tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23010271442769065102024-03-13T19:27:09.871-04:00The Jones FamilyKellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00389847518408333026noreply@blogger.comBlogger117125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2301027144276906510.post-89402933082412592242014-03-03T00:09:00.001-05:002014-03-03T00:15:11.478-05:00LightRoom Presets - Go get them!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Things have been super busy around our household! I have lots to update on but it might have to wait another week or two when things slow down a bit. I wanted to take the time to look into some LightRoom presets. A <a href="http://sarah-bethphoto.com/blog/" target="_blank">favorite photographer</a> of mine that I <strike>stalk</strike> follow on Instagram had her presets on sale recently and of course I wanted to break out my wallet! I, however, have never used them before, didn't know how to use them, and wasn't sure if I'd even like them.</div>
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Off to Google...</div>
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I found this great <a href="http://digital-photography-school.com/lr-presets-vs-ps-actions" target="_blank">article </a>that explained how to download presets and what they are. Then I had to go in search of a program to open the zip files. (Am I qualified to be a programmer yet?) Hah!</div>
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After I figured out it might be worth a shot, I found this great website with many <a href="http://photography.tutsplus.com/articles/100-free-lightroom-presets-and-how-to-make-your-own--photo-8640" target="_blank">FREE LightRoom Presets</a>! I downloaded about 6-7 of them and picked a few photos that I liked. <i>This was a great way to test out my skills and even make new presets of my own! </i></div>
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Below were the results:</div>
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So for the first photo I used the preset (one click, my friends). In just one click I felt like that photo went from amateur to "woah she might have a fancy camera." Then I brightened the photo, popped the blue color for his eyes a bit, and softened his skin with the luminance setting. No rhyme or reason. I just play around with settings most of the time. Then I felt like my photo went to a whole new level with the extra adjustments.</div>
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This second photo I did was an outdoor picture. I wanted to try one of each. I used a different preset and got a dramatic first (one click! squee!) effect. I then brightened, highlighted blues, and added more vignetting as well. I absolutely love the end photo and it didn't take me 10 minutes to go through every setting like it used to. </div>
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<i><b>Less than 2 minutes, people!</b></i></div>
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If you haven't used a preset before, I encourage you to try! I absolutely love them! I will probably try to make some of my own from photos I've edited before and these new presets and see how I like them. After that I will certainly look into buying other photographer's presets because I just don't see myself starting a business any time soon so this will strictly be for family and close friends anyways.</div>
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<i> I have read in a few articles that Photoshop does "actions" which are similar, but you cannot edit the picture afterwards. Also, I saw that it sometimes depends if you shoot in RAW vs JPEG but I haven't tested that theory yet. I will since I can shoot both at the same time and compare the different images. </i><br />
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Here are some more of my images that took me almost no time at all to edit once I set up some individualized presets...<br />
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Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00389847518408333026noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2301027144276906510.post-48286315221992323002014-01-25T15:12:00.000-05:002014-01-25T15:12:16.913-05:00Instagram - December 2013 (and a little January)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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1. Cam's favorite place to go<b> shopping is the grocery store</b>. He always has the hardest time (and pushes mommy's patience) in choosing which color car/cart to drive.</div>
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2. Cam got new <b><a href="http://www.potterybarnkids.com/" target="_blank">Pottery Barn Kids</a> bedding </b>from grandma for Christmas. It was accidentally shipped to our house beforehand so we decided to put it to good use right away.</div>
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3. Brad took Cam to see <b>Grandma Jones and Aunt Rachael</b> while I studied for my finals and worked. He loved the lights, train, and made a reindeer friend.</div>
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4. He was really into <b>Christmas movies</b> this year and got tons of movies from Santa! This winter has been too cold to go outside almost every day so we do movies once in a while.</div>
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5. I was late taking Cam to school one day so we had an impromptu <b>breakfast date at <a href="http://www.babcorp.com/" target="_blank">Big Apple Bagel</a></b>. Why we don't go here more is beyond me. It was delicious!</div>
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6. <b>Santa </b>came to Cam's school one night and they were able to decorate some cookies, too. He was more hesitant about Santa this year, but still sat on his lap.</div>
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7. I <b>finished my 3rd semester</b> of nursing school!! One more semester to go!</div>
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8. We have fully transitioned to the <b>toddler bed</b>, which brought on the curious toddler who changes his clothes mid-sleep. (We are currently wearing only backwards zip-up pj's due to the curious toddler who strips and urinates in the middle of the night, too.)</div>
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9. I decided on my one-month break (that felt like one week) to peel wallpaper and <b>paint Cam's bathroom</b>. I got a lot checked off of my "To Do" list, which felt great. </div>
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10. We bought a <b><a href="http://www.childrensmuseum.org/" target="_blank">Children's Museum</a> membership</b> and visited for the first time ever. Camden absolutely loved it! We only went to one exhibit, too, so I know there will be many more trips in our future.</div>
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11. We have had <b>tons of snow</b>. Sub-zero temperatures, also. Winter can be over. Any time now.</div>
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12. Early January Cam had his <b>first dentist visit</b>! He did so well (I was surprised) and let everyone clean his teeth and look around. I'm sure it helped he really wanted to pick a toy from the toy chest and got lots of goodies.</div>
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All in all it was a great break from school and it's back to the grind. Juggling work, 2 clinicals, homework, care plans, discussion posts, reading, and studying is going to be challenging but I can't wait to be done with school!!</div>
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Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00389847518408333026noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2301027144276906510.post-19347217859451055662014-01-13T06:00:00.000-05:002014-01-13T06:00:02.334-05:00Children's Museum<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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We recently purchased a year membership to our local <a href="http://www.childrensmuseum.org/" target="_blank">Children's Museum</a>. It's been rated #1 in the country (world?) for as long as I can remember. They had it decorated for Christmas time, but Camden had so much fun in the <a href="http://www.childrensmuseum.org/playscape" target="_blank">Playscape</a>.</div>
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There was a big music room where kids can play with egg shakers, drums, and other instruments. I grew up with music (flute/piccolo here) and want Camden to be able to do the same. When I was in school music wasn't an elective; it was an expected part of the curriculum. I feel that it still should be although many superintendent's don't agree. Whether it's offered in school or not, he will be participating in lessons either way. :)</div>
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His favorite part of the museum (besides the food) was the messiest part, the water play area. There was flowing water, scoops, spoons, plastic sharks, etc. He loved it. There were aprons, but they were all really wet and by the time I found a dry one, his clothes were soaked anyways. </div>
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Overall we absolutely had a great time! I love taking him places where we aren't having to constantly watch what he touches or plays with. I like the fact that he can play with anything and everything he can reach.</div>
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LOVE IT!</div>
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I think it really helps him to be able to test his own limits and is great sensory stimulation. We will definitely be getting our money's worth out of this membership! </div>
Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00389847518408333026noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2301027144276906510.post-73541670042403364642014-01-09T06:00:00.000-05:002014-01-09T06:00:00.160-05:00A Family Christmas<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Per the usual we had to get a real Christmas Tree (Frasier Fir) and we found a bargain at Home Depot at less than $50 for a 10-foot tree! Camden was so excited to water and decorate it!</div>
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Per our tradition, we also had Brad and Cam put the star on the tree. We had to borrow a large-tree stand that would be sturdy enough to hold a 10' tree. </div>
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As you can see the tree was gorgeous and that includes the random hanger Camden thought would fit well on the tree. Confession: I was too sentimental about the silly hanger and left it through Christmas. ;)</div>
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LOVE</div>
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We ended up seeing Santa at his school on their holiday party night. They got to make cookies and see Santa.</div>
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This year he was a little more hesitant to sit on Santa's lap. He did, but after I talked with him a little. Last year it was all I could do to hold him back from being in everyone else's picture. Hah.</div>
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We also had a mommy's play date Holiday Party getting all of the kids together. We really miss our Friday play dates and I can't wait until school is done in another 5 months. </div>
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Christmas morning was a BLAST! He loved ripping off the wrapping paper. He had to get every last piece off and tore it off every square inch at a time. It was slow and he is at the age where he wants to open every single toy as he sees it. </div>
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Funny how many high-tech and expensive toys he received, but his favorites were a puffy jacket and a $3 cell phone from the dollar section at Target. </div>
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Of course Papaw Jones got him a Big Wheel. I mean where do we store all of this?</div>
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A family member made a fantastic idea for future presents. Because he gets so many different toys from all <i>four </i>sets of grandparents he has and then even more from us, it was suggested to <b>start a college fund</b> and allow people to donate. Starting on his 3rd birthday and all following holidays, we will be starting a college fund and allowing family to donate and asking for monetary donations with minimal toys. This way we are being responsible and frugal. We can also keep Camden modest in gifts and what he receives.</div>
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But really, how easy is it to say no to that adorable, perfect little face?!</div>
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Not easy. At all.</div>
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<br />Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00389847518408333026noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2301027144276906510.post-12221691431764428512014-01-07T08:00:00.000-05:002014-01-07T08:00:00.769-05:00Indiana Blizzard<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<i>Our street.</i> </div>
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The past 48 hours has been a crazy whirlwind of heavy snow and desperate ploys to keep my toddler entertained. With a snow emergency comes beautiful and amazing scenery.</div>
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<i>Back yard.</i> </div>
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<i>Front of the house.</i> </div>
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<i>Buried mailbox.</i> </div>
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<i>Gorgeous snow!</i></div>
Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00389847518408333026noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2301027144276906510.post-7079147654770385052014-01-06T23:19:00.000-05:002014-01-06T23:19:47.445-05:00Fun in the snow? PLUS: snow ice cream recipe<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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We have had some crazy weather these past few days and thought I'd share some amazing and fun photos I got of the Indiana blizzard. Starting 2014 off right, I guess. State of emergency. Quarantined to the house. Any travel made illegal. </div>
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Then, temperatures with windchill in the negative 30's and 40's. It was so cold that there was frost on the inside of Brad's truck. </div>
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<i>If anyone wants to know, ice scrapers do not work on the inside of windows.</i></div>
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Some of these pictures show just how wet the snow was. My jacket was soaked! It was so wet we used an umbrella to keep the snow off of the camera.</div>
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<b>Snow Ice Cream</b></div>
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Later that night I saw a friend who posted that she made ice cream from snow. Who even know that was possible!?</div>
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Just take a bucket of [clean] snow (around 1 gallon) inside.</div>
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Add about 1/2 cup sugar, 1 tsp vanilla extract, and 1/2-1 cup of milk. (Add the milk in small increments until the consistency you want.) </div>
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Add sprinkles or other toppings. </div>
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This was such a fun thing to do with the kiddo. </div>
Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00389847518408333026noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2301027144276906510.post-48417216034325893862013-12-14T00:22:00.003-05:002013-12-14T00:22:42.002-05:00Camen @ 2 1/2 years<div style="text-align: center;">
Just a few more weeks and my baby will be 2 1/2 years old. I wanted to document some of his fun quirks and hobbies so I can remember down the road.</div>
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A while back <i>The Incredible's</i> was Camden's favorite movie and I'm sure I could recite every scene without hesitation. Here lately he's been into <i>Despicable Me</i> and requests it every single day. I can't wait to get him the second movie soon!</div>
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He's also very much into pretending and being very active. He is so sweet with his manners and being helpful (most of the time). He always says please and thank you (or "thanks" now, for some reason). He says, "excuse me" if you are in his way. He knows his first and last name. Miss Katie and Miss Jenn are his teachers and they are always saying how happy and cooperative he is. He always knows every animal, shape, color, letter, number, etc. When they are singing a song he knows, they say he will bust out in a solo all the time. Amazing kiddo!<br />
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He's a garbage-disposal/sponge. He eats everything on his plate and then asks for more. He eats more than I do on some days! Snacks are a must-have around here. He also is a little sponge; more so than I thought. True life confession: I was changing his diaper the other day and he kept running around the house yelling, "I have diarrhea!!!" What I didn't realize was that I'd said that while changing him. <i>Good thing I didn't say something worse. Also a good thing we were home for the rest of the night. HA!</i> </div>
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At home he loves to play with trains, Matchbox cars, watch movies, pretend cook for us (or really pretend anything). He has transitioned to the big boy toddler bed although one day while I was working, Brad apparently didn't wake up as soon as Cam would've liked. He played "finger paint" on the carpet with some diaper contents we won't talk about. </div>
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<i>Must be payback for when I did it to my mom.</i></div>
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<i> </i>He absolutely loves going to school. And grandma's house. He is so sociable! At school he apparently greets everyone in his class by name in the morning. He always has the "Ate everything" column checked off for all meals and snacks. Naps are usually 80-90% there, but some days he doesn't want to nap. This is the ripe age for discontinuing naps unfortunately. </div>
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<i>Please. </i><br />
<i>No. </i><br />
<i>I need that mid-day break.</i></div>
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He loves to sing songs. Just the other day he sang Jingle Bells to me almost perfectly. :) He's also really getting into the Christmas movies, lights, decorations, and other songs right now. I think this will be the most fun year for opening presents with him yet!</div>
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Unfortunately he has started to hate having his picture being taken. (It couldn't possibly be from me constantly taking them.) If he sees the iPhone pointed at him, he waves his hands and says, "No, no picture!" Celebs. Pfft.</div>
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The potty training we are letting him do on his own. I want him to tell me when he's ready (to a certain point). It is going to make it easier on both of us and we really don't have the time to dedicate to it .. if I'm being honest. At school they said he goes once in a while but always tries to sit for a little bit. If we catch him right after waking up from night time or nap, we will ask him if he has to go and he usually says yes and has success going. He holds his bladder most of the night/nap so we can tell if he's got to go because his diaper is dry. Right as he's getting tucked into bed he says over and over that he has to go potty (because he knows it'll delay bed time) so we have started asking him while getting ready if he has to go.</div>
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Camden used to be a momma's boy and is quickly preferring Brad over myself. (*moment to mourn*) It's so bittersweet to see them together, bonding, yet sad because he wants his daddy to read to him at night and rock with him. He will let me, but only if Brad isn't around. I think Brad secretly loves this phase because it's making up for the first year when Cam preferred me (especially for nutritional needs .. lol). I keep telling myself it's from my lack of presence because of work and school. It's temporary. Just a little while longer. </div>
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He constantly tells us what he thinks. If something is fun, sad, funny, or happy he will tell us. If <i>he</i> is happy or silly, he tells us. If we make funny noises or do something odd he will tell us, "You're silly!" Also, everything is Camden's. In the entire world. Driving down the street the conversation from the back seat is, "That's my store. That's my truck. That's my school. That's my gym." Sometimes he'll say it's "Camden's" also. He is getting better at sharing, but rarely his food.</div>
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<b><i>CAMDEN. DOESN'T. SHARE. FOOD.</i></b> (<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iCCzzZVVpIA" target="_blank">FRIENDS</a> reference)</div>
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Even if it's something he knows he likes or wants, if we give him something (say, a cookie) and ask him to give it to mommy or daddy, he will do so. Of course, then he will ask for one. ;-) He is constantly hungry (something I'm definitely bringing up to the pediatrician next visit/call).<br />
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Sometimes he does hug our dog, Cato, and tries to play with him. Cato is just so nonchalant and lazy that he doesn't do much so Cam just ignores him most of the time.<br />
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That's about it for updates on the little man. He's always on the move and wanting to play and interact with us, which is so much fun (and exhausting sometimes). </div>
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Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00389847518408333026noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2301027144276906510.post-13530119247755017172013-11-25T22:38:00.000-05:002013-11-25T22:38:14.920-05:00When it rains, it pours .. and blizzards .. and floods .. and sleets ..<div style="text-align: center;">
Lately I've been feeling the weight of the world on my shoulders. I'm so tired.</div>
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As I mentioned in the last post, our water heater took a hike. <i>I still remember hearing the sound of the garbage men loading it onto the truck from the hot, steaming shower I was taking (and had been deprived of for so long, apparently). </i></div>
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As I was driving Brad's truck home today it decided to give me an error message it's never done before. "Check charging system." Remember the red ring of death (X-Box reference)? Yup, this is your car's version of that. Okay, maybe I'm being overly dramatic, but it still means that the guy at Auto Zone said we need a new alternator and my dad wants us to stop driving it ASAP. <i> </i></div>
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<i>Fun Fact of the Day: We just paid thousands to have the transmission rebuilt, too.</i></div>
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Some days I feel like I'm barely surviving. You know when you buy a new house and things are pretty much all in working order? (I mean, you had an inspection and made them fix it, right?!) Then stuff breaks or wears out. You don't have time to re-stain the fence. Or the money to tune up the furnace. Or pull that tree the storm took out. Or remember to get your oil change you don't have time to wait on. The "To Do" list continues to grow exponentially. It just all happens at once. </div>
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I barely have two weeks left of school and I seem to be working a ton, Brad just had surgery today, Cam is sick and running a fever (so day care won't take him), and I've hardly touched my study material. It all happens at once. </div>
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I feel like I'm barely surviving and not because I'm not trying, but because I feel like I've taken on too much. Sometimes I think it's because I expect too much of myself. I want to be with Camden all the time. I need to study every hour of the day I'm not working. I feel such guilt whenever I want to spend an hour or two cuddling my baby watching a movie instead of studying; but then I feel guilty studying and not being with him. I have guilt because I'm so exhausted at the end of the day I'd rather throw my contacts away than put them in a contact case and I'm too lazy to take my bra off. (Under-wire's hurt, guys.) Then again, I have guilt for sleeping only 4 hours a night and not respecting myself enough to get adequate sleep; or nutrition; or water. </div>
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<i>This isn't the way I wanted to lose weight.</i></div>
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I do thank God for my health and family. I know that just about everything I am stressed about, I brought upon myself. I didn't purposely break the water heater or Brad's truck, but I did choose this career path. I can't choose what happens to me next in life, but<b> I can certainly choose how I react to it. </b></div>
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I need to learn to live in the now. I can't dwell on the bad test grade I got; only learn from it and move on. What would it change if I got upset and moped over a bad grade, horrible clinical instructor, didactic professor that ignores my emails, and coworkers that insult me?<b> Nothing</b>. That's exactly what it would change. So that's exactly what it should mean to me. </div>
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<i>Nothing that happens to you is worth your life. Make your life matter. Make it better.</i></div>
Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00389847518408333026noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2301027144276906510.post-72053095266134006032013-11-12T23:52:00.001-05:002013-11-12T23:54:17.084-05:00Instagram Summary<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The past few weeks has been a whirlwind of craziness, stress, changes, home repairs, work insanity, and lots of excitement about the upcoming holidays (not so much about the weather). Here is a look at my iPhone pics and <a href="http://instagram.com/indymamma" target="_blank">Instagram</a> (Indymamma) photos that I love.</div>
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1. Wish list item: <a href="http://www.matrix.com/our-products/haircare/biolage/exquisiteoil/exquisiteoil-strengthening-treatment" target="_blank">Matrix Exquisite hair oil</a> to tame this mess without having to pull it back in a ponytail ALL.THE.TIME. </div>
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2. Papaw came to visit (and fix the water heater that was leaking). Camden had TONS of fun with him!</div>
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3. Water heater broke out of the blue (or we just realized it) and was leaking underneath the wood laminate floors. We dried them out and replaced but will tile before the end of the year. (Gotta find some money and motivation.) We also unfortunately found existing, old white tile underneath. Who does that?!</div>
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4. My baby loves to go to <a href="http://www.target.com/" target="_blank">Target</a>!</div>
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5. So this <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/271764158735411704/" target="_blank">Pinterest felt tree idea</a> has taken off and Target has noticed. I made one last year out of leftover felt and bought a giant piece of green for the tree. I still think (read: hope) I spent less than $10. Regardless, it's a great deal.</div>
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6. Who knew they had FREE KIDS COOKIE SAMPLES at Target? I mean, I feel like I was depriving my child.</div>
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7. The toddler bed transition is going well. Hah. (He actually does really well, but he woke up early and climbed up here but fell asleep.)</div>
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8. Wish list item: <a href="http://www.target.com/p/eos-organic-lip-balm-sphere-summer-fruit/-/A-13352556#prodSlot=medium_1_3&term=eos" target="_blank">EOS lip balm</a>. Gotta try it. It's all the rage, apparently. Even my 75-year-old patient the other day had some. If that doesn't make one feel old (and behind the times), nothing will.</div>
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9. First snow of the season. Camden and all his school friends were <i>raving</i> about it that day. He loved to play in it, but sadly it was melted by the time he got home. </div>
Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00389847518408333026noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2301027144276906510.post-44865131247983430862013-11-02T15:11:00.000-04:002013-11-02T15:11:01.005-04:00A ghost says BOOOO<div style="text-align: center;">
Halloween night this year was "rained out" and postponed due to strong winds and heavy rain. Unfortunately I wasn't able to go trick-or-treating with Camden this year because of that. I worked really hard to be available from clinical and work on Halloween night, but was scheduled to work the next day. Thus my disappointment in the postponed trick-or-treating. </div>
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<i>Several local mascots came to visit the kiddo's on Halloween!</i></div>
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On Halloween I had my pediatric clinical and someone coordinated about 8 mascots to come visit the sick kids in the hospital that day. Some students in the past have gotten to meet Peyton Manning (which would also be <b>SO</b> awesome, hint hint).</div>
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Around Halloween a local senior community hosts an indoor Halloween trick-or-treating event. The residents can sit in their doorway and the kids run up and down the halls trick-or-treating. They also sit in the dining area and serve cookies, fruit punch, snacks, and more. I am not sure if they had it this year, but last year they had a craft station and arts area where kids could make a drawing, too. </div>
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Camden had a lot of fun. (Even if it did take him the entire hour and a half we were there to trick or treat on his own.) He was a little scared to go near the strangers at first but when he saw they had candy and other goodies he started warming up.<br />
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On Halloween night (the postponed version .. bah humbug) Brad took Camden out to trick-or-treat. I think that he did better there because it was in our neighborhood he's familiar with and he knew some other people. He likes doing whatever the big kids are doing.<br />
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I guess he caught on quickly and went house-to-house saying "Trick or Treat" and greeting our trick-or-treater's later in the night with a "Happy Ha-ween!" He absolutely loved dressing up as Mickey Mouse and totally understood the costume idea. He liked all the pretty princesses in sparkly dresses and also saw a spider girl!<br />
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<i>Mom and dad like the raiding the candy bucket at the end of the night part. ;)</i></div>
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The rest of the year should be fairly low-key since I'm on call at work for Thanksgiving and Christmas is always at home. I can't wait until I get an entire month off of school in December! We haven't had a break since spring break in March. </div>
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Literally nonstop. </div>
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I'm thinking a mini-vacation is in order. Maybe for spring break? Yes, please! </div>
Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00389847518408333026noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2301027144276906510.post-58515982503775590982013-10-10T09:07:00.000-04:002013-10-10T09:07:47.001-04:00Fam updates<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Summer has officially come to an end. </div>
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It
ended on a difficult note. Brad ended up in the ER one day for what
turned out to be a 2-foot-long blood clot. Yes, you read that right. I
freaked out and the ER doc put him on a strong anticoagulant medicine.
He unfortunately wasn't allowed to finish out his baseball season; his
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And they won the championship...</div>
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After
a few weeks I finally convinced him to see a vein specialist. He told
Brad that the ER doc was overreacting and that it's not a big deal. (NOT
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<i>(moment to laugh at that, since I work in Orthopedics)</i></div>
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for about 6 weeks and then can have surgery on the affected vein.
Between Camden's broken leg, ENT appointments, my gall bladder surgery,
and this, we've definitely met our deductible so I'm glad it's being
taken care of this year at least.<br />
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As for school, I'm finishing up a rough and busy semester on Friday. One. More. Final. Then I am going to do nothing but relax and enjoy the fall weather and my family this weekend. My next courses do not open up until Monday so I can't even print things or see what the next 8 weeks look like so I don't want to know. ;-)<br />
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I'm excited to go from two clinicals a week to one, but I am also starting part-time at work (mainly for benefits) so I will be even more busy than before. I wanted to get used to working more as well as get the benefits my hospital provides since they are way better and affordable than my husband's. If we do the premium plans for all (medical, dental, and vision) plans with my company, it's less than the cheapest and highest deductible plan with Brad's. I consider that a HUGE advantage!<br />
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Also, I found a GREAT <a href="http://kellyskitch.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">baked french toast recipe</a> that is easy, quick, and uses regular sandwich bread! YEAH!</div>
Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00389847518408333026noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2301027144276906510.post-78820930033755824162013-09-26T09:12:00.006-04:002013-09-26T09:24:01.183-04:00Tuttle Orchards<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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With the end of summer (and baseball season), comes fall. </div>
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Fall means delicious apples, homemade apple sauce, beautiful fall leaves, pumpkins galore, and lots of yummy not-so-good-for-you treats. :)</div>
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We decided to visit <a href="http://www.tuttleorchards.com/" target="_blank">Tuttle Orchards</a> last weekend after I learned about them from a friend. They provide everything you need to pick the apples and even have tons of red wagons which the kids end up riding in by the end of the trip.</div>
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They even had a huge play area with two mazes, a red tractor, a few play sets, swings, and more. Camden loved that area and when we left kept asking to go back to the "apple trees" over and over again. If I have ever been to an apple orchard, I don't remember but this seems like a great place to go every year!</div>
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Camden loved to play with the corn hole set as well! </div>
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They had two barns of delicious goodies and treats. We all split an ear of corn and a caramel apple. Brad wanted a cold apple cider (YUCK!) and I wanted a hot one so we each got that. I wanted to try the slushy, but we saved that for next year. They also had a neat little honey bee hive case you could see the bees. Cam really loved that! </div>
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<i> So far, fall at home has been wonderful and our little man is growing up so fast! *tear*</i></div>
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If you are as excited and ready for fall as I am, I highly suggest visiting Tuttle's for apples and in October they open the pumpkin fields! We usually always go to a certain farm for our pumpkins, which we still love, but this place just had much more to offer and is slightly closer. It's so hard to break tradition, but Camden loved this place!</div>
Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00389847518408333026noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2301027144276906510.post-38342694254444855312013-08-29T15:22:00.000-04:002013-08-29T15:24:16.426-04:00Indiana State Fair<div align="center">
The Indiana State Fair has long been an annual must-do activity for my family. Brad, Camden, and I went this year and it was fun! </div>
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<em>Side note: I wish the Fishers Train had a better schedule with closer times as we barely made one lap around the fairgrounds and had to run to catch the train (or stay another 2 hours when it was Cam's bed time).</em> </div>
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We will most likely drive next year to avoid that and be able to come and go whenever we want. This was the year of Popcorn, which was a little disappointing that I didn't see more popcorn-themed food or displays. I couldn't find the giant ball of popcorn everyone posted pictures of and I only saw two popcorn stands. The Kettle Corn was still pretty amazing! </div>
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What I enjoyed most was the fact that Cam was so into everything and could even ride the kiddie rides! He loved the giant slide and the rides so much I can't wait to take him to an amusement park.</div>
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We haven't had much time to do any kind of vacation so this was a nice break from studying and work to be able to enjoy some time together. It was a perfect day (and $2 Tuesday) so we really enjoyed the weather! </div>
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<em>Brad and Cam waiting to board the train!</em></div>
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<em>Camden was pretty excited to ride the choo choo train, as you can clearly see.</em></div>
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<em>Riding the fair Shetlands!</em></div>
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<em>Picking up some seeds in the kids area.</em></div>
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<em>Enjoying his hot dog and fries. :)</em></div>
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<em>He LOVED this slide! LOVED!</em></div>
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<em>The yearly DNR photo. Man, he's getting too big! ;)</em></div>
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<em>Saying bye-bye to the train. </em></div>
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All in all we had a good time and it was pretty inexpensive since it was $2 Tuesday. $2 entry and $2 food. Win-win. </div>
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Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00389847518408333026noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2301027144276906510.post-91803464913160838202013-07-20T06:00:00.000-04:002013-07-20T06:00:00.992-04:00Camden's 2nd Birthday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Camden celebrated his second birthday a few weeks ago with so many friends and family! We were so happy to see everyone that made it but missed those who couldn't. The theme was a super hero party. We had super suckers (blow pops and tootsie pops), mask-making, a pool, ladderball, food, and good friends.</div>
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<em>Of course the morning of his birthday weekend we gave him our presents because we were gone all day Saturday at a wedding. He couldn't wait to ride his bike! (aka "Bicyc")</em></div>
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<em>The floor pillow I made him. Tutorial <a href="http://bradandkellyjones.blogspot.com/2013/06/sewing-tutorial-floor-cushion-toddler.html" target="_blank">here</a>.</em></div>
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<em>Brad got Cam a pair of binoculars. (aka "knockers" LOL)</em></div>
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<em>Three gen's of Marcov's. My dad, brother and nephew. <3 </em></div>
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<em>Hey, it's his party and he can pick his nose if he wants, right?!</em></div>
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This year he was SO into <em>The Incredibles</em> and super heroes which is why we chose this theme. I wonder if next year he will request anything and what fun stuff he will be getting into. :) Not too soon, though.</div>
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Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00389847518408333026noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2301027144276906510.post-89430318397891592272013-07-19T08:55:00.000-04:002013-07-19T08:59:17.173-04:00Elephant Ears, at home<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Elephant ears are always a must for me at the state fair. I can never resist the deep-fried cinnamon deliciousness (we won't get into the debate, but they're MUCH better than funnel cakes). Anyways, I saw the other day a friend posted on FB about how she made some homemade and I guess I never really thought to do that. It's one hot summer here in the Midwest but we are anxiously awaiting the fair so in the mean time, make a batch of elephant ears and relax by the pool.</div>
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<strong>Elephant Ears</strong> </div>
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Source: <a href="http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Elephant-Ears-2/Detail.aspx?event8=1&prop24=SR_Thumb&e11=elephant%20ears&e8=Quick%20Search&event10=1&e7=Home%20Page" target="_blank">Allrecipes</a></div>
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Yields: 15 (freeze the extra)</div>
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<em>Ingredients</em></div>
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1.5 cups milk</div>
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1 tsp salt</div>
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2 Tbsp white sugar</div>
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3/8 cup shortening</div>
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2 Tbsp active dry yeast</div>
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4 cups all-purpose flour</div>
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1 quart of oil for frying</div>
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3 Tbsp ground cinnamon</div>
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8 Tbsp white sugar</div>
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In a small saucepan on medium heat, combine the milk, salt, 2 tablespoons sugar, and the shortening. Mix well and heat until shortening melts and sugar dissolves. Remove from heat and allow to cool to lukewarm, approximately 110 degrees F. Sprinkle the yeast on top and let sit until foamy.</div>
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Transfer the cooled mixture to a large bowl and stir in the flour to make the dough. Knead until smooth and cover. Allow dough to rise for 30 minutes.</div>
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In a large skillet, heat the quart of oil (about 1 inch) on medium-low heat until mixture reaches about 350 degrees. (<em>Note: I turned my heat down quite a bit after the first two because they were so unevenly cooked so I recommend no higher than 350 F.) </em>Roll dough into 1-2 inch balls and flatten into a thin sheet. Fry the sheets until brown on the bottom, around 40-60 seconds. Flip and cook around the same amount of time. </div>
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Place cooked elephant ear on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb the extra oil. Mix the sugar and cinnamon to make an even mixture and sprinkle on the warm elephant ears. Enjoy warm.</div>
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Now I made about 6 of these ears (some for us and the neighbors), but I froze the excess dough. I will certainly update this to see if that works when I try to make them again. </div>
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These were so tasty and you just have to have a nice, deep-fried treat once in a while. They were flaky and messy, which of course made my toddler absolutely love them. <3 </div>
Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00389847518408333026noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2301027144276906510.post-40775867795529628132013-06-29T06:00:00.000-04:002013-06-29T06:00:00.616-04:00Space saving solutions<div align="center">
When we purchased our home in 2012, we knew that we were going to <em>lose about 800 square feet</em> of space, mostly in the storage and kitchen areas. We were both okay with that considering the significant location and home quality <u>upgrade</u> we were getting. I knew in order to keep up my hoarding of kitchen items/gadgets that I had to invest in some creative solutions.</div>
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I searched around for many inexpensive organization solutions and this is what I came up with:</div>
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<strong>Item #1: Pantry</strong></div>
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We went from a walk-in 6-foot pantry to this. Yup.</div>
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<em>BEFORE</em></div>
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If you're asking yourself, "Is that the smallest pantry I've ever seen?" Yes. It is, my friend.</div>
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My solution was to put in <strong><a href="http://www.lowes.com/pd_51171-362-1395_0__?productId=1091555&Ntt=closet+maid+wire&pl=1&currentURL=%3FNtt%3Dcloset%2Bmaid%2Bwire&facetInfo=" target="_blank">pantry shelving</a></strong> that was custom-cut at Lowe's so that we could have ample storage. We also ended up repainting in there since it was gross and hey, why not.</div>
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As you can also see, we put in a <a href="http://www.amazon.com/simplehuman-Grocery-Holder-Brushed-Stainless/dp/B0001XRNDI/ref=sr_1_1/177-9335980-1389515?s=home-garden&ie=UTF8&qid=1372229711&sr=1-1&keywords=trash+bag+holders" target="_blank">trash bag holder</a> and a command hook to hold my aprons. HUGE space savers right there!</div>
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<em>AFTER</em></div>
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<strong>Item # 2: Cabinet storage</strong></div>
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We cut the number of cabinets that we had in our kitchen in half. Literally. I did the math, cried, and then put on my big girl panties and went to Wal-Mart. </div>
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<em>BEFORE</em></div>
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When I found <a href="http://www.walmart.com/ip/Mainstays-Organizer-Rack-White/16456520" target="_blank">these organizers</a> for less than $5 a piece, my heart (and wallet) were overjoyed. I secured them to the bottom of the cabinet and voila!</div>
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<em>AFTER</em></div>
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Those are probably my <strong>favorite</strong> addition to the kitchen organization. I remember the old days when pans were stacked on more pans and the one you needed was on the bottom. Clanging and banging around to get one dang cookie sheet? No more!</div>
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I also installed something similar in the cabinet where we organize our pots & pans so that the lids are separate and easy to access as well as the pans, too.</div>
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Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00389847518408333026noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2301027144276906510.post-260483905549793982013-06-26T01:48:00.001-04:002013-07-19T10:37:42.925-04:00Sewing tutorial: Floor Cushion (toddler)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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A long, long time ago in a far away land known as life, I pinned <a href="http://www.livingwithpunks.com/2010/05/tutorial-land-of-nod-inspired-floor.html" target="_blank">this tutorial </a>on how to make a pouf or floor cushion. With Cam's upcoming birthday I felt like I should make him something. Yeah, I know the bicycle and binoculars were cool and all, but I wanted something more personal. He always seems to love watching movies (or rather one, <em>The Incredibles</em>) so I figured a floor cushion/pillow would be perfect! (Next project is a bean bag!)</div>
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<strong>Materials needed:</strong></div>
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* 1 yard home décor fabric</div>
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* 2 packages 1/2" premade piping</div>
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* contrasting thread</div>
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* 16-24 oz. fiberfill</div>
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* a napping toddler and approximately 1-2 hours</div>
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<strong><em><u>Step one:</u> </em></strong></div>
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<strong><em>Lay out your fabric and fold so that the shorter ends are together.</em></strong></div>
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<strong><em><u>Step two:</u> </em></strong></div>
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<strong><em>Draw (w/pencil) a 17" diameter circle on the wrong side (or back side) of the fabric. Cut out; you should have two since the fabric is doubled over.</em></strong></div>
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<em><strong>*</strong>Note: using a compass makes this step extremely easy</em></div>
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<strong><em><u>Step three:</u></em></strong></div>
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<strong><em>Cut out <u>two</u> handles 3x12"</em></strong></div>
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<strong><em>Cut <u>one</u> strip of fabric* (for the sides) 9x51.5" </em></strong></div>
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<em><span style="font-size: x-small;"><strong>*</strong>Note: this may need to be two strips sewn together (see next step)</span></em></div>
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<strong><em><u>Step four:</u></em></strong></div>
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<strong><em>Sew the two 9" strips of fabric together if they aren't long enough.</em></strong></div>
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<em>I highly recommend sewing together at a point so that the fabric matches as best as possible. You'll thank me later. </em></div>
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<strong><em><u>Step five:</u></em></strong></div>
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<strong><em>Pin piping to the right side (front) of each of the 17" circles making sure the raw edges of each are aligned.</em></strong></div>
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<strong><em>Using a contrasting thread (to the fabric color), sew along the existing stitching on the piping.</em></strong> </div>
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<strong><em>Sew piping on both sides (lengthwise) onto <u>one</u> of the handle pieces in the same manner.</em></strong></div>
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<em>Be sure to overlap the ends like so:</em></div>
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<em>There's no such thing as too many pins:</em></div>
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<strong><em><u>Step six:</u></em></strong></div>
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<strong><em>Finish the handle by placing the piece with no piping onto the piece with piping, with the right sides facing together/inward.</em></strong></div>
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<strong><em>Sew around all edges along the existing stitching, except one of the shorter edges.</em></strong></div>
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<em><strong>Flip inside out, fold edges inward, and sew open edge together</strong> (don't worry you can hide this stitching later).</em></div>
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<strong><em><u>Step seven:</u></em></strong></div>
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<em><strong>Carefully lay the 9" side piece on top of one of the 17" circle pieces, right sides together facing inward. </strong>Don't pull too hard and leave about 1" on each short end free.</em></div>
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<strong><em>Pin the raw edges together around the circle and 1" free edges together.</em></strong></div>
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<strong><em>Sew a 1/2" seam along the short edge to sew the sides together. Then, sew along the existing stitching to sew the side piece to one of the circles pieces </em></strong></div>
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<strong><em><u>Step eight:</u> </em></strong></div>
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<strong><em>Flip cushion inside out and position the handle where you want it on the right side of the side fabric. Sew into place leaving some slack.</em></strong></div>
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<em>*If you sew over the existing stitching to close the end of the handle, this will then become part of the "decoration" of the fabric.</em></div>
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<em>* Sewing an X and double stitching the edges helps to reinforce/strengthen.</em></div>
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<strong><em><u>Step nine:</u></em></strong></div>
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<strong><em>Flip inside out again and pin the second circle onto the raw edges of the sides. Leave an opening wide enough to turn inside out and fill with fiberfill.</em></strong></div>
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<strong><em><u>Step ten:</u></em></strong></div>
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<strong><em>Flip inside out and fill with fiberfill.</em></strong></div>
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<strong><em><u>Step eleven:</u></em></strong></div>
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<strong><em>Hand stitch closed and enjoy!</em></strong></div>
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<em>Here is another reason why it helps to sew the edges so that they match as best as possible (hiding the seam better):</em></div>
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This is so simple and takes <em>2 hours or less</em> .. even with a beginner seamstress like myself (and no compass to make circles .. you don't want to know). Now go make your kid a movie pillow, or your neighbor's kid, or my kid. ;-) </div>
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**<em>Edit/Note: If you have a toddler, surely you have a sit-and-spin. If not, find one and the bigger, bottom circle is about 18" so I used that for a second floor cushion and it worked great, but I'd use an additional inch or two for the side fabric, just in case the circle is a bit more than 17" around.**</em></div>
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Voila!</div>
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Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00389847518408333026noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2301027144276906510.post-19972563534437940002013-06-02T12:20:00.000-04:002013-06-02T12:20:58.440-04:00The Medical Adventures of Our Family<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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About a month ago we decided to go visit Aunt Rachael so that she could visit with Camden before she trekked out of the country for her graduate work. Unfortunately that trip was cut short when Camden broke his leg. This is his story.</div>
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We decided to meet at Bremin Park in Terre Haute. It was a huge park with a smaller kids play area and a larger play area as well. Cam, Brad, and I were all having fun playing and of course I was taking lots of pictures. </div>
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Rachael and her boyfriend showed up and got in a few snuggles and then let him run around the play ground a bit before we headed to lunch. Since Cam usually loves slides so much I wanted to take him down a big one so we climbed to the tallest one and I set him on my lap.</div>
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On the way down, the bottom of his shoe caught on the side of the slide. I didn't think anything of it and just put his feet in the middle of my legs and we continued down the slide. </div>
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Cue the screams.</div>
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I thought he was scared at first since it was such a big slide. Poor guy! We tried to go to lunch but that didn't work out. I had a bad feeling so I tried putting him down on the ground to stand up and he wouldn't put his foot on the ground at all. Time to head home.</div>
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We headed to my moms house because he was calm and slept the whole way home. As soon as he woke up and we took him out of the car seat, it was screams all over again. I made a decision that it was time to go to the Emergency Department. ASAP!</div>
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They took an X-ray of his little leg and of course it was broken so they put a splint on for the weekend. That following Monday we saw a pediatric orthopedic specialist and they gave him a cool big-kid red cast.</div>
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Once it was casted, he was in much less pain and more mobile (crawling and scooting). </div>
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.. but that's not all ..</div>
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We went to a birthday party for Brad's best friend who has a son that was turning 3. I tried to take care of Cam because Brad hadn't seen his friends in a long time and I wanted them to visit. </div>
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My stomache was killing me that day. I thought it was the cake or candy or junk food I'd eaten at the party.</div>
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We went back to Brad's mom's place and she and Brad went out to the pond to feed the fish with Cam. Regardless of how awful I felt, I was determined to get some photos. :) </div>
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And I did.</div>
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About an hour after that, Brad came back inside to me curled in the fetal position crying/screaming in back pain. He asked if we should go to the ED and I said yes. </div>
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Long story short, I got 6 needle sticks trying to get IV's started and blood drawn, a CT scan, and an US later ... I had gall stones. I had another attack as soon as we left the hospital too. </div>
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Gall stones are THE most painful thing I've ever experienced. Topping child birth, labor, and being in a car accident where I broke my leg. Painful.</div>
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So this past Friday morning I had laproscopic surgery to remove my gall bladder. </div>
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I'm still in pain but I know in the long run I won't be waiting around for that next gall stone attack. Now it's just time to get planning a super party for my best super hero Camden!</div>
<br />Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00389847518408333026noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2301027144276906510.post-46032949321595019602013-05-02T12:01:00.001-04:002013-05-02T12:06:25.719-04:00Update on pretty much everything<div style="text-align: center;">
Camden has been a fantastic little man. He is growing so quickly and learning new things every day. He explores SO much and at times can be a handful, but we couldn't imagine our lives without him. Here are a few things to give you a glimpse into our live with big-man Cam:</div>
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* He is more into<b> watching movies</b> than TV now. His favorites are The Incredible's ("Incre-bras"), Monsters, Nemo, and Lion King. He asks for them by name over and over until we put one in. We usually do movies 1-2 days a week or whenever Brad and I need to study and get something done. It's a great distraction. ;)</div>
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* He still knows and recognizes <b>all his letters </b>and can tell you what letter comes after each one (out of order as well). He can <b>count to 15</b>. He knows a decent amount of<b> shapes</b> (oval, rectangle, square, heart, diamond, circle, triangle, cross...). He is a genius in the works, I tell ya.</div>
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* He absolutely<b> loves to be outside</b>. ALL.THE.TIME. When we go inside around 8pm for bath, he cries so much it hurts to see him sad, but we know he's so tired. He has started to help us with the lawn and gardening and his favorite part is throwing grass seed and using the "shobel" (shovel).</div>
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* He loves <b>saying hi and bye-bye</b> to everyone and everything. He doesn't like to give high-fives as much as he likes to fist-bump or as he likes to call it, "knockers" (knuckles).</div>
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* He has a <b>BFF named Carter</b> at school and we found out his parents live in the same area as us just a few neighborhoods away (walking distance). YAY!</div>
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* When you ask him for a kiss you get a <b>nice, wet, sloppy kiss</b> smack dab on the mouth. It's quick so watch out. </div>
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* His <b>tubes look great </b>according to his ENT doctor and he has only had one ear infection since getting them last October. *knock on wood*</div>
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* He is often times<b> telling you what he wants</b> and doesn't want. He will ask for a certain food or drink now and if you offer him something he doesn't want, he'll say no. </div>
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* Speaking of food, we've tried slowly<b> reintroducing strawberries</b> into his diet to recheck his allergy. It was blueberries that he had a mild allergic reaction to, so I'll wait a little longer on those. So far so good on the strawberries!</div>
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*<b> He's a mama's boy.</b> When I'm in the house or in the room, he asks for me. If I'm at clinical or work and he knows only Brad is home he's totally fine though. He also loves spending the night at grandma's house and does really well; I just always forget little details like he sleeps with a night light, etc. </div>
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As for school and work, Brad is taking two exams to finish his Actuarial studies (less a project he's still working on). I am finishing my first semester of clinical and nursing school. It's been a crazy and emotional first round, but I know it's worth it. I got a PRN job at the hospital where we have clinicals at and absolutely love it there! I get to see trauma's, orthopedic and spine patients, etc. I got to see leech therapy this week on a lacerated and reattached finger. </div>
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Overall we are doing great, but busy and overwhelmed a bit. Things should calm down over the summer when my school load lightens up a little, Brad has more exams done, and we get to actually see each other.. hopefully. ;-)</div>
Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00389847518408333026noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2301027144276906510.post-27061020964463682042013-03-08T06:00:00.000-05:002013-03-08T06:00:07.614-05:00Flashback Friday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
One year ago this month ...</div>
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<em>We were moving, just sold our house.</em></div>
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<em>We took our first trip to the zoo.</em></div>
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<em>Aunt Rachael came to visit.</em></div>
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<em>First trip to the park was a success and was subsequently followed by many more.</em></div>
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<em>Park fun!</em></div>
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<em>Cam was sitting up like a champ, crawling everywhere, pulling up on everything, and very active.</em></div>
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<em>And BOY did he love to eat! Any finger food!</em></div>
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<em></em> </div>
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I can't believe we've been in our home almost a year. A place we can <strong>happily</strong> call our home.</div>
<br />Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00389847518408333026noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2301027144276906510.post-90191426487620572812013-01-25T23:20:00.001-05:002013-01-25T23:20:34.493-05:00Photography editing<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I ususally use the basic (free) programs on my computer to edit my pictures. Finally I started to poke around Photoshop Elements 10 that I have (thanks, sis). I figure, if I have the nice expensive camera and know how to mostly use it, why am I just editing in Windows Live Photo Gallery?</div>
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I've still yet to take a class or read a single book about Photoshop and picture editing, but I like to learn from experience. The following photos are just some edits I made tonight of some recent photos to get started. </div>
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<em>Side note: my birthday is coming up and I've asked for a Photoshop how-to book so hopefully I can find a spare minute or two in between clinicals and pharmacology to read up.</em></div>
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<strong>SOOC (straight out of camera)</strong></div>
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<strong>edited photo</strong></div>
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<strong>SOOC</strong> </div>
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<strong>edited photo</strong></div>
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I'm no expert nor do I really have any clue what kinds of tools this program has to offer, but this is just the beginning! I can't wait to go back and edit some of his baby photos. </div>
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Speaking of which, I'm SO FAR behind in backing up my pics. Someone please come do that for me while I study. K thanks. </div>
Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00389847518408333026noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2301027144276906510.post-52557641112566777612013-01-23T15:39:00.002-05:002013-01-25T21:22:23.531-05:00Here we go ...<div align="center">
I've successfully completed my first few weeks of nursing school. I can't really comment on how the workload is because I've yet to have an exam or anything graded. </div>
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As for myself (aka a mess), I can definitely comment on that.</div>
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When I finally decided to apply to nursing school, I was nervous but excited. I wasn't sure if I'd even get in, much less be good at it or enjoy it. I got in and then <strong>things got real</strong>.</div>
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I had to find money to pay for (very expensive and private) tuition, bills, day care, etc.</div>
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Register for classes.</div>
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Buy uniforms, scrubs.</div>
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Figure out how to motivate myself to study because ALL of my classes are online.</div>
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ALL.</div>
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Let's just say the library and I have become well acquainted these last few weeks.</div>
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In the first few days of classes officially starting, I was full of butterflies (and an upper respiratory infection). I quickly doubted myself. </div>
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<em>Is this something I CAN do? </em></div>
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<em>Am I sacrificing too much? </em></div>
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<em>How much debt will I actually accrue? </em></div>
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<em>Should I just drop out and work until I become a SAHM? </em></div>
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<em>Why did I want to do this in the first place?</em></div>
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Lots of doubts and questions bombarded me in that first week. I still am a little nervous, but feeling much more confident that <strong><u>I chose the right path for myself and my family</u></strong>. I know that in the end this is really what I want to do (and will be great at). </div>
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One reason I know is because I've read every word of every chapter and studied like crazy in just a mere week-and-a-half. I love this information and just inhale it; soak it all in. I can't help but ask myself why I wasn't in nursing school to begin with.</div>
Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00389847518408333026noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2301027144276906510.post-32043493920907580422013-01-04T06:00:00.000-05:002013-01-04T06:00:01.287-05:00Kitchen upgrade!<div align="center">
As our Christmas gift this year, we received new Corian countertops in our kitchen. With it, we purchased a new faucet, under mount sink, and garbage disposal. Here are some of the before and after pictures. </div>
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The main thing I've learned with solid surface countertops is that you really have to dry them when cleaning. Otherwise, they leave an awful-looking spotty film on the surface. </div>
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<strong>BEFORE: </strong></div>
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<strong>AFTER:</strong></div>
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We painted the walls green as well. For the last picture, there are three electrical boxes that we found behind the tile on the wall. (A BIG NO NO.) We aren't sure what the far left one is (maybe an internet or phone), but the middle one is an electrical outlet we plan on rewiring back over there. The far right box was the old light switches that they rewired to the upper white cabinet so that will stay a panel as well. It looks SO MUCH BETTER than the ugly, flowery, white tile. :)</div>
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They look amazing and really give our kitchen that well polished look!</div>
Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00389847518408333026noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2301027144276906510.post-2729797038256767272013-01-01T22:44:00.000-05:002013-01-01T22:44:01.421-05:002012 recap<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Here are some of the highlights from last year. It was such an amazing year and I hope this year is even better! No complaints other than time is going by too quickly and I watch my son grow, learn, interact and it just astounds me. I'm blessed and so incredibly happy!</div>
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~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~</div>
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<strong>JANUARY:</strong></div>
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I was a stay-at-home-mom.</div>
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I started sewing and absolutely fell in love with it.</div>
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<strong>FEBRUARY:</strong></div>
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Super Bowl XLVI was in Indianapolis.</div>
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We listed our home for sale.</div>
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<strong>MARCH:</strong></div>
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Our home sold and we found a new home.</div>
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(I was a little sad because this is the home we brought our son home to.)</div>
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Moving, moving, and more moving.</div>
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<strong>APRIL:</strong></div>
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We moved into an amazing house in an amazing neighborhood.</div>
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I participated in Race for a Cure in Indianapolis with a big group of my mom friends.</div>
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<strong>MAY: </strong></div>
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I participated in a local Mud Run. </div>
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Then, I couldn't walk for 3 days.</div>
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We enrolled Camden in swimming lessons that he loved.</div>
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Then we had to ditch them because he couldn't shake several ear infections.</div>
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Cam had his first professional haircut.</div>
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<strong>JUNE: </strong></div>
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My first-born son turned 1!</div>
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I started a new job.</div>
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<strong>JULY: </strong></div>
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Camden got to finally get out on the lake (it was a HOT summer).</div>
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We also spent a lot of time at the water park, despite the water bans.</div>
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Camden started walking early this month!</div>
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<strong>AUGUST:</strong></div>
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I decided to take the last few prerequisites and apply to nursing school.</div>
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We went to the state fair (which was SO much fun!)</div>
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<strong>SEPTEMBER:</strong></div>
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The BMW Championship came to Carmel, Indiana and Brad and I went sans baby.</div>
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We saw Brad's old baseball coach and buddies at his alma mater for an alumni game.</div>
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<strong>OCTOBER:</strong></div>
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Camden went trick-or-treating for the first time.</div>
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He was a dog.</div>
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Camden also had surgery this month to get tubes in because of all the ear infections.</div>
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Surgery went well and not a single infection since!</div>
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<strong>NOVEMBER:</strong></div>
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It was unseasonably warm and we hung out with friends and saw Santa.</div>
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I broke my foot doing planks with the P90X video, but sadly the xray was misdiagnosed as negative.</div>
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I walked on a badly broken foot until after Christmas.</div>
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The election was this month.</div>
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<strong>DECEMBER:</strong></div>
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I quit my job (very recently).</div>
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I got accepted into an accelerated 16-month nursing program!</div>
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We celebrated lots of Christmas' with family and friends.</div>
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Camden LOVES Santa.</div>
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My foot was diagnosed as broken the day after Christmas.</div>
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I had to drive home from the podiatrist in a blizzard with a walking cast.</div>
Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00389847518408333026noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2301027144276906510.post-16415794841159589752012-12-30T20:55:00.000-05:002012-12-30T20:57:13.488-05:00Christmas Cheer<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I hope that everyone had a wonderful holiday! We celebrated Christmas at home, just the three of us and it was so peaceful and wonderful. It's almost 2013 so I've got to catch up on updates since I know there won't be too much free time I will have in the next few years. </div>
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Camden is keeping us on our toes and is constantly impressing us with his smarts, good looks, and quirky noises. :) I'll have a special end of the year post (that'll make it to the blog I'm sure some time early January) to update everyone on Cam's personality, things he's doing lately, etc. I can't wait to update! He's so smart (and yes, I'm biased.)</div>
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Camden had several Christmas' that he celebrated. His auntie Rachael and grandma Sharon came up the weekend before Christmas, we celebrated with grandma Laura the next day and then Christmas Eve we celebrated with grandpa Ivan. This past weekend he got yet another Christmas with his other grandpa Jones! He's the first grandchild for all but my dad so of course he gets every single toy at the toy store. (Talk about spoiled!)</div>
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Santa. Usually Santa is the scariest part of Christmas for a toddler. Not my son! I don't know how we did it, but he loves Santa! He is totally infatuated with him and probably set some kind of record for the only 18-month-old to not cry on his lap. Hah! I totally love that he likes Santa. It comes and goes because last year he cried. This year I couldn't keep him away. I just hope he still loves him next year! </div>
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Santa came to our house and Camden had TONS of presents! He even got a neat little table which I think will come in handy for drawings and crafts in the future.</div>
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Camden received tons of toys, both small and large (a couple basketball goals, car, etc.) as well as lots of clothes. I made sure he got lots of things he needed: socks, pants, and shirts. The only thing I need to stock up on is next year's winter coat and snow suit once they go on clearance. 0:)</div>
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My mom had a gorgeous tree this year so I took lots of pictures by it. I am not sure they are going to keep it since the white stuff kept falling off and I'm sure it was a pain to clean up. Either way, it made for some amazing pictures! </div>
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We didn't have a white Christmas, but we did have a white week-after-Christmas. We received about 5-7 inches of snow the day after Christmas and then a few days after that, we got another 6 inches. It was very snowy and luckily I had the entire week off for vacation I wanted to use before starting school again.</div>
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Camden didn't like the snow at first and didn't enjoy when his hands got cold (understandably), but once he saw Brad and the dog playing and having fun, he warmed up.</div>
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Of course the dog had tons of fun in the snow! He is such a princess when it comes to rain and won't go outside, but when it comes to snow he turns into what I like to call a snow bunny.</div>
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I hope you and yours had a wonderful holiday and ring in the new year with good health and happy hearts.</div>
Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00389847518408333026noreply@blogger.com0