tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-189995952024-03-23T12:23:58.506-06:00life as i see itKids. Mothering. Crafts. Scrapbooking. Photography. Cooking. Baking. Religion. Love. My everyday life.Just Rhondahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03600767894323506660noreply@blogger.comBlogger1010125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18999595.post-21388417487618958922012-11-26T06:00:00.000-07:002012-11-26T21:07:26.098-07:00Cha-cha-cha-changes!!!Well ladies and gents (actually probably only ladies...) I've moved over to rhondasteed.com. So come on over there and see me!Just Rhondahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03600767894323506660noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18999595.post-33821688601732592582012-11-23T13:36:00.001-07:002012-11-23T13:39:51.482-07:00Foto Fridays: Our Year in Photos<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/steedhome/6995939922/" title="ouryearinphotos by **justrhonda**, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7052/6995939922_630d727f29_z.jpg" width="640" height="227" alt="ouryearinphotos"></a><br />
<br />
This past week my grandma came to stay with us. I know my kids are lucky to have exposure to a great grandma and I wanted them to have her around a bit more. Oliver was leery of her at start but she sure won him over. He would walk up to her and lean in so she could hug him. It was totally cute!<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/steedhome/8212195078/" title="Our year in Photos: Great Grandma by **justrhonda**, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8344/8212195078_4e98da75fa_z.jpg" width="425" height="640" alt="Our year in Photos: Great Grandma"></a><br />
We made meat pies for the freezer for when the baby comes and dipped chocolates and lots of other fun kitchen stuff. <br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/steedhome/8212195502/" title="Our year in Photos: Great Grandma by **justrhonda**, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8487/8212195502_3436d2d434_z.jpg" width="640" height="425" alt="Our year in Photos: Great Grandma"></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/steedhome/8211105817/" title="Our year in Photos: Great Grandma by **justrhonda**, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8066/8211105817_8549d24fb4_z.jpg" width="640" height="425" alt="Our year in Photos: Great Grandma"></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/steedhome/8212205188/" title="Our Year in Photos: Great Grandma by **justrhonda**, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8480/8212205188_9bf9b95bbe_z.jpg" width="425" height="640" alt="Our Year in Photos: Great Grandma"></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/steedhome/8212205650/" title="Our Year in Photos: Great Grandma by **justrhonda**, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8482/8212205650_31e899c1ca_z.jpg" width="640" height="425" alt="Our Year in Photos: Great Grandma"></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/steedhome/8211115961/" title="Our Year in Photos: Great Grandma by **justrhonda**, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8340/8211115961_1cd0eb4bef_z.jpg" width="640" height="425" alt="Our Year in Photos: Great Grandma"></a><br />
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She's gone home now but it was a great week!Just Rhondahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03600767894323506660noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18999595.post-6588738264245804632012-11-21T06:00:00.000-07:002012-11-21T06:00:10.511-07:00Wordless Wednesday<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/steedhome/8204218263/" title="DSC_4978 by **justrhonda**, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8070/8204218263_90985453d2_z.jpg" width="640" height="425" alt="DSC_4978"></a>Just Rhondahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03600767894323506660noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18999595.post-58769423554449172022012-11-20T06:00:00.000-07:002012-11-20T06:00:09.178-07:0010 on Tuesday1. I am at 31 (or 32??) weeks... and I still haven't taken my diabetes test.... I may keep forgetting. Whoops.<br />
<br />
2. My grandma is here for the week. We are doing lots of baking and freezer meals. Christmas and baby prep.<br />
<br />
3. I have become obsessed with making this bread <a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/186336503303253099/">from pinterest</a> that is actually from <a href="http://simplysogood.blogspot.ca/2010/03/crusty-bread.html">here</a>.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/steedhome/8202249732/" title="DSC_6436 by **justrhonda**, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8061/8202249732_72773ac440_z.jpg" width="640" height="425" alt="DSC_6436"></a><br />
<br />
4. Basketball wrapped up for both kids. They both really loved it. (I watched Lucy a couple times and I think she was more interested in the social aspect... not that I was surprised by that!)<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/steedhome/8202250078/" title="DSC_6380 by **justrhonda**, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8067/8202250078_3c4b0efc39_z.jpg" width="425" height="640" alt="DSC_6380"></a><br />
<br />
5. Speaking of this girl, she is such a social butterfly. I think in the past two weeks she has been invited to 4 or 5 different play dates. And she LOVES it. She love love loves playing with friends.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/steedhome/8202251102/" title="DSC_5213 by **justrhonda**, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8490/8202251102_87a99ecfd5_z.jpg" width="425" height="640" alt="DSC_5213"></a><br />
<br />
6. My back hurts. I walk like an old lady.<br />
<br />
7. I am amazed at how many people have trees up already.<br />
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8. I love a good sunset.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/steedhome/8201156455/" title="DSC_6377 by **justrhonda**, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8345/8201156455_fa6e429395_z.jpg" width="640" height="425" alt="DSC_6377"></a><br />
<br />
9. I love board games... tried any lately you love?? Tis the season for games!<br />
<br />
10. We had a fun pie potluck party with pingpong last weekend. It was a ton o fun and might become a tradition around our house. Just Rhondahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03600767894323506660noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18999595.post-12774533434483727402012-11-19T06:00:00.000-07:002012-11-19T06:00:08.592-07:00Girl's TripA few weeks ago now I got the chance to go down to Great Falls for the weekend. Well a one nighter. We packed the van full of ladies and then had a roof topper and went shopping. It was suuuuper fun. And I am glad Regan was able to stay home. It was tricky since a lady went into labour the morning I was supposed to leave and I didn't have any one else to watch the kids. My MIL had had knee surgery and couldn't. Another friend almost changed her day just to help me out. But it all worked out and I was able to go have fun. I really haven't shared any pictures, but I told the ladies I would so here some are.<br />
Here all of us are outside the condo we stayed at. Three of us are pregnant and between the six of us we have 22 kids... plus the three coming.... woah hey? :)<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/steedhome/8199185528/" title="DSC_5071 by **justrhonda**, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8480/8199185528_ca48caa5cc_z.jpg" width="640" height="425" alt="DSC_5071"></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/steedhome/8199189006/" title="DSC_5058 by **justrhonda**, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8199/8199189006_3779d50105_z.jpg" width="425" height="640" alt="DSC_5058"></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/steedhome/8198095805/" title="DSC_5059 by **justrhonda**, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8490/8198095805_688629054e_z.jpg" width="425" height="640" alt="DSC_5059"></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/steedhome/8199187956/" title="DSC_5063 by **justrhonda**, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8062/8199187956_4e8df8f1dc_z.jpg" width="640" height="425" alt="DSC_5063"></a><br />
This one cracks me up... Mandy trying to jam all our stuff in the topper...<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/steedhome/8198094937/" title="DSC_5066 by **justrhonda**, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8199/8198094937_3e7fd1bb75_z.jpg" width="640" height="425" alt="DSC_5066"></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/steedhome/8198094479/" title="DSC_5068 by **justrhonda**, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8208/8198094479_4807472abd_z.jpg" width="640" height="425" alt="DSC_5068"></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/steedhome/8198094029/" title="DSC_5069 by **justrhonda**, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8483/8198094029_743d7175f1_z.jpg" width="640" height="425" alt="DSC_5069"></a><br />
By the end our van was LOADED.... look how low to the ground it is.... hahahah<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/steedhome/8198091791/" title="DSC_5074 by **justrhonda**, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8340/8198091791_b3313c9e06_z.jpg" width="425" height="640" alt="DSC_5074"></a><br />
It was a great trip. Lots of fun. And I am so glad my hubby made it work out that I could do it!Just Rhondahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03600767894323506660noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18999595.post-7925236804267154532012-11-16T10:48:00.000-07:002012-11-16T10:49:32.840-07:0015 on the 15th<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/steedhome/6995939922/" title="ouryearinphotos by **justrhonda**, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7052/6995939922_630d727f29_z.jpg" width="640" height="227" alt="ouryearinphotos"></a><br />
<br />
Yesterday was the 15th.... so for today's Our Year in Photos...<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/steedhome/7084498663/" title="15on15 by **justrhonda**, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7065/7084498663_a87f764253_z.jpg" width="640" height="294" alt="15on15"></a><br />
<br />
This was our Thursday with pictures taken by me and Alden and Lucy.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/steedhome/8191472090/" title="15th on the 15th Nov by **justrhonda**, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8198/8191472090_91435197e2_z.jpg" width="640" height="425" alt="15th on the 15th Nov"></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/steedhome/8190388551/" title="15th on the 15th Nov by **justrhonda**, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8062/8190388551_f8f102b740_z.jpg" width="640" height="425" alt="15th on the 15th Nov"></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/steedhome/8190388387/" title="15th on the 15th Nov by **justrhonda**, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8199/8190388387_262abe9da6_z.jpg" width="640" height="425" alt="15th on the 15th Nov"></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/steedhome/8190388259/" title="15th on the 15th Nov by **justrhonda**, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8341/8190388259_d502a43011_z.jpg" width="640" height="425" alt="15th on the 15th Nov"></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/steedhome/8190388135/" title="15th on the 15th Nov by **justrhonda**, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8484/8190388135_d8838cf387_z.jpg" width="640" height="425" alt="15th on the 15th Nov"></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/steedhome/8190388013/" title="15th on the 15th Nov by **justrhonda**, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8200/8190388013_91ee179c54_z.jpg" width="640" height="425" alt="15th on the 15th Nov"></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/steedhome/8191471262/" title="15th on the 15th Nov by **justrhonda**, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8487/8191471262_14932eb515_z.jpg" width="640" height="425" alt="15th on the 15th Nov"></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/steedhome/8191471122/" title="15th on the 15th Nov by **justrhonda**, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8347/8191471122_a75b9a1db0_z.jpg" width="640" height="425" alt="15th on the 15th Nov"></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/steedhome/8191470982/" title="15th on the 15th Nov by **justrhonda**, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8486/8191470982_2ccffb9beb_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="15th on the 15th Nov"></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/steedhome/8190387441/" title="15th on the 15th Nov by **justrhonda**, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8487/8190387441_29bf996f53_z.jpg" width="640" height="425" alt="15th on the 15th Nov"></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/steedhome/8191470808/" title="15th on the 15th Nov by **justrhonda**, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8490/8191470808_efa2261cb3_z.jpg" width="640" height="425" alt="15th on the 15th Nov"></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/steedhome/8191470608/" title="15th on the 15th Nov by **justrhonda**, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8489/8191470608_a84f3ffc77_z.jpg" width="640" height="425" alt="15th on the 15th Nov"></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/steedhome/8190386251/" title="15th on the 15th Nov by **justrhonda**, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8063/8190386251_605b2596f9_z.jpg" width="640" height="425" alt="15th on the 15th Nov"></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/steedhome/8191469504/" title="15th on the 15th Nov by **justrhonda**, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8484/8191469504_d618b29582_z.jpg" width="640" height="425" alt="15th on the 15th Nov"></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/steedhome/8191469340/" title="15th on the 15th Nov by **justrhonda**, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8338/8191469340_f8e7304236_z.jpg" width="640" height="425" alt="15th on the 15th Nov"></a><br />
Just Rhondahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03600767894323506660noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18999595.post-87813384293988315982012-11-13T10:03:00.000-07:002012-11-13T10:03:19.192-07:0010 on Tuesday1. I am at 30 weeks. Wowzers. That means 10 weeks until a baby.<br />
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2. Like four different friends offered for me to borrow their cribs. So thank you!!<br />
<br />
3. I am on the lookout for a desk. A good one that will suit my crafting needs for a long time but it also not too big and not too small. And that will be something i will love for a long time. I haven't found it yet. Just in case you are wondering.<br />
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4. Speaking of crafting, last week when the kids had a few days off school I was kind of on a home decorating blitz. I sewed curtains for the boys room downstairs, got them hung, recovered a bulletin board and hung it, painted and hung a large letter for each kid in their rooms, got the door for Lucy's wardrobe door mirror in. All of it looks great and I'll take some pictures this week to show you the kids rooms when I get those last little details done in them!<br />
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5. Yesterday we went out and visited my parents for most of the day. I love that we can go see them often.<br />
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6. I liked it when it warmed up a bit on the weekend.<br />
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7. My back hurts a LOT lately. And that is annoying.<br />
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8. I REALLY need to go grocery shopping!!!!!!!!<br />
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9. My grandma is coming to stay over for a week next week. We are going to make chocolates. She is going to spoil me by making supper for us and I'm going to rest. It'll be lovely.<br />
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10. I am starting on some matching-ish quilts for Alden and Eli. I'll show you them when they are done.Just Rhondahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03600767894323506660noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18999595.post-34773467743498119462012-11-11T16:29:00.003-07:002012-11-11T16:29:49.691-07:00Spiritual Sundays<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/steedhome/6333020985/" title="nov 10- Remember by **justrhonda**, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6037/6333020985_06aab02143_z.jpg" width="425" height="640" alt="nov 10- Remember"></a><br />
A white dove for peace. <br />
How grateful I am for peace and for those who have sacrificed their lives and time and their families to bring peace to our country.Just Rhondahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03600767894323506660noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18999595.post-7422551982823444392012-11-07T06:00:00.000-07:002012-11-07T06:00:12.320-07:00In the Craft Room: Printed BagsFor Halloween I made bags for our donuts that I always hand out (to the kids & adults I know). I've had a few people ask me how I did it. So I thought I'd show you how.<br />
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First up a regular lunch bag is sized 5.4 in x 10.2 in. So you make a photoshop document that size.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/steedhome/8160129878/" title="Screen Shot 2012-11-05 at 12.57.10 PM by **justrhonda**, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7127/8160129878_477c0a32cf_z.jpg" width="640" height="418" alt="Screen Shot 2012-11-05 at 12.57.10 PM"></a><br />
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Then I added a black oval.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/steedhome/8160100165/" title="Screen Shot 2012-11-05 at 1.00.28 PM by **justrhonda**, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7272/8160100165_3977d7c6d5_z.jpg" width="640" height="417" alt="Screen Shot 2012-11-05 at 1.00.28 PM"></a><br />
<br />
And all my wording (I used the <a href="http://www.dafont.com/channel.font">font channel that you can download it here</a>) <br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/steedhome/8160135256/" title="Screen Shot 2012-11-05 at 1.02.24 PM by **justrhonda**, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8481/8160135256_c70654c3b5_z.jpg" width="640" height="422" alt="Screen Shot 2012-11-05 at 1.02.24 PM"></a><br />
<br />
and my little artsy touches.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/steedhome/8160099923/" title="Screen Shot 2012-11-05 at 1.07.01 PM by **justrhonda**, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7266/8160099923_4e1b355725_z.jpg" width="640" height="420" alt="Screen Shot 2012-11-05 at 1.07.01 PM"></a><br />
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Send it to print and this screen comes up<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/steedhome/8160134974/" title="Screen Shot 2012-11-05 at 1.07.38 PM by **justrhonda**, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7117/8160134974_cb41790130_z.jpg" width="640" height="433" alt="Screen Shot 2012-11-05 at 1.07.38 PM"></a><br />
<br />
Click on "print settings" and this one comes up<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/steedhome/8160099647/" title="Screen Shot 2012-11-05 at 1.07.56 PM by **justrhonda**, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8479/8160099647_22f151f523_z.jpg" width="640" height="451" alt="Screen Shot 2012-11-05 at 1.07.56 PM"></a><br />
<br />
You want to pick "Manage Custom sizes"<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/steedhome/8160134592/" title="Screen Shot 2012-11-05 at 1.08.15 PM by **justrhonda**, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8342/8160134592_304090533a_z.jpg" width="640" height="520" alt="Screen Shot 2012-11-05 at 1.08.15 PM"></a><br />
<br />
And then you need to add one (I already did it here) by clicking that little plus sign on the left hand side and type in the size of the lunch bag.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/steedhome/8160099283/" title="Screen Shot 2012-11-05 at 1.08.28 PM by **justrhonda**, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7117/8160099283_dce20f4df9_z.jpg" width="640" height="478" alt="Screen Shot 2012-11-05 at 1.08.28 PM"></a><br />
<br />
Then you have to click on "Quality and Media" and choose envelope from the menu.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/steedhome/8160098927/" title="Screen Shot 2012-11-05 at 1.08.54 PM by **justrhonda**, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8067/8160098927_6d1d8332fa_z.jpg" width="640" height="488" alt="Screen Shot 2012-11-05 at 1.08.54 PM"></a><br />
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And I picked greyscale since I'm only printing something black.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/steedhome/8160133962/" title="Screen Shot 2012-11-05 at 1.09.04 PM by **justrhonda**, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8197/8160133962_1c4ae996b3_z.jpg" width="640" height="484" alt="Screen Shot 2012-11-05 at 1.09.04 PM"></a><br />
<br />
And it should be ready to go... so send it to print.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/steedhome/8160131358/" title="Screen Shot 2012-11-05 at 1.09.13 PM by **justrhonda**, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8347/8160131358_00d1f19aea_z.jpg" width="640" height="468" alt="Screen Shot 2012-11-05 at 1.09.13 PM"></a><br />
<br />
Watch with anticipation as it comes out....<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/steedhome/8160098717/" title="DSC_6207 by **justrhonda**, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7128/8160098717_b542897e6f_z.jpg" width="425" height="640" alt="DSC_6207"></a><br />
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Then you end up with a fancy little bag for treats.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/steedhome/8160098449/" title="DSC_6208 by **justrhonda**, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7119/8160098449_7d3e3f139f_z.jpg" width="640" height="425" alt="DSC_6208"></a><br />
<br />
Two tips:<br />
1. My printer couldn't handle having lots of bags just stuffed in the rear tray. I could put two or three in and then add more as it printed.<br />
2. Make sure you tell your printer it's an envelope (so it knows it's something thick!)Just Rhondahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03600767894323506660noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18999595.post-72646382084959303932012-11-06T06:00:00.000-07:002012-11-06T06:00:06.696-07:0010 on Tuesday1. I have 11 weeks left until I have another kid. INSANE.<br />
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2. Never ever ever have I wanted to keep being pregnant. I hate being pregnant... but when I am done being pregnant this time... I'll have another kid. And I'm not sure I am ready for that. <br />
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3. Me and the two little boys spent the day yesterday playing. We made a cardboard train.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/steedhome/8160065743/" title="Nov 5 2012 by **justrhonda**, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7259/8160065743_6706c5e665_z.jpg" width="640" height="425" alt="Nov 5 2012"></a><br />
<br />
4. And a classic activity I do with all my small kids - painting with water and black paper. Then when they eat the paint brush... it doesn't matter :) HA!<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/steedhome/8160066067/" title="Nov 4 2012 by **justrhonda**, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7257/8160066067_776738c604_z.jpg" width="425" height="640" alt="Nov 4 2012"></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/steedhome/8160101416/" title="Nov 4 2012 #2 by **justrhonda**, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8349/8160101416_b1884d899f_z.jpg" width="425" height="640" alt="Nov 4 2012 #2"></a><br />
<br />
5. I need to find another crib. I thought I was getting one from someone for cheap but it doesn't seem to be working out. I can not take Oliver out of a crib yet. NO way. But it's my last kid - I don't want to spend much moola on a crib.<br />
<br />
6. I had a post for yesterday but I just didn't sit down to type it up. I tried to take a nap instead.<br />
<br />
7. I go through these read blitzes. Where I read like a mad woman and then I slow down. Back and forth. <a href="http://scottwesterfeld.com/books/uglies/">I just started the book "Uglies"</a> and I think it might get me into another blitz!<br />
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8. It always amazes me how much better I feel when I get more than 4 hours of sleep in a row. It doesn't seem to happen around here very often but MAN do I feel better when I get a real stretch of sleep! <br />
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9. Wasn't it sooo nice on the weekend??? I want a few more days of that and then I'll accept winterish weather. (Maybe)<br />
<br />
10. And here's the little man, who seems to be getting so big lately!<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/steedhome/8160118868/" title="Nov 3 2012 by **justrhonda**, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7265/8160118868_7c2b2be509_z.jpg" width="640" height="425" alt="Nov 3 2012"></a><br />
Just Rhondahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03600767894323506660noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18999595.post-20598957233520863472012-11-02T11:41:00.002-06:002012-11-02T11:41:49.996-06:00Foto Friday: Our Year in Photos<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/steedhome/6995939922/" title="ouryearinphotos by **justrhonda**, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7052/6995939922_630d727f29_z.jpg" width="640" height="227" alt="ouryearinphotos"></a><br />
<br />
I've totally been falling behind on these... but this week I was on it! the prompt was Halloween!<br />
<br />
Eli was a chicken.. well at least for one day. He was also a ninja turtle and then for actual trick or treating he was a bunny batman.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/steedhome/8148243350/" title="Halloween 2012 by **justrhonda**, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8328/8148243350_acc3f554f2_z.jpg" width="640" height="425" alt="Halloween 2012"></a><br />
<br />
Alden was Harry Potter<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/steedhome/8148208787/" title="Halloween 2012 by **justrhonda**, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8054/8148208787_7c85873208_z.jpg" width="425" height="640" alt="Halloween 2012"></a><br />
<br />
And Lucy was Cleopatra<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/steedhome/8148208121/" title="Halloween 2012 by **justrhonda**, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8196/8148208121_7bccd8e6b9_z.jpg" width="425" height="640" alt="Halloween 2012"></a><br />
<br />
Oliver was a robot for one party but I never got a shot of it.<br />
<br />
And as our tradition I made donuts to hand out.... and this year I made bags in my printer to put the donuts in..<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/steedhome/8148240658/" title="Halloween 2012 by **justrhonda**, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8475/8148240658_56e03ec4b2_z.jpg" width="425" height="640" alt="Halloween 2012"></a><br />
<br />
How was YOUR Halloween??Just Rhondahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03600767894323506660noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18999595.post-14385167563146448812012-11-01T18:01:00.003-06:002012-11-01T18:01:26.799-06:00Losing it....Literally from the time he got up (which is always between 530am-630am) Eli was asking to go trick or treating yesterday. I told him that he couldn't go until night time. His response was, "huh? it's dark out right now." I tried to explain that it wasn't about the darkness - it just happened at night and that was the way it was.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/steedhome/8146065527/" title="Eli at 4 by **justrhonda**, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8336/8146065527_22e6266915_z.jpg" width="640" height="425" alt="Eli at 4"></a><br />
<br />
For the entire day he asked over and over and over and over (x1000) if he could go trick or treating yet. And every time I told him it wasn't time, he'd start to cry. Loudly. <br />
<br />
Heaven help me, I was pretty annoyed by the time it actually WAS time to go trick or treating. <br />
<br />
At 4pm he comes up to me and says "Mom, I'm going to set the table now so we can eat supper and then I'm going trick or treating." To which I told him it wasn't time but I'd love him to set the table for supper. Pretty soon I'd be rolling out the pizza and putting it in the oven. He was not pleased with my answer.<br />
<br />
So it comes to 530pm. Finally Eli has settled into doing something that entertains him for more than 3 minutes - which was playing with play dough with Lucy. I was cooking pizza for supper (our usual on Halloween) and needing the counter space but I was making due so that the kids had some place to play on the counter too. So the pizza is ready and I say to the kids, "It's time to clean up now and set the table so we can eat and then it'll be time to go trick or treating."<br />
<br />
Eli's response? "I don't want to go trick or treating. I don't even like candy."<br />
<br />
<b>I. COULD. HAVE. STRANGLED. HIM.</b><br />
<br />
Instead I went into the other room and called my mom to tell her so we could laugh about it. It seemed like the better option.<br />
<br />
I have had a kid (Lucy) who in the past threw fits. I mean crazy fits. I mean strip-yourself-naked-pee-on-the-floor-while-you-pull-your-own-hair kind of fits. Now they sound funny, but at the time I was in the middle/end of my worst pregnancy (with Eli) and very sick) and Regan was in a busy year of medical school. I was also serving as primary president in my ward and frankly I am not sure how I survived it all. (Especially without ever harming my child.) <br />
<br />
I don't think there is a lot you can do when you have a child who throws fits. Except give in. For heavens sakes, don't give in! It is embarrassing that they are losing it in public? A.B.S.O.L.U.T.E.L.Y. But giving in to their crying and screaming is saying to the child "just start to make a little noise and I'll hand over whatever you want." How in the world is that going to make anything better?<br />
<br />
If you've read my blog for a while you may or may not remember Alden's first day of grade one. I had parked and walked to the school while carrying Eli (he was pretty small then) and made Lucy walk. When Alden finally comes out of the school he was super happy from his first day and talking. Lucy's response? She sucker punched him in the face. She was mad he was at school and apparently needed to express it. So Alden started crying. Lucy started losing it. And I was carrying Eli. I set Eli down to hug Alden and tell him I was sorry that happened. We are standing in a school ground with piles of people around witnessing the sweetness. Eli starts crying and I can't get Lucy to move. My usual technique is to walk away from the losing child which normally makes my kids follow me crying and all. But she wasn't moving. So I had to pick her up and carry her which was like carrying a slippery shark. So I'm trying to carry Eli and losing Lucy which was working well. So some random lady tries to come and help me by taking Eli. Which made him cry louder. So we finally get to the car and all three of my kids are crying. And I am trying to shove Lucy into her seat and she is doing that lovely stiff as a board thing while screaming. I finally shove her in and close the door and take crying Eli from her. And she tells me not to worry cause kids are always done having fits like that when they are 3. (Lucy is totally older than that at the time....) It was a ridiculous day. <br />
<br />
Eli has been crazy about things lately. Crying to get his way or asking over and over and over and over and over. And even though we aren't giving in he's still doing it. I don't know if he sees that it works for some kids and so he's trying to make it work at our house. Or if he is just starting to realize that the world doesn't' revolve around him. (That's a shocking realization for some kids!)<br />
<br />
We'll just have to suffer through this phase. And hope that he that the current phase passes soon.<br />
Just Rhondahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03600767894323506660noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18999595.post-80218169693860496242012-10-30T06:00:00.000-06:002012-10-30T08:20:33.181-06:0010 on Tuesday1. We were sick with the flu last week. It was a real party around here.<br />
<br />
2. I've been adding stuff to <a href="http://rhondasteed.com">my other blog</a> lately. Here and there. Seems like I get to one or the other. That is why I am making them into one blog. Just makes a whole lot more sense.<br />
<br />
3. I took some pictures of my kids tonight. And I was pleasantly surprised how well it went. Regan was a big help. I wanted a picture for our Christmas card. And I got one. (well I got more than one - but specifically that too.) Like this one...<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/steedhome/8138472800/" title="Oliver at 1 year (plus one month) by **justrhonda**, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8196/8138472800_7c97e93364_z.jpg" width="640" height="425" alt="Oliver at 1 year (plus one month)"></a><br />
<br />
4. I don't know if I am ready for winter yet.<br />
<br />
5. The last two pregnancies once I got the flu my body had trouble stopping throwing up again. It's like it remembered oh yeah we do this... and then I just couldn't stop again. I feel queazy again and that is lame-o.<br />
<br />
6. Since I am making my blogs into one, I wanted to ask you a few questions and you can answer then in the comments or send me an email at steedr at gmail dot com.<br />
• What are your favorite topics on my blog? Food? Photograph stuff? General Life? Crafts?<br />
• What do you wish I posted more of?<br />
• How often do you check on here? Do you like when I post every day? Or a couple times a week?<br />
• What encourages your comments?<br />
<br />
7. Doesn't that last one count for like 7-9?<br />
<br />
8. I made a good supper tonight that I made up. I'm gonna make it again with a few tweaks and then I'll share it with you. Easy and fast and yummy. Winning combo!<br />
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9. I love it when Regan has days off in the week.<br />
<br />
10. I hate it when you drive into Lethbridge to take your passports in to drop off and you forget your pictures....Just Rhondahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03600767894323506660noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18999595.post-18842867106585467192012-10-29T16:15:00.000-06:002013-03-29T10:15:16.508-06:00Alden's Lego PartyThis boy has his birthday party a week or so ago and I thought I'd share what we did.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/steedhome/8136458055/" title="Birthday Boy with the cake by **justrhonda**, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8463/8136458055_9b94b5274d_z.jpg" width="425" height="640" alt="Birthday Boy with the cake"></a><br />
<br />
His love for lego has been going on for years but we've never done a lego party until now.<br />
<br />
Here is his invite:<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/steedhome/8136519643/" title="Lego invite by **justrhonda**, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8048/8136519643_d9ef9b2910_z.jpg" width="640" height="457" alt="Lego invite"></a><br />
I totally got the idea for the invitation from an etsy site called www.etsy.com/shop/crackersart.<br />
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For the goodie bags I made these just with colored card stock and colored bags.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/steedhome/8136463493/" title="Goodie Bags by **justrhonda**, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8335/8136463493_5a242aa270_z.jpg" width="640" height="425" alt="Goodie Bags"></a><br />
Inside they got some lego candy, a lego mini figure and a "lego" pop.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/steedhome/8136464829/" title="For the goodie bags by **justrhonda**, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8466/8136464829_788ccf3565_z.jpg" width="640" height="425" alt="For the goodie bags"></a><br />
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First I separated his lego into different groups for the games (which took a while!)<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/steedhome/8136493552/" title="Ready to build by **justrhonda**, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8046/8136493552_59bf8618be_z.jpg" width="640" height="425" alt="Ready to build"></a><br />
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And set up the decorations - which were not very many since he is 10 and really he doesn't care! HA!<br />
The table with a game in the middle (guess how many legos)<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/steedhome/8136461707/" title="Table decorations by **justrhonda**, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8184/8136461707_e9f2f7d153_z.jpg" width="640" height="425" alt="Table decorations"></a><br />
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I made all these signs up for the games. If you want a copy of them let me know and I'll email them to you!<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/steedhome/8136462293/" title="Game signs by **justrhonda**, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8193/8136462293_9a1fd68693_z.jpg" width="640" height="425" alt="Game signs"></a><br />
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When the boys first got there they built cars and raced each other<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/steedhome/8136491774/" title="Building cars by **justrhonda**, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8329/8136491774_16ef0d4f9f_z.jpg" width="640" height="425" alt="Building cars"></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/steedhome/8136460659/" title="Racing cars by **justrhonda**, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8056/8136460659_c4da24d309_z.jpg" width="640" height="425" alt="Racing cars"></a><br />
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Then after a winner was found we moved onto a tower building race. They all had a small platform and had a race to see who could build a stable tower in 90 seconds.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/steedhome/8136489912/" title="Tower Building Race by **justrhonda**, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8465/8136489912_8c0643f483_z.jpg" width="640" height="425" alt="Tower Building Race"></a><br />
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Then we all the boys got a straw. And a container of small pieces was dumped onto the table and they each had a plate. For 30 seconds they had to use the straw and suck the lego and put them on the plate. Whoever got the most won.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/steedhome/8136490684/" title="Sucking Lego Game by **justrhonda**, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8323/8136490684_b5ca9a48af_z.jpg" width="640" height="425" alt="Sucking Lego Game"></a><br />
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Then we moved onto Creationary. Which is a real game but I just separated the boys into two teams and then the each had one boy go and had to build the same thing as fast as they could until their team guessed it.<br />
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Then we moved on to food! Alden had asked for homemade pizza. So I made pepperoni and Hawaiian. This was when the boys were the quietest! <br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/steedhome/8136458637/" title="Pizza time by **justrhonda**, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8196/8136458637_22130caaba_z.jpg" width="640" height="425" alt="Pizza time"></a><br />
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Then the cake!<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/steedhome/8136458055/" title="Birthday Boy with the cake by **justrhonda**, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8463/8136458055_9b94b5274d_z.jpg" width="425" height="640" alt="Birthday Boy with the cake"></a><br />
<br />
(In case you were wondering... this is how I did the cake)<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/steedhome/8136495908/" title="Lego cake before icing by **justrhonda**, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8330/8136495908_6cd99a176a_z.jpg" width="640" height="425" alt="Lego cake before icing"></a><br />
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The we did presents and the boys built one of Alden's presents while they waited for parents. I realized that at this stage getting him with each boy after he opens their present is a crazy idea that just didn't work! But here they all are... kind of.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/steedhome/8136457509/" title="Alden's 10th Birthday party by **justrhonda**, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8051/8136457509_37fce28b74_z.jpg" width="640" height="425" alt="Alden's 10th Birthday party"></a><br />
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It was crazy to have that many 10 year old boys in my house! But man did Alden have fun!! Happy Birthday to Alden!<br />
<br />
<br />
Linking it up here:<br />
<a href="http://www.salttree.net/2012/10/open-call-tuesday-26.html">Salt Tree</a> and <a href="http://todayscreativeblog.net/link-up-party/">Get Your Craft On </a> and <a href="http://somedaycrafts.blogspot.ca/">Someday Crafts </a> and <a href="http://www.southernlovely.com/">Southern Lovely</a> and <a href="http://www.733blog.com/2012/11/what-are-little-boys-made-of-136.html">Seven thirty three</a>Just Rhondahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03600767894323506660noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18999595.post-78237845043435926372012-10-17T10:59:00.001-06:002012-10-17T10:59:10.881-06:0015 on the 15th.<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/steedhome/7084498663/" title="15on15 by **justrhonda**, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7065/7084498663_a87f764253_z.jpg" width="640" height="294" alt="15on15"></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/steedhome/8097418763/" title="15 on Oct 15th by **justrhonda**, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8335/8097418763_0cac6b3900_z.jpg" width="640" height="425" alt="15 on Oct 15th"></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/steedhome/8097428424/" title="15 on Oct 15th by **justrhonda**, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8333/8097428424_9bd36e84c8_z.jpg" width="640" height="425" alt="15 on Oct 15th"></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/steedhome/8097428236/" title="15 on Oct 15th by **justrhonda**, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8332/8097428236_dd59cdc22f_z.jpg" width="640" height="425" alt="15 on Oct 15th"></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/steedhome/8097428020/" title="15 on Oct 15th by **justrhonda**, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8325/8097428020_52106a0e6f_z.jpg" width="640" height="425" alt="15 on Oct 15th"></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/steedhome/8097418009/" title="15 on Oct 15th by **justrhonda**, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8052/8097418009_f1942d2d5f_z.jpg" width="640" height="425" alt="15 on Oct 15th"></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/steedhome/8097417717/" title="15 on Oct 15th by **justrhonda**, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8328/8097417717_efc35897c4_z.jpg" width="640" height="425" alt="15 on Oct 15th"></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/steedhome/8097417517/" title="15 on Oct 15th by **justrhonda**, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8324/8097417517_df7c6696ef_z.jpg" width="640" height="425" alt="15 on Oct 15th"></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/steedhome/8097426954/" title="15 on Oct 15th by **justrhonda**, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8056/8097426954_0b964847ae_z.jpg" width="640" height="425" alt="15 on Oct 15th"></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/steedhome/8097426704/" title="15 on Oct 15th by **justrhonda**, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8463/8097426704_3675b5645f_z.jpg" width="640" height="425" alt="15 on Oct 15th"></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/steedhome/8097416809/" title="15 on Oct 15th by **justrhonda**, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8323/8097416809_fa37e61911_z.jpg" width="640" height="425" alt="15 on Oct 15th"></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/steedhome/8097416575/" title="15 on Oct 15th by **justrhonda**, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8465/8097416575_59d2458db2_z.jpg" width="640" height="425" alt="15 on Oct 15th"></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/steedhome/8097416249/" title="15 on Oct 15th by **justrhonda**, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8469/8097416249_024c6089a0_z.jpg" width="640" height="425" alt="15 on Oct 15th"></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/steedhome/8097425720/" title="15 on Oct 15th by **justrhonda**, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8196/8097425720_3664b11753_z.jpg" width="640" height="425" alt="15 on Oct 15th"></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/steedhome/8097425486/" title="15 on Oct 15th by **justrhonda**, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8050/8097425486_19019d63c1_z.jpg" width="640" height="425" alt="15 on Oct 15th"></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/steedhome/8097425176/" title="15 on Oct 15th by **justrhonda**, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8187/8097425176_55d3dbe9c5_z.jpg" width="640" height="425" alt="15 on Oct 15th"></a><br />
That was our Monday. Which was Regan's day off and Alden's 10th birthday.Just Rhondahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03600767894323506660noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18999595.post-78591671505322044592012-10-16T06:00:00.000-06:002012-10-16T06:00:04.184-06:0010 on TuesdaySince yesterday was Alden's 10th birthday, I thought I'd do 10 things about him. Along with 10 of my favorite pictures of him.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/steedhome/8092707214/" title="Meeting Lucy for the 1st Time by **justrhonda**, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8045/8092707214_7118513dbe_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Meeting Lucy for the 1st Time"></a><br />
1. He is the goofiest funniest child. Love his quirkiness.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/steedhome/8092701607/" title="Dad & Alden by **justrhonda**, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8053/8092701607_9ac3d3f35d_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Dad & Alden"></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/steedhome/8092701781/" title="Mr Bunny & Alden by **justrhonda**, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8330/8092701781_f9fef01373_z.jpg" width="480" height="640" alt="Mr Bunny & Alden"></a><br />
2. He is so stinking handsome. <br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/steedhome/8092701875/" title="At the Lake by **justrhonda**, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8470/8092701875_fa50fa4068_z.jpg" width="640" height="425" alt="At the Lake"></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/steedhome/8092707694/" title="Mom & Alden by **justrhonda**, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8470/8092707694_1f76b904dd_z.jpg" width="511" height="640" alt="Mom & Alden"></a><br />
3. He is soooo into Lego. I mean looooves Lego. Hence the lego party we are having tomorrow for him!<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/steedhome/8092708166/" title="Those Goofy Glasses by **justrhonda**, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8048/8092708166_12505cce5f_z.jpg" width="480" height="640" alt="Those Goofy Glasses"></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/steedhome/8092708636/" title="Classic NS by **justrhonda**, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8327/8092708636_03c35cb4fb_z.jpg" width="480" height="640" alt="Classic NS"></a><br />
4. He has such a soft tender heart. Always has and I hope always does.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/steedhome/8092703051/" title="Dinosaurs by **justrhonda**, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8196/8092703051_c2a972d138_z.jpg" width="516" height="346" alt="Dinosaurs"></a><br />
5. He was a giant when he was born. 10 pounds 12 ounces. And 22 1/2 inches long. Funny that he is soooo skinny now. But he is really getting tall. His pants are size 12 to get them long enough but we have to tighten them as much as they'll go on the waist to get them to stay up.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/steedhome/8092709026/" title="Alden @ 5 by **justrhonda**, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8472/8092709026_6b48baff77_z.jpg" width="640" height="429" alt="Alden @ 5"></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/steedhome/8092703489/" title="With G&G by **justrhonda**, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8325/8092703489_a40a440ce6_z.jpg" width="640" height="425" alt="With G&G"></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/steedhome/7317852192/" title="Alden & the Tramp by **justrhonda**, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8015/7317852192_66cb080e40_z.jpg" width="640" height="425" alt="Alden & the Tramp"></a><br />
6. As I was looking back through all these pictures tonight (I totally got all caught up in it and did it for like 2 hours) I was remembering how much fun we had. He was such an easy baby and an easy kid to mother. I was totally 100% spoiled with him.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/steedhome/6943123154/" title="DSC_1016 by **justrhonda**, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7198/6943123154_b845dc236e_z.jpg" width="640" height="425" alt="DSC_1016"></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/steedhome/6936838090/" title="11:34am: Alden & Me by **justrhonda**, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5347/6936838090_53597d1204_z.jpg" width="640" height="425" alt="11:34am: Alden & Me"></a><br />
7. By far of my favorite things about him is how comfortable he is with WHO he is. He doesn't mind if he likes different things that others. He is totally okay with it. And I hope that never changes.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/steedhome/6987253533/" title="8:33pm March 15, 2012 by **justrhonda**, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7190/6987253533_c7236589f2_z.jpg" width="640" height="425" alt="8:33pm March 15, 2012"></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/steedhome/6706159819/" title="15 January 2012: 11:22 am by **justrhonda**, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7169/6706159819_fbb4b08203_z.jpg" width="640" height="425" alt="15 January 2012: 11:22 am"></a><br />
8. I have been trying and trying and trying to find a series of books that will make him fall in love with reading. But as hard as I try, it seems things like Big Nate (illustrated novels) are all the kind he'll do.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/steedhome/5877770138/" title="june 15: the Boat by **justrhonda**, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6041/5877770138_65947ee60b_z.jpg" width="640" height="425" alt="june 15: the Boat"></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/steedhome/5321075314/" title="Goofy by **justrhonda**, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5210/5321075314_f002032e46_z.jpg" width="640" height="425" alt="Goofy"></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/steedhome/5092371230/" title="Oct 15: A REAL smile by **justrhonda**, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.staticflickr.com/4086/5092371230_ee3b9724ae_z.jpg" width="425" height="640" alt="Oct 15: A REAL smile"></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/steedhome/5082388931/" title="8 is Great by **justrhonda**, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.staticflickr.com/4106/5082388931_95110574bd_z.jpg" width="640" height="425" alt="8 is Great"></a><br />
9. He has a great general knowledge about a lot of stuff cause he is always asking Regan random questions. Like tonight there was a big discussion about the way Lego mini figures have changed over the years. So they looked it up and talked about lego through the ages. But so often it is on topics like how your small intestines work or who the past prime ministers were. And all kinds of topics.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/steedhome/4744409377/" title="DSC_6344bw by **justrhonda**, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.staticflickr.com/4118/4744409377_e8398c10d0_z.jpg" width="640" height="425" alt="DSC_6344bw"></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/steedhome/4597250439/" title="Fly by **justrhonda**, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm2.staticflickr.com/1400/4597250439_d06d2745aa_z.jpg" width="640" height="425" alt="Fly"></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/steedhome/4490534668/" title="mar15 by **justrhonda**, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2727/4490534668_a997e60071_z.jpg" width="640" height="425" alt="mar15"></a><br />
10. I am amazed that I have a 10 year old. I can still remember so much of when he was born and when he was little. I found a little notebook the other day of funny things he said when he was 3. I am so glad I wrote that stuff down cause those are the little things I've forgotten. But man was I killing myself when I found that notebook :) And so were Alden and Lucy when I was reading it to them :)<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/steedhome/4434591814/" title="DSC_2034 by **justrhonda**, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.staticflickr.com/4065/4434591814_5101fed37a_z.jpg?zz=1" width="640" height="425" alt="DSC_2034"></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/steedhome/4287391256/" title="DSC_0222 by **justrhonda**, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.staticflickr.com/4041/4287391256_3c28648906_z.jpg?zz=1" width="640" height="428" alt="DSC_0222"></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/steedhome/4171956073/" title="IMG_8333 by **justrhonda**, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2504/4171956073_a1e557d594_z.jpg?zz=1" width="640" height="427" alt="IMG_8333"></a><br />
Okay scratch that. It's more than 10 pictures. <br />
And I just have to say I love this kid!<br />
Just Rhondahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03600767894323506660noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18999595.post-19128159874383228732012-10-15T06:00:00.000-06:002012-10-15T06:00:19.492-06:00Halloween is a coming....So we've done a few fun things around the house (much to Regan's dismay!)<br />
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First up some decorations. Most of them are from last year.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/steedhome/8089001228/" title="Halloween 2012 (Decorations) by **justrhonda**, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8335/8089001228_a2c460098a_z.jpg" width="425" height="640" alt="Halloween 2012 (Decorations)"></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/steedhome/8088999213/" title="Halloween 2012 (Decorations) by **justrhonda**, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8329/8088999213_538207174e_z.jpg" width="425" height="640" alt="Halloween 2012 (Decorations)"></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/steedhome/8089000221/" title="Halloween 2012 (Decorations) by **justrhonda**, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8055/8089000221_9e12269e7a_z.jpg" width="640" height="425" alt="Halloween 2012 (Decorations)"></a><br />
<br />
But this is new this year. <br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/steedhome/8088999809/" title="Halloween 2012 (Decorations) by **justrhonda**, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8470/8088999809_ec71b7f9b4_z.jpg" width="640" height="425" alt="Halloween 2012 (Decorations)"></a><br />
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And so is this door/ shelf thing my mom and I made. It sits outside my front door and I'll decorate it for all the holidays :) I love it. Made the shelf out of a cupboard door from Totem. And added some stair spindles.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/steedhome/8088998792/" title="Halloween 2012 (Decorations) by **justrhonda**, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8045/8088998792_a23a668c0e_z.jpg" width="425" height="640" alt="Halloween 2012 (Decorations)"></a><br />
I want to do vinyl on my white pumpkins but I haven't gotten around to it yet!<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/steedhome/8088998603/" title="Halloween 2012 (Decorations) by **justrhonda**, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8046/8088998603_dfbc76f896_z.jpg" width="425" height="640" alt="Halloween 2012 (Decorations)"></a><br />
<br />
Also up an easy Halloween Craft. (And just in case you are wondering.... Eli lasted about 10 minutes... well that's probably generous.) He really doesn't enjoy doing crafts with me. I just cut out a bunch of face shapes and let Eli make the faces. (The card stock pumpkins I got at <a href="http://canada.michaels.com/on/demandware.store/Sites-MichaelsCanada-Site/default/Home-Show">Michael's</a> in the clearance bins!<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/steedhome/8089003440/" title="Halloween 2012 (Decorations) by **justrhonda**, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8466/8089003440_1d83f33169_z.jpg" width="640" height="425" alt="Halloween 2012 (Decorations)"></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/steedhome/8089002357/" title="Halloween 2012 (Decorations) by **justrhonda**, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8470/8089002357_40a2a4bb8a_z.jpg" width="640" height="425" alt="Halloween 2012 (Decorations)"></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/steedhome/8089002364/" title="Halloween 2012 (Decorations) by **justrhonda**, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8474/8089002364_11d3ea7c61_z.jpg" width="640" height="425" alt="Halloween 2012 (Decorations)"></a><br />
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We are going to do some more fun Halloween crafts and share some of our Halloween favorite books!!<br />
Just Rhondahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03600767894323506660noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18999595.post-7870137967882275922012-10-14T06:00:00.000-06:002012-10-14T06:00:01.909-06:00Spiritual Sundays<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/steedhome/8085121442/" title="8x10Godisaware by **justrhonda**, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8055/8085121442_d67db3f957_z.jpg" width="512" height="640" alt="8x10Godisaware"></a>Just Rhondahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03600767894323506660noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18999595.post-51726631494768425282012-10-11T11:27:00.001-06:002012-10-11T11:27:27.972-06:00Thanksgiving 2012Snap shots from the Steed family Thanksgiving (I totally spaced out on the Davis one and didn't take ANY shots! Terrible!)<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/steedhome/8077448024/" title="DSC_3769 by **justrhonda**, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8044/8077448024_218de2de02_z.jpg" width="640" height="425" alt="DSC_3769"></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/steedhome/8077447172/" title="DSC_3772 by **justrhonda**, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8472/8077447172_212e3dda23_z.jpg" width="425" height="640" alt="DSC_3772"></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/steedhome/8077446646/" title="DSC_3773 by **justrhonda**, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8193/8077446646_be592342d9_z.jpg" width="640" height="425" alt="DSC_3773"></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/steedhome/8077455177/" title="DSC_3777 by **justrhonda**, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8469/8077455177_38ff4c2123_z.jpg" width="640" height="425" alt="DSC_3777"></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/steedhome/8077454657/" title="DSC_3779 by **justrhonda**, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8463/8077454657_519e4fe3b3_z.jpg" width="640" height="425" alt="DSC_3779"></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/steedhome/8077454015/" title="DSC_3783 by **justrhonda**, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8334/8077454015_db7621e980_z.jpg" width="640" height="425" alt="DSC_3783"></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/steedhome/8077444536/" title="DSC_3791 by **justrhonda**, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8043/8077444536_cebfeb291d_z.jpg" width="640" height="425" alt="DSC_3791"></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/steedhome/8077453217/" title="DSC_3796 by **justrhonda**, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8195/8077453217_0ef68302c0_z.jpg" width="640" height="425" alt="DSC_3796"></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/steedhome/8077452873/" title="DSC_3811 by **justrhonda**, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8325/8077452873_99d7dbe5ba_z.jpg" width="640" height="425" alt="DSC_3811"></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/steedhome/8077452229/" title="DSC_3813 by **justrhonda**, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8472/8077452229_c05a897b03_z.jpg" width="640" height="425" alt="DSC_3813"></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/steedhome/8077451839/" title="DSC_3815 by **justrhonda**, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8051/8077451839_06cb7f3197_z.jpg" width="425" height="640" alt="DSC_3815"></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/steedhome/8077442346/" title="DSC_3816 by **justrhonda**, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8195/8077442346_2cf39afc94_z.jpg" width="425" height="640" alt="DSC_3816"></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/steedhome/8077451173/" title="DSC_3819 by **justrhonda**, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8191/8077451173_aab3830a34_z.jpg" width="425" height="640" alt="DSC_3819"></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/steedhome/8077450805/" title="DSC_3829 by **justrhonda**, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8044/8077450805_92a41fe258_z.jpg" width="640" height="425" alt="DSC_3829"></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/steedhome/8077441178/" title="DSC_3830 by **justrhonda**, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8045/8077441178_c711cab8e8_z.jpg" width="640" height="425" alt="DSC_3830"></a><br />
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Just Rhondahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03600767894323506660noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18999595.post-47468359773935883892012-10-09T10:01:00.000-06:002012-10-09T10:01:46.753-06:0010 on Tuesday1. <a href="http://www.lds.org/general-conference/sessions/2012/10?lang=eng">Conference was great</a>. Lots of distractions this year so I am glad I can go back and listen and reread the inspired messages.<br />
<br />
2. If you didn't see the post about Lucy's 7th birthday party go back to yesterday's post and read all about it.<br />
<br />
3. Last week I got to go to Eli's preschool class and be a helper. Thank goodness I have a friend who will watch Oliver for me so I can do stuff like that! <br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/steedhome/8071081914/" title="Oct 27 2012 by **justrhonda**, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8172/8071081914_3723d53941_z.jpg" width="425" height="640" alt="Oct 27 2012"></a><br />
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4. I've recently realized I love making homemade pizza. I always have but I got some restaurant pans and a pizza peel and stone and now I love it even MORE! We seem to have pizza on Fridays lately... a lot.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/steedhome/8071089781/" title="Oct 26 2012 by **justrhonda**, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8175/8071089781_b0629b672c_z.jpg" width="640" height="425" alt="Oct 26 2012"></a><br />
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5. Apparently I probably have something in my arms. That is quite painful... I can't remember the big medical name Regan told me it is. But it's like Carpel tunnel except in your elbows and the outside of your hands. It makes my hands weak and it makes my arms go numb a lot. It is really annoying... but at least I am throwing up less :) <br />
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6. Since it was Lucy's b-day this past week I made cupcakes for her class. Red Velvet cupcakes. Some times I wonder if other kids are like where are the normal white cupcakes when I bring stuff like this :) But Lucy's loves it and that is why I am doing it!<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/steedhome/8071088375/" title="Oct 4, 2012 by **justrhonda**, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8455/8071088375_df1cd4795f_z.jpg" width="640" height="425" alt="Oct 4, 2012"></a><br />
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7. Are you thinking about Halloween costumes yet?<br />
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8. I am moving forward with my plans to make my blogs into one blog.<br />
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9. Speaking of my other blog, <a href="http://rhondasteed.com/">I've been busy putting up more pictures over there.</a><br />
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10. Oliver is pretty much walking. Still totally like a drunken man... but he can do it!Just Rhondahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03600767894323506660noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18999595.post-21040846797536324362012-10-08T06:00:00.000-06:002012-10-08T06:00:06.712-06:00Lucy's Pajama-o-rama PartyLucy and I talked about all different ideas for her birthday party and she kept changing her mind. I gave her a deadline and she finally came up with a pj party. So I looked around and we went with a Pajama-o-rama Party. (I loooove planning parties :) HA)<br />
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Here's the invite: (I totally found an invite that I liked and then made my own version of it!)<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/steedhome/8065587722/" title="Pajama-o-rama by **justrhonda**, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8458/8065587722_958e27a6cf_z.jpg" width="494" height="640" alt="Pajama-o-rama"></a><br />
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For decorations I went with the same colors I always go with :) The colors in her room!! I used the same banner that I made a few years ago that hangs in her room. And all the puff balls and paper lanterns that hang above her bed. I also found some great fabric that was totally in my color scheme from Value village. (I am going to make them into pillows for her room now). I also got some pretty flowers and had jars of cereal as centerpieces on the table. And I got paper plates and silverware from <a href="http://www.michaels.com/on/demandware.store/Sites-MichaelsCanada-Site/default/Home-Show">Michaels</a> and <a href="http://www.dollarama.com/">the Dollar Store.</a> I just got square ones for chargers and round ones for the plates to make it all fancy :) Each plate also had a balloon on top of it for later.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/steedhome/8065578421/" title="Decorations by **justrhonda**, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8031/8065578421_80a6b36cc6_z.jpg" width="425" height="640" alt="Decorations"></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/steedhome/8065579330/" title="Table Setting by **justrhonda**, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8450/8065579330_35703f1880_z.jpg" width="640" height="425" alt="Table Setting"></a><br />
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For the food, I went with all of Lucy's favorites. She looooves breakfast foods. So we had crepes (her very favorite) with fruit, <a href="http://www.nutella.ca/">Nutella</a>, whipped cream, marshmallows, chocolate chips and <a href="http://allrecipes.com/recipe/coconut-syrup/">coconut syrup</a>. And then we had hash browns, scrambled eggs and bacon. PLus chocolate milk and orange juice.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/steedhome/8065576549/" title="All the food by **justrhonda**, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8171/8065576549_8e802592e9_z.jpg" width="640" height="495" alt="All the food"></a><br />
<br />
All the girls ready to eat!<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/steedhome/8065577788/" title="Ready to eat by **justrhonda**, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8034/8065577788_17fa5cbb36_z.jpg" width="640" height="425" alt="Ready to eat"></a><br />
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For the activities, first up we ate breakfast! Then we made cereal necklaces out of <a href="http://www.frootloops.com/">Froot Loops</a> and <a href="http://applejacks.com/healthymessage/index.html">Apple Jacks</a>. The girls ended up spending a lot of time on these (like 20 minutes at least). Which was kind of nice :)<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/steedhome/8065577198/" title="Serious by **justrhonda**, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8314/8065577198_c8224b4189_z.jpg" width="640" height="425" alt="Serious"></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/steedhome/8065574949/" title="Cereal Necklaces by **justrhonda**, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8309/8065574949_ac1b2f7193_z.jpg" width="640" height="425" alt="Cereal Necklaces"></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/steedhome/8065576572/" title="Hard at work by **justrhonda**, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8316/8065576572_4bec772cf0_z.jpg" width="640" height="484" alt="Hard at work"></a><br />
<br />
For the girls that finished early then played the classic telephone.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/steedhome/8065574387/" title="Telephone by **justrhonda**, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8030/8065574387_2def10168d_z.jpg" width="640" height="425" alt="Telephone"></a><br />
<br />
Then I got each girl a new pillow case and we opened those and had sack races in the living room. It was pretty funny.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/steedhome/8065575236/" title="Lots of races by **justrhonda**, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8036/8065575236_e050cbf8f1_z.jpg" width="640" height="425" alt="Lots of races"></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/steedhome/8065574692/" title="Sack races by **justrhonda**, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8032/8065574692_9ab73f7f45_z.jpg" width="640" height="425" alt="Sack races"></a><br />
<br />
After that they each got their balloons from the table and they had to sit in their pillow cases and pop the balloon. They each had candy in them. Instead of doing a piñata, they each got their own to pop. And it was also very funny!<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/steedhome/8065574162/" title="Pop that balloon by **justrhonda**, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8031/8065574162_5796885fac_z.jpg" width="640" height="425" alt="Pop that balloon"></a><br />
<br />
Then we took those pillow cases back to the table and the girls decorated them.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/steedhome/8065573268/" title="Decorating Pillow cases by **justrhonda**, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8175/8065573268_05be01ef2c_z.jpg" width="640" height="425" alt="Decorating Pillow cases"></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/steedhome/8065572253/" title="Lots of decorating by **justrhonda**, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8037/8065572253_d07685d46e_z.jpg" width="640" height="425" alt="Lots of decorating"></a><br />
<br />
Then we were supposed to do cake but the girls all wanted to do presents so we did that first. One of the things I do on every one of my kids parties is take a picture of them with each guest after they open their present from them. I think in the future that will be something cool to look back on. <br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/steedhome/8065571414/" title="Tradition by **justrhonda**, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8038/8065571414_a4583c552f_z.jpg" width="640" height="425" alt="Tradition"></a><br />
<br />
And then had cake. This is what she picked. Rainbow Cupcakes in a jar. <br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/steedhome/8065572770/" title="Cake in a Jar by **justrhonda**, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8039/8065572770_1e07d73c5e_z.jpg" width="640" height="425" alt="Cake in a Jar"></a><br />
(She was unsure about the sparklers!)<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/steedhome/8065570460/" title="Nervous by **justrhonda**, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8451/8065570460_7f7308dafe_z.jpg" width="425" height="640" alt="Nervous"></a><br />
<br />
For the goodie bags, they used their pillow cases and picked out a sleeping mask, chocolate milk (i was going to do small cereals with a spoon attached but two stores were out and I just wasn't going to haul my kids to one more store just in case!), a glow bracelet, a nail polish and a handful of candy.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/steedhome/8065570451/" title="Goodie Bag fillers by **justrhonda**, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8451/8065570451_2dbc190435_z.jpg" width="640" height="425" alt="Goodie Bag fillers"></a><br />
It all worked out pretty good (except Oliver was sad most of it and didn't want me to take any pictures...)<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/steedhome/8065570984/" title="7 Years old by **justrhonda**, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8449/8065570984_2358fefc85_z.jpg" width="425" height="640" alt="7 Years old"></a><br />
Happy Birthday Lucy! We sure love you!!<br />
<br />
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Just Rhondahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03600767894323506660noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18999595.post-43974467361047596262012-10-07T06:00:00.000-06:002012-10-07T06:00:03.531-06:00Spiritual SundaysHappy Thanksgiving!<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/steedhome/8061741911/" title="10x8gratefulhappy by **justrhonda**, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8315/8061741911_fab044a1df_z.jpg" width="640" height="512" alt="10x8gratefulhappy"></a>Just Rhondahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03600767894323506660noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18999595.post-32633836003331452432012-10-05T16:30:00.000-06:002012-10-05T22:48:55.921-06:00Foto Friday: Our year in Photos<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/steedhome/6995939922/" title="ouryearinphotos by **justrhonda**, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7052/6995939922_630d727f29_z.jpg" width="640" height="227" alt="ouryearinphotos"></a><br />
<br />
Instead of the theme this week... A quick little snapshot of Lucy's party today.<br />
I'll share more about the whole party next week.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/steedhome/8058518029/" title="7 Years Old by **justrhonda**, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8461/8058518029_249bd00206_z.jpg" width="425" height="640" alt="7 Years Old"></a><br />
Happy Thanksgiving!Just Rhondahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03600767894323506660noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18999595.post-80566211017976938132012-10-03T06:00:00.000-06:002012-10-12T20:12:38.924-06:00In the Kitchen: Upside Down Pear CakeThere are not a lot of foods that I don't enjoy. And funnily enough, pears is one of them. I just can not take the texture of them. I want to like them, but then I bite into one and gag. Can't do it.<br />
<br />
So this fall being the smart lady that I am, I got a case of pears. And my family just wasn't eating them fast enough. (Maybe since I got a case of nectarines and 2 of peaches at the same time.....) Anyways, I was needing to use up some pears. And I wanted to it in a way that I'd enjoy too. (And I'd already canned my limit for the year..... my self imposed limit that is).<br />
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This dessert is a result of all these circumstances. :)<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/steedhome/8049195113/" title="Pear Upside Down Cake by **justrhonda**, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8321/8049195113_b25a8676a0_z.jpg" width="640" height="409" alt="Pear Upside Down Cake"></a><br />
<br />
<b>Upside Down Pear Cake</b><br />
2 ripe pears<br />
2 Tbsp Brown Sugar<br />
2 tsp + 1 tsp cinnamon<br />
1/2 cup butter<br />
1 cup sugar<br />
2 eggs<br />
1 1/2 cup flour<br />
1 tsp baking powder<br />
1/2 tsp salt<br />
1/2 cup sour cream<br />
<br />
1. Grease a 2 quart glass pan. Peel your pears and cut into slices and layer into the bottom of the pan. Sprinkle the brown sugar and 2 tsp cinnamon over top of the pears.<br />
2. Sift together flour, baking powder, salt and cinnamon. Set aside. <br />
3. In a separate bowl, cream butter and sugar in a mixing bowl. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each one.<br />
4. Add the flour mixture alternately with the sour cream, starting and ending with the flour.<br />
5. Bake in a preheated 350 degree oven for 25 - 30 minutes or until the top is golden brown. <br />
6. Eat it warm with ice cream or vanilla bean whipped cream or let it cool to room temperature. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/steedhome/8048720499/" title="justrhondaoval by **justrhonda**, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8041/8048720499_eba6051ed9_n.jpg" width="320" height="213" alt="justrhondaoval"></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.momontimeout.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ig9PKOnegew/UGNAse9VAcI/AAAAAAAAQEA/x_esVVWHRrE/s320/Your+Creative+Timeout+Button.jpg" width="145" /></a><a href="http://twoyellowbirdsdecor.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" src="http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g430/jshcroeder/LinkParty2.gif"/></a><a href="http://firefliesandjellybeans.com/search/label/Show%20Off%20Your%20Stuff%20Party" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="blank"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fvxHkFmRuww/TjYS_3oztzI/AAAAAAAAAjA/H6n_MRE4xhs/s200/Show+off+your+Stuff+party+button.JPG" width="125" /></a> And <a href="http://www.salttree.net/2012/10/open-call-tuesday-22.html">here</a>Just Rhondahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03600767894323506660noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18999595.post-67750331536577993742012-10-02T14:11:00.000-06:002012-10-02T14:11:28.547-06:0010 on Tuesday1. I decorated for Halloween.<br />
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2. <a href="http://www.simpleasthatblog.com/">MY friend Rebecca </a>linked to this great list called <a href="http://simplekids.net/31-days-of-unplugged-play/">31 Days of Unplugged Play</a> and I love it!<br />
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3. I (Lucy) is now selling Girl Guide cookies.... the mint ones. $5 a box. So if you want some, I'd love to sell them to you.<br />
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4. I've been feeling the urge to make crafty things lately. Finally. Sleep was easily over ridding any crafting ideas!<br />
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5. Lucy's room is totally started and hopefully will be all put together this week! <br />
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6. Alden and Eli's room is well on it's way too! Just have to get some big pictures to hang above their beds and a few other small odds and ends.<br />
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7. I took all the garage sale left overs to Catholic Charities. Everything except two book shelves. Which will leave soon too. LOVE getting rid of things we don't need. It's awesome.<br />
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8. Our basement is all done except the tiling of the fireplace. Which hopefully will happen soon.<br />
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9. I have lots of fun ideas for my blogs. I want to combine them into one blog. It's just plain smarter. Need help to make that happen though. I can fiddle around with blogs but I can't do all the things I want too. Just don't know how!<br />
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10. I kind of want a few days of pouring rain.Just Rhondahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03600767894323506660noreply@blogger.com0