tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-47506850585633496862024-03-06T22:33:43.312-05:00Our 4 Sons Plus 1...Super Cute Girly GirlNow the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.
1 Corinthians 3:17Bethany @ Our 4 Sons Plus 1...Super Cute Girly Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18121947461101222394noreply@blogger.comBlogger743125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4750685058563349686.post-90374829014167762492022-12-11T16:33:00.001-05:002022-12-11T16:49:51.729-05:00Best No-Fail Sugar Cookies Recipe<p>I hope December has been off to a good start for you! Tomorrow is our third son's twentieth (!!!) birthday and I'm in complete denial. Last night we whisked the two youngest down to Orlando to see For King and Country's Little Drummer Boy Christmas concert and it was amazing, though I'm feeling particularly tired and old today after getting home around 1 AM. We're not exactly go-with-the-flow type parents so this is a BIG deal for us, ha! And today we drove south again (but only an hour this time) to say goodbye to our other son's college roommate and friend who will be returning to NC for second semester, so of course I brought him sugar cookies.</p><p>Which is a good segue into... this recipe for easy, no-fail sugar cookies. They're soft and chewy, the dough is easy to work with, and it makes a lot of batches so you can divide the dough and freeze or chill the extra for later. The baked cookies also freeze well so you can thaw and decorate at a later time. You can freeze decorated ones as well, after they're completely dry, but personally I don't prefer them that way.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKbcqG7kdTLq7iqQyg-jlj8653J3zjyGVgADxL1o34LKGIlgVh_8lxrLfmsEqLXX_gqBsBJcbnYkC8KWw0Pd2t4ulahYDijJ7cH34NzThe5JN5scw-oXtkgS9HAF7YmaKb1M1Wxat3NEBL6_IjWeIp3OcJYMn2RqIk4JTDKO4384yefQDBj9c-3Q0G/s819/easy%20sugar%20cookie%20recipe.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="819" data-original-width="650" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKbcqG7kdTLq7iqQyg-jlj8653J3zjyGVgADxL1o34LKGIlgVh_8lxrLfmsEqLXX_gqBsBJcbnYkC8KWw0Pd2t4ulahYDijJ7cH34NzThe5JN5scw-oXtkgS9HAF7YmaKb1M1Wxat3NEBL6_IjWeIp3OcJYMn2RqIk4JTDKO4384yefQDBj9c-3Q0G/w508-h640/easy%20sugar%20cookie%20recipe.jpg" title="Best Soft Sugar Cookies" width="508" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;">No-Fail Sugar Cookies</p><p style="text-align: left;">Ingredients:</p><p style="text-align: left;">1.5 sticks unsalted butter, softened slightly</p><p style="text-align: left;">2 cups granulated sugar (I use slightly less and like it this way)</p><p style="text-align: left;">4 eggs, room temperature</p><p style="text-align: left;">2.5 tsp vanilla extract</p><p style="text-align: left;">5 cups flour (I use unbleached)</p><p style="text-align: left;">2 tsp baking powder</p><p style="text-align: left;">dash salt</p><p style="text-align: left;">*optional: dash nutmeg and/or cinnamon</p><p style="text-align: left;">Directions:</p><p style="text-align: left;">-In large mixing bowl (you will need a sturdy mixer) beat butter and sugar together</p><p style="text-align: left;">-Add eggs and vanilla</p><p style="text-align: left;">-In medium bowl combine flour, bp and salt</p><p style="text-align: left;">-Add some flour mixture to wet mixture, mixing together well</p><p style="text-align: left;">-Place in fridge to chill for ten minutes up to one hour (I prefer quicker chilling time)</p><p style="text-align: left;">-Scoop out some sough and roll out on a flour-covered surface to about 1/4 - 1/2 inch thick or your preferred thickness (thicker cookies will stay soft after baking, thinner ones will be crispier)</p><p style="text-align: left;">-Cut out cookies with your favorite cookie cutters and place on ungreased baking sheet (if your sheet is shiny or new, you may need to spray the pan or line with silicon or parchment paper; my sheets are well-used and now dark)</p><p style="text-align: left;">-Bake at 400 F for 5-6 minutes, depending on the size of the cookies and if you prefer cookie edges not to be browned or darkened</p><p style="text-align: left;">-Let sit on pan 1-2 minutes and gently place on racks to cool before frosting</p><p style="text-align: left;">Cookie frosting/icing: confectioner's sugar and water, usually about 2 cups sugar and 1-2 tsp water</p><p style="text-align: left;">I've been using small squirt bottles for frosting cookies for a couple years now and I'll never go back! To keep sprinkles corralled, place cookies to be decorated in shallow baking pans.</p><p style="text-align: left;">So go make some cookies, turn on the Christmas music, and get to decorating. These cookies make great gifts for neighbors and teachers, too. Enjoy!</p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><div class="blogger-post-footer">To read the rest of this post, click here...</div>Bethany @ Our 4 Sons Plus 1...Super Cute Girly Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18121947461101222394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4750685058563349686.post-17234252974279028682022-12-01T13:46:00.002-05:002022-12-01T13:46:34.997-05:00Hello again! Happy December!<p>How's everyone doing??!! Life here is busy and mostly good. ;) In recent months I've come to realize that I really miss the world of blogging! Not the advertising/consumer/influencer type of blogging, but the good old fashioned kind of documenting our lives to have one day to look back on. So here I am!</p><p>Happy December 1st! Obviously this is a busy month for everyone, but we have two birthday kiddos in our family so it always feels a little bit "extra" as we celebrate that and get ready for Christmas. I actually need to get ready to head into my office soon but I'm taking the plunge and hitting "publish" before I go, ha!</p><p>In the spirit of the holidays and fun traditions, I'm sharing my favorite festive cookie recipes. I hope you enjoy them!</p><p>Ah that sweet little face! That was quite a few years ago now...</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWSOf6rT9P5wJAnxZ913j9yXPYoSQUF9vQlTOY4Z0-0KoiFVzb_BJ5MzrzOzsZRkjQ4cC-H42gDA3gPN6IiTbuLrTIW7kNq-6gT-jzrWk1qU-H7hUSJLZuxWzqB2P3pSi1PLnO5KGf64njHgf1Fpb3qF96VlCE_vwJM0C-HnmQKkb77ro_tC_7KeZ2/s640/blog%20december%202012%20511.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="425" data-original-width="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWSOf6rT9P5wJAnxZ913j9yXPYoSQUF9vQlTOY4Z0-0KoiFVzb_BJ5MzrzOzsZRkjQ4cC-H42gDA3gPN6IiTbuLrTIW7kNq-6gT-jzrWk1qU-H7hUSJLZuxWzqB2P3pSi1PLnO5KGf64njHgf1Fpb3qF96VlCE_vwJM0C-HnmQKkb77ro_tC_7KeZ2/s16000/blog%20december%202012%20511.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRl9xvKrkup54UAmhPvIyEByhSbiJZRId2WVH6-B528DkP2QvHHK5HnIynFbsI_swK0K9ZAGStosNJJL4uMMUw7E3ojVj_qJWcsjgPkC92OUU8P2hrVHqUiIY6Rm7tSNF5m-o6IC6ywt7ySMOUNzzWJRKk0FsJlFMYEGYXLWe7AZB4YRK0VfvQ_5HU/s602/blog%20december%202012%20504.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="602" data-original-width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRl9xvKrkup54UAmhPvIyEByhSbiJZRId2WVH6-B528DkP2QvHHK5HnIynFbsI_swK0K9ZAGStosNJJL4uMMUw7E3ojVj_qJWcsjgPkC92OUU8P2hrVHqUiIY6Rm7tSNF5m-o6IC6ywt7ySMOUNzzWJRKk0FsJlFMYEGYXLWe7AZB4YRK0VfvQ_5HU/s16000/blog%20december%202012%20504.jpg" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3sonsplus1.blogspot.com/2010/12/cookie-goodness.html" target="_blank">Holiday Chocolate Spiders</a></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW5NwOobCFmzlMz5toI7WsIGnQsXesJgdevu8tOywQUDnFsOxH_NhqwDxMAeM4r9QTZjrP7EbxxHyfhUFXlhVoYRbMuZ0e7j1T677YiToS1z_jFoqzF2xdZbm0A3mBCmoc9vd1ndBiyXGhKrPNNzRnTbO9ZEfvA4iC5q8dlpto7BioL_siB6kP0kNH/s650/blog%20december%202013%20263.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="432" data-original-width="650" height="255" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW5NwOobCFmzlMz5toI7WsIGnQsXesJgdevu8tOywQUDnFsOxH_NhqwDxMAeM4r9QTZjrP7EbxxHyfhUFXlhVoYRbMuZ0e7j1T677YiToS1z_jFoqzF2xdZbm0A3mBCmoc9vd1ndBiyXGhKrPNNzRnTbO9ZEfvA4iC5q8dlpto7BioL_siB6kP0kNH/w384-h255/blog%20december%202013%20263.jpg" width="384" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3sonsplus1.blogspot.com/2012/12/favorite-easy-christmas-cookies.html" target="_blank">Mini Chip Shortbread Cookies - No Eggs!</a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikIZs8GWvnlK7aMX2fFrsdmSQ0G58kkZ9abtE_zBEcEEesEr_g_pMf-kkpMczIg6kH84PhZb8CTZh5C6tMiR4VRW2w3O1cwAMavPxOUNIhH56AbXTWUFvVIl9kHwv7m14gPWUzJnMboihDwAur67YrV3y9twLfEoj50_NCMz09K2zpYEyU4uRM1nZE/s620/blog%20december%202012%20559.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="412" data-original-width="620" height="253" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikIZs8GWvnlK7aMX2fFrsdmSQ0G58kkZ9abtE_zBEcEEesEr_g_pMf-kkpMczIg6kH84PhZb8CTZh5C6tMiR4VRW2w3O1cwAMavPxOUNIhH56AbXTWUFvVIl9kHwv7m14gPWUzJnMboihDwAur67YrV3y9twLfEoj50_NCMz09K2zpYEyU4uRM1nZE/w380-h253/blog%20december%202012%20559.jpg" width="380" /></a></div><br /><br />I've gotta go but I'll post our favorite sugar cookie dough soon and then I want to talk fun traditions. I love hearing about everyone's special traditions!<div><br /><p><br /></p></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">To read the rest of this post, click here...</div>Bethany @ Our 4 Sons Plus 1...Super Cute Girly Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18121947461101222394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4750685058563349686.post-66532420569130465142020-12-30T20:54:00.000-05:002020-12-30T20:54:21.255-05:00Hellooooo!!!Well, hey there. It's been a minute, hasn't it? I have missed this little space so much, and it really is such a great way to keep track of family life and capture precious memories. So where do I begin??? No idea, I guess I'll wing it. :)<div><br /></div><div>The biggest bits of news are 1) we moved to Florida back in November; and 2) I just finished my graduate degree in counseling psychology and worked all this past year as a clinical therapist intern. Wow. And then throw in all things Covid-related, and, well... WOW! What. A. Year.</div><div><br /></div><div>Let's just jump in with Christmas, and maybe I'll backtrack a bit after that. We tried to keep things focused on the real meaning of Christmas, like we always do, but if I'm being totally honest, that was hard to do this year. I think it's safe to say lots of things just feel off, and add a major move to the mix, and things felts really off. But of course there were some absolute moments of joy, too!</div><div><br /></div><div>Lots to explore in our new town! The downtown area is just beautiful with twinkle lights on every tree along the streets, and the sunset on Christmas Eve was spectacular!</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSeK07gcEj5_WKv12XyMMAcPKSdHt8cqjU26ITm4f_bTeeFS45vJ88Qb3UC_vbOWQPI58E8kQQDmk94AFr9ko36xA5Tj-TQEOzVzBRdCV_1jZP6eHqJ_wbllwgTbTaEZa9PQE1LL-Vg1Q/s4032/IMG_7483.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSeK07gcEj5_WKv12XyMMAcPKSdHt8cqjU26ITm4f_bTeeFS45vJ88Qb3UC_vbOWQPI58E8kQQDmk94AFr9ko36xA5Tj-TQEOzVzBRdCV_1jZP6eHqJ_wbllwgTbTaEZa9PQE1LL-Vg1Q/w480-h640/IMG_7483.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfJg7cgi0RokGq6wELLOiXKPmdeGvqJ23PVawn_NCUeNOcbBkgXTjVH3l7wln8ENO4ceDWYEBcOkbWy9C1jHEQhn9Mf9bSmXD75m6k0qcwPpyLe4V1304W3lBXWST-TmPreEzSfjzlvXU/s4032/IMG_7493.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfJg7cgi0RokGq6wELLOiXKPmdeGvqJ23PVawn_NCUeNOcbBkgXTjVH3l7wln8ENO4ceDWYEBcOkbWy9C1jHEQhn9Mf9bSmXD75m6k0qcwPpyLe4V1304W3lBXWST-TmPreEzSfjzlvXU/w480-h640/IMG_7493.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div><br /></div>A blurry but goodie :)<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPRVSGGBNJDO8dpgm8v_J5redlOBbB5oRfgxODilonRzndn8hMchnsUgepw4jG6ADNWaY2yRFCvecU-mjdJJoez63WVkXS0yXqP8ixF6ZzrK9xfeh9qbmYkfVpMVe_TuCFeRinuMBtQpw/s3088/IMG_7500.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3088" data-original-width="2320" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPRVSGGBNJDO8dpgm8v_J5redlOBbB5oRfgxODilonRzndn8hMchnsUgepw4jG6ADNWaY2yRFCvecU-mjdJJoez63WVkXS0yXqP8ixF6ZzrK9xfeh9qbmYkfVpMVe_TuCFeRinuMBtQpw/w480-h640/IMG_7500.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Ha ha ha ha<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3z0vtWeOUyjPYgHK4YqYKgJ4OZFUZaRPayihQraJ3f_mvJt4KXr4Jo33vk7KLUnyj0gJor-PVzL2l2oxddkX7UFvCKFniw2R4WUzeRXrOXMdIjx0oa4KZdCYJyFrbXnZHaEYRf1UDfio/s4032/IMG_7235%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3z0vtWeOUyjPYgHK4YqYKgJ4OZFUZaRPayihQraJ3f_mvJt4KXr4Jo33vk7KLUnyj0gJor-PVzL2l2oxddkX7UFvCKFniw2R4WUzeRXrOXMdIjx0oa4KZdCYJyFrbXnZHaEYRf1UDfio/w480-h640/IMG_7235%255B1%255D.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div><br /></div>My Mom's special Advent calendar... look closely, ha ha<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyZQdy1Q88u3PSzMQxvSXytVlOjen9ZK1IwULdpTrE98aYBs2KDd0FAuriD4Rt67t1DL95cbC7lQoKFY9nCMLrCm6lkrUgOPehwgG6-UIh2c7KuYvTb2nWVZwoo7ITsWRiHEp5SGM3mtM/s4032/IMG_7667.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyZQdy1Q88u3PSzMQxvSXytVlOjen9ZK1IwULdpTrE98aYBs2KDd0FAuriD4Rt67t1DL95cbC7lQoKFY9nCMLrCm6lkrUgOPehwgG6-UIh2c7KuYvTb2nWVZwoo7ITsWRiHEp5SGM3mtM/w480-h640/IMG_7667.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Levi decorated his little tree all by himself this year!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOmF6YttIceZ4mX78jGd_MkESwKDeFlqUcnta31pwbYxaAoMVuZU08KfCf-gjKNjZiXbhEmMh_2E0cComhsXIJ8SU0OtZW96i-PtEQ9Co_wVVWsM17uMYg3p4vPQbxpYkJ__s8zgCP2M0/s4032/IMG_7569.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOmF6YttIceZ4mX78jGd_MkESwKDeFlqUcnta31pwbYxaAoMVuZU08KfCf-gjKNjZiXbhEmMh_2E0cComhsXIJ8SU0OtZW96i-PtEQ9Co_wVVWsM17uMYg3p4vPQbxpYkJ__s8zgCP2M0/w480-h640/IMG_7569.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Santa's cookies on Christmas Eve<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvyWEiyakj56ewajkcnJEBj153ZeFMrv8LAtdzmIngLgOxur0tefmvtwecEwYG3EhvyG6NK67ljuiYFj6aRR_6f24QURJzuHS3yX2PSXydpYdELy2cW0FjZjijbZxxKoMW5h7XliqytQ0/s4032/IMG_7520.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvyWEiyakj56ewajkcnJEBj153ZeFMrv8LAtdzmIngLgOxur0tefmvtwecEwYG3EhvyG6NK67ljuiYFj6aRR_6f24QURJzuHS3yX2PSXydpYdELy2cW0FjZjijbZxxKoMW5h7XliqytQ0/w480-h640/IMG_7520.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Levi wanted to draw special pictures for him. I see a present, some letters, "Hi Ho" and a stocking. Not bad! I asked Santa to bring all my babies together under the same roof for Christmas, and we were THIS close, but we got sick, some of us with Covid and the flu. It was pretty miserable but we're doing better and are very thankful about that. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFBsPwC_fuLj0BNgc6KJTtWIWRzjgH-ReB3Ow_QoIaagYCKSia8tHPW94uDXiMW8KrYewKSKWV62-YfKn_2YsQAHmHLWOji90wSTC4bKrBy9ycLZ-anU1NTvx4zY1UJpMEhn8cFYN9na0/s4032/IMG_7527.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFBsPwC_fuLj0BNgc6KJTtWIWRzjgH-ReB3Ow_QoIaagYCKSia8tHPW94uDXiMW8KrYewKSKWV62-YfKn_2YsQAHmHLWOji90wSTC4bKrBy9ycLZ-anU1NTvx4zY1UJpMEhn8cFYN9na0/w480-h640/IMG_7527.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div><br /></div>He asked for so long for a special dinosaur friend for Popsicle, his blue dinosaur. Meet Popcorn! So sweet. :)<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi10C3RBy3XVcS5JHHru45lW2kcmlWj83T-obnwTyfBiAp56PAbGg0GkYiYHK5aMmP-Ktv8GRUt0l5fQT_Ch5atQKw93w93e4T9Ajf7Qgv8tiDD1IEQi-ONpB6MJE11o5lREXtyTIF4zkI/s4032/IMG_7608.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi10C3RBy3XVcS5JHHru45lW2kcmlWj83T-obnwTyfBiAp56PAbGg0GkYiYHK5aMmP-Ktv8GRUt0l5fQT_Ch5atQKw93w93e4T9Ajf7Qgv8tiDD1IEQi-ONpB6MJE11o5lREXtyTIF4zkI/w480-h640/IMG_7608.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div><br /></div>All ready for Christmas dinner. Someone lingered in adorable jammies and wanted to play and color all day long. Sounds good to me!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQKOifZf8eaMo6_DuDl2lt8CI1wMhOSicohB_Jm_EPf60kRXdW9y9o4iR3uS6e24nTipHN8Ng1H6JQ3twWlOmQvhGj0reohytrbf65kQzQKwStuSUJ53FZXJcONk-ZC2bOV4MDQ4eyj0o/s4032/IMG_7635.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQKOifZf8eaMo6_DuDl2lt8CI1wMhOSicohB_Jm_EPf60kRXdW9y9o4iR3uS6e24nTipHN8Ng1H6JQ3twWlOmQvhGj0reohytrbf65kQzQKwStuSUJ53FZXJcONk-ZC2bOV4MDQ4eyj0o/w480-h640/IMG_7635.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div><br /></div>We now live just a few miles from the ocean in North Florida so we spend lots of time wandering around out here by the waves. Officially our first day after Christmas at the beach! It certainly has had its highs and lows, but I'm trying to stay focused on the positives. I sure do miss our families! Being so far away is hard. Any tips for me to help with the adjustment?<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8ny2SiNNgwJI35_4BFCE8kuw_OTGOndMQMViNS2lS-EhsZySqzee62mv0kzcyNFn_F1VqC__pU3r_sBBGrZYW2EP1KoylA6ZG-uYI-M96TZ_U9fcnTxZkSEQpIjGX03Ez285EmrCYUnQ/s3088/IMG_7726.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3088" data-original-width="2320" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8ny2SiNNgwJI35_4BFCE8kuw_OTGOndMQMViNS2lS-EhsZySqzee62mv0kzcyNFn_F1VqC__pU3r_sBBGrZYW2EP1KoylA6ZG-uYI-M96TZ_U9fcnTxZkSEQpIjGX03Ez285EmrCYUnQ/w480-h640/IMG_7726.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div>I hope whoever happens to be reading this is doing well and looking forward to a brand new year. I've missed connecting with people through this space! I hope you had a wonderful Christmas, even if it looked a little (or a lot!) different this year. Prayers for a happy and healthy 2021!</div><div><br /></div><div> </div><div class="blogger-post-footer">To read the rest of this post, click here...</div>Bethany @ Our 4 Sons Plus 1...Super Cute Girly Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18121947461101222394noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4750685058563349686.post-8952175660028788762019-02-06T13:31:00.000-05:002019-02-06T13:31:00.338-05:00A Day in the Life ~ 2/5/19Hi friends! I realize I haven't done one of these day in the life posts for a looooong time, and they're my favorite! I know the details fade and I'm so glad to have them written down to look back on again. Hope you enjoy reading about my exciting life, ha ha. :)<br />
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Normally I'm up and at 'em just after 4, but I hardly slept the night before so it was a little after 5 when I started picking up, finishing lunches, and going through photos....because I am currently obsessed with organizing files and such. It will be feel so good when it's done BUT. Ugh. ha ha<br />
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I've been eating these pan cooked apples and dates several mornings a week for a while now. So easy and delicious! <br />
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Doing a little "reading" while I move in the kitchen...<br />
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Making pancakes for the kiddos... <br />
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He refused to eat most meals yesterday so he was especially lovely this morning. Good thing he's cute. ;)<br />
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Morning sky at drop off. The temps reached 60 degrees yesterday!!!! <br />
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A happier backseat driver :) <br />
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Lots of mornings he still wants to be in his crib and read. So I used it like baby jail and grabbed a shower. I feel it should be noted that Caleb and I went to the gym Monday evening- I showered quickly but my hair was gross, ha! Speaking of hair, I may have given myself a hair cut because I am miserable with this stupid new cut from two weeks ago. She gave me the WEIRDEST layers and it was not working. At all. <br />
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Moving on...to laundry folding! <br />
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And then the grocery store... he wanted my chapstick so he was puckering up! :)<br />
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Silly boy! <br />
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First daffodils of the season!!! <br />
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For me? Levi was chatting with ALL the people around us. Counting, singing, jabbering, you name it. He was feeling much more outgoing than normal. <br />
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I never mind grocery shopping...until it's time to put it all away. Check out that awful sand and grit all over. You just can't escape it until June around here, no matter how many times you sweep and vacuum! <br />
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I kept running back outside to watch him play <br />
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Lots of puddles- he got soaked, ha! And he loves chalk but didn't like drawing on wet pavement. Can't blame him there. <br />
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<br />
My Mom and Dad stopped in and had lunch, but Levi wouldn't eat a thing and was crabby. And naughty, so he got put to bed for a nap without any stories. That has happened only once before! He LOVES reading books! It was so sunny and warm, I opened up the door in our bedroom. Everybody was enjoying the fresh air. :)<br />
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Hi! <br />
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Pretty view! <br />
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For some strange reason, I decided (on a whim) to organize some fabric while he slept. WHY??!! This was the worst of it, but Levi was having the best time playing out back on the deck. It's been over four months since we could do that. <br />
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Making tacos and quesadillas for dinner, and then driving Isabelle and a friend to basketball practice. The sky over this field is so pretty at sunset. <br />
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Someone discovered the art of "Timmmmmmber" and was having a blast. <br />
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Daddy told Levi that he'd give him a massage after his bath. What a good Daddy. :) <br />
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After reading and getting Levi settled, which took FOREVER last night!, I got the coffee ready for morning for Donut Wednesday and cleaned up a bit. I had just gone to bed when Levi screamed his head off so I ran in there to see what was the matter. He was out of it and hysterical, and I could tell right away that he'd pooped. That hasn't happened at night for a long time, so I took care of that but he still had a hard time settling back down. Shortly after, Jonah got home- his job scheduled a late night, which did not make me happy in the least- so I went down and chatted with him. Little did I know that I'd be sleeping on the couch within the hour because someone was unable to stop snoring- poor guy hasn't been feeling well and I didn't want to keep bothering him, so I went downstairs.<br />
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And that was my day! <br />
<div class="blogger-post-footer">To read the rest of this post, click here...</div>Bethany @ Our 4 Sons Plus 1...Super Cute Girly Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18121947461101222394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4750685058563349686.post-68545266157065847612019-01-28T05:45:00.002-05:002019-01-28T05:51:26.110-05:00Let's Talk Pancakes! Favorite Homemade Recipes!<div style="text-align: left;">
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I can hardly believe that this is the last week of January! I was going to do a weekend re-cap, but it would really only consist of a basketball game and an impromptu trip out for burgers for the kids last night, so maybe not, ha. Our lives feel kind of boring lately, as the weather just stinks so we're stuck inside most days (and we've given up shopping/trips to the store, etc for 90 days), and we're all a bit, well, grumpy. Homemade pancakes help. :)</div>
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The following recipe serves as a nice base for several other variations, and they taste SO much better than pouring powder from a box and adding water. Definitely worth the little bit of trouble to make them from scratch.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Favorite Pancakes</b></span><br />
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<b>What You'll Need:</b></div>
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2 cups all-purpose flour (I use unbleached)</div>
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1 Tbsp granulated sugar</div>
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1 tsp baking soda</div>
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2 tsp baking powder</div>
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dash salt</div>
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2 eggs</div>
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2 cups milk</div>
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2 Tbsp vegetable oil (plus more to cook them)</div>
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mini chocolate chips (or blueberries!)</div>
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<b>**update**</b><br />
**For fluffier pancakes, add a tablespoon or two of water and whisk
lightly- I literally hold the mixing bowl under the faucet and turn on
the water for a second.**<br />
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I've made these pancakes so many times I could probably manage them
blindfolded. I've passed the kitchen torch, so to speak, to my boys, and
each one can now make these on their own. I am very proud of their
accomplishments in the kitchen!</div>
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Blend the dry ingredients into a large mixing/batter bowl; add the eggs
and milk and whisk lightly. Add oil and whisk again until batter is
smooth. Pour in some chocolate chips and fold in with a spatula- you can
sprinkle more onto the pancakes themselves as they're cooking. I used to cook
pancakes on a griddle, set at 375 degrees, in just a little bit of oil. BUT our griddle died and I decided not to replace it because I hated cleaning it so much. So now I use a large fry pan on medium heat with a bit of oil for the kids, coconut oil for me.
The more oil you use will result in a crispier outer layer, which some
people in our household prefer. Easy enough to cater to. :) </div>
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Add berries, chocolate chips, diced peaches...or nothing at all, and they will be so delicious!</div>
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Here are some more yummy from-scratch recipes! They really only do require a few more minutes of your time, but we think they are SO worth it. Enjoy!<br />
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<a href="https://3sonsplus1.blogspot.com/2011/07/puff-pancake-favorite-low-fat-super.html">Easy Oven Puff Pancake with Fruit </a></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3sonsplus1.blogspot.com/2013/08/apple-pancakes-recipe-other-stuff.html"> Better-For-You Cinnamon Apple Pancakes with Powdered Sugar "Sauce"</a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoY-l1I1oMenf6TuZl715GcHGFQ6dcwFklrta-HZFDbVE8vWSkLiLupiqTudH2pgOPsXeXcgotjE4Pp-UGpFdc4c7-gdpGTPSkPmxMAZMDaVuBCmsqi2w1PUXmqH8jMu65HV2yBaLLg-M/s1600/blog+june+2013+900.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="412" data-original-width="620" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoY-l1I1oMenf6TuZl715GcHGFQ6dcwFklrta-HZFDbVE8vWSkLiLupiqTudH2pgOPsXeXcgotjE4Pp-UGpFdc4c7-gdpGTPSkPmxMAZMDaVuBCmsqi2w1PUXmqH8jMu65HV2yBaLLg-M/s640/blog+june+2013+900.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://3sonsplus1.blogspot.com/2013/11/best-blueberry-buttermilk-pancakes.html">Blueberry Buttermilk Pancakes </a></div>
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Now I'm hungry, ha! I have been dabbling in the world of paleo and raw eating, but I'm also a big believer in balance, so maybe my apple and hard-boiled egg can wait until tomorrow morning. ;) Happy Monday! </div>
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<div class="blogger-post-footer">To read the rest of this post, click here...</div>Bethany @ Our 4 Sons Plus 1...Super Cute Girly Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18121947461101222394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4750685058563349686.post-59593091804325581062019-01-15T06:09:00.000-05:002019-01-15T06:30:17.375-05:00New England Farmhouse Dining Room in WinterI have a hard time with labels, so I'm hesitant to label this space "farmhouse," and I've found that I'm also leaning towards a more minimalist mindset, so... hmm, where does that leave me? Farmhouse minimal? Streamlined farmhouse? I'll have to think about that. :)<br />
<br />
I typically keep things neutral in January, with maybe a few pops of color, partly because I like the clean, fresh slate feeling after Christmas; and partly because there are inevitably a few lingering holiday things that need to get used up or thrown out. I joked on IG that the coffee bar nook is having a slight identity crisis with all the candy canes still hanging around.<br />
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If you look below, you can see how we sanded down the table leaf on the left- this table is pretty awful BUT it's what we have, and Levi is going to wreak havoc on it for the next few years, so I can't justify purchasing a new one. Anyway, we tried using a Danish oil instead of poly as a sealer and it just plain stinks. Literally and figuratively. It took weeks for the smell to dissipate, gross! And I don't like how it turned out, either. I'm thinking of sanding and applying a creamy chalk paint- any thoughts?<br />
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We also got a wild hair and decided to remove the big rug out of here. We got that for our second house back in 2002, so it's been with us a while, and my tastes have definitely changed. And it's pretty worn out, ha. I like having it gone, but I'm not sure I like such bare floors. We shall see...<br />
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The other change in here is the curtains. After redoing this space (and the living room) almost two years ago, I just couldn't commit to window treatments. It was SO nice having everything light and bright, but lately it felt a little too bare. So we tried several different wood and faux wood blind options, and NONE of them worked. The builders decided to frame the windows with two pieces of trim instead of one, and the one closest to the window sits at an angle. Just why? WHYYYY? The right size blinds don't fit because they bump against the angled trim. The smaller sized blinds just look weird because there is too much space on either side. So blinds are out.<br />
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Considering we already had the curtain rods from when we first put them up shortly after moving in (2016), AND we've committed to a <i><b>90-Day No Spend plan</b></i>, we simply used what we had. And I like them! The curtains from our previous house, and since I don't have the last two panels to complete each window, I opted to do this. I didn't think I would like it, but I do! That ridiculous chandelier, not so much. BUT. 90 days, people. <i>We can do this!</i><br />
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Ha ha, guess I was snapping pics during lunch. :)<br />
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Here is a shot from before the curtains and prior to ditching the rug... <br />
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And here...<br />
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I've got a question for you: are the photos on blogger not acting right for anyone else? They seem super grainy and dull. No bueno.... oops, now I hear someone calling for me, gotta go! Happy Tuesday! And you can find me on Instagram <a href="https://www.instagram.com/bethanylivs_life/?hl=en">@bethanylivs_life</a> , so pop over and say hello!<br />
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<i>sharing with <a href="http://www.alittlebitofeverythingblog.com/">Tuesday Talk</a> today! </i><br />
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Just wanted to share that I've got some pretty new nightgowms in my shop, too, so feel free to take a look. And THANK YOU so much for your support by shopping small!! </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.roseandruffle.etsy.com/">Rose and Ruffle</a></span></div>
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<a href="http://www.roseandruffle.etsy.com/"> </a></div>
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<div class="blogger-post-footer">To read the rest of this post, click here...</div>Bethany @ Our 4 Sons Plus 1...Super Cute Girly Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18121947461101222394noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4750685058563349686.post-46880006386961933112019-01-11T06:20:00.000-05:002020-01-21T18:14:35.784-05:00Friday Favorites - Hello 2019!!Hey friends! Just popping in to share some highlights from our week...or rather, the first week+ of the new year because they've all sort of jumbled together and we don't have our regular rhythm going yet. It's been a hard week (+, ha) but also good. Ah life, why you gotta be so complicated??<br />
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Every year, I treat myself to a new flowering plant to celebrate a brand new year, AND to have some color and life around me. This is a hard time of year in New England when we're often simply stuck indoors and everything seems so lifeless and dull. I've been doing this for over a decade now, so you might think I've got quite the assortment of flowering plants. Not so. My green thumb does not extend to indoor plants for some reason, ha!<br />
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Also, Levi wanted to read with me, so we were both doing some devotional studies. :)<br />
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And Story Time is back in session at the library...yay!<br />
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Big changes are on the horizon for this little guy. He's ready (I think), but I'm not! But I am. I don't know. This big age gap and having one in college, some in high school, and a middle schooler and toddler is a blessing beyond measure, it truly is BUT it often leaves me curled up in the fetal position with emotion overload. I don't think I can even accurately describe the mess that's inside my head most days lately. Anyhoo, I moved some furniture around to make room for a big boy bed and I LOVE the difference it makes. I'll share more pics soon!<br />
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Meal prep is ON, and my kitchen only sees the sun in the early afternoon, and it's been really dreary and dark lately, so this was a wonderful sight! Dinner cooking and sun pouring in. (I'm interested in the instant-pot but we've committed to a no-spend January and one didn't come for Christmas, so... good ol' crock-pot it is!)<br />
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Sweetest little smile and some fresh air! Hooray!<br />
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Lastly, at least it looks pretty, right?<br />
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Just don't look down at my floors because all that lovely out there becomes a never-ending mess in here.<br />
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Okay, it's Friday! I mean, it's Fri-yayyyyyy!!! Let's make it a good one, and have a super weekend!<br />
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Linking up for <a href="http://www.momfessionals.com/">Friday Favorites</a> today!<br />
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<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">To read the rest of this post, click here...</div>Bethany @ Our 4 Sons Plus 1...Super Cute Girly Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18121947461101222394noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4750685058563349686.post-40002858338027964782019-01-08T18:55:00.001-05:002019-01-08T18:55:13.926-05:00Christmas Week in PicturesI know I'll regret it if I don't include highlights of our Christmas week even though it feels like it was already such a long time ago...so here goes!<br />
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December started off with a special trip to the Polar Express at our library. So fun!<br />
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Lots of special breakfasts and things... <br />
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We also discovered that this kid loves candy canes, ha! <br />
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Twinsies! I don't know who was more excited about this, Isabelle or ME!! Levi was pretty happy about matching, too. :) <br />
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I made good on a promise, at least according to my children, I had denied them this special feast... <br />
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Elf Spaghetti!!!! <br />
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Boys in bear hats and sherpa coats = off the charts adorableness!! <br />
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Special time at Mimi's house... those are my photos on the wall back there! :) <br />
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He LOVES cutting little snippets of paper with blunt scissors. Santa was supposed to remember that and bring him his own pair. Oops. <br />
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SURPRISE!!! Ethan came home three days early to surprise us!!! I was so happy. <br />
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So was he! <br />
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I may have gone a little overboard with the Christmas jammies this year, but he's growing up SO fast and I, well, I'm just making excuses. He looks ridiculously cute in them all.<br />
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Somebody gets very vocal with story reading... <br />
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Annual cookie decorating day at my parent's house. Going on seventeen years now!! Wow!!<br />
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I thought Levi did a great job. He didn't spill and was very precise with the brushes, especially when he would stick them right in his mouth to lick the icing, ha.<br />
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Trade secrets... <br />
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All my babies :)<br />
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Dancing to the Wiggles Christmas CD- we still have the original VHS! <br />
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Girl time...<br />
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More reading antics in adorable pajamas... <br />
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And the most intricate little set-ups for toys. I LOVE his imagination! <br />
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Off to meet Santa! Daddy had more than two weeks off so he came with us! <br />
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Don't be fooled here. Boyfriend was breaking out in a cold sweat, I'm sure. That candy cane totally saved him from a meltdown moment. <br />
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It took several attempts and then bribery to get him to stand without Bill beside him. So no real tears this year. <br />
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Can I have ma candy cane now? pweease? <br />
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I think I just may have to enlarge this one and put in on the wall somewhere.<br />
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Jonah got bamboo steamers and none of us is mad about it. He makes us the yummiest things!!!!<br />
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I'm sure I'm leaving out a ton, but I'm glad to have these here. It certainly is NOT all roses and bon bons but I sure do love them.<div class="blogger-post-footer">To read the rest of this post, click here...</div>Bethany @ Our 4 Sons Plus 1...Super Cute Girly Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18121947461101222394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4750685058563349686.post-70555555082758304812019-01-07T06:18:00.000-05:002019-01-07T06:18:02.296-05:00New Goals for a New Year!Happy New Year, friends! I just settled Levi down - and miraculously, last night was the FIRST night since the beginning of December that he has slept without waking!!!! - so the fact that he was up only around 4:45 is actually something to celebrate, and he is now quiet in my room, so hooray!!<br />
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We have started off the year with a renewed sense of purpose, are working on some things that have caused us so much stress over the years (I'll share those later), and are making plans to realize some dreams of ours. Wow. Some shorter-term goals are to simplify and declutter room by room, and be suuuuper vigilant about what enters our home in the first place. Tricky when this involves gifts from family that, well, you just don't need or want.<br />
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And to laugh and enjoy the small things. Really! I shared on IG the other day how I've been feeling a lack of joy in my life, and that isn't how I want to live. I want my children to see a Mom who dreams and laughs and chooses well and loves unconditionally while holding onto Truth, without worrying about what people think, or how our situation compares to someone else's. I want others to see a light in me that comes from following Christ, and that can only happen when I allow Him to fill me up. And I'm learning that it's the small steps, the one foot in front of the other steps, that grow me on a daily basis much more than huge leaps and bounds, ie, loftier goals.<br />
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So here's to moving forward, one step at a time, in love and grace, with purpose and intention.<br />
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What are you dreaming about for the new year??<br />
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Ok, can't do a post without pics, so here are a few from our NYE and New Year's Day. :)<br />
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Jonah got some new bamboo steamers from Santa and he made us dumplings and these custard buns. They were both delicious!!! <br />
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I have a love-hate relationship with ushering in a new year. This year, it was okay, although it does make me cry to think that he will be turning three this year. Three??!! <br />
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Still kind of stuck in that strange in between land of Christmas and New Year when you don't know what day it is or what you're doing, but smooches are always a good choice. :)<br />
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<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">To read the rest of this post, click here...</div>Bethany @ Our 4 Sons Plus 1...Super Cute Girly Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18121947461101222394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4750685058563349686.post-7804297864034388762018-12-21T06:27:00.000-05:002018-12-21T06:27:21.535-05:00Isabelle's Colorful Winter Birthday PartyIsabelle's birthday was on Saturday this year, so we celebrated on her actual day. Fun fun! There were some hiccups because of basketball (and the fact that there is STILL no schedule posted so we have no idea from week to week when her games are, ugh), but we were able to bump it up from an evening party to a mid morning one, and that worked really well. It was so nice to see the sunshine!<br />
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And even though you'll never escape Christmas decorations at your birthday party when you're born in December, you can still bring in pretty and fun colors! Those darling snowflake cookie cutters came as a set (Wilton, I believe) and they added the perfect touch to the table.<br />
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I like the twinkle that the lights on the side table give... <br />
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Favors were so simple and easy and FUN: fuzzy Christmas socks for the win! We put in a few candy canes and kisses, and I think it beats the junk that everyone throws away anyway. <br />
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The girls enjoyed making hot cocoa, too. I put out some marshmallows and whipped cream, and they loved the thick peppermint sticks to swirl around in the mugs. I think those came from WalMart when I was shopping for gingerbread house supplies. :) <br />
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I dislike plastic tablecloths all opened up too, but I think they make a great runner when kept in half. Easy, cheap, and adds perfect color! <br />
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Our birthday girl! <br />
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She had asked for a camera and new yoga pants. I don't think she's put the new camera down all week! :) <br />
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You know how I feel about sharing pics of other people's kids online, so no party pics, but isn't this hooded blanket the absolute best thing ever?!?! Her friends gave such fun and thoughtful gifts! <br />
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The basketball game was an hour away, so Caleb drove Bill and Isabelle out there, and it was really quiet here at home. I don't think I have to tell you that I didn't mind one bit. The game was a tough one, but Isabelle scored three points in the last minute! We ended the day with goodies and a movie all snuggled up in our fuzzy blankets. Such a good day! I can't believe my baby girl is TWELVE! <br />
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Some of my favorites from over the years...<br />
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<div class="blogger-post-footer">To read the rest of this post, click here...</div>Bethany @ Our 4 Sons Plus 1...Super Cute Girly Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18121947461101222394noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4750685058563349686.post-14178671810869368972018-12-18T14:18:00.001-05:002018-12-18T14:18:37.143-05:00Caleb's Birthday Week!I wish I could say that I'm all ready for Christmas, but it generally takes me a few days to recover from birthday party central over here. Now I remember why I used to space their parties out, to give me a break, ha! The weekend before last, we had a family party for Caleb and Isabelle. Super low key, but everything looks fun and festive this time of year, right?<br />
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The day before Caleb's birthday, he had driver's ed and THEN a two hour drive time, so I picked him up a little something to get through the afternoon. Lest you worry, he ate a full dinner when he returned home at 7:45, ha ha. :)<br />
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And then on 12/12, we celebrated who I thought would always be my "baby boy's" sixteenth birthday!!! Someone was up too early and knew that we had donuts...<br />
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ha ha ha ha ha <br />
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I don't have pictures of Caleb to share here because if you don't know teen boys, well, they are generally not wearing much clothing at home. HA But here is his birthday donut! <br />
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Letting little bro blow out the match :) <br />
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I got him out of school a bit early and surprised him by meeting up with my parents at Dunkin for some treats. That was fun!<br />
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It had been a really busy day, but I knew that he wanted a cheesecake more than anything, so I made it happen. Barely. ;) <br />
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And then we went on our annual pajama cocoa drive. There are some really decked out houses this year, they look SO good. Doing this tradition for the very first time without Ethan here was hard. I wonder if it's something that you just don't ever get used to. But it was a lot of fun! <br />
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This shot is crazy but just look at all the blankets and things Isabelle must bring with her! ha ha! So naturally Levi insisted on bringing a blanket too. Of course. :)<br />
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Then the guys went to the movies on Friday night. I guess none of it seems terribly exciting for your 16th birthday, and truthfully, I do wrestle with that. The whole idea of celebrating someone and having it be meaningful but at the same time, choosing to keep from going nuts. I know lots of his friends got cars for their birthdays, and new ones at that. That just isn't our reality, which is fine, BUT I do wonder about it and feel guilty about maybe not doing enough. I think we all feel like that as Moms, don't we? Ugh, it's all so hard sometimes.<br />
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And then three days later, party central turned pink and purple and aqua... I'll share details from Isabelle's pretty party soon. I'm down to just two orders and then I need to get my act together!! Are you guys ready yet?<br />
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<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">To read the rest of this post, click here...</div>Bethany @ Our 4 Sons Plus 1...Super Cute Girly Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18121947461101222394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4750685058563349686.post-85536507806422082752018-12-12T05:19:00.000-05:002018-12-12T10:19:24.858-05:00Our Christmas Home...And a Birthday Boy!!!Today is our Caleb's sixteenth birthday!! It feels completely unreal. How is timing moving by so, so quickly??!!<br />
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Since I'm having such a hard time keeping up with posts, the shop, everyday life...everything in general, ha... I thought I'd share some photos of our home all decked out for Christmas. We moved into this house three years ago today- yes, on Caleb's birthday!- and while we've done lots, it still feels like there's so much to do. Including a mantel!!! Every time we get ready to make that happen, some life catastrophe happens and it gets pushed back. That's how it goes, I guess. But we are healthy and well, so no real complaints from me. :)<br />
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I'll share the family room first...<br />
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These were taken last Friday, when I was home ALONE. I dropped Levi off with my Mom so I could get some major sewing done. Yeah, right. I started to clean up a little, and one thing led to the next, and then the sun was shining for the first time in 800 years, so I pulled out my big girl camera to snap a few pics. #priorities <br />
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No themed tree for me, at least not while my kids are still living with us. It's a smattering of homemade and other special ornaments that I wouldn't dream of not putting up. Some years we put up our big artificial tree and I have more of a "theme" with that one, but this Mama ain't got no time for that right now. ha ha <br />
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I have two of these precious snowflakes from my Nana, who passed away twenty four years ago when I was living in Spain. Talk about time marching forward! Now I'm feeling very old. ;)<br />
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I'll have to update this shot because I moved all the stocking and the blue chair, but it represents our daily life pretty well. :) <br />
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And this turkey. Many a morning spent playing in here, and everything just seems magical by the tree's glow.<br />
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Occasionally I do sit down with a good book. Love this view too.<br />
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Onto the dining room...<br />
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I decided to start a new little tradition of making a big to do out of the first morning of December. Only it was the second morning because Jonah was working, and Caleb had plans. One thing I've learned after all these years: improvise. Our Dec 2nd special breakfast was great! <br />
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That little tree in the corner used to go in one of the boys' rooms when they were small, and Levi is a bit too small for it, so... it works nicely in here. He plays with it a ton, rearranging (and hiding or losing!!) ornaments on the daily. <br />
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He looks like such a big boy here!! And I didn't even notice that wrapper until now, ha ha ha! <br />
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Then we had our family birthday party for the two December babies. So fun!!<br />
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We had our annual gingerbread house making night, so these cute houses are now on display around the dining room. I got a huge kit, which was great, but there were SO many houses that I may have left a couple out back for squirrel food. They were completely gone within twelve hours!<br />
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Our back deck- the kitchen window overlooks this, so washing dishes has a pretty view at night. :)<br />
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Isabelle's pink tree. I've blogged about its significance several times, but just know, it's a very special tree. <br />
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Just a few holiday touches in our room...<br />
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Yesterday was a super long day for Caleb, between school projects and then driver's ed, so I surprised him with a few things from good ole McD's before his class started. He willingly posed with me, AND shot up to greet me and give me a big hug in front of everyone! Aww. Obviously NOT my best picture, but I'm sharing because that's how much I love him. We've got a big day planned, I'll try to blog about it before Isabelle's birthday on Saturday!! ;)<br />
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Joining in the fun<a href="https://www.thequeeninbetween.com/holiday-home-tour-2018/"> here</a> and <a href="http://www.lindsayssweetworld.com/">here</a>! I just love seeing everyone's homes this time of year!<br />
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I post much more frequently on insta <a href="https://www.instagram.com/bethanylivs_life">@bethanylivs_life</a> so come find me and say hello! </div>
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<div class="blogger-post-footer">To read the rest of this post, click here...</div>Bethany @ Our 4 Sons Plus 1...Super Cute Girly Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18121947461101222394noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4750685058563349686.post-55035411040003755732018-11-29T05:52:00.000-05:002018-11-29T05:52:28.221-05:00All Together Again for Thanksgiving!When my boys were younger and off at camp during the summer, nights never felt quite right. Mamas just want all their babies in their own beds under the same roof at the end of the day. I wonder if this will ever change, because while I may be slightly used to the fact that our oldest no longer sleeps here at home, I certainly don't like it.<br />
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But he was home for Thanksgiving weekend and I couldn't have been happier about five whole days together!!!<br />
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It has been really hard lately keeping up with sewing and orders, in addition to life in general, but I wanted to have these days as a family without worrying about needing to finish a bunch of things. I worked hard to complete as many things as possible, and then I just worked on stuff here and there when nothing big was going on. #mombosslife I guess! I know there was some drama, because with seven people, how will there not be some drama? But truthfully, I can't even remember the details of any of it now. So my memory is basically just a highlight reel of the whole weekend. Hooray! :)<br />
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Caleb, where are you?? ha ha<br />
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We had our very own feast at home, and then headed to my parent's house for another meal. Whoa. We'd been hoping to host a family in need for dinner, but it didn't end up working out- someone at our church offered to prepare and serve all of the families who were scheduled to eat with host families, which was extremely generous and thoughtful, but it also kind of left everyone else out of the whole thing. I wanted my kids to be able to participate in something meaningful, too. <br />
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This has been the dreariest fall on record here in NH. It's been awful. I was thrilled to see the sun, even if it only lasted for an hour. By the time the table was all set, the sun was gone. :(<br />
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My Mom and Levi- he kind of looks like he's giving her the stink eye, but he absolutely adores her, ha ha. <br />
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We had some other service ideas in mind for the weekend, too. We ended up donating sheet sets, blankets, and toiletries to our church for families who stayed right there on the premise for several days, gathered clothes to bring to our local crisis pregnancy center, and gave away lots to a friends of our family who will be now acting as guardians of their three young granddaughters- it's a sad situation, and I hope we can be a help and encouragement to them (they are my parent's age, can you even imagine the transitions taking place there??!!).<br />
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And here is what November has looked like so far:<br />
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Hopeful that the lighter sky meant sun was coming. Nope. It never even appeared, though this sky was so pretty. <br />
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Same here... <br />
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WHAT!!?? Blue sky!!?? <br />
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Some sun!!! I remember that day, that moment, so clearly because dayyyyyysssss go by without even a hint of sunshine. It was cloudy and dark again with twenty minutes. Twenty minutes! I feel like I'm losing my mind. We need sun!!<br />
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On Saturday, my in-laws came over for dinner, but we'd already gone from fall to Christmas, and I've been slowly adding more things each day. We were so hoping to get to the tree farm since everyone was here, but Saturday didn't work, and Sunday was miserable and rainy...until about 4:30, when we headed out for our town's tree lighting party, but Ethan was already gone. :(<br />
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Thought I had a picture from Saturday night, but they must still be on my phone...<br />
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We had to get to the town square early for chorus, and Levi was feeling pretty good about everything. Fast forward fifteen minutes, and he wouldn't let either of us put him down!<br />
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For the record, that's my hat. That's supposed to look cute on me. Except it doesn't, and someone had been eyeing it all week and I finally let her take it, and of course it's the cutest thing ever on her. Also, why does she look fifteen here!? <br />
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Christmas carols! Santa arrive shortly after, in the firetruck with the sirens and horns blaring, which Levi was totally smitten with. He didn't care much about Santa at first, but then he warmed up and wanted to go say Hi. The line was massive, and I know he would chicken out when the time came, so we walked by him in the gazebo and waved from the outside. Win win. :)<br />
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There was hot cocoa and so many cookies! Just a really fun little event for families. I can't wait to get back and take some more pictures, it's so pretty!<br />
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I hope your Thanksgiving was full of family and love and gratitude!<div class="blogger-post-footer">To read the rest of this post, click here...</div>Bethany @ Our 4 Sons Plus 1...Super Cute Girly Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18121947461101222394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4750685058563349686.post-55864296337451700392018-11-21T07:28:00.000-05:002018-11-22T06:39:56.651-05:005 Things to Do Now To Prepare for the Holiday SeasonThe older I get, the more I realize how quickly time flies. It's relentless. And I don't want to waste it. I shared most of these tips a few years ago, but I think they're worth repeating. You're welcome? No, I mean, you're welcome. :)<br />
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Here are some practical tips for getting in gear for the busiest time of the year, with less stress and lots more joy. I'll start with the simple, mindless tasks, ha ha, and move on from there. A little preparation really does go a long way, especially during the holidays.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjonfIRXQiGb3YGSlcY1L7F6HHBBjlCz-dzI0mGnKoVB56CJZFXRsZ8cplm-TLUMFYDblyN9u7q5xpFZl9AVxgi2CrOrcyqTXjktcELNH2X7n6vfixFkaztM41Vk9wpMKqc0T4XZPgVUh4/s1600/blog+December+2014+044.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="429" data-original-width="650" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjonfIRXQiGb3YGSlcY1L7F6HHBBjlCz-dzI0mGnKoVB56CJZFXRsZ8cplm-TLUMFYDblyN9u7q5xpFZl9AVxgi2CrOrcyqTXjktcELNH2X7n6vfixFkaztM41Vk9wpMKqc0T4XZPgVUh4/s640/blog+December+2014+044.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: medium;">1. Clean your candle holders, vases and other glass/ crystal</span></b><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">These items gather dust like the Boss,
and just about every solid surface in our home displays two or three (or
twelve) candles and other glass goodies during the holidays. To make
them sparkle again, carefully place them on the top rack in the
dishwasher and run them through a gentle cycle. Of course, make sure
that they're dishwasher-friendly! Lots are! This is one of the easiest
things to tackle ahead of time, and nothing twinkles quite like
spot-free glass and crystal accessories. Plus, when you're elbow deep in
tangled strings of lights and pine needles have found their way to
every crevice, it feels so good to have this part already done.<br />
<br />
This is also a great time to take
inventory of candles, such as tea lights, tapers and pillars. Many are
already on sale, and I've found that if I wait for those After-Holiday
sales, it's pretty slim picking. Hot pink nativity candle, anyone? Yeah,
me either.</span><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWsGNfoAVaDVDK5ZrXEOtuA3tQ09MI_i_BqWj8HmpB-MgQ4OQzBJ8nEn75vO2OqxGi6y5lN9oHmFU7LaDwVYLgD4dXbC5agCjPda5jx6UY389WWieryOmLXklUVcK9yKJcxOnR6ypCMk0/s1600/blog+December+2014+039.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="433" data-original-width="650" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWsGNfoAVaDVDK5ZrXEOtuA3tQ09MI_i_BqWj8HmpB-MgQ4OQzBJ8nEn75vO2OqxGi6y5lN9oHmFU7LaDwVYLgD4dXbC5agCjPda5jx6UY389WWieryOmLXklUVcK9yKJcxOnR6ypCMk0/s640/blog+December+2014+039.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><b>2. Vacuum the corners of your ceilings and above door jambs</b></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: small;">Not
very glamorous, I know, but the holiday season gets so busy and hectic
so quickly- no matter how hard I try to not let it!- and this
is one thing I don't want to have to deal with during all that chaos.
Dangling cobwebs were fine for Halloween. Not so much for Christmas.</span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: small;">Perfectly cleaned homes aren't necessary
for friendly get-togethers and meals. We're human, and we have busy
lives! Nobody should be judging you, but cobwebs are, well, gross. If
you're a regular ceiling corner-vacuumer, then I suppose you've got this
covered already. But I'm not so much anymore, until the thought of
some poor guest looking up to find Charlotte and her family perched on
my ceiling gives me just enough incentive to do it. </span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: small;">And once that chore is complete, then I can go make a mess in the kitchen with this cutie!</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><b>3. Decide on your recipes now and purchase as many ingredients as possible ahead of time (and stick to that list!)</b></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: small;">So many recipes for cookies, tarts &
pies, rolls & bread, plus festive main course meals, so little
time! Pinterest never fails to tempt me with about 1,2000 new treats to
try by the time we sit down to Christmas dinner, but choose I must! I
have found it best (and less stressful) to plan meals, parties, and even
gifts around our favorite standbys, and limit the newbies. </span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: small;">Of course I love to try new recipes, but
I can't reinvent the cookie sheet every night! One or two new recipes
throughout November and December is a good goal. Besides, in our family,
Christmas just wouldn't be Christmas without our annual <a href="http://3sonsplus1.blogspot.com/2010/12/cookie-goodness.html">Chocolate Spiders</a> or <a href="http://3sonsplus1.blogspot.com/2009/05/yummies-for-rainy-afternoon.html">Chocolate-Dipped Mexican Wedding Cakes!</a> </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b>4. Plant your Paperwhites & other indoor blooms</b></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: small;">Okay, so technically these should have
been planted last week to ensure blooms for Christmas, but I actually
plant mine for New Year's, so phew! I'm safe. There are several
varieties of plants and flowers on the shelves now- I swoon over
Paperwhites so they're always my first choice- and most require at least
5-6 weeks to sprout and bloom.<b> </b>Plant them now, follow the directions given, and enjoy fresh, fragrant flowers throughout the season.</span>
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: small;">These Paperwhites are from WalMart and
cost around $5. All in one kits like this are available at home improvement
stores, some drug stores, and other discount stores.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"> Cranberries make great holiday decorating accents!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b>5. Decide what's most important to you and your family, make your plans, and mark your calendars</b></span>
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<span style="font-size: small;">A little chaos at Christmas time can be
exciting and fun; too much, and your body, mind and spirit suffer.
Nobody wants to feel overwhelmed and overextended during this most
Joyous of Seasons!</span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: small;">Decembers are especially crazy for us
because we have two birthdays (the 12th and 15th) thrown in there! Good
intentions aren't going to make things go smoothly...we need a plan! And
I'm not talking just about attending or hosting parties. We mark our
calendars for our annual Family Cookie-Decorating Day, special shopping
trips with each of our children, and fun outings like ice skating or
skiing. There's time for spontaneous things, too, but without a basic
plan, I feel frazzled and unproductive, and those things that we enjoy
feel more like boxes to be checked rather than memories in the making.</span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Furthermore, I'm finding that I need to be super specific about the times I devote to sewing for my shop, <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/RoseAndRuffle">Rose & Ruffle</a>,
during the holiday rush (thank you, by the way!!!) because I just won't
stop until every last order is finished. That can mean I'm tempted to
pass on something we might do as a family- which is a horrible feeling-,
and that I never have enough time to make special things for Isabelle and the boys. Those things are integral to my daily joy, so I need a
plan!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgYxxIB4IgPLeJnVMND_TOGID602bdQI-nPBepdfe9Y8SttyTplCvIG8_6stSWqLnIpuTsW7J5eg3dTxwiVFIgd_sxjncvUHJki08AqMVK3BWjwQTC9UPbMceNPm4LsIBWC67vwWx0x4A/s1600/blog+IMG_5057.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="625" data-original-width="500" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgYxxIB4IgPLeJnVMND_TOGID602bdQI-nPBepdfe9Y8SttyTplCvIG8_6stSWqLnIpuTsW7J5eg3dTxwiVFIgd_sxjncvUHJki08AqMVK3BWjwQTC9UPbMceNPm4LsIBWC67vwWx0x4A/s640/blog+IMG_5057.jpg" width="512" /></a></div>
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<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">In our family, one of our most important
and cherished tradition is the Prayer Basket. Each night during
December we gather around the tree and take turns pulling out a name
from the basket. Then we pray together for that person, family, school,
or country, etc. Someone who didn't get to draw a name chooses a song to
sing, and that's how we end our family time together, right before the
youngest heads off to bed. </span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">I'll
admit, over the years this has been much less of a nightly routine
because of everyone's differing schedules now that they're older- and most of them go to bed later than I do!, but
it's worth hanging onto, so we make an effort to practice this act
whenever we can. </span>It's my absolute most favorite thing to do
each year. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaQGhIafg7AYNlvtpZzzqCrX5mhFEoGjZ_WOV6d5bQx7JQy8BJrI9HFMclMfeC7WN7uS3lVZhBg0MQ3HHhfMVNxXsbJmasIZpudfwlX4VwKL-V4qjimTPTNBTMv52tk7tfCDlw0gXW3d4/s1600/blog+december+2012+063.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="399" data-original-width="600" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaQGhIafg7AYNlvtpZzzqCrX5mhFEoGjZ_WOV6d5bQx7JQy8BJrI9HFMclMfeC7WN7uS3lVZhBg0MQ3HHhfMVNxXsbJmasIZpudfwlX4VwKL-V4qjimTPTNBTMv52tk7tfCDlw0gXW3d4/s640/blog+december+2012+063.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">One thing I will add, something that I am still learning: make some time for yourself. It doesn't have to be costly or time-consuming or a big deal in any way, but we Moms are in charge of pretty much all the details of our family's activities, and that can take its toll. A little time away helps me recharge and reset. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"> </span><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilF7Apv3bNEMBbv7SzfMS-SUvzWdagKm1ONKUFkfSqLc2WenS0H7s_-P-NBy_5GF1SAqvz-cY2lVRmWV3kUusrYxIb1wc77dWBCihPq_b8457tSJKgA3wc8HKH-B41mulbnDSH02br34E/s1600/IMG_5022.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="500" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilF7Apv3bNEMBbv7SzfMS-SUvzWdagKm1ONKUFkfSqLc2WenS0H7s_-P-NBy_5GF1SAqvz-cY2lVRmWV3kUusrYxIb1wc77dWBCihPq_b8457tSJKgA3wc8HKH-B41mulbnDSH02br34E/s640/IMG_5022.jpg" width="640" /></a></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">Taking the time to plan and prepare ahead of time
helps me enjoy this special time so much more. I hope it helps you, too! </span><br />
<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">To read the rest of this post, click here...</div>Bethany @ Our 4 Sons Plus 1...Super Cute Girly Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18121947461101222394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4750685058563349686.post-10135891356131963822018-11-14T14:09:00.000-05:002018-11-14T14:09:17.848-05:00Halloween Recap...Better Late than Never!Ugh. How on EARTH is Thanksgiving next week??!!<br />
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Here is a little catch up from, oh, Halloween. Even though half the free world has already decorated for Christmas.<br />
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I was afraid Levi wouldn't like his penguin hat and refuse to wear it. Boy was I wrong! He LOVES it and wants to wear it all the time. From sorting laundry to taking notes, ha ha.<br />
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He likes the costume too, although he did put up quite a fuss about the orange feet. At least I got some cute pictures with them on first. :)<br />
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I was definitely inspired by <a href="http://www.makeit-loveit.com/">Make It- Love It'</a>s version, but then put my own spin on things and I'm thrilled with the outcome.<br />
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Love this view!!<br />
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All I did for Mary's costume was hot glue some flowers from<a href="http://www.joann.com/"> JoAnn's</a> on the hat (found here on Amazon) and tie the red ribbon around her neck. I ordered the Peter Pan collared shirt and black pleated skort from The Children's Place during a 50 percent off sale, and she can wear them again for school concerts. Win win!<br />
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They looked so cute together!!<br />
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I just remembered that I've got several still on my phone...but I'm in a hurry and need to get some orders done before Tiny Tornado wakes up from his nap. :) Hope you're having a good day!!<div class="blogger-post-footer">To read the rest of this post, click here...</div>Bethany @ Our 4 Sons Plus 1...Super Cute Girly Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18121947461101222394noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4750685058563349686.post-18143238092358289272018-10-31T20:47:00.000-04:002018-10-31T20:47:10.655-04:00Happy birthday... to me!Yesterday was my birthday. 44. Wow, that sounds old. But I don't FEEL old, well, at least not most of the time. ;) It was a very full, fun day of celebrating.<br />
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I was thrilled when I was up around 3 (Levi, ugh, that part wasn't so thrilling...) and saw the moon shining so brightly and the stars just twinkling everywhere I looked. We've had so many foggy and rainy nights this month, and I guess I've taken for granted seeing those beautiful night skies. The sun was shining for a little while in the morning, but then the winds picked up and it got dark and cloudy. Oh well. It didn't rain buckets so I was a happy girl.<br />
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I made plans with this college student weeks ago to meet up for coffee. I was so happy to see him! I know he misses me (I hope he misses me!) but I KNOW he misses Levi. It always seems so much harder to be away from the littler ones, don't you think?<br />
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Funny boys :) <br />
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He wouldn't smile and show his teeth. We paid an arm and a leg for those teeth and I want to see them! ha ha So handsome!! (Maybe it's weird to not share where he attends school, but it feels like the right thing to do, for me, so that's why I cover things up.)<br />
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Then I met my parents for lunch, and I've got to admit, I was nervous about Levi in the restaurant. He was a monster in RI last week. But he did a great job! He basically ate popcorn and drank his milk, and wouldn't touch anything else. Well, except the giant brownie sundae at the end. He had no problem choking that down. ha ha ha<br />
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These pretty roses were waiting for me when we got home!<br />
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I picked up Caleb from school around 5:15, when his driver's ed class gets out, and the sun popped out again. It was stunning! I made him drive me up to our favorite hill and he gladly obliged.<br />
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Just a little bright!! ;) <br />
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Yup. This is me at forty-four. I've been doing a little soul searching/digging, and making some changes. I feel good! <br />
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Back home for take out and ice cream cake, one of my favorites!<br />
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It was a great day and I have so much I'm thankful for. I'll be back with Halloween details...they looked so, so cute!!!<br />
<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">To read the rest of this post, click here...</div>Bethany @ Our 4 Sons Plus 1...Super Cute Girly Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18121947461101222394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4750685058563349686.post-54120031319417195062018-10-26T06:54:00.000-04:002018-10-26T07:44:03.676-04:00Friday Favorites... Getting Ready for Halloween!Busy busy week over here, certainly with its ups and downs, but here are some of the favorites! I'm joining in with <a href="http://www.alittlebitofeverythingblog.com/2018/10/friday-favorites-halloween-dinner.html">Friday Favorites</a> today for the first time in a loong time... I used to get more blogging done and I love this little online community but lately I feel so out of the game, so to speak, and I really miss it. If you're reading, hello! I'm really glad you're here! :)<br />
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Finally getting outside!!</div>
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This October is the coldest, wettest October on record, and it kinda stinks. We haven't been able to get outside as much as we're used to, and knowing that winter is on its way sooner rather than later...well, normally we live outside during the month of October. Hooray for spontaneous breaks and playing in the backyard!</div>
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I feel like I haven't shown my face around here in a long while, so, hey! :) </div>
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Story Time Thursdays! </div>
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I adore our little library and all the friends we've made each week.</div>
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Watching my kiddos do things that inspire them! </div>
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Jonah has been volunteering at a nursing home for a school community service project, and he thrives there. I got to see him in action on this day when I went in to sing along with his playing. The sweet elderly ladies are IN LOVE with him, and it was just about the cutest thing I have ever seen!</div>
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Fall colors!</div>
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Despite the rain and grey skies, the colors this year are out of this world gorgeous! I did snap some pics on the few sunny days we've had. </div>
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School drop offs - it was pouring when we left the house, and by the time we got to this hill, the sun had begun to rise up our of the dark grey sky...it was AMAZING! It's blurry, but I was driving, so...oops! <br />
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Road trips!!</div>
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We headed over to Rhode Island to tour colleges on Wednesday. It was a LONG day with Levi, who slept zero seconds in the car, ugh, and I certainly paid for that all day yesterday, BUT it was a really nice day spent together with our Jonah. </div>
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College looks pretty good on him, right? I can't believe we are here. AGAIN. Make it stoppppppp! <br />
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Exceptionally weird weather day in RI too, but we saw this on the way home!<br />
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Making memories with family!</div>
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My Mom knits all our Christmas stockings around here, and yesterday was the big trip to pick out his very own yarn for his stocking. My Mom, Mimi, was telling him he needed to choose one, ha ha. (I have a few that I use as loaners until they're old enough to choose their own colors, ha!)</div>
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Sports Life!!</div>
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This girl had a fabulous field hockey season, and she really loves the game! It was fun to watch! They had their big tournament day over the past weekend- they lost in over time, and for some reason, she seemed to take that loss much harder. There were other losses throughout the season, so.... ha ha </div>
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Halloween costumes!!!</div>
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Here's a quick look back at last year's theme! So much fun! I'm excited about this year and I'm almost done sewing, just in time for our town's Halloween Party tonight, ha! You'll have to check back to see! It's not an all out family theme again, but Isabelle reaaalllllly wanted to match Levi again, and since he has no opinion in the matter, sure! :)</div>
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You can find me on IG <a href="https://www.instagram.com/bethanylivs_life/?hl=en">@bethanylivs_life</a> too :)</div>
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Hope you have a wonderful weekend! xx</div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">To read the rest of this post, click here...</div>Bethany @ Our 4 Sons Plus 1...Super Cute Girly Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18121947461101222394noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4750685058563349686.post-44021398947930912352018-10-22T06:07:00.000-04:002018-10-22T06:07:26.887-04:00Take a Hike :)Okay, so maybe just a walk. But it's in the woods, so... we'll just call it a trail hike and leave it at that. We brought Levi to this trail for the first time last weekend and he did such a great job! I was thrilled and a little sad, too. My baby is not a baby anymore. And the weather this weekend was crazy! This whole month has just been "off," and it's kind of horrible because this is my favorite month and time of year, and we just haven't been able to be outside to enjoy it very much between the storms and the frigid, gloomy days. So when it's not pouring, we go!!<br />
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He maneuvered those rocks with pure finesse :)<br />
Except for maybe once or twice. And then the whole world knew he wasn't happy. <br />
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Notice the addition of layers here, ha! Cold and windy, but it did feel really good to be outside in the woods. <br />
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Oops, his little face is blurry, but of course they had to find sticks to throw <br />
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The stairs leading up here made me puke in my mouth a little. Not a fan. But the view was so neat! <br />
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And wouldn't you know, the sun finally popped out about five minutes before dinner. Ugh. Again, at least it wasn't raining.<br />
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This is a busy busy week for us... our first official college tours begin with Jonah, midweek of all thing, ha! It just seemed like a better fit than to try to make it happen over the weekend. I'm so excited just thinking about it, even though it isn't that far away. Far enough. :)<br />
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Now that I've caught my breath from all the Trick or Treating orders for the shop, I'm starting in on Christmas. I can hardly believe it! I don't even have a sneak peek for you yet, but I;ll try to do that later this week. Hoping we all have a great start to a brand new week!<div class="blogger-post-footer">To read the rest of this post, click here...</div>Bethany @ Our 4 Sons Plus 1...Super Cute Girly Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18121947461101222394noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4750685058563349686.post-69680047784379047652018-10-15T06:06:00.000-04:002018-10-15T06:06:45.342-04:00Fall Fun!How on earth are we midway through October??!! We haven't had many nice-weather days like we're used to for this time of year, but yesterday was just gorgeous. After church, we headed over to a local apple orchard/farm stand and feasted on cider donuts, which was okay because we climbed up and down stairs to a lookout deck, ha ha. After Levi's nap, we went over to my parent's house to celebrate my Mom's birthday- it's a big one, so I'm taking her off for a little spa afternoon tomorrow for her real day. I'm looking forward to that, and since my birthday is exactly two weeks from her's, I suppose it's like a little early birthday treat for me, too. :) And then last night, Isabelle had basketball tryouts- I could tell she was super nervous, but she's a strong player so I knew she'd do fine. She reported that she made most of her shots and handled the ball "pretty good." Ha ha<br />
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Why did my babies go and grow up on me? Whyyyyy? I'm still not used to having just 4/5 around lately. But these four are a good looking bunch, right?<br />
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NH may be a small state, but we have so much! Mountains, beaches, crystal clear lakes, seasons, foliage- I have only NOT been here for fall one time in my whole life...my junior year in college when I lived in Spain. I missed the fall colors so much that year! <br />
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I had some major zinnia envy. Those blooms were HUGE! I'm definitely planting some of the bigger ones next year. <br />
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Levi was revved up for a turn on the big swing, but nope. He lifted one little leg before reconsidering and then ran in the opposite direction, literally saying "Nope, nope, nope." ha ha ha ha ha <br />
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That grey hooded sweater slays me. He will be wearing it until he's in high school. <br />
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Okay, Monday, let's do this!! I am currently finishing up my VERY LAST Wendy Darling dress and I think that deserves some major celebrating... we'll be heading to the grocery store later, does that count?? ;)<br />
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<div class="blogger-post-footer">To read the rest of this post, click here...</div>Bethany @ Our 4 Sons Plus 1...Super Cute Girly Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18121947461101222394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4750685058563349686.post-18874754691457291122018-10-02T05:47:00.000-04:002018-10-02T05:47:12.510-04:00Catching Up! Our Back to School Tradition and 21st Anniversary!!! I've been trying to get this post published all month long...and now it's October!!! Several years ago, my husband started taking the first day of school off of work, and we'd spend the day doing fun stuff. It's also kind of an anniversary day date, too, because that's always the first or second week back as well. It seems all our fun day trips this summer had the same thing in common: HEAT! This day was no exception, so we didn't walk through town like we normally do, but it was lots of fun. And no, I don't mind having our little third wheel along at all, because I KNOW how soon he won't be anymore.<br />
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We started off on Pierce Island in Portsmouth. Such a beautiful place to explore and visit.<br />
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Although, there was a group of women and kids in this area, extended family I think, and they were all smoking like chimneys and so, so loud. They were scattered...and in nearly every shot I tried to take, ha, so this is the best I got that morning. <br />
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Picnic by the harbor -<br />
Levi was thrilled with the fact that he could step up and down, up and down, as much as he wanted, ha. It's the little things, I guess. ;) <br />
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Cutest little pink-cheeked boy I ever laid eyes on! <br />
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We braved the humidity and walked over to Prescott Park. I'm not entirely sure, because of the sweat stinging in my eyes, but I think it was as beautiful as ever. ha ha ha<br />
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The water you see in the background is the same as from the park, it's simply around the corner. Normally we walk all along the edge of the harbor and walk out onto the docks, but again, HEAT. <br />
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Mr. Rocket Scientist got himself some new anti-glare glasses, and we laugh because these are the first pair that seem to glow purple in natural light. :)<br />
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My favorite part! <br />
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I don't have one single picture from the second part of our day because I was sandy and my hands were full, ha. We went straight to the beach and got clam strip sandwiches from the boardwalk- they were good! It was super hard dragging the stroller through the soft sand, and the tide was in, so insanely crowded and not much sandy real estate. We finally found a spot and let Levi play in the shade cast by the stroller- he was pretty overwhelmed by the noise and the crowd, so one of us took turns playing with him while the other jumped into the ocean to cool off. Eventually he let me carry him out into the water and we jumped waves for a long time. Then my feet started to get tingly because the air was SO hot and the water SO frigid, so we packed up and headed for home.<br />
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Levi watched some Cars until he passed out cold. :)<br />
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I've read for years about decorating the door for the first day of school, and this year, I finally got around to it! Thank goodness for Prime! Ryder knows someone's coming!!<br />
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She loved it! I don't think the boys cared as much. Or maybe they really did and they just kept their excitement hidden inside. :)<br />
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I almost wrote Happy Monday since I tried to get this done yesterday, so... Happy Tuesday! ;)<br />
<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">To read the rest of this post, click here...</div>Bethany @ Our 4 Sons Plus 1...Super Cute Girly Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18121947461101222394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4750685058563349686.post-48659296497768213752018-09-13T06:13:00.000-04:002018-09-13T06:13:17.537-04:00Touches of Fall in our HomeTwo posts in one week! Who dis??? Since I just love getting a glimpse of other people's homes and how they decorate, etc, I thought I'd share a few pics of our home with you. I mentioned in IG earlier that I don't normally decorate for fall before September, but this year, it's like I wanted everything festive and inviting- not summer worn out and tired- for when Ethan left for college. Kind of hard to explain, and lots more emotion all wrapped up in that than I'm going to post right now, but it just felt like the right way to send him off on his own. For a little while anyway. :)<br />
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This first picture makes me smile. You know I have a zero tolerance policy for nakey or undies pics online, but this has enough blur that I'm good. This captured moment represents such sweetness and joy to me. I love it.<br />
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Here is a better view of the fireplace. Mantel is arriving shortly...I hope! This is the first year I've put things up there, and even without the mantel, I really like it.<br />
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That little Target shelf getting some fall attention...thinking about adding a couple more things... Also, the Keurig is gone, since it was technically Ethan's, so that space got filled in with something pretty, but I miss what was there because it represents change. And change is so hard! <br />
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Flowers from our backyard!!</div>
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I got the tobacco basket at Hobby Lobby for half off and have loved the texture it adds. I think that wall needs a little something else, but I haven't settled on anything just yet.</div>
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I just realized I forgot about the kitchen pics, but I've got to get going.... Happy Thursday! It's almost the weekend!<div class="blogger-post-footer">To read the rest of this post, click here...</div>Bethany @ Our 4 Sons Plus 1...Super Cute Girly Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18121947461101222394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4750685058563349686.post-58982946330408309342018-09-11T06:19:00.001-04:002018-09-11T06:19:55.182-04:00Our Visit to the Sunflower Fields at Colby Farm, MAHey friends! I just keep falling more and more behind, and life just keeps moving on and on. So much to catch up about! Today I'm posting about our very last summer hurrah. I missed the chance to visit one of NH's best sunflower fields with a dear friend this summer, and it had been on my wish list since forever...okay, since two summers ago when I first started seeing pics on Insta, ha ha... so the day before school started, we took a little road trip to get this things checked off my list. :)<br />
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Aside from the fact that we were legit melting, it was such a fun day. The field did not disappoint- it was incredible. While seeking out some shade, we lucked out and a tractor drove past, which thrilled little Levi. The driver was friendly and waved back at him too, always a plus in my book. Then we visited the store/shop, which was really cute, but we were so hot and sweaty, we didn't really look around very much. We settled on a cinnamon bread from a local bakery that smelled like heaven. It was still warm! But then again, that just made me sweat more, ugh. ha ha<br />
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The plan was to grab a little lunch somewhere in downtown Newburyport, so we headed out after I blasted the AC for several minutes. The town is so pretty, gorgeous, really. But as the temp gauge kept inching up near 100, I just couldn't do it. I decided we'd try again in a few weeks when we have the chance to walk around, explore the parks, and enjoy it. Maybe this weekend... :)<br />
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<div class="blogger-post-footer">To read the rest of this post, click here...</div>Bethany @ Our 4 Sons Plus 1...Super Cute Girly Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18121947461101222394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4750685058563349686.post-46466055814390823342018-08-30T05:48:00.000-04:002018-08-30T05:48:12.476-04:00Back to School - Middle, High School...and College, gulp!Some years just feel longer and harder than others, especially the older they get. Sorry if that's not very comforting, but sadly I think it's true. More to worry about! Regardless, they sure do go by in a blink. Ethan leaves in two days, though he's currently up at our family cabin in Maine with my Dad, and these turkeys had their first day of 10th, 6th, and 12th grade yesterday. Good days all around! :)<br />
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Ah these two. Formerly best buddies and then arch enemies and now maaaaybe rounding the corner to friends again. I'll take it!!<br />
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I shared a cute little story in IG (<a href="https://www.instagram.com/bethanylivs_life/">bethanylivs_life </a>)if you want see what this little turkey thought about everything. He's so funny! And as tradition stands, it was our annual back to school day date. We headed to the seacoast, sweated our fannies off because #HEATWAVE, and had a great day. With our third wheel in tow, of course. ;) Now if today would dip below the 90's, this girl will be real happy!<br />
<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">To read the rest of this post, click here...</div>Bethany @ Our 4 Sons Plus 1...Super Cute Girly Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18121947461101222394noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4750685058563349686.post-73858061302719898932018-08-28T06:03:00.000-04:002018-08-28T06:03:13.447-04:00Favorite Moments this SummerOne of the best things about summer for me are the slower mornings, time to just linger. And cuddle. :)<br />
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We celebrated Ethan's 19th birthday all weekend long, as has become something of a fun tradition. Having a summer birthday definitely makes this easier, and I feel a little bad for the others with winter and early spring birthdays where our outdoor options are pretty limited.<br />
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We surprised him at work with goodies - cannoli!!- and some cupcakes for his coworkers. That was a lot of fun...and it was HOT! So we went straight from there to the beach! <br />
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Hola from the ocean!<br />
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Witnessing this little boy turn into a full fledged toddler right before my eyes. His vocabulary is limitless, which is awesome EXCEPT when big brothers think they're sooo hilarious getting him to mimic naughty words. He loves to swing, jump- even though his little feet don't quite leave the ground-, read stories, and dance. His obsession with all things trucks and tractors grows by the day. One of my very favorite things was when he started grabbing a bag to carry, would start to leave the room and turn around to call out to me, " Bye bye, Mama. Have a good day. See you ya-ter. Have good day at workin'." Oh this boy.<br />
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Levi loves checking on garden progress with me. Sometimes clothed, sometimes not, ha ha ha.<br />
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Beach days! Well you really can't get any better than beach days, right? This summer was SO (too) hot, we had more than our fair share of fun in the sun.<br />
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Family fun days...okay, so maybe that is my VERY favorite. With Ethan about to leave for college, we have been super intentional about our remaining days together. This past week and weekend were jam-packed. They deserve a post all their own. :)<br />
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I don't think I'm surprising anybody when I say that motherhood is hard. It is hard. But those precious moments when you overhear one sibling encouraging another, or a big brother or sister stopping everything to let Levi climb in their lap and read a story, or walking into the kitchen and seeing Levi on a chair by the counter with Ethan right beside him, cooking up something yummy, big grown up boys who would never admit to laying around on the couch with their legs draped over Isabelle so she can scratch or rub them...all these things and more I'm trying to store up in my heart and mind.<br />
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Edited to add: of course, right at this exact moment, Levi just started screeching after yet another 45-minute nap. Awesome. He is not definitely NOT ready to give up naps, and I am definitely not ready, either.<br />
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Aaaand it's early the next morning, ha! Admittedly, I've got lots more photos still on my phone, so I'll add those in later, or write a separate post, but it feels good to finally record <i>something</i> on here again. :) Have the best day! I'll post some pics on IG if you want to see what we're up to today, and then the BIG day is tomorrow!!<br />
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<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">To read the rest of this post, click here...</div>Bethany @ Our 4 Sons Plus 1...Super Cute Girly Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18121947461101222394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4750685058563349686.post-71508377206929618372018-08-13T06:29:00.000-04:002018-08-13T06:29:12.506-04:00Catching Up!Well it's been a minute since I've posted...I can't help it! There is just no extra time in the mornings or during the day to sit at a computer, and really, that's not how I want to spend our summer together anyway. I should also mention that this title is probably misleading, as I suppose I'm not really catching up on anything since I can now hear Levi hollering for me upstairs. Oh boy.<br />
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So I'm alive, we're alive, just over two weeks left of summer break. Some days I feel like sprinting for that end date, and others, I find myself dragging my heels to keep it at bay. We'll see how today pans out, ha ha.<br />
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Happy Monday! I'll be back with something more substantial soon! Maybe... ;)<br />
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<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">To read the rest of this post, click here...</div>Bethany @ Our 4 Sons Plus 1...Super Cute Girly Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18121947461101222394noreply@blogger.com0