tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-89425004404519638992024-02-19T18:52:44.714-06:00Little House in the OzarksGrowing a family in Rogers, Arkansas. Search the archives for tons if info on, international teaching, and living in Honduras, German shepherds, and babies, babies, babies!Karine and Tomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16599620021231636598noreply@blogger.comBlogger701125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8942500440451963899.post-89127021129957801262020-09-21T22:46:00.002-05:002020-09-21T22:47:16.250-05:00One thing our family has been up to...<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/3SA1LjoUqQo" width="320" youtube-src-id="3SA1LjoUqQo"></iframe></div><br /> <p></p>Karine and Tomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16599620021231636598noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8942500440451963899.post-81290966910961672482015-12-13T00:27:00.002-06:002016-11-30T20:28:19.680-06:002015: Lewandowski Family Year in ReviewSo 2015 is almost another chapter in the books... Blogging seems to have become a thing of the past for us. Blogging... Is it the flip phone of social media? Below is a brief recap of some of the most important things that happened in our family this year.<br />
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<b>Family </b><br />
<b>Accomplishments: </b> Visited Myrtle Beach, SC, Charlotte, NC, Minnesota (Seeing many family members and friends), Omaha, NE and Branson, MO all in our Honda Odyssey Minivan. Road Trip!!! Balanced full-time teaching careers, school careers, and a full-time nanny in our home. Mastered 4 player Minecraft on our Xbox 360. Founded Lew Scouts- a small organization dedicated to fun, family, friendship, and adventure. <br />
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Kitchen: Before... (But after wallpaper removal and floor remodel) and After! <br />
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<b style="font-weight: bold;">Life Events:</b> Kitchen Makeover 2015 (Goodbye Honey Oak!) </div>
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<b>Goals: </b>Do a "long-term" tent camping trip (3-5 nights) in a national park in 2016!<br />
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<b>Tom - </b>Thirty something.<br />
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<b>Accomplishment: </b> Finished his first full school year and began a second year teaching 9th grade English at <a href="http://www.nth.rogersschools.net/">Rogers New Technology High School </a> This project-based learning school is making waves in education as the facilitators guide learners through projects that integrate American History and Literature. Tom loves his work and does it well. He's also been an enthusiastic bicycle commuter, taking advantage of bike trails and city streets on his daily 10 mile commute. <br />
<b>Life event: </b>Celebrated seven wonderful years of marriage to Karine. Other events <b>TBD</b><br />
<b>Goal: TBD</b><br />
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<b>Karine- </b>Also thirty-something (though 3 months younger than Tom)<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA-C3pQekOvUORQ0-7vSZHKYtEzy1ru_k-9c_zUlBRzoYLg9RqiUNami6gZtgnpvJQeiz0F3mNgRcPmSkow9tVo20YmWqSJWhG6E0qrbREHwn7jNpzzWYfrdB79DYQzbIKK0-rVy-wHzs/s1600/IMG_3262.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA-C3pQekOvUORQ0-7vSZHKYtEzy1ru_k-9c_zUlBRzoYLg9RqiUNami6gZtgnpvJQeiz0F3mNgRcPmSkow9tVo20YmWqSJWhG6E0qrbREHwn7jNpzzWYfrdB79DYQzbIKK0-rVy-wHzs/s320/IMG_3262.jpg" width="240" /></a><br />
<b>Accomplishment: </b> Began 10th year of teaching this year. I teach 6th, 7th and 8th grade ESL classes at <a href="http://www.gl.rogersschools.net/">Lingle Middle School</a> in Rogers. These classes are for students who primarily speak Spanish or another language at home, and are still working towards academic proficiency in their reading, writing, and speaking. I spent a big part of my summer writing curriculum for our district. I love my small classes and personal relationships with many of my students! <br />
<b>Life event: </b> I gave away the last of my maternity clothes this year! :) 4 kids in, I'm embracing motherhood and stretching and growing each day as I meet a new stage of motherhood. Tom and I also worked very hard on a kitchen makeover this August/September and it's made cooking dinner each night so much more exciting! <br />
<b>Goal: </b>Fitness in 2015!<br />
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<b>Zeke: Almost 7 years old... </b><br />
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<b>Accomplishment:</b> Reader of the Week 2 times over this school year. Also, Zeke's Cave Den in Minecraft (an online/Xbox video game) is off the hook. He loves all things Minecraft, Lego and science shows with Dad. Favorite shows include Nova, Cosmos, and anything science/geology.<br />
<b>Life event:</b> Finished kindergarten and began 1st Grade with a bang! <br />
<b>Goal:</b> Become a Geologist and get that first pesky wiggly front tooth to come out. <br />
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<b>Ezra:</b> <b>Turned 5 on November 7.</b><br />
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<b>Accomplishment: </b> Sending thoughtful hand-made gifts to school with every member of the family this year. This generous member of the family has honed his artistry this year, and enjoys coloring, drawing, and creating gifts for others.<br />
<b>Life event: </b> Ezra has developed muscle tone as he proves to be an athlete. He runs, jumps, plays and gives 100% of his energy and emotion in all that he does. Ezra loves soccer, wrestling, snuggling, and making art.<br />
<b>Goal:</b> Ride a bike without training wheels. <br />
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<b>Zadie: </b> <b>Turned 5</b><b> on November 7.</b><br />
<b>Accomplishment: </b>Style! Zadie has started to develop her own taste and style for what she wears.<br />
<b>Life event: </b>Zadie has taken pride in learning to sing along with several of her favorite "hits" like Katy Perry's "Roar" and Zedd's chart topper "Clarity". Zadie loves jumping on the trampoline, playing with animals and teaching others about the My Little Pony wonders of Equestria. Her favorite pony is Pinkie Pie because of her social and party planning skills. <br />
<b>Goal: </b>Become a "Microphone Singer". <br />
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<b>Elizabeth: Turned 1 on September 3.</b><br />
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<b>Accomplishment: </b> Walking! Ellie took her first steps right after her 1st birthday, but waited until almost 15 months old to really begin walking full time. She climbs ladders, on top of tables, chases siblings and tells others "No, no!" about a myriad of household activities. This little firecracker is sure<br />
to bring us many adventures in 2016.<br />
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<b>Life event:</b> Eating solid foods, talking, walking, not sleeping through the night, keeping up with brothers and sister! <br />
<b>Goal:</b> Learn to talk and eliminate diapers from Lewandowski home FOREVER!!! <br />
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<br />Karine and Tomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16599620021231636598noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8942500440451963899.post-90743327678631421522014-09-03T17:20:00.000-05:002015-02-14T07:33:25.457-06:00Happy Birthday Elizabeth Jean LewandowskiElizabeth Jean Lewandowski has arrived! <br />
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On September 3, 2014, our family welcomed Elizabeth into the world. She was born at 4:01pm, weighing 8 lbs. 6 oz. and was 20 inches long. We are thrilled! <br />
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The Birth Story:<br />
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Labor Day (9/1) had come and gone, and no baby yet. I had begun teaching for the first week of Professional Development and the first two weeks with middle school students. I had planned to begin my leave on Labor Day and the baby was going to arrive then. Tuesday (9/2), I went to see the doc and while I was dilated some, she wasn't coming yet. I was hoping to have a VBAC again, and my doctor was on board, as long as all was going okay.<br />
The doctor offered me two options- wait it out and see when baby girl decided to arrive (however, he was going out of town and wouldn't be able to deliver past Wednesday) or induce delivery on Wednesday morning (40 weeks) and have a plan in place with all of the big players present (my doc, Tom, nanny for kids, granparents on deck). I was ready to meet this little girl!<br />
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So, Tuesday night we loaded up Zeke, Ezra, and Zadie and brought them over to Nana and Papa's house. After the dropoff, we headed out for a "last supper" before being parents of 4. Zaxby's buffalo chicken salad was my choice. Yum! <br />
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In the early, dark, hours of the morning on September 3, we headed off to the hospital. I got checked in and the hooked me up to the IV and Pitocin. The nurses had induced thousands of women, so they told me early on that based on what they'd seen, I would probably labor with contractions from about 9am-3:30pm, and then the baby would be born sometime between 3:30 and 4:00pm. <br />
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Experience with the twins had taught me that an epidural was my friend. As soon as the contractions began to be too uncomfortable, I had an epidural put in. We then proceeded to watch 8 or 9 episodes of HGTV's best- Real estate brothers, house filpping, and even a few food shows. Just after 3:30 the nurse came in and told me that I was fully dilated, and the doc would be in soon. It was time to push and meet this baby girl! <br />
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I was eager to meet our baby girl, and I pushed like crazy. After 3 totally incredible pushes on my part, she was almost out. One final push and our baby girl was born! 4:01 pm on on September 3. She cried right away and we could see that she was big and healthy! <br />
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In those first hours, Elizabeth quickly latched on and began breastfeeding. She was so sweet and we all loved her immediately. We had visits from the big kids and Nana and Papa. We watched some more HGTV, Elizabeth slept and we were in new baby blissland. <br />
<br />On day 2, the doctors suggested that Elizabeth would benefit from spending some time under the lamps, as she was a bit jaundiced. It was tough to see our little baby girl under the big lights, but after an extra night in the hospital under the light, she was finally ready to go home. <br />
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And that's the story of our sweet baby Elizabeth's birth!<br />
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<br />Karine and Tomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16599620021231636598noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8942500440451963899.post-28703443740560523562014-02-14T06:54:00.000-06:002015-02-14T07:03:32.644-06:00Hey! We're having a 4th Baby! <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The bump came on a lot faster and seemed bigger than the others...</div>
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3-D Ultrasound Pic- Isn't she cute! </div>
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Off to the hospital to have a baby! 9/3/14</div>
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<br />Karine and Tomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16599620021231636598noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8942500440451963899.post-81111637295181807122014-02-07T20:21:00.000-06:002014-02-07T20:21:25.165-06:00Zeke's 5th Birthday PartyLego! Lego! Lego! On February 2, Zeke turned 5! He had a Lego-themed birthday this year. 6 little boys from his preschool class (and a few younger siblings and parents) celebrated Zeke's 5th birthday last weekend. We extended the Lego theme about as far as we could
manage. Lego invitations were sent out. <br />
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<span style="text-align: start;">We melted crayons into minifigure molds as a part of the goodie bags for guests. I purchased some </span><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Building-Bricks-Minifigure-Candy-lovers/dp/B007MJFVJM/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1391824015&sr=8-2&keywords=lego+ice+cube+tray" style="text-align: start;">handy-dandy silicone molds</a><span style="text-align: start;"> off of Amazon that we used for the cool minifigure crayons and brick-candy cupcake toppers. The bricks we made out of Wilton Candy melts (the same thing people use for cake pops and such). I loved how our pre-party crafting worked out! </span></div>
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I made the piñata out of two cereal boxes, paper maché and some tissue paper. The weather didn't allow for an outside piñata, but Tom rigged up his branch-trimming pole and used a chair to bring the fun indoors! <br />
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CANDY!!!!<br />
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We served pizza, apple juice, fruit, and cupcakes! Zeke decorated the plates to resemble his favorite minifigure faces. </div>
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Games included: </div>
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Tower building contests (Awards given to tallest, squarest, strongest base, wiggliest, and cutest), </div>
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Lego-bag toss, and brick free-play. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggwc198hWNRjUJlXGoZJWm3yqOU_66K3dqreYN3CbiIqKdip5LA94o1IkFDvYIu-js2qphIUKf_NtAlGCT1vQQmt5hSlEoM7HyYPMwaSrINIweR0zeD6MX59tyfXilujtD1070hmyP6qQ/s1600/DSC_7230.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggwc198hWNRjUJlXGoZJWm3yqOU_66K3dqreYN3CbiIqKdip5LA94o1IkFDvYIu-js2qphIUKf_NtAlGCT1vQQmt5hSlEoM7HyYPMwaSrINIweR0zeD6MX59tyfXilujtD1070hmyP6qQ/s1600/DSC_7230.JPG" height="214" width="320" /></a></div>
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Zeke even received some awesome gifts from his friends. It was such a fun party! </div>
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Karine and Tomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16599620021231636598noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8942500440451963899.post-12245031007949021642013-12-13T22:23:00.000-06:002013-12-13T22:23:36.313-06:00Lewandowski Year in Review 2013The year has been busy. So busy we haven't blogged. The year has, however, been wonderful and we wanted to share a sort of "Christmas Letter" with those who may be interested. I often find it awkward to try to write a Christmas letter in 3<sup>rd</sup>
person. Instead, I’ll just write in
first person, and you’ll have to know that the “I” is Karine. :) <br />
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Winter –Spring 2013<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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Big changes in the household!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In January, I went back to work as a
teacher.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I accepted a position as an ESL
English and Reading teacher.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I began in
an elementary school and moved up to a middle school position in March.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I love being an active part of the Rogers
Public School system here and have found it rewarding to work with students
whose families speak mostly Spanish.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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My return to teaching coincided with a semester of evening
graduate school classes for Tom and full-time Stay At Home Dad during the
daytime.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What a special time this was
for both father and children.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They had
some incredible bonding and our house was somehow always clean!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He’s a wonderful father and the kids
flourished with the extra dad-time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Tom
took education classes towards his Master of Art in Teaching at the University
of Arkansas.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His favorite class was an
Adolescent Literature class that focused on graphic novels and comic
books.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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Zeke, Zadie, and Ezra enjoyed playing outside daily in the
warm Arkansas winter and early spring.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>They loved their “WHEEEEEEE”s (big pushes on <span style="text-align: center;">the swings), digging in the sandbox, and walks to the neighborhood park.</span>
Tom took the kids on several outings including a few visits to the
incredibly awesome Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art. Zeke attended preschool 2 mornings per week
and loved playing with his friends there. </div>
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Summer 2013<o:p></o:p></div>
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Potty Training!!!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>For the past 4.5 years, we have had 2-3 kids in diapers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We very much looked forward to the day that
we would not have diapers around our house anymore.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Success!!!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Our house became diaper-free in June.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We haven’t looked back since.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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More graduate school…<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I took part in a 2 week intensive graduate coursework program called ESL
Academy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>13 long days of studying and
classes for me, and long summer days at home for the kids and Tom.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Tom also took graduate classes in July in
preparation for his student teaching/internship in the fall.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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Swimming- we loved
the water this summer! Rogers just built
a new Aquatic Center that we visited a few times. We also liked the Bentonville city pool and a
few others we managed to dive into. The
twins jumped off the side of the pool thousands of times and Zeke discovered
the magic of swimming. Once he got his
face in the water, he was able to swim independently- this was so exciting for
a couple of former-lifeguard parents. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3i7EBM8B_nK90uia_PJNtcZVfkD8MOpiwyijS0KN8-m22GPb7Uc1aaIWbUoQ07wmh0TMyQuSRWilzMi6KNqsnrd87093zrGSOPP05HebpaBbKhbvI-0Ux_DLoTT-VUy5gTx3JMTfy13U/s1600/IMG_1670.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3i7EBM8B_nK90uia_PJNtcZVfkD8MOpiwyijS0KN8-m22GPb7Uc1aaIWbUoQ07wmh0TMyQuSRWilzMi6KNqsnrd87093zrGSOPP05HebpaBbKhbvI-0Ux_DLoTT-VUy5gTx3JMTfy13U/s320/IMG_1670.jpg" width="240" /></a>In July, we traveled north for a two-week visit to
Minnesota.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There, we spent time with the
Piersmas and other friends, we connected with Nelson/Zabell cousins and family,
and we enjoyed a bit of time in the Twin Cities.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn178g1OpRpu6gLrtUqwAuDPhHWLb11b-9gm-U5C53epNB7oR0unkEGDf46uu5gBsGzzg2Wf2NMdl685GGkMDg34E3PIbYT0BLNVMLqWrJd8HOy8ikR37tEq-IRydjiE4NYYKpWZq0Ty0/s1600/DSC_6577.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn178g1OpRpu6gLrtUqwAuDPhHWLb11b-9gm-U5C53epNB7oR0unkEGDf46uu5gBsGzzg2Wf2NMdl685GGkMDg34E3PIbYT0BLNVMLqWrJd8HOy8ikR37tEq-IRydjiE4NYYKpWZq0Ty0/s320/DSC_6577.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7b0_wlB1S_R6oq6myPxVul-EhdA7aFt9pjY3YvY8xX7mBjrM83YsGUF_c3L_dk57zuQPMQ-8-c_FD7fLbDDC6Mk78uTwfiVnUaaKA5flJBIEEmPPWI_NY8-kykwntOQR7tUJrYwjtUWs/s1600/DSC_6761.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7b0_wlB1S_R6oq6myPxVul-EhdA7aFt9pjY3YvY8xX7mBjrM83YsGUF_c3L_dk57zuQPMQ-8-c_FD7fLbDDC6Mk78uTwfiVnUaaKA5flJBIEEmPPWI_NY8-kykwntOQR7tUJrYwjtUWs/s320/DSC_6761.JPG" width="320" /></a>Then, we reunited with the
Lewandowski/Notch/Roesner cousins, aunts, uncles, and Grandma Jean.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our annual trip to New Frontier Resort up in
Park Rapids was full of sunshine and memory-making.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>sun, sand, crafts, food, and late nights.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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<o:p></o:p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUMvEIIRWFA4SeL8Y97FeE_g4DXRhc5QNSRvyuh8RwbyjqMeLA7_9wRj7yhtphMGsmU5jH2jyh18mM1mdn2xUolKdFhqTgsOD_IFyJSTzpSzAkfG4qGu-2yGbUqfmb-vgl3Uw1EBj9FpI/s1600/DSC_6641.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUMvEIIRWFA4SeL8Y97FeE_g4DXRhc5QNSRvyuh8RwbyjqMeLA7_9wRj7yhtphMGsmU5jH2jyh18mM1mdn2xUolKdFhqTgsOD_IFyJSTzpSzAkfG4qGu-2yGbUqfmb-vgl3Uw1EBj9FpI/s320/DSC_6641.JPG" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJCrDyRHUwYQVbBku1V2-akHpBiEEeoE6mlGo4MwUUiJNDmFlJt61DuyynGxbWyYoDJKZE7Gg07K-g5vX-KeGWtePadnfY2pNez3HAATBeTMwqSjh1UWraP8FEC1pWWqz4ILQRDc_gzeg/s1600/IMG_1179.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJCrDyRHUwYQVbBku1V2-akHpBiEEeoE6mlGo4MwUUiJNDmFlJt61DuyynGxbWyYoDJKZE7Gg07K-g5vX-KeGWtePadnfY2pNez3HAATBeTMwqSjh1UWraP8FEC1pWWqz4ILQRDc_gzeg/s320/IMG_1179.jpg" width="239" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF2FRlGwjm0bbLiPsAMaHvwTgTIdVgt6y-6waflUSdhQ5ZzZ8N4-rjUzDb5FgTCLdlymsYcpkM_Ccx0y9fl4Afl3veJLNpbVPcmTX8u4MiHn7IJD220UaaDHBYjHp-e2lhqWoj_r6Cmv4/s1600/DSC_6804.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF2FRlGwjm0bbLiPsAMaHvwTgTIdVgt6y-6waflUSdhQ5ZzZ8N4-rjUzDb5FgTCLdlymsYcpkM_Ccx0y9fl4Afl3veJLNpbVPcmTX8u4MiHn7IJD220UaaDHBYjHp-e2lhqWoj_r6Cmv4/s320/DSC_6804.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Fall –Winter (again!)2013<o:p></o:p></div>
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School began in August, along with more big changes for our
family.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was still teaching middle
school ESL, and Tom began his year-long student teaching internship as an
English teacher.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was placed at
Oakdale Middle school, where I actually teach for the first two periods of the
day before traveling to a different middle school.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We enjoyed driving to school together and
bumping into each other in the teacher’s lounge.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Tom found success in engaging students in
writing projects.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I thought the most
interesting project he did was the “Soundtrack of My Life” project in which
students wrote and shared about their personal connections to songs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was a great way to learn more about the
lives of these kids.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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Speaking of kids, our own have been thriving this fall/early winter!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We hired a nanny over the summer who comes to
our house each school day and lovingly cares for our three kids.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She’s actually a twin herself and is still
best friends with her brother today!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our
nanny has become a special part of our family this year and we are grateful for
a dependable, loving, and creative childcare provider.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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Zeke has continued to attend a morning preschool program for
4 year olds here at a local church.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He’s
mastered numbers and letter sounds this fall and will be moving toward reading
some beginning words in the next few months!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>His #1 hobby is playing with Legos.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Zeke even sleeps with a Lego catalog next to his bed every night (and
has been since July) He loves to build and create all types of rescue vehicles
with crazy adaptations.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Tom and Ezra
also have joined Zeke in building some cities and towns on our Lego table.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p> </o:p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXjbkkLKJKpr-4nyp_Vm0i1ZhZagqUonPuIes8Ug1RgLUNzx4itzeTK6IMXuT2Um8YT8KMZHLPMmyIHJzA3t4SnlpU7TTmnFDmuB739ZJIG4V4_B2rGEsaJCnI7VQ_zvKp1Y6Db3n0bAE/s1600/DSC_6958.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXjbkkLKJKpr-4nyp_Vm0i1ZhZagqUonPuIes8Ug1RgLUNzx4itzeTK6IMXuT2Um8YT8KMZHLPMmyIHJzA3t4SnlpU7TTmnFDmuB739ZJIG4V4_B2rGEsaJCnI7VQ_zvKp1Y6Db3n0bAE/s320/DSC_6958.JPG" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxz8-GXPOKoOKCvL6xnfZ5jD59K71mKNtyw-yD4MvW2-3_Q663Hr5_-vLtGVqTj26fHBLvY2l8XA6HHj2XUjaVFeM9WhFZUNJz1NqAL_zTzimjjWybFg68_7GfgSTCtM6CVh-siRnteDQ/s1600/DSC_7011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxz8-GXPOKoOKCvL6xnfZ5jD59K71mKNtyw-yD4MvW2-3_Q663Hr5_-vLtGVqTj26fHBLvY2l8XA6HHj2XUjaVFeM9WhFZUNJz1NqAL_zTzimjjWybFg68_7GfgSTCtM6CVh-siRnteDQ/s320/DSC_7011.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Our twins are growing so quickly too!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They celebrated their 3<sup>rd</sup>
birthdays in November, and we can hardly believe how quickly time has
gone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ezra is no longer our quiet and
reserved toddler.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He’s loud and
strong!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ezra loves to play superheros,
holler, run, and jump!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ezra is also
really into painting and art this year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He loves doing art projects, and our nanny has been happy to indulge
him!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ezra has fun exploring games and
activities outside like soccer, digging in the sandbox, and chasing the
dog.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While he loves to play hard, he
can snuggle and cuddle with the best of them! <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p> </o:p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6LUFeWHNwe5BU-Dgs1ZseeIoP-y5pfQLbtez-IR_H7FMr9OLkqCGVs03vzl11RNyZJRmcZyolWwruHEToLeG4nDMxo2aSO9yQFkisjoJZHgUyRSgLtOtxKDMJ4IJQIXLV_DvM9-w5kU8/s1600/DSC_7117.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6LUFeWHNwe5BU-Dgs1ZseeIoP-y5pfQLbtez-IR_H7FMr9OLkqCGVs03vzl11RNyZJRmcZyolWwruHEToLeG4nDMxo2aSO9yQFkisjoJZHgUyRSgLtOtxKDMJ4IJQIXLV_DvM9-w5kU8/s320/DSC_7117.jpg" width="214" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Zadie is growing into such a sweet little girl.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She’s happy to tag along with her brothers
and play with them, yet can play independently for an hour in her own fantasy
world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She loves wearing tutus, singing
original songs (often about following rules) , and playing with her (imaginary)
“ballet friends.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While Zadie has not
begun any formal ballet training, a great deal of dancing is done in our living
room and kitchen each night.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She adores
our dog, Roxy, and the love is reciprocated by the dog.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s a special bond.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv69WjVF5bxoX7JjAJgTvsB_1p9CdQaw2qsqvTjRy6fioNHOuaLpntyF2Th5f1yOTWU0LPv8LQSxY1PaQ7b6Lhp7wv6qgJW4a4Cl0QxaJSEvkVQgGwmXgGZiGEjmIuXgXd8HW60LhKFXw/s1600/DSC_7158.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv69WjVF5bxoX7JjAJgTvsB_1p9CdQaw2qsqvTjRy6fioNHOuaLpntyF2Th5f1yOTWU0LPv8LQSxY1PaQ7b6Lhp7wv6qgJW4a4Cl0QxaJSEvkVQgGwmXgGZiGEjmIuXgXd8HW60LhKFXw/s320/DSC_7158.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As for me, (Karine- in case you forgot who was writing
this), I’ve been happily finding my rhythm as a working mom.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I love my job, and appreciate that my
schedule allows me to be with my family by 4pm most days.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve enjoyed doing some craft and sewing projects,
trying new recipes, and reading a few books in the evenings.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I look forward to Friday nights all week
long.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We celebrate “Family Movie Night”
every Friday with pizza and a movie for the whole family.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s a fun small tradition that I
cherish.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p> </o:p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibGY10NxvjqxK__J2Bg4_S4lzZPzrPd61sPMbrRoSpdpSO8n1bG2zrEKeHbskQMdmZk3VUwZNY1fBRH84PmhRve9D6acm4LIPa3uMPn3-iWPxYkY0urf4abt9CK7TQMRRatgIcTbjioTM/s1600/DSC_7118.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibGY10NxvjqxK__J2Bg4_S4lzZPzrPd61sPMbrRoSpdpSO8n1bG2zrEKeHbskQMdmZk3VUwZNY1fBRH84PmhRve9D6acm4LIPa3uMPn3-iWPxYkY0urf4abt9CK7TQMRRatgIcTbjioTM/s320/DSC_7118.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As we move into 2014, we look forward to many
adventures.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We’d love to host visitors
here in Rogers, Arkansas (seriously!)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>and welcome our friends and family to look us up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>May your holidays be filled with blessings
and light! <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The Lewandowski Family<o:p></o:p></div>
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Karine, Tom, Zeke, Ezra, and Zadie<o:p></o:p></div>
Karine and Tomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16599620021231636598noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8942500440451963899.post-44671124591308362662013-03-05T21:48:00.002-06:002013-03-05T22:00:36.660-06:00The Changing SeasonsWinter 2013 has brought about some exciting changes to the Lew crew. After a few months of soul-searching and re-evaluating some priorities, we've landed on a path that is a great fit for our family. What is happening??? Here you go...<br />
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Zadie is sleeping in a big girl bed. All cribs have been removed from our house! (!!!!!) The boys have been sharing a room with twin beds for months, but Zadie was the last to transition to a bed. She loves to come out of her room 10-12 times each night before going to sleep, claiming the need for a drink, potty, blowing her nose, finding her sunglasses, needing her bunny, hearing a train, etc. This girl has a stubborn but sweet streak. I think she'll be getting her way for the next 16 years if she keeps up her charm! Zadie loves to sing, do silly dances, and watch Dora the Explorer and Bo on the Go. She can sing her ABC's and loves to discuss the merits of certain colors with Ezra. <br />
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Ezra is turning into the sweetest, most generous little boy. He is constantly watching his big brother and keeping up with all kinds of big boy things. It's so fun to see how he plays with Zeke and Zadie. With Zeke, he watches and then participates wholeheartedly. They play firefighters and police officers all the time. Ezra will share just about anything with anyone who asks. If he's got a cookie, he'll give you half if you ask! Ezra is strong and athletic. He's able to climb and jump as well as many 4 year olds. Sweet and earnest, he'll snuggle in the morning. By afternoon, you can hardly catch him! Ezra loves his blanket and little stuffed monkey, and his favorite book is <u>Dear Zoo</u> by Rod Campbell.<br />
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Zeke is a full-on preschooler. He turned 4 in February and is showing so many signs of growing up. He can dress himself, he's beginning to try new foods. (One sliver of carrot at a time counts- right?) He knows most his letters and can identify beginning sounds/letters of many words. Zeke's imagination is in full swing, and he can spend hours setting up his rescue hero toys (think little green army guys, but instead of tiny guns, they're red and holding fire hoses) and narrating complex plots involving firetrucks, police officers, helicopters, and rules. He loves learning animal facts and thanks to the PBS show, Wild Kratts, he knows all sorts of information about worms, skunks, whales, and pygmy marmosets. Ask him anything- I dare you. <br />
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Starting in January, Tom began staying home with the kids as the full-time caregiver. He has been taking education classes at the U of Arkansas, and anticipates graduating with a Master of Arts in Teaching next May. His focus is secondary (7-12) English Education and will be student teaching starting in the fall. Teaching middle school in Honduras was an eye-opening experience for him, and he's decided to follow this career path. We very much look forward to having two teacher schedules and summers and holiday breaks to travel and enjoy with our family. Tom ordered seeds and a starter kit from the Gurney's seed catalog this year. Our bathroom is serving as a makeshift greenhouse to the sprouts as they prepare to make their journey to our four square foot garden boxes. That's 64 squares of summer gardening! It's going to be a great summer. <br />
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Also in January, I went back to teaching! After looking for an elementary teaching job in the area for a couple months, I was encouraged to "get my foot in the door" locally by accepting a non-certified position. In January I began working as an ESL (English as a Second Language) Instructional Assistant in a Rogers public elementary school. I travel to 6 classrooms throughout the day working with K-5th grade students who are English Language Learners. I've loved this work, and it has been a natural fit since coming back from Honduras, where 95% of my students did not speak English in their homes. Taking that stepping-stone position has paid off. Last week, I was offered a full-time certified position teaching Middle School English to ESL students. I will begin my new job at the middle school mid-March. I am so excited to be working with 6-8 graders again (the age-group I taught in MN) and I'm passionate about working with ESL students, so this is a great fit! The transition from full-time at-home mom to working mom has been relatively easy, mostly because Tom has been so wonderful. I know the kids are in caring, capable hands, and I love seeing the bond between them all grow.<br />
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Oh- and we got a dog. Roxy (short for "Rock and Roll") joined our family in February. She's a little terrier mix. The guy at the humane society thought maybe a Manchester Terrier/ Jack Russell Terrier Mix? She loves to chase tennis balls, dig in the yard (currently taking suggestions to combat this), and snuggle with the kids. Roxy is a year and a half old, so past the chewy puppy stage- thank goodness! Zadie is crazy about her, Ezra loves to chase her, and Zeke likes to pick Roxy up. Roxy finds safety and comfort in her crate for a part of each day, but she's been a fun addition to our family! <br />
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So that's the news with us- fun huh? Karine and Tomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16599620021231636598noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8942500440451963899.post-42244704034210163212013-01-18T10:52:00.001-06:002013-01-18T10:52:44.603-06:00Usual Shirtson<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Zeke has been doing wonderful things lately. One of the most wonderful is appearing in the living room with random equipment and costumes. This was Christmas Eve. I asked him who he was.</div>
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<i>I'm Usual Shirtson. I make shirts for people.</i></div>
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It's an important job. Someone has to do it.</div>
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<br />Karine and Tomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16599620021231636598noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8942500440451963899.post-73300540289183363562013-01-14T13:48:00.000-06:002013-01-14T13:50:45.690-06:00Ezra Talks about BatsEzra dreamt about bats last night. Smiling bats. He's at a pretty special place right now, language-wise. So, I decided to interview him.<br />
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<br />Karine and Tomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16599620021231636598noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8942500440451963899.post-85652238020145966682012-11-27T08:39:00.001-06:002012-11-27T08:40:24.071-06:00Tired of Turkey Leftovers? I posted a few years ago about a <a href="http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2009/06/chicken-tikka-masala-by-pastor-ryan/">Chicken Tikka Masala recipe</a> that is pretty much heaven. Our friend Casey <a href="http://caseyandtom.blogspot.com/2009/07/wow-tuesday-721.html">blogged </a>about it, and it's actually The Pioneer Woman who originally published this recipe. Every now and then, I think about it and can't sleep until I've made it and eaten it. Anyway... It's fantastic. <br />
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But when I don't have time to go all out, I love this recipe I tore out of the Ladies Home Journal a few years ago. It's relatively hands-off- 25 minutes prep and 30 more minutes of cook time. And if you plan accordingly, you can even make some killer <a href="http://allrecipes.com/recipe/naan/">homemade garlic naan</a> while it's cooking. I wanted to blog about it so that I can document it for the rest of time. My beat-up page from the magazine won't last much longer! <br />
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Easy Chicken Biryani</div>
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Click <a href="http://www.lhj.com/recipe/chicken/easy-chicken-biryani/">HERE</a> for recipe</div>
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*Don't be intimidated by all of the ingredients. It's much easier than it looks and the prep is quick and not too messy! Plus, you only need one cutting board and one pot- easy cleanup! <br />
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Karine and Tomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16599620021231636598noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8942500440451963899.post-62488985864242822172012-09-22T07:50:00.003-05:002012-11-27T08:41:37.577-06:00Where Did the Summer Go?I didn't get around to blogging very much this summer. We were just too busy having fun! The album below is our July trip to MN. Tons of fun with so many family and friends. By the time we got home and unpacked and settled in, July was pretty much over!<br />
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By the time August came around, we just tried to squeeze in as many fun activities as we could. Highlights included:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN-DJPKh1j9IUKrDAmUweDQojlIFF9cRSvTTBqrhIIO3OVObnPWC5bwdoZ_FqDEw-trfjv97n3tyqtojeoxsLIdNspYl5SyCdzC57u8NI_AVes9aQ3wSktc3r_G_Z7DhPe_FRD0to9MWY/s1600/DSC_5711.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN-DJPKh1j9IUKrDAmUweDQojlIFF9cRSvTTBqrhIIO3OVObnPWC5bwdoZ_FqDEw-trfjv97n3tyqtojeoxsLIdNspYl5SyCdzC57u8NI_AVes9aQ3wSktc3r_G_Z7DhPe_FRD0to9MWY/s320/DSC_5711.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Zadie and Ezra officially "play together" all the time. (Which sometimes includes wrestling and biting!)</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0kv45tBai-il2yGlyZp6HsJs1Mt2WSZ65aYG7GQiF5ejd54OQqK8BojglQMVwtGoMX8lAzdjs1WUoydiQK4FCnQ_HX1AXpRi-YNIln_elqe4-Fk_HEvoMQNGuWn5nii3yPck7KYSvJTQ/s1600/IMG_0757.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0kv45tBai-il2yGlyZp6HsJs1Mt2WSZ65aYG7GQiF5ejd54OQqK8BojglQMVwtGoMX8lAzdjs1WUoydiQK4FCnQ_HX1AXpRi-YNIln_elqe4-Fk_HEvoMQNGuWn5nii3yPck7KYSvJTQ/s320/IMG_0757.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; padding-top: 4px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Benton County Fair - checked out tractors and 4-H barns with Zeke's friend Brennon</span></td></tr>
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</span><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis6yc-iVW-6KNvT3pQ4Sh90kpOJXsfDIQSvlYFbf80y3RqQnAQA8Mxyr8SqQ7mgE7kpRXpbOKBBn9PqgV_SdjoZBW5UaSwsd7tGOdCgjcMfWcXwINVJlJteVLN0VBTP4RqJmUJJ494U_A/s320/IMG_0765.jpg" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ezra held this rabbit for 3 minutes without either one of them moving a centimeter!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Backyard Swimming in the little pool and storage tubs</span></td></tr>
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Overnight getaway to Lake Wedington State Park just outside of Fayetteville (awesome little cabin for about $75 per night!)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-29A5snu1jGn9SALXZasfQaineI8avwwuuck_4zSJh0y_4ow8zMuZ0QDbxZ7816PdMCGfnbFHQqgtaQlBYLVZD_b_REIGdoVc-qsBXuGnTuYYApeNll04dKtEKsxa2PkxjTfq_Bi7F24/s1600/IMG_0774.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7AxJqVT_Sr3dZkYezKW8RcjXoR6Pjej87sNOCRztx5fUThTMUVUs8EcTgiKzg76aAal92LmZCK1qWF3iD3ACvwJKB-yQ4ALCZ20_E-SB0anREMks_mGsOuEb1W-FlV61P3nqkpNM-FDM/s1600/DSC_5686.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-29A5snu1jGn9SALXZasfQaineI8avwwuuck_4zSJh0y_4ow8zMuZ0QDbxZ7816PdMCGfnbFHQqgtaQlBYLVZD_b_REIGdoVc-qsBXuGnTuYYApeNll04dKtEKsxa2PkxjTfq_Bi7F24/s320/IMG_0774.jpg" width="239" /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-29A5snu1jGn9SALXZasfQaineI8avwwuuck_4zSJh0y_4ow8zMuZ0QDbxZ7816PdMCGfnbFHQqgtaQlBYLVZD_b_REIGdoVc-qsBXuGnTuYYApeNll04dKtEKsxa2PkxjTfq_Bi7F24/s1600/IMG_0774.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none;"></span></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7AxJqVT_Sr3dZkYezKW8RcjXoR6Pjej87sNOCRztx5fUThTMUVUs8EcTgiKzg76aAal92LmZCK1qWF3iD3ACvwJKB-yQ4ALCZ20_E-SB0anREMks_mGsOuEb1W-FlV61P3nqkpNM-FDM/s1600/DSC_5686.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7AxJqVT_Sr3dZkYezKW8RcjXoR6Pjej87sNOCRztx5fUThTMUVUs8EcTgiKzg76aAal92LmZCK1qWF3iD3ACvwJKB-yQ4ALCZ20_E-SB0anREMks_mGsOuEb1W-FlV61P3nqkpNM-FDM/s320/DSC_5686.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tom's first day of grad school at the U of A- Graduation May 2013!!!<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Also, we did the Downtown Rogers Frisco Festival (Zeke and Tom took a train ride, and Zeke rode the ferris wheel for the first time!), We completed our Whole 30 Health Challenge (lost some inches, and maybe some sanity trying to prepare all those sugar-free, wheat-free, dairy-free meals!!!), and generally had a lot of family fun! </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Summer! Ja Mon!</td></tr>
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Karine and Tomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16599620021231636598noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8942500440451963899.post-46356724558337129742012-08-24T15:09:00.003-05:002012-08-24T15:09:43.644-05:00Twins? I know Zadie and Ezra are the real twins, but look at these brothers! <br />
Zeke (left) and Ezra (right)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzMnOZ8o2bgH3MzIBDTXafAXJs75L4PrjcqoIShlsX4n84GTzvDwjGGWjA2KHN0Ni5YwPefga97uRB7g7eCiAvUgTIXV4s9U8VTZkwdLBXUkePKOLzr889qmra_8cOGNt3zZ8ezxqhL34/s1600/DSC_0937.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzMnOZ8o2bgH3MzIBDTXafAXJs75L4PrjcqoIShlsX4n84GTzvDwjGGWjA2KHN0Ni5YwPefga97uRB7g7eCiAvUgTIXV4s9U8VTZkwdLBXUkePKOLzr889qmra_8cOGNt3zZ8ezxqhL34/s320/DSC_0937.JPG" width="214" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj19IBOX-VcFckt4V-6g-yXNvA75PZ61PjJoRitwx6pqE0nwM77gHJTxoVsy4cjV7xflFoY6ixWk1QRqLGMSVkGKEvNydo_fCkjbnOu3EniSDH8y0H2xq9C4bw8vkGZeTHmzPdWJtWVxk4/s1600/DSC_5704.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj19IBOX-VcFckt4V-6g-yXNvA75PZ61PjJoRitwx6pqE0nwM77gHJTxoVsy4cjV7xflFoY6ixWk1QRqLGMSVkGKEvNydo_fCkjbnOu3EniSDH8y0H2xq9C4bw8vkGZeTHmzPdWJtWVxk4/s320/DSC_5704.jpg" width="214" /></a>Karine and Tomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16599620021231636598noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8942500440451963899.post-73940824305303602952012-07-31T10:03:00.000-05:002012-07-31T10:03:02.666-05:00Day 10It's been awhile since I've blogged- we've had an awesome summer filled with family fun and vacations. I'm going to work on a big vacation post over the next couple days, but in the meantime wanted to do a quick update with a little project we're working on.<br />
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While in MN, we were talking to our friends, Joe and Brooke about a 30 day food challenge/ lifestyle makeover they did. They managed to convince us that the Whole 30 challenge was worth a try. (The extra 5 pounds we each brought back from vacation helped convince us too!) <br />
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The Whole 30 is based on the Paleo diet, also known as the caveman, primal, or similar names. The idea is that our genes date back to cavemen, and our bodies are programmed to consume only the foods we can hunt and gather. Animals and plants. <br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d3d3d; font-family: 'Open Sans', arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;"><a href="http://whole9life.com/category/whole-30/"><img alt="The" border="0" by="" created="" program,="" src="http://whole9life.com/img/doing-the-whole30.jpg" whole30="" whole9="" /></a></span><br />
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Basically, the diet is a 30 day "reset" or cleanse for your body. Remove all possibly inflammatory foods from your diet, let your body heal and then slowly reintroduce thoughtful healthy choices after the 30 days is over. The tough rules- no dairy (goodbye cheese and creamy coffee), no grains, no legumes, no sugar, no processed foods for 30 days. No cheating or the "reset" doesn't work. Eeek! <br />
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The good news is that we can still eat big meals filled with lean proteins- steak, hamburger, chicken, pork, eggs and eggs and eggs. Instead of starchy side dishes, we just pile on a big healthy dose of veggies. I buy a lot of frozen veggies and we've been loving fresh seasonal veggies too. <br />
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We're on day 10 of 30. The sugar/bread cravings are subsiding, and I'm confident we'll make it until the end! <br />
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Things I've discovered so far:<br />
10 days in, we both notice a difference. No weigh-ins until the end, but we both feel noticeably skinnier!<br />
Black coffee is not nearly as good as coffee with a little milk and sugar, but I might be convinced after 20 more days.<br />
Jicama is not a valid substitute for potatoes. Not the same. But rutabaga is pretty awesome! <br />
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<br />Karine and Tomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16599620021231636598noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8942500440451963899.post-54900408113424963822012-06-24T08:53:00.000-05:002012-06-24T08:53:01.835-05:00Baby Product Review: Duo Splash FloatI'm a part of the Northwest Arkansas Moms of Multiples Club. It's a group that meets monthly to share stories, experiences, and support for other moms of multiples and expecting moms. Recently, someone shared on our group website that they had heard about this new pool float designed especially for twins. I checked out the website and was really excited about the prospect. I contacted the owner and she cheerfully gave me a discount in exchange for a review of this float.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVGsWGpOC1jMmn0upUjTG2Kjcn6cMqooDvPxRGrJro1BMcFw1RJLa_lFRPY1cJZxptxtqc_A7Tr0_-qpbNIkFEq1dbwB0ZEUNYyZFke2slKIH8Rmxg9d4TxFn7IS7mNnyHSPl9FWQaxHQ/s1600/IMG_0652.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVGsWGpOC1jMmn0upUjTG2Kjcn6cMqooDvPxRGrJro1BMcFw1RJLa_lFRPY1cJZxptxtqc_A7Tr0_-qpbNIkFEq1dbwB0ZEUNYyZFke2slKIH8Rmxg9d4TxFn7IS7mNnyHSPl9FWQaxHQ/s320/IMG_0652.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
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My package arrived quickly after I ordered and I was excited to put it to use! Here's what we thought of it...<br />
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Setup- The Duo Splash float arrives compactly folded into a small box. Very easy to throw in the minivan next to giant strollers and pool gear. It just has one "blower" and we were able to blow it up by mouth in about 5 minutes. I was afraid it might take longer because of the size of the float, but really it was quick and easy. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKZVrD1_UdezosMFpxdiyrSrk8EdSqJSE-6TIkB1IA78HatmCyttFQculb69DuTpJUR3CR9eUYn5lA8zeF-jFUS-Cs5-tvakfaUUDZx47jpTLAs3vJzS1W9VjuNrJ3gAtMwUQPNW-Txzo/s1600/IMG_0686.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKZVrD1_UdezosMFpxdiyrSrk8EdSqJSE-6TIkB1IA78HatmCyttFQculb69DuTpJUR3CR9eUYn5lA8zeF-jFUS-Cs5-tvakfaUUDZx47jpTLAs3vJzS1W9VjuNrJ3gAtMwUQPNW-Txzo/s320/IMG_0686.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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The Maiden Voyage- My twins are 19 months old, and my older son is 3. I was so excited to think that we'd be able to manage all 3 kids so much easier. At first, the babies weren't sure about getting their legs in the holes- the leg holes are deep and the twins were up to their chests in water while sitting in the float. Overall they loved it- I was able to hold on to their float with one hand and push it around the shallow end of the pool. They giggled and enjoyed zooming around. A big plus for the float was that it was still very stable even when we only used one side. Our twins often like to do the same activities, but not always. The float was sturdy and stable with one or two babies and I had no fears about it flipping over. <br />
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Price- $25 plus shipping. I think it's a reasonable price, considering 2 single floats would run about the same price or more. Why not just go for the convenience of keeping the kiddos together?<br />
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Overall- A great product for families with 2 or more small kids. It makes the impossible (swimming with 3 small kids and 2 adults) seem possible- not to mention fun! <br />
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If you want to order this float for yourself or someone you know (great gift for someone expecting twins!) you can order here: <a href="http://www.duosplashfloats.com/">http://www.duosplashfloats.com/</a><br />
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Or visit their Facebook page here: <br />
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/DuoSplashFloats">https://www.facebook.com/DuoSplashFloats</a><br />
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<br />Karine and Tomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16599620021231636598noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8942500440451963899.post-85103321622158280002012-06-12T09:03:00.001-05:002012-06-12T09:03:23.390-05:00Master Bath Remodel<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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From the very first time we saw our master bathroom (our real estate shopping walk thru pictured below), we knew the wallpaper would have to go sometime. Everyone loves burgundy and forest green stripes. The floral border was really the crowning touch. It's like 1995 had a party in our bathroom. </div>
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BEFORE:</div>
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3 weeks ago, I convinced Tom that it was time to start our little project. I figured that Memorial Day weekend would be the perfect time. 2 days to do the project and an extra weekend day to enjoy- right? </div>
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Well, it turns out it was a bit more than a 2 day project. </div>
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The process:</div>
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1. Remove wallpaper and border- remove top "shiny layer" of paper, score, spray, scrape, scrape, pull, repeat.</div>
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2. Use spackle to cover the 4,000 blemishes on drywall. </div>
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3. Sand with new power sander. </div>
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4. Discover dust everywhere in house. </div>
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5. Re-spackle the remaining 300 blemishes.</div>
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6. Sand more. </div>
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7. Prime</div>
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8. Paint (Behr brand "Clear Pond")</div>
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9. Paint accent walls red. Decide it doesn't work.</div>
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10. Re-prime and re-paint accent walls blue</div>
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11. One more coat all over everything.</div>
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12. Clean clean clean! </div>
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13. Finishing touches- spray paint fixtures, hang wall art, re-hang fixtures. </div>
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UNDER CONSTRUCTION:</div>
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Drumroll..... AFTER!!! </div>
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All in all, the project was 2 full weekends and 3 other nights. No easy task, but we're thrilled with the end result!<br />
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Eventually, we're planning to paint the cabinets dark and spray paint the doorknobs to match. For now, we're done with the projects in the bathroom and ready to enjoy it! <br />
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<br />Karine and Tomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16599620021231636598noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8942500440451963899.post-66597234888542504892012-06-12T08:51:00.002-05:002012-06-12T08:51:34.478-05:00Getting Crafty and Spray Paint LoveI've been on a crafty kick, trying to give new life to some old stuff.<br />
I have recently discovered spray paint. I love it. It's so fast and fun and transformative!<br />
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Take these boring brown bulletin boards I picked up at a garage sale for $2 each. I sprayed them with some pretty white spray paint, used a staple gun to cover them with some leftover fabric from my craft closet and voila! Some cute bulletin boards to display kids' artwork in the playroom! <br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRdAPHAJ5U5HvXpGjgJclRTkuJclNby5Z-jO206jTk75oIOTVObZUc9ToSJx0s6_2WiD2SQXadyGPRfDpLYfA1XgRrP1rkdnk2-ypqKakReXlSbxBbV7HWN3xyWTQHPzCLqMT6li9EPVY/s1600/DSC_4874.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRdAPHAJ5U5HvXpGjgJclRTkuJclNby5Z-jO206jTk75oIOTVObZUc9ToSJx0s6_2WiD2SQXadyGPRfDpLYfA1XgRrP1rkdnk2-ypqKakReXlSbxBbV7HWN3xyWTQHPzCLqMT6li9EPVY/s320/DSC_4874.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_ZJ2OKqs2wSYbLMx96plY_7mGLUGOcbFlDwIloaud7-KM78BQUGq3ENVcUg4ssPD4a1XT21wWqMF8W3JrAYQ5Hp-hWbtGYAtfMPpKMNNGxCOoMZgFlX-X4aLl07XJtp7_4T3N4C_JLaY/s1600/DSC_4875.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_ZJ2OKqs2wSYbLMx96plY_7mGLUGOcbFlDwIloaud7-KM78BQUGq3ENVcUg4ssPD4a1XT21wWqMF8W3JrAYQ5Hp-hWbtGYAtfMPpKMNNGxCOoMZgFlX-X4aLl07XJtp7_4T3N4C_JLaY/s320/DSC_4875.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFEDCzyQBahNirerF2qAKpEXz9X6AR7CCQEs9NWNWsAEJeGak_OvAMJjZApz-SENudk5JDHZcCco-5P9vbnRlI2hdWLIc-I5Q7KAhxAQjj90AAOABt0Iay4pxpA3IDXYhCcx9FkQZpW0s/s1600/DSC_4877.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFEDCzyQBahNirerF2qAKpEXz9X6AR7CCQEs9NWNWsAEJeGak_OvAMJjZApz-SENudk5JDHZcCco-5P9vbnRlI2hdWLIc-I5Q7KAhxAQjj90AAOABt0Iay4pxpA3IDXYhCcx9FkQZpW0s/s320/DSC_4877.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
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Zadie's walls have been pretty boring. I've seen this decorating idea around Pinterest and a few other DIY blogs, so I figured it would be an inexpensive way to add a little color to her walls. Right now it's a little sparse, but eventually it would be fun to add even more. <br />
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Embroidery hoops from Hobby Lobby $1-$3 each- fabric scraps from craft closet- free! <br />
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One tip I learned awhile ago is that when you want to hang big items (or several items) on a wall, you can use a big piece of paper (I used leftover Christmas wrapping paper) to hang do the layout on a table.<br />
After things are as you want them, mark the nail hole placement and just tape your paper on the wall. You can nail right through the paper and tear away, and then everything is just where you want it!</div>
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I picked up an ugly floor lamp at a neighbor's garage sale last weekend. They had a bunch of things that were left over from a hotel liquidation sale- gold/brass finish and plain white shade. Similar to these: <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1F70tem2xbeyUGVDTqCALxIfCaOhzv1AlUk-zxKbA2tvXyB9PJ_kYWcVYYaaQvQyzC-9wGIsjqOfy-iwXngjF-3Hep3hdlmhADcImco7xVVswdNNJAE9AegLzYuxXsA-c4HWEbUxvOSw/s1600/floor+lamp+brass+group.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="299" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1F70tem2xbeyUGVDTqCALxIfCaOhzv1AlUk-zxKbA2tvXyB9PJ_kYWcVYYaaQvQyzC-9wGIsjqOfy-iwXngjF-3Hep3hdlmhADcImco7xVVswdNNJAE9AegLzYuxXsA-c4HWEbUxvOSw/s320/floor+lamp+brass+group.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a><br />
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I used my new favorite spray paint (Rustoleum Oil Rubbed Bronze - ORB) to give the base an updated look.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzyVvI4StLblzhBbJvVDDzFCmNT5CC1osgOULPiKS3fPj00HSwf6nxesXSqGk43uR8tA-VVVPRnAnRKQWxj5HzOu1NMtPyan1j8XSHAgbnPdGGE92bpaaK9biCmKHP8pLjbB066By9m1A/s1600/DSC_4941.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzyVvI4StLblzhBbJvVDDzFCmNT5CC1osgOULPiKS3fPj00HSwf6nxesXSqGk43uR8tA-VVVPRnAnRKQWxj5HzOu1NMtPyan1j8XSHAgbnPdGGE92bpaaK9biCmKHP8pLjbB066By9m1A/s320/DSC_4941.jpg" width="214" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; color: #0000ee;"></span><br />
I figured the shade couldn't get much uglier, so I spray painted it blue to pick up the color in my bulletin board fabric. I'm toying with the idea of adding trim or ribbon to the bottom, but for now, I love it! <br />
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Speaking of ORB- did you know you can spray paint just about anything??? For our master bathroom, we considered new lighting fixtures, but then found that it would require bringing in an electrician and and cutting new holes in the walls- all too complicated. I sprayed the brassy gold fixtures with ORB and now the hollywood lights are much more bearable! (Though having all bulbs on is too hot and bright so we unscrew a few to tame it down.)<br />
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I also sprayed the light covers and towel racks to match. I've got plans to do the door knobs in the bathroom, but realized that would lead me to spray paint all the knobs in adjoining rooms. 24 sets (and hardware) around the whole house. A project for the fall. <br />
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That's what we've been up to! <br />
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<br />Karine and Tomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16599620021231636598noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8942500440451963899.post-7465786548772838142012-05-01T21:35:00.002-05:002012-05-01T21:35:42.812-05:00Easter 2012<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This year the twins were old enough to get in on the Easter egg hunt action. We took them to a big community hunt sponsored by Hershey's the week before Easter. Tons of kids, tons of eggs, and all eggs were collected within about 10 seconds. </div>
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It was a little intense. Parents were instructed not to follow their children into the ring. About 10 percent of those parents actually listened, and everyone made a mad scramble to find their child before they disappeared into the egg-hungry crowd. Zeke did manage to fill his little bucket with some melted chocolate candy and even won some Crayola sidewalk chalk. Fun, but still a bit intense. <br />
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Brother Sister Love<br />
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On actual Easter Sunday, we enjoyed a great Mass where all 3 kiddos were happy and well-behaved. (Zeke was well behaved in the church's nursery, and the twins slept and cuddled throughout the service!) We followed that with a delicious lunch and egg hunt over at Nana and Papa's house. The kids all had fun finding eggs. Most were filled with those yummy little Gerber yogurt melts, but a few special eggs had Peeps- a Lewandowski kid first! </div>
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<br />Karine and Tomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16599620021231636598noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8942500440451963899.post-87950849342305552332012-04-20T21:31:00.001-05:002012-04-20T21:31:02.755-05:00Dinner Time Big Faces<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />Karine and Tomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16599620021231636598noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8942500440451963899.post-3375003901019825572012-04-04T21:53:00.004-05:002012-04-04T22:21:29.390-05:00Early Spring Videos<div style="text-align: left;">Life is crazy around here! In mid-March we went on a family vacation to Florida for my cousin's wedding. (Florida vacation pics to be posted soon!) Since arriving home, the weather has been unseasonably warm! We have been spending 5+ hours per day in our backyard. It's awesome.</div><div><br /></div><div>Zeke's favorite activity is digging and trucking. Often he tows things too. He loads his trucks with sand, mud, and mulch. I'll have to take a picture of some of his setups tomorrow and share those. </div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Zadie and Ezra have been having SO much fun with our little red cozy coupe car. I would say that at least 80% of the time we are outside, the car is occupied by at least one toddler. (I wrote "baby" at first, but at 17 months, they're hardly babies anymore!) My general philosophy has been that even though they're twins, we <i>don't</i> need two of everything. They can share- right? Well not always. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe width="420" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/CJ6jviqbjqQ" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Yesterday, I'd had enough of the fighting to sit in the car, so I picked up a second car at a consignment shop. This one is a different color and the horn plays a tune. I should've known to get one that was <i>exactly </i>the same. Now the old red car sits empty and <i>all three </i>off them clamor over the new blue car. </div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ1MYEF-WYjxlHpJzY67CyHXZlArEMTpjylDUf_hu_DZoe3s86tt6n3c_oLWSIkByuGaeV7ZkzZxCZySs4mGOaBDLaQhEqa2_HbTmkp3LSabX9JKvt0Gwge9BJJ3AN7kEkKKrB4opyZu4/s400/photo-1.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5727749285451399410" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 299px; height: 400px; " /></span></div><div><br /></div><div>Ezra and Zadie have both mastered the little plastic playset in the backyard. They can both climb up and slide down. We've separated the playset into 2 pieces. Zeke likes to "sell ice cream and cookies" out of the part with the door. </div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe width="420" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/Jzbx1fKlMtk" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe> </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Tom's good friend Matt came down from Omaha for a weekend visit in March and brought Zeke a couple of sweet kites. We've been waiting for the perfect day to try it out. Today the winds were right and we walked down to the park for Zeke's first kite-flying experience. Awesome times. Thanks Matt! </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe width="420" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/r3Z7wpEW2Oc" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div></div>Karine and Tomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16599620021231636598noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8942500440451963899.post-29694061243174012782012-03-26T22:21:00.001-05:002012-03-26T22:21:54.545-05:00Photo Book<object width="425" height="425" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab" classid="clsid:d27cdb6e-ae6d-11cf-96b8-444553540000"><param name="movie" value="http://images-community.shutterfly.com/flashapps/flashslideshowphotobook/slideshow_pb.swf"/><param name="flashvars" value="xmlURL=http%3A%2F%2Fws.shutterfly.com%2Fpsdata%3FprojectGUID%3D0AZNHDRi3cOGKuwg%26uid%3D001088714842%26size%3D0%26ts%3D1332818498000%26height%3D425%26width%3D425&size=0&ob=0&fc=0&ss=0&sb=0&ft=0"/><param name="menu" value="false"/><param name="quality" value="best"/><param name="wmode" value="transparent"/><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always"/><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"/><embed width="425" height="425" align="middle" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" name="wrapper" quality="best" menu="false" allowfullscreen="true" allowScriptAccess="always" flashvars="xmlURL=http%3A%2F%2Fws.shutterfly.com%2Fpsdata%3FprojectGUID%3D0AZNHDRi3cOGKuwg%26uid%3D001088714842%26size%3D0%26ts%3D1332818498000%26height%3D425%26width%3D425&size=0&ob=0&fc=0&ss=0&sb=0&ft=0" src="http://images-community.shutterfly.com/flashapps/flashslideshowphotobook/slideshow_pb.swf"></embed></object><p style="width:425px;margin-top:0;text-align:center;"><a href="http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=0AZNHDRi3cOGLzY&cid=SFLYOCWIDGET&eid=115">Click here to view this photo book larger</a><div style="margin-top: 10px; width: 425px; text-align: center;">Photo Book Tip: Create an adventurous <a href="http://www.shutterfly.com/photo-books" style="color: #6666cc;">travel photo album</a> at Shutterfly.com.</div><img width="1" height="1" border="0" style="padding: 0; background: #ffffff; border: none; box-shadow: none;" src="https://os.shutterfly.com/b/ss/sflyshareprod/1/H.15/111?pageName=sharekey&c1=photobook&c2=blogger" /></p>Karine and Tomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16599620021231636598noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8942500440451963899.post-16783397047075073632012-02-16T15:40:00.006-06:002012-02-16T20:19:26.810-06:00February Update and Photo Shoot<div style="text-align: left;">Lots going on around here. Nothing too exciting, but we're generally happy and busy! I did a little photo shoot with the kiddos today, so I'll put their pics with their updates. Fun!</div><div><br /></div><div>Ezra talks now. His favorite words are "GET DOWN" said with emphasis. Sometimes he tells me this because he wants to get down from something he's strapped into (high chair, stroller, car seat) and sometimes he'll climb up on top of a chair, table, or bed and stand teetering while shouting "Get Down!" </div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja-8OkuQRwdK3wPz8u13AVtPB-2ZQO31NH7lfd7HewfNCZHqoRe3TkG4brkf86zUpGMrUlHHznl35kRm3dWrzxMCKpY3b0Z8lo4wcBNRy1R6N1_ypgEVgRRjH7o3TAxYrvyCqu122gzoE/s1600/DSC_4422.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja-8OkuQRwdK3wPz8u13AVtPB-2ZQO31NH7lfd7HewfNCZHqoRe3TkG4brkf86zUpGMrUlHHznl35kRm3dWrzxMCKpY3b0Z8lo4wcBNRy1R6N1_ypgEVgRRjH7o3TAxYrvyCqu122gzoE/s400/DSC_4422.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5709852023828820322" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 268px; height: 400px; " /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIKYx9rxiCgkfUxyGeHpgzCRr7jDgPw2unTqe0qezrSsnCeriqBB0e65tkWYqYVkhaeV-rS-vxAGuhqnQnXIeO22xMUNVaI2ZcZqAzHPlqmjmZUJyzxFpSXyDPrJqCECFgfEyRsZ1Aotg/s1600/DSC_4350.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIKYx9rxiCgkfUxyGeHpgzCRr7jDgPw2unTqe0qezrSsnCeriqBB0e65tkWYqYVkhaeV-rS-vxAGuhqnQnXIeO22xMUNVaI2ZcZqAzHPlqmjmZUJyzxFpSXyDPrJqCECFgfEyRsZ1Aotg/s400/DSC_4350.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5709852002210599506" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 268px; height: 400px; " /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk6FyY2waHgawNq39gsj_uNlIlFinp0mfDZtr0hZGRxI4UQ_q92FGHYhK3-qR5O2rt53U_r21cvLWp93YB23QDVWbwYAi-RbKfIISUu4_qixrlWk_NjETV3KhksFWNPu2eFZlmq9wmv_Q/s1600/DSC_4204.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk6FyY2waHgawNq39gsj_uNlIlFinp0mfDZtr0hZGRxI4UQ_q92FGHYhK3-qR5O2rt53U_r21cvLWp93YB23QDVWbwYAi-RbKfIISUu4_qixrlWk_NjETV3KhksFWNPu2eFZlmq9wmv_Q/s1600/DSC_4204.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">He's constantly helping to put things in the right place, delivering diapers and shoes, and climbing all over things. He is SO FAST. We were at Zeke's gym class this week and Ezra takes off dribbling a soccer ball better than most of the 3-4 year olds in the class. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi3NFRBlC-aRb746vQjjcojWMZfzhGZxLLUckOCscsZgmFJ-V9J1nNIx0BlNWQXVMKgJcyLDO5zqeb2YSEfTDrXHRYDZ_Vf1nWE3YuVlAt0Jp-SptkmqpUOFZo_IaDdo-_8I3GJYw2JXA/s400/Zadie+BW.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5709918539113271954" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 268px; height: 400px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;">Zadie. This little lady made me very happy this week. . </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk6FyY2waHgawNq39gsj_uNlIlFinp0mfDZtr0hZGRxI4UQ_q92FGHYhK3-qR5O2rt53U_r21cvLWp93YB23QDVWbwYAi-RbKfIISUu4_qixrlWk_NjETV3KhksFWNPu2eFZlmq9wmv_Q/s400/DSC_4204.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5709851994496257922" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 268px; height: 400px; " /></span><div style="text-align: center;">After 15 months of sleeping in bed next to me and nursing ALL NIGHT LONG, she has successfully moved into her own room and now SLEEPS 12 HOURS each night. Without nursing. Without crying. It was no small feat, but over the course of the past month, we've worked hard to establish some solid bedtime routines, get her attached to some little stuffed animals, and finally move her crib to her own bedroom. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Next step is getting her to drink from a cup, bottle, or something besides me. She spent a lot of time gnawing on an empty 2 liter bottle of cherry 7-up this week. Maybe that will be her favorite "cup". The pediatrician warned us that she might choose something strange when she was finally ready. We'll see.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXxofmKIS6-UXgoY_V7SkvcCIHtBxrUYy_IHRlBme2Pl0LiWfV22JW0XwLzJFkejdVRrVJdim31SFbj7Ykl4Or6NcktFIYLnyawbhGIwnYwpSNC1A4-I1zXeNTyMUqdHikxTbCDaKUpkI/s1600/DSC_4482.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXxofmKIS6-UXgoY_V7SkvcCIHtBxrUYy_IHRlBme2Pl0LiWfV22JW0XwLzJFkejdVRrVJdim31SFbj7Ykl4Or6NcktFIYLnyawbhGIwnYwpSNC1A4-I1zXeNTyMUqdHikxTbCDaKUpkI/s400/DSC_4482.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5709852352741069218" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 268px; height: 400px; " /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: left; ">Zeke is in his prime these days. He's pretty much done with afternoon naps, so bedtime happens pretty easily. About a month ago, he moved into Ezra's room and he LOVES sharing a bedroom with his little brother. He's super excited for the day that they can get "bump beds" like his cousins have. I keep reminding him that Ezra needs to sleep in a crib for now, so it will probably be a few more months (years) until the bump beds, but he's still enthusiastic.</div><div><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRvSdOmrS2eRMdhEXGGI6pTL1o0Dt6IwhrcANjxXQsRXUrjnqKLKFWALmJYITPrXrykmV5-zoMsMSny1qUZS28HtpvetTL8GU2tadIlydYPuK1JbukbeaoLbdc4ebS-CeEsbiqsJKZ4Wo/s1600/DSC_4446.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRvSdOmrS2eRMdhEXGGI6pTL1o0Dt6IwhrcANjxXQsRXUrjnqKLKFWALmJYITPrXrykmV5-zoMsMSny1qUZS28HtpvetTL8GU2tadIlydYPuK1JbukbeaoLbdc4ebS-CeEsbiqsJKZ4Wo/s400/DSC_4446.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5709852031532474834" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 268px; height: 400px; " /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk6FyY2waHgawNq39gsj_uNlIlFinp0mfDZtr0hZGRxI4UQ_q92FGHYhK3-qR5O2rt53U_r21cvLWp93YB23QDVWbwYAi-RbKfIISUu4_qixrlWk_NjETV3KhksFWNPu2eFZlmq9wmv_Q/s1600/DSC_4204.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk6FyY2waHgawNq39gsj_uNlIlFinp0mfDZtr0hZGRxI4UQ_q92FGHYhK3-qR5O2rt53U_r21cvLWp93YB23QDVWbwYAi-RbKfIISUu4_qixrlWk_NjETV3KhksFWNPu2eFZlmq9wmv_Q/s1600/DSC_4204.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a></div><div>We toured a preschool this week. Starting in September, Zeke will go to an awesome little preschool 2-3 mornings per week. He's so excited about it. This kid never lacks in enthusiasm.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Tom and I are great. We got a little love seat at an antique store last weekend (used in photo shoot today). We had so much room in our bedroom once the crib was gone (!) that we've been able to turn it into a great little seating area. It's currently the same celery green as our walls, but the wall color will be changing to a lilac/grey color this weekend. Fascinating, huh? </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Also, Tom took me on a wonderful surprise Valentine's date this year. I thought that my mom had actually texted last minute to offer her babysitting services so Tom and I could run out for a quick meal (I was thinking Qdoba, Chik Fil A, or something equally gourmet, given it was V-day at 6pm and we didn't have reservations anywhere) It wasn't until we were inside the theater that I realized Tom had planned a special dinner theater date at the Rogers Little Theater. Full dinner, dessert, chocolates, a rose, and <i>Hairspray. </i>Great job, Tom! (And thanks Mom and Dad for babysitting and being in on the secret!) </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">FINALLY- Here are the outtakes of my attempt at a photo of all 3 of my cherubs. The best shot I got all afternoon is first. The next two show how it really went after that. 3 kids, 3 and under. Oh well- I'm sure they'll sit still someday! </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE8bw2DxS8MhYhuouFGRB5KVw5zOTFuaIVl6X0HA4JjCxxz_9Z8xSZTJkmvioBgM6y8szSwTT0AHNy346ktR7A7wgvqjSKJJhFIF4RoWRFm28PYJIEo88A4kQd6bZvA6YDDJv5JTRWNrk/s1600/DSC_4486.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE8bw2DxS8MhYhuouFGRB5KVw5zOTFuaIVl6X0HA4JjCxxz_9Z8xSZTJkmvioBgM6y8szSwTT0AHNy346ktR7A7wgvqjSKJJhFIF4RoWRFm28PYJIEo88A4kQd6bZvA6YDDJv5JTRWNrk/s400/DSC_4486.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5709852355437446546" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px; " /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix64svZq4oqoOK_Ug1jq0e08C6IUqf2jno_Cejf8D_yrPxqaR9ymjwd1_K7YMuL9hBI-hfx0Iq7s5BGioSiFjFOL60XkWGlC4EAPLlsYzKjBaiTJAwP6KQn9rtGUDHyNYd5LwncvVcgAI/s400/DSC_4496.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5709852374080085986" /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE8bw2DxS8MhYhuouFGRB5KVw5zOTFuaIVl6X0HA4JjCxxz_9Z8xSZTJkmvioBgM6y8szSwTT0AHNy346ktR7A7wgvqjSKJJhFIF4RoWRFm28PYJIEo88A4kQd6bZvA6YDDJv5JTRWNrk/s1600/DSC_4486.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicYhDNaP0VyYnxpl2EPd-sF7v_217mwRCyrr1PzdmJoWqxqYAEaOK_kFn91A5RQl8zllskSJvfHvB90XCZEMJMThNpVfX-WmCOtnGASaJu5Ney6ELh0fti9gWkNFcBMaRD7QfbkgY8ks0/s400/DSC_4524.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5709852388237898658" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div>Karine and Tomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16599620021231636598noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8942500440451963899.post-45370800740344996462012-02-02T07:48:00.003-06:002012-02-02T08:05:24.572-06:00Happy 3rd Birthday Zeke!<div>Today marks Zeke's 3rd birthday. Happy Birthday, little buddy! </div><div>On Saturday, we had a small party with family and one of Zeke's friends. A few weeks ago, Zeke requested a tractor birthday party, so we ran with the theme. </div><div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "></span></div><div><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000ee;"><br /></span></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAfJD7kIy4UODR5LOZHqRv5OxNSI8vHgn3VRAgdQ1oJZ55qFgEK8ZH8zG2a5GvyGKrFL9szHU7gRjEyf_SUJMcG3YxQK_UclxRzg9K53qsfdHzfDx8fcSFeOyr0ketB4y-Wf0jjGuxc78/s1600/DSC_4244.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAfJD7kIy4UODR5LOZHqRv5OxNSI8vHgn3VRAgdQ1oJZ55qFgEK8ZH8zG2a5GvyGKrFL9szHU7gRjEyf_SUJMcG3YxQK_UclxRzg9K53qsfdHzfDx8fcSFeOyr0ketB4y-Wf0jjGuxc78/s400/DSC_4244.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5704535640844575602" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 268px; height: 400px; " /></a></div></div><div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKLnjkvwQlSnY3poJIUGGdvE3fw2I30MjrBbr-MiNjiaBhT7wUSFvBOAnIVTTHYfjbmVBV5wjh1U33V_9G4JPmkKQg9IFzV3vHtAPrnLobyRoZ6K1jLYsIuMe0CZ1HwtgpIyr6HK0ARBI/s400/DSC_4240.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5704535631048322002" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px; " /></span></div><div></div></div><div>We looked out the window to discover that some crazy hens had escaped from their pen and laid some (candy-filled) eggs in the yard. Zeke and his friend had fun discovering all the hidden eggs. The parents and grandparents had fun eating some of the candy. </div><div><br /></div><div>Then, we played Pin the Wheel on the Tractor. Everybody won. </div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC6mqJYWiZmPhBZU7Eg8xSx3gTqPDgeknOwU2guTZ27STcFXtDUEl3sQlv0pJ2GLRvGdDYZVWtJP4JXKiBt2Rjm6o5A_TfAaLpNas3SLsxpcqMJ52PTS3S_Rpiu4RABnPhQdSU_DYkAP0/s400/DSC_4253.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5704535653579272658" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px; " /></span></div><div>Finally, it was on to presents and cake. </div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYJ31EU4RaoIbitDwMsF7EQ2zqXFfmfOlFETgh-mLvlxM07kJY_j57HgiE1_GdyqaeOXoKL8J_HJ1d-pBznskW21l-UYbk5KjcthozeW-pgIBhcbz2J6M0yAWWsOLp6QCqvp5HwTkVj5c/s400/DSC_4256.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5704535661325479378" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 268px; height: 400px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); "><div style="text-align: center; "><br /></div><div style="text-align: center; "><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI-npmKaQWlZBubNihFqEwaZPJyclTATGNRyqL_hkYd6iTOcp75io8l5uVKC6CYUSbwn1dLXrn0XhrVuTulG6aXBMvPJ69c4RYDE6JlaaF-RQ-AvSVqqPOczrJ0rxPtewEyv-G7J2VPUs/s1600/DSC_4249.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI-npmKaQWlZBubNihFqEwaZPJyclTATGNRyqL_hkYd6iTOcp75io8l5uVKC6CYUSbwn1dLXrn0XhrVuTulG6aXBMvPJ69c4RYDE6JlaaF-RQ-AvSVqqPOczrJ0rxPtewEyv-G7J2VPUs/s400/DSC_4249.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5704535638813216482" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;">I'm no cake boss, but I did have fun decorating my first "shape cake". </div><div><br /></div><div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIFV11dgKqOzKBQG-GwgQEkqwJv9cG6fcTlsudkuI6vh2Dwl8OYBLSpdII0UZprQlqVOqdCom2Shda7Q1jbLZRLmpSICS9bhxu3FnP9uYQKV_pPnShyxL1IXFY5hP80DTvqvo49H1FP0M/s400/DSC_4263.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5704535877697544034" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 268px; height: 400px; " /></span></span></div></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></span></div><div>All in all, it was a fun party. Today is his "real" birthday and we'll continue to celebrate Zeke's life all day long! </div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI-npmKaQWlZBubNihFqEwaZPJyclTATGNRyqL_hkYd6iTOcp75io8l5uVKC6CYUSbwn1dLXrn0XhrVuTulG6aXBMvPJ69c4RYDE6JlaaF-RQ-AvSVqqPOczrJ0rxPtewEyv-G7J2VPUs/s1600/DSC_4249.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>Karine and Tomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16599620021231636598noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8942500440451963899.post-7150900812783779922012-01-11T17:07:00.002-06:002012-01-11T17:12:16.845-06:00Zadie's First Year Photo BookAfter waiting too long to do it, I finally put together Zadie's First Year- a Photo Book. Shutterfly is always sending out email offers for free albums, but you almost have to have one ready made in your account. Enjoy if you'd like to see it! <br /><br />(Ezra will get one too- when the next free book offer comes around!) <br /><br /><object width="425" height="425" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab" classid="clsid:d27cdb6e-ae6d-11cf-96b8-444553540000"><param name="movie" value="http://images-community.shutterfly.com/flashapps/flashslideshowphotobook/slideshow_pb.swf"><param name="flashvars" value="xmlURL=http%3A%2F%2Fws.shutterfly.com%2Fpsdata%3FprojectGUID%3D0AZNHDRi3cOGKuSg%26uid%3D001088714842%26size%3D0%26ts%3D1326323266000%26height%3D425%26width%3D425&size=0&ob=0&fc=0&ss=0&sb=0&ft=0"><param name="menu" value="false"><param name="quality" value="best"><param name="wmode" value="transparent"><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><embed width="425" height="425" align="middle" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" name="wrapper" quality="best" menu="false" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" flashvars="xmlURL=http%3A%2F%2Fws.shutterfly.com%2Fpsdata%3FprojectGUID%3D0AZNHDRi3cOGKuSg%26uid%3D001088714842%26size%3D0%26ts%3D1326323266000%26height%3D425%26width%3D425&size=0&ob=0&fc=0&ss=0&sb=0&ft=0" src="http://images-community.shutterfly.com/flashapps/flashslideshowphotobook/slideshow_pb.swf"></embed></object><p style="width:425px;margin-top:0;text-align:center;"><a href="http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=0AZNHDRi3cOGLq4&cid=SFLYOCWIDGET&eid=115">Click here to view this photo book larger</a></p><div style="margin-top: 10px; width: 425px; text-align: center;">Visit Shutterfly.com to create your own personalized <a href="http://www.shutterfly.com/photo-books" style="color: #6666cc;">photo book</a>.</div><div style="margin-top: 10px; width: 425px; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="margin-top: 10px; width: 425px; text-align: center;"><br /></div><img width="1" height="1" border="0" style="padding: 0; background: #ffffff; border: none; box-shadow: none;" src="https://os.shutterfly.com/b/ss/sflyshareprod/1/H.15/111?pageName=sharekey&c1=photobook&c2=blogger" /><p></p>Karine and Tomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16599620021231636598noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8942500440451963899.post-76801825391217210202012-01-09T08:24:00.002-06:002012-01-09T08:30:30.837-06:00Big Cedar Landscapes<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu4oUWRXKgRR21czekZY_jt5gwCelqkdR0hY58xdWc7Jt9hMxRxqXqj1Gmz0K6vdg_R4Zfh41Xphkc1Qa6xITLYn3a9ZE1YtKjhgYfqYqn1VSmZmczgx1qYjCCC1HF-2SpLWdjEbNv9Ng/s400/IMG_0226.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5695639288259398322" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 400px; " /><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjanckB5DtGkaSweTNQksFUkkXO70xh-XumnrVFOY03ip4RLBoHGzyxpwY7KqAPcoAqGZU0wjeDwcevXFfUlXJ1MFBZG8oXdTHmtH_ZhWihhv5FxYK9vPhOwO0OfzUN_zXvjwt8pM-iK10/s400/IMG_0219.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5695638720216431858" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 400px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYf5g9IyUTEdiicP6QStUVYSH805-22YetW-W3xbjgwgvyOrQk-U3ssn7v0zwD5wNlo11oaDbkQzd0wci5FRwITwulpfxkOSlX4MhyKh6Lrk3aEObPoMomyn2TdaL9IUIpInEmsH7xmgY/s400/IMG_0222.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5695638735732645746" /></span></div><div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM9DP8o5pNhaL1TIl17IK8gvKQVQ9VlUExwAGOvOD24tSIB8jFFptNPLdDUWHk0IRfUGdIvrgnhDBKJ3feFcs1JFwh9cEtCLttGWH1PODVFCs8JeoT2EaiglkaF8J9hgRre1TFPeJir6Q/s400/IMG_0221.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5695638725211707970" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjanckB5DtGkaSweTNQksFUkkXO70xh-XumnrVFOY03ip4RLBoHGzyxpwY7KqAPcoAqGZU0wjeDwcevXFfUlXJ1MFBZG8oXdTHmtH_ZhWihhv5FxYK9vPhOwO0OfzUN_zXvjwt8pM-iK10/s1600/IMG_0219.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a>Karine and Tomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16599620021231636598noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8942500440451963899.post-30358857469583077402011-12-29T14:30:00.007-06:002011-12-29T14:52:30.967-06:00Same Same, But Different<div>Ezra in a sink. 13 months. Rogers, Arkansas. </div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsaldH_vrZ23bOMEhWgNLigyC3teo9o_meNihj05tEDEot5dk9FscQ7DBqpl1soFRFA8RUdVdMmUaeCdhQ7GI3K5Cacb_62RhGkIIh49dVkDvQQNdvHsuvEbS9AK9-FLL5oWGQnt7cqW8/s1600/DSC_4045.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsaldH_vrZ23bOMEhWgNLigyC3teo9o_meNihj05tEDEot5dk9FscQ7DBqpl1soFRFA8RUdVdMmUaeCdhQ7GI3K5Cacb_62RhGkIIh49dVkDvQQNdvHsuvEbS9AK9-FLL5oWGQnt7cqW8/s400/DSC_4045.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5691653911365419474" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div>Zeke in a sink. 13 months. Atlantida, Honduras.<div><br /><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitpE5OhuJTeAc4jnFmpI7zdLGqaVoqAxBgq6nc4IjLmlr0LFEPojXAM6kSpvEP0_yJiWgUrMukbz3yeRA17V5gffdBRCR6zUrFSTXyrIJ5M9ZZi9JT8FbSUCOeSiWyBtJiPsh1mlGSEW8/s400/17367_1323429759460_1042347686_30983265_4987995_n-1.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5691652595971696402" /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div></div>Karine and Tomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16599620021231636598noreply@blogger.com0