tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-42578696247218146172024-03-14T01:41:52.505-04:00The Shaw ShackMommy. Wife. My Life.The Shaw Shackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04853381533153663490noreply@blogger.comBlogger126125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4257869624721814617.post-38510977129478885232013-03-07T00:15:00.000-05:002013-03-07T00:15:10.282-05:00Weight and Inches Lost from Fit FebruaryHey Guys! I feel really successful with the month of February. I had at least 30 minutes of exercise at least 3 days a week, and tried to be as close as possible to my goal calorie intake on My Fitness Pal. There were some days where I could treat myself to a 90 cal. mini ice cream sandwich because I was still under my goal. I <i>loved</i> those days. :)<br />
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So, by sticking with working out and paying attention to what I am eating, I have lost 3 pounds and 6 inches! <br />
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Here are my stats:<br />
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Starting weight (beginning of February...sadly, <i>not</i> my heaviest) : 149 lbs.</div>
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Measurements:</div>
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Arms- R:12 1/2" L: 12 1/2"</div>
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Waist: 31"</div>
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Hips: 37"</div>
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Butt: 41 1/2"</div>
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Thighs- R Upper: 24" Lower: 19 1/2" L Upper: 24 1/2" Lower: 20" I have an inner thigh problem</div>
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Ending weight: 146 lbs.</div>
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Measurements:</div>
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Arms- R: 12" L:12"</div>
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Waist: 30"</div>
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Hips: 37"</div>
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Butt: 40.5"</div>
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Thighs- R Upper: 23" Lower: 19" L Upper: 24" Lower: 19"</div>
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There ya have it. I did all the measurements myself, so I don't know how accurate they are but at least there's some loss!<br />
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I was a little disappointed with the actual weight lost. I thought it would have been more. I <i>do</i> have to say that I weighed myself today and was actually down to 143! After a couple weeks of my weight plateauing, it decided to drop. I am soo close to the 130s, I am going to bust my butt to get there! What sucks? Before pregnancy, the heaviest I had ever been was 138. :/ Oh to be young again. Ha!<br />
By the end of the month, I noticed a major difference in the way my pants fit. I didn't feel like I was cutting off the circulation to my stomach. AND! My belt is one notch in. Heck yeah! I am also starting to see definition in my abs, and my arms and legs are tightening back up! Yoga is so awesome and can tell that it is having a major impact on transforming my shape. <br />
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Plans for March: <br />
SOOOO many people are doing the 10 Day Clean Eating Challenge using Advocare. I have been interested for a while and thought I would wait and see how all my peeps do before investing in it. <br />
I am also considering buying Jillian's 30 Day Shred DVD. Once again, I have read and seen lots of great things as long as you stick to it.<br />
I am also thinking about investing more time at the gym/working out on the weekends. Waking up early and having Brian take care of the Bobe's in the morning. Guy time, ya know? :)<br />
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Well, that's it! I'll keep you updated as the poundage is lost! <br />
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<br />The Shaw Shackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04853381533153663490noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4257869624721814617.post-83696798711498522582013-02-22T18:03:00.001-05:002013-02-22T18:03:35.941-05:00Birthday Wish List: Fit February Style!My 29th birthday is coming up in a few weeks, and while I will not be at my goal weight as I was hoping <a href="http://the-shaw-shack.blogspot.com/2012/08/inspire-me-healthy-week-2.html" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">here</span></a>, I am definitely on my way! With this new attitude to kick butt and take names, I was thinking of all the fun stuff that I would like to have for birthday. <br />
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A Bondi Band, preferably <a href="http://www.bondiband.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=HB%2D1589" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">this one</span></a>. This is meant to keep the sweat off your face. There have been times during yoga where sweat has been dripping down my nose....<i>real attractive.</i> I love the colors and the print and $8, you can't beat it.<br />
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Fabulous, no?</div>
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Either an <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Apple-iPod-shuffle-NEWEST-MODEL/dp/B0097BEEIW/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1361571096&sr=8-2&keywords=ipod+shuffle" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">iPod shuffle</span></a> </span>or an <a href="http://www.amazon.com/iArmbands-armband-band-iPhone-OTTERBOX/dp/B009DJI4ES/ref=sr_1_9?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1361571184&sr=1-9&keywords=iphone+5+arm+band" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">arm band</span></a> that will fit my iPhone 5. I would just clip the shuffle to my shirt/strap and only download workout music on it. I have taken my phone and headphones to the Y when running on the treadmill there, but the earphone cord is not long enough to reach if I set my phone on the treadmill ledge. I like the earphones I have because they have a clip to wrap around my ear and stay in place. This will also help when I start running outside. We all know music helps get the body pumped!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFlQ3CIgVYjfSMddLXKT1HAlexnVmV6BQ0ysY0GsutAWdcEhlJ1Zv28ECluPF6jymvNuuCKXdLpDKzix11XYJ5EwyVRtFOssH5hZQyQsCicSUlVzCUiYD_HSlP5y8xTX41YzO86mBkZ2Y/s1600/71cTEmJn3AL._SL1500_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFlQ3CIgVYjfSMddLXKT1HAlexnVmV6BQ0ysY0GsutAWdcEhlJ1Zv28ECluPF6jymvNuuCKXdLpDKzix11XYJ5EwyVRtFOssH5hZQyQsCicSUlVzCUiYD_HSlP5y8xTX41YzO86mBkZ2Y/s320/71cTEmJn3AL._SL1500_.jpg" width="220" /></a></div>
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Love the blue!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJJtKjftg601lzdHTiJhA4p__UizzDxd-6rMkY4m_-Dn0f1zaGm8heIMhi9EWIBZkeyPQ_FU0dNRHQ93KR5zio3aaPfDtGExfDzZWxNJRaNJut7wenUe9_XNVZ-l31JEnZC25p9KWtn_4/s1600/41JkBW1+7GL._SS400_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJJtKjftg601lzdHTiJhA4p__UizzDxd-6rMkY4m_-Dn0f1zaGm8heIMhi9EWIBZkeyPQ_FU0dNRHQ93KR5zio3aaPfDtGExfDzZWxNJRaNJut7wenUe9_XNVZ-l31JEnZC25p9KWtn_4/s320/41JkBW1+7GL._SS400_.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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This one is awesome because it fits the phone WITH the Otterbox on it.</div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Moving-Comfort-Womens-Juno-White/dp/B002T1FV9I/ref=sr_1_cc_1?s=aps&ie=UTF8&qid=1361571332&sr=1-1-catcorr&keywords=moving+comfort+juno" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">Moving Comfort Juno Sports Bra</span></a>. I have heard this bra is amazing and helps keeps the girls in place. I am a bit heavy chested so anything to help would be nice. My girls<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"> <a href="http://www.mamalaughlin.com/" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">Mamalaughlin</span></a> </span>and <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"><a href="http://missmadisonscharmedlife.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">SkinnyMeg</span></a> </span>swear by 'em.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4ijvHRh3d3wvyg8sDSYE8_aqnjqtCBtNtrp9iq5nHexy2VKZ2wXr1pJ-PI8zksKrOUyxTAcAwXD_L27z02QEchWsNPdCJcwYtL_tq3-WS1B1lqdLYtUUoBKV8TKQSPFRSZ3AGt-4ZcQ4/s1600/41yMDgTuuhL._SX342_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4ijvHRh3d3wvyg8sDSYE8_aqnjqtCBtNtrp9iq5nHexy2VKZ2wXr1pJ-PI8zksKrOUyxTAcAwXD_L27z02QEchWsNPdCJcwYtL_tq3-WS1B1lqdLYtUUoBKV8TKQSPFRSZ3AGt-4ZcQ4/s320/41yMDgTuuhL._SX342_.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Any color would be awesome.</div>
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A <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Polar-Heart-Rate-Monitor-Purple/dp/B005M1P85O/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1361571525&sr=8-1&keywords=polar+heart+rate+monitor" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">Polar Heart Rate Monitor</span></a> watch or <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Garmin-Forerunner-GPS-Enabled-Unisex-Sport/dp/B003JNYULA/ref=sr_1_1?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1361571587&sr=1-1&keywords=garmin+forerunner+110" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">Garmin Forerunner 110</span></a>. The Polar only measures your heart rate and calories burned, whereas the Garmin does that and tracks running distance and average pace per mile. It has been frustrating to try and enter calories on MyFitnessPal (username:Farfignoogan) when I do classes like BodyFlow and Zumba. Even the treadmill calculations are different at the Y and at home. I would like to be more specific, so I can maximize my weight loss opportunity! The Garmin is a little more pricey, but I <i>am</i> hoping to step off the treadmill and get outside once the weather warms up and my body gets back its running groove. Once I gain more confidence in my endurance, I <i>may</i> even look into 10Ks and Half Marathons around here. WATCH OUT! <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZbyz3XN8XLPuPmsmnVPo_PVV_NJsXRznWY9teFdrmu0aBha2vrdhZyuvJVxojaD4po23Q5tJXhyphenhyphenIRtFW-svFtz3dnEMrZD9k1Da7XXsiBCBR9vTGawm1HiFz5rmQikj6CLm48jAUKxT4/s1600/71Zf9sPbX+L._SL1500_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZbyz3XN8XLPuPmsmnVPo_PVV_NJsXRznWY9teFdrmu0aBha2vrdhZyuvJVxojaD4po23Q5tJXhyphenhyphenIRtFW-svFtz3dnEMrZD9k1Da7XXsiBCBR9vTGawm1HiFz5rmQikj6CLm48jAUKxT4/s320/71Zf9sPbX+L._SL1500_.jpg" width="320" /></a>Love these colors!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZxAiPa8nA3a0u_wh3a4DXgwlYJ4EdoCmpc7OetVsX4TPuVPgCxHLxhXd3ImRx30Nfmfc8P86q8xBO5cozgmwak85uOZDmD4SL24pY68jCYS1ZqLqBBj-T0-L-q3rCiZQ57vb9UjNsWV0/s1600/613Zttt+jCL._SL1000_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZxAiPa8nA3a0u_wh3a4DXgwlYJ4EdoCmpc7OetVsX4TPuVPgCxHLxhXd3ImRx30Nfmfc8P86q8xBO5cozgmwak85uOZDmD4SL24pY68jCYS1ZqLqBBj-T0-L-q3rCiZQ57vb9UjNsWV0/s320/613Zttt+jCL._SL1000_.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a><br />
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Running Gear. <a href="http://oldnavy.gap.com/browse/search.do?searchText=activewear&searchDivName=Women&submit.x=0&submit.y=0" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">Old Navy</span></a> has really cute workout tops and pants, I have heard <a href="http://shop.lululemon.com/home.jsp" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">Lululemon</span></a> is amazing and would love to own their products, and a new shop that is pretty sweet is <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/RufflesWithLove?ref=top_trail" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">Ruffles with Love</span> </a>on etsy. They sell super cute tanks with funny/encouraging sayings on the front. Here are some examples of the ones I like:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx62owLyG7Wcg8HdDEO12wF5_OqSUUALw-XGkXLHo932IBNdlPoun2-faYyXEU-JFx6dODBKh2IqilkSRfaJYs541iQQHB-tQWiG2OGS7zqRoPd7R_tKI8eUkYZb9J8xXOO731B6sqLvc/s1600/il_570xN.383142221_36y3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx62owLyG7Wcg8HdDEO12wF5_OqSUUALw-XGkXLHo932IBNdlPoun2-faYyXEU-JFx6dODBKh2IqilkSRfaJYs541iQQHB-tQWiG2OGS7zqRoPd7R_tKI8eUkYZb9J8xXOO731B6sqLvc/s1600/il_570xN.383142221_36y3.jpg" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQZ5Gy3kZcZe0ltqf99iyBrc-0L_4Hif3EvfNQQNMj_OPBdjwskjSoT26Mu3xdwjQaxKINz9Zf46jdAqFq89tf48JtxWFyW8wVtHvwk-2eKn2FNbfDx48QCH_P_9yAEh9vvD3mq65Kv1g/s1600/il_570xN.353838819_pks0.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQZ5Gy3kZcZe0ltqf99iyBrc-0L_4Hif3EvfNQQNMj_OPBdjwskjSoT26Mu3xdwjQaxKINz9Zf46jdAqFq89tf48JtxWFyW8wVtHvwk-2eKn2FNbfDx48QCH_P_9yAEh9vvD3mq65Kv1g/s1600/il_570xN.353838819_pks0.jpg" style="cursor: move;" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnDZZxpjFL8uYQrys0tljpNpdAmsTuM_-4nPX-Og5dx_H4xWLQ_S8cFVqji2jxgyZyOOqJOzskVGhISvadg9SDUKNPa-Shgy3PgG5so_x0fNTXpSsNGcINA6YRQiaMtbhZZxPf4_C8hH4/s1600/il_570xN.341342050.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnDZZxpjFL8uYQrys0tljpNpdAmsTuM_-4nPX-Og5dx_H4xWLQ_S8cFVqji2jxgyZyOOqJOzskVGhISvadg9SDUKNPa-Shgy3PgG5so_x0fNTXpSsNGcINA6YRQiaMtbhZZxPf4_C8hH4/s1600/il_570xN.341342050.jpg" style="cursor: move;" /></a><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLpgbumOfRTA2gKzzkZj_Eat7TlC-fMsRWPXheD08o8P9h5_bzMNRz_kR3tB5pzoL-9zFmubnjt4SbGTmF2kgdSNKHW8jZ7AdgeYocZuIzD9tXE49Vzv4XTwgmDVxO03CSc8XO3GSHCb0/s1600/il_570xN.347048885.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLpgbumOfRTA2gKzzkZj_Eat7TlC-fMsRWPXheD08o8P9h5_bzMNRz_kR3tB5pzoL-9zFmubnjt4SbGTmF2kgdSNKHW8jZ7AdgeYocZuIzD9tXE49Vzv4XTwgmDVxO03CSc8XO3GSHCb0/s1600/il_570xN.347048885.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This one would be perfect if I decided to do a half!</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx62owLyG7Wcg8HdDEO12wF5_OqSUUALw-XGkXLHo932IBNdlPoun2-faYyXEU-JFx6dODBKh2IqilkSRfaJYs541iQQHB-tQWiG2OGS7zqRoPd7R_tKI8eUkYZb9J8xXOO731B6sqLvc/s1600/il_570xN.383142221_36y3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhadZqLb5gG1I1bZpnbiEdZn1kR3ezTLGnol_6yBR9sni8hAX-mQgU462hhVjOaDN2BYVxw2dp4WWh29QhWm_h7VPDWeA5gzIrl14TOwMXrOxELFbvAnJwRKEp1h11q1houFL02HD3pzvg/s1600/il_170x135.410208324_q0gu.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="317" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhadZqLb5gG1I1bZpnbiEdZn1kR3ezTLGnol_6yBR9sni8hAX-mQgU462hhVjOaDN2BYVxw2dp4WWh29QhWm_h7VPDWeA5gzIrl14TOwMXrOxELFbvAnJwRKEp1h11q1houFL02HD3pzvg/s400/il_170x135.410208324_q0gu.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">HOW CUTE IS THIS FOR WHEN MAMA HAS HER PREGGER BELLY?!!</td></tr>
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So....that's it! Fun workout gear! I am hoping to post Brody's 18 month update this weekend! Stay tuned!</div>
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The Shaw Shackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04853381533153663490noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4257869624721814617.post-81198637356303907822013-02-08T23:34:00.001-05:002013-02-08T23:34:07.948-05:00Fit February: Some awesome workout apps and my workout scheduleHey y'all! So, a couple days ago, I suggested the My Fitness Pal app which is amazing at tracking your calories and diet. Let's get movin' and groovin' now, shall we?<br />
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I'm talking about exercise, baby. Gettin' yer workout on. Along with being more conscious of what I eat, I have been sweatin' it up and feeling fabulous. Really, it's amazing how that spike in endorphins can just make you <i>feel</i> skinny. Before I share two apps that I love using, I thought I would share the workout schedule I am following right now.<br />
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Starting with Monday: Rest Day. Sorry to start it off so boring, but really it's the only day that I do absolutely nothing so my muscles can relax a bit. And it's a Monday. I always have a case of the Mondays.<br />
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Tuesday: Body Flow at the Y during the day. I am lucky that I can be flexible while babysitting my niece and taking care of my son and hit the gym for an hour during the day. If you have never heard of Body Flow, it is a Les Mills class that is like very intense yoga. When I was much thinner, I went to these classes on the reg and totally saw my body change because of it. I even took an instructor training class, but decided not to work at the Y since I was starting my student teaching. <br />
So far, I have been going to Zumba at a church on Tues. nights as well. This will change soon though, because my sister-in-law is starting up a weekly bible study that night. I might have to add cardio at home on the treadmill.<br />
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Wednesday: Zumba at the Y first thing in the morning and then Body Flow right after 'work.'<br />
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Thursday: Same as Tuesday. Body Flow and Zumba.<br />
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Friday: I take it a little easy on the weekends and have started the Couch to 5K app (which I will talk about in a second :) ). This is just a 30 minute walk/run (for now) on the treadmill.<br />
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Saturday: So far, I have only been running on the treadmill using the app, but I noticed that the Y has a Vinyasa Yoga class at 9 on Saturday mornings and then a step aerobics class after. I may try to add those lovelies in this weekend to see how I feel. <br />
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Sunday: C25K app on the treadmill. <br />
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AND THIS IS WHY I REST ON MONDAY! :) haha<br />
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So let's talk about this app. It's awesome. It's FREE. and it's so so easy to use.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT0mlw0-rp9svhX14P3_ilISbVsL1SwCohAyJI-Ju1eTX28FCOpqShQWcjC5KAi2YWxxcgF5m9QbAMpKOtTOCuMJ0Ym2iUPG7pSTG9HQqQJjxliCRuXt3VyiGB4TT-iLpOG6mfUDyCOrI/s1600/c25kfree_icon.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT0mlw0-rp9svhX14P3_ilISbVsL1SwCohAyJI-Ju1eTX28FCOpqShQWcjC5KAi2YWxxcgF5m9QbAMpKOtTOCuMJ0Ym2iUPG7pSTG9HQqQJjxliCRuXt3VyiGB4TT-iLpOG6mfUDyCOrI/s320/c25kfree_icon.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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After you download it, you'll notice that it's a 3 day a week program. That is actually nice because if you are struggling with it, you can always continue it throughout the week until it is easier for you to get through it. So far, it has been okay for me. It transitions nicely. I LOVE that the screen has the countdown to your next run/walk, and it even has a *beep* and then a voice letting you know to 'begin jogging/walking now,' 'halfway through,' etc. So, if you were running outside and had your phone strapped around your arm or waist, you would still be cued through your earphones. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHs_WwMSjCocCk1wWUbnvchdqO7KlF4zos6DGqoJslF5G4x1PvLR3bCtcR3Elys5j0obA3wbyPqNCEIDImewVhsDhuNqmW3Ekj7MgsZAWKVkjUUANor2XDWO6U-3acnk_q4_UF2dienGE/s1600/image_thumb%5B7%5D.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHs_WwMSjCocCk1wWUbnvchdqO7KlF4zos6DGqoJslF5G4x1PvLR3bCtcR3Elys5j0obA3wbyPqNCEIDImewVhsDhuNqmW3Ekj7MgsZAWKVkjUUANor2XDWO6U-3acnk_q4_UF2dienGE/s320/image_thumb%5B7%5D.png" width="302" /></a></div>
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Need some motivation while you're jiggling all over the place? The Songza app is for you! Another free one! This app is so cool. It recognizes the time of day and day of the week, so on the 'home page' it gives you a few playlist suggestions, such as 'Entertaining Cool Friends' (Friday night), 'Waking Up Happy' (Wednesday morning), or 'Working Out' (Thursday afternoon). It even has 'Lauren Conrad's Workout Playlist' under 'Popular.' The <i>really </i>cool thing is that you can still listen to the Songza playlist with your C25K app open, AND the song will quiet so you can still hear the 'beep' and notification to walk or run. Pretty darn cool.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjkWwBd3RFNCJfla-y0Zulwnqx-gfU_3UjsoffIDDN3LVfHzNqLmM2fmQDjjlPnmWLLJT3Cz6bfnCgDLVZTlYeB65NpqRqptXTxcDfS7q8Pe8dPRg_UQR-cPy_7wrqahSeZJ-0W860yM8/s1600/songza-logo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjkWwBd3RFNCJfla-y0Zulwnqx-gfU_3UjsoffIDDN3LVfHzNqLmM2fmQDjjlPnmWLLJT3Cz6bfnCgDLVZTlYeB65NpqRqptXTxcDfS7q8Pe8dPRg_UQR-cPy_7wrqahSeZJ-0W860yM8/s320/songza-logo.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW9_ASwfDUF5npN84ky_up7Zx1iBQa7YqsWOnRepai3b_mRtKlH1BMODnBa-H1K8GizkU_lBv5jH2WeFrdtcft1x5h8Gdt5eRRfDKJQkHzi-H7uyiLyj6seXYEoe3GuM_CgU0zPIBEqps/s1600/Songza.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW9_ASwfDUF5npN84ky_up7Zx1iBQa7YqsWOnRepai3b_mRtKlH1BMODnBa-H1K8GizkU_lBv5jH2WeFrdtcft1x5h8Gdt5eRRfDKJQkHzi-H7uyiLyj6seXYEoe3GuM_CgU0zPIBEqps/s320/Songza.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="213" /></a><br />
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SO there's that! Run your buns off! While listening to fantastic hits like WHOOMP, THERE IT IS! The Shaw Shackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04853381533153663490noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4257869624721814617.post-77034691003168140722013-02-05T22:51:00.001-05:002013-02-05T22:51:39.687-05:00Fit February: A Tasty 200 calorie snack/breakfastHey guys! Been workin' your buns off? I have! Been trackin' your calories on My Fitness Pal? I have! Since mid January I have lost about 4 pounds! woop woop! I was just trying out a couple different snack foods that could carry me over to my next meal, and I thought that this one was delicious! The main ingredient is low fat cottage cheese. Now, I know a lot y'all just said BLECH! SO, you <i>could</i> replace the cottage cheese with some greek yogurt, but I am not sure of the calorie difference. Here are the ingredients:<br />
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1/2 cup of Low Fat Cottage Cheese<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMaVYhASf6K5XhFbIx0tm3GJ10f7D38bMup_8hBOPHfYG0pLL4T8hfbvcrBR6yFvcy8blOT3PbGV40ILC6_MIpv6Phbpj6PelszpEOC5in-s5gE4EDtyt02_bigA8j9iShPGw-1HXwhfI/s1600/0002100003476_180X180.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMaVYhASf6K5XhFbIx0tm3GJ10f7D38bMup_8hBOPHfYG0pLL4T8hfbvcrBR6yFvcy8blOT3PbGV40ILC6_MIpv6Phbpj6PelszpEOC5in-s5gE4EDtyt02_bigA8j9iShPGw-1HXwhfI/s320/0002100003476_180X180.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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*I chose low fat instead of fat free because you lose all the flavor with FF<br />
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1/2 cup cut up strawberries<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixhY6z4-8qf3sSnfHOm0CY-j6vu2CxriOQF-k35M4KgyMWJpM9dlCzOV3F9cdEvJmYgjJ6CNyiDKakNquViu-pG-1SLoiOBr1eGctZNm2bdvr_T0oLgS3YfUteknpNoqbd5sb_zGO5114/s1600/11-2cupsstrawberriescutup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixhY6z4-8qf3sSnfHOm0CY-j6vu2CxriOQF-k35M4KgyMWJpM9dlCzOV3F9cdEvJmYgjJ6CNyiDKakNquViu-pG-1SLoiOBr1eGctZNm2bdvr_T0oLgS3YfUteknpNoqbd5sb_zGO5114/s320/11-2cupsstrawberriescutup.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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1/2 cup blueberries<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibe99BM5OdTWMgXCzlycIk3kjHzVOKrEq5lSwl6UFba4vDBeVbZUWj9AbeOtgF-9cMR1MxeJOKQbgmGf5D7CYLN3be8qgVKj01Hoc824KFYc353of9lyx_uLwb169es_PIB_hfJVzW4Aw/s1600/fruit_blueberry_300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibe99BM5OdTWMgXCzlycIk3kjHzVOKrEq5lSwl6UFba4vDBeVbZUWj9AbeOtgF-9cMR1MxeJOKQbgmGf5D7CYLN3be8qgVKj01Hoc824KFYc353of9lyx_uLwb169es_PIB_hfJVzW4Aw/s1600/fruit_blueberry_300.jpg" style="cursor: move;" /></a><br />
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1/4 cup Fiber One cereal (aka rabbit food)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBXCHW7dtRy7HrJkaP2Dlr7otHyVLKVT4YB05eeDjdy2xS3hv_gelnaGmxxGWeDM65ZCh3388aLqOg5yz9isKNZkDKYWTQvDiGwyhlLYVZmNJWh2gHXJ5DlfXxfa-0vAyYKy1u0uXToIs/s1600/1600027505CF.GIF" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBXCHW7dtRy7HrJkaP2Dlr7otHyVLKVT4YB05eeDjdy2xS3hv_gelnaGmxxGWeDM65ZCh3388aLqOg5yz9isKNZkDKYWTQvDiGwyhlLYVZmNJWh2gHXJ5DlfXxfa-0vAyYKy1u0uXToIs/s320/1600027505CF.GIF" style="cursor: move;" width="239" /></a><br />
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1 Tablespoon of Agave Nectar (aka a quick squirt)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-1OOCf42f-fuvYr3OSKSupciOlGAzPUY1lucPHCj1JMpZN1kcPxTBMP185KEMdVzQROk-s4fsqh-YPwD8V5m-TyPWIUBZGb9MlQFMAlwvXsVbrI9LlPjt8HO9jE3IulrB_U7dv76KuJU/s1600/Organic+Raw+Blue+Agave+44+oz.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-1OOCf42f-fuvYr3OSKSupciOlGAzPUY1lucPHCj1JMpZN1kcPxTBMP185KEMdVzQROk-s4fsqh-YPwD8V5m-TyPWIUBZGb9MlQFMAlwvXsVbrI9LlPjt8HO9jE3IulrB_U7dv76KuJU/s1600/Organic+Raw+Blue+Agave+44+oz.jpg" /></a><br />
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Satisfies the four major food groups: Crunchy, creamy, tangy, sweet. Go try it!<br />
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I've got another app that is super duper awesome for you tomorrow! (.....or Thursday)The Shaw Shackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04853381533153663490noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4257869624721814617.post-6744941425193837862013-02-03T13:28:00.001-05:002013-02-03T13:28:59.358-05:00Fit FebruaryHey there my blogging amigos! I have deemed this month.........<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><i>Fit February</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">I have GOT to get in control of this beast! And by<i> this beast</i>, I mean my body. I have<a href="http://the-shaw-shack.blogspot.com/search/label/weight%20loss" target="_blank"> posted in the past</a> about my time with Weight Watchers and weight loss, but I fell off that wagon after a couple months and during a very busy time (1st birthday season). </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">It was when I stepped on the scale and my weight went into the next decade, I knew I had to stop it before it got worse. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">It really started mid-January when I started to run on the treadmill again, got motivated by some <a href="http://missmadisonscharmedlife.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta;">fun</span></a> <a href="http://www.mamalaughlin.com/" style="color: red;" target="_blank">weight</a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: yellow;"> <a href="http://skinnyrunner.com/" target="_blank">loss</a> </span><a href="http://mylifemyway14.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: cyan;">blogs</span></a>, and was graciously given a Y membership. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">So, I am hoping to be more present this month with weight loss updates, foods I am eating, inspiring quotes, cool apps, and great workouts. I took measurements of different parts of my body and hope to see a decrease in numbers. (Don't worry--you'll still see cute pictures of my baby boy. He'll be 18 months on the 10th!) </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">I will start you off with an app that I am sure you have heard of, but might now how just how great it is.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">My Fitness Pal</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjicDqSZ004i80ebnAiJAGOcNP0Jk360HLWlaanFiqdYIiiLpSXySXYbkRcJSc8_HWuF6R4aZztbCZycDlW3XrioGER-ih5g0QqgPBHSO33KfT3D4b8sRN3_VFaPrbCY6whR8loP1_xe3E/s1600/the-best-apps-and-sites_myfitnesspal_jpg_e_a917b4a5971209646cc31f87d166202a1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjicDqSZ004i80ebnAiJAGOcNP0Jk360HLWlaanFiqdYIiiLpSXySXYbkRcJSc8_HWuF6R4aZztbCZycDlW3XrioGER-ih5g0QqgPBHSO33KfT3D4b8sRN3_VFaPrbCY6whR8loP1_xe3E/s320/the-best-apps-and-sites_myfitnesspal_jpg_e_a917b4a5971209646cc31f87d166202a1.jpg" width="290" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://baileylawfirmpa.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/the-best-apps-and-sites_myfitnesspal_jpg_e_a917b4a5971209646cc31f87d166202a1.jpg" target="_blank">source</a></td></tr>
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It is a free app for you to download that will keep a daily food and exercise calorie count. When you sign up, you enter your current weight and activity information and then input your goal weight. It will give you a 'budget' of calories for the day and then as you eat and exercise, you track it on your app. It has SO many different restaurants and products already in the system that you can search for, AND there is even a barcode scanner. I have had even the most random off brand products display full nutritional info. When you exercise, it will 'credit' calories back to you and at the end of the day, will tell you 'If you continue to eat like this, you will weigh ___ in 5 weeks.' That will definitely keep you motivated! It is available on a bunch of different devices and you can even connect with friends for encouragement and accountability. My user name is farfignoogan. I was tired of typing in usernames that were already taken. :) Here is a <a href="http://www.redbookmag.com/health-wellness/advice/my-fitness-pal#slide-5" target="_blank">super quick review</a> of the app from Redbook magazine online.</div>
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I just noticed that they have an online program that does the same thing. <a href="http://www.myfitnesspal.com/" target="_blank">Check it out.</a></div>
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Sign up and get fit with me!<br /><br /><div>
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The Shaw Shackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04853381533153663490noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4257869624721814617.post-26759414687420384642013-01-02T23:46:00.000-05:002013-01-02T23:46:08.617-05:002012 Year In Review...Because Everyone's Doing It!Well, another year is here! While some hate New Year's and the resolutions, I figure...you gotta start somewhere! I think it's fun to look back on what has happened/changed in the past year. I am no longer working in the school system, Brian and I celebrated 6 years, and Brody rocked our socks off with getting some teeth, walking and talking! So, let's take it back, shall we...<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-size: large;"><b>January</b></span></div>
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I wrote about <a href="http://the-shaw-shack.blogspot.com/2012/01/public-diary.html" target="_blank">my struggles with working</a> when all I really wanted was to spend my days with my sweet boy. Little did I know...</div>
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And I set up my crafting station, completed my first sewing project, and <a href="http://the-shaw-shack.blogspot.com/2012/01/my-name-is-jessica-and-i-am-addicted-to.html" target="_blank">showed y'all all my crafting skills.</a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQsW-yH3g9YRXctlVvqAD3AuJ4VQ8c3pMlgYe6zKjVNmRCcchvHat_l7aZ3aLHmO4V_5YlCX07XR8M1KIeFLhuRWKRZkiVKp_dDvKKZfoY4BY5oZEeFw5Dg9Ynst4vE6wchWLagDUp0Q/s1600/IMG_1660.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQsW-yH3g9YRXctlVvqAD3AuJ4VQ8c3pMlgYe6zKjVNmRCcchvHat_l7aZ3aLHmO4V_5YlCX07XR8M1KIeFLhuRWKRZkiVKp_dDvKKZfoY4BY5oZEeFw5Dg9Ynst4vE6wchWLagDUp0Q/s640/IMG_1660.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-size: large;"><b>February</b></span></div>
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I didn't write much this month, but did <a href="http://the-shaw-shack.blogspot.com/2012/02/yesterday.html" target="_blank">experience a warm and amazing day</a> with my family.</div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-size: large;"><b>March</b></span></div>
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I started my <a href="http://the-shaw-shack.blogspot.com/2012/03/lets-be-honest-hfriday.html" target="_blank">Let's Be Honest (H)Friday posts</a> to let you guys know a little bit more about me.</div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-size: large;"><b>April</b></span></div>
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I wrote <a href="http://the-shaw-shack.blogspot.com/2012/04/products-we-love-3-8-months.html" target="_blank">a list of products that baby and I have loved </a>through his 8 months of life. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeYeyoqhcasbQfzSsEXIrlRl8u2gFbyDNwmgidB1-D8wa6KS76Qu_xsPjjE3U4P-bV9ZqkAlnB5f5hXw-H0VDtnON0jyzm_LzfMlvxwNgS_7W6ef9KFfJKyfi07KNkRiVKFGX7h5WfWA/s1600/images.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeYeyoqhcasbQfzSsEXIrlRl8u2gFbyDNwmgidB1-D8wa6KS76Qu_xsPjjE3U4P-bV9ZqkAlnB5f5hXw-H0VDtnON0jyzm_LzfMlvxwNgS_7W6ef9KFfJKyfi07KNkRiVKFGX7h5WfWA/s1600/images.jpeg" style="cursor: move;" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUvOfnQcUm4xOv-97OtzgoSMsBIB4op0Yhp52glOumP0fgP2BCA4oiqLSK9uawXwGPCZXrV1JpxO2IYA3IvN_HvZhpZXTXO72vLg_jx-DBjLT0XE9IxvXTxV87wqyA9NpBxEebtC2UzA/s1600/sophie-the-giraffe-specs%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="222" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUvOfnQcUm4xOv-97OtzgoSMsBIB4op0Yhp52glOumP0fgP2BCA4oiqLSK9uawXwGPCZXrV1JpxO2IYA3IvN_HvZhpZXTXO72vLg_jx-DBjLT0XE9IxvXTxV87wqyA9NpBxEebtC2UzA/s320/sophie-the-giraffe-specs%255B1%255D.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></div>
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I also wrote a funny (I think) post about <a href="http://the-shaw-shack.blogspot.com/2012/04/you-know-youre-mom-of-baby-when.html" target="_blank">the tell tale signs of being a mother</a>.</div>
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Brody celebrated his <a href="http://the-shaw-shack.blogspot.com/2012/04/easter-celebrations.html" target="_blank">first Easter</a>.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPZV_KeewlRVVZAV9nmiZm3_6F45PKiZ1OVUxdPRzHVTQxNV2Ty028jdo4eCeOsWKHUSmBoGK4xmpFz8Z5LLOIvAnGblioQBkk-ozsUH-PhRsLjhr7NlUI3mXWH4K-IkBSwQxgASuCVg/s1600/DSC_0510.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPZV_KeewlRVVZAV9nmiZm3_6F45PKiZ1OVUxdPRzHVTQxNV2Ty028jdo4eCeOsWKHUSmBoGK4xmpFz8Z5LLOIvAnGblioQBkk-ozsUH-PhRsLjhr7NlUI3mXWH4K-IkBSwQxgASuCVg/s640/DSC_0510.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Lack of writing again, but I did <a href="http://the-shaw-shack.blogspot.com/2012/05/to-expectant-mothers.html" target="_blank">give some advice to all you expectant mothers.</a></div>
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I compiled a list of <a href="http://the-shaw-shack.blogspot.com/2012/06/baby-beach-bag.html" target="_blank">baby's beach necessities.</a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOQLF6NcebiAKvk14YacTXnPLilzn6OJPQCEBF8H-ooDkIdmv9EG38t8xB3MLcaZ139hgJrWYAtp1s5vkFXcEVsBknmqjpRn_OUZeMU5KzNp1c26zb22j8A_5hZU_sl7ItQyebC0pR-A/s1600/labeled+beach+gear.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOQLF6NcebiAKvk14YacTXnPLilzn6OJPQCEBF8H-ooDkIdmv9EG38t8xB3MLcaZ139hgJrWYAtp1s5vkFXcEVsBknmqjpRn_OUZeMU5KzNp1c26zb22j8A_5hZU_sl7ItQyebC0pR-A/s640/labeled+beach+gear.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-size: large;"><b>July</b></span></div>
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I wrote <a href="http://the-shaw-shack.blogspot.com/2012/07/this-ones-for-boys.html" target="_blank">a list to the men in this world</a> on how to make a woman swoon.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNjTLEwd69yzZBkFa0pABWZ_ZZmmuLi38CWozJOxNoc3VUBudLpjiJMO12s08NIU_dQIrAiCWA3U_0aGBciVgDVu-SZlQyqNpvzmL4jw4t-2rP2gPjhkj2UqOzyOQ1dqsF9Dhp9DWIvg/s1600/what-a-girl-wants-man-doing-dishes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="328" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNjTLEwd69yzZBkFa0pABWZ_ZZmmuLi38CWozJOxNoc3VUBudLpjiJMO12s08NIU_dQIrAiCWA3U_0aGBciVgDVu-SZlQyqNpvzmL4jw4t-2rP2gPjhkj2UqOzyOQ1dqsF9Dhp9DWIvg/s640/what-a-girl-wants-man-doing-dishes.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Brody turned one!!!! I posted <a href="http://the-shaw-shack.blogspot.com/2012/08/holy-crap.html" target="_blank">pics from his one year shoot</a> and wrote <a href="http://the-shaw-shack.blogspot.com/2012/08/where-has-time-gone.html" target="_blank">a sappy post</a> that I am sure all mothers can relate to. We celebrated his birthday with a <a href="http://the-shaw-shack.blogspot.com/2012/11/brodys-first-birthday-bash.html" target="_blank">surfer themed party.</a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaRvVGF_6D86TTDilVhn4rJZqwCNJEEpL2_gHWplTnOlaHbM8X4K7W-JOIoW9kcJyhPz1DJuTBKxEwON-lmCDFaBQ75urOPo3BP6w2c25OwKItTrqqjlhibb1K5WHJ-qXyb26-ynMnvio/s1600/BrodyShawONE_-39.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaRvVGF_6D86TTDilVhn4rJZqwCNJEEpL2_gHWplTnOlaHbM8X4K7W-JOIoW9kcJyhPz1DJuTBKxEwON-lmCDFaBQ75urOPo3BP6w2c25OwKItTrqqjlhibb1K5WHJ-qXyb26-ynMnvio/s320/BrodyShawONE_-39.jpg" width="270" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoh-7P4KhyLyEr_9H2WhVJO6fpue61qzMa8KBpJNA_sBg8PnEPGJZkgoZ9cWZuSTSumr5rwWjWFaKuooNJ78pILw9Np9ffDZYX76y7Vz8SLq499kEC5sZvO_gJJp64WKnFdwhgVn1F4Q/s1600/Jessica%2526Brody.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoh-7P4KhyLyEr_9H2WhVJO6fpue61qzMa8KBpJNA_sBg8PnEPGJZkgoZ9cWZuSTSumr5rwWjWFaKuooNJ78pILw9Np9ffDZYX76y7Vz8SLq499kEC5sZvO_gJJp64WKnFdwhgVn1F4Q/s320/Jessica%2526Brody.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7_W4b2ktl7eJWYzAntWeYCp02OCdkzEZN78pq4oP_KoXB-X5Fmvvzzcvkpw2YKAOYSTpkeYxEt4OxnaU8Z2JW3ZIKBifctHGuHQvDad8AzQSbRAdaFSELQ2LRZj_fvCtSgTaUu4NWhQ/s1600/IMG_3310.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7_W4b2ktl7eJWYzAntWeYCp02OCdkzEZN78pq4oP_KoXB-X5Fmvvzzcvkpw2YKAOYSTpkeYxEt4OxnaU8Z2JW3ZIKBifctHGuHQvDad8AzQSbRAdaFSELQ2LRZj_fvCtSgTaUu4NWhQ/s640/IMG_3310.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-size: large;"><b>September</b></span></div>
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I <a href="http://the-shaw-shack.blogspot.com/2012/09/i-cut-my-hair.html" target="_blank">cut my bangs</a> and showed you guys some <a href="http://the-shaw-shack.blogspot.com/2012/09/gettin-all-diy-up-in-here.html" target="_blank">quick and easy DIY projects.</a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3hG4UPGdVdU116aPfyryile4w5S5zbR5aEGBOBtTaxP0ZGuqyEPpFqqTogzlkBzh1UzNvnyYdCnjp3A7OxvjUuMEgogAXAKwWI-sVw0Ke60NgQJEAUIwUrjrWvWdLN1HTR1Ege1w3Bw/s1600/cut+hair.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3hG4UPGdVdU116aPfyryile4w5S5zbR5aEGBOBtTaxP0ZGuqyEPpFqqTogzlkBzh1UzNvnyYdCnjp3A7OxvjUuMEgogAXAKwWI-sVw0Ke60NgQJEAUIwUrjrWvWdLN1HTR1Ege1w3Bw/s200/cut+hair.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeV2sv9LMBOiao7blpY_dsnIeTQYTS5p9JsOE7uNLyy5pVofy7fNCeAjrmAkqQAMy3tfNMJRze9s31Zk527VZz1fTVBpmsOu42DpFLMtkmcAm6wzEVC-3lNbCLrODesuSNeouxue5XFw/s1600/mums+and+fall+sign.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeV2sv9LMBOiao7blpY_dsnIeTQYTS5p9JsOE7uNLyy5pVofy7fNCeAjrmAkqQAMy3tfNMJRze9s31Zk527VZz1fTVBpmsOu42DpFLMtkmcAm6wzEVC-3lNbCLrODesuSNeouxue5XFw/s200/mums+and+fall+sign.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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Brian and I celebrated our <a href="http://the-shaw-shack.blogspot.com/2012/10/happy-6-years.html" target="_blank">6 year anniversary!</a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrtcPQ7jSXgSCGKBXiAts-_ShX31gGxgldlAeWY_mUeFuTieIzhRBXEHVjx1txJR4D6sDLC8HTu12Jm0gPtgsmu6CRVrY3oHAimD05hO0I-G1A1POeGD9oHVDcykmbw0bv8v_UhguZIg/s1600/6+year+anniv..jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrtcPQ7jSXgSCGKBXiAts-_ShX31gGxgldlAeWY_mUeFuTieIzhRBXEHVjx1txJR4D6sDLC8HTu12Jm0gPtgsmu6CRVrY3oHAimD05hO0I-G1A1POeGD9oHVDcykmbw0bv8v_UhguZIg/s400/6+year+anniv..jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-size: large;"><b>October</b></span></div>
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Lots happened on this little blog. I did <a href="http://the-shaw-shack.blogspot.com/2012/10/the-girl-behind-blog-vlog-yes-video.html" target="_blank">my first vlog. </a> </div>
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Showed you guys <a href="http://the-shaw-shack.blogspot.com/2012/10/i-wore-whaaaaat.html" target="_blank">my awful fashion sense</a> growing up.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxpejNanqs5Ghsv_qYEugSjq8CQy6KQd5a1aejPeD8d1BJUnV_Cc5NUqoirJO3vrMQG0kLWGp8kIAIfNGaVHO4rQBAWtHkEW-W5wRnp_h1GBRO60JJiD04qzTz25eTx0KRXwmZCYSvSzE/s1600/IMG_4241.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxpejNanqs5Ghsv_qYEugSjq8CQy6KQd5a1aejPeD8d1BJUnV_Cc5NUqoirJO3vrMQG0kLWGp8kIAIfNGaVHO4rQBAWtHkEW-W5wRnp_h1GBRO60JJiD04qzTz25eTx0KRXwmZCYSvSzE/s400/IMG_4241.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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Showed you my <a href="http://the-shaw-shack.blogspot.com/2012/10/bathroom-reveal-finally.html" target="_blank">updated bathroom project.</a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsWI6d4brDwUzldObZTABc6CqAf-SPK_RZrA0o2lXpzI7f9lVkiO6E1d7zr6rkpJXf_BhPoTWPnnDiy87x4tZkXN74RlblCms3fNNLZ8CyM_4ISWhozd7MUUBsUy0y1RFRCk6NQDevuw/s1600/DSC_0058.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsWI6d4brDwUzldObZTABc6CqAf-SPK_RZrA0o2lXpzI7f9lVkiO6E1d7zr6rkpJXf_BhPoTWPnnDiy87x4tZkXN74RlblCms3fNNLZ8CyM_4ISWhozd7MUUBsUy0y1RFRCk6NQDevuw/s640/DSC_0058.jpg" width="424" /></a></div>
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Went to <a href="http://the-shaw-shack.blogspot.com/2012/10/fall-happenings.html" target="_blank">the pumpkin patch </a>with the family and <a href="http://the-shaw-shack.blogspot.com/2012/10/halloween-around-house.html" target="_blank">decorated our house for Halloween. </a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr-FPrJamseaSGf1xw5Y5F2iBHMdluHbfMoGtw69OxiEa4ZqX7lvUmxaJlDBeQviUzwFzadC-JpgVCFvMAifpIQEmIR74eAGx8Rf8D_o-GErTbBK4SR8c01EpjktDYEZWCI0yo8V8tAH0/s1600/IMG_3881.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr-FPrJamseaSGf1xw5Y5F2iBHMdluHbfMoGtw69OxiEa4ZqX7lvUmxaJlDBeQviUzwFzadC-JpgVCFvMAifpIQEmIR74eAGx8Rf8D_o-GErTbBK4SR8c01EpjktDYEZWCI0yo8V8tAH0/s320/IMG_3881.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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I also posted about my <a href="http://the-shaw-shack.blogspot.com/2012/11/ghosts-of-halloweens-past-and-present.html" target="_blank">past halloween costumes.</a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-size: large;"><b>November</b></span></div>
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The new (old) President was elected and I wrote about <a href="http://the-shaw-shack.blogspot.com/2012/11/the-next-4-years.html" target="_blank">the next 4 years.</a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-size: large;"><b>December</b></span></div>
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I was so busy this month that I didn't post hardly anything of substance. Brody had an amazing Christmas and I will be doing a more thorough update in the near future.</div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Hope you had a fabulous New Year!</span></div>
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The Shaw Shackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04853381533153663490noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4257869624721814617.post-30071014994705262132012-12-29T13:48:00.001-05:002012-12-29T20:32:01.678-05:00Bueller? Bueller?I'm still here. I don't know if you knew this already, but the holidays are a really busy time of year. I have been babysitting, cleaning, shopping, crafting, traveling....probably like you have. I have pictures that I want to post of my <i>fall</i> mantel that I feel silly posting now. I want to show my Christmas mantel too, and a bunch of crafts that I have done lately. And a Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Brody's 15-16 month update. Phew....<br />
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But for right now, since it's almost 2013, I thought I'd share some resolutions. <br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-size: x-large;"><b>2013 New Year's Resolutions</b></span></div>
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1. Lose that weight. Seriously. My husband is in on it with me. I am going to walk/run/do something active for at least 30 minutes 3 days a week, gradually lengthening my time and changing things up. I am also going to do 100 sit ups. Every. Day.</div>
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2. Budget our money better. Actually sit down with Brian and tell our money where to go. We have been to lots of Joe Sangl presentations (similar to Dave Ramsey), so we know what to do we just need to implement it. </div>
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3. I also want to budget so that we can start to set aside money every month to adopt a child. It is something I believe I am called to do, so I want to start now so that when the time is right several years from now, we'll be ready. </div>
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So that's it. Simple. Manageable. Completely doable. Here we go!</div>
The Shaw Shackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04853381533153663490noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4257869624721814617.post-4124914322048877832012-11-29T00:41:00.003-05:002012-11-29T00:43:39.414-05:00To Sum Up the Past Year...<a border="0" href="http://www.frommrstomama.com/" target="_blank"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsl_0VSV4ofH2bTwFg-cVsu6sqEzVSR7Zdg26cwMD4kbW0AbdpY1Zn48tuW-OtTF6X-0scBahPQsEpQMDGWcZktoWz0U4538bY1Fi_nKOQycnBRmo35ngC2NAd3LH_eUj0xgwdZ9hl4TGT/s1600/Untitled+6.png" /></a><br />
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I have to admit...when I saw <a href="http://www.frommrstomama.com/" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Becky</span></a> post about this link up, the first thing that went through my mind was, "What if I do this and nobody likes me?" <i>And then I remembered I wasn't in high school anymore.</i> I have been majorly slacking over here...sorry. I have been babysitting everyday and then traveling to PA for Thanksgiving, so all I have been doing is catching up on everyone else's blogs instead of paying attention to mine. Such is life...<br />
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So, what to talk about...<br />
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I originally started this blog to document my new life as a mother. I talked about<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"> <a href="http://the-shaw-shack.blogspot.com/2011/11/brodys-birth-story.html" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">my birth story</span></a> </span>and how it went completely different than what I had planned. I wrote about<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"> <a href="http://the-shaw-shack.blogspot.com/2011/11/lets-be-honest.html" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">the hardships of adjusting</span></a></span>, even <a href="http://the-shaw-shack.blogspot.com/2012/05/to-expectant-mothers.html" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">giving new moms some advice</span></a>. Last year at this time, <a href="http://the-shaw-shack.blogspot.com/2011/11/tomorrow-came-too-soon.html" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">I was just returning back to work</span></a> and <a href="http://the-shaw-shack.blogspot.com/2012/01/public-diary.html" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">having an incredibly difficult time</span></a> doing so. Time went on and I posted all about the new milestones my son reached and even <a href="http://a couple funny posts" target="_blank">a couple funny posts</a> thrown in there too. He <a href="http://the-shaw-shack.blogspot.com/2012/08/where-has-time-gone.html" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">recently turned one year old</span></a> and <a href="http://the-shaw-shack.blogspot.com/2012/11/brodys-first-birthday-bash.html" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">we celebrated surfer style</span></a>. I am not working full time now (praise the Lord), but I am babysitting my niece and nephew an awful lot and probably will continue to do so for a while.<br />
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I have also posted about (unsuccessful) <a href="http://the-shaw-shack.blogspot.com/2012/07/weight-update.html" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">weight loss</span></a> and a few <a href="http://the-shaw-shack.blogspot.com/2012/09/gettin-all-diy-up-in-here.html" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">DIY projects</span></a>, but really the heart of this blog is to share my love of living. Finding joy in each day. Loving my husband, my son, my family, and every person on this earth that God created. It just comes easily to me. I hope that reading this blog leaves you with a smile. Because smiling is fun. And contagious.<br />
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XOXO, Jessica</div>
The Shaw Shackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04853381533153663490noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4257869624721814617.post-67150418289050899802012-11-18T12:25:00.000-05:002012-11-18T12:25:17.127-05:00Sorry I've Been MIA...I was in jail...<br />
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JUST KIDDING! :) But that <i>does</i> remind me of a story...<br />
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Once upon a time, when Brian and I were fresh off the market, we visited his bro and sis in law up in the mountains. The boys were spending the day snowboarding, while the girls stayed behind to <strike>eat and watch TV</strike> tend to the chores. It was a nice relaxing day, and we were expecting our <strike>snow bunnies</strike> slope studs to get home around 8 with a hot dinner waiting for them. Well, 8:30 rolled around and I had been trying to call Brian to see where they were, but never got an answer. Finally, around 9, his brother called me. <i>That's weird.</i> <br />
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Hey Jess.<br />
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<i>Hey. What's up? Where are you guys?</i><br />
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Well...something happened.<br />
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<i>What do you mean? Is everything okay?</i><br />
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It's Brian...<br />
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<insert heart pounding><i>Okay, tell me!</i><br />
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We're waiting for the cops to arrive.<br />
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<i>WHAT!!?? How? Why? What did he do?</i><br />
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Well, it's stupid, really. We stopped at a gas station to grab some snacks and hot chocolate for the drive. Brian grabbed a Snickers bar, some chips, beef jerky. Then, he went to get his hot chocolate. He couldn't carry it all, so <i>he stuck the Snickers bar in his back pocket</i>. He carried everything up to the cash register, paid for it, and as we were walking out the door, the crazy old man yelled, "Stop! Did you plan on paying for that or were you just going to <i>steal</i> it?" Brian said that it was a mistake, but the stupid old man said he was calling the cops to clear things up. We might have to stay here tonight.<br />
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<tears in my eyes><i>What! Oh my gosh! This can't be happening! That's so dumb! He was going to pay for it, right? </i><images of our life together halted. Am I going to have to do conjugal visits for the next 8-10 years? We just got married!><br />
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........In walks Brian and his brother, grinning from ear to ear...... 'GOT YA!'<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">YOU JERKS! I ALMOST HAD A HEART ATTACK! </span><walk up to Brian> *<i style="font-size: x-large;">SMACK!* </i>RIGHT ON THE FACE! <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">How could you do this to me?!</span><br />
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Then, I ran into the bathroom and cried. Out of relief, anger, and embarrassment. For smacking the crap out of my new husband in front of his brother and wife. <br />
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And that was the highlight of winter 2006.<br />
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<br />The Shaw Shackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04853381533153663490noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4257869624721814617.post-12269737162409852412012-11-09T21:42:00.001-05:002012-11-09T21:42:51.629-05:00Let's Be Honest...<br />
I was wondering what to write today, and then I remembered that I haven't done<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: lime;"> <a href="http://the-shaw-shack.blogspot.com/search/label/Let%27s%20Be%20Honest" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: lime;">one of these</span></a> </span>in a little while.<br />
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So, let's be honest...<br />
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I spent waaay too long reading the comments from<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: lime;"> <a href="http://www.livinginyellow.com/2012/11/secrets-anonymous.html" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: lime;">this post</span></a></span> yesterday. Hilarious. Sad. Cruel. Weird.<br />
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Heck, I spend waaaay too long reading blogs period.<br />
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I have subjected my husband to so much ANTM, Project Runway, and Giuliana and Bill that he has threatened ending his life if he had to watch any more of it. Sorry hubs.<br />
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When taking Brody for a stroll around the neighborhood, I felt my belly jiggling with every step I took. Is it bad to start a diet right before the holiday season? Yeah, you're right. Screw it!<br />
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I haven't had my hair cut in over a year. My split ends are horrendous! That'd going on my 2013 Bucket List. Isn't that sad?<br />
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I am kind of ashamed to have people over to our house. I never feel like it's clean enough, organized enough, or <i>classy</i> enough. Our walls are different colors, we don't have fancy furniture, and my husband's idea of decorating is surfboards and a humungous picture of us with a dolphin from our honeymoon above the sofa. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: lime;"><a href="http://the-shaw-shack.blogspot.com/search/label/bathroom" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: lime;">We're working on it though.</span></a> </span><br />
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Check back tomorrow for a couple of amazing and awful things that have happened with Brody lately.<br />
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Later Homies,<br />
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Jessica<br />
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<br />The Shaw Shackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04853381533153663490noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4257869624721814617.post-63882821096876497382012-11-08T14:40:00.000-05:002012-11-08T14:40:24.007-05:00Brody's First Birthday Bash<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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I feel absolutely horrible that it has taken me almost 3 months to post this, and I still feel like it's lacking with pictures. I felt that I really needed to put this up though because it was such a huge milestone for my little guy. I am hoping to upload more pictures from family members later....<br />
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It's been a long time coming. The birthday party that I had planned for months. The party that started out as one color scheme and then switching to something else the last month. I looked all over Pinterest and the Internet, spent hours looking up ideas, hours thinking and sketching out stuff, making clothes and hats and decorations. Phew! Am I glad it's over! The sad thing was, Bo Bo was not feeling good the couple days preceding the party and was only about halfway back to being his normal crazy self that Sunday. He decided to have a nap right in the middle of his party, but we were having too much fun swimming in the lake to care. We had a great time and had so much fun seeing everyone. Our friends and family were so generous with gifts and Brody has enjoyed all his new toys. Now, on to the pictures..... (I didn't get as many pics as I'd like because my camera died, so I did the best I could! :) )</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMm5DUvyfWi17nEAeOmhOrqkuvpldwzRmv4Ehvm75yI4PMDbewKRBZPkgQOnbtZI8C6-6GNQjyOxGku9E3B1Pj3XIf5mbNWlX1QMX3vw6iKAN4DeJp7RzP5Ol4YBErEnt4LI3k-JuHBw/s1600/IMG_3304.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMm5DUvyfWi17nEAeOmhOrqkuvpldwzRmv4Ehvm75yI4PMDbewKRBZPkgQOnbtZI8C6-6GNQjyOxGku9E3B1Pj3XIf5mbNWlX1QMX3vw6iKAN4DeJp7RzP5Ol4YBErEnt4LI3k-JuHBw/s400/IMG_3304.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Table decor. Each one had pictures of Brody in frames that I spray painted in coordinating colors.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjawgjZ7ApKbohR1ibQ09EI8QU_6DmIfnYCPRGqmY6TjkrdPWoVqq_rWjjVIQ_qWcFoVX_AzG7PvIsX_ZbQXptnOulIzZUxjRkCofY3eiTbs6KGpJyhVL-GWWX4zVwiUn9YhUQCExcprQ/s1600/IMG_3305.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjawgjZ7ApKbohR1ibQ09EI8QU_6DmIfnYCPRGqmY6TjkrdPWoVqq_rWjjVIQ_qWcFoVX_AzG7PvIsX_ZbQXptnOulIzZUxjRkCofY3eiTbs6KGpJyhVL-GWWX4zVwiUn9YhUQCExcprQ/s640/IMG_3305.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bro's high chair. Made the streamers, bib and hat.</td></tr>
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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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0F055wiX3TLvNVk33rrKQdsIYZHCfiStTt1n7mxdVMbV2XBGeLsqOqCWwQkW4QmAomoXH6MgACzeABoBwa0HfT4DthxAPu5GdAvKhbu2YJEhHMsRoVeZxQxBLFMHYmGxoSJNQDqQ_vA/s1600/IMG_3306.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0F055wiX3TLvNVk33rrKQdsIYZHCfiStTt1n7mxdVMbV2XBGeLsqOqCWwQkW4QmAomoXH6MgACzeABoBwa0HfT4DthxAPu5GdAvKhbu2YJEhHMsRoVeZxQxBLFMHYmGxoSJNQDqQ_vA/s640/IMG_3306.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gift table. More pictures and Birthday cards on ribbon.</td></tr>
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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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzWOEIDMbmWmp2YGJogm7WLZXtC1TyG8xIY7CuL0HagZM_pLz45dss1zWM6xWtU7XE8DGeskK9SP52oHiMflBTSlzD1DpGxiIRRCPsfexJoJTmjDvaVlxGr4-sAOjuzl7X3-kYGouT9w/s1600/IMG_3307.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzWOEIDMbmWmp2YGJogm7WLZXtC1TyG8xIY7CuL0HagZM_pLz45dss1zWM6xWtU7XE8DGeskK9SP52oHiMflBTSlzD1DpGxiIRRCPsfexJoJTmjDvaVlxGr4-sAOjuzl7X3-kYGouT9w/s640/IMG_3307.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brody's monthly pictures.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaMYprA2CkArNxi8mYtFQ4sWtHs9Zc2UWoy8BwZBZn5vLGKcOdVimFX7IX5kzE4NigBTkcdulXQGTxyMR6jI-T7iNaYGyYZA9Kt0E_dTp1AoyeSDrDUOg8Z56_d2XF1s2-ZA2juOgweA/s1600/IMG_3308.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaMYprA2CkArNxi8mYtFQ4sWtHs9Zc2UWoy8BwZBZn5vLGKcOdVimFX7IX5kzE4NigBTkcdulXQGTxyMR6jI-T7iNaYGyYZA9Kt0E_dTp1AoyeSDrDUOg8Z56_d2XF1s2-ZA2juOgweA/s400/IMG_3308.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More tables</td></tr>
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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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimeEbiwS0Xm_ofzIm4d-RXs51ixTIbcif9aiOzr_UnIbHExc9wE5WbsgXtcYRbBfoLzn6m2qRkDy1q8hKhLODin0EU1Dlpqy7kBlfgdVqd1F6glZEHJY5CtQVa1qZcHaemNQ2bOG5E_g/s1600/IMG_3309.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimeEbiwS0Xm_ofzIm4d-RXs51ixTIbcif9aiOzr_UnIbHExc9wE5WbsgXtcYRbBfoLzn6m2qRkDy1q8hKhLODin0EU1Dlpqy7kBlfgdVqd1F6glZEHJY5CtQVa1qZcHaemNQ2bOG5E_g/s400/IMG_3309.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Other end</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7_W4b2ktl7eJWYzAntWeYCp02OCdkzEZN78pq4oP_KoXB-X5Fmvvzzcvkpw2YKAOYSTpkeYxEt4OxnaU8Z2JW3ZIKBifctHGuHQvDad8AzQSbRAdaFSELQ2LRZj_fvCtSgTaUu4NWhQ/s1600/IMG_3310.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7_W4b2ktl7eJWYzAntWeYCp02OCdkzEZN78pq4oP_KoXB-X5Fmvvzzcvkpw2YKAOYSTpkeYxEt4OxnaU8Z2JW3ZIKBifctHGuHQvDad8AzQSbRAdaFSELQ2LRZj_fvCtSgTaUu4NWhQ/s640/IMG_3310.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The set up--with snacks. </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View of the lake</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0ga4FmZafxbcfK-5TOVD6fmutov1vZD3BEbY96cH0Vh7sWd9mHllNYg0nC1g9gOAk4R9Al4iqbUyTZXiPWCUDnPRraXJHr-jM59iLS2uZO_irY7lW3Krn8xzdEDSdk3CQ2Sab31LYRQ/s1600/IMG_3314.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0ga4FmZafxbcfK-5TOVD6fmutov1vZD3BEbY96cH0Vh7sWd9mHllNYg0nC1g9gOAk4R9Al4iqbUyTZXiPWCUDnPRraXJHr-jM59iLS2uZO_irY7lW3Krn8xzdEDSdk3CQ2Sab31LYRQ/s640/IMG_3314.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mom holding Brody in the shirt I made him</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">snacks</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkG7Ppdn8oP_-oi9OWe0eo7zYujccuJt53ZvSLT6tJtWQvE1lQ5MwZsUI4V5gyvG323qvwE9cSaRexGgUTectAy2MOjZjwjSSUMqtPwsW6IPtxfL8_dAVJx7NXoDkhQc26oasOJM2ZpA/s1600/IMG_3317.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkG7Ppdn8oP_-oi9OWe0eo7zYujccuJt53ZvSLT6tJtWQvE1lQ5MwZsUI4V5gyvG323qvwE9cSaRexGgUTectAy2MOjZjwjSSUMqtPwsW6IPtxfL8_dAVJx7NXoDkhQc26oasOJM2ZpA/s640/IMG_3317.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOD3ubfsiEqflI5cNYwMLwucVaSs7_JC4Tki8zN5gtyFdTRzo1y6Pf7p87nWh4e51LpMmsTvtjuO4MbR16Swjo7EEyFzKtKg4EQSSG69aBE5M2Sl2R5W4Q0JqvynE2nv-fuN2NgDbxPA/s1600/IMG_3318.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOD3ubfsiEqflI5cNYwMLwucVaSs7_JC4Tki8zN5gtyFdTRzo1y6Pf7p87nWh4e51LpMmsTvtjuO4MbR16Swjo7EEyFzKtKg4EQSSG69aBE5M2Sl2R5W4Q0JqvynE2nv-fuN2NgDbxPA/s400/IMG_3318.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">friends</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL8h65emPGGHvOsDmjaUXPi52jU727qLcHIuOBHFQmWxnM8VQ74l0pHrb9SYwapIpdfdEYfq5BPUKalihYpBlpS96NXAT5d2rQww51q6SSUifCoE0Wvw9wtphmEN_ThjRe9PAu7iZXgQ/s1600/IMG_3319.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL8h65emPGGHvOsDmjaUXPi52jU727qLcHIuOBHFQmWxnM8VQ74l0pHrb9SYwapIpdfdEYfq5BPUKalihYpBlpS96NXAT5d2rQww51q6SSUifCoE0Wvw9wtphmEN_ThjRe9PAu7iZXgQ/s400/IMG_3319.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">family</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicSp2ZN8vt5IIfVhPVrnSHmIysAeF5dl6PnIifyss1y2KeCHj4Zb8-bDYj0sqW_aVUXwbb8bZzDs4ng2xRyaaJ8Y0hxOtqqWQ0Z-YCFK_0n2lAuEMKQpvNU98hCc4J7f-lv6K4r-zeFA/s1600/IMG_3320.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicSp2ZN8vt5IIfVhPVrnSHmIysAeF5dl6PnIifyss1y2KeCHj4Zb8-bDYj0sqW_aVUXwbb8bZzDs4ng2xRyaaJ8Y0hxOtqqWQ0Z-YCFK_0n2lAuEMKQpvNU98hCc4J7f-lv6K4r-zeFA/s400/IMG_3320.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">friends and family</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkzNsmMa-mVjmPcI3wmthirkNAVoH9olF8cvFnM2jEd8mN_qbMe1PxXr1HAgKCBjqfLuCIuoRgV2MPU9m9VV-CgXFPLbtcmwdN0EYnF3ApPLyhz0HJNUUwINVZiQKNNcvTLwZjm6Nmeg/s1600/IMG_3321.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkzNsmMa-mVjmPcI3wmthirkNAVoH9olF8cvFnM2jEd8mN_qbMe1PxXr1HAgKCBjqfLuCIuoRgV2MPU9m9VV-CgXFPLbtcmwdN0EYnF3ApPLyhz0HJNUUwINVZiQKNNcvTLwZjm6Nmeg/s400/IMG_3321.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">family</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOKUac96ziSbrdrN_j52kZhV4EPN7h1J-stjz-w5lSnUoUzDhmtPRbx3TQbwS6Y9HJN-fLp_DWt-3cXxG5IEz7K5xov4ZwZ6t5IsalbmmzAinUzGJl6aoVGNzKNILAiqHdIjErchmvDw/s1600/IMG_3322.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOKUac96ziSbrdrN_j52kZhV4EPN7h1J-stjz-w5lSnUoUzDhmtPRbx3TQbwS6Y9HJN-fLp_DWt-3cXxG5IEz7K5xov4ZwZ6t5IsalbmmzAinUzGJl6aoVGNzKNILAiqHdIjErchmvDw/s400/IMG_3322.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">my peeps</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje3q7kP3QZq0hL8zVz1hizPGpBtkh2SAWaPQ46M7LVswtGLbqYnE9cKoIDc3_re8n1YagEqFAJMMI1wHDV-gs87fU3NTLHzmipI2rh9isMe3e2CTAI3HxkfFz_Y-DV3TB0xiIo7My8_Q/s1600/IMG_3325.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje3q7kP3QZq0hL8zVz1hizPGpBtkh2SAWaPQ46M7LVswtGLbqYnE9cKoIDc3_re8n1YagEqFAJMMI1wHDV-gs87fU3NTLHzmipI2rh9isMe3e2CTAI3HxkfFz_Y-DV3TB0xiIo7My8_Q/s640/IMG_3325.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">snacks on the dock--goldfish, M&M shots, jell-o with (Swedish) fish swimming in them</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEODlhuMVL4zaDF0ngHx_E9MimXpvH30t-J-kgMB56zNGRp196Z27plQ7ctOMXIkdWZmu6BC8_jxhSuOU3jyGKJs7aA6e0Zr55eC_RdCzmI6qFZc7qCJOCJIhXtkJ-tT_s9xRuX8rWGg/s1600/IMG_3326.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEODlhuMVL4zaDF0ngHx_E9MimXpvH30t-J-kgMB56zNGRp196Z27plQ7ctOMXIkdWZmu6BC8_jxhSuOU3jyGKJs7aA6e0Zr55eC_RdCzmI6qFZc7qCJOCJIhXtkJ-tT_s9xRuX8rWGg/s400/IMG_3326.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht4yN3qV1J4iedQcgeUwDHSveROI1gmZyXi2F68PMYJwFPSig5tHke3pBjjOorEykmlCt35SEv6gS89koUsKi5i-cl2Mti82nRs5nqd_3m2YKaKZzh0fJtHmpFZLE66Nc6kfHCgW8X6Q/s1600/IMG_3328.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht4yN3qV1J4iedQcgeUwDHSveROI1gmZyXi2F68PMYJwFPSig5tHke3pBjjOorEykmlCt35SEv6gS89koUsKi5i-cl2Mti82nRs5nqd_3m2YKaKZzh0fJtHmpFZLE66Nc6kfHCgW8X6Q/s640/IMG_3328.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cupcakes I made with shark fin and surfboard toppers</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC6SsqoAyDp8h5BWmniKv4MJwgi9TTOXB7G4NZQGtGHJUArnkJFXVzV0Efj3uaShWRrtBXpyFmE3l9IzcyXPaLPowfcc2PtWGgUgE4T1iHo2M0U858fZOS_xebf1S41IyN93Vp0p_sow/s1600/IMG_3329.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC6SsqoAyDp8h5BWmniKv4MJwgi9TTOXB7G4NZQGtGHJUArnkJFXVzV0Efj3uaShWRrtBXpyFmE3l9IzcyXPaLPowfcc2PtWGgUgE4T1iHo2M0U858fZOS_xebf1S41IyN93Vp0p_sow/s640/IMG_3329.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">close up</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgolgyUkFCF9vEbPfzu-Vh2_vQFdDTp6_PHiRp1J5LY0ojqSfqoUzHZJaq1w2uFsv0fRtRwthQMTPoqTIG1Vknt45naXyInGAT4UAIMaASy_yZetjOxKqBjnw7PZfyebuOb2EvIeb_aWw/s1600/IMG_3330.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgolgyUkFCF9vEbPfzu-Vh2_vQFdDTp6_PHiRp1J5LY0ojqSfqoUzHZJaq1w2uFsv0fRtRwthQMTPoqTIG1Vknt45naXyInGAT4UAIMaASy_yZetjOxKqBjnw7PZfyebuOb2EvIeb_aWw/s640/IMG_3330.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The setup at dinner time--my mom made that awesome shark with fruit</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJUeYFjEqWQua-jzvI1Oss6e_N96p0X89fMYSX4lnHh9Hs55mCkpOAKoc0_w7eNPON1w7zUYSk8LXOP-JGYbzwOYZmmLU6fe89YD9cXsHgLt5uRsf0AUgG-EaMNdjDFrQ1AELEmOLMYA/s1600/IMG_3332.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJUeYFjEqWQua-jzvI1Oss6e_N96p0X89fMYSX4lnHh9Hs55mCkpOAKoc0_w7eNPON1w7zUYSk8LXOP-JGYbzwOYZmmLU6fe89YD9cXsHgLt5uRsf0AUgG-EaMNdjDFrQ1AELEmOLMYA/s640/IMG_3332.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Back up to see the lanterns</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_HXc9gI4FAOT_F8cWLyZ1ykwrQcuo4usaOmS7U6MYOmZTOEnKpnsZUTrDQ-2PLws5or5ga1XyfyGWrR0Q-rYpzPf3xV3n6sAyBH4OfmQm-AktyQisHU9catTOctiLwcYr95ktIXdbdA/s1600/IMG_3333.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_HXc9gI4FAOT_F8cWLyZ1ykwrQcuo4usaOmS7U6MYOmZTOEnKpnsZUTrDQ-2PLws5or5ga1XyfyGWrR0Q-rYpzPf3xV3n6sAyBH4OfmQm-AktyQisHU9catTOctiLwcYr95ktIXdbdA/s640/IMG_3333.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The sharrrrrk! Cool, huh? And yes, my mom cut a leg out of paper and put it by the mouth!</td></tr>
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And this is where my camera died....no pics of him eating his cake...which he was crying almost the whole way through. He started to freak out when everyone sang the Happy Birthday song. He didn't calm down until I took his birthday hat off, took him out of high chair and held him for a few minutes. Then, I had to feed him a couple bites of icing before he realized that it was the best thing he ever tasted!<br />
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Happy First Birthday Brody Lee! We love you!<br />
<br />
<br />The Shaw Shackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04853381533153663490noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4257869624721814617.post-71306828582990940552012-11-06T23:14:00.000-05:002012-11-06T23:14:15.016-05:00The Next 4 YearsSomething happened tonight. I had the privilege of putting my son to bed. Usually Brian has this job which he joyfully accepts. One on one time with his buddy. But tonight, Brian wanted to watch the election news. So, I wrapped Brody up in my arms and gave him his bottle. Most nights, little dude will drink for a couple minutes, get squirmy, and he's ready to be put in the bed. <br />
<br />
But tonight...<br />
<br />
I watched his eyes blink a little more slowly. His grip loosen on his bottle. His little legs start to twitch. His chest rise and fall in rhythm with mine. He fell asleep safe in his mama's arms. I sat there taking him all in, cherishing this rare time with my busy (almost) 15 month old. His golden brown hair. His long, dark lashes. The sweet rocket ship pajamas that he will soon grow out of. His wonky, crooked toe nails. <br />
<br />
And I thanked God for giving me this moment. Reminding me that while who the President is <i>very</i> important, this....this gift is <i>more</i> important. What goes on in these four walls is what is going to impact his life the most these next 4 years. <br />
<br />
The next 4 years, he will learn --- his ABCs and 123s. how to use the potty by himself. how to write his name. the difference between right and wrong. how to be independent as he walks through the doors of his kindergarten classroom. the importance of kindness, compassion and gratitude. that Jesus loves him and hopefully the feeling will be mutual. that mommy and daddy will <i>always</i> be there no matter what.<br />
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And this is up to me. And Brian. <br />
<i>not </i>the President, whomever that may be.The Shaw Shackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04853381533153663490noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4257869624721814617.post-75413939887381522192012-11-06T13:55:00.001-05:002012-11-06T13:55:56.851-05:00Brody's 13 and 14 month updateI have had this post written for a while, but have held off posting due to gathering pictures. Brody will turn 15 months, so I thought I'd better post this before it's too late! This past month and next month will be in a December post. Also, I may only do updates every couple months now. Not that his milestones are any less significant, but I'm getting busier and busier!<br />
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My dear baby boy,<br />
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It seems since you've turned one, the weeks have flown by. It has been an adjustment since the beginning, but I feel like we know each other pretty well now. Yet, you constantly surprise me with how much you have learned! You are just about to leave the baby stage and become mommy's toddler. You aren't walking yet, but I definitely see it in your near future. You love for us to hold your hands and walk you all around the house. You laugh so hard and stomp your feet up and down, trying to get your balance just right. You have started to try and stand on your own by releasing your grip on the couch or my pant leg. It doesn't last long and you plop on the ground (gracefully), but you're getting close! I have a feeling that you are going to be one that will climb out of your crib the second you're big enough to do so. Because you are brave. And it scares me to death! You climb on everything!!!!! You can't walk, yet I will watch you climb onto a skateboard up to your little rocking chair, stand up, then squat back down, turn around, climb back down on the skateboard and crawl away. Really, baby? REALLY?! You have started to climb on and off the couch all on your own, so I have to be extra careful if I leave the room for a minute. Oh! And you climb out of the bath tub too. Your dad watched you do it and then out you came, crawling around the living room soaking wet and butt naked! "I"M FREEEE!!" What a little ham you are!<br />
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Remember how you only had one itty bitty tooth popping through by your first birthday? Well, now you have a grand total of FIVE teeth! And it never seemed to bother you! Hallelujah! With those chompers, you have been eating lots and lots of food! There isn't a food that you have tried that you don't like. Lemons, cucumbers with vinegar, pinto beans, cheese puffs, potato soup, peas, tilapia, spaghetti...You love everything. And since your first birthday, you have had your fair share of PB&J's. And we can't forget bananas. You have a love affair with those! I break off a piece, hand it to you, and you just laugh and say, 'nana.' Sweet thing. We have started to give you baby spoons and forks to use and you love it! You make a huge mess, but you're learning. <br />
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Just like you eat us out of house and home like a teenager, you sleep like one too. I have been blessed with such a great sleeper! You sleep at least 12 hours at night, most times more. And you usually have a good 2-3 hour nap during the day. Sometimes an extra 1 hour nap later in the day, if you feel like it. You never fuss at nap time. Even if you don't sleep, you'll be content to just rest and talk to your pacifier for a good 45 minutes while I get stuff done around the house. The only thing is, you hardly sleep in the car anymore. You have to be extremely tired and cry for a good 5 minutes before you pass out. I guess you know your crib is your comfy night night place and you don't like change. <br />
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You are a boy after my own heart because you love to dance. And rock out to music. Not kidding--anytime we enter a store and there's music playing, you automatically starting nodding your head and pumping your fists in the air, and jerking that shoulder up and down. Even when you wake up in the morning, I pick you up and you point to the radio and do this funny questioning noise, 'huh?' and I turn on the alternative station and we rock out. You even crawl up to the CD player in the living room and know which button to push to make your favorite Dirty Heads CD play. <br />
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Right now, you are totally, totally, totally in love with buttons and wheels. Buttons on the remote, on the house phone, on your books and toys, buttons on shirts, buttons on the fan, buttons on the ATM machines at the store. Wheels on the car, wheels on your stroller, wheels on your toys, steering wheels. You will turn your push toys over and just spin the wheels. I could set you in my lap in the driver's seat of the car and you would play with the steering wheel, jerking it back and forth, for 30 minutes with a big ol smile on your face. And then scream bloody murder if I tried to pull you away. You are serious about your wheels. <br />
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While you still love to be held, you are definitely Mr. Independent. You know what you want and you always want it RIGHT NOW. You point and cry if it's out of your reach until mama gets it for you. You are recognizing environmental print, so you know what the graham cracker box and cheese puff bag looks like and you will be Mr. Meltdown if you don't get it. Even if you just had lunch! And I can tell the difference between your, 'Mommy help me, I'm hurt!' and 'Gimme that NOOOOOW!' cries. <br />
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You babble and talk to yourself all the time. You say mama, dada, nana (for banana), uh oh, nose, our (flower), out, and your try real hard to say diaper. You stare at my mouth when I try to teach you new words and you usually respond with random sounds, but the correct syllables. You are just so darn cute and you probably say bababa 100 times a day. <br />
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I also need to mention that you no longer breastfeed. The last day you nursed was actually your 1st birthday, August 10th. That was the day I got extremely sick and had strep throat. We were only down to nursing once first thing in the morning and even that was only lasting for about 10 minutes. I loved that time though. I would bring you in the bed with me and it seemed to be the only time of day where you would still snuggle with me. After getting sick, I took a few days off and when I tried to nurse again, you were not interested at all. <i>You even bit me!</i> I knew right then and there that our time together was over. I still miss it so much. But you chose for it to end, and I'm following your lead!<br />
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Now for the pictures. I stopped taking pictures of him in the chair....<br />
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You can see his teeth coming in!</div>
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Looks like his 18 month PJs are still too big...</div>
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Did this all by himself...stuck in his drum</div>
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Climbing </div>
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Pushed the turtle over and tried to climb up the cabinets</div>
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And you try to climb in the bath tub yourself...</div>
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And out of it...</div>
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You do NOT like the swings anymore</div>
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But you are still a very happy guy :)</div>
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Lowe's trips are fun</div>
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And you love Hap's cheeseburgers</div>
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Trips to IKEA make you just as giddy as mommy</div>
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You had so much fun at Tiger World</div>
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and the pumpkin patch.</div>
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We have had so much fun and we are so excited to see how much cooler you get! Love you baby boy!</div>
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<3, <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta;"><i>Mommy</i></span></div>
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The Shaw Shackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04853381533153663490noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4257869624721814617.post-74824290152906345712012-11-05T13:35:00.004-05:002012-11-05T14:17:24.973-05:00Show and Tell: My Job<a border="0" href="http://www.frommrstomama.com/" target="_blank"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7iFT826OJ2PoS0WgMHNSTogWKrnksODKF9qy8Q4yYQx2BViuqM8HEH24sJIngQlqU-1WRytq3U6l7Bviy7DR4P0Wu_YkExYQ4hNF5_frb0ryPutflyltsNCyJpn6W8uLGLl3iPSYJkFA/s1600/Untitled+4.png" /></a> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #565656; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><i><br /></i></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #565656; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><i>1. Tell us what you studied in college. Is your job now related to what you studied?</i></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #565656; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">Short Story: Went to college for nursing, switched to Elementary Education, then graduated with Psychology degree. Went to Cosmetology school, work at high end salon. Hated it. Long hours and very stressful for my people pleaser self. Went to school again--fast track El. Ed. program. Substituted then was a Teacher Assistant. Loved it<i>, </i>had baby and was saaaaaaad!!! (You can read about all the struggles I had when I first started this blog). Now, staying home and subbing on the side. Everything that I have learned has been applicable to being a mom. Definitely. </span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #565656; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><i>2. Tell us what your everyday job looks like.</i></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #565656; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; line-height: 18px;">I am so lucky to have such a sweet little boy who loves to sleep. So, I usually wake up around 10. If Brody is still sleeping, I take a quick shower and get ready. Brody wakes up and I give him breakfast. He usually eats eggs with cheese, a Nutri-Grain bar, half a banana and some milk. I eat some eggs and do some dishes/laundry or read blogs while he finishes eating. Then, he plays for a couple hours while I do some housework. If we have a lot to do that day, we will run errands or meet up with daddy for lunch. Brody will usually sleep for a couple hours whether he goes down for a nap around 1 or 4. When he wakes up, he either eats lunch, we run more errands or just play around the house. Daddy gets home and I make dinner. We play and relax. Then bath and bedtime for the little dude around 9:30. Sometimes, I stay up later than Brian because he wakes up so early and works so hard. I am so lucky to have a much less stressful life than I used to. I have time to get things done and get my sanity back. I know as Brody gets older, it will get harder and harder so I am cherishing the moments I get to relax.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #565656; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">Kids say the sweetest things...</span></span><br />
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Translated: "Dear Santa, I wish that you could take me for a ride on your sleigh. I want a violin and an XBOX 360, and a new camera. Mine is broken. One more thing-a 4-wheeler. Please write me back. I just hope you will. Love, Abbie. I love you Santa! I was told that you were not real. I know that you are. I believe in you Santa! Love, Abbie again!"</div>
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Fun 'green' party for St. Patrick's Day.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJUM_QzxcjrRmIyYF9OSWftYZz_mZ0BRNhg24JTHhwR_4Y14bYwga1QJT0-XLmA6FlAk9sGWbuxULuKL-ZbBLs0Dipipm68W6uIFPYBjfNU8qEirZmfu_MnGpFjQ3KvOX9o3_qHCI-9c0/s1600/IMG_2105.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJUM_QzxcjrRmIyYF9OSWftYZz_mZ0BRNhg24JTHhwR_4Y14bYwga1QJT0-XLmA6FlAk9sGWbuxULuKL-ZbBLs0Dipipm68W6uIFPYBjfNU8qEirZmfu_MnGpFjQ3KvOX9o3_qHCI-9c0/s640/IMG_2105.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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A word problem written by a <i>parent</i>. This is what I was dealing with...<br />
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And now....</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS91Cg35OjqWvUtH_yze4pp5vkls9LkLRcBwHfUJyV47CAKQOqQfjzb_u6calNb6ueKnWS5ofExwLL4fC1af9UPZBu_mhYPnZ12OdczDSFMgf0gEHuouJ45Fqj14HQ24l_pOnY1VrRIFg/s1600/IMG_4090.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS91Cg35OjqWvUtH_yze4pp5vkls9LkLRcBwHfUJyV47CAKQOqQfjzb_u6calNb6ueKnWS5ofExwLL4fC1af9UPZBu_mhYPnZ12OdczDSFMgf0gEHuouJ45Fqj14HQ24l_pOnY1VrRIFg/s640/IMG_4090.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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Bath time</div>
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Afternoon wagon rides</div>
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Helping mommy in the kitchen</div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #565656; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><i><br /></i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #565656; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><i>4. In 10 years, what do you see yourself doing? Same thing? More? Tell us.</i></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #565656; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; line-height: 18px;">Really, I have no idea. I would love to have more babies and stay home with them. I have even considered homeschooling, but my husband is adamantly against that. When all our kids get to be school-age, then I plan on going back to work as a teacher. That way, I can see my kids throughout the day, have holidays and summers off, and still be able to take them to fun after-school activities. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #565656; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><i>5. Tell us what you have learned, and what {if any} recommendations you may have for those looking to go into the field you are in.</i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #565656; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"> </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #565656; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; line-height: 18px;">Well, for teaching---they do not get paid enough or get enough credit. You never know how much time and effort they give every single day to make sure your child gets the best education possible. Nowadays, it seems that parents rely solely on teachers for not only their education, but social skills and work habits too. Teachers get <u>a lot</u> of flack from parents. They also have a lot of extra responsibilities other than creating meaningful, rigorous lessons. Let me just say that during my student teaching, I had <u>numerous</u> teachers tell me to think really hard if this is a career I really want. Lesson planning takes up a couple hours <i>outside</i> of the normal workday, and several hours on the weekend. There is much more to it than what is seen during the 7:30-3:00 hours.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #565656; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; line-height: 18px;">As a stay at home mom--best job ever. Wouldn't give it up for anything. Do it. Difficult and rewarding. Wouldn't have it any other way.</span>The Shaw Shackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04853381533153663490noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4257869624721814617.post-48246853577190316022012-11-04T16:26:00.002-05:002012-11-04T16:26:52.078-05:00Wanting a Blog MakeoverHey there my blogger peeps. My blog page is JANK! I would love to have a blog makeover up in here. I know what I want essentially, I just have NO idea how to do it! If you can help me design it OR you are very pleased with your blog design and want to recommend someone, that would be fabulous! Leave a comment or email me at the_shaw_shack (at) hotmail (dot) com !!!<br />
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Thanks!<br />
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Jessica <br />
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Also, if you want to see cute pictures of my kid and what happens around these parts, follow me on Instagram: @brodiddly<br />
Twitter: theshawshack<br />
Pinterest: Jessicalshaw<br />
or GFC!!! duh! <br />
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<br />The Shaw Shackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04853381533153663490noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4257869624721814617.post-88767854970426068052012-11-02T16:46:00.001-04:002012-11-02T16:48:20.334-04:00Ghosts of Halloween's Past and Present....<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We love Halloween. We get excited about the candy and dressing up. The parties. The people. We don't ever think of the sinister side of it and I don't think we ever will. I have compiled a lot of pictures from our Halloweens in the past together. Some from college, some after marriage. I am blurry on the years, so you will just have to enjoy them as is. :) </div>
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From college: </div>
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I wish I had pictures from the night where a bunch of us (10-15) dressed as zombies and went trick or treating. Yes, we were on the brink of our twenties, but Halloween is a childish holiday. And what are you in college if not childish? I <i>can</i> tell you that we scared the crap out of a bunch of other kids.</div>
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Well don't I look...not bloody...</div>
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After marriage:</div>
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There were a couple years where old college chums would get together over homecoming weekend and have a big party. Here we are working <i>very</i> hard at scooping the guts.</div>
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Our first Halloween as a married couple. Zombie:Pirate</div>
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We went crazy decorating our house and bought King Size candy bars from Sam's. That's before we realized that we don't get many trick-or-treaters 'round these parts.</div>
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Another year, I joined in the zombie action, '80s style.</div>
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Then, another year, I was a nerd and Brian was...a zombie. (I have a pot over my head and Brian is sporting the blue boa...)</div>
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Then, we had a baby. I broke out the pirate outfit again and Brian was...a zombie.</div>
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I do not know whose moped this was...</div>
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We dressed Brody as Superman.</div>
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And he flew around collecting treats. (Well, just one last year...a tootsie roll.)</div>
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And now we come to the present. (Well, the recent past)</div>
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You already saw this picture, but I had to bring it back again. Brian finally was something other than a zombie (although he swears he will be one again next year).</div>
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Rednecks....mullet, cut-offs, slippers, Dale tattoos and all...</div>
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Then on Halloween day...Brody went as a...</div>
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<b>HOBO!!!</b></div>
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I had my sis in law bring the shopping cart just for a prime photo opportunity. Filled with his essentials for living and his traveling sack.</div>
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I have to say that this was a pretty popular outfit. We even had complete strangers asking to take a picture of him!</div>
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Brody loved every part of Halloween this year. All the people intrigued him.</div>
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We do not go around our neighborhood. There is an area in town where the people go ALL out decorating and the streets are FULL of children and their parents. It is like stepping into a movie when walking down these streets.</div>
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Brody even 'walked' up to a few houses with the help of his cousins, grandparents, or us! He had this grin on his face the WHOLE time. He's a people person.</div>
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Here's a quick video of the hobo walking up to get his treat!</div>
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Happy Halloween from The Shaw Shack!</div>
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The Shaw Shackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04853381533153663490noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4257869624721814617.post-92179039466738852062012-11-01T21:17:00.000-04:002012-11-01T21:17:25.776-04:00No Real Post TodayIf you haven't noticed, I have been trying to post just about every day lately. Today, I had to fulfill my auntie duties and babysit some sweet kiddos. I am exhausted. Tomorrow, expect a Halloween update! You won't be disappointed. :)<br />
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xoxo, JessThe Shaw Shackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04853381533153663490noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4257869624721814617.post-15492160448596236742012-10-31T14:28:00.000-04:002012-10-31T14:33:08.436-04:00The Girl Behind the Blog VLOG! YES! A VIDEO!<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.5ohwifey.com/search/label/TGBTB" target="_blank"><img alt="5ohwifey" height="200" src="http://i1210.photobucket.com/albu
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Go visit <a href="http://www.livinginyellow.com/" target="_blank">Erin</a> and <a href="http://www.5ohwifey.com/" target="_blank">Ashley</a> to see all the other chickas that did their vlogs! WAHOOOOOOO!The Shaw Shackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04853381533153663490noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4257869624721814617.post-89010536208534204142012-10-30T18:23:00.000-04:002012-10-30T18:23:29.822-04:00I Wore Whaaaaat???!!!<div align="center">
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This idea is GENIUS! <a href="http://www.alyblogs.com/2012/10/i-wore-whaaaat.html" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta;">Aly</span></a> thought it would be awesome if we all embarrassed ourselves by posting pictures of our hot selves back when 'fashion' boasted of chunky shoes and velvet. Add to that braces and a bad haircut and you have.........me! As I was looking through other babes in this link-up, I noticed only a couple pictures and I was itchin' to see more. So, I dug through my old photos that I luckily grabbed from my parents house last year, and you now have a plethora of pictures to blackmail me with! HOLLA!</div>
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**As I was looking through my pictures, I had A LOT of embarrassing photos of other people too. Then, it struck me! As many awesome pictures I have of <i>them, </i>they probably have oodles of bad pictures of <i>me! </i>uh oh!</div>
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Where to start?? I didn't have any pictures of when I was little, but I am sure they would be filled with owl-printed sweaters, stirrups, and scrunchies. </div>
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I was really cool in middle school.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGXmk30ql10Hj7hchGX7WLSIn2Rnu5xEOA2KJ0BQlS6G6LA_v6GelatjdpRQ5XmiUnW7NkppUosSjQZF937ozSwKTK5POdqfoUcOLVUHS_480_gZGzA7nt5n5uZ0XV-c0-7U_S2cIgqyU/s1600/IMG_4250.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGXmk30ql10Hj7hchGX7WLSIn2Rnu5xEOA2KJ0BQlS6G6LA_v6GelatjdpRQ5XmiUnW7NkppUosSjQZF937ozSwKTK5POdqfoUcOLVUHS_480_gZGzA7nt5n5uZ0XV-c0-7U_S2cIgqyU/s400/IMG_4250.jpg" width="286" /></a></div>
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I loved to wear tank top sweaters, use Sun-In on my hair, cut my own bangs (oh wait--<a href="http://the-shaw-shack.blogspot.com/2012/09/i-cut-my-hair.html" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">I still do that</span></a>), and change the bands on my braces to match the holidays. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgeV-Oq2HWui529ZGLLl2igvrZlIPEM2uq1Oe5l6_MUMxrknPbxfsmQyrxbRZqepMEO9FBiOMumjBIBxXx-cmmUJ7ZkfYVzYh3HxF-X33Xzb-QmLiIESE7xd8PIdAJjwPed0EN3m3WHhY/s1600/smudgedpic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgeV-Oq2HWui529ZGLLl2igvrZlIPEM2uq1Oe5l6_MUMxrknPbxfsmQyrxbRZqepMEO9FBiOMumjBIBxXx-cmmUJ7ZkfYVzYh3HxF-X33Xzb-QmLiIESE7xd8PIdAJjwPed0EN3m3WHhY/s640/smudgedpic.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I was also really cool and wore these yellow framed glasses. A lot. Sorry for the scary smudging--had to protect the innocent.</div>
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Then, I thought I looked smokin' with my velvet one-button cardigan and high waisted pants. And remember those headbands with the teeth? Great for growing out the bangs.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilfAKOSMkdhd_ecxnbFYsdxqBJglXvSyVObB5dQqhjqiYWQgEdljZ45YVZDNdxNixJLZzMkJ9BUcpE4YUhbwJQQX80yZNWZ5WNEiFSxofuXuuy_Y1kwnYWXAdw5bwiaLkO615p11tn9SU/s1600/IMG_4247.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilfAKOSMkdhd_ecxnbFYsdxqBJglXvSyVObB5dQqhjqiYWQgEdljZ45YVZDNdxNixJLZzMkJ9BUcpE4YUhbwJQQX80yZNWZ5WNEiFSxofuXuuy_Y1kwnYWXAdw5bwiaLkO615p11tn9SU/s640/IMG_4247.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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Happy Birthday to me....</div>
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Being in choir and wearing these outfits didn't help my popularity either...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMZZ_MT8OXujL7FCKBxksH9rn6jIPsUgC9bTQpeY2f7nMobG3ScVJsJOpnT53pnQXqfnv24LWgqFeqFpprNGACK7gfoxYMvSrAueqkXghsBSZ2-PvwyUjB5OJxl1QR8WNq1xEPcJOPDaQ/s1600/IMG_4242.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMZZ_MT8OXujL7FCKBxksH9rn6jIPsUgC9bTQpeY2f7nMobG3ScVJsJOpnT53pnQXqfnv24LWgqFeqFpprNGACK7gfoxYMvSrAueqkXghsBSZ2-PvwyUjB5OJxl1QR8WNq1xEPcJOPDaQ/s640/IMG_4242.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="480" /></a></div>
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Maybe the puffs helped us sing better?</div>
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I'm short. So when chunky heeled shoes were 'in,' I went buck wild.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2WpwmTogbr0sn-qD0H7AiT1nKcNuu0FL3feNiS0sCpxQ3_e92fqI7WDrQgAFdkbRMxZOeKsmc9yrOAKredXgWDSwHxLwr5l-PhVvOarEAr5pX8kvgwmygDU03XaI9LhXDUP876i2Onkw/s1600/IMG_4244.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2WpwmTogbr0sn-qD0H7AiT1nKcNuu0FL3feNiS0sCpxQ3_e92fqI7WDrQgAFdkbRMxZOeKsmc9yrOAKredXgWDSwHxLwr5l-PhVvOarEAr5pX8kvgwmygDU03XaI9LhXDUP876i2Onkw/s640/IMG_4244.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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Braided straw? Yes please!</div>
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Freshman homecoming. My first dance in high school. Borrowed a dress, mom had to alter it because it showed too much cleavage, and chunky shoes again. Went with a friend.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIufQLJOjhXOkL_CT6fqfV2XhNV076PfcEEkLM2ZafjN9Spfq3l9kreeHAQKMYb5acZjTpBnxvxVbwTgOxOP4XO3sRKghAmfo27J_KtHGNZTtfOFX8IMUaNDT09P4S7kIq9VEqyBqFHgY/s1600/HOMECOMING.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIufQLJOjhXOkL_CT6fqfV2XhNV076PfcEEkLM2ZafjN9Spfq3l9kreeHAQKMYb5acZjTpBnxvxVbwTgOxOP4XO3sRKghAmfo27J_KtHGNZTtfOFX8IMUaNDT09P4S7kIq9VEqyBqFHgY/s640/HOMECOMING.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="480" /></a></div>
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Aly, does she look familiar? :) Hint: She was your neighbor.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb6s2-6p3CppvS_6pgoZokDxQCQOdJhuoxbzbX2qcJ5-y0cE6EeSP7zMJVoTiVGuH80Z-c3qxxvegtUr6klKXdM40Kl4oP0g7QPncqyZPp7zQ4t1duJmrJ6UNDuX4E55EKXH2-HdgqDU0/s1600/IMG_4241.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb6s2-6p3CppvS_6pgoZokDxQCQOdJhuoxbzbX2qcJ5-y0cE6EeSP7zMJVoTiVGuH80Z-c3qxxvegtUr6klKXdM40Kl4oP0g7QPncqyZPp7zQ4t1duJmrJ6UNDuX4E55EKXH2-HdgqDU0/s640/IMG_4241.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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Oy vay. Stretchy, chunky GoGo boots. I wore these <i>a lot. </i>And that dress! With that sweater? And bag?! Shocked that I actually had a date to this one!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht6eQp40CZdi8FiaWR7SwY1aXwLrVIcRYmzoSKArlYHBarcNjBCX8RNSGsuOPXe3IZ3QbiiqlLXvykwVM2Hk27Thhw3ymcPm5FkQT42PbFWdeU4PNpVtuXK9Mp-PcEsldwh6ORcSEsY9M/s1600/A.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht6eQp40CZdi8FiaWR7SwY1aXwLrVIcRYmzoSKArlYHBarcNjBCX8RNSGsuOPXe3IZ3QbiiqlLXvykwVM2Hk27Thhw3ymcPm5FkQT42PbFWdeU4PNpVtuXK9Mp-PcEsldwh6ORcSEsY9M/s640/A.jpg" width="436" /></a></div>
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I was a sophomore in college and was still wearing these honkin' things! AND LOOK AT THAT DONK! <b>BOOM!</b></div>
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Also in college, I spent a summer in Hawaii. I guess I thought it was cool to wear dude's clothes. I didn't <i>like</i> girls. I swear.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOwkK5DhQICDUMTxpp29RTpi8ttWrJr81Q3pXyjOUpC7Wl-m0Hz-SHDU3wMY0SuY6Z5VzAgy45nSLee5MUgTQurppzD9VZ75w2wwxa2_vdVs27NOT_Nf7NZkYgWk-upfRIbWQB4Ke4gZM/s1600/125-2592_IMG-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOwkK5DhQICDUMTxpp29RTpi8ttWrJr81Q3pXyjOUpC7Wl-m0Hz-SHDU3wMY0SuY6Z5VzAgy45nSLee5MUgTQurppzD9VZ75w2wwxa2_vdVs27NOT_Nf7NZkYgWk-upfRIbWQB4Ke4gZM/s640/125-2592_IMG-1.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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That's me in boy's board shorts. And my hat sideways. And boy's undershirt. And my tongue sticking out.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCVTu-hO_v74UB6lqHghDwVey5sDphHRX_f0bVI2hAILDc6sunyDegw5H3YKjULl0hT1mG6gfYrn5RoDFbEbBc32eQJrnqSaKjsRz_0rse7_EN7w-1zdvzWwuOEZ46QnC859JrI0I9Z5I/s1600/126-2632_IMG-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCVTu-hO_v74UB6lqHghDwVey5sDphHRX_f0bVI2hAILDc6sunyDegw5H3YKjULl0hT1mG6gfYrn5RoDFbEbBc32eQJrnqSaKjsRz_0rse7_EN7w-1zdvzWwuOEZ46QnC859JrI0I9Z5I/s640/126-2632_IMG-1.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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On the left. Boy's board shirts. <i>Another</i> pair.</div>
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Boy's camo shorts. No, these were not Brian's.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY6woxUuR4drGoKCGQznvwjbNDRVNp11QBK7g7iuyLaf_4PldzBrGmM0126UgIaC9QxLz5DvHKoit0rICUZpdGuyXT9KjK4ymPiuDPhM-39pAa0oaMEO5ghL3aqKf_jjzVu_2fhze7MZQ/s1600/AAA.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY6woxUuR4drGoKCGQznvwjbNDRVNp11QBK7g7iuyLaf_4PldzBrGmM0126UgIaC9QxLz5DvHKoit0rICUZpdGuyXT9KjK4ymPiuDPhM-39pAa0oaMEO5ghL3aqKf_jjzVu_2fhze7MZQ/s400/AAA.jpg" width="301" /></a></div>
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And camo pants. Again, <i>not</i> Brian's.</div>
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Then, I decided to be gangsta for a day.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6Atsndl07Kx9J1tnZXDCMTgJmFiuIL25QFMGpW28lvC7MWMnyHdM4ia7nvz2f52qCZ4IMXJZpnQNBN8irS0NKCrPl5oCBUP_EGDTgMVLP4DYFqlH6uNsYamghqXcju9DjSS2To5X5RWs/s1600/IMG_4243.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6Atsndl07Kx9J1tnZXDCMTgJmFiuIL25QFMGpW28lvC7MWMnyHdM4ia7nvz2f52qCZ4IMXJZpnQNBN8irS0NKCrPl5oCBUP_EGDTgMVLP4DYFqlH6uNsYamghqXcju9DjSS2To5X5RWs/s640/IMG_4243.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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OH-KAYEEE</div>
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There were times where I was <i>trying </i>to commit fashion faux pas. Like, when I was visiting my family and changed into this after I got off the airplane, but before I saw them. It's tradition.</div>
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Brian and I dressed up for my grandpa's Western themed birthday party. Although I have to admit, that this wasn't the last time we wore these outfits.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitW99qeclTmRiDJfUdLLiT1pNaQ2ff64yS4VpVzCHN4Evl36vCYyp8Tl8Xwbg4xWoGJrZHMx0rs3_SfG3-ymkmYlM7ZlnsiB05u0zv7YcSLhUXoKWujnnpdwv_GPvx3UWzudawhomRSxg/s1600/SquareDancingOutfit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitW99qeclTmRiDJfUdLLiT1pNaQ2ff64yS4VpVzCHN4Evl36vCYyp8Tl8Xwbg4xWoGJrZHMx0rs3_SfG3-ymkmYlM7ZlnsiB05u0zv7YcSLhUXoKWujnnpdwv_GPvx3UWzudawhomRSxg/s640/SquareDancingOutfit.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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Yee-haw...</div>
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And I was doing 'the duck face' before it was cool. (Wait, it still isn't cool?)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1LrX1YofPiY6D6PiOwqHaX9uwZBLrBqtUXlRCl3JK1DJFWh-xw7JlVkWGIPdLYwlfDlvlpaiShbBdnPMtBGYqerfDhlqMONWk27c2bOp5sHVZahtr0FSrrHNWy2CXiGp-5fZIy1h2fD4/s1600/IMG_4245.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1LrX1YofPiY6D6PiOwqHaX9uwZBLrBqtUXlRCl3JK1DJFWh-xw7JlVkWGIPdLYwlfDlvlpaiShbBdnPMtBGYqerfDhlqMONWk27c2bOp5sHVZahtr0FSrrHNWy2CXiGp-5fZIy1h2fD4/s320/IMG_4245.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Fabulous dahling....</div>
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America's Next Top Model, say whaaaaat?!</div>
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<br />The Shaw Shackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04853381533153663490noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4257869624721814617.post-48564153363625465242012-10-30T00:22:00.001-04:002012-10-30T17:40:05.514-04:00Fall HappeningsThe other day, I posted the <a href="http://the-shaw-shack.blogspot.com/2012/10/halloween-around-house.html" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Halloween decor around the house</span></a>. Now, I thought I would show what we have been up to this season so far!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC7U7TAl4O28mTncSoMAvrFLYiZQuzMX7DdsrkRMTVWSSQoLwg4gUVsmoXhJq3-QOS4WbPITIv_4jTZhrxFqMf5YyXTFoMDHJdSW8wy365leCVbFMaqNfmo8OBLwc_oFgvmylbIvOUr2U/s1600/IMG_3457.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC7U7TAl4O28mTncSoMAvrFLYiZQuzMX7DdsrkRMTVWSSQoLwg4gUVsmoXhJq3-QOS4WbPITIv_4jTZhrxFqMf5YyXTFoMDHJdSW8wy365leCVbFMaqNfmo8OBLwc_oFgvmylbIvOUr2U/s400/IMG_3457.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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The weather has been exceptionally warm so we have been enjoying a lot of time outside.</div>
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Making laps around the yard--practicing walking as much as possible!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGCGCE7WM8q_bngghLx8yopO_FsU_xE6GuZeI3EiI7FikKt8zzgq-4YxhyphenhyphenI9osUAq_D3FJuFNoABPG7zJ4AkAXkDr7htvpsGnY7W58o_uXBgB7yjExQsp_M9plvpIrBvxBr6GkZ9uzgqY/s1600/IMG_3486.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGCGCE7WM8q_bngghLx8yopO_FsU_xE6GuZeI3EiI7FikKt8zzgq-4YxhyphenhyphenI9osUAq_D3FJuFNoABPG7zJ4AkAXkDr7htvpsGnY7W58o_uXBgB7yjExQsp_M9plvpIrBvxBr6GkZ9uzgqY/s400/IMG_3486.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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Going to eat at the best hot dog/burger joint in town!</div>
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Then it got cooler...just like fall is supposed to be.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTBZiMUI9BMhnteyvS7uXxxBa_LLpg9MuKK14rxmis2IzjEWD1SVOF2qVZlVWE_vfImIS7jjvGWdBCF62BjryGfI3XzN_29W6voXXTU5anhC4EGMdrGTHRcji7J10vXg__LfG_dzIlsbM/s1600/IMG_3542.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTBZiMUI9BMhnteyvS7uXxxBa_LLpg9MuKK14rxmis2IzjEWD1SVOF2qVZlVWE_vfImIS7jjvGWdBCF62BjryGfI3XzN_29W6voXXTU5anhC4EGMdrGTHRcji7J10vXg__LfG_dzIlsbM/s320/IMG_3542.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></div>
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So, we broke out the flannel shirts.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6BVz7-2GPtG5OSo-Bb6WQGZAoru3CTNdsxsjJtrF9VgFtoi-XFnosWQuoyumG0U-GOA7ienUw_huQTtycxaEZKeeRT0porKk5CeUspUbPG_OVZnkgWTLAY5IOVp-IsBrvYZllYJbqqNw/s1600/IMG_3544.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6BVz7-2GPtG5OSo-Bb6WQGZAoru3CTNdsxsjJtrF9VgFtoi-XFnosWQuoyumG0U-GOA7ienUw_huQTtycxaEZKeeRT0porKk5CeUspUbPG_OVZnkgWTLAY5IOVp-IsBrvYZllYJbqqNw/s320/IMG_3544.jpg" width="240" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"></span></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-c3njfvl45tKo4-4cGneGJrpxmX8HSq-girDvZd57v3ycYo1jEQcLwNioDFzepcfiF2Q9Y3gflZlvdwWDZ-7OdpL_nL9LjC8HcBaTlmY309Gei_NUO2Z4zFsAOx6cEqq-pwtuAvFSlvY/s1600/IMG_3557.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-c3njfvl45tKo4-4cGneGJrpxmX8HSq-girDvZd57v3ycYo1jEQcLwNioDFzepcfiF2Q9Y3gflZlvdwWDZ-7OdpL_nL9LjC8HcBaTlmY309Gei_NUO2Z4zFsAOx6cEqq-pwtuAvFSlvY/s320/IMG_3557.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6BVz7-2GPtG5OSo-Bb6WQGZAoru3CTNdsxsjJtrF9VgFtoi-XFnosWQuoyumG0U-GOA7ienUw_huQTtycxaEZKeeRT0porKk5CeUspUbPG_OVZnkgWTLAY5IOVp-IsBrvYZllYJbqqNw/s1600/IMG_3544.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
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We played outside and took long walks around the neighborhood.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP4qKxFd81GoicBcrsTXY1D47v0Zc4Nh6RTnKO2eS0omfwFgNW0BCyDBpIdcINvMpU13PCtw0hR87rsULmP1pPLdW_gEFnU0N4-PDKV4InTkYRMeAnNEnmvvIrf1u4N6PvtuTnZdVQIc4/s1600/IMG_3582.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP4qKxFd81GoicBcrsTXY1D47v0Zc4Nh6RTnKO2eS0omfwFgNW0BCyDBpIdcINvMpU13PCtw0hR87rsULmP1pPLdW_gEFnU0N4-PDKV4InTkYRMeAnNEnmvvIrf1u4N6PvtuTnZdVQIc4/s320/IMG_3582.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZFhziXc-QAvnwvHQYrH_4kDSjbo5-ZZX5u9xHPBz9iIOFemip8fJHGBHmhs1vQMRHJJVjKtVkqQR6HwLKtcLDm-7L8jki7uu4FITgndz-2OSehtk7ytxE2GNmwVmDxD6X_LazJaeKnY8/s1600/IMG_3571.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZFhziXc-QAvnwvHQYrH_4kDSjbo5-ZZX5u9xHPBz9iIOFemip8fJHGBHmhs1vQMRHJJVjKtVkqQR6HwLKtcLDm-7L8jki7uu4FITgndz-2OSehtk7ytxE2GNmwVmDxD6X_LazJaeKnY8/s320/IMG_3571.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a> With the cousins....<br />
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We went to Tiger World and saw fun animals.<br />
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And wore more flannel.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijRYTSW-n9Q6rSdbWwkpI-6vQr8bXP_hnbMlghnfBSS1UvgtFMDQSvSs_H_62UhbeoJlLgM_Z0yG-pCeWFlrcAbJA10USh2WsQmrYQMS8PAAD2e7UN9qAMLaYRLUVaBqZQPQ5YhJn_OUc/s1600/IMG_3730.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijRYTSW-n9Q6rSdbWwkpI-6vQr8bXP_hnbMlghnfBSS1UvgtFMDQSvSs_H_62UhbeoJlLgM_Z0yG-pCeWFlrcAbJA10USh2WsQmrYQMS8PAAD2e7UN9qAMLaYRLUVaBqZQPQ5YhJn_OUc/s640/IMG_3730.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Mama tried her hand at red lipstick and we visited the pumpkin patch.</div>
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Brody went on the cow ride.</div>
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Ate a whole hot dog.</div>
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Had his first pony ride.</div>
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We took the obligatory pumpkin picture!</div>
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And the family one too.</div>
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We have had so much fun so far this season with our little man! Can't wait for Halloween and trick-or-treating!</div>
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Check out Brody's first Halloween <a href="http://the-shaw-shack.blogspot.com/2011/11/happy-first-halloween-brody.html" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">here</span></a>.</div>
<br />The Shaw Shackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04853381533153663490noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4257869624721814617.post-83911746237573477412012-10-29T14:15:00.002-04:002012-10-29T14:15:36.964-04:00Show and Tell: How I Met Your Father<a border="0" href="http://www.frommrstomama.com/" target="_blank"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7iFT826OJ2PoS0WgMHNSTogWKrnksODKF9qy8Q4yYQx2BViuqM8HEH24sJIngQlqU-1WRytq3U6l7Bviy7DR4P0Wu_YkExYQ4hNF5_frb0ryPutflyltsNCyJpn6W8uLGLl3iPSYJkFA/s1600/Untitled+4.png" /></a><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222;">Hey y'all! Linking up again with </span><a href="http://www.frommrstomama.com/" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">Becky</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222;"> with another Show and Tell! This week's questions are all about how I met Brian (Brody's dad). I figured since I hadn't really talked about this on the blog yet, now would be the perfect time!!! This might be a long one, so go grab a snack...</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">On to the questions!</span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-size: large; line-height: 18px;"><u>1. Tell us about how and when you met your love and what attracted you most to him.</u></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">Well, I <i>met</i> Brian when I was a freshman in English class with Mrs. Tweedy. I was already in a very serious relationship and wasn't <i>looking</i> for anyone else. I only remember Brian as the kid would sleep all the time in class! haha! We went to a Christian university, so one day during convocation (pretty much a church service-every MWF at 10 am), I noticed that Brian went up to the front to pray when the pastor asked if anyone had any concerns or troubles in their life. This totally shocked me to see him down there, so the next day in class, I gave him my number and said that if he ever needed to talk to anyone, I was available. (this was completely innocent--I honestly had no interest in a relationship) So, a couple nights later he called just to talk (which I later found out with the intention of asking me out), found out I had a boyfriend and said good night. That's all I remember. </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">Cue 1 1/2 years later. I had broken up with serious boyfriend, dated someone else and also ended that, now single and tired of looking for a boyfriend-spring of sophomore year. A guy friend asked if I wanted to go get something to eat via Instant Messenger (remember THAT?!?!). He also said that he was bringing a friend. (See where I am going here?) He comes to pick me up and then to get his friend. In climbs Brian in the back seat with me. <i>He looks familiar</i> My friend introduced us and I said, "I know you...we had English together last year." Brian said, "No we didn't. This is my first semester." This went on for 10 minutes until Brian called me gullible and finally said I was right. We ate, I laughed because Brian was going to prom with a girl he met at the <i>tanning salon </i>and said bye. A couple weeks later, my roomie and I went to the college cafeteria in our sweats, with the complete intentions of going back to our dorm and doing homework--<u>no matter what.</u> Guess who 'whistles' at us as we are going into the cafeteria. Yep. He calls us over to sit with him and his friends and I spend the rest of my night laughing harder than I have <i>ever</i> laughed. We went to the gas station for some snacks, the tanning bed (yes, so he could tan), and then went and played pool where he almost knocked my tooth out. <i>Real smooth.</i> Don't forget I was looking hot in our sweats. We exchanged AIM names and phone numbers. He told me to give him a call when I got back to our dorm. I did. He gave me The Rejection Hotline prank number! I didn't know what to think--is he joking? Did he really not like me? What a jerk! Then he popped up on AIM, said he was just kidding and that it was in fact a joke. <i>Real smooth.</i> We ended up AIMing for <i>hours.</i> We planned to meet up again the next day and play soccer. From then on, it was as if we had known each other forever. We talked on AIM every. single. night. for. hours. How in the world could someone stay up until 3 every night <i>and</i> go to 8 AM classes? When you're in love. Ha! No joke, within a week, we were talking about we <i>knew</i> we would spend the rest of our lives with each other. (Oh! And he <i>still</i> went to prom with that girl because he didn't want to dessert her. But she <i>did</i> get extremely angry when she tried to kiss him and he rejected her. SO much so that he pulled over and she got out of the car and walked home--they were in her neighborhood...)</span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-size: large; line-height: 18px;"><u>2. Show us the very first (or one of the first) pictures you guys ever took together.</u></span><br />
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On campus within a week of our cafeteria rendez-vous, sitting on a blanket, talking about forever.</div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-size: large; line-height: 18px;"><u>3. Tell us some of your favorite memories that you two had together.</u></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">Oh man! Going to VA Beach to see OAR and Gavin DeGraw (me getting in a car accident before we leave and his truck breaking down while we're there), the many weekend NC trips we took to go to the lake and Spring Break in Florida (where he proposed on the beach). I also ended up going to TN for the fall semester after we met to participate in a singing show in Gatlinburg. He would surprise me all the time and probably saw the show I was in 15 times. I would open the door to my room and see a trail of Cheerwine and flowers and he would be waiting around the corner. He would write me tear-stained letters and send it with huge goodie boxes of candy, Mad Libs, and pictures. Seriously, I will treasure those letters forever. That was one of the hardest times because we were away from each other, but it really showed me that he was in this for the long haul. </span></span><br />
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A quick pic during intermission at the show.</div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-size: large; line-height: 18px;"><u>4. Tell us your favorite qualities about this man, what makes him "the one."</u></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><b>Hilarious</b>. <b>Life of the party</b>-he is a bigger social butterfly than I am. <b>Honest</b>--completely. <b>Loyal</b> no matter what. I have absolutely <u>no</u> doubts that he will be faithful all the days of our lives. Not afraid to <b>show affection </b>and show the world that he is proud of me. The <b>best dad</b>- always present and willing to help. Gives Brody just as many kisses as I do.</span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-size: large; line-height: 18px;"><u>5. Tell us what your "date nights" typically look like.</u></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">Lately, we have been hanging with friends and laughing until we cry. But most of the time, and this was even true in college, we would go out to eat and go see a movie. It has always been so relaxing to just sit next to him and hold hands, uninterrupted. We would go to the park a lot in college, sit on a blanket and eat take out Japanese food, and talk until we fell asleep (you know--because of those late night AIM sessions). We like to do active things now, too, but it usually involves chugging the baby along. </span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">Our last date night? Was a Halloween party. And <i>this</i> is how we like to have fun.</span></span><br />
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You better redneckognize!!</div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222;"><b><u><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: xx-small;"><br /></span></u></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: xx-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><b><u><br /></u></b></span></span>The Shaw Shackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04853381533153663490noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4257869624721814617.post-68238493473406511512012-10-27T13:05:00.000-04:002012-10-27T13:05:53.770-04:00Sometimes it sucks being a parent...and not for the reasons you might be thinking---dirty diapers, <u>always</u> cleaning up a mess of some sort, sleepless nights....<br />
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But because everything affects you in a much deeper way. Seeing the leaves change, feeling the breeze blow, watching babies on the Johnson and Johnson commercials, hearing stories of loss at too young an age.<br />
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I guess you could say I am a 'softie.' I am an emotional person. Maybe, sometimes <i>overly</i> emotional. I cry. A lot. <br />
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And when I read a story or hear a song or watch a show about a child that is struggling, or <i>has</i> struggled and lost the good fight, I cry. Tears streaming down my face, ugly cry. I just put on my make-up and now it's ruined ugly cry. <br />
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I just read stories about <a href="http://rockstarronan.com/" target="_blank">Ronan</a>. I heard <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CS7JrI-JPOc" target="_blank">his song</a> today for the first time. And while I would be sad and sympathetic 2 years ago, I am deeply affected now. To my core. I <i>get</i> it. Little beings taken away too soon. <br />
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A year ago, I <a href="http://the-shaw-shack.blogspot.com/2011/11/prayer-request.html" target="_blank">wrote a quick post</a> asking y'all to pray for my friend, Heather, whose baby had anencephaly. That sweet little boy lived for 8 precious hours after he was born and I cried. I cried for her. I cried for him. <br />
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Not even those that have died, but those little people who get bullied and made fun of. My motherly force wants to protect them and smack some sense into those mean people. Really, I want to <i>love</i> them. Love them <i>all.</i> Because that's all our little babies need. A mama to hug them and tell them it's all going to be alright. <br />
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A few months ago, when Brody was at a play gym for his cousin's birthday party, another little boy who was no older than two, I'm sure, started pushing Brody out of the way, knocking him over. Brody went over to something else, and that little boy came over pushed him again. For the first time, <i>I felt it</i>. <i>Really</i> felt it. My mother lion instincts. My blood starting to boil. My protective alarm going off. I almost yelled at this innocent little boy for doing something that he really had no control over. <i>I almost pushed that kid back. HARD.</i> But I just said, "Please stop pushing him. Go find something else to do." Somehow, he understood and walked away. crisis averted Then, I immediately flashed forward to his awkward middle school years and I got scared. How in the world am I going to handle that?! <i>Lord, please protect my son from bullies and crazies. Let him wear his sweat pants without shame!!</i> *SIDENOTE: Brian told me he wore sweat pants every day of his middle school career....poor thing...* Brian and I were both lucky enough to not really get bullied by anyone. I don't really remember the malice that judgmental teens can have. I hope Brody and the rest of my flock can only be so lucky.<br />
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I guess being a mom brings on a whole new slew of crap. emotions, worries, responsibilities. Things that I thought had under control, but I really have no idea. I am so thankful for a healthy little boy. And I pray that he stays that way. But, I <i>do</i> think about all those moms that aren't as fortunate. And I cry for them...<br />
<br />The Shaw Shackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04853381533153663490noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4257869624721814617.post-55232387368815610962012-10-26T13:47:00.003-04:002012-10-26T13:56:48.472-04:00Halloween Around the House*Can you believe this is my fourth post in two days? Who <i>am</i> I?!!<br />
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Thought I would just show some Halloween love I've got going on around the house. I've had this up since the beginning of October, and I am actually excited to switch things up again so it's just plain <i>fall</i> decor. You'll probably see a post with that too. :)<br />
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Disclaimer: I am not a professional photographer. I do not have an editing program nor do I know how to use the generic one on iPhoto. These are straight out of the camera. <br />
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First up--a little pumpkin candy bowl and a BOO sign I got from Marshalls for $7. <br />
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I know that there are DIY posts about making this exact thing, but I didn't have the time or supplies. I would probably spend more trying to make it... Oh! And that Scentsy candle warmer? It's got 'Cinnamon Bear' melting away in it. Nothing says holidays like the smell of cinnamon, if I do say so myself! *Side note: That's a surfboard behind our side table. One of 4 inside our house. My husband has 19. He's obsessed. They are going to storage when we redecorate. End side note.*<br />
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The top of our entertainment center we recently bought from IKEA. We don't have a fireplace, so this is as close to a mantel as we are going to get. I made that little Halloween bunting <a href="http://the-shaw-shack.blogspot.com/2012/01/my-name-is-jessica-and-i-am-addicted-to.html" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">last year</span></a>. Got that idea <a href="http://organizeyourstuffnow.com/wordpress/halloween-spook-banner-2/comment-page-1" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
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Top shelf. Framed pumpkin button art (<a href="http://apumpkinandaprincess.com/2011/09/button-pumpkin-and-ghost.html?showComment=1316095335717" target="_blank">inspiration</a>) I also made last year, the spray painted owl from <a href="http://the-shaw-shack.blogspot.com/2012/09/gettin-all-diy-up-in-here.html" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">this post</span></a>, and a brass apple bell from the thrift store ($4).<br />
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Fake pumpkin atop some stacked books with scary titles (from antique store $2 a pop), and an apothecary jar (from Goodwill $2) filled with candy corn.<br />
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Here's a close up of the scary titles. <u>Murder in the Dentist Chair</u>, <u>Tongues of Flame</u>, and <u>The Day the Century Ended</u> muahahahaha</div>
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Third shelf. Black glittery pumpkin with changing color LED light inside (Walmart $2.50) and Spooky sign from Target One Spot ($2.50). This is the shelf I like the least. I couldn't make it too crazy, because it's within Brody's reach. He hardly messes with it though, since his favorite thing, books, are stored right below it.</div>
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Now let's get a close up of the top decor.</div>
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These are some random things that I had in my Fall box. I bought some Indian corn this year ($1 each) and didn't know how to display it, so I just threw them in a vase. meh...<br />
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Also things I have had for a few years. Brian even had this spooky candle tree in his apartment in college! Over 6 years ago!<br />
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Then, on this side, I have a crow from the dollar store ($1, duh), the acorn vase I made <a href="http://the-shaw-shack.blogspot.com/2012/09/gettin-all-diy-up-in-here.html" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">here</span></a>, and a lantern from Walmart for about $5. I liked the more square lanterns, but Brian really liked this kind and said we could actually use it camping, so .... whatever... :)<br />
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That's it for the entertainment center. On to.....<br />
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The windows! Just a little bunting I made last year with scrapbook paper and twine. super easy.</div>
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I also have this little sign on the towel closet door. I change it out for the seasons/holidays.</div>
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From Walmart for a couple bucks. See that growth chart? So cute! Brody got it for Christmas last year from my parents.</div>
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Next, we have a new piece of furniture that Brian actually made and I stained. I wanted something skinny to put in this hallway. Love it and it cost very little. :)</div>
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Here's a close up. Gravestones and crow-dollar store. Then, I picked up some fake pumpkins in different sizes from Michael's, covered the stems, and painted them with metallic silver spray paint. </div>
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And I also got the glittery pumpkins from Michael's in a pack for $2. </div>
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Then I bought a variety of candlesticks from Goodwill, the antique store, or Ikea and spray painted them all the metallic silver to look the same. I was thinking of adding some black candlesticks, but maybe I'll wait until next year. I bought the skull from The Dollar General for a couple bucks. He is actually made out of red clay (like a flower pot) and had gold glitter on him. I didn't like, so what did I do? All together now: I spray painted it!!</div>
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And the chalkboard was actually a picture frame (from Goodwill) that I painted the glass with chalkboard paint and the border with spray paint. I plan on keeping it here and changing out the quotes.</div>
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In my kitchen, I have very minimal decorations. I use my countertops a lot and I didn't want things crowding them. So...</div>
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We have a ceramic weaved bowl (from Target clearance $4) with cinnamon scented pinecones (yum) and a little apple pie candle for ambience. :)</div>
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This is not necessarily 'Halloweenie', but I just thought I'd throw this picture in there. Love my milk glass vases, and planters and pitchers. They have the same craspedia flowers I talked about in my <a href="http://the-shaw-shack.blogspot.com/2012/10/bathroom-reveal-finally.html" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">bathroom update post</span></a>. I'll probably move some of this onto the mantel when Halloween is over. </div>
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*I should have posted pictures of my Halloween kitchen towels, but I forgot! Just pretend...</div>
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And now let's go outside.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRzLlMyNBVxLeskAWUfbwUKD4w2W4AY8aWR4AWDrcUOP0Ci0U_dfMhebVvk8jgupObb5hNL2P4GFLwOFk51bp1k-Zcg4IlYV5uxo9yd95ESxT4A10rdMow8iLCNGftbjIBVj1kJOT9io0/s1600/DSC_0147.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRzLlMyNBVxLeskAWUfbwUKD4w2W4AY8aWR4AWDrcUOP0Ci0U_dfMhebVvk8jgupObb5hNL2P4GFLwOFk51bp1k-Zcg4IlYV5uxo9yd95ESxT4A10rdMow8iLCNGftbjIBVj1kJOT9io0/s640/DSC_0147.jpg" width="424" /></a></div>
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Here's the wreath I made for our front door. Super easy. Grapevine wreath, fake flowers, letter from Michael's modge podged with fabric. The flowers are just stuck in there so I can switch them out with the holidays. </div>
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Here's my front porch view. The wreath, the mum project I talked about <a href="http://the-shaw-shack.blogspot.com/2012/09/gettin-all-diy-up-in-here.html" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">here</span></a>, my jack-o-lantern candle buckets from Kohl's 2 years ago on clearance after the holiday, my real pumpkins on the right (Brian, Jessica, Brody), and a fake one on the left. I think I may spray paint and carve a big "S" in the fake one and bring it inside for my fall mantel....hmmm... (<a href="http://www.thehandmadehome.net/2012/10/diy-metallic-fairy-tale-pumpkins/" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">here</span></a>'s where I got that idea from)</div>
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So...that's it! Halloween around the house!</div>
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And look at this goober! He was actually not very happy at this moment because he was STUCK! But I thought it was hilarious! And look at those cute monster baby legs and fluffy baby butt!<br />
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...and THAT MESS!!<br />
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<br />The Shaw Shackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04853381533153663490noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4257869624721814617.post-51542956920321405902012-10-25T15:16:00.000-04:002012-10-26T19:06:20.393-04:00Grown Up Christmas ListI wrote one of these <a href="http://the-shaw-shack.blogspot.com/2011/12/this-is-my-grown-up-christmas-list.html" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">last year</span></a>, and my husband recently asked for ideas for Christmas so I thought I'd share with the whole world! haha! I know what you're thinking...'<i>Christmas?!</i> It hasn't even been Halloween or Thanksgiving yet!' But news flash folks, we are only two months shy of that spectacular holiday! So, without further ado...<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-size: x-large;">1. Gift Cards</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-size: large;">Specifically to <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/gc/ref=g_gc-gc_dp_redirect" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Amazon</span></a> and <a href="http://www.lowes.com/Gift-Guide/Gift-Cards/_/N-1z135r1/pl" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Lowe's</span></a>.</span><br />
These babies are great! It gives me free reign to buy what I really want. With all of the home do-overs I want to do (paint walls, paint kitchen cabinets, redecorate, get couch slipcovers), gift cards to these places would be fab. <br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-size: x-large;">2. Brown Boots</span><br />
I have some camel colored riding boots that I got a thrift store that are leather and really cute, but I really want some <u>brown</u> ones. I would love to have real leather ones, but then they get pricey. Here are a few I have looked at online and found these on a great discount shoe site<a href="http://www.6pm.com/" target="_blank"> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">6pm.com</span></a>:<br />
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<span id="goog_1841044104"></span><span id="goog_1841044105"></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvEOgat9uKsMG0f1I0M71EIa1GLYZHgyhfrSHrlTVkNFtfcIHkNlTWNWOv93DtKkBtKhhqFdV8odQ432AhCZSAC3JAixds-t-ibxnOsXQ3izfI2LT4tvFUi6Yum-DVmakTxU8VqOPWrg0/s1600/Screen+shot+2012-10-23+at+2.42.28+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="216" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvEOgat9uKsMG0f1I0M71EIa1GLYZHgyhfrSHrlTVkNFtfcIHkNlTWNWOv93DtKkBtKhhqFdV8odQ432AhCZSAC3JAixds-t-ibxnOsXQ3izfI2LT4tvFUi6Yum-DVmakTxU8VqOPWrg0/s640/Screen+shot+2012-10-23+at+2.42.28+PM.png" width="640" /></a><br />
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*Taken from <a href="http://pinterest.com/jessicalshaw/" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">my Pinterest</span></a> board*<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-size: x-large;">3. Home Decor Items</span><br />
I know I just said I wanted gift cards for these things, but I'll give you a gist of what I like--in case you're out and about. I have to admit that I have found some great things at Goodwill and other thrift stores, so don't be afraid of checking there. I love anything white (not cream), silver or mercury glass, yellow, gray, or turquoise, or dark brown (these will be the basic colors of the house when it's all said and done!). Anything that has an interesting shape like funky picture frames or a mirror with a unique border (doesn't matter what color because I love spray paint!). I love<br />
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apothecary jars<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg03YYfHOFQLVHsh-TlDiKd9HCOMMuA-tIlOZonSXGvg_hbRwxX5xDXuEEtvfdqjWPlBBpwytSYTbNwc2mtFSnqwTheJ3m0gnzJKLNu3_sXexDD1mTmGowCDBToHBW_9ubJ1Cn2DGFT8Fk/s1600/Imperial_Glass_Apothecary_Jars.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg03YYfHOFQLVHsh-TlDiKd9HCOMMuA-tIlOZonSXGvg_hbRwxX5xDXuEEtvfdqjWPlBBpwytSYTbNwc2mtFSnqwTheJ3m0gnzJKLNu3_sXexDD1mTmGowCDBToHBW_9ubJ1Cn2DGFT8Fk/s320/Imperial_Glass_Apothecary_Jars.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="260" /></a><br />
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and I saw this <a href="http://www.pier1.com/White-Scalloped-Serving-Bowl/2225406,default,pd.html" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">white scalloped bowl</span></a> at Pier 1 and fell in love. I love the shape of it. Pretty and decorative to set out on the kitchen counter with fun things inside.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9dvXUFwf5lOo2XJDxJXuOHZNlF0qTuvks9RVn0noVtrVZ5DpmGaraisGq5bin_ZJlWc-D6tTavwSSMR-mgM0YxTbdpPsQdHMWuXb9u00Z5yKK4Yenn-wSYf3OUfMNcbHelymPftfLv0A/s1600/img-thing.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9dvXUFwf5lOo2XJDxJXuOHZNlF0qTuvks9RVn0noVtrVZ5DpmGaraisGq5bin_ZJlWc-D6tTavwSSMR-mgM0YxTbdpPsQdHMWuXb9u00Z5yKK4Yenn-wSYf3OUfMNcbHelymPftfLv0A/s1600/img-thing.jpeg" style="cursor: move;" /></a><br />
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I also am really interested in a glass cloche. You can find them at <a href="http://www.worldmarket.com/product/glass-cloche.do" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">World Market</span></a>, <a href="http://www.potterybarn.com/products/decorative-glass-cloche-fall-2012-object/?pkey=e%7Cglass%2Bcloche%7C3%7Cbest%7C0%7C1%7C24%7C%7C3&cm_src=PRODUCTSEARCH||NoFacet-_-NoFacet-_-NoMerchRules-_-" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Pottery Barn</span></a>, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=glass+cloche" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Amazon</span></a>, etc. I have been scouring Goodwill hoping something similar would pop up, but no luck yet. <br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-size: x-large;">4. Home Decor and DIY books</span><br />
A few of my favorite DIY bloggers have come out with books or ebooks. I would love to get my hands on any of these babies:<br />
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From (blog>) <a href="http://www.thehandmadehome.net/" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">The Handmade Home</span></a>: (book>) Handmade Walls ebook (released Nov. 1)<br />
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From (blog>)<a href="http://www.younghouselove.com/" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Young House Love</span></a>: (book>) <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Young-House-Love-Paint-Update/dp/1579654789/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1350958985&sr=1-1&keywords=young+house+love+book" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Young House Love</span></a> (released Nov. 6, but available for pre-order)<br />
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From (blog>) <a href="http://ana-white.com/" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Ana White</span></a>: (book>) <a href="http://www.amazon.com/The-Handbuilt-Home-Budget-Friendly-Woodworking/dp/0307587320/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1350958909&sr=8-1&keywords=the+hand+built+home" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">The Handbuilt Home</span></a><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-size: x-large;">5. Get Carpets Cleaned</span><br />
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I vacuum and spot treat (duh), but I would LOVE it if a professional came and deep cleaned them! Little spots drive me NUTS and I would feel so much better with freshly cleaned carpet. :) <br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-size: x-large;">6. White Dishes</span><br />
I have two sets of dishes. One set is pretty nice: ceramic with bold colors from Dansk. The other set is melamine with rainbow colored polka dots that I bought before Brian and I were even married. I would really love to yard sale these items and just have one set of white ceramic dishes. Eventually, I would like to have either open shelving or glass doors on some of my cabinets and white dishes are much more pleasing to the eye. I found <a href="http://www.walmart.com/ip/Canopy-Beaded-Porcelain-32-Piece-White-Dinnerware-Set-Value-Bundle/20439928?findingMethod=rr" target="_blank">this bundled set</a> at Walmart. I love that it's just dinner plates, salad plates, bowls, and coffee cups. I didn't want all the extras and the bundle serves 8. <br />
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Here is the setting I have now x2. *Taken just 10 days after Brian and I got married....awwww</div>
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Funky and cute, but not <i>classy</i> or <i>grown up...</i></div>
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SO, that about sums it up! What do YOU want for Christmas?!</div>
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<br />The Shaw Shackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04853381533153663490noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4257869624721814617.post-16792747137075138632012-10-25T11:37:00.003-04:002012-10-25T13:08:30.369-04:00It's OK Thursday<center>
<a href="http://www.acompletewasteofmakeup.com/" title="Its Ok Thursdays"><img alt="Its Ok Thursdays" src="http://i909.photobucket.com/albums/ac293/munchkin_land_designs/BlogDesigns/Buttons/ItsOkThursdaysButton.png" /></a></center>
First time linking up with <a href="http://acompletewasteofmakeup.com/" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">http://acompletewasteofmakeup.com/</span></a> to join in on the It's OK Thursday link-up!<br />
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It's OK...that I have been blogging for a long time and still don't know how to post someone's button on my sidebar or link a photo to website. (thus the reason for the link and no picture above) **EDIT: Thanks to <a href="http://annalizbeth.blogspot.com/" style="color: blue;" target="_blank">Anna Lizbeth</a>, I know how to now! Woohoo! <br />
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It's OK...that I have done full hair and make up this entire week and have hardly gone <i>anywhere</i> (read:grocery store, Goodwill, fundraiser at the Y, and a cooking class at church)<i>.</i><br />
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It's OK...that while I have had full hair and make up, I have been wearing yoga pants and old T-shirts from high school.<br />
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It's OK...that I bought Christmas decorations from Michael's and TJ Maxx this weekend and am a little <i>too</i> excited to put them up.<br />
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It's OK...that Christmas is 2 months away and haven't even thought about buying gifts yet.<br />
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It's OK...that this post will have no pictures because of <a href="http://the-shaw-shack.blogspot.com/2012/10/blogs-are-better-with-pictures-help.html" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">my predicament</span></a>. Help!<br />
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It's OK...that I will spend Friday night completely alone (except for Brody, but he can't save me from a burglar!) because my husband is going to his brother's school in the mountains to dress as a zombie and scare their students at their haunted house.<br />
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It's OK...that we bought our son a swing and now he is deathly afraid of it.<br />
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It's OK...that we also bought him a wagon and he LOVES it. #itallevensoutintheend<br />
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It's OK...that we have had our windows open all week and it is my favorite to listen to the birds while drinking my cup 'o joe... #80sinoctober<br />
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I could keep going, but I didn't want to bore you. OH! Here's one last one:<br />
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It's <u>NOT</u> OK...that my kid crapped himself in his crib on Monday and discovered how to take off his pants and diaper...yeah, <i>that</i> happened....<br />
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HAPPY THURSDAY BLOG LAND!<br />
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XOXO, JESSICA<br />
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<br />The Shaw Shackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04853381533153663490noreply@blogger.com2