tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-126005592024-03-07T12:09:04.854-06:00The Dieter Familyshaunahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06228597490447759364noreply@blogger.comBlogger550125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12600559.post-90775741984706441222017-02-14T10:49:00.000-06:002017-02-14T10:49:12.747-06:00MIAHappy Valentines Day.<br />
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So I have been missing in action over here for a very long time. I decided to take a break from blogging and just have been using Instagram for posts. After the long time away I feel like I might have some more things to share here in this space. Things have changed a lot in 2 years... so a redesign and content change is needed. The world needs more love right now. Hopefully I can put a little more love out there. shaunahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06228597490447759364noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12600559.post-50363257991200051362015-01-22T18:31:00.000-06:002015-01-22T18:55:38.165-06:00Oh hello there, 2015<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The new year is well under way and it has been cold here in Iowa. So I have been spending most of my free time working on knitting or crocheting projects. I have actually finished more projects this month than I did last year, but alas I forgot to take pictures of most of them for giving them to their new owners.<br />
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One very true fact about me is creating makes me happy. If I'm not making something or working on a project I feel dull and lifeless. This year I am going to try out a few new types of projects that I have been wanting to do, but just never found the time to start them. And I'm going to do the projects even if they fail miserably. (that's the hardest part)<br />
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On Instagram some creative ladies I follow have been talking about One Little Word - #OLW. This is the idea that you come up with one word that is your mantra for the year. A word that describes what you want to change about yourself or do different for that year. This year my #OLW is BRAVE. I want to be brave in my choices, my actions, and my voice. I want to do something, even if it doesn't work, even if I fail. So when I question myself I'm going to be BRAVE and just do it. Especially when working creatively on my projects.<br />
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I hope everyone is off to a great new year and finds you safe and well.<br />
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<br />shaunahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06228597490447759364noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12600559.post-25086076161455712662014-12-07T05:04:00.000-06:002014-12-07T05:04:38.681-06:00Visiting Santa<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Yesterday we went to see Santa. Riley was very excited to see him and tell him everything. Everything that has happened at school, what he wants for Christmas, what Max wants for Christmas, etc. (I had to cut him off, poor Santa) As you can see from below Santa is serious business. Even though the line was super long, it was totally worth the wait.</div>
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<br />shaunahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06228597490447759364noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12600559.post-58367779372856946682014-11-30T15:40:00.000-06:002014-11-30T15:42:19.467-06:00A Christmas Tree<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It's that time of year again when we head out to Handley's Holiday Hillside and walk through the rows to find our tree. This is the third year we have gone to cut our own tree and I think I can safely say it's a Dieter Family tradition now.<br />
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This year there was a light covering of snow but it was quite comfortable in the sun. There were so many beautiful trees to pick from this year since we had lots of wonderful rain this year. The boys mostly liked playing in the snow instead of picking trees.<br />
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We decided on our Canadian Fir tree again this year, though I was almost swayed by a gorgeous blue spruce for a hot second. The Fir just has the best shape and branches for ornaments. And the smell of pine is amazing.</div>
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The boys let me take their picture with the tree before helping with the falling. Jered carried the tree back to the shake and bag area all by himself. It made me realize won't be long before the boys will be carrying the tree for us.</div>
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I remembered to pack the tripod for the camera this year and got a pretty good family portrait . I think this one will be going in the Christmas cards this year. Hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving and I'm looking forward to a long winter break.</div>
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shaunahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06228597490447759364noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12600559.post-64694600413588668612014-11-23T15:28:00.000-06:002014-11-29T15:29:35.793-06:00Riley's Super 5th Birthday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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My little guy is now a big FIVE year-old guy. I can hardly believe it. This year Riley wanted a super-hero party for all his cousins and pre-school friends. I made super capes for all the kids and they got to create their own super masks for their secret identities. We also had bouncy houses and a gym full of toys so they could try out those super powers. </div>
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For the cake I made chocolate and vanilla with sprinkles, decorated with fondant. We also had cupcakes that work better with little hands. The biggest hit was the rock candy "power" crystals.
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Thanks to all our friends and family that traveled to come help us celebrate Riley's birthday!<br />
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shaunahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06228597490447759364noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12600559.post-49403005142993642792014-10-12T15:17:00.000-05:002014-10-12T15:17:53.586-05:00Halloween Bat Costume<br />
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This Halloween Riley ask to be a bat. Not Batman, but an actual bat. Of course there are no bat costumes at the stores, so I decided to go the easy route and start with a black hoodie as a base.<br />
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<b>What I used:</b><br />
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<ul>
<li>1 Black Hoodie</li>
<li>1/2 yard of Black Fleece</li>
<li>1/2 yard of Black Satin (machine washable)</li>
<li>Black thread</li>
<li>Needle</li>
<li>Sewing Machine</li>
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<span style="text-align: start;">This costume is basically just 4 pieces; 2 wings and 2 ears. I started by cutting out a bat wing shape from black fleece that fit from the cuff to the waist band. Then I cut a mirror image for the other wing. Finally I used those two pieces as a template to cut the satin fabric. </span></div>
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<span style="text-align: start;">Putting the RIGHT sides together I sewed around the edges and left an opening large enough to flip the wings inside out. I pressed the wings flat and the 'quilted' the wings to make them look more like bat wings. The last step was to sew the wings along the arms and the body of the hoodie. </span></div>
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I made the ears by cutting triangles, two out of the fleece and two out of the satin. Again, sewing the RIGHT sides together, leave the base of the triangle open to flip the ears inside out. Press the ears flat and then fold the ear in half, satin side in, sew along the bottom of the triangle. To attach the ears to the hood, I hand-sewed each ear with a flat bottom to make the ears stand up on the hood. Just a few stitches holds the ears on tight.</div>
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This costume was super quick to make, and it doesn't take a pattern since you just cut it to fit based on the size of the hoodie. The best thing is that because of the fabrics this whole costume can just be washed in the machine and wore over and over. Halloween is coming soon! What are you going to be this year?</div>
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shaunahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06228597490447759364noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12600559.post-57611268948225486392014-10-10T17:47:00.000-05:002014-10-10T17:47:00.575-05:00School Pictures 2014<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
It's that time of year again, when the leaves turn and the air gets a chill and children have school photos. This is the first time I get to share Riley's official school photo, so its a special one for me. I also just noticed they were both in plaid this time. (shows how much I have been paying attention) Max has a silly grin, but that is what makes these special. No re-takes. You get what you get. I love both of them, just the way they are.</div>
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To our grandparents out there, I have plenty of copies for all. </div>
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<br />shaunahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06228597490447759364noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12600559.post-31396303647606508542014-07-19T19:59:00.004-05:002014-07-19T19:59:59.939-05:00Maquoketa Caves<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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One of the great things about living on the eastern side of the state is that we have Maquoketa Caves about an hour drive away. This is a great hike and there are some really interesting cave formations to climb around in, if you are brave. The trail has about 100 stairs, so you have to be ready for a climb, but the views are truly worth it.<br />
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<br />shaunahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06228597490447759364noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12600559.post-82213153219111542262014-05-18T18:24:00.001-05:002014-05-18T18:24:03.838-05:00Striped Play Rug - DIY<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP1D62gIFDnDk_RSykyjppNilWNg5eXkJwuzq69Yyhq0LJGXqJXSObfD4B7Wsf1B5Qny_3mBuLlePxx83xaheBTMGQlS3IosYzmtEK8XopfKs8GSsXdZKd7SlTukCEgEyVqsd-/s1600/RileysRug2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP1D62gIFDnDk_RSykyjppNilWNg5eXkJwuzq69Yyhq0LJGXqJXSObfD4B7Wsf1B5Qny_3mBuLlePxx83xaheBTMGQlS3IosYzmtEK8XopfKs8GSsXdZKd7SlTukCEgEyVqsd-/s1600/RileysRug2.JPG" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
I have been working on Riley's room for the last week; painting, organizing, and cleaning out old toys and clothes. (I still need to hang his book shelves and his pictures on the wall.) Since we went for a neutral white walls in his room too I thought I would add a bit of color with a rug. OK, a lot of color. This rug is actually four small inexpensive rag rugs from a big box store. Each rug was $3.50 and I choose two rugs of each color pattern so the stripes would line up when I stitched them together. Thirteen dollars for a 6 foot by 4 foot play rug is a steal!!<br />
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You can see a seam where I attached the ends, but it should flatten out with time. Riley decided that he needed a play ice cream shop too, so I made him one from an old presentation board Jered had left over from school. He loved it, probably more than the rug. We have been enjoying beautiful weather here in Iowa. Hope your weekend was as nice as ours.</div>
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<br />shaunahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06228597490447759364noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12600559.post-21018801326108365222014-04-26T20:49:00.001-05:002014-04-26T20:49:27.411-05:00Spring Pictures<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Spring picture time again, for some reason Max looks like a teenager in this picture - don't know how that happened. I am loving the fact that he actually smiled this time! (Not so happy with the background) It is hard to explain; he has grown up a lot this year and 9 is very different than 8. </div>
<br />shaunahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06228597490447759364noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12600559.post-9703621423598746302014-04-19T12:49:00.000-05:002014-04-19T12:49:58.304-05:00Industrial Pipe Desk -DIY<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgloXzYnzYDI-o6yxeM4ixZw6YZDMXxZDfr7I-4YoiClBk0iyAZtsxyuiirYah8e5MU4b_C-5x6u2Nr1OyEy9CTci8RUadhfuKrBtdrcl8sIY9CzDhNRR9k_A6rzd5KFDLSG9K2/s1600/Desk.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgloXzYnzYDI-o6yxeM4ixZw6YZDMXxZDfr7I-4YoiClBk0iyAZtsxyuiirYah8e5MU4b_C-5x6u2Nr1OyEy9CTci8RUadhfuKrBtdrcl8sIY9CzDhNRR9k_A6rzd5KFDLSG9K2/s1600/Desk.JPG" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
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When Max decided he wanted his own room again I knew he was at the age that he was going to need a desk in his room. I decided to make him an industrial style desk out of galvanized pipes from the hardware store. It's very simple and boyish, and hopefully will hold up to rough treatment. </div>
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Here is what I bought at the hardware store:<br />
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<ul>
<li>2 of a 12 X 48 Shelf - $21.52</li>
<li>4 of 18 inch pipe - $12.96</li>
<li>4 of 8 inch pipe - $9.16</li>
<li>2 of 12 inch pipe - $4.98</li>
<li>4 of T-pipe - $4.96</li>
<li>8 of Floor Flanges - $26.88</li>
<li>1 can black spray paint - $3.68</li>
<li>3/4" screws - $0.64</li>
<li>4 metal braces - $2.18</li>
</ul>
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Total Cost of materials - $86.96<br />
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The floor flanges are the feet and the connection to the desk. I used the 8 inch and the 18 inch pipes to make the legs, and the 12 pipes are the brace between the legs for stability. The T-pipe makes the connections between the legs. </div>
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The Floor Flanges have places to connect to the desk with screws. I used 3/4" screws so that they did not pierce the top of the desk. </div>
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The desk top is two shelves put together with metal brackets. Four brackets are evenly spaced along the seam of the two boards and bind them together.</div>
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Before I put the legs on to the desk top I sprayed them a flat black quick dry paint to match the shelves in his room. </div>
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I also made Max a recycled can light from a large can and a light cord. The industrial pipe desk was a pretty easy project to complete and it took about an hour from start to finish. The cost of the materials was a bit higher that I expected, but the results were great. Max really likes having his own desk and has actually been doing his homework without being asked, and that is priceless.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKBrZI0Cre6yYnQlz7w8WnL8SsB2bBug4iMArmFLBASjX9T4JMtWZekOk8rwCtw0AfscqKEkNvQSI2k1XCTnVV918kvwLqMhy3ZLnKMgqPB3_5ztHx000HG15A7L3e7IaWek0G/s1600/DeskTop.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKBrZI0Cre6yYnQlz7w8WnL8SsB2bBug4iMArmFLBASjX9T4JMtWZekOk8rwCtw0AfscqKEkNvQSI2k1XCTnVV918kvwLqMhy3ZLnKMgqPB3_5ztHx000HG15A7L3e7IaWek0G/s1600/DeskTop.JPG" height="640" width="412" /></a></div>
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<br />shaunahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06228597490447759364noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12600559.post-14965037460484130242014-04-14T18:24:00.001-05:002014-04-14T18:25:17.332-05:00Happy Birthday Max! 9 years old<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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My boy turned 9 years old today. Max is growing up so fast these days. He decided that it was time that he had his own room, so I worked this weekend transforming the toy room as a bedroom for a growing boy. I made an industrial desk out of galvanized pipes for him since he needs some where to do home work. (I will share more on that later!) Max also told me that he wanted a low key birthday this year. No embarrassing parties or anything, Mom. So instead we went out for pizza for supper and had some chocolate cake with neon candles. Max is a kind, sweet guy and I hope he doesn't grow out of that anytime soon. Happy Birthday big guy.</div>
<br />shaunahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06228597490447759364noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12600559.post-85044245267504895632014-02-05T19:59:00.001-06:002014-02-07T19:44:50.220-06:00All you need is...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd800sqv4VtrAYXqNPpvdBXvoitAG2XOlZm7nHfrYE_MuIR1rpRJRaXX9g1GCcmY4hykiPtLj329zdF8kPqc6sO7VE6Gb7T3xZWIUyEBZHx4i681CWnxeuWLge178MNneJRqdO/s1600/LOVElight.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd800sqv4VtrAYXqNPpvdBXvoitAG2XOlZm7nHfrYE_MuIR1rpRJRaXX9g1GCcmY4hykiPtLj329zdF8kPqc6sO7VE6Gb7T3xZWIUyEBZHx4i681CWnxeuWLge178MNneJRqdO/s1600/LOVElight.PNG" height="640" width="406" /></a></div>
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Love - isn't that what we all need right now? Winter is really hanging on hard here in the Midwest and my family has been fighting the flu all week. (Not fun!) Also my family is going through lots changes right now which makes me need a good cheering up. I saw this <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/119978777546394839/" target="_blank">pin on Pinterest</a> and I absolutely knew I had to have a marquee LOVE sign. I have been wanting to make this for a while and February seems like the perfect month to finally do it. Lights always make me happy! </div>
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First I bought some cardboard letters at Jo-Ann fabrics. </div>
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I cut out the back of the letters and removed the inside cardboard support. Note that MOST letters are the same either way - L is not one of those letters!</div>
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Then I figured out where to place the lights evenly across the letters. I used two packages, with 20 lights each, so 40 lights total. My lights use battery packs and LED so they are not a fire hazard. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjbZZN0idF3bYUfZApOGFIIixzFrizEgk357ZP0rgbcw8Jv0AP6CVyBhywqU9WqVzq2i8_cLo7RXbAuKDekgDhumFyPAZTRavacRDQhPDDsGEvdZC4VDaO_S6nzwlaP8Aqh2Gh/s1600/Mark.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjbZZN0idF3bYUfZApOGFIIixzFrizEgk357ZP0rgbcw8Jv0AP6CVyBhywqU9WqVzq2i8_cLo7RXbAuKDekgDhumFyPAZTRavacRDQhPDDsGEvdZC4VDaO_S6nzwlaP8Aqh2Gh/s1600/Mark.JPG" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
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To poke the holes was actually quite easy. I used a nail and hammer to make a tiny hole, then enlarge the hole with a pencil, and then even larger with a paint brush handle. The holes were just large enough for the lights to fit through.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzurXKbRiu1aAMrtz5KtA-rp01PYlgzLVRDq-gRNwC1a81l30pkuLE_qQqyRdMoFNAIYSyon8Knp5ANLpWyEuaDAvJsXvxNrY2kGATIZFP1lvd7rT9zL096tHnESUyEdjx5VSv/s1600/Holes.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzurXKbRiu1aAMrtz5KtA-rp01PYlgzLVRDq-gRNwC1a81l30pkuLE_qQqyRdMoFNAIYSyon8Knp5ANLpWyEuaDAvJsXvxNrY2kGATIZFP1lvd7rT9zL096tHnESUyEdjx5VSv/s1600/Holes.JPG" height="272" width="425" /></a></div>
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I used some cardboard poster sheets cut into strips, 1 1/2 inch wide, glued around each letter. Just plain Elmer's school glue worked the best, and the clothes pins held it while the glue dried.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjio4jWuumm8e7TkNpLroSw8iAlXPBdq7wCy-65KFi4D7I-71F3-XsxynykLmTVSfIEuSBpl3u5gBpMntTa2-iyKqNKY0wmS1U_fnEfkJmq92R1RM7Nn95JrQg5QWf_hljQ-17V/s1600/Glued.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjio4jWuumm8e7TkNpLroSw8iAlXPBdq7wCy-65KFi4D7I-71F3-XsxynykLmTVSfIEuSBpl3u5gBpMntTa2-iyKqNKY0wmS1U_fnEfkJmq92R1RM7Nn95JrQg5QWf_hljQ-17V/s1600/Glued.JPG" height="326" width="425" /></a></div>
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Once the glue was dry, I painted the letters with white craft paint, let that dry, and then spray painted them gold for the final shiny finish. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX5YJKs_sQ1KxY6DjzxBIKyorsZkydbZ4b0pFC_IMFE7thACrUvlCgYjXOffFM1CnTsk6JWMOI9ZtAl0VLRqZFqjMb9TTxyw2nf1XHpI0yNUvwEwstnlsH6k-aq-Pu1Xx4vKH4/s1600/Painted.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX5YJKs_sQ1KxY6DjzxBIKyorsZkydbZ4b0pFC_IMFE7thACrUvlCgYjXOffFM1CnTsk6JWMOI9ZtAl0VLRqZFqjMb9TTxyw2nf1XHpI0yNUvwEwstnlsH6k-aq-Pu1Xx4vKH4/s1600/Painted.JPG" height="326" width="425" /></a></div>
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I pushed the lights through the back and hid all the cords inside the pockets of the letters. I really like the way it looks when the sign is all lit up. Right now I have them hung on the wall, but you could also place on a shelf or mantle since they do stand up on their own. What would your sign say if you made one?</div>
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shaunahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06228597490447759364noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12600559.post-73022469948789959362014-01-14T18:36:00.000-06:002014-01-14T18:36:30.001-06:00Cold Weather and Hama Beads<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgimNr8rhjYcp9DuK8JyM-gvbZqsFv7JiOqOwTSDfFzjGWCrmQd40bkYxelStytDpIaRY5oj5HfUlVcjGfSQpROIfvzpn8-f7cc2MRqB1SYl859zoXnjR0xB3Uf1Dwr2hrh3clu/s1600/Hama+Beads.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="380" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgimNr8rhjYcp9DuK8JyM-gvbZqsFv7JiOqOwTSDfFzjGWCrmQd40bkYxelStytDpIaRY5oj5HfUlVcjGfSQpROIfvzpn8-f7cc2MRqB1SYl859zoXnjR0xB3Uf1Dwr2hrh3clu/s400/Hama+Beads.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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2014. We have been off to a slow start this year. The weather has been frigidly cold in the Midwest with the Polar Vortex holding us in the negative temperatures for weeks. Since we have been stuck inside I have been going through closets and trying to cull the hoarding. Usually at this time I set goals/resolutions, but last year was a tough year for us so I am struggling to set goals that wouldn't just be a repeat of last years goals or even find a goals that I might actually want to accomplish. Unfortunately this year looks like it will be as unpredictable as last year. 2014 looks to be the year to "keep calm and carry on". </div>
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If I had to make a resolution it would probably be to make more art and finish all the unfinished projects I started last year. Max got some Hama Perler beads for Christmas and we have both been having a lot of fun being creative with those. I also want to get more plants indoors and outdoors this year. Maybe try some new plantings I haven't tried before. Mostly I want to spend more time with my family and friends and less time at work. Last year we didn't get much of a family vacation time and this year I really want to have a whole week to ourselves. Life does not always bring you roses, sometimes you have to make them yourself.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh47dnu51zQLukgD88YIO52rDSbQ2WBAcCzD4OYDE5xdEwuRWxleiob6Z291MhcNR0c1bz3-XifZOlU-Qg91GaWroTO5RzS0yFIjyMmuyD6dhq0eE5dzXahIbUqGpAJWrl1OjOE/s1600/HamaBeadsRose.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh47dnu51zQLukgD88YIO52rDSbQ2WBAcCzD4OYDE5xdEwuRWxleiob6Z291MhcNR0c1bz3-XifZOlU-Qg91GaWroTO5RzS0yFIjyMmuyD6dhq0eE5dzXahIbUqGpAJWrl1OjOE/s400/HamaBeadsRose.png" width="391" /></a></div>
<br />shaunahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06228597490447759364noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12600559.post-11462634471508637472013-12-30T12:27:00.000-06:002014-01-01T12:41:14.017-06:00Christmas 2013 <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDbDUpo27b4s9DdE9cxkGKYEXJN8TjpSs7mTs_BVtjSTBdRjIaMYfa6hN36LwkotXXkXX3cT2lNffbS169UuuA4SPo7mS5H31eUejmSAnK93cxPFHmAtqHaHsy3ewFnaVv3IUO/s1600/Christmas+2013.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDbDUpo27b4s9DdE9cxkGKYEXJN8TjpSs7mTs_BVtjSTBdRjIaMYfa6hN36LwkotXXkXX3cT2lNffbS169UuuA4SPo7mS5H31eUejmSAnK93cxPFHmAtqHaHsy3ewFnaVv3IUO/s640/Christmas+2013.png" width="410" /></a></div>
The whole Dieter family got to go home to Ames Iowa this Christmas to be with our family and friends. (Jered worked Thanksgiving - so got Christmas off! Yippee!) Since there was enough snow this year the boys got outside and sled the hill in the back yard. I was thankful that there wasn't too much white stuff so we were able to go visiting and see both Grandparents and our friends - Nick and Jenny. The boys were very good this year, of course, and they got way too many presents from Santa. The cutest gift was from my parents - matching fleeces. We had to pose them for that picture. Max and Riley also got quite a bit of Minecraft toys. (Can't believe they still like that game after more than a year.) Thank you to all our family for the gifts and time spent over this holiday. We are blessed.<br />
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<br />shaunahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06228597490447759364noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12600559.post-57438118717246532012013-12-15T15:37:00.000-06:002013-12-15T15:37:59.226-06:00Thumbprint Cookies<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvEqI_6ViZhk840Bv4GbZRhsPElAgdwhspNpzT3fPeXBd4FyMPdC0RIiFTdGw1cJxzX2vgta9TEspC5YZ3tqiMzjHc0fv-386JTIZgRmKvtd572jy4RhG-VrpKdXhZWXEW4e6P/s1600/ThumbprintCookies1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvEqI_6ViZhk840Bv4GbZRhsPElAgdwhspNpzT3fPeXBd4FyMPdC0RIiFTdGw1cJxzX2vgta9TEspC5YZ3tqiMzjHc0fv-386JTIZgRmKvtd572jy4RhG-VrpKdXhZWXEW4e6P/s640/ThumbprintCookies1.JPG" width="472" /></a>
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It is ten days until Christmas. That's right. <b>Ten.</b> Since Thanksgiving was so late in November, my whole schedule is thrown off. Anyone else feeling this way? At least I have my gift list under control. Today I got around to baking our third Christmas cookie, Almond Thumbprints. I always use raspberry preserves and orange marmalade, but any jam works. </div>
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<h2>
Almond Thumbprint Cookies</h2>
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2 sticks of butter, softened</div>
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2/3 cup sugar</div>
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1/2 tsp almond flavor</div>
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1 3/4 cup of flour</div>
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Raspberry Preserves</div>
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Orange Marmalade</div>
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<ol>
<li>Preheat oven to 350</li>
<li>Cream together butter and sugar until completely combined</li>
<li>Add almond flavor and mix again</li>
<li>Add flour by halves mixing completely each time. If dough is too sticky you can add up to 1/4 cup more flour.</li>
<li>Roll into equal balls and press with thumb. Fill each cookie with jam. </li>
<li>Bake for 14 minutes, or until slightly brown on bottom.</li>
<li>Cool and then drizzle frosting (recipe below) over cookies.</li>
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<h2>
Almond Frosting</h2>
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1/2 cup confectioners sugar</div>
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2 tbsp milk</div>
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1 tsp almond flavor</div>
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Mix together completely. If not able to drizzle, add more milk one tablespoon at a time.</div>
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In other news, Riley got to paint his Christmas train today. I always try to get the kids some sort of craft to work on in case we get snowed in or just bored on the weekends. He also worked on some ornaments for family presents. Making is the best for giving.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoH0E8bEWfi5WjxVvKQwZi_oFdG9Gx7NWamxpR_M3R-SAillERXY23jG-l8mjlbPNdN7Ow5dnwLNWdtNWiOZiacUWHGBBnlzYjpUIXHIo9NDKt4vohm66UHv6jXZnWxbER0LlI/s1600/Riley2013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoH0E8bEWfi5WjxVvKQwZi_oFdG9Gx7NWamxpR_M3R-SAillERXY23jG-l8mjlbPNdN7Ow5dnwLNWdtNWiOZiacUWHGBBnlzYjpUIXHIo9NDKt4vohm66UHv6jXZnWxbER0LlI/s640/Riley2013.JPG" width="472" /></a></div>
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<br />shaunahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06228597490447759364noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12600559.post-8118492966055049402013-12-08T17:25:00.000-06:002013-12-08T17:25:53.448-06:00Chocolate Cookies<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikYQnru7BEcWRPpZfnHMJgN0s-h8MsjZoLmW5VyLHDAVW4fuRKU74sXL0F1QQNW9A_9544nOdMJuaNeXxlXIUwTQ1Yul1gFqtx9RL6TuuLpwwQ-NEtqxl2d4tsnNuEKoRe3hPw/s1600/Peppermintcookie.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikYQnru7BEcWRPpZfnHMJgN0s-h8MsjZoLmW5VyLHDAVW4fuRKU74sXL0F1QQNW9A_9544nOdMJuaNeXxlXIUwTQ1Yul1gFqtx9RL6TuuLpwwQ-NEtqxl2d4tsnNuEKoRe3hPw/s640/Peppermintcookie.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
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Day two of Christmas Cookie baking, and this time it's my Best Ever Chocolate Cookies. These cookies are like brownies in a cookie shape. They are great plain or topped with peppermint butter cream frosting.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6_wHdQSUv0zOzZc7fTvDHHr24GdyUJt78c02qZ8E7yEQ0YKolp70p-MedtEkHcalSkRbKAhkn8GyimT_KYl3Es-aibnE7lm84R_j3mfgI3ktTG-wOVhzhPo-WdoBS4cbaZWCR/s1600/Chocolate2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="630" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6_wHdQSUv0zOzZc7fTvDHHr24GdyUJt78c02qZ8E7yEQ0YKolp70p-MedtEkHcalSkRbKAhkn8GyimT_KYl3Es-aibnE7lm84R_j3mfgI3ktTG-wOVhzhPo-WdoBS4cbaZWCR/s640/Chocolate2.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
<h3>
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">The Best Ever
Chocolate Cookies</span></h3>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">1 cup butter softened</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">1 cup white sugar<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">¾ cup packed brown sugar<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">2 eggs<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">1 teaspoon vanilla<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">1 ¼ cup Hersey’s <st1:place w:st="on">Cocoa</st1:place> Powder<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">1 ¾ cup flour<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">2 teaspoons baking soda<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</div>
<ol>
<li><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;">Preheat oven to 350.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;">Cream together butter, both types of sugar, egg and
vanilla.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;">Blend together Cocoa Powder, flour and baking
soda.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;">Combine wet and dry ingredients until completely mixed.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;">Bake for 9 minutes. Let cool a bit before moving
to cooling rack. </span></li>
</ol>
<br />
<h3>
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">Peppermint Butter Cream Frosting Recipe</span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"> </span></h3>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">1 cup of softened butter</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">3 cups of confectioners' sugar</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">1 tsp peppermint extract</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">1 tsp vanilla </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">1 or 2 tablespoons whipping cream </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">Crushed peppermints for garnish</span></div>
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</div>
<ol>
<li><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">Whisk the sugar and butter together in a medium bowl on low speed until blended well.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">Increase the speed to medium and beat 3 minutes. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">Add the vanilla and peppermint and cream. Beat 1 more minute.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">Frost cookies and garnish with crushed peppermint.</span></li>
</ol>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQlWYeKpuAugaZHt8RF7j5oxcaIQV1DV6ZvjKYXKm0y4aLCwC5HL37AZfmwt_V3GLtOShy1YMqZ1r1XM7YC5DyQQZG248GSzPgxvX0zUQmw1OhVLLbMC9D2Ww4g7cm7-Ac22IL/s1600/Snowflying.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQlWYeKpuAugaZHt8RF7j5oxcaIQV1DV6ZvjKYXKm0y4aLCwC5HL37AZfmwt_V3GLtOShy1YMqZ1r1XM7YC5DyQQZG248GSzPgxvX0zUQmw1OhVLLbMC9D2Ww4g7cm7-Ac22IL/s640/Snowflying.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
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Also it SNOWED!!! It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas around here.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzZIDIa6lF6j4i2wdSelY-Emv6ckyBUFujiqGNSBt3caxEdG1nff92_U4ZGcGCrPQ9dY6NLCV-KymNDpDeZHzRBZ8DXEXDfbKsJEWaPnA_ToHtlpzMWu_v-YmTzi9iSWSyauzn/s1600/Snowfall.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzZIDIa6lF6j4i2wdSelY-Emv6ckyBUFujiqGNSBt3caxEdG1nff92_U4ZGcGCrPQ9dY6NLCV-KymNDpDeZHzRBZ8DXEXDfbKsJEWaPnA_ToHtlpzMWu_v-YmTzi9iSWSyauzn/s640/Snowfall.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
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<br />shaunahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06228597490447759364noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12600559.post-66462925428304900772013-12-07T19:25:00.000-06:002013-12-07T19:25:15.715-06:00Christmas Cookies<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjItN-UXrJj9YYmBuum8p42TmtcmPxGXScBWjAwsgwqKR9mWzIXY_tJnhjCNaMK0NfdQxXVzd8al_m70cJsmFu0Xllzgwv7QG8NP7SljsM-h8K_B239cdK5aMjFrb_RfSQNEKOU/s1600/Cookies.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjItN-UXrJj9YYmBuum8p42TmtcmPxGXScBWjAwsgwqKR9mWzIXY_tJnhjCNaMK0NfdQxXVzd8al_m70cJsmFu0Xllzgwv7QG8NP7SljsM-h8K_B239cdK5aMjFrb_RfSQNEKOU/s640/Cookies.JPG" width="448" /></a></div>
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One of my favorite Christmas time traditions is cookie baking. This year I am making five family favorites. I try to pick a variety of flavors so that not everything on the plate is the same. The plan: One simple cookie, one citrus flavored, one fruity, one spicy, and one chocolate. The simple cookie I picked was my Aunt Lettie's Powdered Sugar cookies. They are lighter version of shortbread, but have the same sort of simple taste.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Aunt Lettie's Powdered Sugar Cookies</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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1 cup butter - softened</div>
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1 cup powdered sugar</div>
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1 egg</div>
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1 tsp vanilla</div>
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2 cups flour</div>
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1 tsp soda</div>
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2 tsp cream of tartar</div>
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<ol>
<li>Preheat oven to 350.</li>
<li>Cream together butter, powdered sugar, egg and vanilla. </li>
<li>Combine flour, soda, and cream of tartar in a separate bowl. </li>
<li>Slowly add flour mixture to the butter mixture a third at a time, combing completely before adding more. </li>
<li>Roll into tablespoon sized balls and bake for 10-12 minutes. Cookies should be lightly browned on bottom. </li>
<li>Store in an airtight container after cooled.</li>
</ol>
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shaunahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06228597490447759364noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12600559.post-25361719424160880522013-12-07T18:54:00.000-06:002013-12-07T18:54:15.240-06:00Shining Star...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuqpL3q3EMHv3m7CMk9pDdZE_bBCeF5MN4bOWZnJtiyoA5rmvCw024PD65ZYgjRWZiXqeQEcUHAkOEffQejth7RxxoW6ETTM93X9TvraOSArCfEwfSVhFzU2z4D46xMIHvxaYp/s1600/Chalkart2013.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuqpL3q3EMHv3m7CMk9pDdZE_bBCeF5MN4bOWZnJtiyoA5rmvCw024PD65ZYgjRWZiXqeQEcUHAkOEffQejth7RxxoW6ETTM93X9TvraOSArCfEwfSVhFzU2z4D46xMIHvxaYp/s640/Chalkart2013.png" width="444" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
This year's Christmas chalk art was inspired by <i>Have yourself a Merry little Christmas </i>carol. Looks like snow is in the forecast for us here in the Midwest. So excited for snow!</div>
<br />shaunahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06228597490447759364noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12600559.post-50988248513254742262013-12-01T15:19:00.000-06:002013-12-01T15:20:18.954-06:00Christmas Tree Time<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9CA6KOK0bjh8dLGjXHxXhfBo-RddyYwXoKfGGTOn_5imBhp2xKUg2LLP00F_0eGzQUQ8hQG-XIjeujR2QrJzQyD4Fb4tOn6Lrf2hUKZdYDFlFp-c9dhNm-JBKPHV7QsbgrZzx/s1600/The+Christmas+Tree2013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="380" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9CA6KOK0bjh8dLGjXHxXhfBo-RddyYwXoKfGGTOn_5imBhp2xKUg2LLP00F_0eGzQUQ8hQG-XIjeujR2QrJzQyD4Fb4tOn6Lrf2hUKZdYDFlFp-c9dhNm-JBKPHV7QsbgrZzx/s640/The+Christmas+Tree2013.JPG" width="550" /></a></div>
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It is December! 24 days until Christmas! So off we drove, over the river and through the woods, to Handley's Holiday Hillside for our annual Christmas tree. They had so many beautiful trees, but we went with our usual Canadian Fir. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjocsl0q9NkrQGACgaIVE-kHcI4Idz54TJMkGOjmQuUsXXpjN5Y5eAF4nvzvw0ohCkDgBFEhY04gW8KzzLff7w8U_tpkXQs26gV6zQKz_iPjBlIFChA2B0IJA4ciRyPOQ-vAkcv/s1600/HandleysTrain.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjocsl0q9NkrQGACgaIVE-kHcI4Idz54TJMkGOjmQuUsXXpjN5Y5eAF4nvzvw0ohCkDgBFEhY04gW8KzzLff7w8U_tpkXQs26gV6zQKz_iPjBlIFChA2B0IJA4ciRyPOQ-vAkcv/s640/HandleysTrain.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTzeCH-uBbnVfHB7B5ukElWBKbocNU93pEhHP-AO1Q8k_xZQMWes-L_EQeHxbwzTJU8bXvpbtE7ujPTa9KjQrZykCM_H2U_OEtWS9Nv1MeEELLulxLgcxVT0p8kq_CLNfn5Cop/s1600/WalkingtheRows.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTzeCH-uBbnVfHB7B5ukElWBKbocNU93pEhHP-AO1Q8k_xZQMWes-L_EQeHxbwzTJU8bXvpbtE7ujPTa9KjQrZykCM_H2U_OEtWS9Nv1MeEELLulxLgcxVT0p8kq_CLNfn5Cop/s640/WalkingtheRows.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1KpOg6f53Lvp77Y3d4Jg_XN9ncUwZFFxvZCyNq5672wU0C0BOIzEA-cjuev2jmiVMq0BnQwecRk4oF3h8fKEp-iwp6tIOZhCWO0nBQwgJRelRYhpzhegbfOSRJhUSgTBnp6kQ/s1600/TheBoysandTree.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1KpOg6f53Lvp77Y3d4Jg_XN9ncUwZFFxvZCyNq5672wU0C0BOIzEA-cjuev2jmiVMq0BnQwecRk4oF3h8fKEp-iwp6tIOZhCWO0nBQwgJRelRYhpzhegbfOSRJhUSgTBnp6kQ/s640/TheBoysandTree.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC77PnjBXn6CL5IZ5dmgQsU5D_s_VdENEWuDlS5GXgs06wBZl64aSVNFenRe8q_OUfYviDhkaYYWx1yWjZi0t2FDokNm_Orrt_QLgmLijmTiu_noLZ2VNophHXH-pYKfOmsGMk/s1600/Jered.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC77PnjBXn6CL5IZ5dmgQsU5D_s_VdENEWuDlS5GXgs06wBZl64aSVNFenRe8q_OUfYviDhkaYYWx1yWjZi0t2FDokNm_Orrt_QLgmLijmTiu_noLZ2VNophHXH-pYKfOmsGMk/s640/Jered.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwiU_sGPCwil_DE1YsFRxxjp-0pqUplGa3r2GUyL02YjNmf3aZVzBo9vR4QIWODLXFGeZ1WOV54J_LIA1ivGMx9NkiVCt83mHPkbwqlIALvPahDZaKEzf6kBT7NU3cG2zu9VgT/s1600/Ticket.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="448" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwiU_sGPCwil_DE1YsFRxxjp-0pqUplGa3r2GUyL02YjNmf3aZVzBo9vR4QIWODLXFGeZ1WOV54J_LIA1ivGMx9NkiVCt83mHPkbwqlIALvPahDZaKEzf6kBT7NU3cG2zu9VgT/s640/Ticket.JPG" width="550" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEd8OWUtC8XBzDAkXoG8Rz3n3zorcOtC4uKrGhUtb78etcUXNQwQvvJ060XdTROTXIKtkzDF0-PswVb7TbBk0xrENDSCounaUvSVNpiaIHQd8c9u5HZRZPwuyQZTSjM1lRtsT6/s1600/ShakeNBag.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="326" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEd8OWUtC8XBzDAkXoG8Rz3n3zorcOtC4uKrGhUtb78etcUXNQwQvvJ060XdTROTXIKtkzDF0-PswVb7TbBk0xrENDSCounaUvSVNpiaIHQd8c9u5HZRZPwuyQZTSjM1lRtsT6/s640/ShakeNBag.JPG" width="550" /></a></div>
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Tree is home and all set up in our awesome <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Omega-Resin-Knock-Down-Stand/dp/B000XAIZEA/ref=pd_sim_sbs_hi_3" target="_blank">tree stand</a>. Tomorrow after it has drunk about 5 gallons of water and the branches relax a bit, we will add the lights and decorations. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNLGz50cztQrLEV2WzFifaOrsxalj8dGJkRW1ccxGUzisdFPv_8VSXTRI0S2AzNitxKH-knDra3tF9EzW1e4Ctkdzsin8NufIm41AHIeBvKDRL5Nxor24GJMb1-2SM0i68hM0M/s1600/Christmas+Tree+2013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="720" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNLGz50cztQrLEV2WzFifaOrsxalj8dGJkRW1ccxGUzisdFPv_8VSXTRI0S2AzNitxKH-knDra3tF9EzW1e4Ctkdzsin8NufIm41AHIeBvKDRL5Nxor24GJMb1-2SM0i68hM0M/s640/Christmas+Tree+2013.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />shaunahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06228597490447759364noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12600559.post-40580982758918911672013-11-30T21:29:00.000-06:002013-11-30T21:29:45.230-06:00The Polar Express<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_Mi-vPst9cPTQysDf00CXVMODeyVf39xbQRVmPpMK1VykoOwZ2sjuTDH7vF3Va0rkHkvQ-GVhaWMO02cxG63Iv2Offrw5lrGbrt0_9huVc75Yd4FvXy0jfs3-Xopwgh1vAg4n/s1600/The+Boys.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="380" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_Mi-vPst9cPTQysDf00CXVMODeyVf39xbQRVmPpMK1VykoOwZ2sjuTDH7vF3Va0rkHkvQ-GVhaWMO02cxG63Iv2Offrw5lrGbrt0_9huVc75Yd4FvXy0jfs3-Xopwgh1vAg4n/s640/The+Boys.JPG" width="550" /></a></div>
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Today we got on the Polar Express Train and rode all the way from Iowa to the North Pole to see Santa and his elves. It was a long trip, but it was worth it. The train was a wonderful old steam train and had a great loud whistle just like in the story. Riley was super excited to see all the trains and play with the train sets. He also really enjoyed seeing Santa and Santa's pocket watch which had tiny trains running in two directions. He also got a silver bell as a present just like in the movie. Max was a pretty good sport about it and didn't make too much of a fuss about not really going to the North Pole. The Polar Express was a fun start to the Christmas season. Tomorrow we go to get our tree, hopefully we can pick a good one.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4jbm348f0jzDyzxK0DplMl_rw97gp_SwabVikDWPj1mBZ0zNpbOi9LVA12fO2vMGU7k9qZuNEMzyDkUM1idArREjyGPjtE_DzIVYtqJWZQXzI_45qFoV9GTRqRAbnSw68-hd9/s1600/Waiting.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4jbm348f0jzDyzxK0DplMl_rw97gp_SwabVikDWPj1mBZ0zNpbOi9LVA12fO2vMGU7k9qZuNEMzyDkUM1idArREjyGPjtE_DzIVYtqJWZQXzI_45qFoV9GTRqRAbnSw68-hd9/s640/Waiting.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
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shaunahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06228597490447759364noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12600559.post-52528271246611938092013-11-28T16:28:00.000-06:002013-11-28T16:28:41.702-06:00Thanksgiving Day<br />
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Happy Thanksgiving to all my American friends and family! My Canadian family celebrated on Oct.14th, so we here "state side" are WAY behind. It does feel like we are a watch running a bit slow with Thanksgiving being almost at the end of the month. I think I'm going to have to work like crazy to get everything done before Christmas. This year I decided to try something a bit different and bake a Pumpkin Cheesecake instead of a pie. I always bake my <a href="http://dieterfamily.blogspot.com/2012/11/give-thanks-for-pie.html">caramel apple pie </a>for my sister Clare, but I found this great recipe on the <a href="http://www.thesweetestoccasion.com/2013/11/pumpkin-swirl-cheesecake/" target="_blank">Sweetest Occasion</a> blog and had to try it. It was amazing! Of course we had all the traditional favorites, casseroles and potatoes, and we all ate more than we should. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgik0c-zAlBBCyyqbnfDE10ArYqM9WPTNr33TGx5VGIqgzybgjbVb-Z4l8Xoo6xo5TxxmdQ5kKy7hyphenhyphenOwXERazerKn560uOlgLa5CYUpU7CXIC34T4LFL9S_ak37Ip2wKAe2wneF/s1600/KidsTable.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="570" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgik0c-zAlBBCyyqbnfDE10ArYqM9WPTNr33TGx5VGIqgzybgjbVb-Z4l8Xoo6xo5TxxmdQ5kKy7hyphenhyphenOwXERazerKn560uOlgLa5CYUpU7CXIC34T4LFL9S_ak37Ip2wKAe2wneF/s640/KidsTable.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXPR3r-52bhtLCd8U2H7hWVPh_9vKQ2Bi1WI7rIFpuMhv31cwN2YizkiGjOyBVHi4VoPN8Yhd1vj3SPz7gZaIw98oF6B8iI60iV7fahZn-8nYjvDROdvLSu8YIDmrc6kMTTGLL/s1600/Cheesecakeslice.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="570" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXPR3r-52bhtLCd8U2H7hWVPh_9vKQ2Bi1WI7rIFpuMhv31cwN2YizkiGjOyBVHi4VoPN8Yhd1vj3SPz7gZaIw98oF6B8iI60iV7fahZn-8nYjvDROdvLSu8YIDmrc6kMTTGLL/s640/Cheesecakeslice.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
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Since we were all together I figured this was a good chance to take some family photos. They turned out pretty well for no planning involved. So in the spirit of today, I would like to say that I am thankful for my wonderful family and I am grateful that we could spend this time together today and everyday. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7SsDQmaX3aCtbNMv9gg4pVEkbMpGSbpb13pdtJxy4iqzgfp1haZw-AW8PavM3z7FZiSTkT6hmSFDTcAvRvkZ4fhjqHHK2WAYHOGyPHsd6ghRO7Mk97Yaeft83u1gPgtC1IcYK/s1600/FamilyThanksgiving2013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="390" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7SsDQmaX3aCtbNMv9gg4pVEkbMpGSbpb13pdtJxy4iqzgfp1haZw-AW8PavM3z7FZiSTkT6hmSFDTcAvRvkZ4fhjqHHK2WAYHOGyPHsd6ghRO7Mk97Yaeft83u1gPgtC1IcYK/s640/FamilyThanksgiving2013.JPG" width="525" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA9ztVD75ksC9N9ggOhEvEnwkhnfefntdZ2IVEZphJKSVCaOx9wtn2QcKDRDZD2V4-gM-TS0v5WiGkSI1XjuLXU8aibvGEBuNDpc6YacHLhqUqYEcIIXVg00xcCf13khQlLZuk/s1600/Thanksgiving+Sytsma.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA9ztVD75ksC9N9ggOhEvEnwkhnfefntdZ2IVEZphJKSVCaOx9wtn2QcKDRDZD2V4-gM-TS0v5WiGkSI1XjuLXU8aibvGEBuNDpc6YacHLhqUqYEcIIXVg00xcCf13khQlLZuk/s640/Thanksgiving+Sytsma.jpg" width="525" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVHrwgosq-qm3RWAM-7B7TD_DPA0Cd8AD1Lp33L5_J_deuYa1bOEdb1iXI2TKLkG43bkWgfJEGa3tSiredwnJBcJ1TbRT5nmGwutU_g3WfpdNcq8LcFUMA8iDzWIySFFx-FLyp/s1600/Thanksgiving+Clare.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVHrwgosq-qm3RWAM-7B7TD_DPA0Cd8AD1Lp33L5_J_deuYa1bOEdb1iXI2TKLkG43bkWgfJEGa3tSiredwnJBcJ1TbRT5nmGwutU_g3WfpdNcq8LcFUMA8iDzWIySFFx-FLyp/s640/Thanksgiving+Clare.JPG" width="525" /></a></div>
shaunahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06228597490447759364noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12600559.post-80696121876705648062013-11-19T19:40:00.000-06:002013-11-19T19:40:41.290-06:00Riley is Four<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDWYjzrv12c7V8QMPqdHYRPeQvIG6e8S0deWn4PHORlj6RWhvX95HlKaoavJsfMWuOfaxmaRbjkD7hiU0ydbRlqiKwTpI-IufF5g4klYOiSxM6v8BRkks62IEI705QOGAxvn4u/s1600/TheCake.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDWYjzrv12c7V8QMPqdHYRPeQvIG6e8S0deWn4PHORlj6RWhvX95HlKaoavJsfMWuOfaxmaRbjkD7hiU0ydbRlqiKwTpI-IufF5g4klYOiSxM6v8BRkks62IEI705QOGAxvn4u/s640/TheCake.JPG" width="452" /></a></div>
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On Saturday Riley turned 4! When I asked him what kind of party he wanted, he quickly said a doughnut party with lots and lots of sprinkles. To say the least I was excited! Finally a non-cartoon character party theme, and I can definitely work with doughnuts and sprinkles. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkpsN6N50ZnfqNXZjG4QmuVY_xea-UxIpPEgX6MbGee_5uGtk5Gl0TH9_d0WveAAzePFe3MhNJ67yXhqY6Q6TN1x17U-VEB3mNOhxNjrYE-mrDAc_IPZBgMJWxFbvCWVjDnwwT/s1600/RileyisFour.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="610" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkpsN6N50ZnfqNXZjG4QmuVY_xea-UxIpPEgX6MbGee_5uGtk5Gl0TH9_d0WveAAzePFe3MhNJ67yXhqY6Q6TN1x17U-VEB3mNOhxNjrYE-mrDAc_IPZBgMJWxFbvCWVjDnwwT/s640/RileyisFour.JPG" width="450" /></a></div>
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I made the invitation for his party with a simple doughnut picture with lots of sprinkles.</div>
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For the party I made some simple party hats with confetti in the shape of a number 4. Brunch menu was many different kinds of doughnuts and even I used doughnut holes dipped in white chocolate and sprinkles for a cake pop like treat. There were also some not-so-sweet choices, a mixed fruit tray and some cheese and spinach quiches.<br />
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For drinks we had white, chocolate, and strawberry milk served in milk bottles with paper straws. The milk bottles were just recycled Starbucks frappe bottles with the labels removed. Basically free and super cute glasses. There was also coffee (for the adults) and hot chocolate with whipped cream and sprinkles (of course!).</div>
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The table decorations were made from white powdered sugar doughnuts, with confetti poppers, and thank you gift bags. We also had clear balloons filled with confetti. The birthday "cake" was just doughnuts with white frosting and sprinkles stacked on a cake stand with candles. </div>
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<span style="text-align: left;">It was a super sweet party for a super sweet boy. Riley is a happy and gentle guy with lots of love for everyone. Four has to be my favorite age.</span></div>
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shaunahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06228597490447759364noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12600559.post-30806321168479843042013-11-01T20:09:00.000-05:002013-11-01T20:09:27.499-05:00Day of the Dead / Halloween Recap<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Halloween was a bit wet and very cold this year, but we still dressed up and went out Trick or Treating. As today is November first, it's appropriate that we all dressed as skeletons and Day of the Dead costumes.</div>
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I really like the whole look of the sugar skulls, and the costume is so simple. Wear black, make a crown of flowers, and paint your face. Jered's costume was just as simple with a black hat, a skull tie and face paint. </div>
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Riley and Max had masks they decorated and colored. (Though Max is not wearing his mask in his photo). </div>
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Basically the whole Trick or Treating went like the photo below, a blur. The kids all had a great time and ate way too much sugar. Hope everyone had a safe and happy Halloween! </div>
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shaunahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06228597490447759364noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12600559.post-15866274418069577602013-10-29T19:11:00.000-05:002013-10-29T19:11:32.726-05:00Pumpkin Time<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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We finally got around to carving our pumpkins. This year Max did his all by himself. Riley's always look cute and scary at the same time. I don't know how he does that....Two more days and we will head out trick or treating with cousins. Happy Halloween!</div>
<br />shaunahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06228597490447759364noreply@blogger.com0