tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2742379681201461042024-03-14T03:38:34.613-04:00Business as usualAbbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03095104147841657129noreply@blogger.comBlogger415125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-274237968120146104.post-58476917142095533032014-04-24T18:59:00.000-04:002014-04-24T18:59:09.704-04:00Collecting DustI'm going to blow the dust off this old book now because I wanted to share a few random things that made me happy today.<br />
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I've lost track of how many people have shared this on Facebook and I'm always a bit slow on the uptake, partially due to busyness but usually due more to skepticism! </div>
But this video is totally worth the three and a half minute length. What talent, and what humor!<br />
AND...they're performing 12 minutes from where Eric will be in Germany next month and I won't be there....Ah, the injustice.<br />
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Salut Salon Quartet</div>
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And of course, that reminded me of the Escala Quartet. I had to go look them up and found they'd done one of Ennio Morricone's pieces (think "The Mission - Gabriel's Oboe"). I love his stuff and this is just beautifully done.</div>
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Escala Quartet - Chi Mai</div>
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Last tidbit to share - The Skit Guys' MOM GOGGLES. I love my mom and I love being a mom. This video makes me feel extra special. </div>
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<a href="http://skitguys.com/videos/item/mom-goggles">MOM GOGGLES</a></div>
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Also, I found this while looking up a preschool puppet design. I laughed so hard. It's so silly, and yet it's so clever!</div>
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Haha!</div>
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Hope you're all doing fantastic and that these tidbits bring smiles to your faces like they did for me. Love you all.</div>
Abbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03095104147841657129noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-274237968120146104.post-19326837527928550512013-05-02T14:25:00.000-04:002013-05-02T14:26:42.843-04:00It's GO TIME!Four days left in the project that's been consuming most of my thoughts this last month. I love being married to such a gifted singer and that I can have my own personal recitals where he serenades me. Tenors. Just beautiful. I really, really want all of you to join us and have your own CD to be serenaded by!<br />
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I am so proud of Eric and all the work he's put into his music. After school and work for the last 13 years, it's exciting to have an opportunity for him to do a European Recital Tour. Have you been watching on Facebook or is this the first you've heard? Your kids, your family, your friends will all enjoy the selections he's put together for the recital.<br />
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Come join us in the last push to make that number climb all the way to the top!<br />
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If you've already joined us -- THANK YOU and please - share, share away!<br />
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http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/276474582/hanson-shymanovitz-european-recital-tour<br />
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Abbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03095104147841657129noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-274237968120146104.post-19175397332042260972013-02-24T14:25:00.001-05:002013-02-25T19:48:29.965-05:00Desert Tumbleweed<p>Wow! Becca and I had to rush outside for a quick picture with this tumbleweed before it gets blown from our yard. I find myself continually amazed at desert weather. We've had lost of dust storms lately and will continue to have more through the spring. How fun to see such a huge tumbleweed because of this! And the skies after dust storms are also amazing. We finally purchased a replacement charger for our camera battery and Eric took a post-storm picture of the sky. I'll add it to this post later.</p>
<p>Update: I'm extra glad I took this picture because less than an hour later that tumbleweed extraordinaire blew out of our yard! Onward and upward, eh? </p>
<div class='separator' style='clear: both; text-align: center;'> <a href='http://lh5.ggpht.com/-RkFo8u3jjts/USwGW2JhV3I/AAAAAAAAMjk/psoeLOPcyuc/s1600/0224131220.jpg' imageanchor='1' style='margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;'> <img border='0' src='http://lh5.ggpht.com/-RkFo8u3jjts/USwGW2JhV3I/AAAAAAAAMjk/psoeLOPcyuc/s640/0224131220.jpg' /> </a> </div>Abbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03095104147841657129noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-274237968120146104.post-36417788422875429942013-01-24T18:44:00.001-05:002013-01-24T18:52:36.512-05:00Hah!<br />
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I was "re"-realizing today that there are NO pictures of Amy on the blog yet. I blame that on the ease of posting to Facebook and that FB does not make me feel I should say anything profound, funny, or coherent...<br />
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Amy is 7 months old TODAY, actually. I was lying on the floor working and when I got up, she took advantage of my momentary absence to take over my work. She thought she was pretty funny. So did I, really.<br />
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As we were walking home from school today I felt so happy as I watched my girls walking ahead of me. My own bevy of beautiful girls, as my dad used to call my sisters and me.<br />
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And we've finally branched into solid foods. We're both taking it a bit slow and a bit reluctantly but she's still growing like a weed and I'm sure eventually we'll both begin to prefer the routine of solids. :) Until then, we love all the nursing sessions. It's over so fast anyway, relatively speaking. I'm glad she's in no hurry to move on just yet.<br />
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Abbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03095104147841657129noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-274237968120146104.post-83231381337462949182012-12-18T16:12:00.001-05:002012-12-18T16:14:59.355-05:00Miss B<p>Becca's had a stomach bug the last couple of days. She also naps in very strange positions. I love it. After two nights with little sleep and not feeling well, I guess she didn't care where that nap happened, she just knew it had to happen!</p>
<p>She's feeling so much better today after my friend came over with some essential oils to rub on her belly and feet. She hasn't thrown up since and within an hour the color was returning to her face, she actually wanted to eat, and she sounded much chipper. This is my first time using essential oils and I am super excited. Totally sold.</p>
<div class='separator' style='clear: both; text-align: center;'> <a href='http://lh3.ggpht.com/-C2Jz_GX3WD0/UNDcS9F3EEI/AAAAAAAAMfM/qBl4-OyJV-M/s1600/1218121357.jpg' imageanchor='1' style='margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;'> <img border='0' src='http://lh3.ggpht.com/-C2Jz_GX3WD0/UNDcS9F3EEI/AAAAAAAAMfM/qBl4-OyJV-M/s640/1218121357.jpg' /> </a> </div>Abbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03095104147841657129noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-274237968120146104.post-20750998654562712612012-12-18T16:05:00.001-05:002013-02-24T15:01:28.548-05:00Desert SkiesThis was my view Sunday night on the way to Holly and Jasper's for dinner. I am loving these desert skies, colors, and winds! So different, dramatic, and beautiful! <br />
Also, I just added the Blogger app to my phone and hoping to post more regularly because of it! If you have me on Facebook too there'll be lots of repeats because I'll share to both but at least this way my blog will actually content when I'm ready to print it out someday!!<br />
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Abbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03095104147841657129noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-274237968120146104.post-51120831185001475582012-09-07T11:14:00.001-04:002012-09-07T11:14:33.356-04:00LEGOSI just learned today that LEGO has a LEGO Club and LEGO Club Jr. Magazine subscription for kids. And it's a 2-year subscription for FREE. Cool right? The Jr. Club is for 7 and under and when you enter your child's birthday to subscribe, it'll automatically send the right magazine for them. It looks like a LEGO version of Highlights magazine with lots of activities and also building ideas and tips. Here's the subscription link:<br />
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http://club1.lego.com/en-US/Subscription/Default.aspx?id=8227f4c1-6ab1-49a4-9f7b-6d9b2587b5fa&cahandle=&SkuId=9052b50e-271e-46d2-9abb-e1950f8cc438&step=2&CountryId=US<br />
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BUT, if you're one of my sisters - go check your email before signing up! You're already taken care of. ;DAbbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03095104147841657129noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-274237968120146104.post-59810438862248536292012-09-02T17:51:00.004-04:002012-09-03T12:26:17.825-04:00Amy RaeSqueamish birth details below. You have been warned! <br />
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I want to write out Amy's birth story before the details get fuzzy so I'd better stop procrastinating. Or whatever else it is I do all day. Oh wait, like feeding children, nursing a baby, unpacking, organizing, reorganizing, cleaning, dropping off kids, dropping off hubby, picking up hubby, picking up kids? Hmmm...maybe that's not really procrastinating. But I do feel a little anxious to get it down in writing sooner rather than later.<br />
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Amy's due (guess!) date was Sunday, July 1st. Saturday, June 23rd, I lost my mucous plug sometime in the afternoon. I figured it was likely she'd arrive the next day if things followed the pattern they had with Becca. We were already starting out the same. I had lots of Braxton Hicks contractions after that but they never required me to stop what I was doing. We had dinner plans to go to a German restaurant with our wonderful friends Stasi and Aaron. I decided we should keep our date. It was just Braxton Hicks after all. :) And it was our last chance to go out with them, and first and last at that restaurant, before the move. About 30 minutes before we were supposed to leave, the contractions changed to where I could keep doing what I was doing but I would stop talking and take a couple of breaths. Nothing noticeable to anyone else though. So we went to dinner. I must be crazy. Dinner was delicious. When we were almost done with dinner, Stasi and I went to the bathroom. Finally, because I was excited and because it hadn't really been relevant (?! really Abby? hahaha, I crack myself up), I told Stasi that I was maybe in labor. After dinner we all went back to our house and visited for a bit, though everyone else kept joking that maybe they needed to leave so we could have this baby. But things were still just as they'd been at dinner. Finally we said bye and laughed together that if Eric and I didn't show up at church the next day, they'd know why.<br />
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I went to bed around midnight. I was able to sleep for a couple of hours. All of this pretty much followed the patterns of labor I'd had with Esther & Becca. Especially the whole, "go to bed and sleep or try to sleep only to find that you can't because you're in labor". With Esther I went into labor around midnight, just as I was laying down to sleep. I made the mistake of trying to sleep anyway. They weren't really intense contractions, just such that sleep was out of the question. But I was so tired that I was willing to try for sleep first. With Becca I had learned a little. Also I did get a couple of hours of sleep with Becca and then woke in the middle of the night with contractions. So this time around, I did as I'd done with Becca. I got up, walked around, cleaned, just generally kept busy. Again, I could tell it was early labor because I could do things and wasn't feeling the need to focus ONLY on contractions.<br />
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This time though, I kept thinking that I needed to wait longer before waking Eric. I had this idea in my head that I couldn't be far enough along to need him. After all, with Esther and Becca, I had gotten to the hospital and 7am and 9am, respectively, and been only 4 1/2's. This time I wasn't really considering all the Braxton Hicks I'd had through the day Saturday and that the evening ones required a little more concentration.<br />
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Well, by about 3am I knew I needed Eric's help but I still didn't think I needed to go in yet. I discovered that I liked rocking my hips through contractions, but I still felt very present and aware. I didn't feel like I was drawing into myself as I have with active labor. I woke Eric and he tells me know that at the time he knew it was time to go in. He was hoping it wasn't too late! We woke Maddie enough to tell her we were going to the hospital, to not worry about trying to find a ride to church for the girls, and that we'd call her as soon as we had more info. Even in her half-awake state she still managed a few super excited exclamations. Having her there sure simplified that side of things!<br />
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A little background here. After seeing midwives with all my babies, I knew that's what I wanted again. But our insurance only covered ONE group of midwives. I still find that ridiculous, especially considering we were in Los Angeles County. They were in downtown LA too. So throughout the pregnancy Eric told me (and the baby) that we needed to wait until a weekend or in the middle of the night. Looks like Amy, and my body, listened. We made it there in 20 minutes, no different than past drives while in labor. On the way I threw up and found myself wondering if I could possibly already be in transition. This was the first labor where contractions did not slow or die out on the drive (although they always picked back up with all the others, after we arrived...). Eric was super fast and reached behind his seat while driving, dumped out a bag of baby stuff and handed me the bag just in time to become a barf bag. Talk about skills.<br />
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By the time we were leaving our house, I knew I was definitely in labor I just wasn't sure where I'd be at when we arrived. Things did get intense enough in the car though that I told Eric that I wanted an epidural when we got there. However, once we got there and were walking through the hospital to the labor and delivery floor, I felt like I'd be able to make it without. Especially since Eric was helping, we were finally there, and this baby was on its way! Sometimes a mental shift like that is just what you need, I guess. All thoughts of an epidural left my mind at that point. And huge props to Eric for not asking me about it anymore. Because I never even told him I'd changed my mind back to the original plan!<br />
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We stopped in the hall as needed to work through contractions. It was funny and annoying to us both that a nurse stopped and asked if I needed help -- mid-contraction. A little busy? We had to assure her three times, that 'No, we were okay. And no, I don't want a wheelchair.' Do you know any woman who labors better while holding still? I don't...anyway...we made it Labor and Delivery. Got checked in. Had to endure the stupidest hospital policy, which we already knew of and already disliked. I was monitored for 15 minutes to see where I was at. That's normal. No biggie. But Eric couldn't be in the room. Not normal. Big biggie. But on a good note, the nurse checked my cervix and I had to ask how far along I was - would she have told me anyway? Don't know... - I was a 7!!! I think I said, "Yes!", or something like that. She said, "You're happy about that?" It didn't occur to me until after Amy's arrival that the nurse probably thought I'd be upset because things were too far for an epidural. (Good thing I'd changed my mind anyway, right?)<br />
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They got ready to move me, in the bed, to Labor and Delivery but I told them I wanted to walk. I think we had a good back and forth about that where they kept giving me reasons why I couldn't. Finally the nurse said, "Your bag of waters is bulging. You can't walk." Maybe she was worried I'd deliver en route? I still would've preferred to walk, but ride I did. This is one of the many reasons I dislike hospitals when it comes to birthing. It's also one of those things no nurse would think to tell you when having a hospital tour. And something I didn't think to ask. BUT, Amy arrived and she was healthy. Some of the elements of this birth have required that reminder!<br />
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Oh, they also wanted to give me an IV at first but agreed to do a Hep Lock.<br />
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We met the midwife in the delivery room. It wasn't one I'd met before. From there things got really annoying. I was well into labor and needing to concentrate. I had things to do! :D But I had to be monitored again...as if watching me couldn't tell them what was relevant for the moment? So, 15 minutes of sitting again. Finally when that was done, they agreed to take off the monitor and do intermittent monitoring. I labored standing, pushing my head into Eric's chest and probably almost knocking him over a few times. He says his back almost went out a couple of times. What a blessing that it didn't! <b>Forgot to say, my water broke while I was laboring standing. The midwife pointed out that the bag of waters was hanging there between my legs. I think it's pretty awesome the way that sometimes happens! I think it broke shortly after that. They must've had a towel ready on the floor because I don't remember stepping in water after that.</b><br />
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The frustrations at this point became that the midwife kept telling us there was a risk the baby's shoulder could come out first, since she was obviously going to be a big baby (no gestational diabetes though). She kept talking about how if that happened they would do what they had to do and "did I understand". The nurses around me were all casual and loud with their duties as if this was just another day (which it was for them, but for the love of pete! It shouldn't be that way...). Then a doctor had to come in and explain, same as the midwife, that if the baby didn't come they'd need to take matters into their own hands, or something like that. And did I understand? And guess what, like the nurse downstairs, he asked me MID-CONTRACTION. Really??? And then asked again and again when I didn't immediately answer. In the midst of all this stupidness, in fact, shortly after entering the delivery room - I closed my eyes. I labored with them closed. There was just too much going on in there. And I did not like the vibes I was getting. Closing my eyes served as the best barrier I had, for the moment. Eric was stellar through all of this. Talking through the birth details with him after, I've discovered that there were a few other conversations I didn't even hear. I was probably mid-contraction.<br />
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Through all this they checked Amy's heart-rate regularly and it was fine. Just fine. And obviously I was in labor. And obviously I wasn't even a 10 yet, so it wasn't even time to push. Why all the freak out? Ridiculous.<br />
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Once I was complete and given the okay to push, I was told I had to deliver on the bed because she was a big baby. That was the same as Becca, born in a birthing center separate from a hospital, so I wasn't surprised. I climbed on the bed on all fours (what is it with me and primitive positions?), but the way I rocked my hips during contractions had me going upward rather than having the gravity help. So I turned around. I feel so much frustration remembering the way the midwife sounded. She didn't like how I was pushing. She obviously felt serious urgency for this baby to be born right then.<br />
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I still don't understand how me, a mama of four other babies all born without any complications, could be treated like this. Did they not read my chart? Did they not see that not only had I had four non-complicated births - but that I also had, as the medical world puts it, "a tried pelvis" and had already had my most recent baby at 9 lbs even? Shouldn't all that be taken into consideration?<br />
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So she wasn't very encouraging about my pushing. Finally she gave one encouraging and specific tip and within a few pushes, Amy was born. All 9 lbs 2 oz of her.<br />
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It's amazing how, moments after birth, all the frustrations can be wiped away. She had arrived, she was in my arms, and she was healthy.<br />
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In contrast, my team of nurses and doctors on the recovery floor were phenomenal. I hate to write all the negative aspects of this birth. I am happier to remember that I was able to avoid interventions. That Eric was a magnificent birth partner. That labor was quick. And that family was taking care of my other girls. ALSO -- this was a HA! IN YOUR FACE moment I forgot to mention. Mid-labor the Hep-Lock came out. So there.<br />
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I haven't given any kind of a timeline here...this is where it gets fun. We got to the hospital at 4am and found I was a 7 at 4:15am. Amy was born at 5:52am. Think maybe the delivery crew was a little freaked out at how fast things were going? Amy wins the awards for fastest delivery, biggest baby, and blondest hair at birth (everyone else was born with dark hair that later fell out making way for blond hair).<br />
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In hindsight, I feel to say - hospital policy is equally, if not MORE important to know than doctor/midwife policy. You can bet that if there are any more babies to grace the Hanson household, I will have a new set of questions to consider for hospitals and midwives. After my five babies, this is what I've decided is most important to me:<br />
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1. A small practice where each midwife/doctor knows ME and my track record and I've had multiple visits with each doctor/midwife ensuring I've had plenty of time to share my wishes.<br />
2. I'd prefer never to birth in a hospital again. I'm not fully on the homebirth wagon yet since I'm not keen on my other kids being around, but I'd birth in a birthing center again in a heartbeat. If, for some reason, I <i>had </i>to birth in a hospital, I'd look for one that allowed for no hep-locks/IV's when things are normal in labor and spouses allowed to stay at all times. I'd also be looking for a general feeling that made it clear they were super supportive of few interventions and MOTHER-led births. Is that a real phrase? It really embodies how I feel about all this.<br />
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And now, that beautiful 9 lb 2 oz babe is now 12 lbs and just opened her eyes after a FOUR AND A HALF hour nap (NOT the norm) and is staring at me, waiting for FOOD. So...someday soon - and hopefully sooner than the 3-month gap this blog just had, I'll write about life. Life with five beautiful girls. (A bevy of beautiful babes.) Life moving with a 5-week old. Life in El Paso. Life with three girls in public school. Life in general...till then, I love you guys! Especially if you're still reading! Does anyone do blogs anymore these days?<br />
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<b>I also forgot to say that I brought up my "grievances" (or whatever you want to call them) at my postpartum visit. I discovered that the hospital has a new policy regarding big babies. They have to make sure that the doctors, midwives, nurses, and patient are all on the same page regarding possible <i>shoulder dystocia</i>. They are required to make sure the patient knows the risks and the possible interventions. I think that because the labor was happening so fast, they were all worried they wouldn't have the time to say the things they were required to say because of this new policy. I asked the postpartum midwife if this was something the hospital would have shared with me or other prospective moms before birth, like at the tour, if I had asked about big babies or something like that. She was of the opinion that they wouldn't have even thought to mention it or known that I'd prefer to know all that IN ADVANCE. This country has issues with birthing...</b>Abbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03095104147841657129noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-274237968120146104.post-90693258359257282962012-05-28T16:51:00.000-04:002012-05-28T16:51:04.650-04:00gargantuan, such a fun word<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
It seems like I don't do things in "littles" these days. This is not the season for frequent little posts. I'll settle for a gargantuan post with a picture or two from each of our happenings over the last several months instead.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><u>Highlights:</u></b></span></div>
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Heidi turned 8 and was baptized.<br />Eric had his second DMA Recital. <br />Oma, Opa, Grandma, and Grandpa were all able to come for her baptism and Eric's Recital.<br />Autumn turned 10 and got her ears pierced.<br />We spent Christmas and New Year's in SLC with Grandma & Grandpa.<br />Becca turned 3.<br />Eric accepted a position to teach on the Voice Faculty at University of Texas - El Paso, starting this fall. <br />Eric had his FINAL DMA Recital.<br />Eric graduated with a Doctorate of Musical Arts, even singing the Alma Mater Solo at Commencement!<br />Oma, Opa, Grandma, and Grandpa were all able to come for Graduation!<br />We bought my mom & dad's 2010 Honda Odyssey.<br />We sold our 2006 Town & Country (to the guy who called JUST after we finished up paperwork on the Odyssey, even!) </div>
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I took my THIRD glucose test of this pregnancy and still do NOT have gestational diabetes (and never have). Extra tests = extra stress. Glad to have that done with.<br />The girls finished out their school year. </div>
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We are now enjoying summer weather, summer reading time, packing, house hunting, and gestating.</div>
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Monkey see.</div>
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Monkey do.</div>
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Heidi's birthday back in September.</div>
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Heidi's
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Big enough to be a BIG sister!</div>
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Oma & Opa Time</div>
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Autumn on her 10th Birthday! Ears pierced now and so happy Oma could be there.</div>
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Decorations for Autumn's birthday back in October.</div>
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Christmas-time at Grandma & Grandpa's </div>
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Loving her new haircut. It actually wasn't damage control this time. I think.</div>
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Oma & Opa sent Minnie for Christmas, Mickey for Becca's Birthday. It was a happy reunion for Mickey & Minnie.<div style="text-align: center;">
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Fine Motor Skill "Game" for Becca = a few more minutes uninterrupted school-time with the big girls</div>
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Imagine walking by this bookshelf and seeing something you didn't expect to see. Well hello, cat.</div>
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California
STAR Testing done and ready for some playtime with friends. (one friend
short here...how does anyone get 7 kids to hold still at the same time
for pictures?)</div>
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Esther
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stopping for 5-minute breaks and then going right back to work!</div>
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My "grandpa was here" stamp. Fuzzy picture, but he was here! This picture is from graduation week. </div>
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A lizard Heidi caught in Eric's aunt's yard. It fit in her hand but looks bigger here! She was sad she couldn't bring it home.</div>
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First pregnancy that my wedding ring doesn't fit. Found a $9 sterling silver peridot ring on eBay for a substitute!</div>
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Relief Society "Cupcake Wars" Activity - It really wasn't a contest at all. This was a fun activity.</div>
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Post-church nap for Maddie. This is what happens when I have the most comfortable bed in the house. </div>
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Who needs a chair when you can stand on a bucket?</div>
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I can't even remember where we'd been this day. Apparently, it was a GOOD day.</div>
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35 Weeks</div>
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Bigger than I've been with any of my other pregnancies...maybe she'll still be small? :D </div>Abbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03095104147841657129noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-274237968120146104.post-33772863267395115102012-04-24T13:36:00.003-04:002012-04-24T13:36:42.153-04:00Out in the west Texas town of El Paso...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/fqrr-N4ue0c?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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This Marty Robbins song keeps getting hummed at our house over this last week. It's official! This morning we received the paperwork and sent it back.<br />
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We are going to El Paso, Texas this August! Eric will be joining the Voice Faculty at UTEP (that's University of Texas - El Paso...).<br />
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GO MINERS!<br />
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And thank heavens for air conditioning. You can bet we won't be settling for a house without one, whether we rent or buy. :D<br />
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We're excited for the new adventure!Abbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03095104147841657129noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-274237968120146104.post-40935172727515084312012-02-14T23:39:00.002-05:002012-02-14T23:39:50.423-05:00This just in...Guess what, peoples?<br />
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We're having a..........<br />
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Wait for it.....<br />
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Yeah, I'm really gonna be like that......<br />
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It's a </div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">GIRL!!!!</span></b></div>
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My mom thought I was joking when I told her. It seems like everyone was so sure this baby was a boy. Boy did she give everyone a surprise. We are so excited to welcome another girl into our home! </div>Abbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03095104147841657129noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-274237968120146104.post-27601324857140173422011-11-28T12:01:00.001-05:002011-11-28T12:16:02.105-05:00Details & D-DayOur fifth little Hanson will debut sometime around July 1st. Since my body is refusing to cooperate with my wishes to keep things on the down-low for another few weeks, I'm announcing the exciting news!<br />
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Here are some things that have been happening around here as this little one has been cookin':<br />
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- I had an ultrasound last week and this little "grape" was super wiggly. That was fun. It was even more fun to confirm that there is only ONE babe in there. This was an early ultrasound, so no gender yet. That should be happening around mid-February.<br />
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- I amazed that I am gaining weight considering how sick I've been. I'm hoping for only a few more weeks of this stage...<br />
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- I think I look like I'm 20 weeks pregnant instead of the mere 9 weeks. Hopefully I'll still look this size when I really <i>am</i> 20 weeks...I can dream.<br />
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- I got a positive test earlier than ANY of my others.<br />
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- I got sick earlier than ANY of the others.<br />
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- My sense of smell is <i>crazy</i>! This has never been a pregnancy symptom for me.<br />
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- Do these last three things mean it's a boy? Or is it just psychological? Only answer if you think it's the former...<br />
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- Colds and pregnancy are not friends.<br />
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- I'm typically a night owl, but not lately! Several nights a week I'm out by 9pm. Yikes.<br />
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- Autumn got big sister privileges and came with me to my appointment on Friday. I told her the news on the way there. She said, "Eeeeeee!", among other things.<br />
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- We told the rest of the kids yesterday and Heidi said, "I cannot believe I'm hearing this!" and "I hope I have a baby brother!"<br />
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- Esther didn't believe me.<br />
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- Becca said, "Oh."<br />
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- The strange dreams have begun. Last night I dreamed there was a tiger in the house and noone else cared to do anything about it. They knew it was there, they just didn't understand the seriousness. I mean, come on, a tiger?!Abbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03095104147841657129noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-274237968120146104.post-60524322958776689512011-11-27T23:49:00.001-05:002011-11-28T12:24:11.063-05:00I'm so excited, and I just can't hide it!(Bonus points for whoever can name the song I'm thinking of in my Post Title!)<br />
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So has anyone noticed the strangeness of my Facebook posts lately? It's like I've been hacked. They're just so random...check it out!<br />
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October 25<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;">Does anyone else hate sesame seeds on their buns and find themselves picking them off? Anyone, anyone? No need to be shy. :)</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times; font-size: small; line-height: normal;">November 8</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;">Mmmm. Blueberry muffins with streusel on top.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times; font-size: small; line-height: normal;">November 15</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times; font-size: small; line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;">Is it "kidney beans, kidney beans, hoagies and grinders" OR "navy beans, navy beans, hoagies and grinders"? And what are grinders anyway?</span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times; font-size: small; line-height: normal;"><br /></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times; font-size: small; line-height: normal;">November 26</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times; font-size: small; line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;">Grapes? Or raisins? If it were up to me, grapes would always win -- but on the other hand, that sure would taste odd in my Cream of Wheat...</span></span></span><br />
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Maybe it would make sense if I could keep it going for weeks and weeks and weeks...maybe 40? Or 36?<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">Something like this, you know: poppy seed, sesame seed, lentil, blueberry, kidney bean, grape, kumquat, fig, lime, medium shrimp, lemon, apple, avocado, turnip, bell pepper, heirloom, as long as a banana, or next a carrot, spaghetti squash, large mango, ear of corn, rutabaga, English cucumber, head of cauliflower, Chinese cabbage, butternut squash, large cabbage, weighs as much as four oranges, or then a jicama, next a pineapple, cantaloupe, weighs as much as a honeydew melon, crenshaw melon, as long as a stalk of Swiss chard, or next a leek, weighs as much as a mini-Watermelon, size of a small pumpkin?</span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;"><br /></span></span>Abbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03095104147841657129noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-274237968120146104.post-18154647422237697492011-11-23T14:47:00.001-05:002011-11-23T15:15:36.623-05:00Little people shouldn't play on bunkbedsLast week was crazy. Becca fell off the top bunk on Monday afternoon. We spent the day on concussion watch. We watched movies and iced her swollen eye (face-first, ay!). The swelling went down some but in the evening it went back up to off we went to Urgent Care. The Urgent Care doc said he couldn't feel any fractures and to just watch for abnormal behavior or vomiting and to take her to the ER if either of those happened. We headed home with a plan to rouse her every 2 hours through the night. Then she threw up in the car...<br />
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At the ER she had a CT scan with results showing 2 fractures around her eye and 3 mm (like 3 drops of blood) of bruising on the dura (the outermost lining of the brain - not IN the brain, so big difference there). We were transferred to Miller Children's Hospital for observation and a repeat CT scan.<br />
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Becca and I spent Tuesday morning from about 2am to Wednesday afternoon about 1pm in the hospital. The repeat CT scan showed the bruising was stable so we just waited to make sure she didn't show any abnormal behavior that would indicate intervention was necessary.<br />
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I have NEVER spent that much time all alone with my youngest. Once we knew things were going to be okay, she and I enjoyed some good one-on-one time. She is such a sweetie. As long as nurses or doctors weren't messing with her checking things or poking at her, she was happy. And even when they did have to check things, she really was a trooper.<br />
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It's been a week and a couple of days now and I am continually amazed at how quickly she is healing! We've been through the "bruise rainbow" and are almost done! She has a follow-up with the opthamologist next week to check her eye again, but that's it.<br />
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If you are at all queasy about these kinds of things, you can stop here. Here come the pictures. I wanted to document how quickly her healing has been. For our family here, we've been with her all week and are used to how she's looked - but if you're checking in here, it may be a bit of a shocker. Just to warn you!<br />
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<b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">ALSO: If you feel inclined to leave a comment, please know that we have fielded all sorts of questions and comments in the past week and a half. Some very kind, some not so kind or thoughtful. Hopefully if you read my blog, you know that I love my children and take care of them. Some knocks are just going to happen despite any parents' best efforts! Yes, we don't regularly allow our children to play on the top bunk (especially our littlest ones!). Yes, we have a climber. No, I do not follow her around the house 24/7. Yes, she was playing with a sister. Yes, I actually had the ladder blocked off previous to this though some inventive children undid my work. Yes, it is blocked off again. Okay, deep breaths Abby. I'm okay now. Just had to put that out there.</span></i></b><br />
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Monday evening, can't even open her eye...</div>
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Tuesday, early in the morning:</div>
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Wednesday afternoon, buckled in and ready to come home (and able to open her eye a little!):</div>
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Thursday, eating lunch:</div>
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Friday: </div>
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Sunday (looking a little sleepy still post-nap):</div>
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This morning, Wednesday the 23rd, 10 days later:</div>
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<span id="goog_1001339856"></span><span id="goog_1001339857"></span>Abbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03095104147841657129noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-274237968120146104.post-12245188146510625022011-10-10T01:51:00.001-04:002011-10-10T01:52:54.652-04:00Crazy old Maurice, he's always good for a laugh!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Last night I was searching for a particular video to show to my mom. I also came across this one. It's only 42 seconds and will make your day! I've decided to check my PhotoBooth more often...I need these reminders of just how funny my girls are!!</div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dyAOV4LDQjDfziMmXmJ2l0PY-p2cfzDWlDKnyQwmQlhUiWOFwamNQ7z_vSuA6pJvZ-IuQYOcv5qrMh8mQMitA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />Abbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03095104147841657129noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-274237968120146104.post-64400376996997904212011-09-26T07:00:00.000-04:002011-09-26T07:00:14.161-04:00Leave the room for 1 minute<div style="text-align: center;">
I came into the kitchen and saw this:</div>
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Which led to <i>this</i>: </div>
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Abbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03095104147841657129noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-274237968120146104.post-12165530910457153982011-09-25T07:00:00.000-04:002011-09-25T07:00:01.993-04:00Better versions of the words we know - Vol. 2I started to make dinner tonight and realized how much of our girls' "vocabulary" has crept into our own. I told Eric I was going to check if we had the "gredients" for dessert. That was one of Heidi's.<br />
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Right now Becca says:<br />
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nunnerwear (underwear)<br />
nanks (thanks)<br />
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"I'm drive" (I'm dry!)Abbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03095104147841657129noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-274237968120146104.post-88091726214910871872011-09-24T06:00:00.000-04:002011-09-24T06:00:04.862-04:00Boatright Muses<div style="text-align: center;">
"We are the muses. </div>
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Goddesses of the arts</div>
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and proclaimers of heroes.</div>
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Heroes like Hercules.</div>
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Honey, you mean Hunkules!"</div>
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I have loved this movie from the first time I saw it (you knew I was talking about Hercules, right?) And with four sisters of my own, it was only natural that we would assign each of us to one of the muses in the story. Five muses, five sisters - how could we resist?<br />
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This planted a seed though. I asked Qait (short for Kathryn, Isaac's inventive spelling) if she'd be willing to draw a muse for each of us, basing the drawings on our interests. Someday, when she's finished them in pen (and color?) I'll frame them and hang them in my house! I'm including Qait's and my notes too. <br />
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Me: <span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">I think you should do a doodle of the five of us as muses</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">! Not as look-alikes to the Hercules ones, but in a way that made it clear we were muses</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">, but us, and included things that made it clear who was who? I don't know...but it seems like such a fun idea. And I don't have a drawing bone in my body. :)</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"> </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; font-family: Times; font-size: small;">Q: </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">I have been sketching! JUST sketches, although I think they look pretty cool for being starter sketches. Abby, tell me how close/far I am from what you had in mind. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">I could do more cartoony, but I figured I have at least a little artistic license. ;) So I decided on a style sort of based on the Hercules muses, but more detailed and individualized.</span><br />
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To all of you--tell me if you are unhappy with the characteristics I put with your muse. It was sort of hard. I did some research and sifted through the nine typical muses --a lot of them are just for a specific kind of poetry, you know?</div>
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Now! In the drawings, things are not necessarily how they'll look finally. You might be able to read my notes jotted on the pages. There are lots of pictures (I had fun), but hopefully they're not too repetitive. I kept adding even after taking pictures, especially on Rae's muse. And Liz, sorry you look rather Pocahontasesque. :) Umm... I don't know if you want to hear my commentaries on each one, but I'm excited about them, and this is how I'd tell you about the picture if I were sitting with you.</div>
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LIZ:</div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">LIZ: I present you as the muse of romance and poetry. You have always seemed like such a romantic in the best of ways, and I love your passion for writing poems! There's a heart-shaped tip to your arrow and a feather pen tucked in your sash. Are you satisfied with that? I meant to make you look like you're concentrating, but instead it's an angry face. Oops! And the feet...everybody's feet need work.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">ABBY: Music and history. It was hard to pick for you--please give me ideas? I put you with a flute because--even though we are all musical--you have such a talent for music, especially having played a number of instruments. You have a book because that just seemed really suitable. :) I put you as the muse of history simply because you have an incredible mind for detail and events, and when combined with your love of reading, it worked.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">RAE: I already told you I think of you as artful (not artsy--that's fartsy). Your "props" are kind of difficult, though. You are the muse of writing and art. To represent art, you have a double scroll tucked under one arm. You are also holding items of decoration, a string of beads and a sash. At your feet is a vase or pitcher, also a decoration. But that area of your artistic talent, though wonderful, is not as strong as your talent with photography. I couldn't decide how to portray that. So you can see in my notes I added a portrait in the folds of fabric and sketched an old-fashioned camera. Thoughts?</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">ME (QAIT): I'm least happy with the drawing of myself--not for quality--because it diverts from the style I was heading for. I have myself as the muse of music (like Abby, though maybe I'll define it as lullaby music or something of the sort) and of astronomy. That one surprised Michael, but I really do love the stars. I have a star map and a telescope at my side, and I'm holding a lyre. The straight hair is not staying.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">MADDIE: I think yours might be my favorite...maybe. I like them all. Maddie, you're the muse of comedy and tragedy (or drama, humor) because you have the most delectable sense of humor. I think drama came to mind because you are quite a passionate soul. Your muse is depicted holding a dagger hardly hidden behind her back for irony and tragedy. In the hand resting on your knee, you hold the ribbon of an actor's mask. Your foot is resting on a miniature Greek stage with two tiny actors expressing joy and grief.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">ALL: With the final pictures, I want to have a drawing for each muse separately and one drawing combining all of us. The various levels of glamor from sketch to sketch happened just with the fluctuation of my ideas and mood. Rae looks fancy, Maddie's cute, Liz looks fierce, Abby's 50s-relaxed, and I look like Barbie. That was just all kind of how it happened. :)</span></div>
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<br />Abbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03095104147841657129noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-274237968120146104.post-37344105287777063302011-09-23T07:00:00.000-04:002011-09-23T07:00:11.612-04:00So two.We all enjoy Becca so much. This is a fun age.<br />
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Apparently this is the best way to watch Mickey Mouse. On a bucket. I love how she's the only one in the family who could get away with this. Noone else's feet would fit! Oh, to be two.<br />
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<br />Abbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03095104147841657129noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-274237968120146104.post-25917787033440365892011-09-22T07:10:00.000-04:002011-09-22T07:10:01.189-04:00BYU's Tree of Wisdom - 2011We had no idea that we'd be starting a tradition when took our first picture here in 2007. I guess we'll need to come back in four years and take another.<br />
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It felt like it took a good hour to get this shot but it actually only took about fifteen minutes...<br />
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We have so many bloopers of this picture, it's hilarious! One kid ready, that kid gone and another in it's place, someone's back, someone screaming....family pictures with kids are always an adventure.<br />
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<br />Abbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03095104147841657129noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-274237968120146104.post-83002035544997086082011-09-22T07:00:00.000-04:002011-09-22T07:00:06.542-04:00BYU's Tree of Wisdom - 2007Autumn, Heidi, and Esther on one of our last family walks on campus before Eric graduated!<br />
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<br />Abbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03095104147841657129noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-274237968120146104.post-10186150512756466822011-09-21T07:00:00.000-04:002011-09-21T07:00:09.599-04:00I Love to See the TempleThis summer we dubbed our Fridays as "Family Fun Fridays". One week we went to the Los Angeles Temple and Visitor's Center. I love how they've redone the Visitor's Center to be more interactive. The girls loved it too.<div>
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Eric's Mom & Dad have a picture on their wall of Eric and Anna standing in front of the temple, arms crossed, looking so serious (they were supposed to be looking reverent). </div>
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We just had to make our own but I don't think they look very serious (or reverent)...but they sure look cute!<br /><div>
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Abbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03095104147841657129noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-274237968120146104.post-26533032054334920742011-09-20T07:00:00.000-04:002011-09-20T07:00:17.831-04:00Easter GirlsI love how each of the girls' personalities comes out in this shot of all four of them.<br />
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<br />Abbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03095104147841657129noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-274237968120146104.post-73918896539590787372011-09-19T06:00:00.000-04:002011-09-19T06:00:14.284-04:00The Napping BlogI guess I won't wait for the six-month mark to revive my blog. It's starting to reflect how I <i>really </i>journal....<br />
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But really, I'm ready to write again. </div>
Abbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03095104147841657129noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-274237968120146104.post-44823039161759392992011-04-04T18:41:00.002-04:002011-04-04T19:02:46.157-04:00a THEORY<div>I was talking to a friend last week about how much I dislike helping my girls learn to "not suck" on their thumbs/fingers. I <i>dislike</i> it <b>as much</b> as I <i>loved</i> it when they were babies. Make sense? </div><div><br /></div><div>The fact of the matter is, babies are wired to suck. (I can't think of any other way to say that but I realize how weird it sounds. I'm not being sarcastic or goofy. Just stating facts.) That's how they get their food. It's an instinct. Whether the food comes from the breast or a bottle is irrelevant. The vast majority of babies know what to do when presented with milk. </div><div><br /></div><div>So here's my theory. </div><div><br /></div><div>If babies don't get to suck as much as they want to while eating, they will find another outlet. If a baby takes forever to eat, they'll be less likely to suck their thumb or need a pacifier. If a baby eats very quickly, they'll be more likely to enjoy a thumb or pacifier.</div><div><br /></div><div>If I take a quick tally of my own kids, it looks like this:</div><div><br /></div><div>Thumb-suckers/very fast eaters (because of very fast let-down!) = 4</div><div><br /></div><div>That's 4 for 4 in case you're not paying attention. </div><div><br /></div><div>I can't remember all the details from my 11 nieces and nephews. One definitely didn't need either thumb or pacifier and ate for long periods of time. That fits the theory. Another needed a pacifier for a short time. I wonder if he ate for shorter periods during that time? But generally, he ate for long stretches of time so that still works for the most part. One niece used a pacifier. She finished her meals faster than her brothers who didn't need pacifiers. That fits too.</div><div><br /></div><div>I realize there will always be anomalies in any theory. But even if someone blows it out of the water -- could this still be a practical theory? What do you think? What has been your experience with your kids?</div><div><br /></div><div>If this holds true with enough people, I can chalk it up as one more thing I wish I'd known sooner....</div><div><br /></div><div>The other that comes to mind most immediately is directly related. It's when I learned that babies don't <i>LIKE</i> or <i>DISLIKE</i> pacifiers, they have to <i>LEARN</i> to like them. And in relation to this, they have to <b>need</b> them, I guess. But if I had known both of these things combined, I could have kept at the pacifier to supplement the need to suck....Nowadays I wish I could take away their digits the way I could take away a pacifier. But then...hindsight IS always 20/20. </div><div><br /></div><div>I'm also realizing this could be old news. It's not <i><b>"my"</b></i> theory. It's just my <b>"</b><i><b>I just realized this"</b></i> and <i><b>"do you think so too?" theory.</b></i> Maybe there's some parenting book out there that touches on this very subject. I wouldn't be surprised. But it's news to me right now and I think it's kind of fascinating....</div>Abbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03095104147841657129noreply@blogger.com15