tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-44728207742390622902024-02-19T16:34:19.058-06:00A Day in the LifeHeatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01830179596215153756noreply@blogger.comBlogger260125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4472820774239062290.post-28880867574000070012014-01-18T17:04:00.005-06:002014-01-18T17:04:59.738-06:00Another Pinterest recipeThe other night we had what I am calling Veggie Casserole based on <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/217932069441995321/" target="_blank">this</a> pin. I didn't have specific directions as to oven temp and time so I looked around Google and found what I needed to know. I cooked it at 350 F for about 30-40 mins, or until my potatoes were done. I had 2 dishes of it and one was done before the other. The kids weren't to excited about it, but the Hubby and I liked it. It will be even better this summer with fresh vegetables.<br />
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Tonight we are having <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/217932069442072584/" target="_blank">fajitas</a>. They are going in the oven now and smell very good.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE9FjkeP2dCJNoZpxilfCOSNyqt9W4_CGKkKHfDC9erdy75L4U-7cch3XM_qQlOmjyLeSk9fZZykDpe0lvreET-q0R2GSS6Te15PC2e0e9RdBIB3exIKYmaEZr3sgtD1dOjVYKDm3JKxX_/s1600/fajitas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE9FjkeP2dCJNoZpxilfCOSNyqt9W4_CGKkKHfDC9erdy75L4U-7cch3XM_qQlOmjyLeSk9fZZykDpe0lvreET-q0R2GSS6Te15PC2e0e9RdBIB3exIKYmaEZr3sgtD1dOjVYKDm3JKxX_/s1600/fajitas.jpg" height="320" width="214" /></a></div>
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The last new recipe for the week will be tomorrow's Vegetable Soup. I'm nervous about that one, it has 2 cups of cabbage in it. I'm not a big fan of cabbage, but I'll let you know how it turns out.<br />
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<a href="http://pinterest.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXKc-munnnNJGem3w8tdIa0SlDSV-rxwhQCZiRXNQ8YAdmMvZ4O1SvrNJ-6tLgaDk42QEnurvelJeerrT7MnLc8uFfgpjsGiDnvLysSnjW975kgEKs54RAcKty1WAirQstqo_PXd3i_SNU/s1600/PicMonkey+Collage.jpg" height="160" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://s1312.photobucket.com/user/heather_collins2/media/40709aa8-f075-4f31-acc6-c4f292a09588_zps3bff4250.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo 40709aa8-f075-4f31-acc6-c4f292a09588_zps3bff4250.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1312.photobucket.com/albums/t539/heather_collins2/40709aa8-f075-4f31-acc6-c4f292a09588_zps3bff4250.jpg" /></a></div>
Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01830179596215153756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4472820774239062290.post-4086561217243324142014-01-15T18:30:00.003-06:002014-01-15T18:30:37.477-06:00A Pinterest RecipeIn an effort to be healthier in the new year I have been scoping out Pinterest for some new recipes. For my challenge this week I have 4 recipes from Pinterest on the menu. All have more veggies in them than normal for us.<br />
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Tonight I made <a href="http://bestrecipesmagazine.com/creamy-greek-yogurt-mac-cheese/" target="_blank">Creamy Greek Yogurt Mac & Cheese</a>. It was delicious! I forgot to add in the garlic and onion powders (it would have helped) but even without them...it was good.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge8U8jIJkiGcJygKnuDM3f2DmLREHE1X8xY38GJ_ViMsWyaZvFu0jnHCKOH7p0R1EywAqcsGVhdTsFEJHoNsLc-VNZWcIdoeMOwl3KDTdQsKv-EBB3l-0GLrS2JAL1NUzfcngbW_B6lspa/s1600/mac+and+cheese.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge8U8jIJkiGcJygKnuDM3f2DmLREHE1X8xY38GJ_ViMsWyaZvFu0jnHCKOH7p0R1EywAqcsGVhdTsFEJHoNsLc-VNZWcIdoeMOwl3KDTdQsKv-EBB3l-0GLrS2JAL1NUzfcngbW_B6lspa/s1600/mac+and+cheese.jpg" height="178" width="400" /></a></div>
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The boys had the following to say:<br />
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"<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">It doesn't taste like nothing</span>." -Simon<br />
"<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">This is really good....(while making scarfing noises)</span>..." -Alex {He did go back for seconds}<br />
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This was all we had tonight and I surprisingly feel full. Probably will be our go to Mac & Cheese.<br />
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<a href="http://s1312.photobucket.com/user/heather_collins2/media/40709aa8-f075-4f31-acc6-c4f292a09588_zps3bff4250.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo 40709aa8-f075-4f31-acc6-c4f292a09588_zps3bff4250.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1312.photobucket.com/albums/t539/heather_collins2/40709aa8-f075-4f31-acc6-c4f292a09588_zps3bff4250.jpg" /></a>Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01830179596215153756noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4472820774239062290.post-4341429963753015022014-01-11T08:35:00.001-06:002014-01-11T08:35:43.801-06:00Somewhat Complete....Pinterest Week 2<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiczJ96ciWwY5hLou_c0e436Fjz20aDmmQGpHAYHwJSuS9behC_jWezjCv2r6neJpqaHtDryd1TvsYd_5N_gDBcQMKu93b9Sb16mf9W5oCkGJrLUa-NNIw4HfWWoOErshrFOMA2rVxNuwYj/s1600/rug+ball.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiczJ96ciWwY5hLou_c0e436Fjz20aDmmQGpHAYHwJSuS9behC_jWezjCv2r6neJpqaHtDryd1TvsYd_5N_gDBcQMKu93b9Sb16mf9W5oCkGJrLUa-NNIw4HfWWoOErshrFOMA2rVxNuwYj/s1600/rug+ball.jpg" height="320" width="212" /></a>You would think with all the snow we received here this week, (at one time we measured 17" in our front yard) and the 3 extra days off from school/work I would have been able to complete my project this week. And I would have if it wasn't for 1 minor detail.<br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: x-large;">My braids were too fat to fit onto my sewing machine!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSm3YTlir7J4bTpbw9rV-rtS0bvFjB8QtPoM4KptBtwhq-G-GDuddCy_Ot35qo6MJJ2cB-uzYH_5Ss65LjpyvEiDxKioRADF0J5oq-musISAOCKgHA2fh-akEoBjMXS3bNBV9pHVzqCHou/s1600/rug.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSm3YTlir7J4bTpbw9rV-rtS0bvFjB8QtPoM4KptBtwhq-G-GDuddCy_Ot35qo6MJJ2cB-uzYH_5Ss65LjpyvEiDxKioRADF0J5oq-musISAOCKgHA2fh-akEoBjMXS3bNBV9pHVzqCHou/s1600/rug.jpg" height="320" width="212" /></a><span style="font-family: inherit;">So I am left hand stitching! Which is fine. Something to do in the evening while we are watching T.V. I love to see a project coming together so it should be a breeze. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPttUZKRubhDLqf2C2wJ9_qNwIh51IZx44mOnGwnghF-myDdLQvgLe1Tk8i0ehDMfPLJd-9Ia_e5CPRWAMN1BqZLrDHprf_bYGcOem7AOGYQbbrzQdDedwdyCnZDUnJ7sMIXUNQqK-ipsm/s1600/checkers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPttUZKRubhDLqf2C2wJ9_qNwIh51IZx44mOnGwnghF-myDdLQvgLe1Tk8i0ehDMfPLJd-9Ia_e5CPRWAMN1BqZLrDHprf_bYGcOem7AOGYQbbrzQdDedwdyCnZDUnJ7sMIXUNQqK-ipsm/s1600/checkers.jpg" height="212" width="320" /></a>Chinese Checkers anyone?! I snagged this complete set (not sure if it is with original marbles) at our local antique mall for New Year's Eve. We have played one game. And I got beat. But it looks cute laying around.<br />
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The snow that we got at the beginning of the week will quickly be melting as it in now raining and 39<span style="background-color: #f5eee2; color: #261902; font-family: Georgia, Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 30px;">℉. </span> After some house work I'll be back at the rug, and on to bigger and better Pinterest ideas. </div>
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<span style="background-color: #f5eee2; color: #261902; font-family: Georgia, Times, serif; line-height: 30px;">✣ </span><span style="color: #261902; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 30px;">Click <a href="http://mypoppet.com.au/2013/04/upcycle-style-braided-t-shirt-rug.html" target="_blank">here</a> to see my inspiration for this project </span></span><span style="background-color: #f5eee2; color: #261902; font-family: Georgia, Times, serif; line-height: 30px;">✣</span></div>
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<span style="color: #261902; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 30px;">I found <a href="https://sewingforlife.wordpress.com/2012/02/25/braid-a-long-2012-day-2-starting-a-braid/" target="_blank">this</a> very helpful as well</span></span></div>
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<a href="http://s1312.photobucket.com/user/heather_collins2/media/40709aa8-f075-4f31-acc6-c4f292a09588_zps3bff4250.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo 40709aa8-f075-4f31-acc6-c4f292a09588_zps3bff4250.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1312.photobucket.com/albums/t539/heather_collins2/40709aa8-f075-4f31-acc6-c4f292a09588_zps3bff4250.jpg" /></a></div>
Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01830179596215153756noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4472820774239062290.post-27090507061523992382014-01-06T09:22:00.003-06:002014-01-06T09:23:15.177-06:00Snow Day<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ2SIOmDlfbK_OdtRxDwwGaZkmq8F48ooyMKVLSMEzPPdumleYRCupyT5a_xye1qtP3E_ng2FlM-Yp_ibbEYopzUy8YwiUvch-KzU-mYTwG35pQRkNiUILHkPmjB_ZucrKuVM4qRmLgkvu/s1600/DSC_0038.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ2SIOmDlfbK_OdtRxDwwGaZkmq8F48ooyMKVLSMEzPPdumleYRCupyT5a_xye1qtP3E_ng2FlM-Yp_ibbEYopzUy8YwiUvch-KzU-mYTwG35pQRkNiUILHkPmjB_ZucrKuVM4qRmLgkvu/s1600/DSC_0038.jpg" height="320" width="214" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhviwZeJbUMfr-jSj_aEb5JnO5bT5IaxLa0pYwqrAphZwnxxY7Aai1LcRO5hvcJFycE-fAjfyIHluSEi54NQP4dZxs8MhwK0VYcgRCzaWNj76sC-q4jyqKpum-Hh-gz1gEbhFyZygDVp5Os/s1600/DSC_0016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhviwZeJbUMfr-jSj_aEb5JnO5bT5IaxLa0pYwqrAphZwnxxY7Aai1LcRO5hvcJFycE-fAjfyIHluSEi54NQP4dZxs8MhwK0VYcgRCzaWNj76sC-q4jyqKpum-Hh-gz1gEbhFyZygDVp5Os/s1600/DSC_0016.jpg" height="320" width="317" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGzNp5TU2-1HQuvsKHmkPZD3B2VXTbSuQF562_nwyMv4vhvYlT2B1fMnjeCjgy4tfLPueChee2_PdUlsWfwy_yyc4NhNoTEISOflzgH_eAaC8A8Cv8bUF-ELgcfDuKHSycTEuvh9q9kLLH/s1600/DSC_0024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGzNp5TU2-1HQuvsKHmkPZD3B2VXTbSuQF562_nwyMv4vhvYlT2B1fMnjeCjgy4tfLPueChee2_PdUlsWfwy_yyc4NhNoTEISOflzgH_eAaC8A8Cv8bUF-ELgcfDuKHSycTEuvh9q9kLLH/s1600/DSC_0024.jpg" height="214" width="320" /></a></div>
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Since we have a snow day today, and possibly tomorrow I figure what better to do than work on my Pinterest Challenge. <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/217932069442027175/" target="_blank">A Braided Rug!</a> Enjoy your day.</div>
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<a href="http://s1312.photobucket.com/user/heather_collins2/media/40709aa8-f075-4f31-acc6-c4f292a09588_zps3bff4250.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo 40709aa8-f075-4f31-acc6-c4f292a09588_zps3bff4250.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1312.photobucket.com/albums/t539/heather_collins2/40709aa8-f075-4f31-acc6-c4f292a09588_zps3bff4250.jpg" /></a>Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01830179596215153756noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4472820774239062290.post-85994364450020990552014-01-05T07:21:00.003-06:002014-01-05T07:25:14.894-06:00Pinterest Challenge Week 1<br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Braided Scarf</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzsxkOJ5TyyexMJG92_ZwzEjyk5fvPRAgQ1ZebHz4lwVm42Mlvir-4srnGkv09W9ZOOKd_TmO9VQ84Pj0hco5dtI4ciYbu3NZ4jzp7jb2GJkEK4QXTnfN2TLvRuKBzF4U0AX-XVTFmHLQ9/+Captures2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzsxkOJ5TyyexMJG92_ZwzEjyk5fvPRAgQ1ZebHz4lwVm42Mlvir-4srnGkv09W9ZOOKd_TmO9VQ84Pj0hco5dtI4ciYbu3NZ4jzp7jb2GJkEK4QXTnfN2TLvRuKBzF4U0AX-XVTFmHLQ9/+Captures2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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This was the picture that I came across on Pinterest that first caught my eye. Very cute!</div>
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So I followed the links to <a href="http://www.putapuredukes.com/2011/09/braided-scarf-tutorial.html">Put Up Your Dukes</a>' blog and followed her easy instructions. This is what I made. Not nearly as cute. And I guess I should say the scarf above was her inspiration as well. That scarf sells for <a href="http://de.dawanda.com/product/21148481-reserved-for-stephanie-loop-in-yellowgrey">$46 on etsy</a>! So for free....not too bad! {Looks like a lot of other cute ideas on that etsy site!}</div>
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If/when I do another I will definitely use either a bigger T-Shirt or just some fabric from my stash. It didn't end up big enough to wrap around a couple of times like I wanted so it's more like a necklace.</div>
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But hey, week 1 accomplished! :)</div>
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<a href="http://s1312.photobucket.com/user/heather_collins2/media/40709aa8-f075-4f31-acc6-c4f292a09588_zps3bff4250.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo 40709aa8-f075-4f31-acc6-c4f292a09588_zps3bff4250.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1312.photobucket.com/albums/t539/heather_collins2/40709aa8-f075-4f31-acc6-c4f292a09588_zps3bff4250.jpg" /></a></div>
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<br />Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01830179596215153756noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4472820774239062290.post-33209747767023689672013-12-31T07:18:00.000-06:002013-12-31T07:35:38.348-06:00Pinterest Challenge 2014<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">While the guys were watching a movie last night I had an epiphany. I </span><span style="background-color: #f5eee2; color: #261902; font-family: Georgia, Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 30px;">❤</span><span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"> Pinterest! As of right now, this very second, I have officially 31 boards which include 424 pins. Maybe a small number compared to yours but it screams at me...MAKE ME! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">While listening to a local radio station one of the girls said that she decided this year to do 1 Pinterest pin per week. What a great idea is that?! She had missed a few weeks here and there and commented that she was 6 projects behind. I'm not gonna panic if that happens. Maybe that week I'll do an easy pin. Or maybe I'll just skip to the next week. I hate failing so there will be no rules.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">So for 2014 I will be doing 1 pin per week. I'm looking at it this way...by next Christmas I will/should have 50-ish cute things that I could give away or horde for myself! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">My goal is to get back to some me time, doing what I like. Not just being but doing. I'll be creating and blogging. 2 things I have gotten away from. Feel free to join me if you'd like, no real commitment needed.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">I feel like I'm rambling because I'm so excited...trying to figure out what I'll do first. </span><span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"> </span></div>
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Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01830179596215153756noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4472820774239062290.post-26621248900484253892013-12-29T10:05:00.003-06:002013-12-29T10:08:50.166-06:00<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I have debated deleting this blog for some time...almost a year by the looks of thing. We have long since been The Collins 7. Many things have changed since January most of which I have no control over. I have worked hard on just letting go this year. I can't control most of what happens in my life so I have just been focusing on the things I can control. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I was reading a <a href="http://mobile.nytimes.com/2013/12/29/fashion/learning-to-measure-time-in-love-and-loss.html#_=_" target="_blank">post</a> on a friend's Facebook page this morning and it inspired me to take even another step back and enjoy the simple things in life. Make more time for my family...and by that I mean the 4 that we have here in my home. Do special things with them. Whether it be play the xBox or watch silly videos on YouTube...I need to work on making more memories.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This summer we were camping. I was trying to take a nap. The boys didn't want me to so they were in the bed with me tickling and goofing around. Simon thought it would be funny to pull his pants down and rub his butt on my head. It was totally disgusting! But he thought it was the funniest thing that had ever happened. He commented, "This is the best camping trip ever!" Yea I was sure my hair smelled like butt the rest of the day but that little comment made it all worth it. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We just had my niece for a few days after Christmas and hopefully we made memories with her too. She got to stay up way past her bedtime, sleep in the living room, and eat whatever she wanted. We ate out almost every meal and were gone 2 of the 3 days she was here. We just had fun together. She loved to see her cousin drive, so he drove us everywhere we went. It was really a good time. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">While we were out one of the days we stopped at Hobby Lobby and I bought a sketch pad and a new set of markers. I am going to do a <a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=calendar+journal&espv=210&es_sm=122&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ei=VkbAUpPPF6KC2wW70YGwDA&ved=0CC8QsAQ&biw=1366&bih=658" target="_blank">calendar journal</a> this year. I am by far an artist but who cares?! I love markers and I intend to scribble as I feel necessary. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I think this quote <i>"</i></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22.390625px;"><i>It doesn’t matter what time it is. Think in months. Years. Someone loves you. Where are you going? There are some things you will never do. It doesn’t matter. There is no rush. Be the best prisoner you can be."</i> </span><span style="color: #333333; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22.390625px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">will be my favorite for the year. Life shouldn't be a rush, there is always someone who loves you (in my case my boys and husband) . And I will say I do feel like a prisoner...in the most positive way possible, this is my life and I am stuck with it. I need to make it the best it can be.</span></span></div>
Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01830179596215153756noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4472820774239062290.post-42606927808962466272013-01-14T13:46:00.000-06:002013-01-14T13:46:48.468-06:00Productive Weekend<div style="text-align: left;">
Wow! I finally got some sewing done this weekend. I <s>have</s> HAD 5 quilts in progress at the beginning of the weekend. Now I am down to 3! I was able to get my room finished up and felt like working. </div>
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I have been working on this quilt since October 2011. It was the last Mystery All Day/Night Quilt that I went to at my local quilt shop. I was sick with the flu on that day and felt terrible. I think because of being sick I just got the feeling I didn't like the quilt at all and just didn't want to work on it. I finally decided that I was going to finish it and give it to my mom...for Mother's Day 2012....her birthday 2012....Christmas 2012...you can see where this is going. Well it is awaiting shipment to her now! I hope she enjoys it.</div>
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This quilt has been in the works for just about as long too. All of the material in this quilt was purchased at a local antique mall. I came across a booth that had 3 or 4 huge baggies of vintage material for a buck a piece! When I got home that day I was amazed at how much I actually had gotten...yards and yards of some. I knew it would all go together in a quilt <i>someday</i>! The back is done up with the bright yellow you see here. I don't know how some of you get the great pictures of your quilting! I gave up trying to make it look cute and opted for the auto timer on my camera. :) Anyways this quilt is all mine!!</div>
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I scored a ton of material from a co-worker's sister's garage sale this summer. When I saw this I knew it was going to be a dish towel! Stitched up 3 little towels. I just love the design of it. I think one of them will find a home in the camper this summer so I can always have it with me. </div>
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I also made up a curtain for a basement window, but it's not that spectacular so I didn't bother to share it. </div>
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Hopefully this momentum will keep up so I can get some more work done. </div>
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Have a great afternoon!</div>
Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01830179596215153756noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4472820774239062290.post-8550647410839272942013-01-04T13:01:00.000-06:002013-01-04T13:06:52.059-06:00A new year...a new house.......well not a real new house but a rearranged house. I love the way that moving things around can give you a new outlook. My 6 year old told me the other day that it was nice that I gave myself a new kitchen. It made me realize that he does notice the little things that I try to do every now and then for myself, and I'm not a bad person because I want things for me.<br />
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My new kitchen consists of 11 cabinets and or drawers organized...out with the old! I moved the microwave and the Keurig, cleaned up the junk pile that was growing overnight...and I love it! </div>
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The living room got a good vacuuming and picking up. Moved the loved seat just a few inches and angled it differently and it really makes the room feel more open. I still have my little Charlie Brown tree up with Christmas lights and the ceramic light up Christmas Tree burning bright and I love it. </div>
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I am really trying to get back in the habit of blogging. We really have a lot of drama going on with our teenagers and I hope I can find this to be my outlet. If nothing else get my mind off of things. </div>
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My next area to get organized it my crafty sewing room. It has puked its self all over our basement. My husband loves a clean house and I'm sure he just cringes every time he walks downstairs. If nothing else, I need to make myself clean it up for him. ;)</div>
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I am currently reading <a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/little-bee-chris-cleave/1100260550?ean=9781416589648" target="_blank">Little Bee by Chris Cleave</a>. It is about a young woman who is 16 and a refugee. I haven't gotten too far into the book, but I really like it. It was published in the UK and is set in London...both of which appeals to me. I came across a passage in the book today that really spoke to me. </div>
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'Psychiatry in this place [ <i>Refugee detention center</i>] is like serving an in-flight meal in the middle of a plane crash. If I wanted to make you well, as a doctor, I should be giving you a parachute, not a cheese-and-pickle sandwich.'<i> To be well in your mind you have first to be free, you see?</i></blockquote>
The book goes back and forth between point of views between 2 characters so hopefully I quoted that correctly, but point being, something I have got to work on this year is realizing that I can not fix ANYONE. I have to be the best person I can be and hope that those around me who need help and guidance will realize that and work out their issues. For me to be healthy mentally I have to be free of all the other drama, and not let it bog me down.<br />
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Well with that said, hopefully next time I will have great news of a clean and organized crafty room, and maybe 2 quilts I have almost finished....will be finished.<br />
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Have a great weekend.<br />
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Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01830179596215153756noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4472820774239062290.post-13657058328608043902012-12-25T16:58:00.002-06:002012-12-25T16:58:50.035-06:00Every now and then I get in the mood to blog. It always seems to come at the end of the year. I can not believe it has been since April since I have blogged! There has been a lot that has happened, a lot of which I debate on sharing here.<br />
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I just don't know what everyone would think of my life. I only have 1 family member that truly follows me and I know she would say, "Post what you want. It's your blog." Or at least I think she would.<br />
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My life is stressful. I am really trying not to let other people effect me. I can only do so much...but sometimes just getting it out there makes you feel better. Getting a little piece of advice can make the day go better.<br />
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I have a lot of projects I'd like to share but just don't make it a priority to get them done...much less share her on my blog.<br />
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So, opinions please....How much personal information/crap do you share on your blog. Is it ok that I haven't posted in 8 months? Am I going to Blogger Hell? ;)<br />
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I hope that everyone had had a very Merry Christmas and has a Happy and Prosperous New Year!<br />
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<a href="http://s161.photobucket.com/albums/t215/hjcollins/?action=view&current=signature-1.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t215/hjcollins/signature-1.jpg" /></a>Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01830179596215153756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4472820774239062290.post-25453629588359503242012-12-25T16:42:00.009-06:002012-12-25T16:42:57.990-06:00Merry Christmas<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Merry Christmas! From, The Collins'</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I love getting emails from my step-grandma. Most of the time they are forwards but I know if she took the time to send them on to me they are gonna be good! Just the other day she sent a great one about keeping berries fresh longer.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I was a bit skeptical but tried it and I think it's a great idea. All you have to do it mix 1 part vinegar to 10 parts of water, put the berries in, swish them around a little bit then drain and you are done! I rinsed my strawberries very quickly and didn't notice any vinegar taste. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The vinegar kills any mold spores or bacteria that might be on your berries. I think mine just felt cleaner too. We have extra kids around here this week so I won't get to see how long they will last, but the email I received said berries have lasted up to 2 weeks!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Good luck, and happy berry eating!</span><br />
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<a href="http://s161.photobucket.com/albums/t215/hjcollins/?action=view&current=signature-1.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t215/hjcollins/signature-1.jpg" /></a>Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01830179596215153756noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4472820774239062290.post-24751628188468310082012-04-03T20:30:00.000-05:002012-04-03T20:31:17.504-05:00Spring Break 2012<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Just a little peak at what we've been doing here this week. My nephew and his girlfriend are staying with us until Thursday. (You'd never know she was here by the picture at the top. The boys have been playing a lot of video games!) </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The weather has been wonderful so we decided to go look for mushrooms tonight....still must be too early. Joey, Simon and I had a great time in the woods. Except for the snake we saw. Ek. Still gives me the heebie jeebies to think about it. Simon tried to tell me it was ok. It was just a "Gardner Snake" and that he was nice....but I wasn't buying it! In the woods we were in we came across an old barn that had collapsed and noticed a cool water pump. Joey (and Simon) pumped away and actually got water! Had a sip and it tasted just like well water. Even more amazing than that is that the pump came from Flint and Walling in Kendallville, Indiana...my last home was right down the road from that factory!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Little bit of ninja action, little bit of lego building, lots of sleeping in and just being lazy. Which if you ask me is the best way to spend Spring Break!</span></div>Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01830179596215153756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4472820774239062290.post-65163423469815510652012-02-12T14:53:00.001-06:002012-02-20T12:18:18.815-06:00I have very quickly became addicted to <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a>. If you have no idea what <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/" target="_blank">Pinterest </a>is just click on the work <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/" target="_blank">Pinterest </a>and be amazed. I have been debating on having a little get together once a month with some girl friends and we all try out our findings....but alas I am too busy through the week and often on weekends to manage something like that. So I thought I'd just share here some things I have tried and my recommendations. :)<br />
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<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">These were alright but took about a week to disappear... hence not wonderful. It took me a couple of times to get the peanut butter topping right, and the cupcakes were a little over cooked but overall they were ok. Probably wouldn't make them again though.</span></div>
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<a href="http://cookiesandcups.com/strawberry-2-ingredient-fudge/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkxYsZ9-62FvbicME1UE4oGTdhLAuOPO5cbAWTck8Apb0QXupjeWJqT-8wuq_jegI1qRm2ucpyYT4jrfF5HuIvnJTD1gssWE396l8YhN2EvmHFlO34mOpR2XQqCOlwskyrR0N6t39hdQPv/s320/DSC_0434.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #e06666; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Very easy to make. Tastes good...how can you not love a whole tub of frosting?? But still sitting in the fridge after about a week. I would make these again but only if I had someplace to take them. Our family must just not be ones for sweets.</span></div>
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<a href="http://craftandcreativity.com/blog/2011/10/04/kanelbullens-dag-cinnamon-bun-day/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5CmQRkyDtoJgfSg19qALHLHCiNwNwszRYl9Ef63nBjav78vgy8OZCKpr7fyuRAvThXs90-1uP4RQ8_QXNB3y-d3U3cPWZ2KhH5a4YjASL2HjvpJpMHHrL-u5OsagcrGEjYIk3ZjpCK_u6/s320/DSC_0435.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Very cute and perfect for Valentine's Day. I had to use my homemade recipe as we hadn't been to the store yet. A can/tube of store bought cinnamon rolls would have made this much easier. Just roll both ends in to make the shape of a heart and that's it. The boys loved 'em so I would definitely make them again.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If you click on any of the photos above it will take you to the instructions I followed to make each of these goodies. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I am going to be making Valentine's for Simon from an idea I also found on <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/" target="_blank">Pinterest </a>but the photos haven't came yet so hopefully they will be here tomorrow and I'll share those too. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Have you made anything from Pinterest finds?</span></div>
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<a href="http://s161.photobucket.com/albums/t215/hjcollins/?action=view&current=signature-1.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t215/hjcollins/signature-1.jpg" /></a>Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01830179596215153756noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4472820774239062290.post-67056641088181434892012-02-03T05:14:00.003-06:002012-02-03T05:16:54.546-06:00Friday Fill Ins<span style="background-color: white; color: #120217; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: left;">1. Go ahead, there's some </span><strong style="background-color: white; color: #120217; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: left;">_<u>more in the fridge</u>____</strong><span style="background-color: white; color: #120217; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: left;">.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #120217; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: left;">2. </span><strong style="background-color: white; color: #120217; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: left;">_<u>Just a minute</u>____</strong><span style="background-color: white; color: #120217; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: left;"> I'll get that soon!</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #120217; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: left;">3. Don't worry, </span><strong style="background-color: white; color: #120217; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: left;">_<u>it will all work out</u>____</strong><span style="background-color: white; color: #120217; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: left;">.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #120217; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: left;">4. </span><strong style="background-color: white; color: #120217; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: left;">_<u>No plans</u>____</strong><span style="background-color: white; color: #120217; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: left;"> for the day.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #120217; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: left;">5. Pretty much </span><strong style="background-color: white; color: #120217; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: left;">_<u>it's a mundane life</u>____</strong><span style="background-color: white; color: #120217; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: left;">.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #120217; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: left;">6. </span><strong style="background-color: white; color: #120217; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: left;">_<u>But that's fine</u>____</strong><span style="background-color: white; color: #120217; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: left;"> with me.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #120217; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: left;">7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to </span><strong style="background-color: white; color: #120217; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: left;">_<u>going to bed early</u>____</strong><span style="background-color: white; color: #120217; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: left;">, tomorrow my plans include </span><strong style="background-color: white; color: #120217; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: left;">_<u>laser tag for a friend's 10th birthday</u>____</strong><span style="background-color: white; color: #120217; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: left;"> and Sunday, I want to </span><strong style="background-color: white; color: #120217; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: left;">_<u>go to church and enjoy the Superbowl</u>____</strong><span style="background-color: white; color: #120217; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: left;">!</span>
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<a href="http://fridayfillins.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t130/GoofyGirlDesigns/FridayFillIn-Graphic2.gif" /></a> </div>
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<a href="http://s161.photobucket.com/albums/t215/hjcollins/?action=view&current=signature-1.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t215/hjcollins/signature-1.jpg" /></a>Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01830179596215153756noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4472820774239062290.post-41496438180467773272012-01-21T13:32:00.001-06:002012-01-21T19:41:58.443-06:00Movies...Movies...and more Movies....<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">One of the first things I fell in love with about my husband is that he loves movies. While we were dating, and still now, we go to a movie or rent movies whenever we can. We have been Netflix and Blockbuster members. We rent movies whenever we can. Sadly most of the local rental spots have gone out of business. We have cancelled our memberships at Netflix and Blockbuster. And now we are back renting at <a href="http://www.familyvideo.com/" target="_blank">Family Video</a> again. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Last night we rented several movies and got a Wii game for Simon. I always have a hard time finding a movie because I don't want to be the one to pick a bad one. The 2 I chose were both wonderful this time so I thought I'd share a little review, or just share a link to the trailers so you can decide on your own. So here they are....</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.sonyclassics.com/barneysversion/" target="_blank">Barney's Version</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Since this is a Canadian Film I guess that's why we had never heard of it. While browsing the $1 rentals (and that's for a Blu Ray!) I came across this. It was touching, funny, sad, and wonderful. A great movie that is a couple of years old. I'd give it 2 thumbs up!</span><br />
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<a href="http://www.sarahskey.com.au/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sarah's Key</span></a></div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/0AmxnNxiNWA?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">All I can say about this movie is wow! The <a href="http://thecollins7.blogspot.com/2011/08/book-review-sarahs-key-by-tatiana-de.html" target="_blank">book</a> was amazing! The movie was just as amazing. This is a part of history that I knew nothing of. WWII is something that I know little of, just the horrible times that Jews went through. I never knew it stretched into Paris and that the French Police were wrapped up in ridding their world of Jews. If you have read this book you should find a copy of the movie. If you haven't heard of either....you should get your hands on a copy of the book, then see the movie. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My husband missed out on this one. Since it is subtitled in the US he didn't want to "read" the movie. Only half of the movie or so is actually subtitled. Definitely worth it though! Another 2 thumbs up.<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vel'_d'Hiv_Roundup" target="_blank"> If you would like more information on the Vel' d'Hiv Roundup here is a like for the Wikipedia site</a>, but I'm sure Google will have more as well.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Nothing better than a little me time on a cold Saturday afternoon with a good movie. </span><br />
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<a href="http://s161.photobucket.com/albums/t215/hjcollins/?action=view&current=signature-1.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t215/hjcollins/signature-1.jpg" /></a>Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01830179596215153756noreply@blogger.com3Michigan, USA44.3148443 -85.602364341.406836799999994 -90.6560753 47.2228518 -80.548653300000012tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4472820774239062290.post-80301843580471068882012-01-17T12:23:00.002-06:002012-01-17T12:28:45.794-06:00A Picture (Almost) A Day<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7PII-DXuy55m6g4ZCgS2urtk-p13Z33DbBQa9kr-azT4lD7V39Qid3vAYV7MoCuaWRb2qwPPGuNdXcTD0JQ_5_-HRO-cqsiGaX4qI086ay8PXL-9HJ55G_rl5qxt2AhdztGg_U6gjS_x9/s1600/Simon.jpg"><br /><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7PII-DXuy55m6g4ZCgS2urtk-p13Z33DbBQa9kr-azT4lD7V39Qid3vAYV7MoCuaWRb2qwPPGuNdXcTD0JQ_5_-HRO-cqsiGaX4qI086ay8PXL-9HJ55G_rl5qxt2AhdztGg_U6gjS_x9/s320/Simon.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5698668473342289938" /></a><br /><div>One of the perks around here of being in 4-H is being able to go to a Women's Michigan State basketball game. Sunday was the big day. Alex, me and Simon went along with a friend of mine and her two boys. I drove the school bus to Lansing with about 45 other 4-H members, parents and friends. We stopped at Old Country Buffet on the way...had way too much food, then went and enjoyed the game. It was hard for us as this is not our "team" but you would have never known by the excitement in Simon's eyes. He had a great time. [Alex and I have been 3 times now so it's old news to him.] </div><div><br /></div><a href="http://s161.photobucket.com/albums/t215/hjcollins/?action=view&current=signature-1.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t215/hjcollins/signature-1.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a><div><br /></div>Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01830179596215153756noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4472820774239062290.post-70937605263120389482012-01-14T08:11:00.002-06:002012-01-14T08:16:53.144-06:00A Picture (Almost) A Day<div style="text-align: center;"><span >Our <span>lazy Saturday has started out with Zookeeper the movie, chips for breakfast eaten by Peter Pan, and begging dogs.</span></span></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwdPAyJWB_rPkLR08HohCH_yzCj2dhFohN0EEB0jM-XWD54rKVvlAtAZfcAQFy8nZqyx6xuueZWyKGAlKQY90RoeA2YmXNfV_ev0ZsDsg24EoJ3avpS8sjE2Q17L1hcqHJn8F4ViNfiLQ2/s1600/DSC_0020.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwdPAyJWB_rPkLR08HohCH_yzCj2dhFohN0EEB0jM-XWD54rKVvlAtAZfcAQFy8nZqyx6xuueZWyKGAlKQY90RoeA2YmXNfV_ev0ZsDsg24EoJ3avpS8sjE2Q17L1hcqHJn8F4ViNfiLQ2/s320/DSC_0020.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5697490487746140258" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span >It has been snowing here since Thursday afternoon at 4. Grand total is 7 inches in our back yard. This is how the drive and neighborhood looks this morning.</span></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTuOfAHjh1Q5ND9hzGsJhflmphh9RTA76zsYZ0_ppdkSqdj7nbKfrUUEmBK8I3fXbtpTeo8D5QiNugya-mSyxmnacHugK6WDOIk-pm9bEx1dTXQ6E6CLobdX93UeERdvclIeCs1sejApTl/s1600/DSC_0018.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTuOfAHjh1Q5ND9hzGsJhflmphh9RTA76zsYZ0_ppdkSqdj7nbKfrUUEmBK8I3fXbtpTeo8D5QiNugya-mSyxmnacHugK6WDOIk-pm9bEx1dTXQ6E6CLobdX93UeERdvclIeCs1sejApTl/s320/DSC_0018.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5697490483334879714" /></a><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><a href="http://s161.photobucket.com/albums/t215/hjcollins/?action=view&current=signature-1.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t215/hjcollins/signature-1.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a>Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01830179596215153756noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4472820774239062290.post-38537377851963818352012-01-08T09:26:00.009-06:002012-01-08T10:20:21.975-06:00Blogger is not a good ideabecause I always come across stuff I want to do. Even though I have several other things started and a family to keep up with I am going to do this.....<div><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;">A Lego Quilt out of all my scraps and stash. </div><div><br /></div><div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 199px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGPNRhvKrA9w61u8dXtMR1V-u2HWl4iecoxe-ZVdwIuODjKWiLjWQ1XyOiX_S6s5KnO68w8HgzTRnC6Nj37tkXbu3Bxkna2lnF8AhqtHjKcyiyY_Y2FdIoagP6GBvh34f_w8rK52MAdUAP/s200/Legos+top.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5695290608727593138" /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: center;">{But after clicking around I found I think I'll like doing it this way better with bigger pieces. Plus hopefully it'll get done quicker. Either way Simon says I need to do his Lego quilt right now!}</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrrs4yMu_wmiuiS6zkUZmIOBzRNQ_7g_1lE_cKE9uSY2R6RRamFAXh9HQmwxJYmzVtpZYQrfNZHFrbgWowbXmEu3qSPAUGrXBvGMDunEtC7rLyYw1CQa2SMltCHNla8rjIALwUrWp9YWEP/s200/026_1.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5695291193037631234" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 133px; " /></div><div><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;">Cute cross stitch Dessert of the Month </div><div style="text-align: center;">[I haven't cross stitched in a long time but think these <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kawaii">kawaii</a> guys are adorable! And @ $10 for a year full of patterns I think it's a good deal.]</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSbqVwiH1g6SvXg7ZaVB-6haKIkcDve5qsaplHqTAOQI5i-GSfI3r-MBF4WiWmkFQi-AL0wduAyYbEUV7TNz-RbkrTGnvp9CUpL8jTmlMF2R1jcgg_7Sf-w3bu2fO48lCEWHtPuD6puch4/s200/copy2-1325884301-january-champagne-truffle-digital-cover.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5695288237739569634" /><div><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;">A Photo A Day</div><div><br /><div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 148px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaudPGbHAckPsWKsGfIiAsThw_-ZK4-nqGJ_x1_nj15dzn2-GOyfgqc9jQWI4Vehm2YAVismo-LUfan1m6OzqcD4Fd-XZd3qo5eFaVfOnfxpRxl53dpSqzISHzj6FLsyvUGa-0PbV-dJkl/s200/photo+a+day.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5695286755952219618" /></div><div><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;">Just some healthy snacks to introduce</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSkPi5d5_KgUOftX7JVYGAxuTGero7iFHk_IoRpif5i9jnoA9O8Ojl9y-hxIGrAWYzfbWJF-zRHWgTyglvgZs7kHqR6DXBHo5DR4Eo3WwbsWiIZfdIzOehI5VcKWMvEgCVcytopoWl5j0n/s200/100+Healthy+Snack+Ideas.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5695287389282425650" /></div><div>All that mixed in with a self-diagnosed Sinus Infection and added Teacher Aid hours on Tuesdays and Thursdays at the school I'm sure I'll have plenty of time to get this accomplished. I actually work better under stress/pressure. These past few weeks just sitting around letting my rib heal has been killer on me. I'm ready to get doing something. </div><div><br /></div><div>Plus I am on the lookout for new dishes. I really like the way my aunt has a mix of china plates. I visited a few of the local antique shops yesterday and found a few plates and glasses I liked. Now I'm eager for garage sales and auctions! Can't wait to see what I can come across. Anything I feel is pretty, and that I like, I'm going to add to my collection. That's what my aunt does! She scours Goodwills and thrift shops, never spending more that a couple of bucks even for the prettiest of plates. I guess getting a good deal must be in my blood.</div><div><br /></div><div>Well I'm off to the bed. I really can't afford to be sick so I'm going to force myself to go rest...AGAIN! Book time, maybe a movie, and a nap. Have a great week wherever you may be.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://s161.photobucket.com/albums/t215/hjcollins/?action=view&current=signature-1.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t215/hjcollins/signature-1.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></div></div></div></div></div></div>Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01830179596215153756noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4472820774239062290.post-3970870875341649492012-01-04T17:47:00.008-06:002012-01-04T18:17:49.379-06:00Now it's time to diet...<div>We officially finished up our holiday season on Monday with a big ol' family gathering at my aunt's amazing home. </div><div><br /></div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOZwgkVVEg0L5ZM9VlrJWySd4GiTPfQ11Ga1fDMM-7AarYNuNSaFxyW8ZkpcGQhy4au4oEdtaSRhmO1nuQAhwXDXU8HHKYY-82s65zehQGDQNU0Y5KYXpG-hD_YIt2GidUT9djWvInfu4u/s200/DSC_0124.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5693929393525293154" style="float: left; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 134px; " /><div>My mom along with 3 of her 4 sisters were there, with 8 of 13 cousins, and lots of babies and more kids. And most importantly my grandpa and his wife. It was a great time. This was our 37th Annual [I think someone just pulled that number out of their behinds...we've never kept track before] Christmas gathering with our 1st Annual Soup Cook-Off. [My mom won! With her Chili recipe. There was some gooood soup! Over there she is with what she is dubbing as her secret recipe. She did later admit that there is no real recipe, just a little of this and a little of that.]</div><div><br /></div><div>I didn't take any soup as I had been visiting with with family for 2 days prior, but I did make yummy Peanut Butter Swirl Bars. I also did up cute little hot pads for</div><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLqW2auh4dkJaZjcX20suAnYTACGEVy2lo7daKmc4Z73E0xTgo4JMc84tbB7ZHn1rLM8ltg-XfBl6p_84r1oe2ntlNEMR8rLBHQyUM8cdpzX59Ha7kKG5ysQL7jaHhqrXTXb0iWs2moYo0/s200/DSC_0005+%25284%2529.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5693929815080149122" /><div>my aunts and mother with the recipe and a photo of my grandmother on them. The hot pads and bars were both a big hit.</div><div><br /></div><div>New Year's Eve we spent at my sister's. Had a good time with the kids all being together. Really wish her house was a little bigger so they could have ran around more. My niece was confused about what it meant for the "ball to drop". She kept asking if it was time for the ball to fall. We ate at Pizza Hut for dinner came home and made a little Cotton Candy, and played with the baby. </div><div><br /></div><div>Got up and headed to my aunt's house and spent the day there with her and my mom. Helped </div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2dSRWQfrh_yHpKj1AuS-HVJ00WrhFfXEoWvZpnTobaXIHT7-XiBBMaeUY3A6JgHZBdRgi7qM92LS2sgB4Ik5W_NEn2nc7Gt1TfN3nmXzJHpoNKGeAUJamtbjy9gB1nOpvFGT_QozbPojD/s200/DSC_0091+%25282%2529.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5693931192017151666" style="float: left; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; cursor: pointer; width: 134px; height: 200px; " /><div>get ready for the family Christmas and just had a good time. Her house is amazing and it always makes me want to come home and clean and change things up here. She had a huge collection of old dishes that are all so cute. Makes me want to hit up the Antique Malls and get some of my own. She has recently added a sun room for all of her plants and I loved it. Only thing I'd change is I would have a chair and little table for book time.</div><div><br /></div><div>Since I have such a wonderful photographer [my 13 year old son] I'll share more of our fun weekend. </div><div><br /></div><div>Hope everyone's New Year is off to a great start! After eating way too much over the past 2 weeks it's definitely time for me to get back to eating healthier.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Me any my baby boy. My New Year hug!</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcaG1loGlPhGM-nziLXA9IWTsR2Lb5BJBaiTet7t-i98DlshZub05rt1kHr5OwPGHzjzRHDNy5JKGcq2nvDTuBpyEAWjhAGdpalnUGL1ao-sWlJqVfAPJa_LIjAXY4nDc8Y2my3DWSNQ4H/s1600/DSC_0045+%25283%2529.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcaG1loGlPhGM-nziLXA9IWTsR2Lb5BJBaiTet7t-i98DlshZub05rt1kHr5OwPGHzjzRHDNy5JKGcq2nvDTuBpyEAWjhAGdpalnUGL1ao-sWlJqVfAPJa_LIjAXY4nDc8Y2my3DWSNQ4H/s200/DSC_0045+%25283%2529.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5693932779517387346" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Simon playing a card game at Aunt Sally's house.</div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrklBEVlz2zXq7tRk_9DriAo2KzQKkuHSHDpxc6txWutJ_aSKdsGwAWjxENR5FGLZIeSqkFksaqYCIc-u-ZjzuAQXiJjQec0H23kiQV1I8ijRTNiaSatU1LYQxwZVga-H-2Jghenq4_JzF/s1600/DSC_0102+%25282%2529.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 134px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrklBEVlz2zXq7tRk_9DriAo2KzQKkuHSHDpxc6txWutJ_aSKdsGwAWjxENR5FGLZIeSqkFksaqYCIc-u-ZjzuAQXiJjQec0H23kiQV1I8ijRTNiaSatU1LYQxwZVga-H-2Jghenq4_JzF/s200/DSC_0102+%25282%2529.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5693932771274124194" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Me on dish duty...check out the kitchen! I love it!</div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi47p-OGjBirKdHk3AL_htAI4asQIUKLGM6AD1Rv7m3pskqO8QAzxmeOSSMRfC5Udb-xN91hUnSIjcf8WWwnUvmhSzcLVMcZXwncrbPUV33Qy1g0HH51dv3gMtRRePadjVhX2yubnCU6XxZ/s1600/DSC_0113.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 134px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi47p-OGjBirKdHk3AL_htAI4asQIUKLGM6AD1Rv7m3pskqO8QAzxmeOSSMRfC5Udb-xN91hUnSIjcf8WWwnUvmhSzcLVMcZXwncrbPUV33Qy1g0HH51dv3gMtRRePadjVhX2yubnCU6XxZ/s200/DSC_0113.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5693932763689025858" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Mom playing for the grandkids.</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikXtfJ4OfhrhUF1QzJCSK0xdkfHtTOjQ0ymFj1BD_OHHA_9q6-vUpE_OLxQTloaVoBYuLpyC8t-QlY-GXBFg2s562ABctckX3p3SE_UwLTjV2AnvxcAVKyW2OTitn3PV6GiYJl5RfqE2mZ/s1600/DSC_0116.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikXtfJ4OfhrhUF1QzJCSK0xdkfHtTOjQ0ymFj1BD_OHHA_9q6-vUpE_OLxQTloaVoBYuLpyC8t-QlY-GXBFg2s562ABctckX3p3SE_UwLTjV2AnvxcAVKyW2OTitn3PV6GiYJl5RfqE2mZ/s200/DSC_0116.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5693932756816288706" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Aunt Sally</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnmMC7Mwy01rng9YJ1tjPBrMmIl_oeYWbO33gVeCzykUDLfhIMWs0sg2dvZdvGVHUGN0QrjEoPD0OQZ1u-4sbe6ZDE1UXhjcI1XauR4Dp3UW5ERz7QlRB6202GMAtKw3Ej-5VcwbDI0eQg/s1600/DSC_0110+%25282%2529.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 134px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnmMC7Mwy01rng9YJ1tjPBrMmIl_oeYWbO33gVeCzykUDLfhIMWs0sg2dvZdvGVHUGN0QrjEoPD0OQZ1u-4sbe6ZDE1UXhjcI1XauR4Dp3UW5ERz7QlRB6202GMAtKw3Ej-5VcwbDI0eQg/s200/DSC_0110+%25282%2529.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5693932754040401202" /></a><img src="http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t215/hjcollins/signature-1.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" />Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01830179596215153756noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4472820774239062290.post-30141168780961109422011-12-29T17:39:00.003-06:002011-12-29T18:00:05.542-06:00In December....<div>I always get sentimental about things.</div><div><span>I always feel that I have neglected my blog. </span></div><div><span>I always wish that during my Christmas break I would have done more than just sit around. </span></div><div><span>I always start to get eager for warmer weather.</span></div><div><span>I always spend way too much time on the computer and not enough time reading.</span></div><div><span><br /></span></div><div><span>This year is no different. </span></div><div><span><br /></span></div><div><span>My dad passed away in 1998 and he would have been 58 years old this past week. I felt very sentimental about it this year. Having 4 grandchildren now would have made him very happy. He would love 'em all. It's sad that these kids will never know their 'real' Grandpa.</span></div><div><span><br /></span></div><div><span>My last blog post was August 24th and it was just a book review. Nothing exciting about my life or the drama we have with 3 teenage daughters 1 teenage boy and a 5 year old. There were many days I felt that I should blog....but just didn't.</span></div><div><span><br /></span></div><div><span>December 12 Simon and I were racing up the basement stairs, I tried to keep from stepping on him at the top and fell back into the door frame thus fracturing a rib in my back. I am going to use this as my excuse for not getting anything done this Christmas break. I was unable to drive the bus the last 3 days before Christmas break started and I have been home since then. I'm starting to get cabin fever. I just want to do something away from this house and town. I did get some of the decorations down with Alex's help, but the tree and outside lights are still up.</span></div><div><span><br /></span></div><div><span>I can not wait for summer. I like winter until New Year's Day....then it needs to warm back up. Unfortunately we haven't gotten much snow here yet so I'm afraid it's going to hit us hard until spring. </span></div><div><span><br /></span></div><div><span>I don't know what it is about Facebook and their games but they are so addicting. I could play Frontierville all day and have several days this break. I did however get through 2 chapters of my current book today [One Mississippi by Mark Childress] {Love it BTW!}.</span></div><div><span><br /></span></div><div><span>So that's what I've been up to, or not up to. I did manage to sew a little the other day. Have been really enjoying my new HE washer and dryer. I always like to make 'goals' for the new year but feel like a failure when I don't accomplish them, so I'll just end with a see ya next time....no promises as to when that will be. :) [maybe tomorrow;)] </span></div><a href="http://s161.photobucket.com/albums/t215/hjcollins/?action=view&current=signature-1.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t215/hjcollins/signature-1.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a>Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01830179596215153756noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4472820774239062290.post-27219054983723867792011-12-29T17:31:00.001-06:002011-12-29T17:31:50.927-06:00<div><pre id="embed" style="font-size: 13px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); line-height: 21px; text-align: -webkit-auto; "><a href="http://www.wordle.net/show/wrdl/4616845/Happy_New_Year_2012" title="Wordle: Happy New Year 2012"><img src="http://www.wordle.net/thumb/wrdl/4616845/Happy_New_Year_2012" alt="Wordle: Happy New Year 2012" style="padding:4px;border:1px solid #ddd" /></a></pre></div><div><br /></div><a href="http://s161.photobucket.com/albums/t215/hjcollins/?action=view&current=signature-1.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t215/hjcollins/signature-1.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a>Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01830179596215153756noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4472820774239062290.post-28690878428749371992011-08-24T20:30:00.000-05:002011-08-24T20:31:05.655-05:00Book Review: Sarah's Key by Tatiana de Rosnay<div><div><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/3688715-sarah-s-key" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px"><img alt="Sarah's Key" border="0" src="http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1312232210m/3688715.jpg" /></a><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/3688715-sarah-s-key">Sarah's Key</a> by <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/305400.Tatiana_de_Rosnay">Tatiana de Rosnay</a><br /></div><div>My rating: <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/51478563">5 of 5 stars</a><br /><br /></div><div>This book is going to be added to my all time favorite books list. It was just wonderful. And I think everyone should read it! <br /><br />The first several chapters go back and forth between Sarah's life in July 1942, and Julia's present day life (2005). Sarah described the horrific events that happened in Paris, France in July 1942 on Germany's orders and are truly that...horrific. This is a part of WW2 that I was not aware of happening. French police gathered up Jews, mainly women and children as all the men were in hiding, and took them to a local sports arena called the Velodrome d'Hiver. Those captured were contained in unlivable conditions. Sitting and sleeping in their own filth. After several days men and women were sent to camps separate from each other and their children. Sarah and her family were Jews and were part of the horror that is the Vel d'Hiver Roundup. <br /><br />Julia and her family are dealing with struggles of their own and move into their grandmother's apartment in Paris. After being give the job of covering the anniversary of the Vel d'Hiver Roundup as a journalist Julia realizes that her life is closely intertwined with Sarah's.<br /><br />I wished that the back and forth writing would have gone on longer in the book. I enjoyed reading Sarah's story as much as I did Julia's.<br /><br />This book is wonderfully written, and researched. I felt as if I was truly reading from little Sarah's journal. This is a part of history that I was not aware of and am drawn to learn more. Below is a website I have came across for the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum. <br /><br /><a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="http://www.ushmm.org/wlc/en/article.php?ModuleId=10005453" title="http://www.ushmm.org/wlc/en/article.php?ModuleId=10005453">http://www.ushmm.org/wlc/en/article.php?...</a></div><div><br /><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/list/1308011-heather">View all my reviews</a></div></div><div>
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<br /></div><a href="http://s161.photobucket.com/albums/t215/hjcollins/?action=view&current=signature-1.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t215/hjcollins/signature-1.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a>Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01830179596215153756noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4472820774239062290.post-53054140697201915102011-08-19T11:00:00.001-05:002011-08-19T11:00:03.644-05:00Friday Fill-ins<div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><center style="color: rgb(18, 2, 23); "><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/fondofelves/6054087068/" title="FFI by fondofsnape, on Flickr" style="font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; color: rgb(220, 151, 1); background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; "><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6073/6054087068_e10af05647.jpg" width="500" height="329" alt="FFI" style="border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; display: block; " /></a></center>
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<br /><span class="Apple-style-span">And...here we go! </span>
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<br /><span class="Apple-style-span">1. It's fun to </span><strong><span class="Apple-style-span">_</span><span class="Apple-style-span">go for a walk with my family to the playground</span><span class="Apple-style-span">____</span></strong><span class="Apple-style-span">. </span>
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<br /><span class="Apple-style-span">2. </span><strong style="color: rgb(18, 2, 23); ">_</strong><strong><span class="Apple-style-span">A hot dog for Simon</span></strong><strong style="color: rgb(18, 2, 23); ">____</strong><span class="Apple-style-span"> is easy to make. </span>
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<br /><span class="Apple-style-span">3. I like to be </span><strong style="color: rgb(18, 2, 23); ">_</strong><strong><span class="Apple-style-span">left alone at times</span></strong><strong style="color: rgb(18, 2, 23); ">____</strong><span class="Apple-style-span">. </span>
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<br /><span class="Apple-style-span">4. </span><strong style="color: rgb(18, 2, 23); ">_</strong><strong><span class="Apple-style-span">Why they are so disrespectful</span></strong><strong style="color: rgb(18, 2, 23); ">____</strong><span class="Apple-style-span"> I will never know! </span>
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<br /><span class="Apple-style-span">5. Something I'm very much excited about </span><strong style="color: rgb(18, 2, 23); ">_</strong><strong><span class="Apple-style-span">is this beautiful weather</span></strong><strong style="color: rgb(18, 2, 23); ">____</strong><span class="Apple-style-span">. </span>
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<br /><span class="Apple-style-span">6. </span><strong style="color: rgb(18, 2, 23); ">_</strong><strong><span class="Apple-style-span">The time spent last weekend at garage sales with my sister</span></strong><strong style="color: rgb(18, 2, 23); ">____</strong><span class="Apple-style-span"> was well worth it. </span>
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<br /><span class="Apple-style-span">7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to </span><strong style="color: rgb(18, 2, 23); ">_</strong><strong><span class="Apple-style-span">seeing a movie with Joey</span></strong><strong style="color: rgb(18, 2, 23); ">____</strong><span class="Apple-style-span">, tomorrow my plans include </span><strong style="color: rgb(18, 2, 23); ">_</strong><strong><span class="Apple-style-span">my part-time job and Sweet Corn Days</span></strong><strong style="color: rgb(18, 2, 23); ">____</strong><span class="Apple-style-span"> and Sunday, I want to </span><strong style="color: rgb(18, 2, 23); ">_</strong><strong><span class="Apple-style-span">finish up some of my quilting projects</span></strong><strong style="color: rgb(18, 2, 23); ">____</strong><span class="Apple-style-span">!</span></span></div><div>
<br /></div><a href="http://s161.photobucket.com/albums/t215/hjcollins/?action=view&current=signature-1.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t215/hjcollins/signature-1.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a>Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01830179596215153756noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4472820774239062290.post-38612719633710311072011-08-18T20:41:00.010-05:002011-08-18T21:13:00.040-05:00A Healthier Family<div>I love food. In high school I could eat whatever I wanted, and however much of it I wanted, and people still said I was too skinny. Not so much anymore. </div><div>
<br /></div><div>But....most importantly food is slowly harming me. I'm over weight, out of shape, tired all the time and just feel blah. A few weeks back I went to visit our family doctor for a physical. It had been since 2007 that I had last been to see her. </div><div>
<br /></div><div>After having a blood analysis we found out that my cholesterol is very high. My LDL (bad cholesterol) is high, my HDL (good cholesterol) is okay. I have improved somewhat, sheerly by luck, in the past 4 years but not enough. If I was 55 I would be on a statin no questions asked. But I'm not 55. I'm still young. So I have until January to get my <s>ass</s> act in gear.</div><div>
<br /></div><div>So my family has gone on a diet with me. Not so much a diet as a health kick. Lots of veggies. Lots of fruits. Lots of water. No pop (except for dad...gotta have his Mt Dew). Less sugar.I've done pretty well. I've made up a little calorie tracker. We walk more, either to the playground or into town to run errands. So I'm getting there. <div>
<br /></div><div>But then nights like tonight, I just get the munchies. I try to reach for an apple or banana to help satisfy my sweet tooth, but sometimes it's just not enough. I've got to fix that. </div><div>
<br /></div><div>While we were planning our menu for the trip to the grocery store this past weekend Joey came across a website for <a href="http://www.momswhothink.com/">Moms Who Think</a>... definitely he was thinking of me when he was </div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsbICge698zliRRCZQf8uJ4nPItU-QlJtvotgnN8wzsVqMJnnZF9Y4O4AhJHEJ3TXVm1kwiVmVCOwQ-CJXD_A72FNqIrGg90s9A40UGxNUhFKBeimMarbqX8Dib5M-nubDC06ht0OTvuGS/s320/102_9174.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5642376278379721922" style="float: left; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /><div>googling....but they have week's worth of healthy recipes. And they are easy to make. Tonight we had Alex's choice, <a href="http://www.momswhothink.com/healthy-recipes/healthy-dinner-recipes-week-five.html">Sweet and Sour Chicken, Steamed Broccoli and White Rice.</a> We all picked out a recipe we thought sounded good, and have had 2 of them so far this week. And they have all been good. And easy!<div><div>
<br /></div><div>Simon gagged at the thought of eating all the veggies so he ended up with a hot dog, but he has been trying new things along the way too. And he asks for milk or water to drink. </div><div>
<br /></div><div>So as I journey through this quest to lower my cholesterol I'm sure I'll be posting more about our meals and "fun" things I can come up with for exercise. It really is amazing how much junk we were putting in our bodies. Not anymore. We are a healthier family now.</div><div>
<br /><a href="http://s161.photobucket.com/albums/t215/hjcollins/?action=view&current=signature-1.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t215/hjcollins/signature-1.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></div></div></div></div>Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01830179596215153756noreply@blogger.com2