tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-43112907658767505502024-03-14T04:51:29.255-05:00Our Semi-Homemade LifeElaine's Semi-Homemade Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06005139656931323890noreply@blogger.comBlogger379125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4311290765876750550.post-35534533997404118042012-06-17T21:40:00.001-05:002012-06-18T20:51:58.987-05:00BIG CHANGES for this working momma!Wow. So much has happened in the last couple weeks! Really BIG things!<br />
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For starters, I resigned from my job on June 1st after almost 9 years there! All of you know how much I've been stressing about getting a better work/life balance.... I'm hoping this is it! I have left my job at the corp office of one of America's favorite department stores.... and tomorrow is my first day at the corp office of one of America's favorite craft stores! (Don't think I'm not beyond thrilled about being closer to the crafting world, having a discount!, and figuring a way to justify 'craft time' as 'working at home' time!) This company really values families and seems to really have a reasonable stress level. I pray that this is exactly the change of pace my family needs. I'm sure you could tell by my lack of blogging that time was beyond precious and (work) stress at an all time high. <br />
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After resigning on a Friday.... mr. fix-it and I booked a trip the next Monday... and left 4 days later! Talk about spontaneous! Yes, last week at this time, I was here:<br />
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St. Thomas! The US Virgin Islands. (My passport had expired and mr. fix-it doesn't have one... getting that taken care of has been on our to-do list, but with only a couple days to plan this trip, we had to go somewhere we wouldn't need them!) It was GORGEOUS! We took this opportunity to celebrate our <span style="font-size: large;">10th wedding anniversary</span> (which was in April, sandwiched between baby Bree's 1st birthday, my brother's wedding, and my Dad joining the Catholic church!)</div>
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We took recommendations from friends and did some things I never thought we'd do... stayed at The Ritz!....ate kangaroo.... vacationed without feeling the need to DO THINGS the whole time..... and I read more than 2 books! (My sweet mr. fix-it surprised me with an extravagant anniversary gift the night before our trip - an ipad!! So, I spent days at the beach, sipping fancy drinks and reading the 50 Shades series on my ipad.) HEAVEN!!!</div>
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Here we are, celebrating our anniversary at the Old Stone Farmhouse in St. Thomas. We're in the kitchen, meeting the chef and hearing all about all their yummy food and how he prepares them. Such a cool experience!</div>
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I also have some exciting blogging news - I just need a little more time to get it together and then I'll share. And that will probably corresponde with getting Bree's fun filled 1st birthday party on the blog, too! (Oh, and GT turns 4 next month, so there's PLENTY of party planning to do! He just changed his mind... from Angry Birds... to Spiderman! So, here we go!)</div>
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Wish me luch tomorrow! :)</div>
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/111/4118782AA0B209C1C7FDB7567AB3ABC4.png" style="border: 0px currentColor !important;" /></a>Elaine's Semi-Homemade Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06005139656931323890noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4311290765876750550.post-25598908554577044362012-05-10T08:57:00.005-05:002012-05-10T08:57:53.897-05:00Semi- Homemade Teacher Gifts!Y'all know that the Semi-Homemades LOVE our teachers! (And when I say love... I mean, I have several right now that I'd LOVE to employ as a full time nanny! They adore my kids - and teach 'em alot, too!)<br />
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I haven't had time to share a new idea for this year's Teacher Appreciation wk... but North Texas Kids featured ALOT of great ideas - and my holiday gifts from a few years back made the list! (It's #6, remember those?) <br />
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Be sure to head to <a href="http://northtexaskids.com/ntkblog/index.php/11-homemade-teacher-appreciation-gift-ideas/#comment-6920"><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">NorthTexasKids.com</span></a> for this great list! And show love to those teachers!<br />
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And head <a href="http://oursemihomemadelife.blogspot.com/2009/11/semi-homemade-holiday-teacher-gifts.html"><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">HERE</span></a> if you want to go straight to these Semi-Homemade Sweets - super easy, but big impact! :)<br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/111/4118782AA0B209C1C7FDB7567AB3ABC4.png" style="background: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px;" /></a>Elaine's Semi-Homemade Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06005139656931323890noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4311290765876750550.post-89359782363241328582012-05-07T22:08:00.002-05:002012-05-07T22:08:25.704-05:00Semi-Homemade Bedrooms: Modern Safari Nursery<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Hi, y'all! It's me! I'm still here (but barely!) I just want to send a giant THANK YOU to my readers who continue to email me with just the sweetest words of encouragement. There's nothing like working a crazy day full of meetings... running a carpool to cheer practice... and then opening my blog email to read how I've inspired another mom while she's throwing together HER kiddo's party. Me, an inspiration? It's still shocking...</div>
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Thanks especially to Stacie in Ohio. She's got 2 sweet girls, a financial job (like me!), and tries to stay sane by being creative in the kitchen. You should see some of her cakes! That's something I've always wanted to do.... and I'VE been inspired by HER! My friend Juli and I are going to take a class! (Soon. Maybe during summer when things -ha! - slow down?)</div>
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This blog has been in draft for 9 months!!! Crazy. But, here it is... the last Semi-Homemade nursery I'll ever do for my own kiddos (I'm going to have to live thru others from here!) And I've decided that I'm going to do something I've never done... and share Punkin's real name with you. Partly because I'm hoping that I do enough to keep us anonymous and safe. And partly because... let's face it.... I'm <strike>lazy</strike> time-starved, and all that editing to keep the kids' names out of pictures is ALOTTA work. ;) But Sissy and Gman will keep their blog names. At least for now. </div>
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<strong><em>The idea:</em></strong> Semi-Homemade Modern Safari Nursery</div>
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<strong><em>The inspiration:</em></strong> before Pinterest, I had bookmarked websites, pulled out magazine pages, you name it... for THE most incredible PLAYROOM. We were going to build a floor plan with a playroom on the ground foor, and I pictured it to be a modern black and white room... with pops of lime green... In fact, I even blogged about it back in 2010 <u><a href="http://oursemihomemadelife.blogspot.com/2010/10/my-canton-shopping-list.html"><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">here.</span></a></u></div>
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We never built that floor plan.... but the idea for this room was the push I needed to NOT find out the gender with our lil Tiebreaker and wait til her birth! </div>
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<strong><em>The focal point:</em></strong> those of you who know my last nursery (<a href="http://oursemihomemadelife.blogspot.com/2009/05/semi-homemade-pirate-nursery-where-you.html"><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">G-man's all-over-Pinterest pirate nursery</span></a>), know how I love a good decal for a big impact on the cheap. And I've worked with some good Etsy sellers, but Jill at <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/WhimsyWallArt?ref=pr_shop_more"><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">WhimsyWallArt</span></a> is AMAZING! She suffered through 17 notes back and forth with me and totally exceeded all my expectations. She was able to design a custom decal that matched back to the bedding. LOVE! Go check out her shop.... and know that you can throw any kind of custom request her way and see what she can do!</div>
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<strong><em>Special touches:</em></strong> another Etsy find, this precious modern elephant mobile was a gift from my little sister. It's so sweet, and handmade... I just love it. Oh, and it plays music! From Etsy seller <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/lollipopmoon"><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">lollipop moon</span></a><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">.</span><br />
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And I just love the custom bedding I ordered on Etsy. I told Mellissa at <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/mellissasboutique"><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">Mellissa's Boutique</span></a> what I was envisioning... she put together a board of fabric options, and helped me decide on placement, number of fabrics, etc. I couldn't be happier! She even sent me the swatches right away, so I could match paint colors, and get shopping!</div>
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I love the bold colors of this room. Before we moved furniture into it, people would walk in and draw in a deep breath... maybe a gasp. ;) But I didn't hesitate in my love for a bold, bright nursery! I knew that adding the dimension of black furniture and some details to the wall... the balance would be perfect. </div>
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The print over the dresser is just a reasonably priced picture from Target. And a few fun frames from Hobby Lobby showcase some of Punkin's newborn pics, an old maternity pic fo me, and her birth announcement. </div>
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The baptismal gown hanging on her closet door was worn by both my girls and I just adore it.<br />
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<strong><em>Introducing....:</em></strong> I loved this decal the moment I saw it! Totally one.of.a.kind... this Subway Art birth announcement has all your punkin's birth info AND you get to add the sweet nicknames you love. Sold! :) So... introducing.... Bree Caroline. The sweetest punkin in all of Texas.<br />
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I'm totally guessing, but I think sweet Bree was about 4 months here..... Time flies! Can't believe that Punkin turned 1 a couple weeks ago. We had one of our most fun semi-homemade birthday parties yet! We had an outdoor movie party in the backyard, a party I started brainstorming while I was still pg with the Tiebreaker. Stay tuned for all the details!<br />
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Another shot of that mesmerizing mobile... :)<br />
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I'm not gonna lie... This decal was THE most challenging one I've ever done. That skinny font required ALL my patience and some kid-free alone time (but mainly just so they wouldn't hear my cussing, ha!) It was all worth it - the subway art was the perfect match for Bree's modern nursery.<br />
The Etsy seller Little Love Letters looks closed, but if you search "subway art nursery decal," several other great options are available!<br />
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<strong><em>B is for Bree</em>: </strong>This wall came together as Bree and I shopped after she got here... :) The white B is from a local trade days show (then painted by me!), some of the others are Hobby Lobby finds.... and Jill had thrown in some extra zebra-striped elephants when she did the decals that hang over the crib. Love her!<br />
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<strong><em>Watch me grow!</em></strong> Love the light in her nursery.... and that sweet elephant (from Mrs. Everything) was one of the first 'things' I had for Punkin's nursery!<br />
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These fun curtains were totally reasonable.... from Target!<br />
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Come on in, y'all! Another elephant from Jill welcomes you in.... :)<br />
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<br />I wanted to DIY a nightlight, but.... it wasn't getting done, so I searched the web over until I found a zebra one. And now I don't even remember where I got it... ;)<br />
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<br />I DID recover G-man's pirate trash can with some leftover material from Bree's bedding. She sent all the scraps and I was able to do a couple projects! <br />
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Hope you enjoyed a peek into Bree's nursery. This pic must have been a current one way back when I was first ready to share her room. :) Time flies, I can't even believe it! Next up... Punkin turns 1!!<br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/111/4118782AA0B209C1C7FDB7567AB3ABC4.png" style="border: 0px currentColor;" /></a>Elaine's Semi-Homemade Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06005139656931323890noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4311290765876750550.post-19726017046547985882012-02-17T13:02:00.001-06:002012-02-17T13:03:40.546-06:00Sissy's Semi-Homemade Birthday Party - A GIRLY Painting Party!<div style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br />
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Y'all. I have a SIX year old! Unbelievable... <br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nVKkMvfn-_A/Tx4mXvttjyI/AAAAAAAADjg/NfUxymUKFmA/s1600/Jan+2012+071.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a>What's even MORE unbelievable is that she declared, less than one week before this party, that she wanted everything to be "zebra" and "cupcake." And I was able to indulge her, because - except for the location - I had done NOTHING for the party. Nothing. And I thought when that happened last year, it would be a fluke.....sigh. But isn't that why Our Semi-Homemade Life even exists? ;)</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><strong><em>Theme</em></strong>: pink. zebra. it could have only been more girly if there was some Justin Bieber or Selena Gomez. (Oh, wait... she got both those cd's as gifts.) ;)</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SOAgZSykXbQ/TxI9bb6M2nI/AAAAAAAADhI/NzHLFw92O-k/s1600/Jan+2012+082blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" kba="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SOAgZSykXbQ/TxI9bb6M2nI/AAAAAAAADhI/NzHLFw92O-k/s400/Jan+2012+082blog.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><strong><em>The fun:</em></strong> Painting!!! When Sissy came up with this idea, I thought it was genius! I did this a couple of summers ago with a girlfriend of mine and we couldn't have had more fun (of course, there was wine involved, but...) We had Sissy's party at the same type of place (they do kiddo parties AND girls' night outs, etc!) Basically, you bring the kids and the cake - they do the rest. That even includes a couple of super fun instructors!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Gb1uBl5KuB4/TxI90pEROxI/AAAAAAAADhQ/luk_96hhze8/s1600/Jan+2012+113.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" kba="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Gb1uBl5KuB4/TxI90pEROxI/AAAAAAAADhQ/luk_96hhze8/s400/Jan+2012+113.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">They even customized a current painting in their gallery.... they zebra-fied their cupcake painting!</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bx3z620PNrk/TxI-LBATjpI/AAAAAAAADhY/vd05TQnrG-U/s1600/Jan+2012+099.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" kba="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bx3z620PNrk/TxI-LBATjpI/AAAAAAAADhY/vd05TQnrG-U/s320/Jan+2012+099.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Here is Sissy, hard at work... :) (See? They even include the smocks - everything!!)<br />
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<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-twlOK0teLEU/TxI-jJgu0-I/AAAAAAAADhg/pnKdLDPl4js/s1600/Jan+2012+111.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" kba="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-twlOK0teLEU/TxI-jJgu0-I/AAAAAAAADhg/pnKdLDPl4js/s400/Jan+2012+111.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>A look at the final products..... aren't these kids amazing artists? And each one is so unique!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8t7gRteBn4g/TxI_Xw2zdUI/AAAAAAAADhw/5YJEBZQeE3w/s1600/Jan+2012+121.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" kba="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8t7gRteBn4g/TxI_Xw2zdUI/AAAAAAAADhw/5YJEBZQeE3w/s400/Jan+2012+121.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
We only had one (lucky!!) guy invited. And the instructors let him pick out ANYTHING he wanted to paint. He picked this super cool guitar painting, they sketched it up, and away he went! LOVE IT!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YTbr_hyAGjA/TxI_wwXdiuI/AAAAAAAADh4/kk8LiCd8g04/s1600/Jan+2012+114.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" kba="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YTbr_hyAGjA/TxI_wwXdiuI/AAAAAAAADh4/kk8LiCd8g04/s400/Jan+2012+114.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><br />
<strong><em>The decor:</em></strong> Oh, THANK YOU, Michaels and Hobby Lobby! For making my last second party planning super easy, by having an abundance of hot pink and zebra on almost every aisle! I started scheming/shopping/crafting on Thursday... the party was Sat. But look at all this fun stuff:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-07gu_xrhqcw/TxJAHYX_MDI/AAAAAAAADiA/2vCxq4z8SUM/s1600/Jan+2012+074.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" kba="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-07gu_xrhqcw/TxJAHYX_MDI/AAAAAAAADiA/2vCxq4z8SUM/s400/Jan+2012+074.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
I HATE throwing parties at locations other than my home.... because it's such a rush to set up! I knew I'd only have about 20 min for set up before guests would start arriving. So I mocked it up at home. :)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uJiIsWrF8ZI/TxJAgzVOdaI/AAAAAAAADiI/TX6Fga8ltxI/s1600/Jan+2012+077.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" kba="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uJiIsWrF8ZI/TxJAgzVOdaI/AAAAAAAADiI/TX6Fga8ltxI/s400/Jan+2012+077.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
Oddly enough, this place had some of its OWN zebra decor! Like this table runner and the seats in the background. I love the modern look of the invite Sissy picked out, too! It's by Katherine at Etsy shop <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/hopscotchink">Hopscotch Ink</a> - check out all her other cute (modern!) items in her stationary boutique!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7ulTDbRlt8U/TxJAt9gse6I/AAAAAAAADiQ/SQIPLjCeLFI/s1600/Jan+2012+085blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" kba="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7ulTDbRlt8U/TxJAt9gse6I/AAAAAAAADiQ/SQIPLjCeLFI/s400/Jan+2012+085blog.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<strong><em>The cake: </em></strong>I tried a friend of a friend of a FRIEND who does cakes - she's the Queen of Cakes, in fact! And she was just a doll to work with! (If your local to me and want her info - let me know!) She whipped up this cuter than cute cake, and it was sooo good... that a self-proclaimed Cake Snob Mom said it was delish!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HDLZDyTWYEs/TxJA7l82k0I/AAAAAAAADiY/lzgWEtlBQD0/s1600/Jan+2012+090blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" kba="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HDLZDyTWYEs/TxJA7l82k0I/AAAAAAAADiY/lzgWEtlBQD0/s400/Jan+2012+090blog.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<strong><em>The sweets: </em></strong>In my mad dash down the aisles of Michaels, I grabbed some molds for these "pop princess pretzals." I did chocolate and pink vanilla and the moms couldn't stay out of 'em. ;) And look at that picture of Sissy (another masterpiece from Kristie Clark!) She's just growing up so fast!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5bQpeZESy6w/TxJBSXbfDkI/AAAAAAAADig/VBXIl07rkBU/s1600/Jan+2012+086.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" kba="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5bQpeZESy6w/TxJBSXbfDkI/AAAAAAAADig/VBXIl07rkBU/s400/Jan+2012+086.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
Ahhh...... Pinterest. Because I had such short time to plan this party, I FINALLY GAVE IN.... and activated my Pinterest account. And thanks to all those creative people, I made these darling marshmallow pops, and these wild pink zebra cookies. <br />
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First off, these <span style="font-size: large;">marshmallow pops</span> are the easiest thing in the world to do and were snatched up by those kiddos faster than you can say, "sugar high." You will probably see them at all our parties for the rest of the year. (And Sissy took them to her Valentine party at school this week!) I got my directions from The Hostess with the Mostess <a href="http://www.hostessblog.com/2009/09/diy-marshmallow-treat-pops/"><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">HERE.</span></a><br />
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And I had to turn the cookie recipe into something more semi-homemade-approved.... <span style="font-size: large;">Semi-Homemade Wild Pink Zebra cookies</span>! So I basically took a sugar cookie mix, added in some bright pink food coloring, baked them, and threw some Hershey Rasberry Hugs on top as they were cooling. Easy!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-R-KmY_2-YXM/TxJBekAvLuI/AAAAAAAADio/YxXT_Cj0e-I/s1600/Jan+2012+087blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" kba="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-R-KmY_2-YXM/TxJBekAvLuI/AAAAAAAADio/YxXT_Cj0e-I/s400/Jan+2012+087blog.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><br />
Y'all know how much I love printables (they're a lifesaver for moms like me who are perpetually RUNNING BEHIND!) <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/AllYouNeedDesigns">All You Need Designs</a> on Etsy did these cute custom zebra water bottle wraps - with such a quick turnaround! The little tents pictured above are from <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/CupcakeCutieesParty">CupcakeCutieesParty</a> on Etsy, too - even MORE cute party stuff!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Fn-ZSHwKXWI/TxJBrjoVItI/AAAAAAAADiw/7EzkCuN9AuQ/s1600/Jan+2012+093blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" kba="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Fn-ZSHwKXWI/TxJBrjoVItI/AAAAAAAADiw/7EzkCuN9AuQ/s400/Jan+2012+093blog.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><strong><em>The favors:</em></strong> Just a mix of girly stuff! Cupcake lipgloss, zebra bandaids (for those stylishly injured, ha!), chocolate from Dylan's Candy Bar, Hello Kitty stamps, and an assortment of bracelets, rings, and funky colored hair extension clips! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The crew: Here they are! All but one kiddo was able to make it, and you can tell here how much fun they had! Starting kindergarten was such a big change this year.... We'd always had relatively the same invitee list - the kids she'd gone to school with since she was a baby. Only one of these kids was at her party last year... but she's so blessed to have a great, core group of girl friends!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eSWSXPWp0-U/TxJCFEGYO3I/AAAAAAAADi4/SqR3acSI3Oo/s1600/Jan+2012+124.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" kba="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eSWSXPWp0-U/TxJCFEGYO3I/AAAAAAAADi4/SqR3acSI3Oo/s400/Jan+2012+124.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Like this one... her best friend... Giggling together while everyone sings Happy Birthday to her. (Love this pic!)</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MlRKDnUTfb4/TxJCKK_nfDI/AAAAAAAADjA/SAE6WHCOHT4/s1600/Jan+2012+127blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="368" kba="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MlRKDnUTfb4/TxJCKK_nfDI/AAAAAAAADjA/SAE6WHCOHT4/s400/Jan+2012+127blog.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">See how good the cake was?! Almost GONE! 2 layers! lol</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VAkQYEzeh_0/TxJClB3DIhI/AAAAAAAADjI/a2gCl6VO_NE/s1600/Jan+2012+132.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" kba="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VAkQYEzeh_0/TxJClB3DIhI/AAAAAAAADjI/a2gCl6VO_NE/s400/Jan+2012+132.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div>And here's the birthday girl with the biggest party favor they got - her final masterpiece!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ly0IHQvPnOw/TxJC4xiRd-I/AAAAAAAADjQ/NA91RBzzCr8/s1600/Jan+2012+139.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" kba="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ly0IHQvPnOw/TxJC4xiRd-I/AAAAAAAADjQ/NA91RBzzCr8/s400/Jan+2012+139.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><br />
What a sweet party for such a sweet girl. I can't believe she's already six... and so smart, independent, confident, friendly, outgoing... <br />
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This is from her actual birthday, back in December. (We didn't throw her party until January, because of her crazy basketball schedule!! See what I mean? Grown up!) After a day with mom (pedis, lunch, shopping, the merry.go.round at the mall!).... she came home to just ONE birthday gift. But it was a good one! I'll never get tired of looking at this picture and remembering that happy day!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lAZOpm5EMCc/TxJDRPkAlII/AAAAAAAADjY/fSXHCdzMmZw/s1600/December+2011+150.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" kba="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lAZOpm5EMCc/TxJDRPkAlII/AAAAAAAADjY/fSXHCdzMmZw/s400/December+2011+150.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">xoxo,</span><br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/111/4118782AA0B209C1C7FDB7567AB3ABC4.png" style="background: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px;" /></a>Elaine's Semi-Homemade Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06005139656931323890noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4311290765876750550.post-55689245257101399832012-02-06T21:03:00.003-06:002012-02-06T21:48:19.131-06:00Why I Hate DoritosListen up, all you mommas of BOYS. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Bi_tv1rShWk/TzCTI25vJ8I/AAAAAAAADj4/79OZVBNMvu4/s1600/Gman2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="311px" sda="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Bi_tv1rShWk/TzCTI25vJ8I/AAAAAAAADj4/79OZVBNMvu4/s400/Gman2.jpg" width="400px" /></a></div><br />
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This is why I now HATE Doritos (and no, it has nothing to do with yesterday's Super Bowl commercial!)<br />
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Yesterday was Super Bowl Sunday. (I know YOU know this... but just getting us all on the same page.) We went to a party. It was a big party, probably 30-40 really fun peeps, lots of which were (really suprisingly <em>well behaved</em>) kiddos. Good times, just a really nice afternoon in TX.<br />
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And this momma was BUSY. Because the party was so crazee, I had to hold the sweet punkin most the time (lest she get trampled by the bigger kids while she's trying to figure out the whole walking thing - see how close she's getting?)<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9quKIIvMOUg/TzCSeKVKB4I/AAAAAAAADjw/kzlbx6hwxmE/s1600/Jan+2012+237.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400px" sda="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9quKIIvMOUg/TzCSeKVKB4I/AAAAAAAADjw/kzlbx6hwxmE/s400/Jan+2012+237.jpg" width="266px" /></a></div><br />
Between the punkin AND tending to my drink (vodka. fresca. Have I told y'all that we're halfway thru a 10wk Biggest Loser contest and I've been winning the <span style="font-size: large;"><em>entire time</em>?!</span>)... So between the punkin AND my drink AND socializing... I didn't have time for much else. And my big kids were being really good, so I didn't get in their business much. I noted that Gman had a handful of Doritos EVERYTIME I saw him, but I was like... <em>Whatev. It's a party, he can knock himself out.</em><br />
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Cut to 2:15a.m. Gman calmly shows up at my bedside and says, <em><span style="font-size: large;">'momma, I spit up on myself.'</span></em> I take him to the bathroom, where we can take a peek in the light. He is covered, on one side, in <span style="font-size: large;">NACHO CHEESE VOMIT</span>. All in his hair, plastered to the side of his face, all in his PJs, in every nook & cranny of his little left side. AND, all over his bed, he announces.<br />
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He's calm, not scared or acting like he's got a stomach bug. Because he doesn't. He's puking because - in typical <span style="font-size: large;">BOY</span> fashion - he ate his weight in freakin' nacho cheese Doritos. mr. fix-it put him in the tub, and I went up to his poor room. Remember <a href="http://oursemihomemadelife.blogspot.com/2011/09/semi-homemade-bedrooms-big-boys-vintage.html">the one</a>? We may have to change the color scheme. To navy blue, crisp white.... and nacho cheese orange!!! <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lnxCCblOjAE/TzCUUq3K23I/AAAAAAAADkA/mUco7t-pEo0/s1600/June+2011+380.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200px" sda="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lnxCCblOjAE/TzCUUq3K23I/AAAAAAAADkA/mUco7t-pEo0/s200/June+2011+380.jpg" width="133px" /></a></div><br />
Hope you enjoyed Super Bowl Sunday as much as we did.... minus the 2am repeat of nacho cheese!!<br />
This is post-party, on our way to Punkin's crib... with 52 seconds left in the game. I think the GIANT football head behind us is hil-arious. :) <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kS7S4URqdcM/TzCezxyYuSI/AAAAAAAADkI/CLOdnNueWeA/s1600/Feb+2012+100.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213px" sda="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kS7S4URqdcM/TzCezxyYuSI/AAAAAAAADkI/CLOdnNueWeA/s320/Feb+2012+100.jpg" width="320px" /></a></div><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">xoxo,</span><br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/111/4118782AA0B209C1C7FDB7567AB3ABC4.png" style="background: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px;" /></a>Elaine's Semi-Homemade Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06005139656931323890noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4311290765876750550.post-9313268271085460362012-01-28T11:32:00.000-06:002012-01-28T11:32:14.845-06:00It must be January.......because my whole house is sick! Everyone but me (knock on wood!) So... fingers crossed that translates into a blog post or two? At the moment, everyone is tuckered out!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XBhwDC3UfGc/TyQw6EwbD1I/AAAAAAAADjo/cFDk1nOOc6w/s1600/Jan+2012+196.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" gda="true" height="266px" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XBhwDC3UfGc/TyQw6EwbD1I/AAAAAAAADjo/cFDk1nOOc6w/s400/Jan+2012+196.jpg" width="400px" /></a></div><br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/111/4118782AA0B209C1C7FDB7567AB3ABC4.png" style="background: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px;" /></a>Elaine's Semi-Homemade Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06005139656931323890noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4311290765876750550.post-3823464183862959932011-12-23T12:25:00.000-06:002011-12-23T12:25:10.887-06:00Happy Holidays!!!I'm going to make BLOGGING one of my new year's resolutions! :) As I head out of the office until Jan 3rd (woo hoo!), just wanted to wish y'all a Merry Christmas!!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sHNb7S2lYBo/TvTHPxSHPvI/AAAAAAAADhA/q0VJu5Z7gAM/s1600/punkin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" rea="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sHNb7S2lYBo/TvTHPxSHPvI/AAAAAAAADhA/q0VJu5Z7gAM/s400/punkin.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/111/4118782AA0B209C1C7FDB7567AB3ABC4.png" style="background: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px;" /></a>Elaine's Semi-Homemade Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06005139656931323890noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4311290765876750550.post-85615455480547678712011-11-12T20:57:00.000-06:002011-11-12T20:57:10.188-06:00PunkinIt's what I call her EVERYday.... so might as well sit her in one, right?!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QDEOLz11vxY/Tr8xyqidi0I/AAAAAAAADg0/QqZpL01Fkhg/s1600/Nov+2011+066.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640px" nda="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QDEOLz11vxY/Tr8xyqidi0I/AAAAAAAADg0/QqZpL01Fkhg/s640/Nov+2011+066.jpg" width="425px" /></a></div><br />
Blogging.... Wish I could find more time for it! But right now, being mommy to 3 and working full time is just keeping me TOO busy! I will tell you this... for the first time EVAH, I'm hosting the entire family for Thanksgiving! So... I'll try to find a little time to be creative and show y'all how it went. (And if all else fails, I'll just show you Punkin's nursery - I know I STILL haven't done that and it's too cute not to share!)<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">xoxo,</span><br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/111/4118782AA0B209C1C7FDB7567AB3ABC4.png" style="background: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px;" /></a>Elaine's Semi-Homemade Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06005139656931323890noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4311290765876750550.post-34579405870778490292011-09-10T23:09:00.000-05:002011-09-10T23:09:44.420-05:00Semi-Homemade Bedrooms: Big Boy's Vintage Trucks<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-96cd1xgEXFU/Ti-Ff_LIvdI/AAAAAAAADdQ/N3pAFj5cIOM/s1600/June+2011+380.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-96cd1xgEXFU/Ti-Ff_LIvdI/AAAAAAAADdQ/N3pAFj5cIOM/s400/June+2011+380.jpg" t$="true" width="266" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I'm finally sharing Gman's big boy room with y'all! And I'll let you in on a secret... his room was the first one done in the new house... and has actually BEEN done (all but switching out a chest of drawers for a black bookcase) for months... Pictures taken... Complete. But I didn't LOVE the pics, so I kept thinking I'd retake them (because I can be a perfectionist like that). But you know what? Life with 3 kids and a more.than.fulltime job is crazy. I'll never retake those pics. So... here you go, imperfection and all!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><strong><em>The idea:</em></strong> Vintage Trucks</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><strong><em>The inspiration: </em></strong>Gman's love of all things with wheels, but especially trucks. This boy is ALL boy. Except that he tells me he's not a boy, but a man. A BIG man. His words... ;) So babyish themes with cartoonish vehicles was not gonna work for my lil - err - BIG!! man.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Fn-m6eudGKc/Ti-F4UOdN2I/AAAAAAAADdU/2ScF9bKdrCY/s1600/June+2011+383.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Fn-m6eudGKc/Ti-F4UOdN2I/AAAAAAAADdU/2ScF9bKdrCY/s400/June+2011+383.jpg" t$="true" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<strong><em>The sentimental touch (and focal point!): </em></strong>The old truck of mr. fix-it's dad, aka Papa. This old truck is now solely used on their farm and goes literally only yards in a day. Papa loves that truck... it's a reminder of a simpler time.... and, to the kids, it's part of who Papa is.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mm81NOfZ5sg/Ti-GOF4pHYI/AAAAAAAADdY/xyluw1YwwqU/s1600/June+2011+388.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mm81NOfZ5sg/Ti-GOF4pHYI/AAAAAAAADdY/xyluw1YwwqU/s400/June+2011+388.jpg" t$="true" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Last June, I took several pics of Papa's truck. I took them with this room in mind (three of them hang over Gman's bed and are the focal point of the room), but I also ended up using them for <a href="http://oursemihomemadelife.blogspot.com/2010/08/g-man-just-keeps-on-truckin-semi.html"><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">Gman's Semi-Homemade Vintage Truck Birthday Party</span></a> last summer. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SpHtkgf-uoQ/TmwvtdGqbrI/AAAAAAAADeo/K4DCIGE6D60/s1600/Blog+G%2527s+bday+invite+FRONT.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" nba="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SpHtkgf-uoQ/TmwvtdGqbrI/AAAAAAAADeo/K4DCIGE6D60/s400/Blog+G%2527s+bday+invite+FRONT.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<strong><em>The fun touches: </em></strong>There are vintage trucks throughout the room, of course! This one happens to be a fire truck....<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Gg6qKJ8wUHs/Ti-GkN2Hb9I/AAAAAAAADdc/Jk26HdpeG7w/s1600/June+2011+382.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Gg6qKJ8wUHs/Ti-GkN2Hb9I/AAAAAAAADdc/Jk26HdpeG7w/s320/June+2011+382.jpg" t$="true" width="320" /></a></div><br />
My sister Ellen got Gman these vintage truck pillow cases last summer for his birthday. I had found them on Etsy (of course!) and they are just too, too perfect! Love 'em! They go perfectly with the bedding I (finally!!) found him (it's Tommy Hilfiger from overstock.com, and I love the bold colors of the set, and the stars on the pillowcases!)<br />
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Remember back when we lived in the Summer House last year? Um, yeah, I've mostly blocked it... but while we lived there, I found 2 of these great metal wall hanging on super low clearance at Hobby Lobby. Each one has 3 vintage vehicles on it, and they're hanging on either side of his red (super cheap - $10!!) curtains.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1KUWspDdjEQ/Ti-HQbdY59I/AAAAAAAADdk/VHlM13F1fVA/s1600/June+2011+390.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1KUWspDdjEQ/Ti-HQbdY59I/AAAAAAAADdk/VHlM13F1fVA/s320/June+2011+390.jpg" t$="true" width="213" /></a></div><br />
<strong><em>The color scheme:</em></strong> Gman's <a href="http://oursemihomemadelife.blogspot.com/2009/05/semi-homemade-pirate-nursery-where-you.html"><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">Semi-Homemade Pirate Nursery</span></a> was - and maybe still is! - my favorite of all the kids' rooms I had designed at that point. So I decided to keep the elements I loved in that room (the navy blue paint - Pittsburgh's Star Spangled - and the white beadboard) and throw in red to go for an Americana feel... to pull in the patriotism and wholesome feel of the time when Papa's truck was new.<br />
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I love the canvas hanging over this dresser. (This dresser will soon be moved to another bedroom and replaced with a black bookshelf. When we went shopping for Gman's big boy furniture, we found that we were drawn to black furniture.... again... somewhat similar to Sissy's... what can I say? We're consistent.) :)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-F3cGmBiDEgM/Ti-IB51bBHI/AAAAAAAADds/LkP4O10BrYM/s1600/June+2011+377.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-F3cGmBiDEgM/Ti-IB51bBHI/AAAAAAAADds/LkP4O10BrYM/s400/June+2011+377.jpg" t$="true" width="266" /></a></div><br />
I love this license plate frame (HL again!!) and a few more metal vintage trucks (yes, HL. I know, I have a problem. But the frame, and the trucks... each item was under $10!) <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NpfFe7LWJ4Y/Ti-IYnXeCzI/AAAAAAAADdw/YJwRUeIlwS8/s1600/June+2011+378.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NpfFe7LWJ4Y/Ti-IYnXeCzI/AAAAAAAADdw/YJwRUeIlwS8/s320/June+2011+378.jpg" t$="true" width="320" /></a></div><br />
And the license plate frame ties in to the picture of the US by license plate... which is hanging over the vintage red chair I found on one of my trips to Canton with Mrs. Everything. That chair was.... are you ready? $22. Amazing, I know. And I took some navy blue vinyl and put Gman's name on it - he loves that! Lastly, the clock hanging over the door reminded me of a hubcap... and was a $12 clearance item at Bed, Bath and Beyond. I love it when a ton of clearance buys come together! <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-n8LEdCdAwX4/Ti-Iuf_44yI/AAAAAAAADd0/B4KHKA9E21g/s1600/June+2011+397.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-n8LEdCdAwX4/Ti-Iuf_44yI/AAAAAAAADd0/B4KHKA9E21g/s400/June+2011+397.jpg" t$="true" width="266" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Ahhh, looking at that last picture, with that tiny baby in the doorway.... I took these pics during my maternity leave. Can I go back? ;)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Happy weekend, y'all! Next up.... the Semi-Homemade Modern Black and White Safari Nursery!</div><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/111/4118782AA0B209C1C7FDB7567AB3ABC4.png" style="background: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px;" /></a>Elaine's Semi-Homemade Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06005139656931323890noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4311290765876750550.post-84168637264311869662011-09-10T22:29:00.000-05:002011-09-10T22:29:44.165-05:004 months!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: #9fc5e8; font-size: large;">My sweet baby girl is almost 5 months... but since I scheduled this to go back on Aug 20... and it clearly didn't... (grrrr!) Here's what was going on almost a month ago! </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">Punkin was 4 months old yesterday... and today I finished c25k!! My goal was to complete it by Labor day weekend and I'm so happy I finished 2 weeks ahead of time! <span style="background-color: #9fc5e8;">Um, and good thing I was 2 wks early... because right after I finished it, I ended up with bronchitis and didn't run for 2 1/2 wks. Seriously...</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">Here's a few pictures of my sweet punkin...</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dDfVCEP0zlc/TlA_IN9-m7I/AAAAAAAADeQ/-brXvviDukQ/s1600/Aug+2011+137.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" qaa="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dDfVCEP0zlc/TlA_IN9-m7I/AAAAAAAADeQ/-brXvviDukQ/s400/Aug+2011+137.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Her bow is only as big as her smile, hee hee!</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ChdOacBWf-8/TlA_iYuaBcI/AAAAAAAADeU/bzg1gq8iM3k/s1600/Aug+2011+140.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" qaa="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ChdOacBWf-8/TlA_iYuaBcI/AAAAAAAADeU/bzg1gq8iM3k/s400/Aug+2011+140.jpg" width="266" /></a></div> <span style="font-size: large;">She's starting to push up and roll over... the last 2 mornings, I've found her on her belly in her crib. I think she likes it, at first... ;)</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mcPBtbXO_EQ/TlA_3uJzWII/AAAAAAAADeY/X8_T31H2JPU/s1600/Aug+2011+156.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" qaa="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mcPBtbXO_EQ/TlA_3uJzWII/AAAAAAAADeY/X8_T31H2JPU/s400/Aug+2011+156.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Hope you're lovin the weekend as much as we are! <span style="background-color: #9fc5e8;">At least this still makes since, seeing that it's weekend again and all.... ;)</span></span><br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/111/4118782AA0B209C1C7FDB7567AB3ABC4.png" style="background: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px;" /></a>Elaine's Semi-Homemade Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06005139656931323890noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4311290765876750550.post-44132542471071390132011-08-21T20:52:00.000-05:002011-08-21T20:52:57.906-05:00School starts TOMORROW!Gasp! How did this happen? Sissy starts KINDERGARTEN tomorrow! She went to bed tonight, like a kid on Christmas Eve - she can't wait! And that makes me so happy... <br />
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Friday night was Meet the Teacher, and I was in my typical mode... I didn't want us to show up empty handed, but I've been even more swamped (overwhelmed?) than ever. So... mr. fix-it was on popcorn duty (that guy is THE sweetest... ran out last second and got the cutest popcorn gifts in these little teacher gift boxes - I was so crazy I didn't even get a picture, but they were super cute. Way to go, dad!!)<br />
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Anyway, the night before, I had Sissy write both her teachers (her English teacher and Spanish teacher - she's in the Dual Language program!) notes about how excited she is for the school year. I found these from <a href="http://jannawilson.typepad.com/inspiredby/2010/08/free-for-all-friday-teacher-notecards.html#tp"><span style="color: #9fc5e8;">Cut & Create</span></a> and they were PERFECT!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CBGlAYPTOfM/TlG2LbnVAtI/AAAAAAAADek/xeXZtFy-CWY/s1600/teacher+notes.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266px" qaa="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CBGlAYPTOfM/TlG2LbnVAtI/AAAAAAAADek/xeXZtFy-CWY/s400/teacher+notes.bmp" width="400px" /></a></div><br />
Gotta run - my chocolate chip cookies are done in the oven and I'm writing more thank yous to the little kids' teachers. This is their LAST WEEK at the school we've been at for 4 years - and the only school the little kids have ever known! We're moving them to the same town where Sissy's elementary school is (and where we moved in December). I've got alot of love to put into these cards!<br />
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Happy Back-to-School, y'all!! <yikes!!><br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/111/4118782AA0B209C1C7FDB7567AB3ABC4.png" style="background: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px;" /></a>Elaine's Semi-Homemade Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06005139656931323890noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4311290765876750550.post-77760306268446467712011-08-19T22:28:00.000-05:002011-08-19T22:28:14.126-05:00Meet the Teacher(s)!!We are so lucky to live in a town that's entering it's 7th year of a Dual Language program. And Sissy got in! They put all the 5 year olds through a 45 minute interview, basically... then they fill 2 kindergarten classes with a combo of native Spanish speakers and English speakers.<br />
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Here is Sissy with her homeroom teacher, which is also her Spanish teacher. She'll spend the other half of her day with her English speaking teacher. School starts Monday - I can't believe I have a kiddo in elementary school! (I did super easy teacher gifts for tonight... will try to get them up here this weekend!)<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Happy weekend and Happy Back-to-School everyone!</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-etaLHHlFTvk/Tk8pNh0KEwI/AAAAAAAADeM/Q_AaH185q04/s1600/Meet+the+Teacher.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400px" qaa="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-etaLHHlFTvk/Tk8pNh0KEwI/AAAAAAAADeM/Q_AaH185q04/s400/Meet+the+Teacher.jpg" width="266px" /></a></div><br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/111/4118782AA0B209C1C7FDB7567AB3ABC4.png" style="background: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px;" /></a>Elaine's Semi-Homemade Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06005139656931323890noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4311290765876750550.post-27694304332946065452011-08-18T21:50:00.000-05:002011-08-18T21:50:33.093-05:00Giving up DairyHi, y'all!! Remember me? :) Another "meet someone I think is funny/cool/sassy" post to tide you over until actual blogging occurs over here again.<br />
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Remember when I had to give up dairy when I was nursing G-man? And it was so awful, all I wanted to do was complain... and share the precious few recipes I had that my whole family loved... and then complain again? Well, we're at it again (so this is the 3rd time I've had to give up dairy... out of 3 babies, for those of you keeping score at home!) This punkin fooled us and kept her symptoms away until she was 7 weeks! Sigh....<br />
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Anyway, to cope this time around, I've done 2 things:<br />
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Started reading this blog. <a href="http://modg./"><span style="color: #6fa8dc;"><span style="font-size: large;">MODG</span>.</span></a> <br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Omg... she is toooo hilarious. I've had to walk away from my desk at work because I was laughing so hard that I feared I might snort or choke on my (soy) starbucks or something. Today, she's talking about giving up dairy, too... <a href="http://www.modgblog.com/2011/08/18/hello-again-food-you-dirty-dirty-lady/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+modg+%28MODG%29"><span style="color: #6fa8dc; font-size: large;">Hello again food, you dirty dirty lady</span></a><span style="color: #6fa8dc; font-size: large;">.</span> I was first introduced to her by a friend who also has a newborn....and this post totally describes my maternity leave: <a href="http://www.modgblog.com/2011/08/04/10-things-about-boob-feeding-that-only-im-going-to-tell-you-you-my-friend-are-welcome/"><span style="color: #6fa8dc; font-size: large;">10 things about boob feeding that only I'm going to tell you</span></a><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Cxhz2dzAya8/Tk3OwT6vwPI/AAAAAAAADeE/EceiEqRNF-Y/s1600/BOOBS.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240px" qaa="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Cxhz2dzAya8/Tk3OwT6vwPI/AAAAAAAADeE/EceiEqRNF-Y/s320/BOOBS.png" width="320px" /></a></div><br />
You're welcome. ;)<br />
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The other thing I did.... I ordered this cookbook from Amazon: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Dairy-Free-Allergies-Intolerance-Casein-Free/dp/0979128625/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1313721811&sr=1-1"><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">Go Dairy Free</span></a><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">.</span> <br />
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I hate that the only thing I've cooked from it so far was some yummy cinnamon bread. (I might have woken up on a Sunday morning.. after a Saturday evening out without kids!.... and needed something yummy and carby.) Anyway, my menu planning has been totally a low priority lately, so I keep going with my dairy-free standbys: chili, BBQ chicken, grilled chicken, fish.... But as soon as I try some, I'll be sure to pass them on!!<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">xoxo,</span><br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/111/4118782AA0B209C1C7FDB7567AB3ABC4.png" style="background: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px;" /></a>Elaine's Semi-Homemade Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06005139656931323890noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4311290765876750550.post-11537529235789422622011-07-24T21:07:00.001-05:002011-07-26T22:21:37.500-05:00Mabel's HouseDo y'all know Liz at Mabel's House? She's witty, spunky, and recently became a (working) mom. Oh, and she's hilarious and a great writer. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Omr4cOWZx_Y/TizPumdVLtI/AAAAAAAADdM/84hvKuvvTVY/s1600/mable%2527s+house" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="293px" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Omr4cOWZx_Y/TizPumdVLtI/AAAAAAAADdM/84hvKuvvTVY/s400/mable%2527s+house" t$="true" width="400px" /></a></div><br />
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Which is why.... while you wait (and wait... and wait...) for all the great things I'm going to tell you just as SOON as I get a minute to blog... I want you to go meet her. Today her blog reached out and grabbed me. In <a href="http://mabelshouse.blogspot.com/2011/07/silver-linings-of-working-moms-daycare.html"><em><span style="color: #9fc5e8; font-size: large;">The Silver Linings of Working Moms, Daycare & Beano</span></em></a> she describes the life of a working mom in a way that I think any working mom can relate. From the paralyzing sadness (so glad I'm not the only one!!) to the special, really ordinary moments you might take for granted otherwise. I totally agree when she says it's not the mommy guilt that gets you. Sure, there's <em>some </em>of that... but it's that sadness that gets to her, and I'm on the same page.<br />
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G-man turns 3 this weekend, so for now, I'm eyeball deep in some last second party planning. Which I'll share before he turns 4, I promise. <br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">xoxo,</span><br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/111/4118782AA0B209C1C7FDB7567AB3ABC4.png" style="background: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px;" /></a>Elaine's Semi-Homemade Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06005139656931323890noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4311290765876750550.post-37206181471186094532011-07-10T21:22:00.001-05:002011-07-10T21:23:22.914-05:00PrioritiesWell.... it's Back-to-Work Eve.... and I was planning to share with y'all the fun things I did during my leave... the sweet acts of kindness shown to me by friends and family.... the semi-homemade projects I worked on at my house.<br />
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But this is what I've got. Instead of doing all that, I'm spending time with this sweet thing.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-klRoYXtWSEI/ThpdzBWWfbI/AAAAAAAADcs/7l__4dPjw64/s1600/July+2011+065.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400px" m$="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-klRoYXtWSEI/ThpdzBWWfbI/AAAAAAAADcs/7l__4dPjw64/s400/July+2011+065.jpg" width="266px" /></a></div><br />
And entertaining this guy. mr. fix-it's college roommate... even I've known him for 12+ yrs - he was in our wedding over 9 years ago. And he stopped in for dinner tonight on his way from OK to LA for business. The trips we took down memory lane were just what I needed to keep my mind off leaving my sweet punkin tomorrow. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-t_CUeUG7JYM/ThpeKPz4FjI/AAAAAAAADcw/aYhG4c4i5HI/s1600/July+2011+096.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400px" m$="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-t_CUeUG7JYM/ThpeKPz4FjI/AAAAAAAADcw/aYhG4c4i5HI/s400/July+2011+096.jpg" width="266px" /></a></div><br />
But I WILL share with you the fun things I did during my leave... the sweet acts of kindness shown to me by friends and family.... the semi-homemade projects I worked on at my house. I've got G-man's room all ready to show you. And once I get a couple of decals delivered for the girls' rooms, those will be ready, too. Can't wait! :)<br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/111/4118782AA0B209C1C7FDB7567AB3ABC4.png" style="background: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px;" /></a>Elaine's Semi-Homemade Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06005139656931323890noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4311290765876750550.post-39671049955084956412011-07-03T22:52:00.000-05:002011-07-03T22:52:42.516-05:00God Bless America!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-G4HSEWsa984/ThE4Db5oEhI/AAAAAAAADck/UfowLy9SQLw/s1600/4th+of+july+card+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400px" i$="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-G4HSEWsa984/ThE4Db5oEhI/AAAAAAAADck/UfowLy9SQLw/s400/4th+of+july+card+1.jpg" width="285px" /></a></div><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Have a safe holiday! From the Semi-Homemades</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nMb-Z_ZlsJU/ThE4IKid-4I/AAAAAAAADco/V-irscKFPHI/s1600/4th+of+July.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400px" i$="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nMb-Z_ZlsJU/ThE4IKid-4I/AAAAAAAADco/V-irscKFPHI/s400/4th+of+July.jpg" width="266px" /></a></div><br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/111/4118782AA0B209C1C7FDB7567AB3ABC4.png" style="background: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px;" /></a>Elaine's Semi-Homemade Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06005139656931323890noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4311290765876750550.post-437451951632261782011-06-30T22:39:00.000-05:002011-06-30T22:39:57.928-05:00My Return to C25KI've got a strict deadline when it comes to fitting back into my work pants! SO... Here's my view from the treadmill these days:<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nDIgjMCqm_w/TgKqCygYIeI/AAAAAAAADcU/gFMlfzHmjAM/s1600/June+2011+374.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266px" i$="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nDIgjMCqm_w/TgKqCygYIeI/AAAAAAAADcU/gFMlfzHmjAM/s400/June+2011+374.jpg" width="400px" /></a></div><br />
Sweet baby Punkin (I've GOT to get around to giving her a blog name!) is 10 weeks old and tomorrow I'll finish week 3 of C25K... I've learned that it's definitely easier to run when she's sleeping. BUT.. I don't always get that luxury (I'm trying to cram every dentist/doctor/hair appt - you name it! - into the last couple weeks of my maternity leave!) So... sometimes I have to resort to running & entertaining - at the same time. See my headphones in the picture below? Sweet baby is rocking out to some Girl Talk. ;)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kwzT8xypUsw/TgKqgE6N7hI/AAAAAAAADcY/wbuSUdBTg_M/s1600/June+2011+376.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400px" i$="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kwzT8xypUsw/TgKqgE6N7hI/AAAAAAAADcY/wbuSUdBTg_M/s400/June+2011+376.jpg" width="266px" /></a></div><br />
I'd forgotten how running keeps me SANE! (Or at least <em>more sane</em> than I'd be if I <em>wasn't </em>running!) ;)<br />
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My work out plan the last several weeks and until I return to work (I have only one more wk off - yikes!) has included:<br />
3 (or more) c25k runs<br />
3 (or more) Buff Brides strength work outs<br />
and TONS of lugging around that sweet baby. Who was a teeny 7% at her 2 wk appt, but came in at 94% by her 2 month appt! (What can I say? I've been working hard at that!) :)<br />
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What is Buff Brides? <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EB9hDee0CAs/Tg1BM_WfbZI/AAAAAAAADcg/iJ61R-9JUpA/s1600/buff+brides.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" i$="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EB9hDee0CAs/Tg1BM_WfbZI/AAAAAAAADcg/iJ61R-9JUpA/s1600/buff+brides.jpg" /></a></div><br />
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A super easy, super quick workout... <br />
perfect for busy moms like me (you don't have to be a bride, <em>clearly...</em> although my sister started doing this workout 10 yrs ago when she was engaged, so it's a classic!)... <br />
using mostly stuff I already had (I bought an $8 exercise ball and that's it!)...<br />
and it can even be done while you're catching up on tv (damn this maternity leave for getting me addicted to all sorts of shows I've never had time for!) <br />
Score your <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Buff-Brides-Complete-Getting-Looking/dp/0375758550"><span style="color: #9fc5e8;">Buff Brides on Amazon</span></a> for cheap!<br />
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And when Sweet Pea isn't helping me with my workout... she's usually sitting pretty in one of her girly girl outfits. I just can't help myself - I love the bows, the ruffles, the tutus.... watch her turn out to be a tom boy! ;)<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KsWu_Jsw768/TgKq88hbkhI/AAAAAAAADcc/Y28W8D8nTNo/s1600/June+2011+352.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266px" i$="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KsWu_Jsw768/TgKq88hbkhI/AAAAAAAADcc/Y28W8D8nTNo/s400/June+2011+352.jpg" width="400px" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">11 days til I return to work... I'll let ya know how those pants fit! ;)</div><div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">xoxo,</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/111/4118782AA0B209C1C7FDB7567AB3ABC4.png" style="background: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px;" /></a></div>Elaine's Semi-Homemade Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06005139656931323890noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4311290765876750550.post-66023800531084176972011-06-25T05:00:00.003-05:002011-06-25T05:00:11.642-05:00SUPER Semi-Homemade Cooking<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Have y'all seen these? It does NOT get easier than this!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mRVQziilS3I/Ter7kXFrKqI/AAAAAAAADbo/ICkqZlQIqtU/s1600/May+2011+146.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400px" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mRVQziilS3I/Ter7kXFrKqI/AAAAAAAADbo/ICkqZlQIqtU/s400/May+2011+146.jpg" t8="true" width="266px" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The directions are simple:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Buy this packet (it's with the spices in your grocery store)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Buy some chicken, some potatoes (the back of this packet has a recipe card for you to keep)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">You'll need a few things you already have at home (like olive oil and salt)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Chop the potatoes, mix everything together</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Roast for 30 minutes (it's not just easy, it's FAST!)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This is so good that both my kids and the hubby love it.... I've used the recipe at least 6 times since I bought it, and changed it up in subtle ways. I love to use sweet potatoes instead of the red potatoes it calls for. And I love, love using fresh rosemary (which has to be one of the most amazing scents EVER) instead of the dried... </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">There's also several other choices (I keep meaning to try a few, like Garlic Lime Fajitas!) Click <a href="http://www.mccormick.com/Products/Recipe-Inspirations.aspx"><span style="color: #9fc5e8;">here</span></a> to get a full list (I haven't seen all of these in my store, but I might have to start looking around!)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This may be some of my most semi-homemade cooking yet... :) </div><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/111/4118782AA0B209C1C7FDB7567AB3ABC4.png" style="background: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px;" /></a>Elaine's Semi-Homemade Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06005139656931323890noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4311290765876750550.post-56649882796168454602011-06-22T21:37:00.001-05:002011-06-22T21:38:11.792-05:00Trade Days Treasures<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Wow, it's been a month since mr. fix-it and I loaded up all 3 kids (lil Punkin wasn't even a month old yet!) and headed to the Trade Days in the town.where.we.used.to.live. This isn't the big Trade Days that Mrs. Everything and I try to go to a couple times a year... but it's MUCH closer, smaller (in a good way) and the weather that day was PERFECT. And here are a few things I found:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I *think* I'm going to hang this in the wet bar off the living room. When I know... I'll show you. ;) (OH, and for the record... we scored this at the same place we got the <a href="http://oursemihomemadelife.blogspot.com/2011/06/yall-come-in.html">MASSIVE piece for our entry way</a>. We were able to negotiate and got them for a steal. Literally, it was like we stole them.) ;)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-e3tIMiXqkFc/Ter8JYtmZcI/AAAAAAAADbs/TkLMVwQLpHQ/s1600/May+2011+148.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400px" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-e3tIMiXqkFc/Ter8JYtmZcI/AAAAAAAADbs/TkLMVwQLpHQ/s400/May+2011+148.jpg" t8="true" width="266px" /></a></div><br />
Okay, this is standing on it's side... and since I can't figure out how to turn the pic horizontally... just bend your left ear to your left shoulder. Got it? Okay... it's the sillhouette of cowboys. It matches the ones hanging everywhere in our college football stadium. And when I'm done with it, it'll be black and hanging (horizontally, of course!) in our media room. Or man cave. Whatever.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2l6WyQYVz_4/Ter8lQ29BGI/AAAAAAAADbw/PP2X3wgDX0M/s1600/May+2011+149.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400px" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2l6WyQYVz_4/Ter8lQ29BGI/AAAAAAAADbw/PP2X3wgDX0M/s400/May+2011+149.jpg" t8="true" width="266px" /></a></div><br />
This is for the nursery and it, too, will be getting a few coats of spray paint. It'll be part of a collage... you'll see! :)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pO-kYqA9f9s/Ter88pRJ0PI/AAAAAAAADb0/rxIW5VrGr98/s1600/May+2011+150.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400px" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pO-kYqA9f9s/Ter88pRJ0PI/AAAAAAAADb0/rxIW5VrGr98/s400/May+2011+150.jpg" t8="true" width="266px" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">These projects are FINALLY coming together - can't wait to show you!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/111/4118782AA0B209C1C7FDB7567AB3ABC4.png" style="background: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px;" /></a></div>Elaine's Semi-Homemade Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06005139656931323890noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4311290765876750550.post-42337799355646498562011-06-14T09:05:00.001-05:002011-06-14T09:06:45.101-05:00Y'all Come In!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">My 2 big kids are gone for a few days - making memories with mr. fix-it's parents - so I'm trying to finish as many half.done projects as possible. First one done: entryway. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-toH5TtRubWY/Tfdolj2xFwI/AAAAAAAADcI/Mqf6uBjMRFM/s1600/June+2011+248.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400px" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-toH5TtRubWY/Tfdolj2xFwI/AAAAAAAADcI/Mqf6uBjMRFM/s400/June+2011+248.jpg" t8="true" width="266px" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I never liked the way it was decorated in the last house (below). So we'd been searching for the perfect oversized <em>something</em> to hang on that wall. And I wanted to hang crosses around whatever <em>IT</em> was to make the look even bigger. And I love it!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cZkWK0ML3d8/TfdqHDUTwWI/AAAAAAAADcQ/eyFk9iPWbPg/s1600/July+2009+050.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400px" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cZkWK0ML3d8/TfdqHDUTwWI/AAAAAAAADcQ/eyFk9iPWbPg/s400/July+2009+050.jpg" t8="true" width="266px" /></a></div><br />
Next on the list: working on some projects for each of the girls' rooms today, then finishing up Gman's room this evening when mr. fix-it gets home. Stay tuned for more semi-homemade decorating! :)<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">xoxo,</span><br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/111/4118782AA0B209C1C7FDB7567AB3ABC4.png" style="background: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px;" /></a>Elaine's Semi-Homemade Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06005139656931323890noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4311290765876750550.post-50616737576125274182011-06-09T14:16:00.001-05:002011-06-09T14:20:04.126-05:00The ONE WORD that's keeping me up at night -- Part 1<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And it's not NEWBORN. Or CRYING. Or REFLUX or COLIC. Nope, I'd give anything if it was any of those things. It's CANCER. Such a poisonous word. A sad word. A devastating word. And a super scary word that can turn your world upside down in an instant. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">My mom is a 24 year cancer survivor. Which is completely amazing (considering the advancements in cancer treatment we have now and the increased survival rate they've given us). She was diagnosed with breast cancer when I was 10 yrs old. My youngest sibling was 4. My mom was a young 36 years old. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">But she beat it, and over the years I've taken such pride in that. My mom is a fighter. But now it's back. 24 years later and it's back. It all started less than 2 months ago....</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">On March 30 (a Wednesday I'll never forget), my sister called me at work. <em>Don't panic.. but Dad took Mom to the ER because she's had shortness of breath... and they just drained 2 liters of fluid from in/around her lungs.</em> Okay, I was 9 months pregnant... I'll let you guess if I was able to refrain from panicking. My parents are the type to avoid the doctor at all costs unless there's a visibly broken bone or someone isn't breathing. So, the ER? Serious stuff.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">However, I was having issues of my own. The baby had suddenly stopped moving. I had tried drinking tons of fluid, I had tried sugar and caffeine, anything to get that baby moving. But I wasn't feeling anything but miserable. A trip to my OB showed I was having contractions every 3-4 minutes and was in preterm labor (the contractions were keeping her from having any room to move - that's why I couldn't feel movement!) I headed home for strict bedrest until a Monday appt - leaving me with nothing but time.. time to put the focus back on my mom.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Mom insisted she was fine and that they were testing the fluid and we wouldn't know anything more until the results came back. My longtime friend (we've known each other since we were 11 and call each other our "forever friend"), a nurse at my hometown hospital, assured me that it was most likely pnemonia and not to worry. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">But I'll never again be able to enjoy April Fools Day. April 1 was a Friday, but mom's doctor promised to call if her results came in over the weekend. I had barely gotten the kids in bed when I got the call from her Fri night. Cancer. But not <em>just</em> breast cancer. It was back, but this time it was IN HER LUNGS. Mom was so strong while she gave me the news... told me they'd be running tests in the next wk or so and let's not get too upset until we know more. I tried to keep it together while I was on the phone with her, but I doubt I did very well. And once off the phone... I literally collapsed and have never heard sobs like that out of anyone. Ever.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I've since learned that Diagnosis is the hardest part of the cancer journey. Not just for the patient - but also for their family and friends. It's shocking. It's scary. (And when you're 9 months pregnant, and a hormonal mess.. it's even more intense.) It was another 11 days before we got the full picture of what we were dealing with. During that time, there were scans and tests and more scans. I didn't function. Friends fed my family often... and when they didn't, there were dinners of cereal or takeout. I tried to hide it from the kids and be strong, but I often failed. Sissy caught me crying a few times, and I explained it away, unsure of what or how I'd tell her.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The good news: the cancer is confined to the one place, and all her other scans came back clear. The bad news: it's cancer and it's in her lungs. The fight would need to be immediate and aggressive. Chemo - 6 rounds, 1 every 3 weeks. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">So, April 18th came, and mr. fix-it's amazing mom came to town for the birth of #3. My mom met with her oncologist, sooo very far away from me and my big belly. And on April 19th, our dear, sweet baby was welcomed into this world by me, mr. fix-it and my mom.in.law. It was special. But the pain of not having my mom there was so deep. She was here for the birth of our other 2 kids. And we had planned that she would stay that week - with the big kids at night and with me during the day. But cancer has a way of derailing your plans.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">So, on that spring Tuesday, I was in Texas, having a baby. <em>Mom was in OK, getting a port in her chest for chemo. </em></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Wednesday, I was in the hospital. At times all alone with my newborn, instead of hanging out with my mom. <em>She was in OK, shopping for wigs with my sister. They texted me pictures, asked my opinion.</em> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Thursday was more of the same for me - hospital food, visits with my mom.in.law, precious visits from friends. <em>My mom started chemo. And I wasn't there for her, couldn't be there for her. I wanted to cry, over and over... not fair, not fair, not fair..... </em></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Not being able to be there for her for that scary time after diagnosis and the first treatment broke my heart. Much as it did that she didn't get to meet the baby until I was cleared to travel... for Mother's day. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And here's my sweet momma... with her new look (because her hair fell out the first week of treatment... the bottom picture is from my baby shower in March, where she's sporting her 'old look').... that top picture was taken on mother's day... holding her newest granddaughter. My mom... th every person who taught ME how to be a mom... how to live semi-homemade... how to be crafty, and cook, and entertain, but to be quick and move on to the next thing... My mom, the fighter.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qes3KTWepks/TcsXEfbB-MI/AAAAAAAADao/PdOVqHhN8GE/s1600/May+2011+075.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400px" j8="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qes3KTWepks/TcsXEfbB-MI/AAAAAAAADao/PdOVqHhN8GE/s400/May+2011+075.jpg" width="266px" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hPcG4Mg7BcY/TcsXOuNdgZI/AAAAAAAADas/ficrhuQE_T4/s1600/baby+shower+6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400px" j8="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hPcG4Mg7BcY/TcsXOuNdgZI/AAAAAAAADas/ficrhuQE_T4/s400/baby+shower+6.jpg" width="386px" /></a></div>If you read all this, thanks. I honestly wrote it almost as my own therapy. I'll try to wrap up my thoughts in Part 2... and thanks to everyone who has shared prayers and good thoughts with me in the last few months.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/111/4118782AA0B209C1C7FDB7567AB3ABC4.png" style="background: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px;" /></a>Elaine's Semi-Homemade Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06005139656931323890noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4311290765876750550.post-80925774258647454002011-06-09T13:02:00.000-05:002011-06-09T13:02:21.492-05:00School's Out for SUMMER!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And look how big the kids have gotten! As we speak, I'm packing them for Camp Magaw & Papa... that's southern speak for grandparent camp! ;) They'll be gone for 9 whole days and it'll just be me, mr. fix-it and the baby! Maybe I can finish any of the 5 semi-homemade projects I'm working on. Fingers crossed!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-glUTyCKPmIg/Ter9LpcldVI/AAAAAAAADb4/3uzq7UQa2Z8/s1600/2010-2011+School+Year.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266px" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-glUTyCKPmIg/Ter9LpcldVI/AAAAAAAADb4/3uzq7UQa2Z8/s400/2010-2011+School+Year.jpg" t8="true" width="400px" /></a></div><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/111/4118782AA0B209C1C7FDB7567AB3ABC4.png" style="background: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px;" /></a>Elaine's Semi-Homemade Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06005139656931323890noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4311290765876750550.post-4800272549649406532011-05-27T16:08:00.000-05:002011-05-27T16:08:46.666-05:00C25K - the Revivial!Let's cut to the chase. It's summer and I'm tired of being chubby. Sugar will be 6wks old (already! sniff, sniff) on Tuesday and I need to fit into my REAL clothes. Pronto. Here's a pic of me with the whole family last night at Sissy's kindergarten graduation (which was such a super special night, btw... filled with all the memories of these kiddos - and their parents - that I've come to know and love in the last 3 years!)<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NJHqtt1-QmQ/Td_zfqfJ7bI/AAAAAAAADbk/fwPRgQwACSA/s1600/May+2011+321.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NJHqtt1-QmQ/Td_zfqfJ7bI/AAAAAAAADbk/fwPRgQwACSA/s400/May+2011+321.jpg" t8="true" width="400" /></a></div><br />
I'm tired of hearing... <em>oh, you'll breastfeed those pounds right off.</em> Or ... <em>you'll lose 'em when your body is ready.</em> I don't buy into either! When I had Sissy, I was horrified to learn that it was possible to exclusively breastfeed your baby (for 9 months!) and STILL not be able to lose the weight. I didn't lose the last 10 lbs until after she turned 1. With Gman, it was easier. I can already tell this time is going to be alot like it was in round 1. In my (not.so.professional) opinion, it's because with both girls, I gained weight in places other than my belly. With Gman, it was almost all belly weight. <br />
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So... I start C25K for the 4th time. Or 5th... I've lost track. I'm going to walk for a couple wks, until I feel ready to jog. And I'm deciding which program I'm going to do to firm up and tone up - something must be done about these arms! Until then... you'll catch me in knit dresses, maternity pants, and the one pair of capris I'm gonna buy in whatever-this-size-is.<br />
Have a super fun and safe Memorial Day weekend!<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">xoxo,</span><br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/111/4118782AA0B209C1C7FDB7567AB3ABC4.png" style="background: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px;" /></a>Elaine's Semi-Homemade Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06005139656931323890noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4311290765876750550.post-39607969333847177182011-05-21T22:27:00.000-05:002011-05-21T22:27:03.571-05:00My own little piece of heavenSigh. :)<br />
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More amazing work by <a href="http://www.kristieclarkphotography.com/"><span style="color: #9fc5e8;">Kristie</span></a>. So thankful to have her to capture all these precious memories. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EbNLHlhgv5E/TdiCEzYJZzI/AAAAAAAADbg/YdFwUcYqZUg/s1600/baby+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" j8="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EbNLHlhgv5E/TdiCEzYJZzI/AAAAAAAADbg/YdFwUcYqZUg/s400/baby+3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/111/4118782AA0B209C1C7FDB7567AB3ABC4.png" style="background: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px;" /></a>Elaine's Semi-Homemade Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06005139656931323890noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4311290765876750550.post-25546090088476319182011-05-21T22:22:00.000-05:002011-05-21T22:22:12.406-05:002-4-6-8, who do we appreciate? TEACHERS!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Well, this momma has been a little busy (I had forgotten how all encompassing nursing a newborn is! Add in 2 big kids and it's a miracle I'm showering these days!)... so these Teacher Appreciation gifts were a week late! But school is still in session... the teachers are still there... so I figure we're all good (esp since they all have met the baby so they're aware of my new pasttime!)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I love all the <em><span style="color: #9fc5e8;">Thanks aLATTE</span></em> gifts out there, but I'm unsure if my kiddos' teachers are Starbucks people (gasp, right?) ;) But who doesn't love some Sonic Happy Hour? This is a super quick gift idea, but still fun and summery, and the teachers loved them!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">For each gift, you need:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">a plastic cup</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">candy (I used a Hershey's bar and a bag of MnM's)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">shredded paper or something to put in the bottom of the cups (I had some leftover from Easter!)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">giftcard to somewhere fun & summery</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">tulle (duh!)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">cardstock</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-F_PBLXAU2L8/TdXSrPhc4YI/AAAAAAAADa4/0X5O4ilIxOk/s1600/May+2011+141.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" j8="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-F_PBLXAU2L8/TdXSrPhc4YI/AAAAAAAADa4/0X5O4ilIxOk/s400/May+2011+141.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
Just add the filler to the bottom of the cup... throw in some candy and a gift card... and tie some tulle around the top of the cup. I whipped up the tags in photoshop and taped them to the cups.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wa0cGSiuPdQ/TdXTHmXnNgI/AAAAAAAADa8/_WymQYElu2A/s1600/May+2011+144.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" j8="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wa0cGSiuPdQ/TdXTHmXnNgI/AAAAAAAADa8/_WymQYElu2A/s320/May+2011+144.jpg" width="212" /></a></div><br />
Here are the tags!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QX1O0AAm7Ok/TdXTNLNeo2I/AAAAAAAADbA/MGsZPOHUNss/s1600/Teacher+appreciation+5-11+Gman.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" j8="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QX1O0AAm7Ok/TdXTNLNeo2I/AAAAAAAADbA/MGsZPOHUNss/s400/Teacher+appreciation+5-11+Gman.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Much thanks to all you teachers out there! Time to get back to the couch with a certain newborn and a burpie... ;)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/111/4118782AA0B209C1C7FDB7567AB3ABC4.png" style="background: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px;" /></a>Elaine's Semi-Homemade Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06005139656931323890noreply@blogger.com1