Fall Fun on the Farm | Our Trip to Fahrmeier Farms

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi8gEf3BF5kT3kOePZwk3bdn1ZqBVhtuRSu7IV-ljzYpAARjHcDhgDiI357PrTAcqYSqQZNUoT1a1hmnSyCTjM7650KRtHqBS6p4nV-8Kv99j4KcBr_auXF9Qw8SecTlbyz5xeebx9fbFR/s1600/IMG_4969.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi8gEf3BF5kT3kOePZwk3bdn1ZqBVhtuRSu7IV-ljzYpAARjHcDhgDiI357PrTAcqYSqQZNUoT1a1hmnSyCTjM7650KRtHqBS6p4nV-8Kv99j4KcBr_auXF9Qw8SecTlbyz5xeebx9fbFR/s1600/IMG_4969.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>My cousins have a farm just outside of Kansas City - a real farm.  Where they grow things.  They produce amazing heirloom tomatoes, vegetables and fruits.  This year my cousin and his wife, Lorin, (that have a little boy Emma's age) have developed a U-Pick area of the farm.  They saw a need in our area's market for a real farm experience for kids and familes. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihz9j4ArAfyJ2_QqqmMzOXtxXCOJMlV_hzEyR4RVN9IVM6U7C3OGgSjDnSlYWoPFhEK1QFYsOjVE6Bbtd_x2hj2a_Ed0iyNL8Cu7HmFUnH7EhVoLOS6SEQrVqj6IggnEZbfzk86Ctlz29j/s1600/IMG_4965.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihz9j4ArAfyJ2_QqqmMzOXtxXCOJMlV_hzEyR4RVN9IVM6U7C3OGgSjDnSlYWoPFhEK1QFYsOjVE6Bbtd_x2hj2a_Ed0iyNL8Cu7HmFUnH7EhVoLOS6SEQrVqj6IggnEZbfzk86Ctlz29j/s1600/IMG_4965.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />So many of the area's U-Pick apples, pumpkins and berries farms are filled with other attractions that really have nothing to do with the actual art of farming - the experience of getting to come out to the beautiful wide open, see the fields, see how things grow and breathe fresh air.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXpBqJPDBdmITq3dJYinxantSVoFxhBbtG7DOfW_2nX7lrlkMd7df7HYF81cJ_lw8PR0Heqy7KRfLm5cbJIo-oiBj-I9HNibqJ7B0e3qSzpyvjcjKlHzPuou55fcz9HBeysle6yQTJUExs/s1600/IMG_4967.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXpBqJPDBdmITq3dJYinxantSVoFxhBbtG7DOfW_2nX7lrlkMd7df7HYF81cJ_lw8PR0Heqy7KRfLm5cbJIo-oiBj-I9HNibqJ7B0e3qSzpyvjcjKlHzPuou55fcz9HBeysle6yQTJUExs/s1600/IMG_4967.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />They built their own "Little Red Barn" as they call it.  It houses their fresh produce, fresh apple muffins and local cider.  Lorin has done such a cute job with everything - charming and quaint. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQt1nrBY5lIQ1wq3E7MhmI9V3x318nyhjvHph5pAPlJodC8hy0tQ1HtHNJjChms7_H4E7PXQ8hEhuTWppoGg5v0d8MAnicnBVLHxRwcYWxDHpuOqR35x7nkPHixgm4TcOlwdtYVTFvB-56/s1600/IMG_4962.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQt1nrBY5lIQ1wq3E7MhmI9V3x318nyhjvHph5pAPlJodC8hy0tQ1HtHNJjChms7_H4E7PXQ8hEhuTWppoGg5v0d8MAnicnBVLHxRwcYWxDHpuOqR35x7nkPHixgm4TcOlwdtYVTFvB-56/s1600/IMG_4962.JPG" width="640" /></a><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Each weekend in the month of October they have good ol' fashioned activities planned - s'mores roasting over a bon fire, apple butter making, pumpkin carving contests and family photos.  </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Here is their facebook page that has a schedule of events : <a href="https://www.facebook.com/FahrmeiersMarket">Fahrmeier Farms Facebook</a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1F-9a9eG-0KR-_7S_WXVHVWvePgFP8tImU46DNA4b9iIhyphenhyphenk8o5IGQPi9pBfE-8AcxlJZ-7AG3Gkr1IEidhmwrp_7l11eXhDP30Vn7LsQ9wWwIxR_G5RlgFk4yu3Kpstyq9YyyZ73iD3uZ/s1600/IMG_4972.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1F-9a9eG-0KR-_7S_WXVHVWvePgFP8tImU46DNA4b9iIhyphenhyphenk8o5IGQPi9pBfE-8AcxlJZ-7AG3Gkr1IEidhmwrp_7l11eXhDP30Vn7LsQ9wWwIxR_G5RlgFk4yu3Kpstyq9YyyZ73iD3uZ/s1600/IMG_4972.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK2DiYKOp4vM_kIV-KYsHs37MBc-_dgPZZEhg_pR6y7GTta7Bb6bSJB7_B28oFcZctzm6mo2DjzTdrTUx0LJ6NgDpWfzQHWitjslTcFTscuB3Jc_mWiYT6-uPFUJ-ZXOh97EpCk1cSynPo/s1600/IMG_4974.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK2DiYKOp4vM_kIV-KYsHs37MBc-_dgPZZEhg_pR6y7GTta7Bb6bSJB7_B28oFcZctzm6mo2DjzTdrTUx0LJ6NgDpWfzQHWitjslTcFTscuB3Jc_mWiYT6-uPFUJ-ZXOh97EpCk1cSynPo/s1600/IMG_4974.jpg" width="425" /></a></div>Emma just wanted to pick flowers...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAKcZiZv3Rvf4XpR5VeMDbDdQlz9UBN7u3K_pLlXxkaGSftOqa2D3JZUgSQpruBeNAJf4WHJRKNQyGHFDgCN9AxuNgtbq6osqtWa-Smj5gKuG0Pa-EBqMsTqyp8pj9lFYzytd_mt3MvmP-/s1600/IMG_4978.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAKcZiZv3Rvf4XpR5VeMDbDdQlz9UBN7u3K_pLlXxkaGSftOqa2D3JZUgSQpruBeNAJf4WHJRKNQyGHFDgCN9AxuNgtbq6osqtWa-Smj5gKuG0Pa-EBqMsTqyp8pj9lFYzytd_mt3MvmP-/s1600/IMG_4978.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />We tried to take a good family picture... but I had my camera settings all messed up when I handed off my camera to my cousin : )  Oopsy!  Guess we'll have to think of something else for the Christmas card...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnL9Q_ykGjGgXEn5QCzkeAYewINQIxEmtc8Oiwqw-lIk3jsPFU_IROxffW7C6lGZsW2Twk_DC4o9eWEy41HWaWtcjg0Ij98xje-inr_DkKtoivOvcprI9v4dgHNnahX_ibZBoRQ60wAt0l/s1600/IMG_4966.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnL9Q_ykGjGgXEn5QCzkeAYewINQIxEmtc8Oiwqw-lIk3jsPFU_IROxffW7C6lGZsW2Twk_DC4o9eWEy41HWaWtcjg0Ij98xje-inr_DkKtoivOvcprI9v4dgHNnahX_ibZBoRQ60wAt0l/s1600/IMG_4966.JPG" width="640" /></a><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTjSuphwvzPRzkbHXMrb2UQNTmOstq2q4ta5DUuvMeYRHauYxq3xKVQy6zE7F3c5HtLTI6tGj3zgLhPQ0m9Uk_XClUnDILt9_tBEHRmH8-GB8-WY-7zN_KI4kfa6Sl7XxdUnYZLXWf7D0b/s1600/IMG_4981.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTjSuphwvzPRzkbHXMrb2UQNTmOstq2q4ta5DUuvMeYRHauYxq3xKVQy6zE7F3c5HtLTI6tGj3zgLhPQ0m9Uk_XClUnDILt9_tBEHRmH8-GB8-WY-7zN_KI4kfa6Sl7XxdUnYZLXWf7D0b/s1600/IMG_4981.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI45sNKdrKyY2FjjXtEZ55L9PY197RXeGYbiEK7AFnGYov3M9IQhV8pdHV4lgzeO3uAVHN0-w4uOcAXiBxy2XotZnDwwIX8KXjKvo8UdBhG3aYzFYakQ4c8b-v33zRLXcsi9b1B6sErdlp/s1600/IMG_4982.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI45sNKdrKyY2FjjXtEZ55L9PY197RXeGYbiEK7AFnGYov3M9IQhV8pdHV4lgzeO3uAVHN0-w4uOcAXiBxy2XotZnDwwIX8KXjKvo8UdBhG3aYzFYakQ4c8b-v33zRLXcsi9b1B6sErdlp/s1600/IMG_4982.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaJHBBh66rudSEDpxRwoIxtAyxp0GApn-iOPD9nc5t54Ctume-Pfv6oCyeY9POmv2n5WPFe5Jf40BNQhTwLxbsBflEsHgab1mlWRf3w8EAYJxMZfU_2XPYTSFesXhzSovLguQ9MVWBcByF/s1600/IMG_4964.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaJHBBh66rudSEDpxRwoIxtAyxp0GApn-iOPD9nc5t54Ctume-Pfv6oCyeY9POmv2n5WPFe5Jf40BNQhTwLxbsBflEsHgab1mlWRf3w8EAYJxMZfU_2XPYTSFesXhzSovLguQ9MVWBcByF/s1600/IMG_4964.JPG" width="640" /></a><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Hope your kiddos get to do some running around in the fresh air this weekend - the weather is soooo beautiful around here!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br />

Fall Fun on the Farm | Our Trip to Fahrmeier Farms

My cousins have a farm just outside of Kansas City - a real farm.  Where they grow things.  They produce amazing heirloom tomatoes, vegetabl...

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Emma's Big Girl Room

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYdvEgJRUo7e3qGucrjqe9RTM2E9wdc-I9JoSM7Poh-HVgs2kUSV0vZAGBKJiW44vPQl4kKIzjSXshIO9i8bUScksi-TiVnTdyZpTEKr6TnprpTfc7-Ks-h4RdA5Osut25uAqzRdCratx7/s1600/IMG_4010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYdvEgJRUo7e3qGucrjqe9RTM2E9wdc-I9JoSM7Poh-HVgs2kUSV0vZAGBKJiW44vPQl4kKIzjSXshIO9i8bUScksi-TiVnTdyZpTEKr6TnprpTfc7-Ks-h4RdA5Osut25uAqzRdCratx7/s1600/IMG_4010.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Well, it has taken me the entire summer, but I finally got Emma's Big Girl room done - sort of.  There are still many things that I need to "find," like the antique (looking, or real?) pine dresser and a headboard/bed (probably upholstered?).  We have replaced her crib with a Big Girl Bed - the real purpose of this project, and removed the clunky changing table from her room.  </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It is just perfect for now - it is a cozy, not too perfect and filled with Emma's favorite things.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This gallery wall is what took me all summer - well, actually, it only took a weekend, but finding that weekend is always the tough part!  I painted all of the frames myself (because I like everything to match my trim... like a crazy person).  </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-Bu4WIx5PQGQ9RE7oNp6B8Rxzaq8GNyvrztkByJvl0F4FoLkWcnn8wTjXUD2m0t1PCGlux60Nk6PL5bNhbJWbQ-EYjuCQym4mgTFOcZGmMdk0DUqXtKVfHKkQPMSsUPFSG49RARAtSUh3/s1600/IMG_4003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-Bu4WIx5PQGQ9RE7oNp6B8Rxzaq8GNyvrztkByJvl0F4FoLkWcnn8wTjXUD2m0t1PCGlux60Nk6PL5bNhbJWbQ-EYjuCQym4mgTFOcZGmMdk0DUqXtKVfHKkQPMSsUPFSG49RARAtSUh3/s1600/IMG_4003.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Her Big Girl Bed - Pottery Barn woodland duvet and shams layered with ruffled white sheets (also PBK), linen euro sham (Pottery Barn) and the quilt my Mom made for me 10 years ago.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzyxDMHgqOhUanUTLS1NBvV3h1C7HX8FsaESKvBnoWkQ-yTEJO48jTxlLkGggeHfXZGl74yUQa1JSimg8Z1TGok6ZlCPtJwIu66LH3qxIHkRMiZB82Z3_Bi40YJfBirPjjXWFlL1XlpbRY/s1600/IMG_3956.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzyxDMHgqOhUanUTLS1NBvV3h1C7HX8FsaESKvBnoWkQ-yTEJO48jTxlLkGggeHfXZGl74yUQa1JSimg8Z1TGok6ZlCPtJwIu66LH3qxIHkRMiZB82Z3_Bi40YJfBirPjjXWFlL1XlpbRY/s1600/IMG_3956.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Here's Emma's snuggly bed.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3IUwRohpONLWuRnQuKKMIv1tsMjYdh83jSxhNunVsl0JHwNK9k12_3Kk2oeWF1a1xckvOKnkkQEzEjBYO-RDYVYw71vpODq7_MFwkgYOyq2y17Md47VJI5b2NXzDTdV04cnannLGYXyI4/s1600/IMG_3994.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3IUwRohpONLWuRnQuKKMIv1tsMjYdh83jSxhNunVsl0JHwNK9k12_3Kk2oeWF1a1xckvOKnkkQEzEjBYO-RDYVYw71vpODq7_MFwkgYOyq2y17Md47VJI5b2NXzDTdV04cnannLGYXyI4/s1600/IMG_3994.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />Our nightly reads : )   Around the Year is Emma's favorite book - we love Tasha Tudor around here.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDDBuTY-fo8U8uNSGw0coF5Eq6IlISvFUInhrATm-vbb4c2UFlYFkKdJ6BjnkD5yrxAk1uHDtcMVDj-dLI-B6ofdhA9EmK4gBrfuwGbKW5mw1CNuUJgVq2QNOURWZnbbxtzLboKrDns1EJ/s1600/IMG_4005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDDBuTY-fo8U8uNSGw0coF5Eq6IlISvFUInhrATm-vbb4c2UFlYFkKdJ6BjnkD5yrxAk1uHDtcMVDj-dLI-B6ofdhA9EmK4gBrfuwGbKW5mw1CNuUJgVq2QNOURWZnbbxtzLboKrDns1EJ/s1600/IMG_4005.JPG" width="640" /></a><br /><br />A glimpse of the closet - remember how pale pink and cream it was before in <a href="http://jennysteffens.blogspot.com/2012/12/emmas-room-soft-pink-ivory-room-with.html">her nursery</a>?  Growing into a "big girl" means more fun colors, which I love now - it is all a little more fun.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZmOnLkvYUITWkpk7nW1uMfwCtHZs598OofdJ1l6wfoBFlGpDGkSYZVOnrTDC9YKLQDBLGy1duQ7Io0q4tjBVTIoaH9ur2pQ75-QnGbUQCVV2IOd1z2MRfIZ_fndYKVWtm97lg-yrgBzWB/s1600/IMG_3974.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZmOnLkvYUITWkpk7nW1uMfwCtHZs598OofdJ1l6wfoBFlGpDGkSYZVOnrTDC9YKLQDBLGy1duQ7Io0q4tjBVTIoaH9ur2pQ75-QnGbUQCVV2IOd1z2MRfIZ_fndYKVWtm97lg-yrgBzWB/s1600/IMG_3974.JPG" width="640" /></a><br /><br />This is our "golden shell" souvenir from <a href="http://jennysteffens.blogspot.com/2014/06/our-seaside-vacation-2014.html">Seaside</a> - every night the girls and I would go on a treasure hunt for the "golden shell" and the last night they found it!  I plan to write the "Legend of the Golden Shell" on the back... at some point.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI2HzbgYtg57QD71wTNw1b5yL0HCIGVAIXjbdQB_JXepT0dCADmM9kkPdY3iIlY6OQJNSLcPS81HL89nJdv4-CgljOIKe68NHFUFSpc6cclnbK5W9a57u1FCNaMX5os5lDbHfcDs-yzZOj/s1600/IMG_3925.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI2HzbgYtg57QD71wTNw1b5yL0HCIGVAIXjbdQB_JXepT0dCADmM9kkPdY3iIlY6OQJNSLcPS81HL89nJdv4-CgljOIKe68NHFUFSpc6cclnbK5W9a57u1FCNaMX5os5lDbHfcDs-yzZOj/s1600/IMG_3925.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br />I mounted it on artboard and removed the glass from the frame.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZD1dSD_eypVVrhL8Oehk7FPO3UVf5FSS8O7MQ0bx2hW5KOttXx_8PYpiBE4lhVB3-yQhz7ppTldedFT3CYf2sFHSjyKT5eFz4elm_C6eOAtMMMpkHrEhaW3h5Mr-jamPbvTrIW6uJlzry/s1600/IMG_3960.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZD1dSD_eypVVrhL8Oehk7FPO3UVf5FSS8O7MQ0bx2hW5KOttXx_8PYpiBE4lhVB3-yQhz7ppTldedFT3CYf2sFHSjyKT5eFz4elm_C6eOAtMMMpkHrEhaW3h5Mr-jamPbvTrIW6uJlzry/s1600/IMG_3960.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />We worked on the watercolors over the summer - nothing here is permanent, I plan to swap out our artwork for Emma's in the next couple of months.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwjmPT_gwBEIfQzNPOvvurm43pdjbvVzc6WmBeyvedPJ8FXurtTttEDOYmMlEMD0gIOUAliG4b0iASyt6AJg7IKyF7PFLqDtcAgpU1r3-gzpOOq1ry-x76-PkGM2KI85A70_h6fcw7k6XS/s1600/IMG_3993.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwjmPT_gwBEIfQzNPOvvurm43pdjbvVzc6WmBeyvedPJ8FXurtTttEDOYmMlEMD0gIOUAliG4b0iASyt6AJg7IKyF7PFLqDtcAgpU1r3-gzpOOq1ry-x76-PkGM2KI85A70_h6fcw7k6XS/s1600/IMG_3993.JPG" width="640" /></a><br /><br />The sweet little antique chair filled with lovies and Blah Blahs.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqsuf_q_DHeZA5Fl4NG2B13k6WC3wgThYGIuXkyHpSaG8uq2ZYa6O2ZupwmHi1KEMlRxZ_ldjjrovBKdVOHWF5O_mjtuCaONLG5CF1yfXzGmfq1WM600Yi3nx6P8d5ChJIPBCPdzuMcI5A/s1600/IMG_3992.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqsuf_q_DHeZA5Fl4NG2B13k6WC3wgThYGIuXkyHpSaG8uq2ZYa6O2ZupwmHi1KEMlRxZ_ldjjrovBKdVOHWF5O_mjtuCaONLG5CF1yfXzGmfq1WM600Yi3nx6P8d5ChJIPBCPdzuMcI5A/s1600/IMG_3992.JPG" width="640" /></a><br /><br />Emma's board of friends and photos.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7NfvFfbk9CmDSCboTfCm_R_XcwPE2ndFuKfedJrX-002tUgq_4x6sFtHVfpKk55AB21vrYFoTXWZ6TbFJwFaeyURzzvhQnnqMcJ-oibvCEOt-xz82-XjpcEHOi8WWggGcs_Fmi71hMGM3/s1600/IMG_3963.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7NfvFfbk9CmDSCboTfCm_R_XcwPE2ndFuKfedJrX-002tUgq_4x6sFtHVfpKk55AB21vrYFoTXWZ6TbFJwFaeyURzzvhQnnqMcJ-oibvCEOt-xz82-XjpcEHOi8WWggGcs_Fmi71hMGM3/s1600/IMG_3963.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><br />Into the closet - the best part of Emma's room.  It is almost half the size of her actual room and we treat it as a mini play room.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5x7MlIF6Jx9q-xCMxVWz-1TugGuJx4kVlcFhD2n_0yt_dzhZ4LM39yZ8xjHQfRaozmB9ysA8lKqrDNJmIgyhuh06sf0rOK-ok-Nh-8cWQFufKYwanHdeHDnPQ0ILbgwRdUmEQMTQpNYhq/s1600/IMG_3965.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5x7MlIF6Jx9q-xCMxVWz-1TugGuJx4kVlcFhD2n_0yt_dzhZ4LM39yZ8xjHQfRaozmB9ysA8lKqrDNJmIgyhuh06sf0rOK-ok-Nh-8cWQFufKYwanHdeHDnPQ0ILbgwRdUmEQMTQpNYhq/s1600/IMG_3965.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />Mocs and ballet slippers.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3XQqIcpqXrSA6AhRN6w_o8T2Ng7qAzbOhq9UjnOtphrxBBwRffpwWYd8L3gIEGpdydohF308Avt3C7JFbkOMV7kzJQQ2O2HR2i0Of3-l_4W8kYSKytbDQddIwj93zswHACEPuIHCPaN2E/s1600/IMG_3967.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3XQqIcpqXrSA6AhRN6w_o8T2Ng7qAzbOhq9UjnOtphrxBBwRffpwWYd8L3gIEGpdydohF308Avt3C7JFbkOMV7kzJQQ2O2HR2i0Of3-l_4W8kYSKytbDQddIwj93zswHACEPuIHCPaN2E/s1600/IMG_3967.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />Her old crib mattress became her "secret snuggle spot" in her closet... because we literally had no where else to put it.  It does make a nice bed (that we put out in the room) for cousins that spend the night!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM8d0yz6sR60yUp1S_jbAThv3VFiQ-ap7NbnFeSxWxNtVNTZI5vvh9VlXntlVUeSB4dE3KRoYbQpGnGJahxrJN3ptISrBCQpL4CPbQvA-AqqVbl0OoMcJz8kFsBqIGp6hw2Iqvfi16uydu/s1600/IMG_3969.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM8d0yz6sR60yUp1S_jbAThv3VFiQ-ap7NbnFeSxWxNtVNTZI5vvh9VlXntlVUeSB4dE3KRoYbQpGnGJahxrJN3ptISrBCQpL4CPbQvA-AqqVbl0OoMcJz8kFsBqIGp6hw2Iqvfi16uydu/s1600/IMG_3969.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />Just in case you thought Emma didn't have any real "stuff."<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp6wHDUeWVzDjljjqjSvxLE_oMKW2FHak4OX-VnUK8Ch24MoEqbF61ChcOxgnXHp0Gch6Su3uSTnJDAWtNSpx_roVXSViUzEc88zIX9mbs_BVAXMDs92ZS6mbVD9bBKGkGIb0SPuhi1oRv/s1600/IMG_3970.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp6wHDUeWVzDjljjqjSvxLE_oMKW2FHak4OX-VnUK8Ch24MoEqbF61ChcOxgnXHp0Gch6Su3uSTnJDAWtNSpx_roVXSViUzEc88zIX9mbs_BVAXMDs92ZS6mbVD9bBKGkGIb0SPuhi1oRv/s1600/IMG_3970.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />We've got lots of it, but I do continually try to keep it to a limit.  Daily battle : )<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-fAR-RYMkFjX9tW4fSxCfE_EdKkD2QZYN56nBmEE3XtGWm2VkgcXBVvkO5qafw5YEBHnlk9h9dBskpGb_CZb9hWx_pmA4OaTY83ZHWQ64YFve42rInqbXw5zi0DrOlCHZLjoCcllmTmAq/s1600/IMG_3983.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-fAR-RYMkFjX9tW4fSxCfE_EdKkD2QZYN56nBmEE3XtGWm2VkgcXBVvkO5qafw5YEBHnlk9h9dBskpGb_CZb9hWx_pmA4OaTY83ZHWQ64YFve42rInqbXw5zi0DrOlCHZLjoCcllmTmAq/s1600/IMG_3983.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The doll house from her <a href="http://jennysteffens.blogspot.com/2013/12/emmas-2nd-birthday-cookie-decorating.html">birthday</a>.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguWM6vIouHQMFPUiIwIQcTBqPaheO_gVnfyk0NVjQ-qf9_Wot2EBBaUHkea1V14sKNtKHrWqBBEmvD6Bj3tCrWaqtFjViC_clsR80mr3OXjlfaP8yTobnTr4EQSdMqUxOM8qcxocpMQpOs/s1600/IMG_4009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguWM6vIouHQMFPUiIwIQcTBqPaheO_gVnfyk0NVjQ-qf9_Wot2EBBaUHkea1V14sKNtKHrWqBBEmvD6Bj3tCrWaqtFjViC_clsR80mr3OXjlfaP8yTobnTr4EQSdMqUxOM8qcxocpMQpOs/s1600/IMG_4009.JPG" width="640" /></a><br /><br />Thanks for joining me on a tour.  I really love to document our living spaces, especially for Emma - there are so many memories made in four walls!

Emma's Big Girl Room

Well, it has taken me the entire summer, but I finally got Emma's Big Girl room done - sort of.  There are still many things that I need...

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This Week's Menu | Emma's Back to School ; (

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkGLT-tlB4TgzOX1S7SGcGzFO7uaWOzBavJBbeMHDIKhRMzba0o6PLVbTPI2WVUzAsSfwhWIGcPIHCwLuqfDSRYmsz0gZKX6OstbBKvktPDPmw_Z1rmPx3JCHXj6rKT8jF_5f16WWi7cSD/s1600/IMG_3415.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkGLT-tlB4TgzOX1S7SGcGzFO7uaWOzBavJBbeMHDIKhRMzba0o6PLVbTPI2WVUzAsSfwhWIGcPIHCwLuqfDSRYmsz0gZKX6OstbBKvktPDPmw_Z1rmPx3JCHXj6rKT8jF_5f16WWi7cSD/s1600/IMG_3415.jpg" width="426" /></a>Right now I'm feeling very love/hate towards Back to School.  I love the rhythms of routine that go along with the school year - my walk with Mr. Darcy in the morning, off to school for Emma, work for Mike and me, then to the grocery store with Emma when I pick her up in the early afternoon, we take a walk around the neighborhood, then we make dinner.  I love that little routine of ours.<br /><br />What I'm hating right now was dropping her off at her first day in the big kid classroom.  She was so brave and sweet with a little hint of timidness when we dropped her off this morning.  I am so proud of the brave, big girl she has become, but heartbroken at the same time.  She seems so grown up as she showed off her new backpack to her teachers and then held their hand as she set off to explore the new classroom.<br /><br />In her old room (the "Two's & Toddlers" room) she had gotten so comfortable and would bounce around the second she entered.  This day felt different.  She was so putting on such a strong, brave face even though I could feel her little nerves as she entered.  She was in control of her fears, and she was calm.  When did my little girl transform into this lovely little tiny lady?  <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLaF6ks5pBE-D8mOQEFrlo-e4bOyq5aJWObbufLHJVGjlUWBmsABfNLuxEVFaDiTrGTw7qKQluvyjLsP1KCVsXDPiLke3xgqJDcDnZxeDDp8L5cwA0dhlFb5VbTOIs1GHi7sdgRh1eQLxz/s1600/IMG_3389.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLaF6ks5pBE-D8mOQEFrlo-e4bOyq5aJWObbufLHJVGjlUWBmsABfNLuxEVFaDiTrGTw7qKQluvyjLsP1KCVsXDPiLke3xgqJDcDnZxeDDp8L5cwA0dhlFb5VbTOIs1GHi7sdgRh1eQLxz/s1600/IMG_3389.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>Like all working Mom's I struggle with the decision to work.  I'm very fortunate that I get to be a little of both - I work from home for 20 hours a week divided over a couple of days, then get to be a stay-at-home mom the rest of the time. I love having Emma here at home with me while we keep the house, piddle in the kitchen, run our errands and go exploring outside.  But there is a part of me that needs to work, too.  I'm a worker bee - it is the way I'm built.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDdjwCH4yj1kn0XRotaFGBwaWYrR3eGDX1DHvKFgkeenBG5Im4K5N3KEk9rZeEiJ0W22OD9Zr1siKl2W0PjmkLlUXW-r00vc4uoSO14-6jl9buWo-Hq4Err5XvkJJ8HLE8XmxagDyNtSbr/s1600/IMG_3409.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDdjwCH4yj1kn0XRotaFGBwaWYrR3eGDX1DHvKFgkeenBG5Im4K5N3KEk9rZeEiJ0W22OD9Zr1siKl2W0PjmkLlUXW-r00vc4uoSO14-6jl9buWo-Hq4Err5XvkJJ8HLE8XmxagDyNtSbr/s1600/IMG_3409.jpg" width="488" /></a> <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />I've come to terms with the fact that I'm best as a Mom and Wife when I have that couple of days a week to work, let my brain focus and be creative.  Of course, there is always a part of me that feels a bit guilty for loving what I do so much, but at the end of the day, I hope Emma finds a passion that can be as fulfilling for her, too.  I'm so grateful that I have the best of both worlds, but I'm very much missing my Emma this morning.<br /><br />Our summer break has given me a chance to reflect on what I do here and given me some new perspective and inspiration.  I'm attempting to be more organized in all aspects of my life - on here and at home.  One thing that is always a priority for us as a family is dinner time every night.  Every single night we sit down together as a family and eat at the dinner table.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ81WctfJ9RRzFdiIlDqZ6ywExytv9QJHxFCKC8E0WZj0aXrbcXB6v5TDZk7dmTMZ2ZZ8UO0R70Kln0k8INDZh_pJop0Dd9gqUwK5dcQn4gvoRFXijapQvYeO9wESBY05Z-sS5q7nuTt6n/s1600/IMG_3399.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ81WctfJ9RRzFdiIlDqZ6ywExytv9QJHxFCKC8E0WZj0aXrbcXB6v5TDZk7dmTMZ2ZZ8UO0R70Kln0k8INDZh_pJop0Dd9gqUwK5dcQn4gvoRFXijapQvYeO9wESBY05Z-sS5q7nuTt6n/s1600/IMG_3399.jpg" width="426" /></a> <br />Because I've never been very organized about meal planning, we go to the store almost every day.  It is my goal to be more efficient with our errands, so I'm going to try to shop for a couple of days at a time so our afternoons are more open.  I'm also planning to incorporate one night of leftovers transformed into a new dinner.  I think this is a really smart way to be efficient with our time and money... after all, each night that I don't have to buy something for dinner is about a savings of $25-30, adding up to more than $100 a month with really no sacrifice at all.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZT7YjZbAQd3u833CAyIQ9wZNg9NCxvpNfvLiYQxOF2zVZPCS_1ueaSfbjKgjtesOZCTp4KXA8PFjbAr5i3JxC4f9gz7OoFHEGN9ydKtq6hcpOxy9mjy-hpYWblqA5ilOMNSA48zILCWHG/s1600/IMG_3406.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZT7YjZbAQd3u833CAyIQ9wZNg9NCxvpNfvLiYQxOF2zVZPCS_1ueaSfbjKgjtesOZCTp4KXA8PFjbAr5i3JxC4f9gz7OoFHEGN9ydKtq6hcpOxy9mjy-hpYWblqA5ilOMNSA48zILCWHG/s1600/IMG_3406.jpg" width="476" /></a></div><br /><br />I also am conscious that we have leftover options for lunches the next day for Mike and me.  Mike likes to workout over lunch, so if he can take something with him to the office, he earns an extra 30 minutes in his day if he doesn't have to stop for lunch.  <br /><br />I'm going to focus on sharing more recipes and home projects here this Fall.  You can expect to see at least 2 recipes each week, along with a home project (mostly inspiration boards and construction updates... slated to start in 1 month!).  Once a week I'll share a product update for the Store - the new Fall Collection is coming out this Thursday.<br /><br /><br /><br />I'm also planning to share our weekly meal plans here every Sunday so you can use our plan as inspiration for your own (of course, I'm already a day late this week!).  I'd love to hear more about how you organize your family's meal planning, too.  Right now I'm looking for lots of inspiration for make-ahead meals and ways to reuse leftovers.  Please share your favorites!<br /><br />This Week's Menu : <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTN_SCgWC6-Xo0sPJjkgbDeCMjWUz4sXZgHQAKA8j1Bxuzfis8idHMLISVs8h3hT_UUqnR4euM0DrK-RsEoux1l5kUG1vRyMZZgFbS8hkYL4FeA2-PEX_mb1BCKmqmiOmYXUFKdpFXSkLs/s1600/IMG_3315.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTN_SCgWC6-Xo0sPJjkgbDeCMjWUz4sXZgHQAKA8j1Bxuzfis8idHMLISVs8h3hT_UUqnR4euM0DrK-RsEoux1l5kUG1vRyMZZgFbS8hkYL4FeA2-PEX_mb1BCKmqmiOmYXUFKdpFXSkLs/s1600/IMG_3315.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />Sunday : "<a href="http://jennysteffens.blogspot.com/2014/08/our-favorite-spaghetti-sauce-homemade.html">The" Spaghetti Sauce & Homemade Meatballs</a> with <a href="http://jennysteffens.blogspot.com/2014/01/italian-restaurant-salad.html">Italian Restaurant Salad</a> and Easy <a href="http://jennysteffens.blogspot.com/2014/08/our-favorite-spaghetti-sauce-homemade.html">"Homemade" Garlic Bread</a><br /><br />Last week I shared our new favorite tomato sauce - the best, and simplest sauce you'll ever try.  This is a Sunday night staple at our house (or something equally as comforting like Pot Roast or Roasted Chicken).  I also love making this on a Sunday because leftover meatballs + garlic bread turn into meatball sandwiches for Mike's lunch.  <br /><br /><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAa9E1ypGPqOOdus2wRHUv-rHoE6n_dHg2Q2tA9yXTc0BsJhTMh7q7uJ_Hzh0Vz3GJ0yJzpwMFX_rno8s8W7EZnHqHMXfIbzW8y7hm2yJPnKS06L79fEoNheCF1CMMwh9Ia9e6x_-jGhc/s640/IMG_0061.JPG" width="640" /><br /><br />Monday : <a href="http://jennysteffens.blogspot.com/2013/01/crispy-lemon-chicken-with-basil-mashed.html">Meyer Lemon Chicken with Basil Mashed Potatoes</a><br /><br />This is one of my all time favorites.  You can grill the chicken and serve with veggies if you're in the mood for a lighter/fresher dinner, too.  I make sure to prepare extra chicken to use for the Bacon & Chicken Panini's the next night.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJvtjKkuT8o29Q83uRjul8-_bL4lKDWqbVX1GeX1yGoUlzQ0O4QyAyG1tFXf8xJu-teOsrdiUrYpLu-Su_jTkXptWcoyEQzGz-5S8K4EfGih8mCcyX45XviTDXpEwAY4e68O9Aq8Xpe919/s1600/IMG_3213.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJvtjKkuT8o29Q83uRjul8-_bL4lKDWqbVX1GeX1yGoUlzQ0O4QyAyG1tFXf8xJu-teOsrdiUrYpLu-Su_jTkXptWcoyEQzGz-5S8K4EfGih8mCcyX45XviTDXpEwAY4e68O9Aq8Xpe919/s1600/IMG_3213.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br />Tuesday : Leftovers Night : Tomato Bisque and Bacon Chicken Panini's<br /><br />Recipe to come tomorrow!  I use the left over Tomato Sauce to make tomato bisque by adding chicken stock and cream, then bringing it to a simmer.  We always have bacon and cheese, so this is something that I can make almost any night of the week.<br /><br /><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLFNFXefhvISi0jj3XJAjgZdPMvRfuTJpa9t7QDp7iwyDI9Zu40B8K5EzDcchsMSxWn8DiFCCEtyD8UcLQhsulUCgbYIPdNolQ3NLG30Tmf_gJwNuqCDT2_v-OhrxyNe0Fb-bMUdf2G_g/s640/meatloaf+close.jpg" width="640" /><br /><br />Wednesday : <a href="http://jennysteffens.blogspot.com/2013/01/1770-house-meatloaf-green-beans.html"> Mike's Favorite Meatloaf</a>, Chive Mashed Potatoes & Roasted Carrots with Salted Caramel Apple Pie<br /><br />Wednesday is one of my days home with Emma so we like to make a big meal and dessert that we can work on all day.  We use the Barefoot Contessa's Meatloaf recipe as a base, but I've made a couple of revisions that make it easier.  I'll share our version later this week... and that Apple Pie!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBvLi3TpxnKAHrKgtsP0tAnn27mjgAgTmWTKQ6Y0pjTFNxcJJueoDwhu2l2CEZf0BWzK1Wqdo8iiQlthGYuzpwAM0WiT2q9-KxCiDAsqioF1GwXHdjNJmmc4yk7_9h8dvJUFYIug46yXTP/s1600/IMG_3268.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBvLi3TpxnKAHrKgtsP0tAnn27mjgAgTmWTKQ6Y0pjTFNxcJJueoDwhu2l2CEZf0BWzK1Wqdo8iiQlthGYuzpwAM0WiT2q9-KxCiDAsqioF1GwXHdjNJmmc4yk7_9h8dvJUFYIug46yXTP/s1600/IMG_3268.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />Thursday : <a href="http://nineandsixteen.blogspot.com/2014/07/recipe-korean-beef-tacos-with-mango.html">Tessa's Tacos</a><br /><br />We've always loved shredded beef tacos at our house, but now we have a new favorite that Tessa shared a couple of weeks ago.  It is called Korean Beef Tacos with a Mango & Cilantro Slaw.  Sooo good.  <br /><br />Friday : Pizza Night<br /><br />We go out almost every Friday night - usually to the pool for dinner, or something easy and family friendly.  <br /><br />Saturday : Parade & Carnival in Lexington<br /><br />This weekend we're headed back home to Lexington for the Heritage Days Festival!  Emma can't wait to see her cousins and go to Moo-Moo's Carnival.<br />............<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWw7-Za8ZIer2LVo5F7xskS1u7Ghor2nALd6UFgB0bcJBbkUd8Wa7TNdTOXOnnQL7V16UUmAp2JfWmBEvVx3e5Ewwx8tuZiFTgRL4Cfd99ogb70zmnkUtZjEGc8ITpG0gb5tCCenLh8cZn/s1600/IMG_3425.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWw7-Za8ZIer2LVo5F7xskS1u7Ghor2nALd6UFgB0bcJBbkUd8Wa7TNdTOXOnnQL7V16UUmAp2JfWmBEvVx3e5Ewwx8tuZiFTgRL4Cfd99ogb70zmnkUtZjEGc8ITpG0gb5tCCenLh8cZn/s1600/IMG_3425.jpg" width="426" /></a>Just writing this post and planning our week has eased my heartache just a little from this morning.  I'm planning to spend the rest of the morning finishing packaging products for the big unveiling of the new Fall Collection and organizing the new craft station I made out of cabinetry this weekend - can't wait to share photos later this week.  <br /><br />Happy Monday,<br />Jenny<br /><br /><br /><br />

This Week's Menu | Emma's Back to School ; (

Right now I'm feeling very love/hate towards Back to School.  I love the rhythms of routine that go along with the school year - my walk...

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The View from Where I Sit | Our Summer "Break"

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvhNHzIkPhHNzaR3GInuxNavaB1aJkOQB3ibVjH16ynoRQQXvnODEjkTHpHdws8R-NLxxhYI9xFIybp0gZ7SGrXwLU0Ugk-l_5BXoEUH1G97I6jlz5yZ-tHD7BNfjrhz89IrK-0QjAob4X/s1600/IMG_3080.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvhNHzIkPhHNzaR3GInuxNavaB1aJkOQB3ibVjH16ynoRQQXvnODEjkTHpHdws8R-NLxxhYI9xFIybp0gZ7SGrXwLU0Ugk-l_5BXoEUH1G97I6jlz5yZ-tHD7BNfjrhz89IrK-0QjAob4X/s1600/IMG_3080.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />I'm sorry I've been gone for a little while - almost two weeks now.  In reality, I haven't been far.  I've just taken a little break.  We haven't been on a lavish vacation (unless you count vacation bible school...?), and we haven't been doing that much.  And it has been perfect.  Emma's been on school break for the last couple of weeks, with a couple of more to go.  While we've been in a sort of "summer" mode for most of summer (pool, early walks, donut breakfasts, golf, tennis, lounging, etc.) there has still been work and we haven't had a real break until now.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW1fajuGpqKZuECxWrI3sptP4-vcx2LjE-qX6KBh3Jiew_fJJh5-WY6UO4Or0USn6FmumErFehTdXzudWo_476s2OLQ3Avshryr0d1r3pVM4Q730IwG0XlgqfesIC3XM6VKa00Nr7HkKE5/s1600/IMG_3071.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW1fajuGpqKZuECxWrI3sptP4-vcx2LjE-qX6KBh3Jiew_fJJh5-WY6UO4Or0USn6FmumErFehTdXzudWo_476s2OLQ3Avshryr0d1r3pVM4Q730IwG0XlgqfesIC3XM6VKa00Nr7HkKE5/s1600/IMG_3071.jpg" width="640" /></a> <br /><br />When Emma was just two(ish) months old, I did a post about <a href="http://jennysteffens.blogspot.com/2012/01/view-from-where-i-sit-my-home-is-where.html">"The View from Where I Sit"</a>- it was just a snapshot of what a normal day looked like to us at that point in our life.  A newborn baby, puppy and cozy house.  It was beautiful - snuggle moments, our bulletin board of cards and photos, Emma taking a nap, Darcy taking a nap...  The only way it would've been better is if I were actually taking a nap, too ;)   For the last two weeks I've taken a nap almost every day.  You really do learn more about being a Mom as time goes by.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnTOXKZbNt9xFwPGdL5RuZ3sDv2LgkhyEqiN6uO_JqqPwEpIE8B-3so4s5Z1fhHBV1VJY8w9JuQLkchugV5YyTuJh8onboJdNIXkAWO9swrpXUob48j-KFxa3KvLf2tTo4HVnKFauuHNbM/s1600/IMG_3151.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnTOXKZbNt9xFwPGdL5RuZ3sDv2LgkhyEqiN6uO_JqqPwEpIE8B-3so4s5Z1fhHBV1VJY8w9JuQLkchugV5YyTuJh8onboJdNIXkAWO9swrpXUob48j-KFxa3KvLf2tTo4HVnKFauuHNbM/s1600/IMG_3151.JPG" width="640" /></a><br /><br />Documenting these "everydays" was something I was going to try to do more often for the blog, because I love taking a moment to stop and appreciate the everyday, the beautiful pauses between the big moments that make up a "normal" day.  It probably comes to no surprise given the name of this blog, that I love "normal" days - everydays<br /><br /><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/AVvXsEhs35iXyp6fI7pNjpthzHnXoDajZCpMItb_3rRCb8JLVBKY_oOcLU7muOEotDxpAEc9c_tXARN_q43pL6qhBlMetczeMaZfuq-J6SND2kBihVO5z1PLFbv5stnuxt68HjFPk6H3EbuIS94w/s1600/IMG_3093.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs35iXyp6fI7pNjpthzHnXoDajZCpMItb_3rRCb8JLVBKY_oOcLU7muOEotDxpAEc9c_tXARN_q43pL6qhBlMetczeMaZfuq-J6SND2kBihVO5z1PLFbv5stnuxt68HjFPk6H3EbuIS94w/s1600/IMG_3093.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Her favorite spot in the kitchen. </td></tr></tbody></table>I love routine, being at home, keeping a home and the rhythms of everyday.  I think it is just as important to document those times in our lives as I do the big moments.  After all, it is these normal, everyday moments that actually make up our lives.  <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Just like most (all?) of you, I have my everyday moments of frustrations, too.  Sometimes I think if I have to pick up one more puzzle, clean crumbs out of my sheets again or sweep up another spilled bowl of dog food I might go bonkers.  Taking a second to browse around the house with my camera and document these moments of "messes" adds perspective and beauty to these un-produced moments that make up our everydays.  <br /><br />Welcome to our home any given day of the week. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglz0Gsnox5_jIE0SkENdwFJeWpiKL8SpeKC-6OVxd7NX1wjY4NVD62IOF4BDZPObWmPt2XVPd4qOdaR6X9F0W5e4RJ8QToiiJ1x-sy4mocJT1C2PObtEuk4L5KGbguwB3b2vKVFEUSNIUn/s1600/IMG_3107.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglz0Gsnox5_jIE0SkENdwFJeWpiKL8SpeKC-6OVxd7NX1wjY4NVD62IOF4BDZPObWmPt2XVPd4qOdaR6X9F0W5e4RJ8QToiiJ1x-sy4mocJT1C2PObtEuk4L5KGbguwB3b2vKVFEUSNIUn/s1600/IMG_3107.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />If you've lived with a toddler, you know that floors are rarely tidy, and laundry is rarely put away. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB_e17kNC7UGt0WBgtVWh61CKaZStaJtoU75nSM6x0_JUiG6wh7uBiRVjRhJ1TXviiIfBVQDgB3Pb6Ok6ltobIef5J-c6lf7RZXS1A8cuOGgpnx12mOnI2ppMPqyUIjtVGEkN6ErDFwOZv/s1600/IMG_3096.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB_e17kNC7UGt0WBgtVWh61CKaZStaJtoU75nSM6x0_JUiG6wh7uBiRVjRhJ1TXviiIfBVQDgB3Pb6Ok6ltobIef5J-c6lf7RZXS1A8cuOGgpnx12mOnI2ppMPqyUIjtVGEkN6ErDFwOZv/s1600/IMG_3096.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> Watercolors on the mantle... hopefully to be framed for Emma's room this week. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaz6NzlbZFWUhS8srmiXFkIhMnFbs3MCPb4HA3QnqeQOzlzAwDJt7qyYXUlzgyc4PBRznG_qHKHtcVub9E9TBR_KA_4nAbL3i3pFbSoHt4fAUXEXVCDPAKTKxHgZiWXIGCs9V9WVFSq4VO/s1600/IMG_3099.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaz6NzlbZFWUhS8srmiXFkIhMnFbs3MCPb4HA3QnqeQOzlzAwDJt7qyYXUlzgyc4PBRznG_qHKHtcVub9E9TBR_KA_4nAbL3i3pFbSoHt4fAUXEXVCDPAKTKxHgZiWXIGCs9V9WVFSq4VO/s1600/IMG_3099.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Has been on my list all summer, of course.  I sort of like them here, though, for now.  Little easy displays like this are good reminders not to take our home, our things or our "displays" too seriously.</div> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUZS6fTeplbLrTZ0USctA5iX9mSDYcMMX1K1N1-b5Un5Q4jqjEZgjmB7YvgIz5m1TVgXlvdw4_vgeLWjylwD85U7CqrZ31fxEtKAfszWb4RGZ9V00ckQrwITHVKO3790H-Bmw3OE9CDzQ8/s1600/IMG_3062.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="492" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUZS6fTeplbLrTZ0USctA5iX9mSDYcMMX1K1N1-b5Un5Q4jqjEZgjmB7YvgIz5m1TVgXlvdw4_vgeLWjylwD85U7CqrZ31fxEtKAfszWb4RGZ9V00ckQrwITHVKO3790H-Bmw3OE9CDzQ8/s1600/IMG_3062.JPG" width="640" /></a><br /><br />Test burning a new custom candle scent for the store.  I'm obsessed - you'll love it. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTVVdwH6ghm9C-7gZ-2oTdXgBrKiKo_BLbDPofWhS7DShfQ0SS-nmoIR5nN4_uV9SdRVZ3wJVEqc9ESXiImXeInCmxTJdaeQZ8Lf5MNtjH1ZvFTdEMG7VbRMpOhL5CdkADkVsgcvL5GlGr/s1600/IMG_3101.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTVVdwH6ghm9C-7gZ-2oTdXgBrKiKo_BLbDPofWhS7DShfQ0SS-nmoIR5nN4_uV9SdRVZ3wJVEqc9ESXiImXeInCmxTJdaeQZ8Lf5MNtjH1ZvFTdEMG7VbRMpOhL5CdkADkVsgcvL5GlGr/s1600/IMG_3101.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />New backpack and lunch box ready for school! <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-ZkxZpflcfxM_Z854O3FntxLoKM6mUIzWoYi_qZx2PmBfAmYCSNhwRPbeMwlZgTAO4499VOv-UlIxmPO5MUCx16QhYekKw7mOcdNoaY9jnipLIpjkZbdzh0X1-xfe9YU4Ns8x4qVlGfji/s1600/IMG_3103.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-ZkxZpflcfxM_Z854O3FntxLoKM6mUIzWoYi_qZx2PmBfAmYCSNhwRPbeMwlZgTAO4499VOv-UlIxmPO5MUCx16QhYekKw7mOcdNoaY9jnipLIpjkZbdzh0X1-xfe9YU4Ns8x4qVlGfji/s1600/IMG_3103.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>  <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioVXd39GKyYzLC2I2u3381YvKx_xgmKinKkz_Nl2kSQ-cQfdsmvuP5oq8FS_clSMZH4Zb32RiBrdYtWC4KOra4VSjxBIpBAz4x6ar76z2mum6OSRAaixifWsTvewrc_uqc1MSKZ6iG5IK6/s1600/IMG_3115.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioVXd39GKyYzLC2I2u3381YvKx_xgmKinKkz_Nl2kSQ-cQfdsmvuP5oq8FS_clSMZH4Zb32RiBrdYtWC4KOra4VSjxBIpBAz4x6ar76z2mum6OSRAaixifWsTvewrc_uqc1MSKZ6iG5IK6/s1600/IMG_3115.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />By the time I get up the stairs...<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMBZ-MZJvbjQIGByd2AgtvSL95qTANh8O5Be9oHTEHGPuMtFg4-PG7aoUUK7q1GRYFikfhv98bpdz0mc6HdokHvxC48kCYA4kimTQOpcqqmS0KCy9k4OyBF_Em7TbZ5OYLpDthfnuYLpHj/s1600/IMG_3108.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMBZ-MZJvbjQIGByd2AgtvSL95qTANh8O5Be9oHTEHGPuMtFg4-PG7aoUUK7q1GRYFikfhv98bpdz0mc6HdokHvxC48kCYA4kimTQOpcqqmS0KCy9k4OyBF_Em7TbZ5OYLpDthfnuYLpHj/s1600/IMG_3108.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Layers of frames and loose snapshots.  </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBLeOEVTF3jBz82wbLySeP_BdY1v2qmOAtXfmXCRcRwj-XoicjyKnRaV2rNFEkSvj0Llis5Ch-cfVTX7tGilssKvGF6AnzlqdVSuIXrQ1i_2twSwCA_ekTwtMvMXSAZteICEL17rTgYuEJ/s1600/IMG_3109.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBLeOEVTF3jBz82wbLySeP_BdY1v2qmOAtXfmXCRcRwj-XoicjyKnRaV2rNFEkSvj0Llis5Ch-cfVTX7tGilssKvGF6AnzlqdVSuIXrQ1i_2twSwCA_ekTwtMvMXSAZteICEL17rTgYuEJ/s1600/IMG_3109.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />We've never really officially settled in here, with the impending construction starting next month, so nothing really has a place that has been contemplated - mostly just where everything ends up it stays.  The silhouette?  Also to be framed this week.  <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTFWpwqI-f4A0eVCG0Rr27KAziLtgiXXIQcNrihsnXJqVtokHooSoouwUCD7U2lx7uOYuERQxmjob65ANOGXigJ7hlB2bJh0ZqfC4mMMCcsuXBEj7k98CobhOlYPY8HZagXJKNXS8pgNP_/s1600/IMG_3112.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTFWpwqI-f4A0eVCG0Rr27KAziLtgiXXIQcNrihsnXJqVtokHooSoouwUCD7U2lx7uOYuERQxmjob65ANOGXigJ7hlB2bJh0ZqfC4mMMCcsuXBEj7k98CobhOlYPY8HZagXJKNXS8pgNP_/s1600/IMG_3112.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />I stumbled upon some Pixie Dust in the guest room...<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnynZw3qSfu0RfQ27LHtdUIKIPzz9S-X2hPeuFhNjFNuqHvurmV5kGqc0Dkyjq86IQ1AbCOFDgjqc0ko54zY6ywCQj-ZWPMZUUnblOJMdUfRcnTWMBnKtwbKxQmKVOm3wBJTltmFMsik3_/s1600/IMG_3124.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnynZw3qSfu0RfQ27LHtdUIKIPzz9S-X2hPeuFhNjFNuqHvurmV5kGqc0Dkyjq86IQ1AbCOFDgjqc0ko54zY6ywCQj-ZWPMZUUnblOJMdUfRcnTWMBnKtwbKxQmKVOm3wBJTltmFMsik3_/s1600/IMG_3124.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />Smiling Emma is enjoying crumbing my bed : ) <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjteyppEF8DemhYRYKpv9s3aGxYpJs_MiZYTx-syIPa7_Anbvbebq2ElBr-fIqVFHxHuEzuVtn07xdr7ubl2pQHumtREz79n2Q0xCTRJLcaLlHNbcf3v-BouzeTXBPEXAQPtEWsy47XfGFD/s1600/IMG_3134.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjteyppEF8DemhYRYKpv9s3aGxYpJs_MiZYTx-syIPa7_Anbvbebq2ElBr-fIqVFHxHuEzuVtn07xdr7ubl2pQHumtREz79n2Q0xCTRJLcaLlHNbcf3v-BouzeTXBPEXAQPtEWsy47XfGFD/s1600/IMG_3134.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Our evening reading materials.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQUVedwTpZNfkZ8DabiKTWJcp9LNOP7RdQzake-QoGsBZyw6RQqN_wg-0JDLiBrGrWIFyC4-YY_bVgQ69CWWUU7_ubbpXvn2-8ETK2hq8u_RQlLkw-qF0_opedkjf4ASFCvnHwXRPSW5bl/s1600/IMG_3139.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQUVedwTpZNfkZ8DabiKTWJcp9LNOP7RdQzake-QoGsBZyw6RQqN_wg-0JDLiBrGrWIFyC4-YY_bVgQ69CWWUU7_ubbpXvn2-8ETK2hq8u_RQlLkw-qF0_opedkjf4ASFCvnHwXRPSW5bl/s1600/IMG_3139.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Sweet little summer shoes.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2Nw0Zx5yrZDCwHSnEwytMJfi0PH44v1r1-AWdmu8WB2pZd6QgMx9nAdi2IrymZAxsTFzIyKMvVkugkm_7pwrv1kUcudCmvP9nCl8Bn4hd7-i0aN6fvU0kUknMTHZIGWOfpGgOed72sH3_/s1600/IMG_3132.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2Nw0Zx5yrZDCwHSnEwytMJfi0PH44v1r1-AWdmu8WB2pZd6QgMx9nAdi2IrymZAxsTFzIyKMvVkugkm_7pwrv1kUcudCmvP9nCl8Bn4hd7-i0aN6fvU0kUknMTHZIGWOfpGgOed72sH3_/s1600/IMG_3132.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div> Did I mention we're potty training? 

The View from Where I Sit | Our Summer "Break"

I'm sorry I've been gone for a little while - almost two weeks now.  In reality, I haven't been far.  I've just taken a litt...

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