tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5452071729503077932024-03-19T08:33:38.212+08:00Life on the Miracle-RoundTwo homebodies. Two adventurers. One family.
The adventures of a Canadian expat family creating a home in Singapore.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09192030889056360633noreply@blogger.comBlogger148125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-545207172950307793.post-72282539212071769142014-12-23T21:55:00.002+08:002014-12-23T21:55:58.667+08:00Christmas in Singapore - House TourMy calendar says December 23rd or 23 December as it's called here. Really. It does. Except that it doesn't feel like December at all.<br />
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Sure, the tree is up and the Christmas carols are playing, but goodness, I feel like I'm stuck in July. I guess that's what happens when you move to Singapore.<br />
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For the very first time ever, we didn't get a real tree. And we decided that if we going to go fake, that we'd go reeaaally fake. Andrew calls it the reverse Christmas tree. And we love it. White tree, green garland. Friends say, "Oh, you must really miss the snow!"<br />
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And we do. I miss being cold. Strange I know. But it's true.<br />
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But here, the snow shows up only on the windows with palm trees peeking through the background.<br />
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Or in the jam jars turned candle holders. They smell like Christmas. So good. A sweet gift from my kids. I've caught them smelling the candles over the last few days. The smells remind us of home.<br />
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Before we left, we purged, paired down and brought very little with us. But some favourite Christmas decorations did make it across the ocean. And thankfully all in one piece.<br />
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There's not much room in this tiny place for big Christmas displays. Just enough to spread a little Christmas here and there.<br />
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No fireplace for stockings, but stockings none the less. Including one for little Sneakers of course.<br />
The presents are wrapped. Mincemeat tarts baked. Tomorrow we pick up the turkey and make some yummy cookies. Just in time for Christmas.<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09192030889056360633noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-545207172950307793.post-29459969879074489362014-10-20T17:23:00.001+08:002014-10-20T17:24:07.378+08:00Thanksgiving in the TropicsIt's hot here. All the time. Morning. Noon. Night. The calendar says October, but it feels more like a heatwave in the middle of July. It's hard to believe that we celebrated Thanksgiving last weekend. Despite the hot weather, earlier last week we pretended it was fall.<br />
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We roasted pumpkins. Two tiny halves from different pumpkins bought from the local wet market. Both grown locally, meaning that they are from neighbouring countries. The pumpkins were all being sold in halves. I couldn't find a whole pumpkin! I did see whole pumpkins this week though. They are a totally different variety than those grown in Canada, harder skin (is that what you call it?), paler and bumpier, but they tasted very similar. The grocery stores here are now selling the standard orange pumpkins imported from the US. But at $25 -$50 a pop, um, I think we'll stick with these. It smelled like fall. Did I mention that we were wearing shorts? </div>
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Tracking down the pie filling was the easy part. Making the pastry turned out to be an adventure in itself. So apparently lard is not sold anywhere on this island. Or if it is, I couldn't find it. After a friend and I made a trip to the butcher for some pork fat, I then had to render it to make pastry. Um, what?! Thank goodness for google. It was actually an easy process. I know you're dying to know how to do it... Just cut up the pork fat into cubes. Put in a dutch oven. Add 1/3 cup of water. And cook it uncovered at 300F for about 3 hours or so. Just check it every 30 minutes. Pour through a strainer. Let it cool. And voila. C'est tout fini! Easy peasy. But smelly. Be warned. Heck, just go some Tenderflake from the shelf, unless of course you live in Singapore. </div>
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Andrew ordered a turkey. Not quite the same as ordering a turkey in Canada where you order one so that you are guaranteed to get the size you want. Here you order a turkey so that, well, you can actually have a turkey. Andrew was more than happy to continue the long tradition of bringing home a turkey in his red backpack. Before moving to Guelph, Andrew trekked home many a turkey from the St. Lawrence Market on the GO train. This year, same backpack, but wearing shorts under palm trees. Crazy!</div>
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We brought our roasting pan with us, but it doesn't fit. At all. Not even close. The ovens here are small. Minuscule really. Between a small oven and only three burners, we really had to think about how we were going to get everything cooked.<br />
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Thank goodness for tin pans. We actually had to bend it to fit in the oven. But fit it did. Just.<br />
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A few hours later the turkey emerged from the tiny oven. And it was delicious.</div>
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We kept the decorations simple. Maple leaves place cards -- a nice nod to home. Fall colours amongst the palm trees.<br />
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And a simple Happy Thanksgiving banner. Letters cut from newspaper and edged in sparkles. Love. We won't mention that there are still sparkles everywhere. Everywhere.</div>
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And the best part of celebrating Thanksgiving in Singapore? Friends. For most of them, it was their first Thanksgiving. It was so fun to share our traditions. </div>
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Happy Thanksgiving and happy fall to everyone back home!</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09192030889056360633noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-545207172950307793.post-30851842814497850892014-09-10T18:09:00.000+08:002014-09-10T18:09:14.601+08:00Mid-Autumn FestivalOne of the great things about living in Singapore is all the festivals. On Monday it was the Mid-Autumn Festival, marked by the lunar calendar. The moon was incredible! I love that there is a tradition dating back hundreds, if not thousands of years.<br />
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The picture is a little grainy (I didn't feel like lugging around the dslr, so had to make do with the iPhone), but you get the idea. Big, full moon.<br />
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Leading up to this night, lanterns and mooncakes can be found all over Singapore. Legend has it that a girl named Chang E was given some magical seeds. She was told not to eat them, but when thieves came along, she swallowed all of them to prevent them from being stolen. The moment she ate the seeds, she was sent up to the moon where she is forced to spend all of eternity. During the Mid-Autumn festival, when the moon is at its fullest, people stare up at the moon looking for Chang E. There are many different versions of this myth - this version was told to me by seven-year old Naomi as we were devouring mooncakes at pomelo.</div>
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Every year at this time mooncakes are everywhere. Some of the malls have stalls upon stalls set up in the atriums where you can go and sample all the different ones. The packaging can be quite extraordinary as well and differs from year to year. These mooncakes are from one of the oldest shops in Singapore called <a href="http://taichongkok.com/" target="_blank">Tai Chong Kok</a>. </div>
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The designs are so intricate. Carved, wooden moulds are used to make the designs. Nowadays the fillings can vary and the big hotels often come up with new ones. These were filled with a traditional lotus paste. Oh so yummy! And so very rich. Eggs yolks are often found inside, another nod to the moon, but knowing that Andrew can't eat egg, the Kwans gave us ones without egg so that we could all enjoy them. </div>
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On the night itself, we headed over to the Kwans. After supper, the kids carried lit lanterns through the neigbourhood. The whole idea is to enjoy the moon and spend time with family and friends. I don't think Aiden could actually see the moon from there....just a little dramatic reenacting. Goof.</div>
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They are all holding their lanterns so carefully. A tiny candle, surrounded by paper. Let's just say they all <i>walked</i> to the park.</div>
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Thanks Kwans for such a fun night!</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09192030889056360633noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-545207172950307793.post-32905251984295696782014-08-12T12:08:00.001+08:002014-08-12T12:08:35.299+08:00Friday Night at Clarke QuayWe had a fabulous weekend! And boy, did we need it! The previous weekend was a write-off - Andrew was sick for several days. And the last two weeks have been rough as we are still adjusting to a new country. After loading myself up on cold medication, we managed to take in some of the sights and sounds of Singapore.<br />
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School ended early on Friday in celebration of National Day. This gave us plenty of time to get homework out of the way and meet Andrew at his office before we headed over to Clarke Quay. We spent the evening along the waterfront, eating, people watching and enjoying a river cruise. Madeline watched in awe as that round ball was shot like a sling-shot into the air. It was quickly added to her things to do.<br />
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I made them pose. They humoured me. Sorta. For a second.<br />
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We hopped on a bumboat for a cruise along the Singapore River. Madeline recently finished a school project about bumboats. In the past they lined the Singapore River and were used to ferry both cargo and people from the ships in the ocean to the shore and the shop houses. You can see the shop houses in the back ground. Shop houses are just that -- shops on the bottom with a place to live above. The ones that have been restored are quite pretty and a definite reflection of Singapore's colonial past.<br />
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We took in the sights up and down the river. The Merlion.<br />
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We were able to catch a few minutes of the light show that happens nightly at Marina Bay Sands. This was added to Aiden's list of things to see. He's not quite the thrill seeker that Madeline is.<br />
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I think this is my favourite building in Singapore. Old Hill Police Station -- Singapore's first police station dating back to the 1800's. I just absolutely love the colourful shutters.<br />
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The river cruise was a fab way to spend a Friday night.<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09192030889056360633noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-545207172950307793.post-45361301983520741382014-07-29T17:27:00.000+08:002014-07-29T17:27:24.916+08:00Our First Long Weekend<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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So here I sit, on a Tuesday afternoon. Trying to dry out from my quick dash to the store for some milk. And yes, I had an umbrella. I waited until there was a break, or so I thought! I made it there dry, coming back was another story. The rain just seems to come down sideways here. Seriously! I watched as sheets of rain moved sideways. I took a deep breath and made a run for it with the milk in one hand and my umbrella in the other. Things were going fine until I stepped in a puddle that was wa-ay deeper than it looked and lost a foot-flop. One foot-flop retrieved. One jug of milk bought. One drenched person. And to think that I walked under shelter most of the way. Thank goodness there's a small grocery store in our complex!<br />
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Yesterday, much to everyone's delight, was a public holiday here in Singapore. It was the celebration of Hari Raya (known as Eid in Canada) which marks the of Ramadan. Those who are Muslim celebrated with feasts, but for us the long weekend was simply some much needed down-time. We are slowly, but surely getting settled in. It's taking awhile. We knew it would. It's not a surprise or even unexpected. But oh do I wish the process would speed up! <a href="http://fascinatedbyfood.com/kitting-out-my-kitchen/" target="_blank">I think Andrew described the last couple of months best -- a bureaucratic nightmar</a><u>e (you can click on the link to read more)</u>. Tons of paperwork. Tons of sorting out. But we're getting there. The kids are now both in school. Andrew loves his job. Our stuff arrived. Our stuff arrived! I'm slowly, but surely making this place into a home and will soon begin to hunt for a job.<br />
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It was not an exciting weekend. And that is just what we needed. We hung out around the complex. Read, napped and watched TV. It allowed us to rest. To breathe. To feel renewed.<br />
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We ventured out on Sunday to try a new church. St. George's. The inside was even more beautiful than the outside. The people were quite friendly and we found ourselves invited out to lunch afterwards.<br />
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We ended the weekend with an evening swim. I don't think I will ever get tired of swimming under palm trees.<br />
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This weekend is just what the two homebodies and even the two adventurers needed.<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09192030889056360633noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-545207172950307793.post-48895079830863425832014-07-21T16:48:00.003+08:002014-07-21T16:48:47.879+08:00Oh My!Well, after a year (or more) hiatus, this little old blog is back! And this time in a new location!<br />
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The last several months have been a whirlwind. Somehow between March and May we managed to sell our house, pack up the kids and move from Canada to Singapore. More on that later...<br />
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With the good camera packed away, we managed to capture a few moments with our iPhones. I wish we'd been a bit better at documenting the process, but really we were barely keeping our heads above water at times. We are so thankful for all the family and friends that helped us along the way.<br />
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We started off from Toronto, flew to Vancouver and then on to Tokyo, all with little Sneakers in tow. Once we got to Tokyo, we said goodbye to Sneakers as he became checked baggage.<br />
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Many hours later, like 24 or more. So. Not. Joking. We arrived. Tired and a little worse for wear, but together. With just a little bit of luggage. If you are planning on coming to visit us, the travel will be worth your while. Promise!<br />
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And so after several weeks of living with just mattresses and a few chairs as a couch (Not a word of a lie. Most uncomfortable "couch" in the world. Even Sneakers wasn't impressed.) our shipment from home arrived.<br />
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I have never been so happy to see boxes! And the unpacking continues...Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09192030889056360633noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-545207172950307793.post-58925727472384933512013-06-06T05:51:00.000+08:002013-06-06T05:51:17.262+08:00Double DigitsLast week, Mr. Man turned 10. 10! I think he will make a very good 10 year old.<br />
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He already has the video thing down. Including a must-needed-gotta-try-the-brand-new-game-before-bed session.<br />
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He celebrated turning 10 by playing lacrosse - his new found love. Who knew? This quiet, gentle boy loves lacrosse. His grandparents, aunt and cousin came out to cheer him on. It must have worked - his team tied the game - the first non-loss of the season. Go #12!<br />
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Fast forward a few days and one long list later to the ninja invasion.<br />
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Seriously. I wasn't joking. Ninjas. Five of them. Ready for some serious ninja training.<br />
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Foam swords=hours of fun. Hours.<br />
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In the land of ninjas, innocent balloons turn into water snakes.</div>
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That need to be taken out with ninja stars.<br />
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And when the snakes are all gone. There is always another threat that comes along.<br />
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And when swords just won't do - more weapons.<br />
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Tired ninjas taking a rest. On the roof of course.<br />
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Cake to eat.<br />
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Sushi to go.<br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-545207172950307793.post-76486872811388573662013-02-23T04:14:00.001+08:002013-02-23T04:14:10.885+08:00Twelve!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Little Miss turned 12 on Valentines' Day. So hard to believe. She is growing up fast, but still ever so silly. Thank goodness!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-545207172950307793.post-79045183217896159722013-01-07T09:58:00.000+08:002013-01-07T09:58:15.590+08:00Christmas 2012We started by counting down the days. One day at a time.<br />
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Teeny-tiny boxes lined the window sill, marking off the days one at a time. For me the days rushed by, but I know the days moved slower for kidlywinks as they opened one box at a time, waiting and waiting.<br />
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The days rushed by until late one evening, past bedtime in fact, the tree went up. Chosen from the tree lot and lugged home in the van. Transformed with lights and ornaments new and old.<br />
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And always a reminder. A reminder of why we count the days - the anticipation of hope and peace wrapped up in a little baby. </div>
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And come Christmas morning did at last. Christmas pyjamas opened on Christmas Eve and worn on Christmas morn. Pausing, much to Mr. Man's chagrin to take a photo by the tree. </div>
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...and some enjoyed right away.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLT4BKIZFHmz4Xn_a6RUOxkK4nS4A-RzE6i4VCVk4y_5yS-mPJLAUo8jA9KZNezWRj8ZNUgEhvVx7qdeeN2WtHwu75pumBN45N1EZz3quvMdIegRwjogStqe260G06m4H07cyL0qmfjU0/s1600/christmas+2012+7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="550" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLT4BKIZFHmz4Xn_a6RUOxkK4nS4A-RzE6i4VCVk4y_5yS-mPJLAUo8jA9KZNezWRj8ZNUgEhvVx7qdeeN2WtHwu75pumBN45N1EZz3quvMdIegRwjogStqe260G06m4H07cyL0qmfjU0/s640/christmas+2012+7.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Two family Christmas dinners enjoyed by candlelight. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh61tpQnWUyoAnHk3mhyphenhyphen86GPCsTWxJRXDDeF1QAD8VbtJZml9vMNPdaeEHeydLFImdEVaekEnj4bIAsIWF8akl6zAl-rQqfEaTD5GawuLlJd8UWZf7HMpfi9thRXQPzXw-Mo41R5zo_XTc/s1600/christmas+2012+9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="446" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh61tpQnWUyoAnHk3mhyphenhyphen86GPCsTWxJRXDDeF1QAD8VbtJZml9vMNPdaeEHeydLFImdEVaekEnj4bIAsIWF8akl6zAl-rQqfEaTD5GawuLlJd8UWZf7HMpfi9thRXQPzXw-Mo41R5zo_XTc/s640/christmas+2012+9.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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The last of the sparkly decorations are now all packed away. </div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-545207172950307793.post-70209907750393537712012-12-05T10:16:00.001+08:002012-12-05T10:16:20.416+08:00NovemberNovember came and went. And so did my best intentions to post more regularly. This is it. A few blurry shots snapped with my phone to capture the everyday moments.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl5bF90u0q6BCoABDmBlHiUS7YZqunkTdOFkcgOCl5oAznq-QbO7fE6klzHF1hjB1UgoSiDhSautrQtoUecVx0CCntHfHAbMDY3abrz4UwW66sNQbkbftlTQwsgMHYwkkURIr8bDdST2E/s1600/November+2012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl5bF90u0q6BCoABDmBlHiUS7YZqunkTdOFkcgOCl5oAznq-QbO7fE6klzHF1hjB1UgoSiDhSautrQtoUecVx0CCntHfHAbMDY3abrz4UwW66sNQbkbftlTQwsgMHYwkkURIr8bDdST2E/s640/November+2012.jpg" width="578" /></a></div>
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Days filled with basketball, homework, leaves and We Day. Days full of joy and some full of tears. </div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-545207172950307793.post-67109611931318295862012-10-15T07:20:00.000+08:002012-10-15T07:20:04.704+08:00Autumn<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBJenzrFViNqwmx7niBXw1S6WKBBSL51v_jz0nxpGlIQnS_W7eb5a2tsBueT3BDm4EKFPlptKDAcEsAuwHmjMkHAZYTMVCGLG_fL_-DSf9dUX9OGPdhu4f2AL7n8R79mtkQh6kv0e8EVI/s1600/autumn2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBJenzrFViNqwmx7niBXw1S6WKBBSL51v_jz0nxpGlIQnS_W7eb5a2tsBueT3BDm4EKFPlptKDAcEsAuwHmjMkHAZYTMVCGLG_fL_-DSf9dUX9OGPdhu4f2AL7n8R79mtkQh6kv0e8EVI/s640/autumn2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
I love autumn. What a glorious time of year.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxuIlkcuzfGt_fY2pRPo-bk58-Hd3S5Jm_G0bJTtkVihdEouyS6xjq8QH__woxH8HMrNOzx9DU1Le2Cy0mdBMChnoZ8g7Vukvp6_6Qm08aW8m7qOabz_xxnGK12gBs1_0xUMrZyivHA_k/s1600/autumn+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxuIlkcuzfGt_fY2pRPo-bk58-Hd3S5Jm_G0bJTtkVihdEouyS6xjq8QH__woxH8HMrNOzx9DU1Le2Cy0mdBMChnoZ8g7Vukvp6_6Qm08aW8m7qOabz_xxnGK12gBs1_0xUMrZyivHA_k/s640/autumn+1.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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Yesterday morning bundled in a scarf and mitts, (but still no winter coat - hooray for that!) I walked over to pick up Little Miss from a friend's house.<br />
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The morning was bright with all it's glorious sunshine, the air crisp and the leaves. Oh, the leaves! Beautifully coloured. And falling, falling. All at once. The beauty of creation everywhere.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPhFRBYQSHdxOvaUVutEucARtSHq4JyMFXK_GE07VkOo84n9ThO1Pnc7qvMOGbORzxOr9_F_5Ql8eIrhgVdLSssj0wywex030YLUZyV9KFHAu5gyz9NmXJa92IuNg2o9rIBoqClz2WJpE/s1600/Pumpkin+collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPhFRBYQSHdxOvaUVutEucARtSHq4JyMFXK_GE07VkOo84n9ThO1Pnc7qvMOGbORzxOr9_F_5Ql8eIrhgVdLSssj0wywex030YLUZyV9KFHAu5gyz9NmXJa92IuNg2o9rIBoqClz2WJpE/s640/Pumpkin+collage.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
Today we went to the pumpkin patch. It's nothing fancy. Just pumpkins in a field. Simple. Real. Muddy. The kidlywinks pick out pumpkins for them to carve and one for Sneakers too. So fun choosing just the right ones.<br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-545207172950307793.post-53540303804283111722012-10-09T04:40:00.004+08:002012-10-09T04:40:45.982+08:00Give Thanks<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi297DjNvdNQ6e62buXL1Ck3kLsSVNhwxv-E-NLBiiTFeVtxt1NzxRM4yepr-js4VtTwpBhKM0e4ybP_fuIf2IRWsgew_m9Vpk5_jqzSPgb0goFG96ut72_3Uh_9d-gW-kRMxLnmjotOes/s1600/thanksgiving3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi297DjNvdNQ6e62buXL1Ck3kLsSVNhwxv-E-NLBiiTFeVtxt1NzxRM4yepr-js4VtTwpBhKM0e4ybP_fuIf2IRWsgew_m9Vpk5_jqzSPgb0goFG96ut72_3Uh_9d-gW-kRMxLnmjotOes/s640/thanksgiving3.jpg" width="470" /></a></div>
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Happy Thanksgiving!</div>
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Over the last couple of weeks leading up to Thanksgiving, my little family has been talking about being thankful. I love the changing seasons. And although I am sad to see summer go with all it's <a href="http://miracleround.blogspot.ca/2012/06/sweet-wonderful-sunshine.html" target="_blank">sweet, wonderful sunshine</a>, it was time for a change. Time to focus on giving thanks.</div>
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That bright orange refuses to be ignored. Reminding me to give thanks. Insisting, really. And I do have a lot to be thankful for. The paler repetition of give thanks over and over and over again in the background, whispers and urges me to be thankful for the little things, the day-to-day life, even for the things that aren't so welcomed. </div>
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Inspired by <a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/263531015666517434/" target="_blank">this</a> and above all, <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ephesians%205:20&version=NCV" target="_blank">this</a>.</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-545207172950307793.post-77877971546393480792012-09-14T23:25:00.001+08:002012-09-16T02:22:13.377+08:00Technically<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Technically. It's a word Mr. Man uses. A lot. These days, most of his sentences begin with, "Well, technically...." And today I'm borrowing his favourite word. Technically, it's still summer. Even though the lazy days are gone, the kidlywinks are back to school and I've started a new job, it is still technically summer. For a few more days at least. So I can still say that I posted the summer snapshots in summer. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbONqgJ0mkuZ2yoqn_NCX7-NB1KfAuxH67GkU2EI7lwQQh9pDjkMP9NTpbD8TyxlLu-40Zm_H52tNwIkqCpKO0l0365agiSDsHdjIuRSdDt-OBqJE2DSsm8LlGpsdQkZgryqvewOOBy9U/s1600/summer+2012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbONqgJ0mkuZ2yoqn_NCX7-NB1KfAuxH67GkU2EI7lwQQh9pDjkMP9NTpbD8TyxlLu-40Zm_H52tNwIkqCpKO0l0365agiSDsHdjIuRSdDt-OBqJE2DSsm8LlGpsdQkZgryqvewOOBy9U/s640/summer+2012.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
And what a fun summer it was! I didn't take an intentional break from blogging - it just happened. We were busy soaking up the sunshine and spending time with family and friends. It was a great summer. And when I look at these itty-bitty pictures, all the memories come flooding back: the cottage, NYC, hiking, making summer treats and the beach.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-545207172950307793.post-40424282952381062322012-06-29T06:11:00.001+08:002012-06-29T06:11:12.130+08:00The Last Day of School<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It's the last day of school! I wanted to take a picture of the kidlywinks, just like we do on the first day of school, but Little Miss was out the door and gone before I could find the camera and Mr. Man was still half asleep. Let's just say he's more than happy that this day has finally arrived.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH9SVwkyaaRuxcbiprI0aomdhvwSBHBQpf_Qi5H82OhGoNo4YqnpkaIvdrvARsYiIStL7nbyt7PXiFzSKIPxfEWbh0A5L7N6Bzp8as-cRtY8amhRZTQvJlmHlQ9S106IuzGNSVjUyVrfQ/s1600/Easy+Peasy+Lemon+Squeezy+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="614" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH9SVwkyaaRuxcbiprI0aomdhvwSBHBQpf_Qi5H82OhGoNo4YqnpkaIvdrvARsYiIStL7nbyt7PXiFzSKIPxfEWbh0A5L7N6Bzp8as-cRtY8amhRZTQvJlmHlQ9S106IuzGNSVjUyVrfQ/s640/Easy+Peasy+Lemon+Squeezy+1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
For the teachers' gifts this year we decided that we would give them something that would induce relaxation on the front porch. Organic beer for Mr. Man's teacher and a lovely bottle of wine wrapped in a flour sack tea towel for Little Miss' teacher. (<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/103207577/easy-peasy-lemon-squeezy-flour-sack-tea" target="_blank">You can find the tea towels here.</a>) Here's to summer, fun and relaxation!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-545207172950307793.post-23242230248437718342012-06-27T23:39:00.000+08:002012-06-27T23:39:50.318+08:00Chocolate Milk Mustache<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg24xy7rEwQgSa2qjwlUpnSLcffkoyY-YpYjwVfQXOheDqzAmCKn4WXA8O7FJS65gzWNfWkLDxHjbmu8DELwJtMCK4JbVPoIc1zCk7SKn89aXXDiVC4oOGTFxn5jeyEFjCJTqKaeQAcIQc/s1600/mr.+man+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg24xy7rEwQgSa2qjwlUpnSLcffkoyY-YpYjwVfQXOheDqzAmCKn4WXA8O7FJS65gzWNfWkLDxHjbmu8DELwJtMCK4JbVPoIc1zCk7SKn89aXXDiVC4oOGTFxn5jeyEFjCJTqKaeQAcIQc/s640/mr.+man+1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I love this boy. Chocolate milk mustache and all. Mr. Man is a lover of video games, all things retro (that's my boy!) graphic novels and teeny tiny creatures. He draws them. Pages and pages. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha5oj1oBIkGjzfSOIzEAOvrGlXnU4YVxse3o-1wMSFh3huJBV2cUrEEqrP9Xg8pW6hVbiBdmIq1Up4EW4mvRNkLxHIwdko-TGykTf4W-WkeQOKtxKz2Vdq_IgJVQxB8Urfp2GiRXs5aYE/s1600/mr.+man+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="430" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha5oj1oBIkGjzfSOIzEAOvrGlXnU4YVxse3o-1wMSFh3huJBV2cUrEEqrP9Xg8pW6hVbiBdmIq1Up4EW4mvRNkLxHIwdko-TGykTf4W-WkeQOKtxKz2Vdq_IgJVQxB8Urfp2GiRXs5aYE/s640/mr.+man+2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="text-align: left;"> And now he is sculpting them out of modelling clay. I think he is creating an army. Or universe. This summer he plans on creating more. And more. And more. And perhaps a video. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc9RvZVqaB-Qzkc_ZkHtnayc6Hvuz9XBBqpuWiZT0GjAfzRsFF7ZKtrIOcqKXv-SXvBzIP-K6QjMQqo0Vx9kLqQN3wcL4oLq1P-hMdKGmWO2ITv1uU35638EJ4rI7Jo_z67YALiKCa9bM/s1600/mr+man+and+dad.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc9RvZVqaB-Qzkc_ZkHtnayc6Hvuz9XBBqpuWiZT0GjAfzRsFF7ZKtrIOcqKXv-SXvBzIP-K6QjMQqo0Vx9kLqQN3wcL4oLq1P-hMdKGmWO2ITv1uU35638EJ4rI7Jo_z67YALiKCa9bM/s640/mr+man+and+dad.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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And the only thing better than creating a gaggle, herd, posse of creatures is making them with your dad.</div>
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<span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-545207172950307793.post-46334662395684353782012-06-22T07:47:00.000+08:002012-06-22T07:47:56.699+08:00Ultimate<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQAstAIlArVLd-UVpBm10Fuf79mS07x4KSlr1g3W02G2JWMsdxaog0zOaQw5taVoNn8FUJG9KLUeOTdqwlhWkTiyYwK-BCBWYBJQbhymMyKp3xcgvBaf9zOXNyGjj2NpJHAPLvrIs8GHg/s1600/ultimate+frisbee+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQAstAIlArVLd-UVpBm10Fuf79mS07x4KSlr1g3W02G2JWMsdxaog0zOaQw5taVoNn8FUJG9KLUeOTdqwlhWkTiyYwK-BCBWYBJQbhymMyKp3xcgvBaf9zOXNyGjj2NpJHAPLvrIs8GHg/s640/ultimate+frisbee+1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Little Miss loves Ultimate. She's been playing with some kids in the neighbourhood once a week arranged by a fabulous family. This family has been a real blessing to us. We are so thankful for them. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPIWS8lOJOuDFM4EGGUxUWp9TN0MO2vnxVyDJLOGh6YtgSlTE3dIjzQf3M9uKchw3LrEL2yptjqZ2q6x6d8dEcX9qJNsbfuWI6o0zYHQWKZ9AncgAMIgc5Cqc78kon7jZmE7tKU0J7ZME/s1600/ultimate+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPIWS8lOJOuDFM4EGGUxUWp9TN0MO2vnxVyDJLOGh6YtgSlTE3dIjzQf3M9uKchw3LrEL2yptjqZ2q6x6d8dEcX9qJNsbfuWI6o0zYHQWKZ9AncgAMIgc5Cqc78kon7jZmE7tKU0J7ZME/s640/ultimate+2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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And excitement of all excitement, Little Miss along with the other kids who have been playing weekly, made the school Ultimate team!</div>
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Today they competed against some other local schools.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS7VuM10dv-gsZxZqapi7pvQ63DXB8rKeInPo9pZEOncyNJV8ohgj15nEhGd4njZP7EEYEToesFTav45Ei5oQKU9HtHoSTxwXS861svqOjYfxH4qDdT2zojyB3ZfmKM1qikic5B8gDSBE/s1600/ultimate+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="356" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS7VuM10dv-gsZxZqapi7pvQ63DXB8rKeInPo9pZEOncyNJV8ohgj15nEhGd4njZP7EEYEToesFTav45Ei5oQKU9HtHoSTxwXS861svqOjYfxH4qDdT2zojyB3ZfmKM1qikic5B8gDSBE/s640/ultimate+5.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
It was hot and humid, but they played on.<br />
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So fun to see them play.<br />
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And cheer on their team from the sidelines.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-545207172950307793.post-14747847921124216432012-06-20T23:39:00.000+08:002012-06-20T23:39:59.401+08:00Don't Forget the Cannoli!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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A few months ago, Little Miss was given a book full of easy sewing projects. She set to work right away making sock monsters. This girl loves a project! Not to be out done by his big sister, Mr. Man got in on the action. He made one sock monster and named him Mr. Cannoli. Fast forward several weeks and Mr. Man asks, "What's a cannoli?" Realizing that Mr. Man had no idea what a cannoli was, Andrew arrived home with a box wrapped in string full of - you guessed it - cannolis.</div>
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<br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-545207172950307793.post-28926695317499711362012-06-20T04:56:00.001+08:002012-07-03T05:44:40.543+08:00Sweet Wonderful Sunshine<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It was time to change things up. Time to add some summer to the living room. Even though, technically, as Mr. Man will remind me, summer doesn't start until later this week. We are enjoying the hot weather despite what the calendar says.</div>
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I love words. I always have. Words that remind me of the good things in life. Like sunshine. And to take time to enjoy it.</div>
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Oh, how sweet the light of day,</div>
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And how wonderful to live in the sunshine!</div>
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Even if you live for a long time, </div>
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Don't take a single day for granted.</div>
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Take delight in each light-filled hour.</div>
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Ecc. 11:7-8</div>
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And a little <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/MiracleRound" target="_blank">chalkboard bunting</a> full of sunshine.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip8lZY5eTon-r1pTj8HV4K-Ed0YDJ6A0kKelQFTcTQTvSwVkXESPttT5GWJAcsVcTlUPdKHFSdXQXl6Ipu4mKbJ757iRXeOycBMeT_ET0tVkHGw8XHOidxQNypy16bbl9wkzc8-h2ko6E/s1600/summer+art+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="420" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip8lZY5eTon-r1pTj8HV4K-Ed0YDJ6A0kKelQFTcTQTvSwVkXESPttT5GWJAcsVcTlUPdKHFSdXQXl6Ipu4mKbJ757iRXeOycBMeT_ET0tVkHGw8XHOidxQNypy16bbl9wkzc8-h2ko6E/s640/summer+art+2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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The best part about this project is that I had everything on hand. A repurposed board and some paint left over from the previous owners is all that it took. </div>
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And of course my little buddy that helps me with everything. We're counting down the days until school is done and when the all there is to do is enjoy the sunshine.</div>
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Sharing here:</div>
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<a href="http://www.houseofhepworths.com/"><img alt="HookingupwithHoH" src="http://www.houseofhepworths.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/HookinupwithHoHnew2.png" /></a> <a href="http://akadesign.ca/?cat=174"><img src="http://akadesign.ca/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/diy-link-party-button.jpg" /></a> <a href="http://www.blogger.com/%E2%80%9Dhttp://whipperberry.com%E2%80%9D" target="”_blank”"><img ;="" alt="Whipperberry" border="0" height="125" src="http://whipperberry.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/whipperberry-button.jpg" title="Whipperberry" width="125" /></a> <a href="http://todayscreativeblog.net/" title="Today's Creative Blog"><img alt="Today's Creative Blog" src="http://todayscreativeblog.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/button.jpg" style="border: none;" title="Today's Creative Blog" width="125" /></a> <br />
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<a href="http://thecsiproject.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="Visit thecsiproject.com" class="aligncenter" src="http://thecsiproject.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/thecsiproject.com-logo-150.png" /></a> Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-545207172950307793.post-57974264070421529242012-06-16T07:12:00.001+08:002012-06-21T21:37:54.627+08:00Cocktail Party - Mad Men Style<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Last weekend Andrew and I hosted a classic 1960's style, Mad Men cocktail party. Oh so fun!<br />
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We dressed up in 1960's cocktail attire. A little consignment dress and vintage cocktail ring for me and a 1960's tie for Andrew. </div>
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And our lovely guests came dressed with 60's flaire as well.</div>
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Ali even had her hair done. Isn't it lovely?</div>
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And Cherolyn styled her own pin curls. Fab, eh?</div>
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After all the picture taking (because, really, when are we all dressed up this nicely?) the cocktails began.</div>
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Andrew was our bartender. He is good. Really. Andrew served up cocktails from the 1960's. On the cocktail menu: Lime Gimlet, Old Fashioned, Tom Collins, Mojito and a Manhattan. </div>
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The bar cart normally acts as Andrew's bedside table, but for this occasion it was put to its original use. Complete with a vintage ice bucket.</div>
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Although we have some rock and martini glasses, we were in need of more for the party. Thankfully kind friends lent us theirs. Using a china marker, we wrote Men Men on the bottom of our glasses so we could easily tell them apart.<br />
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As for the borrowed martini glasses, we simply wrote Mad Men on metal rim tags. It made returning the right glasses so much easier.</div>
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And of course what is a party without food? I raided my mom's china cabinet for some authentic 1960's serving dishes. So fun!<br />
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Kind friends brought food. Thanks Marshal & Cherolyn, Leslie and Rik & Ali. They brought awesome 1960's inspired food. We ate Pigs in Blankets, Deviled Eggs, Salmon Mousse, Shrimp Cocktail, Chips and Dip, Jelly Rolls and other yummy goodness.</div>
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We kept the rest of the decoration to a minimum. A cocktail banner.</div>
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And Mad Men inspired hoop art.</div>
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A fun evening indeed.</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-545207172950307793.post-36097337083924145232012-06-07T03:37:00.000+08:002012-06-07T03:50:16.617+08:00Memories and CleaningToday and probably tomorrow, I am cleaning out closets. I really don't like it, but it needs to be done. And people are coming on Saturday. No, I'm not afraid they will look in my closets, it's just that I have stuff around the house that needs to go away - in those closets - and there is no room. The one good thing about cleaning out all the crap is that you find a few things.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB5mXz_hAw7Obo6jdWOb1nGp7LRjmjaRYofsMKM6aOLyxLqgH6qwoThcAxZbcLQSgQUemap_2vwZtXiG63mF_j3FHHSD5HUcYMRhKInn5TwekBZ2e9mR0tEFrjRHY6TihzOtj70u0hG8g/s1600/memories+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB5mXz_hAw7Obo6jdWOb1nGp7LRjmjaRYofsMKM6aOLyxLqgH6qwoThcAxZbcLQSgQUemap_2vwZtXiG63mF_j3FHHSD5HUcYMRhKInn5TwekBZ2e9mR0tEFrjRHY6TihzOtj70u0hG8g/s640/memories+1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
Like Little Miss' baby book. Truth be told, I'm terrible with baby books. There's a page, maybe two filled out. That's it. It's just not my thing. This blog is more my thing. A place to keep memories. Finding this book reminds me that I love blogging. I love recording our lives here, in this medium, not in a book. Blogging just resonates with me. Baby books don't. It also reminds me that I don't have to be good at everything or do everything. I am happy to love Little Miss and tell her all the things that make her special. But please don't make me write down things in a baby book. And poor Mr. Man. I'm not sure if he has a baby book. If he does, I've never written in it.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdFRRIso6_bsZ5qf43CQP3rtNGenPU-N2T_vsPKvyurCTZQjfP7B4O9QAZJSr6e6ZDQw3ezmIgFHN_xiuu1OL4UTgZt-v4yO-XITBgcn56ywZZNV2YxVReGG2YJJ0Lydlbg51KCa5ZD6U/s1600/memories2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdFRRIso6_bsZ5qf43CQP3rtNGenPU-N2T_vsPKvyurCTZQjfP7B4O9QAZJSr6e6ZDQw3ezmIgFHN_xiuu1OL4UTgZt-v4yO-XITBgcn56ywZZNV2YxVReGG2YJJ0Lydlbg51KCa5ZD6U/s640/memories2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
I also found this. A Kirby kite that Mr. Man made almost two years ago now. He's too big for it, or so he tells me. He no longer wants it, but I have fond memories of him running down the sidewalk with the Kirby kite flapping behind. It brings a smile to my face. So I guess cleaning out closets isn't all bad.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-545207172950307793.post-86162166030902065862012-06-04T23:27:00.000+08:002012-06-04T23:27:19.993+08:00Flower Boxes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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We live on a corner lot. And this is the side of our house. There used to be a very large tree on the corner. It was beautiful. The canopy was large. Although it was close to the road, it hid the side of the house. Now we're left with this.<br />
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I took this picture a few weeks ago so the garden has begun to fill in around the deck. The satellite dish can come down since it was left by previous owners. It just hasn't happened yet. The wires have to stay. Well, if we want hydro they do. I've tried to resurrect the grass. We'll see. The awning which is hidden by the magnolia tree will be painted, but I'm waiting until it's consistently warm at night so the paint can cure. Soon. I'd love to replace the awning with something beautiful, like a singled porch with pillars, but that's not happening anytime soon. I'd love to re-do the side walkway. It's a mess. A big mess. Pavement (driveway) to gravel to interlocking stone to gravel to old concrete sidewalk. That's the path you take to get to the side door. Horrible I know. It was like that when we bought the house. And unfortunately it will have to stay that way for a little while longer.<br />
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But not all hope is lost. There is one thing we can do.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe9hsT0Vdr2_lK60zezHve6OltV_sbmGOwoOVJ2zHN5mYCVyC_3aFPCwBFGPtFZ7jtOFMyzhN5R4SKQDgt7FubWTI_quyLKEDgZK7dPhCqg17xtWkgIywAGlHe_wX2UX9z-sku6oziPF4/s1600/flower+boxes+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="578" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe9hsT0Vdr2_lK60zezHve6OltV_sbmGOwoOVJ2zHN5mYCVyC_3aFPCwBFGPtFZ7jtOFMyzhN5R4SKQDgt7FubWTI_quyLKEDgZK7dPhCqg17xtWkgIywAGlHe_wX2UX9z-sku6oziPF4/s640/flower+boxes+1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
Thank goodness for this man.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic8YZf1SFGMBpibptmXEIukI9-tF1XhClQQfJ3mEcKtiaMnjr2MP63SOe2DQ-3QLkgIMFK2629lqcei65WDZN5KEbbmb4271Xd9Nx_MGCalglJoo30HlTly7yvhhI37qb5_Nne39SwodE/s1600/flower+boxes+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="420" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic8YZf1SFGMBpibptmXEIukI9-tF1XhClQQfJ3mEcKtiaMnjr2MP63SOe2DQ-3QLkgIMFK2629lqcei65WDZN5KEbbmb4271Xd9Nx_MGCalglJoo30HlTly7yvhhI37qb5_Nne39SwodE/s640/flower+boxes+2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
For Mother's Day he built me flower boxes. In one day. Well, an afternoon really. See the strange box in the middle? He even figured out how to build a flower box around the deck post. Clever man.<br />
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<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib_3or-O9TtINYcrEmS9yqC2Rwnu0vmTO3KN5JMFk4ErgZxsE3iRTBUPf8G5FCwjRSXveOgHoimGfqt_p9syUtOqR5p9KDkjVS1bMgY2xRmjCeRNl8WsJm79hio59Hw6qKux6mRWOqbig/s1600/flower+box+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="243" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib_3or-O9TtINYcrEmS9yqC2Rwnu0vmTO3KN5JMFk4ErgZxsE3iRTBUPf8G5FCwjRSXveOgHoimGfqt_p9syUtOqR5p9KDkjVS1bMgY2xRmjCeRNl8WsJm79hio59Hw6qKux6mRWOqbig/s640/flower+box+4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Beautiful flower boxes painted a charcoal grey. </div>
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They are filled with flowers that were once in hanging baskets. The grocery store had an amazing deal on hanging baskets. I took the plants out, pulled them apart and replanted them in the flower boxes. Quick and easy - just the way I like it.</div>
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Now the walkway may still need to be blown up, but at least I am somewhat distracted by the beautiful flowers in the lovely grey flower boxes. And it doesn't look quite so bare.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-545207172950307793.post-23828787890116892742012-05-30T01:17:00.001+08:002012-06-05T21:02:37.168+08:00Birthday Party - Angry Birds Style<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ6HIdtAgx5ZPoUgqWxtA_AfkZQTxdq5yeZoao2MT_yeJjfR_PHIe72MVPecXDGiaJtOXO-GkDAdLUfqJrqgxm7Olurl_LpYVVMHUXa6E5SiDkeoqMh0AEoANNgnzAeS377tm25W027u8v/s1600/planning+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ6HIdtAgx5ZPoUgqWxtA_AfkZQTxdq5yeZoao2MT_yeJjfR_PHIe72MVPecXDGiaJtOXO-GkDAdLUfqJrqgxm7Olurl_LpYVVMHUXa6E5SiDkeoqMh0AEoANNgnzAeS377tm25W027u8v/s640/planning+1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
Today Mr. Man turns nine. Nine! On the weekend he celebrated with his friends - Angry Birds style. Using <a href="http://www.picmonkey.com/" target="_blank">PicMonkey</a> we turned the above picture into party invitations. <span style="font-size: x-small;">(I was about to share it here when I realized that once I blocked out all the personal information, it well, didn't look so hot. So just imagine fun colourful words in red and green inviting you to a fun Angry Birds birthday party. And oh, the pigs were wearing birthday party hats.)</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3GWrcmFULg6wWz5Z48zSXAkLqnCSuJqxPXgJwuZDLKOH6nSq90fO1N3WWaY0y7mW43vIOITcw6uPQNr9elUvURsjJUf3BtKVJFRquq1q6euiZnF8DdUKgJ8lLLc7n7Aj0o3FBVWCTnMUj/s1600/angry+birds+birthday+party+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="196" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3GWrcmFULg6wWz5Z48zSXAkLqnCSuJqxPXgJwuZDLKOH6nSq90fO1N3WWaY0y7mW43vIOITcw6uPQNr9elUvURsjJUf3BtKVJFRquq1q6euiZnF8DdUKgJ8lLLc7n7Aj0o3FBVWCTnMUj/s640/angry+birds+birthday+party+1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
Before the boys arrived we set up the Angry Birds bean bags that I'd been working on <a href="http://miracleround.blogspot.com/2012/05/thursday.html" target="_blank">earlier in the week</a>.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ3ZD3rc3HGUu-daX7aTHu7UwFJi9iqUfmbhjGFSJLk4dOMsKGU3fDx9trNksaZxCgFWZ7XDUXhIs0GkRU7SFRxkZRmMBt7lSOezRVbbLJJ2EuVDjeg3dBQmOCz9WVQEcJit96dYqEvIqB/s1600/angry+birds+birthday+party+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="310" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ3ZD3rc3HGUu-daX7aTHu7UwFJi9iqUfmbhjGFSJLk4dOMsKGU3fDx9trNksaZxCgFWZ7XDUXhIs0GkRU7SFRxkZRmMBt7lSOezRVbbLJJ2EuVDjeg3dBQmOCz9WVQEcJit96dYqEvIqB/s640/angry+birds+birthday+party+2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
And the pigs of course. Because the birds wouldn't be angry if it weren't for the pigs.<br />
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Using boxes from the grocery store, the boys built a real-life game board. Placed the pigs. And then hurled the Angry Birds bean bags at the pigs and boxes.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMv0PedHnw9qTUbjXBz80V4nf7opDxkxDDrJdX3v6_2CIhuMHQfU3mnSFLgjbdqU96moPrLxkAqjYiMf4vyGWADv59UJ4wBjSg0qU_TzYn7-I9etVLLAcsf8sWsSJZL2y4NUwy-7Y_EFib/s1600/angry+birds+birthday+party+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="602" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMv0PedHnw9qTUbjXBz80V4nf7opDxkxDDrJdX3v6_2CIhuMHQfU3mnSFLgjbdqU96moPrLxkAqjYiMf4vyGWADv59UJ4wBjSg0qU_TzYn7-I9etVLLAcsf8sWsSJZL2y4NUwy-7Y_EFib/s640/angry+birds+birthday+party+5.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
Again and again and again.<br />
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Next it was on to throwing birds in the air and then water balloons at each other.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLelnrqkJer2uYUlPfODUZu7IdBfw9fkTFTyaPRCheWzF5abN7F3HUKqtw5uyJsNWNQvz6LQjA5cK-Eu92S6kZNDM7e8Bl5Yp1J2_ksyhC9Tmvcfh66wY8VQVu3nVoLxEKZbQBXFXEE6o9/s1600/angry+birds+birthday+party+8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLelnrqkJer2uYUlPfODUZu7IdBfw9fkTFTyaPRCheWzF5abN7F3HUKqtw5uyJsNWNQvz6LQjA5cK-Eu92S6kZNDM7e8Bl5Yp1J2_ksyhC9Tmvcfh66wY8VQVu3nVoLxEKZbQBXFXEE6o9/s640/angry+birds+birthday+party+8.jpg" width="428" /></a></div>
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Foll<span style="text-align: center;">owed by a</span> pinata.</div>
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And cake. Simple, easy and of course angry.</div>
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I think, maybe, just maybe he had a good time!</div>
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Happy Birthday, Mr. Man! You are loved.</div>
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Sharing here:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFl7etKLuX97c4eKx1Ta1hYfZ5EYjXj3eogRvERnTtkN6M4676K_7hN9A3_glMyE6XpfUN5kKtFRtMPZZpazdF4PpQpl4L6T2iy8qZc_WZWE3zhjk_hDKonfwOOZNvTdLPMEvIiFdoUqD1/s1600/thursday+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFl7etKLuX97c4eKx1Ta1hYfZ5EYjXj3eogRvERnTtkN6M4676K_7hN9A3_glMyE6XpfUN5kKtFRtMPZZpazdF4PpQpl4L6T2iy8qZc_WZWE3zhjk_hDKonfwOOZNvTdLPMEvIiFdoUqD1/s640/thursday+1.jpg" width="428" /></a></div>
Today (like yesterday) I am getting ready for Mr. Man's birthday party this Saturday. Can you guess what these are going to be?<br />
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Today I am dropping off a stack of yummy cinnamon rolls to the school's dessert party.<br />
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It's an annual event that's been going on for, oh, 50 years or so. It's our second year. It's a huge event. Everyone is excited.<br />
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Today I am searching for socks. Not just any socks. Mr. Man's socks. Currently he has six (probably more) single socks that are in need of their mate. How does this happen, you ask? Um. He takes his socks off in the strangest places. Which means I'll be looking in and under everything.<br />
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What are you up to today?Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-545207172950307793.post-21927274647922021252012-05-23T06:07:00.002+08:002012-05-23T06:07:26.344+08:00Sneaky Peakies<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Yesterday we celebrated Sneaker's first birthday. I can't believe that this eight pounds of furry fury is a year old. He is much loved.<br />
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Party hats and treats filled his day.<br />
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Happy Birthday little Sneakers!<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-545207172950307793.post-38860044522114550312012-05-17T23:27:00.000+08:002012-05-17T23:27:54.771+08:00PlanningThis week we are planning.<br />
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Planning a party to celebrate Mr. Man's 9th birthday next weekend. 9! Can you guess the theme?<br />
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And planning a party for this crazy one. Oh, little Sneakers how you are loved! He turns one on Monday. The kidlywinks want to throw him a party. There were going to be invitations, puppy friends and cake. I think I've talked them into a quiet celebration with just us. We'll see who wins. But oh do they love their puppy so.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0