oz (34th percentile)</div>
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<b>Sadie's Height</b>.....24" (21st percentile)</div>
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<b>Sadie is Wearing</b>.....I squeeze her into my favorite 3-6 month items, but mostly 6 month and up </div>
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<b>Sadie is Sleeping</b>....ON HER TUMMY. Which totally freaked us out in the beginning, but per the doc, because her head control is so strong, we're not to be concerned. Over the past week or so, she's been needing a bottle in the middle of the night (somewhere between 2-4:00 am). We just started doing a little cereal in her bedtime bottle and we're hoping that will do the trick. </div>
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<b>Sadie is Eating</b>.....6-7 oz and still eating every 3 hours or so. More big news on the eating front...baby girl is working on solids! We tried peas and surprise surprise, she hated them. And listen, I don't blame her. When it comes to pureed peas, it's like I'm feeling my child her own diarrhea. Otherwise, just a little rice cereal. </div>
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<b>Sadie Loves</b>.....being tickled in her little neck rolls. And baths, she loves bath time. She acts so relaxed, and that's a far cry from her sis. She's our little water baby and I can't wait to see her test out the pool this summer!</div>
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<b>Sadie Hates</b>....this is always the hardest one for me to answer month after month, because she is literally the most easy going kid. She's had a terrible, I mean terrible (like bleeding) diaper rash and that doesn't even seem to phase her. The only time she really cries is when she's hungry. Or loud noises. She hates anything that surprises her.</div>
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Annehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13761627608758353554noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2313636795635450715.post-70751390741781945732017-04-08T13:30:00.000-05:002017-04-08T13:52:00.940-05:00My Two Cents on Lipsense<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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If you haven't heard of Lipsense you may just be an alien because it's taken OVER the lipstick world over the past few months. Being an avid lipstick lover, I couldn't WAIT to get my hand on a tube.</div>
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Enter one of my favorite little ladies, Ms Kayla Morse. A dear friend of mine and avid reader of this 'ol blog (ok, my biggest fan), began selling last last year via her <i>so-not-annoying</i> Facebook page, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/1854536351425522/">KC Kissable Lips</a>. </div>
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If you're anything like me, you have Facebook acquaintances pimping out their products to you left and right. </div>
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Kayla, she's a good pimp. I promise.</div>
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She's not in your face, but what she <i>does do </i>is share the gloriousness of Lipsense with group members a few times a week. She also runs different witty specials such as "Selfie Saturday," which allows members to see what different colors look like on different complexions as well as the adorable "March Matte-ness," which provides all of us ladies opportunities to win new colors.</div>
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And c'mon, who wouldn't love an extensive stash of Lipsense to choose from each morning?</div>
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When Kayla reached out to see if I'd give Lipsense a try, I didn't hesitate. She helped me pick out a few colors and they were in my mailbox less than 48 hours later. Girl is ON IT.</div>
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I wanted to try them out for a few weeks to ensure I did thorough research before sharing my thoughts with all of you. I even took them on a ski trip to see how they held up after a day on the mountain. The results....amazing.</div>
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Color pictured above, Roseberry. I also received Bella which is more subtle and wearable on yoga pant days. </div>
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While I love love love that it doesn't come off on my white coffee mugs, clear wine classes or with food, what I love <i>the most</i> is the convenience. With two little's running around, I don't have time to reapply lipstick. Let's be honest, I'm winning if I remember to even put it on once a day. With Lipsense, I can throw it on in the morning with the rest of my makeup and I'm done. FOR THE ENTIRE DAY. </div>
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I will say, one thing I learned is that you need to <i>reapply </i>the gloss throughout the day to ensure extra long wear. I love the feeling of the gloss on my lips, so I definitely don't mind at all! But, if i'm wanting to go with more of a matte look, I leave the gloss off. </div>
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If I haven't sold you yet, would trying it yourself help?</div>
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Kayla is doing a special giveaway to any of you who join her Facebook page,<a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/1854536351425522/"> KC Kissable Lips</a>, and the winner gets FREE LIPSENSE. Seriously, how easy is that? She'll annouce the winner on her page, Friday, April14th. Additionally, she's offering new members 10% off a starter kit.</div>
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So, hop on it. Like that Easter pun?</div>
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If you're already a LipSense lover and are simply looking to order a few tubes, use her order form below.</div>
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<a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdZZQHNLfFX0MjiQpcpQ0aReKKmEENKTFZbsKqPqaIWejXjDA/viewform"><br /></a></div>
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<b><a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdZZQHNLfFX0MjiQpcpQ0aReKKmEENKTFZbsKqPqaIWejXjDA/viewform">ORDER HERE!</a></b></div>
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Tootles.</div>
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XOXO,</div>
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Anne</div>
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Annehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13761627608758353554noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2313636795635450715.post-79099018231210851992017-04-01T10:20:00.003-05:002017-04-01T10:20:57.397-05:00SJ || Four Months<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: raleway;">Well, it's April Fools day and I feel like the universe is spoofing me by my littlest girl turning FOUR MONTHS OLD. But sadly, it's true. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: raleway;">I return to work on Monday, and I have to say, leaving this little sweet pea is going to be hard. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: raleway;">Well, hard may be an understatement. More like <i>gut wrenching</i>. For some crazy reason I thought it'd be easier the second time around, but boy was I wrong.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: raleway;">I was having a glass of wine with a friend yesterday and we were talking about how God presents us with challenges so we can grow. </span><span style="font-family: raleway;">I'm going thru alot mentally & emotionally to prepare for yet another life change, <i>another challenge</i>. Starting a brand new job and leaving not one, but </span><i style="font-family: raleway;">two </i><span style="font-family: raleway;">babies. <br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: raleway;">So, God, I have to say; I'm good on the challenge front for awhile. </span></div>
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<u style="font-family: raleway;">Sadie June: By The Month</u></div>
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<b>Sadie is</b>.....Four Months Old!</div>
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<b>Sadie Weighs </b>.....Still sitting around that 12-13 lb mark</div>
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<b>Sadie's Height</b>.....??</div>
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<b>Sadie is Wearing</b>.....She's still fitting into SOME 0-3 month items, but mostly 3-6 month or 6 month clothes. </div>
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<b>Sadie is Sleeping</b>....Eh, it's hit or miss. Both she and Lara go to bed around 7:30-8:00 which gives Jon and I a few hours of alone time before we hit the hay. The past few nights, Sadie wakes up around 4 and wants a bottle. However for the most part, she sleeps until 6:30ish most nights. </div>
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For the record, I have no idea how we ended up with two good sleepers, but I'm not complaining!</div>
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<b>Sadie is Eating</b>.....5-6 oz every 3 to 4 hours</div>
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<b>Sadie Loves</b>.....her big sis. She smiles and giggles the loudest when she's playing with Lara.</div>
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<b>Sadie Hates</b>....being hungry. But seriously, don't we all?</div>
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Annehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13761627608758353554noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2313636795635450715.post-25338775592689360402017-03-15T12:13:00.001-05:002017-03-15T12:18:36.574-05:00SJ | LA Wedding Dress Shoot<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Oh Lordy, these pictures may just be my <i>favorite </i>of all time. </div>
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From the moment I found out I would be blessed with a little girl, I just knew someday I'd want photos like this to cherish for all time. My wedding day is a day I'll never, <i>ever </i>forget for as long as I live, and I hope someday, my daughters feel the same about theirs. You better believe these photos will make their way into their wedding celebration in another 30 <strike>or 40 would be ok, too</strike>, years. I'm quickly approaching the day I'll return to work, so I knew I needed to take these photos now or I may never get around to it. </div>
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Wrapping Sadie up in my dress, using my petticoat as a backdrop was just <i>too dang cute</i> for words. Then, seeing Lara standing there with my veil draped over her head and her lips coated in pretty pink lipstick for the first time, well, that just took it to a <i>whole new level</i>. </div>
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I hope you love 'em as much as I do. Well, maybe not <i>quite </i>as much, but you get the gist. </div>
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Enjoy!</div>
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Annehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13761627608758353554noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2313636795635450715.post-41851557579025091222017-03-01T09:55:00.003-06:002017-03-01T09:55:38.905-06:00SJ || 3 Months<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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My precious little angel is 3 months old today, and honestly, I'm not sad about it. Sure, I love love love having a newborn. You just can't beat all the snuggles, but I am totally loving watching her develop her own personality! It's totally cool to see her discover things around her, to recognize her family, to smile at her big sis, to stare at bright objects, to begin talking in her own little language, it's just amazing. I am taking an extra long maternity leave this time, and as much as I feel excitement to get back to work and spend the day around adults doing what I love, I can't help but enjoy spending this extra time with my girls. </div>
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Yes, girls, as in plural. As some of you know, I was feeling tremendous Mom Guilt last week about Lara not being as connected to me. So, I did what any mother would do, made a super rash and emotional decision and pulled Lara out of full time daycare and dropped her down to part time. Meaning she's home with me on Tuesdays and Thursdays. </div>
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I'm not going to pretend there haven't been moments where I regretted this decision, as let me tell ya, she's a handful. But dangit, she's a cute handful.</div>
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So, there's that.</div>
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But back to my littlest girl, Miss Sadie June. </div>
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<u style="color: #3f3a36; font-family: raleway; font-size: 13.5px; letter-spacing: 1px;">Sadie June: By The Month</u></div>
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<b>Sadie is</b>.....Three Months Old!</div>
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<b>Sadie Weighs </b>.....Probably somewhere around 12-13 pounds</div>
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<b>Sadie's Height</b>.....??</div>
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<b>Sadie is Wearing</b>.....She can <i>squeeze</i> into 0-3 months, but really her 3-6 month items fit best. </div>
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<b>Sadie is Sleeping</b>....AMAZING. She's officially in her crib FULL TIME. To the moms who have kiddos that don't sleep great, you may not want to read this part, but both girls go down around 7:30 and for the most part, they sleep until 6:30 am. Like, what!?!? We swear by the <a href="http://momsoncall.com/">Moms on Call</a> books, because their sleep training strategies have worked wonders for our girls, however they are big advocates for the "Cry It Out" method, and I know this is controversial to some. We waited until last week to begin utilizing the CIO method with Sadie. The first night, she cried for 30 minutes. And it sucked. Night two, she cried for maybe 5-10 minutes. Now, less than a week later, we lay her in her crib and she falls right to sleep. Again, <i>for us</i>, it works. And we all sleep. So, there's that.</div>
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<b>Sadie is Eating</b>.....mostly 5 oz</div>
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<b>Sadie Loves</b>.....<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Baby-Paper-Crinkly-Black-Stripe/dp/B00IP07NJS">baby paper.</a> </div>
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Baby-Paper-Crinkly-Black-Stripe/dp/B00IP07NJS">Amazon</a>. Now. </div>
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Your kid will love it.</div>
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<b>Sadie Hates</b><b style="font-weight: normal;">....when Mom sneezes! Seriously, it FREAKS HER OUT. Almost everytime she goes into complete hysterics and I have to calm her down. I have to agree with her, my sneeze it quite startling. And loud. And typically comes with no warning.</b></div>
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Annehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13761627608758353554noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2313636795635450715.post-44143734779191151062017-02-23T10:54:00.002-06:002017-02-23T10:54:24.464-06:00I miss you, daughter.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
This morning I slipped into your room quietly, just before the sunrise. You were just waking up, still cuddled under your pink, fuzzy blanket, clinging to the cloth diaper you've slept with since birth. I stroked your hair, asking you quietly if you wanted to watch the sun "wake up" with me. It was still dark in your room, but I could see your silhouette nodding yes. You quietly slid out of bed. We walked over to your window, opened the blinds and there it was, the <i>beautiful </i>sun, rising in the fluorescent pink sky. <br />
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You stood there in amazement, while picking your nose of course. I sat on the edge of your tiny toddler bed, with you in front of me. You're still so small, I can wrap my arms around your entire body. I breathed in the smell of your freshly clean hair from your bath the night before. I kissed your delicate, soft cheek and just breathed in this moment. This moment of still. A stillness we don't get to share often these days, because you have a baby sister now that warrants most of mommy's attention. <br />
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The way you've acclimated to becoming a big sister has astonished your daddy and I. Shocked us, really. You adore that little sister of yours, asking for her when you first wake up and insisting you kiss her little forehead every night before bed. It occurred to me this morning, as you walked out the door after refusing to hug me goodbye, that the love you used to show me, <i>you now reserve for your sister</i>.<br />
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After that magical moment we shared watching the beautiful pink sunrise, you refused to let me dress you.. You refused to let me comb your hair. You refused to kiss me goodbye. <br />
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I chose not to force you, while my heart silently shattered inside. You walked out the door, hand in hand with daddy, turning around just long enough to wave goodbye to my silhouette in the doorway. <br />
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I closed the door and tears began pouring down my cheeks. In that moment, I realized how distant you've become lately. You insist that daddy do bedtime every night. Insist that daddy dress you, that daddy comb your hair...<br />
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Since your sister was born, you have watched me care for her, feed her, bathe her, rock her. You have fallen in love with your baby sister, just as I have. You've also become fiercely independent, perhaps assuming Mommy doesn't have any love left to give <i>you</i>. <br />
<br />But that's the beautiful thing about mommies. We have special hearts, hearts that grow with each child that's born. See, our hearts have to grow in size in order to hold <i>all the love </i>we now carry.<i> </i> I know that's confusing to you right now, because you see your baby sister in my arms often these days. But see, mommies are full of an <i>endless </i>supply of <i>deep, abounding love</i>. A love you won't understand until <i>you </i>become a Mommy.<br />
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Every morning we rise, no matter how tired we are, mommies rise like the <i>beautiful </i>sun in that pink fluorescent sky. We rise, ready to shower that love over <i>ALL </i>of our babies<i>. </i> <br />
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So when you're ready, I'm here.<br />
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Just don't take too long....</div>
Annehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13761627608758353554noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2313636795635450715.post-33616354984003105562017-02-21T14:23:00.000-06:002017-02-21T14:36:22.955-06:00A Day in the Life<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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First and foremost, thanks to everyone for weighing in with regard to what y'all wanted to see from me next. There was quite a bit who wanted "<i>A Day in the Life</i>" post out of me, which was quite funny because my life is not the most exciting these days! Now, to Jon and I, it's pretty dang awesome. These two little girls keep us on our toes, that's for sure, but they also bring <i>tremendous</i> joy to our day to day.</div>
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But regardless, you asked, so you shall see what a typical day looks like in the Xenos house. </div>
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I took videos and photos all throughout our day and compiled them together in this 9 minute, 56 second video. If you watch every bit of it, I'll be impressed. I know in years to come, I'll definitely treasure this little movie as it captures this crazy, exhausting but oh so beautiful season of life.<br />
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Enjoy!</div>
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Annehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13761627608758353554noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2313636795635450715.post-91666385769587271552017-02-08T06:00:00.000-06:002017-02-08T09:26:05.671-06:00SJ || Two Months<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Well, my favorite month is upon us....FEBRUARY! Which means I turn the big 3-1 here in a few short weeks. </div>
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My birthday is the 15th in case you want to send me an Amazon giftcard. </div>
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Just kidding...</div>
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#noimnot</div>
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I also share this month with my little nephew, Jack.</div>
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And of course, February's most known for Valentines Day. People always complain when their birthday is next door to a holiday, but I quite frankly, love it. </div>
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However, my husband may disagree. </div>
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He was educated early on that Valentines Day, while it may be 24 hours prior to my birthday, is an <i>entirely </i>separate celebration. </div>
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And every year, he does NOT disappoint. He let me open one of my presents a bit early yesterday, and it brought tears to my eyes...</div>
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As some of you know, I had one of my pieces published on a website called Motherly (<a href="http://www.mother.ly/work/when-drop-off-breaks-your-heart-a-letter-to-my-childs-daycare-team">click here to read it</a>) a few weeks back. I was SO excited about it, and apparently so was he. </div>
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He had the article professionally framed and it's now hanging in my office at home. </div>
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Definitely one of the most touching gifts I've ever received!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2DllelUfbSL5s9qaSLKGdzsRfceOcxxTcARcYePGnyDpb1UmozVBxDqf0xyd3DEEiU1AvvLx-PDvX3rCGwqiTyjiUH84yxDNWwZy5L3A93kl5oPZdmOAqQrFboAE5zypDpnlQmx4HW_8/s1600/IMG_5618+%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2DllelUfbSL5s9qaSLKGdzsRfceOcxxTcARcYePGnyDpb1UmozVBxDqf0xyd3DEEiU1AvvLx-PDvX3rCGwqiTyjiUH84yxDNWwZy5L3A93kl5oPZdmOAqQrFboAE5zypDpnlQmx4HW_8/s1600/IMG_5618+%25282%2529.JPG" /></a></div>
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Another pretty cool thing about this month....our little June Bug turned </div>
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on the first! </div>
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<u>Sadie June: By The Month</u></div>
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<b>Sadie is</b>.....Two Months Old!</div>
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(as of Feb 1st)</div>
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<b>Sadie Weighs </b>.....10.9 pounds </div>
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<b>Sadie's Height</b>.....22 inches</div>
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<b>Sadie is Wearing</b>.....0-3 months in clothes and still in size 1 diapers. I packed away all her newborn gear last week. Waaaaaa!</div>
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<b>Sadie is Sleeping</b>....AMAZING. It was like a switch flipped when she crossed over the two month threshold. In fact, I put her to sleep in her crib last night around 8 and she slept until 5:40 this morning. I have been fighting putting her in her crib because I feel like it's yet another milestone I'm not ready for. But, by how well she did last night, I'd say she's ready. </div>
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<b>Sadie is Eating</b>.....4-5 oz</div>
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<b>Sadie Loves</b>.....her sister! She grins so big when Lara talks to her and it makes my momma heart just burst. She's also starting to love bath time! I bathe the girls together so Lara can "help," and I think this has helped Sadie warm up to them. She also LOVES to be swaddled. She is LIGHTS OUT as soon as I swaddle her up for naptime as long as she also has her "<a href="https://www.amazon.com/WubbaNub-W32351-Lamb-Infant-Pacifier/dp/B003PCYMP4">lambie</a>" in her mouth. Anyone else obsessed with WubbaNubs?!</div>
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<b>Sadie Hates</b>.....being on her back when she's awake. She LOVES to sit up like a big girl, so we're spending lots of time in our <a href="https://www.buybuybaby.com/store/product/fisher-price-reg-froggy-sit-me-up-floor-seat/1044013691?skuId=44013691&mcid=PS_googlepla_nonbrand_furniture_&product_id=44013691&adpos=1o3&creative=88349044620&device=c&matchtype=&network=g&gclid=Cj0KEQiA2uDEBRDxurOO77Cp-7kBEiQAOUgKV338GySKHimdjGQWt_LYrFGjI5WaZMA-MSEJKFpqcH8aAjKG8P8HAQ">Fisher Price froggie chair </a>. If you're a new parent and don't have one of these....GET ONE. Hands down one of my favorite baby items.</div>
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<img alt="Fisher-Priceยฎ Froggy Sit-Me-Up Floor Seat" src="https://s7d2.scene7.com/is/image/BedBathandBeyond/57996644013691p?hei=2000&wid=2000&qlt=50,1" /></div>
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This kid is seriously the <i>sweetest </i>little thing. I am absolutely loving my days with her, just she and I, where I get this little grin all to myself. <br />
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Now, if she could just stay little forever....</div>
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Annehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13761627608758353554noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2313636795635450715.post-59334466346931149242017-01-27T16:09:00.002-06:002017-02-06T14:58:08.594-06:00How to take professional photos at home!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Happy Friday, folks. </div>
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Well, this is a post I never thought I'd do. First and foremost, I am <i>most definitely </i>NO expert on photography. I took a class one time, right after getting my DSLR and let's just say I don't remember a damn thing. </div>
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However, I have practiced for the past few years and I think I've gotten fairly decent at snapping a some great shots of my kiddos. </div>
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Lately I've gotten lots of questions about how I take my photographs and applications used to edit. I started to answer people individually and then thought it'd be quicker and easier to write up a quick post sharing my favorite photography items. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid0-A-7-AkVACot3YKi7dJaMK4uTpfqFwNiF9H2AZCV0Dt4rnTOxc4kYIe-0GjENa69ygLGndNyubGDoc4Nm0i4iMBaWkuClsp8ZBSduKV-seXNIVG8yzQtyJLP1A62TwkUf7APmpSoKs/s1600/IMG_5383.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid0-A-7-AkVACot3YKi7dJaMK4uTpfqFwNiF9H2AZCV0Dt4rnTOxc4kYIe-0GjENa69ygLGndNyubGDoc4Nm0i4iMBaWkuClsp8ZBSduKV-seXNIVG8yzQtyJLP1A62TwkUf7APmpSoKs/s1600/IMG_5383.JPG" /></a></div>
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First and foremost, the BEST AND MOST IMPORTANT advice I can give you all is to invest in a DSLR. It's one of the things I'd grab if my house ever caught on fire, along with my children of course.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZyR82Qjw3E0C3CRmuQ64dacIPLTFzvON80j-XyR-b4QsrdrfrQDljdb2qm-UzafViwGsPkXX4y44TcQqKbjgZX8m0QfmkJyh7KGI90b0Sibh38YZbMjaXX1ZLkh4QqnYIffS_UypVtZU/s1600/IMG_5370.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZyR82Qjw3E0C3CRmuQ64dacIPLTFzvON80j-XyR-b4QsrdrfrQDljdb2qm-UzafViwGsPkXX4y44TcQqKbjgZX8m0QfmkJyh7KGI90b0Sibh38YZbMjaXX1ZLkh4QqnYIffS_UypVtZU/s1600/IMG_5370.JPG" /></a></div>
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I did a bunch of research and decided on a <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Canon-Digital-Camera-18-55mm-75-300mm/dp/B00V73JZY6">Canon Rebel T5</a>. It was hands down the most affordable option as well as being super user friendly for a non-tech savvy Mom like myself. Listen, I will never discount the quality of iPhone photos because they can be pretty amazing, however you just can't beat the pixels that a DSLR provides, <i>especially </i>if you plan to have canvas'es or larger prints made from your pictures. </div>
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I purchased my camera on a Black Friday special, so it came with two lenses. Honestly, I've only ever used one of them, the one pictured below. It can take great photos and is super easy to zoom in and out when needed. Also, the Rebel's have a "CA" shooting mode which blurs out the background of your photos automatically if you have your subjects positioned correctly. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3Zn8ft9zKEm7yTCp5GMq-WCvlwV5nmMCd-YiQVdAwnG7eaZZGovBzndKqhnhJKMYUrcaoRtdQov58Hzn9EkP0D3szgsBur9oPdf6n007AI6ktEf4nORxMhUfJqx3zccerq4xqgv9OKok/s1600/IMG_5379.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3Zn8ft9zKEm7yTCp5GMq-WCvlwV5nmMCd-YiQVdAwnG7eaZZGovBzndKqhnhJKMYUrcaoRtdQov58Hzn9EkP0D3szgsBur9oPdf6n007AI6ktEf4nORxMhUfJqx3zccerq4xqgv9OKok/s1600/IMG_5379.JPG" /></a></div>
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However, I have to say the lens below is my absolute FAVORITE to shoot with, the 50 mm. Our family photographer, Rachel, introduced me to this bad boy and I may never look back. This lens was only $99 and the photos it produces are worth every cent! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvRGLsJUGNdaOZ_whMp_xQhnqw7IL7s2hUrUjZzdYHWz3R1ctx2bjtqXaQ_Y9ONYct4qtkRjcmWYDKkqVU7Z25v9Y7OyaUy35D_J5XuoyoRBpP60UDXAJR3Gs_bQ7fFOUp112ihlp4Ges/s1600/IMG_5371.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvRGLsJUGNdaOZ_whMp_xQhnqw7IL7s2hUrUjZzdYHWz3R1ctx2bjtqXaQ_Y9ONYct4qtkRjcmWYDKkqVU7Z25v9Y7OyaUy35D_J5XuoyoRBpP60UDXAJR3Gs_bQ7fFOUp112ihlp4Ges/s1600/IMG_5371.JPG" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBv8GhxEGuEjRJuu7bzyHtSbnNyDtylcYRumzqqbP8pYtcvNjJEdb8IbYGt3tEp1q6IQJKihFYLYsLvmnoFiTwjHUx9ZJdeZdAH7mKsrMHkMUM05TPLyf3DnSh0cyXFFkrgyE4BmenMdM/s1600/IMG_5375.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBv8GhxEGuEjRJuu7bzyHtSbnNyDtylcYRumzqqbP8pYtcvNjJEdb8IbYGt3tEp1q6IQJKihFYLYsLvmnoFiTwjHUx9ZJdeZdAH7mKsrMHkMUM05TPLyf3DnSh0cyXFFkrgyE4BmenMdM/s1600/IMG_5375.JPG" /></a></div>
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As you can see, it's also quite small so it makes carrying around your camera that much easier. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQKaEixrEUrL1eZrc_q7j5nzZJacdP1jC5f71c6dN6KM0XKJmTR7zSk92gY1ivqhAEFzGQxnTrnx1kzARuZ6r482j-okPlJf4sOF7ytpQxVQ2BycvlowQ2W4YCj0_VzCZ6sz4YgyMc22c/s1600/IMG_5376.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQKaEixrEUrL1eZrc_q7j5nzZJacdP1jC5f71c6dN6KM0XKJmTR7zSk92gY1ivqhAEFzGQxnTrnx1kzARuZ6r482j-okPlJf4sOF7ytpQxVQ2BycvlowQ2W4YCj0_VzCZ6sz4YgyMc22c/s1600/IMG_5376.JPG" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcCR1zUx1axY2yB8_v38KLEl7HFsWzz5Wfpqj0KNHmYYYbjWpDotgOWiK0jDdqKUU7UbFOisFj8AfeaYUEmMcYB7dVgkwCcakQQ6eZXE8xsHtkHVVlO6z43FF3RzabO63qhKRf3XgzpaA/s1600/IMG_5380.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcCR1zUx1axY2yB8_v38KLEl7HFsWzz5Wfpqj0KNHmYYYbjWpDotgOWiK0jDdqKUU7UbFOisFj8AfeaYUEmMcYB7dVgkwCcakQQ6eZXE8xsHtkHVVlO6z43FF3RzabO63qhKRf3XgzpaA/s1600/IMG_5380.PNG" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3Zn8ft9zKEm7yTCp5GMq-WCvlwV5nmMCd-YiQVdAwnG7eaZZGovBzndKqhnhJKMYUrcaoRtdQov58Hzn9EkP0D3szgsBur9oPdf6n007AI6ktEf4nORxMhUfJqx3zccerq4xqgv9OKok/s1600/IMG_5379.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
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Now, as far as editing applications I use, I only use one. It's called AfterLight.</div>
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Honestly, the DSLR takes such amazing photos that I don't have to edit much, if at all. I mostly use AfterLight to edit my iPhone pictures. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtjDhR0nizLSEgSqxDnl9g3w_DwdO8lBwtMge8uP4x1pXHNnRRGYRldflmiClwU8RoT_M4BJ8zS8bXrmYxgnnvgrYvKJM03ivOQ_YYmD51l3i9tYP74z2E7ZLalrWpOza7pJlXzSuI3Lk/s1600/IMG_5381.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtjDhR0nizLSEgSqxDnl9g3w_DwdO8lBwtMge8uP4x1pXHNnRRGYRldflmiClwU8RoT_M4BJ8zS8bXrmYxgnnvgrYvKJM03ivOQ_YYmD51l3i9tYP74z2E7ZLalrWpOza7pJlXzSuI3Lk/s1600/IMG_5381.PNG" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCjS1m7A9mso1718W8CQrRSb3dBR8EWujRGKZ5lZpOpkwWGUnRoKLtidfRniR_1edGvo9efzLu3TQ5RWwi6WAjiG-8bbXtkjASaS-cqGGjQgwQXliiYWYb1iTQ7qC8teclCfSkqRMsrNg/s1600/IMG_5382.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCjS1m7A9mso1718W8CQrRSb3dBR8EWujRGKZ5lZpOpkwWGUnRoKLtidfRniR_1edGvo9efzLu3TQ5RWwi6WAjiG-8bbXtkjASaS-cqGGjQgwQXliiYWYb1iTQ7qC8teclCfSkqRMsrNg/s1600/IMG_5382.PNG" /></a></div>
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Another tool I can't live without is my <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Eyefi-Class-90-day-Service-Mobi-16/dp/B00CRFK4FC/ref=pd_sim_147_5?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B00CRFK4FC&pd_rd_r=CNV4FTSMNYNZJAWYGQR9&pd_rd_w=zW9va&pd_rd_wg=VNHAL&psc=1&refRID=CNV4FTSMNYNZJAWYGQR9">EyeFi Mobi card.</a> It's the memory card inside my DSLR that allows me to port over photos from my camera to my iPhone within a few seconds. </div>
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I ensure my iPhone is connecting to the same wifi that the camera is using, then click on an app called Keenai (see above) and your new pictures automatically begin porting over to your phone. This allows me to use my DSLR much more frequently than I normally would, because I can share the pictures on my different social media channel almost immediately! </div>
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Just for fun...let's do a comparison of one of my iPhone pics to one from my DSLR. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmNobU7eCxPtVzN4jdD2vKIsLVCbcAE5LwJEitpaKBxTQ7fRbPsi3UqZJ4R3BdT6_69ddNWaFndBV-zEUwVF1H-M8C4JI1B6NhaJ83BG0vK6V3RnVTZc-9OOBWPGoHiT377fSbMc4Fb0s/s1600/IMG_1156.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmNobU7eCxPtVzN4jdD2vKIsLVCbcAE5LwJEitpaKBxTQ7fRbPsi3UqZJ4R3BdT6_69ddNWaFndBV-zEUwVF1H-M8C4JI1B6NhaJ83BG0vK6V3RnVTZc-9OOBWPGoHiT377fSbMc4Fb0s/s1600/IMG_1156.JPG" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSgSKK4NCofo-MDsr6fTLGobx10B0NAu3VaR1Z1mqNjdm1fhLCwPRRXlDBUAUzSFPKn08PbMF-caEXaKC3DlF-ivWhyk6RQas3xrzX47jFfs-aI6-yipLjX1tHoP0lpJbagQuj5Cc-iHY/s1600/IMG_0266.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSgSKK4NCofo-MDsr6fTLGobx10B0NAu3VaR1Z1mqNjdm1fhLCwPRRXlDBUAUzSFPKn08PbMF-caEXaKC3DlF-ivWhyk6RQas3xrzX47jFfs-aI6-yipLjX1tHoP0lpJbagQuj5Cc-iHY/s1600/IMG_0266.JPG" /></a></div>
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And as always--please feel free to reach out if you have any questions I didn't answer above. </div>
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Have a great weekend!</div>
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Annehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13761627608758353554noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2313636795635450715.post-46492763816883991072017-01-12T17:04:00.000-06:002017-01-12T17:36:06.165-06:00That time our pet chicken went to Hawaii<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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So, one of our pet chickens died a few mornings ago. </div>
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And I cried, sitting on our flight of stairs, naked. </div>
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Why was I naked, you ask? </div>
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Well, I was just about to jump in the shower when my husband began hollering for me from the living room. But that's not the point. The point is that I was naked, on the stairs, crying over a dead chicken. <i>Who am I?</i></div>
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A hormonal new mom who likes her pet chickens <i>way too much</i>. </div>
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But listen, the point of this post is not to discuss me crying, <i>naked</i>, over a dead chicken. </div>
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It's about figuring out the right time to teach your children about death.</div>
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<i>I know, big leap</i>. </div>
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Lara is only 2, and therefore we felt she wasn't able to comprehend her chicken dying quite yet.</div>
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So, I hatched a plan. If she noticed the chicken missing, she would learn the chicken took a one way flight to Hawaii (Thanks Kait). However, this conversation would only happen in the event we couldn't get another chicken into the coop in time. </div>
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But don't worry, my friends. Earlier this afternoon, I threw on my black Uggs, jumped into my heated black leather seat, and drove down to my neighbors house to pick one up. I always pictured chicken people wearing worn out plaid shirts, tucked into their Levi's, driving a beat up 'ol Ford Truck. </div>
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Not wearing furry black boots and yoga pants. But there I was, with my cardboard box and leather gloves, ready to capture a chicken. <i>All for my two year old daughter</i>. </div>
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The things we do for our children...I mean, seriously. The girl had ponies in her front yard for her first birthday, and looking back, I'm actually kind of embarrassed at the spectacle I created. But, I digress.. </div>
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The point is that we intended to go to <i>great lengths </i>to ensure we would <i>NOT </i>have to have the death conversation with our two year old. </blockquote>
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But I can't help but wonder, by sheltering our young children from deeper conversations, <b><i>are we</i> <i>protecting them,</i> or <i>delaying their ability to grow emotionally</i>? </b></blockquote>
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I would love your thoughts, so please weigh in on my <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ispilledmywine">Facebook </a>or <a href="https://www.instagram.com/annexenos/?hl=en">Instagram</a>.</div>
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Annehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13761627608758353554noreply@blogger.com0