tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-44508585751092176982024-03-05T04:22:01.101-08:00Wannabe Balanced Mom 2012Crystal Escobarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15477802676099792677noreply@blogger.comBlogger57125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4450858575109217698.post-4523609341357632332013-03-15T15:17:00.001-07:002013-03-15T15:17:19.952-07:00Christmas FunHey everyone, I've got a lot of catching up to do and a bunch of fun things I wanted to share. This time of year sure seems crazy busy don't you think.? I love it though. This year I'm not doing a lot of running around like I normally do, but I still feel just as busy at home with all the new Christmas traditions I've taken on :). Just trying to create fun memories for the kids. I've been doing a ton of online shopping, so that has helped. I just love Amazon Prime. Can't beat free 2 day shipping. I use it almost daily, which is fun, because that means I get a package at my door step daily. It's like Christmas every afternoon :). I pretty much buy all of my school and craft supplies from them. Sure saves me a lot of time.
So anyway I wanted to share a few pictures from our Thanksgiving week before I start into our Christmas fun.
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<a href="http://www.wannabebalanced.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/family.jpg"><img alt="" class="aligncenter wp-image-2500" height="614" src="http://www.wannabebalanced.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/family-682x1024.jpg" title="family" width="409" /></a></div>
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We tried to get a few family pictures in. Sure isn't easy getting a perfect shot. There's always someone thats doing something funny. So I take what I can get :).</div>
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<a href="http://www.wannabebalanced.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/486186_10151196667093143_1539032558_n.jpg"><img alt="" class="aligncenter wp-image-2502" height="391" src="http://www.wannabebalanced.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/486186_10151196667093143_1539032558_n.jpg" title="486186_10151196667093143_1539032558_n" width="576" /></a></div>
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Here's a little Thanksgiving snack we made.</div>
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We even made pies...</div>
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Play doh pies that is.</div>
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Look at Oliver, haha. He's in one of his moods. The one where he just cries about EVERYTHING. I love how Brooklyn's looking at him in this picture, like, <i>what's wrong?</i></div>
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They set up a tea party and pretended to eat their pies.</div>
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Brooklyn had her birthday last week. We got her this fun baby roller coaster and took her to Planet Play.</div>
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Here is a short video I put together for her. It's the highlights of her first year with some music. Just love this girl. Can't believe she's already one.</div>
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I made the kids green and red jello with Aurthor Christmas toys inside. I let them dig into it and just play. And let me tell you, they LOVE to get messy. Man, I wish I was more patient. I know kids need to get dirty and make messes. I like to let them do it, but you should see me. I turn into a mad women. I try to hide it of course but don't always succeed. I find myself apologizing a lot at bed time.
<a href="http://www.wannabebalanced.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/IMG_6990.jpg"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-2508" height="384" src="http://www.wannabebalanced.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/IMG_6990.jpg" title="IMG_6990" width="576" /></a>
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I also told them we could make sugar cookies from scratch. Then I was reminded why I usually buy the dough pre made from the store and just let them decorate. Wow, that was quite the mess. And I didn't yell once!
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Well, maybe a little... okay, I yelled a bunch, oops :). Word of advice to all you moms. The store bought dough is totally worth buying.</div>
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We let the kids sleep next to the Christmas tree one night. It actually turned into 3 nights. Somehow the kids kept talking us into it.</div>
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<a href="http://www.wannabebalanced.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/Image.jpg"><img alt="" class="aligncenter wp-image-2512" height="614" src="http://www.wannabebalanced.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/Image-1024x1024.jpg" title="Image" width="614" /></a></div>
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We started the Elf on the shelf tradition. The kids are LOVING it!!! So much fun!</div>
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I saw this idea on Pinterest. You wrap up 25 different Christmas books and let the kids open one each night until Christmas. Half of them are ones we already had, the other half are from the library and I bought a few new ones. I didn't realize how much of a hit this would be. Lily is begging me each day if she can open one of them. She already knows they are books and she knows which ones they are too because she was the one that picked them out at the library. She even watched me wrap some of them. I ought to figure out another way I can use this idea. Maybe I should wrap up her school work each day... hmmm, now that's an idea.</div>
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<a href="http://www.wannabebalanced.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/148216_10151216024408143_810559551_n-1.jpg"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-2521" height="612" src="http://www.wannabebalanced.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/148216_10151216024408143_810559551_n-1.jpg" title="148216_10151216024408143_810559551_n-1" width="612" /></a>We made Christmas trees using sugar cones and green frosting (green food coloring in white frosting).</div>
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And last but not least. Today we gathered up all of our old rock hard Halloween candy and decided to make art. I just took some store bought frosting and added some corn starch to it to make it more like glue. The kids thought it was great and I solved my pantry mess problem :).</div>
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I also wanted to share this picture with you. I posted it a while ago on Facebook but I just LOVE it!</div>
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So there you have it. Our last 2 weeks in a nut shell. How about you guys? What kinds of traditions do you do? I'd love to hear about them. Hope you're all having a wonderful Holiday season. Don't forget to slow down a little and enjoy these moments every day. <i>I'm telling this to myself too :).</i></div>
Crystal Escobarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15477802676099792677noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4450858575109217698.post-20873851879851659612013-03-15T15:15:00.002-07:002013-03-15T15:15:41.669-07:00Pinterest FailAw, the joys of Pinterest.
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Gorgeous right?
Here's how mine turned out...
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Not quite.
<a href="http://www.wannabebalanced.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/3037246032_57367a6505.jpg"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-2480" height="333" src="http://www.wannabebalanced.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/3037246032_57367a6505.jpg" title="3037246032_57367a6505" width="500" /></a>
So I found these amazing looking Turkey cake pops on there the other day and I thought I'd give it a try.
Here's how mine turned out...
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<a href="http://www.wannabebalanced.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/417096_10151185315008143_2049593434_n.jpg"><img alt="" class="aligncenter wp-image-2481" height="634" src="http://www.wannabebalanced.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/417096_10151185315008143_2049593434_n.jpg" title="417096_10151185315008143_2049593434_n" width="475" /></a></div>
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Somewhat similar right???</div>
Crystal Escobarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15477802676099792677noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4450858575109217698.post-73489040891271720872013-03-15T15:14:00.002-07:002013-03-15T15:14:59.238-07:00Pilgrims and IndiansLast week as part of our homeschool we had a little history lesson on Thanksgiving and set up a whole scene. It was fun seeing them act out the story using our little set.
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Here is a list below of all the items we used to make this.
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<ul>
<li>Toilet paper rolls</li>
<li>Printouts from <a href="http://www.makinglearningfun.com/themepages/ThanksgivingPeopleToiletPaperTubePuppets.htm">Making Learning Fun</a></li>
<li>Rocks and sticks we collected from outside</li>
<li>Brown spray paint</li>
<li>Green brown and blue felt</li>
<li>Cardboard from a cereal box</li>
<li>White card stock paper</li>
<li>Small milk carton cut in half</li>
<li>Cake pop stick (for the Mayflower sales), I'm sure a straw would work just fine too</li>
<li>Hot glue gun</li>
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For the Teepee I just used some cereal box cardboard, rolled it into a cone, stapled it together, then spray painted it with this really cool texture paint we found Home depot a while ago. Then I hot glued some twigs to the top.
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I just threw in some sparkly pip cleaners and what ever else I could find that shimmered a little :).
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Crystal Escobarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15477802676099792677noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4450858575109217698.post-75371780774453359622013-03-15T15:07:00.001-07:002013-03-15T15:07:06.068-07:00 Choices<a href="http://www.wannabebalanced.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/FE_PR_121010_crossroads425x283.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-2468" title="FE_PR_121010_crossroads425x283" src="http://www.wannabebalanced.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/FE_PR_121010_crossroads425x283.jpg" alt="" width="425" height="283" /></a>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.usnews.com/news/blogs/at-the-edge/2012/10/11/why-making-choices-seems-like-hard-work">Google images</a></p>
We are faced with choices almost constantly. From what we choose to eat for breakfast to how we choose to spend our time each day. I believe the most important choice we can make is how we choose to react in each circumstance we are dealt, whether good or bad. Because even the bad can be good. Things will
go wrong in life, but we have to learn to respond positively and look for the good in every situation.
With our recent election, some may be happy with the results and some may be pretty upset. Either way, what's done is done. Now all we can do is hope for the best and try to see the good in the outcome. Everything happens for a reason and God knows whats best, so we can find comfort in that and trust in Him.
Now aside from the election. I'm also talking about even the tiniest and seemingly insignificant things. One bad choice can create a negative snowball effect. I've learned after many years of trial and error, we DO choose our lives. We can't sit around in our pity parties. We CAN change our situation. Sometimes it's just a matter of changing our attitudes, or choosing to do something about it.
Are you happy with your life?
We truly create our own realities. We have the ability to change things. Make our lives better. We CHOOSE it. This is something I didn't really believe for a long time. I thought that things were happening TO me, and that I had no control over my happiness. Little did I know I could make my life anything I wanted it to be. We can't change people <em>unfortunately :), </em>but we can choose not to allow them to steal our joy.
As many of you may know, I am a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. I grew up in the church but of course there always comes a time when you have to ask yourself, <em>Do I really believe what I've been taught?</em> I think deep down I always believed, but I turned away from it for a few years. Probably because I felt guilty about the choices I was making. The further I was from the church the less guilty I felt. But also the more unhappy I became. My life wasn't turning out the way I had always hoped it would. I had dreams of marrying a trustworthy guy. Someone who loved and served God. I envisioned raising a family and teaching them good values. I wanted SUCCESS. Financial success. Success in marriage, in child rearing, in becoming who I was destined to be. I didn't want to settle for mediocrity.
I remember feeling like all was lost and that my life was just going to continue down this road and my dreams would never become a reality. After many years of not speaking to God I decided to simply ask him to help me. I was afraid to ask him for anything because I didn't feel worthy. When I finally began praying to him again I felt his love and forgiveness. He made me realize the most amazing thing...
I had the CHOICE!
I could choose any kind of life I wanted. As soon as I believed this, I knew that I needed to make some changes, starting with the relationship I was in. I knew it wasn't right for me so I ended it. Then took the long hard road to a better life. Because even though we have the choice, it's not always easy. Anything of value comes with a price.
I knew that I needed to BECOME the kind of person I wanted to marry. So I spent a few years working on being that person. I always wanted to marry a returned missionary, so what did I do? I became a returned missionary :). Serving my mission in Germany was probably the best choice I ever made, <em>besides choosing to marry my husband of course.</em>
<em></em>So what I'm trying to say here is, I learned that my choices were what created my life now. I don't believe in luck. I believe that making good choices, allows Gods hand into our lives. He allows us to learn from the choices we make, but promises happiness from making GOOD ones.
Crystal Escobarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15477802676099792677noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4450858575109217698.post-37381311752664360002013-03-15T15:05:00.002-07:002013-03-15T15:05:45.616-07:00San Diego ~Part Two (Sea World)Here is part two of our San Diego trip. We spent one of our days at my favorite theme park, Sea World!!!
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We brought our little helper <a href="http://www.wannabebalanced.com/index.php?s=andrea&x=0&y=0">Andrea</a> with us on this trip. I thought this was our best trip EVER and I think it had a lot to do with having Andrea there to help us with the kids. Theme parks weren't as stressful, Sean and I got to go on lots of runs and bike rides on the beach because we had Andrea there to babysit. We got to go out on little mini dates here and there. She helped me do school with the kids, <i>another benefit of <a href="http://www.wannabebalanced.com/life-of-a-wanna-be/why-i-chose-to-homeschool/why-i-chose-to-homeschool.html">homeschooling</a>, you can do it ANYWHERE, even on vacation :). </i>It was also nice because she could be our photographer, I didn't have to worry too much about capturing the moments with my camera because she was there to do it for us. So basically we got the best of both worlds. We got to have our kids with us, yet Sean and I still got to have some alone time. Best way to vacation I tell ya.
The kids learned all kinds of new things at Sea World. They learned about habitats, all different kinds of sea animals, what they eat and how they live. What better way to learn these things than to see it up close and personal.
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Crystal Escobarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15477802676099792677noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4450858575109217698.post-66885576875322707862013-02-13T07:28:00.002-08:002013-02-13T07:28:27.237-08:00Pasta SculptorThe other day we tried to get creative with pasta. With a bunch of different kinds of pasta, hot glue gun, and paint, this is what we created.
<a href="http://www.wannabebalanced.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/IMG_5829.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-2418" title="IMG_5829" src="http://www.wannabebalanced.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/IMG_5829.jpg" alt="" width="576" height="384" /></a>
<a href="http://www.wannabebalanced.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/IMG_5817.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-2419" title="IMG_5817" src="http://www.wannabebalanced.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/IMG_5817.jpg" alt="" width="576" height="384" /></a>
<a href="http://www.wannabebalanced.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/IMG_5820.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-2420" title="IMG_5820" src="http://www.wannabebalanced.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/IMG_5820.jpg" alt="" width="576" height="384" /></a>
<a href="http://www.wannabebalanced.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/IMG_5822.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-2421" title="IMG_5822" src="http://www.wannabebalanced.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/IMG_5822.jpg" alt="" width="576" height="384" /></a>
<a href="http://www.wannabebalanced.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/IMG_5841.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-2422" title="IMG_5841" src="http://www.wannabebalanced.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/IMG_5841.jpg" alt="" width="576" height="384" /></a>
<a href="http://www.wannabebalanced.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/IMG_5843.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-2423" title="IMG_5843" src="http://www.wannabebalanced.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/IMG_5843.jpg" alt="" width="576" height="384" /></a>Crystal Escobarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15477802676099792677noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4450858575109217698.post-74354853732198753862013-02-13T07:27:00.002-08:002013-02-13T07:27:45.297-08:00I Thought I was Pregnant...<a href="http://www.wannabebalanced.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/ellen-page-taking-a-pregnancy-test-in-juno.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-2414" title="ellen-page-taking-a-pregnancy-test-in-juno" src="http://www.wannabebalanced.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/ellen-page-taking-a-pregnancy-test-in-juno.jpg" alt="" width="320" height="177" /></a>
This is a little story about the time I thought I was pregnant...
It took place LAST WEEK!
Can you imagine!!! Brooklyn is not even a year old yet and I feel it was just yesterday I was waddling around with little Brooklyn inside me. I need WAY more time between pregnancies. Love the baby part, but oh boy, I do NOT like being pregnant.
I'm still nursing and still haven't gotten my period <em>thank goodness. </em>I was just having weird hormonal things happening to me, cramping, break outs, my hair felt different, I gained a couple pounds, I was emotional, and tired. And I have a little confession to make...
I'm not on birth control and I've never been on birth control. I know what you're thinking... WHAT!!! Who in their right mind would do such a thing? Well, I have my reasons, one being I'm just plain afraid of it. I guess I'm more afraid of birth control side effects than I am of having unplanned pregnancies. So far our method has worked. Keep your fingers crossed that it continues to work :).
So anyway, I took pregnancy test after pregnancy test. Seriously, I was obsessing over it. There were a couple of tests where I swore I saw a line. Sean insisted there was no line. So I continued to take the tests. Finally after taking a half dozen tests I have peace of mind. I'm NOT pregnant.
Although there would be a certain level of excitement if I WAS pregnant, now is definitely not the right time.
Oh and for any of you who may be trying to conceive and have spent a ton of money on pregnancy tests, I have a recommendation for you. After taking multiple trips to the store, spending a small fortune on sticks to pee on, I decided to do a little research. After reading a bunch of positive reviews, I found a <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Step-Pregnancy-Strip-Formosa-Medical/dp/B003APW8XY/ref=sr_1_8?ie=UTF8&qid=1350792717&sr=8-8&keywords=pregnancy+test">pack of 2o tests for only $7 on Amazon. </a>Here's what they look like.
<a href="http://www.wannabebalanced.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/41pkdenl6mL._SL500_AA300_.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-2415" title="41pkdenl6mL._SL500_AA300_" src="http://www.wannabebalanced.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/41pkdenl6mL._SL500_AA300_.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="300" /></a>Crystal Escobarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15477802676099792677noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4450858575109217698.post-48286429990634797092013-02-13T07:26:00.004-08:002013-02-13T07:26:48.237-08:00San Diego Trip Part 1<a href="http://www.wannabebalanced.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/IMG_5952.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-2396" title="IMG_5952" src="http://www.wannabebalanced.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/IMG_5952.jpg" alt="" width="576" height="384" /></a>
We recently got back from a 10 day trip to San Diego and I tell yah, it was absolutely AMAZING! We've never spent much time in San Diego, I don't know why. We try to take a nice trip once a year and in the past we've mostly done Cruises. I always thought that cruising was the way to go when you have small children. I've totally changed my mind. <a href="http://www.wannabebalanced.com/index.php?s=cruise&x=0&y=0">Our last trip</a> we flew to Florida for a Caribbean Cruise on SouthWest which is something I do NOT recommend, especially if you have kids with you. You'll have at least 2 lay overs, which makes things very stressful with long flights, ugh! Talk about a pain in the...
So anyway, by the time we got home from that trip, I felt like I needed a vacation from vacation. I was completely wiped out and felt like it was more work than it was worth. So this year we decided to forgo the airplane and take a nice long road trip to sunny California. I was dreading the drive a little, but thankfully we were able to stop in St. George and stay at our house there for a few days before making the rest of the drive. It takes 4 hours to get to St. George, then another 6 1/2 to 7 to get to San Diego. I had it all planned out though. I made up a fun schedule to follow to make the time go by faster. For example, we started by watching a movie (I was sure to get a new one specifically for the trip), then we read books for 30 minutes, played games for 30 minutes (I found some fun road trip games online using good ol' google), colored pictures for 30 minutes, played ipad games for 30 minutes, did school work for 30 minutes, ect, then we'd repeat the whole thing until the drive was over. I made everyone fun little snack packs full of healthy foods and a few treats. I made little binders for Oliver and Lily with lots of different printouts, like a map of Utah and California, bingo, word searches, coloring pages of the Utah and California state flags, birds, flowers, ect. I tried to throw in educational information to share with them about each state. I also got a bunch of dollar toys and gave them one about every hour or so. They loved that.
We rented a beach house on Mission Bay which is right across the street to Mission Beach. Everything about this location was absolutely perfect. Here's a picture of the house we stayed in.
<a href="http://www.wannabebalanced.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/IMG_5944.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-2395" title="IMG_5944" src="http://www.wannabebalanced.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/IMG_5944.jpg" alt="" width="576" height="384" /></a>
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We stayed in the bottom level of this place. Loved that we are literally ON the beach. Made going to the beach with kids a lot less stressful. Usually you have to haul all kinds of stuff, taking multiple trips to and from the car just to get set up. Then of course there's always something you forget to bring, like the sun screen, extra clothes, drinks, you name it. So it was nice, because if we forgot something, just head right back into the house to get it.
I also loved being on the bay side since we still have small children and the waves can be a little daunting to them. They got to play in the water without the constant worry that the waves would carry them out to sea :). We still got to play in the waves, just walk across the street and we were there. Just perfect!
Oh and another nice thing about being right on the beach is that Brooklyn could still take her naps. I was sure to bring the video monitor so that we could play outside but I was still able to listen for her when she woke up.
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We did a little paddle boarding.
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Sean's parents came with us on the trip. Don't you just love this picture of Brooklyn with her grandma. So cute!
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The first night we were there, Lily and I walked across the street to the ocean, played around and took a bunch of pictures until sunset.
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Collected sea shells...
<a href="http://www.wannabebalanced.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/IMG_6005.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-2405" title="IMG_6005" src="http://www.wannabebalanced.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/IMG_6005.jpg" alt="" width="576" height="384" /></a>
Examined the sea weed...
<a href="http://www.wannabebalanced.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/IMG_6031.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-2406" title="IMG_6031" src="http://www.wannabebalanced.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/IMG_6031.jpg" alt="" width="576" height="384" /></a>
Watched the surfers and boogie boarders...
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And made huge discoveries...
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Then we walked back over to the bay to do some more treasure hunting...
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I sure love spending time with this girl.
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To be continued...Crystal Escobarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15477802676099792677noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4450858575109217698.post-52951468260481698852013-02-13T07:26:00.001-08:002013-02-13T07:26:05.742-08:00Halloween Birthday PartySeriously can't believe Lily is "7" now. I'm WAY too young to have a "7" year old.
We just had Lily's party this weekend and it sure was a lot of fun.
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.wannabebalanced.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/lilys-party.jpg"><img class="aligncenter wp-image-2380" title="lily's party" src="http://www.wannabebalanced.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/lilys-party.jpg" alt="" width="559" height="419" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align: left;">I just love Halloween, so I always get so excited about planning Lily's party, what a great time of year to have a party right?</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Lily helped me plan and make everything this year, which made it a lot more fun.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.wannabebalanced.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/IMG_6669.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-2381" title="IMG_6669" src="http://www.wannabebalanced.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/IMG_6669.jpg" alt="" width="576" height="384" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align: left;">We started out by making our jello brain platter. We found a brain mold at the grocery store, then just bought 2 boxes of black cherry jello and added one packet of just plain gelatin. We needed to make sure it was good and firm and wouldn't fall apart when removing it from the mold. Also, I sprayed some cooking spray in the mold before adding the jello mix. It worked perfectly. the brain didn't fall apart and it came right out of the mold. I was so proud that I didn't screw it up :).</p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.wannabebalanced.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/IMG_6647.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-2382" title="IMG_6647" src="http://www.wannabebalanced.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/IMG_6647.jpg" alt="" width="576" height="384" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Then we made a graveyard cake. I saw a picture of one on Pinterest, but I think it originally came from the Family Fun magazine. This was such an easy cake to make and saved me about $20 too :). We just used a box mix, then added the frosting after it cooled. Then we used pretzels for the fence, short bread cookies for the tombstones, gel frosting for the letters and oreos for the dirt. I removed the white frosting from the oreos before crushing them.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.wannabebalanced.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/IMG_6666.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-2383" title="IMG_6666" src="http://www.wannabebalanced.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/IMG_6666.jpg" alt="" width="576" height="384" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Then we made a plate full of bones. These treats are so yummy and SO addicting. Just stick some mini marshmallows on the ends of pretzels, then dip in white chocolate. YUM!</p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.wannabebalanced.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/IMG_6677.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-2384" title="IMG_6677" src="http://www.wannabebalanced.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/IMG_6677.jpg" alt="" width="576" height="384" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Then we made some hot dog mummies. Just wrapped some hot dogs in croissant dough and baked at 350% until golden. Afterwards I added mustard for the eyes and served with "blood" (ketchup) for dipping. They were a hit! I saw this on Pinterest too. Don't know exactly where the idea originated, probably from the Family Fun magazine again. Love their website too.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.wannabebalanced.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/IMG_6652.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-2385" title="IMG_6652" src="http://www.wannabebalanced.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/IMG_6652.jpg" alt="" width="576" height="864" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Then we got Lily all decked out in her costume. She wanted to be a vampire. I found these vampire teeth at the grocery store. They were meant for adult teeth so they didn't last very long. Just long enough to snap a picture. But they look awesome don't you think? The make up was done using a stencil kit I found in the Halloween section at the store.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.wannabebalanced.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/IMG_6656.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-2386" title="IMG_6656" src="http://www.wannabebalanced.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/IMG_6656.jpg" alt="" width="576" height="876" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.wannabebalanced.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/IMG_6662.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-2387" title="IMG_6662" src="http://www.wannabebalanced.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/IMG_6662.jpg" alt="" width="576" height="384" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align: left;">We decorated the table. We also made some witches brew with dry ice, but I didn't get a picture of that.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.wannabebalanced.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/IMG_6673.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-2388" title="IMG_6673" src="http://www.wannabebalanced.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/IMG_6673.jpg" alt="" width="576" height="384" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Then all the friends came.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.wannabebalanced.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/IMG_6681.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-2389" title="IMG_6681" src="http://www.wannabebalanced.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/IMG_6681.jpg" alt="" width="576" height="384" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.wannabebalanced.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/IMG_6685.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-2390" title="IMG_6685" src="http://www.wannabebalanced.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/IMG_6685.jpg" alt="" width="576" height="384" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.wannabebalanced.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/IMG_6692.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-2391" title="IMG_6692" src="http://www.wannabebalanced.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/IMG_6692.jpg" alt="" width="576" height="384" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align: left;">After we had dinner and cake we painted pumkins, played hide and go seek in the dark using glow sticks, then watched the Shreck Spooky Tales. It was awesome!</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Happy Birthday my sweet Lily Rae!!!</p>Crystal Escobarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15477802676099792677noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4450858575109217698.post-2254941870166932102013-02-13T07:25:00.001-08:002013-02-13T07:25:23.327-08:00Fish GutsI meant to blog about this a while ago. I'm working on my yearly family photo album (I use blurb.com to print off all my family albums) and realized I've left out quite a few events. When I first started this blog it was mainly a place for me to share information, tips, and ideas, but I've decided there's no harm in sharing our family outings and activities, right? Hope you still find it interesting.
So anyway, we tried out fishing with the kids for the first time this year. We found this great man made place to fish which I think is perfect for young kids. They get VERY impatient I've learned. We went to two different spots, the first one we didn't catch anything and the kids were going crazy, saying, <i>when are we going to catch a fish, </i>about every two minutes.
The second place we found pretty much guaranteed a catch immediately. It was AWESOME!!!
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<a href="http://www.wannabebalanced.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/IMG_4469.jpg"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-2373" height="384" src="http://www.wannabebalanced.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/IMG_4469.jpg" title="IMG_4469" width="576" /></a></div>
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We caught 2 then brought them home and actually cooked them up. Lily was surprisingly really excited about gutting the fish, lol. Look at this girl. She's loving every minute of it, which of course makes her dad VERY proud.</div>
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<a href="http://www.wannabebalanced.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/IMG_4472.jpg"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-2374" height="384" src="http://www.wannabebalanced.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/IMG_4472.jpg" title="IMG_4472" width="576" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.wannabebalanced.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/IMG_4473.jpg"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-2375" height="384" src="http://www.wannabebalanced.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/IMG_4473.jpg" title="IMG_4473" width="576" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.wannabebalanced.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/IMG_4471.jpg"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-2376" height="384" src="http://www.wannabebalanced.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/IMG_4471.jpg" title="IMG_4471" width="576" /></a></div>
Crystal Escobarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15477802676099792677noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4450858575109217698.post-16069529103322071252013-02-13T07:24:00.002-08:002013-02-13T07:24:34.067-08:00Getting Ready For HalloweenDon't you just LOVE this time of year! The leaves changing, weather cooling off, holidays coming up. Oh, and let's not forget Football and hunting :).
It's always fun watching the kids trying to decide on costumes for Halloween. It seems like they never REALLY decide what their going to be until the day of.
We've been trying out different face painting techniques. We came across a little tutorial on youtube and Lily insisted I try it out on her face. Not sure what she's supposed to be, and it's a little creepy if you ask me, but we had fun with it.
<a href="http://www.wannabebalanced.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/face-paint.jpg"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-2347" height="375" src="http://www.wannabebalanced.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/face-paint.jpg" title="face paint" width="576" /></a>Here's the youtube link, <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dLvSSyTgmsM&feature=related">animated doll eyes</a>.
And here are the two costumes Oliver is deciding between.
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<a href="http://www.wannabebalanced.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/Salt-Lake-City-20120802-00172.jpg"><img alt="" class="aligncenter wp-image-2348" height="652" src="http://www.wannabebalanced.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/Salt-Lake-City-20120802-00172.jpg" title="Salt Lake City-20120802-00172" width="403" /></a></div>
Got this ninja one from Costco.
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<a href="http://www.wannabebalanced.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/Salt-Lake-City-20120805-00174.jpg"><img alt="" class="aligncenter wp-image-2349" height="538" src="http://www.wannabebalanced.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/Salt-Lake-City-20120805-00174.jpg" title="Salt Lake City-20120805-00174" width="403" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.wannabebalanced.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/IMG_5875.jpg"><img alt="" class="aligncenter wp-image-2352" height="691" src="http://www.wannabebalanced.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/IMG_5875.jpg" title="IMG_5875" width="461" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.wannabebalanced.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/20120919_1902561.jpg"><img alt="" class="aligncenter wp-image-2354" height="614" src="http://www.wannabebalanced.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/20120919_1902561.jpg" title="20120919_190256" width="461" /></a></div>
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I got these cute jackets from KMart for $15 each. Don't ya love them!!!</div>
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<a href="http://www.wannabebalanced.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/20120924_105932.jpg"><img alt="" class="aligncenter wp-image-2355" height="538" src="http://www.wannabebalanced.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/20120924_105932.jpg" title="20120924_105932" width="403" /></a></div>
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I saw this idea in the Family Fun Magazine. They called them Troll toes! Looks appetizing right :).</div>
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<a href="http://www.wannabebalanced.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/IMG_5879.jpg"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-2356" height="384" src="http://www.wannabebalanced.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/IMG_5879.jpg" title="IMG_5879" width="576" /></a></div>
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We tried out a little Halloween craft.</div>
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<a href="http://www.wannabebalanced.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/IMG_5881.jpg"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-2358" height="384" src="http://www.wannabebalanced.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/IMG_5881.jpg" title="IMG_5881" width="576" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.wannabebalanced.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/IMG_5884.jpg"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-2359" height="384" src="http://www.wannabebalanced.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/IMG_5884.jpg" title="IMG_5884" width="576" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.wannabebalanced.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/IMG_5883.jpg"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-2360" height="384" src="http://www.wannabebalanced.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/IMG_5883.jpg" title="IMG_5883" width="576" /></a></div>
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I saw <a href="http://www.redbookmag.com/recipes-home/tips-advice/bootiful-home-ideas">this idea</a> on <a href="http://pinterest.com/crystalesco/">Pinterest</a>. It didn't quite work out as well as I hoped. It's supposed to look like this...</div>
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<a href="http://www.wannabebalanced.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/halloween-home-4-medium-new.jpg"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-2357" height="400" src="http://www.wannabebalanced.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/halloween-home-4-medium-new.jpg" title="halloween-home-4-medium-new" width="300" /></a></div>
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But when I tried to peel the glue off the wax paper, it just stuck to the paper and got all messed up. So I must have done something wrong.</div>
Crystal Escobarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15477802676099792677noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4450858575109217698.post-60182997523888513352013-02-13T07:23:00.000-08:002013-02-13T07:23:21.293-08:00UpdateI wanted to give you all a little update on what we've been up to. Also I'm working on a video for those of you who are interested in what our daily homeschool routine looks like. I've had quite a few people ask me about it, so I wanted you to know I haven't forgotten about you :). I'll probably post it next week.
I've just got a bunch a random pictures I thought I'd just throw out there for fun. Hope it's not too boring for you.
<a href="http://www.wannabebalanced.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/bubbles.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-2329" title="bubbles" src="http://www.wannabebalanced.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/bubbles.jpg" alt="" width="576" height="454" /></a>
First of all I wanted to tell you about this little rascal. She is the sweetest little thing...
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.wannabebalanced.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/IMG_5516.jpg"><img class="aligncenter wp-image-2338" title="IMG_5516" src="http://www.wannabebalanced.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/IMG_5516.jpg" alt="" width="346" height="351" /></a></p>
Well at least she was up until the last couple of days. She's learned how to use her teeth, and boy does she love to use em. She's been chewing and biting on everything, INCLUDING MY NIPPLES!!! <em>Excuse my openess about my nipples,</em> but seriously. I cannot believe this girl. Hasn't she ever heard the term, <em>don't bite the nipple that feeds you?</em> I swear she's doing it simply for my reaction. Yesterday I literally spilled my drink all over both of us after those sharp little baby teeth clamped down like little crab pinchers. I keep telling her NO BITE when she does it, but she just looks at me, cries for a minute, then bites down again! What is this all about? I don't get it. Not cool Brooklyn, SO not cool.
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Haha, don't you love this picture.
Last week some of you may have seen my post on Facebook about the little snake we found on our nature walk.
<a href="http://www.wannabebalanced.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/563238_10151083882093143_192747169_n.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-2331" title="563238_10151083882093143_192747169_n" src="http://www.wannabebalanced.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/563238_10151083882093143_192747169_n.jpg" alt="" width="576" height="432" /></a>
The kids insisted on bringing it home. So we let them. On the way home that darn thing got loose in my car. AHH, that's enough to give me a heart attack. I'm not really afraid of snakes, but when I can no longer see it, but know it's there somewhere, THAT's when I get a little freaked out. The thought of that little thing ending up on my shoulder, or crawling up my leg. There's no way I would be able to maintain control of the car while driving. Thankfully we found it. I was about ready to trade in my car for a new one.
<a href="http://www.wannabebalanced.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/582725_10151086778848143_1572678482_n.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-2332" title="582725_10151086778848143_1572678482_n" src="http://www.wannabebalanced.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/582725_10151086778848143_1572678482_n.jpg" alt="" width="576" height="768" /></a>
Lily started horse back riding lessons. If any of you live in Utah, you've got to check out <a href="http://www.luckystarhorsestables.com/">Luck Star Stables</a>. They are great. Lily was in heaven. She's been wanting to ride horses for EVER. She always says she wants to be a cowgirl when she grows up.
<a href="http://www.wannabebalanced.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/20120906_112841.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-2333" title="20120906_112841" src="http://www.wannabebalanced.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/20120906_112841.jpg" alt="" width="576" height="768" /></a>
She's also been doing a lot of homeschool projects with her other homeschooled friends. This has been great for her. She's such a social butterfly and just LOVES to be doing anything that involves friends.
<a href="http://www.wannabebalanced.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/IMG_5368.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-2334" title="IMG_5368" src="http://www.wannabebalanced.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/IMG_5368.jpg" alt="" width="576" height="384" /></a>
Lily also loves Science. We've been trying out all kinds of experiments. Some work, some don't, but they are all a lot of fun.
<a href="http://www.wannabebalanced.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/IMG_5540.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-2335" title="IMG_5540" src="http://www.wannabebalanced.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/IMG_5540.jpg" alt="" width="576" height="384" /></a>
Olly and Lily love to do anything that involves getting their hands messy. This was just a fun little preschool activity. Not really educational, just fun :).
<a href="http://www.wannabebalanced.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/IMG_5600.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-2336" title="IMG_5600" src="http://www.wannabebalanced.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/IMG_5600.jpg" alt="" width="576" height="384" /></a>
And here are just a couple cute pics I took today before church. Don't you just love these skirts? They will be available in the <a href="http://www.wannabebalanced.com/lil-star-boutique.html">Lil'Star Boutique</a> soon. If you are interested in one right away, you can email me.
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.wannabebalanced.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/185002_10151093592283143_1968199043_n.jpg"><img class="aligncenter wp-image-2337" title="185002_10151093592283143_1968199043_n" src="http://www.wannabebalanced.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/185002_10151093592283143_1968199043_n.jpg" alt="" width="512" height="768" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"></p>Crystal Escobarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15477802676099792677noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4450858575109217698.post-64840596495527036702013-02-13T07:22:00.000-08:002015-07-17T08:25:14.510-07:00Homeschooling WoesSummer is over and my second year of homeschool has officially begun. I've been an emotional basket case over the past month. Trying to prepare and plan for this year. Feeling excited and inadequate all at the same time. Kindergarten was a sinch but now I'm feeling the pressure of REAL school. First grade is when it starts to get serious. More is expected of me now and it's time to step it up a notch.
I've rearranged the school room for this year. Everything is all neat and tidy and ready to go.
[caption id="attachment_2323" align="aligncenter" width="576"]<a href="http://www.wannabebalanced.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/IMG_5532.jpg"><img alt="" class="size-full wp-image-2323" src="http://www.wannabebalanced.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/IMG_5532.jpg" height="384" title="IMG_5532" width="576" /></a> I've added more bookshelves and some filing drawers.[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_2322" align="aligncenter" width="576"]<a href="http://www.wannabebalanced.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/IMG_55361.jpg"><img alt="" class="size-full wp-image-2322" src="http://www.wannabebalanced.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/IMG_55361.jpg" height="384" title="IMG_5536" width="576" /></a> And created more space by taking out our big round chair. I figured that little love seat in front of the window was enough cozy reading space.[/caption]
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<a href="http://www.wannabebalanced.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/IMG_5537.jpg"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-2324" src="http://www.wannabebalanced.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/IMG_5537.jpg" height="384" title="IMG_5537" width="576" /></a></div>
We start our first day of school. I'm anxious to begin and try out all the fun new ideas I found on Pinterest. I gather all the kids into the school room. I settle Brooklyn on the floor with a basket of toys, then begin reading a short devotional that was meant for the preschool mind. I barely read two words when Lily begins calling over to Brooklyn trying to get her to smile. Oliver says to me, "mom, this is boring"... <i>WHAT? I haven't even begun!</i> So I rush through the devotional as Oliver heads for the door. <i>He has to go potty</i>. Lily says she's hungry, <i>even though we just had breakfast. </i>I tell her we'll have lunch after we're done with school. She insists that she's starving. I try to convince her that school won't take long and we'll have a break for lunch soon, at the same time I'm feeling slightly guilty thinking that perhaps she IS hungry and therefore can't focus on the lesson. I compromise by telling her to just do one handwriting work sheet and we'll take a break.
Oliver is yelling from the bathroom for me to wipe his bum. Brooklyn's starting to get fussy and Lily is complaining that her worksheet is too hard. I rush to Oliver to wipe his bum only to find poop all over the toilet seat and somehow on is foot. <i>Don't know how that's possible</i>. By the time I get Oliver all cleaned up, Brooklyn is now screaming. She's hungry and ready for her nap. I take her upstairs while telling the kids to be quiet so I can put Brooklyn down for a nap. As I'm nursing Brooklyn to sleep I hear Oliver screaming at the top of his lungs. I hurry to put Brooklyn in her crib, she's startled by Oliver's screaming. She begins to cry but I leave her anyway. Close her bedroom door and rush down to see whats the matter. Apparently Lily has decided she wants the stuffed animal Oliver was playing with. It belongs to Lily, but the minute she saw Olly playing with it, she decides NOW she wants to play with it. I tell her to give it to Olly. She insists that it's her very special one and nobody can play with it. By now my anxiety levels are through the roof. I try to remain calm and tell them they need to share.
All 3 kids are now crying...
My patience is gone and I yell... <i>Yes, I yell sometimes</i>.
They stop fighting, Brooklyn finally falls asleep. I take a deep breath and try once again to gather the kids back into the school room, this time with snacks.
I plop down on the couch, lacking the enthusiasm I started with. I already feel like I need a break. <i>Maybe I'll go get on the treadmill really fast, </i>I think to myself. Putting my headphones on and getting lost in my work out sounds really nice right about now. I know that if I don't take advantage of Brooklyn's nap time, I may not get my work out in at all today.
So I tell the kids we'll finish school as soon as I'm done on the treadmill. I put on a church video and tell them they need to watch it. They begin to protest and say those movies are boring and they want to watch something else. I tell them that they can choose the movie for bedtime, but during the day they have to watch something about Jesus. They continue to whine as I slide the DVD in and push play.
I get on the treadmill.
Of course I'm interrupted about 5 minutes into it. They are asking if they can have a treat. "After lunch", I say. Oliver cries and lays down on the floor next to my treadmill. He continues to cry, I turn up my music on my headphones trying to drown out the crying. Finally he stops but decides he wants to play with his toys right next to me. I tell him not to play by the treadmill while it's on. He insists that he'll be careful. He disappears behind me, which then of course makes me panic. "Go play somewhere else", I say sternly. He leaves the room finally, but it's obvious his feelings were hurt. I feel bad so I cut my work out short and run after him to give him loves. I decide I'd better get some lunch for them.
We have lunch, I clean up a little. Then head back into the school room. This time I only have Lily. Oliver has left a trail of toys all over the house. He's happily playing with his dinosaur toys so I decide to let him be.
I begin reading to Lily from our history book. As I'm reading to her I'm feeling really good about our time together. Just as I think she's showing interest in the story, she say's, "how many more pages mom"? Now I'm irritated again. I try not to show it though and say, "I'm almost done".
After the history lesson I pull out her math work book. As I lay it in front of her she instantly complains that she HATES math and she doesn't want to do it. I tell her she can't play with friends later if she doesn't complete her school work.
"No, PLEASE can I have a friend over"? she whines.
I once again say, "AFTER your school work is done".
"Well, can I have a break first", she says.
<i>Ugh, are you serious? We've barely accomplished anything today and it's already 3:00. </i>
Brooklyn wakes up from her nap, Oliver wants me to play dinosaurs with him and Lily is sitting in the school room complaining she can't do her math. I bring Brooklyn into the school room and sit with Lily as I show her how to count her fingers for math. I know she's just not trying at all. We're doing simple addition and she's acting like it's all new to her. As I walk her through EVERY single problem, I'm holding Brooklyn on my lap trying to bridle her eager fists from pulling out my hair.
We finally finish the math. By now I'm completely exhausted. I decide we're done for the day.
I'm feeling stressed and upset about how the day went. I go over to Sean's office and impulsively I tell him, "I'm not doing homeschool anymore!".
"Uh, can we talk about this later? I'm in the middle of work", Say's Sean in a slightly annoyed tone.
I storm out of his office even more mad than I was before. I believe I even slammed the door. <i>Yes, I felt pretty immature.</i>
I begin to cry...
I daydream for a minute about how much easier it would be if I just sent Lily back to public school. I say a prayer and ask for strength to endure.
Later that night Sean comes home from working. By then I've calmed down a little. He knows I didn't mean what I said and just gives me a hug. I cry a little more.
After the kids go to bed we have a long talk about our goals with homeschool and try to come up with some ways to motivate Lily. Sean helps me calm down, reassures me that we will be fine and tells me to stop putting so much pressure on myself.
A few days pass and things begin to get better. Lily is cooperating and showing a better attitude. Oliver is getting used to the fact that he needs to sit still and be quiet if he wants to be in the school room with us. We take advantage of Brooklyn's nap by doing as much school as we can. I've started inviting other homeschoolers over to do school work with Lily, which has really motivated her. She is now ASKING to do math. I've hired some help to come in and do the house work for me in order to maintain my sanity. And I have Lily play with Brooklyn while I get my work out in.
The truth is, Homeschooling is HARD! But most things that are worth doing aren't easy.
I like to compare a lot of things to my mission in Germany. That was the hardest 18 months of my life, but it was also the best. It formed me into a better person, with finer work ethic skills, less selfishness, and the ability to get along with a companion, <i>ie. a husband :).</i>
So what I'm trying to convey here is, yes, this decision I've made to homeschool is not always easy, but I'm learning a great deal. It keeps me on my toes and I think it's great. I believe we should never get too comfortable in life. We've got to find a balance between simplifying our lives, but yet, pushing ourselves a little too. We must be faced with challenges in order to be molded into the amazing people God has destined us to be.Crystal Escobarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15477802676099792677noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4450858575109217698.post-75699321141097789082013-02-13T07:17:00.002-08:002013-02-13T07:17:58.727-08:00Master Closet RenovationIt's officially DONE!!! We just got the washer and dryer put in and the shutters installed. Yay! So, I'm finally ready to show you what we've been doing around here over the past few months.
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<a href="http://www.wannabebalanced.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/remodel.jpg"><img alt="" class="aligncenter wp-image-2284" height="409" src="http://www.wannabebalanced.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/remodel-1024x682.jpg" title="remodel" width="614" /></a></div>
You remember what it looked like before?
<a href="http://www.wannabebalanced.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/IMG_4275.jpg"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-2282" height="384" src="http://www.wannabebalanced.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/IMG_4275.jpg" title="IMG_4275" width="576" /></a>
<a href="http://www.wannabebalanced.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/IMG_4268.jpg"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-2283" height="384" src="http://www.wannabebalanced.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/IMG_4268.jpg" title="IMG_4268" width="576" /></a>
And NOW...
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My new awesome STEAM shower...
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<a href="http://www.wannabebalanced.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/IMG_5413.jpg"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-2289" height="384" src="http://www.wannabebalanced.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/IMG_5413.jpg" title="IMG_5413" width="576" /></a><a href="http://www.wannabebalanced.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/IMG_5374.jpg">
</a>I got my towels from Target. Don't ya just LOVE them?
<a href="http://www.wannabebalanced.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/IMG_5392.jpg"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-2290" height="384" src="http://www.wannabebalanced.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/IMG_5392.jpg" title="IMG_5392" width="576" /></a>
Now this is absolutely my dream closet! I have plenty of space for ALL of our clothes, meaning this is actually a FAMILY closet. I decided that it just works out better this way. Plus, we have the washer and dryer right here, why not just keep things easy, right:).
<a href="http://www.wannabebalanced.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/IMG_5395.jpg"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-2291" height="384" src="http://www.wannabebalanced.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/IMG_5395.jpg" title="IMG_5395" width="576" /></a>
<a href="http://www.wannabebalanced.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/IMG_5451.jpg"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-2292" height="384" src="http://www.wannabebalanced.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/IMG_5451.jpg" title="IMG_5451" width="576" /></a>
<a href="http://www.wannabebalanced.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/IMG_5446.jpg"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-2293" height="384" src="http://www.wannabebalanced.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/IMG_5446.jpg" title="IMG_5446" width="576" /></a>
I got some bins and labels and started organizing everything. Awww, I just love organization... and labels. Don't ya just love to look at things when they are all nice and put away. Just brings a smile to my face:).
<a href="http://www.wannabebalanced.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/IMG_5447.jpg"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-2294" height="384" src="http://www.wannabebalanced.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/IMG_5447.jpg" title="IMG_5447" width="576" /></a>
I designated one of the shelves for all my jewelry. Just nailed up a piece of molding, then put a bunch of nail hooks in it to hang all my necklaces and earrings.
<a href="http://www.wannabebalanced.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/IMG_5453.jpg"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-2295" height="864" src="http://www.wannabebalanced.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/IMG_5453.jpg" title="IMG_5453" width="576" /></a>
My mom made this lovely bench cushion and pillows. Turned out pretty cute I think.
<a href="http://www.wannabebalanced.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/IMG_5403.jpg"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-2297" height="384" src="http://www.wannabebalanced.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/IMG_5403.jpg" title="IMG_5403" width="576" /></a>
This is the view from the bench. Straight ahead you'll see there is another little room. In this room we have a little corner desk and a sauna.
<a href="http://www.wannabebalanced.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/IMG_5405.jpg"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-2298" height="384" src="http://www.wannabebalanced.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/IMG_5405.jpg" title="IMG_5405" width="576" /></a>
<a href="http://www.wannabebalanced.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/IMG_5407.jpg"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-2299" height="864" src="http://www.wannabebalanced.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/IMG_5407.jpg" title="IMG_5407" width="576" /></a>
<a href="http://www.wannabebalanced.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/IMG_5409.jpg"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-2300" height="384" src="http://www.wannabebalanced.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/IMG_5409.jpg" title="IMG_5409" width="576" /></a>
As you can see there is a little window in hear. We decided to add it so it doesn't feel so tight in this little space. Plus it's nice to be able to talk to the kids from here if they are down in the kitchen. Here is what it looks like from the outside.
<a href="http://www.wannabebalanced.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/IMG_5415.jpg"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-2301" height="384" src="http://www.wannabebalanced.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/IMG_5415.jpg" title="IMG_5415" width="576" /></a>
<a href="http://www.wannabebalanced.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/IMG_5417.jpg"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-2302" height="384" src="http://www.wannabebalanced.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/IMG_5417.jpg" title="IMG_5417" width="576" /></a>
<a href="http://www.wannabebalanced.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/IMG_5399.jpg"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-2303" height="384" src="http://www.wannabebalanced.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/IMG_5399.jpg" title="IMG_5399" width="576" /></a>
The other little room we added on was this little loft that leads into the great room below. This is where our exercise equipment ended up. Turns out I really LOVE them here. It's nice to be up here on the treadmill and feel like I can still keep an eye on what my kids are doing.
<a href="http://www.wannabebalanced.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/IMG_5402.jpg"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-2304" height="384" src="http://www.wannabebalanced.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/IMG_5402.jpg" title="IMG_5402" width="576" /></a>
<a href="http://www.wannabebalanced.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/IMG_5427.jpg"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-2305" height="384" src="http://www.wannabebalanced.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/IMG_5427.jpg" title="IMG_5427" width="576" /></a>
Here's how it looks from the bedroom. It feels so much more spacious now that's for sure.
<a href="http://www.wannabebalanced.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/IMG_5423.jpg"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-2306" height="384" src="http://www.wannabebalanced.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/IMG_5423.jpg" title="IMG_5423" width="576" /></a>
Sean's weights didn't fit in the work out room so we made a little free weight nook for him. Got the big mirror from IKEA and we tucked away his bench in this little crawl space. He just slides it out when he wants to lift weights.
<a href="http://www.wannabebalanced.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/IMG_5431.jpg"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-2307" height="384" src="http://www.wannabebalanced.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/IMG_5431.jpg" title="IMG_5431" width="576" /></a>
<a href="http://www.wannabebalanced.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/IMG_5429.jpg"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-2308" height="384" src="http://www.wannabebalanced.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/IMG_5429.jpg" title="IMG_5429" width="576" /></a>
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<h2>
In case any one was wondering, we used <a href="http://www.bluebirdrenovations.com/">Bluebird Renovations</a> for this project. They were awesome and I would highly recommend them for any remodel job.</h2>
<a href="http://www.wannabebalanced.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/IMG_5432.jpg"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-2310" height="384" src="http://www.wannabebalanced.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/IMG_5432.jpg" title="IMG_5432" width="576" /></a>
Do you like my new guitar? I've been really trying to learn to play the darn thing. It's pretty dang hard if you ask me. As soon as I get better I may play a song or two for you guys :).
So that's it! Our new closet!
Before you leave I just want to show off these pics I took of my little girls. I was just so proud of the way they turned out. I shared them on Facebook already but in case you didn't see them, here they are.
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<a href="http://www.wannabebalanced.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/brooklynlily.jpg"><img alt="" class="aligncenter wp-image-2311" height="409" src="http://www.wannabebalanced.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/brooklynlily-1024x682.jpg" title="brooklynlily" width="614" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.wannabebalanced.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/brooklyn.jpg"><img alt="" class="aligncenter wp-image-2312" height="409" src="http://www.wannabebalanced.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/brooklyn-1024x682.jpg" title="brooklyn" width="614" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.wannabebalanced.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/b2.jpg"><img alt="" class="aligncenter wp-image-2313" height="614" src="http://www.wannabebalanced.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/b2-682x1024.jpg" title="b2" width="409" /></a></div>
Crystal Escobarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15477802676099792677noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4450858575109217698.post-16502667728870823362013-02-13T07:14:00.002-08:002013-02-13T07:14:56.268-08:00Teaching Children Life Skills<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.wannabebalanced.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/kids.jpg"><img alt="" class="aligncenter wp-image-2271" height="503" src="http://www.wannabebalanced.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/kids-822x1024.jpg" title="kids" width="404" /></a></div>
It's really interesting for me to see how I've grown as a mom over the years. When I had my first child, Lily, I thought, "wow, this is so incredible, I'm a MOM"! Then the first night happened...
Boy did that excitement disappear fast. I don't know about you guys, but it was major shock for me. It took me a while to adjust to the fact that my life was no longer mine. Everything I did from that point on was all about caring for my little ones. I aint gonna lie, I wasn't enjoying it as much as I knew I should be. Of course I LOVE my kids, but I had a hard time finding true JOY in my role as a mom. I guess what I'm trying to say is that I wasn't fully enjoying each moment. My mind was always elsewhere, thinking of what I needed to do or wanted to do once nap time or bed time hit.
Something has happened to me though. I've found that passion and joy. I wake up each day excited for the time I get to spend with my kids. The motivation to be a better mother has found me. I felt like I was just going through the motions before. Feed the kids, bathe the kids, dress the kids. I loved them, cared for them, played with them. Did all the things moms should do. All except one thing, TEACH them. I majorly neglected that area of motherhood. I was being lazy I guess you could say. I pretty much counted on Sunday school and preschool teachers to do the teaching. <i>I tell ya, homeschool has really changed me :</i>).
I've found tremendous joy in teaching my children. This past year was my first year homeschooling and I felt like it went pretty well. We had all the academics covered. I realized though that practical life skills needed some major attention. For example, how to clean up after themselves and help out around the house.
So this year I'm taking it upon myself to teach more every day life skills. I started by purchasing the book <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Life-Skills-Kids-Equipping-Child/dp/0877884722/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1344322834&sr=8-1&keywords=life+skills+for+kids">Life Skills for Kids by Christine M. Field.</a> Then I also purchased <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1937077055/ref=oh_details_o05_s00_i00">Financial Peace Junior</a>.
<a href="http://www.wannabebalanced.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/51BJNLtmpQL._SS500_.jpg"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-2270" height="500" src="http://www.wannabebalanced.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/51BJNLtmpQL._SS500_.jpg" title="51BJNLtmpQL._SS500_" width="500" /></a>
This Financial Peace Junior has been a great starter kit for chores. I'm teaching them to help out around the house AND earn money, save money, and give money.
As I've been reading the Life Skills for Kids book I'm learning so many great things. I've been inspired to take advantage of every teaching opportunity throughout the day.
<b>"It's the parents' job to raise children who are able to be used by God to fulfill God's purpose for each child when that child reaches adulthood."</b>
<b>-Robert Barnes</b>
Other skills we hope to cover include:
<b>People Skills</b> (Because Sean and I believe that learning good people skills is the foundation of success, people skills <i>and an <a href="http://www.bodyalive.com/crystal">amazing product </a>of course :), </i>is what made us our millions.)
<b>Home Skills</b> (I'm excited to teach them how to cook, clean and run a household.)
<b>Life Navigation</b>
<b>Time Management</b> (I'm still working on this one myself.)
<b>Space Organization</b> (My favorite one.)
<b>Money Management</b> (Would have been nice if I learned more about money when I was younger, it would have saved me from getting into debt when I was a teenager.)
<b>Healthy Lifestyle Skills</b> (I've been juicing almost everyday and started having my kids drink some too, it's been a bit of a battle and involves lots of coaxing and bribing, but we are doing it)
<b>Healthy Mind Skills</b>
<b>Spiritual Habits</b>
<b>Decision-making Skills</b>
<b>Creative Skills</b>
<b>Celebration Skills</b> (Finding Joy in the Everyday.)
<b>" A main purpose of childhood is to prepare children for adulthood, not merely entertain them. They already know how to be children. They need guidance in learning to be adults.</b>
<b>Instead of purposefully involving our children in work and activity at home, we drive them from place to place to let someone else teach them something which may or may not be of value. Then when we do come home, we are too tired and stressed out to take advantage of the teachable moments that occur in family living every day. And we find ourselves having to work to be somehow knitted back into a family because our wide ranging pursuits have carried us so far from one another."</b>
<b>-Christine M. Field</b>
I always remember Les Brown's quote, <b>"Do what is easy and your life will be hard. Do what is hard and your life will be easy."</b>
It's so true. I was taking the easy route as a mother, <i>or so I thought.</i> I'd let them get away with so much whining and screaming, I'd give them what they wanted, didn't make them eat their dinner, or help out around the house, ect. I would give in so often because it seemed like the easiest thing to do. But in the end it really made my life a whole lot harder. I've learned that it just takes a little time, persistence, and patience to get kids to behave.
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We all have the desire to raise happy healthy children. I believe once we become passionate about TEACHING them, then do we find that true fulfillment as mothers. It's in our DNA, we were made for this, it's our devine purpose.</div>
Crystal Escobarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15477802676099792677noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4450858575109217698.post-636713903779266702013-02-13T07:13:00.000-08:002013-02-13T07:15:11.882-08:00Summers Keepin Us BusyWow, the time has just been flying by. I can't believe it's already August. We've been busy doing all the fun summer activities, boating in Bear Lake,
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<a href="http://www.wannabebalanced.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/WP_000307.jpg"><img alt="" class="aligncenter wp-image-2258" height="614" src="http://www.wannabebalanced.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/WP_000307-767x1024.jpg" title="WP_000307" width="460" /></a></div>
swimming at the pool, BBQ's, and fire works. I also had my sisters in town last week so we had all kinds of family stuff going on.
<a href="http://www.wannabebalanced.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/sister2.jpg"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-2257" height="334" src="http://www.wannabebalanced.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/sister2.jpg" title="sister2" width="576" /></a>
We managed to snap a few pics of all us girls together. Can you believe I have 5 sisters? I have 3 brothers too, and yes, my mom had ALL of them. Amazing women she is, that's for sure.
I also wanted to show you my new cute dress I got from <a href="http://www.facebook.com/allison.branan#%21/thesweetestthingzboutique">The Sweetest Thingz</a> (416 E. 12300 S. Draper). The under shirt I'm wearing I also got from there. I'm seriously hooked on these shirts. They are only $12.99 and they are SO comfortable!!! I have every single color and I pretty much wear them every day. If you don't live near Draper Utah, you can always contact <a href="http://www.facebook.com/allison.branan">Ali </a>and have you send you what you want. The cool thing about the under shirts is that they are one size fits all, so you don't have to worry about it fitting right.
<a href="http://www.wannabebalanced.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/557046_10150993548553143_893175212_n.jpg"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-2259" height="768" src="http://www.wannabebalanced.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/557046_10150993548553143_893175212_n.jpg" title="557046_10150993548553143_893175212_n" width="576" /></a>
<a href="http://www.wannabebalanced.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/20120720_171629.jpg"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-2260" height="1024" src="http://www.wannabebalanced.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/20120720_171629-375x1024.jpg" title="20120720_171629" width="375" /></a>
The red cardigan and shoes are also from there. Can you tell I love that place:).
<a href="http://www.wannabebalanced.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/20120720_171634.jpg"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-2261" height="882" src="http://www.wannabebalanced.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/20120720_171634.jpg" title="20120720_171634" width="576" /></a>
I've just about lost all the baby weight thanks to <a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.wannabelean.com/">Isagenix</a>, yay!!!! I've got about 5-10 lbs to go, but I'm pretty happy where I'm at, just need to tone up the mid section :). I'm still nursing little Brooklyn, but I've been replacing my breakfast with the shakes every morning which really seem to help me make healthier choices the rest of the day. I also feel incredible on the shakes so I think it's safe to say I'm pretty addicted to those things.
Speaking of Brooklyn. Look at this cute picture of her. She got a hold of the lid to some cheese cake and is licking it, haha. So cute!
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<a href="http://www.wannabebalanced.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/IMG-20120721-00154.jpg"><img alt="" class="aligncenter wp-image-2266" height="461" src="http://www.wannabebalanced.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/IMG-20120721-00154-1024x768.jpg" title="IMG-20120721-00154" width="614" /></a></div>
And as far as my tan goes, it's totally fake :). I wear a lot of sun screen now a days, trying to prevent aging MORE. I found the best tanning product. It's called <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Salon-Bronze-Airbrush-Tanning-System/dp/B0009RAX4W/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1343716515&sr=8-2&keywords=air+brush+tanning+spray">Salon Bronze Airbrush tanning</a>. Seriously, it's the best. So easy to apply and leaves you looking instantly tan.
On another note, Sean and I are celebrating our 8th wedding anniversary tomorrow, my how time flies. I still remember the first day I met him. If you haven't read our story yet, read it <a href="http://www.wannabebalanced.com/my-thoughts-and-feelings/now-for-my-version-of-the-story/now-for-my-version-of-the-story.html">HERE</a>.
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<a href="http://www.wannabebalanced.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/crystal-and-me-017.jpg"><img alt="" class="aligncenter wp-image-2262" height="384" src="http://www.wannabebalanced.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/crystal-and-me-017.jpg" title="crystal and me 017" width="512" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.wannabebalanced.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/img1241.jpg"><img alt="" class="aligncenter wp-image-2264" height="434" src="http://www.wannabebalanced.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/img1241-1024x724.jpg" title="img124" width="614" /></a></div>
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Man, look how young we looked :).</div>
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<a href="http://www.wannabebalanced.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/img122.jpg"><img alt="" class="aligncenter wp-image-2265" height="614" src="http://www.wannabebalanced.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/img122-838x1024.jpg" title="img122" width="503" /></a></div>
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I don't want to get too mushy on you, but I just LOVE this guy. It's so fun to think back on when we first met and how fast we got engaged. I was head over heals in love and now I'm even more in love. It's amazing how having babies together brings you so much closer. I never knew love could be so great. I'm so blessed to have Sean in my life and have enjoyed the last 8 years with him.</div>
Crystal Escobarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15477802676099792677noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4450858575109217698.post-64301714345080190362013-02-13T07:11:00.000-08:002013-02-13T07:11:09.396-08:00Pantry Make-overIt's done!!! This turned out to be a much bigger project than I had anticipated but I'm SO happy with the way it turned out. Sean thinks I'm crazy for doing this. I keep telling him it's going to save us money in the long run. By having it all neat and organized all the food will actually get used up and not lost or hidden behind the piles of stuff that seem to accumulate in there. Then he reminded me of the cost of all the containers I bought :)...
I may have gone a little overboard, but man it's worth it! Don't you think? I keep finding myself walking in there for no apparent reason, just to sit back and admire it all.
<a href="http://www.wannabebalanced.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/1.jpg"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-2241" height="375" src="http://www.wannabebalanced.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/1.jpg" title="1" width="576" /></a>
Here are more of the before pictures. As you can see, it was quite chaotic.
<a href="http://www.wannabebalanced.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/IMG_4243.jpg"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-2243" height="384" src="http://www.wannabebalanced.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/IMG_4243.jpg" title="IMG_4243" width="576" /></a>
<a href="http://www.wannabebalanced.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/IMG_4241.jpg"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-2242" height="384" src="http://www.wannabebalanced.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/IMG_4241.jpg" title="IMG_4241" width="576" /></a>
<a href="http://www.wannabebalanced.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/IMG_4244.jpg"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-2244" height="384" src="http://www.wannabebalanced.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/IMG_4244.jpg" title="IMG_4244" width="576" /></a>
First, I pulled EVERYTHING out. Painted, added some cute shelf paper from <a href="http://www.chicshelfpaper.com/">Chic Shelf Paper</a>. It was kind of expensive if you ask me. I ended up spending about $100 on just the shelf paper, then about a week ago I found some really cute shelf paper at Target for $10. Don't you hate when that happens.
Then I found these awesome canned food organizers on <a href="http://pinterest.com/crystalesco/">Pinterest</a> and I ordered some right away. I got them at <a href="http://www.rnrfoodorganizers.com/">Rack-N-Roll Food Storage</a>.
All the containers I bought were just collected over time. I got some in the dollar section of Target, some from Walmart and most of them from IKEA.
So here are all the AFTER pics.
<a href="http://www.wannabebalanced.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/IMG_4760.jpg"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-2247" height="384" src="http://www.wannabebalanced.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/IMG_4760.jpg" title="IMG_4760" width="576" /></a>
I used some chalk board labels I found on Amazon to label most everything in here. I like those because I can always wipe it off and label it something different if needed.
<a href="http://www.wannabebalanced.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/IMG_4762.jpg"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-2248" height="384" src="http://www.wannabebalanced.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/IMG_4762.jpg" title="IMG_4762" width="576" /></a>
I used the little magnetic containers I got from IKEA to hold little things like my bouillon cubes.
<a href="http://www.wannabebalanced.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/IMG_4769.jpg"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-2249" height="864" src="http://www.wannabebalanced.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/IMG_4769.jpg" title="IMG_4769" width="576" /></a>
I also started saving all my empty <a href="http://www.bodyalive.com/crystal">Isagenix</a> shake canisters and used my left over shelf paper to make them a little cuter. I'm using them for things like cream of wheat, pancake mix, oatmeal, rice, ect. If they require directions I just cut them out of the card board box and saved them underneath the canister.
<a href="http://www.wannabebalanced.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/IMG_4770.jpg"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-2250" height="384" src="http://www.wannabebalanced.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/IMG_4770.jpg" title="IMG_4770" width="576" /></a>
<a href="http://www.wannabebalanced.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/IMG_4778.jpg"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-2251" height="384" src="http://www.wannabebalanced.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/IMG_4778.jpg" title="IMG_4778" width="576" /></a>
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<a href="http://www.wannabebalanced.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/IMG_4766.jpg"><img alt="" class="aligncenter wp-image-2252" height="691" src="http://www.wannabebalanced.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/IMG_4766.jpg" title="IMG_4766" width="461" /></a></div>
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Another thing I did was paint the hunter green tile a cute gray color. I didn't think you could actually paint tile, but when I asked the Home Depot guy he said there is a special kind of primer you can use on slippery surfaces. It only works on tile that won't be getting wet very much, so it was perfect for this spot since it's not near a sink or anything.</div>
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<a href="http://www.wannabebalanced.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/IMG_4759.jpg"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-2253" height="670" src="http://www.wannabebalanced.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/IMG_4759.jpg" title="IMG_4759" width="576" /></a></div>
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Do you like how I added a fabric slip to my <a href="http://www.bodyalive.com/crystal">Isagenix</a> canisters. I made them so I can easily slide them on and off since we go through the shakes pretty fast. I know, totally not necessary, but like I said, I went a little overboard with the cutsiness :). Once I started I just couldn't stop.</div>
Crystal Escobarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15477802676099792677noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4450858575109217698.post-80138635922306244632013-02-13T07:08:00.000-08:002013-02-13T07:08:03.890-08:00Bout of Bad LuckhhThere was a common saying I learned on my <a href="http://www.wannabebalanced.com/momprenuer/my-mission-in-germany/my-mission-in-germany.html">mission in Germany</a>, "Alle gute dinge sind drei", which means, all good things come in threes. In my case it's been all BAD things come in three. You would not believe what we've been through lately.
I'll start with the most recent incident. It all started on Thursday night. The kids were outside playing in the back yard. They kept turning the hose on to rinse the sand off their hands and feet from playing in the sand box. They kept leaving the hose on of course so I had to turn it off every time. Right before we all went in for the night I checked the hose again and went to turn it off...
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<a href="http://www.wannabebalanced.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/basement-flood.jpg"><img alt="" class="aligncenter wp-image-2229" height="409" src="http://www.wannabebalanced.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/basement-flood-1024x682.jpg" title="basement flood" width="614" /></a></div>
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Yep, that's right... another <a href="http://www.wannabebalanced.com/life-of-a-wanna-be/a-blonde-moment/a-blonde-moment.html">blonde moment</a>. I turned the knob the wrong way, which means the hose was on full blast ALL night long RIGHT next to the house. I'm sure you can guess what we found the next morning...</div>
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Uh yah... I pretty much flooded our basement.</div>
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So we called our insurance. They said with our deductible it would cost us $2,800 to have a company come out and take care of it for us. We decided not to go that route, so Sean rounded up a bunch of carpet fans and a de-humidifier and spent the entire day moving out furniture, tearing up carpet, discarding the carpet padding, and drilling holes in the sheet rock (to air out the walls to prevent mold).</div>
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<a href="http://www.wannabebalanced.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/IMG_4731.jpg"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-2230" height="384" src="http://www.wannabebalanced.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/IMG_4731.jpg" title="IMG_4731" width="576" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.wannabebalanced.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/IMG_4734.jpg"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-2231" height="864" src="http://www.wannabebalanced.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/IMG_4734.jpg" title="IMG_4734" width="576" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.wannabebalanced.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/IMG_4738.jpg"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-2232" height="384" src="http://www.wannabebalanced.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/IMG_4738.jpg" title="IMG_4738" width="576" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.wannabebalanced.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/IMG_4739.jpg"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-2233" height="384" src="http://www.wannabebalanced.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/IMG_4739.jpg" title="IMG_4739" width="576" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.wannabebalanced.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/IMG_4741.jpg"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-2234" height="384" src="http://www.wannabebalanced.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/IMG_4741.jpg" title="IMG_4741" width="576" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.wannabebalanced.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/IMG_4742.jpg"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-2235" height="384" src="http://www.wannabebalanced.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/IMG_4742.jpg" title="IMG_4742" width="576" /></a></div>
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Can you guess how mad Sean was? Yah, he was pretty mad at me and I don't blame him, yikes! I was actually pretty impressed with how well he handled it. He freaked out initially of course but he got over it pretty fast and went to work on it. He forgave me, and despite my air headedness, he still loves me :). He said, "it coulda been worse". I'm thinking, <i>really?... okay well if you say so. </i>He's right though, it's really not that big of a deal when you think of what's going on around us. Here was his Facebook status update that day,</div>
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<b>"Basement Flooded, bad one. YUCK. Still, could have been much much much worse. Started getting really angry about it, then started to think that it is fixable. So feeling for this poor family in West Jordan that lost their 6 year old at the hands of some monster. Can't imagine. Like I said, a flood is nothing when you put things into perspective."</b></div>
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Great example he is right?</div>
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So anyway, within the last couple of weeks we've had a few other bumps in the road.</div>
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The other day I dropped my computer back up and it broke.</div>
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<a href="http://www.wannabebalanced.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/10299645-seriously-crashed-and-dismantled-computer-hard-drive-with-scattered-parts.jpg"><img alt="" class="aligncenter wp-image-2237" height="410" src="http://www.wannabebalanced.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/10299645-seriously-crashed-and-dismantled-computer-hard-drive-with-scattered-parts-1024x683.jpg" title="10299645-seriously-crashed-and-dismantled-computer-hard-drive-with-scattered-parts" width="614" /></a></div>
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There went $200 down the drain. But like Sean said, it could have been worse. At least it wasn't my actual computer hard drive and I didn't lose any valuable information like pictures and home videos.</div>
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Then a couple weeks ago we found out that our neighbors cat got locked in our house in St. George. It had been there for well over 10 days without food or water.</div>
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<a href="http://www.wannabebalanced.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/554268_4226353542986_1145721599_n.jpg"><img alt="" class="aligncenter wp-image-2236" height="576" src="http://www.wannabebalanced.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/554268_4226353542986_1145721599_n.jpg" title="554268_4226353542986_1145721599_n" width="432" /></a></div>
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But once again, like Sean say's, it could have been worse. At least we found out about it soon enough and the cat actually survived!</div>
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So the moral of the story is. No matter how bad things may seem, there's always something to be grateful for. I'm grateful I have 3 healthy children, a very PATIENT husband that loves me and a house to live in. <i>I'm also grateful that cats have 9 lives.</i></div>
Crystal Escobarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15477802676099792677noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4450858575109217698.post-35033524938424127652013-02-13T07:01:00.000-08:002013-02-13T07:01:13.265-08:00Pantry Make-overLately I've been insanely obsessed with organizing and labeling EVERYTHING in my house. Seriously... I can't stop! I think I may need help.
Anyway, as you all know we've been remodeling our upstairs and it's just about done. I've got to add a few finishing touches before I post the big reveal. It's pretty dang awesome though, just gotta warn ya :).
The other project I've got in the works is my pantry. Since I'm not done with that yet either I thought I'd give you a little sneak peak.
<a href="http://www.wannabebalanced.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/IMG_4260.jpg"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-2225" height="384" src="http://www.wannabebalanced.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/IMG_4260.jpg" title="IMG_4260" width="576" /></a>
I painted the the shelves white then added this cute <a href="http://www.amazon.com/York-Wallcoverings-BL0398-Wallpaper-Metallic/sim/B001VFV5YI/2">silver damask wall paper</a>.
I've only begun with the labeling and organizing in there but here's another picture for you.
<a href="http://www.wannabebalanced.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/IMG_4673.jpg"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-2226" height="384" src="http://www.wannabebalanced.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/IMG_4673.jpg" title="IMG_4673" width="576" /></a>
I've started organizing by using simple plastic bins, then adding some <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Wallies-Stick-Chalkboard-Decal-Squares/dp/B0012U7GTA/ref=sr_1_7?s=hi&ie=UTF8&qid=1340839247&sr=1-7&keywords=chalkboard+contact+paper">peel and stick chalkboard decal</a>. Then you can label them using a <a href="http://www.amazon.com/NeoChalk-Liquid-Chalk-Marker-Chisel/dp/B002MARSJM/ref=sr_1_cc_1?s=aps&ie=UTF8&qid=1340839361&sr=1-1-catcorr&keywords=chalkboard+pen">liquid chalk pen</a>.
Another thing I tried out was using some <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Krylon-2-Ounce-Repositionable-Adhesive-Spray/dp/B000A8AYO4/ref=sr_1_8?s=office-products&ie=UTF8&qid=1340839443&sr=1-8&keywords=spray+adhesive+fabric">spray adhesive</a> to stick some fabric on the front of some of the plastic bins. I was just experimenting and I think I really like it. I'll be posting more on this soon.
So stay tuned for more pictures on my pantry and upstairs remodel.Crystal Escobarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15477802676099792677noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4450858575109217698.post-63197464974648715812013-02-13T06:59:00.000-08:002013-02-13T06:59:24.926-08:00Fathers Day Fun!We had quite the week last week. Sean has been planning a 10 year mission reunion for all of his former mission friends and president. He wanted to do a camp-out up at East Canyon. So we set out on our very first camping trip together.
Since I knew we'd be camping on Fathers Day I wanted to make sure we did some special things for Sean before the weekend.
Thanks to Pinterest I got so many great ideas. It's getting to the point now where Lily says, "mom, did you get this idea from the computer"? <i>Geeze! Don't I get any credit?</i> I decided to start telling her I came up with the ideas all on my own.<i> A little white lie never hurt anyone right :).</i>
First I did a little <a href="http://keeleymcguire.blogspot.ca/2011/05/craft-complete-fathers-day-survey-for.html">survey with the kids</a>. It had cute questions like, what you love about daddy, how did you meet him, what's his favorite food, how tall is he, ect. When I asked Olly how much daddy weighs, he said, "NO, don't go away" haha. So cute. I loved hearing all his answers. Such a fun age for this kind of survey.
The next thing we did was we made him a <a href="http://kidtimes.wordpress.com/tag/winter-2011-arrives-diy-back-rub-shirt/">back rub shirt</a>. Isn't this such a great idea! I came up with it all on my own... I'm so amazing! <i>(you know I'm kidding right? yep, another idea taken from good ol' Pinterest)</i>
<a href="http://www.wannabebalanced.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/IMG_4513.jpg"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-2206" height="384" src="http://www.wannabebalanced.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/IMG_4513.jpg" title="IMG_4513" width="576" /></a>
Then I had all the kids tell me why they love their daddy. I wrote down what they said on a white board, and had them stand in front of it so I could take a picture. Then I made a little collage out of the pictures and framed it.
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<a href="http://www.wannabebalanced.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/collage_2012-06-13_16-41-14.jpg"><img alt="" class="aligncenter wp-image-2207" height="389" src="http://www.wannabebalanced.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/collage_2012-06-13_16-41-14.jpg" title="collage_2012-06-13_16-41-14" width="518" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.wannabebalanced.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/IMG_4529.jpg"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-2208" height="384" src="http://www.wannabebalanced.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/IMG_4529.jpg" title="IMG_4529" width="576" /></a></div>
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Then Friday night we went up to East Canyon for the mission reunion camp-out.</div>
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<a href="http://www.wannabebalanced.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/IMG_4540.jpg"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-2209" height="384" src="http://www.wannabebalanced.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/IMG_4540.jpg" title="IMG_4540" width="576" /></a></div>
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The kids were SO excited about sleeping in a tent.</div>
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<a href="http://www.wannabebalanced.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/IMG_4553.jpg"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-2210" height="384" src="http://www.wannabebalanced.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/IMG_4553.jpg" title="IMG_4553" width="576" /></a></div>
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Sean's parents came up and had dinner with us and all Sean's mission buddies.</div>
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<a href="http://www.wannabebalanced.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/IMG_4555.jpg"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-2211" height="384" src="http://www.wannabebalanced.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/IMG_4555.jpg" title="IMG_4555" width="576" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.wannabebalanced.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/IMG_4557.jpg"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-2212" height="407" src="http://www.wannabebalanced.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/IMG_4557.jpg" title="IMG_4557" width="576" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.wannabebalanced.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/IMG_4566.jpg"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-2213" height="384" src="http://www.wannabebalanced.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/IMG_4566.jpg" title="IMG_4566" width="576" /></a></div>
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Oliver kept Brooklyn company in her pack and play.</div>
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<a href="http://www.wannabebalanced.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/IMG_4568.jpg"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-2214" height="384" src="http://www.wannabebalanced.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/IMG_4568.jpg" title="IMG_4568" width="576" /></a></div>
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We had quite the group there with us. I can't believe Sean was able to put this all together.</div>
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<a href="http://www.wannabebalanced.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/IMG_4575.jpg"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-2215" height="384" src="http://www.wannabebalanced.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/IMG_4575.jpg" title="IMG_4575" width="576" /></a></div>
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Roasting marshmallows is always a hit.</div>
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<a href="http://www.wannabebalanced.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/IMG_4578.jpg"><img alt="" class="aligncenter wp-image-2216" height="605" src="http://www.wannabebalanced.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/IMG_4578.jpg" title="IMG_4578" width="403" /></a></div>
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I thought I was going to try to sleep in the tent, but once the sun went down and it started to get chilly, I chickened out and went back to the condo for the night. Thankfully we planned ahead and reserved one just in case. I'm totally not that high maintenance, but when I'm still nursing a baby at night OR pregnant, I guess I am a little high maintenance.</div>
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The next day we went out on the boat.</div>
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<a href="http://www.wannabebalanced.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/IMG_4586.jpg"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-2217" height="384" src="http://www.wannabebalanced.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/IMG_4586.jpg" title="IMG_4586" width="576" /></a></div>
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Poor little Brooklyn hated her life jacket.</div>
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<a href="http://www.wannabebalanced.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/IMG_4604.jpg"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-2218" height="384" src="http://www.wannabebalanced.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/IMG_4604.jpg" title="IMG_4604" width="576" /></a></div>
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Those things are not made for babies.</div>
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<a href="http://www.wannabebalanced.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/IMG_4596.jpg"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-2219" height="384" src="http://www.wannabebalanced.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/IMG_4596.jpg" title="IMG_4596" width="576" /></a></div>
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The kids loved riding on the front of the boat.</div>
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<a href="http://www.wannabebalanced.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/IMG_4601.jpg"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-2220" height="384" src="http://www.wannabebalanced.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/IMG_4601.jpg" title="IMG_4601" width="576" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.wannabebalanced.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/IMG_4605.jpg"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-2221" height="384" src="http://www.wannabebalanced.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/IMG_4605.jpg" title="IMG_4605" width="576" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.wannabebalanced.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/IMG_4645.jpg"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-2222" height="384" src="http://www.wannabebalanced.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/IMG_4645.jpg" title="IMG_4645" width="576" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.wannabebalanced.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/IMG_4665.jpg"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-2223" height="384" src="http://www.wannabebalanced.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/IMG_4665.jpg" title="IMG_4665" width="576" /></a></div>
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Crystal Escobarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15477802676099792677noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4450858575109217698.post-44668249720159999182013-02-13T06:55:00.001-08:002013-02-13T06:55:39.563-08:00HFM RecoveryAfter one long week of <a href="http://www.wannabebalanced.com/life-of-a-wanna-be/hand-foot-and-mouth-disease/hand-foot-and-mouth-disease.html">Oliver's awful HFM virus</a>, he's finally recovering. Check out these pictures. Sorry if this grosses you out, but I just had to show you.
<a href="http://www.wannabebalanced.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/IMG_4685.jpg"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-2201" height="384" src="http://www.wannabebalanced.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/IMG_4685.jpg" title="IMG_4685" width="576" /></a>
<a href="http://www.wannabebalanced.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/IMG_4687.jpg"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-2202" height="384" src="http://www.wannabebalanced.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/IMG_4687.jpg" title="IMG_4687" width="576" /></a>
YUCK! Can you believe this? His skin is falling off!!! Guess thats what will happen when your hands and feet are covered with blisters.
Oliver is just happy he can finally hold his baby sister again. Thankfully she never got it and neither did Lily.
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<a href="http://www.wannabebalanced.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/IMG_4585.jpg"><img alt="" class="aligncenter wp-image-2203" height="778" src="http://www.wannabebalanced.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/IMG_4585.jpg" title="IMG_4585" width="518" /></a></div>
Crystal Escobarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15477802676099792677noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4450858575109217698.post-44617985236577615752013-02-13T06:50:00.000-08:002013-02-13T06:50:02.918-08:00Hand-Foot-and-Mouth DiseaseOur poor little Olly came down with this weird viral infection I've never even heard of until now. HFM Disease is probably the worst thing we've ever had in our home. First of all the name alone sounds awful!
It all started with a fever, then lead to sore throat, loss of appetite and the worst part was the itchy feet. It kept poor Olly up all night the first two nights. Soon the itchy feet turned into red bumps which then turned into these nasty blisters.
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Needless to say we've had a rough week. Poor little Olly feels like he can't touch anything or anyone. He hasn't been able to touch Brooklyn for at least 5 days now and it's killing him. Makes me feel so bad to see him this way. The worst part about this whole thing is there isn't much you can do for them. No medicine, no cream, no nothing. You just kind of have to wait it out and hope nobody else in the family gets it. He already passed it on to one of my nieces. Thankfully Lily and Brooklyn haven't gotten it. I'm just hoping and praying that this is the end of it.
He's feeling a lot better now and the blisters are starting to go away. So things are beginning to look up.Crystal Escobarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15477802676099792677noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4450858575109217698.post-48054382361071411592013-01-28T14:52:00.000-08:002013-01-28T14:52:03.710-08:00Southern Utah HikeEver since we bought our house in St. George we have discovered some pretty amazing places to hike with the kids. One of my most favorites is the last one we did at <a href="http://www.utah.com/thingtodo24279.htm">Red Cliffs Nature Trail</a>. I just loved this one because it had a cute little water fall at the end with a few different water holes for the kids to splash around in and cool off.
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It was a little hot for the kids, but thankfully the hike wasn't that long. Oliver made us hold him the whole way there and back. Needless to say we both got a great work out so that's always good. Look at Oliver's face, haha. This is his "hold me, I'm hot and tired face".
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Lily is such a little climber. Any chance she got to veer off the trail and hike up some big rocks, she took it.
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Brooklyn loved it.
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There was plenty of shaded spots to stop and rest for a minute.
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We saw lots of cool lizards which is the highlight for the kids. Ever since Sean discovered the Lizard Lasso they get so excited. This Lizard lasso is pretty cool. It was actually invented by a little boy. You've got to see his <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fcCfpuNVa2Q&noredirect=1">youtube video</a>. Anyway, he sells this lasso that allows you to easily catch lizards, pretty much every time. Here's a picture of Lily with her catch.
<a href="http://www.wannabebalanced.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/Lily-lizard-lasso.jpeg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-2173" title="Lily lizard lasso" src="http://www.wannabebalanced.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/Lily-lizard-lasso.jpeg" alt="" width="480" height="640" /></a>
Don't worry, it doesn't hurt them, and we just do catch and release.
Anyway, back to our hiking experience.
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This was Olly's one short stretch of walking on his own... lasted about as long as it took me to take this picture.
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Lily made a friend.
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Then we made it to the water holes. Felt so nice to cool off a bit. Lily even jumped off the rocks into the water, unfortunately I didn't get a picture of that because I was feeding Brooklyn.
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Then if you go up a little higher, there are more water holes with slippery rocks that people were using to slide down into the lower water holes.
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So, if you ever make it down to Southern Utah then you have to check this place out. It was awesome!!!Crystal Escobarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15477802676099792677noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4450858575109217698.post-25294913320244425202013-01-28T14:51:00.001-08:002013-01-28T14:51:05.575-08:00Summer FashionYay for summer clothes!!! Don't you just love to pull out all your cute summer clothes AND shop for more :).
You all know how much I love to shop and recently I was introduced to another really cute boutique here in Salt Lake, but they also have a website you can shop at for those of you who don't live in Utah. It's called <a href="http://www.modernvintageboutique.com/">Modern Vintage Boutique</a>. I seriously wanted to buy everything I saw on the website.
Here is my newest outfit I just had to share!
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<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.wannabebalanced.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/IMG_4477.jpg"><img class="aligncenter wp-image-2155" title="IMG_4477" src="http://www.wannabebalanced.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/IMG_4477.jpg" alt="" width="403" height="627" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align: left;">I just LOVE the crochet top and the lace detail at the bottom. And as far as the cardigan goes, what's not to love. The puffy sleeves, the stripes, and the cute flower brooch. The brooch actually came separately and I thought it looked so cute with the cardigan. I love me a cute brooch. So fun to add them to a sometimes more simple piece of clothing. Great way to dress up and outfit.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Here are a few of my top pics from the website.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.wannabebalanced.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/1486512_5_26_1210399.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-2156" title="1486512_5_26_1210399" src="http://www.wannabebalanced.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/1486512_5_26_1210399.jpg" alt="" width="533" height="800" /></a></p>
<h2 style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://modernvintageboutique.com/item_494/Multi-Colored-Damask-Print-Maxi-Dress.htm">Multi Colored Damask Print Maxi Dress</a></h2>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.wannabebalanced.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/428034_10151395839020113_295184875112_23504108_1334593418_n.jpg"><img class="aligncenter wp-image-2157" title="428034_10151395839020113_295184875112_23504108_1334593418_n" src="http://www.wannabebalanced.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/428034_10151395839020113_295184875112_23504108_1334593418_n.jpg" alt="" width="384" height="576" /></a></p>
<h2 style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://modernvintageboutique.com/item_338/CREAM-Double-Ruffle-and-Ruched-Blouse-TOP-ONLY.htm">CREAM Double Ruffle and Ruched Blouse (TOP ONLY)</a></h2>
<a href="http://www.wannabebalanced.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/FB005.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-2158" title="FB005" src="http://www.wannabebalanced.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/FB005.jpg" alt="" width="400" height="351" /></a>
<h2 style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://modernvintageboutique.com/item_432/Green-Crochet-Bolero.htm">Green Crochet Bolero</a></h2>
And the SHOES!!! Oh my gosh, the shoes...
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<h2 style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://modernvintageboutique.com/item_53/Fabulous-and-Sassy-Designer-Black-and-Orange-High-Heels.htm">Fabulous and Sassy Designer Black and Orange High Heels</a></h2>
If I wore heals I'd totally be sporting these. I absolutely LOVE them!!!
So for now I'll have to stick to some cute flats like these ones.
<a href="http://www.wannabebalanced.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/KRYSTAL-53-SANDAL_krystal-53.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-2160" title="KRYSTAL-53-SANDAL_krystal-53" src="http://www.wannabebalanced.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/KRYSTAL-53-SANDAL_krystal-53.jpg" alt="" width="355" height="390" /></a>
<h2 style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://modernvintageboutique.com/item_170/Natural-Colored-Chic-Floral-Rosette-Sandals.htm">Natural Colored Chic Floral Rosette Sandals</a></h2>
They also have a little home decor.
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They are located 1142 Murray Holladay Rd SLC UT 84117! They are open by appointment only.
If you need any help Call Danielle 949 244 4069 or
email at <a href="mailto:modernvintageboutique@hotmail.com">modernvintageboutique@hotmail.com</a>, and be sure to <a href="http://www.facebook.com/ShopModernVintageBoutique">"LIKE" them on Facebook</a> so you can stay updated on when they get new stuff in.Crystal Escobarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15477802676099792677noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4450858575109217698.post-79275603511607660332013-01-28T14:49:00.001-08:002013-01-28T14:49:52.870-08:00Spinach CubesYou all know I'm a big fan of green smoothies. I mostly like to use spinach for my greens because the taste is very mild. I usually add a huge handfull into my morning <a href="https://www.bodyalive.com/crystal">Isagenix shake</a>. The one thing I hate is that the spinach seems to go bad too fast. So recently I got proactive about it. Instead of always throwing away half the bag of spinach I decided to freeze it before it goes bad. I just put it all in my Vitamixer, then used my muffin tins to freeze little individual servings.
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Then once they were frozen I transfered them over to a freezer bag. This way it's nice and convenient to just grab one and add it to my smoothy.
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It's also nice to have these for those <a href="http://www.wannabebalanced.com/home-making/healthy-meals-kids-will-love/healthy-meals-kids-will-love.html">sneaky recipes</a> I mentioned before. I also saw a brownie recipe recently where you can add spinach to them. Sounds like a great idea. Just google "spinach brownies" and you'll find a ton of recipes.Crystal Escobarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15477802676099792677noreply@blogger.com0