tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3207102633648438752024-03-12T16:27:17.902-07:001-Urth MamaErikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03863461381473308483noreply@blogger.comBlogger1661125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-320710263364843875.post-40077202199993351802013-09-03T17:09:00.004-07:002013-09-03T21:42:17.716-07:00My Blog Is Moving - Come With Me!<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55118614@N00/9658532613/" title="upload by Socalfelicity, on Flickr"><img alt="upload" height="612" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2891/9658532613_aa74cdc5b0_z.jpg" width="612" /></a>
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*****Edited to Add: If you are trying to follow my new blog on Feedly or BlogLovin' - please try to use the URL: <a href="http://erikafinn.com/">erikafinn.com</a><br />
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I hope that helps and thanks again!!!!!<br />
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Well - I didn't mention it, but a few months ago, my URL - theurthmama.com - was STOLEN by <i>a not so very nice person</i>, and I lost most of the readers of this blog. Pretty much everyone who followed me or linked to my blog was gone. Plus, all my backlinks got broken as a result.<br />
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<i>Stolen </i>is a harsh word - because it was my fault, actually. I accidentally forgot to renew my domain name, and then someone swooped it up the day it expired. Then that person tried to sell it back to me for $5,000.
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That ain't happenin'! ;-)
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Luckily, I already owned the similar url: <a href="http://urthmama.com/">urthmama.com</a> (Please click on it, like it, follow it, and LOVE it - haha!)<br />
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<a href="http://urthmama.com/">Urthmama.com</a> is the same thing, just without THE at the front). I hadn't been using the <a href="http://urthmama.com/">Urthmama.com</a> url - but then I decided, hey...why not!
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So, anyway - this is all a long winded way to say that<a href="http://urthmama.com/" target="_blank"> I'm blogging in a NEW spot now</a>.<br />
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I decided to do a redesign of my blog last week, and one thing led to another...and after all was said and done, I'd gone and switched to Wordpress. I'm still not sure how I accomplished it at all, but it's been VERY exciting for me!<br />
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I'll still be blogging about family - but this new site will give me room to blog about other topics, too. I want to talk about homeschooling, gentle parenting, thriving after loss, healthy eating, and more.
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So,<i> please please please </i>join me over at my new spot at: <a href="http://urthmama.com/">Urthmama.com</a> - (if you're still reading this, you are QUITE a faithful reader!)<br />
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I already have a few new posts up - Yay!!! :-)<br />
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<img align="left" src="http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c376/socalfelicity/signature3-2.gif" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px;" />Erikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03863461381473308483noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-320710263364843875.post-36032485741677846002013-09-01T17:54:00.000-07:002013-09-01T17:57:09.073-07:00I'm On Facebook Now! <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55118614@N00/9496837733/" title="upload by Socalfelicity, on Flickr"><img alt="upload" height="612" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5516/9496837733_4e745ee318_z.jpg" width="612" /></a><br />
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Well, I've gone and done it! I've made a <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Urthmama/197558470415455">Facebook Page</a> for my blog. I never thought I'd do it - but I caved! Ha!
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If you're on Facebook, you can connect with me <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Urthmama/197558470415455" target="_blank">HERE</a>!<br />
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(Or you can just click that<a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Urthmama/197558470415455" target="_blank"> Facebook</a> Badge on the sidebar!)<br />
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Hope you're having a great Labor Day Weekend! Grandma Pat is here and I might get a date night tonight! Yay!!! (triple exclamation points...)<br />
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In other news, this was the sunset on my walk the other night. Love these warm summer nights!<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55118614@N00/9631909849/" title="Nighttime walk. #nofilter by Socalfelicity, on Flickr"><img alt="Nighttime walk. #nofilter" height="612" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7436/9631909849_c2e0b2ab8d_z.jpg" width="612" /></a>
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<i>The End.</i>
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<img align="left" src="http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c376/socalfelicity/signature3-2.gif" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px;" />Erikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03863461381473308483noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-320710263364843875.post-10868134789905188492013-08-30T00:10:00.002-07:002013-08-30T00:15:59.626-07:00Week In Review!<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55118614@N00/9608448359/" title="8-27-13-6 by Socalfelicity, on Flickr"><img alt="8-27-13-6" height="625" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3671/9608448359_2ef14049b9_c.jpg" width="800" /></a>
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I can't believe it's already Friday! We've had a very full, busy week. Over the weekend, we went to The Wilderness Park. I tried to get Mr. M to take a cute picture of me with the girls - and well, he tried! But he can only do so much! Ha! The top picture is the best one...<br />
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This one is good but Ginger's not looking at all:<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55118614@N00/9611683350/" title="8-27-13-5 by Socalfelicity, on Flickr"><img alt="8-27-13-5" height="596" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2810/9611683350_79e4fbfe93_c.jpg" width="800" /></a>
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In this one, everyone is happy...well, except for Violet! <br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55118614@N00/9608460397/" title="8-27-13-10 by Socalfelicity, on Flickr"><img alt="8-27-13-10" height="630" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7396/9608460397_f3694edcdb_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />
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I love this picture of Ginger and Paprika. They truly are the best of friends!<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55118614@N00/9611683482/" title="8-27-13-4 by Socalfelicity, on Flickr"><img alt="8-27-13-4" height="800" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7364/9611683482_2442e8b0fd_c.jpg" width="447" /></a>
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Violet explored the whole park, of course! In her swimsuit, no less! (She insisted on wearing it - it's Paprika's size 6T!)<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55118614@N00/9608449897/" title="8-27-13-3 by Socalfelicity, on Flickr"><img alt="8-27-13-3" height="565" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2892/9608449897_6b91b6eab4_c.jpg" width="800" /></a>
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Paprika and Ginger's favorite log - they call this <i>The Iguana</i>: <br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55118614@N00/9611684896/" title="8-27-13-2 by Socalfelicity, on Flickr"><img alt="8-27-13-2" height="550" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3799/9611684896_7804a66239_c.jpg" width="800" /></a>
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Here is a picture from WAY back when (September 2010 - almost three years ago!) of the two of them on the same log:<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55118614@N00/4972785663/" title="9-6-10-5 by Socalfelicity, on Flickr"><img alt="9-6-10-5" height="442" src="http://farm5.staticflickr.com/4125/4972785663_077a4803fe_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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And here they are three years later:<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55118614@N00/9608451069/" title="8-27-13-1 by Socalfelicity, on Flickr"><img alt="8-27-13-1" height="534" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2823/9608451069_43636c3acc_c.jpg" width="800" /></a>
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Ginger hanging out with the ducks:<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55118614@N00/9608445879/" title="8-27-13-9 by Socalfelicity, on Flickr"><img alt="8-27-13-9" height="600" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7357/9608445879_8abfa30062_c.jpg" width="800" /></a>
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The girls had a great time watching this birdie...a Great Blue Heron?:<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55118614@N00/9608446777/" title="8-27-13-8 by Socalfelicity, on Flickr"><img alt="8-27-13-8" height="600" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7387/9608446777_e854f82675_c.jpg" width="800" /></a>
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I love letting them explore:<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55118614@N00/9611681704/" title="8-27-13-7 by Socalfelicity, on Flickr"><img alt="8-27-13-7" height="586" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3806/9611681704_d38485d351_c.jpg" width="800" /></a>
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The rest of our week has been busy, as well! On Monday, Devon came over with her girls. Our house was full and loud for about 9 hours (we don't live as close as we used to, so Devon stayed late to avoid rush hour!) <br />
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I love that after not seeing each other for months, the girls pick right back up where they left off. Even Violet was in the mix, and was so happy to just tag along with the big girls. It was a magical day - it always is when we get together with Devon!<br />
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The girls made lemonade from our lemon tree in the backyard. They fixed Devon and me lunch and served it to us on fancy plates. They tried to make a hot air balloon in the backyard. I was worried that because we have so few toys now that the girls would be bored - but OH MY, they were not! Their imaginations were on overdrive all day long. Love it!<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55118614@N00/9622615721/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="upload by Socalfelicity, on Flickr"><img alt="upload" height="612" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7401/9622615721_e24c4ccc9f_o.jpg" width="612" /></a></div>
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This week was also the beginning of the public school year here - on Wednesday, Paprika would have been in 1st grade! Intstead, she happily spent the day finishing up her Third Grade math curriculum, reading lots of books, playing outside, and well...not waking up at the crack of dawn! Ha!
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Ginger has been working hard on HER homeschooling, too! I am not pushing her AT ALL - instead, I often find her looking over Paprika's shoulder as she is reading, doing math, writing, etc. It seems like it all rubs off on Ginger.
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55118614@N00/9624084017/" title="Artist hard at work... ;) by Socalfelicity, on Flickr"><img alt="Artist hard at work... ;)" height="612" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3736/9624084017_22ef4fa385_z.jpg" width="612" /></a>
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Yesterday, I found Ginger working on some Algebra apps on the iPad and getting ALL the answers right. She amazes me - her strong-will and her smarts are going to take her far, I just know it!
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55118614@N00/9625050079/" title="upload by Socalfelicity, on Flickr"><img alt="upload" height="612" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3728/9625050079_bbed1d5100_z.jpg" width="612" /></a>
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Paprika had her end of the summer Swim Team Party tonight! Mr. M took her - and she got her first trophy (for participation). It was really sweet! I stayed home with Violet and Ginger - and Paprika got to have her one on one time with her daddy. She felt so special!<br />
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We spent a good chunk of today at the park. After Paprika finished her lessons early, we had the whole afternoon free. That is one of the things I love about Homeschooling! This is Ginger during our Hide and Go Seek game today:<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55118614@N00/9625046835/" title="Untitled by Socalfelicity, on Flickr"><img alt="Untitled" height="361" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2871/9625046835_2619c363ae_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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Violet was my little helper in Hide and Go Seek. Violet LOVES being at the park - and asks to go all the time! She is talking so much more now, and I love it! I can actually understand much of what she says - and it's so helpful to me!<br />
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Her favorite thing right now is Jessie from Toy Story. Everything is Jessie, Jessie, Jessie! She has a Toy Story Sippy Cup - and that's her favorite thing to carry. She has Jessie and Woody dolls - and they hardly ever leave her side. I even went out to the garage into the bags of stored toys (I still haven't brought them inside!) - and I unearthed Buzz Lightyear! She was over the moon with joy about seeing Buzz!<br />
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(But I soon regretted that decision because Buzz Lightyear is one obnoxious toy! Ha!)<br />
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Violet also does this with her hands when you say: Smile! (like for a picture). She takes her fingers and pulls out her cheeks. It's the cutest thing! She is such a handful lately - and into everything - and well, I just love her so much that even though she's a ton of work for me, I do wish I could freeze time with her! <br />
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Love her to the moon and back!<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55118614@N00/9628286222/" title="Untitled by Socalfelicity, on Flickr"><img alt="Untitled" height="361" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5456/9628286222_9aec9a9d6b_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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<i>The End!</i><br />
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<img align="left" src="http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c376/socalfelicity/signature3-2.gif" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px;" />Erikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03863461381473308483noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-320710263364843875.post-2659735864170391432013-08-27T16:20:00.002-07:002013-08-27T16:20:46.833-07:00Highlights!<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55118614@N00/9594605903/" title="upload by Socalfelicity, on Flickr"><img alt="upload" height="612" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3757/9594605903_0d934aa0a3_o.jpg" width="612" /></a><br />
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A few highlights from last week:<br />
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First - I got my hair 'did for the first time in...oh, about 18 months. It was TIME! <br />
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And, to be punny...I got highlights - it was a highlight of my weekend, for sure. ;-)<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55118614@N00/9584655147/" title="Untitled by Socalfelicity, on Flickr"><img alt="Untitled" height="451" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2865/9584655147_24fa6c6466_c.jpg" width="800" /></a>
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Most of these next pictures were taken while Paprika was at swim team practice. Every day, pretty much no matter what, the two littlest get an hour to RUN at the park. They love it!<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55118614@N00/9577788397/" title="upload by Socalfelicity, on Flickr"><img alt="upload" height="612" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2846/9577788397_919918aea4_o.jpg" width="612" /></a>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55118614@N00/9597387080/" title="upload by Socalfelicity, on Flickr"><img alt="upload" height="612" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2813/9597387080_b9a37e0e51_o.jpg" width="612" /></a>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55118614@N00/9580766546/" title="She likes to boogie... by Socalfelicity, on Flickr"><img alt="She likes to boogie..." height="612" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3722/9580766546_033630cd91_o.jpg" width="612" /></a>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55118614@N00/9577968195/" title="Untitled by Socalfelicity, on Flickr"><img alt="Untitled" height="800" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5505/9577968195_9b0a5f9927_c.jpg" width="451" /></a>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55118614@N00/9580751234/" title="Untitled by Socalfelicity, on Flickr"><img alt="Untitled" height="451" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5482/9580751234_5e44d178f5_c.jpg" width="800" /></a>
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This next picture was taken during a game of hide and go seek last week when we spent most of the day at the park (Paprika included). The girls met three other little girls and they had a great time playing. Baby Violet always finds the best hiding spots! ;-)<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55118614@N00/9580578514/" title="Hide and go seek by Socalfelicity, on Flickr"><img alt="Hide and go seek" height="612" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5502/9580578514_5d9c46e707_o.jpg" width="612" /></a>
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Ginger rolling down the grassy hill - one of her favorite things to do!<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55118614@N00/9577963327/" title="Untitled by Socalfelicity, on Flickr"><img alt="Untitled" height="451" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3684/9577963327_d939d7d8dc_c.jpg" width="800" /></a>
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Violet (age 21 months) made friends with this little girl who was almost 4. Can you tell they are the same height? <br />
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I think Violet even has a few pounds on her. That's my 99th percentile for height and weight baby. We call her "Big Baby" around here - you know, like in <i>Toy Story 3</i>? <br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55118614@N00/9580747782/" title="Untitled by Socalfelicity, on Flickr"><img alt="Untitled" height="451" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2834/9580747782_20e8b14597_c.jpg" width="800" /></a>
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Feeding the ducks while Paprika is at swim team practice:<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55118614@N00/9580743552/" title="Best friends... by Socalfelicity, on Flickr"><img alt="Best friends..." height="612" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7320/9580743552_9022d07008_o.jpg" width="612" /></a>
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Slide racing:<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55118614@N00/9577948841/" title="Slide racing... by Socalfelicity, on Flickr"><img alt="Slide racing..." height="612" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5451/9577948841_913c1590c6_o.jpg" width="612" /></a>
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Smelling the flowers:<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55118614@N00/9577944439/" title="Flower child... by Socalfelicity, on Flickr"><img alt="Flower child..." height="612" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5326/9577944439_d11c73482a_o.jpg" width="612" /></a>
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<i>The End!</i><br />
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<img align="left" src="http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c376/socalfelicity/signature3-2.gif" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px;" />Erikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03863461381473308483noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-320710263364843875.post-23513220873167820922013-08-22T17:07:00.000-07:002013-08-22T17:09:58.979-07:00Life and Pirate Ships...<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55118614@N00/9570732333/" title="Pirate ship in watercolor by Annika, age 7 :-) by Socalfelicity, on Flickr"><img alt="Pirate ship in watercolor by Annika, age 7 :-)" height="612" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5489/9570732333_13131f2c59_o.jpg" width="612" /></a>
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Paprika just made this painting (above) an hour or so ago - using watercolors. It's a pirate ship! Do you remember <a href="http://urthmama.blogspot.com/2009/02/pirate-ship-with-fireworks_7497.html" target="_blank">the first pirate ship she painted</a>? I do! ;-)<br />
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But, still my favorite is: <a href="http://urthmama.blogspot.com/2009/01/rain-on-grass-universe_9112.html" target="_blank">Rain on the Grass and The Universe</a>! <br />
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She drew this lion a week or so ago in oil pastels:
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55118614@N00/9506302778/" title="Oil pastel lion portrait by Annika (age 6) by Socalfelicity, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7395/9506302778_1a8ddcfdcd_o.jpg" width="612" height="612" alt="Oil pastel lion portrait by Annika (age 6)"></a>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55118614@N00/9566423262/" title="Hard at work "training" Daisy. #bestdogever by Socalfelicity, on Flickr"><img alt="Hard at work "training" Daisy. #bestdogever" height="612" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2828/9566423262_f84437b458_o.jpg" width="612" /></a>
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If she were going back to public school, she would be starting a week from today! But as it is, we've been homeschooling since July 1st, and we're finding our rhythm. A few days ago, I sent the letter to the school district and to Paprika's old school informing them that we are homeschooling - and I was freaked out! Mr. M said it was like cutting the cord - haha - and now here we are. It's been great - truly!<br />
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The above picture is Paprika "training" Daisy yesterday. Paprika "trained" her for about an hour - and of course, Daisy already knew everything Paprika was teaching her - but Daisy played along. She is the best dog - my word. She is patient, loyal, loving, gentle, sweet, and incredibly smart. <br />
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But even though Daisy is all those wonderful things, she still annoys me because I have realized: <i>I am not a dog person! </i><br />
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Yes, it's taken me this long to figure out this little fact - and I am sorry because I <i>wish</i> I were a dog person. But, I'm not. <i>I like cats.</i> Too late! <br />
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But if you were to have a dog, Daisy is just about as perfect as one could be. So, I should stop holding her "dog-ness" against her. There's nothing she can do to make herself into a cat!<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55118614@N00/9567831016/" title="Swim time! by Socalfelicity, on Flickr"><img alt="Swim time!" height="612" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3675/9567831016_6693368039_o.jpg" width="612" /></a>
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We've been making it to swim practice every day! I have lined up activities for Paprika for the Fall, and she'll be doing swim team 4x/week, piano lessons 1x/week, and theatre 1x/week. I was worried that was too much, but we'll see how it goes. I don't want to overschedule but that the same time, I want to provide her with opportunities to do things and meet people. It's a balance, I guess...<br />
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Ginger still wants nothing to do with any outside activities. She just loves being wild and free and playing around the house and being with her family. She is as loyal as they come!<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55118614@N00/9535069296/" title="8-16-13-1 by Socalfelicity, on Flickr"><img alt="8-16-13-1" height="800" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3786/9535069296_3dd7a2c30a_c.jpg" width="587" /></a>
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I need to start photographing Ginger's artwork because it is incredible - she has a style all her own! She rips up half of what she makes because she gets frustrated when it's not the exact way she wants it to look. But on the rare time when it does meet her standards, I hang it up proudly around the house. Our house is filled with Ginger's artwork. She loves to draw people more than anything else.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55118614@N00/9519500167/" title="upload by Socalfelicity, on Flickr"><img alt="upload" height="612" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2833/9519500167_f04135fc41_o.jpg" width="612" /></a>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55118614@N00/9522279912/" title="upload by Socalfelicity, on Flickr"><img alt="upload" height="612" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3688/9522279912_bb183ab4a9_o.jpg" width="612" /></a>
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Violet has been sleeping terribly - TERRIBLY! So, I need to post these photos to remind myself that she DOES sleep sometimes. ;-)<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55118614@N00/9506781250/" title="Hello, huge hands! by Socalfelicity, on Flickr"><img alt="Hello, huge hands!" height="612" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2854/9506781250_8e5203d6cd_o.jpg" width="612" /></a>
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It's mostly a night-sleeping problem. I am night weaning her because I only getting about 45 minutes sleep/night (because I am her pacifier!) - and well, I am ready to get some sleep. As soon as I fall asleep at night, she wakes me up wanting to nurse. Then I can't get back to sleep, and the minute I do, she wakes me up again to nurse. It would be like someone tapping on your shoulder every 15 minutes when you're trying to sleep and then screaming at the top of their lungs if you don't let them keep tapping! ;-)<br />
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Good times!<br />
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But she is so beautiful and sweet - I just love her. Even if I never sleep again. Haha.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55118614@N00/9498913934/" title="upload by Socalfelicity, on Flickr"><img alt="upload" height="612" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5481/9498913934_5c10090886_o.jpg" width="612" /></a>
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<i>The End.</i><br />
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<br />
<img align="left" src="http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c376/socalfelicity/signature3-2.gif" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px;" />Erikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03863461381473308483noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-320710263364843875.post-50690107178630219252013-08-21T16:34:00.003-07:002013-08-21T16:48:28.023-07:00Pictures Lie!<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55118614@N00/9551374654/" title="Untitled by Socalfelicity, on Flickr"><img alt="Untitled" height="451" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7425/9551374654_aef64ae395_c.jpg" width="800" /></a>
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Sometimes pictures just don't tell the whole story. Sometimes photos lie just a little bit - because you never really take photos of the parts of your day you don't want to remember, right? (Or maybe that's just me).<br />
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On this day (Monday) - we went to the park, which is the part of the day I'd like to remember most. It's also pretty much the only time during the day I took any photos. <br />
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But here's what <i>also</i> happened: <br />
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Mr. M worked until 2 am - so I was flying solo with the girls from morning until the wee hours. <br />
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After the park, Paprika had her piano lesson - and Ginger did not want to get IN the van to go, and then did not want to get OUT of the van once we were there. She also didn't want to wear clothes. ;-) Violet, on the other hand, wanted to run up and down the halls and scream at the top of her lungs.<br />
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At dinner, Violet threw a glass across the kitchen and it shattered into a thousand pieces. After I cleaned up the glass, but before I mopped up the water, she came running back into the kitchen and slipped.<br />
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Later that night, I took Daisy outside to go to the bathroom. Daisy ran to the back of the yard, and just then I saw two beady little eyes staring back at me. A skunk! The skunk sprayed Daisy right in the face, and Daisy STILL wanted to be friends with the skunk. So, I brought Daisy in the house to keep her away from the skunk. <br />
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As I walked inside the house - barefoot - I stepped on a piece of glass that I had missed cleaning up earlier that night. I had a riled up skunky dog, and now a piece of glass in my foot. I got most of the glass out, but there are still a few small pieces I'm feeling days later every step I take.<br />
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So, now Daisy was inside - but she was stinking up the whole house. I read online to leave her outside overnight - so I tried that but she started barking (and I love my neighbors and would not want to wake them up!) So, inside she came. She sleeps in my bedroom in a crate next to my bed, so yep- she slept right next to me with a face full of skunk smell. I was too tired to bathe her in tomato juice, as the website also suggested.<br />
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By that time, it was about 1am, and Ginger came downstairs to sleep in my bed. But then she smelled the skunk smell and started crying because it smelled so awful! It took an hour to get her back to sleep.<br />
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Mr. M got home a little after 2am - I waited up for him...and well, I was awake anyway. When I finally got to bed around 2:40, guess who came waddling right downstairs? Miss Violet, of course!<br />
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So, that meant Mr. M went upstairs to get some good quality rest, and I went back to bed with the skunky dog, Ginger and a very awake Violet. Good times! ;-)<br />
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Here are some other pictures from the day:<br />
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Paprika's math lesson - she will only write her numbers <i>fancy with swirls</i>, so you can guess how long it takes her to do a math problem. ;-)<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55118614@N00/9533317909/" title="Even math becomes art... by Socalfelicity, on Flickr"><img alt="Even math becomes art..." height="612" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2865/9533317909_b516c478f8_o.jpg" width="612" /></a>
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After we did the rest of Paprika's homeschool lessons, I let her try out <a href="http://scratch.mit.edu/" target="_blank">Scratch</a> (a computer programming language). She LOVED working on Scratch and couldn't pry herself away from the computer. After a few hours, she knows more about computer programming than I probably ever will. Ha!<br />
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(This is a picture of her playing Minecraft last week - I put it here because it is computer-ish):<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55118614@N00/9535947364/" title="Minecraft! by Socalfelicity, on Flickr"><img alt="Minecraft!" height="612" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2855/9535947364_314d34ae6c_o.jpg" width="612" /></a>
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Paprika did NOT want to leave after she got going on Scratch, but I was going out of my mind keeping Violet out of trouble in the house, and I knew we all needed some fresh air. Park trip sounded like a good idea.<br />
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I finally got everyone out of the house to go to the park (two diaper changes, four wardrobe changes, and three snacks later) - and then the park we decided to go to was closed down for the day. So, we went to a different park - and it took us FOREVER to find parking.<br />
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While I was putting the little girls' shoes on, I let Paprika go ahead into the park by herself (it is small and fenced) - and I told her I'd be right there.<br />
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90 seconds later, I went into the park, and Paprika had disappeared!<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55118614@N00/9548590317/" title="Untitled by Socalfelicity, on Flickr"><img alt="Untitled" height="451" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7420/9548590317_5ed32e94f2_c.jpg" width="800" /></a>
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I could not find her anywhere. My heart fell into my stomach - and then...then...about a minute later (which seemed like an eternity), I found her face down in the sand, crying.<br />
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She sobbed: <i>Why, why, why had I made her leave her computer when she was finally getting to learn Scratch computer programming? She had waited her whole life for this moment and now I had made her stop?!</i><br />
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So, for 95% of the time we were at the park, she laid on the ground (face down) and talked to herself about the programs she was going to execute once we got home...<br />
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Violet had a great time doing scary feats - like climbing everything she wasn't supposed to, and in general terrifying me. I spent a lot of time holding her while she attempted to do Cirque du Soleil moves on the playground. <br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55118614@N00/9548592837/" title="Untitled by Socalfelicity, on Flickr"><img alt="Untitled" height="451" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2809/9548592837_eefbdfdb46_c.jpg" width="800" /></a>
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Ginger had a great time at the park. This is her favorite park - she would probably pitch a tent and live here if she could...<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55118614@N00/9551910880/" title="upload by Socalfelicity, on Flickr"><img alt="upload" height="612" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7288/9551910880_bc00521529_o.jpg" width="612" /></a>
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And then...just a few more pics from the day (parts I want to remember):<br />
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Violet blowing kisses at the park:<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55118614@N00/9551914612/" title="Kiss! :-) by Socalfelicity, on Flickr"><img alt="Kiss! :-)" height="612" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3808/9551914612_a03912f06a_o.jpg" width="612" /></a>
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Ginger going down the slide five billion times and getting so excited to "zap" me with static electricity when she got to the bottom:<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55118614@N00/9548581279/" title="Untitled by Socalfelicity, on Flickr"><img alt="Untitled" height="451" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3802/9548581279_da9d724f69_c.jpg" width="800" /></a>
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Skunky Daisy being the coolest dog ever - and even though she STILL smells like a skunk, she really doesn't care as long as she's near us:<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55118614@N00/9558821930/" title="Guess who tried to make friends with a skunk and got sprayed in the face? by Socalfelicity, on Flickr"><img alt="Guess who tried to make friends with a skunk and got sprayed in the face?" height="612" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5533/9558821930_43c3a6e0c0_o.jpg" width="612" /></a>
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Paprika getting her face out of the sand and playing with her sisters:<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55118614@N00/9548588309/" title="Untitled by Socalfelicity, on Flickr"><img alt="Untitled" height="451" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5549/9548588309_27eb81009e_c.jpg" width="800" /></a>
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My sweet Ginger falling asleep in my bed - I know someday she'll sleep in her own bed - so for now, I am grateful I get to be next to her when she's in dreamland. Does it get any sweeter?!<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55118614@N00/9541138316/" title="upload by Socalfelicity, on Flickr"><img alt="upload" height="612" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3775/9541138316_2c669c4936_o.jpg" width="612" /></a>
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So, that was JUST Monday! ;-) People sometimes wonder what the heck I do all day - and there's your answer!<br />
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If I have any free time, I will be bathing my dog with tomato juice and picking glass out of my foot with a set of tweezers. <br />
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<i>The End.</i><br />
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<img align="left" src="http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c376/socalfelicity/signature3-2.gif" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px;" />Erikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03863461381473308483noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-320710263364843875.post-4035623894933326452013-08-18T16:22:00.001-07:002013-08-18T16:22:20.865-07:00Happy Big Seven!<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55118614@N00/9532282457/" title="8-16-13-8 by Socalfelicity, on Flickr"><img alt="8-16-13-8" height="800" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5511/9532282457_b2cb4d2f1b_c.jpg" width="643" /></a>
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Paprika turned 7 on Friday. She had a great birthday! When she woke up, we sang her Happy Birthday and she had her birthday cupcake...chocolate with chocolate frosting, of course! :-) <br />
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We also had birthday cake that night - and we also sang and blew out candles then (but those pictures are on my other camera - so they will have to wait! Haha!)<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55118614@N00/9535066894/" title="8-16-13-7 by Socalfelicity, on Flickr"><img alt="8-16-13-7" height="800" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5493/9535066894_4510ca6345_c.jpg" width="691" /></a>
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Paprika was so excited about her birthday, she could not sleep AT ALL the nigh before. Not one wink! She stayed up all night long (seriously, all night). I worried she'd be in a bad mood the next day, but nope! Hardly even a yawn...<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55118614@N00/9526160330/" title="upload by Socalfelicity, on Flickr"><img alt="upload" height="612" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7340/9526160330_5217ff607d_z.jpg" width="612" /></a>
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It's very exciting being seven years old, you know! ;-)<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55118614@N00/9523323383/" title="Happy 7th birthday to Annika Sweetheart! :-) by Socalfelicity, on Flickr"><img alt="Happy 7th birthday to Annika Sweetheart! :-)" height="612" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3695/9523323383_bb42f59781_z.jpg" width="612" /></a>
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We decorated the house, of course!<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55118614@N00/9522776637/" title="Happy birthday to my beautiful baby girl. Seven years old...what?!!! by Socalfelicity, on Flickr"><img alt="Happy birthday to my beautiful baby girl. Seven years old...what?!!!" height="612" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5522/9522776637_989c32c902_z.jpg" width="612" /></a>
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Paprika opened half her presents in the first part of the day. And we saved a few to open with cake at the end of the night. <br />
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Mr. M came home early from work, and we decided to go to the beach! <br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55118614@N00/9524000271/" title="upload by Socalfelicity, on Flickr"><img alt="upload" height="612" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7324/9524000271_4dc2156efa_z.jpg" width="612" /></a>
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My mom was visiting with us last week (she was here from Indiana!) Here she is building sandcastles with Violet:<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55118614@N00/9532284329/" title="8-16-13-3 by Socalfelicity, on Flickr"><img alt="8-16-13-3" height="542" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7427/9532284329_c4c85e46a9_c.jpg" width="800" /></a>
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Me and sweet Ginger-Bear. She had a great time building sandcastles, and she wanted to stay by my side the whole time. She is such a sweetheart!<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55118614@N00/9535067484/" title="8-16-13-6 by Socalfelicity, on Flickr"><img alt="8-16-13-6" height="600" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7405/9535067484_62c03be9ba_c.jpg" width="800" /></a>
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Paprika was so excited to get a boogie board for her birthday! She has been asking for one for YEARS - so she was super excited when she opened her present. She wanted to try it out right away (of course!)<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55118614@N00/9532283507/" title="8-16-13-5 by Socalfelicity, on Flickr"><img alt="8-16-13-5" height="550" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5322/9532283507_7c5d7bbdaf_c.jpg" width="800" /></a>
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After spending hours in the freezing cold water with Mr. M, it was time to go home. But of course, the second Paprika got out of the water, she asked when she could come back! Haha! So we made it a beach weekend- and she got to go boogie boarding again on Saturday. <br />
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I have a feeling we'll be spending a lot of time at the beach with this little boogie boarder! ;-)<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55118614@N00/9532283685/" title="8-16-13-4 by Socalfelicity, on Flickr"><img alt="8-16-13-4" height="505" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7327/9532283685_cb9525accc_c.jpg" width="800" /></a>
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That night, we had cake opened the rest of her presents - and Ginger got to open a present, too! Paprika at that point hadn't slept in - oh- about 40 hours, but of course she was still not tired! ;-)<br />
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Ginger and Paprika went to my bedroom to read books, and they were up until midnight at least. I went in to turn out the lights, and what do you know - Paprika had fallen asleep! Ginger was reading books to Paprika...I don't think she even noticed she was asleep! Ha!<br />
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<i>The End!</i><br />
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<img align="left" src="http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c376/socalfelicity/signature3-2.gif" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px;" />Erikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03863461381473308483noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-320710263364843875.post-33760891602062851282013-08-15T17:25:00.003-07:002013-08-15T17:35:49.877-07:00Last Place Winner<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55118614@N00/9453676207/" title="upload by Socalfelicity, on Flickr"><img alt="upload" height="612" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3787/9453676207_8fa4090f34_o.jpg" width="612" /></a>
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Tomorrow, Paprika will turn 7 years old! Today is her last day of being 6, and I'm feeling a little nostalgic. <br />
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One of my favorite Paprika stories from this past year happened last Fall - and I don't think I blogged about it, but I wanted to write it down now because for me, it was something that sums up so much about life and how I want to parent (and also, just how I want to live).<br />
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First thing you should know is that for most of my life (until Paprika entered my world), I was very competitive. It was always important to me to be the best at everything - better than I was the day before, and better than others. I did pretty well at this. I graduated with honors from just about every school I ever attended (and that's a lot! Ha!) - and in everything I did, well...I just had to be <i>the best</i>. It is embarrassing, and annoying and it's something I am a little sheepish about admitting.<br />
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It also separated me from others, and made me feel competitive as if by others doing better, I would do worse. Or that if others did better, it somehow diminished my own accomplishments. Looking back, I see how silly this was...and how holding hands we ALL can move forward together. But back then, the way I viewed the world was one of competition - that there are a limited number of spots for this or that, and I had to do better than others (no matter how low or high that standard was) to have value. My worth was based on something external that was not only completely arbitrary, but had nothing to do with my actual self-worth or happiness.<br />
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It also meant that I didn't try a lot of things when I was younger because I was afraid of failing. I knew my areas of excellence (English, writing, verbal pursuits) - and I knew the areas that were struggles (sports, science, etc.) So many things I wanted to do, I stopped myself because I didn't know if I could be the best. I limited myself to what I knew I could do well because the fear of not being the best was something I didn't want to face. <br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55118614@N00/8191937359/" title="11-17-12-4 by Socalfelicity, on Flickr"><img alt="11-17-12-4" height="520" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8345/8191937359_42a1fa9a53_c.jpg" width="800" /></a>
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So, all this brings me to my little story about Paprika. Last Fall, I enrolled Paprika in her first swim meet. Paprika LOVES to swim. She loves being in the water, pretending to be a mermaid, and the feel of the water on her body as she glides through it.<br />
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Paprika loves other people, and is so happy for their successes. It never enters her mind to run faster or to be "better" than someone else. If you ask her if she loves one person more than another or one thing more than another, she will look at you and say the same thing every time: <br />
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<i>I love them the same. In love, there is no more or less. There is just love. </i><br />
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I was hesitant to enroll Paprika in swim team because I wanted her to keep her love for swimming without feeling the need to compete or "be better" than someone else. I didn't want her to judge herself next to the person in the next lane. On the other hand, she really wanted to be on swim team because it meant four days/week of being in the water - her home away from home, if you will. ;-) <br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55118614@N00/8191992003/" title="11-17-12-6 by Socalfelicity, on Flickr"><img alt="11-17-12-6" height="527" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8347/8191992003_547b178ab4_c.jpg" width="800" /></a>
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So, the night of her first swim meet - I was nervous for her! There were hundreds of kids and parents at the pool, and she was swimming the backstroke against kids who I knew were much faster than her. Since it was night and quite dark, long strands of white lights (kind of like Christmas lights) hung over the lanes.<br />
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She started in the water, and as everyone else shot across the pool, my heart sank. Paprika was swimming very slowly down her lane, as if she was in a lazy river with not a care in the world.<br />
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When she climbed out of the pool (<i>well </i>in last place), I gave her a big hug and congratulated her on her swim. <br />
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I said: <i>You did so great, honey! I am so proud of you!</i><br />
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She said (with great excitement): <i>Thanks! Did you see the lights?! They were sooo beautiful! I couldn't stop looking at them. They took my breath away how they lit up the sky.</i><br />
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Then I said: <i>I did see them! They are beautiful! </i><br />
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I paused for a moment, unsure about what to say next. Then, I bent down to her level and carefully chose my words. I said:<br />
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<i>Honey, did you know this was a race and you were supposed to swim your fastest?</i><br />
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Paprika put her hands on my shoulders as I bent down low. She looked me straight in the eyes and said:<br />
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<i>Mom, I know it was a race. But if I'd gone fast, I would have missed looking at those beautiful lights. Did you see how gorgeous they were? How they twinkled and sparkled. It was magical!</i><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55118614@N00/8191937569/" title="11-17-12-2 by Socalfelicity, on Flickr"><img alt="11-17-12-2" height="600" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8478/8191937569_b2a03fc739_c.jpg" width="800" /></a>
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I caught my breath, and looked up at the lights. And yes, they were so beautiful! I hadn't really noticed, had I? Everyone around us was buzzing and screaming at their child to go faster, and nobody (it seemed) was looking at the lights. And now that I was looking at them, I couldn't help but notice their beauty. How they twinkled. How they lit up the sky. The miracle of electricity! It was overwhelming, actually!
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Even though Paprika came in <i>last place</i> in the race, I could not have been prouder. I started to cry. She teaches me things every single day, and that was a day I never want to forget. How many times have I raced to be the best, or the fastest, and lost sight of what's really important?
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I love those lights, and I stop to see them now. I love the roses, and I stop to smell them. When I raced to be first, I didn't have time to enjoy the journey. And that journey, I am convinced, is the greatest win of all. <br />
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I'm so glad that Paprika sees that - and that on that night when I started to lose sight of the big picture, she showed me some simple lights in the night sky that changed my outlook completely. <i>Forever.</i><br />
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<i>The End.</i><br />
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<img align="left" src="http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c376/socalfelicity/signature3-2.gif" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px;" />Erikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03863461381473308483noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-320710263364843875.post-69695058823832803682013-08-15T16:32:00.004-07:002013-08-15T16:35:13.404-07:00A Walk On A Pier<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55118614@N00/9487016959/" title="8-9-13-4 by Socalfelicity, on Flickr"><img alt="8-9-13-4" height="504" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5487/9487016959_3701b21769_c.jpg" width="800" /></a>
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Just wanted to jot down a few memories about how we spent our 10th wedding anniversary. :-) <br />
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For our <a href="http://urthmama.blogspot.com/2008/08/back-from-vacation_7305.html" target="_blank">5 year anniversary,</a> we happened to be in Panama City Beach, Florida for the week. We spent our anniversary at the beach, and I especially remember watching the gorgeous sunset from our little motel balcony.<br />
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So, it seemed only fitting to spend our 10 year the same way...at the beach, watching the sunset. On our 5 year, it was just me, Mr. M and Paprika (it was three weeks after Vivian and Annemarie had passed away).<br />
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For our 10 year, our brood had grown substantially! :-) We kept trying to get Ginger to be in the picture, but she refused...so we did the best we could. <br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55118614@N00/9489814446/" title="8-9-13-3 by Socalfelicity, on Flickr"><img alt="8-9-13-3" height="530" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2872/9489814446_0aae375d9c_c.jpg" width="800" /></a>
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Ginger was feeling grumpy, so I carried her the whole way. I think we walked about five miles, and so yes- I got in a bit of a workout, since Ginger now weighs over 40 pounds! Ha!<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55118614@N00/9487015247/" title="8-9-13-7 by Socalfelicity, on Flickr"><img alt="8-9-13-7" height="600" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5508/9487015247_106d516fa6_c.jpg" width="800" /></a>
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Paprika had the time of her life. She was skipping down the walkway, singing songs, and gazing out at the ocean:<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55118614@N00/9487015971/" title="8-9-13-6 by Socalfelicity, on Flickr"><img alt="8-9-13-6" height="600" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3741/9487015971_2ac789d6bb_c.jpg" width="800" /></a>
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Violet was all smiles - Mr. M carried her the whole time and she was so happy. It was a Friday night, so there were a lot of things going on down at the beach - lots of people watching and activity.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55118614@N00/9487016811/" title="8-9-13-5 by Socalfelicity, on Flickr"><img alt="8-9-13-5" height="600" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3727/9487016811_1fd0fcd63d_c.jpg" width="800" /></a>
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It was great to be all together on our special night. Every day, I am so grateful for each member of our little family. <br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55118614@N00/9474626655/" title="upload by Socalfelicity, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7292/9474626655_ed70e149fc_o.jpg" width="612" height="612" alt="upload"></a>
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We made it all the way down to the pier, and walked to the end and made wishes. Paprika <a href="http://fairycastlepixie.blogspot.com/2013/08/walking-at-beach.html" target="_blank">wrote this post about it on her blog</a>. <br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55118614@N00/9489815196/" title="8-9-13-1 by Socalfelicity, on Flickr"><img alt="8-9-13-1" height="538" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5526/9489815196_b0fb8e7b79_c.jpg" width="800" /></a>
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All in all, it was a great anniversary. Just us, celebrating in our quiet little way. Afterwards we went home and made dinner, and the girls watched Cinderella while the adults ate dinner, drank wine, and laughed about everything under the sun. <br />
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I can't say that any night out on the town could be better than what we've got going here at home. Even though my days are filled with normal ups and downs (and even some very big ups and downs) - I am so happy, and grateful, and feel so lucky for the simple pleasures of life. It is all almost too much to bear sometimes - the beauty of it. But here we are...and it is good.<br />
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<i>The End.</i><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55118614@N00/9487014069/" title="8-9-13-8 by Socalfelicity, on Flickr"><img alt="8-9-13-8" height="600" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3668/9487014069_fd5363f4ab_c.jpg" width="800" /></a>
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<img align="left" src="http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c376/socalfelicity/signature3-2.gif" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px;" />Erikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03863461381473308483noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-320710263364843875.post-62176030420780205222013-08-11T15:55:00.000-07:002013-08-18T00:13:47.313-07:00Snapshots Of A Week!<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55118614@N00/9444929435/" title="upload by Socalfelicity, on Flickr"><img alt="upload" height="612" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5508/9444929435_37fbe5dbb6_o.jpg" width="612" /></a><br />
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A few snapshots from our week!<br />
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First up, a lazy day spent at the park. We had the whole place to ourselves! Score!<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55118614@N00/9447697772/" title="Untitled by Socalfelicity, on Flickr"><img alt="Untitled" height="451" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7456/9447697772_f81430f587_c.jpg" width="800" /></a>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55118614@N00/9447875742/" title="upload by Socalfelicity, on Flickr"><img alt="upload" height="612" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5344/9447875742_5fd94820a0_o.jpg" width="612" /></a>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55118614@N00/9447888012/" title="upload by Socalfelicity, on Flickr"><img alt="upload" height="612" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2814/9447888012_32c86a1f37_o.jpg" width="612" /></a>
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Scenes from my evening strolls around the neighborhood. <br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55118614@N00/9446747985/" title="upload by Socalfelicity, on Flickr"><img alt="upload" height="612" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3732/9446747985_8dce6b76d8_o.jpg" width="612" /></a>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55118614@N00/9446752285/" title="upload by Socalfelicity, on Flickr"><img alt="upload" height="612" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3771/9446752285_c46ded3b45_o.jpg" width="612" /></a>
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Violet discovered the Lego bin this week and has been obsessed! Paprika played Legos with her quite a few times this week - but instead of building, Paprika takes the Lego pieces and makes them into characters in her plays. She has endless little stories of "the Lego people..."<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55118614@N00/9462142894/" title="upload by Socalfelicity, on Flickr"><img alt="upload" height="612" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7301/9462142894_2e5291fbc8_o.jpg" width="612" /></a>
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Violet loves to build. And tear things apart once they are built! Ha!<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55118614@N00/9462041300/" title="Legos...supervised, of course! ;) by Socalfelicity, on Flickr"><img alt="Legos...supervised, of course! ;)" height="612" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5536/9462041300_484d92d19c_o.jpg" width="612" /></a>
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Daily swim team practice. Paprika loves it like nobody's business:<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55118614@N00/9453676207/" title="upload by Socalfelicity, on Flickr"><img alt="upload" height="612" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3787/9453676207_8fa4090f34_o.jpg" width="612" /></a>
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The peanut gallery! ;-)<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55118614@N00/9456461908/" title="The cheering section... :-) by Socalfelicity, on Flickr"><img alt="The cheering section... :-)" height="612" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7429/9456461908_e1e4c6e55d_o.jpg" width="612" /></a>
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Violet and Ginger spend the hour of practice playing in the park, or dancing in the grass outside the pool. <br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55118614@N00/9453755575/" title="upload by Socalfelicity, on Flickr"><img alt="upload" height="612" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3833/9453755575_12c6d76bce_o.jpg" width="612" /></a>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55118614@N00/9456500688/" title="Waiting at swim practice... by Socalfelicity, on Flickr"><img alt="Waiting at swim practice..." height="612" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7435/9456500688_7592a2c775_o.jpg" width="612" /></a>
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Another day, another practice! ;-)<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55118614@N00/9470037574/" title="A girl and her shadow... by Socalfelicity, on Flickr"><img alt="A girl and her shadow..." height="612" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5533/9470037574_a0a867a782_o.jpg" width="612" /></a>
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Everyone else is doing freestyle, and Paprika is doing backstroke. Why? <i>Because it's so relaxing.</i> (That's what she said! Ha!)<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55118614@N00/9460649889/" title="My child would be the one doing backstroke. ;-) by Socalfelicity, on Flickr"><img alt="My child would be the one doing backstroke. ;-)" height="612" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7297/9460649889_5f7b46f898_o.jpg" width="612" /></a>
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Paprika ate a whole piece of watermelon on Thursday! It was her first time ever eating a slice of watermelon - and she said it was: <i>very feisty</i>!<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55118614@N00/9465418561/" title="Picky eater victory! First slice of watermelon ever. She says it tastes feisty. by Socalfelicity, on Flickr"><img alt="Picky eater victory! First slice of watermelon ever. She says it tastes feisty." height="612" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3742/9465418561_734c1bbc93_o.jpg" width="612" /></a><br />
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Violet on the swings while Paprika is at swim team practice. This girl is LIFE!<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55118614@N00/9460626273/" title="upload by Socalfelicity, on Flickr"><img alt="upload" height="612" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3706/9460626273_2dcf0e37b6_o.jpg" width="612" /></a>
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I never get tired of watching this scene. Always brings a smile to my face. <br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55118614@N00/9460552225/" title="upload by Socalfelicity, on Flickr"><img alt="upload" height="612" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2805/9460552225_cb044a63d4_o.jpg" width="612" /></a>
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<i>The End!</i><br />
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<img align="left" src="http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c376/socalfelicity/signature3-2.gif" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px;" />Erikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03863461381473308483noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-320710263364843875.post-80196283334143161092013-08-09T16:52:00.000-07:002013-08-09T16:58:08.496-07:00Happy 10 Years!<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55118614@N00/9476284568/" title="wedding by Socalfelicity, on Flickr"><img alt="wedding" height="600" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3782/9476284568_0ba2c089c8_o.jpg" width="400" /></a>
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Today is my 10 year wedding anniversary with Mr. M! I don't want to be too gushy, but I do want to say that being married to this amazing man has been the greatest gift of my life. He's the best person I've ever known, and I am humbled daily that I get to be his one and only...
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55118614@N00/3534914968/" title="nostalgia3 by Socalfelicity, on Flickr"><img alt="nostalgia3" height="427" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3193/3534914968_111741b9f1_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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We met during my first week on campus at USC when I was getting my MFA in Film (he was also an MFA student). Towards the end of our second date, I had to excuse myself for a moment to go in the bathroom and cry (just got a little teary) because I knew he was <i>The One</i>. Of course, he never knew that until much later! Haha!
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Sometimes I think we are like a butterfly - with two matching wings...meant to go together, and that's how we fly.
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55118614@N00/3534915158/" title="nostalgia5 by Socalfelicity, on Flickr"><img alt="nostalgia5" height="433" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2030/3534915158_ce1b150074_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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A few years ago, I wrote this post about our <a href="http://urthmama.blogspot.com/2010/11/step-into-time-machine.html">10 year anniversary of dating</a>!
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55118614@N00/5170682576/" title="2003 by Socalfelicity, on Flickr"><img alt="2003" height="436" src="http://farm5.staticflickr.com/4084/5170682576_901e42a35f_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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Needless to say, I feel so lucky. So lucky I can hardly talk about it. When you are with someone your soul recognizes as its match - it is overwhelming and so good.
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Every day we are together, I celebrate...
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55118614@N00/9391773206/" title="Untitled by Socalfelicity, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7325/9391773206_6569ffeb71_c.jpg" width="800" height="451" alt="Untitled"></a>
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<i>The End.</i>
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<img align="left" src="http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c376/socalfelicity/signature3-2.gif" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px;" />Erikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03863461381473308483noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-320710263364843875.post-42201143613747579282013-08-08T16:23:00.003-07:002013-08-08T16:23:30.331-07:00Magical Day At The Cove!<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55118614@N00/9442305056/" title="8-4-13-10 by Socalfelicity, on Flickr"><img alt="8-4-13-10" height="480" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7354/9442305056_1e42a78a16_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />
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On Sunday, we went to our favorite, sleepy little beach. It's a hike to get there and it's worth it! ;-)<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55118614@N00/9439520113/" title="8-4-13-11 by Socalfelicity, on Flickr"><img alt="8-4-13-11" height="600" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3734/9439520113_2bd735b064_c.jpg" width="800" /></a>
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Here are a few pictures from our fun day - I am so grateful for cameras. They <i>almost</i> capture the magic! :-)<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55118614@N00/9439519495/" title="8-4-13-12 by Socalfelicity, on Flickr"><img alt="8-4-13-12" height="600" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7419/9439519495_432d3955de_c.jpg" width="800" /></a>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55118614@N00/9442303506/" title="8-4-13-13 by Socalfelicity, on Flickr"><img alt="8-4-13-13" height="587" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5492/9442303506_75abf4c351_c.jpg" width="800" /></a>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55118614@N00/9439518329/" title="8-4-13-14 by Socalfelicity, on Flickr"><img alt="8-4-13-14" height="568" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7300/9439518329_658c1067dc_c.jpg" width="800" /></a>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55118614@N00/9439517451/" title="8-4-13-16 by Socalfelicity, on Flickr"><img alt="8-4-13-16" height="486" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3751/9439517451_23594798a7_c.jpg" width="800" /></a>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55118614@N00/9442302424/" title="8-4-13-15 by Socalfelicity, on Flickr"><img alt="8-4-13-15" height="499" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2844/9442302424_8a1211d7a0_c.jpg" width="800" /></a>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55118614@N00/9442301578/" title="8-4-13-17 by Socalfelicity, on Flickr"><img alt="8-4-13-17" height="495" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5541/9442301578_3b3e2d4bb6_c.jpg" width="800" /></a>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55118614@N00/9442305298/" title="8-4-13-9 by Socalfelicity, on Flickr"><img alt="8-4-13-9" height="535" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3832/9442305298_5002d5336c_c.jpg" width="800" /></a>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55118614@N00/9439516917/" title="8-4-13-18 by Socalfelicity, on Flickr"><img alt="8-4-13-18" height="507" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2852/9439516917_3a2ceb1045_c.jpg" width="800" /></a>
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<i>The End!</i><br />
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<img align="left" src="http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c376/socalfelicity/signature3-2.gif" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px;" />Erikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03863461381473308483noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-320710263364843875.post-18180793659549490932013-08-05T16:29:00.003-07:002013-08-05T16:49:01.994-07:00Grandma's Birthday!<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55118614@N00/9442307096/" title="8-4-13-6 by Socalfelicity, on Flickr"><img alt="8-4-13-6" height="547" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3749/9442307096_3fccaf1367_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />
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Grandma Pat came down from Santa Barbara on Saturday for her birthday! <br />
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She made homemade chocolate ice cream with Paprika:<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55118614@N00/9442306320/" title="8-4-13-7 by Socalfelicity, on Flickr"><img alt="8-4-13-7" height="800" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7337/9442306320_75553b79e1_c.jpg" width="550" /></a>
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And we all went to the Wilderness Park!<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55118614@N00/9442307916/" title="8-4-13-5 by Socalfelicity, on Flickr"><img alt="8-4-13-5" height="601" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3733/9442307916_d2e7dfb73b_c.jpg" width="800" /></a>
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Paprika fed the ducks. There was this one duck who would not leave Paprika alone. The duck followed her everywhere she went:<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55118614@N00/9442309194/" title="8-4-13-3 by Socalfelicity, on Flickr"><img alt="8-4-13-3" height="610" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5348/9442309194_43ef361e31_c.jpg" width="800" /></a>
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Hi friendly duck!<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55118614@N00/9439524099/" title="8-4-13-4 by Socalfelicity, on Flickr"><img alt="8-4-13-4" height="600" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3703/9439524099_f69a1071e6_c.jpg" width="800" /></a>
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Ginger was feeling grumpy, so I carried her on my back the whole time. I got quite the workout! Baby Violet rode in the Ergo for awhile, but wanted out asap, of course! So, shortly after this photo was taken, she was running through the park at full-speed:<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55118614@N00/9439525065/" title="8-4-13-2 by Socalfelicity, on Flickr"><img alt="8-4-13-2" height="584" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3692/9439525065_7bf1c99d63_c.jpg" width="800" /></a>
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That night, Mr. M and I had a short date after dinner. We went for a walk on the beach - we walked the Pier and saw a sea lion! It was fantastic. On the way home, we picked up two slices of cheesecake from the Cheesecake Factory - and we brought them home and split them 6 ways. It was more than enough!<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55118614@N00/9442310374/" title="8-4-13-1 by Socalfelicity, on Flickr"><img alt="8-4-13-1" height="568" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5345/9442310374_8820c6f111_c.jpg" width="800" /></a>
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So, this is a funny-ish story. I told Paprika and she wanted me to write it down!<br />
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Usually, we have guests sleep in the office/guest room. But in the past month or so, Baby Violet has claimed that as her own room! It's the only place she wants to fall asleep at night. <br />
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So, we decided Grandma Pat would sleep in Ginger's bed (bottom bunk of the big girls' room) - and Paprika would sleep on the top bunk, as usual. Ginger would sleep with me and Mr. M in our room, and Violet would sleep in the office.<br />
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<i>The best laid plans!</i><br />
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Violet did fall asleep in the office, and Ginger did fall asleep in my bed. But at 2 am, Violet came downstairs to sleep and that meant Mr. M had to move upstairs to the office, since there was no room in the bed since Ginger was occupying a spot. When he got out of bed, that woke up Ginger. When Ginger woke up, she wanted the lights on and started crying. So, I turned on the lights - which meant Violet would not go back to sleep. So, after an hour and a half of trying to get the girls to sleep, I went up and switched places with Mr. M in the office. He came back downstairs to sleep, and by that time Ginger had fallen back asleep. But then Violet woke up shortly afterwards, and came back up to the office to sleep, which woke me up! Then I got her back to sleep for an hour before she woke back up and went back downstairs and woke up Mr. M and Ginger! Then we were all awake for the day!<br />
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<i>And we were all just a little exhausted!</i> ;-) <br />
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I think next time we have guests I will sleep in the office with Violet - and possibly lock the door with us inside! ;-) Guests can sleep in the girls' room, and the big girls can have a slumber party downstairs. <br />
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I'll figure it out eventually - probably about the time everyone goes off to college! Ha!<br />
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Anyhoo- here is a sweet photo of Paprika reading to Grandma Pat before bedtime. It was one of Paprika's favorite new books - <i>Owl at Home</i> by Arnold Lobel. (An oldie but goodie!)<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55118614@N00/9439521611/" title="8-4-13-8 by Socalfelicity, on Flickr"><img alt="8-4-13-8" height="543" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5515/9439521611_1acbe432c5_c.jpg" width="800" /></a>
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<i>The End!</i><br />
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<img align="left" src="http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c376/socalfelicity/signature3-2.gif" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px;" />Erikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03863461381473308483noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-320710263364843875.post-35913413486895404212013-08-02T17:37:00.002-07:002013-08-02T17:42:50.104-07:00Weekly Wrap-Up!<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55118614@N00/9423124859/" title="8-2-13-2 by Socalfelicity, on Flickr"><img alt="8-2-13-2" height="534" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3715/9423124859_e5abc59e46_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />
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It's the Weekend! Well,<i> almost</i>...I'm counting the hours until Mr. M comes home from work. Right now he's working on<i> Top Gear </i>(the TV show) - and has his weekends (Saturday/Sunday) mostly off work. But in a few weeks, he'll start back on <i>Dancing With The Stars</i>, and then our "weekends" will be Monday/Tuesday. He also has a few side shows he works on from time-to-time and sometimes movies, so the schedule is anything but predictable.<br />
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That is one of the reasons I am so glad we are homeschooling! We can be much more flexible and adapt as a family to ever-changing work schedules! ;-)<br />
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The BIG thing I did today was un-enroll Ginger from Preschool for the Fall! It felt like taking a big leap - even though it was just a phone call. We lost our deposit (boo!) - but more than that, it was one of the first decisive steps I've taken down this homeschool path. It felt a little like the point of no return (even though I know it's not!)<br />
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<a href="http://urthmama.blogspot.com/2013/07/sweet-ginger.html" target="_blank">Here is a post I wrote last week about why we are homeschooling Ginger</a>...<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55118614@N00/9423125663/" title="8-2-13-1 by Socalfelicity, on Flickr"><img alt="8-2-13-1" height="484" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3709/9423125663_198efa7b3b_c.jpg" width="800" /></a>
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Baby Violet's vocabulary is exploding! Usually I like to make the Green Juice myself - but today she ran up to me and kept saying: <i>Help! Me Help! </i><br />
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So, I couldn't resist!<br />
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Today marks ONE WEEK since I quit Coke for a year. <a href="http://urthmama.blogspot.com/2013/07/breaking-up-with-coke.html" target="_blank">Here is the post I wrote earlier this week about breaking up with Coke. </a> Overall, I am still really craving it and not in a happy place about having Coke out of my life. But, I'll get through it. I've done harder things before...<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55118614@N00/9422424789/" title="Start 'em young... by Socalfelicity, on Flickr"><img alt="Start 'em young..." height="612" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5537/9422424789_0fdd8a7d5f_o.jpg" width="612" /></a>
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One thing I've been trying that's new this week is to take a short walk right when Mr. M gets home from work. The girls get SO EXCITED to see him when he comes home. I am usually at the end of a frayed rope by then - and ready for a moment of peace. He usually gets home from work at 8pm or later, and by that time I just need a break!<br />
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A few times this week, I've grabbed my jacket and gone for a quick walk around the block (or farther) - even just 10 minutes gives me time to clear my head, and gives him time to connect with the girls. Then when I come back, I feel refreshed, and I feel in a much better head space to get back to work! ;-)<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55118614@N00/9425917436/" title="8-2-13-3 by Socalfelicity, on Flickr"><img alt="8-2-13-3" height="800" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7355/9425917436_67876e45c5_c.jpg" width="766" /></a>
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Another thing I've done this week more than most is just stop to breathe and notice moments like this one. Sometimes when I feel like I have to rush or we "have" to do this or that subject (Math) - I will look over and see the girls playing and just let them play! There is always time for school, but moments like these are fleeting and precious:<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55118614@N00/9423150547/" title="8-2-13-4 by Socalfelicity, on Flickr"><img alt="8-2-13-4" height="800" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7441/9423150547_5bbf1fd6ce_c.jpg" width="644" /></a>
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Another thing I've been working on is to let creative play happen and not worry about the mess! On this night, Mr. M had taken Paprika to work with him (he was editing the <i>Kris Jenner</i> show) - and I was home with Ginger and Violet. They wanted to make a fort out of the dining room table, and I let them stay up way too late. But oh, what fun they had! <br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55118614@N00/9425916510/" title="8-2-13-5 by Socalfelicity, on Flickr"><img alt="8-2-13-5" height="538" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3747/9425916510_25d3fe21da_c.jpg" width="800" /></a>
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So, that's my big take-away from this week. <i> More breathing, more fun, more noticing, and less shoulds and have-to's. ;-)</i><br />
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I'm linking up this week with:<br />
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<a href="http://www.weirdunsocializedhomeschoolers.com/weekly-wrap-up/" target="new"><img alt="" size="125" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v506/kbmomto3/weeklywrapup125.png" /></a>
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<img align="left" src="http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c376/socalfelicity/signature3-2.gif" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px;" />Erikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03863461381473308483noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-320710263364843875.post-27191320193352869842013-08-02T01:08:00.003-07:002013-08-02T01:08:39.847-07:00Odds and Ends!<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55118614@N00/9410692169/" title="upload by Socalfelicity, on Flickr"><img alt="upload" height="612" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3751/9410692169_12bd75e09c_o.jpg" width="612" /></a><br />
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Wednesday and Thursday - lots of trips to the park.<br />
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Swim team practice for Paprika:<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55118614@N00/9413273170/" title="Goofing off at swim team... by Socalfelicity, on Flickr"><img alt="Goofing off at swim team..." height="612" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3716/9413273170_c415ff3782_o.jpg" width="612" /></a>
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Ginger, Violet, and I did a lot of waiting around at Swim Team Practice. ;-)<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55118614@N00/9413444770/" title="upload by Socalfelicity, on Flickr"><img alt="upload" height="612" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3825/9413444770_c00e745e4b_o.jpg" width="612" /></a>
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But not a dull moment with this duo. They had a great time dancing in the grass, playing Ring Around the Rosie, chasing one another in a good game of tag...<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55118614@N00/9410697355/" title="upload by Socalfelicity, on Flickr"><img alt="upload" height="612" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7443/9410697355_bd6151962a_o.jpg" width="612" /></a>
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And exploring together, hand in hand:<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55118614@N00/9410708697/" title="upload by Socalfelicity, on Flickr"><img alt="upload" height="612" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5340/9410708697_b4f0d7656b_o.jpg" width="612" /></a>
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Ginger sleeping. Watching her sleep never gets old (to me!):<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55118614@N00/9418088688/" title="Opposite of birth control... by Socalfelicity, on Flickr"><img alt="..." height="612" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5447/9418088688_fe86592b64_o.jpg" width="612" /></a>
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Park Day Thursday. We played a whole lot of Hide and Go Seek. Then when we were done, we played Hide The Shoe (one person hides their shoe and we all look for it).<br />
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When we were playing Hide and Seek, Paprika kept shouting out clues from her hiding spot. Then when I would go to find the girls, they would sneak to a new hiding spot - and then shout out clues for me to find them. At one point, Paprika hid behind a rock climbing wall, and she yelled out: I'm behind the <i>Oblique Line Segment Climbing Wall!</i><br />
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I had to laugh because she was studying oblique line segments last week in Math - and yes, when I looked at it - it did look like an oblique line segment...and also an inclined plane (but we're not studying physics yet!) ;-)<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55118614@N00/9415783001/" title="Love summer! by Socalfelicity, on Flickr"><img alt="Love summer!" height="612" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7295/9415783001_6e9eef36ff_o.jpg" width="612" /></a>
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Violet <i>always</i> gives up the hiding places during Hide and Go Seek. She's supposed to be hiding, but instead, she'll go over to whoever is seeking and "help" them find the hider by pointing and running to the spot. Haha!<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55118614@N00/9418560380/" title="upload by Socalfelicity, on Flickr"><img alt="upload" height="612" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3820/9418560380_73e0452b78_o.jpg" width="612" /></a>
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Paprika has had the same clothes forever! Some of these dresses she's been wearing since we moved here three and a half years ago - so, since she was 3! I'm doing a lot of capris and shorts underneath, and well - she loves them...so I guess you could say we got our money's worth! ;-)<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55118614@N00/9415969785/" title="upload by Socalfelicity, on Flickr"><img alt="upload" height="612" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7368/9415969785_fff00bef73_o.jpg" width="612" /></a>
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This is currently Ginger's favorite dress. You might notice that she wears it every single day. She never wants to take it off! Which is fine by me since a year ago I couldn't get her to wear clothes at all!<br />
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Ginger's style is different from Paprika's. I always thought I would pass clothes down to Ginger from Paprika, and some I can - but Ginger really has her own taste. She is pretty stylish, this one. She loves super girly dresses and all things frou frou. And leopard print. <i>Lots of leopard print! </i><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55118614@N00/9415799931/" title="upload by Socalfelicity, on Flickr"><img alt="upload" height="612" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5446/9415799931_fef1fa7e9c_o.jpg" width="612" /></a>
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Paprika has been working with Ginger on her reading and her math. If I give Ginger the choice to work on reading or to work on math, she will always choose math. <i>Always!</i> But, of course, Paprika will <i>always</i> choose reading. So, they make a great pair because they end up switching off and working on both together - and they both end up happy and learning something. Ginger has been watching Paprika do her 3rd Grade Math Lessons and is catching on. <i>Oh boy!</i><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55118614@N00/9419101876/" title="upload by Socalfelicity, on Flickr"><img alt="upload" height="612" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7416/9419101876_1ecb6374c3_o.jpg" width="612" /></a>
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And, today (Friday) marks ONE WEEK without Coke! Thanks for all the sweet comments and messages about that - I had to laugh and it made me feel good to know I'm not alone in this craziness! I am still craving a Coke (badly) - but I hope that it will get better. It WILL get better, right?!!!<br />
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<i>The End.</i><br />
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<img align="left" src="http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c376/socalfelicity/signature3-2.gif" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px;" />Erikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03863461381473308483noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-320710263364843875.post-44111572645660106812013-07-31T17:29:00.000-07:002013-07-31T17:33:52.748-07:00Breaking Up With Coke!<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55118614@N00/9404677680/" title="This girl... by Socalfelicity, on Flickr"><img alt="This girl..." height="612" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3738/9404677680_d7726e510a_o.jpg" width="612" /></a><br />
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I guess one of my dirty little secrets is that I <i>love</i> Coke! (The beverage...people!) I <i>love</i> it - I think about it every day, I<i> live</i> to drink it. When I was in my early 20s, I drank about 4 liters of Diet Coke/day (not joking). <br />
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My dad once said: <i>Who needs water when you've got Diet Pepsi?</i> ;-) So, clearly, I got my<i> pop</i> addiction from my <i>Pop</i>. ;-)<br />
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Anyway - as some of you know - I have not had aspartame (or any artificial sweetener) since 2005. But when I quit Diet Coke for good, I switched to regular. And I don't discriminate - I love the bottle, the can, the fountain, and the Mexican.... <br />
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And <i>many</i> times I have tried to quit - and I have for awhile. But it's never stuck. I am literally physically and psychologically addicted. I don't want tea. I don't want a glass of wine. I just want a Coke!<br />
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I've heard Coke called <i>The Black Death</i> and <i>Liquid Poison</i> and even <i>Sewer Water</i> (that's Mr. M's special name for it)...but do you know what I call it? <i>Yummy!</i><br />
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Anyhoo- Mr. M and I have a little bet going that I can't quit Coke for a YEAR. A year?!!! I am on Day 6 (last Friday was Day 1). <i> 359 DAYS TO GO! </i><br />
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I'm lethargic, my head is pounding, and if I close my eyes, I can imagine <i>everything </i>about it. But then I open my eyes and poof! it's not real. <br />
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To perk myself up, I've been making Green Juice. I was saving the fruit for the girls, so this is just veggies and it tastes like bark. I wanted to pour a packet of sugar into this afterwards (but I didn't). Do you know what would go really well with this? That's right...a Coke! ;-)<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55118614@N00/9405166988/" title="upload by Socalfelicity, on Flickr"><img alt="upload" height="612" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3711/9405166988_226af1e2a4_o.jpg" width="612" /></a>
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This is Paprika yesterday at Swim Team Practice. <br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55118614@N00/9403639545/" title="Swim team practice... by Socalfelicity, on Flickr"><img alt="Swim team practice..." height="612" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5547/9403639545_231cae7f08_o.jpg" width="612" /></a>
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While she was at practice, the little girls and I explored the park. First the butterfly garden:<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55118614@N00/9403628949/" title="upload by Socalfelicity, on Flickr"><img alt="upload" height="612" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3675/9403628949_f780c0a14d_o.jpg" width="612" /></a>
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Then down to the pond:<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55118614@N00/9403624047/" title="upload by Socalfelicity, on Flickr"><img alt="upload" height="612" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2812/9403624047_4207a9fb50_o.jpg" width="612" /></a>
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Violet wanted to jump into the water to pet these ducks:<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55118614@N00/9403613313/" title="Untitled by Socalfelicity, on Flickr"><img alt="Untitled" height="451" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7344/9403613313_9d5a7aa657_c.jpg" width="800" /></a>
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These girls ran me all over the park and I literally wanted to find a vending machine and chug a Coke. <i>But I did not!</i> Little victories! ;-)<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55118614@N00/9403611179/" title="Untitled by Socalfelicity, on Flickr"><img alt="Untitled" height="451" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3741/9403611179_cabe4a8921_c.jpg" width="800" /></a>
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<img align="left" src="http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c376/socalfelicity/signature3-2.gif" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px;" />Erikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03863461381473308483noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-320710263364843875.post-53704094921786154532013-07-30T10:43:00.001-07:002013-07-30T12:29:20.955-07:00Lately...<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55118614@N00/9389001539/" title="Untitled by Socalfelicity, on Flickr"><img alt="Untitled" height="451" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2857/9389001539_023e7e71d9_c.jpg" width="800" /></a>
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Friday night the big girls (Ginger and Paprika) had a little slumber party. They stayed up ALL night, I think! ;-) Okay, well probably just until 3am! They read books, sang songs, and snuggled together in Paprika's top bunk. I could hear their conversation through the door - it was so precious. At about 2am, I decided that some sleep was in order. I had a library copy of Swan Lake by Maestro Classics, so I put that on and they eventually fell asleep listening to it (even though I think Paprika chatted through the whole thing!)
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55118614@N00/9371585473/" title="7-25-13-4 by Socalfelicity, on Flickr"><img alt="7-25-13-4" height="800" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3786/9371585473_266937f681_c.jpg" width="535" /></a><br />
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When they woke up the next morning, they said it was the BEST night ever! Ha!
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55118614@N00/9391773206/" title="Untitled by Socalfelicity, on Flickr"><img alt="Untitled" height="451" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7325/9391773206_6569ffeb71_c.jpg" width="800" /></a>
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Saturday night...DATE NIGHT = GREAT NIGHT! <br />
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Mr. M and I went down to the beach at sunset and went for a long walk. I never get tired of that! Afterwards, we went for Thai Food and I ordered TWO Thai Iced Teas. Living on the edge! ;-)<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55118614@N00/9390314098/" title="upload by Socalfelicity, on Flickr"><img alt="upload" height="612" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2866/9390314098_fab6e7e7f8_o.jpg" width="612" /></a>
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There was hardly anyone at the beach - I love how calm and peaceful it is after everyone goes home for the day! :-)<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55118614@N00/9387533787/" title="upload by Socalfelicity, on Flickr"><img alt="upload" height="612" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7332/9387533787_c21f6704c7_o.jpg" width="612" /></a>
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Little tickle-fest with Baby Violet. She is so much fun at this age - exhausting (yes!) - but so much fun!<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55118614@N00/9390324590/" title="upload by Socalfelicity, on Flickr"><img alt="upload" height="612" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2885/9390324590_b542049d0f_o.jpg" width="612" /></a>
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One of my favorite sights - her napping! Haha. I love to sit next to her and watch her sleep. Never gets old...<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55118614@N00/9387554843/" title="upload by Socalfelicity, on Flickr"><img alt="upload" height="612" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3803/9387554843_bd0c803fc6_o.jpg" width="612" /></a>
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On Sunday, Mr. M had to work and Paprika wanted to go with him - just like last week. So, she got to go - and she watched him edit the show (the appropriate parts), and even got to help choose music cues. Does it get any better than that?! The only downside was that they didn't get home until about 2am on Monday morning, so Paprika was a little tired on Monday. But she was fine - she had piano lessons and did great. I don't know how she gets her energy!<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55118614@N00/9394904337/" title="Untitled by Socalfelicity, on Flickr"><img alt="Untitled" height="800" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5322/9394904337_409270622f_c.jpg" width="451" /></a>
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Monday we spent the afternoon at the park. Ginger was my sidekick and stayed by my side the whole time. Violet ran everywhere (the park is totally fenced, thank goodness). The whole time, I was counting children: 1, 2, 3. Check! 1, 2, 3. Check! <br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55118614@N00/9398378702/" title="upload by Socalfelicity, on Flickr"><img alt="upload" height="612" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5531/9398378702_3cf84d48ee_o.jpg" width="612" /></a>
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Paprika made lots of sandcastles and moats. She transported water on her head like this (I had to giggle):<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55118614@N00/9398384570/" title="upload by Socalfelicity, on Flickr"><img alt="upload" height="612" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3691/9398384570_c65a0c9340_o.jpg" width="612" /></a>
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And that's what we've been up to lately!<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55118614@N00/9395627631/" title="Dancing in the sunshine... by Socalfelicity, on Flickr"><img alt="Dancing in the sunshine..." height="612" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7316/9395627631_fd3043f463_o.jpg" width="612" /></a>
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<img align="left" src="http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c376/socalfelicity/signature3-2.gif" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px;" />Erikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03863461381473308483noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-320710263364843875.post-69894934823993799732013-07-29T16:58:00.002-07:002013-07-29T17:14:55.529-07:00Sweet Ginger!<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55118614@N00/9080060246/" title="Beach day with the birthday girl! :-) by Socalfelicity, on Flickr"><img alt="Beach day with the birthday girl! :-)" height="612" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7400/9080060246_d8ff314824_o.jpg" width="612" /></a><br />
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One of the questions I've been getting most often since <a href="http://urthmama.blogspot.com/2013/07/thre-are-ships-that-sail-decision-to.html" target="_blank">I announced we are pulling Paprika out of public school in the Fall and homeschooling her</a> is whether or not we'll also homeschool Ginger (and then Violet!)<br />
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The short answer is: Yes, we will most likely homeschool them all <i>IF</i> they want to be homeschooled!<br />
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I have no idea what things will look like a year or two from now - let alone five years from now! So, I just can't say that we will homeschool forever - but so far, things are looking like that's what's going to happen.<br />
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Before we made this decision, I had enrolled Ginger in preschool for the Fall. It's a great preschool (the same one Paprika attended) and we were very lucky to get a spot! But the more I talked to Ginger about it, the more I realized that she does not want to go...at all. Plus, it's a co-op, so I would have to find someone to babysit Paprika and Violet while I had my weekly work-day. Plus, it would also mean we'd lose almost all the flexibility to our schedule that homeschooling allows us. Homeschooling is a big plus for us, given Mr. M's unconventional work schedule.<br />
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Anyhoo- with all that in mind, I've decided to start Ginger (who just turned 4) in homeschooling Kindergarten this Fall. She is MORE than ready to do kindergarten work - so it makes sense. We are all very excited about this (most of all Ginger!)<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55118614@N00/9086991433/" title="6-19-13-19 by Socalfelicity, on Flickr"><img alt="6-19-13-19" height="534" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5347/9086991433_cd81b23dfc_c.jpg" width="800" /></a>
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Teaching Ginger is about the exact opposite of teaching Paprika! Their learning styles and interests are polar opposite!<br />
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Ginger loves math and numbers. She can read well, although she'd never tell you that. She loves computer games that involve spatial understanding and complex thinking. She builds amazing worlds in Minecraft and can complete advanced problem solving in Portal.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55118614@N00/9308780625/" title="Dancing girl... by Socalfelicity, on Flickr"><img alt="Dancing girl..." height="612" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7336/9308780625_6c96f29ddc_o.jpg" width="612" /></a>
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She knows how to add, subtract, and multiply. I have a cd that I've played a few times in the car about multiplication (Multiplication Mountain by Hap Palmer). I bought it to help Paprika learn her multiplication tables. Anyway - Ginger always <i>protests greatly</i> when I play that cd. ;-)<br />
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But then after only playing it about two or three times, we were waiting around in the parking lot of piano lessons...and I noticed I had a bunch of change in the cupholder. So, I offered whoever could answer my multiplication problems first a penny for every one they got right.<br />
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Ginger, with a twinkle in her eye, yelled out every single multiplication answer a split second after I asked the question (she was 3 years old at the time). I went through probably 30 questions before Paprika started crying and asked us to stop! I felt horrible about that. (Later I took Paprika aside in private and we played the game just the two of us - so it ended up being fine).<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55118614@N00/9190013336/" title="upload by Socalfelicity, on Flickr"><img alt="upload" height="612" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5518/9190013336_95471ca6a0_o.jpg" width="612" /></a>
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Ginger is very reserved and private. She is incredibly head-strong and has an iron will. Seriously, an IRON WILL. If she doesn't want to do something, you cannot make her do it. No bribe or incentive or punishment will work - she has to decide to do something for herself. And then once she decides, watch out because nothing can stop her! ;-)<br />
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On the other side, she is fiercely loyal and tender. She cares about people and animals deeply. She remembers everything. She appears very strong on the outside and will defend herself and others from outsiders, but she is quite sensitive and does not take any criticism well.<br />
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It takes awhile to gain her trust, but once you have gained her trust, she will fight to the end of time for you.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55118614@N00/9252162354/" title="7-9-13-5 by Socalfelicity, on Flickr"><img alt="7-9-13-5" height="600" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2863/9252162354_4d2b9f972d_c.jpg" width="800" /></a>
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I have wanted to start Ginger in piano lessons, swimming, gymnastics...a whole host of things. But bottom line, she will not learn from someone she doesn't trust!<br />
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In fact, her learning style is to figure out something on her own and then show you once she has perfected it. She does not like to show weakness, and she is quite the perfectionist. <br />
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She learns quickly and then will test the wrong answers just for fun. ;-) Whenever we do reading or math games together on the iPad, she will look at me and say: <i>Well, we already know what the right answer is...what do you think will happen if we choose the wrong one? That looks like more fun!</i><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55118614@N00/9189998176/" title="upload by Socalfelicity, on Flickr"><img alt="upload" height="612" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7298/9189998176_fe38d41fb0_o.jpg" width="612" /></a>
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So, all this leads me to why we are going to start homeschooling Ginger. She has made it abundantly clear time and time again that she needs to trust her teacher completely - and she needs to have the room to explore and learn on her own. <br />
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We're working on reading, math, writing, and Spanish - and also I am going to throw in a few extra topics like computer programming and chess...just because I think she would LOVE that! :-)<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55118614@N00/9320532019/" title="Clear eyes, full hearts, can't lose... by Socalfelicity, on Flickr"><img alt="Clear eyes, full hearts, can't lose..." height="612" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3706/9320532019_c1c732471f_o.jpg" width="612" /></a><br />
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<i>The End!</i><br />
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<img align="left" src="http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c376/socalfelicity/signature3-2.gif" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px;" />Erikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03863461381473308483noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-320710263364843875.post-71657253621353793042013-07-26T17:03:00.007-07:002013-07-29T17:15:30.435-07:00Oh What A Week! Part Two!***This is Part Two. <a href="http://urthmama.blogspot.com/2013/07/oh-what-week-part-one.html" target="_blank">Read Part One Here!</a> *****<br />
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Wednesday trip to the park. Sister love!<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55118614@N00/9358509047/" title="upload by Socalfelicity, on Flickr"><img alt="upload" height="612" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3813/9358509047_0e24f60c97_o.jpg" width="612" /></a>
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Violet loves putting in hair bows and posing. Seriously - posing! She cracks me up - where in the world does she get this? I did not teach her...promise!<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55118614@N00/9361729350/" title="7-24-13-4 by Socalfelicity, on Flickr"><img alt="7-24-13-4" height="800" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5528/9361729350_70f151b78b_c.jpg" width="563" /></a>
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Ginger dancing while Paprika plays piano:<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55118614@N00/9358950089/" title="7-24-13-5 by Socalfelicity, on Flickr"><img alt="7-24-13-5" height="766" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3743/9358950089_5ec6e7f84e_c.jpg" width="800" /></a>
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Nothing cooler than mom's sunglasses!<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55118614@N00/9362042198/" title="upload by Socalfelicity, on Flickr"><img alt="upload" height="612" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3710/9362042198_d2d283333d_o.jpg" width="612" /></a>
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Thursday we stayed home all day long. I kept trying to get out of the house, but every time I tried to leave, I was thwarted! It was a comedy of errors.<br />
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Anyhoo - the girls had a great time playing in the backyard and didn't seem to mind staying home one bit!<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55118614@N00/9374361898/" title="7-25-13-3 by Socalfelicity, on Flickr"><img alt="7-25-13-3" height="800" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2831/9374361898_cfec18394e_c.jpg" width="576" /></a>
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Best friends and sisters - these two always make me smile!<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55118614@N00/9371585473/" title="7-25-13-4 by Socalfelicity, on Flickr"><img alt="7-25-13-4" height="800" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3786/9371585473_266937f681_c.jpg" width="535" /></a>
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My favorite moment of the whole week is this moment right here! The girls were playing in the backyard with their shoes on - and Ginger was wearing these pseudo-Crocs (not really Crocs, but I got them because they are cute - but I didn't realize they'd make her feet bleed!)<br />
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So, Ginger came in the house crying because her feet were bleeding (they really were - it looked so painful). And before I could do anything (I was taking care of Violet at the moment!)- Paprika swooped in and did her magic.<br />
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She got an icepack out of the freezer, a wet paper towel, a washcloth, some neosporin from the high medicine cabinet (she stood on a chair and climbed to the top of the dryer), and also some bandaids. Before I could turn around, I walked into this scene. Miss Florence Nightingale herself! ;-)<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55118614@N00/9371588791/" title="7-25-13-1 by Socalfelicity, on Flickr"><img alt="7-25-13-1" height="534" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7395/9371588791_7f558c520f_c.jpg" width="800" /></a>
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After a few moments, everything was all better! <br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55118614@N00/9374360208/" title="7-25-13-5 by Socalfelicity, on Flickr"><img alt="7-25-13-5" height="534" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7413/9374360208_96ebac151a_c.jpg" width="800" /></a>
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As if nothing had happened!<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55118614@N00/9371583485/" title="7-25-13-6 by Socalfelicity, on Flickr"><img alt="7-25-13-6" height="534" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3675/9371583485_dc9ff9dc4d_c.jpg" width="800" /></a>
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Don't you just love that about childhood?<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55118614@N00/9371582295/" title="7-25-13-7 by Socalfelicity, on Flickr"><img alt="7-25-13-7" height="534" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7371/9371582295_7f6395e6e1_c.jpg" width="800" /></a>
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Then, today (Friday) - we went to the Wilderness Park.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55118614@N00/9374356842/" title="7-26-13-1 by Socalfelicity, on Flickr"><img alt="7-26-13-1" height="600" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5494/9374356842_ec6a31e367_c.jpg" width="800" /></a>
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I know it doesn't look like anyone else was there because I artfully framed everyone out of the picture who was not related to me. But let me tell you, it was a ZOO. We arrived seconds after a daycamp of probably 150 kids (and three counselors - ha!) showed up. There was also some kind of family reunion of 50 or so people - who literally followed us through the park. I kept trying to go the opposite way, and yet YET - they were always magically there! And then, there were the regular summer park-goers, too. I was like: <i>I'm ready for y'all to go back to school now because 'come Fall when I'm homeschooling, this park is MINE!</i> ;-)<br />
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Anyhoo- Paprika picked up this yellow leaf and actually said: <i>This yellow leaf represents peace and tranquility. Be still, says the leaf.</i><br />
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She started meditating right there - and was so Zen about the whole thing. <br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55118614@N00/9371580699/" title="7-26-13-2 by Socalfelicity, on Flickr"><img alt="7-26-13-2" height="600" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7353/9371580699_a417738376_c.jpg" width="800" /></a>
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We pressed on and saw all sorts of things. But at one point, we came upon a hive of bees and they literally started swarming my head! I had Violet on my back in the Ergo and started running and swatting my head and in general looking like a mad-worman. They would not leave! We got down to the pond, and finally I got them off of me, but then there were like ninety people just hanging out down at the pond and I couldn't find Ginger or Paprika!<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55118614@N00/9371580275/" title="7-26-13-3 by Socalfelicity, on Flickr"><img alt="7-26-13-3" height="600" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7366/9371580275_2655fb42e1_c.jpg" width="800" /></a>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55118614@N00/9371578445/" title="7-26-13-6 by Socalfelicity, on Flickr"><img alt="7-26-13-6" height="600" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5466/9371578445_08d052b568_c.jpg" width="800" /></a>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55118614@N00/9374354736/" title="7-26-13-4 by Socalfelicity, on Flickr"><img alt="7-26-13-4" height="582" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2814/9374354736_f8c1487506_c.jpg" width="800" /></a>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55118614@N00/9374354520/" title="7-26-13-5 by Socalfelicity, on Flickr"><img alt="7-26-13-5" height="600" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5545/9374354520_6b676d339c_c.jpg" width="800" /></a>
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So, anyhoo- after I found everyone, I said: Let's get back in the van and go home and eat ice cream. ;-)<br />
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And everyone shouted: Horray! <br />
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So, we went back to the van and I closed the doors and put the air-conditioning on high and turned the music up for the girls and I was like: THIS is the peace and quiet I was seeking at the wilderness park! <br />
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<i>All's Well That Ends Well, right?!</i><br />
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<i>Have A Great Weekend! </i><br />
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<i>The End!</i><br />
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<img align="left" src="http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c376/socalfelicity/signature3-2.gif" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px;" />Erikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03863461381473308483noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-320710263364843875.post-37875878439373966952013-07-26T16:40:00.005-07:002013-07-26T17:25:40.955-07:00Oh What A Week! Part One!<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55118614@N00/9374412120/" title="7-24-13-2 by Socalfelicity, on Flickr"><img alt="7-24-13-2" height="563" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7416/9374412120_081d1b054f_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />
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Sometimes - okay, <i>many times</i> - I feel like all I do is the same thing every single day...clean up, feed people, change diapers, bathe people, get people to sleep, and did I mention clean up? Hahahaha.<br />
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But, then I look back at the week - and I am reminded of all the <i>living</i> we did in between those moments of survival. It encourages me that what I am doing has meaning...and that hopefully we are making some great memories together. <br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55118614@N00/9371637779/" title="7-24-13-1 by Socalfelicity, on Flickr"><img alt="7-24-13-1" height="573" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3756/9371637779_6d1a85a679_c.jpg" width="800" /></a>
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These snapshots make me happy and encourage me to keep focusing on the big picture. I hope they encourage you, too!<br />
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Paprika barefoot in the park! I remember not too long ago when she wouldn't even let grass touch her feet. Little victory! ;-)<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55118614@N00/9374411548/" title="7-24-13-3 by Socalfelicity, on Flickr"><img alt="7-24-13-3" height="492" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3764/9374411548_133c275280_c.jpg" width="800" /></a>
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Mr. M got a phone call to work on a big budget studio feature film on Saturday. He couldn't say no - so he left early on Saturday and I was hoping he would be home in time for our date night (I had already reserved Miss Christina to babysit).<br />
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He texted me at 7:30 (about half an hour before Miss Christina was set to arrive) saying he wouldn't be home until 1am or later. By then, it was too late to cancel Christina (plus the girls were so excited to see her). It was also too late for me to make plans with anyone else. So, I went to the beach by myself! <br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55118614@N00/9332582558/" title="upload by Socalfelicity, on Flickr"><img alt="upload" height="612" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3822/9332582558_8ba565bb42_o.jpg" width="612" /></a>
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There was hardly anyone there - it was so peaceful and serene!<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55118614@N00/9332884262/" title="My date stood me up last minute due to work...but I already had the babysitter...so date night with myself. Peace and quiet! by Socalfelicity, on Flickr"><img alt="My date stood me up last minute due to work...but I already had the babysitter...so date night with myself. Peace and quiet!" height="612" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3821/9332884262_9640835343_o.jpg" width="612" /></a>
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I loved walking and looking at all the beachfront houses and listening to the waves crash on the shore.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55118614@N00/9330288399/" title="Untitled by Socalfelicity, on Flickr"><img alt="Untitled" height="451" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7323/9330288399_b0b24ffdde_c.jpg" width="800" /></a>
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Then, I went to Chipotle and it was a real lonely hearts club there! Man! I got my food and found a sweet little spot in the corner and read books on the Kindle app on my phone. I also brought earplugs so I wouldn't have to listen to anyone else's chatter. It was bliss!<br />
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The next day (Sunday), we went in search of Jessie from Toy Story. Violet loves the Woody and Jessie dolls, and she searched low and high for this little dollie (who I'm so glad I didn't donate to Goodwill!)<br />
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So, anyway- this was a big moment! Ha!<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55118614@N00/9328120153/" title="We found Jessie! by Socalfelicity, on Flickr"><img alt="We found Jessie!" height="612" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3706/9328120153_c7e944bf62_o.jpg" width="612" /></a>
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Girls dancing in the living room - daily scene in our house:<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55118614@N00/9330286911/" title="Untitled by Socalfelicity, on Flickr"><img alt="Untitled" height="451" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7448/9330286911_5e461c0d5a_c.jpg" width="800" /></a>
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Trip to the Seahorse Park (as Ginger calls it). Always a good time!<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55118614@N00/9351284809/" title="Untitled by Socalfelicity, on Flickr"><img alt="Untitled" height="451" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3732/9351284809_cdb454517c_c.jpg" width="800" /></a>
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Mr. M had to work on Sunday and he took Paprika to work with him. She was so excited to go - but she didn't realize that she'd be there until 3am! So - yea, she was a little tired when she got home. And I actually do mean - just a <i>little</i> tired! She still asked if she could read a few books before she fell asleep. Ha!<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55118614@N00/9361787718/" title="Untitled by Socalfelicity, on Flickr"><img alt="Untitled" height="451" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5348/9361787718_33430e7e70_c.jpg" width="800" /></a>
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Monday night piano lesson with Paprika's new teacher.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55118614@N00/9348982162/" title="Piano time! by Socalfelicity, on Flickr"><img alt="Piano time!" height="612" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3738/9348982162_2a5c09847f_o.jpg" width="612" /></a>
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Paprika fooling around after the lesson:<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55118614@N00/9354060736/" title="Untitled by Socalfelicity, on Flickr"><img alt="Untitled" height="800" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7437/9354060736_3ff3a79e2f_c.jpg" width="451" /></a>
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Quick pic of Daisy - who is the best and smartest dog ever! <i> Seriously.</i> I let her sit next to me on the couch - <i>Mr. M says NO dogs on the couch!</i> - but I am trying to win Daisy over because no matter what I do, she likes Mr. M just a little bit more than me. I think it's some alpha-male thing...but anyway, I will win her over to my side...one couch privilege at a time. ;-)<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55118614@N00/9351474425/" title="Dog days of summer... by Socalfelicity, on Flickr"><img alt="Dog days of summer..." height="612" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3800/9351474425_c39539c43b_o.jpg" width="612" /></a>
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Tuesday - girls at the park (again!) They all dressed themselves! Love that! <br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55118614@N00/9358901989/" title="7-22-13-1 by Socalfelicity, on Flickr"><img alt="7-22-13-1" height="566" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2807/9358901989_9f6df7593d_c.jpg" width="800" /></a>
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And that gets me through Tuesday! Haha. I'm going to break this up into two posts because it's getting SO LONG with pictures. More to come, soon! :-)<br />
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<img align="left" src="http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c376/socalfelicity/signature3-2.gif" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px;" />Erikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03863461381473308483noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-320710263364843875.post-76628950972661194182013-07-25T17:42:00.000-07:002013-07-29T17:15:10.409-07:00Math Problems!<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55118614@N00/9359009727/" title="Untitled by Socalfelicity, on Flickr"><img alt="Untitled" height="451" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7298/9359009727_c9716b3927_c.jpg" width="800" /></a>
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I've never met a<i> storyteller</i> quite like Paprika. Seriously. From the time she was born, she was telling us stories - she started talking at just a few months old, could memorize whole books by age 2, and now at age 6 her love of reading, writing, and books is just insatiable. <br />
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Paprika comes from a long line of scientists. Both of her grandfathers, her great-grandfather, and even her dad were trained as scientists (Mr. M has a BS in Chemistry).<br />
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So, even before Paprika was born, I knew we would want to teach our children math and science...and have children (girls or boys) who were great at science and math. You know how you always read about how girls fall behind in math, or how we need to encourage STEM (Science Technology Engineering Math) education for girls?<br />
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And for the most part, I <i>agree</i>. But one thing I find VERY interesting in my on-the-ground experience is that some traits are hard-wired, and no matter how much you can encourage a child to do something...well, their passions and their interests are often immutable. They are who they are...<i>thank goodness</i>!<br />
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Well, Paprika is not behind in math or anything like that. I started her on the 3rd Grade math curriculum about two weeks ago, and she is 1/3 of the way finished with it. She completes about a week in a day. She'll be doing 4th Grade by September.<br />
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Yet, even though she has no <i>problem</i> with Math - it is her<i> least </i>favorite subject. I do everything to make it fun. But, here's the thing - it's not that she doesn't LIKE math (because Paprika likes pretty much everything academic) - it's that she likes other things<i> much </i>better.<br />
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So, if you ask her: <i>Do you like math?</i> She will exclaim: <i> I do! I love math! Let's do it tomorrow, shall we? There are so many interesting things we can do today, and we'll just double up on that silly old math tomorrow.</i><br />
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(A tomorrow which presumably never comes.)<br />
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But I have this desire...<i>my</i> desire for her to reach her full math potential. Every day, I sit with her and we learn math together. It's all pretty easy for her - but she gets terribly bored with the computational problems. It's basically torture - for all of us! Ha!<br />
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Then, we get to the<i> rare</i> word problem. Suddenly, she is <i>much more interested</i>. Here's a little glimpse into yesterday's math lesson:<br />
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Math Problem #1:<br />
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<i>Sally is having a party. Her recipe for blueberry pie calls for 6 cups of blueberries for 12 people. Sally is having 36 people to her party. How many cups of blueberries does she need?</i><br />
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I'm looking at the problem. It's problem<i> number one </i>of the day. We have 23 more problems to go in the lesson. So, of course, I want to get through it quickly. But Paprika? No, no, no. She's just getting started. Her eyes light up:<br />
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Paprika: <i>Blueberry pie! Yum! What kind of party do you think it is? Do you think some people might not like blueberry pie? Why don't we make a few different kinds of pie? That's a lot of sugar, anyway. Maybe some appetizers would be good. Let's make this into a story. What's the setting of the story? A party...but what kind of party? Is it a backyard party or a fancy party? Who are the characters besides Sally? What's the conflict? Maybe we should leave the setting ambiguous, so the reader can imagine it, like Mo Willems does in his stories. That might make it more interesting. Let's do a sketch of the setting, shall we? </i><br />
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Me: <i>Honey, honey. Let's focus here. How many cups do we need to feed 36 people? I'll draw a picture.</i><br />
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(I start sketching cups of blueberries...)<br />
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Paprika: <i>Those don't really look like blueberries. They need tops on them. They kind of look like tomatoes. Let's sketch the people, too. We can make them with crazy hair! That would be fun! Look at this guest's crazy braids. Can you do my hair like that? What if we used these tomatoes you drew...yes, that's it - let's make lasagne for the main course, with blueberry pie for some people for dessert, and then chocolate cake for the rest? Everyone likes chocolate. Well, I had a friend once who did not like chocolate, but that's not typical. Mom, what's the problem in this story?</i><br />
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<i>Me: The problem is that they need to feed 36 people pie but the recipe only feeds 12.</i><br />
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<i>Paprika: Well, that's not a very interesting problem, now is it? What if Sally needed to make pie but some mischievous, friendly little mice came and stole all of her ingredients? That would be a problem! But I think we can do better. What if we told the story from the perspective of the mice! Yes, that's it! Sally's making the pie but the mice need the ingredients for their party. So, the mice steal the ingredients from Sally and then Sally steals them back. In the end, they share and everyone has fun at the party. But, you know, the mice are hidden. Because mice freak some people out. It's a good moral, too. You know, sharing is caring.</i><br />
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<i>Me: Yes, it is. Let's move on to the next question, honey. We'll come back to this one later.</i><br />
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<i>Paprika: Okay, just let me fill in the number first. 18 cups. That's it, right? </i><br />
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<i>Me: What?</i><br />
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<i>Paprika: That's the answer they want. 18 cups. We have to put in the answer to go on to the next problem. I wonder what story we'll have next! I hope it's a good one!</i><br />
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<i>********</i><br />
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<i>The End.</i><br />
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<img align="left" src="http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c376/socalfelicity/signature3-2.gif" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px;" />Erikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03863461381473308483noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-320710263364843875.post-49428143341633502502013-07-23T16:41:00.002-07:002013-07-23T16:46:40.399-07:00Strike A Pose!Last night as we were leaving the piano studio after Paprika's piano lesson, she spontaneously struck this pose for me:
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55118614@N00/9351316693/" title="Poor girl...she just has no personality... ;) by Socalfelicity, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5502/9351316693_db7fa3c3bb_o.jpg" width="612" height="612" alt="Poor girl...she just has no personality... ;)"></a>
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And all I could think of was this picture of MY dad, <i>circa 1978<i></i></i> (a photo Paprika has never seen):
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55118614@N00/9351600169/" title="dave-2 by Socalfelicity, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3675/9351600169_58f96223b4_c.jpg" width="800" height="649" alt="dave-2"></a>
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Can you tell they are related? Ha!
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<img align="left" src="http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c376/socalfelicity/signature3-2.gif" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px;" />Erikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03863461381473308483noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-320710263364843875.post-16346440662028106542013-07-20T18:20:00.003-07:002013-07-29T17:15:47.198-07:00Oh What A Week!<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55118614@N00/9324733778/" title="upload by Socalfelicity, on Flickr"><img alt="upload" height="612" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7338/9324733778_d0796365cb_o.jpg" width="612" /></a>
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I'm playing a little catch-up and posting the second half of our week. Sometimes I feel like it's a bit of <em>Groundhog Day</em> (the movie where the same day happens over and over again)- and I feel silly for posting pictures of it all.<br />
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But really, every day is so different. <em>Really!</em> Haha.<br />
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We have been going to the park for a few hours pretty much every day. Some days I pick the park, but usually I let the girls choose. <br />
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Well, actually we all let Ginger pick the park because she's the choosiest. ;-) Paprika and Baby Violet are happy to go <em>wherever</em>. Ginger is a hard one to get out of the house - but once we're out, she's usually happy.<br />
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These girls are seriously the best of friends. They never argue (seriously, ever). I know...boring! Haha. But it's true. I love how much they love one another.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55118614@N00/9324722174/" title="I said: who is your best friend? And they said: my sisters, of course! by Socalfelicity, on Flickr"><img alt="I said: who is your best friend? And they said: my sisters, of course!" height="612" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5450/9324722174_df43c60677_o.jpg" width="612" /></a>
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We were playing hide and go seek. I was hiding, they were seeking. This park is tiny, so I had to get very creative about where to hide. ;-) But, still, we managed to play hide and go seek for the better part of an hour!<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55118614@N00/9324714602/" title="Hide and go seek... by Socalfelicity, on Flickr"><img alt="Hide and go seek..." height="612" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2864/9324714602_a5c9daf102_o.jpg" width="612" /></a>
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Paprika wanted a picture of all of us - and I tried my best. :-)<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55118614@N00/9321917369/" title="upload by Socalfelicity, on Flickr"><img alt="upload" height="612" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2889/9321917369_13fa8f3c43_o.jpg" width="612" /></a>
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Baby Violet eating watermelon. Doesn't that just say summer! And paper plates - I'm back to those and LOVING it! ;-) <br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55118614@N00/9323268798/" title="upload by Socalfelicity, on Flickr"><img alt="upload" height="612" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5330/9323268798_cf8d5cb82f_o.jpg" width="612" /></a>
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We made it to the Wilderness Park. It was delicious!<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55118614@N00/9316222121/" title="7-18-13-14 by Socalfelicity, on Flickr"><img alt="7-18-13-14" height="563" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3785/9316222121_4fc96d0c9c_c.jpg" width="800" /></a>
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On the way to the Wilderness Park, we ended up having a conversation about homeschooling, of all things. <br />
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I had been really worried that Paprika would freak out if we told her we were homeschooling. But instead, she was <em>so happy</em>. The whole car ride to the park (it's about 20 minutes away), she was telling me all the ways she can learn outside of school and how excited she is about learning at home. <br />
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She was like: <em>So, can I be homeschooled? Am I homeschooled now? Really? Really? Really? I am homeschooled? Hooray!</em><br />
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It was such a load off of my mind for her to be so enthusiastic about homeschooling. Whew! She is as excited as I am (and that's saying something!)<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55118614@N00/9316206815/" title="7-18-13-6 by Socalfelicity, on Flickr"><img alt="7-18-13-6" height="529" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7287/9316206815_7e1194b90d_c.jpg" width="800" /></a>
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We've actually been doing a lot of homeschooling this summer. I wanted to give it a "trial run" over the summer to see how it would go (and if I'd lose my mind- ha!) <br />
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I am happy to report, it's been amazing. Amazing! We have been doing math and language arts (reading), handwriting, history, science, Spanish, music, art, social studies, swim team (PE), and health...not every day of course! Haha! <br />
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Every day we make sure to do math, reading, handwriting, Spanish, art, and music...and I count our park time as science. ;-) <br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55118614@N00/9318988064/" title="7-18-13-10 by Socalfelicity, on Flickr"><img alt="7-18-13-10" height="549" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7326/9318988064_e30fe5b50a_c.jpg" width="800" /></a>
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Ginger took this photo of me and Violet. She was so excited to take it! <br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55118614@N00/9318973418/" title="7-18-13-7 by Socalfelicity, on Flickr"><img alt="7-18-13-7" height="800" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3817/9318973418_f8334e8e65_c.jpg" width="494" /></a>
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Meanwhile, back at the pond - errr, park - we watched the turtles. <br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55118614@N00/9316161341/" title="7-18-13-13 by Socalfelicity, on Flickr"><img alt="7-18-13-13" height="600" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7291/9316161341_1f21acacbd_c.jpg" width="800" /></a>
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Played pretend with sticks in the forest:<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55118614@N00/9316162001/" title="7-18-13-12 by Socalfelicity, on Flickr"><img alt="7-18-13-12" height="600" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5328/9316162001_afc3a95303_c.jpg" width="800" /></a>
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Went on an adventure together:<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55118614@N00/9316163665/" title="7-18-13-8 by Socalfelicity, on Flickr"><img alt="7-18-13-8" height="600" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5474/9316163665_4a9c82c2b1_c.jpg" width="800" /></a>
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And checked out the wildlife! We saw this bird, which Paprika thought was a blue herron:<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55118614@N00/9316164995/" title="7-18-13-5 by Socalfelicity, on Flickr"><img alt="7-18-13-5" height="600" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7311/9316164995_94111fb216_c.jpg" width="800" /></a>
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Honestly, I had no idea what kind of bird it was! But we got home and we did a little research online (computer class! - haha!) and we found out that it is a <a href="http://birds.audubon.org/species/blanig2" target="_blank">black crowned night heron</a>! That was after we looked at most of the birds on the Audubon website! ;-)<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55118614@N00/9316165457/" title="7-18-13-4 by Socalfelicity, on Flickr"><img alt="7-18-13-4" height="600" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2860/9316165457_7c2a9aed31_c.jpg" width="800" /></a>
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We watched him for a long time - and Paprika kept saying: make sure you take pictures so we can identify him later!<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55118614@N00/9316165843/" title="7-18-13-3 by Socalfelicity, on Flickr"><img alt="7-18-13-3" height="600" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3716/9316165843_48fa81e200_c.jpg" width="800" /></a>
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Ginger kept trying to get as close as possible:<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55118614@N00/9318952510/" title="7-18-13-2 by Socalfelicity, on Flickr"><img alt="7-18-13-2" height="600" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7439/9318952510_b37e0f595b_c.jpg" width="800" /></a>
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We think he was fishing because there are A LOT of fish in this pond!<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55118614@N00/9316166807/" title="7-18-13-1 by Socalfelicity, on Flickr"><img alt="7-18-13-1" height="600" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7368/9316166807_77133d3608_c.jpg" width="800" /></a>
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Paprika and Ginger read a lot together this week at home. On this day, they were reading the <em>Goldilocks and The Three Dinosaurs</em> book. Afterwards, they made up a million stories about <em>Goldilocks and The Three</em>...<br />
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Trolls<br />
Cows<br />
Fairies<br />
Cats<br />
Walruses<br />
Tigers...<br />
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and I can't even remember the rest!<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55118614@N00/9314433929/" title="upload by Socalfelicity, on Flickr"><img alt="upload" height="612" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7316/9314433929_b02d216cf8_o.jpg" width="612" /></a>
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Oh, and Paprika is still blogging at: <a href="http://fairycastlepixie.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"> Fairy Girl's Magical Blog</a>! I put the link on my sidebar. She's keeping it up and having fun with it.<br />
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She uses an App on the iPad called Blogsy, and I linked my<a href="http://instagram.com/erika_urthmama#" target="_blank"> Instagram account</a> to it for her, so she can use my photos if she wants...although she also posts a lot of her own pictures.<br />
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This is Ginger at breakfast one morning this week. Love her pure, pure heart:<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55118614@N00/9320532019/" title="Clear eyes, full hearts, can't lose... by Socalfelicity, on Flickr"><img alt="Clear eyes, full hearts, can't lose..." height="612" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3706/9320532019_c1c732471f_o.jpg" width="612" /></a><br />
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I went on a date with Mr. M on Tuesday night! Christina is still home from college for the summer - and let me just say, it is AMAZING having a babysitter who your children adore and who also happens to live two doors down! So, yea...we snuck down to the beach and watched the sunset:<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55118614@N00/9312418614/" title="upload by Socalfelicity, on Flickr"><img alt="upload" height="612" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2833/9312418614_6cb5807a55_o.jpg" width="612" /></a>
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And hopefully, if all goes well, we'll be having another date night this weekend! <br />
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Even though I love being with the girls<em> all day, every day, all night, every night</em>...there is something so restorative about these little date nights away for an hour or two. I feel giddy and then I come back feeling lighter and clearer! :-)<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55118614@N00/9309627829/" title="upload by Socalfelicity, on Flickr"><img alt="upload" height="612" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3714/9309627829_59edb34f07_o.jpg" width="612" /></a>
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These are just fun ones of the girls in the backyard with the tent. We've been having some <em>weather</em> (slight drizzle) - which to my Indiana roots is <em>nothing</em>...but to these California girls, it is SO exciting!<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55118614@N00/9309234513/" title="upload by Socalfelicity, on Flickr"><img alt="upload" height="612" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3673/9309234513_258077991f_o.jpg" width="612" /></a>
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Ginger singing and dancing - my little free-spirit sprite homebody:<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55118614@N00/9308780625/" title="Dancing girl... by Socalfelicity, on Flickr"><img alt="Dancing girl..." height="612" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7336/9308780625_6c96f29ddc_o.jpg" width="612" /></a>
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Seriously, it was <em>drizzling</em> and they were preparing for the monsoon! ;-)<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55118614@N00/9308684017/" title="7-17-13-11 by Socalfelicity, on Flickr"><img alt="7-17-13-11" height="800" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5492/9308684017_28a56d566e_c.jpg" width="534" /></a>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55118614@N00/9311467582/" title="7-17-13-10 by Socalfelicity, on Flickr"><img alt="7-17-13-10" height="800" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7453/9311467582_022d32ce34_c.jpg" width="534" /></a>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55118614@N00/9311468124/" title="7-17-13-9 by Socalfelicity, on Flickr"><img alt="7-17-13-9" height="534" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7310/9311468124_470d94edc5_c.jpg" width="800" /></a>
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More tent:<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55118614@N00/9311468584/" title="7-17-13-8 by Socalfelicity, on Flickr"><img alt="7-17-13-8" height="534" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3675/9311468584_f2a81194d0_c.jpg" width="800" /></a>
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A fun one waiting for dinner. Daddy was working <em>very</em> late - so I think this night dinner was bagels made by yours truly! Nobody seemed to mind... ;-)<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55118614@N00/9308687357/" title="7-17-13-5 by Socalfelicity, on Flickr"><img alt="7-17-13-5" height="534" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3813/9308687357_1932c77968_c.jpg" width="800" /></a>
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<em>The End!</em><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55118614@N00/9311471322/" title="7-17-13-3 by Socalfelicity, on Flickr"><img alt="7-17-13-3" height="800" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5523/9311471322_e354a4e066_c.jpg" width="534" /></a>
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<img align="left" src="http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c376/socalfelicity/signature3-2.gif" style="border: 0px currentColor;" />Erikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03863461381473308483noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-320710263364843875.post-23865489869923181182013-07-18T16:55:00.004-07:002013-07-18T18:20:21.719-07:0020!<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55118614@N00/9311472376/" title="7-17-13-1 by Socalfelicity, on Flickr"><img alt="7-17-13-1" height="640" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3666/9311472376_a1f6ef4004_z.jpg" width="427" /></a><br />
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Baby Violet is now 20 months! She is so full of joy and life. Every moment she is awake, she runs through the house, climbs everything she can, and if you try to stop her, she belts out the loudest and most mischievous belly laugh. <br />
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I spend a great deal of my time keeping her safe and out of trouble. I would say that's my number one occupation these days! ;-)
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For example, Paprika likes to go up on the top bunk of her bunk bed to read books in private. I removed the ladder to the bunk bed long ago, because I didn't want it to be an issue with Violet climbing up to the top bunk. The big girls climb up the side of the bunk bed - it's not an easy climb but they are big enough to do it. <br />
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Well, in the past few weeks, Violet has learned how to scale the side of the bunk bed and climb to the top without the ladder. At first, I thought it was Paprika playing a joke (and helping her sister up) - but nope! I even took a video of it because it is actually downright shocking - Violet can scale the bunk bed in two seconds <i>flat</i>.
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So, I have taken to locking Ginger and Paprika's bedroom door during the day so that Violet can't go near the bunk bed. It's a bummer for Ginger and Paprika, though - because they both love being able to retreat to their room for quiet times throughout the day, and they especially love to read books in the bunk bed. BUT - I am not taking that risk.
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When Paprika and Ginger get dressed in the morning, I literally have to restrain Violet from being in their bedroom because she dashes straight for the bunk bed while I am busy helping the big girls. The other day I watched Violet climb it (in a loop) - she went up and down about a thousand times (with me standing there spotting her). She never got tired - I was tired watching her!<br />
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In other news, my neighbors <em>might</em> think I am a crazy person because this is what my front porch looks like on a daily basis:
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55118614@N00/9307623777/" title="Moved all the dining chairs to the front porch...life with a toddler! ;-) by Socalfelicity, on Flickr"><img alt="Moved all the dining chairs to the front porch...life with a toddler! ;-)" height="612" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2810/9307623777_a77510d1f5_z.jpg" width="612" /></a>
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I got so frustrated pulling Violet off every chair all day long, I stuck all the chairs on the front porch. She stands on them and will actually climb to the top of a chair and use it to get up on the countertops, the dining table, and other places she should not be. <br />
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And of course- she loves to stand at the sink and RUN the water! I was letting her stand at the sink with the faucet at a dribble, but as soon as I would walk away, she would turn it on FULL blast - and well, that's just not gonna work for us (hello water bill!)
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Word-wise, she is learning <em>lots</em> of new words every day. She understands everything - everything! But, she's not talking like her big sisters...<em>yet</em>! Sometimes I wish she were more verbal because I sense she is frustrated with communicating. She's a little past the "sign language" stage - because she can say lots of single words. I can just tell that she has BIG ideas she wants to express and it's frustrating for her that she can't. <br />
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I took it for granted that at this age, Paprika could recite the entire alphabet, belt out Twinkle Twinkle Little Star, and have a conversation like a five year old. Ginger was a lot like Paprika verbally. But, Violet is much more physical and less verbose. I have a feeling she'll start talking one day and never stop. We shall see! ;-)<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55118614@N00/9308687935/" title="7-17-13-4 by Socalfelicity, on Flickr"><img alt="7-17-13-4" height="640" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2851/9308687935_dee7a56c0c_z.jpg" width="427" /></a>
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I take a photo of Violet every day during her naptime. I think I am going to put them into a book - one picture for each day - to have for once she stops napping. They are just cellphone pictures in the dark, but I love them. I never get tired of watching her sleep.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55118614@N00/9318223662/" title="Untitled by Socalfelicity, on Flickr"><img alt="Untitled" height="361" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3694/9318223662_9ffb2fd518_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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I always sit right next to her (or hold her) when she sleeps. Her naptime is our "quiet time" in the house - so the big girls sit in the next room and either read books (or write books!) or draw or play an educational game on the computer (Starfall or something like that). <br />
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It is sacred time! Can you see why? :-) It's the only time during the day when I get to sit down and exhale for a moment. Sometimes I'll just sit for five minutes and watch her breathe when she's sleeping. By now, I know how fast these days go...<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55118614@N00/9318221284/" title="Untitled by Socalfelicity, on Flickr"><img alt="Untitled" height="361" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5332/9318221284_f9d48917c7_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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After nap, we go to the park or play in the backyard, or read books. Or Ginger and Violet play together while I work on homeschool stuff with Paprika.
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But, at about 8pm, we all clean up the house before Mr. M comes home from work. Whatever we're doing, we all stop - and help each other pick up the whole house so it's clean when he gets home. This has become much easier since I decluttered the house and put almost everything in the garage or donated it to charity!
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Anyhoo- after we've picked up the house, Violet knows that means her daddy is almost home! So, she runs to the front window and presses her nose to the glass and will wait as long as it takes until he gets home. She loves her daddy so much!
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55118614@N00/9103990214/" title="6 by Socalfelicity, on Flickr"><img alt="6" height="446" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3741/9103990214_4b85a1eba6_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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That's 20 months! I can't believe how much I love this girl - every single time I think my heart can't hold any more love, it bursts open and holds a little more. She is just perfection to me...my sweet <em>Pavenzia</em>! :-)
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<em>The End!</em><br />
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<img align="left" src="http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c376/socalfelicity/signature3-2.gif" style="border: 0px currentColor;" />Erikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03863461381473308483noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-320710263364843875.post-54389237422082658082013-07-16T17:40:00.001-07:002013-07-16T17:40:24.644-07:00Little Miracles!<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55118614@N00/9304911132/" title="upload by Socalfelicity, on Flickr"><img alt="upload" height="612" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2827/9304911132_064ab42603_o.jpg" width="612" /></a><br />
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Thanks for all the sweet comments about homeschooling! I have to admit, I've been really nervous about announcing it. I guess deep down I am still a bit of a people-pleaser and was worried about judgment. But, of course, people judge everything anyway so you might as well do as you please! ;-)<br />
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I was talking to Devon about it, and she was so happy - she said: <em>Finally! You're doing it!</em> (Because I've only been talking her ear off about it for the last five years - haha).<br />
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Anyhoo- I am not sure how much I will blog about homeschooling. I might put up some reviews of things we have tried. We have tried <em>many</em> things - some have worked great for us, and some <em>not so much</em>. Some have worked for a<em> short</em> while, some <em>never</em> worked, and some are still working!<br />
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So, maybe my experience will save someone else a little time and frustration. Haha! <br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55118614@N00/9302110359/" title="Untitled by Socalfelicity, on Flickr"><img alt="Untitled" height="451" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3779/9302110359_a12f1d24ca_c.jpg" width="800" /></a>
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These pics are just from the park today. We had planned to go to the Wilderness Park, but on the way we stopped at the Seahorse Park (what the girls call this park) - and we stayed for hours! They got so sandy and wet, and had a fantastic time!<br />
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Paprika set up an experiment about evaporation. Of course she did! Haha.<br />
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Ginger made a city out of sandcastles.<br />
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Violet climbed every single thing in the park, got drenched in water, and wore herself out. :-)<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55118614@N00/9302105649/" title="upload by Socalfelicity, on Flickr"><img alt="upload" height="612" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3746/9302105649_45d51b582a_z.jpg" width="612" /></a>
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Speaking of water, Violet is going through a water phase and ALL she wants to do is stand at the sink and drench everything. She puts the water on full-blast and all I can think is: <em>stop wasting water!!!!</em><br />
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This is her "Busted" face - I walked downstairs for a split second and came back to find her just like this! Even when she's causing trouble, she makes me laugh:<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55118614@N00/9291034098/" title="Caught in the act...mischief, as usual! by Socalfelicity, on Flickr"><img alt="Caught in the act...mischief, as usual!" height="612" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3713/9291034098_39481bd296_z.jpg" width="612" /></a>
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And in happy news - Paprika is trying new foods! Can I get an AMEN?! Last night she had pasta with olive oil and buttered corn on the cob. She had like two bites - but wow, can you believe it...two <em>whole</em> bites?!!! I was cheering! :-)<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55118614@N00/9295800041/" title="Minor miracle...someone ate pasta and corn on the cob! Parents of extreme picky eaters, take heart! :-) by Socalfelicity, on Flickr"><img alt="Minor miracle...someone ate pasta and corn on the cob! Parents of extreme picky eaters, take heart! :-)" height="612" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3683/9295800041_6f5412664d_z.jpg" width="612" />
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<img align="left" src="http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c376/socalfelicity/signature3-2.gif" style="border: 0px currentColor;" />Erikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03863461381473308483noreply@blogger.com4