tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34395883234998986082024-02-22T12:41:37.595-08:00the adventures of ingrid and otis.a blog about my wee ones and the mischief we make.Amber Liddlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08049947191143341720noreply@blogger.comBlogger728125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3439588323499898608.post-68163377876969818772013-10-18T17:47:00.006-07:002013-10-18T17:47:48.699-07:00Mama Vacay<div style="text-align: center;">
That's right, I went on vacation BY MYSELF! It was amazing, something I wondered if I would ever do again now that I'm married and have kids. I had to keep my guilt at bay and just go with my selfishness on this one, and it was worth it! </div>
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My friend lives in Colorado, and there are actually flights from Milwaukee to Denver for pretty cheap, so when Brendan was gone traveling for a whole week last month, I bought tickets for a weekend away. I flew out Friday night and came home Monday afternoon. Three days of being alone, sleeping in and seeing the mountains! </div>
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It was so fun to hang out with my dear old friend. She doesn't have kids so it was like a glimpse into my old life, where you could sleep in on a weekend if you felt like it. Where you can go out to eat at 8:30pm on a Friday like it's no big deal! Where you can go for a drive and jump out any ol' place you want without having to unbuckle and rebuckle kids in the car seats. It was...AMAZING. I love my kids, don't get me wrong, but oh how much fun life would be without them for a weekend here or there. </div>
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Now I'm begging Brendan to get a job at NREL, the renewable energy lab in Golden, so we can move out there and be by mountains all the time. Every time I'm by the mountains I think I must live in them sometime in my life. Why not now?? Make it happen, B!</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fabric shopping, of course.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Poor sad Ingrid.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">MOUNTAINS!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some rich lady bought this ski resort so her kids could practice for competitions. Must be nice.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Driving to Boulder</td></tr>
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And now, I'm home. Like I said, I love my kids, but damn it was nice to get away. </div>
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Amber Liddlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08049947191143341720noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3439588323499898608.post-18560582013430028482013-10-11T14:05:00.002-07:002013-10-11T14:05:23.202-07:00The Zoo with My GuyYesterday was beautiful so Otis and I headed to the zoo. Usually our zoo trips are with friends, lots of kids running pell mell through the zoo, wanting to play at the park and complaining about being tired. But with just Otis and I, it was so relaxing! We meandered through the animals, only seeing what we wanted. We stopped and ate lunch and had a treat afterward. When it was time to go home, we popped on over to the train and took a ride before leaving. Just me and my guy. A perfect fall day.<br />
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Amber Liddlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08049947191143341720noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3439588323499898608.post-13334664589035365622013-10-01T07:18:00.003-07:002013-10-01T07:18:37.211-07:00Autumn at the Cottage<div style="text-align: center;">
We headed to the cottage this past weekend. It was gorgeous out and so autumnal! The kids and I went to the park and played in the leaves. I got some cute pictures. </div>
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Everyone is doing fine here. Otis still loves school, Ingrid is now no longer crying for hours about going to school. She still has some issues but mostly she's fine. She has a field trip this week, they're taking the city bus to a farmer's market. Sounds fun! She's beyond excited about it. </div>
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And now it's OCTOBER?! In ten days I get to fly BY MYSELF to Denver to visit a good friend. I am so excited it's ridiculous. I'm gonna get trashy magazines and sit by myself on a plane and have a whole weekend of not being a mom. Awesome!</div>
Amber Liddlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08049947191143341720noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3439588323499898608.post-27379046794737941782013-09-25T06:23:00.000-07:002013-09-25T06:23:04.171-07:00Serenity NOW. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I keep that as my half-joking mantra these days! Sometimes it helps, lol. Things have been going okay here but still kind of crazy. Ingrid has been a little better about school because we've been drawing smiley faces on our hands and she can look down and see it during the day. Today we forgot and she kind of lost it at the door of school and cried. Which is when I scream SERENITY NOW! </div>
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Otis is loving school and has no issues with it. I only have to yell serenity now with him when he is throwing his massive tantrums, which could be about anything. Seriously, this morning it was about waffles. First he wanted waffles, but when he got them out of the freezer he freaked out that they had a bite taken out of them. Um, no they don't. Cue the screaming. He was convinced they had a bite taken out of them! I opened a new box and he was mad I opened them. I asked him to take out the ones he wanted, he said no. I went to get them myself and he screamed he wanted to. I handed him the box and he just threw it on the floor. SERENITY NOW! </div>
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But life is good. I have Gallery Night on Friday, we have a sitter, so we'll get to hang out in a bar and I'll sell baby goods while drinking beer. God bless Milwaukee!! I'm busy getting ready for the holiday season, I have two shows coming up. <a href="http://urbangaragesale.com/Vendors2013.aspx">Urban Garage Sale</a> is in November, <a href="http://www.hovercraftmke.blogspot.com/">Hover Craft</a> is in December. So exciting!</div>
Amber Liddlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08049947191143341720noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3439588323499898608.post-82372297451777167452013-09-18T06:14:00.000-07:002013-09-18T06:14:03.821-07:00Another Week.Ingrid made it through Monday. She asked over and over again "Are you SURE I can make it through today?" She did, sort of. Got a call from the teacher that she was throwing up. Ugh. Poor kid was completely comatose from about 2pm until yesterday at 4pm. Just slept, took a sip of water, slept some more. It is so hard to see your usually jumping around kid just laying there. It was also pretty easy, which part of me was glad of, isn't that horrible?? I just played with Otis and we took a nap and went about our day like we normally do. <br />
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She's better today so I sent her for a half day. She was so worried that her teacher wouldn't let her come home! I wrote a note and said just give it to your teacher, I'm your mom, I can take you whenever I want! That didn't seem to matter to Ingrid at all, she was still scared her teacher would make her stay the whole day. Poor kid, that mind of hers just won't stop!<br />
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But it's another week going by, and hopefully each day will get easier. Hopefully.Amber Liddlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08049947191143341720noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3439588323499898608.post-21524981114129298912013-09-13T13:57:00.001-07:002013-09-13T13:57:27.321-07:00The End of the Week.Ingrid made it through the week! Today she ran into school holding hands with her friend Tessa and she came out of the building with a smile on her face wondering what I'd brought her for a snack. She didn't cry last night at all, no tears this morning, she just kept asking me "Are you sure I can make it through school today?" Yep, you got this, kid!<br />
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I did end up picking her up from school all but one day this week, it seems to have been very helpful. Which sucks. I really was looking forward to her taking the bus...I know it sounds selfish but my school runs are insane, and will be until both kids are in full days. 7:30am drop off Ingrid. 8:45am drop off Otis. 11:45am pick up Otis. 2:30pm pick up Ingrid. Car car car car car car car. Blah. <br />
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I know, I know, it's better than her crying every day. But dang, I know this is going to sound like a walking uphill in the snow barefoot both ways story, but I was walking a half mile to my busstop every day when I was her age. And then I had a 20minute ride to get to school. She has a five second bus ride and gets dropped off three blocks away. But I will do it. FOR HER. Because I'm such a GREAT MOM. And I will complain the whole year, probably, too, ha!<br />
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Now we just have to see how she does Monday morning. Cross your fingers.Amber Liddlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08049947191143341720noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3439588323499898608.post-18488639693183944632013-09-11T06:26:00.001-07:002013-09-11T06:26:50.477-07:00A Lot of TearsIt's been a week of school so far and Ingrid is not liking it. She started with five half days at 3 years old, which she loved. She would run right to the door, wave good bye and never ever cried. Ever. Same thing last year, she'd find a friend on the playground and run to the door when the bell rang, with barely a glance in my direction. This year, it's been nothing but tears. <br />
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K5 is all day. She eats lunch and then they have an afternoon session and are let out at 2:30. This shouldn't be a big deal, I feel like, because when coming home at lunch time, she always seemed bored in the afternoon. She doesn't nap, she barely rests, she would always be doing something while I laid down with Otis. So why not do this at school? Where you get to have fun and do art and gym? I don't know, something about it rubs her the wrong way.<br />
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So we have tears. <br />
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Ingrid is also riding the bus home most days, as Otis is napping and I don't want to wake him up and drag him to school. The first day she was SO EXCITED about it. Then it became a little scary, and now it's full blown anxiety about riding the bus home, wake Otis up, come get me, I'm scared, I don't know anyone on the bus, I'll get lost, it's too hard. No matter how I tried to spin it, she wasn't having it. Ugh.<br />
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Yesterday from the time she got off the bus to the time she went to bed, she cried. She worried about school, staying all day, missing me, taking the bus home. Every time she'd calm down, suddenly she'd think of something else to worry about. It breaks my heart. I don't know how to help her! I feel so helpless, I just tried to tell her she's strong, she can do this, it will get easier. I tried to have her imagine happy things and focus on the good things about school, like her friends and getting chocolate milk for lunch. I got another mom to bring her home instead of taking the bus. Nothing seems to make her feel better. So then I get sick of hearing the same thing over and over and I lose my patience like a bitchy mom and just say forget about it! You don't have a choice, you are GOING to school! And then she cries harder. <br />
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Why on earth is she so upset this year?? When she is home, she's sassy and bored and complaining about everything, so I don't really know why she wants to stay home. It's not like she's having any fun here...I end up yelling at her all the time. Blah! I wish I could say never mind, we'll homeschool, like I did when she was 3, but I don't want to have her home. She's in a great school that has a huge wait list, we are so lucky to be at this school! And I don't want to be a teacher. I don't want to homeschool. I don't even want to unschool, this summer SUCKED, she was so crazy and I felt like physically and emotionally drained at the end of each day. <br />
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Send us some good vibes that school will cease to be a thing she stresses about! I'm not sure how much more I can take. Amber Liddlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08049947191143341720noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3439588323499898608.post-77111398484763977432013-09-03T18:23:00.003-07:002013-09-03T18:23:38.488-07:00SCHOOL'S BACK IN!!<div style="text-align: center;">
Oh my god, it's finally time! School started today and I could not be happier. I am so not one of the moms that cries to send their kid off, probably because Ingrid loves school and has never seemed upset by going. Today we were up bright and early and I remembered two key things about the school year that I'd forgotten over the summer: 1. Ingrid doesn't like to eat right away in the morning which makes breakfast time HELL. and 2. She is crazy about what to wear, even if we pick out clothes the night before she changes her mind and ends up picking something completely different five seconds before we have to leave. We still managed to be out the door to take pictures before school starts at 7:30.</div>
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Otis had to wear his backpack, too, even though he doesn't start his preschool until tomorrow. He cried and begged to hold Ingrid's lunch bag but she wouldn't let him. A couple more years, little guy, you'll have your own.</div>
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We had a great day together, Otis and I. We went and played with friends, I got some bibs cut out, he took a nap. And then it was time for Ingrid to come home. She is taking the bus home this year, since Otis doesn't get up from his nap until just after she gets home. I don't want to have to wake him up, I enjoy nap time way too much for that. So, she buses it. I think it scared her today, she said there were too many people on it, and she didn't like it. But we'll try it this week and see how it goes. I won't force it, but it sure was nice to just walk to the end of the block to get her instead of getting in the car and finding parking. </div>
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Tomorrow is Otis's first day. I don't know how that will go honestly. He is such a mama's boy, I'm not sure how he'll do if I try to leave. I think he'll be okay, he'll be so excited about new toys, but who knows. He's been rather clingy lately so we'll see...How was your first day?</div>
Amber Liddlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08049947191143341720noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3439588323499898608.post-57911335164541607932013-09-01T17:14:00.000-07:002013-09-01T17:14:35.304-07:00End of Summer Fun<div style="text-align: center;">
Ahhhh, the end of summer! It is SEPTEMBER already! So crazy. Here's a quick update on what we filled our last weeks of summer with. </div>
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Going to the dentist. I hate dentists, I have horrible experiences every time I go, so I was nervous for them. Fortunately it looks like they'll have their dad's teeth (ie, no cavities) so it went well and they got new light up toothbrushes. They thought it was fun!</div>
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On a whim the other day I decided the kids should share a room. I was SO SICK of picking up toys from the living room, and they won't play down in the basement because our sick cat keeps pooping on the floor down there. So, Otis's room turned into the bedroom, and Ingrid's room turned into the play room. So far it has been okay. We have to time the bedtimes strategically so one falls asleep before the other goes in, but we're learning. Tonight Ingrid went to bed first and Otis fell asleep in our room. I'll go in and plop him in his bed later. Whatever works...</div>
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We also took a trip to a local petting farm last weekend. This place is SO COOL! Tons of pens of animals you can go in and touch and feed. They got to milk a real cow, pet baby ducklings, feed chickens, and pet kittens. I wanted to take all the kittens home, they were so adorable! And bunnies, too! I think we maybe need a bunny at some point.</div>
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Yesterday we went to the <a href="http://www.oldgermanbeerhall.com/estabrook-beer-garden/">Beer Garden</a>. It was a beautiful day and it just seemed like the perfect day to eat a pretzel and have a liter of beer, right? This place is awesome, there's a playground right there, so we could sit and drink beer and let the kids play. They have live music most afternoons. Tons of kids were running around. Definitely a good place to hang out on a sunny afternoon.</div>
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And lastly, today I had my last show of the summer. This was the last Maker Market of the season, I also had done July's. This was definitely my favorite show! The vibe at these things is just so mellow, I know a lot of the other vendors from other shows, so it's just hanging out and selling stuff while drinking iced coffee and sweating in the sun. Today's show was my first on using my NEW SIGN!! In July I sat next to a lady that does the most amazing calligraphy cards, <a href="http://filthyfreehand.com/">Filthy Freehand</a>. I loved her style and knew I wanted to come up with a unique logo so I had her do it. She came up with the coolest ones to choose from, but ultimately I went with this one (I love it!)</div>
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I went right out and had a sign made, it looked so cool hanging up!! I hope it lasts for other shows. I'm not sure how many uses it's supposed to get...I also got this cool red suitcase from <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/VintagethatsMintage">my neighbor</a> who sells vintage on Etsy. It worked so well to hold blankets, bibs, and my new price list. I have a vintage paint by number and then I printed out my prices on a piece of kraft paper and used washi tape. Love how that turned out, too! </div>
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Kids start school on Tuesday and Wednesday, so I am excited for that! Ingrid will be all day, Otis will be three mornings a week. I plan on using that time well, I'm hoping I can get all my errands and sewing done in that time so I don't have to ignore Brendan at night anymore! This summer has been super fun, but SO BUSY. I'm ready for a new schedule.</div>
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Amber Liddlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08049947191143341720noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3439588323499898608.post-51755280089994104782013-08-16T16:55:00.000-07:002013-08-16T16:55:10.074-07:00State Fair AND a Trip to See Gramma!<div style="text-align: center;">
Just realized I never posted any pictures of our day at State Fair since it was the day before we left on our vacation to my mom's house! We had our friends from Chicago come up to go with us, it was a great day. Ingrid walked the whole way and didn't even complain! I think that had to do with the fact there were plenty of stops to get snacks, or at least to look at what was deep fried or on a stick (or both!) Both kids rode rides this year, and we all went on the Ferris wheel, which was terrifying.</div>
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See how OPEN the sides are? I imagined the kids falling to their deaths about a billion times. It sucks to be a mom sometimes. As a kid I found things exciting, now I just realize how every little thing is potentially deadly...</div>
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The next day bright and early at 5am we got up to take the ferry across Lake Michigan to see my mom. I had taken the boat once before but no one else in the family had, so it was very exciting, even at the crack of dawn.</div>
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<span id="goog_1898244791"></span><span id="goog_1898244792"></span> We got to my mom's and promptly went down by the beach and made sandcastles, visited the horses, took a golf cart ride.<br />
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The best part of the trip is that while we were playing outside, there was a campfire going. So we got to roast marshmallows and hot dogs, just like camping! In fact, the whole weekend was like camping but with real beds and showers, and as much coffee as I wanted!<br />
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Brendan and my brother went fishing. My brother caught this 34" pike. It was scary and very toothy and Ingrid ran screaming off the dock when she saw it!<br />
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It was relaxing and amazing, and as always a very good time. I just love going there to visit, we all have so much fun every time!<br />
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<br />Amber Liddlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08049947191143341720noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3439588323499898608.post-48694947444216123662013-08-05T16:02:00.000-07:002013-08-05T16:02:04.588-07:00Irish Friends<div style="text-align: center;">
I have a good friend that married an Irishman, taking her to Dublin for good. Wah wah. I miss her something awful, I so wish we could get our kids together to play and drink coffee and all the stuff we used to do. But, I know she's got a good thing there and has the sweetest little family ever. She was in the States visiting the past couple weeks and I finally go to see her! The last time I laid eyes on her Ingrid was about four months old. Which means I had never met her daughter, she had never met Otis. It had been too long! </div>
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We met at her family's farm and it was perfect. The perfect weather, it was both her husband's and my husband's birthdays, the kids had a huge expanse of grass to run on, there was a little river down at the bottom of a hill, they got to see a snake and some strange bugs. We sat and caught up, the birthday boys (both scientists) talked geek stuff. Just the best afternoon I could ask for!</div>
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We used to hang out, smoking our cheap Old Gold cigarettes and drinking coffee, talking about the day in the future we'd be married with babies. Now here we are, even though we live in different countries, we're both married to DOCTORS of science that have the same birthday! We both have little redheaded Irish babies. It's so funny to me how things have worked out.</div>
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Amber Liddlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08049947191143341720noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3439588323499898608.post-68495982294269571262013-08-01T18:49:00.003-07:002013-08-01T18:49:53.892-07:00The Way We do Things Around Here<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
A bunch of the same busy busy busy around here. Keeping sane by keeping busy. Mornings are still pretty much without TV. We do puzzles still. Lots of coloring. Today Otis made a ramp for his cars with the ironing board. Anything to pass the time!</div>
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I've been pretty busy crafty wise. I had a new consignment order for a place right across from State Fair Park, and seeing as State Fair started today, I had to get my stuff there in a timely fashion. I also have two other consignment orders to work on, and another Maker Market is coming up September 1st. So, busy mama. Ingrid and I made this felt doll for a friend's birthday present. Ingrid was too funny, "Mom, I have to play with it to make sure it works, okay?" Apparently it was in working order.</div>
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I went through some old photo books and found some gems. I love that I'm taking pictures of pictures. Here's Brendan and I the first summer we met ten years ago. We are little kids, it's crazy!</div>
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Speaking of little kids, there has been a bounty of little kids around our house the past week or so. We watched a friend's girls one afternoon, here's Eleanor and Otis looking sneaky. They found this water fountain (or "bubbler" if you want to get Milwaukee on me) and took turns seeing who could actually get to the water. It was hilarious. They're both just a tad too small so they were trying SO HARD to climb up!</div>
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We also went to the zoo with our neighbors the other day. Here they are at the barn with the cows. I still can't believe my mom had four kids. How do you do it? I have it down pat now to look for each of my kids, but four? Jeez louise.</div>
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And here I am looking like I have long hair. WHICH I DO. Which if you've known me in real life you'll understand how freaking amazing this is. I have had short hair my whole life. Except for a short stint in middle school/early high school with a perm and some fierce bangs, I've had a pretty short hair style. Like boy short most of the time, what feminine people call a pixie cut. I have always just said it was short, you know, like a boy. But now that I have money to pay someone amazing to cut my hair in a flattering way, what do you know? I can grow it out. It still seems so new and crazy that I can pull it back in a ponytail. Like a normal girl. Weird.</div>
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Amber Liddlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08049947191143341720noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3439588323499898608.post-43385562696996936092013-07-21T17:55:00.000-07:002013-07-21T17:55:26.792-07:00SO Glad I'm Me, or, I LOVE My Life!<div style="text-align: center;">
I've been thinking of all the troubles I had when I was younger, feeling lost and like I just didn't know what to DO with myself. Where did I want to live? What did I want to go to school for? What would I do with my life? Now in my mid 30s I can honestly say I'm glad I ended up where I am. I live in a cool neighborhood in a pretty great city, I'm married to a funny scientist, we have two amazing kids that make me happy about 99% of the time, I get to sell vintage kid's clothes and sew stuff. I have it pretty good.</div>
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This past week has been HOT. We got a cheap Slip'n'slide at Target and used it for hours at a time. I even slid down it, it was fun! The kids got a real big kick out of that, I'm glad there is no video evidence of it.</div>
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We've stuck to our no TV in the morning routine, well mostly. Sometimes I have to take a shower and that is the easiest way to ensure I get all the shampoo out of my hair AND shave both legs. I had cut out 4" squares from a whole bunch of my scraps to make a scrappy quilt or two. Ingrid found the pile and has been having fun putting together her own quilt. I cannot wait to teach this girl how to use the sewing machine! She will be a natural I bet.</div>
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And we've been just plain silly stuck in the house with it being in the 90s. We go out right away in the morning, try to get some play time outside. Then it gets too hot to breathe, so we go in and cool down. Again after naptime we try to get outside, but dang, it's been like 80% humidity the past week. Uncomfortable. And yes, I realize how funny that is that we midwesterners complain about how COLD it is and how much snow we have and then a few months later complain about how HOT it is and how much humidity we have. I sometimes wonder why anyone lives here...</div>
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This weekend we went to the cottage. We brought friends, it was fun. The kids all played, we went swimming in the lake, and this morning Brendan took each of the kids on a kayak ride. The cottage got a face lift last month, doesn't it look nice? It used to be white, I really like the creamy tan though. And lastly, look at that picture of Brendan's dad and uncle! Bob is the one on the right. He looks just like what Brendan looked like at that age! I love how there are just random old things at the cottage, you just never know what you'll find when you go searching through the drawers looking for clean sheets...</div>
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<br />Amber Liddlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08049947191143341720noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3439588323499898608.post-513251584009210572013-07-12T19:03:00.000-07:002013-07-12T19:03:10.259-07:00Red Clogs and Green Beans<div style="text-align: center;">
First of all, I got my new clogs! They are adorable and I feel oh so fashionable in them, which is nice, because the other night we went out and I hadn't showered and was feeling GROSS, but I slipped these bad boys on and suddenly felt feminine and gorgeous.</div>
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Tonight Ingrid and I picked green beans from the garden. I had just thrown some seeds in a row at the beginning of the summer and they just blew up! So we got about a bazillion plants growing and tonight we picked them. We got a lot. Ingrid just kept eating them like candy! Good for her. (Honestly I hate green beans unless there's a lot of butter and salt on them.)</div>
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One last thing--our kitchen is looking so much better now! I painted the cabinets white yesterday. It was a sweaty job and it took four coats of paint on each door, but dammit, I did it! I love it. I'm hoping to paint the walls gray and get new floors and a new sink. Then one room in our house will be done! And I can focus on another room!</div>
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Amber Liddlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08049947191143341720noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3439588323499898608.post-82945966797150784502013-07-07T17:25:00.000-07:002013-07-07T17:40:18.270-07:00Maker Market<div style="text-align: center;">
Today was another craft show. I was looking forward to this one, as it was outside and in the parking lot of a coffee shop, which meant good coffee only steps away! I love my neighborhood so much, and today's event just made me so happy. A friend started this show, the first Sunday of every month May-September. I was supposed to do June but after having impromptu throat surgery, I had to pass on that one. So today was the day.</div>
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My first ever show I had NO CLUE what I was doing, but now that I've done a few every year, I'm really getting the hang of it. I know what to bring, I know what usually sells well, I know how much to make, and yet still always make way too much! Getting the tables set up is pretty fun, I'm always perusing Pinterest for ideas. </div>
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This show I had two smaller tables, which I covered with vintage table cloths (one was a kid's sheet) and I used my wire baskets I have for shows, along with Otis' toy drum, and my Irmi giraffe. He's been holding clothes in Otis' room, but guess what fits on him pretty well? BIBS! I love how it turned out. </div>
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I also used my tent to hang clothesline and I hung up some tag blankets and bibs on the side. Last but not least, my trusty vintage sheet bunting I stole from Ingrid's bedroom way long ago. It has since been taken over for hanging at my shows. </div>
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I did pretty well today. My goal was to make enough money to buy <a href="https://superiorclogs.com/node/91">this pair of clogs</a>. My god, red and cute and Swedish, I just died when I saw them. But money doesn't grow on trees and we need a new floor in our kitchen so I couldn't just buy them straight up. Well, I <em>could</em>, but I'd feel guilty later...Now I don't have to!</div>
Amber Liddlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08049947191143341720noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3439588323499898608.post-10768340700795377952013-07-03T16:30:00.002-07:002013-07-03T16:30:38.601-07:00Books and Braids and Beaches and Bods<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
This week: I tried on a pair of pants that DID NOT fit me 2 weeks ago. Turns out the 30 Day Shred is working! I felt so good being able to button them! I'm hobbling like a grandma because my knees are so shot, but that's the price I pay I guess...</div>
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And! My hair is long enough for braids. This is SO EXCITING because the last time I had hair this long is when I was 20. I have been a short haired girl my whole life, this is such big news for me.</div>
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Summerfest is going on right now. It's a sleazy huge music festival that happens every year and people act like it's the best thing and you just HAVE to go. We never do, but we had free tickets and it was a beautiful day, so we went. Otis fell asleep on me, Ingrid whined about walking, and the beer cost a ridiculous amount. Probably won't be going again next year...</div>
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The thing we WILL be going to again is this amazing place called Bookworm Gardens. It is so cool! A sprawling garden with little sections devoted to kid's books. There's tons of stuff for kids to do, like play music, sweep a barn, water the garden, play in a log cabin like Laura Ingalls, scrub Harry the Dirty Dog, go in the Three Little Pigs' houses. It was so fun, the kids ran and ran for two hours, we actually had to drag them away because it was lunch time. We didn't get to see everything there, so we'll have to go back. Afterward we went to a nearby state park and had a picnic and played on the beach. It was another gorgeous day, we had so much fun! </div>
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And now it's the Fourth of July, we should be planning lots of fun things to do, but instead we're looking at all the rain in the forecast and thinking maybe we'll just stay in and paint our kitchen cabinets. I have a show on Sunday and I am hoping it is not rainy the whole time since it's outside...Please cross your fingers for me!</div>
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<br />Amber Liddlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08049947191143341720noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3439588323499898608.post-82487590834976556542013-06-26T18:21:00.000-07:002013-06-26T18:21:25.996-07:00Turning Off the TVI always wanted to be one of those moms that never turned on the TV, but early on I realized I could get shit done with a half hour here or there! Sometimes we watch a lot, some days we don't even think about turning it on. Some days we just get lazy and tired and only want to lay on the couch and veg. Usually I don't pay attention, they all seem to balance out and we never have problems with turning it off and switching to something else. Once the credits come on, one of the kids pops up and turns off the TV. <br />
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However...this week has been rainy and Otis got hand foot and mouth disease so we were quarantined at our house so we wouldn't infect anyone else. I have a show coming up July 7 and I've been trying to finish up the last few things I have to get ready. The house seems like it's constantly sticky and hairy from the humidity and the dog, laundry piles up. Excuses, I know. But the TV was on a lot the past few days. And there was tons of whining and fighting between the kids about who gets to watch what show, and then kicking each other on the couch or stealing pillows. it was INSANE. Get off each other and just sit there while I get the bathroom cleaned! Please!<br />
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Two days ago I don't know what started it, but I did not turn on the TV. Instead we did a puzzle together. We read library books. We colored. We played outside a bit between bouts of rain. I had the best time! I was happy, not yelling, the kids were so good together, not whining or fighting. The day was just so awesome, I finally remembered how great it is to be a stay at home mom. Some days I forget why the hell I do this, like how great it would be to get a job and let the kids go to school and a babysitters and just be around adults all day. Go to the bathroom by myself, eat a whole meal, shower DAILY! <br />
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Yesterday we ran errands all morning. Kids slept in the car a bit so when we got home I was exhausted and wanted to sit. I put on the TV and immediately (<em>immediately</em>, ugh.) they started fighting over what show to watch. Ingrid just lost it because I let Otis get his way for once. Huge tears, stomping feet, kicking things. It was the shittiest afternoon, I just could not turn it around. <br />
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So today I said no more TV in the day! We've got so many fun things to do around here, let's play! Ingrid has been working on these little stuffed hearts she's been sewing from my scraps and she wanted to work on those. We painted. More puzzles, more time outside before the rain came. Another wonderful morning! Just so much fun and everyone was in great moods. The afternoon was naptime and more playing, this time with neighbors outside when it cleared up. Everyone was in good moods until bedtime, I mean for real, that never happens! <br />
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I know it just takes more effort on my part, and honestly, I don't get much done during the day. I did get some things done but not nearly as much as if I'd ignored my children, haha! I guess that I just have to do what I can, and do the rest after bedtime. I'd much rather have happy kids than 30 more bibs done, right? They'll both be in school next fall so I should enjoy this summer as much as I can!Amber Liddlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08049947191143341720noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3439588323499898608.post-26676925531872677572013-06-22T18:27:00.001-07:002013-06-22T18:27:29.051-07:00Summer Break!We've been on break for about a week and a half now and I'm loving it. We have to leave at 7:30am to get Ingrid to school on time, so it was always rush, rush, rush. Now we have the best mornings, we have nowhere to go, we get to hang out and be lazy if we so desire. Otis has been sleeping in until after 7, which is great, except next fall school starts even earlier! I guess the bell will ring at 7:20 instead of 7:40. UGH.<br />
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We have a summer list full of parks, museums and local activities. So far we've done the museum, <a href="http://www.bayviewneighborhood.org/chill_on_the_hill">Chill on the Hill</a>, the wading pool, parks, and of course, gardening. Keeping busy! One activity a day, even if it's just going to the park. <br />
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I have also started the Jillian Michael's 30 Day Shred video. Whew! I've gained about 30lbs in the last year for some reason, so I have to kick my ass in gear and get some more exercise. I am not a video exerciser, normally. But a few people had mentioned doing it and loving it, and I thought for $8 and some 3lb weights I might as well try it, right? It's awesome! The thing I love is that Ingrid loves watching it with me for some reason, so she's my biggest cheerleader! As soon as I've had a couple cups of coffee she says "Okay, mama, time to shred!" Honestly, I need that, since I would otherwise get lazy. I'm also doing some sort of post on Instagram after I do it so I keep a log of it. Even if no one else is seeing it, I feel like I have to do it to keep myself motivated. <br />
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Otis has been sick and crabby the past couple days though, so I am worn out. Mentally tired of dealing with his mood swings and crying. Physically tired from him wanting to be cuddled and carried all the time. Please, don't let your kids get Hand Foot and Mouth disease! It sucks.</div>
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Next week is another week of whatever, and then we have a fun filled weekend for the Fourth of July and cousins and the cottage and I have another craft show! The <a href="http://onmilwaukee.com/market/articles/makermarket.html">Maker Market</a> is July 7th, I'm getting ready for it and looking forward to hopefully not a really hot day! Last year I did an <a href="http://ingridliddle.blogspot.com/2012/07/hot-street-fairs.html">outdoor show </a>in July and it was like a hundred degrees. Ugh. I'm happy it's in the parking lot of a coffee shop, I foresee a LOT of iced coffee in my future.<br />
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What are you up to this summer???Amber Liddlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08049947191143341720noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3439588323499898608.post-7437759669092047322013-06-11T08:35:00.005-07:002013-06-11T08:37:51.483-07:00Door County 2013<div style="text-align: center;">
Our annual camping trip was last weekend. It was so much fun, and just as I'd predicted <a href="http://ingridliddle.blogspot.com/2012/06/door-county-camping.html">last year</a>, this year was our golden year where the kids slept all through the night and Brendan and I just got to sit around the campfire, drink beer, and wait for the stars to come out! It rained a bit, but was overall really good weather. It was COLD the first night, we all had on pjs, jeans, coats, sweatshirts, sleeping bags and blankets, and Brendan still said he felt cold. 46 degrees when you're in a tent is really chilly!</div>
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We did the usual stuff, throw rocks in the water, walk the trails, go see if the goats were out at<a href="http://www.aljohnsons.com/"> Al Johnson's</a>, get breakfast at the <a href="http://www.whitegullinn.com/">White Gull Inn</a>. We also rented a bike for me, plus a Tagalong bike for Ingrid. It was so fun! I was a bit shaky at first but once we got the hang of it, it was super fun. There are tons of trails to take around the state park, we'll definitely do that next year!</div>
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Like I said, the kids passed out right away the first night and slept the whole night. Brendan and I were actually up before they were Friday morning! No 3am wake up and driving the park like last year! No starting the day at 5:30am, the kids slept until 7. Bliss. It was really amazing. Each year is just going to get easier and easier, until they hit puberty when they'll all the sudden start thinking it's lame to go camping. Or at least that's what happened to me at that age :)<br />
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Once again, a great trip with the family. So glad this is our tradition!Amber Liddlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08049947191143341720noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3439588323499898608.post-56709980706616262042013-05-29T16:40:00.001-07:002013-05-29T16:40:21.426-07:00A Nature WalkIt was nice out this weekend so we went over by the botanical gardens to take a nature hike. It was gorgeous! We saw a deer, a turtle sunning on a rock, fish in the lagoon, and a huge frog. The kids thought it was pretty great, although damn Ingrid is a whiner when it comes to walking!! Every five feet she would whine about being tired. Meanwhile, little bro was running along the path like he had all the energy in the world...<br />
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Amber Liddlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08049947191143341720noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3439588323499898608.post-753880400280351272013-05-23T06:42:00.000-07:002013-05-23T06:42:07.380-07:00Big Kid<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I took these pictures with my Canon the other day and as I was looking at them I realized how much of a little boy Otis is now. No more baby or even toddler, he is all boy! He is getting so big, putting on his own shoes, taking care of his dishes after dinner, getting into bed by himself. No more babies. He starts preschool in the fall, and when we drive by the church it's in, he says "There's my school!" His school. He's big.</div>
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<br />Amber Liddlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08049947191143341720noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3439588323499898608.post-81125298961177940222013-05-20T10:09:00.000-07:002013-05-20T10:09:26.584-07:00FIVE!<div style="text-align: center;">
Ingrid turned five yesterday. It seems like she's way older sometimes, and others it seems like she shot up before I could even notice. I look at pictures from just a couple years ago and she just looks like such a baby then! She has turned into such a girl now, no longer a toddler or even a little girl. </div>
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We had a party for her Saturday afternoon. It was exhausting. Nine 4 and 5 year olds came over and we did something pretty much every single second they were here! We made glitter wands, which they took outside to have a parade with. They marched up and down the street singing happy birthday and shouting "Sparkle! Sparkle!" The neighbors thought it was funny.</div>
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Then we did a pinata, which I have to say I will never do again. It is just NOT fun, the kids can't seem to break it so I ended up breaking it open with my hands so they could grab the candy. Then they all argued over who got gumdrops and who got suckers. And it cost a lot. </div>
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We had cake. We played outside. </div>
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And then they all went home and my mom and I were absolutely exhausted. But it was so fun and Ingrid was so happy to have all her friends over. </div>
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Yesterday we had some family over and cooked out. Twice. We also had neighbor friends over and had more purple cake. It's like birthdays just keep on going around here! </div>
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Ingrid got a new bike for her birthday, purple of course. She has been really good at it, although it makes me nervous because she still doesn't quite get the brakes when she's going down a hill. </div>
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She also got this AMAZING vintage electric piano from Grandma and Grandpa!! I love this thing! Right now it's down in our basement, but I will be making room for it somewhere up in our living room. It is just too cool! And the sound is amazing. Love this!</div>
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Now the festivities are over and I am left with a five year old. She starts full day school in a couple months! It amazes me how fast it's gone. Happy Birthday, Ingrid!</div>
Amber Liddlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08049947191143341720noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3439588323499898608.post-43849105583934741952013-05-17T06:30:00.002-07:002013-05-17T06:30:27.416-07:00Surgery<div style="text-align: center;">
Monday morning, bright and early, I went in for my throat surgery. Brendan's dad came over to watch the kids and we left for the hospital. I am a funny one, but I like hospitals. I have spent a bit of time in them, and contrary to making me loathe them, I find them to be like a second home. Something about the beds, the soft noises all around, the beeping, the nurses gentle voices. I don't know, I feel calm there. Probably because I have absolutely no responsibilities when I'm there. No one is demanding anything from me. They are, in fact, offering me a warm blanket or a glass of ice water. They say things like "would you like more pain medicine?" and "there, there, take a little rest!" </div>
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When I was handed my gown I found they have gone hi-tech. The gowns are paper, purple, and have little vents in them to which a hose attaches. It blows in hot air to keep you warm. It also puffs up from the air so they kind of look like those <a href="http://www.bing.com/images/search?q=sumo+suit&qs=n&form=QBIR&pq=sumo+suit&sc=8-9&sp=-1&sk=#">Sumo suits</a>. I felt pretty sexy.</div>
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Things went smoothly this time, my IV only took one time! Usually I have to be poked and prodded a few times before an IV takes, but this time only one. I think it was because my nurse had purple hair, which Ingrid would tell you obviously means good luck. Last time I got pretty sick from the anesthesia, so this time they made sure to give me the good stuff that wouldn't make me sick. Thank you, anesthesiologist! That was the one thing I was dreading, waking up to feeling pukey. </div>
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I woke up in the recovery room and felt fine. Drugged up but overall pretty okay. They brought me to my room, Brendan came up to meet me, I dozed in and out and then when I fully woke up it was time to go home! Check out this view from my room! It was gorgeous!</div>
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I got home to find Otis sleeping in my room, so I went and crashed by him. I pretty much slept all day and night, popped some pain pills, drank some water, and that was it. I am SO hoping this is the end of my throat woes. I don't mind hospitals, but I sure do mind the ridiculous bills that come with them!!</div>
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The rest of the week has been great. Sunny weather, friends helping out with the kids, and now my mom is coming today to help with the purple unicorn party! Woohoo! </div>
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Amber Liddlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08049947191143341720noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3439588323499898608.post-7031558119661866112013-05-11T12:45:00.000-07:002013-05-11T12:45:35.328-07:00House stuff, Sewing stuff, Surgery stuff.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Doesn't our house look nice? We painted the door red, which only looks good from far away, so don't come too close, lol! And with the new numbers, some daffodils and tulips popping up, it looks so charming. We planted some more things in the flower beds this week and are looking at getting a new light and perhaps painting the house. Obviously that is not a high priority but we're looking at it...</div>
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In the backyard we are planning a little deck. Finally! Of course, I had gotten a concrete guy to come give us an estimate and was all ready to pay him to get it done in a couple weeks, but then Brendan changed his mind and didn't want a poured concrete patio after all. How frustrating, I just want it done! Alas, I do think the deck will look nicer. So I'll give him that.</div>
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Last weekend I had a craft show at Ingrid's school. It was fun! I sold a fair bit of things, and was able to stock up at the Waxwing afterwards, which means I don't have to do any more sewing for awhile, I'll be good until the end of June.</div>
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Which is a good thing, as I go in for surgery on Monday...again. Last summer I had a cyst removed on my throat and I was all excited to have it taken care of once and for all. Then I got sick and guess what got infected again?? My throat. Again. BLARGH! So I've been in and out of the ENT doctor for months trying to figure out what's going on, as this usually doesn't happen. Cat scans and antibiotics, lots of bills. And another surgery. See how happy I am about it?</div>
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Next week will be a blur of drugs and pain, but then <em>hopefully</em> it will really truly be done. Done I say!</div>
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In other news, it's really spring here, and we've been enjoying as much time outside as possible. I even hung laundry on the clothesline! So excited for warm weather and summer.</div>
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Ingrid's birthday party is next weekend. We are having 8 four and five year olds coming for a purple unicorn party. We are making glitter fairy wands as a craft. There is going to be glitter all over our house for the next seventeen years, I can already tell. But look how happy she is. I can't say no to that.</div>
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<br />Amber Liddlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08049947191143341720noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3439588323499898608.post-86535026651099234782013-04-28T16:26:00.000-07:002013-04-28T16:26:02.376-07:00Spring Weekend<div style="text-align: center;">
It's so funny how a little sun and warm weather makes everyone so happy. Especially when you have shitty weather for most of your year, like we do in the midwest. This weekend was like all smiles and sunshine and fun, because it was nice out. We got a lot accomplished!</div>
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Saturday morning we went to the zoo. We saw the baby jaguars, they were playing with their mama, it was pretty cute to watch. We had a picnic and then the kids crashed in the car on the way home. </div>
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Brendan took off the front door so we could paint it. By "we" I really mean "HE" since he ended up doing all the work. I chose the color. </div>
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Our door had a funny panel nailed on the front. Brendan said hey, I think this is really a six panel door, they just covered it for some reason. So he took off the panel and found that they had filled in the panels and then nailed a piece of cardboard over it, painted the whole thing an ugly navy blue color or black that faded in the sun, and called it a day. So...hours later he'd managed to yank all the junk out of the panels and today he sanded and primed and painted. It's still drying, but we will have a nice six panel, classic red front door soon!</div>
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We also got new house numbers. It's amazing how something so small makes such a big difference! Our neighbors were like wow, we never even noticed our numbers before but yours look so great! And the best thing is, they were $6 a piece from Home Depot. Next up is a new light fixture for outside. </div>
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The kids got their fair share of play, too. Chalk, tricycles, playing catch with the dads, going to the park, and popsicles. Not bad for a weekend!</div>
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Amber Liddlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08049947191143341720noreply@blogger.com1