tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-67123439392544868062024-03-12T19:48:46.591-05:00The A-Priori MommyAP Mommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15753122081917733068noreply@blogger.comBlogger1110125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6712343939254486806.post-79535862806223184822017-02-07T15:38:00.000-06:002017-02-07T15:38:55.868-06:00Books of 2016To have continuity of my reading lists - here is 2016. I finally found time to read more again! <br />
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<strong>JANUARY:</strong><br />
The Hiding Place (273)<br />
Pretty Girls (421)<br />
We Never Asked For Wings (310)<br />
<b>January Total: 1,004 <br />Book Count: 3</b><br />
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<strong>FEBRUARY:</strong><br />
Life As I Blow It (258)<br />
The Young Elites (368)<br />
Big Little Lies (512)<br />
Has Anyone Seen My Pants? (289)<br />
The Readers of Broken Wheel Recommend (402)<br />
Lost in the Sun (304)<br />
Dewey: The Small-Town Library Cat Who Touched the World (277)<br />
Surprised by Joy (253)<br />
Finding Audrey (306)<br />
The Fault in Our Stars (332)<br />
<b>February Total: 3,301</b><br />
<b>Book Count: 10</b><br />
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<strong>MARCH:</strong><br />
American Housewife: Stories (210)<br />
Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children (352)<br />
C. S. Lewis - A Life: Eccentric Genius, Reluctant Prophet (449)<br />
Food: A Love Story (354)<br />
Legend (318)<br />
Home Front (397) <br />
The Interestings (482)<br />
Where They Found Her (341)<br />
Before I Go To Sleep (515) <br />
A History of the World in 6 Glasses (311)<br />
Recovering Redemption (211)<br />
The Chamber (676)<br />
Everything I Never Told You (298)<br />
<b>March Total: 4,914</b><br />
<b>Book Count: 13</b><br />
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<b>APRIL: </b><br />
Hollow City: The 2nd Novel of Miss Peregrine's Peculiar Children (400)<br />
Orange Is the New Black (322)<br />
The Girl's Still Got It (240) <br />When Breath Becomes Air (258)<br />
<b>April Total: 1,220</b><br />
<b>Book Count: 4</b><br />
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<b>MAY: </b><br />
Future Crimes (610)<br />
The Forgetting Time (368)<br />
Find Her (414)<br />
Prodigy (386)<br />
<b>May Total: 1,778</b><br />
<b>Book Count: 4</b><br />
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<b>JUNE: </b><br />
Euphoria (273)<br />
Looking for Lovely (149) <br />
Library of Souls: The 3rd Novel of Miss Peregrine's Peculiar Children (465) <br />
Multiply: Disciples Making Disciples (338)<br />
Wedding Night (465)<br />
I've Got Your Number (449)<br />
<b>June Total: 2,139 </b><br />
<b>Book Count:6</b><br />
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<b>JULY: </b><br />
Counting by 7s (386)<br />
Originals: How Non-Conformists Move the World (335)<br />Live Fast Die Hot (273)<br />
The Devil Wears Prada (448)<br />
A Million Little Ways (226)<br />
<b>July Total: 1,668</b><br />
<b>Book Count: 5</b><br />
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<b>AUGUST: </b><br />
The Opposite of Everyone (310)<br />
Somebody I Used to Know (434)<br />
<b>August Total: 744</b><br />
<b>Book Count: 2</b><br /><br /><b>SEPTEMBER: </b><br />Crazy Love (226)<br />
The Life We Bury (306) <br />
What She Left Behind (337)<br />
Twenties Girl (514)<br />
Tell Me Three Things (336) <br />
<b>September Total: 1,719</b><br />
<b>Book Count: 5</b><br />
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<b>OCTOBER: </b><br />
The 100 Year Miracle (320)<br />
Grey's Anatomy TV Series (Season 1-12) <br /><b>October Total: 320</b><br />
<b>Book Count: 1 <br />Grey's Episodes: 265</b><br />
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<b>NOVEMBER: </b><br />
Wonder (322)<br />
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Page Total: 19,029<br />Book Total: 55AP Mommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15753122081917733068noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6712343939254486806.post-60123531731305878502017-01-01T15:44:00.000-06:002017-02-07T15:59:04.861-06:00Best of 2016Best of 2016<br />
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<b> </b><b>Best Event: </b>Girls trip to Austin
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<b>Best Movie: </b>Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life (yah yah not a movie, still the best!) </div>
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<b>Best Over-Played Song: </b>Cheap Thrills was the song that never seemed to stop playing on the radio. </div>
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<b>Best Book: </b>Wonder </div>
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<b>Best New-ity of 2016:</b> M starting Kindergarten!! Two kids in full time school! </div>
<b>Most Shocking News of 2016:</b> Election Chaos <br />
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<b>Events of 2016 in no particular order:</b><br />
1. Gymnastics <br />
2. Ace excelling at reading challenges<br />
3. Happy Lungs!<br />
4. Vegas!<br />
5. Fun with the Sharks!<br />
6. Winning my Fantasy Football League<br />
7. Great Wolf Lodge with the fam<br />
8. Military <br />
9. 12 year anniversary in Seattle with LH<br />
10. Epic Mad Hatter Tea Party for MAP Mommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15753122081917733068noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6712343939254486806.post-87377655471278864042016-01-07T13:41:00.000-06:002016-01-07T13:41:01.416-06:0010 YearsVery few days do I remember every moment so clearly. Very few moments that I do are sad ones. Today 10 years gone by is remembered and it is sad. The day my dad passed. Ten years gone already. It seems so fast, but its not. So much life has been lived since then. He has 4 grandchildren he will never meet. There have been so many milestones and moments I wish he was present for. I carry him in my heart daily and every moment my son smiles I see my dad in him. He has his eyes. I am thankful for the years we had, but I won't lie that I wish we still had 10+ more ahead of us. <br />
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You are missed. Every. Day. AP Mommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15753122081917733068noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6712343939254486806.post-17535109508796302722016-01-03T13:56:00.000-06:002016-01-07T20:40:36.856-06:00Best of 2015Best of 2015<br />
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<b> </b><b>Best Event: </b><a href="http://initialmommy.blogspot.com/2015/10/back-to-future-party.html">Back to the Future Party</a>
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<b>Best Movie:</b> Inside Out (I know I know I will have Star Wars fans out to get me, but truly this cartoon made me cry twice and such great layers to it!) </div>
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<b>Best Over-Played Song: </b>Fight Song </div>
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<b>Best Book:</b> The Martian </div>
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<b>Best New-ity of 2015:</b> Gymnastics - Both kids joined in 2015 and after the first session M went on to join a team to learn more skills</div>
<b>Most Shocking News of 2015:</b> Mom's surgery<br />
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MW's Words of the Year: -ism<br />
Jo's Word of the Year:<br />
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<b>Events of 2015 in no particular order:</b><br />
1. Gymnastics <br />
2. CA Visiting x2!<br />
3. Checking out of Children's <br />
4. Vegas!<br />
5. Seahawks lose the Superbowl >_<<br />
6. Disneyland!<br />
7. First NFL Game!<br />
8. Epic Limo Birthday Night <br />
9. Walking my first 10k<br />
10. Seeing Star Wars on Christmas AP Mommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15753122081917733068noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6712343939254486806.post-63445690962647553152016-01-03T13:42:00.000-06:002016-01-07T13:43:38.779-06:00Books of 2015<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Completed in 2015:</b><br />
The Freedom of Self-Forgetfulness<br />
Love Walked In<br />
Secret Daughter<br />
Outlander<br />
The Nightengale<br />
The Language of Flowers</div>
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The Girl on the Train</div>
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Love & Respect<br />
The Social Animal </div>
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Unbroken </div>
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Me Before You</div>
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For The Love<br />
After You<br />
The Martian</div>
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I read a lot the first quarter of 2015 and then I watched a gazillion hours of tv. :) What I did read in 2015 was great - but my hope is to surpass this book count in 2016. </div>
AP Mommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15753122081917733068noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6712343939254486806.post-32700737394792606282015-10-22T17:31:00.000-05:002016-01-07T17:37:59.404-06:00Back to the Future PartyI love these movies! Seriously spend a LOT of time watching them and for years I've known I wanted to host a BTTF Party on THE night that they go back to the future. October 21, 2015. Well thanks to the director's great foresight that this would be a 'thing' - that day was a Wednesday! Gah! But we have great friends and that didn't stop us! Much party and prop prep - including outsourcing the Flux Capacitor to my friend who REALLY should go into set design and prop making we had a 'real' working flux capacitor (well sort of, no time travel was attempted... probably because we were lacking the delorian.)<br />
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Yes we were equipped with the Cafe 80s which included the large TV screen of lots of 80s-riffic tv options, re-hydrated Pizza Hut pizza (yes that center pizza is the original version) and because well all the movies were so great - we just had a medley of all the fun. Loving Husband even came as Bufford Tannen from the 1800s. <br />
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We set up a photo booth at the Enchantment Under the Sea Dance which ended up being some comical entertainment. <br />
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One cannot have a party with some outdoor specific elements to the party! Such as the clock tower! ... and sleeping Jennifers at the party! Because well she was asleep for MOST of the movie on some porch somewhere.<br />
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Needless to say 2015 may be devoid of functioning hoverboards, flying cars, and rehydrators for our pizza - but it still is a pretty cool time and well the clothing really isn't too far out there.<br />
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<br />AP Mommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15753122081917733068noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6712343939254486806.post-5335161245590059912015-01-15T10:36:00.004-06:002015-01-15T10:36:29.439-06:00Books of 2014<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Completed in 2014:</b><br />Clutterfree with Kids<br />Sycamore Row <br />The Reason I Jump<br />7: An Experimental Mutiny Against Excess <br />How to Be Like Walt <br />North of Hope <br />Dad is Fat<br />Coming Back Stronger<br />Delancey<br />Monster<br />Best Christmas Pageant Ever</div>
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I should just realize that even with two book clubs and unending desire to read and soak up knowledge and stories of others - that my time as a wife, SAHM, part-time worker, business owner, and friend ... and let's be honest excessive tv-watcher that I am just not going to get a lot read. Oh well. What I did get completed in 2014 - most of it was great! <br />
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<span style="color: #339999;"><span style="color: black;">2014 was clearly the year of memoirs and biographies, which was interesting to take a look into people's journeys through life. I really enjoyed North of Hope and one person's journey through grief. My favorite book of 2014 (which I began 2013... 2012?) was How to Be Like Walt. As a Disney fanatic, I loved the opportunity to get a fuller picture of Walt Disney's rise, creative process, and family life. From the additional research that I read - this particular biography was amid the best. I'd recommend it. There were many other books in 2014 that were begun, some of which will be completed in 2015, others that will find their spot on the shelf or already have returned to the library. </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #339999;"><span style="color: black;">Here's to a new year of exploring literature! </span></span>AP Mommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15753122081917733068noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6712343939254486806.post-57814482304237606552015-01-10T14:09:00.000-06:002015-01-10T14:09:05.189-06:00Best of 2014Well 2014 was certainly not the year of blogging! I did spend much of 2014 working on my 365 project which while that blog isn't fully updated I did complete the project in its entirety and will ultimately get the blog updated for record keeping sake. I also will likely backlog a few blogs from 2014 for the same reasons. Maybe. 2014 resulted in my returning to work (part-time from home) with my church, volunteering a LOT a the same church, starting my photography business, and spending time with my family and friends. It was a busy busy year! <br />
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Best of 2014<br />
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<strong>Best Event: </strong><a href="http://initialmommy.blogspot.com/2014/05/freedom-of-seas-cruise.html">Cruise to the Caribbean</a> </div>
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<strong>Best Movie:</strong> The Lego Movie</div>
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<strong>Best Over-Played Song:</strong> Timber (Not that it's my favorite, but I do love it and it is overplayed.) </div>
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<strong>Best Book:</strong> How to Be Like Walt<strong> </strong></div>
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<strong>Best New-ity of 2014:</strong> Our new deck!</div>
<strong>Most Shocking News of 2014:</strong> Carrie and family moving BACK to California. :( <br /><br /> MW's Words of the Year: Culture<br /> Jo's Word of the Year: busy! (Between work, volunteering, starting a business, being a mom of 2, it was a busy year!) <br /><br /><strong>Events of 2014 in no particular order:</strong><br /> 1. 365 Project<br />
2. Starting my photography business<br /> 3. Checking into Children's <br />
4. Bri & Eric's Wedding (and Bachelorette weekend!)<br /> 5. Seahawks win the Superbowl!<br />
6. 10 Year Anniversary<br /> 7. Mae started preschool<br /> 8. Epic Limo Birthday Night <br /> 9. Shooting my first wedding<br /> 10. 1950s New Year's Eve Party!AP Mommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15753122081917733068noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6712343939254486806.post-50212779414872343662014-07-31T22:48:00.000-05:002015-06-15T22:48:19.969-05:00Project 365 - July<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />AP Mommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15753122081917733068noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6712343939254486806.post-70769552566642350712014-06-30T22:40:00.000-05:002015-06-15T22:41:33.769-05:00Project 365 - June<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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There are a few missing from this collection as I haven't finished editing them to get them in here - but they were taken! I think this month I actually captured some of my favorite black and whites and perfected the style that I like in post processing them with a little bit of a matte to them. The one of <a href="http://apmommy365.blogspot.com/2014/06/a-boy-and-his-tiger.html">Ace sleeping with his tiger</a> is one of my favorite. AP Mommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15753122081917733068noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6712343939254486806.post-42408280110137483112014-05-31T22:35:00.000-05:002015-06-15T22:42:09.679-05:00Project 365 - May<br />
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What a great month! Travel the world taking photos for over a week!
Yes please! Loved all the blue waters and the fun that the kids had. I
also got to test out my underwater camera on our cruise so at least a couple of those shots made it into the 365 collection. AP Mommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15753122081917733068noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6712343939254486806.post-20683444747055220522014-05-24T14:00:00.000-05:002015-01-10T14:04:45.581-06:00Freedom of the Seas CruiseIn a whirlwind of fun our family set out on a last minute cruise to the Caribbean! In less than 5 days we booked tickets, rooms, and our adventure began by flying to Florida to board the Freedom of the Seas Royal Caribbean cruise-line. Our family of four was joined by Uncle Kai and Auntie A. It was a great time to spend with them. <br />
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Our adventure began out of Fort Lauderdale and we started our cruising on Mother's Day. Couldn't beat that! The ship was amazing. They had a great children's program and how our children's ages fell they were in the same room together so it was perfect! They both enjoyed the program which gave mom and dad probably the most babysitting we've ever had! <br />
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Day 2 we were at sea and we enjoyed spending time with the fun the ship had to offer. We kicked it off with a Character Breakfast and the kids had a good time with that - then enjoyed the pools, an ice skating show, and relaxing. That night was the first formal night and the kids enjoyed getting dressed up and eating the fancy meal. Though after that meal we got smarter and we elected to feed the kids around 5:30pm, drop them in the kids area for the evening and the four of us adults enjoyed a later dinner by ourselves at 7pm for the remainder of the cruise. <br />
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Our first stop was Labadee, Haiti. It was beautiful and as it turned out - our favorite port. We spent a few hours at a beach with the kids and played with them - and then we took them to childcare beach area that is provided by the cruise ship and the 4 adults went to another beach and enjoyed swimming and relaxing in some shade for another couple of hours before we gathered the kiddos and headed back to the ship. <br />
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Day 4 was a stop at Falmouth, Jamaica. I spent the morning not feeling great so the family headed off the ship and walked around the shopping areas. After lunch time I was feeling back amid the living and we all got off the ship in search of a beach. We took an overpriced cab and found a local bit of sand and spent a couple of hours splashing in another beach. It rained on us a bit and back to the ship. <br />
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<br />Next up was the Grand Caymans where we got to enjoy swimming with the dolphins and more beach fun!<br />
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There was a final stop in Cozumel, Mexico but our family of four decided to stay on the ship and just enjoy the fun that was offered around the ship. However Uncle Kai and Auntie A did get off the ship and had much fun! <br />
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<br />The other fun feature that we utilized throughout the cruise was the babysitting that was for a large fee - but you got 2 babysitters that would come to your room for about $19 an hour (steep, but worth it!) So the adults on several nights were able to go out all together and enjoy the various shows, bars, etc., while the kids slept happily in their beds. We had a good time hanging out - going to the club on the ship and generally enjoying the kid free time. :) A and I had met one morning Sergio a bartender who introduced us to Ocean Mimosas and aside from his tasty mixology he was really fun to hang out with - and at least once each night we found time to stop by and hang out!<br />
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Overall it was a great great time with family and a lot of fun! We'd certainly love to do it again! <br />
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<br />AP Mommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15753122081917733068noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6712343939254486806.post-43638481288100205862014-04-30T22:31:00.000-05:002015-06-15T22:35:47.854-05:00Project 365 - April <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />AP Mommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15753122081917733068noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6712343939254486806.post-29279282200815090082014-04-18T15:20:00.000-05:002014-04-18T15:20:54.077-05:0010 on 10 - AprilBetter late than never, right? ;) I did actively participate via <a href="http://instagram.com/theapmommy">Instagram</a> in 10 on 10 this month. Did you hear? I recently joined the already-well-in-progress party that is known as Instagram. <br />
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<br />AP Mommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15753122081917733068noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6712343939254486806.post-74229048424500008482014-03-31T22:22:00.000-05:002015-06-15T22:44:14.798-05:00Project 365 - March<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I think the photo of <a href="http://apmommy365.blogspot.com/2014/03/spring-is-coming.html">Mae in the B&W</a> is my absolute favorite for March. AP Mommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15753122081917733068noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6712343939254486806.post-52090976845957199602014-03-26T14:48:00.000-05:002014-03-27T14:49:34.071-05:00To My Children<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: large;"><i> Dear Ace and Mae, </i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: large;"><i>It's been a while yet again since I <a href="http://initialmommy.blogspot.com/2013/04/my-littles.html">last wrote a letter to you</a>. So much has changed in just one year. The phrase the days are long but the years are short is the mantra that we live by around here. Your giggles fill the house, as the piles, forts, and imagination spread throughout it as you play and run and chase each other. You are so loud and yet (most of the time) so happy. </i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: large;"><i>Spring has arrived and so has the sunshine. Trips to parks, walks, and playing in the backyard has returned as possibilities without frostbite and being soggy from the rain. I am so looking forward to more of the fun outdoor adventures that we'll have as the spring turns to summer. </i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: large;"><i>Mae, since my last letter where you were telling everyone you were three (yet you were two) you have turned three, and yet now you tell people you are five (like your brother.) You are constantly are informing us, with your hands on your hips, that you're a big girl now (and you nod in affirmation in case anyone had doubt that should help cement that as fact.) Sometimes we will refer to you as Baby Girl - and you are quick to respond with your arms out to either side and sort of looking down your nose "Yah, but I am not a REAL baby. I'm a big girl." Yes, that is true. You love to snuggle, you are constantly requesting more hugs and kisses before bed or before I leave. </i></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HpF6i9qF3FA/UzR_wYLbx1I/AAAAAAAAULM/hw5vB3HUJYI/s1600/Superbowl+2014+129.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HpF6i9qF3FA/UzR_wYLbx1I/AAAAAAAAULM/hw5vB3HUJYI/s1600/Superbowl+2014+129.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: large;"><i>Ace, you're growing up - you're set out on some personal brave adventures recently - and I'm so glad you're seeking independence, I hope you learn the best way to express that independence though and exercise bravery that doesn't leave me hyperventilating. You're killing it at school and you're doing so well. You're reading so well, and I most especially love to hear you read to your sister. I hope you continue to love and protect your little sister every day. </i></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9hc3sq0d5o8/UzR_m1k-7KI/AAAAAAAAULE/EYlzleExHWs/s1600/February+2014+848.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9hc3sq0d5o8/UzR_m1k-7KI/AAAAAAAAULE/EYlzleExHWs/s1600/February+2014+848.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: large;"><i>Mommy loves you both so much and it's hard to believe that time flies go by so quickly. You might drive me crazy on the day to day life - but every gray hair and mess it well worth it. As you continue to grow and stretch your world views please hold onto your budding faith in Jesus and lean on him to know right from wrong. </i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: large;"><i>All my love, </i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: large;"><i>Your mom</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span>
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<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span>AP Mommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15753122081917733068noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6712343939254486806.post-54281320097834890292014-03-04T21:43:00.002-06:002014-03-04T21:43:47.554-06:00Project 365 - February <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JQ-IGQoG_lg/UxZ7yqQeiWI/AAAAAAAAT7o/ECR3tZAEu48/s1600/004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JQ-IGQoG_lg/UxZ7yqQeiWI/AAAAAAAAT7o/ECR3tZAEu48/s1600/004.jpg" height="494" width="640" /></a></div>
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This month I seemed to have some challenges picking up my DSLR more than the previous months - there were at least five days that I used my cell phone to grab a picture and only one of them was intentionally chosen to use it. There is one day that I took a picture of near blackness - simply because I was protesting taking a picture at all. I suppose it's 'poetic' when I piece together my book for this project to have a near black page. It was the day Loving Husband returned home from a deployment - I wasn't really thinking about the camera, just having him home. I snapped the shot just before bed with my cell phone. There were other creative days though, plenty of them really! There was the <a href="http://apmommy365.blogspot.com/2014/02/frozen.html">frozen lake</a> day where we went out to see the lake JUST to take the picture - the kids enjoyed throwing rocks onto the frozen surface and the noise that it made. In February we also hit the <a href="http://apmommy365.blogspot.com/2014/02/3-for-100.html">100 Day milestone</a>! It was overall a great month! I also finally started compiling all of my shots (in their full sized form) into a folder so that come November 1st of this year I can order my 365 book! <br /><br />My goal for March also includes some backlogged blogging (Mae's birthday party being top of that list!) So hopefully you'll hear a bit more from me between now and the end of March! :) AP Mommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15753122081917733068noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6712343939254486806.post-84841173413390058152014-02-10T15:31:00.003-06:002014-02-10T15:31:58.690-06:00Project 365 - JanuaryThe third month of picture taking and there was much fun to be had. Many events surrounding Mae's special day turning three including taking pictures again in <a href="http://apmommy365.blogspot.com/2014/01/tomorrow-shes-three.html">mommy's wedding dress</a>. Mommy herself got to venture out and away from the kids this month for a girl's get away! So exciting and I was able to capture this <a href="http://apmommy365.blogspot.com/2014/01/a-beautiful-night.html">night shot</a>! All in all a great month and a good month for photo taking!<br />
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<br />AP Mommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15753122081917733068noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6712343939254486806.post-22192469603020741692014-02-10T15:08:00.000-06:002014-02-10T15:08:33.487-06:00Three Years Old<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uNT874-BOYI/Uvk45VUJGyI/AAAAAAAAT2Q/hpWpoKDpcjE/s1600/M+3+Year+Photos+018-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uNT874-BOYI/Uvk45VUJGyI/AAAAAAAAT2Q/hpWpoKDpcjE/s1600/M+3+Year+Photos+018-2.jpg" height="450" width="640" /></a></div>
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Mae is three (+1 month)! She is so excited. She wants to be bigger, older, taller, and sassy-er every day! She's adorable and we love her.<br />
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Favorite things of M's quirkiness in the last few months have included: she refers to Gatorade as Alligator (see convo below,) she loves to hear stories about chipmunks - you'll be hard pressed right not to get away with a story that she doesn't at least throw a chipmunk into - but often she'd prefer the main staring character to <i>be</i> a chipmunk (we have no idea where this fascination came from.) She loves for me to sing Somewhere Over the Rainbow to her at bedtime, she doesn't seem to have a favorite book - and the girl can't help but interrupt every 3 words with something to say (related or otherwise) during a story. Summertime seems to be when the end of naps happened (whimper!)<br />
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<i><span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}">M: "Can I have more alligator?" <br /> Me: Excuse me? <br /> M: "Can I have more alligator to drink? <br /> Me: Blank Stare <br /> M: "More crocodile?" <br /> Me: Um... what? <br /> M: "More Gatorade!" <br /> Me: Oooh I get it now. Yah you can have more of that. lol</span></i><br />
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Mae and sleep in these last six months has been great - better than her brother if I am being honest! She might have a few off nights where she pops up and refuses to go to sleep right away, but after the initial bedtime routine (that still requires mommy's tummy to be touched) she is happy to go to bed and rarely wakes up. <br />
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The biggest change since the <a href="http://initialmommy.blogspot.com/2013/08/thirty-one-months-old.html">last report</a> has been <a href="http://initialmommy.blogspot.com/2013/10/the-final-frontier-of-potty-training.html">POTTY TRAINING</a>!!! Yes, little Mae in October began her journey toward bathroom independence. She did great and after a week or so she got to have the ceremonial jaunt to the store to purchase her underwear! And while she officially was three for 5 days - I would also like to say that she was pull-up free at night by January 15th! No accidents yet at nighttime. Mae Mae is officially potty trained!! This mommy couldn't be more ecstatic.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ywqrhx0cbLA/Uvk436olrmI/AAAAAAAAT2M/o47lKnQJ3hg/s1600/Potty+Trained.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ywqrhx0cbLA/Uvk436olrmI/AAAAAAAAT2M/o47lKnQJ3hg/s1600/Potty+Trained.jpg" height="478" width="640" /></a></div>
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Mae is doing so well on language and talking. She recognizes most of the alphabet - and honestly she probably knows it all, but she's too stubborn to show me. She can count to 12 pretty easily and can count objects up to about six and then she just starts saying random numbers. She loves to play on her leappad that we got her. She is a huge fan of Doc McStuffins, chipmunks as mentioned, and princesses. She's enjoying Calico Critters a lot and loves to build (and destroy) things with blocks. She still is 100% attached to her bear and takes it everywhere - and it gets into the same antics and excitement that she does. <br />
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You see once upon a time on Halloween when Mae was having quiet time - she was overly quiet for a long time - I assumed she had fallen asleep... but then a long time went on past brother's quiet time and I decided to look in on her to see if she was getting in a good snooze... upon entering the room I found her like this...<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KbUWfKlRmMQ/Uvk8TSKxKFI/AAAAAAAAT2o/4h6kXdmi15Q/s1600/tiger2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KbUWfKlRmMQ/Uvk8TSKxKFI/AAAAAAAAT2o/4h6kXdmi15Q/s1600/tiger2.jpg" height="478" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BVWOoeEn2NI/Uvk8TeiPveI/AAAAAAAAT2k/nVMzygzmwSA/s1600/tiger.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BVWOoeEn2NI/Uvk8TeiPveI/AAAAAAAAT2k/nVMzygzmwSA/s1600/tiger.jpg" height="478" width="640" /></a></div>
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Yes, at some point in her quiet time she had managed to sneak across the hall into my room and found (THANK GOD!) a dry erase marker. She went to town and every inch of her body was covered... every last bit... I'm not exaggerating. I have to give her kudos though her face design was very nicely done - she explained that she wanted to be a tiger for Halloween and had given herself and her bear (and other friends) tiger stripes. Along with her mirror, her dora doll, nearly every FP Little Person... Brother was a big help and went to work with some wipes and cleaned up all of the plastic items that were drawn on - the easiest items to clean. Never mind on on top of it all I found her IN her sock drawer (something I hadn't seen her attempt before, nor is she sanctioned for such locations!) Mae got a bath, the neighbor loaned me her rubbing alcohol and I got underway scrubbing stuffed animals to get them clean. While dry erase marker comes of plastic and people pretty easily - stuffed animals - not so much! Bear and her bunny both have some scars and the other two friends I didn't even really try to get clean. Upon finding her she said that it made her happy! It was really impossible to be mad at her. ;) <br />
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There is so much I could elaborate on and perhaps I'll come back and add more to this post - but I feel Mae can say it best. ;) So below are some conversations and then her debut interview (which I did do on her birthday, I'm just woefully behind on the blogging!) <span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}">I memorialize conversations and silly things that she says on the social networking site - so a few gems and musing that I captured this past year I've jotted down here. </span><span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><br /></span>
<span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}">December 3, 2013</span><br />
<i><span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}">Mae
was awake when I went to check on her just now, so I snuggled into bed
and let her touch my tummy (her comfort thing) and I ran my fingers
through her hair and laid there for a while and then gave her a hug and a
kiss and tucked her in and said good night and she whispered as she was
falling asleep "You're a good mom." So sweet!</span></i><br />
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<span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}">November 26, 2013</span><br />
<span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><i>"I know everything in the whole world."</i> - Mae</span></span><br />
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<span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}">November 22, 2013</span></span><br />
<i><span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}">Writing
cards on what we are thankful for and Aiden wrote 'For God' and said:
"I'm going to give this to God." To which Mae grinned, held up hers, and
said: "And I'm going to give mine to Egypt!"</span> </span></span></i><br />
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<span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}">November 12, 2013</span></span><br />
<span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><i>"For Christmas I want to give Barbies! Pink and Purple ones. I'm going to give one to Grammie and one to Mr. C!"</i> - Mae</span> </span></span><i><span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"> </span></span></i><br />
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<span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}">August 16, 2013</span></span><br />
<i><span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}">A: There was a scary noise downstairs!<br /> M: Don't worry brother - Jesus will protect you with his powers.<br /> A: Sister come down with me.<br /> M: I'm not Jesus! I'm not going down there!</span> </span></span><span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"> </span></span></i><br />
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<span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}">July 2, 2013</span></span><br />
<span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><i>"We love Jesus more than lollipops and lemonade!!! ... and I love lemonade.... a LOT!" </i>- Mae</span></span></span><br />
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<span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}">June 14, 2013</span></span></span><br />
<span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><i><span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}">My daughter says "I'm disney" or "Woah! I'm so disney!" whenever she feels dizzy. I love it!</span></i></span></span></span><br />
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<span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}">April 2, 2013</span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><i><span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}">Scene: Aiden trying to get one egg from Mae's Easter basket hooked on her arm. <br /> Mae: NO IT'S MINE! NO, BRUDER! NOoOOoooOOoo!!!<br /> Me: M, who does everything belong to? <br /> Mae: Jesus<br /> Me: And what do you think he'd want you to do?<br /> Mae: Hug my heart. <br /> Me: ::giggle:: and what else might he want you to do? <br /> Mae: ::SIGH:: share with bruder and be kind.<br /> Me: It's true! Is that what you want to do? (Fully expected a confidant "NO!")<br /> Mae: (Gives brother her whole Easter basket, smiles, and skips off to something else.)</span> </span><span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"> </span></i></span></span></span><br />
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<span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}">January 11, 2013</span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><i>"One, two, free, four... six, seven, eight, nine, bast off!"</i> - Mae</span> </span><i><span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"> </span></i></span></span></span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KwcIlB9_H4I/Uvk42-UGUSI/AAAAAAAAT2A/JyVIn826pP4/s1600/M+3+Year+Photos+011-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KwcIlB9_H4I/Uvk42-UGUSI/AAAAAAAAT2A/JyVIn826pP4/s1600/M+3+Year+Photos+011-3.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">See bunny cleaned up pretty well, although he's much more dingy than he used to be!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yoBanob2g-U/Uvk428pso_I/AAAAAAAAT2I/OU1OiPtyf4Q/s1600/M+3+Year+Photos+023-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yoBanob2g-U/Uvk428pso_I/AAAAAAAAT2I/OU1OiPtyf4Q/s1600/M+3+Year+Photos+023-2.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
<span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><i><span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"> </span></i></span></span></span>Mae's Interview: <br />
<span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><i><span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"> </span></i> </span></span></span><i><span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"></span></i><br />
<span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span style="color: #38761d;">1. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE T. V. SHOW? <i>Daniel Tiger</i></span><br /><span style="color: #38761d;"><i></i></span><br /><span style="color: #38761d;">2. WHAT DID YOU HAVE FOR BREAKFAST? <i>Umm.. Pickles!</i> (No you didn't) <i>Tuna sandwich, and bread, and tuna is my favorite </i>(Yes, but what for breakfast this morning?) <i>Um, um, a smoothie and oatmeal! </i>(Yes, yes you did!)</span></span><br />
<span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span style="color: #38761d;"> </span><br /><span style="color: #38761d;">3. WHAT IS YOUR MIDDLE NAME? Said first and middle name together... claiming it was her first name! ;) </span><br /><span style="color: #38761d;"></span><br /><span style="color: #38761d;">4. FAVORITE FOOD? <i>Pickles (</i>When have you ever had pickles??<i>) Tuna sandwich </i>(I'm sensing a theme<i>) </i></span><br /><br /><span style="color: #38761d;">5. WHAT FOOD DO YOU DISLIKE? </span><i><span style="color: #38761d;">Pickle juice (</span></i><span style="color: #38761d;">Well that's perplexing</span><i><span style="color: #38761d;">)</span></i></span><br />
<span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><i><span style="color: #38761d;"></span></i></span><span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><br /><span style="color: #38761d;">6. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE COLOR?<i> Purple! (</i>Yes, very true!<i>) </i></span><br /><span style="color: #38761d;"><i></i></span><br /><span style="color: #38761d;">7. FAVORITE LUNCH? <i>Jamba Juice! </i></span><br /><span style="color: #38761d;"><i></i></span><br /><span style="color: #38761d;">8. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE THING TO DO? <i>Watch Daniel Tiger (</i>You sure?<i>) I like the Party Game its my favorite game in the whole world. </i></span></span><br />
<span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span style="color: #38761d;"><i></i></span></span><span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><br /><span style="color: #38761d;">9. IF YOU COULD GO ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD ON VACATION, WHERE WOULD YOU GO? <i>With Uncle Kai and Aunt A (</i>Yes, but where with them?<i>) to the movie theater. </i></span><br /><span style="color: #38761d;"><i></i></span><br /><span style="color: #38761d;">10. FAVORITE SPORT? <i>I played soccer once with my dad!</i></span><br /><br /><span style="color: #38761d;">11. WHEN IS YOUR BIRTHDAY? <i>On January, mom! </i></span></span><br />
<span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span style="color: #38761d;"><i></i></span></span><span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><br /><span style="color: #38761d;"></span><span style="color: #38761d;">12. ARE YOU A MORNING PERSON OR A NIGHT PERSON? <i>A morning girl. </i></span></span><br />
<span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span style="color: #38761d;"><i></i></span></span><span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><br /><span style="color: #38761d;">13. PETS: <i>I have Pixel, that's our pet, mom!</i> </span><br /><br /><span style="color: #38761d;">14. ANY NEW AND EXCITING NEWS YOU'D LIKE TO SHARE WITH US? <i>Playing hippopotamus when brother's gone. </i></span></span><br />
<span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span style="color: #38761d;"><i> </i></span><br /><span style="color: #38761d;">15. WHAT DO YOU WANT TO BE WHEN YOU GROW UP ? <i>I want to be um superhero uh the Green Lantern. The Marshmellow Hunter. </i>(That sounds exciting!) </span></span><br />
<span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span style="color: #38761d;"><i> </i><i> </i></span><br /><span style="color: #38761d;">16. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE CANDY? <i>Um donuts! I mean oreos. </i></span></span><br />
<span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span style="color: #38761d;"><i> </i></span><br /><span style="color: #38761d;">17. WHERE IS THE FURTHEST YOU'VE EVER BEEN FROM HOME? <i>In our neighborhood.</i> </span></span><br />
<span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span style="color: #38761d;"> </span><br /><span style="color: #38761d;">18. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE BOOK? <i>Tinkerbell story? I mean the lion story</i> (She's just listing movies....) <i>The princess!</i> (That is book.) </span></span><br />
<span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span style="color: #38761d;"></span></span><span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><br /><span style="color: #38761d;">19. WHAT ARE YOU MOST PROUD OF? <i> "You building the hardwood floor (</i>But mommy didn't build it<i>) who builded our hardwood floor (</i>the installers... what are YOU most proud of about YOU?<i>) I am most proud of my bear. </i></span></span><br />
<span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span style="color: #38761d;"><i></i></span><br /><span style="color: #38761d;">20. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE MOVIE? <i>Turbo Fast </i></span></span><br />
<span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span style="color: #38761d;"><i> </i></span><br /><span style="color: #38761d;">21. WHICH CAME FIRST, THE CHICKEN OR THE EGG? <i>The Egg. The egg, mom. (</i>Why?<i>) Because it IS! </i></span></span><br />
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AP Mommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15753122081917733068noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6712343939254486806.post-63056459268022913002014-01-09T23:30:00.000-06:002014-01-10T01:33:34.996-06:00The Eve of ThreeI'm not sure why three is such a significant capture of time for me along the milestones of my babes - but it is. Maybe it's the way I categorize their photos - one for each month of their lives... until I stop counting in months... when they turn three. Whatever the nostalgia of it - it is once again happening. Mae is turning three tomorrow. I still have until 2:53pm before it's official, but no one really counts that. When she awakes tomorrow she will be three. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">18 hours old</td></tr>
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As I did with <a href="http://initialmommy.blogspot.com/2011/08/eve-of-three.html">Ace</a> I have compiled a collage of Mae from Month 1 through Month 35 in a collage. It's hard to believe she was so tiny, and yet is still so tiny! <br />
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36 months have past since she entered this world. She's had many adventures, so many on her own path differing from her brother's. She's her own spunky spirited self and a mirror of me in many many ways. I look forward to the coming year. Mae will finally get to start school (in September) she's been wanting to since she understood that is where brother goes. She has much excitement yet to come. Happy Birthday Eve, Sweet Mae! <br />
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Our mother-daughter journey continues. I hope that it only can grow stronger and greater as time presses forward. May she continue to love Jesus and grow into the amazing person that I believe she is destine to be. <br />
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<br />AP Mommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15753122081917733068noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6712343939254486806.post-66143004658842684102014-01-07T16:37:00.000-06:002014-01-10T16:40:23.035-06:00Eight Years Gone ByIt crept up on me again - the reminder that this week marks the beginning of your absence for eight years gone by. The pain of this day in particular isn't as palpable as it once was. But a grim feeling and sadness in general typically sneaks up on me this week and until I realize its because of your passing it seems strange. I miss you without even thinking of you lately. That seems weird and hard. I wish you were here to see your grandkids. I wish you were there for mom. It's not your fault you're gone, but I so wish you were still here. I recently received pictures from our Troop and there were some of you. I love 'new' pictures of you - even if they are decades old. It makes you seem not so gone. I miss you. <br />
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AP Mommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15753122081917733068noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6712343939254486806.post-82353472766470401192014-01-06T18:40:00.002-06:002014-01-06T18:43:02.419-06:00Project 365 - DecemberAnother great month of photography. I try my best to post daily each of my <a href="http://apmommy365.blogspot.com/">365 photos</a> (although I just a two-week catch up today!) I had a few extra days of 'camera fatigue' and relied on only my cell phone for a few shots - but I suppose that is to be expected with December being a high picture time. :) Some notable events and particular photo favorites: <a href="http://apmommy365.blogspot.com/2013/12/snow.html">our snow</a> and <a href="http://apmommy365.blogspot.com/2013/12/welcome-olivia.html">Olivia's arrival</a>. <br />
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Looking forward to the photos of 2014! I hope your 2014 is off to a great beginning! <br />
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AP Mommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15753122081917733068noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6712343939254486806.post-34927987416232872472014-01-06T17:14:00.000-06:002014-01-06T17:14:40.688-06:002013 in Photos<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />AP Mommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15753122081917733068noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6712343939254486806.post-990396084314603452014-01-06T16:13:00.000-06:002014-01-06T16:13:28.583-06:00Best of 2013Every year I take a moment at either the end of the year or the start of the new year and reflect on the past twelve months. I've been coming up with a combo of these <a href="http://initialmommy.blogspot.com/search/label/Best%20of...">'Best Of'</a> posts now for a decade now. It's a chance to reflect on a year gone by and what events truly stick out and matter. There is always a little bit of bad or sad mixed in with what most of the time is reflected upon as a great year, this year was no different. Here's to a great 2014!<br /><br />Best of 2013<br />
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<strong>Best Event:</strong> <a href="http://initialmommy.blogspot.com/2013/10/a-super-5th-birthday.html">Superhero Ace's 5th Birthday</a><br /><br /><strong>Best Movies:</strong> Saving Mr. Banks and Gravity </div>
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<strong>Best Over-Played Song:</strong> Sunday School Music (It's a Fisher Price cd and it makes Mae so happy and made Ace (and dad) groan to listen to it. I fell somewhere in the middle.) </div>
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<br /><strong>Best Book:</strong> Divergent <br /><br /><strong>Best New-ity of 2013:</strong> Our new living room remodel<br /><br /><strong>Most Shocking News of 2013:</strong> Katie making the brave decision to cease chemo and enjoy the remainder of time with her family. Followed by her passing in April. <br /><br /> MW's Words of the Year: <a href="http://www.merriam-webster.com/info/2013-word-of-the-year.htm">science</a> (better than the other dictionary that went with "selfie" GROAN) <br /> Jo's Word of the Year: photography (yes, second year running!) <br /><br /><strong>Events of 2013 in no particular order:</strong><br /> 1. <a href="http://initialmommy.blogspot.com/2013/01/725-days-of-bonding.html">End of Mama Milk</a><br /> 2. Deployments<br /> 3. <a href="http://initialmommy.blogspot.com/2013/09/first-day-of-kindergarten.html">Ace started Kindergarten</a><br /> 4. <a href="http://initialmommy.blogspot.com/2013/10/the-final-frontier-of-potty-training.html">Mae potty trained</a>!! NO MORE DIAPERS EVER!!!<br /> 5. <a href="http://initialmommy.blogspot.com/search/label/365">Project 365</a><br /> 6. Becky's baby shower and Hannah Jo's arrival<br /> 7. Ace learns to read<br /> 8. Playground Pack fun<br /> 9. New job at my church<br /> 10. Olivia's early arrival<br /> </div>
AP Mommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15753122081917733068noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6712343939254486806.post-18856593695263898072014-01-06T15:38:00.000-06:002014-01-06T15:38:18.178-06:00The Christmas TrainYes another year and another successful outing with our family and our Christmas train! Yes the kids go to bed like any other night and then shortly after we say good night we come back with their tickets and their Santa hats and we board the Christmas Train! We have Christmas music, decorations in the car, Christmas blankets, a snack (oranges this year!) and we go on an adventure to find great Christmas light displays. <br /><br />During our outing we allow the kids to choose the direction from time to time and they love it. We go out for about an hour and then come back home and put them to bed. It's a great tradition that we've done for a couple of years and they asked several more times if they could go again on the Christmas Train! Can't wait until next year! <br />
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AP Mommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15753122081917733068noreply@blogger.com1