tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-77899003439083041062024-03-13T21:40:49.491+01:00We Three MothersMandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00051545787207520533noreply@blogger.comBlogger335125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7789900343908304106.post-82557109564270169582018-02-05T20:41:00.003+01:002018-02-05T20:41:24.887+01:00Harry Potter Birthday Party - Part Two - The Activities (Hogwarts Classes)If you haven't, check out Part One of our Harry Potter Birthday Party <a href="http://wethreemothers.blogspot.com/2018/02/harry-potter-birthday-party-part-one.html">here</a>.<br />
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This past Saturday, we celebrated Cooper's Birthday with a Harry Potter theme. Eight classmates joined us for the fun. After all the friends arrive for the party, I had them all come down to be "sorted" by a cute little sorting hat. If the Sorting Hat called out Slytherin, we just pushed it again. I found the little electronic sorting hat on <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Harry-Potter-Talking-Sorting-Sticker/dp/0762461764/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1517857442&sr=8-4&keywords=sorting+hat">Amazon</a>.<br />
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I then handed them each a bag of Gold Galleons (chocolate coins) to purchase their school supplies. First they bought their robes from Madame Malkins, then they picked up their house scarves, then they closed their eyes to let the wants choose them, and then they picked up their Spellbooks and Potion books I created. The kids loved the spell books and instantly started shouting out spells to each other from the book.<br />
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After getting their school supplies, the kids were ready to go to Charms Class where I would perform some magic tricks for them. My husband got them to select an object in the room while I ran out for a minute, and when I came back, we performed this "Black Magic Trick", and it was great! They were impressed. I then used my "Magic Coloring Book" and further impressed the boys. It was then time for the boys to do some magic of their own in "Transfiguration'" class. I had each boy come up and pull a card from a bowl with an animal printed out on it. They had to act out the animal (transform I mean into the animal) and have the other kids guess what they were supposed to be. So charades. They did a great job.<br />
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After Transfiguration, we headed into my kitchen for Potions Class. This class required the most set up time of all. The night before, I set up 4 different experiments for the kids to do in their house groups.<br />
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The first potion we created as edible. They made pudding from powder mixes of milk and pudding and elixir of life (water) I had all set out in containers and could add insect eggs (sprinkles) or goblin eyes (candy eyes) if they wanted. After pudding, we did an exploding foaming potion that had to turn green and smell of flowers to be successful. The kids loved this one. It was simply vinegar, baking soda and yellow and blue dish soap in cauldrons (big bowls).I then performed this Burning Basilisk Skin trick following the <a href="http://www.mykidsadventures.com/harry-potter-potions/">directions from here. </a> Pretty exciting because of the fire, and it smelled like s'mores. The kids wanted more potions, so we did a quick Dragon's Milk Fireworks experiment which consisted of dripping dye into milk and adding dish soap.<br />
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The kids were getting thirsty at this point, so we then had a Divination Class. Each kid closed their eyes while I poured 7Up into their cups and the 7 Up turned colors to reveal their fortunes. I saw this idea on Pinterest. You simply put food coloring into their cups the night before to let it dry. Add ice right before you perform this class, and then add the liquid and it will magically turn a color for them.<br />
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After Divination, it was time for Quidditch. I was really hoping we would be able to play following ideas I found from this <a href="http://www.summercamppro.com/harry-potter-camp-ideas-part-3-the-extras/">Camp website</a>, but the weather was awful (sleeting and cold), so instead I hid 40 snakes, lizards, frogs and one fat rat (Scabbers) in my basement for the boys to find. I told them Hagrid accidentally let all the Magical Creatures out and they needed to round them up for me. The boys were then ready for "Classes" to be over and for some free time, so I was then able to prep the cake and butterbeer for the kids. I used cream soda in beer mugs, and ladled homemade whipped cream with butterscotch drizzled on top for butterbeer. For the cake, I made a fun Monster Book of Monsters.<br />
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We of course used magical relighting candles and all sung Happy Birthday to my almost nine year old boy! Tomorrow is the real day. I can't honestly believe it!<br />
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Each kid was then awarded a trip to Honeydukes and picked out chocolate frogs, gummy worms, Bertie Botts Jelly Beans, slugs, Gumballs, Acid Pops and Snitch chocolates. I think they had a pretty darn good time together. Later that night, two moms told me their sons were still wearing their robes and scarves shouting spells with their wands and spell books. "Ridikulus!"<br />
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If you are hosting a Harry Potter Party and want to copy any of these party ideas and I left out a link, just let me know in the comments and I'll try to send you the link.<br />
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One party down and another to go this weekend for my daughter Lily. Can't wait!<br />
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<br />Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00051545787207520533noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7789900343908304106.post-44140009379179623652018-02-05T19:58:00.001+01:002018-02-05T19:58:07.033+01:00Harry Potter Birthday Party - Part One - The Planning, Preparation, and DecorationsThis past Saturday, we celebrated Cooper's 9th Birthday with a Harry Potter inspired party. I had a great time planning and preparing for the party since I love all Harry Potter books so much and there were hundreds of pinterest and blog ideas to inspire ideas.<br />
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It all started with a homemade invitation. I forgot to take pictures of the invitation, but we made it into an acceptance letter to Hogwarts school of Witchcraft and Wizardry with a train ticket for Hogwarts Express included and stained the invitations with tea bags for an authentic look. We even dripped red candle wax to seal the envelopes and stamped them with an H stamp I had on hand. I'll have to see if my husband captured a photo. I simply drafted the letters up in Microsoft Word after looking at several ideas on Etsy.<br />
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I sewed robes following this simple <a href="http://www.piecesbypolly.com/2015/07/harry-potter-robes-in-10-minutes-with.html">Tutorial </a>and these <a href="http://www.piecesbypolly.com/2013/02/tutorial-easy-harry-potter-hogwarts.html">scarves</a> from Pieces by Polly as well. The scarves turned out great! So soft and warm. I decided not to make Slytherin robes because Cooper and I both decided that kids would not be very excited about being a Slytherin. Each robe took about 10 minutes once I got the hang of the pattern/cutting and each scarf took about 20 minutes from cutting to finish sewing. Not bad. I ordered a pack of 5 patches from Amazon to sew on to each robe as well to make them look slightly more authentic. This was the most expensive part of the party, fabric is always more expensive than I think it will be! I got the fleece and Oly Fun and plan polyester black fabric from Hobby Lobby using a 40% off coupon.<br />
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I also created all the wands by following a tutorial I saw on pinterest using chopsticks/dowels and hot glue! It was really easy to do! We just let glue cover the wands in different patters, then painted using brown, black, gold, and silver paint, and then when dry, painted all of them with Modge Podge to seal in the paint. Cooper helped with the whole process.<br />
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Decorating</div>
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In order to decorate for the Party, I printed off a lot of printables from etsy. I ordered this<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/254701344/harry-potter-party-printable-signage?ref=hp_rv"> package</a>, on etsy which turned out great! I ordered plates and the banner you see in the background above from <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Harry-Potter-Party-Supplies-Guests/dp/B0731MDNMD/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&qid=1517854586&sr=8-7&keywords=harry+potter+birthday+plates">Amazon</a>. </div>
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And using this etsy <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/246051121/harry-potter-party-printable-candy?ref=listing-shop-header-1">package </a>of printables for the Honeydukes sweets/party favors! Amazingly enough, most of the printables are <a href="http://www.instructables.com/howto/harry+potter+printables/">free on instructables </a>. I couldn't believe how many amazing free things you could download! </div>
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<span style="text-align: left;"> I made these banners by printing off free house emblems I found and cutting out black felt into banner shapes. I hot glued the paper emblems onto the felt and we used yarn and tape to tape them on my wall. </span></div>
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The treat table was so fun to come up with. I did rock candy swizzle sticks for "Acid Pops" and made the chocolate frogs from a cheap mold I bought on<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Cybrtrayd-A126-Protective-Copyrighted-Instructions/dp/B000EBMUNU/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?ie=UTF8&qid=1517855435&sr=8-1-spons&keywords=chocolate+frog+mold&psc=1"> amazon. </a> It worked perfectly! The boxes I made from a free printable I found on <a href="http://www.instructables.com/id/Honeydukes-Chocolate-Frog-Cards/">Instructables</a>. They even include Trading Cards you can print! Couldn't believe how well they turned out. I didn't have card stock and just used simple normal white printing paper for everything. I bought Bettie botts every flavored jelly beans on Amazon in packages that came with 8 boxes, sour gummy worms, and fake sticky slugs as well to add to the favor bags. The favor bags are from Michaels Arts and Crafts Store. </div>
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Oh, and of course we had to decorate the front of the house to look like Platform 9 and 3/4! So, I ordered this brick wall plastic table cover and cut it and hung across the front door so that kids could run through it to enter the house. </div>
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And I added a few more signs into the bathroom and to every room just about on the first floor of our house. </div>
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Plus, threw in suitcases, brooms, and any knights/owls/books I could find into the party rooms to make my house seem more like Hogwarts. For the Great Hall, I made floating candles using toilet paper rolls that I spray painted white (following ideas I saw all over pinterest). </div>
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Oh yes! The cake! I made a Monster Book of Monsters Cake for Cooper using this<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6wxsahDg3Fo"> tutorial.</a> For the cake part, I made 2 chocolate cakes from scratch, made homemade chocolate buttercream icing for the brown hair, and white marshmallow fondant for the pages, teeth, mouth, tongue and nose/face. It turned out better than I expected and Cooper loved it. We made snitches from Ferrero Rocher chocolates and cutting out white paper to look like wings that we then hot glued on to the sides of the chocolates. </div>
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Check out Part II for the games/activities we did at the Harry Potter Birthday Party. </div>
Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00051545787207520533noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7789900343908304106.post-73492382099891348412017-02-22T20:07:00.000+01:002017-02-22T20:07:16.591+01:00Lily and her Pinkalicious Fifth Birthday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Every year I like to let the kids pick what they want to do for their birthday party. For Cooper turning 8 this month, we went to Great Wolf Lodge up in Cincinnati and had a great time! For Lily, we held a little party at home with a theme of her choice. Pink. So, that is what she got. A whole lot of pink.<br />
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For the party activity, we painted cupcakes following an easy <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U_i6n-YCX-0">youtube tutorial on canvas.</a> They turned out great, but I didn't get a picture of us painting or the finished result unfortunately. I purchased cute aprons for each kid from amazon to make sure they didn't get any paint on them and used the painting and aprons as party gifts. At one point we had to let the backgrounds dry, so we played a quick game of Pin the Cherry on the Cupcake.<br />
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For the food, I made one table with pink foods (cupcakes and candy and fruit wands) and the other table with some green foods (pickles, broccoli, salad, etc) to cure pinkatitis. I found some sandwich slider recipes on Pinterest that were so good and made a strawberry spinach salad with homemade poppy-seed dressing.<br />
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I tried to make the cupcakes look just like the ones in the Pinkalicious book, and then set the table with a place for each kid to decorate their very own cupcake with sprinkles and cherries.<br />
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Plus a chocolate cake for all the chocolate lovers in our family. She was so excited all morning running around in her new pink frilly dress waiting for everyone to arrive.<br />
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The best part of it all was that Lily had such a great, happy day. Happiest of Birthdays my not so little Lillian.<br />
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<br />Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00051545787207520533noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7789900343908304106.post-9252065835624009752017-01-19T16:23:00.000+01:002017-01-26T15:30:33.309+01:00Our New Home - Living RoomHello everyone. Hope you are having a nice start to the new year.<br />
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Back in the middle of September, we bought a new home! We have been slowly settling in, and have quite a long way to go. The second day after moving in, the laundry machine wasn't hooked up properly and we were out taking a stroll around our new neighborhood. When we returned, our kitchen was a pool and water was pouring out of the lights in the ceiling. The whole upstairs and downstairs were flooded. It was awful! Due to the damage from the water, we get to replace all our wood floors! We haven't started that endeavor yet, but will this spring.<br />
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We've been renting the last five years over in Germany, so it was hard to make the house how we wanted. With our new home, it has been so much fun figuring out our style and design preferences. I have pinned hundreds of images on pinterest and scoured over furniture websites. We're finally getting close to finished with our living room, so I thought I would share. Just need a floor lamp, another side table, a garden stool, and some accent pillows...<br />
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This is what the room looked like when we moved in. The previous owners had a HUGE TV above the fireplace that left a gaping hole with wires etc. We hung a large mirror to hide the mess and fortunately it fit perfectly. </div>
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The house was painted a goldish tan, but I really wanted to brighten up the walls and modernize the house. I searched for the perfect paint color for weeks. We grabbed about 10 different samples from Sherwin Williams and ended up going with Agreeable Gray. I love the color and am so glad we picked it for the majority of the house. </div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VtPYBgC67G8/WIC02D1TwcI/AAAAAAAAIj0/C8inZE0XUzA1ppmhRHp8KlQmDxWqPb8pwCLcB/s1600/IMG_9748.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VtPYBgC67G8/WIC02D1TwcI/AAAAAAAAIj0/C8inZE0XUzA1ppmhRHp8KlQmDxWqPb8pwCLcB/s640/IMG_9748.JPG" width="640" /></a> In October, I started searching for sofas. We went to stores to test a few, and then started the online search. We both liked the <a href="http://www.williams-sonoma.com/products/presidio-sofa-upholstery/?pkey=csofas-loveseats&&csofas-loveseats">Presidio sofa </a>from William Sonoma, but not the price tag. It was going to be well over our limit. We knew we wanted a well made, single seat cushion, down filled couch, and finally found the perfect one! The <a href="http://www.interiordefine.com/shop/caitlin-sofa">Interior Define Caitlin Sofa. </a> I read so many good reviews about their sofas, and the fact that they have a 1 year return policy made me feel more comfortable with purchasing a sofa we had never seen or sat on in person. So, we took the plunge. The sofa finally came after waiting almost 14 weeks, and we love it. We also got the matching chair, which is bigger than I expected and also very comfortable. We did the Pebble weave in Dove for the fabric and picked walnut legs. The leather chair is from Pottery Barn when they had a 50% off sale for Black Friday. The coffee table and end table are from West Elm.<br />
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As for the rug, I first had it lengthwise. It drove me crazy that the end table wouldn't sit perfectly on the rug or off the rug (see the pictures below). It was straddled between both, so we turned the rug horizontal and everything came together nicely. The rug is from rugsusa.com after I read this Emily Henderson <a href="https://stylebyemilyhenderson.com/?s=timeless+rug">blog post </a>about 52 timeless rugs. This rug was the least expensive, and I liked the geometric pattern and gray in it. It doesn't shed and with a nice pad under it, feels wonderful.<br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7xPCFcyLjcI/WIC01aSS62I/AAAAAAAAIjU/9klOE3EEBvENd3-WoKXnsBVJ29drach1ACLcB/s1600/IMG_0023.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7xPCFcyLjcI/WIC01aSS62I/AAAAAAAAIjU/9klOE3EEBvENd3-WoKXnsBVJ29drach1ACLcB/s640/IMG_0023.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vB-8WFn4c6Q/WIC01oP2DQI/AAAAAAAAIjk/Tyx1T7dSNak2oGtHEKkuEBbYdw2tyPkOQCLcB/s1600/IMG_0028.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vB-8WFn4c6Q/WIC01oP2DQI/AAAAAAAAIjk/Tyx1T7dSNak2oGtHEKkuEBbYdw2tyPkOQCLcB/s640/IMG_0028.JPG" width="640" /></a>Eventually, I want to paint the white behind the built in shelves a pretty accent color. I just can't decide exactly which color yet, and I want the accent color to match an island we plan on building in the kitchen. I'm thinking definitely a blue, but not sure which blue.<br />
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I'm loving this room. The windows let in so much light in the afternoon, it makes the room the perfect place to hang out and read a book or play a game with the kids. Add a warm fire and good smells from the kitchen equals bliss.<br />
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Now, back to my online search for the perfect accent pillows and touches for the room.<br />
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<br />Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00051545787207520533noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7789900343908304106.post-49219815613212583612017-01-12T14:38:00.002+01:002017-01-12T14:38:32.951+01:00Maya<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Just before the holidays, our sweet baby girl Maya became very sick. We had her at the Vet being taken care of for a week, but on Christmas Eve, she was just so weak and frail from not eating that we had to put her down. It was just awful as I am sure so many of you can relate. She laid her sweet head on my lap and let me know that she was done. She was so tired and weak. I tried so hard to stay calm and just talked to her about how much we loved her and how she was simply the sweetest dog there ever was. And honestly, she was.<br />
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The stress and worry while she was at the vet induced shingles in me over the holidays. It was a blessing in disguise though because I was able to spend much more time at home over the holidays than I would have. Life just feels so different right now still without her around. I can't get used to coming home without her there. Feeding her, letting her out, having her go between my legs over and over when I came home from work, our reason to hurry home to take care of her. I miss her so much right now.<br />
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Maya, aka goosebottom, Maya Po the noosh, and babaganoush, we love you so much and will always remember you.<br />
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<br />Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00051545787207520533noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7789900343908304106.post-61523600602265097312016-11-28T19:01:00.000+01:002016-11-28T19:02:40.961+01:00Lily's Pink Ombre DresserA few weeks ago, my parents brought us an antique dresser, dining room table, and wonderful doll house from a very good friend of the family. I was thrilled to say the least. I've been dreaming about fixing Lily's room up since we moved into our new house in September, and finally got started! I still have grand plans that I'll share later, but for now, here is the antique dresser in her room.<br />
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The dresser was originally dark walnut, with black metal pulls. I purchased white pulls on amazon, and use Valspar Pink Chalky Paint from Lowes for the drawers, and Annie Sloan White Chalk Paint for the rest. I was going for am Ombre look, but didn't want it to look to harsh, so I just mixed a little extra white into my pink paint each time I started on the next higher drawer.<br />
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The keyholes had little metal circles that go over them that I think I will paint white and add back onto the dresser this weekend. Looks strange to see the holes now that I am posting these pictures.<br />
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The cute maple desk is missing a pull and I need to order new ones for it. I'm considering painting it. What do you all think? Leave the desk natural or paint it to match the dresser?<br />
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In case you are wondering where I purchased some of the decor, the <a href="http://www.target.com/p/unicorn-head-wall-d-cor-pillowfort/-/A-50075402?ref=tgt_adv_XS000000&AFID=google_pla_df&CPNG=PLA_Home+Decor+Shopping_Brand&adgroup=SC_Home+Decor&LID=700000001170770pgs&network=g&device=c&location=9014308&gclid=CJyT5b2BzNACFU46gQodKLUPxw&gclsrc=aw.ds">unicorn head</a>, <a href="http://www.target.com/p/bird-table-lamp-pillowfort/-/A-50700889">turquoise bird lamp</a>, and heart shaped bulletin board are from Target. The paint color on the walls is Sherwin Williams Silver Peony.<br />
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I've used Chalk Paint a few times now over the years, and I have to say the Valspar Chalky Paint line has so many great colors to choose from, and cost less than Annie Sloan Chalk Paint, and went on a little easier. I had to paint two coats, but did not prime. I also had to use the wax sealer after letting the paint dry, and it seems like the paint will hold up well. Time will tell...<br />
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Hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving!Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00051545787207520533noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7789900343908304106.post-88293249381756149622016-10-11T22:53:00.003+02:002016-10-11T22:53:48.343+02:00Noticing the Differences<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Since moving, Cooper and Lily have noticed that funniest differences between Germany and the US that I wouldn't have even thought about. I love the way their minds work. Enjoy!<br />
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<li>Shortly before flying to the states, we stayed at a cabin in the woods near an awesome ropes course. We did the ropes course with Cooper, which involved several super long zip lines that Cooper loved. As we were driving from our hotel to his grandparent's house he exclaimed super excitedly "Look mom!! All the houses in America have zip-lines running to them! You can ride a zip line to your house here!" (In Germany, the power lines are all buried underground). </li>
<li>As we pass random people on the street or in stores, we get big smiles and "Hello, how are you". Cooper and Lily both asked me at different times "do you know him/her?"</li>
<li>Ice. Lily can't get enough of it. "Why do people like their drinks so cold here". I think she mostly is loving the ice maker on the fridge. (Ice was hard to come by in Europe). </li>
<li>"Why is it so cold in every building in America? This must be the coldest place on earth," they said every time we walked into our hotel hallway. </li>
<li>"Mom! I just saw the coolest bird! It was RED! Really, it was!" Cooper shouted as a cardinal flew by our window. Honestly, I don't remember any red birds in Germany so I can understand the surprise for them. </li>
<li>"What is that smell! It is awful!", both were amazed at how awful skunks smell. </li>
<li>"Mom! They have squirrels! Look, look, a squirrel!" </li>
<li>After warning my kids about poison ivy, all ivy plants are poisonous. </li>
<li>When getting ready to take a trip for fall break, I told the kids we're going on a little vacation. Cooper asked "to Majorca?" No, honey, close but not quite. To Tennessee. </li>
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Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00051545787207520533noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7789900343908304106.post-35343301085722018052016-10-04T15:51:00.000+02:002016-10-04T15:51:15.846+02:00We've Moved! <br />
Wow. It has been 8 months since I have even posted. I can't believe so much time has passed. I honestly miss blogging and having a way to look back at my kids growing up and our trips/crafts/and life in general. So, I've decided to start back up again.<br />
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A lot has happened in the last 8 months! Frank and I had to make the super tough decision of one of us quitting our jobs. I could only stay 5 years in Germany with my position, but Frank could stay indefinitely. After making lists of pros and cons and talking the issue to death, we decided Frank would quit and I'd keep my federal job and we'd return to Kentucky, close to home and family.<br />
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Frank resigned in June, we took a nice week long vacation in Mallorca, Spain then moved back to Kentucky in July.<br />
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We lived in the Residence Inn for 2 months while buying a house in Richmond, Ky, and now we've finally moved into our new house and are in the long process of unpacking. During that time the kids started at a new school, our cars were finally delivered, and our 17000 pounds of Household goods arrived, Fixing up the house and getting things in order is a never ending task, but we're still making time to get out and climb, visit family, and settle back into the American way of life.<br />
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It is such a lot of change! Kind of hard to take it all in. We're missing our friends and jobs and way of life back in Germany, but know we'll get into a routine and settle in here eventually. It all just takes time. Looking forward to capturing some of our life here as we settle back in.Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00051545787207520533noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7789900343908304106.post-44718212531981199522016-01-22T10:19:00.002+01:002016-01-22T10:19:45.540+01:00Friday I'm in Love<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Look who lost his first tooth! Shortly before his 7th birthday. That tooth started wiggling back in October, no joke! He lost it eating a sandwich in Austria this past weekend, and didn't want to eat anymore for fear of losing another tooth. Even cuter, he didn't want to put the tooth under a pillow for the tooth fairy. He wants to keep it forever instead. I'll have to do a post on our trip later this weekend when I have a chance to upload all the photos from Frank's phone. It was too cold and snowy to attempt using my Canon. We had a great time though skiing, sledding, climbing, and swimming. <br />
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This weekend we'll probably spend a lot of time cleaning up the house and putting away heaping piles of laundry. Plus some climbing and snuggling on the couch with a movie is in order. How about you all? <br />
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Links from around the web:<br />
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<li>Found this <a href="http://hottestheadsofstate.com/young-us-presidents/">hilarious</a> for some reason, and interesting at the same time. </li>
<li>This <a href="http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/05/09/the-scientific-7-minute-workout/?_r=1">scientific 7 minute workout</a> is actually pretty fun and made me sore the next day. </li>
<li><a href="http://nymag.com/news/articles/beginners/">Beginnings</a> - Break Through Moments for some really famous people. </li>
<li>The <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V3CLRL32Mcw">ten item wardrobe</a>. Could you do it? What items would you pick? </li>
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<br />Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00051545787207520533noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7789900343908304106.post-17347733556913084852015-12-04T12:48:00.002+01:002015-12-04T12:48:39.930+01:00Friday I'm in Love<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Yes! It is Friday! What is everyone up to this weekend? We're planning on going to our local Christmas Market, climbing of course, and visiting old friends of ours. Plus, we have to squeeze in cleaning the house, groceries, some Christmas shopping and the vet. I do love the Christmas markets in Germany. Hoping to go to a few this month in our area. <br />
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Cooper and Lily have been making some Christmas cards with me and I just love Cooper's trees. So cute. Huge trunks because the pine trees here in Germany are almost all trunk! <br />
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Here are some interesting finds for this week:<br />
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This <a href="http://kottke.org/15/11/teen-solves-cube-in-under-5-seconds">kid</a> did the Rubik's cube in under 5 seconds! <br />
<a href="http://javacupcake.com/2015/11/an-experience-in-humanity-my-time-with-the-refugees-in-germany/">A visit with Refugees in Weiden</a><br />
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bhqDWaPPQLQ">The Worlds Best Diet</a><br />
<a href="http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/5-extremely-lastminute-diy-holiday-decor-projects-214301">5 easy last minute holiday decoration ideas</a><br />
<a href="http://apumpkinandaprincess.com/2015/11/25-handmade-christmas-gifts-under-5.html">25 Handmade Gift Ideas</a><br />
Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00051545787207520533noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7789900343908304106.post-87985561728623906492015-12-02T07:54:00.001+01:002015-12-02T07:54:39.933+01:00Home Brewed Kombucha<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Hello everyone. I can't believe Thanksgiving has come and gone, and now we're so close to Christmas! I normally have grand plans and get in the craft mode this time of year, but this fall, I've been really into reading some good books at night versus crafting. That's not to say I haven't been doing fun art projects with the kids. Last night we hung about ten snowflakes they created on our windows. And, I've found a new hobby (as if I needed another). Making kombucha! <br />
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I ordered this <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Kombucha-Starter-Organic-Scoby-Temperature/dp/B00LW7OR4A/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1449038872&sr=8-4&keywords=Kombucha">kit</a> on Amazon, and started out with a ctirus orange kombucha. I'm waiting on my second batch of cranberry kombucha to finish the ferminting process and made another two batches yesterday. I'm thinking these will make great gifts for Christmas. It is really easy to make, and the ferminting process only takes 7-10 days. Unfortunately, it is super hard to find kombucha over here where we live, and I love it, so this is a hobby that I will keep up. If you love it as well, and consider brewing your own, this <a href="http://www.shutterbean.com/2015/how-to-make-kombucha-at-home/">blog post</a> does a great job in explaining the process. <br />
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Have any of you tried kombucha? Love it or hate it? What flavors are your favorite? I'd love some ideas. Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00051545787207520533noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7789900343908304106.post-82832266861306621802015-11-06T08:49:00.000+01:002015-11-06T08:49:16.658+01:00Friday I'm in Love<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Hello friends! I'm still around, just never finding a way to get on and blog these days. What are your plans for the weekend? This weekend, we'll be going to the house of our friends for dinner one night (they just moved in this week), and hopefully climbing outside the whole day Sunday. Guess it all depends on the weather. <br />
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In other news, Cooper is about to lose his very first tooth. One on the bottom. I feel like I need to take a zillion photos this weekend before that tooth falls out! I never want to forget his adorable spacey toothed smile from this age. In this photo above I asked him to give me a big toothy grin. <br />
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Friday Fun Links:<br />
<a href="http://cupofjo.com/2015/11/random-turn-ons/">What are your random turn ons?</a> <br />
I loved <a href="http://www.amazon.com/The-Harvester-Gene-Stratton-Porter/dp/160459473X">this book</a> so much! <br />
<a href="http://bettysliu.com/2015/10/13/white-miso-apple-pie/">Oh Yum!</a> A coworker brought in a ton of apples, so I'd love to make this pie. <br />
Love this<a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/12/24/spanish-ikea-ad_n_6377434.html"> IKEA Christmas</a> Ad. Made me teary. Watch it. <br />
An interesting read about the <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/wait-but-why/the-ai-revolution-the-road-to-superintelligence_b_6648480.html">AI revolution</a>. <br />
A cool <a href="http://www.glossible.com/the-beauty-blog-of-beauty-experts/the-best-makeup-ad">makeup </a>commercial. <br />
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Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00051545787207520533noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7789900343908304106.post-35891826909316297932015-10-16T10:53:00.000+02:002015-10-16T10:53:09.077+02:00Friday I'm in Love<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Hey Friends! How was your week? Ours was a busy one, but a good one. This whole month has been flying by and I'm all full of randomness today. <br />
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1. My sister Missy fell from her horse a few weeks ago and BROKE her back in 4 places. I was so terrified when I heard the news I couldn't sleep a wink. She is okay and at home and can walk with a walker, but in a lot of pain. So thankful she is okay and can walk but so sorry that this happened to her! <br />
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2. Last weekend we visited Leipzig! They have such an awesome zoo, one of the best if not the best I've ever been to. Worth a trip to Leipzig just for the zoo, but the city is pretty nice too. <br />
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3. Last Friday, I went for a Volksmarch (German for people's march/walk) with Cooper and his school for 5km. We had an awesome time even with the rain. In the picture above you can see the kids in Cooper's class swarming under his umbrella for fun downtown. <br />
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4. Feeling like soups and chili and pumpkin pies for the weekend. The cold has come, and along with it, the damp foggy skies. I feel like wrapping up on the couch in blankets and watching a movie tonight.<br />
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Here are some interesting finds from the web... Enjoy!<br />
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<ul>
<li>Worth reading - "<a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2015/09/24/magazine/motherhood-screened-off.html?_r=0">Motherhood, Screened Off</a>"</li>
<li>Hurry up with these<a href="http://www.refinery29.com/2015/10/95313/norwegian-airline-cheap-flights-us-europe"> Cheap Flights to Europe</a>! </li>
<li>A cool <a href="http://smokymountains.com/fall-foliage-map/">Fall Foliage Map</a></li>
<li>Really want to make these <a href="http://www.tarteletteblog.com/2008/09/saffron-pumpkin-macarons.html">pumpkin macaroons</a>.</li>
<li>Can't wait to make this <a href="http://www.danamadeit.com/2015/10/our-favorite-holiday-craft-every-year.html">Halloween village</a> </li>
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Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00051545787207520533noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7789900343908304106.post-74820490902115628032015-09-28T10:09:00.000+02:002015-09-28T10:09:02.786+02:00Have Courage and Be Kind<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Have you all seen the new Cinderella? I just loved it, and so did Lily. Anyway, I can't stop thinking about the line the mother says to her daughter before dying. She must always remember to "have courage and be kind". <br />
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Last week, Cooper received a Kiwi Crate with the essentials for creating a Lemonade stand. He wanted to go out and give away lemonade last week, but we're down into crisp fall temperatures now, and Germans are not quite crazy about lemonade like Americans. So, last night, he begged for me to make cookies that he could bring to all our neighbors. His plan was to push them on a cart and go up and down the street offering them up. He settled with plates full of warm gooey cookies and ran to each house so happy. He didn't want me to come with him. He wanted to give them all by himself, and that's just what he did. <br />
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Have courage and be kind. Pass it on. Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00051545787207520533noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7789900343908304106.post-47877700477837839182015-09-15T21:28:00.000+02:002015-09-16T09:03:48.417+02:00Summer Vacation - Mallorca August 2015<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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So, this blog has taken the backseat for me this summer you might have noticed. Unfortunately, I haven't been able to find the time to post in ages! Hoping to find the time again this fall. We had an awesome summer, with two trips to Mallorca, one to Garmisch, and a whole lot of swimming and climbing around home. Cooper learned to dive and front flip in the pool, and swim! It was awesome. This jump was the highlight of Cooper's trip to Mallorca. One for the money, two for the show, three to get ready and four to GO! Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00051545787207520533noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7789900343908304106.post-52498593541524026242015-07-11T20:24:00.000+02:002015-07-11T20:24:18.964+02:00Vacation Tradition - Mallorca SpainAs tradition would have it, we took our third 4th of July trip in a row to Mallorca, Spain (here are trips <a href="http://wethreemothers.blogspot.de/2013/07/amazing-places-mallorca-spain.html">1</a> and <a href="http://wethreemothers.blogspot.de/2014/07/vacation-photos-mallorca-spain.html">2</a> if you are interested). And as tradition goes, we didn't plan ahead for this trip. It was super hard to decide this year between going somewhere new to climb (Magic Woods, Switzerland), or Mallorca. But Frank left it up to me to decide, and the thought of warm beaches and ocean beat out the mountains. Magic Woods, you'll have to wait.<br />
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Once again, I tried to book our agriturismo from 2013 or our awesome chalet apartment from 2014, but both were booked solid for July and August. I think I shouldn't leave such good reviews on tripadvisor and booking.com anymore! So, we were left the night before our flight to find a place. We'd had luck with Airbnb in the past, so we tried our luck again. The location of the apartment we booked was awesome, right in Mondrago National park on the southeast coast, the part we like with all the deep water soloing and awesome calas (bays) for swimming. The apartment wasn't my favorite or one I'd book again, but it was just fine and had everything we needed.<br />
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While looking back at photos from 2013 I noticed how incredibly calm the water was the whole trip. Skip forward to 2015 and we had MASSIVE waves the first two days. So massive, deep water soloing was not a possibility, but Cooper had a grand ol time jumping waves with Frank for hours. On Sunday, the wind died down and we decided to go all out and rent a boat to ourselves for the WHOLE day. Best.decision.ever. We took that boat all over the calas and saw so much of the island coastline! We'd anchor in, swim to the beach, grab some ice cream and picnic, then head back to go repeat at another cala. And the best part is, Cooper learned to snorkel! Once he got the hang of it, he wouldn't stop and loved it. We figured out that apparently fish LOVE olives. Really, they do. We'd drop an olive in and 30 fish would attach and nibble. Lily learned that she actually does really love the ocean and pretended to dive in the water like a mermaid a hundred times saying "want to see me do it again" each and every time. Plus, she'd pour water in her bucket, add sand, and wash my feet over and over as well.<br />
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As for me? Well, I thoroughly enjoyed watching my kids happy and playing in the sun every day from dawn til dusk and lazed about on the beach and in the water catching hermit crabs, fish and sea snails. Something so calming and therapeutic about the sea. Three days was not enough. Frank and I have decided we need a good week at least next time :) So goodbye until then Mallorca. We already miss you!<br />
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<br />Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00051545787207520533noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7789900343908304106.post-44810305102942183502015-05-21T09:24:00.002+02:002015-05-21T12:06:12.186+02:0019<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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A long time ago, sixteen years in fact, Frank and I went on a trip of a lifetime. We were interns in France, working on vineyards for 5 weeks, then spent another 5 weeks taking the euro rail from country to country climbing and camping along the way or staying in hostels. Boy did we have a good time. That trip gave us both the travel bug big time and made us want to live in Europe. We searched for years and finally ended up over here in Germany, just like we dreamed of all those years ago. Back then, I had just started climbing. Our first stop on our European adventure? Fontainebleau, France. The mecca of bouldering. It was better than I could ever have imagined and brought us back no less than eight times over the last sixteen years. <br />
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Last weekend was our eighth trip. While driving there, Frank and I reminisced all our visits, especially our first time way back in 1999. Then again for our honeymoon in 2004. Frank so kindly exclaimed "Cooper is closer to your age of our first visit to Font then you are now". I think I might have had a mild heart attack. Yup. 16 years ago for me, and only 13 years for Cooper to reach age 19. Not sure if I am more upset about how I can possibly be so far from 19, or how close Cooper is to being so grown up. Freak out moment. <br />
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The 30s, these child rearing days, they are so wonderful and precious, but gosh darn it, why do they go so fast! Everyone always tells me "enjoy these moments with your kids while they are little, they don't last long." I know that people. I know to live in the present and all that good stuff, but no one ever tells you really how hard that is to do, or the best way to do that. This past weekend in Font with the kids, bouldering in the woods all day outside, I really tried to live in that moment. The joy of spending full days, from morning to night with my family, worn out from fresh air, good food, and laughter. Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00051545787207520533noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7789900343908304106.post-9299883221959947252015-04-21T21:22:00.000+02:002015-04-21T21:24:57.285+02:00Deer losing antlers and more randomness<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Did you know that deer lose their antlers every year? I remember this fact from ninth grade biology, but what I didn't remember hearing or learning was how painful it looks. Cooper and I were so sad for the deer we saw last weekend. To be nice to you all, I left out the gory photos of blood running down their heads. Ow! And the poor boys looked like they felt scared and sad, almost like a dog wearing the cone of shame. Cooper was determined to cheer them up though and did a great job feeding them and chatting with them sweetly. I tried to research it some bit, and researchers believe the bucks build up enough endorphin to mask the pain. I'm not buying it. And I'm Dr. Doolittle and speak deer, just in case you were wondering how I became the expert.<br />
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These days, Cooper is in the amazing imagination phase of life. We became space warriors attacking aliens that were hiding in forts while sitting in this net. We were pretty awesome at defending our spaceship I must say. Even Lily.<br />
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Yeah, he pretty much has endless energy. Still. He jumps circles around his sister all the time. Glad that soccer season has started up, and tennis in just a week. And it's finally warm enough to climb outside! Gotta love spring. </div>
Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00051545787207520533noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7789900343908304106.post-60763972342474913002015-04-17T20:53:00.002+02:002015-04-21T21:22:34.921+02:00Into the Woods <span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">“Live in each season as it passes; breathe the air, drink the drink, taste the fruit, and resign yourself to the influence of the earth.”</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"> <i>Henry David Thoreau</i></span><br />
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Although Lily wasn't feeling her best yesterday, a walk in the woods was just what the doctor ordered. We've both been under the weather with some type of flu bug that has zapped all our energy. But being outside, the sunshine, warm fresh air and wildlife all around made us all the happiest people on the planet. Everything is turning green and wildflowers are coming out and I just can't get enough of this type of time with my kids. The "influence of the earth" is amazing indeed.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Deer tongues tickle!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">She even dances when she walks</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Saying goodbye to our new friends</td></tr>
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I challenge you all to a walk in the woods this weekend. You will be a happier person, I promise.Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00051545787207520533noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7789900343908304106.post-74539197563306999602015-04-03T08:59:00.003+02:002015-04-03T08:59:41.942+02:00Friday I'm in Love<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Happy Friday everyone! This picture from last Easter cracks me up every time I see it. Cooper was on such a mission to collect eggs. Hoping the weather warms up this weekend so we can hide them outside again. I'll also prepare some fun clues for a scavenger hunt that will lead them to their Easter baskets. Plus have homemade orange rolls :) Wishing I made Lily a new dress for Easter. Maybe I can still tonight and tomorrow. My mom always bought or made us new Easter dresses for church. Traditions from my childhood. How about you all? What are your Easter traditions? Do you do a scavenger hunt and an egg hunt every year?<br />
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Links for the week:<br />
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<ul>
<li>Check out Cake&Whiskey for my <a href="http://www.cakenwhiskey.com/birthdays-in-a-german-office/">newest post </a>about birthdays at the office in Germany. </li>
<li><a href="http://www.npr.org/2015/04/01/396634471/artist-goes-outside-the-lines-with-coloring-books-for-grown-ups?utm_source=facebook.com&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=npr&utm_term=nprnews&utm_content=20150401">A coloring book for grown ups</a>! Check it out mom!</li>
<li>I want this <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1936740540/ref=ox_sc_act_title_2?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER">book</a>. </li>
<li>These cooking <a href="https://kitchenghosts.carbonmade.com/projects/5476668">cinemagraphs </a>are so neat! </li>
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Happy Easter everyone!</div>
Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00051545787207520533noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7789900343908304106.post-58658490628120896542015-03-31T20:43:00.001+02:002015-03-31T20:43:39.566+02:00Vanilla<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Some days, I get really lucky and catch an awesome article on the news while running errands in my car. Last week, I heard <a href="http://www.npr.org/blogs/thesalt/2015/03/25/395112316/vanilla-nutmeg-spice-and-everything-nice-on-a-zanzibar-farm">this one</a> about three spices in Zanzibar and thought wow! I never knew that about any of them! So, I feel inspired as part one of blog changes, to post weekly about spices or trees or something else cool about nature that just makes you smile and want to stay in your car until you hear the whole thing! Except, in this case, read the whole post because you are learning something so neat and new.<br />
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So, I'm starting with vanilla. I knew it was an orchid, and the most lucrative one at that, but did you know it only blooms a flower once a year! If the bloom hasn't been touched by noon, it dies and then no vanilla pods can emerge! So, hand pollination is required. The word vanilla is derived from the Spanish word vaina which means little pod.<br />
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Once the pod emerges, it is not ready to harvest for six months! Each pod ripens at its own time, requiring a daily harvest. Each pod must be picked by hand just as it begins to split at the end to ensure the best flavor and commercial value. Thus the reason vanilla is the second most expensive spice at the store. Wow. I just had no idea how labor intensive it was, and now I understand the price tag.<br />
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In any recipe that calls for vanilla, I almost always double the amount required. I love it! I even add it to my pancakes made from scratch. Next week, I'll let you in on another spice I use in everything! How about you all? Do you use extra vanilla, or stick the amounts listed in recipes?<br />
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<br />Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00051545787207520533noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7789900343908304106.post-66987292884853814702015-03-27T11:39:00.000+01:002015-03-27T11:39:04.216+01:00Friday I'm in Love<br />
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I'm so thankful the weekend is here! It's been a long week with training and meetings and I'm ready for the weekend. I haven't been able to go to sleep easily lately, all emotional and freaked out by the Germanwings flight and other tragic news. Hoping I can tonight. <br />
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We've started a little routine/tradition at home with homemade pizzas and a movie on Friday night, and I'm honestly so looking forward to it. Tuesdays have become Taco Tuesdays. It makes planning dinners a little easier for the week, and the kids enjoy the routine. Anyone else have a weekly tradition? <br />
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This week, we had some resiliency training in our office. We watched this <a href="http://www.ted.com/talks/kelly_mcgonigal_how_to_make_stress_your_friend">TED talk on stress</a>, and you must watch this one. Really, you must! Just changing the way you view stress can save your life. I was going to write up a whole post on the article, but didn't find the time. Here are a bunch more links you might enjoy:<br />
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<li><a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/news/inspired-life/wp/2015/03/12/before-i-go-a-stanford-neurosurgeons-parting-wisdom-about-life-and-time/">Days are long, Years are short</a>. </li>
<li><a href="http://www.pottingshedcreations.com/gw-herb/">This </a>would make a nice hostess gift. </li>
<li>I'm so intrigued by <a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/wonkblog/wp/2015/03/24/finlands-radical-new-plan-to-change-school-means-an-end-to-math-and-history-class/">Finland's planned changes in the way we teach</a>. </li>
<li><a href="http://www.npr.org/blogs/thetwo-way/2015/03/04/390687977/born-in-1898-world-s-oldest-living-person-celebrates-birthday">117 years old</a>, world's oldest person. </li>
<li>I want to make one of<a href="http://www.welivedhappilyeverafter.com/2014/10/diy-buffalo-head.html"> these</a> for Cooper's room. So cute. </li>
<li><a href="http://smittenkitchen.com/blog/2015/03/carrot-graham-layer-cake/">Yum!</a></li>
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Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00051545787207520533noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7789900343908304106.post-28393286012635375832015-03-14T15:23:00.002+01:002015-03-14T15:23:31.791+01:00DIY Spring Wall Art Well, I've unintentionally created a Series of blog posts having to do with DIY Wall art. It all started with <a href="http://wethreemothers.blogspot.de/2014/12/simple-christmas-nutcracker-wall-art.html">Christmas nutcrackers</a>, then <a href="http://wethreemothers.blogspot.de/2015/01/valentines-day-easy-project.html">Valentines Day hearts</a>, now, a tree branch with birds. Only, for this spring wall art, I didn't create a stencil. I just free hand painted the branches/leaves/birds while looking at a picture.<br />
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This one is my favorite so far. I love blues and greens and flowers all over my living room right now. Just seems so calm and happy. Since I already have the 3 nail holes, I just keep clipping on new boards that I paint. I bought the wooden boards here in Germany at a store called Obi. Basically the same as a Home Depot. Hope everyone is having a wonderful weekend!<br />
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<br />Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00051545787207520533noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7789900343908304106.post-69216076121747147982015-03-10T21:46:00.002+01:002015-03-10T21:46:47.148+01:00Laughter, Fresh Air, and Good FoodSunday was my birthday. 35. AGH! I don't know why, but I was not so happy to turn 35 at first. Just seems so "old" and adult like. Then I realized I'm living some of the best years right now! These are the days! And I quickly got over the grumpiness of aging. Everyone at work asked me "how young are you today". My answer? I'm 35 years <i>young</i>.<br />
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My sister Tiff sent me an e-mail wishing me a day full of <b>laughter, fresh air, and good food.</b> I hadn't thought about it before, but honestly, what more could you want? And you know what? That is exactly what I had Sunday.<br />
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My family, they are the best. I got to sleep in and then come down to Frank making crepes and a table full of wrapped presents and flowers. I love crepes, especially the type made just for me. And then for lunch? We headed outside to a wilderness park for fresh air on our first springlike blue skied day of the year. Followed by some climbing and then another stroll around a pond in the evening sunshine while my kids ran around collecting crocus flowers. Lily randomly blurted out "Happy Birthdays" all day to me, Cooper showered me in extra hugs, and we all had a good laugh at this fat sheep and from tickles from goat tongues. Hoping now for a <i>year</i> full of laughter, fresh air, and good food.<br />
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<br />Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00051545787207520533noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7789900343908304106.post-22948448450192963052015-03-06T12:45:00.002+01:002015-03-06T12:45:25.955+01:00 Cake&WhiskeyHey everyone! Today I am excited to announce that I am a guest blogger over at <a href="http://www.cakenwhiskey.com/">Cake&Whiskey</a>! I am so thrilled. Cake&Whiskey is an awesome new magazine. You can find out more about the magazine, blog and website <a href="http://www.cakenwhiskey.com/manifesto/">here</a>. <br />
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You can check out my first post <a href="http://www.cakenwhiskey.com/5-ways-to-stay-active-with-your-family-this-winter/">here</a> on five ways to stay active even in the winter. Winter is close to an end, I promise. Only a few more weeks till Spring! <br />
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Also, I know I haven't been posting much to the blog. Trying to figure out what to do with my current blog. I love to write, and enjoy having the diary of trips and moments with my kids etc, but not sure if I should keep the current format and name or change it etc. So, while I figure all that out, please, I welcome comments on what you like or dislike about the current blog. What posts are your favorite? Maybe I need to put a survey on here to solicit some responses... <br />
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Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00051545787207520533noreply@blogger.com2