tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17136400878704093472024-03-13T11:41:50.929-04:00Laugh...and Take a PictureThe Adventures and Misadventures of My Journey Through MotherhoodThe Petersonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00802314644675229385noreply@blogger.comBlogger363125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1713640087870409347.post-75933633673784143832015-08-16T22:53:00.002-04:002015-08-16T22:53:44.752-04:0021 Day Fix: What I Ate-Week 4At the end of week three, I was down 8 lbs and 9.5 inches! I was excited and ready to start another round of the Fix.<br />
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<u>Monday</u><br />
Breakfast: Scrambled Eggs (Red) with Diced Ham (Red) and Kale (Green)<br />
Snack: Sliced Peach (Purple)<br />
Lunch: Lettuce Wrap-Romaine Leaves (Green) with <a href="http://melaniemitro.blogspot.com/2014/04/21-day-fix-pork-carnitas-recipe.html">Leftover Pork</a> (Red) and Sunflower Seeds (Orange)<br />
Snack: Triscuits (Yellow) with Peanut Butter (2 t)<br />
Dinner: <a href="http://www.getfitwithnikki.com/2014/06/recipe-asian-meatballs/">Asian Meatballs</a> (Red) with Brown Rice (Yellow) and Cucumbers (Green)<br />
Snack: <a href="http://hip2save.com/2014/05/22/2-ingredient-pineapple-whip-dairy-free/">Pineapple Whip</a> (Purple and Blue) <i>So yummy!</i><br />
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<u>Tuesday</u><br />
Breakfast: Oatmeal (Yellow) with Peanut Butter (2 t) and a drizzle of honey and Turkey Bacon (Red)<br />
Snack: String Cheese (Blue)<br />
Lunch: Brown Rice (Yellow) Topped with <a href="http://melaniemitro.blogspot.com/2014/04/21-day-fix-pork-carnitas-recipe.html">Leftover Pork</a> (Red) and Baby Carrots (Green)<br />
Snack: Sunflower Seeds (Orange) and Peanut Butter (2 t) <i>It occurred to me after dinner that I had eaten the wrong breakfast which threw my counts of for today. Tuesday and Wednesday will balance each other.</i><br />
Dinner: <a href="http://christinepechulis.blogspot.com/2015/03/easy-slow-cooked-creamy-mexican-chicken.html?m=1">Slow-Cooker Mexican Chicken</a> (Red, Yellow and Green)<br />
Snack: <a href="http://www.popsugar.com/fitness/Flat-Belly-Smoothie-28343926">Flat Belly Smoothie</a> (Red, Purple, Green and a drizzle of honey)<br />
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<u>Wednesday</u><br />
Breakfast:Yogurt (Red) with Raspberries (Purple)<br />
Snack: Carrots (Green)<br />
Lunch: Sweet Potato (Yellow) with Ham (Red) and Cucumbers (Green)<br />
Snack: Grapes (Purple)<br />
Dinner: Leftover Night- Lettuce (Green) with Pork (Red), Cheese (Blue) and Sunflower Seeds (Orange)<br />
Snack: Tropical Fruit Smoothie-Mixed Fruit (Purple) with Plain Yogurt (Red) with a drizzle of honey<br />
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<u>Thursday</u><br />
Breakfast: Scrambled Eggs (Red) with Ham (Red) and Kale (Green)<br />
Snack: Peach (Purple)<br />
Lunch:Lettuce Wrap-Romaine Leaves (Green) with Pork (Red) and Sunflower Seeds (Orange)<br />
Snack: Triscuits (Yellow) with Peanut Butter (2 t)<br />
Dinner:<a href="http://sublimereflection.com/easy-one-pot-pasta/">Easy One Pot Pasta</a> (Red, Yellow and Green)<br />
Snack: Oranges and Grapes (Purple)<br />
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Friday and Saturday we had company visiting and I strayed from the eating plan. I tried to make good choices when I could but I wanted to enjoy the weekend. We made <a href="http://www.bombshellbling.com/new-orleans-beignets/">Beignets</a> for my dad's birthday and I honestly felt like garbage after eating them. The deep fried goodness wasn't worth the misery. The Mexican food splurge was a different story. It's a good lesson to see what is worth splurging on and what is better left uneaten.<br />
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Sunday<br />
Breakfast: Oatmeal (Yellow) with Smashed Banana (Purple)<br />
Snack: Sunflower Seeds (Orange) with Peanut Butter (2 t)<br />
Lunch: Steak Salad-Romaine Lettuce and Cherry Tomatoes (2 Green) with Cubed Steak (Red) drizzled with hot sauce<br />
Snack: String Cheese (Blue)<br />
Dinner: Pot Roast- Meat (2 Red), Carrots (Green) and Potatoes (Yellow)<br />
Snack: Tropical Fruit Smoothie-Mixed Fruit (Purple) with Plain Yogurt (Red) with a drizzle of honey<br />
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It's time to make up for those two days with another great week!<br />
<br />The Petersonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00802314644675229385noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1713640087870409347.post-4714659178132383642015-08-09T22:28:00.001-04:002015-08-09T22:28:13.324-04:0021 Day Fix: What I Ate-Week 3I love to cook and try new recipes all the time. I would go crazy if I had to eat the same thing everyday. That has been part of the adventure with the 21-Day Fix. I've had some delicious surprises and some disappointments. It's been cool being more conscious of the foods I eat and realizing all of the things I was mindlessly eating before I started the Fix. I am on Day 21 and am getting ready to take my measurements to see what I've accomplished during these 21 days.<br />
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<u>Monday</u><br />
Breakfast: 1/2 Piece of Toast (1/2 Yellow) with Peanut Butter (1 t) and Turkey Bacon (Red)<i> The rest of my family had doughnuts for a First Day of School Treat. I cried a little on the inside.</i><br />
Snack: Blueberries and Apple Slices (Purple)<br />
Lunch: Salad- Assorted Veggies (1 1/2 Greens) with Pork (2 Red) and Creamy Herb Dressing (Orange)<br />
Snack: Carrots (Green)<br />
Dinner: <a href="http://thefoodieandthefix.com/21-day-fix-broccoli-mac-cheese-aka-the-perfect-mac-cheese/">Broccoli Mac and Cheese</a> (1 1/2 Yellow, 1 Blue, 1/2 Green)<br />
Snack: Banana Smoothie- Plain Yogurt (Red), Frozen Banana (Purple) with a drizzle of vanilla and a sprinkle of cinnamon Plus Peanut Butter (1 t)<br />
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<u>Tuesday</u><br />
Breakfast: Scrambled Eggs (Red) with Diced Ham (Red) and Chopped Kale (Green) drizzled with hot sauce<br />
Snack: Sunflower Seeds (Orange)<br />
Lunch: Lettuce Wraps-Romaine (Green) topped with Grilled Chicken Strips (Red) and a touch of hot sauce<br />
Snack: Peach (Purple)<br />
Dinner:<a href="http://rxforhealthyliving.com/2014/04/01/mexican-lasagna-fix-approved/">Mexican Lasagna</a> (1 Yellow, 1 Red, 1 Blue <i>I don't really like peppers and onions so I left them out, hence the no green</i>.) with peas and carrots (Green)<br />
Snack: <a href="http://www.fromforkstofitness.com/recipes/peanut-butter-and-jelly-cookies-pbj-cookies/">PB and J Cookies</a> (1 Yellow, 1 Purple and 2 t)<br />
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<u>Wednesday</u><br />
Breakfast: Oatmeal (Yellow) with Blueberries (1/2 Purple) and a drizzle of vanilla<br />
Snack: Applesauce (1/2 Purple)<br />
Lunch: Grilled Chicken (2 Red) Topped with Tomatoes (Green), Cilantro and Hummus (Blue)<br />
Snack: Carrots (Green)<br />
Dinner: "Fried" Rice-Brown Rice (Yellow), Pea and Carrots (Green), Chicken (Red) and Scrambled Eggs (Red)<br />
Snack: Sliced Apple (Purple) topped with Peanut Butter (2 t) and Coconut Flakes (Orange)<br />
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<u>Thursday</u><br />
Breakfast: Plain Yogurt (Red) with Raspberries (1/2 Purple) and vanilla<br />
Snack: Chopped Walnuts (Orange)<br />
Lunch: 2 Corn Tortilla (Yellow) with Sliced Turkey (Red) and Grapes (1/2 Purple)<br />
Snack: Cucumbers (Green)<br />
Dinner:<a href="http://www.primaverakitchen.com/ground-turkey-sweet-potato-skillet/">Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet</a>-Ground Turkey (Red), Sweet Potato (Yellow) with Cheddar and Parmesan Cheese (Blue) and a side of Sauteed Brussels Sprouts (Green) all using EVOO (2 t)<br />
Snack: <a href="http://www.popsugar.com/fitness/Flat-Belly-Smoothie-28343926">Flat Belly Smoothie</a>-Greek Yogurt (Red), Kale (Green) Blueberries/Pineapple (Purple) <i>Surprisingly delicious. I had my hubby taste it and he asked me to make a double batch next time.</i><br />
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<u>Friday</u><br />
Breakfast: Scrambled Eggs (Red) with Kale (Green) and Ham (Red) drizzled with hot sauce<br />
Snack: Sunflower Seeds (Orange)<br />
Lunch: Lettuce Wrap-Romaine Leaves (Green) with Grilled Chicken (Red)<br />
Snack: Tropical Fruit Smoothies-Tropical Fruit Medley (Purple) with Plain Yogurt (Red) and a drizzle of honey plus Peanut Butter (2 t)<br />
Dinner: 2 Slices of Cheese Pizza (2 Yellow and 1 Blue) with Cucumbers and Carrots (Green) <i>I was looking forward to this all week!</i><br />
Snack: Grapes (Purple)<br />
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<u>Saturday</u><br />
Breakfast: <a href="http://honeybeehomemaker.blogspot.com/2014/04/21-day-fix-recipe-pancakes.html?m=1">Healthy Banana Pancakes</a> (Yellow, Purple, Red) topped with Peanut Butter (2 t) and a drizzle of honey <i>These were yummy. Much better than the pancakes I made in <a href="http://laughandtakeapicture.blogspot.com/2015/07/21-day-fix-what-i-ate-week-1.html">Week 1.</a></i><br />
Snack: Sunflower Seeds (Orange)<br />
Lunch: Lettuce Wraps-Romaine Leaves (Green) with Sliced Turkey (Red) and a drizzle of hot sauce<br />
Snack: Raspberries (1/2 Purple)<br />
Dinner: <a href="http://chipotle.com/menu">Chipotle</a> Salad-Romaine and Pico (2 Green), Pork (Red), Rice/Bean (Yellow) and Cheese (Blue)<i> I was supposed to go out to dinner with family for my nephew's birthday but I have a sick kiddo so I opted for this instead. It was a perfect meal to fill the spaces I had allotted for dinner at <a href="http://www.souplantation.com/">Sweet Tomatoes</a>.</i><br />
Snack: Plain Yogurt (Red) with Frozen Blueberries (1/2 Purple)<br />
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<u>Sunday:</u><br />
Breakfast: Scrambled Eggs (Red) with Ham (Red) and Cheese (Blue)<br />
Snack: <i>I slept in and ate a late breakfast so I wasn't hungry.</i><br />
Lunch: Sweet Potato (Yellow) topped with Ham (Red) and Carrots (Green)<br />
Snack: Orange Slices (Purple)<br />
Dinner: <a href="http://melaniemitro.blogspot.com/2014/04/21-day-fix-pork-carnitas-recipe.html">Pork Carnitas</a>- Corn Tortillas (Yellow), Pork (Red), Lettuce/Tomatoes (2 Green)<br />
Snack: Apples (Purple) with Peanut Butter (2 t) and Coconut (Orange)<br />
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I'm ready to start another 21 Days! For more recipe ideas, check out my <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/deborahdrue/21-day-fix/">Pinterest</a> board. I'm always on the hunt for new things to try. Do you have a favorite healthy recipe?The Petersonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00802314644675229385noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1713640087870409347.post-23799896816082803332015-08-02T22:38:00.000-04:002015-08-02T22:39:51.328-04:0021 Day Fix: What I Ate- Week 2<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I <span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">finished week 2 of the 21 Day Fix and I'm really feeling great. I've decided to wait until the end of this round to weigh myself and I'm actually excited to step on the scale at the end of next week. I feel like I'm establishing good habits. I look forward to my workouts. I struggled a bit mentally with my nutrition, but I stayed strong and stuck with it. When I was having a hard time as a mom, I really wanted to self-medicate with a handful of chocolate chips. I know that's a habit I need to break if I want to reach my goals. It was also more challenging this week because I went to two restaurants and spent time at my parent's house. My parent's house is usually a place where I act like I'm a kid again and eat tons of snacks and treats. There will be a time in the future where I can indulge in the occasional treat but I know the more I stick to the nutrition plan now, the better results I will see.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1s_5bUiG9w9clUm3hxett8xFYvnUVf5mxytyCbwhvxovc7HHyZ9KxZiYhiti5meLwR0cHTkEXJdS5bvYxkgYjQAuU0L0CMPzJCGEw3dotORxpVXzj456RY0xWzQj16GgAWNF33fzxbqW7/s640/blogger-image-310009668.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1s_5bUiG9w9clUm3hxett8xFYvnUVf5mxytyCbwhvxovc7HHyZ9KxZiYhiti5meLwR0cHTkEXJdS5bvYxkgYjQAuU0L0CMPzJCGEw3dotORxpVXzj456RY0xWzQj16GgAWNF33fzxbqW7/s640/blogger-image-310009668.jpg"></a></div>
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<u>Monday</u></div>
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Breakfast: Plain Yogurt (Red) with Frozen Blueberries (Purple) and a touch of vanilla</div>
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Snack: Sliced Apples and Pears (Purple)</div>
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Lunch: Lettuce Wraps-Romaine Leaves (Green) with leftover <a href="http://honeybeehomemaker.blogspot.com/2014/04/21-day-fix-recipe-slow-cooker-pulled.html?spref=pi&m=1">pork</a> (Red), cilantro and hot sauce <i>Pictured above.</i></div>
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Snack: Baby Carrots (Green) and Sunflower Seeds (Orange)</div>
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Dinner: Whole Grain Spaghetti (1 1/2 Yellows) With <a href="https://ashleyalbeck.wordpress.com/2015/02/20/21-day-fix-extreme-turkey-meatballs/">Turkey Meatballs</a> (1 Red and 1/2 Yellow) topped with Parmesan Cheese (Blue) Served with Cucumbers (Green) <i>Pictured above. These meatballs are yummy! In fact, after dinner, I realized I forgot to meal plan one of my reds so I ate two extra meatballs for good measure.</i></div>
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Snack: Peanut Butter (2 t)</div>
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<u>Tuesday</u></div>
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Breakfast: Oatmeal (Yellow) topped with Chopped Walnuts (Orange) with a drizzle of honey and vanilla</div>
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Snack: Grapes (Purple)</div>
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Lunch: Cucumber sliced lengthwise (Green) topped with Hummus (Blue) and Sliced Turkey (Red)</div>
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Snack: 2 Hard boiled Eggs (Red) drizzled with hot sauce</div>
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Dinner: Rice Bowl- Brown Rice (Yellow) topped with Romaine and Tomatoes (Green) and leftover <a href="http://honeybeehomemaker.blogspot.com/2014/04/21-day-fix-recipe-slow-cooker-pulled.html?spref=pi&m=1">Pork</a> (Red) and drizzled with hot sauce with Brussels Sprouts (Green) topped with Turkey Bacon (Red) on the side</div>
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Snack: Sliced Apple (Purple) with Peanut Butter (2 t)<br>
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<u>Wednesday</u><br>
Breakfast: Scrambled Eggs (Red) with Diced Ham (Red) and Spinach (1/2 Green)<br>
Snack: Sunflower Seeds (Orange) <i>This was a hard one because I was at the movies and I LOVE movie theater popcorn.</i><br>
Lunch: Quesadillas: 2 Corn Tortillas (Yellow) topped with Cheddar Cheese (Blue) and more of that <a href="http://honeybeehomemaker.blogspot.com/2014/04/21-day-fix-recipe-slow-cooker-pulled.html?spref=pi&m=1">Leftover Pork</a> (Red)<i> I'm not always a big fan of leftovers but that meat has been serving us well.</i><br>
Snack: Carrots (Green)<br>
Dinner: Hamburger Patty (Red) served on Romaine Lettuce with Tomatoes (1 1/2 Green) and Watermelon (2 Purple)<br>
Snack: Peanut Butter (2 t) <i>I had meal-planned to have my peanut butter on a piece of toast but I forgot until I was in bed. :(</i><br>
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<u>Thursday</u><br>
Breakfast: Plain Yogurt (Red) with Frozen Blueberries (Purple) and Turkey Bacon (Red)<br>
Snack: Carrots (Green)<br>
Lunch: Salad (2 Green) topped with Diced Ham (Red) and Creamy Herb Dressing (Orange) <i>I was at Chuck E. Cheese's with my kids and brought along my dressing and containers. Go me!</i><br>
Snack: 2 Hard Boiled Eggs (Red) drizzled with hot sauce<br>
Dinner: 1/2 a Grilled Cheese Sandwich (Yellow and 1/2 Blue) with Sliced Avocados (1/2 Blue) and <a href="https://audreysapron.wordpress.com/2013/03/08/roasted-spiced-sweet-potatoes/">Roasted Spiced Sweet Potatoes</a> (Yellow)<br>
Snack: Watermelon (Purple)<br>
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<u>Friday</u><br>
Breakfast: <a href="http://saraspisak.com/2015/01/04/21-day-fix-banana-peanut-butter-oatmeal/">Peanut Butter Banana Oatmeal</a> (2 t-Peanut Butter) (Yellow-Oatmeal) (Purple-Banana)<br>
Snack: Walnuts (Blue)<br>
Lunch: Grilled Chicken (Red<i>-I was supposed to have two but I forgot to pack them both</i>) and Cucumbers (Green)<br>
Snack: Sunflower Seeds (Orange)<br>
Dinner: <a href="http://order.kneaders.com/menu/kneaders-avondale">Kneaders Chicken Chop Salad</a>: (2 Green of Veggies) (2 Red-Meat <i>There wasn't quite enough</i>.) drizzled with hot sauce and a Slice of Whole Wheat Bread (Yellow) <i>Sadly, the rest of the salad went in the trash.</i><br>
Snack: Cherries (Purple)<br>
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<u>Saturday</u><br>
Breakfast: 2 Scrambled Eggs (Red) with Cheddar Cheese (Blue) and a Pancake (Yellow) topped with Peanut Butter (2 t)<br>
Snack: Watermelon (Purple)<br>
Lunch: Lettuce Wrap-Romaine (Green) and Sliced Turkey (Red)<br>
Snack: Pumpkin Seeds<br>
Dinner:<a href="http://order.kneaders.com/menu/kneaders-avondale">Mini Meatloaves</a> (2 Red, 1 Yellow, 1/2 Green) and Green Beans (1 1/2 Green)<br>
Snack: Grapes (Purple)<br>
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<u>Sunday</u><br>
Breakfast: Yogurt Parfait-Plain Yogurt (Red) layered with Blueberries and Strawberries (Purple) and topped with Granola (Yellow) <i>Pictured Below</i>.<br>
Snack: <i>I had planned on carrots but I was in the car so I had them with lunch.</i><br>
Lunch: Quesadillas<i>-</i>2 Corn Tortilla (Yellow) topped with Cheddar Cheese (Blue) and Pork (Red) with Carrots (Green)<br>
Snack: I was at church and didn't pack anything so I added it to my dinner.<br>
Dinner: Chef's Salad- Assorted Veggies (2 Green) with Sliced Turkey (Red) and 2 Hard-boiled Eggs (Red) topped with Creamy Herb Dressing (Orange)<br>
Snack: Grapes (Purple)<br>
<br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzsEgIz7uoQWS2kfhu5z4zuR5gpmXV94758675aD8zJKFr2594aHOonHMowGanEJKFyOqnN4dv5QQmP-srJFvQJ8QHhnVNKCjlNreZBvlM26b2iNLSyg4OeKd_832lTCGbMYjEDes1EqGi/s640/blogger-image--2079788379.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzsEgIz7uoQWS2kfhu5z4zuR5gpmXV94758675aD8zJKFr2594aHOonHMowGanEJKFyOqnN4dv5QQmP-srJFvQJ8QHhnVNKCjlNreZBvlM26b2iNLSyg4OeKd_832lTCGbMYjEDes1EqGi/s640/blogger-image--2079788379.jpg"></a></div><br><br>
Bring on Week 3! I'm ready for you!<br>
<i><br></i></div>
The Petersonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00802314644675229385noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1713640087870409347.post-57507989287414743652015-07-26T15:18:00.001-04:002015-07-28T23:29:09.265-04:0021 Day Fix: What I Ate-Week 1This week, I started the <a href="http://www.beachbody.com/product/fitness_programs/21-day-fix-simple-fitness-eating.do?e=433000&code=SEMB_21D_GOOGLE">21 Day Fix</a>. If you haven't heard about the program, it is a combination on 30-minute workouts and portioned, color-coded meals. The workouts are great! I've been sore in different parts of my body all week! The eating plan is pretty great too, though it definitely takes some planning. I am coming to the end of my first week and wanted to share my meal plan.<br />
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I printed off these <a href="http://sublimereflection.com/create-a-21-day-fix-meal-plan/">meal planner</a> calendars. They're awesome. As you are planning out your meals, you can check off the colors at the top to make sure you're getting everything in.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_VCJN_mDFsOnCcbFnl-hauPyYIlhaapbwCEpwrMqNRTe98lJ2eHAYAK2R_P-S0s3K0iMulsHCwRS_HB5oUtwK-CIiDxpfioEieFoE0qWJumWdrV6GAGQayZULDjteyxTXrfR7rVeO1x_T/s640/blogger-image--1234349948.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_VCJN_mDFsOnCcbFnl-hauPyYIlhaapbwCEpwrMqNRTe98lJ2eHAYAK2R_P-S0s3K0iMulsHCwRS_HB5oUtwK-CIiDxpfioEieFoE0qWJumWdrV6GAGQayZULDjteyxTXrfR7rVeO1x_T/s640/blogger-image--1234349948.jpg" /></a></div>
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As I was filling in my meals, I found that I had the hardest time getting in my "reds" (protein) so I would usually try to fit those in and then plan my meals around it. I also wanted my meals to be things my family would enjoy. I didn't want to be making multiple dinners everyday. I usually just wrote "fruit" or "veggie" because I hadn't been shopping yet and wanted to buy what was on sale.</div>
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So, here is what I ate in week one:</div>
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<u>Monday</u></div>
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Breakfast: Plain Yogurt (Red) with Sliced Cherries (Purple)and vanilla (free)</div>
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Snack: Celery (Green) with Peanut Butter (2 t)</div>
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Lunch: 2 Corn Tortilla (Yellow) with Sliced Turkey (Red) and Broccoli (Green)</div>
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Snack: Olives (Orange)</div>
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Dinner: <a href="http://www.edesiasnotebook.com/2011/08/thai-beef-with-basil-over-coconut-rice.html">Thai Beef with Basil over Coconut Rice</a> (Red-I took my meat out before adding the brown sugar and soy sauce for my family) (Yellow-switch to brown rice) and (Blue-Coconut Milk in the Rice) served with Cucumbers (Green)</div>
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Snack: Watermelon Smoothie:Greek Yogurt (Red), Watermelon (Purple), ice, and vanilla </div>
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<i>This was not my favorite. I know some people love Greek Yogurt but it's not my favorite.</i></div>
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After day one, I was pleasantly surprised. I wasn't starving like I typically am when I start counting calories.</div>
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<u>Tuesday</u></div>
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Breakfast: 1/2 Whole Wheat Bagel Thin (Yellow) with 2 scrambled eggs (Red) and Turkey Bacon ( Red)</div>
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Snack: Baby Carrots (Green)</div>
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Lunch: Baked Sweet Potato (Yellow) topped with Sliced Ham (Red) with Cucumber (Green)</div>
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Snack: Watermelon (Purple)</div>
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Dinner: Chicken Taco Bowl-Baked, Seasoned Chicken(Red), Romaine Lettuce and Tomatoes(Green), Cheddar Cheese(Blue) and Olives (Orange)</div>
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<i>My family kids had theirs in tortillas with some tortilla chips on the side.</i></div>
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Snack: Sliced Apple (Purple) with Peanut Butter (2 t)</div>
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<u>Wednesday</u></div>
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Breakfast: Oatmeal (Yellow) with Blueberries (Purple)</div>
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Snack: 2 Hard-Boiled Eggs (Red) with Hot Sauce (The hot sauce freebie has been my best friend!)</div>
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Lunch: Leftover Seasoned Chicken (1 1/2 Red) mixed with Black Beans (Yellow) and more hot sauce</div>
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Snack: Carrots (Green) with Hummus (Blue)</div>
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Dinner: Chef Salad-Assorted Veggies (2 Greens), Sliced Turkey (Red), Turkey Bacon (1/2 Red), Creamy Herb Dressing (Orange)</div>
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Snack: Sliced Apple (Purple) with Peanut Butter (2 t)</div>
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<u>Thursday</u> </div>
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Breakfast: Two Scrambled Eggs (Red) mixed with Diced Ham (Red) and Spinach (Green)</div>
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Snack: Sunflower Seed (Orange)</div>
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Lunch: Leftover Thai Beef and Rice (Red and Yellow)</div>
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Snack: Snow Peas</div>
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Dinner: English Muffin Pizzas-Whole Wheat English Muffin (Yellow) topped with Pizza Sauce (a bit of purple) and Mozzarella (Blue) with Cajun Brussels Sprouts (Green, plus 2 t evoo for cooking) and Grapes (Purple)</div>
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Snack: Banana Shake- Banana (Purple), Plain Yogurt (Red), ice, vanilla and cinnamon</div>
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<i>This was yummy. It felt like a real treat!</i></div>
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<u>Friday</u></div>
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Breakfast: Plain Yogurt (Red) mixed with Sliced Cherries (Purple) and Vanilla <i>And, accidentally, WAY too much cinnamon.</i></div>
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Snack: Sunflower Seeds (Orange)</div>
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Lunch: Sliced Turkey (Red) wrapped around 2 Sliced Hard-boiled Eggs (Red) topped with hot sauce and Baby Carrots (Green)</div>
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Snack: Cherries and Grapes (Purple)</div>
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Dinner: Taco Salad-Seasoned Ground Beef (Red) Lettuce and Tomatoes (2 Greens) Cheddar Cheese (Blue), Brown Rice with Cilantro and Lime (Yellow) and Red Beans (Yellow) topped with hot sauce</div>
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<i>There was also olives, chips and guacamole for the rest of the family.</i></div>
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Snack: Peanut Butter (2 t)</div>
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<u>Saturday</u></div>
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Breakfast: 2 Scrambled Eggs (Red) with Diced Ham (Red) and Spinach (Green)</div>
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Snack: Cucumbers (Green)</div>
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Lunch: Salad-Spinach and Tomatoes (Green), Grilled Chicken (Red), Cheddar Cheese (Blue), Brown Rice (Yellow) and Creamy Herb Dressing (Orange)</div>
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Snack: Sliced Apple (Purple) and Peanut Butter (2 t)</div>
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Dinner: <a href="http://honeybeehomemaker.blogspot.com/2014/04/21-day-fix-recipe-slow-cooker-pulled.html?spref=pi&m=1">Slow Cooker Pulled Pork</a> (Red-<i>I skipped the vinegar/mustard sauce and it was still delicious.</i>) with Smashed Sweet Potato (Yellow) and Mixed Vegetable (Green)</div>
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Snack: Peach (Purple)</div>
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<u>Sunday</u></div>
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Breakfast: <a href="http://madetoglow.com/2013/11/29/flourless-pumpkin-pancakes-gluten-free-dairy-free/">Flourless Pumpkin Pancakes</a> (Green and Red) with Peanut Butter (2 t)</div>
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<i>These were not my favorite. Though, I didn't totally follow the recipe so they might have been better</i>.</div>
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Snack: Sunflower Seed</div>
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Lunch: 1/2 a Whole Wheat Bagel (Yellow) with Sliced turkey (Red) and Hummus (Blue) with Snow Peas (Green) dipped in the rest of the hummus</div>
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Snack: Strawberries</div>
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Dinner: <a href="http://slow%20cooker%20beef%20roast%20with%20carrots/">Slow Cooker Beef Roast with Carrots</a> (Red, Green, Yellow)</div>
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<i>I added potatoes (for yellow) and garlic (because I love garlic). My family will have French Bread.</i></div>
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Snack: Banana Shake- Banana (Purple), Plain Yogurt (Red), ice, vanilla and cinnamon</div>
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So, that's my first week on the 21 Day Fix! There has been more preparation and dishes to do but I think my whole family had a week of healthier food choices. Bring on Week 2!</div>
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The Petersonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00802314644675229385noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1713640087870409347.post-21305564726216326062015-03-15T00:01:00.000-04:002015-03-15T00:01:00.632-04:00Clara Turns Four<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
My sweet Clara Lynn turned 4! It breaks my heart that she's so grown up.</div>
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On her real birthday, we had a party with cousins. I was planning to make some cool candy ice for her cake but I left the kitchen for two minutes and burnt it so the cake wasn't as fancy as I envisioned it. However, I'm starting to realize that Clara doesn't really like cake. She went with a few helpings of ice cream instead.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWpTdWLh6RiAVs4adw9FSSwayqrvdzNCc_6E1AaIidpPd4GAV5UQzpG5tmf06xE8Oabq8EpergybdM7fGw3kTijXOC3hS9dEy3cHT7F3J3r0WGlHhukskhIC5vjs00haKSAHhCXW0jGpeZ/s1600/DSC_0859.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWpTdWLh6RiAVs4adw9FSSwayqrvdzNCc_6E1AaIidpPd4GAV5UQzpG5tmf06xE8Oabq8EpergybdM7fGw3kTijXOC3hS9dEy3cHT7F3J3r0WGlHhukskhIC5vjs00haKSAHhCXW0jGpeZ/s1600/DSC_0859.JPG" height="302" width="320" /></a></div>
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On the Saturday after her birthday, we had a party with friends. Clara was a bit of a diva and cried several times when things didn't go her way. I guess she's a firm believer in the "it's my party and I'll cry if I want to" mentality.<br />
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The girls played pin the kiss on the frog.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgroNo1LezAXMEZe7jBimEfvZZz39nhdc2WyKzJowPOgNQJ2z1JI3VQGilDBnzzYiuuGmJzZjDBlelRHYfHvkecX89hyphenhyphen7FJoch_c3dDyCxGM6Q9Q-42eNq8CPL-jExv0kai5a3mw3sqpODC/s1600/DSC_0862.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgroNo1LezAXMEZe7jBimEfvZZz39nhdc2WyKzJowPOgNQJ2z1JI3VQGilDBnzzYiuuGmJzZjDBlelRHYfHvkecX89hyphenhyphen7FJoch_c3dDyCxGM6Q9Q-42eNq8CPL-jExv0kai5a3mw3sqpODC/s1600/DSC_0862.JPG" height="202" width="320" /></a></div>
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They decorated their own crowns.<br />
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They went on a princess treasure hunt.<br />
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The popped balloons with prizes inside.<br />
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The decorated their own cupcakes.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6FWSl5uSN_YrxYuyafimduuQB16fjEeLGk0o5VTM4eiVDDs5xm12eXXNCxkVTAtYinGJsONfkAnKI9bgCLkR0-8oE0Lrc8Pf6DXRs80ZBcYi2cPir6YkNfOxE2S6iQkT3NE4YQDMxUDek/s1600/DSC_0882.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6FWSl5uSN_YrxYuyafimduuQB16fjEeLGk0o5VTM4eiVDDs5xm12eXXNCxkVTAtYinGJsONfkAnKI9bgCLkR0-8oE0Lrc8Pf6DXRs80ZBcYi2cPir6YkNfOxE2S6iQkT3NE4YQDMxUDek/s1600/DSC_0882.JPG" height="212" width="320" /></a></div>
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And, they made candy/cereal/pretzel necklaces.<br />
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It was a fun party! Hopefully next year Clara will be a slightly more gracious birthday girl.The Petersonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00802314644675229385noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1713640087870409347.post-7192817703694047332015-03-14T23:55:00.000-04:002015-03-10T23:56:01.765-04:00Valentine's Day 2015<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
While the big kids were at school, we hosted a Valentines potluck and card exchange for the little ones.</div>
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I set up a photobooth for the kiddos to take pictures.<br />
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When Abby got home, the kiddos had a mini-photo shoot.<br />
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<br />The Petersonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00802314644675229385noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1713640087870409347.post-88363245080360508652015-03-13T23:47:00.000-04:002015-03-13T23:47:00.322-04:00Christmas Festivities 2014<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This was our first time having a full-size tree. The kids loved decorating it and Grant only spent the first few days redecorating/throwing ornaments.</div>
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We had a great ward Christmas party. Abby, as usual, wasn't interested in visiting Santa.<br />
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We were asked to be the nativity family.<br />
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Clara was the crowd favorite as the little lamb.<br />
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As you can see, Grace thoroughly enjoyed her first Christmas.<br />
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Grant got all things vehicle related. We had a hard time getting him to stop playing with the first toy he opened to see the other things.<br />
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The girls had such a great Christmas, despite Clara being in a cast. That probably deserves its own post but I don't know if I'll get around to it.<br />
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<br />The Petersonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00802314644675229385noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1713640087870409347.post-88206651173351328202015-03-12T16:57:00.000-04:002015-03-12T16:57:00.508-04:00Grace's Blessing<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
While my family was here for Thanksgiving, we had Grace's blessing. This wasn't the best photo shoot but such is life trying to take pictures of four kids.</div>
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She was as sweet as can be wearing the dress both of her sisters wore and Sam gave her a beautiful blessing.The Petersonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00802314644675229385noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1713640087870409347.post-20136728354892252082015-03-11T16:51:00.000-04:002015-03-11T16:51:00.204-04:00Thanksgiving 2014<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
For Thanksgiving, my family gathered at our home for a weekend of fun. I guess I never got the pictures <a href="http://www.merricksart.com/">Merrick</a> took on the big day. She's better at remembering to take pictures than I am but I'll use the excuse that I was busy in the kitchen.</div>
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While they were here, we figured we better take them to the ostrich farm. It was a warm, gorgeous day and everyone had a blast feeding the animals.</div>
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We also took family pictures while everyone was here so I thought I'd throw this in for good measure.<br />
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<br />The Petersonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00802314644675229385noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1713640087870409347.post-83280821994550255012015-03-10T16:48:00.001-04:002015-03-10T16:48:28.938-04:00Grace and Kate's Baby Shower<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I'm not usually one to play catch-up on the blog. If more than a couple of weeks have passed, I say good riddance and move on. However, the computer that I keep all of my pictures on </span>miraculously<span style="font-family: inherit;"> started connecting to the internet again after several months so I took it as a sign to do some blogging. These catch-up posts will probably be picture heavy but that's probably what most people want to see anyway.</span></div>
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My friends Cindy planned a joint baby shower for me and Linda. The shower was actually supposed to be held on the day Grace was born. Linda was due a few weeks after me but ended up having baby Kate the day after I had Grace. The shower was postponed a few weeks to give us (especially Linda from her C-section) time to recover.</div>
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There was a delicious ice cream bar, darling decorations and fun conversation. I am so blessed with wonderful friends here in Tucson.</div>
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The Petersonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00802314644675229385noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1713640087870409347.post-44795315339300830992014-11-05T11:14:00.001-05:002014-11-05T11:14:45.672-05:00Admiring SiblingsGrace is very loved by her siblings.<div><br></div><div>We weren't sure what to expect from Grant but he absolutely adores her. Whenever he hears her make a peep he goes running to check on her, "Baby. Baby. Baby."<br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuoikPb6I7i4P1io2E2VND2pSfeqypbb5Gh_uBsreSeNsw6l2VvLyQ6rSZBqhMEZLYOMiQ4k6BvjWf2ms0NwWwhB9svPUNy8982gAj55WDlG7lNMlCFw4mLlMzpOLfF-bKK97BM-xd28SZ/s640/blogger-image--1961199623.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuoikPb6I7i4P1io2E2VND2pSfeqypbb5Gh_uBsreSeNsw6l2VvLyQ6rSZBqhMEZLYOMiQ4k6BvjWf2ms0NwWwhB9svPUNy8982gAj55WDlG7lNMlCFw4mLlMzpOLfF-bKK97BM-xd28SZ/s640/blogger-image--1961199623.jpg"></a></div><div><br></div><div>Abby adores her and could sit and hold her all day.</div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJZ2zhGRykGIT-4UnuxqN-VjVx21WPldIs1z9IToI7asAcOaciWV1Md06xjq3RCLPhULWDTSLxNPgBMQNvoqQxS_nbSW0e2MmhIHeo0iG2fwwLRCAXpd0o3UzhMHQ-iv3GhX8YkV1kK2gz/s640/blogger-image--2043239055.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJZ2zhGRykGIT-4UnuxqN-VjVx21WPldIs1z9IToI7asAcOaciWV1Md06xjq3RCLPhULWDTSLxNPgBMQNvoqQxS_nbSW0e2MmhIHeo0iG2fwwLRCAXpd0o3UzhMHQ-iv3GhX8YkV1kK2gz/s640/blogger-image--2043239055.jpg"></a></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFvTfvWVE6J8OYskYvmLjvveXs8ECOYXyPMbxfcRlwnUulNQ4HavvTW3wNTZ5YsZYTcJQf892tevlIaphczk3w0D7-l9IKccjfWzGLZelFYisgok9m6sDJopN_tziO3kUqkz8stNL15RGG/s640/blogger-image--662511013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFvTfvWVE6J8OYskYvmLjvveXs8ECOYXyPMbxfcRlwnUulNQ4HavvTW3wNTZ5YsZYTcJQf892tevlIaphczk3w0D7-l9IKccjfWzGLZelFYisgok9m6sDJopN_tziO3kUqkz8stNL15RGG/s640/blogger-image--662511013.jpg"></a></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3frB1bJfQrQTJjPdjeuRavHMkFgu_LLXdP7O34fCUjZARs5liyK-ABIpmvkxqUZC39iDfH73FleMEAiRTXIwa99MPRxvxMPJaxYXtGU0g6L8nYx6L-6YSnuvmQ4OJP8yeSzkbb8K2L4KF/s640/blogger-image-484210767.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3frB1bJfQrQTJjPdjeuRavHMkFgu_LLXdP7O34fCUjZARs5liyK-ABIpmvkxqUZC39iDfH73FleMEAiRTXIwa99MPRxvxMPJaxYXtGU0g6L8nYx6L-6YSnuvmQ4OJP8yeSzkbb8K2L4KF/s640/blogger-image-484210767.jpg"></a></div><div><br></div><div>Clara tires quickly from holding her but she loves to lie next to her on the floor.</div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_VS2xjuCK1__s6QvN8yXtAtBL0GKZVgswutOAuNSd_OB3ByCeOovgpF2o3Fcj-mIXRFhITLzMtE9rJzFY-mZxS3XAE2i9OERwX9012beFiUx2Jj2IdGm5Ueiu9gB6aK5ajbp0EGm4CnE3/s640/blogger-image--1936959192.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_VS2xjuCK1__s6QvN8yXtAtBL0GKZVgswutOAuNSd_OB3ByCeOovgpF2o3Fcj-mIXRFhITLzMtE9rJzFY-mZxS3XAE2i9OERwX9012beFiUx2Jj2IdGm5Ueiu9gB6aK5ajbp0EGm4CnE3/s640/blogger-image--1936959192.jpg"></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Grace sure is blessed to have three adoring older siblings.</div>The Petersonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00802314644675229385noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1713640087870409347.post-4995384856460021652014-11-04T17:25:00.000-05:002014-11-04T17:25:00.391-05:00Abby Turns Six<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">My sweet Abby turned six years old! With a new baby in the house, six is kind of blowing my mind. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Abby is a great big sister! She leads Clara in all sorts of activities. She's very sweet to Grant and has always been a big helper when I needed things. She is absolutely in love with her baby sister! I couldn't have asked for a better first-born.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Before school, she really wanted to open a present. I let her open new earrings. The girls haven't changed their earrings since they got them pierced so it was fun to pick out a new pair to wear.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Being Halloween, she got to wear her costume to school, which was lots of fun. She also got to have her Grammy come to her class party.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<div><br></div><div>In the afternoon, the cousins came over and when daddy got home, she got to open the rest of her presents.</div><div><br></div><div>Do you think she was excited about this mermaid Barbie that Ella picked out for her?</div><br>
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<div><br></div><div>We ate Jack-o-Lantern pizzas and pink cupcakes.</div><br>
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<div><br></div><div>Cupcake kisses for Uncle Roo.</div><br>
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<br><div>We sure love our girl!</div>The Petersonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00802314644675229385noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1713640087870409347.post-60749769701773043152014-11-03T17:14:00.000-05:002014-11-03T17:14:00.490-05:00Halloween Festivities<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The girls decided they wanted to be Elsa and Anna for Halloween as soon as they saw the movie. I had looked at some tutorials and was contemplating making the dresses. However, when I saw these dresses on sale, I decided to snatch them up. I ordered them in May and they didn't come until mid-September. I wouldn't let them wear the dresses until Halloween.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We figured that Grant should be Olaf to coordinate with his sisters. I finished making his costume the night before Grace was born.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We attended a neighborhood trunk-or-treat that Sam's office was participating in. It was a lot of fun!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Grant wasn't being very cooperative for pictures. He was people-watching and was very distracted. His costume was a hit. There were so many Elsas and Anna's that an Olaf was quite a novelty.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<div><br></div><div>Sam's parents were visiting last week to help with Grace so we had the cousins over a few times to play and to hang out with Grammy and Grandpa. He did pumpkin carving one night.</div><div><br></div><div>Abby and Ella insisted on doing stencils on their pumpkins and it took forever. Abby finally let me help her finish but pumpkin carving is not one of my talents.</div><br>
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<div><br></div><div>Grant was obsessed with "carving" the pumpkins. He cried inconsolably for like 20 minutes when we cleaned up all the pumpkin stuff.</div><br>
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<div><br></div><div>The cousins came back over for Abby's birthday and they went trick-or-treating together. They made out like bandits and had a blast.</div><br>
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<div><br></div><div>Grant's costume looked the best when he was looking down.</div><br>
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<br>The Petersonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00802314644675229385noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1713640087870409347.post-76299163789824900072014-11-02T17:08:00.003-05:002014-11-02T17:08:52.817-05:00Grace Lilian<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I've been out of the blogging world for a while. But, there is no better way to get back in than with a good birth story, because who doesn't love a good birth story (or at least pictures of a newborn baby)?</div>
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On October 21, I went to my 38-week doctor's appointment. The doctor stripped my membranes and sent me on my way with a 39-week appointment scheduled. I was a little bummed because I was under the impression he was going to schedule an induction rather than another appointment but he said he didn't think I would make it that long.</div>
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I went to bed that night still very much pregnant but we had a lot going on during the week that would keep us busy and make the time go by fast. At around 3 o-clock or so, I woke up with really bad heartburn and I was having a hard time controlling my body temperature. I took a shower to get warmed up and then went and sat on the couch so I could be propped up. I fell asleep for a while and then woke up again with the chills and nausea. I was having some uncomfortable contractions but they weren't consistent so I got in the tub to try and stop the chills and relax a bit. I was sitting in the tub, thinking about Clara's rushed delivery and I felt like I should go to the hospital, just to be safe.</div>
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At around 5, we called my brother-in-law to come over to be with the other kids and my parents got ready and headed down to stay with the kids while we were at the hospital. We arrived at the hospital a little before 6 and got checked in. I was still having irregular contractions but I was feeling a little better otherwise.</div>
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When they got me hooked up to the monitor, they noticed that the baby's heart rate was really high. They took my temperature and discovered that I (and in turn, the baby) had a fever. I had checked my temperature at home because of my symptoms but I often don't register a temperature until I've been exhibiting fever symptoms for a while. They started me on IV fluids which helped the baby's heart rate go down but I still had a fever. They didn't know if I was in labor or if the fever was causing me to have contractions. They gave me Tylenol, started me on antibiotics and said they were going to admit me but that they didn't know if they would keep me. I was super stressed that they were going to send me home and I figured I would be back later that day based on how I was feeling.</div>
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When we got into the labor and delivery room, my doctor came to see us. He sat down to deliver his speech and Sam and I were both convinced he was going to send us home. He was worried that if I had a fever and was getting sick, it would be hard to care for a newborn. However, they had no idea what was causing the fever and my platelets were dropping and would probably continue to do so. After weighing all of the variables, he said they would start me on Pitocin and deliver me that day. Whew! I wasn't going home!</div>
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The next several hours involved a lot of waiting. The doctor didn't want to break my water until I had received two rounds of antibiotics. The nurse figured it was best to wait to start the Pitocin until I had the epidural and the anesthesiologist wanted to start the epidural as soon as possible, before my platelets dropped anymore. I don't normally get an epidural right away but after a stressful morning, I was exhausted and wasn't feeling up to dealing with the pain.</div>
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The anesthesiologist came in around 3 and started the epidural. The nurse started the Pitocin shortly after that and then the doctor came in to break my water. I was 3 cm when I arrived at the hospital, 4 cm when I checked into labor and delivery and 5 cm after he broke my water. The contractions were still pretty sporadic so they kept turning up the Pitocin. A little after 4, they nurse noticed that the baby's heart rate was doing funny things so she started me on oxygen. She asked if I was feeling any pressure and I said that, now that she mentioned it, I was. She checked me and, true to form, I had cruised through the end of labor and was ready to push.</div>
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At 4:25, our beautiful baby girl was born. She weighed 6 lbs. 5 oz and was 21 inches long.</div>
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We still hadn't decided on her name and with the nurses coming in and out, we didn't get a chance to talk about it for a little while. When, we got to the recovery room, we finally decided on Grace.</div>
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She is such a precious baby. She is a wonderful sleeper, which sometimes impedes her nursing. Her siblings are all absolutely in love with her. The girls want to hold her all the time and Grant goes running to her side anytime she makes a peep.</div>
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We are so blessed to have this sweet angel in our family!</div>
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<br />The Petersonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00802314644675229385noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1713640087870409347.post-45123389431650913742014-08-05T12:53:00.002-04:002014-08-05T12:53:30.245-04:00Abby's First Day of Kindergarten<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
My beautiful firstborn started kindergarten. And, like most first time school-moms, it's been an emotional experience for me. It's a strange thing for me to send my daughter off for six hours a day when I've spent nearly every waking moment with her for the past (almost) six years. I picture her eating lunch and playing outside and I get a little weepy.</div>
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She's been very excited to start school. She loved going to buy school supplies and a few new clothes for school. She picked out this dress for the first day and wanted her hair in a pretty bun.</div>
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Clara missed her sister. After we picked Abby up, they were practically glued to each other the rest of the day.<br />
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Here's Abby in her classroom. Her teacher's name is Mrs. Wilson and she's exactly what you picture a kindergarten teacher being--young and sweet and vibrant.<br />
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She seemed to really enjoy her first day. She had lots to talk about, especially since she hadn't really done any speaking for six hours. I hope she'll open up and talk to the other kids before too long.</div>
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Here are the pictures of her first preschool days. Oh, how she's grown.</div>
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The Petersonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00802314644675229385noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1713640087870409347.post-70036453413943748932014-07-29T00:17:00.000-04:002014-07-29T00:17:00.787-04:00Family Staycation<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Philip and Merrick came into town and my parent's decided to treat us to a resort in Scottsdale, AZ. We stayed at <a href="http://kierlandresort.com/">The Westin Kierland Spa and Resort</a>. It was a gorgeous hotel with a delicious buffet breakfast.</div>
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We spent most of our time outside mixed with a little bit of relaxing in the rooms for naps/bedtime. </div>
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We all had fun playing in the pool, going down the slide and floating in the lazy river.</div>
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These three have so much fun playing together. I love that my kids are close with their cousins.</div>
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I didn't get a lot of pictures. Sam had to work so he didn't get to spend a lot of time at the resort and I didn't want to leave the kids to fetch the camera. I was able to snap these shots on the morning we got to go to the pool with daddy.<br />
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Grant loved the splash pad, particularly laying down in the middle of it.<br />
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It was a fun weekend but not super relaxing juggling the kiddos without my partner in crime. Oh, the things we endure for our sweet little ones.</div>
The Petersonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00802314644675229385noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1713640087870409347.post-20012428637936039632014-07-28T00:16:00.000-04:002014-07-28T00:16:11.360-04:00Monsoon Storms<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The kids have been enjoying monsoon season and have had several chances to play in the rain. We haven't had a drop of rain in months so it's been pretty exciting.</div>
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Usually, monsoon storms are fast and furious--a lot of rain comes down in a very short period of time. They also seem to occur in the evening.</div>
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On this day, it rained off and on for most of the late morning and into the afternoon. The kids had a blast playing outside, making mud pies and getting filthy.</div>
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It's funny how your perspective changes. When we lived in Philly, I used to dread rainy days. They always made me feel melancholy--especially when there were several rainy days in a row. Now, three rainy days in a row is cause for celebration!</div>
The Petersonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00802314644675229385noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1713640087870409347.post-17191960999697182112014-07-08T11:54:00.000-04:002014-07-08T11:54:00.535-04:00Independence Day 2014<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
On the morning of the 4th, we drove to my parent's house to spend the weekend. As soon as we arrived, the kids were begging to swim. It was pretty stormy the night before and there were still a lot of clouds so it wasn't as hot as a typical Arizona morning.</div>
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Grant loves the pool. He's usually pretty calm and relaxed. When we brought him in wrapped in his towel, I thought he was going to fall right to sleep.</div>
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Abby and Myrta.<br />
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Clara loves to jump in. She makes us all a little nervous because she doesn't always pay attention to where she's jumping.<br />
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I love this picture of Abby. Can't you just feel the fun?<br />
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We spent to afternoon hanging out, BBQed for dinner and then went out for frozen yogurt. We came back and put Grant to bed and my parent's graciously stayed home with him so we could take the girls to watch the fireworks.<br />
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There was music playing while we waited for the fireworks to start and the girls were getting their groove on.<br />
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Do you like Abby's patriotic outfit? She came up with it all by herself. Clara spilled juice on herself at dinner and I forgot to pack her an extra outfit so she just went in jammies.<br />
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It was a really great show. It was a lot of fun watching with the girls. Clara has never seen fireworks and Abby's never really heard them.<br />
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Clara was asleep almost immediately when we got in the car. It was a late night for them but totally worth it!<br />
<br />The Petersonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00802314644675229385noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1713640087870409347.post-73324638800350785552014-07-07T11:48:00.001-04:002014-07-07T12:06:09.089-04:00Gender Reveal<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
My dad asked me the other day if I was taking a hiatus from blogging. I guess the answer is yes, though the hiatus wasn't intentional. We've had a lot going on the past few weeks but now we're settling into a new routine in a new house. I'll have to count Instagram for my journaling purposes.</div>
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We had hand/foot/mouth disease at our house a few weeks ago and so when it came time for my ultrasound, we didn't want to leave the kids with a sitter. Sam had already planned an extra-long lunch but instead of coming with me, he stayed home with the kids.</div>
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My appointment went really fast, like I was leaving about the time my appointment was supposed to begin--a rare occurrence for a doctor's appointment.</div>
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We decided that I would put confetti in balloons and pop them to show the gender. Putting confetti in balloons is more challenging that I anticipated so the results weren't exactly what I had envisioned. </div>
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Plus, I only really caught the end because the camera wasn't working how I thought. I really need to buckle down and figure out how to work it!<br />
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The girls had fun playing with the confetti.<br />
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They are very excited to have a baby sister. They both wanted a girl.<br />
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Clara said she would cry if it wasn't a girl after seeing a gender reveal video where a little boy threw a fit when he found out he wasn't getting a baby brother.<br />
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We are thrilled to welcome another little girl into our family. The big question is, what color will her hair be?The Petersonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00802314644675229385noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1713640087870409347.post-9813713919573455732014-05-15T16:17:00.001-04:002014-05-15T16:17:34.607-04:00Preschool Grad<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Abby had her preschool graduation this week. Unfortunately, I forgot the camera and all the pictures are on Sam's phone. </div>
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Today was the last day of school and they had a water day.</div>
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I dropped Abby off and went home for Grant to have a nap and then we came back early so Clara and Grant could play for a while. Grant was more into the water than the girls. Clara was true to form and was too wimpy. She barely got wet before she informed me it was too cold. </div>
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I can't even believe Abby is going to be starting kindergarten in the fall. I'm sad for her to go but I think it's going to be good for her. She's always more pleasant on the days she has school.The Petersonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00802314644675229385noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1713640087870409347.post-56597899790967818702014-05-08T16:36:00.000-04:002014-05-08T16:36:02.527-04:00Casa Grande Ruins<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We figured that we'd better visit our town's namesake before we move. (I didn't tell you we were moving, blogging world. Well, we are.)</div>
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The Casa Grande ruins (actually located in Coolidge, AZ, not Casa Grande, AZ--go figure) are the remains of an ancient Native American city. What we learned is that nobody really knows what this structure, "the big house" was used for and nobody really knows what happened to the people who lived in this city. There are lots of theories, which are interesting but not particularly educational.</div>
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The girls enjoyed exploring the different rooms scattered around the grounds and they were really good during the movie. It was a pleasant morning spending time together as a family.</div>
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<br />The Petersonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00802314644675229385noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1713640087870409347.post-31269918851915045712014-05-07T16:31:00.000-04:002014-05-08T00:20:23.338-04:00Another One Bites the Dust<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Abby lost another tooth, though this one didn't come about too quickly...</div>
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The tooth was wiggly for <b>a while, </b>but she refused to wiggle it. Since the first lost tooth included blood, she was very nervous about losing another one. Sam was starting to worry the new tooth was going to come in in the wrong place. We tried bribery, scare tactics and begging. Finally, Sam took her to his office without really talking about it, sat her in the chair and just quickly pulled it out. Then, he took her to the dollar store to pick out a prize.<br />
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When this girl puts her mind to something (or to not doing something), it's hard to get her to budge. She does seem more prepared and ready to wiggle the next lose tooth that comes along.The Petersonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00802314644675229385noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1713640087870409347.post-37237134741027667522014-05-06T19:16:00.001-04:002014-05-06T19:16:27.503-04:00Clara's StichesClara was dancing around the living room in a tutu when she suddenly fell down and smacked her head into the coffee table. I immediately scooped her up and ran into the bathroom to get a towel to stop the bleeding. When I got her settled down on the couch, I removed to towel to check things out. The cut was gaping open but there was hardly any blood. I thought she probably needed stitches but the lack of blood was throwing me off. I couldn't get ahold of Sam so I called my BIL to get his opinion. When I sent him a pic, he said she should probably go in. As I was trying to figure out where to take her, Sam called back and said he could come home and take her in. <br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGLDjS6QXeKkL-JR95Nbd-gFuynveaQAaX-wA0UoLXl34VouhWS30-_dveu9K2JcAZmHoj2pAgit8lCjDiRoue2jFCPkToJDGj8ui9A0VmlHNUDWe7W41tKyCQQ7ki_yWNtdT4u6IxnARu/s640/blogger-image--1193746725.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGLDjS6QXeKkL-JR95Nbd-gFuynveaQAaX-wA0UoLXl34VouhWS30-_dveu9K2JcAZmHoj2pAgit8lCjDiRoue2jFCPkToJDGj8ui9A0VmlHNUDWe7W41tKyCQQ7ki_yWNtdT4u6IxnARu/s640/blogger-image--1193746725.jpg"></a></div>After three hours in the ER, lots of screaming and a trip to the dollar store, she came home with 3 stitches on her beautiful face.<br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwbT_3_Q9cNgAnzog4yCDT0zbUZydNKRkWrMRNJ6YtBPzaeINRaLfQQgE0oVDxa_qY9zIHP7QzRuXUsieoMeijlV5MwwkM82Hr7WXP8iNYMVEdB-qMc7e2LMIhcppAK1PnaE2AcMUPwsSd/s640/blogger-image-50214256.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwbT_3_Q9cNgAnzog4yCDT0zbUZydNKRkWrMRNJ6YtBPzaeINRaLfQQgE0oVDxa_qY9zIHP7QzRuXUsieoMeijlV5MwwkM82Hr7WXP8iNYMVEdB-qMc7e2LMIhcppAK1PnaE2AcMUPwsSd/s640/blogger-image-50214256.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">She has been healing well and I think scarring should be minimal thanks to the wonderful skin of a kid.</div>The Petersonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00802314644675229385noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1713640087870409347.post-53785831824048976942014-05-06T16:28:00.001-04:002014-05-08T00:20:42.894-04:00It's Tough Being the Baby Brother<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Poor Grant gets subjected to girly things a lot. He is frequently covered in glitter or wearing jewelry. He doesn't seem to mind much. I think he's just glad he's being included because he is so often shut out from what the girls are doing. The other day, the girls put these tutus on him and it was cracking me up. You can tell by his face that he wasn't as amused.</div>
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The Petersonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00802314644675229385noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1713640087870409347.post-60688683571602507372014-04-30T12:18:00.000-04:002014-04-30T12:18:11.315-04:00In the TrenchesSometimes I feel like I'm sailing the smooth seas of motherhood and other times, I feel like I'm in the trenches of an all-out war with my kids. For the past few weeks, it's been the latter. At first, I thought it was the after-effects of vacation. We always have a few rough days as we go through fun withdrawal. Unfortunately, the rough days have lasted for a few weeks now, so I don't think I can blame it on vacation anymore.<br />
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My first instinct is to go on a kid bash, unveiling all of their flaws and the frustrations they have caused but I know I would regret that when we return to smooth seas (I know it will happen. I know it will happen). I'll just say, things have been hard. I often end the day feeling very much at the end of my rope, at a complete loss for what I can do to help things get better (other than have a good cry and eat some ice cream).<br />
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I have found a few things that have helped and when I remember to put them into practice, ours days are more pleasant:<br />
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<li><i>Say yes more. </i>Sometimes I find myself in a ridiculous power struggle with one of my kids and I don't even know why. I've told them no about something, without a real reason and I've decided to hold my ground when it's totally dumb. It's okay to take a step back and change your mind. It doesn't make you a push-over. It makes you human and a good human at that for admitting you were wrong. Let's be honest, kids hear a lot of No. It seems to be one of all baby's first words. It's got to be frustrating.</li>
<li><i>Acknowledge their feelings</i>. Sometimes you have to say no to things or do things that your kids won't like. I find it helpful to explain that I understand how they are feeling but there are just certain things that we do/don't do in this family.</li>
<li><i>Give a legitimate reason</i>. Instead of giving the mother go-to, "Because I'm the mom and I said so" or just a plain "No", it helps to give a valid reason. No, we can't go outside<u> because</u> I need to start making dinner. It's not a good time to play beads <u>because</u> we don't want Grant to swallow one. </li>
<li><i>Show an outpouring of love</i>. This one is so hard. When I'm frustrated with one of my kids, I don't always feel like snuggling with them on the couch but sometimes, that's exactly what they need. A lot of outbursts come from kids needing a little attention. Unfortunately, freaking out might be the only way they can think of to get some.</li>
<li>If all else fails, repeat the mantra, "I love my kids. I love my kids. I love my kids." And, maybe, go hide in the bathroom and eat some Pringles. </li>
</ul>
The Petersonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00802314644675229385noreply@blogger.com1