tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35981333581773393532024-03-14T01:54:36.749-07:00Two Peas and a PodThe whimsy and mayhem of my life with my doting husband, our Lil Sweet Pea,and our kitty as we navigate our life journey with fashionable flair!!Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02746851674691818407noreply@blogger.comBlogger59125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3598133358177339353.post-42223420173915605662013-08-09T10:43:00.000-07:002013-08-09T10:46:13.095-07:00Allow Me to REINTRODUCE Myself...<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihyRUTRzbxRrpAmgNUqI3oW52jYXm7tfRZbw7Nr9Y7i9-DOclxaXJZwMGYOTVfEtfuIhkHFfV9xog_hU2d4bI8noHYsk2RPNWtwUXUCi37d_LVZXeYRuga6W7hGkzu7Mk0AcRTFHd1Wko/s640/blogger-image--2144969514.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihyRUTRzbxRrpAmgNUqI3oW52jYXm7tfRZbw7Nr9Y7i9-DOclxaXJZwMGYOTVfEtfuIhkHFfV9xog_hU2d4bI8noHYsk2RPNWtwUXUCi37d_LVZXeYRuga6W7hGkzu7Mk0AcRTFHd1Wko/s640/blogger-image--2144969514.jpg"></a></div>As I had mentioned in my previous post --I am taking this blog in a new direction. A new direction here but a lot closer to my heart.</span><br>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I want this blog to be a place of positivity and self -affirmation. I want people who stop by here to feel good. It has taken me a long time to get to this point in my life. The point in life where I am comfortable in my own skin and with who I am. It has not been an easy journey to get to the here--this moment--this space in time where I feel wholly comfortable in WHO I AM . Confidence was never my forte. So here at long last some 30+ years into my life I am finally, finally getting comfortable in my own skin.</span><br>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Let me take you back a bit through my life. I was an extremely shy child, an introverted teenager with HUGE self esteem issues, and a lost twenty something. I married at 30 and thought that was my happily ever after. Problem was I was not in a place to be happy with myself and so a life long struggle with depression took over and the emotional eater that I had always been went into overdrive. </span><br>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Long story short--I ballooned up and over 300lbs. My health was in serious risk. I was pre- diabetic had high blood pressure, high cholesterol had arthritis, bad knees, bad hips, and lower back pain that was excruciating and I was also on my way to a serious coronary episode. My doctors told me if I didn't do something soon--I would have a heart attack within months. But that was the only scary thing they told me they also said because I was morbidly obese I would never be able to get pregnant or carry a child to full term. (I had ALWAYS wanted to be a mother so that bit of news was especially devastating and more frightening than a pending heart attack.) I had to do something. I was slowly killing myself and I realized I did not want to die. Not this young, not like this, not with so many wishes and dreams unfulfilled...I was beyond scared. </span><br>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">So in order to avert annihilation --I opted for a drastic last resort. I chose surgery. Gastric Bypass to be exact. (And if anyone out there DARES to say it was the easy way out than you know nothing about this surgery. It was anything but easy!!) Gastric Bypass is not a cure all. It helps you lose a lot of weight in a short amount of time. It does not cure you of a food addiction or solve all your problems. It is not even a guarantee of being skinny. It is a tool to help you get healthy when you are in desperate need of being healthy. </span><br>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">So I lost a significant amount of weight (176lbs to be exact) but that didn't change me on the inside. I still grappled with who I was and who I wanted to be. I wasn't loving myself--I didn't know how. The outside was different but the inside was still the same twisted wreck as always. </span><br>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Then came an event that changed everything for me. I was physically assaulted terrorized, and almost killed by a psychopathic loon. In one terrifying night I finally saw the light.<b> I was worth more than I ever thought.</b> It was a strange epiphany to be having when you are fighting for your life, fighting for air to breathe as it is choked out of you...fighting as your head is slammed over and over into a wall and then thrown onto the floor...feeling myself dragged across the floor...I kept seeing myself as if I was floating above the nightmare...watching the bruises form...knowing the unspeakable was happening ...hearing the horrific words he kept yelling...knowing death was going to come too slowly...he was enjoying the pain I was in too much. He was gleeful. I was cold.</span><br>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"> I have never known such raw fear in my life and I hope no one ever has to experience that heinous fear. I was alone more so than I had ever been and yet at some point a feeling of peace came over me because...</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">In the misty haze of that night I knew only one thing--if I got out alive I would be different. </span><br>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I am different now. My life has a feeling of being split in two. There is the life I had before that night and the life I have after. I am not same person I was before that night. She is long gone--a forgotten memory, floating off into the night sky. With her went a lot of my internal battles. They were meaningless battles after that night. </span><br>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">No, I did not just wake up and find myself in this place. There was a lot of work to get here. But I got here and here is a good place to be. </span><br>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The dawn did come for me. A new day arose and here I am three years later--a very proud Mommy of a very precocious 2 year old. I survived. I made it through the dark and found my light. And in the process I found myself. </span><br>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I am no longer as thin as I was before I was pregnant. I am okay with that. This body I have now --she is a warrior, a survivor, and a goddamn goddess!! Five years ago I would have lamented over my lumps and bumps--now I celebrate them. I used to compare myself to every other woman out there--now I just smile and think "Hey, they are gorgeous, <b>too</b>!" </span><br>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">This is why I am changing the direction of my blog. I want to celebrate and empower women to feel good about themselves at any size! I don't want any girl to ever feel as worthless and low as I did. </span><br>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br>There is no reason for it. We are all amazing, wonderful, fanciful, stunning creatures--no matter our age, our size, or our shape. Who cares what the scale says or the label in the dress?? Do you feel sexy? Do you feel good about yourself?? Well you <b>SHOULD</b>! because it really doesn't matter what anyone else thinks--all that matters is that you <b>KNOW </b>you are beautiful!</span><br>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">So from here on out this blog will be about celebrating women of all sizes and shapes and ages. I want it to be a place where fashion meets positivity and creativity meets confidence! I hope you will come along on this journey with me!</span><br>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Ciao Bellas!!!</span>Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02746851674691818407noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3598133358177339353.post-50824584974136515062013-08-07T14:25:00.001-07:002013-08-07T14:41:42.595-07:00New Directions<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I have been contemplating a change in direction for my blog. When I first started TWO PEAS AND A POD, I was expecting my darling sweet pea and was planning on being a full time SAHM (stay at home mom). I thought I would delve into the world of "Mommy Blogs" and find a nice little place to blog about the ups and downs of motherhood.</span><br />
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Alas, God had other plans for me when my husband was first laid off, then hospitalized and out of work --it necessitated a plan for me to go back to work full time. We just could not swing it financially if I stayed home. </span><br />
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So back to work I went, thinking I would then blog about being a working mommy. However, it never quite fit. I always felt like I didn't fit into the "Mommy" blogosphere anymore because now I had to work. I kept reading these mommy blogs and they were full of cute homemade lunches,slow cooker dinners, crafts and homeschooling ideas and there I was trying to figure out how to pay for child care! Also, because I am a teacher my job just doesn't end at 3 pm...I bring it home with me every night so the blog was neglected and I felt even further removed from the "Mommy" blog-verse. </span><br />
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The last few posts here have been almost like diary entries--writing down a snippet from my life here and there but that isn't what I want my blog to be about either. I thought I would try to make it more personal and deep with thought provoking discussion on politics and world events-- and although I am interested in those things that wasn't really a great fit for my blog either.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"> This blog <b>does </b>mean a lot to me. I truly want it to be my own special place but for a long time now I have been feeling like I have been forcing it to be something it is not and that isn't much fun.</span><br />
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I want this blog to be about who I am and the things I enjoy. I want it to be a fun, positive place that I look forward to posting and engaging with other bloggers. I am thinking that I will be incorporating more fun and less forced topics into my blog from here on out. I am going to focus on what matters to me and be true to who I am.</span><br />
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I actually do have a plan of what I want the focus of the blog to be from here on out...just working out a few kinks and then voila! I will unveil the new format for all to see! I am very excited to be putting this into action-it feels very much like "me" and not forced at all. I am just going to bring the things I love to the foreground and keep blogging on my terms and not how I <b><i>"think"</i></b> someone or some group <i><b>"thinks"</b></i> it should be.</span><br />
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So keep a lookout because in the next few days the new feel to the TWO PEAS AND A POD blog will be up and running! </span><br />
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Ciao Bellas!!!</span>Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02746851674691818407noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3598133358177339353.post-31336521499034642532013-07-02T10:03:00.002-07:002013-07-02T10:03:25.845-07:00Summer Time and the Living is Soggy and the Skies are EmptyAnyone else tired of this rain already?? I am so over going outside and feeling like I am being smothered by the humidity. I feel like we haven't seen sun in eons. Sigh, But I know that once the sun is back I will just be complaining about the heat and high temperatures. Even though my birthday is in the summer I am not a summer person. I was not made for heat, humidity, and sweating when not moving. I am as pale as Caspar and I have naturally curly hair--I DON'T do summer well.<br />
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It is the week of July 4th and as long as I seem to be ranting here let me rant about my utter disappointment with the city of Pottstown for not having the fireworks this year. I am utterly flabbergasted by this. How can the entire City Council get brand new iPads but we can't have community fireworks? I thought the borough management and city council were about bringing this town UP not dragging it down. We need events like the 4th of July Parade AND fireworks to build up community support for improvements around town.<br />
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I mean have you walked down High Street lately??? OMG--you have two nice blocks and then a crap load of crap afterwards. How are we supposed to turn this town around with such apathy living in town and handling the city council as well. The improvements and turn around of this town can not rest on the shoulders of people like the proprietors of Grumpy's and the Pottstown Karate Club. It needs to come from within the power structure itself and involve the community.<br />
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This is not just about no fireworks but what that means for the community. When the council and town government say no fireworks for Pottstown. What they are saying is we don't care enough about the citizens or the community to find a way to fund this event. Yes, there are some serious lowlifes in the town (But there are low life's in every town)--however, there are so many good hardworking families in this town who love the parade and the fireworks and the sense of a joined community that the July 4th events bring to all.<br />
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I lived in Philadelphia all my life until 4 years ago when we bought a house up here. I though Pottstown was such a quaint little town with so much potential. But there is definitely a vast underlying apathy and pessimism in this town that clouds a lot of people. I wish there was a way to make people see how great our little town can be--how much we can accomplish together if we just work at it a little more.<br />
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I wish City Council did not have only their personal agendas to attain and were looking out for us--the hardworking people and families who are trying to make a home here in our town,.<br />
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It's not just about a lack of fireworks in the sky--its a lack of fireworks in the people's souls here in Pottstown.<br />
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<br />Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02746851674691818407noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3598133358177339353.post-4791982723186380422013-03-31T14:01:00.001-07:002013-03-31T14:01:30.416-07:00Spring and the Promise of New Beginnings<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So finally the spring is beginning to feel like it will arrive in days not months and months! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">First official sign of Spring for me since moving to Pottstown a few years ago is the influx of classic cars on the road and the promise of the First Saturday car shows on High Street loom ever nearer. The hubby and I really do enjoy strolling downtown on those lazy summer Saturdays looking at all the cars and smelling all the food from the different vendors ...oh such fun! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And with Spring here the allure of summer looms and I can't wait to indulge in some fun times with the little one this summer! She is mobile and so interested in different things that I just know that this spring and summer in Pottstown will be full of fun things to do.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />I love Spring because it ignites a spark in me. I feel full of possibilities and look forward to the days I can spend doing activities with the sweet pea and taking some time for myself as well. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This spring I am going to start training to do some 5ks in the area. I am going to start small and keep working towards my goals. But I definitely feel the need to start running and get back into pre-baby shape. She is 18 months now and I really want to get back down to my goal weight so this spring and summer that is definitely on my list of things to accomplish.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I love the sweet smell of Spring and all it whispers and promises...it is one of my favorite times of year. How do you celebrate the coming of Spring?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Till next time!!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Much luv!!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Laura</span>Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02746851674691818407noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3598133358177339353.post-50150593960768658732013-02-09T09:24:00.002-08:002013-02-09T09:24:20.810-08:00Living Life in the Toddler Lane<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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So, my last post was about how my life has suddenly taken on a rate of speed unlike any I have ever known. And it has truly been like racing full speed down a mountain with no way to stop!<br />
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The SweetPea is growing so quickly and changing everyday it is at times hard to keep up! She has definitely found her personality and it is best described as "sassy" and a little bit mischievous. She is quite the character on a daily basis, but in the last few weeks she has really amped up her personality and her demeanor. We are quickly coming to the realization that she is not going to follow any body's rules EVER. She is her own little person with her own little way of doing things and at this point it is pretty much HER WAY or the HIGHWAY.<br />
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Such is the life of a toddler. My house usually looks like it has been hit by a hurricane or a tornado depending on the Sweetpea's mood. She loves to pull out every single toy she owns and spread it across and through every room of the house. God forbid I start picking anything up--she will be right behind pulling it all out again! LOL<br />
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She makes me smile though. Today her daddy was listening to music in the back room (Which doubles as an office/exercises area) and there she was up on the treadmill like it was a stage dancing around, laughing, and singing in her little toddler way to her hearts content. And then she was climbing up onto the couch and standing at the window yelling at the birds in the back yard. Whatever catches her fancy and makes her happy is all good in my book!<br />
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She does have one slightly troublesome quirk though that I can not find a resolution to no matter how hard I try. She hates, HATES, HATES with a fiery passion sitting in her car seat. She is good for about 5 minutes and then all hell breaks loose. She does not like being strapped into anything! Her stroller, the buggy at school, the high chair...she hates the straps and being buckled in but it is worse in the car because there is no way for her to scooch out of the straps. Driving anywhere that is further than ten minutes these days is headache inducing for both me and the hubby. I need to find some way to get her over this hump. We tried toys, a mirror, sippy cups, cheerios, music....nothing works. Sigh--any advice out there?? It would be much appreciated!!<br />
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Overall though she makes me smile more than I have ever smiled in my life! She continues to amaze and fascinate me every day and so I don't mind the messy house (OK OK I do it bugs me to no end!!!) but I do love her little face to pieces so I'll just keep running after her and cleaning up the messes as they fall! It's what makes Mommyhood so rewarding....and exhausting!!<br />
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<br />Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02746851674691818407noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3598133358177339353.post-22174115451897127012013-01-12T11:46:00.002-08:002013-01-12T11:46:37.782-08:00Less Like a Journey and More Like a Race<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: small;">So here is the thing<span style="font-size: small;"> I have figured out since becoming a mommy to a <span style="font-size: small;">VERY active toddler<span style="font-size: small;">...gone are the days <span style="font-size: small;">of leisurely naps and snuggling, playing quietly on the play mat or spending hours<span style="font-size: small;"> at a time in an excersaucer, or swing. Life has sudden taken on a <span style="font-size: small;">quality that can only be described as going full throttle into hyper speed! </span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">The Sweet Pea now wants to do everything her way and on her schedule. For a 16 month old she is surprisingly <span style="font-size: small;">independent and fiercely so. </span> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span>She has her mind set to do certain things and there is no swaying her. Now I am all for letting her stretch her wings and explore her world and utilize her creativity and problem solving skills, however, these are best left for when we have LOOOONNG stretches of time before us and not at six am when I am trying to hustle my husband, myself and her out the door for work and school.<br />
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Yes, I returned to work in September and the learning curve for me on the balance of motherhood and working has been steep. I had a terrible time of it at first, trying to manage my time and get everything done. We have sort of hit a nice rhythm these six months in ,but the Sweet Pea's need for independence is beginning to throw a wrench into my carefully timed mornings. I literally need to be dropping her off at child care at 6:30 am and be back on 422 by 6:45 in order to make it to work on time. (Because as most of us are well aware --422 is just a joy of a road to be on in rush hour traffic!!)<br />
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So yes, less of leisurely journey through motherhood and more of a NASCAR race to the finish, but at the end of the day when I go to pick her up and she is so joyfully happy to see me yet doesn't want to leave all her new friends I know it was the right decision to go back to work.<br />
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So yes, more to come on the joys, wonders and trials of being a working mommy to a fierce yet adorable little toddler!!<br />
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Till next time!<br />
Laura <br />
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<br />Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02746851674691818407noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3598133358177339353.post-27218413822278032942012-07-09T11:29:00.002-07:002012-07-09T11:29:50.398-07:00Finding Miracles<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: small;">Sleep eludes me for long periods at night. It is not so much insomnia as it is my own mind racing with all the thoughts that clamber about in my head. Thoughts about my role as a mother, a wife,a daughter, a sister a friend. Thoughts about my place in this world and what legacy I will leave my daughter. </span>Thoughts about my career path, my new position in a new school, my life as it were in general. I think about writing, about words, stories, characters, plots that drift through my slumber and are so real, so vivid it is as though I am there on the page in my mind with them. I've written a hundred books in my head only to have the words dissipate as I awaken.<br />
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My thoughts consume my night hours. My worries overwhelm, my anxiety heightens, as I continue to race through the minefield that is my mind. Stress aggravates my nightly thoughts (Big surprise there I know) but so does the quiet. The infinite stillness that night brings when I only hear the rhythmic breathing of my husband and my baby as they slumber brings forth a cacophony of noise in my mind. I lay restless. Tossing, turning, writhing with need for deep uninterrupted sleep with no thoughts, no dreams. For there are the times when sleep comes heavy upon my mind and then lashes me with an assault of nightmares. Doctors say when you have experienced a horrific event it stays with you. Time does not always heal all wounds but time does lessen the sting. Or so I am told.<br />
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I have learned to "Be Still" and know that God is there. To release my racing heart, my fleeting thoughts, my fears and find peace. I turn to a place in my heart where I know miracles exist and can be called forth. My miracle? I have had many these past few years --the most thrilling miracle of all is my daughter. I am blessed. I know that. But still the mind yammers with a deluge of thoughts. I haven't learned to quiet all the external noise just yet. But I am working on it everyday. I am guided. I see true miracles. Yet,I know I still need to let go of the external hurt and pain and just live in the quietness of peace.<br />
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Returning to a place of love isn't always easy. Letting go of past hurts, of pains, of anguishes isn't easy. But there comes a realization that one must find a way to have peace within themselves or life will always be a struggle. I don't come to peace easily. I spent most of my young adult life worried about how I was perceived. Was I pretty enough? Smart enough? Charming enough? Talented enough? Did it matter that my IQ was 144--I sucked at math I must be defective. I was not outgoing, I was shy. I must be defective. I couldn't play sports. I must be defective. I wasn't blond. I must be defective. I went to a public high school. I must be defective. I didn't have a boyfriend. I must be defective. And on and on and on. A litany of self loathing that I internalized and used against myself.<br />
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Until there came an event that changed everything for me.( Near death experiences have that effect on people I am told.) It was as if my entire life came sharply into focus and I said "No more". No more self loathing, no more being a victim of life. It was time to actually LIVE the life I had.<br />
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As are most things in life, this was easier said than done. It takes time to reevaluate and refocus your life for the good. It isn't easy. I often liken it to a twelve step group. I have to work my way through each level and learn and grow before I can move onto the next step. Its a slow process. Thus, my sleep struggles continue. I have issues with trust. Trusting others. Trusting myself. I am working on it. I was a grudge holder for a long time in my life. I've let go of the grudges. That was very hard. To forgive and truly let go is not easy. Some forgiveness is still being worked. Some pain has not yet been forgotten. But I am working on it.<br />
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Miracles happen. Everyday. Not just to me but to anyone who wants one. You just need to believe in it. Truly without any hesitation-you must believe. Some situations are easier than others. But at the heart of all miracles is love. Find it and return to it. Let the angels guide you. They are here watching and waiting for you to ask for their help. Obviously, I have found a deeper meaning in my faith since this all began. It is more than just praying. It is developing a deep and abiding relationship that guides me through my life. My faith is extremely important to me now in a way that is more meaningful and more loving than ever before.<br />
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As stated in the Course in Miracles--"Miracles are seen in light". You have to move past the darkness to find the light. Only then can you give and receive miracles. Because "light and strength are one." I found my strength when I moved into the light and let go of hate. There is only love. God is love. We are love. It is with that knowledge that I find miracles. <br />
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Miracles are not once in a lifetime phenomenons. They are everyday graces that we must be open to receive. Open your heart and miracles will come your way. The biggest miracle was my daughter. She has opened up my heart in ways I never thought possible. The way I love her is a love like none on this earth. She is a gift from God and the biggest blessing I have ever received from Him. Her birth brought a litany of miracles to me. Everyday I am graced with such love and happiness. That is a miracle. Each time she smiles. Each hug. Each cuddle. Each time she says "Momma" it is a miracle. Miracles are everywhere. You just need to know how to find them.<br />
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Love may be the greatest miracle because it is love that brought me back from the brink. It was love that brought forth my daughter. It was love that propels me forward each day. So yes, the night and its infinite darkness may be long at times but I continuing the journey towards the light and finding miracles along the way.<br />
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<br />Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02746851674691818407noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3598133358177339353.post-30669328686346745072012-04-18T04:54:00.001-07:002012-04-18T04:54:28.930-07:00Mommy Rule #1 :To Thine Routine Be True<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: small;">This is the first post in an occasional series I will be writing on the wisdom I gain while mothering the Sweet Pea. These are the Mommy Rules. However, I just want to state that these little gems are in no way being given as professional or medical advice. These are simply things I have learned or discovered that are true for me and the Sweet Pea. All children, especially babies, are different, as are mothering styles. This is just my take on the experiences I have with my child. I am not, I repeat, I am not telling anyone how to raise their child! (I just wanted to get that out of the way first.) </span><br />
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<b>Mommy Rule # 1 : To Thine Routine Be True</b><br />
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The past few days I learned something very important about my darling child. She does not like changes in her routine in any way, shape, or form!!<br />
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Over the past few months, the Sweet Pea and I have established a pretty predictable routine and schedule. A typical day for the Sweet Pea looks a bit like this:<br />
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6:15-6:30 a.m wake up and have diaper changed<br />
6:30-7:00 have first bottle of the day and cuddle with Mommy<br />
7:00-8:00 play on mat, or in exersaucer, practice trying to crawl, or just roll all over<br />
8:00-9:00 another diaper change<br />
9:00-10:00 have cereal -make huge mess while being encouraged to feed self and drink from cup--laugh hysterically at mess-- enjoy food immensely<br />
10:00 -11:00 play in back room with Mommy<br />
11:00-11:30 usually nod off for a quick cat nap<br />
11:30 -12:00 have a bottle and watch Sesame street episode while hanging out in chair or while mommy gets on treadmill--laugh hysterically at Mommy trying to work out<br />
12:00 -1:00 another diaper change! More play time. Do baby art or play outside<br />
1:00-- Lunch --make even bigger mess while eating and laugh at mess as Mommy tries to clean it up<br />
2:00-3:00--run errands with Mommy if necessary or nod off for another quick cat nap<br />
3:00-4:00 --have another bottle, another diaper change, hang out with Mommy in kitchen while she washes dishes or does laundry<br />
4:00-5:00 Daddy is home! Spend time with Daddy and go on computer to Skype with Grandma and older sister who live in the mountains<br />
5:00-6:00 Dinner time!<br />
6:00-7:00 --wind down time, cuddle with mommy or daddy<br />
7:00 -8:00- bath time, bottle, bed<br />
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Really that is a pretty typical day for her. And since I am a stay at home mom I can pretty much ensure that her routine doesn't ever go askew. Except for the last few days. I had to have a surgical procedure on Tuesday. So that meant on Monday I had to go over to the hospital for Pre-Admission Testing at 9 am. Thus our routine was shot to hell before lunch.<br />
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Also, because we were at the hospital and my Lil Sweet Pea is a meatball who is not walking or crawling yet she had to stay confined to her car seat carrier. Since the Sweet Pea is just on the crux of being mobile -being confined to her carrier for almost four hours was I think a bit torturous for her. Now for the most part she was her usual, smiling, people happy self. She really did hold it together and did well. Even if she did have to take two bottles in her seat and couldn't really cuddle with Mommy. However, it was when we got home that she just lost it completely. She just wanted to be held and not be put down. She was quick to cry and did not want to eat or play. Then I had to run out to the Pharmacy and pick up some medicine and when I put her back in the car seat she just lost it completely. It was an EPIC meltdown. I have never seen her lose it so bad before. Even the hubby, couldn't believe it. She was just a mess. It was heartbreaking for me because I knew the next day would throw her for even more of a loop.<br />
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And boy did it ever. We had to leave early for the hospital. So that threw her off. Then so did the fact that Daddy was home and with us. Then Mommy was in a hospital gown. Then Daddy was with her all day and Mommy was not. She was to say the least not a happy baby.<br />
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The procedure went well and Daddy came to get me at the hospital. But when Daddy left to go pull the car around and the nurse who was very kind tried to hold Sweet Pea while I got dressed--well all hell broke loose. Sweet Pea was having none of that. Even as groggy and dazed as I was I don't think I have ever pulled on clothes that fast in my life! I didn't even get in the wheelchair to be discharged I just carried the Sweet Pea out. Of course, as soon as I had her she was fine but then we had to put her in the car seat which lead to another epic meltdown all the way home.<br />
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When we got home hubby got me to bed and I pretty much slept for the rest of the afternoon while he dealt with the not too happy baby. She didn't even take one of her cat naps and refused to eat any food. She just took her bottles. Then last night at bed time she literally screamed herself to sleep. It was hellish.<br />
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The Sweet Pea definitely does not like her routines changed. I definitely know now to try to keep her routine as close to normal as usual to ensure a relatively happy baby. Next time, something like this comes up that is going to disrupt more than a day for the Sweet Pea, I know to call for help or get a babysitter.<br />
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So lesson learned for this Mommy. To thine Routine be True.<br />
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<br />Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02746851674691818407noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3598133358177339353.post-12290234153781410702012-04-12T10:09:00.000-07:002012-04-13T04:18:19.138-07:00Defending the Right To Be a Stay At Home Mother<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I try very hard to steer clear of political issues on my blog. Not because politics doesn't interest me, it does. In fact, I actually minored in political science at WCU before changing schools and my major. However, my zeal for a life in politics has waned. This blog's focus is on family and the life journey we are on.But that is neither here nor there. This post isn't about politics per se, but the post was inspired by the debate sparked by a Democratic strategist by the name of Hilary Rosen.<br />
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Hilary Rosen was on Anderson Cooper's show and said the following "His wife has actually never worked a day in her life,” Rosen told
Anderson Cooper. “She’s never really dealt with the kinds of economic
issues that a majority of the women in this country are facing in terms
of how do we feed our kids, how do we send them to school and how do we —
why we worry about their future.”<br />
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This statement has nothing to do with the current political race and more to do with the assumption that because a woman chooses to stay home and raise her children she knows nothing about the outside world. When I heard this I could only ask myself "Why do women feel the need to tear down other women?"<br />
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Ann Romney is not clueless simply because she is a mother who stayed at home. From my research on Ann Romney it appears she is quite well educated and well spoken.She attended Brigham Young university and received her undergraduate degree from Harvard University. She also continues to live a full and active life raising her boys even after being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis.<br />
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Furthermore, for Ms. Rosen to contend that Ann Romney has "never worked a day in her life" one can conclude that Ms. Rosen is unfamiliar with the trials and tribulations of raising one child, let alone five. So for anyone who thinks staying at home and raising children is "easy" or makes us, as stay at home moms "lazy" or "uneducated" let me dispel that line of thinking. Staying home and raising a child is the hardest thing in the world. I taught in the elementary school system for over ten years, had classes with 30+ students and I never worked as hard as I do now staying home with my daughter. There are no breaks, there is no lunch hour, there are no days off, no half days, no vacation, and there is no clocking out, because as a stay at home mother my job is NEVER done. <br />
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Let me tell you something, Ms. Rosen-- I worry everyday how I am going to feed my child, where I will send her to school, and what her future will be like. Just because I chose to stay at home does not make me an imbecile. I, not only, hold a Bachelor of Arts degree in Early Childhood and Elementary Education, I also hold an MBA (that would be a Masters in Business Administration). I understand the economic issues of the day even if I am not currently in the workforce. I am well versed on what is happening in this country. See, Ms. Rosen when you attacked Mrs. Romney and said those things about her, it is like you were saying it about all stay at home mothers because we made the choice not to go back to work after having our children. Your theory seems to be that because someone does not work they don't understand life. It seems to me Ms. Rosen, you are the one who doesn't understand life.<br />
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Staying at home is not a choice for everyone. I know plenty of mothers who make the choice to go back to work after having their child. That is a wonderful and noble choice. But it was not my choice. I would rather go without some luxuries or fancy vacations or new clothes for awhile and stay home with my little girl. But that is my choice. It doesn't mean it is the right choice for every woman who has a child. I would never expect it to be.<br />
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However, the tone of Ms. Rosen's argument on Anderson Cooper's show is that somehow being a stay at home mother makes Ann Romney someone who should not be taken seriously when she speaks. I find it insulting for someone to assume that because I am staying home with my child I can longer hold an intelligent conversation on the issues. Believe me when I say I can and will debate anyone on any number of subjects that pertain to today's issues and I will do it intelligently. I am not a moron because I choose to stay home with my child.<br />
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I can not speak for all mothers who stay at home, and honestly I am not trying to. It was just so disheartening when I read this story that a woman would go on the attack against another woman just because that woman chose to stay home. I am not saying Ms. Rosen is a bad person, but her comments were hurtful not just to Ann Romney but to me as well. Those words felt very much like an attack on the choice to stay home. In this day and age, I don't think I should have to defend my choice to stay home and raise my daughter. But if I need to then so be it.<br />
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I don't know what Ann Romney or any other stay at home mothers' reason would be to make the choice to not work but I can tell you my reason. When I was 33 years old I was told by my doctors that it would be nearly impossible for me to conceive a child due to my numerous and extremely serious health issues at the time. So, when I finally did get healthy and was miraculously able to conceive and carry a baby to term I knew I could not just go back to work. This time at home is a gift. I am able to be here for every tear but also for every giggle. I work harder now than I ever did. I am in a state of constant exhaustion. But I love every minute of it. I am here to see all of my daughter's little "firsts", from her first belly laugh to her first time sitting up. I am here. For me, that is more important than any career move could be right now. But don't be fooled--I WORK my butt off everyday taking care of my bundle of joy. But I wouldn't trade it for the world.<br />
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*I do adore my lil Sweet Pea!!!!*<br />
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It is my hope that as women, we can respect each others choices and support each other not tear each other down or try to one up each other on accomplishments. So in that vein, I leave you with the following to ponder:<br />
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<b style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">"Being a full-time mother is one of the highest salaried jobs... since the payment is pure love." -- Mildred B. Vermont </b><br />
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<b> "Though motherhood is the most important of all the professions --
requiring more knowledge than any other department in human affairs --
there was no attention given to preparation for this office." -- <a href="http://womenshistory.about.com/cs/quotes/a/ec_stanton.htm">Elizabeth Cady Stanton</a></b></div>
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<b>All mothers are working mothers." -- Unknown </b><br />
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</div>Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02746851674691818407noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3598133358177339353.post-64326013850851858472012-04-07T08:19:00.000-07:002012-04-07T08:21:53.642-07:00Happy Easter<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Yesterday we took the Sweet Pea to the Coventry Mall to get her first picture with the Easter Bunny. As you can see she had no fear! She was all smiles for everyone--from the people and children in line, to the girl who took the pictures, and even big smiles for the cashiers at the end! Our Sweet Pea is such a people person! She loves to laugh and giggle with everyone around her!<br />
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This was such a "mommy milestone" kind of day for me. Mommy milestones are the moments that are big to me because it is the first time we do something with or for the Sweet Pea. They are sweet and joyful moments, but also a bit bittersweet too. Sweet Pea just had her first picture with the Easter Bunny so that is a "first moment" that we have experienced now. So while it is such a joyful moment it is also a bit sad because we had looked upon that moment with anticipation and now it is done. However, there are more "mommy milestones" for me to experience and many, many more "firsts" for the Sweet Pea to look forward and celebrate in the days ahead.<br />
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As we prepare for the Easter holiday, I can not believe the Sweet Pea is almost seven months old! It seems like it was just yesterday I was bringing her home from the hospital. Now just seven short months later, she is sitting up by herself, drinking from her bottle all by herself, and doing so much more than I thought she would be! She amazes me everyday with the things she can do! She was such a tiny, little bundle of joy and now she is my big,smiling ray of sunshine.<br />
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Easter is especially meaningful for me this year because as a Catholic, I celebrate the risen Jesus as the Light of the World. I am also celebrating because the Sweet Pea is my little light in this world too. She has brought me so much happiness I don't think I can ever adequately express it in words.<br />
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However, I do know that this Easter will be especially bright and especially wonderful because the Sweet Pea is here celebrating with us.<br />
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To everyone, whether you celebrate Easter or Passover, may you too rejoice in the joy the world can bring with laughter, with smiles, with songs, but most of all, let us rejoice through love.<br />
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Much luv!<br />
Laura<br />
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<br />Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02746851674691818407noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3598133358177339353.post-49099464279061971302012-04-04T07:53:00.002-07:002012-04-04T07:54:08.898-07:00Doctor Appointment Fun<span style="font-size: large;">I have lived in Pottstown for approximately three years. In those three years it never occurred to me to change my primary physician to a physician who practiced medicine in the town I live. Whenever, I was sick I would just call my old doctor's office, tell them my symptoms and hope to heck they wouldn't make me drive down for an in office visit. An in office visit meant a drive down 422 and then down 73 which is over an hour long. I hate driving into the city. Now with the arrival of the Sweet Pea it finally occurred to me to change doctors. So I did. To a practice right here in town. Less than five minutes from my home. Why did I not do this say oh three years ago??? </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">To tell the truth, I liked my old doctor alot. He was nice and he listened to his patients and took time to speak with you until you understood or felt comfortable with a diagnosis. But the problem was he was over an hours drive from me now and his practice is huge now and the wait times were atrociously long. Sometimes I would be waiting to see the doctor for over an hour and a half. It was just getting ridiculous. I could not handle the drive and the waiting with a six month old in tow. So it was time for a new doctor! Plus the fact that I have had the dry, scaly, itchy red swollen thing happening on my hand for over a month now and I was beginning to fear it was some weird flesh eating disease.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I have to admit going to the doctor has always felt like being sent to the Principal's office to me. I have had some really bad doctors in the past (this also explains my unwillingness to change doctors ) . I will admit that in my late twenties thru early thirties I had gained an enormous amount of weight and some not so nice doctors were very harsh with me about it. I literally had one former doctor say to me I "would never have children and if by some miracle I did get pregnant at that weight how would I take care of a child??" Thus, I have some fears with new doctors and what they will say about my weight or my health Not that I am heavy in that regard anymore and I have changed my lifestyle to include healthy eating and regular exercise but still that fear lingers. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">So today was my first appointment with the new doctor and it went really well. Whew!! What a relief that was! I had a full physical and everything looked okay. The doctor was fine about everything and said I looked good! YAY!! </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">But I do have to have some blood work done as a routine check because I may be a bit anemic. But all in all the first appointment at the new practice went really well. The staff were very nice and the doctor was very reassuring.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Oh, and the mystery ailment on my hand that I thought was a flesh eating disease??? Just eczema.</span><br />
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<br />Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02746851674691818407noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3598133358177339353.post-39497840128298319102012-04-03T04:37:00.002-07:002012-04-03T04:44:50.854-07:00Hubby's Birthday Celebration<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">Yesterday was the hubby's birthday! </span>There he is with the Sweet Pea! Isn't he handsome?<br />
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Hubby turned 46 (and yes he is older than me--almost ten years older!) I always joke that I am his trophy wife. Ha! But it is true in a roundabout way. The hubby was married before and he does have two other daughters who are 16 and 19 years old respectively. Now he is married to me with a six month old so technically I suppose that makes me the "trophy" wife!<br />
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In honor of his birthday the Sweet Pea and I bought him gifts that appeal to his nature. I bought him a pressure cooker that he has been eyeing up at the store for months now. The hubby is a fantastic chef and the kitchen is wholly his domain! I gladly stay out of the kitchen as cooking is just not my forte. I am a total disgrace to my Italian heritage in that regard. But back tot he hubby and his birthday celebration. He was very excited about the pressure cooker and wants to get a pot roast this weekend to try cooking in it. IRON CHEF here we come!!!<br />
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The Sweet Pea bought her Daddy a video game called Punch Out since he is equally obsessed with playing video games since we bought the Wii at Christmas. He was just as excited about that and played the Wii for over an hour last night! So yay the Sweet Pea and I did good!!<br />
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But honestly, I think the thing that hubby was most excited about was the fact that we took him out to dinner at the Shady Maple Smorgasbord. It is a buffet type restaurant but its amped up on steroids! This is what their website wrote as the description of the place:<br />
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<b>"Shady Maple is a family tradition! Discover the experience of
dining at Lancaster County's largest smorgasbord featuring 200 feet of
deliciously authentic Pennsylvania Dutch cooking. At Shady Maple some of
Lancaster County's finest cooks prepare all your favorite PA Dutch
foods, as well as some exciting new dishes. Be sure to check our daily
dinner specials including steak, prime rib, seafood and more."</b><br />
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Check out their website at http://www.shady-maple.com/smorgasbord<br />
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(And no I am not being paid to endorse this place--we just love it that much!)<br />
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The food is so good! This place is huge! 200 feet of food!!!!! There are so many different things to try--honestly the first time I went I was so overwhelmed I did not know where to start!<br />
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The hubby was excited because not only was it his birthday and his dinner was free (yay!) but it was also steak night! So he was able to get his steaks and prime rib! YUM!<br />
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And of course the Sweet Pea was her usual friendly self smiling at everyone at making friends with all the people who walked by our table! Everywhere we go the Sweet Pea makes friends! She loves people!<br />
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So overall, I think the Sweet Pea and I did a good job of making the hubby's birthday nice! And that makes me smile! So Happy Birthday to the Hubby!!<br />
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<br />Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02746851674691818407noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3598133358177339353.post-7061530236337463052012-04-02T13:29:00.000-07:002012-04-02T13:38:53.568-07:00My Blog is Now a Part of the Pottsmerc Time Square!!<a href="http://www3.allaroundphilly.com/Mercury/townsquare.html">http://www3.allaroundphilly.com/Mercury/townsquare.html</a><br />
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This is incredibly exciting for me! My blog will now be a part of a large group of bloggers in the Pottstown area through our newspaper and its online component. I am so excited to be a part of this group of writers. It feels as if my writing dreams are slowly becoming real. I can not wait to be able to go to a meet up and actually meet some of the bloggers whose work I have admired reading for so long and now I am a part of this group as well!!<br />
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<a href="http://savepottstown.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/pottsmerc-newmast2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://savepottstown.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/pottsmerc-newmast2.png" /></a></div>Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02746851674691818407noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3598133358177339353.post-33579338837941329212012-03-31T04:31:00.004-07:002012-03-31T04:31:45.509-07:00IT'S BEEN MADNESS I TELL YA!<span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">Sorry for the lapse in posts even though I promised to post on my regularly scheduled posting schedule the Sweet Pea had other plans! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">The last two weeks have been crazy with my sweet girl. I believe she has started teething in full force and oh goodness gracious it is not pretty!! She has been a drool monster and her little hands are constantly in her mouth. Then because of this she tends to cough and gag which of course sends me in to a tizzy because I am afraid she is choking. So teething rings were bought and chilled and she likes them well enough but really she prefers launching them across the room or at my head (Seriously, this kid has a real shot a being a major league pitcher someday!) </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">But the real issue in all this is how cranky and uncomfortable she has been. And oh so clingy--to the point where if I walked out of her line of sight she had a major meltdown. I felt so helpless because there is nothing I can do to alleviate the pressure or get those little teeth to come in any faster. And the real kicker to all this??? There are still no teeth and the doctor said it could take a couple of months still for a tooth to come through. AHHH!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">But things seem to be better this past week and the Sweet Pea is back to her cheerful self albeit with short bursts of intense crankiness! LOL But I can handle that it was just the all day from the time she woke up till the time she fell asleep crankiness I was losing my mind over. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">On top of all this I have recommitted to working out and getting back to my pre-pregnancy size and it is killer! I have a treadmill and an elliptical at home so I am trying to get on them for an hour a day and do some cardio interval training every day. Plus, I signed up for the 100 Burpees a day challenge at my Crossfit gym See video above (AHHHHHH!!!!!) </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">But I really need to get my YMCA membership renewed so I can use the pool and the stair climbers etc. Plus they have a great play room for the children and now the Sweet Pea is old enough to go in there while I work out. And the staff there are super nice. So I would be able to get in my hour workout with out having to stop every five minutes to get Sweet Pea a new toy or help her back up when she tips over from her seated position (although she is a great sitter now but still HATES being on her tummy). I just want to get back down to my pre-pregnancy weight by summer so the hubby and I can pretty much start trying for baby #2. (I am not getting any younger here and my baby making window is closing in on me! LOL)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">So that has been the craziness of my life. I WILL be posting regularly and I am now a part of the Top Mommy Blogs so I still have to figure out how to link up and get votes so bear with me in that regard! Take care!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">Much luv!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">Laura </span>Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02746851674691818407noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3598133358177339353.post-81486532583300607742012-03-10T07:48:00.003-08:002012-03-10T07:48:58.166-08:00An Exciting News Update<span style="font-size: large;">Okay very excited!! I was accepted as a Top Mommy Blog! Yay! So I will be linking to TMB at <span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">http://www.topmommyblogs.com/ </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">I have to figure out how to get the badge on my site and all the other stuff still but I just had to share my excitement on having my blog accepted! So cool!!!! </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"> Very exciting for me and my Lil old blog here!!</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">So if you are a part of TMB please feel free to offer suggestions or tips on how to utilize my being a part of the community in the best way possible. It will be much appreciated!!</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">Much luv!</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">Laura</span></span><br />
<br />Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02746851674691818407noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3598133358177339353.post-14847725498634841362012-03-10T07:28:00.005-08:002012-03-10T07:31:03.707-08:00Programming Note<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: large;">Okay I am back online! Woo! Last month my cherished net book was infected by some sort of virulent Trojan virus. The virus completely whacked my net book clean. It took the hubby awhile to completely restore my net book to workable status but in the interim the virus completely annihilated everything I had on file. All my blog post ideas, references, writing pieces, etc are GONE. So I have pretty much been trying to restore everything and re-write a good many pieces I had in the different writing stages. Oy vey! But I thought I should definitely jump on here and get a post up so y'all know I am still alive! I will be back on my regular posting schedule starting this week. I have definitely missed writing and checking out all the other blogs. So I promise to get back to posting and commenting this week! Look forward to catching up with all your blogs too!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Much luv!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Laura </span>Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02746851674691818407noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3598133358177339353.post-12704750450454321472012-02-01T06:52:00.001-08:002012-02-01T06:52:37.336-08:00Wordless Wednesday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">We are officially allowed to have cereal! </span></span>Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02746851674691818407noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3598133358177339353.post-59650917568994683702012-01-31T04:58:00.000-08:002012-01-31T04:58:18.322-08:00Friend Makin Monday<h1 style="text-align: center;">
<strong>FMM: Makeup Favorites</strong></h1>
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<ol>
<li><strong>Do you wear makeup everyday?</strong> Yes. I do a full face of makeup everyday! </li>
<li><strong>Does your routine change if you’re going out with friends/on a date/to a party?</strong> I will add special party like products like an illuminated blush and powder for slight shimmer.</li>
<li><strong>Are you loyal to one brand, or do you use different brands for different things?</strong> I love L'Oreal but have recently been using Rimmel and Hard Candy products too. </li>
<li><strong>Do you wear primer/concealer? If so, what’s your favorite kind?</strong> Always. Iwear a face primer and under eye concealer as well as eye primer so my shadow doesn't crease throughout the day.</li>
<li><strong>What’s your favorite brand of foundation?</strong>L'Oreal is my go to foundation but recently I have been using the Rimmel brand too.</li>
<li><strong>Do you use blush and/or bronzer?</strong> I use blush never bronzer </li>
<li><strong>Do you wear eye shadow/eye liner?</strong> Everyday! </li>
<li><strong>What’s your favorite kind of mascara? </strong>Maybelline Great Lash in black </li>
<li><strong>Lipstick? Lip gloss? Both? Favorite?</strong> Everyday lipstick is usually NYC in English Rose but I have an entire collection of glosses and lipsticks!!!</li>
<li><strong>Do you wear nail polish regularly? If so, share a few of your favorite brands/colors.</strong> I just started doing my own nails (tips--since I am such a nail biter!) and I love the OPI brand --I usually stick with a french manicure or do a red or deep purple </li>
<li><strong>How do you remove your makeup at the end of the day?</strong> Ivory soap. </li>
<li><strong>Do you feel prettier when you’re wearing makeup?</strong> Yes,I always have. </li>
<li><strong>Do you have any beauty tips that you could pass along?</strong> Line your waterline with a white eyeliner it will make your eyes look so much more open and big <3 </li>
</ol>Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02746851674691818407noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3598133358177339353.post-44213172444914515862012-01-31T04:00:00.000-08:002012-01-31T04:00:12.355-08:00Holy Crap What A Week!<span style="font-size: large;">I do not want to whine but o my goodness what a craptastic week we had here at Casa La Pea Pod. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">It started last weekend when hubby had the beginnings of a toothache. Now, most normal people would make an appointment but no, not my husband. He just started a new job and the health insurance has not kicked in yet. So in his mind this meant push through the pain and be EXTREMELY cranky all week until we get to Thursday and he can not take the pain anymore and calls out of work for Friday. Then he tries to get intothe dentist on Friday but they haveno openings until Monday morning. Oh joy. </span><br />
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***Oh Woe Is Me!!***<br /><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">It was a horrendous weekend. Hubby was miserable and the Sweet Pea joined in on the fun by being overly miserable herself. Mommy has more gray hair than necessary now.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">The sweet Pea had her four month vaccination shots this past week and it really threw her for a loop. We had to give her baby tylenol for the first time.. It was just a week and weekend from H-E- double hockey sticks!!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Hubby went to the dentist yesterday and the one tooth was so bad it had to be pulled and he has to have root canal on the other. Oh lovely. But he feels better today and was not a miserable shell of a human so that was a good sign. that and he went back to work! Yay! I have to admit I hate it when the hubby is home and sick. He is so unbelievably miserable and he makes a mess that I have to clean up and did I mention hie is CRANKY and snappish with everyone when he is sick?? Fun times, fun times for all this week.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Now on top of all that the dishwasher died. Ugggg. I HATE washing dshes by hand. But withthe way things are right now there is no money for a new dishwasher as just two weeks ago the clothes washer died and we had to buy an new one. So now no dishwasher. Just adding to the fun here let me tell ya! </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Honestly, I wanted to be able to stay home with the Sweet Pea until she turned 1 but the way things are going, I might need to find a job sooner. Plus I applied for Unemployment almost a month ago and haven't heard squat. So job hunting is on this weeks agenda as well.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Which makes me sad because I don't want to put the Sweet Pea in child care yet. (And my thoughts on that are another post entirely)</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">So that is my update from the trenches. Here's hoping this week is much, much better!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Much luv!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Laura</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span>Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02746851674691818407noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3598133358177339353.post-9355518911306538542012-01-25T09:08:00.000-08:002012-01-25T09:10:30.391-08:00WORDLESS WEDNESDAY: SERENE SWEETNESSThe Sweet Pea Sleeping Serenely:<br />
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** I love those cheeks!!!Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02746851674691818407noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3598133358177339353.post-58848771377204256522012-01-23T04:05:00.000-08:002012-01-23T04:05:44.989-08:00Monday Listicle: 10 Things Before I Die<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">Today I decided to link up through The Good Life blog http://www.northwestmommy.com/ for a Monday Listicle on the topic "10 Things Before I Die". I love lists and these types are right up my alley!</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">So here are ten things I would like to see or do before I die:</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">1. To watch the Sweet Pea grow up into a lovely young woman and enjoy all the "mommy milestones" that entails.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">2. To travel to Italy and Greece with the hubby.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">3. To write my book and have the courage to see it published.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">4. To take the Sweet Pea on a year long RV trip to see the USA.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">5. To open my own business.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">6. To move to a small town somewhere in rural America where everyone knows everyone.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">7. To learn to speak Italian fluently.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">8. To take ballroom dance lessons with the hubby</span></span>.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">9. Learn how to shoot a crossbow</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">10. See the wild horses run in Montana. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">Much luv!</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">Laura </span></span>Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02746851674691818407noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3598133358177339353.post-5776364460541161832012-01-22T11:37:00.000-08:002012-01-22T11:37:56.753-08:00Instagram Love<span style="font-size: large;">Having had my iPhone for about a year now you would think I would have figured out how to do everything on it, right?? Nope...the iPhone is an endless wonder and I do love, love, love this phone! But because it is such a wonder and it is full of App heaven goodness it took me awhile to get on the Instagram bandwagon.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I see that many many bloggers use it and the pictures are so cool. Now I am not 100% sure how to use it other than getting pictures posted to my Facebook page. But I am a very quick study and have been playing with Instagram all weekend. So here are some pictures I have done using the wonders of Instagram! Enjoy!!</span><br />
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*Looking cool on her 4 month b-day**<br />
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*Puckering up for kisses!*<br />
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*The Sweet Pea loves looking in the mirror!*<br />
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*Rocking my new short do!*<br />
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**Black and white on the Baptism photo*<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY71_kANi_L4x1Op30LJNuy7saMLb6i_Hsre8cN2d1zOKsoHxLbL3u3wgN7zGbfla8UcKFHuugEaTbal9qHRUfwpkDq3U5k-_44JBfgRul0lsHrRSjWFTKnusE-Xi2eMuE0uQhGRrwb98/s1600/405457_354648447896771_100000548552363_1341226_333726962_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY71_kANi_L4x1Op30LJNuy7saMLb6i_Hsre8cN2d1zOKsoHxLbL3u3wgN7zGbfla8UcKFHuugEaTbal9qHRUfwpkDq3U5k-_44JBfgRul0lsHrRSjWFTKnusE-Xi2eMuE0uQhGRrwb98/s320/405457_354648447896771_100000548552363_1341226_333726962_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
*Its so tiring when you are 4 months old!*<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDzzujyydfD7qPlS9B-V_tQLqWUGj3vq4HByadV8XpDFIYt6h1GDF5L4i2lf9-P2kYzQu7ws4vMhN0BSrGUuMEbDiEtPoD5EqowdBL3x4uvC1Owtv9msWKUPAtwZu1xoPBq6dWyw7d3g0/s1600/405811_354648934563389_100000548552363_1341229_1176552083_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDzzujyydfD7qPlS9B-V_tQLqWUGj3vq4HByadV8XpDFIYt6h1GDF5L4i2lf9-P2kYzQu7ws4vMhN0BSrGUuMEbDiEtPoD5EqowdBL3x4uvC1Owtv9msWKUPAtwZu1xoPBq6dWyw7d3g0/s320/405811_354648934563389_100000548552363_1341229_1176552083_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span>**Nom nom I like to eat my hands!**<br />
<br />
This is so much fun!! Will definitely be using Instagram more!! But if you have any ideas and or tips or advice on how to get the most out of this App I would certainly appreciate it!! Thanks!<br />
<br />
Much luv!<br />
LauraLaurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02746851674691818407noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3598133358177339353.post-71486821136694674402012-01-21T03:10:00.000-08:002012-01-21T03:10:07.168-08:00Just One Of Those Weeks<span style="font-size: large;">Did you ever have one of those weeks where you feel like nothing got done despite your best efforts? Yeah that was my week. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Sweet Pea is seemingly going through a growth spurt and this week she was all about Momma. I mean if I walked out of the room or even out of her line of sight in the room she started to whine. Not a cry, no tears or anything but a persistent "Waaah" sound . She did it all week and do you have any idea how hard it is to do dishes or get laundry done with a four month old strapped to your hip? (Well if you're a mom I guess you do! )</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Anyways the whole week went like that and then on Thursday I discovered a whole world of old TV shows on Netflix and instant streaming.Huzzah! It was like a whole new world was opened up to me! Why had no one shown me the vast array of old TV shows I could watch??! Shows I watched when I was young-- Shows like the Hardy Boys and Nancy Drew Mysteries and Murder She Wrote. I am a total sucker for mystery shows but mystery shows that seep nostalgia from my childhood--hot diggity!</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.emmytvlegends.org/files/MSWS1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://www.emmytvlegends.org/files/MSWS1.png" width="222" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> I was sucked in and completely lost Thursday to the TV and Jessica Fletcher's exploits. The Sweet Pea and I pretty much camped out in the living room and watched the residents of Cabot Cove, Maine try to solve murders. And question here- Did no one ever find it the least bit strange that it was Jessica who was always finding these bodies?? Still it was fun seeing all the guest stars from the 80s on the show--everyone from Rue McClanahan to George Clooney was on that show at one time or another. Yes, I admit it I spent the ENTIRE day watching it and I still have about 80 episodes to go. Oh boy.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://murdershewrote.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/murder-she-wrote.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://murdershewrote.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/murder-she-wrote.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Then yesterday I spent the day trying to play catch up from my lost Thursday. Although I do admit to Googling a bit of information on Maine to see if there were any towns that were small and cute like Cabot Cove. I know! I know! I am a dork. However, given the chance I would totally move to a tiny little town where everybody knows everybody. I love the idea of small town America. I mean I moved from the big city to the suburbs but truly what I would like to do is move to an even smaller town somewhere!</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.destination360.com/north-america/us/maine/images/s/maine-portland.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="256" src="http://www.destination360.com/north-america/us/maine/images/s/maine-portland.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">So this weekend is all about catching up on the stuff I couldn't get to because of the Sweet Pea and her needs or more likely because I spent an entire day watching TV. Has anyone ever done that before? I am feeling a bit guilty now! But, I suppose every once in a while one can do that. I guess the same applies to staying in one's pajamas all day too. (I am guilty of that too!!)</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://sustainablelinfield.edublogs.org/files/2011/05/dirty-laundry-2d4i55d.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://sustainablelinfield.edublogs.org/files/2011/05/dirty-laundry-2d4i55d.jpg" width="233" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Like I said in the title it was just one of those weeks. So now I am off to finish laundry, do dishes, and clean the house all while having the Sweet Pea attached to my hip! And maybe,just maybe I'll sneak in another episode of Murder She Wrote...Shhhh don't tell the hubby!</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Much luv!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Laura.</span> Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02746851674691818407noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3598133358177339353.post-19781398190790327262012-01-18T04:20:00.000-08:002012-01-18T04:22:36.941-08:00Wordless Wednesday Link UpJoining a Wordless Wednesday link up from http://hardlyahousewifeblog.com/ . I love her blog --its awesome! So here is my Wordless Wednesday Picture<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDegAhA1lDQgG8dHNI7hpEOYq2pCkwcfwTFiNLTYyiF13nm8At6P0ltF39zg0ZxlmiHpIJULY9hdaUK3WUmaXt3mTR9xRrfBdpioHJ-qltdzpWVGFB3P6IewAqsZRNYHwvQlxAlKA8f4A/s1600/403115_2784493623140_1582232213_32448194_1130214790_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDegAhA1lDQgG8dHNI7hpEOYq2pCkwcfwTFiNLTYyiF13nm8At6P0ltF39zg0ZxlmiHpIJULY9hdaUK3WUmaXt3mTR9xRrfBdpioHJ-qltdzpWVGFB3P6IewAqsZRNYHwvQlxAlKA8f4A/s320/403115_2784493623140_1582232213_32448194_1130214790_n.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
The Sweet Pea looking very serious after her Baptism. <3!<br />
<br />Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02746851674691818407noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3598133358177339353.post-66197895070506970972012-01-17T08:49:00.000-08:002012-01-17T08:56:38.677-08:00Baptism Luncheon Recipes From the Hubby<div style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">
<span style="font-size: large;">The Hubby made ALL the food for the Baptism on Sunday and it was just sooo yummy! I thought it would be nice to post the recipes since the food was such a hit. Hubby is an amazing cook (he actually went to culinary school) and all the dishes were to die for! So here are the recipes for some of the biggest hits from the party.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHeDiOAmJ5U9tIDIZGNjp4RHyHvbPso1EG0_FIjj-Wc4QE3Bqxryy7qYoRS2_NupxBeGs8iD7zZheIX8yTZsLghDkamdEFgwTOXTG3Zhu1HrtQlIwkaTBtagHQeuTwI5K-O5gEI6PEV0w/s1600/36828_1459085608768_1582232213_31091193_7592379_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHeDiOAmJ5U9tIDIZGNjp4RHyHvbPso1EG0_FIjj-Wc4QE3Bqxryy7qYoRS2_NupxBeGs8iD7zZheIX8yTZsLghDkamdEFgwTOXTG3Zhu1HrtQlIwkaTBtagHQeuTwI5K-O5gEI6PEV0w/s320/36828_1459085608768_1582232213_31091193_7592379_n.jpg" width="242" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span> **My hubby the chef!!**<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Braised Brisket Recipe</b></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<h2 class="kv-ingred">
Ingredients</h2>
<ul class="kv-ingred-list1" style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">
<li class="ingredient">1 (4 pound) beef brisket, first-cut</li>
<li class="ingredient"><a class="crosslink" href="http://www.foodterms.com/encyclopedia/olive-oil/index.html">Extra-virgin olive oil</a></li>
<li class="ingredient">1 tablespoon kosher salt, plus more for seasoning</li>
<li class="ingredient">Coarsely ground black pepper</li>
<li class="ingredient">3 large <a class="crosslink" href="http://www.foodterms.com/encyclopedia/carrot/index.html">carrots</a>, cut into chunks</li>
<li class="ingredient">1 onion, halved</li>
<li class="ingredient">2 celery stalks, cut into chunks</li>
<li class="ingredient">1 head garlic, cut in 1/2</li>
<li class="ingredient">1 (28-ounce) can whole <a class="crosslink" href="http://www.foodterms.com/encyclopedia/tomato/index.html">tomatoes</a>, hand-crushed (recommended: San Marzano)</li>
<li class="ingredient">3/4 bottle dry red wine</li>
<li class="ingredient">1 <a class="crosslink" href="http://www.foodterms.com/encyclopedia/bay-leaf/index.html">bay leaves</a></li>
<li class="ingredient">1/4 bunch fresh thyme, leaves only</li>
<li class="ingredient">4 sprigs fresh <a class="crosslink" href="http://www.foodterms.com/encyclopedia/rosemary/index.html">rosemary</a>, leaves only</li>
<li class="ingredient">1 handful fresh <a class="crosslink" href="http://www.foodterms.com/encyclopedia/parsley/index.html">flat-leaf parsley</a></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">
</span><br />
<h2 style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">
Directions</h2>
<span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">
</span>
<br />
<div class="instruction" style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">
Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F.</div>
<span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">
</span><br />
<div style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">
Drizzle brisket liberally with olive oil then season the meat on both sides with salt and pepper.</div>
<span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">
</span><br />
<div style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">
Place a large <a class="crosslink" href="http://www.foodterms.com/encyclopedia/dutch-oven/index.html">Dutch oven</a>
or heavy-based pot over medium-high heat and add a 3-count of olive
oil. Place the brisket in the pot and sear on both sides to form a nice
brown crust. Remove from pot and set aside before adding carrots, onion
and celery. Brown vegetables, then add the garlic, tomatoes, red wine, <a class="crosslink" href="http://www.foodterms.com/encyclopedia/bay-leaf/index.html">bay leaf</a>,
thyme, rosemary, and parsley. Add the brisket back to the pot, cover
and roast in the oven for 3 hours until the brisket is fork tender.</div>
<span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">
</span><br />
<div style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">
Remove the <a class="crosslink" href="http://www.foodterms.com/encyclopedia/brisket/index.html">brisket</a>
to a cutting board and let it rest for 15 minutes. Strain out the
vegetables and pour off some of the excess fat, then pour over the
brisket.</div>
<span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">
</span><br />
<div style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">
Slice brisket across the grain and serve over parsnip puree with roasted red onions and <a class="crosslink" href="http://www.foodterms.com/encyclopedia/garnish/index.html">garnish</a> with parsley.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://img.foodnetwork.com/FOOD/2011/02/02/ZA0203H_beer-ginger-and-garlic-braised-brisket_s4x3_lg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://img.foodnetwork.com/FOOD/2011/02/02/ZA0203H_beer-ginger-and-garlic-braised-brisket_s4x3_lg.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Vienna Bread</b></span><br />
<br />
<div class="pod ingredients" style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">
<h2>
<span style="font-size: large;">Ingredients:</span></h2>
<div class="rz-ss-e serviceSize" style="display: block;">
<div class="section clrfix">
<div class="part line">
<div itemprop="recipeYield">
<span style="font-size: large;">Serves: 12</span></div>
</div>
<div class="part">
<span style="font-size: large;">Yield:</span><br />
<dl class="ui-dropdown fsm svervingdisplay">
<dt class="fly-dt"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=3598133358177339353"><span id="span_servingssize">1-2 </span></a></span></dt>
</dl>
<div class="yieldUnits-txt" title="loaves">
<span style="font-size: large;">loaves</span></div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="section clrfix units">
<div class="part">
<span style="font-size: large;">Units: US | <a href="http://www.food.com/recipe/italian-vienna-bread-2007-239666?mode=metric&scaleto=1.0&st=null">Metric</a></span></div>
</div>
</div>
<h3>
<span style="font-size: large;">Sponge or Biga</span></h3>
<ul>
<li class="ingredient" itemprop="ingredients">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="ingredient"><span class="amount"><span class="value">1 </span> <span class="type">teaspoon</span></span>
<span class="name">
<a href="http://www.food.com/library/yeast-62">
dried yeast granules
</a>
</span>
</span></span>
</li>
<li class="ingredient" itemprop="ingredients">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="ingredient"><span class="amount"><span class="value">1 </span> <span class="type">cup</span></span>
<span class="name">
<a href="http://www.food.com/library/water-459">
warm water
</a>
</span>
</span></span>
</li>
<li class="ingredient" itemprop="ingredients">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="ingredient"><span class="amount"><span class="value">1 </span> <span class="type">cup</span></span> bread or <span class="ingredient"><span class="amount"><span class="value">1 </span> <span class="type">cup</span></span>
<span class="name">
<a href="http://www.food.com/library/flour-64">
all-purpose flour
</a>
</span>
</span>
</span></span></li>
<li class="ingredient" itemprop="ingredients">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="ingredient"><span class="amount"><span class="value">1 </span> <span class="type">pinch</span></span>
<span class="name">
<a href="http://www.food.com/library/sugar-139">
sugar
</a>
</span>
</span></span>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>
<span style="font-size: large;">Dough</span></h3>
<ul>
<li class="ingredient" itemprop="ingredients">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="ingredient"><span class="amount"><span class="value">1 </span> <span class="type">teaspoon</span></span>
<span class="name">
<a href="http://www.food.com/library/yeast-62">
dried yeast granules
</a>
</span>
</span></span>
</li>
<li class="ingredient" itemprop="ingredients">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="ingredient"><span class="amount"><span class="value">1/4</span> <span class="type">cup</span></span>
<span class="name">
<a href="http://www.food.com/library/water-459">
warm water
</a>
, 110 degree f
</span>
</span></span>
</li>
<li class="ingredient" itemprop="ingredients">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="ingredient"><span class="amount"><span class="value">1/4</span> <span class="type">cup</span></span>
<span class="name">
<a href="http://www.food.com/library/water-459">
cold water
</a>
</span>
</span></span>
</li>
<li class="ingredient" itemprop="ingredients">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="ingredient"><span class="amount"><span class="value">3/4</span> <span class="type">cup</span></span>
<span class="name">
<a href="http://www.food.com/library/water-459">
cold water
</a>
</span>
</span></span>
</li>
<li class="ingredient" itemprop="ingredients">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="ingredient"><span class="amount"><span class="value">3 1/4</span> <span class="type">cups</span></span> bread or <span class="ingredient"><span class="amount"><span class="value">3 1/4</span> <span class="type">cups</span></span>
<span class="name">
<a href="http://www.food.com/library/flour-64">
all-purpose flour
</a>
</span>
</span>
</span></span></li>
<li class="ingredient" itemprop="ingredients">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="ingredient"><span class="amount"><span class="value">2 </span> <span class="type">teaspoons</span></span>
<span class="name">
<a href="http://www.food.com/library/salt-359">
table salt
</a>
</span>
</span></span>
</li>
<li class="ingredient" itemprop="ingredients">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="ingredient"><span class="amount"><span class="value">2 </span> <span class="type">tablespoons</span></span>
<span class="name">
<a href="http://www.food.com/library/flour-64">
flour
</a>
</span>
</span></span>
</li>
</ul>
</div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="pod directions">
<h2 style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Directions:</span></h2>
<span class="instructions" itemprop="recipeInstructions"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">
</span></span></span><br />
<ol><span class="instructions" itemprop="recipeInstructions">
<li style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"><div class="num">
1</div>
<div class="txt">
Biga or Sponge:.</div>
</li>
<li style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"><div class="num">
2</div>
<div class="txt">
Make the sponge the day before 12 to 20 hours before.</div>
</li>
<li style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"><div class="num">
3</div>
<div class="txt">
1 tsp yeast sprinkled
over the one cup warm water, let it become foamy and bubbly, that way
you know the yeast is good and active. Add in the one cup flour, and
stir well to combine, it will be soupy. Cover tightly with saran wrap
and place on counter top overnight. I place in my microwave out of the
way, and out of drafts. This biga will bubbly and come up to the top of
your bowl but then will fall back down into the bowl after a while, so
just make sure your bowl is a larger one to begin with.</div>
</li>
<li style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"><div class="num">
4</div>
<div class="txt">
When baking time is ready the next day, or 20 hours later, I then proceed.</div>
</li>
<li style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"><div class="num">
5</div>
<div class="txt">
First step one:
sprinkle the 1 teaspoon yeast over 1/4 cup warm water and let stand
until bubbly about five or ten minutes. This shows that yeast is fresh
and active.</div>
</li>
<li style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"><div class="num">
6</div>
<div class="txt">
In your large mixing
machine bowl, place yesterdays biga which is bubbly and soupy looking
again, and very elastic into the bowl with flat beater.</div>
</li>
<li style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"><div class="num">
7</div>
<div class="txt">
Add 1/4 cup cold water with the beater going slowly just to mix .</div>
</li>
<li style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"><div class="num">
8</div>
<div class="txt">
Add after the five or ten minutes of resting the new yeast mixture, and continue with the flat beater slowly combining well.</div>
</li>
<li style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"><div class="num">
9</div>
<div class="txt">
Add the remainder 3/4 cup cold water and blend.</div>
</li>
<li style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"><div class="num">
10</div>
<div class="txt">
Add the 1 cup all purpose or bread flour, and combine, still using just a slow speed.</div>
</li>
<li style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"><div class="num">
11</div>
<div class="txt">
Change now to the dough hook and add the other 2 1/4 cups flour and table salt.</div>
</li>
<li style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"><div class="num">
12</div>
<div class="txt">
With the dough hook still on low speed .</div>
</li>
<li style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"><div class="num">
13</div>
<div class="txt">
You will have a sticky dough.</div>
</li>
<li style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"><div class="num">
14</div>
<div class="txt">
The dough will be soft
sticky but holding itself around the dough hook, while at the same
time cleaning the sides and bottom of the bowl.</div>
</li>
<li style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"><div class="num">
15</div>
<div class="txt">
If at that time its
still puddles at the bottom of the bowl while kneading on number three
or four speed, add in the tablespoons of flour, one at a time kneading
all the while. I have added two to three tablespoons as listed in
ingredients for this purpose. Remember just add until its cleaning the
bottom and sides of bowl, this must be a wet and sticky dough, not firm
and heavy. Weather is an important factor with flour.</div>
</li>
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16</div>
<div class="txt">
Sticky to touch the dough, but yet doesn't stick gobs of dough to your fingers.</div>
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17</div>
<div class="txt">
It will be sticky, elastic and soft.</div>
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18</div>
<div class="txt">
Knead a good ten minutes with your hook.</div>
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<li style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"><div class="num">
19</div>
<div class="txt">
Oil bottom and sides of a very large bowl.</div>
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<li style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"><div class="num">
20</div>
<div class="txt">
With wet fingers drop the dough into the bowl and turn dough over so all is oiled well.</div>
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21</div>
<div class="txt">
Cover with saran wrap and then a towel, and place out of the way of drafts.</div>
</li>
<li style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"><div class="num">
22</div>
<div class="txt">
Rise until it is 2 1/2 to 3 times its size. It will look blistered and soft.</div>
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<li style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"><div class="num">
23</div>
<div class="txt">
Line a large jelly roll pan with parchment and lightly flour, set aside.</div>
</li>
<li style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"><div class="num">
24</div>
<div class="txt">
Place some flour onto
the bread board or counter top and with wet fingertips, scrape the dough
from the sides and bottom of the bowl gently.</div>
</li>
<li style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"><div class="num">
25</div>
<div class="txt">
Slightly stretch dough brushing the flour off the bottom and out of the way.</div>
</li>
<li style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"><div class="num">
26</div>
<div class="txt">
You just want the flour there to keep it from sticking, you are not adding more flour into the risen dough.</div>
</li>
<li style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"><div class="num">
27</div>
<div class="txt">
Place shaped stretched loaf onto the floured parchment, lightly flour top so that saran doesn't stick.</div>
</li>
<li style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"><div class="num">
28</div>
<div class="txt">
Cover with the saran , again with a towel, and let rise for 1 1/2 hours to 2 hours, until doubled.</div>
</li>
<li style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"><div class="num">
29</div>
<div class="txt">
It has risen
sufficiently when you poke it with two fingers gently and it leaves the
impression, it doesn't spring back. If it springs back then leave a
little while longer to rise.</div>
</li>
<li style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"><div class="num">
30</div>
<div class="txt">
Place in hot preheated
oven 425 degrees, and bake 30 minutes, turn upside down and continue
another 10 minutes, until golden brown, and hollow sounding when
tapped.</div>
</li>
<li style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"><div class="num">
31</div>
<div class="txt">
Remove to wire rack to cool completely.</div>
</li>
<li><div class="num" style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">
32</div>
<div class="txt" style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">
Do not cut and eat -- Let cool Completely this will give you a better flavoured bread.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qXwcH8GIxF0/TlSwU7_L1MI/AAAAAAAADp0/zweQwnaXC0k/Vienna%252520Bread%25255B4%25255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qXwcH8GIxF0/TlSwU7_L1MI/AAAAAAAADp0/zweQwnaXC0k/Vienna%252520Bread%25255B4%25255D.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Olive and Sun Dried tomato Bread</b></span></div>
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<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">1 large clove of garlic, finely chopped</span><br style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;" /><span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">1 small onion finely chopped</span><br style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;" /><span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">2 tbsp of olive oil, from a jar of sun dried tomatoes</span><br style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;" /><span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">2 tsp of salt</span><br style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;" /><span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">1 package of active dry yeast</span><br style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;" /><span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">1/2 to 1 cup lukewarm water</span><br style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;" /><span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">4-5 cups all-purpose flour</span><br style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;" /><span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">1/4 tsp rosemary leaves</span><br style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;" /><span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">1/2 cup sun dried tomatoes packed, chopped</span><br style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;" /><span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">12 black olives pitted and coarsely chopped</span><br style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;" /><span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">2 tsp of melted butter (optional)</span><br style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;" /><span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">In a small pan, mix the onion and garlic with 1tbs of the oil and1/4 tsp of the salt, cover the pan</span><br style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;" /><span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">and cook over low heat 4-5 minutes until the onion is tender, but not browned, remove the lid and</span><br style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;" /><span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">set the pan aside to cool. Stir the yeast into 1/2 cup of lukewarm water and let stand 10 minutes or</span><br style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;" /><span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">until frothy. Mix 4 cups of flour and the remaining salt in a large bowl, add yeast, flour, and</span><br style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;" /><span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">remaining water, and briefly mix</span><br style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;" /><span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">Add the garlic and onions, the remaining 1 tbsp of oil, and the rosemary, about one third of the</span><br style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;" /><span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">sun dried tomatoes, about one third of the olives. Mix by hand or in a food processor, adding</span><br style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;" /><span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">more lukewarm water to create dough. Knead the dough by hand, adding the rest of the tomatoes</span><br style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;" /><span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">and olives to evenly distribute them.Knead the dough 5 minutes longer by processor until the dough has a silky texture and doesn’t</span><br style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;" /><span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">stick to your hands or the bowl, shape the dough into a ball and place it in a greased bowl, cover</span><br style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;" /><span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">the bowl with a large plastic bag and let stand in a draft free spot for 1/2 or 2 hours or dough has</span><br style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;" /><span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">doubled in size. Knock the dough down by slipping it on the counter, knead for 2-3 minutes later,</span><br style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;" /><span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">then divide the dough into two equal portions form them into balls or ovals, line a baking tray</span><br style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;" /><span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">with parchment paper, place the loaves on the tray and let proof again 45-65 minutes.</span><br style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;" /><span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">Preheat the oven at 425 degrees. Make four slashes on the bread, set aside covered for 10</span><br style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;" /><span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">minutes. Bake the loaves for 10minutes, then reduce the oven temp to 375 degrees, test the loaves</span><br style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;" /><span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">for </span>doneness<span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"> by rapping them on the bottom with your knuckles/ If the bread sounds hollow, it's</span><br style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;" /><span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">done. Remove bread from the pan and place on a cooling rack. This recipe makes two loaves.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Tzatziki</span><br />
<div class="list ingredients clrfix" id="ingr-first" style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">
<h2>
<span style="font-size: large;">Ingredients</span></h2>
<ul class="col1">
<li class="ingredient"><span style="font-size: large;"><i>1</i> English cucumber, seeded and diced</span></li>
<li class="ingredient"><span style="font-size: large;"><i>1/2</i> Vidalia onion, diced</span></li>
<li class="ingredient"><span style="font-size: large;">Salt</span></li>
<li class="ingredient"><span style="font-size: large;"><i>2</i> cups/500 ml of low-fat Greek yogurt</span></li>
<li class="ingredient"><span style="font-size: large;"><i>3</i> cloves garlic, minced</span></li>
</ul>
<ul class="col2">
<li class="ingredient"><span style="font-size: large;"><i>1</i> tablespoon/15 ml of olive oil</span></li>
<li class="ingredient"><span style="font-size: large;">Juice of 1 lemon</span></li>
<li class="ingredient"><span style="font-size: large;"><i>1/2</i> cup/125 ml of dill, chopped</span></li>
<li class="ingredient"><span style="font-size: large;"><i>1/2</i> cup/125 ml of chives</span></li>
<li class="ingredient"><span style="font-size: large;">Freshly ground peppertkik</span></li>
</ul>
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<div class="steps">
<h2 style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Directions</span></h2>
<div class="instructions" style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">
<span style="font-size: large;">In a sieve set over a bowl, toss the diced
cucumber and onions with 1 teaspoon salt. Let it drain at least 1 hour
at room temperature, or cover and refrigerate up to 8 hours.<br /><br />With
flat-side of chef's knife, mash garlic with 1/2 teaspoon salt and make a
paste. Add garlic paste to the yogurt mixture with olive oil, lemon
juice, dill, and chive. Season with salt and pepper.<br /><br />Pat the
chopped cucumber dry with paper towels, and add to the yogurt mixture.
Keep the mixture refrigerated until ready to use and serve it with fried
skate chicken, burgers or as a dip for veggies.<br /><br />Cook's Note: You can make your own thick yogurt by letting it sit overnight in paper towel over a sieve.</span></div>
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**I took the recipes off several websites such as Food network and the cooking channel so you may be able to use the links to go to the sites yourself.** </div>
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<i class="label print"></i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">Now the Hubby always tweaks the recipes to make them his own so you can feel free to put your own spin on the recipes. But I do assure they were all delightful!!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Enjoy!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Much love,</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">Laura</span></span></div>
</div>Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02746851674691818407noreply@blogger.com2