tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10502202964161263612024-03-13T01:05:59.194-07:00ROOM FOR NINE(+)jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10522434256471199993noreply@blogger.comBlogger522125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1050220296416126361.post-79063705622934375632013-08-19T20:28:00.001-07:002013-08-21T12:37:54.134-07:00testing 1,2,3.I've literally been dying to post pictures and blog about our summer vacation, but my (once again) non-functioning laptop has prevented me from doing so. it only needs a new battery, a new mouse pad, and a new charger, so I'm really not sure what's holding me back from getting it fixed. <div><br></div><div>oh. that's right. I just spent our life savings outfitting eight kids for the new school year. ie; purchasing tennis shoes, a few articles of clothing, school supplies, backpacks, and forking over money for miscellaneous student fees and field trips, to name a few. before that I was paying off the dentist for eleven fillings, one tooth extraction, and a set of sealants. next will be Christmas, and who knows what else might pop up in the meantime. more stitches, perhaps? Sawyer is on a roll, having received two sets of stitches in just two weeks. OY! holy smokes, kids are expen$ive. in fact, I recently read somewhere that it costs roughly $250,000 to raise ONE child from birth to 18 years of age. times that by eleven and yikes! my calculator just blinked an error code, shorted out, and died. but not before it told me I could've made a hundred trips to Hawaii for that price! </div><div><br></div><div>maybe I need to consider a new career in panhandling. rumor has it, those folks make millions! or not.</div><div><br></div><div>I don't know. hopefully I can look back someday and honestly say the cost of raising ten plus kids was worth it! because as of right now, I have my doubts. seems like every time I turn around it's something else-- yet another unforeseen expense. wow. all this to say that's why I haven't blogged. sorry!</div><div><br></div><div>anyway. back to the topic at hand. being my computer is out of commission, I suppose you're wondering how I'm blogging then? well, about six months ago, I downloaded the blogger app onto my iPhone and I'm just now getting around to testing it out. why rush into things, right? and except for the cramp in my pointer finger from pecking at the minuscule keyboard, it seems to be working okay. hooray for that! </div><div><br></div><div>below are a few snapshots from Yellowstone taken on my phone. with only two days to explore the gazillion acre park, we barely made a dent in it. I'd love to go back again someday when we have more time to sightsee. and also, without toddlers or babies. I lost track of how many heart attacks Finley caused all those poor, unsuspecting folks as he raced along the boardwalks. that kid is a serious adrenaline junkie!</div><div><br></div><div>(hopefully the resolution looks okay, as it's tough to tell on my tiny phone screen.)</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLv7tml67BfsJ8Ay4yQ5X2s-qTQsIMnD6RBi_DiwOU5g3SyrAxLWZlZPZGB29b-6qTRFMUMIk6S6ANWhUHctAoEDhjfIn6FjlzXi_Av-x_75BP0EUYlRNa7L-m9SzTFzSYi2CM6mWQ598/s640/blogger-image--1840246681.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLv7tml67BfsJ8Ay4yQ5X2s-qTQsIMnD6RBi_DiwOU5g3SyrAxLWZlZPZGB29b-6qTRFMUMIk6S6ANWhUHctAoEDhjfIn6FjlzXi_Av-x_75BP0EUYlRNa7L-m9SzTFzSYi2CM6mWQ598/s640/blogger-image--1840246681.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5QhW1K7UZoK7Vm7duSD8Kwz0eef5lgtDH_u4tJnRZTPZ38yfdXb0n3bLP1e6GOnb4tll_fmGDq1aVROFGqgJ9OtP7dEXEM_4lql1lD37s7u1ENdn2wMg97lR1lZg1Z8aedjFhd2Ou-CY/s640/blogger-image--945844172.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5QhW1K7UZoK7Vm7duSD8Kwz0eef5lgtDH_u4tJnRZTPZ38yfdXb0n3bLP1e6GOnb4tll_fmGDq1aVROFGqgJ9OtP7dEXEM_4lql1lD37s7u1ENdn2wMg97lR1lZg1Z8aedjFhd2Ou-CY/s640/blogger-image--945844172.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-nojmrgfxFSPl_TipU1oLsTMT-TWQ7xd7gQpz177FtD08uxDoujHWuZhMkIHFQ-ZMzTz0gee9R4n_1b4ZiWcZ5VmF5gKcj9TPwW8eRKXxd-YsiedJvphhV2INibKAeG8K1IYNUwmZiWo/s640/blogger-image-1311522753.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-nojmrgfxFSPl_TipU1oLsTMT-TWQ7xd7gQpz177FtD08uxDoujHWuZhMkIHFQ-ZMzTz0gee9R4n_1b4ZiWcZ5VmF5gKcj9TPwW8eRKXxd-YsiedJvphhV2INibKAeG8K1IYNUwmZiWo/s640/blogger-image-1311522753.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8f1zZeKtLzx-SAH-YkOPbADOGIEcBHc7tYGv2sRnD9jK1DhxwT_qldguSDr9hlNVjJX55lNfC2rbuBw1759H2pZ12mehUm5STvCt9z7bxY4BEu34ukJjFuJRv0GBR-_BpQ9zs5J_wDZw/s640/blogger-image-584032094.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8f1zZeKtLzx-SAH-YkOPbADOGIEcBHc7tYGv2sRnD9jK1DhxwT_qldguSDr9hlNVjJX55lNfC2rbuBw1759H2pZ12mehUm5STvCt9z7bxY4BEu34ukJjFuJRv0GBR-_BpQ9zs5J_wDZw/s640/blogger-image-584032094.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUzoMSRfMtIA3p61Ce9l2_2ixdNw1BR2K08OxbCKM0P3tWaeQd7RCczNp94NXbYG13A_EQSBDiBd5hCFOWfwCY3d9dQeAVCqA9j1eshL1y74DrUrs9yvZ0XLTQ-OBAWoXrSWwPr6x9ET8/s640/blogger-image--1886563723.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUzoMSRfMtIA3p61Ce9l2_2ixdNw1BR2K08OxbCKM0P3tWaeQd7RCczNp94NXbYG13A_EQSBDiBd5hCFOWfwCY3d9dQeAVCqA9j1eshL1y74DrUrs9yvZ0XLTQ-OBAWoXrSWwPr6x9ET8/s640/blogger-image--1886563723.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5HRCwD_QUOvMksDQ_YF5AUIUyKdhlO0LaeOjjyTKvg300ZItjIZxVExegyyZNWEq1zPCwI9PANwVjLLkqesWb9gPDZ3pWjb5SPlOEBG_e6yM7sz7ZqpMxQpyAQgdWVEfCCNwoNSEtvs0/s640/blogger-image--596398406.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5HRCwD_QUOvMksDQ_YF5AUIUyKdhlO0LaeOjjyTKvg300ZItjIZxVExegyyZNWEq1zPCwI9PANwVjLLkqesWb9gPDZ3pWjb5SPlOEBG_e6yM7sz7ZqpMxQpyAQgdWVEfCCNwoNSEtvs0/s640/blogger-image--596398406.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixIeNtcEvkwaX9imT2EeKBB223O1kEt-6MpnlCTG4eINMD2NDYMFDob5SK4icmpCjjv4P0qUIXkO2_u4D5KHGHBkUSGP4WGPh86fbGAzONVhzuct9ULPwzgwZrVyNbT_-YYdQ2GWmZQxs/s640/blogger-image-1763344920.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixIeNtcEvkwaX9imT2EeKBB223O1kEt-6MpnlCTG4eINMD2NDYMFDob5SK4icmpCjjv4P0qUIXkO2_u4D5KHGHBkUSGP4WGPh86fbGAzONVhzuct9ULPwzgwZrVyNbT_-YYdQ2GWmZQxs/s640/blogger-image-1763344920.jpg"></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I have so many more pictures to share! guess those will have to wait until next time! whenever that is.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">-jessica</div></div>jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10522434256471199993noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1050220296416126361.post-14024088722685624602013-06-29T09:10:00.001-07:002013-06-29T09:33:31.467-07:00summer happenings.just a quick update to let you know that we're indeed alive and well and have been enjoying our summer vacation thus far. my only complaint is that I can't seem to keep food in the fridge (or cupboards, etc) no matter how hard I try. so, DUH. I should just buy more food then, right? OH NO. because the more food I buy, the more the kids eat. hence, the fridge remains empty and all that's left to show for it is an increase in the weekly food bill. basically, it's a lose lose situation. in the meantime, until I can think of a solution to remedy the situation (put locks on everything?), I have taped a note to the fridge that reads: manager is on strike. today's choices are molasses or mustard, take it or leave it. wait. I lied. there's ranch and ketchup, too. because we're classy like that.<br />
<br />
anyway, below are a few, okay more than a few, pictures highlighting our summer happenings. like most summers, it's been a mix of busy and fun as we try to fit in as many activities as we can during the short two and a half month vacation. it's hard to believe the kids go back to school August 12th already! yay! I mean, bummer! heh.<br />
<br />
*side note: I had high hopes of putting the pictures in order from oldest to most recent, but after the third failed attempt I was like, screw it. it's a challenging enough task to get the photos lined up in these silly square boxes than to worry about whether or not they're in the right order on top of it. to make it slightly less confusing for you, I have numbered each picture from left to right and added a corresponding, sometimes corny, caption.<br />
<br />
enjoy. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEAkRrX1kxPp7NIaZYOcM6Z-OS82P1Ris2EJx24NHAmY_8UWWkTD15HQk656v5E7Gd106G9OxJT9iyCYqN-SsVe5yko2zFkIDfX9Q6fO-V_O8N8m-rX9h1uSQAxBwolepIK-9q9QTvkBk/s1600/Untitled-9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEAkRrX1kxPp7NIaZYOcM6Z-OS82P1Ris2EJx24NHAmY_8UWWkTD15HQk656v5E7Gd106G9OxJT9iyCYqN-SsVe5yko2zFkIDfX9Q6fO-V_O8N8m-rX9h1uSQAxBwolepIK-9q9QTvkBk/s1600/Untitled-9.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
1. Scarlett struts her stuff in Sedona. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
2. Phoebe and Chloe share a tender moment at Fossil Creek. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
3. breakfast in bed with a side of sunshine. I believe this was taken on Mother's Day, pretty much the one day out of the year that I'm spoiled. wait, who am I kidding? I'm spoiled every day of the year. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
4. Finley is found guilty. guilty of being too cute. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
5. mornings are always better when they start out with a chokehold, am I right? </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
6. happy mess. until it was time to clean up. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUQUdiNK10A3w-HUgjjfiH9yft4xIDdN6R1EkJvHKbEnZKVoj_0Jz-ViTRAxZ61dykD82RNesElXIw5Ydj9eZV16CBu-lhjHhTY_RqQ_uAjiNd9Qtt3PNVfZwNOPbNNxf1yLkW8QFlZhU/s1600/Untitled-5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUQUdiNK10A3w-HUgjjfiH9yft4xIDdN6R1EkJvHKbEnZKVoj_0Jz-ViTRAxZ61dykD82RNesElXIw5Ydj9eZV16CBu-lhjHhTY_RqQ_uAjiNd9Qtt3PNVfZwNOPbNNxf1yLkW8QFlZhU/s1600/Untitled-5.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
7. creamsicles, for the win! their treat for being good at the store, or my treat for surviving grocery shopping with three hooligans, however you want to look at it. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
8. a cruise around the block on my aunt's bike. she doesn't know this yet, but I get first dibs on it when she's through with it. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
9. lunchtime: the 'lil sis spinning on the table while big bro looks on without pants' edition. always good for a few laughs. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
10. after being called a girl on three different occasions, Finley's curls must go. a sad day for all, indeed. but mostly his momma. cue the WAH WAAAH. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
11. diner vibes. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
12. *SMOOCH* Rowan ran away shortly thereafter. girl germs! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1fFL07VrH66QQmhkkMIfSzO9_3wJZqjQe_loSCMdnM7tK47I-S8er7hN4WBDTGiJrJVugPPDUAHA2liJ3fWU1IVDSjOjX-QRVTMr2fBFDn02d61By6xldvQFfSAo2Xkf4hlp3I_-Yly0/s1600/photo-(13).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1fFL07VrH66QQmhkkMIfSzO9_3wJZqjQe_loSCMdnM7tK47I-S8er7hN4WBDTGiJrJVugPPDUAHA2liJ3fWU1IVDSjOjX-QRVTMr2fBFDn02d61By6xldvQFfSAo2Xkf4hlp3I_-Yly0/s1600/photo-(13).jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
enjoying donuts and dapples of light at the park. and shame on the person who left their car keys on the ground. how irresponsible! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGWFVFZ-VsdRRs4zffOjC8T1K4_jOT3Oc6mggSSxGIDOfLaShLevPvqTopzAoJprkhtI-K9j9tGICxYArqy7tcp8lGgx1y7us8Sz1mZHvYlo4ljZRBXXeIspBH43XJQNLGjCnS4oLDMrI/s1600/Untitled-6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGWFVFZ-VsdRRs4zffOjC8T1K4_jOT3Oc6mggSSxGIDOfLaShLevPvqTopzAoJprkhtI-K9j9tGICxYArqy7tcp8lGgx1y7us8Sz1mZHvYlo4ljZRBXXeIspBH43XJQNLGjCnS4oLDMrI/s1600/Untitled-6.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
13. quote by Scarlett, age 3: "everyone makes me mad!" I take it she's not always getting her way. life sure is rough when you're three.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
14. another beautiful day in Sedona, AZ.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
15. a perfect way to beat the heat!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
16. bliss.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
17. uh oh! looks like someone learned how to jailbreak! so long, quiet afternoons.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
18. my mini model.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB-wSfx_gEjZsI6163_rz0CGYhmr309M0xdt6dJP9HASjt7Al03RzV6a3j8ThCjNfmj85XMpFyycI4UvaCCxsbVLztZrZK9LdnLt7QJ8qDD4-Vez3zgLPaoAk1Wyd71dfzis8ZLylO1rc/s1600/Untitled-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB-wSfx_gEjZsI6163_rz0CGYhmr309M0xdt6dJP9HASjt7Al03RzV6a3j8ThCjNfmj85XMpFyycI4UvaCCxsbVLztZrZK9LdnLt7QJ8qDD4-Vez3zgLPaoAk1Wyd71dfzis8ZLylO1rc/s1600/Untitled-1.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
19. little people, big world.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
20. yakity-yak, don't do crack.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
21. she's too much!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
22. today's forecast: sunshine with a side of water fights.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
23. here's to hoping this black thumb can at least keep cacti alive.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
24. Chloe receives a red balloon for finishing in the top 10% of the entire eighth grade class. congratulations, miss smarty pants!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO0XcOlFSSTgiIvf85hlnjY16RDIZHwZcAJgUzNaovyFs5Xo-Z1GHKGaBmpIkXIc2qO4wAOJtNhonTdiQEEiyn1CH4Hpbo95iS-BFxB_D1rybtx0l7zPAV9_pHISYt0yn9u53G6b9ti6A/s1600/sum.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO0XcOlFSSTgiIvf85hlnjY16RDIZHwZcAJgUzNaovyFs5Xo-Z1GHKGaBmpIkXIc2qO4wAOJtNhonTdiQEEiyn1CH4Hpbo95iS-BFxB_D1rybtx0l7zPAV9_pHISYt0yn9u53G6b9ti6A/s1600/sum.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
25. my cute, little photography assistant. she makes sure I never miss a photographic opportunity. "take a picture of that, mommy! and that. oh, and THAT!" okay, missy!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
26. evenings on the golf course are nothing less than gorgeous.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
27. sunset twirls, part one.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
28. milk and cookies picnic.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
29. baking assistant for hire. he rarely makes a mess or gets into trouble or anything. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
30. gooood morning! see? he's so sweet! how could you not want to take him home with you? </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/AVvXsEj2I3SvcE0rNDAVyZz1r7fsMioL5IlJp9nPY9usnROrWMA0dflsRpHdxS0tZ_pByzvLmLDaAjJQ7G947vZqux1aICqol3VIvpEON13gGeFNTy2rny4YSSIkplvln156YRoSx9p3zSwc9Lk/s1600/sum1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2I3SvcE0rNDAVyZz1r7fsMioL5IlJp9nPY9usnROrWMA0dflsRpHdxS0tZ_pByzvLmLDaAjJQ7G947vZqux1aICqol3VIvpEON13gGeFNTy2rny4YSSIkplvln156YRoSx9p3zSwc9Lk/s1600/sum1.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
31. me, Tarzan.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
32. kids were here.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
33. sunset twirls, part two.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
34. last light.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
35. boys, boys, and more boys. 'twas a fun-filled day in Sedona with friends.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
36. have you rolled down a hill today? I'm telling you, the best type of stress therapy is free.</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/AVvXsEi3I5F17t1rlYZnLv9_ZRwv3fK2Gtq9RKmjj2faUhjDXBoeb6hXpo49IOMp3nOWKWoX2Zg7QVnwk53JSHF__smGLLMpGlzB-nigUOrt7TCkYLig7ISZbDaHWlIQpuOx2iQ_8nf3qdfH-Jo/s1600/photo-(35).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3I5F17t1rlYZnLv9_ZRwv3fK2Gtq9RKmjj2faUhjDXBoeb6hXpo49IOMp3nOWKWoX2Zg7QVnwk53JSHF__smGLLMpGlzB-nigUOrt7TCkYLig7ISZbDaHWlIQpuOx2iQ_8nf3qdfH-Jo/s1600/photo-(35).jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
can never get enough of this place.</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/AVvXsEga5AC_xyyIo3ZitaKxukmCWdcn_Uggk3xVxPw1UIgy9m7w_yMDiAiE-0BUmdq4jK4pnQCTeKniyObliQmrj6M7Nv1oOXwU1z1DwagG6cg0WZCiIYlWrG3Efx4rSENTYuKXx_qV9VtW440/s1600/photo-(6).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga5AC_xyyIo3ZitaKxukmCWdcn_Uggk3xVxPw1UIgy9m7w_yMDiAiE-0BUmdq4jK4pnQCTeKniyObliQmrj6M7Nv1oOXwU1z1DwagG6cg0WZCiIYlWrG3Efx4rSENTYuKXx_qV9VtW440/s1600/photo-(6).jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
or this place. here, Myra glides along in the crystal clear, aquamarine waters of Fossil Creek. ahhh, refreshing!</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/AVvXsEiG51_O4p1yjXHQg9i-CdMvaycuC4JgHEav50nnbLa-oYUaftSBwJVmoz1idwyddLpKFIPTlBDO3Nj1cpGWlJCOFBbowZZc-7MnAcE9AJmfEuQhLyNx18SZ0mmgCDqGtvYfI2d5ltA_icU/s1600/Untitled-4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG51_O4p1yjXHQg9i-CdMvaycuC4JgHEav50nnbLa-oYUaftSBwJVmoz1idwyddLpKFIPTlBDO3Nj1cpGWlJCOFBbowZZc-7MnAcE9AJmfEuQhLyNx18SZ0mmgCDqGtvYfI2d5ltA_icU/s1600/Untitled-4.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
37. who stole my baby and replaced him with this big boy?</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
38. I rearranged the girls' room and suddenly it's fun to play in there again!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
39. testing out the underwater housing for my phone for the first time. it was simultaneously nerve wracking and... fun? </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
40. still waters run deep.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
41. you, Jane.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
42. oh, you know, just hunting elephants. er, I mean, filling the fridge. although hunting elephants sounds easier... and funner.</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/AVvXsEjveQaW-i1jE-GQCCkOCtNc52Ha21LbAa3yD8sxPmcTfXmAAgDP9ao3wi-jH9oP0-aXALK3awLV_ZMqF7NHpDHqhY6NEdjsXPFUrQxpyM1xCBVcLGt0pfr6M2zmOpqWzlX3XbI8311KM34/s1600/Untitled-8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjveQaW-i1jE-GQCCkOCtNc52Ha21LbAa3yD8sxPmcTfXmAAgDP9ao3wi-jH9oP0-aXALK3awLV_ZMqF7NHpDHqhY6NEdjsXPFUrQxpyM1xCBVcLGt0pfr6M2zmOpqWzlX3XbI8311KM34/s1600/Untitled-8.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
43. oh, hello, 20 week baby bump! we are beyond excited and can't wait to meet the newest Kesti addition sometime early November! I'm feeling great now, although I can't say the same was true for the first 14 weeks. no lie, at times it felt more like I was dying than creating a life. phew, so glad that's over with.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
44. happy place.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
45. giggling girls.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
46. "you've got to dance like there's nobody watching, love like you'll never be hurt, sing like there's nobody listening, and live like it's heaven on earth." William W. Purkey</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
47. fresh air and sunshine. just what the doctor ordered.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
48. we drove out to Lake Mary to watch the sunset. only it was obscured by clouds. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHBNbdBq23FuH5RP0hYGMfe-IDRplixX_qv4BRy7NvWA4yYF8vdoLucmsP96HxbTbLu-DX8S2vPXDaQt2nw69CQvBaBtYuxJQB2pfrim3TpLABTmK5QsnF_IO5PtYO52oXiCBHTtdwKng/s1600/photo-(58).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHBNbdBq23FuH5RP0hYGMfe-IDRplixX_qv4BRy7NvWA4yYF8vdoLucmsP96HxbTbLu-DX8S2vPXDaQt2nw69CQvBaBtYuxJQB2pfrim3TpLABTmK5QsnF_IO5PtYO52oXiCBHTtdwKng/s1600/photo-(58).jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
thank you, fishermen, for being in the right place at the right time.</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/AVvXsEimxtOZvf_F4UOzZAk8tOsNwzVsDeyBjVj3JnW9TrST4ZlUlpWWfY4k5qOmwu99WbAJKFeVQMUUtfNBy2YSy0S8D9o_h7fzxGW9pQAa-9shzYFdAWp83nUB7d77ATW4HhVUEfU_HOhOGKw/s850/Untitled-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimxtOZvf_F4UOzZAk8tOsNwzVsDeyBjVj3JnW9TrST4ZlUlpWWfY4k5qOmwu99WbAJKFeVQMUUtfNBy2YSy0S8D9o_h7fzxGW9pQAa-9shzYFdAWp83nUB7d77ATW4HhVUEfU_HOhOGKw/s1600/Untitled-3.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
49. she didn't want to get her skirt wet while jumping the waves. I can't blame her, I'd do the same thing. except maybe I wouldn't lift my skirt so high... </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
50. Ella is currently going through a cartwheel phase. she cartwheels everywhere; down the grocery store aisles, down the hallway, in the kitchen, at the park, down the sidewalk. and every time she says, "watch me do a cartwheel, mom!" and so I watch. and smile, knowing this phase won't last forever and soon she'll be on to the next thing.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
51. okay, Sawyer. you win. even though it appears you have outgrown it, technically it is still considered a "kiddie" pool.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
52. after Scarlett took the scissors to her own bangs twice this past winter (once to the scalp!) they finally grew out enough so she could get her hair cut. and just like that she looks all grown up.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
53. sunset views.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
54. I spy two wee sunset chasers. </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/AVvXsEib9N0FduLzeQFcD68wYgt6OB-6VSa-Fb1NWyXrqD1x6_GS9VTlWRPPom5uTD2a7WoVkbpw67mhcsIiEHVKtDAyuAkqwtGt3PZSp8vaaQ-ULoAfSgUlfdZ-8l_a9XnOFssYeunomCBPiDE/s850/photo-(72).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib9N0FduLzeQFcD68wYgt6OB-6VSa-Fb1NWyXrqD1x6_GS9VTlWRPPom5uTD2a7WoVkbpw67mhcsIiEHVKtDAyuAkqwtGt3PZSp8vaaQ-ULoAfSgUlfdZ-8l_a9XnOFssYeunomCBPiDE/s1600/photo-(72).jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
sisters forever, friends for always.<br />
<br />
well, there you have it. that pretty much wraps up the first half of our summer vacation. as busy and fun-filled as it appeared, I lost track of how many, "I'm bored's," "I'm hungry's," and "there's nothing to do's" I heard. sigh. some things will never change.<br />
<br />
in just a few short hours, we'll be heading out on another adventure in the form of a two and a half week camping trip. we're renting a 26-foot RV travel trailer to pull behind our van. supposedly it sleeps nine and has a full kitchen, as well as a full bath. so maybe this would more appropriately be referred to as "glamping?" like as in, glam camping. we've never done something like this before, so we're anxious to try it out. something tells me that I won't ever be tenting it again. ha! <br />
<br />
our first destination is Zion National Park where we'll be spending three nights. after that, it's on to Yellowstone, Washington (for our church's annual summer services), and finally down the west coast, through Oregon and Northern California. it should be a lot of work... I mean FUN!<br />
<br />
and now I better get back to the packing. ugh, THE PACKING.<br />
<br />
until next time!<br />
<br />
-jessicajessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10522434256471199993noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1050220296416126361.post-61178952680290976512013-05-24T08:40:00.000-07:002013-05-24T08:52:55.349-07:00project 52 week 21 | laughter.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFJFGOJAEwElyyz94Yt29kRvBZZh6jsVT_PQUPq3mLEcPAWOqK2Uvq51Y1WZc3IYVXMy7vxmC4yyFwfUyTlKPWjH7gxV2Cmq5zi3NJmMdp_Ek94FhF3X-soeaYGEOabFe4jdXiGEErPGA/s1600/laugh.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFJFGOJAEwElyyz94Yt29kRvBZZh6jsVT_PQUPq3mLEcPAWOqK2Uvq51Y1WZc3IYVXMy7vxmC4yyFwfUyTlKPWjH7gxV2Cmq5zi3NJmMdp_Ek94FhF3X-soeaYGEOabFe4jdXiGEErPGA/s1600/laugh.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
the best laughter is the kind where you're laughing so hard yet no noise is coming out, so instead, you sit there clapping like a retarded seal. am I right? <br />
<br />
and here's a little playground blooper video to kick start your long weekend with a chuckle, at the expense of my adorable children, of course. don't forget to note Rowan's "oh crap" look as he witnesses his brother going overboard, and Finley's final, desperate attempt to save himself by clinging onto the neck of Scarlett's shirt, nearly taking her down with him as he does so. <br />
<br />
HARDY HAR HAR! <br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/1iPtkTg0nPM?rel=0" width="480"></iframe>
<br />
<br />
(also, please don't worry. Finley walked away unscathed. he's a pretty tough cookie.)<br />
<br />
hope this weekend brings you lots of good laughs!<br />
<br />
-jessicajessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10522434256471199993noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1050220296416126361.post-38094243865684086122013-05-17T03:00:00.000-07:002013-05-17T03:00:14.500-07:00project 52 week 20 | mother.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<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/AVvXsEhipuHEAWuANsF1lTQCKX0KWnqcmabaG29_XRhxoNKdmZk-k3lsc97hvpBuUDglax8pAmuyotoOY5T4QLfcekjQdztUIkwPtBO21GPBH54vMBCaTtgUwb0_CE_9VXVNn69c8BsJ4UGzLpw/s1600/photo-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhipuHEAWuANsF1lTQCKX0KWnqcmabaG29_XRhxoNKdmZk-k3lsc97hvpBuUDglax8pAmuyotoOY5T4QLfcekjQdztUIkwPtBO21GPBH54vMBCaTtgUwb0_CE_9VXVNn69c8BsJ4UGzLpw/s1600/photo-2.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">getting the royal treatment on Mother's Day.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
judging by the comments and groans from my kids-- "wow, mom! you're like, <i>reeeeeally</i> heavy! UGHHH!"-- it has been determined that either one, my kids are weaklings, or two, I need to lay off the donuts.<br />
<br />
I'm almost 100% positive it's the latter. did someone say dooooooonuts?! <br />
<br />
hope you all had a wonderful Mother's Day!<br />
<br />
this week I'm linking up to <a href="http://mkeranenphotos.blogspot.com/">Marcy</a>! have a great weekend! <br />
<br />
-jessica<br />
<br />
PS. yes, I know. two kids are missing. Sawyer was in Phoenix for the weekend and Finley refused to cooperate. there's always a smart one in the bunch. jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10522434256471199993noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1050220296416126361.post-64620317703623568472013-05-03T03:00:00.000-07:002013-05-03T08:18:54.739-07:00project 52 week 18 | quiet place.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqQFy7cxBs9uOQZjq4LQbi67n3DVEnIjRTZaDIRRs1s7_JkfSoYnTTm5unPiPXv1sFa4yp5lM-nSGAwvc8TbChhMxdgUJbbDcbe6LmvuhsCNHzWlFfQp-iJkFIe9Qd4AGZwdvEF1VfTfw/s1600/photo(59).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqQFy7cxBs9uOQZjq4LQbi67n3DVEnIjRTZaDIRRs1s7_JkfSoYnTTm5unPiPXv1sFa4yp5lM-nSGAwvc8TbChhMxdgUJbbDcbe6LmvuhsCNHzWlFfQp-iJkFIe9Qd4AGZwdvEF1VfTfw/s1600/photo(59).jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
Bright Angel Campground, Grand Canyon, Arizona. noise pollution: 0%<br />
<br />
no motorized vehicles, no sprawling shopping centers, no restaurants, no bawling babies, no electronic devices, no buzz signaling the end of the wash/dry cycle, no ding you've got mail! or dong proclaiming yet another salesman at the door. just the sound of the occasional breeze as it whispers through the vegetation and the rushing of the Colorado River as it flows by.<br />
<br />
there may have been some occasional raucous laughter echoing off the canyon walls, too, as the six of us hee-hawed all weekend long. but that's the kind of noise I like to hear. <i>ahhh.</i> sweet music to my ears. if only I could park my rear end in that patch of sand and stay there forever, life would be great.<br />
<br />
I suppose I would eventually miss the kids, though. and the shopping. and the out-to-eating. and the sound of the UPS man pulling in the driveway. and... and... and...<br />
<br />
well, you best check out what <a href="http://littlebitsofthis.blogspot.com/2013/05/1852-quiet-place.html">Keilah</a> has up her sleeve this week before I get myself into any more trouble!<br />
<br />
have a great weekend!<br />
<br />
-jessicajessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10522434256471199993noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1050220296416126361.post-48566022296183739952013-05-02T15:13:00.000-07:002013-05-02T16:22:22.065-07:00look who's free years-old!well, ahem. technically Scarlett turned three a week ago already, but who's keeping track?<br />
<br />
I'm not. are you?<br />
<br />
yeah, I thought so. I figured you had better things to do than keep track of my lackadaisical posting habits lately. I mean, seriously. if it wasn't for the weekly photography project I'm participating in, I probably wouldn't be blogging at all.<br />
<br />
actually, that sounds kinda nice. to not have this whole blogging thing constantly looming in the back of my mind, nagging at me like I nag at Gary to do chores around the house. "Jessica, you really should write something to let people know what's up!" or "Jessica, you really should get those pictures edited and posted from your Grand Canyon trip, it has been a month already, you know." it's almost like I'm back in school and it's a beautiful Sunday afternoon and all my friends are heading to the park for a BBQ. but darn it! there's a quiz on Monday and I haven't even started studying for it. <i>what to do?</i> <i>what to do?</i> in a moment of weakness, I decide to go out with my friends-- because a person deserves a break every now and then, right?-- but the whole time I'm feeling guilty that I should be studying and I couldn't truly relax and enjoy myself anyway. oh, how I hated that feeling of homework always in the back of my mind. there was nothing worse!<br />
<br />
although, I wasn't responsible for ten kids back then. hmmm. maybe it wasn't so bad after all?<br />
<br />
I don't know. maybe the time has come for me to retire from blogging. close up Room For Nine's doors and call it a day. or do I just keep posting when I can, even if it's only once a week and just quit losing sleep over it?<br />
<br />
so, now I'm assigning you guys homework. what do you think I should do? answers are due on Monday by 9 a.m. sharp, or else! <br />
<br />
so, anyway. Scarlett is now, according to her, "free years-old." free at last!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHsp9aDQoXLGlaU8KYDHCYA-DN56JoVExiayWlTwZAgSXwbMYhGGApr2gR1PBBSIS4z52G0HQPMxh7WaHdxNdRKEa9Sv92OetobNUMTQcyq93TKZ5KP6g1qMgPewuhlAvW2G1kSCvatrs/s1600/photo(53).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHsp9aDQoXLGlaU8KYDHCYA-DN56JoVExiayWlTwZAgSXwbMYhGGApr2gR1PBBSIS4z52G0HQPMxh7WaHdxNdRKEa9Sv92OetobNUMTQcyq93TKZ5KP6g1qMgPewuhlAvW2G1kSCvatrs/s640/photo(53).jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4ZSFKlvR70dAULjab7TdF3bVtKEj7EedzD_sLi7VM8-M-ZkU76dtM1hwE4inlxp4VqsmdUZ5jNDxDTZRafFag9pILdeUabcS-07UXhHryMgXO7ZlNi2aiGX-7mEHaxa6sA1_VJUiSPY8/s1600/photo(54).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4ZSFKlvR70dAULjab7TdF3bVtKEj7EedzD_sLi7VM8-M-ZkU76dtM1hwE4inlxp4VqsmdUZ5jNDxDTZRafFag9pILdeUabcS-07UXhHryMgXO7ZlNi2aiGX-7mEHaxa6sA1_VJUiSPY8/s640/photo(54).jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuLXSL-2k04bPOZiZdA221-fHENZu_bdSv9i7OD2mYIoFpouIoHvpjgerAYTFXDQIonQjEXdmGwzLz0nFzu2MMFGRq7I0-C-0jh1MbZZwbkms6SirCLCaRuchMWDA3CiBPtzKwR8qpfcQ/s1600/photo(55).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuLXSL-2k04bPOZiZdA221-fHENZu_bdSv9i7OD2mYIoFpouIoHvpjgerAYTFXDQIonQjEXdmGwzLz0nFzu2MMFGRq7I0-C-0jh1MbZZwbkms6SirCLCaRuchMWDA3CiBPtzKwR8qpfcQ/s640/photo(55).jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2Vsqd2Kj6fwX8N8xvjfvPdOnByPUsOsD-ep7KQ3-8Ye8p2hyphenhyphenCtJwUC0JCC5cEIUlOlh-14l2HG4GYyprGP1Tp7IfFxR5TZKeVZVuVnAM3t3gLAeU0yvKvwKWNsuu-jcssiPjY5Y35UfE/s1600/photo(56).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2Vsqd2Kj6fwX8N8xvjfvPdOnByPUsOsD-ep7KQ3-8Ye8p2hyphenhyphenCtJwUC0JCC5cEIUlOlh-14l2HG4GYyprGP1Tp7IfFxR5TZKeVZVuVnAM3t3gLAeU0yvKvwKWNsuu-jcssiPjY5Y35UfE/s640/photo(56).jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh64pMaklm8xs4YPFubm7AguosugbXbzSp21zC_ZncfMY8Qu-h0lQG2NgALyB9iKFW7u3xT8rs-T_JEa_lJCwtOymEs_2ZhyphenhyphenaStitKWQExNhn01OuSCVM2Qw-5I80dNQRHARv7AWaYfJTM/s1600/photo(52).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh64pMaklm8xs4YPFubm7AguosugbXbzSp21zC_ZncfMY8Qu-h0lQG2NgALyB9iKFW7u3xT8rs-T_JEa_lJCwtOymEs_2ZhyphenhyphenaStitKWQExNhn01OuSCVM2Qw-5I80dNQRHARv7AWaYfJTM/s640/photo(52).jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
cuteness overload! <br />
<br />
when I asked Scarlett what kind of cake she wanted for her birthday, she told me, "I want a butt cake!" I was like, you want a what? and then she ran to the cupboard and pulled out the bundt cake pan. "this kind, mommy!" butt, bundt, close enough, right? LOL! she's too much! apparently, she's learned something from the zillions of questions she asks me while I'm baking. we just have to work on the pronunciation a bit more. hehe.<br />
<br />
-jessica jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10522434256471199993noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1050220296416126361.post-36089608014984283842013-04-26T03:00:00.000-07:002013-04-26T12:48:42.473-07:00project 52 week 17 | red.the beautiful weather this week made it hard for me to focus on getting anything done indoors. and so, after listening to the sun beckon to me for a couple days to get outside and enjoy its warmth and sunshine-y goodness, I finally heeded its call on Wednesday and set out for a picnic in the woods. forget about cleaning house, the mess will still be there when I get back! and for the next umpteen years for that matter!<br />
<br />
along the way, I made a quick stop at Target to pick up a few snacks. the kids spied bubbles on an end cap and talked me into buying them. sticky, liquid happiness in a bottle. only Finn wasn't quite so sure about it. or maybe he was just being camera shy. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtp83WL8JAMycfCs0yhsU1zybbFTLxtKt9MqcarzkYru0rYguNfHG-IdvGgwr6LTcPS57Ckcwb8ddeyPSMz7jv2PAObRPbbG_RQEyyjAL0zH8IxZM1m9hjFisumue_T6keKurGEg9cejY/s1600/photo(51).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtp83WL8JAMycfCs0yhsU1zybbFTLxtKt9MqcarzkYru0rYguNfHG-IdvGgwr6LTcPS57Ckcwb8ddeyPSMz7jv2PAObRPbbG_RQEyyjAL0zH8IxZM1m9hjFisumue_T6keKurGEg9cejY/s1600/photo(51).jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
ahhh, so happy to finally welcome spring! looking forward to more of this in the coming months!<br />
<br />
to see more red, head on over to <a href="http://teraam.blogspot.com/">Maaret's</a> little corner of cyberspace.<br />
<br />
have a great weekend!<br />
<br />
-jessica<br />
<br />
PS. this photo begged for a more vintage-y edit. a little out of the norm for me, but I kinda like it!jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10522434256471199993noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1050220296416126361.post-43937246483825096462013-04-19T03:00:00.000-07:002013-04-19T06:54:17.011-07:00project 52 week 16 | drink up.for this week's theme, <i>drink up</i>, I had visions of dolling up Ella and Phoebe and taking them to an old-fashioned soda fountain type place where they could be "the prettiest girls I ever saw drinking soda through a straw." but alas, I was unable to fit it into my schedule (no surprise there.) instead, I was trucking kids to the doctor for strep throat and pink eye and making sure there was dinner on the table before I headed off to work and well, if you're a busy mom like me, you pretty much know the drill-- you must first tend to everyone else's needs before your own. no exceptions, period. well, unless if you're on your deathbed, then you might be excused. <br />
<br />
but this guy. seriously. THIS.GUY. this week he learned that if you twist the handle of the spigot in the greenhouse, water magically pours out. <br />
<br />
and, as evidenced by his drenched shirt, he's been hanging out there ever since.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvBfrA6EnIf0tu_aQbblZyPJ_2j2Lk6H4b9S61TzYAhW-EcQfHXwwHoALeQRW51MQXllVlpB-3XqJJr7o1t0C0VuOOPsR2Dkz2v7K3w6MSB_Rz3MO3Ycdxa9qFr9rZ6OstCCLVzpb3K4E/s1600/20130420_4454.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvBfrA6EnIf0tu_aQbblZyPJ_2j2Lk6H4b9S61TzYAhW-EcQfHXwwHoALeQRW51MQXllVlpB-3XqJJr7o1t0C0VuOOPsR2Dkz2v7K3w6MSB_Rz3MO3Ycdxa9qFr9rZ6OstCCLVzpb3K4E/s1600/20130420_4454.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
oh but it's not all bad. I figure one, he stays hydrated (which is especially important in arid Arizona!) and two, I always know where to find him.<br />
<br />
sounds like a win-win situation to me!<br />
<br />
to see what Maaret's been drinking, go <a href="http://teraam.blogspot.com/">HERE</a>! most likely something energy-inducing. seriously, that girl never seems to slow down! oh yeah, that's right. she's still young and single.<br />
<br />
have a grand weekend! oh, and speaking of "grand," I still need to sort through my pictures from our Grand Canyon trek so I can share them with you guys! I'll see if I can fit it into my agenda next week. do me a favor, though? don't hold your breath. I don't need anyone passing out on me because chances are, I'll be too busy to save you. <br />
<br />
-jessica jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10522434256471199993noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1050220296416126361.post-35132451021223371472013-04-12T03:00:00.000-07:002013-04-12T07:50:23.233-07:00project 52 week 15 | reflection.well, guys. I apologize. I didn't have a chance to take a picture this week, so I'm posting an oldie.<br />
<br />
an oldie but goodie. and perhaps one of my favorite photos of all time.<br />
<br />
why? well, because it's just plain classic-- kids doing what they do best.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd_t24RIbhW3oLpC-aLVb8Ho4PhYl0dKN0KBHyjfjdnDRiR3YQY2S4mDDccPx3Y1Orut3R7d0va9cN_22d0UXgkiyDJ0lGsMShPDw_5VwSErsdcbM_0qaiCglZrGmveqatVDjkCv-ZXC8/s1600/photo(50).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd_t24RIbhW3oLpC-aLVb8Ho4PhYl0dKN0KBHyjfjdnDRiR3YQY2S4mDDccPx3Y1Orut3R7d0va9cN_22d0UXgkiyDJ0lGsMShPDw_5VwSErsdcbM_0qaiCglZrGmveqatVDjkCv-ZXC8/s1600/photo(50).jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
if I hold a shell to my ear, I can still faintly hear them arguing. <br />
<br />
<i>gimme that!</i><br />
<i>no! I had it first!</i><br />
<i>but I called it!</i><br />
<i>well, I'm older than you!</i><br />
<i>so? you're a wimp! hey, what are those strings hanging from your shirt? oh, wait. they're your arms! </i><br />
<i>oh yeah? you know what I like about your face? me neither.</i><br />
<i>why don't you do something different with your hair? like, wash it. </i><br />
<i>your IQ is so low, you have to dig for it!</i><br />
<i>you're like school in the summertime! no class.</i><br />
<i>I think you stepped on something smelly. like, your feet! </i><br />
<i>I've seen a nose like yours before, but it looked better on the baboon.</i><br />
<i>just gimme the stinkin' boogieboard already! </i><br />
<br />
huh? what? oh, sorry. I kinda got lost in my own thoughts for a moment-- you know, reflecting. here, lemme put that shell back on the shelf. <br />
<br />
*clunk* <br />
<br />
whew! much better.<br />
<br />
to see what Maaret has up her sleeve this week, go <a href="http://teraam.blogspot.com/2013/04/15-reflection.html">HERE</a>!<br />
<br />
-jessicajessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10522434256471199993noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1050220296416126361.post-53559866870238102372013-04-10T11:03:00.001-07:002013-04-10T22:00:34.702-07:00Finley the Cat.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht-OtHma3c04evFs4NmIyhDng3xySM61T0ftO-yl4C6X99o-PgZosPeJMQVYbnKbdZXSD3oyWxXQ2iOA9iZLnGaMBCLV2XTcPE8-ZRCk1M7INOf_F3rgLp-890k1RWAhhEHvK2894Cr1o/s1600/photo(49).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht-OtHma3c04evFs4NmIyhDng3xySM61T0ftO-yl4C6X99o-PgZosPeJMQVYbnKbdZXSD3oyWxXQ2iOA9iZLnGaMBCLV2XTcPE8-ZRCk1M7INOf_F3rgLp-890k1RWAhhEHvK2894Cr1o/s640/photo(49).jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibmrcbvbsX-Tle6w1yaAKQo5LgapOv4_gBW8nN2UnM-DaUIR6d8Cb-WhMWJDzY0jf7w2Fqw0baIrabuAXGpP0dATZ9dugEvuPbj-SZ3e0XRiXQpVbKEX9oB9xZonCCAn1eIs4sdPlYW_k/s1600/photo(48).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibmrcbvbsX-Tle6w1yaAKQo5LgapOv4_gBW8nN2UnM-DaUIR6d8Cb-WhMWJDzY0jf7w2Fqw0baIrabuAXGpP0dATZ9dugEvuPbj-SZ3e0XRiXQpVbKEX9oB9xZonCCAn1eIs4sdPlYW_k/s640/photo(48).jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWxTs1xINguEQVzEjAsckr0V15KMOrALFs0vuKoK1lZutKP7KqXWlzkCvPjJUWdNmHcqqA1R1duFVBjcx739xIO891wPQmKBVCutQjKtVOr0AjxuuO5V6x5bullN0eBNeDQDEPiSgWnRw/s1600/photo(46).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWxTs1xINguEQVzEjAsckr0V15KMOrALFs0vuKoK1lZutKP7KqXWlzkCvPjJUWdNmHcqqA1R1duFVBjcx739xIO891wPQmKBVCutQjKtVOr0AjxuuO5V6x5bullN0eBNeDQDEPiSgWnRw/s640/photo(46).jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
I bet you didn't hear the news that we recently acquired a cat! well, actually he's been around for a little over 18 months now, but only recently, like within the past couple of months, did he start to display any feline behavior; ie, lounging on the counter. the good thing? at least he doesn't shed. <br />
<br />
<i>sigh</i>. why was I blessed with all the naughty kids?<br />
<br />
-jessicajessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10522434256471199993noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1050220296416126361.post-69831267359617152402013-04-05T03:00:00.000-07:002013-04-05T03:00:01.224-07:00project 52 week 14 | at play.nothing like an old-fashioned game of Hot Lava. who remembers playing this as a kid?<br />
<br />
me! I do, I do! <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBKHSnpw4boH7m-kgaeydTUhKsW5Uj82Vml-TqOXRWngvYpBF3KorYe0NS6w50VBOSONYRRjQ9NHPnEm3QzqBI80lXKlN68XOLcTdmO5f_aRG2YJb25-bJ-REwyhVLE7xuhC8IZ6Vz3xo/s1600/photo(26).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBKHSnpw4boH7m-kgaeydTUhKsW5Uj82Vml-TqOXRWngvYpBF3KorYe0NS6w50VBOSONYRRjQ9NHPnEm3QzqBI80lXKlN68XOLcTdmO5f_aRG2YJb25-bJ-REwyhVLE7xuhC8IZ6Vz3xo/s1600/photo(26).jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
some games just never die.<br />
<br />
to continue your way around the circle, please visit <a href="http://teraam.blogspot.com/">Maaret's blog</a>! <br />
<br />
have a great weekend! as you crawl into your comfy, warm beds tonight, think of me as I toss and turn on a thin bedroll in the bottom of the Grand Canyon. oh, but the pain is worth it! <br />
<br />
-jessicajessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10522434256471199993noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1050220296416126361.post-73723765163240931302013-04-02T15:54:00.000-07:002013-04-02T15:54:08.066-07:00collect moments, not things.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1iErj7B5ChILrzt8yQgPVSOZWND7dZtBpZmtiMKkE7ZKXLNMXuvPCRU6eiZ4u_n8xJ8CnF_Wfaw2wAvPbUQPS_JZI5mIkiiPf8QzBHOqFQJedwpxZEpJqVxnT6lN8bUzz53z9i8L7c0c/s1600/two.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1iErj7B5ChILrzt8yQgPVSOZWND7dZtBpZmtiMKkE7ZKXLNMXuvPCRU6eiZ4u_n8xJ8CnF_Wfaw2wAvPbUQPS_JZI5mIkiiPf8QzBHOqFQJedwpxZEpJqVxnT6lN8bUzz53z9i8L7c0c/s1600/two.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1NY1gvp9hIvfUtth46GGDEt8ewiT0s8FZeR5gRpp_-os2OEUkiRBeLBreZItfJQqhaDuoNm7rxGfdzN7wLwMM__TJTXzLheRDc2Dgj18c10xmUFQ0EYIDzmUJCpKh2dFgQ6_u4PnJ-eA/s1600/Untitled-10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1NY1gvp9hIvfUtth46GGDEt8ewiT0s8FZeR5gRpp_-os2OEUkiRBeLBreZItfJQqhaDuoNm7rxGfdzN7wLwMM__TJTXzLheRDc2Dgj18c10xmUFQ0EYIDzmUJCpKh2dFgQ6_u4PnJ-eA/s1600/Untitled-10.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRzWSxi4mvFbOtwhnSs6bTk3kQadFlKqo1DGPIIlh1Q7VeoIqxIUTtBrwzve1NtNvggr6mwWQKNurWFQCqa3jNrZ8oMspzngAHcYF-VryQ6iv8_WIdcOuSvDyRJN04pz-5qU_mVt5dvok/s1600/four.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRzWSxi4mvFbOtwhnSs6bTk3kQadFlKqo1DGPIIlh1Q7VeoIqxIUTtBrwzve1NtNvggr6mwWQKNurWFQCqa3jNrZ8oMspzngAHcYF-VryQ6iv8_WIdcOuSvDyRJN04pz-5qU_mVt5dvok/s1600/four.jpg" /></a></div>
<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/AVvXsEiF4BQXJUNQTdJ8r0Yi8UypNnH-uLauq-0Yaacue5iOUeBrpHKji0Nxck7FAtGE9aCQlvxmHuwJTcSqADmSsnC5Jv_Ul1-OySaI29-ucb35F4h4RC6WJns9U5TpjFIW7mwXe7YsRo1xmuU/s1600/one.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF4BQXJUNQTdJ8r0Yi8UypNnH-uLauq-0Yaacue5iOUeBrpHKji0Nxck7FAtGE9aCQlvxmHuwJTcSqADmSsnC5Jv_Ul1-OySaI29-ucb35F4h4RC6WJns9U5TpjFIW7mwXe7YsRo1xmuU/s1600/one.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"I think, at a child's birth, if a mother could ask a fairy godmother to endow it with the most useful gift, that gift should be curiosity." ~Eleanor Roosevelt</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3d5ZFf4PxUwoA48X3hng4r3NPVqVxCFrOivURHa3_tEZKeU7XrMxIzsFrJbqO1NhTkENqXWGp1tvf_WLNaETPs3KJs5Ttl0SJ4jug9Z0-Vp4QAr-cJVZSu1s83-s25-xkclivaxssPdM/s1600/Untitled-4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3d5ZFf4PxUwoA48X3hng4r3NPVqVxCFrOivURHa3_tEZKeU7XrMxIzsFrJbqO1NhTkENqXWGp1tvf_WLNaETPs3KJs5Ttl0SJ4jug9Z0-Vp4QAr-cJVZSu1s83-s25-xkclivaxssPdM/s1600/Untitled-4.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJxHi2xTjI-qXoktiDANP6PER8rs_mdEtPHS3j_2PPhq9qqeOQ0uV2_wE1uO1Zoo1DCFpqj17J1FGyTIIhCzYgKur215LHDGMFB-NteBLyI1kOjBQWYDN6-nlTci2lWMNNvLdyXnBLUmg/s1600/five.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJxHi2xTjI-qXoktiDANP6PER8rs_mdEtPHS3j_2PPhq9qqeOQ0uV2_wE1uO1Zoo1DCFpqj17J1FGyTIIhCzYgKur215LHDGMFB-NteBLyI1kOjBQWYDN6-nlTci2lWMNNvLdyXnBLUmg/s1600/five.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6r4Ja6E4rcoPRs5jlALGfh0JSNrrr9DncsO2R23Z0tbMvN8ziPFzyMjD4vtJn9Fy-MFanj4Hu7JqExzdEpmcOma7KFSiTQhDvs9N6DiTJa0Ns4iYuSNzxjKHckznPExPXvjLLPnhPjNo/s1600/photo(21).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6r4Ja6E4rcoPRs5jlALGfh0JSNrrr9DncsO2R23Z0tbMvN8ziPFzyMjD4vtJn9Fy-MFanj4Hu7JqExzdEpmcOma7KFSiTQhDvs9N6DiTJa0Ns4iYuSNzxjKHckznPExPXvjLLPnhPjNo/s1600/photo(21).jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvIgqxnpuh9QZPQ3omB7vf8UoRN_Mgu9R_0uLSGZJXkAiqPnyu1e7yaFlLy4DG1c3Icfn0JLFm4FbtdqXERfShNrzgnuhs8rhP2h8tldlB8_lLqdniZyOlQYsxnIgVCdistzOWD2UFbS4/s1600/Untitled-7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvIgqxnpuh9QZPQ3omB7vf8UoRN_Mgu9R_0uLSGZJXkAiqPnyu1e7yaFlLy4DG1c3Icfn0JLFm4FbtdqXERfShNrzgnuhs8rhP2h8tldlB8_lLqdniZyOlQYsxnIgVCdistzOWD2UFbS4/s1600/Untitled-7.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfZRN8jy6IjTL2lSp-Tasrejil_1lP2golcinV3ObW7diDPU_Q_APauSI-lxlirsuaKnP6hGQsgfenFmdsx-3pphEGnsgrDADmFHY-R-ugn_KI67KA59mR8d44uJ0yAZ_RpuR2TR5gFSA/s1600/Untitled-5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfZRN8jy6IjTL2lSp-Tasrejil_1lP2golcinV3ObW7diDPU_Q_APauSI-lxlirsuaKnP6hGQsgfenFmdsx-3pphEGnsgrDADmFHY-R-ugn_KI67KA59mR8d44uJ0yAZ_RpuR2TR5gFSA/s1600/Untitled-5.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhOF_l7Y-vKCILP4sro1lYgT30U__yW5LOM4AduyjvzSgm2wLcGVCPHNuyAjdCyq7FhQ7iJyU2Xw1ycePXMnfggnaa5xEs4090s2XNpXrZZQp_OGgoEkvsGspTFz8FHh-nZtCgDutn-lQ/s1600/photo(20).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhOF_l7Y-vKCILP4sro1lYgT30U__yW5LOM4AduyjvzSgm2wLcGVCPHNuyAjdCyq7FhQ7iJyU2Xw1ycePXMnfggnaa5xEs4090s2XNpXrZZQp_OGgoEkvsGspTFz8FHh-nZtCgDutn-lQ/s1600/photo(20).jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdc-gfnEEKahvFTqDMxBEl6qKNHM8trrJ8VnfuM2OZK8QLjPc8oMBEsmScgoM2r3YHDhWjJiy4cokBFWFuKZFgaVb7vCq6ibHJO_8ROPAHYELL6X38fGecWKG7zz6SeN-GWUsm-H-EudU/s1600/Untitled-22.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdc-gfnEEKahvFTqDMxBEl6qKNHM8trrJ8VnfuM2OZK8QLjPc8oMBEsmScgoM2r3YHDhWjJiy4cokBFWFuKZFgaVb7vCq6ibHJO_8ROPAHYELL6X38fGecWKG7zz6SeN-GWUsm-H-EudU/s1600/Untitled-22.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3PVqNmfKXcAnnmql_IFJDdgp0tp9lxEmaEQzXJWqJXa9xQtoGRyymX1b-kKZkZ6rGDV9qMBkxw9T80_y5Z7FuXDj47RUlA4f_ceOTCUbpx9jqkVzNUAuejuAb6lSDmHRmKm1AvwdF8_E/s1600/Untitled-16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3PVqNmfKXcAnnmql_IFJDdgp0tp9lxEmaEQzXJWqJXa9xQtoGRyymX1b-kKZkZ6rGDV9qMBkxw9T80_y5Z7FuXDj47RUlA4f_ceOTCUbpx9jqkVzNUAuejuAb6lSDmHRmKm1AvwdF8_E/s1600/Untitled-16.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<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/AVvXsEivK1P5QDBEdQ-r7vN9HZtUiXAk-2kwrf-seR4MwlhEfeef2wWNwXAwZXVF7QKkTzTrEEadQX7QoIa-Sbg0Z70s8nQXJEV47-bR_Tq7kJ1SLr9aZEAWz7IwT8lWr5K2kosBj_8nN9vafrs/s1600/photo(29).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivK1P5QDBEdQ-r7vN9HZtUiXAk-2kwrf-seR4MwlhEfeef2wWNwXAwZXVF7QKkTzTrEEadQX7QoIa-Sbg0Z70s8nQXJEV47-bR_Tq7kJ1SLr9aZEAWz7IwT8lWr5K2kosBj_8nN9vafrs/s1600/photo(29).jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">sleepy hollow.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIK2jHGmw-l8XBr3LWpja9Bb66XjLfbsUVm-03-3Z43Dg4WYCwpIsb0eCulTGKCaEJVlNhCTd81EgFkn-N6BtvqXtzpBToRaJBlhJ3ueCpVZ63U3bnzaE1cTjS9_4nIs2WY385ArwhTOU/s1600/Untitled-17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIK2jHGmw-l8XBr3LWpja9Bb66XjLfbsUVm-03-3Z43Dg4WYCwpIsb0eCulTGKCaEJVlNhCTd81EgFkn-N6BtvqXtzpBToRaJBlhJ3ueCpVZ63U3bnzaE1cTjS9_4nIs2WY385ArwhTOU/s1600/Untitled-17.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJMlRD-Ji4CpnW-1jF_HhZ0-0SEoUx2ikTQdrhjlzZgWzpWim9POkdJJfsXgdxlTvrxsUGAwtYrQBLL04jMLxvYmqTmdQi_XoZ19oBInyESdlJq6gt0snUjoUr5KB6_Z26p-maN2Aabs8/s1600/Untitled-23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJMlRD-Ji4CpnW-1jF_HhZ0-0SEoUx2ikTQdrhjlzZgWzpWim9POkdJJfsXgdxlTvrxsUGAwtYrQBLL04jMLxvYmqTmdQi_XoZ19oBInyESdlJq6gt0snUjoUr5KB6_Z26p-maN2Aabs8/s1600/Untitled-23.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieCknnEAPWjbYdZxoWm40VIGchA7Vlp_XpXd7XUykjQ235VOReX1JoDDqS1hrUoYwmHbg7hlF-CBoAKNrN1uP2DDgIlIUt5VBXoRF83ax5f10LXv9ad4ufdr9E-PJy4UkOaYDCeN7J634/s1600/Untitled-19.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieCknnEAPWjbYdZxoWm40VIGchA7Vlp_XpXd7XUykjQ235VOReX1JoDDqS1hrUoYwmHbg7hlF-CBoAKNrN1uP2DDgIlIUt5VBXoRF83ax5f10LXv9ad4ufdr9E-PJy4UkOaYDCeN7J634/s1600/Untitled-19.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw_633V57RaCratFfM9b-PEsCcH4jLLgPxXXvdM4EAJGWljMkhbD5kHzUPp88PXvrLSlBmJ7TlbW53r1djIRfzO5q670KHeLizvxXEsJAP2xv0ty0sxdJRA5QY1LIpS_UyWVGbvf5LNrE/s1600/Untitled-20.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw_633V57RaCratFfM9b-PEsCcH4jLLgPxXXvdM4EAJGWljMkhbD5kHzUPp88PXvrLSlBmJ7TlbW53r1djIRfzO5q670KHeLizvxXEsJAP2xv0ty0sxdJRA5QY1LIpS_UyWVGbvf5LNrE/s1600/Untitled-20.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCCq6-RZRJz6X0Rc8qfUrV_ZvzNO1yVMwxManpDcTosYUbuAJMkiuAjLKWFgNl2yU0u6vfJovfPQWPzsoAi6pUFScAj7PYfbLdsreN9oguRZxsWocQ3CXMTC0ZFdpxgEMxrkDRquhc3SY/s1600/Untitled-23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCCq6-RZRJz6X0Rc8qfUrV_ZvzNO1yVMwxManpDcTosYUbuAJMkiuAjLKWFgNl2yU0u6vfJovfPQWPzsoAi6pUFScAj7PYfbLdsreN9oguRZxsWocQ3CXMTC0ZFdpxgEMxrkDRquhc3SY/s1600/Untitled-23.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
-jessica</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10522434256471199993noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1050220296416126361.post-20515887246132616542013-03-29T03:00:00.000-07:002013-03-30T17:08:16.156-07:00project 52 week 13 | things that grow.somehow the girls' stuffed animal collection keeps growing at an alarming rate, yet, oddly enough, I don't recall buying any of them. actually, I know for a fact I didn't buy any of them because stuffed animals kinda gross me out. TRUTH! yeah, they just seem-- what's the word I'm looking for-- unsanitary, maybe? like, who knows what's lurking in all that fur!<br />
<br />
so then, where are they all coming from? <br />
<br />
good question! chalk it up to another one of life's great mysteries, I guess. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEJ32Vro0ord4lwK1OLfqkNGQPM9-99zwPEexclN4GNXDCGV6-dRF_IsLRwQYyTwM42Rs5Jd8IkURcIEMCJP2vjxOCgSwpHPatKi9jsmXTNc_gI6E-aAHZPabBRqccmW12ccmY03310fU/s1600/photo%25286%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEJ32Vro0ord4lwK1OLfqkNGQPM9-99zwPEexclN4GNXDCGV6-dRF_IsLRwQYyTwM42Rs5Jd8IkURcIEMCJP2vjxOCgSwpHPatKi9jsmXTNc_gI6E-aAHZPabBRqccmW12ccmY03310fU/s1600/photo%25286%2529.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
"mommy, I gots a lotta fwends! take a pitcher, k?"<br />
<br />
um, okay!<br />
<br />
to see Amber's take on "things that grow," go <a href="http://ifyougiveamooseabutton.blogspot.com/">HERE</a>! <br />
<br />
have a great weekend!<br />
<br />
-jessica<br />
<br />
PS. t minus 1 week until The Great Hike! I think I can, I think I can...jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10522434256471199993noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1050220296416126361.post-17874930260162527852013-03-15T03:00:00.000-07:002013-03-15T16:52:37.014-07:00project 52 week 11 | morning light.perhaps the thing I love the most about our (relatively new) house is the abundance of light that streams in through the kitchen and dining room windows every morning. to me, there's nothing like walking into a bright, cheery kitchen to get your day started off on the right note! hi-oh cheerio!<br />
<br />
until I notice the epic breakfast and lunch-making mess left behind by the school kids. then that "oh what a beautiful day!" mentality goes sailing right down the drain. seriously. if someone were to ask me, " so, what have you accomplished in the past 15 years?" I'd say, "basically I've cleaned up messes I didn't make." mom life is so glamorous, isn't it? I can fix dinner, wipe snot noses, sign half a dozen school papers, break up fights, kiss owies, and bounce a crying baby on my hip all at the same time. I feel so accomplished! <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPwT7qG8q6i-0xtaMNp31uJ-S_TYeziQ-lGlItsCeJam_y7VBhhCCS5QU7iR9KmyJiIQoBiwIhNXud01DcDPujYPLyl4v0tZ4u2j3tYyS_xT8yH-JeS0W80y0yOHy9pUfFmU50Vh3BcAA/s1600/20130221_3645.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPwT7qG8q6i-0xtaMNp31uJ-S_TYeziQ-lGlItsCeJam_y7VBhhCCS5QU7iR9KmyJiIQoBiwIhNXud01DcDPujYPLyl4v0tZ4u2j3tYyS_xT8yH-JeS0W80y0yOHy9pUfFmU50Vh3BcAA/s1600/20130221_3645.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
Finley is currently taking breakfast orders. any requests? rumor has it he makes a mean bowl of oatmeal. especially tasty with a side of drool, or so I've heard.<br />
<br />
to see Amber's take on morning light, go <a href="http://ifyougiveamooseabutton.blogspot.com/">HERE</a>!<br />
<br />
well, the kiddos have spring break next week! wish me luck!<br />
<br />
-jessicajessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10522434256471199993noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1050220296416126361.post-75881637943065160742013-03-13T16:33:00.000-07:002013-03-13T17:17:15.718-07:00stalking elk.I know, I know. you guys are really going to think I've lost my marbles posting pictures of elk, but seriously! for the last month, nearly every morning a herd of anywhere from ten to fifty of these bulls, cows and calves walk down the sledding hill and then past our house before continuing on their merry way to who knows where. the elk convention? where they learn new techniques on how to avoid becoming someone's dinner, maybe?<br />
<br />
this past Sunday, though, the elk must've lost their marbles too, because they hung out in the field near our house for the better part of the day, minding their own business yet keeping a close eye on peeps like me who kept trying to creep up on them to take their picture. no lie, at one point, there must've been 20 vehicles pulled over on the side of the road all trying to get a good look at what appeared to be a confused herd. or maybe it was just us humans who were confused, I have no idea. <br />
<br />
however, I did learn that I pretty much stink at putting the creep on them. as hard as I tried, I couldn't get close to those things for nothing! at the slightest movement, they'd all stop and stare at me and then slowly start drifting away. I suppose it didn't help that I was in a black jacket in the middle of a snowy, white field, clomping around in heavy winter boots. they were probably like, dude, who is this clown, anyway? if anything, it gives me a new found appreciation for the hunters out there. hoo boy, you guys have some wicked patience to sit there and stalk these things for days on end! no thanks!<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/AVvXsEgTb22ZpawrgtonEsaz4oTZMhBsBroaxT9cpgndppcxiHdawyx_y80SXGxa_Nq85NF9dtvPE8AnDmH3_9WOYT4vbu4gYCqV2ojQGZ-lji1a-m6dv0gn5-E-6Wz1HFncn3zi4RBVRIMCWL8/s1600/20130313_4144.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTb22ZpawrgtonEsaz4oTZMhBsBroaxT9cpgndppcxiHdawyx_y80SXGxa_Nq85NF9dtvPE8AnDmH3_9WOYT4vbu4gYCqV2ojQGZ-lji1a-m6dv0gn5-E-6Wz1HFncn3zi4RBVRIMCWL8/s1600/20130313_4144.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">see the tan house with the white trim on the left? yep, that would be our place.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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/AVvXsEgm-KmgVtB-bLmxfrIoRhv00xVmj66CglIUB2PJrfzRvWs9eJpifACneZyR7R-HYE6CEFAKfzCsw-5SdF3yyITrbI70BpJtEdNdD-TVo3DCow_AzZK6cHz_YmlyxJCZbkrB1grFeFVJlTs/s1600/20130313_4156.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm-KmgVtB-bLmxfrIoRhv00xVmj66CglIUB2PJrfzRvWs9eJpifACneZyR7R-HYE6CEFAKfzCsw-5SdF3yyITrbI70BpJtEdNdD-TVo3DCow_AzZK6cHz_YmlyxJCZbkrB1grFeFVJlTs/s1600/20130313_4156.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the leader informing his minions to "keep calm and carry on while those dumb humans gawk at us."</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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/AVvXsEjP38X7aDDAYikK9jZHw1_Wx_lNUG7SfiZXI_wfHfyUrxdOQg4kmL7d8N1GlX0qsqjxxHGa8e4Pq-cgHWr5kHct639kIF0M6dc1GWu81ziNBp1eINO7-TC2xiwOUV3jNbn5UjUcIisDbXE/s1600/20130313_4164.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP38X7aDDAYikK9jZHw1_Wx_lNUG7SfiZXI_wfHfyUrxdOQg4kmL7d8N1GlX0qsqjxxHGa8e4Pq-cgHWr5kHct639kIF0M6dc1GWu81ziNBp1eINO7-TC2xiwOUV3jNbn5UjUcIisDbXE/s1600/20130313_4164.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">butts up? okay, I get it. you don't want me to take your picture.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
well, there you have it! the exciting news from the big town of Flagstaff, where the men are proud, the women wear Teva sandals with their fancy skirts, and the children are forced into hiking with their parents.<br />
<br />
-jessica<br />
<br />
PS. all that snow on the ground? it's looong gone! we've been enjoying temps in the mid 60's this week, can't beat it! I hope spring is here to stay, because if it snows again I'm seriously going to weep. jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10522434256471199993noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1050220296416126361.post-54549711470766092412013-03-08T03:00:00.000-07:002013-03-08T07:50:15.940-07:00project 52 week 10 | shadow.we celebrated a birthday in our house this week, which inspired me to set up this cool shot.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizOfUer2yTrBfyWY-rRBvZHysed5YR8iCorr-C9j8qG3MLpzpsm1WkDf7pUhV4JJVskyfzFnunWGlRHEn3IezgXtr56U9IwTSqe6BRR6ZOm8v1Pgnu1JnC7tApBOHEr3bGEcTHbmz2lqE/s1600/photo(5).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizOfUer2yTrBfyWY-rRBvZHysed5YR8iCorr-C9j8qG3MLpzpsm1WkDf7pUhV4JJVskyfzFnunWGlRHEn3IezgXtr56U9IwTSqe6BRR6ZOm8v1Pgnu1JnC7tApBOHEr3bGEcTHbmz2lqE/s1600/photo(5).jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
can you guess who it is?<br />
<br />
only the shadow knows. hahahaaaaa.<br />
<br />
click on over to Amber's blog, <a href="http://ifyougiveamooseabutton.blogspot.com/2013/03/952-shadow.html">If You Give A Moose A Button</a>, to see what she has up her sleeve this week! also, I'm curious what actually happens if you give a moose a button. will he ask for a needle and some thread? and if you give him a needle and thread, will he ask for the top of the line Baby Lock sewing machine complete with all the bells and whistles? <br />
<br />
have a great weekend!<br />
<br />
-jessica jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10522434256471199993noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1050220296416126361.post-20420902669830090132013-03-07T15:16:00.001-07:002013-03-08T00:21:48.039-07:00caution: training in progress.so, while most people are busy vacationing to tropical locations this time of year, spending their days soaking up the sun and sipping iced tea while they relax on their lounge chairs by the beach or poolside, we will be hiking the Grand Canyon.<br />
<br />
yes, you heard me right. come the first weekend of April, Gary and I, along with some friends of ours, will be exerting ourselves to the point of near exhaustion, dining on gourmet meals such as dehydrated teriyaki chicken with rice and sipping fruity drinks like Powerade to keep us fueled and on our toes. <br />
<br />
yeah, I know what you're thinking. something about toes, and digging them further into that glorious warm, white sand, am I right? forget about wrapping them in moleskin and stuffing them into hiking boots! are you kidding? that sounds worse than birthing ten kids! <br />
<br />
actually, no. I can assure you, it's not. maybe ONE kid, but not TEN. okay, I'm kidding. <br />
<br />
yes, while I agree that hiking the Grand Canyon definitely does not fall under the category of 'relaxing vacations,' there is, however, something about it that keeps drawing me back. (obviously. otherwise I wouldn't be hiking it for the fourth time.) perhaps it's the adrenaline coursing through my veins as I push myself to the limit, or the vast reaches of the canyon walls towering high above me as I <strike>toss and turn</strike> lay on my half-inch thick sleeping pad beneath a night sky gleaming with a bazillion stars, feeling tiny in comparison. heck, maybe it's just that extreme sense of accomplishment and exhilaration I feel as I finally claw my way out of the canyon, my muscles screaming at me to "never do that to us again, you idiot!" whatever it is, it's definitely unlike anything I have ever experience in my life. of course, with that exception to childbirth.<br />
<br />
why do I get this feeling you're not convinced? our friends obviously are. I mean, you guys are still coming, right?<br />
<br />
anyway, in order to get what little muscle I have left into some sort of shape, tone, condition, all of the above, I've been trying to hike at least four times a week. you know, like in all that spare time I have in between running to appointments and whatnot. miraculously, this past Sunday Gary and I were able to fit a climb to the top of Mt. Elden into our schedule. I'm not sure who was wheezing and gasping more, me or him. which pretty much made it official that WE ARE NO LONGER SPRING CHICKENS. ALL CAPS. this got me thinking that perhaps if I were to actually stay in shape instead of letting myself get all rumply-dumply-roly-poly, it wouldn't be nearly as exhausting. I'll be sure to keep that in mind for next time. <br />
<br />
good thing the lack of oxygen didn't completely fuzz my vision to take in these sweet views, though.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB2o2EHojOcBvPuLKvzyxpG4f6blnsGfMXGH2Whujd78WkBtlZhMjsa14W05wz_8HqmBN2iWOu58Dq3gX2ZDwPH0yE7gOqpUbO-KM63P4UlEPuVqm_EWWxXYO4XN0Q6b-mU8bMq4aZaSw/s1600/photo(4).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB2o2EHojOcBvPuLKvzyxpG4f6blnsGfMXGH2Whujd78WkBtlZhMjsa14W05wz_8HqmBN2iWOu58Dq3gX2ZDwPH0yE7gOqpUbO-KM63P4UlEPuVqm_EWWxXYO4XN0Q6b-mU8bMq4aZaSw/s1600/photo(4).jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit777jIgwkYs4cH6sHfR75Bq3j1c7av-ashIBBMW28W95Vlg9_YhPvVhu48FGOQWTG4MRh9ug2kx3Ee5i02WjgJm1r_KAF4YdUZeS_CGKm3D5CJuEbtPkvgYjpvKMtHlvqH0BaPwrsUNA/s1600/photo%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit777jIgwkYs4cH6sHfR75Bq3j1c7av-ashIBBMW28W95Vlg9_YhPvVhu48FGOQWTG4MRh9ug2kx3Ee5i02WjgJm1r_KAF4YdUZeS_CGKm3D5CJuEbtPkvgYjpvKMtHlvqH0BaPwrsUNA/s1600/photo%25281%2529.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4F8mjzyDPJLzh8OGvStiw7TAY4b9Kv2d7jQhG-EwSXZdVR-YX-tED6kwZ0gYatv73M5_CmkFIj_39a5qoK0rh9OAJWRUjQImFmcF2cI6SPs_iyBHHPdy_QHWdFjDNjkrSYoQswjATcw0/s1600/photo(3).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4F8mjzyDPJLzh8OGvStiw7TAY4b9Kv2d7jQhG-EwSXZdVR-YX-tED6kwZ0gYatv73M5_CmkFIj_39a5qoK0rh9OAJWRUjQImFmcF2cI6SPs_iyBHHPdy_QHWdFjDNjkrSYoQswjATcw0/s1600/photo(3).jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhElrWuS9P2bL1-5hO7niBSOOPaAO83NB9Olnc9MR_tEJhrb_tbmczuQYP-UezHYvIJSQv2TfQZxmOVBkJlb92Rn9VJndFUmDhnJCdP6QFc7_Txk2gSur3Cxy5TOPSiDVZaPZn1YwCBlpM/s1600/photo(2).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhElrWuS9P2bL1-5hO7niBSOOPaAO83NB9Olnc9MR_tEJhrb_tbmczuQYP-UezHYvIJSQv2TfQZxmOVBkJlb92Rn9VJndFUmDhnJCdP6QFc7_Txk2gSur3Cxy5TOPSiDVZaPZn1YwCBlpM/s1600/photo(2).jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
in order to show how windy it was at the summit, Gary instructed me to take a video of him as he desperately clung to a guide (guy?) wire to keep from getting blown off the top. really, he was only acting this out and was nowhere near the edge of the cliff, even though it may appear as if he is. at one point, though, his face took on such a look of panic, that, for a split second, I seriously thought something had gone wrong-- like he was being electrocuted? that's when you'll hear me (literally) scream, "what are you doing?" yikes! apparently, he's a good actor! also, pay no attention to my hysterical laughter, either! <i> ugh.</i><br />
<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/LIdKch4XFv4?rel=0" width="640"></iframe>
<br />
<br />
and so, the countdown is on. wish us luck!<br />
<br />
-jessicajessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10522434256471199993noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1050220296416126361.post-71038713075269919402013-03-01T03:00:00.000-07:002013-03-01T07:45:38.436-07:00project 52 week 9 | in your closet.I had to think outside the box for this week's theme, "in your closet," because honestly, I'd rather die before I shared a photo of the inside of my closet! are you kidding?! I haven't touched it since we moved in, except to rifle through my ultra drab wardrobe. how is it that I've been shopping for twenty plus years, but still have nothing to wear? waaaaaaah! <br />
<br />
yeah, so anyway. I'm thinking I'll save the picture of the inside of my closet for a rainy day. however, keep in mind that I do live in Arizona. so that rainy day might be a while. ha, tricked you!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik2zkLyn_o4m58UEwFCePrcsmpE0BbqmRuvp2tXQQ8lqLvtQz2f-W_xE0tmsd2tuG6P1QLkHA3glGf9JNA8lTyw-8KFwDGri7t4FEv-lnpR0vvWunm1DR3Kw3rLBRshWvyGr6BwnUNrEI/s1600/20130228_3670.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik2zkLyn_o4m58UEwFCePrcsmpE0BbqmRuvp2tXQQ8lqLvtQz2f-W_xE0tmsd2tuG6P1QLkHA3glGf9JNA8lTyw-8KFwDGri7t4FEv-lnpR0vvWunm1DR3Kw3rLBRshWvyGr6BwnUNrEI/s1600/20130228_3670.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
instead, I took a picture of something that<i> </i>is stored in my closet, like these four pairs of shoes. I mean, that counts, right? of course, it does. I'm free to make up the rules as I go.<br />
<br />
phew! once again, I'm saved by my creative thinking! or a strong desire not to show off my closet, is what I meant to say. <i>heh.</i> <br />
<br />
oh, and Scarlett's pretty cute, too. although I'm not sure where she gets her keen sense of style from. anyone care to guess? ;)<br />
<br />
perhaps <a href="http://ifyougiveamooseabutton.blogspot.com/2013/03/952-in-your-closet.html">Amber</a> was brave enough to give you a peek inside her closet??? rumor has it they have nothing better to do during those long, dark Alaskan winters than organize and color coordinate the clothes in their closets! hee hee. <br />
<br />
have a great weekend!<br />
<br />
-jessicajessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10522434256471199993noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1050220296416126361.post-64418577264218822292013-02-28T21:11:00.001-07:002013-03-07T23:32:05.672-07:00a week in the life.this past week has been so absurdly busy that I felt I needed to document it. if for no other reason so that I can look back on it when I'm old and gray and marvel at how I managed to survive these days on the front lines. this includes, but is not limited to, being peppered with homework questions, battling my way through enormous piles of laundry, performing recon missions of the kids' rooms, and sniffing out hidden "bombs," aka, dirty diapers and <a href="http://jessicakesti.blogspot.com/2011/12/rowan-rabbit.html">rabbit turds hidden in inconspicuous places</a>. not even kidding. <br />
<br />
well, are you ready? if so, hang on tight! <br />
<br />
it all began on Monday, when, after tending to a feverish, inconsolable 17 month-old all day, a trip to the doctor's office confirmed that Finley had RSV and an infection in his left ear. poor thing! it breaks my heart when the little ones are sick! we're currently treating him with nebs, antibiotics and lots of snuggles. he's slowly but surely getting better, but boy has it made for some long days, and even longer nights<i>. </i>(((yawn))) <br />
<br />
on Tuesday morning, Jake woke up with a sore throat and body aches. because he had no other symptoms, I was concerned that it might be strep. so, off we trucked to the clinic for the second day in a row, where I was greeted by the doctor with a cheery, "hey, you're back again!" which I translated to myself as, "hey, thanks for all the money you're making me!" thankfully, the strep test came back negative. as we were leaving, Jake reminded me that he had an orthodontist appointment that afternoon. awesome! because two appointments on the same day are better than one, right?<br />
<br />
<i>pshhh</i>, obviously. I mean, really, I have nothing better to do with my time. <br />
<br />
after arriving at the orthodontist later that afternoon, an x-ray was taken to check the progress of Jake's teeth. from this, we learned that he has an extra set of upper wisdom teeth which most likely will have to be surgically removed. why, you're kidding!<i> </i>that is just fantastic news!<i> </i>while some families are blessed with good looks, we are fortunate enough to have spare teeth!<i> </i>I feel so special!<i> ugh.</i> enter dollar signs flying out the window. <br />
<br />
since three appointments for the week wasn't enough, Wednesday afternoon found me at the dentist with Rowan for appointment number four.<i> </i>out of the ten of us who had our teeth cleaned the previous week, thankfully, he was the only one with a cavity. after kid number eight, I'm ashamed to admit that assisting the little ones with brushing and flossing is one of those things I've let fall to the wayside. or was that after kid number two? eeep! not sure what this means for Finley, except that he better hope and pray he has an entire set of those spare teeth.<br />
<br />
note to self: delegate tooth brushing to older siblings. STAT.<br />
<br />
after the dentist, it was off to the elementary school for kindergarten registration. I still can't wrap my head around the fact that Rowan will be starting school in the fall. I mean, can you? but there I was, filling out all the necessary paperwork and handing over his birth certificate and vaccination records. afterwards, we toured the kindergarten classrooms, and Rowan's eyes lit up like a Christmas tree when he saw all the toys and books and such. it's the first time he's shown any interest in this whole idea of school, so progress! poor teachers, though. little do they know how much misery, er, fun awaits them! <i>hehe.</i> no, but really. in the past six months, I can honestly say the kid's grown up. something I never thought would happen. guess all those years of praying finally paid off! <br />
<br />
as we were heading down the hall to leave, I asked Rowan to turn around so I could take his picture (for blogging purposes, duh.) "but I have to go potty reeeeeeeally bad!" he tells me. insert the crotch-hold/potty-dance picture. it's the only one I got, so it'll have to do.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL4VVdoN_9shJI6FdzQd4YoI-yQaY0dMvpFQomZD3Naoh03N7bWaAAuo6RT1kEg40vu7DJyNvE8uh7F3chHWfkwETV03MRvdE4hF8ZciUHvyUKrMJap8kvn3I0BjJ4NQWnYN-ppvq_jfc/s1600/photo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL4VVdoN_9shJI6FdzQd4YoI-yQaY0dMvpFQomZD3Naoh03N7bWaAAuo6RT1kEg40vu7DJyNvE8uh7F3chHWfkwETV03MRvdE4hF8ZciUHvyUKrMJap8kvn3I0BjJ4NQWnYN-ppvq_jfc/s1600/photo.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
like I said, he's growing up! <br />
<br />
that leads me to today, Thursday, where we finished up 'The Week in Appointments' with a trip to the eye doctor. three eye exams, three sets of contacts, and three pairs of eye-glasses later, well, let's just say we'll be eating macaroni for the next six months. but, hey. on the bright side, at least we'll be able to see the macaroni!<br />
<br />
whew. as much as I want to throw in the towel after weeks like these, I know it could be worse. really, we have so much to be thankful for. we have a roof over our heads, shoes on our feet, lots of love to go around, and bowlfuls of macaroni in our future.<br />
<br />
also, aspirin. whenever I feel a headache coming on, I pop two tablets and then keep away from children just like the bottle says.<br />
<br />
-jessicajessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10522434256471199993noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1050220296416126361.post-924538151054842512013-02-22T03:00:00.000-07:002013-02-22T08:01:48.442-07:00project 52 week 8 | looking up.sometimes, at the end of the day, when the trials of child-rearing have left me feeling irritable, frustrated, discouraged, exasperated, and doubtful that I am even raising my children with the proper nurturing, care, and admonition they need, I'm thankful that I'm still able to ask for a blessing. can I yet believe? there's nothing more comforting than hearing those sweet words of the gospel wash over me, cleansing me from all my sins.<br />
<br />
once again a child of God, I can continue on this walk of faith feeling uplifted, encouraged, and happy.<br />
<br />
<i>Who's so happy as I am, even now the Shepherd's lamb?</i><br />
<i>And when my short life is ended,</i><br />
<i>by His angel host attended,</i><br />
<i>He shall fold me to His breast,</i><br />
<i>there within His arms to rest.</i><br />
<i>-SHZ 452, verse 3 </i><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYESQzIx75tq4ItcnlzhSCjl2oiomXLK_Tjft_O4XOZNgAnt2K6R4EIjHBRPBYyVc2WwTFDTv-PvZPWNEx1rNq6T6QC6FeOhiHyQhK0EhMt1PRCQeCSLFGobwkpMf8LdP6fCZxfVK8kZ4/s1600/20130221_3624.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYESQzIx75tq4ItcnlzhSCjl2oiomXLK_Tjft_O4XOZNgAnt2K6R4EIjHBRPBYyVc2WwTFDTv-PvZPWNEx1rNq6T6QC6FeOhiHyQhK0EhMt1PRCQeCSLFGobwkpMf8LdP6fCZxfVK8kZ4/s1600/20130221_3624.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
indeed, things are<i> looking up.</i><br />
<br />
Simon Says, please visit <a href="http://kendrajeanphotography.blogspot.com/2013/02/528-looking-up.html">Kendra's blog</a> to continue your way around our fun little circle! yes, you may!<i> </i><br />
<br />
well, happy weekend, folks! we're off to Phoenix for our church's annual Winter Services! can't wait! I'll try my best to keep Rowan away from the <a href="http://jessicakesti.blogspot.com/2012/02/highlights.html">fire alarm</a><i> </i>this time. <i>hehe.</i> if not, keep an ear out for your Saturday evening wake up call! there will be no snoozing during church!<br />
<br />
-jessicajessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10522434256471199993noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1050220296416126361.post-81425819695153198722013-02-15T03:00:00.000-07:002013-02-15T07:58:56.191-07:00project 52 week 7 | cabin fever.in my books, there's no better cure for "cabin fever" than a trip to the local library!<br />
<br />
in my <i>books</i>... a trip to the <i>library... </i>get it? hahaha! <br />
<br />
yeah, I know. I'm so funny it hurts. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<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/AVvXsEhRw8dWMty5wEvouvmU2wdif7F1H21olCEhYmwvjBVtMTa31BFHYBUJM9q0OgyycqPOlmBnN4N9wWf3R4u9Ty0k4-HbOMt9VXyAh-XvoFhTZVGazRsowi4ijf8XQCQrgPG-pvxgiVHtrnI/s1600/photo(9).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRw8dWMty5wEvouvmU2wdif7F1H21olCEhYmwvjBVtMTa31BFHYBUJM9q0OgyycqPOlmBnN4N9wWf3R4u9Ty0k4-HbOMt9VXyAh-XvoFhTZVGazRsowi4ijf8XQCQrgPG-pvxgiVHtrnI/s1600/photo(9).jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">photo of my "mini librarian" courtesy of my iPhone.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
actually,
I probably wouldn't have even ventured to the library had my high school
kids not sweet-talked me into driving them to school after a two-hour delay
was issued earlier this week due to inclement weather, stating, and I quote, "but it's (whine) too cold (whine) to walk to the (whine) bus stop (whine)."<br />
<br />
too cold? really? because when I was a kid, I had to walk to school both ways. uphill. in sub-zero temps. barefoot. with only a thin jacket to protect me from the biting wind. I can bench press a car, too. wanna see? <br />
<br />
yeah, so anyway. once I was out of the house, I figured I might as well do something. I mean, why go through all the work of getting the little ones ready and strapped into the van only to turn around and head straight home? seems like such a waste, right? and so, after dropping the two oldest off at school, the library happened to be the first thing I spied as I
made my way through town. it sounded like as good a place as any to kill some time. well, as luck would have it, we got there just in
time for story hour. the kids loved it! plus, it was easier on the
pocketbook than say, a stroll through Target, for example, which is what I had initially thought of doing.<br />
<br />
insert Gary vigorously nodding his head up and down, wholeheartedly agreeing. "atta girl, way to be money conscious!" fist bump! <br />
<br />
judging by the amount of fun the kids had, clearly I need to start frequenting the library more often. just as soon as I hire a
nanny to keep tabs on Finzilla so he doesn't pull all the books off the shelves while I'm busy helping Rowan and Scarlett
pick out theirs. I said FIVE books, Finley. not FIFTY. yeesh. <br />
<br />
16
month-olds are a librarian's worst nightmare, or so I've <strike>heard</strike> witnessed. <br />
<br />
I checked out <i>Unbroken</i> by Laura Hillenbrand which I've been trying to read for the past few nights but keep falling asleep two paragraphs into it. what are some good books you've read lately?<br />
<br />
as we battle our way through the heart of the winter blahs, please visit <a href="http://kendrajeanphotography.blogspot.com/2013/02/527-cabin-fever.html">Kendra Jean Photography</a> to learn of yet another way to either beat or come down with cabin fever! huzzah!<br />
<br />
happy weekend, y'all! <br />
<br />
-jessica jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10522434256471199993noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1050220296416126361.post-29319550376837391412013-02-14T10:18:00.000-07:002013-02-14T10:18:05.064-07:00I mustache, will u be mine?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhovxwYfjmYgQJtjWGPhQ_0cDJGruLK4dF0TgcFTCLKu64_Oeg7wY7Dk1CFQd8QOpryhFhkLEvdmoMDQBx_Xk7nTl4aILo39MfmPbAQixCg_HN-b9yHoHi4oSoAVsHPzvyZk1bJ-IAFiGE/s1600/vday.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhovxwYfjmYgQJtjWGPhQ_0cDJGruLK4dF0TgcFTCLKu64_Oeg7wY7Dk1CFQd8QOpryhFhkLEvdmoMDQBx_Xk7nTl4aILo39MfmPbAQixCg_HN-b9yHoHi4oSoAVsHPzvyZk1bJ-IAFiGE/s1600/vday.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
Happy Valentine's Day! <br />
<br />
celebrating love today, and EVERY day. <3 <br />
<br />
-jessicajessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10522434256471199993noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1050220296416126361.post-79381594934922209812013-02-08T03:00:00.000-07:002013-02-08T08:22:31.986-07:00project 52 week 6 | work of art.first of all, I just want to warn you that I got a little carried away with the length of this post. my sincere apologies. but on the bright side, at least you have a good excuse to refill that coffee mug, right?<br />
<br />
*<br />
<br />
so, I was in the laundry room Monday morning, frantically folding the heap of clothes that rivaled Mt. Everest in size, when Rowan comes racing in, his eyes wide with horror. "mom, Finley did it!" he blurts out.<br />
<br />
uh huh, sure. and lemme guess. I bet Scarlett was involved too. but surely not sweet, angelic Rowan! I hear he reeks of innocence! <br />
<br />
before I could inquire "did what?" in toddles the "supposed" guilty party, mister Finley himself. just inside the doorway, he stops for a moment to lick his fingers and smack his lips. that's odd, I thought. I fed him breakfast half an hour ago and cleaned up whatever food was left on his highchair. so, what on earth was he eating? upon closer inspection, I noticed he was covered in a sticky substance. and it was this sticky substance that he appeared to be feasting on. <br />
<br />
my first thought was that he had gotten into the syrup bottle. he did that one other time-- bit the cap open with his teeth and squirted it all over the pantry floor. yeah, that was a hoot! but after picking him up I realized that no, this wasn't syrup. actually, it was syrup's evil twin sister, honey. and there wasn't a square inch of him that was not slathered with the sticky goo.<br />
<br />
I stood there paralyzed for a few moments before the reality of the situation sunk in. every inch of me wanted to scream. "nooo, please, NOOOOOOO! this can't be happening! why me, whyyyyy?" but, fortunately for everyone in a twenty mile radius, I refrained yelling my fool head off. it wouldn't have made the mess go away anyhow. instead, I bit my tongue, took a deep breath, and hurriedly made my way downstairs, my feet sticking to the floor in various places as I went.<br />
<br />
<i>stick. stick. </i><i>stick stick stick.</i> <i>SHTICKKK.</i><br />
<br />
deep breath in.<br />
<br />
once downstairs, I cautiously peered into the kitchen and nearly passed out. evidently, there were no more deep breaths to be had.<br />
<br />
after surveying the scene of the crime, I concluded that Finley had apparently pushed a chair from the dining room into the kitchen and had used said chair as a means to climb onto the counter. upon reaching his destination, he then got a hold of the cute, little honey jar I just bought from West Elm and proceeded to dump its entire contents.<br />
<br />
oh my goodness, you guys. there was honey <i>ev-er-y-where</i>. it was smeared across the counter, it was all over my Keurig coffeemaker, it coated the canister that I store the K-cups in. oh, but that's not all! it coated the tile backsplash, the window sill, there were splatters on the rug in front of the sink. it was dripping down the cupboards for crying out loud. even my phone, which, stupid me to leave it sitting on the counter, was drenched in honey. (fortunately, I was able to wipe it off and phew, it still works. although, I noticed that the home button sticks a tad.) <br />
<br />
hooo boy, talk about major sticky substance abuse! this could very well get Finley life in prison with no chance of parole!<br />
<br />
okay well, maybe not. it did, however, get him a long soak in the bathtub. <br />
<br />
had I been thinking clearly, I surely would've pulled out my camera and snapped a picture of the disaster. I mean, the honey mess would've made the perfect photo for this week's theme, "work of art." awe, so cute! evidently my anger was suppressing those types of warm, fuzzy thoughts from surfacing. so unfortunately, there is no photographic evidence darn it!<br />
<br />
I do, however, have a picture of a pancake. oh, but this isn't your ordinary pancake, no. it's a silly face pancake!<br />
<br />
<i>ta-da!</i><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaKQIkd3NOAxd6onTZ6smoD7_GYIJBLdH9GPynh24Ws3h9XKGcCTn2u1m3Xh7X1uJNADT5QmUSDB6Xw8o82lVc5iqCtloYEIH66ZrzrJBVcHeOUDU6XSZBUF4M85V50krSLMaiyOoPAC4/s1600/20130207_3542.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaKQIkd3NOAxd6onTZ6smoD7_GYIJBLdH9GPynh24Ws3h9XKGcCTn2u1m3Xh7X1uJNADT5QmUSDB6Xw8o82lVc5iqCtloYEIH66ZrzrJBVcHeOUDU6XSZBUF4M85V50krSLMaiyOoPAC4/s1600/20130207_3542.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
I mean, you make "works of art" out of your food, don't you?<br />
<br />
thought so.<br />
<br />
to view more creative works of art, please continue around our lovely little circle to <a href="http://kendrajeanphotography.blogspot.com/2013/02/526-work-of-art.html">Kendra's blog</a>!<br />
<br />
hope your weekend doesn't find you in a sticky situation!<br />
<br />
-jessica<br />
<br />
PS. Rowan was innocent after all. jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10522434256471199993noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1050220296416126361.post-19927112257952029802013-02-07T17:28:00.000-07:002013-03-15T17:00:11.705-07:00brown butter + sea salt + chocolate chip cookies.a couple weeks ago, I stumbled across a gal on Instagram who had posted a picture of these cookies she'd made. I couldn't get the image out of my mind, nor the combination of the words brown butter, sea salt, and chocolate, so I finally broke down and asked her for the recipe. she said it was from the food blog, <a href="http://www.ambitiouskitchen.com/">Ambitious Kitchen</a>.<br />
<br />
upon seeing the word "ambitious," my shoulders immediately slumped.<br />
<br />
truthfully, when it comes to food related business, I don't consider myself the ambitious type at all. I prefer recipes that are easy, simple (as in they don't require a mile-long list of ingredients), and most importantly, aren't overly time consuming. because let's face it. with all the demands that come with raising a (large) family, I don't have time to be fussing in the kitchen for hours on end. the quicker I can throw something together, the faster I can escape out of the house to catch a break. or, you know, something like that.<br />
<br />
well, being the sucker that I am for anything chocolate, plus, coupled with the latest sea salt rage, I decided to look up the recipe anyway. much to my delight, the only step that involved a little more monkey business was <a href="http://www.ambitiouskitchen.com/2012/12/how-to-brown-butter-a-love-story/">browning the butter</a>. even still, it added just a few extra minutes onto the time it normally takes me to make cookies. totally doable.<br />
<br />
and oh my goodness. believe me when I say it's worth the extra effort. like, seriously! how have I lived to be 36 and never heard of brown butter? once browned, it takes on a nutty aroma. this enhances the flavor of the cookies tremendously!<br />
<br />
hands down, the most amazing chocolate chip cookie I've ever tasted. like, ever. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFiGiwrPXH26jqzK35MZP3ESdImF7XnvvE2l_EnQ44biX2iIsRdH_Qmnjh7WCDBJ1pD5SwNALfEt1t7Ucx1CYxslMsq8AzgvJrWpMrA6PIzkEiWOhucYTc6s6bB19tsY_gon94rWRYlTs/s1600/20130207_3549.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFiGiwrPXH26jqzK35MZP3ESdImF7XnvvE2l_EnQ44biX2iIsRdH_Qmnjh7WCDBJ1pD5SwNALfEt1t7Ucx1CYxslMsq8AzgvJrWpMrA6PIzkEiWOhucYTc6s6bB19tsY_gon94rWRYlTs/s1600/20130207_3549.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<span itemprop="recipeYield"></span>
<br />
<div class="ERSIngredients">
<div class="ERSIngredientsHeader ERSHeading">
Ingredients:</div>
<ul>
<li class="ingredient" itemprop="ingredients">2 1/4 cup all-purpose flour</li>
<li class="ingredient" itemprop="ingredients">1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda</li>
<li class="ingredient" itemprop="ingredients">1/2 teaspoon of sea salt, plus more for sprinkling</li>
<li class="ingredient" itemprop="ingredients">2 sticks (1 cup) unsalted butter (I used salted)</li>
<li class="ingredient" itemprop="ingredients">1 1/2 cups packed dark brown sugar (I used light)</li>
<li class="ingredient" itemprop="ingredients">1/4 cup granulated sugar</li>
<li class="ingredient" itemprop="ingredients">1 large egg plus 1 egg yolk</li>
<li class="ingredient" itemprop="ingredients">2 teaspoons vanilla extract</li>
<li class="ingredient" itemprop="ingredients">1 Tablespoon plain Greek yogurt</li>
<li class="ingredient" itemprop="ingredients">3/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips</li>
<li class="ingredient" itemprop="ingredients">3/4 cup milk chocolate chips</li>
</ul>
</div>
<div class="ERSInstructions">
<div class="ERSInstructionsHeader ERSHeading">
Instructions:</div>
<ol>
<li class="instruction" itemprop="recipeInstructions">Whisk together the
flour, baking soda, and salt in a bowl and set aside. Melt butter in a
saucepan over medium heat. The butter will begin to foam. Make sure you
whisk consistently during this process. After a couple of minutes, the
butter will begin to brown on the bottom of the saucepan. Continue to
whisk and remove from heat as soon as the butter begins to brown and
give off a nutty aroma. Immediately transfer the butter to a bowl to
prevent burning. Set aside to cool for a few minutes.</li>
<li class="instruction" itemprop="recipeInstructions">With an electric
mixer, mix the butter and sugars until thoroughly blended. Beat in the
egg, yolk, vanilla, and yogurt until combined. Add the dry ingredients
slowly and beat on low-speed just until combined. Stir in the chocolate
chips.</li>
<li class="instruction" itemprop="recipeInstructions">Chill your dough for 2 hours in the refrigerator, or place in freezer for 30 minutes if you are super eager.</li>
<li class="instruction" itemprop="recipeInstructions">Once dough is
chilled measure 1/4 cup of the dough into a ball. It doesn’t have to be
perfectly rolled. Place dough balls on cookie sheet, 2 inches apart and
sprinkle each dough ball with a little bit of sea salt. </li>
<li>With your oven set to 350 degrees, bake the cookies
9-11 minutes or until the edges of the cookies begin to turn golden
brown. They will look a bit underdone in the middle, but will continue
to cook once out of the oven. Cool the cookies on the sheets and
sprinkle with a little extra sea salt if desired. Remove the cooled
cookies from the baking sheets after a few minutes and transfer to a
wire rack to cool completely.</li>
</ol>
*side note: I used my large cookie scoop to measure the cookie dough instead of 1/4 cup like the recipe says. to me, 1/4 cup sounded rather big.</div>
<div class="ERSInstructions">
</div>
<div class="ERSInstructions">
<br />
delicious with a cold glass of milk! enjoy!</div>
<div class="ERSInstructions">
</div>
<div class="ERSInstructions">
<br />
-jessica </div>
jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10522434256471199993noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1050220296416126361.post-85543178169916628142013-02-01T03:00:00.000-07:002013-02-01T08:04:55.846-07:00project 52 week 5 | black and white.hallelujah. now that we got past last week's dreaded theme, <i>self-portrait</i>, we can move along to more enjoyable topics.<br />
<br />
like, black and white, for instance.<br />
<br />
if given the choice between black and white vs. color, ninety nine percent of the time I'll choose to edit in color. it's what I'm more comfortable with. but every once in a while, when the light and contrast are just right, and the mood seems fitting, then I'll try my luck at black and white. <br />
<br />
not that I have a clue what I'm doing, but hey. at least my subject is cute! <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8DHc040jjorfTXYDy0y7IztDYw5xNv-4Kc_MRXMl7SY6U2Ulf8-93whCAirB3g96qsfVq6UTR2bY9PH-c_xeIFEJsz3Tlbxfax-JqKp3YuDQf7zPLkCwBdbHwkyHu-BwCex0HOW5814s/s1600/bw2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8DHc040jjorfTXYDy0y7IztDYw5xNv-4Kc_MRXMl7SY6U2Ulf8-93whCAirB3g96qsfVq6UTR2bY9PH-c_xeIFEJsz3Tlbxfax-JqKp3YuDQf7zPLkCwBdbHwkyHu-BwCex0HOW5814s/s1600/bw2.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
"we worry about what a child will become tomorrow, yet we forget that he is someone today." --Stacia Tauscher<br />
<br />
and now continuing around the circle to your next stop, <a href="http://kendrajeanphotography.blogspot.com/">Kendra Jean Photography</a>!<br />
<br />
happy weekend!<br />
<br />
-jessica<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10522434256471199993noreply@blogger.com2