tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8005696413624489932024-03-19T02:51:21.214-07:00hodgeypodgebloghoopesfam5http://www.blogger.com/profile/10307591466281765685noreply@blogger.comBlogger508125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-800569641362448993.post-76261917200747338102013-11-28T20:24:00.000-08:002013-12-06T16:12:21.480-08:00So Very Thankful For....Thanksgiving has come quickly this year, and while I wasn't very vocal about all the wonderful many blessings I have been given, I did want to share "a few" of the many things for which I am very thankful. I tried to think of something for every day of the month, and the girls helped me as well. We wrote them down on cute paper leaves, then hung them on a line above the television. Nothing fancy or super special, but it was a good reminder throughout the month of all that we have been blessed with. <br />
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I am thankful for loving parents who have always been supportive and encouraging.</div>
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I am thankful for good schools, great teacher, and the opportunity to receive an education.</div>
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I am thankful for SNUGGLES and HUGS and KISSES.</div>
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I am thankful for the craziness and chaos that often fills our home...it keeps us on our toes.</div>
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I am thankful for Nature. (Aiden)</div>
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I am thankful for our home (small as it may be) and for the shelter and warmth is provides.</div>
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We are thankful for Teen Beach Movie. (Reilly and Aiden)</div>
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We are thankful for gymnastics and Coach Tracy! (Aiden and Reilly)</div>
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I am thankful for Cars. (Mac)</div>
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I am thankful for exercise and for the physical ability to do it.</div>
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I am thankful for dogs. (Aiden)</div>
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I am thankful for music and for girls who love to sing and dance to it.</div>
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I am thankful for hobbies and interests and for the chance to constantly try new things.</div>
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I am thankful for Heavenly Father. (Reilly)</div>
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I am thankful for my pennies. (Aiden)</div>
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I am thankful for good, supportive friends who put up with me and all my awkwardness and imperfections.</div>
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We are thankful for the beach and the ocean, and to live where we live.</div>
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I am thankful for family, the one I was born into as well as the one I chose to be married into, and I am thankful for the love and acceptance that surrounds me, Doug, and our children.</div>
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I am thankful for Yo Gabba Gabba and Mickey Mouse. (Mac)</div>
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I am thankful to live in the beautiful are of Newport Heights and for our wonderful neighbors.</div>
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I am thankful for daddy's job. (Reilly)</div>
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I am thankful for smiley, Reilly Roo and for her cheerful, happy-go-lucky nature.</div>
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I am thankful for cheese! (Mac)</div>
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I am thankful for a washer, and dryer, and dishwasher.</div>
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I am thankful for Doug and for his hard work, and for his dedication to our family, his job, jiu jitsu, and all his endeavors.</div>
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We are thankful for all of the beautiful sunsets we are given.</div>
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We are thankful for flannel sheets and for warm, snuggly blankets.</div>
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I am thankful for books, for scriptures, for good literature, and for the ability to read.</div>
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We are thankful for cookies, cupcakes, and ALL sweet and tasty treats. (Aiden and Reilly)</div>
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I am thankful for creativity and craftiness (and for friends who inspire me to make fun things).</div>
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I am thankful for my friends. (Reilly)</div>
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I am thankful for trials, struggles, and hardships that keep us humble and help us to grow.</div>
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I am thankful for turtles. (Reilly)</div>
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I am thankful for MacKenzie and for the pure, uninhibited happiness she brings into our family.</div>
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I am thankful for the Atonement and for an ever-growing testimony of Jesus Christ, Heavenly Father, and the gospel</div>
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I am thankful for temples, for the priesthood, and for the blessings of an eternal marriage and family.</div>
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I am thankful for forgiveness, and for the chance to apologize and try to make things better.</div>
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I am thankful for TV. (Aiden)</div>
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I am thankful for volleyball. (Aiden)</div>
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I am thankful for binkies. (Mac)</div>
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We are thankful for the moon and stars and the beautiful nighttime sky.</div>
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I am thankful for Aiden Kaylin and for her sweet, sensitive, loving, sassy spirit.</div>
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I am thankful for good, healthy food...and for the not-so-healthy, but oh-so-delicious stuff as well (especially PIE, today I am especially thankful for PIE).</div>
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We hope your Thanksgiving was happy and wonderful and full of remembrances of the many, many things with which you have been blessed. </div>
hoopesfam5http://www.blogger.com/profile/10307591466281765685noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-800569641362448993.post-36736227644885016892013-11-06T01:51:00.000-08:002014-01-15T21:39:05.788-08:00Someone Turned 33...Happy birthday Doug!! Here is how we celebrated YOUR special day...dinner at Crab Cooker, followed by a bundtlet+ice cream cake and presents. I wish we could have done more to celebrate such a hard-working guy, but with your birthday falling on a Tuesday...well, it just wasn't in the cards. Just think about it this way, the girls and I have a whole 364 days to plan something totally awesome for next year!<br />
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<span id="goog_1600857999"></span><span id="goog_1600858000"></span><br />hoopesfam5http://www.blogger.com/profile/10307591466281765685noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-800569641362448993.post-8567573714655741282013-09-03T21:10:00.000-07:002013-10-18T02:13:16.465-07:00First Day of Second Grade...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Well, it's that time of year again...time for the girls to go back to school. Summer was great. It really was amazing. But I think all of us are ready to get back to somewhat of a schedule...back to a regular routine. Aiden and Reilly were both very excited for today. They were excited to meet their new teacher (they will be in the same class again this year). They couldn't wait to see their old friends. They couldn't WAIT to be big-time second graders. Can you see the excitement in their faces? It took all the patience they had to oblige their mother with a few before-school photos...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI3mGJVz-NKaN2t6ctYoQE9K36D9HCN2ZKxbxyeX6wmVUHnyLL-6p6UZ1WD5tc6r8X9Npx8Z2aJJFLkR6J2t7LwaYticv_zcNyg_KoLAdTFY1pTVPyxdGByI_9YySMsX8IKD-Fgm3tQcQ/s1600/IMG_20130903_075018_683.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI3mGJVz-NKaN2t6ctYoQE9K36D9HCN2ZKxbxyeX6wmVUHnyLL-6p6UZ1WD5tc6r8X9Npx8Z2aJJFLkR6J2t7LwaYticv_zcNyg_KoLAdTFY1pTVPyxdGByI_9YySMsX8IKD-Fgm3tQcQ/s400/IMG_20130903_075018_683.jpg" width="225" /></a> <img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJHoHukWSf2j9eW34945PuInvFccPNADY0gKo8J4pjLHem_9UYByrrQX5CvtjC1XKtbwfq4wrl_IT-iKoCvpIJAepD_0oi762slHa6BWcBpyCZ1iFkWvdlHH6uijC_MG8rgJ6hLfjJGG0/s400/IMG_20130903_075006_171.jpg" width="225" /></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Aiden (left) and Reilly (right)</span></div>
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Poor little Mac is going to miss her big sisters while they are at school. She sure loves hanging out with them and following them around. Hopefully, I will be able to keep her as entertained as they do during the day...and hopefully she will have fun with her old mom. </div>
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It's not much, but the girls wanted to do a little something for their teacher on the first day of school. We made some fresh blueberry muffins for breakfast, so we packaged some up with a little tag and called it good. Hopefully, this tasty snack will help start the year off right on the right track. </div>
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At the school, Mac was delighted to run into her dear friend L. (L's sister is in the same grade as Aiden and Reilly). These two girls are about a month apart in age and already have so much fun together. I foresee a lot of fun playdates with these two silly gals in the future. </div>
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After Mac and I said our final farewells to the girls, we decided to go for a celebratory Bonzai Bowl for a late breakfast/mid-morning snack. It was delicious...and a great way to end our first morning back at school!</div>
hoopesfam5http://www.blogger.com/profile/10307591466281765685noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-800569641362448993.post-20275545088742850142013-07-09T21:47:00.001-07:002013-07-09T21:47:33.685-07:00Getting Back to Blogging...<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/AVvXsEjIcXxPnYaKZaIk2bI71XS0toIqw_APHWNbMsh_M1VXnP5WYdVwWvqqk8xdntPMS1uvUvXa8-ZEd6kGPLLCbFqrI6ZNT97M-KORsby6YnXW5LJ1T8picCgqPRwsJBASzfmrnNsaOrS3i_8/s1600/do-more-of-what-makes-you-happy.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIcXxPnYaKZaIk2bI71XS0toIqw_APHWNbMsh_M1VXnP5WYdVwWvqqk8xdntPMS1uvUvXa8-ZEd6kGPLLCbFqrI6ZNT97M-KORsby6YnXW5LJ1T8picCgqPRwsJBASzfmrnNsaOrS3i_8/s400/do-more-of-what-makes-you-happy.gif" width="326" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Print available from <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/86160330/s-a-l-e-do-more-of-what-makes-you-happy" target="_blank">theinksociety</a> on Etsy</td></tr>
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A while back, I was talking with a friend about my neglect of this blog. I mentioned I was kinda sad about it, but that with life as a working/schooling/mom of 3/blah-blah-blah, I just couldn't seem to find the time to catch up. Immediately, my sweet friend said "Well Becky, you just have to do it." Here next words of advice were "Don't worry about catching up, just start with today and go from there." Admittedly, I chuckled and thought to myself "okay, okay...that's never going to happen," but her simple words have been in the back of my mind every time I have thought about blogging in the past year. <br />
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As evident by the date of my last post, I didn't heed my friend's advice as I should have (I'm sorry <a href="http://www.jamesandkarlybarker.com/" target="_blank">Karly</a>)...but some things have happened to other friends of mine over the past few months, which have caused me to re-realize just how important this blog is to me and my family. I love that I have a record of seemingly small moments in our seemingly ordinary lives. While I do not consider us or our adventures abnormally exciting, they are OUR adventures, our happenings, our memories...and I want the record of these moments to be around long after I am gone or able to remember them. <br />
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That being said, I am going to recommit myself to get back to blogging. Life is too precious and valuable to not leave a record or a memory. I want to be able to remember our struggles, our challenges, our happy times, our silly times...everything about our lives and our family through its various stages. It doesn't matter if I'm the only one reading this. What is important is that I take the time to record the things I want to remember now, so that I won't have to worry about what I have forgotten later. I want a record about our good times and our more-challenging times. I want to remember the joys and frustrations of our everyday happenings. <br />
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Blogging makes me happy. Reading about our past and seeing how we've grown makes me happy. Seeing and sharing pictures of my beautiful family makes me happy. Thinking about what I may have missed or forgotten already doesn't make me too happy, but realizing that I can change and start anew does make me happy. So, here's to blogging and doing something that makes me happy!hoopesfam5http://www.blogger.com/profile/10307591466281765685noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-800569641362448993.post-40254708090582159662013-05-21T23:34:00.000-07:002013-07-09T22:37:51.123-07:00Happy 2 to You...<div style="text-align: center;">
It's hard to believe that 2 years has gone by since little MacKenzie joined our family. To say the time has flown by way too quickly is an understatement. It seems like it was just yesterday that Doug and I went to the hospital to welcome baby girl #3.</div>
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There have been some scares (our 6 day hospital stay at birth (that felt like 6 years), repeated breath holding spells and ER visits, allergic reactions), but through it all Mac has consistently been the sweetest, happiest, most smiley little girl around. </div>
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To hear her laugh, to see her love and adoration for her "sisties," to see her beautiful smile every single day...these are the little things that help me to recognize the incomparable blessings of being a mother. I thank Heavenly Father every day for allowing MacKenzie to join our family, to bless us with her example, and to allow us to watch her grow. Happy birthday little one...we all love you SO very much!</div>
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<span id="goog_77286141"></span><span id="goog_77286142"></span> Here's the rundown on how MacKenzie spent her birthday. After dropping Aiden and Reilly off at school, Mac and I went and got some special birthday donuts. She had some fun playtime at the park with her friend Gavin. After her nap we picked Reilly and Aiden up from school. Mac then had her favorite afternoon snack (popcorn, or pop-pop as she calls it) while watching some Yo Gabba Gabba (another favorite). Mac's birthday dinner was chosen by her sisters (Old Spaghetti Factory, a family favorite), but she didn't seem to mind in the least. When bedtime came, Mac got to snuggle her new fuzzy YGG friends Muno, Brobee, and Foofa. </div>
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All in all, I would say our little two year old had a pretty fun birthday!!</div>
hoopesfam5http://www.blogger.com/profile/10307591466281765685noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-800569641362448993.post-45108217914305255352013-05-01T21:45:00.000-07:002013-07-15T18:53:16.036-07:00Fun Times, Family Times...The past week has been an especially fun one for our little family. My youngest sister Emily graduated from Brigham Young University (BYU) and my nephew Finely turned 8, which means he was baptized a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. All of this meant that we got to take a little road trip up to Utah to see my family - Yay!!<br />
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The start of our roadtrip was a little rocky - Aiden got carsick, Reilly got stung by a bee, then Doug got carsick, and so forth, and so forth. The drive took a little longer than expected, causing us to miss Emily's graduation ceremony, but we <em>finally</em> made it safe and sound. (Here's a pic of the happy, beautiful, intelligent graduate...)<br />
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The baptism was so special, and afterward there was the bonus of getting NEW family pictures (apparently, I close my eyes a lot when I'm in front of the camera...oh well). <br />
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Doug and I decided to use this trip as an excuse to treat the girls to a night in Vegas. We got a great rate at the Excalibur (the pretty Castle, as the girls refer to it), partook of a buffet dinner, and enjoyed a looong walk on the strip, taking in the lights. The next morning we spent as much time as possible in the pool before we had to hop back in the car to get home. <br />
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Before we headed home, we decided to cruise the strip so the girls could see the big hotels during daylight. Doug wanted to hit up another buffet, so we stopped at a cool little casino/hotel south of the city and were totally surprised when we walked in and saw this cool aquarium. The girls LOVED it. The buffet ended up being super crowded, and we didn't want to wait the hour to get in, so we decided to get burgers and milkshakes at Johnny Rocket's instead...it was a win-win for all!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg45q1Y03GFnnoTJqOlE0KLeRaDPpfryPTa6Q6usxx9TW-CiszRjTk9F5Qhdvk5X4kzGLlRhKlyvYl1bR3XUlxqT_cGg5jeehVbbW_TyeS5AkGc3YqbfovDIMQMQNGL34vZPMs76cQ__7k/s1600/IMG_20130430_140615_207.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg45q1Y03GFnnoTJqOlE0KLeRaDPpfryPTa6Q6usxx9TW-CiszRjTk9F5Qhdvk5X4kzGLlRhKlyvYl1bR3XUlxqT_cGg5jeehVbbW_TyeS5AkGc3YqbfovDIMQMQNGL34vZPMs76cQ__7k/s320/IMG_20130430_140615_207.jpg" width="180" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibA1stXPAjgFHGEp2QW9wI0H7rw4dGX4gj8GaktBeCoKGXnNv1OaEE375V2tRDcNgckQW6Zl8CecIqyLAvh2HsPGT2NMJz9JrFaUDGp4LRF0YL3dRwSgGcqdKMBLkhi2_0KmPw13P08rA/s1600/IMG_20130430_140548_837.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibA1stXPAjgFHGEp2QW9wI0H7rw4dGX4gj8GaktBeCoKGXnNv1OaEE375V2tRDcNgckQW6Zl8CecIqyLAvh2HsPGT2NMJz9JrFaUDGp4LRF0YL3dRwSgGcqdKMBLkhi2_0KmPw13P08rA/s320/IMG_20130430_140548_837.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
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While it may have been a short little vacay, we sure had a great time!! Can't wait to do it again (hopefully sooner rather than later!!)</div>
hoopesfam5http://www.blogger.com/profile/10307591466281765685noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-800569641362448993.post-23140426768388084792012-11-26T23:43:00.000-08:002013-08-02T02:00:39.578-07:00Happy, Happy Birthday Girls...So, what's a girl (or two) supposed to do when her birthday happens to fall on the same day as a baby cousin's blessing? You take that birthday out of town and live it up as best as you can!! Our little twinsers turned 7 this past weekend, and they got to celebrate their birthday down in (semi) sunny San Diego with family! Here are the birthday girls on their last morning as 6 year olds...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOFOSPYM7PQWDL81IRrscgyk9gD6ZiB8aVSFJk6RiuilaTAUHf-7zRmzg-AUFDS_2CGM998qqzVrwYVKlFdjwHU_yQXx416l1eyxWVPRWZmCi2rry-S2pIKvvYMFhqM_RTU0JDJM67Eog/s1600/2012-11-24_07-44-53_737.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOFOSPYM7PQWDL81IRrscgyk9gD6ZiB8aVSFJk6RiuilaTAUHf-7zRmzg-AUFDS_2CGM998qqzVrwYVKlFdjwHU_yQXx416l1eyxWVPRWZmCi2rry-S2pIKvvYMFhqM_RTU0JDJM67Eog/s400/2012-11-24_07-44-53_737.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Doug and I decorated the outside of their doorway and into the hallway with streamers and a banner. We covered both their bedroom floor and the hallway floor with a LOT of blown up balloons...our girls love balloons. Even Mac was super excited when she woke up on the big day...she sure loves her older sisters. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXiPwgkG93Jo57C2wNlEnMTS1Kclf6Uj9GFEAS1jNZUsudXOO5-nbhvhVJeSFXjfh-J1WD4PhM1CA9iPEPaRiwbojL24KYO3JssF20fikqciWQRlXMAGXkZXQZ_CaOUiFMnawmFmFkDQg/s1600/IMG951261.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXiPwgkG93Jo57C2wNlEnMTS1Kclf6Uj9GFEAS1jNZUsudXOO5-nbhvhVJeSFXjfh-J1WD4PhM1CA9iPEPaRiwbojL24KYO3JssF20fikqciWQRlXMAGXkZXQZ_CaOUiFMnawmFmFkDQg/s400/IMG951261.jpg" width="400" /></a> </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF-azCGqK4jwXBi669MZ4ekLhPnYXSA9xangO2IxF-gQfHbtUs_V7eFQLEP8jlE4ZYs_VoDATh_Qtbjl2_s-fAjEKEpjVmoomBfsP9GhXLzJV3NPpUeIX8HvGMDyh67XVWp0Icb1H0oP0/s1600/IMG951275.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF-azCGqK4jwXBi669MZ4ekLhPnYXSA9xangO2IxF-gQfHbtUs_V7eFQLEP8jlE4ZYs_VoDATh_Qtbjl2_s-fAjEKEpjVmoomBfsP9GhXLzJV3NPpUeIX8HvGMDyh67XVWp0Icb1H0oP0/s400/IMG951275.jpg" width="400" /></a> </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijW-h5617zAZRXR7Lc_ts-KwWh24geVWm1Vw_ZVNoNeKZ4ujRRv7dEECHj9XGkfcICuxSRQwHOWIHmvTiSq7TmTVdiBj96z8Cg5MwDlTNULAhX5j0JeVRAoRfQoiMYu7IZQZj4ooLKZso/s1600/IMG951278.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijW-h5617zAZRXR7Lc_ts-KwWh24geVWm1Vw_ZVNoNeKZ4ujRRv7dEECHj9XGkfcICuxSRQwHOWIHmvTiSq7TmTVdiBj96z8Cg5MwDlTNULAhX5j0JeVRAoRfQoiMYu7IZQZj4ooLKZso/s400/IMG951278.jpg" width="400" /></a> </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikSqDI3O4NBVMLdPmH7Oobl5MlMg5S0b7fF7VE7_s-Oa32oitEp9HA_Sd4Tde6vW9IQR3w3NYsZecX_fW7BUp-AUs8ADz3ZE5ZGzKGvjsFgiDtJTE6ImIVuyEBBSjlFtAuJ3uLxupiroE/s1600/IMG951286.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikSqDI3O4NBVMLdPmH7Oobl5MlMg5S0b7fF7VE7_s-Oa32oitEp9HA_Sd4Tde6vW9IQR3w3NYsZecX_fW7BUp-AUs8ADz3ZE5ZGzKGvjsFgiDtJTE6ImIVuyEBBSjlFtAuJ3uLxupiroE/s400/IMG951286.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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We had to be at a baby blessing early Sunday morning, so we decided to go down on Saturday and spend the night in a hotel. The girls absolutely LOVED it...you would have thought we were taking them to Disneyland! Here they are on their special day, bright-eyed and bushy-tailed after staying the night in their cool, posh hotel room (they thought it was pretty awesome...dad even showed them the "right" way to jump on the very bouncy bed) </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB-R6mB4QmMnCZp4mPnzNLRFjKs4gUiFWxPtnmjhLfQecT0aDZbgyeDiqktcFDpZCL8z6w1zNfIDqA2s0rWKVhQMaTr1A8Bpw8RmAtrwqkTCojPDBZtAfKM7QMmnXqC3MOFQYBJ4XspsU/s1600/IMG951317.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB-R6mB4QmMnCZp4mPnzNLRFjKs4gUiFWxPtnmjhLfQecT0aDZbgyeDiqktcFDpZCL8z6w1zNfIDqA2s0rWKVhQMaTr1A8Bpw8RmAtrwqkTCojPDBZtAfKM7QMmnXqC3MOFQYBJ4XspsU/s400/IMG951317.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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And here is little Miss Aiden enjoying her birthday dinner at Ruby's on the Oceanside pier...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrSOKIkyqGsJw52e_Zo72jgIwvxfQiYlc2GUk_r9-rtKP3BbHbWOtVcM1LgDZMDcRx_7kkFtRu86r4QrG-KQ9kg4AxXQsqkOy4bJxUX-bunWTymd7UeNpZ7OWoluzjcFwNQc3KcZoiYsg/s1600/2012-11-25_15-19-38_406.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrSOKIkyqGsJw52e_Zo72jgIwvxfQiYlc2GUk_r9-rtKP3BbHbWOtVcM1LgDZMDcRx_7kkFtRu86r4QrG-KQ9kg4AxXQsqkOy4bJxUX-bunWTymd7UeNpZ7OWoluzjcFwNQc3KcZoiYsg/s400/2012-11-25_15-19-38_406.jpg" width="400" /></a> </div>
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And birthday girl Reilly (notice the cute little flower crown? That was a gift from her uber-talented Aunt Cynthia....SOOO cute, right?)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJndS7XdwvVbL6lPVXiYi6Mh7ZD35xmqVuP4fufB4liRyAShw1Gj8RzVeyfHqKr_kBtILf1Obpfpv0swjMm4_feLUAiHcM0TiPsyHHpIGk92jTYsQSMqLtgojWr9Umuen9ER_omxzh83c/s1600/2012-11-25_15-28-13_54.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJndS7XdwvVbL6lPVXiYi6Mh7ZD35xmqVuP4fufB4liRyAShw1Gj8RzVeyfHqKr_kBtILf1Obpfpv0swjMm4_feLUAiHcM0TiPsyHHpIGk92jTYsQSMqLtgojWr9Umuen9ER_omxzh83c/s400/2012-11-25_15-28-13_54.jpg" width="400" /></a> </div>
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And we all know how my girls love making silly faces...some things don't change with age</div>
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<img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-C8opMD35uCkkEljmLDfhKRygbstBWRNkzfj4ytZBSSPsErm3bKDtDBfwihG3RSA75H05VILWkPv4Fe7pGs4hlumgpxAKn6ejZN_OgLhXsmV_ds5YA7Jg57cmabyYP07RI92I2qeWvQQ/s320/2012-11-25_15-28-27_772.jpg" width="320" /> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJxwKN28t-i3pKNusBF-UpeYbbnXwXyx3zVo2ZvI2wXR32IpSCL2kO4ggbZxPzOF3h6Bgvy4GQGnLaf4p99n5zLd1vUtWNHCU0KXv2bvlEVQ1VwNy1c7zQx5OdJw3VzLCiju6ZldkQW_s/s1600/2012-11-25_15-28-33_725.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJxwKN28t-i3pKNusBF-UpeYbbnXwXyx3zVo2ZvI2wXR32IpSCL2kO4ggbZxPzOF3h6Bgvy4GQGnLaf4p99n5zLd1vUtWNHCU0KXv2bvlEVQ1VwNy1c7zQx5OdJw3VzLCiju6ZldkQW_s/s320/2012-11-25_15-28-33_725.jpg" width="320" /></a> </div>
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Despite the chilly winter breeze, Aiden and Reilly wanted to eat their meals outside, on the rooftop deck. So of course, we obliged...and enjoyed the beautiful view! We all got a kick out of the starfish that (somehow) ended up on the roof of the tower. Do seagulls normally stash snacks away for later?</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdPnlK1QTr3cassN95sUM6RwwS6W3-UUDIB_meLCYWfVVCipgECyKUeUFKZtRrXs1HVwCmrtXVd5oKWdc8WAcnAwz4Dg7sZfvhQoV3opeS__pqgddkmPPWejKHv6R2WYsh22wkZjRdZug/s1600/2012-11-25_15-25-42_313.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdPnlK1QTr3cassN95sUM6RwwS6W3-UUDIB_meLCYWfVVCipgECyKUeUFKZtRrXs1HVwCmrtXVd5oKWdc8WAcnAwz4Dg7sZfvhQoV3opeS__pqgddkmPPWejKHv6R2WYsh22wkZjRdZug/s400/2012-11-25_15-25-42_313.jpg" width="400" /></a> </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihR_3AoPozNvaUj81f0L9QMfTsYY_WZ3v8qqBP1ysgC-0J8XUpNadv-2JfSkUdYOulWXBp2-5ch0AFJrxbLvg8GELTEq6HIo73edwCOgHD9tWujxhQqlmwG0lK5r3D4hljchCvLjTDY_M/s1600/2012-11-25_15-25-28_558.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihR_3AoPozNvaUj81f0L9QMfTsYY_WZ3v8qqBP1ysgC-0J8XUpNadv-2JfSkUdYOulWXBp2-5ch0AFJrxbLvg8GELTEq6HIo73edwCOgHD9tWujxhQqlmwG0lK5r3D4hljchCvLjTDY_M/s400/2012-11-25_15-25-28_558.jpg" width="400" /></a> </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJxBuPymINDdXxxl3Ok2sZWizYqXFIGXz5QoQc5rIgKRC31_aBchlyVxlll8bg87K4GhS3yi_bP_hN1l9xUxZMBKWi4evDtV0QpOyHjpQe2gTybgdxGddvsjAuFnC5vT1_9nEwMCJW2kk/s1600/2012-11-25_15-26-10_470.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJxBuPymINDdXxxl3Ok2sZWizYqXFIGXz5QoQc5rIgKRC31_aBchlyVxlll8bg87K4GhS3yi_bP_hN1l9xUxZMBKWi4evDtV0QpOyHjpQe2gTybgdxGddvsjAuFnC5vT1_9nEwMCJW2kk/s400/2012-11-25_15-26-10_470.jpg" width="400" /></a> </div>
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And, even though the milkshakes at Ruby's were pretty tasty, no birthday is complete without cake...and cake is just what we had to finish off Aiden and Reilly's birthday. </div>
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It is hard for me to believe I am the mother of two incredibly sweet, smart, funny, loving, sassy pants, beautiful little 7 year-olds. I have learned so much from these two girls, and I know I will continue to learn from them in the many years ahead. They are my heart and soul. And even though we have the occasional rough day, I am so glad they are quick to forgive their imperfect mother for all the mistakes she makes. And believe me, the mistakes are frequent. I'm not sure why these two chose me over all the other amazing moms out there there to be their mother, but I am very grateful they did. I love them more than they understand, and I hope I have done right by them these past 7 years. </div>
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Happy 7th birthday baby girls!! I love you Aiden! I love you Reilly!</div>
hoopesfam5http://www.blogger.com/profile/10307591466281765685noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-800569641362448993.post-9269613854238800652012-11-20T23:44:00.000-08:002013-08-02T02:45:19.429-07:00In-Class Birthday Celebration - Aiden<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We are getting close to the twins' birthday, and today was Aiden's special day to celebrate in class. </div>
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Unfortunately her teacher was (still) out sick (poor thing!), but instructions were left for the substitute so we were still able to par-tay! For birthday celebration, each kids writes a special letter to the birthday girl/boy saying what they like about that person or why that person is special. Each page is then bound together and the birthday girl/boy gets to go home with a custom-made birthday book. I'm not sure if Aiden was happier about the book or the fact that she got to color the cover, either way, she was one happy (un)birthday girl. At the end of it all, everyone sings happy birthday and then Aiden got to pass out special birthday goody bags to her classmates. Talk about a fun way to make this (soon-to-be) birthday girl feel very, very special!!</div>
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<img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvkUdebd-6lkTMUIaYKjQUxEakG6j8Ii9cU8-tkPpJFOuKQjaCy8Cch3HXvTlB2O_1nJlHDJohOPD9nV4G5FppO45es8bWFQlXiUmt022z-YU4lermOSrCkbCa8sHDms3FjSPQdizETLE/s400/2012-11-20_14-42-09_354.jpg" width="400" /> </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO4dMWHgrSe56b8GYbmLQKX26FdLvdRmWDgaBdcc-9uOsNZuuMAaX44w6dm-qeM7fVz5Xsk3gFl2sGGh8cmYNXdSLcei0kIOTJc_9RhwqZgDE_1tcLi9sI8xieZa3rPyf1KfHey0gYsEo/s1600/2012-11-20_13-36-47_315.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO4dMWHgrSe56b8GYbmLQKX26FdLvdRmWDgaBdcc-9uOsNZuuMAaX44w6dm-qeM7fVz5Xsk3gFl2sGGh8cmYNXdSLcei0kIOTJc_9RhwqZgDE_1tcLi9sI8xieZa3rPyf1KfHey0gYsEo/s400/2012-11-20_13-36-47_315.jpg" width="400" /></a> </div>
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In addition to the birthday celebration, Aiden and Reilly's class had a Thanksgiving celebration today. I had volunteered to bring veggies, and what better way to present them than as a veggie turkey! Gobble, gobble little ones... </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6F-19AcJFlHuN3Vg7bWtRvLcbaCNxSKQDE9i1ei5vZsvhPGuYeE6A-u3SLz8xWN78IYAAZc2Ua7yoInb7Y-3Nmt-I6h8iBeZ6Q-NVWhQXcFTIV3aqQup-JRGb9ExUoQBTH3Ddn6mnJYg/s1600/2012-11-20_09-50-17_526.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6F-19AcJFlHuN3Vg7bWtRvLcbaCNxSKQDE9i1ei5vZsvhPGuYeE6A-u3SLz8xWN78IYAAZc2Ua7yoInb7Y-3Nmt-I6h8iBeZ6Q-NVWhQXcFTIV3aqQup-JRGb9ExUoQBTH3Ddn6mnJYg/s400/2012-11-20_09-50-17_526.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
hoopesfam5http://www.blogger.com/profile/10307591466281765685noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-800569641362448993.post-48085184786925419012012-11-19T23:21:00.000-08:002013-08-02T02:47:09.212-07:00In-Class Birthday Celebration - Reilly<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Today was Reilly's special day to celebrate her birthday with her 1st grade class. Unfortunately, her (fun and amazing) teacher was out sick, so Roo was (more than) a little bummed that she wasn't going to be there. BUT, Mrs. Pfister being the amazing substitute that she is, helped to make the afternoon special for Reilly. Roo received her custom birthday book, made entirely by her classmates (Aiden wanted to help read some of the pages of to Reilly), and she got to hand out a special birthday surprise to all of her friends. It was a super fun day...and she is now one day closer to turning 7 years old (YIKES!).</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjidtDB3r2QFIrKm8cFOeuUaaiPPN8o8qLQRrVpXUCx9oc48WxJN_RPI5nq-8unRK9OLWgfeN4V6Jxa-26YVL4EDfOu4s7UtMLiXEPyJqaLNoCR6aIis4H3JlIIS_-rpcrtRTQP5wPD_Yg/s1600/2012-11-19_14-27-06_665.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjidtDB3r2QFIrKm8cFOeuUaaiPPN8o8qLQRrVpXUCx9oc48WxJN_RPI5nq-8unRK9OLWgfeN4V6Jxa-26YVL4EDfOu4s7UtMLiXEPyJqaLNoCR6aIis4H3JlIIS_-rpcrtRTQP5wPD_Yg/s400/2012-11-19_14-27-06_665.jpg" width="400" /></a> </div>
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hoopesfam5http://www.blogger.com/profile/10307591466281765685noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-800569641362448993.post-1550981755758647402012-11-06T20:33:00.001-08:002012-11-06T20:33:37.960-08:00MIA...againFor anyone who might still be looking at this dearly neglected blog of ours, I just want to reassure that yes, we are still alive and well. I am sorry for being so absent and for not filling you in on the happenings of our little family. There is not a day that goes by without me thinking "you know, I really need to get caught up on the blog. I haven't journaled in "X" number of days/weeks/months"...but, as you are well aware, that long overdue update has yet to occur. Well folks, that is something I plan to resolve RIGHT now...even if it means I have to stay up all night, I WILL get some updates posted on this blog. <br />
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Stay tuned for the upcoming blog blitz!! Here's a semi- recent photo for stopping by...yup, those are my [silly, crazy, goofy, always-entertaining, beautiful] girls!<br />
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hoopesfam5http://www.blogger.com/profile/10307591466281765685noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-800569641362448993.post-62924834983873579742012-10-29T21:11:00.000-07:002013-01-03T21:17:23.976-08:00Just Call Me Little Miss Smiley...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7nushrrQG_PtRrHfaZzaOJ0He7k_jk_iM6Dw2MmTodt95ZoGi9Y5R_-PkzGZjsE8b6_XqFp0GyLLc6iZZ39JI8XVu5Ba3P4IBPgg91_njca0lveDVkHG2VJ2sr47-TVImdqQ52QNrZU0/s1600/2012-10-02_14-34-59_345.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7nushrrQG_PtRrHfaZzaOJ0He7k_jk_iM6Dw2MmTodt95ZoGi9Y5R_-PkzGZjsE8b6_XqFp0GyLLc6iZZ39JI8XVu5Ba3P4IBPgg91_njca0lveDVkHG2VJ2sr47-TVImdqQ52QNrZU0/s320/2012-10-02_14-34-59_345.jpg" width="320" /></a> </div>
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hoopesfam5http://www.blogger.com/profile/10307591466281765685noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-800569641362448993.post-26738974953367750282012-10-27T03:25:00.000-07:002013-01-05T03:26:02.948-08:00Red Ribbon Week...For this year's Red Ribbon Week, the girls' school focused on being drug free as well as living a healthy lifestyle. Each day the students were given a different theme that they could dress up for (red shirt day for being drug free, sweats day for getting out and exercising, team jerseys for team work/working together, etc.). To go along with the themes, the students were also given a special homework assignment that reinforced the topic of the day. All week, we have discussed healthy eating choices and how we can live a more active lifestyle. More than once I got called out by the girls on a not-so-healthy decision (such as my Dr. Pepper habit), but it also helped the girls to better understand why I (try to) always have both fruit and vegetables in their lunches, and why I don't allow them to have sugary juices and sweets too often. It has been a very educational experience for all of us, and hopefully this week's focus will help us all remember to make healthier choices.<br />
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I didn't get pictures of all the days, but I did manage to snap a few on jersey day. We aren't super fanatic sports followers, so since we didn't have "official team jerseys" the girls opted to wear some old jerseys from Doug's sporting years. They LOVED them...and looked awfully cute sporting their Dad's old tops.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-x_hZdKiOxQ3C2cz21WHinsUhw35oxwPkdSOUS-OT9J-HVU4KiSvOk-9oVVdY5sno_B1veDx2Ab7-8d9a9zazPREZ0jeTKBxPPh1GdVZ6Do9pIHfKmzvtxuZrtQl5SMh03FoBwqlp_F0/s1600/2012-10-25_15-10-08_679.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-x_hZdKiOxQ3C2cz21WHinsUhw35oxwPkdSOUS-OT9J-HVU4KiSvOk-9oVVdY5sno_B1veDx2Ab7-8d9a9zazPREZ0jeTKBxPPh1GdVZ6Do9pIHfKmzvtxuZrtQl5SMh03FoBwqlp_F0/s400/2012-10-25_15-10-08_679.jpg" width="400" /></a> </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWBNJ-hIYDSXFZ398TcBe5ZCocosL7Bt7k2uumBLiVpZ08UpJNyusTPAYg4kZjGDHhyphenhyphenvcN5YJMarjOevM7e6ccxiJkAtRxty5QIM066jnYQ2_JJfyKS-M-WFk235qP_sUTgUerObzOr9U/s1600/2012-10-25_15-09-11_340.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWBNJ-hIYDSXFZ398TcBe5ZCocosL7Bt7k2uumBLiVpZ08UpJNyusTPAYg4kZjGDHhyphenhyphenvcN5YJMarjOevM7e6ccxiJkAtRxty5QIM066jnYQ2_JJfyKS-M-WFk235qP_sUTgUerObzOr9U/s400/2012-10-25_15-09-11_340.jpg" width="400" /></a> </div>
hoopesfam5http://www.blogger.com/profile/10307591466281765685noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-800569641362448993.post-78119823938859184612012-10-26T23:06:00.000-07:002013-01-03T23:08:26.637-08:00Fall Festival...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Tonight was the annual fall festival at the girls' school. They were super excited and couldn't WAIT to go. This year, Aiden decided she wanted to be a vampire and Reilly opted to be a ghost. The girls really, REALLY wanted store-bought costumes this year but it simply wasn't in the budget. SO, after making a trip to Goodwill and the clearance fabric bin at Walmart, these are the costumes we came up with. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiegsk6ukKlG-2hT8-ArFP9ZvdkNIv2qv3ZUui2F24f1541ajN8VyQ57wNHCnQv-sukDeT7XHH9g3TZubsU5ScFXAek54wBu7zywfTTuMTW1foQnv7sV-QZMSKhjmXMY1u5OtF2SGEXb14/s1600/2012-10-26_16-28-47_171.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiegsk6ukKlG-2hT8-ArFP9ZvdkNIv2qv3ZUui2F24f1541ajN8VyQ57wNHCnQv-sukDeT7XHH9g3TZubsU5ScFXAek54wBu7zywfTTuMTW1foQnv7sV-QZMSKhjmXMY1u5OtF2SGEXb14/s400/2012-10-26_16-28-47_171.jpg" width="400" /></a> </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYlqb7mhOI8Ep2s4AnN3pubfctY0bBrf3YkoCR7RHTlrlSAR7oyCWNEZPWm8xnRlh-3JGjwPHjfRMo41bIH6jfhigIhflyEC16uSa8VjU5uyjdkqu1K-f7oDlFjpktSTvxZCUX0jDliBY/s1600/2012-10-26_16-29-13_976.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYlqb7mhOI8Ep2s4AnN3pubfctY0bBrf3YkoCR7RHTlrlSAR7oyCWNEZPWm8xnRlh-3JGjwPHjfRMo41bIH6jfhigIhflyEC16uSa8VjU5uyjdkqu1K-f7oDlFjpktSTvxZCUX0jDliBY/s400/2012-10-26_16-29-13_976.jpg" width="300" /></a> </div>
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Aiden kept telling me she wanted a long, fancy red dress. I found one at goodwill for $5 and simply had to remake/alter the top and the straps to get it to fit my little girl. I also found the cape at goodwill for a dollar, and the belt was made from some trim I had in my fabric stash. </div>
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She seemed pretty happy with the final result.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEj0LzvFvL3Wxe_6ma1W6DEeVfpxtgGMEvJJi3QeV-vTYlOKvUwyWV4a-sAHe9bgPalyjNbaNAGA6kLW3yNCnW6ELhoHw4WuZVdr3VZpQWmXpSAetCRFzuKkEES5M9GOh9qzxLWPYxSL0/s1600/2012-10-26_16-29-31_228.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEj0LzvFvL3Wxe_6ma1W6DEeVfpxtgGMEvJJi3QeV-vTYlOKvUwyWV4a-sAHe9bgPalyjNbaNAGA6kLW3yNCnW6ELhoHw4WuZVdr3VZpQWmXpSAetCRFzuKkEES5M9GOh9qzxLWPYxSL0/s400/2012-10-26_16-29-31_228.jpg" width="300" /></a> </div>
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Reilly was very specific with her costume wishes this year. "Mom - all you have to do is get a white sheet and cut holes out for the eyes. It's been a little chilly in the evenings and I didn't have any spare white sheets, so I bought enough clearance fabric to double-layer and create a more form-fitting ghost costume than the traditional charlie-brown-sheet-over-the-head. I also used some scraps of black lace to fill the eye holes so they could be larger and help with air ventilation. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2jIjdGm95-2kgoDyoxI0DJiBIbrJTfSgP6___5nPzCBsKHDihEuReo71c8sZnI1PlFpm7dUkf0ybSzNAV27UmcA5rim2MdtexzNlu9rSN8j4cADtbs_VwSRIGG_zMBzHfn_8cBDcFc14/s1600/2012-10-26_16-29-43_67.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2jIjdGm95-2kgoDyoxI0DJiBIbrJTfSgP6___5nPzCBsKHDihEuReo71c8sZnI1PlFpm7dUkf0ybSzNAV27UmcA5rim2MdtexzNlu9rSN8j4cADtbs_VwSRIGG_zMBzHfn_8cBDcFc14/s400/2012-10-26_16-29-43_67.jpg" width="400" /></a><span style="text-align: center;"> </span></div>
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<span style="text-align: center;">Reilly thought it was great that didn't have to smile for all of the photos because, as she kept saying "You can't see my face anyway, Mom...so it's okay if I don't smile."</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5Aex9sX7nBTz9erYyISie7CizwTawg0m80E5bt-ff1YLcIPGniYd73r7xTEYtOBo7222nkIb2aKr3H60jO8F1OSMkxQOBGbUSg3p8luPWHNt_vuuO23qoP2W8C7LFa_-bTZg_tVEVdOk/s1600/2012-10-26_16-36-36_410.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5Aex9sX7nBTz9erYyISie7CizwTawg0m80E5bt-ff1YLcIPGniYd73r7xTEYtOBo7222nkIb2aKr3H60jO8F1OSMkxQOBGbUSg3p8luPWHNt_vuuO23qoP2W8C7LFa_-bTZg_tVEVdOk/s400/2012-10-26_16-36-36_410.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Mac didn't don a costume for the Fall Fair, but she was awfully cute in some festive tights and an old pumpkin tee (Reilly's favorite, as previously documented <a href="http://hodgeypodgeblog.blogspot.com/2008/06/infatuated.html" target="_blank">HERE</a>)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh0ZBgKVwLCIlOI4bTHmqDjHaBtC9AnuEni_RPzunCAcceCBSEvnMB9Wo0IbN4k9T5R2uNG4oZp1hhLjckuDtqDs2Bf1NLGhwrZcDeakn4g3gTZCNCwDWbT_6Ct73oyW2BdsRQcJEeHzs/s1600/2012-10-26_16-54-31_398.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh0ZBgKVwLCIlOI4bTHmqDjHaBtC9AnuEni_RPzunCAcceCBSEvnMB9Wo0IbN4k9T5R2uNG4oZp1hhLjckuDtqDs2Bf1NLGhwrZcDeakn4g3gTZCNCwDWbT_6Ct73oyW2BdsRQcJEeHzs/s400/2012-10-26_16-54-31_398.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Even with vampire teeth and fake blood, I really do think I have the cutest little "ghouls" around!!</div>
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hoopesfam5http://www.blogger.com/profile/10307591466281765685noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-800569641362448993.post-16304025261589994142012-10-25T21:35:00.000-07:002013-01-05T03:36:18.219-08:00Love Ya Sister...Found this in Reilly's notebook in the car today...it made me smile.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDmiN5sQjDe9hHhienY5nSzY-PlX37wrVLdmhN92WA223dd542NHCEt0jcocBaPFGDjd4RfAEkK3vkYQfUKS5kMFExDdN2aZ4iTiC0ULasW_MeJy5KPauHptMxx9N8SiHPBXyozjLFXFs/s1600/2012-10-25_11-40-24_951.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDmiN5sQjDe9hHhienY5nSzY-PlX37wrVLdmhN92WA223dd542NHCEt0jcocBaPFGDjd4RfAEkK3vkYQfUKS5kMFExDdN2aZ4iTiC0ULasW_MeJy5KPauHptMxx9N8SiHPBXyozjLFXFs/s400/2012-10-25_11-40-24_951.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<br />hoopesfam5http://www.blogger.com/profile/10307591466281765685noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-800569641362448993.post-87531650136714697102012-10-21T23:35:00.000-07:002013-01-05T04:35:54.494-08:00Happy Birthday Uncle Dan...Tonight we had a special visitor...Uncle Dan (Doug's brother) came up so we could get wild and crazy and celebrate his birthday! The girls love, love, LOVE their Uncle Dan and were super excited to throw him a party. I actually baked and frosted (gasp) a cake, and while I am no Betty Crocker I think the cake turned out absolutely delicious. I used a box mix but altered the recipe slightly to make it a little more moist. I'll type instruction below in case anyone wants to try it (WARNING: the moistness of the cake may be slightly addicting, causing you to want to bake more and more and more. At least, that's what happened to me...and I don't like to bake. So, just wanted to let you know.) Enough of my rambling, here are the pics of our fun-filled fiesta!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiTICe8rvV2ZayXzaXHtpVVP3ivBvWYNGrfX5v_eOrUrbpFRf1hkLKGYLuN2DosOGMU47UjHLf6aw75o21Ra-K_JKoxJZvhjJGXLKU39CVK5VWHyPQ6WtL36lu7du1IZ91Fr8RazIHpD4/s1600/2012-10-21_11-46-26_824.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiTICe8rvV2ZayXzaXHtpVVP3ivBvWYNGrfX5v_eOrUrbpFRf1hkLKGYLuN2DosOGMU47UjHLf6aw75o21Ra-K_JKoxJZvhjJGXLKU39CVK5VWHyPQ6WtL36lu7du1IZ91Fr8RazIHpD4/s400/2012-10-21_11-46-26_824.jpg" width="400" /></a> </div>
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Chocolate chocolate chip...YUM</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijWxg3zpii8cjL1qHgPKqusf08raZRfXVuMdlDer_D38eY41tdc-iS8ThC4QFA45omcXNAf4Wv6VT14XA-beCQT0gViLLLBdsQoAFQxB04HJUXDVCwcBf2gHZijue9imnaQYSqa05tyv8/s1600/2012-10-21_11-54-10_172.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijWxg3zpii8cjL1qHgPKqusf08raZRfXVuMdlDer_D38eY41tdc-iS8ThC4QFA45omcXNAf4Wv6VT14XA-beCQT0gViLLLBdsQoAFQxB04HJUXDVCwcBf2gHZijue9imnaQYSqa05tyv8/s200/2012-10-21_11-54-10_172.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx6CLEMdjF7Ar_wc-cBWaAhP29_q3z7wieqaeCgFPR55QCuHlw__kTfvt3VpxSzvpbqUNqh-ayT5VvBMdhiU5xWnFPhtMutIkgHvzR9vSJsPxPpDE3yTMWA5GMQyLinQuHNWBzai8WxXs/s1600/2012-10-21_11-55-00_380.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx6CLEMdjF7Ar_wc-cBWaAhP29_q3z7wieqaeCgFPR55QCuHlw__kTfvt3VpxSzvpbqUNqh-ayT5VvBMdhiU5xWnFPhtMutIkgHvzR9vSJsPxPpDE3yTMWA5GMQyLinQuHNWBzai8WxXs/s200/2012-10-21_11-55-00_380.jpg" width="200" /></a> </div>
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My taste testers (Reilly lost her battle with the chocolate and ended up covered in it, hence no shirt above)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB8AGUWN8rUXnjWT3TGH7tdS2qAHaj-rM911EA-AEEHTYsa29-uVwqR7GcbI-i-UVVpKmNdeubKD3a4cyE5RY1N4GUs5pxUKyw8SbHI9cHXGeVD10H4ZIpFwgV28bL57TEnSYpLBNwvW0/s1600/2012-10-21_18-38-42_570.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB8AGUWN8rUXnjWT3TGH7tdS2qAHaj-rM911EA-AEEHTYsa29-uVwqR7GcbI-i-UVVpKmNdeubKD3a4cyE5RY1N4GUs5pxUKyw8SbHI9cHXGeVD10H4ZIpFwgV28bL57TEnSYpLBNwvW0/s400/2012-10-21_18-38-42_570.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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My attempt at frosting to make it look it pretty </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRtO_1qrSHxLxmvYliBdhW18OqUg7Pey5eeV-StAdFPJCotulo-jQAWv7H4Y7W2CgI8-f4UK2KyDZQgyH5Hk5p2a69YLsbZDUhtYxewUnsR4Q5WAHGp1JIB0S_QtYx2PjitEoGTjvC03c/s1600/2012-10-21_19-12-18_273.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRtO_1qrSHxLxmvYliBdhW18OqUg7Pey5eeV-StAdFPJCotulo-jQAWv7H4Y7W2CgI8-f4UK2KyDZQgyH5Hk5p2a69YLsbZDUhtYxewUnsR4Q5WAHGp1JIB0S_QtYx2PjitEoGTjvC03c/s400/2012-10-21_19-12-18_273.jpg" width="400" /></a> </div>
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Lighting of the candles...the girls were enchanted by the flames</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5z65zAySyLlVx7RW7DvxzjBjjD8eXtJKcwhrsGZ1da_ArHZdPDWnnV5w8Yfn2dXxt7326pF8uywsa9ZNMweuXyVYhdADKSuLfR8ME6D4yDaHaINXRQgcPeFgXOrYNbwxc1qqk1EK64yM/s1600/2012-10-21_19-13-15_796.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5z65zAySyLlVx7RW7DvxzjBjjD8eXtJKcwhrsGZ1da_ArHZdPDWnnV5w8Yfn2dXxt7326pF8uywsa9ZNMweuXyVYhdADKSuLfR8ME6D4yDaHaINXRQgcPeFgXOrYNbwxc1qqk1EK64yM/s400/2012-10-21_19-13-15_796.jpg" width="400" /></a> </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkYP-Rd9EHYo9onOide8_zJehkkuxRAJ6OqPFKUYoe_TPy_OtPVh9Be2Ex9Blb9RK9GbzNZMYOdMf5Hl1AVnXble8PsCmNI3Z60jYNHPmu9ejpdyeVE6WpGxW-SXTQ0WswB2jcc9ZU0hU/s1600/2012-10-21_19-13-25_148.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkYP-Rd9EHYo9onOide8_zJehkkuxRAJ6OqPFKUYoe_TPy_OtPVh9Be2Ex9Blb9RK9GbzNZMYOdMf5Hl1AVnXble8PsCmNI3Z60jYNHPmu9ejpdyeVE6WpGxW-SXTQ0WswB2jcc9ZU0hU/s400/2012-10-21_19-13-25_148.jpg" width="400" /></a> </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjAcmjYoTAKYtlugVfJ7P5D36V9NkQCSyTXZcqOm5MeceTMtSJbpyH-qIZN80xdvXT9JxiqjNfyRaz5XybUba-xoVjT2jJnWVR3U5JVdtlHPnwwywi3liwAen71QxP3Xx6YcSLyuGjh54/s1600/2012-10-21_19-17-12_479.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjAcmjYoTAKYtlugVfJ7P5D36V9NkQCSyTXZcqOm5MeceTMtSJbpyH-qIZN80xdvXT9JxiqjNfyRaz5XybUba-xoVjT2jJnWVR3U5JVdtlHPnwwywi3liwAen71QxP3Xx6YcSLyuGjh54/s400/2012-10-21_19-17-12_479.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Topped it off with some vanilla ice cream and we were one fat and happy group!! Thanks for giving us a reason to celebrate, Uncle Dan!! We hope you had an absolutely wonderful birthday!!</div>
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Yummy Chocolate, Chocolate Chip Cake Recipe</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">(originally taken from <a href="http://www.kevinandamanda.com/recipes/dessert/the-best-chocolate-cake.html" target="_blank">HERE</a>)</span></div>
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1 box devil’s food cake mix</div>
1 small pkg Jello instant chocolate pudding mix<br />1 cup sour cream<br />1 cup vegetable oil<br />4 eggs, beaten<br />1/2 cup milk<br />1 tsp vanilla<br />2 cups chocolate chips (mini or regular, whatever you have on hand)<br />
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Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. In a very large bowl, mix together everything except chocolate chips. Batter will be thick. Stir in the chocolate chips. Pour batter into cake pan of choice (I normally use two 9-inch pie pans). Use the cooking times on the back of the devil’s food cake box as a guide, but I usually have to add 10-15 minutes to whatever it says due to my wonky oven. I do the toothpick check, and if it still isn't done, I check on it every 5 minutes until it is. I think this took about 45 minutes for my two 9-inch pie pans. I recommend storing any leftovers in the fridge due to the sour cream and milk, but I'm not sure if that's something you HAVE to do. </div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 10px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><br style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />Read more at <a href="http://www.kevinandamanda.com/recipes/dessert/the-best-chocolate-cake.html#ixzz2H6TQq2ar" style="color: #003399; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: initial;">http://www.kevinandamanda.com/recipes/dessert/the-best-chocolate-cake.html#ixzz2H6TQq2ar</a></span><br />
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hoopesfam5http://www.blogger.com/profile/10307591466281765685noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-800569641362448993.post-68326195960024389922012-10-19T23:49:00.000-07:002013-01-05T03:31:41.754-08:00Friday Night Lights...Tonight we attended our first local football game. After seeing the high school on an almost daily basis for the past 2 1/2+ years, the girls asked if we would ever SEE one of the games. It happened to be homecoming, and I thought the girls would get an extra kick out of the seeing the floats and the princesses, so we decided to make it a late night and attend the football game. The lady at the ticket booth was super nice and let the twins in for free - after chatting them up about the princesses and everything they'd get to see. Then, Doug and the girls stocked up on kettle corn and licorice ropes while Mac and I found a seat close to the 50 yard line where we could see pretty much everything.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMEIPPhVRRlSojM-iSCR398UIzWNyE1hTyye9pdi05gJ0H7A_9dSri4byD0S4Fot5wVKcOEmYAzLfhDLOVEyVjvOnGlhVFYIaink6l40bUraNGzDkABSAnqCinlZZSNazuffOspIdyt8M/s1600/2012-10-19_19-17-11_485.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMEIPPhVRRlSojM-iSCR398UIzWNyE1hTyye9pdi05gJ0H7A_9dSri4byD0S4Fot5wVKcOEmYAzLfhDLOVEyVjvOnGlhVFYIaink6l40bUraNGzDkABSAnqCinlZZSNazuffOspIdyt8M/s320/2012-10-19_19-17-11_485.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWG4fO598VbDk271Yk1s9ujowTCGvLA6gQkqfV_DfPiAqyYBjywIYb-Aorn16NJpMgoneSx0JQppLI4BysOR161YYnFomOD33E8WIenyVqq7yEiO05bCs3t2hYbB9156wvLGuTjnXUSvk/s1600/2012-10-19_19-17-34_515.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWG4fO598VbDk271Yk1s9ujowTCGvLA6gQkqfV_DfPiAqyYBjywIYb-Aorn16NJpMgoneSx0JQppLI4BysOR161YYnFomOD33E8WIenyVqq7yEiO05bCs3t2hYbB9156wvLGuTjnXUSvk/s320/2012-10-19_19-17-34_515.jpg" width="240" /></a> </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibf1-akDnT_H72ukYeKYdoUbNfPIkqp-zVrp5p4txASN8VqB7Ce2CChrM1lPVLfrO3tMhJv5l7jeWhz1Ekxt3gGr7r1cSXWLnIki9MD_1kmsXRhJ25sswZ-RybtnIGbRwd4gyWqMm_GHc/s1600/2012-10-19_19-17-46_669.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibf1-akDnT_H72ukYeKYdoUbNfPIkqp-zVrp5p4txASN8VqB7Ce2CChrM1lPVLfrO3tMhJv5l7jeWhz1Ekxt3gGr7r1cSXWLnIki9MD_1kmsXRhJ25sswZ-RybtnIGbRwd4gyWqMm_GHc/s320/2012-10-19_19-17-46_669.jpg" width="320" /></a> </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWmYo_q4CcufB6WhxjKvrIG5hVhaWdh8jINvWmreWpOw5rHRVlxi6jXcjXFZJYnYnB_-6bjveVpgbZ1bT2x7qATcl7AFntZLk8L_GOGy7ecZmbHwApEuQJslwemIfkorc9xJGib3lWGbw/s1600/2012-10-19_19-18-07_484.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWmYo_q4CcufB6WhxjKvrIG5hVhaWdh8jINvWmreWpOw5rHRVlxi6jXcjXFZJYnYnB_-6bjveVpgbZ1bT2x7qATcl7AFntZLk8L_GOGy7ecZmbHwApEuQJslwemIfkorc9xJGib3lWGbw/s320/2012-10-19_19-18-07_484.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
Aiden and Reilly ditched us a little after the 2nd quarter to go sit with a friend from church, who happened to be sitting a few rows in front. Talk about a flash forward to later teen years when I'm sure they will want to ditch us ALL the time. It was cute seeing them interact with my friend, whose daughter (whom the girls absolutely ADORE) was playing with the high school band for homecoming, and watching them break out a little and exercise a little independence and personal freedom.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4WtuIwI0bClLHtIzqxyfVfTAoC9zAmbgRQrGF2muGeflmdCOC2Om8kEkxw7riYybWvZNVF1Cglc4Jl6KciLpuKFW3W1EAVCeRvm-W3YU5lWX6DtOm2pyYeBmztBGA5flt7nHnhmTtiLU/s1600/2012-10-19_19-21-00_248.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4WtuIwI0bClLHtIzqxyfVfTAoC9zAmbgRQrGF2muGeflmdCOC2Om8kEkxw7riYybWvZNVF1Cglc4Jl6KciLpuKFW3W1EAVCeRvm-W3YU5lWX6DtOm2pyYeBmztBGA5flt7nHnhmTtiLU/s320/2012-10-19_19-21-00_248.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
Doug and MacKenzie entertained themselves with licorice ropes and silly faces. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz0B4C-Um6YxIMQY2qwM67WLQmfqD9RaEH61glCrU82UIP8eGNRC78kgiCQ_q4Ep45Dne5qPikxEQpW6l9INIzjuBguLN-zOAMQgGwAQxc5gNxryI3wWDcUls0hRDgw_PtoeW_2KV_RyI/s1600/2012-10-19_19-30-06_140.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz0B4C-Um6YxIMQY2qwM67WLQmfqD9RaEH61glCrU82UIP8eGNRC78kgiCQ_q4Ep45Dne5qPikxEQpW6l9INIzjuBguLN-zOAMQgGwAQxc5gNxryI3wWDcUls0hRDgw_PtoeW_2KV_RyI/s320/2012-10-19_19-30-06_140.jpg" width="320" /></a> </div>
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We didn't make it much past half-time, unfortunately, BUT everyone had a great time and I think tonight's game could be the start of a very fun family tradition!</div>
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hoopesfam5http://www.blogger.com/profile/10307591466281765685noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-800569641362448993.post-47331064202574530252012-09-21T22:27:00.000-07:002013-01-03T22:28:20.933-08:00F is for Friday....and FireToday proved to be very exciting for our little street. What started out as an afternoon at the park for us and two of our neighbors turned into a frantic race home after seeing a growing, black column of smoke rising from the VERY close proximity of our houses. <br />
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Imagine this. It's Friday afternoon. The kids have finished a busy week at school and are ready to blow off some energy at the neighborhood park. The girls see quite a few friends at the park, including two of our neighboring families. Everyone is having a grand time - playing, laughing, chatting. You notice a strong smoke smell and someone comments "Is someone throwing a barbecue without us?" There are a few chuckles, but withing minutes the air gets hazy and smokey. You and a few of the moms walk from the playground to the street when you notice a thick column of smoke rising from the next street down. You look at the roof lines of the houses and the realization hits you like a ton of bricks...that smoke is coming from YOUR street, very close to YOUR house. Your heart drops.</div>
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As other moms start to scramble for their phones, you find yourself quickly gathering the kids, the stroller, the scooters, and everything else. You hastily leave the park, one set of neighbors ahead of you, the other coming quickly behind in their car. As you approach the corner, someone runs past yelling "Who has the yellow Mercedes? Who has the yellow Mercedes?" That's not yours, but that car belongs to the grandparents of family who lives directly across the street from you. You try to stay calm but the fear is rising inside you. You know the family isn't home - the grandparents and the son were at the park with you, the parents are away for an anniversary over-nighter. But the dog is in the side-yard, and you know she must be terrified. You turn the corner and instantly see a huge fireball. You cross to your side of the street and get a little closer so you can see what's going on. The fire is two houses down and across the street from your own. The fence and a truck are on fire, but it seems to be spreading and the smoke is ridiculously thick. The firefighters have already arrived and are doing their thing. The crowd of spectators is growing, and you find yourself praying the fire doesn't spread. You make sure your kids are safe with your neighbor and out of the way before you go to the get the dog. You have to. She is part of the family and you know she has to be terrified. You quickly cross the street, move through the crowd and the smoke, get to the gate, and find her trembling and panting. Relief. She's okay. The leash must be inside, so you latch on to her collar and guide her away from the chaos. You get back to the your kids, only to find 2 of them confused and crying (insert guilt trip here). You grab everyone in a hug, let them know it's all going to be okay, and sit back to watch the growing blaze with wonder, awe, and amazement. </div>
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Once the fire was under control and things calmed down a bit, the girls forgot entirely about being scared and had a great time. One of the firemen asked the kids to help him turn off the hydrant - they each got to take a turn. They also got to go on the truck and see all the cool buttons and gadgets. They thought it was awesome. At the end of the day, no one was injured, no homes were hurt, but there was an estimated $90,000 worth of damage and a whole lot of excitement. I was a little too preoccupied to get photos, but I did manage to snap one once the chaos subsided. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAsPMtCtED05VxV55jlKTwgeQgrwHsH-D4El8GGKPNdaYhSspqmrarbB8leCK_t-MnwPunfm_VE-R90uhPNhngWhsf9zgl5E9uEgKnmFReYaqALdRb91kmlEPZE1of-NbuR3N5XtDRRVU/s1600/IMG_20120924_140730.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAsPMtCtED05VxV55jlKTwgeQgrwHsH-D4El8GGKPNdaYhSspqmrarbB8leCK_t-MnwPunfm_VE-R90uhPNhngWhsf9zgl5E9uEgKnmFReYaqALdRb91kmlEPZE1of-NbuR3N5XtDRRVU/s400/IMG_20120924_140730.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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A special thank you to the firefighters of Costa Mesa FD for their quick response and very efficient handling of the situation. The fire spread very quickly and could have been much, much worse if it hadn't have been for this remarkable group of men!!</div>
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hoopesfam5http://www.blogger.com/profile/10307591466281765685noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-800569641362448993.post-21747523124386042902012-09-14T21:27:00.000-07:002013-01-03T21:27:57.275-08:00Friday is Fun Day...<div style="text-align: center;">
It's hard not to have a fun time when these three girls are around...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyjTNAJWS-M-M3zm2MsFTNQ58rMdcRfFUfwg2AlJ3JfYecNHd1vaX5AljfrLKzHIgh9R_zTrnH2FzGQPW9xJdRbc6ftJwnHiG4jtL0M68tBsyzB1YkIhD2O03-NCV_mpLOy4VRgxKLEXA/s1600/2012-09-14_09-37-41_893.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyjTNAJWS-M-M3zm2MsFTNQ58rMdcRfFUfwg2AlJ3JfYecNHd1vaX5AljfrLKzHIgh9R_zTrnH2FzGQPW9xJdRbc6ftJwnHiG4jtL0M68tBsyzB1YkIhD2O03-NCV_mpLOy4VRgxKLEXA/s400/2012-09-14_09-37-41_893.jpg" width="400" /></a> </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisTtZww1MxAWvPJMhD4pkthvXCr4ZHrpqUS3K4WxvfHbw7z7KYoDjD2A4K-xXbyWLFEKlfcmsL-vbPyj3dsSdOpF0tCMIvp8aulNhyOlKH6F4oBLnS18T0dK3F57b7_0yG0DawywWJdos/s1600/2012-09-14_15-13-20_176.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisTtZww1MxAWvPJMhD4pkthvXCr4ZHrpqUS3K4WxvfHbw7z7KYoDjD2A4K-xXbyWLFEKlfcmsL-vbPyj3dsSdOpF0tCMIvp8aulNhyOlKH6F4oBLnS18T0dK3F57b7_0yG0DawywWJdos/s400/2012-09-14_15-13-20_176.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirlAxae2TAa_cTIyWiYJuihTG-la_EWUMce8RBhVifpukdFFfu63N6es3-Kh2Vg0VMkYdM5S2IDpi78pb_19PkQo_WsE7aFBFEyEKz8KI9VAfPeYsIDCsAG6WtNAshROiZg8Ro5aebggI/s1600/2012-09-14_15-14-47_865.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirlAxae2TAa_cTIyWiYJuihTG-la_EWUMce8RBhVifpukdFFfu63N6es3-Kh2Vg0VMkYdM5S2IDpi78pb_19PkQo_WsE7aFBFEyEKz8KI9VAfPeYsIDCsAG6WtNAshROiZg8Ro5aebggI/s400/2012-09-14_15-14-47_865.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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hoopesfam5http://www.blogger.com/profile/10307591466281765685noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-800569641362448993.post-53295616286520906352012-09-07T23:02:00.000-07:002012-09-19T23:03:43.207-07:00Autobiography in a Bag - ReillyToday, Reilly had the chance to present an "autobiography in a bag" to her first grade class. Basically, it was a way for Roo to introduce herself to her new classmates. Despite her shy-in-front-of-a-big-group tendencies, Reilly was super excited about this assignment and she had a hard time deciding which 5-6 items she would choose to represent who she is. SO, here is what she ultimately decided on...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxA2_MS6sXE8FFKbNjnG6Mt6Q-F46Fu0N0Dt6neuiWI0ATLUSkwnVvgBpxSG4zy3HSrILsK7vr5AVsyKuS2JOzgvdphYZdxijfG0DyR1LbjlCBXeF7LDPm1iYq2q7LtdbECykRi_I_bk8/s1600/2012-09-07_15-14-31_648_blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxA2_MS6sXE8FFKbNjnG6Mt6Q-F46Fu0N0Dt6neuiWI0ATLUSkwnVvgBpxSG4zy3HSrILsK7vr5AVsyKuS2JOzgvdphYZdxijfG0DyR1LbjlCBXeF7LDPm1iYq2q7LtdbECykRi_I_bk8/s400/2012-09-07_15-14-31_648_blog.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Swimsuit - because Reilly is a little fish who LOVES the water. In a pool. In the tub. In the ocean. In the sprinklers. This girl love.love.LOVES. the water. Period.</div>
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Kitty Beanie - because Reilly loves kittens and she loves fun hats. Last year, she had a pink & black beanie with braided tassels down the side...she wore it almost every day. The year before that was her pink-poofie-pompom beanie. This was the cap she picked out for this year...and she has worn it almost every day since we bought it. </div>
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LPS - Reilly loves to play with her Little Pet Shop animals. She names every single one of them and talks in different voices for the different animals...I love listening to her when she plays; it's always entertaining. </div>
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Glitter nail polish - from the time she was a toddler, Reilly has loved to get her toe-toes painted. That love continues today, and she almost always finds some way to integrate sparkles and bling into her mani/pedi's.</div>
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Doll - Reilly loves dolls...I swear if it weren't for the top rail on the bunk, this child would probably fall out of her bed nightly on account of all the room her dolls take up.</div>
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Notice the sparkly alpha stickers on the brown paper bag? And the recurring pink and orange colors? Sparkles and pink...two of Reilly's favorite things. And if you look closely at the photos, you will see her other favorite animal (a turtle), her favorite place to eat (Old Spaghetti Factory), and some of her favorite pictures from the past 6 years. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7SD-Vzvh6ZHP3tnLRhkgX9It-A-jb1XH7yi9HDQ9L4DYJ6saVIEmSvR4V2j3XqO1A02uGmTfxKAJZITwXFy8NV6DZHt9UU7fRdVrrhbF_5o-oVYiJ0fJpbl1L8ZZHyIJr84qhx1NeOew/s1600/2012-09-07_15-16-04_617_blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7SD-Vzvh6ZHP3tnLRhkgX9It-A-jb1XH7yi9HDQ9L4DYJ6saVIEmSvR4V2j3XqO1A02uGmTfxKAJZITwXFy8NV6DZHt9UU7fRdVrrhbF_5o-oVYiJ0fJpbl1L8ZZHyIJr84qhx1NeOew/s400/2012-09-07_15-16-04_617_blog.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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And here is my little Roo on "her" day...all smiles, as cute as can be (sorry for the blurriness - the camera on my phone is going out). I love you Reilly!!</div>
hoopesfam5http://www.blogger.com/profile/10307591466281765685noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-800569641362448993.post-1191737474185502122012-09-04T10:50:00.001-07:002012-09-04T23:39:11.836-07:00Back to School, Back to School...Today is the first day of the new school year. For Aiden and Reilly, the morning was filled with mixed feelings of excitement and uncertainty - they were excited for their teacher but were a little nervous because they didn't know of any girls from last year who would be in their class. At least they knew they would have each other, so that helped to calm some fears. We had everything prepped and ready last night (lunches, back packs, first day outfits, etc), so this morning was smooth sailing. The girls chose to eat hardboiled eggs, yogurt, and cinnamon muffins for breakfast. MacKenzie slept through all of the morning's hustle and bustle, waking up just before we needed to leave. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh37JlnKYehgE3-MLuRdAzUDEtOUTL0Yz-YXMKzTaKmT8Hd8TZVxMUguQ0rWA358lKJRvdzPizX4UVG0xbMRDuyQa-pHUThwWGe2RMeG8mbrj5zLsKRGoNISDRa5Nj-CwMZcjGa5V80MjY/s1600/DSC05409_blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh37JlnKYehgE3-MLuRdAzUDEtOUTL0Yz-YXMKzTaKmT8Hd8TZVxMUguQ0rWA358lKJRvdzPizX4UVG0xbMRDuyQa-pHUThwWGe2RMeG8mbrj5zLsKRGoNISDRa5Nj-CwMZcjGa5V80MjY/s400/DSC05409_blog.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXr7iAXdwnQhzU1FhIqJBe8z0dluzlrTtSECbAWJ6Xe2IhsEbuyzMJYZX3DXOebS_cV0ASYxsEieqI78GO5_RcCUPxlgWSzGwPPh9Xqo7buPfXgDFqcVYHuucYI7HvhLFlfhkXhF2GJhg/s1600/DSC05414_blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXr7iAXdwnQhzU1FhIqJBe8z0dluzlrTtSECbAWJ6Xe2IhsEbuyzMJYZX3DXOebS_cV0ASYxsEieqI78GO5_RcCUPxlgWSzGwPPh9Xqo7buPfXgDFqcVYHuucYI7HvhLFlfhkXhF2GJhg/s400/DSC05414_blog.jpg" width="400" /></a> </div>
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Of course I made the girls suffer through a first day of school photo shoot...but they were willing to oblige their ol' mom since they got to do some silly poses as well (typical from my two little characters). Once the pics were taken, we set off to school. Roo had a minor meltdown or two along the way (first about how the tongue on her shoes was bunching, then about wanting to go back to kindergarten and not first grade and how she was afraid kids might laugh at her "silly hair"...which I happen to think is adorable and fits her personality perfectly). It nearly broke my heart to see my little Reilly, who usually radiates confidence and positivity, to be filled with so much uncertainty and doubt about this morning. We were able to talk it out, give hugs and kisses, and after I wiped away her tears and Aiden promised to help her in class if she was feeling sad, we were off again to start their first day of first grade. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho3rJYT-0QtQiTVZ-PblwhsUJMdfw8fYrgrtcJhzu6z3WDMWSMJySCfv8c3IAY1FGpQag56uwgigBQw0vkbfHIl_KVaZ0pIKWqj5xVEde3LegdDFw5UaVgergXljuh2-KPWEhKfQxssOc/s1600/firstdayfirstgrade.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho3rJYT-0QtQiTVZ-PblwhsUJMdfw8fYrgrtcJhzu6z3WDMWSMJySCfv8c3IAY1FGpQag56uwgigBQw0vkbfHIl_KVaZ0pIKWqj5xVEde3LegdDFw5UaVgergXljuh2-KPWEhKfQxssOc/s400/firstdayfirstgrade.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
The school campus was filled with the expected chaos of the first day. We saw old friends and met some of the girls' new classmates. After just a slight hesitation, the girls went right on in to their classroom, dropped their lunches off, found their desks, and started chatting with their deskmates. Another set of quick hugs and kisses to me and MacKenzie, and then the girls said good-bye and that it was okay for me to leave. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYFdfjoYGvFDwmuKwLzK7b6Fuh4Z5hSeEWztLTP-Eyl54i6GOiNx2MPryZWP9OcAkG26zj4omRoysAwa1jgDjavKei8fNbIXwOeoqTpC7DHFvLeTqIicdyd3F3O6crOJl2dIK7QjDV5aY/s1600/DSC05428_blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYFdfjoYGvFDwmuKwLzK7b6Fuh4Z5hSeEWztLTP-Eyl54i6GOiNx2MPryZWP9OcAkG26zj4omRoysAwa1jgDjavKei8fNbIXwOeoqTpC7DHFvLeTqIicdyd3F3O6crOJl2dIK7QjDV5aY/s400/DSC05428_blog.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
The start of school brings mixed emotions for me as well. I am excited for Reilly and Aiden and I love watching them grow and develop and learn...all things that I know will happen this year. But I am also sad that I won't get to hear their laughter and chatter during the days when they're at school...their giggles are infectious and can brighten the worst of moods. I will no longer hear cries of "pikachoo" from the backseat as we go about our morning errands, and I will once again have to choose my own songs while driving in the car (the girls have become quite vocal about which songs they like to hear...and sing along to while driving). While the girls are in class, I will be MacKenzie's sole source of entertainment...poor little thing. I have loved watching Aiden and Reilly be big sisters to Mac and I know she will miss them as much as I will during the day. Hopefully, I can keep her as happy and occuppied as her sisters always seem to...but even so, I know the littlest one will be all smiles and giggles when after-school pick-up comes this afternoon!<br />
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<img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhws9ppFnJuixkxgpX2E-h5FsQzZ239QcMuef7h6lvdw3bR_0OEKGKzrOq6bDUpvIuvDbvDJs5oxRqBT92fzU-cGneiZgwhJqEMm_YLXnRyrwIiVIHPlEVcf8FVlgJfSLoUThc6jiL-RjA/s400/DSC05433_blog.jpg" width="400" /> </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5s9U41OkOhprcm2dXC4Adm27HM8PBM5WeXT7HBNFOSEBw69jRJMFa6Lgto2myCdLMb0BTIzt4lNmkjgs793dGw2Bj_lPAyGSD0uLjJSWey7tQMhVELHS584tF-7KNbxa2IIVlUtxtn1I/s1600/DSC05416_blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5s9U41OkOhprcm2dXC4Adm27HM8PBM5WeXT7HBNFOSEBw69jRJMFa6Lgto2myCdLMb0BTIzt4lNmkjgs793dGw2Bj_lPAyGSD0uLjJSWey7tQMhVELHS584tF-7KNbxa2IIVlUtxtn1I/s400/DSC05416_blog.jpg" width="400" /></a> </div>
hoopesfam5http://www.blogger.com/profile/10307591466281765685noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-800569641362448993.post-7211661914437060632012-09-03T20:57:00.000-07:002012-09-04T13:58:13.259-07:00Last Day of Summer 2012...I know it isn't considered this by all, but to ME, Labor Day has always represented the last "official" day of summer. Here in California, most schools do not resume until after the national holiday, so as a kid this usually meant that Labor Day was my last day to enjoy daily swims in the pool, the beach, walks and bike rides to Express Stop, sneaking onto school property to play unsupervised on the playgrounds, and playing outside or with my friends without the worries of homework or schoolwork. Labor Day meant earlier bedtimes, resumed family schedules, organizing my new school wardrobe, and getting my backpack and school schedule organized.<br />
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<img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiRQS6pfSRYb9EZdmmOESNSf_tWGmKsVvAr2CSRNIWfMvVw2CKNXrkrRacPiO-hQDiT7B4a3Wdg3RlyB3J8QgXQiBWnKK2c7rKGEOCVOpx4LBcUq8LBT7MzMNUeDZ367VlN9sRTAtJt3o/s400/DSC05395_blog.jpg" width="400" /> </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB6Id0L6Qr6Nv2QRb-G2sbxUQD6G3auZsvql-MlU8Bpe4WPVE-hzu-VBzQNv2jZ7qh4gsLaaap7wPl8dlSEdeTkMHI1CE42UexD-U6SKfLHPk8xQAdNE4E0lXGG5Ihp53m_PH7Tb655W4/s1600/DSC05399_blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB6Id0L6Qr6Nv2QRb-G2sbxUQD6G3auZsvql-MlU8Bpe4WPVE-hzu-VBzQNv2jZ7qh4gsLaaap7wPl8dlSEdeTkMHI1CE42UexD-U6SKfLHPk8xQAdNE4E0lXGG5Ihp53m_PH7Tb655W4/s400/DSC05399_blog.jpg" width="400" /></a> </div>
In similar fashion, that is how we spent our Labor Day - we kept our day low key and easy going. Our day started with a morning of cleaning and organizing the twins' room, a breakfast of freezer waffles and pancakes, some outside play time, rocking out to Rhapsody tunes on the TV, a trip to the mall, a stop for milkshakes (A-vanilla, R-cookies and cream) and ice cream cones, BBQ chicken sandwiches, an evening stroll, wardrobe selection and modeling show, early showers and (an attempted) earlier bedtime. Nothing to fancy or rigid or scheduled. We didn't make it to the beach (bummer) or to our friend's BBQ/pool party as hoped (double bummer), but I think we enjoyed our day nonetheless. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlXxVZUpo9Q2UzoZXDFDrVL5cAf1YK8W6jdOWgabvmkT5zYwKBsLGaIYsdgZ0v2n-MH8QmJJTgl_BP50XdyVZ0YqIUoeGpv_e7jMr9OdMF_-Z_I64hqmsJhabsuF-q0QhJHGlIRPilC_U/s1600/DSC05404_BLOG.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlXxVZUpo9Q2UzoZXDFDrVL5cAf1YK8W6jdOWgabvmkT5zYwKBsLGaIYsdgZ0v2n-MH8QmJJTgl_BP50XdyVZ0YqIUoeGpv_e7jMr9OdMF_-Z_I64hqmsJhabsuF-q0QhJHGlIRPilC_U/s400/DSC05404_BLOG.jpg" width="400" /></a> </div>
We hope your Labor Day (a.k.a official end of summer) was absolutely splendid!!hoopesfam5http://www.blogger.com/profile/10307591466281765685noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-800569641362448993.post-11627795059355435872012-08-15T23:56:00.003-07:002012-08-15T23:56:46.784-07:00Scrap Haps...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We happened to catch a little bit of a summer cold/flu bug this past week, but the upside is that our extra time at home allowed me a little bit of time to get some much-neglected scrapping done. I still don't move as fast as I used to, but at least I managed to get a few pages done! Enjoy!</div>
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<img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXd4u2OhPeg0cpAiz9h6hDSOz-W6rWAzYuy2fKNVrVBc6e3CmYyn6mOn8OObhFzP96XZ541Fa_qRkC0hiaboqYtfMCxOigkzEe7J6jyTBvZe4CVOnZDNJ_DfmJYqtjuUlXzCZHF2ns-zY/s400/mac_4thofjuly2012_small.jpg" width="400" /> </div>
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created for the Weekly Color Challenge at 2Peas </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimoud8lTk8C_1N40pWGYxRY7qHZCMnP58tjp1lBTbENuNYaZ0pcZ6Y6N40l2hI_GNrwcBclZZkh_FmsV5rMcu4KE8jI1xfjXT94AOFflNRjixYvHchb_66aM0YY2uMnyiLr2MEsnCKbUE/s1600/mac_lovecircles_small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimoud8lTk8C_1N40pWGYxRY7qHZCMnP58tjp1lBTbENuNYaZ0pcZ6Y6N40l2hI_GNrwcBclZZkh_FmsV5rMcu4KE8jI1xfjXT94AOFflNRjixYvHchb_66aM0YY2uMnyiLr2MEsnCKbUE/s400/mac_lovecircles_small.jpg" width="400" /></a> </div>
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Digilift of a featured project from the 2Peas gallery</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCTlTqqQxKsFBkQR8v1dolWSJOjrzNUPIifNEj8d7fPwUG7ur1WXz1PLoELHXMpghKRk6Gx3mGdFJdu2kobj95s0WFWw9g4MKVOthMwHzD77Ztc_OLv2VAC6CjburF1mFWzp4M-2PhGJo/s1600/mac_thismoment_small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCTlTqqQxKsFBkQR8v1dolWSJOjrzNUPIifNEj8d7fPwUG7ur1WXz1PLoELHXMpghKRk6Gx3mGdFJdu2kobj95s0WFWw9g4MKVOthMwHzD77Ztc_OLv2VAC6CjburF1mFWzp4M-2PhGJo/s400/mac_thismoment_small.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Created for an element challenge (stitching) at ZigZagScrap</div>
hoopesfam5http://www.blogger.com/profile/10307591466281765685noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-800569641362448993.post-71340427833321595582012-08-01T23:41:00.000-07:002012-08-07T00:06:53.691-07:00Fake It Til You Make It...This is the most appropriate catch phrase I can think of right now...the best way to describe my current approach to motherhood. <br />
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<a href="http://fab.com/inspiration/fake-it-until-you-make-it" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkxS95dB5Zz4eAtA73W7mKwLZ3s2UiKUA49L5YUClDAT4hZoi6T3vriUE8LhIgXbSfU9sToJEA761cOfxDIl-CvpGGRmv-0wKdaEjCyb438qyxc-7qkaRcgZA2UdnTWgTSBl_Zv8WDfeY/s400/159242-612x612-1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
It has become quite clear to me that I honestly have NO clue what I am doing as a mom. None. Zip. Zilch. I know squat. I might be able to keep myself composed when out in public, but honestly - on the inside - I am a complete and utterly clueless mess. I don't know how to deal with the attitude and tantrums and talking back from my beautiful 6 1/2 years old daughters who constantly inform me that I am the meanest mom ever and that I am ruining their lives. I am incapable of silently ignoring the crying, yelling, foot-stomping, "humph"-ing, and disrespectful sauciness when those same adorable girls are told no, even though the parenting books and advice columns say to be strong, firm, patient, and to not give in. And don't even get me started on the tension and stress and arguments that seem to constantly erupt between me and my handsome and very patient husband, because I honestly have no idea how to fix that whole side of our relationship. I try to put on a happy face and pretend like everything is okay, because as a mom and wife that is what is expected of me...to be strong, resilient, independent, and to roll with the punches. I used to have myself fooled and I thought I was handling things just fine. BUT, I now realize that it was all a facade and I can no longer fool myself. <br />
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I am exhausted all the time, mentally, emotionally, spiritually, and physically. I look at myself in the mirror and wonder where the fun, spunky, confident, spirited Becky that I remember has gone. I would like to think the old me is still in there...that my frustration and discouragement and feelings of inadequacy have not completely consumed the fun, cheerful part of me. I am trying to be better. I constantly pray for help, patience, and guidance as I try to raise these 3 angels with whom I have been blessed. I look at other moms and wonder how they can make it look so easy, and I find myself asking why I struggle with this sacred and special calling to be a mom. Why did Aiden, Reilly, and MacKenzie choose me for their mother...didn't they know better? Didn't they know of my weakness and failings, and if so, why didn't they choose another mom more deserving of them? I want to teach my girls right from wrong, good from bad; how to behave properly and how to appropriately control their emotions. I want to build their confidence and help them to realize and understand they are divine and holy daughters of a loving Heavenly Father. I want them to love life and love others, to be curious and inquisitive, selfless and giving, capable and self-sufficient, brave and daring, humble and reverent. But how can I do all this when I continually struggle through these little challenges? Through these rough patches? How can I have the faith to make it through this period of life, without coming across as a fake and imposter? How can I set the example when I falter in my own confidence and understanding? <br />
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I suppose this is what I mean when I say I will fake it to make. I will try to act/lead/teach/mother in the way I desire, even if I don't feel capable or confident in my own abilities. I will put on that happy, smiling face, even when I am crying and breaking apart inside. I will calm myself and control my reactions, even though I might be raging inside. I will tell my daughters (and husband) how much I love them (because I do...a LOT)...even if I might not like their actions or behavior at a particular moment. I will continue to work to build my confidence and self-trust, and to overcome my weaknesses, so that I can be a better and stronger example of the behaviors I would like to see my daughters develop. It may not be easy. It may not come as naturally to me as I would like. But I will not fail. I WILL make this motherhood thing work...even if I have to fake it for a little while.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQXCj2Eufauy2yiEqSQOV1EuJE6kdLDTHON7rwLR681NW7lkkEQyYGkSnhZevWkybI9yMN5sIkRnjNOUjql-czpUv-FwZR3cBPFh3IrNqpxtRN7646_uW7coQVDVySkBqrIJnr1YcWBT4/s1600/2012-06-06_10-27-00_856_blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQXCj2Eufauy2yiEqSQOV1EuJE6kdLDTHON7rwLR681NW7lkkEQyYGkSnhZevWkybI9yMN5sIkRnjNOUjql-czpUv-FwZR3cBPFh3IrNqpxtRN7646_uW7coQVDVySkBqrIJnr1YcWBT4/s400/2012-06-06_10-27-00_856_blog.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<em>**For the record, I have debated for over a week whether or not I should post this as , for me, this is a very honest confession on a very personal and important matter. I am very blessed in so many ways, which is part of the reason why I feel so guilty admitting some of things mentioned above. I ultimately decided to publish it to stay true to my commitment to journal things for me and my family, even if it isn't a happy, smiling, "sunshine and roses" moment...thanks for bearing with me.**</em>hoopesfam5http://www.blogger.com/profile/10307591466281765685noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-800569641362448993.post-24602596781830440432012-07-19T10:16:00.000-07:002012-09-05T10:19:25.748-07:00This Old House...Over the past few months, this little old house of ours has been getting a well-deserved makeover. New tile and a new sink faucet in the bathroom, new carpet in the bedrooms, new laminate flooring in the family, middle, and back rooms, a new fence, a little touch-up paint inside, and new exterior paint. Here is a collection of before, during, and after photos of all the changes with our little home...<br />
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The bathroom...</div>
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<img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7dmrRYGT0C5FZDlyIqWm0kB55dkIi0ZMczrnpr_vhYe1YgL5LGiSxHLPgYfWnCRUNiPTrxJFtcObhNSpRU9ab2uUNltjn54y5ECyfi_sti8kGVtbV_U9tdxIo0VqKDayKbcxcb7-Ih5M/s400/oldhouse_1.jpg" width="400" /> </div>
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<img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdRAjytM60beeGzq267CaCIkReMPpFWpQqFdUldD-bS7F5Nj4KCEWQJZYnaAHdHeD9o-9nDmWivXdMPhSlPulvjWeCGqyIx5lKkgU2kL2VwCGCv2EEylNR06Oea2YA6grE5bdyVPPPj3g/s400/oldhouse_3.jpg" width="400" /> </div>
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<img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcq5sLvgHHiwAp5_kz9g3B0gg94IFW-cqVo-x2weOrk1sHT0rGc2MTgdVXbsN_yaapjvHFmwOvfGbXzHvm1Bg_0jqH2FwoePLS4p6LpDudPSDSfB0pk7eL-ROaGI2XY6THM33AO3sY4Xw/s400/oldhouse_2.jpg" width="300" /> </div>
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<img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw_bSF7AAw6Ull1cyUwndQj838sKCNU0s5w0JBKCDFAHgUOtJgfEED8yt3XKf9kVyVX6Y1Ju0j5PCRNp1TNXN5o7m5xXoj38R-uREfzv4xnUpf8db6Tsww73uaP4OU6u1tclkMB6GlLrk/s400/oldhouse_4.jpg" width="400" /> </div>
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New carpet in the bedrooms...</div>
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<img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLtrh8AQSk_3ri50bwHkYvNH43gu1Vmxnv5m2wQSMUCQ2aHX6OLC_jvyvWTVTT_mAF_AKyw10jl5KfOBqRIk9ZNK03T1ApVWXqUEx2k6oJfk8pjMpVj5tbuJvet8HhTijwmBQIIP-AEuc/s400/2012-04-24_12-57-04_886_blog.jpg" width="400" /> </div>
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<img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIJTxIhuwSewswE5dADHFMeXvrZ5eAa6UA8yeHECvDl-74hvyn9Lpp_Yw07VAHo9NJoKPRyv2nNwLFzI8AkZN-OpCMrNyT6aqzfy2AmjCTbrbuBgBpzzZtPETCjSSOHLOkkheP3kh_NrQ/s400/2012-04-24_13-27-48_812_blog.jpg" width="400" /> </div>
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<img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh63-XOaG4VuY1j_8Mhkcg6d_HiAWxuK1PbsOeDdU99n1IoonRBUIPz8EzCoGBD2R8-hnSYg5cl94sfZ3gRR-5pIHxcSHe2Dz0mKF6uUxysJuzJRSp2IvArpGNAdwoDTuiUCBUESQPhYdA/s400/2012-04-24_14-22-16_569_blog.jpg" width="300" /> </div>
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<img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtxpUfQCvjmZedOxdujLNhgvDSZrHTr262kWae2qhg8XjndAQsJ6qh1inV7Z4HoM7v3cLy5Sva74h-5_bsFJQXVnWpRVGHPpn7hzpVGGKBJZo1aobB_l__2Ql8BpyshGmgAAK66T9OaZc/s400/2012-04-24_15-36-47_977_blog.jpg" width="400" /> </div>
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<img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC1WW8f3jAN6WeMt2E_K9pua4UDDvHu4jJh5BEkKsrJ6i-HaSxO8rriMHDpCKmyi60iOcFj9QLx3D2vcjwJC9iRIxRCehy9NANek1f71cJoYcClXvAgC2rQDccEhQOmQtF_0ezcCcK2cM/s400/2012-04-24_15-37-05_289_blog.jpg" width="400" /> </div>
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New laminate flooring...</div>
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<img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhavwhpsPzhY8Lwgnjc_MOVTyqkURdLxIdTtBeeLDm_VzuEk4DzgXm5MXG2NKfSOu_VdwfPJPyStiRfB8goWJkge3KsKkkTWxYzVQvzpNOsRLG65vobO8Wzdwya6QRTzutRGVZUDVH0AwU/s400/oldhouse_11.jpg" width="400" /> </div>
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<img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAWsYPsh5QT37Q3JLrV5alJkppecQLirqBo7TUBA0STDI57VYFXf2drRxvqfAUGC3imTqlkSf5dcVvAkI32llytGrCMBcPW__2jvdbiRm8ioJgVxEF_V0LATZ9fxXklsJijjPOsbgVPPo/s400/oldhouse_10.jpg" width="400" /> </div>
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<img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9BQf-ej5_tNWedmZLBsEL9Uvs4GyhNYgxqoIfQ4EjaGr2j7Vou6FN0dPGzPEhNPHsq86wJv1rjetuV63LMeyEA-0mmDGYcWJURjTxNN6_yBa-I58fmam-EJR7AtK8WVoWfquIvCDV3jM/s400/oldhouse_12.jpg" width="400" /> </div>
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<img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUZ1xUKqC95kW12CXdY6BOwGiXsJPk9w3WnGA3fyJgUGSC_Eq28NFZ1GeGiWnnqXhsXJarVinFCTAUHQNsO8ZajSUSive81fKDSX5Srcxzh63HmpKmASXZChnHlQmYbDu94TgU4ldWB4Q/s400/oldhouse_13.jpg" width="400" /> </div>
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<img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglMTa8gpxJUecO6o_BBiAWMo1ynQzXU9CGsTVGWOaZvPOnyiRlibjgNNbPcGys1k-7vJ-lH6JC4rFbvaIX7LG-yZyVus3aU3UJjm_6IqQ9g2YT39JZ3mN6dBKVRZ9_H2jqF9lLLZ4CKZM/s400/oldhouse_9.jpg" width="400" /> </div>
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Exterior patch-up and re-paint...</div>
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<img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVFWHHnWwRhjP-goy5oZ0eZvtjhczcRfrpfE_PunaDI3lVfOWjkMp6EtdordJ1GgyELgZthnrrKkrLiG1YBXUamT1tTm-gUpYwQTzAOJ9AZTpmhX6JypTx1lGqC-BrvjKNZ6NUS8fDGqY/s400/oldhouse_7.jpg" width="400" /> </div>
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<img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2jJ2PCa97CPuHUAYPPd0jPC2oMlU-TaOP5HjN9vfhXKzMEGyuwUNe4rs4Bm0Qs_rCL0cbYZTUqBDHQMw_9xiq1XogGd0pfpeO244LDpVNycAFHz8zSCdErnHdwejsRgqAQMb_1i00T-4/s400/oldhouse_8.jpg" width="400" /> </div>
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<img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipZ8ZeSQwEpSLW0rYaJ-Ny2ILaHiHejJAj9K1VRMMhTGayAmBdyhaIrXJUJKUqa62w6Z_oXbVo8RaaITP8yIKUKzRdmhKP8BQ-5OPHc3-c-BkrX_jfHVk0XVFjSVogl3jNcgwV5ngaap8/s400/oldhouse_6.jpg" width="400" /> </div>
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<img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKD6m8sIKo8DCj0ERYY1Jv2qs_u4gxKreLg_BJ03rS9-PLM6YIqI9duaXLeoedgHSvJA8yeil2VkHzNIQivsCqRzhF2j1nLgiaapm3C58zEspANB34xzRBhJGnzN8SfIZ5v4PEfrBpzdg/s400/oldhouse_5.jpg" width="300" /></div>
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There are still a few things that we need to take care of inside, and I need to snap a few after shots, but all-in-all I would say she's looking pretty good for being 87 years old!!</div>
hoopesfam5http://www.blogger.com/profile/10307591466281765685noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-800569641362448993.post-43952865036847394082012-07-15T23:51:00.000-07:002012-09-04T23:53:11.995-07:00A Sunday Stroll...Something that has become a regular occurrence with our family, but seemingly more this summer, are our evening strolls along the beach. We love our time at the beach, feeling the wind in our hair (sorry Doug), hearing the waves, and feeling the cooling spray of the crashing waves. We feel so very lucky to live where we do and try our best not to take it for granted! <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg3BPMwWWZrr80bL2rdxY-k_dmW8t3YxiCnNmI71eoSM5nwCFyLD4Tir8d2J0as0NMFFi4-ClXTlzMSFLFkDeIwG56_ga27OxsDeuQ62BF7CXsBVqGzwJdGZGryZZhlqNaXQ5L1p8gxKI/s1600/2012-07-15_18-58-18_248_blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg3BPMwWWZrr80bL2rdxY-k_dmW8t3YxiCnNmI71eoSM5nwCFyLD4Tir8d2J0as0NMFFi4-ClXTlzMSFLFkDeIwG56_ga27OxsDeuQ62BF7CXsBVqGzwJdGZGryZZhlqNaXQ5L1p8gxKI/s400/2012-07-15_18-58-18_248_blog.jpg" width="400" /></a> </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdXNZY0FFfXDbg3iMMkCM-W45BY_GNpFvFTrrlcC62zTXmsdlstw1A-SeUjSMeU8sXT7k2jo2YRVV_I1v-vkzuWESeIAhx5TcuGxn1t_xrrdiTr7cokwIp99t-QEktxlF7oUA07ufkkG8/s1600/2012-07-15_18-55-53_129_blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdXNZY0FFfXDbg3iMMkCM-W45BY_GNpFvFTrrlcC62zTXmsdlstw1A-SeUjSMeU8sXT7k2jo2YRVV_I1v-vkzuWESeIAhx5TcuGxn1t_xrrdiTr7cokwIp99t-QEktxlF7oUA07ufkkG8/s400/2012-07-15_18-55-53_129_blog.jpg" width="400" /></a> </div>
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Along with collecting our usual array of seashells, tonight we were rewarded with finding this pretty amazing sand castle. It was awesome...the girls couldn't get enough of it. </div>
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hoopesfam5http://www.blogger.com/profile/10307591466281765685noreply@blogger.com0