tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35505088012840940932024-03-19T01:15:24.705-07:00Always a Reason to CelebrateMelinda Dumashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13696156539794436501noreply@blogger.comBlogger39125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3550508801284094093.post-19984436319770897082012-12-31T09:12:00.001-08:002012-12-31T09:12:29.215-08:00One year ago.<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">On December 31, 2011 I stood in my bathroom indescribably starting at 2 lines.</span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><i>Today I stare at my lovely son, still indescribable, but so grateful. </i></span></div>
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Melinda Dumashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13696156539794436501noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3550508801284094093.post-4783327391028850352012-09-25T20:13:00.000-07:002012-10-15T07:45:20.544-07:00Celebrating Kai <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Meet Kai Evans.<br />
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He gave me the great privilege of becoming a mom on August 23. Just one hour after arriving at the birthing center, out he came into the arms of his dad. Jonathan placed Kai on my chest so we could meet and then I fell in love.<br />
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I hope to have my birth story complete very soon. I will be sharing it with more pictures and hopefully a slideshow!<br />
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<br />Melinda Dumashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13696156539794436501noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3550508801284094093.post-7287021572716084662012-08-18T20:13:00.000-07:002012-08-18T20:13:04.993-07:00Week 35 and 36<b>Hello - yes, this is 2 weeks behind, that's all - Enjoy!</b><br />
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<b>How far along?</b><b> </b> 35/36 Weeks<o:p></o:p>
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<b>Feeling:</b> Resting more during the day, but not so much at night.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>I am noticing that I am having a hard time:</b> bending down to pick things up, getting out of bed quickly (I have to roll off sideways), getting into small cars, doing the dishes with my big tummy in the way (unless my arms are stretched out), putting lotion on my legs and feet (unless sitting and doing it one leg at a time), playing with Kona (too tired), or even showering and drying off (might start using the bigger guest bathroom).<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Best moment these last few weeks: </b>Having my good friends host a shower for me. They had yummy brunch foods, great punch, fun games and prizes, and also a card for people to fill out that had wishes for baby (pictures to come soon).<br />
Also, my sister had her baby on Wednesday, August 1st. She was a week early and had a baby boy. A few hours later on the same day, my good friend Katie delivered her son! These two boys are actually cousins too! So exciting!<br />
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<b>Miss Anything?</b> Let me rephrase the question - What I won't miss: HEARTBURN or acid reflux after eating different foods. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Movement: </b>His shoulder or something is always jabbing out on my right side. I gently pat/push it back in and he nicely moves it. </div>
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<b>Food cravings:</b> Lots of them. Since my blood pressure has been higher, I have been trying to stay away from foods high in salt. Sodium is in almost everything.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Looking forward to:</b> Fixing the nursery, buying things for delivery day and packing my birthing bag. We also will be installing our new car seat this week! That will look different in our car.<br />
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<b>Firsts: </b>Started the "24" TV series. Started half days at work. Having to do some days of bed rest. Made a long long list of "To Do's"before baby comes.<br />
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<b>Other:</b> Part of a Facebook forum where people post questions, advise, free stuff and things to do with baby in Denton. I have gotten some free newborn diapers, a diaper genie and discounted breast friend pillow from it!</div>
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<b>Birthing class:</b> Is over, but we have started meeting with our Doula Heidi. She is going to be my birthing "maid of honor" on baby's birthday! </div>
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<b>Baby room:</b> We finally have a paint color! Brown- calm down, not the whole room, just an accent wall. We started to build our crib (well opened the box) but found a gash in it from shipping. Be careful FedEx. So instead of building the crib, we put together the pack'n'play for our room. </div>
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<b>Our other child- Kona Baby</b>: She loves going in the baby room and exploring. Haven't gotten a baby doll for her yet to practice being around, but very soon.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Where you find me and what I usually am doing. </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Resting more.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sweet Weston Dean Hembree - Born on Aug. 1</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shower game time! Love games!<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Game for me to play: I had to guess what each gift was and what to do with it. </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Awe, I love this, thanks Kathryn!"</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My beautiful, lovely friends who gave me this wonderful shower. So thankful for each of these ladies who are part of my life. Look forward to them having babies someday too. </td></tr>
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<br />Melinda Dumashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13696156539794436501noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3550508801284094093.post-46463608778576314842012-07-23T11:55:00.000-07:002012-07-23T11:55:48.478-07:00Week 33 and 34<div class="MsoNormal">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My boss Laurea and I at my work shower</td></tr>
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<b>How far along?</b><b> </b> 33/34 Weeks<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Feeling:</b> Pretty Good! My pelvis is starting to be sore because of more pressure. Baby is in good position with head down.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>I am noticing: </b>that I am resting my hands, plates and cups more on my tummy when I am sitting. I wondered if I would ever use the baby for placement. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Stretch marks?</b> Same. But I did get some belly cream from a shower!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Best moment this week:</b> Having a wonderful Wednesday date night with Jonathan. We went to a great restaurant in Dallas, had good food and then to the Dallas Arboretum for the Chihuly Glass Exhibit. (pictures below) I also had 2 showers this week. <br />
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<b>Miss Anything?</b> Cooler mornings. I rush to get inside my office building at 8am because of the heat. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Movement: </b>Oh so much movement, now on my left side. The doctor told me his feet are on my left now. Sure enough, lots of tiny toes and kicks on that side. <o:p></o:p><b> </b></div>
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<b>Food cravings:</b> The $1 ice cream that is in the university union (2 min walk). They have a lemon chill and cookies n' cream flavor that I love. The new Chick Fil A cookies are really good too. I am so glad Jonathan and I got our own the other day because it would have been hard to split. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Looking forward to:</b> My Birthday. I am taking Monday off to hang with Jonathan and just enjoy the day off. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Firsts: </b>Had my first baby shower last Saturday. Got so much encouragement from the women and great gifts. The 4 hostess gave us a chair glider for our baby room.</div>
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<b>Other:</b> I started swimming and walking after work. It feels great to get in the pool and swim laps. I feel lighter. </div>
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<b>Birthing class:</b> Only one week left. This last week the men and women split up and we had time to talk more openly on things that some might not feel comfortable if men were around. We have a pot luck and pool party this Tuesday night. That will be fun - someone is bringing Brisket. </div>
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<b>Baby room:</b> It's getting full of baby gifts! Also our new glider is there! </div>
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<b>Our other child- Kona Baby</b>: She is just hanging in there with this hot weather. Not getting to play or walk as much outside. She is sniffing all my new gifts and thinks all the stuffed animals are for her. Not these kind. We will be getting a small fake baby soon and put a diaper on it to get her used to the smells and a little baby around. We will see how this goes.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUz8DAECTSN84H9N0If2rfrUPJB_byfuTgmOkCxxv6d0gyY8WXHYnfMZQ4aHnvyYO7WK2trlDESbNfUDqW7udkQsDTG6zRiIBt24R7laoRqcsum30Q_2SP5KrEHn-8x3fU59AyCJrkwQmj/s1600/my+pedicure" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUz8DAECTSN84H9N0If2rfrUPJB_byfuTgmOkCxxv6d0gyY8WXHYnfMZQ4aHnvyYO7WK2trlDESbNfUDqW7udkQsDTG6zRiIBt24R7laoRqcsum30Q_2SP5KrEHn-8x3fU59AyCJrkwQmj/s400/my+pedicure" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Getting a pedicure from a cutie</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3FfXQGTNBzCiGHOSwJobuf_fnh8JZDK5Bnj-tEo5mcZLGgazryzRD5JpjKAUY6IpMOEaNylRcc2k6nWZH0BHc1F8Xrrn-kveBCSU8UfDcsKDHXyN1FcMMysU7vCzc7YBa8yRHdGmzMhOg/s1600/track" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3FfXQGTNBzCiGHOSwJobuf_fnh8JZDK5Bnj-tEo5mcZLGgazryzRD5JpjKAUY6IpMOEaNylRcc2k6nWZH0BHc1F8Xrrn-kveBCSU8UfDcsKDHXyN1FcMMysU7vCzc7YBa8yRHdGmzMhOg/s400/track" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Indoor track I have been walking on. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7Pa1fDMxb3agMwO6t-VhFdUljMzi31uWTDuBjbtyWucKsn3imOcPugAJUWd6hv0U11NF9j41BIzZWWStYM6hDjYrsWkJzch04QR0SzkB6xo1v7Rniez0PM5HHSNyob55Bx9uacxbT3__r/s1600/pool" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7Pa1fDMxb3agMwO6t-VhFdUljMzi31uWTDuBjbtyWucKsn3imOcPugAJUWd6hv0U11NF9j41BIzZWWStYM6hDjYrsWkJzch04QR0SzkB6xo1v7Rniez0PM5HHSNyob55Bx9uacxbT3__r/s400/pool" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One side of the lap pool. I am usually in another area.<span id="goog_1881969527"></span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_jcIfxHwyb1r8ighazoPwGfy4Fvc0H7vSg-4vFEkFkKVUIErBkjvBR4tDVj32dcQmdbgwTTEZFHSdrDjmVeAjmG_DL_avygNlrCIi72LiNmFZVvtBpb-cvH25cDdeYnSUZo-jvmL5aahD/s1600/IMG_162.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_jcIfxHwyb1r8ighazoPwGfy4Fvc0H7vSg-4vFEkFkKVUIErBkjvBR4tDVj32dcQmdbgwTTEZFHSdrDjmVeAjmG_DL_avygNlrCIi72LiNmFZVvtBpb-cvH25cDdeYnSUZo-jvmL5aahD/s400/IMG_162.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mexican themed shower - My guests were waiting patiently</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrYea-5R6uj3gCF4MPhsgvmnw-kFeApOrr2n2aPeyapU3eUZ_rXyqDLRVHxUeB8M0CDEDlq7ZAelMDhSt5kLV9aqn1C_p64QsbfUohVTah9Kf1XZr_AHYEle4MQdFQzIBO3qgnOgMHcS08/s1600/IMG_167.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrYea-5R6uj3gCF4MPhsgvmnw-kFeApOrr2n2aPeyapU3eUZ_rXyqDLRVHxUeB8M0CDEDlq7ZAelMDhSt5kLV9aqn1C_p64QsbfUohVTah9Kf1XZr_AHYEle4MQdFQzIBO3qgnOgMHcS08/s400/IMG_167.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A mamasita waiting </td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWqruUn2EAibdpT6-uuLhScshkH33Bc0v2tp7Z3fOaOcr-6XABLqfU8ERjTvZIP5oQ7WbDNha1Ua0cRR356KeVlGVskbyOFYLpjsafbMLvYHTAHwieavLBYigWGvvhg_piNaaRCT0gaev5/s1600/IMG_170.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWqruUn2EAibdpT6-uuLhScshkH33Bc0v2tp7Z3fOaOcr-6XABLqfU8ERjTvZIP5oQ7WbDNha1Ua0cRR356KeVlGVskbyOFYLpjsafbMLvYHTAHwieavLBYigWGvvhg_piNaaRCT0gaev5/s400/IMG_170.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cute baby fruit carriage made by Sharon Dumas</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhoSHP_XLA3Lb7bTRJCn6QR5MJOKNeBIDc39Qd4jrDAxhx7mqBdhShysSjaqHEUZfFh8hJBxFvH0rSkstMHnK_jYBneSU0GbjZjaM21SU_hqPbiDFGOHTOHOQJC4n0vD95ftsmyqrEfRNZ/s1600/IMG_177.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhoSHP_XLA3Lb7bTRJCn6QR5MJOKNeBIDc39Qd4jrDAxhx7mqBdhShysSjaqHEUZfFh8hJBxFvH0rSkstMHnK_jYBneSU0GbjZjaM21SU_hqPbiDFGOHTOHOQJC4n0vD95ftsmyqrEfRNZ/s400/IMG_177.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me and Katie </td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEc4TirwZXkSVMbrEF6S_j2gFPdLHK8TYziNMAjmIKyLoaj_yVV9Cme6qp7Eh_tMGZmGwV8gatdWf-ngTBKnbVZRLFpZ6mGDD6LbID7hwZ2f0JiNUgvrOLGrU6cusMVOg2C5fHATlW9J-V/s1600/IMG_173.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEc4TirwZXkSVMbrEF6S_j2gFPdLHK8TYziNMAjmIKyLoaj_yVV9Cme6qp7Eh_tMGZmGwV8gatdWf-ngTBKnbVZRLFpZ6mGDD6LbID7hwZ2f0JiNUgvrOLGrU6cusMVOg2C5fHATlW9J-V/s400/IMG_173.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">People and decorations</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaNGoE6lsrGi36O5meTi-a7zApuYhEq8i_OUJYYL46uw9NfDfoFJpcgW0iVo-sLkP4mfmW7OAJARWHIYoxf6SRWDmXA9bnjnMhCkUdNqomWqHgqzZw57aqNfblnqpLAkKtIst0tZMkpEbb/s1600/chihuly" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaNGoE6lsrGi36O5meTi-a7zApuYhEq8i_OUJYYL46uw9NfDfoFJpcgW0iVo-sLkP4mfmW7OAJARWHIYoxf6SRWDmXA9bnjnMhCkUdNqomWqHgqzZw57aqNfblnqpLAkKtIst0tZMkpEbb/s400/chihuly" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some of the Chihuly Exhibit</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji6hEEy7d6sRFc-jgfDKnZg8r0ZM-fYwbE3sqjA4r_hVQfuDA_QlH2_P2KHo94s2qDhy8Ngh3Fv8GNQXeRM7eWyv2bF3mW9Jw_Z9kkonNo2fYC6jBpL7hsw42hvLWBgit5BuduHRQScwQa/s1600/cactus" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji6hEEy7d6sRFc-jgfDKnZg8r0ZM-fYwbE3sqjA4r_hVQfuDA_QlH2_P2KHo94s2qDhy8Ngh3Fv8GNQXeRM7eWyv2bF3mW9Jw_Z9kkonNo2fYC6jBpL7hsw42hvLWBgit5BuduHRQScwQa/s400/cactus" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another glass sculpture</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJrj5mVIbmhb3DW8P6jR9DEmHInOot5hoJDxgZR5UMTnhkal52C9ezRTBEFhnpBNcb-HhSFs1uS7qcOQjHf8rOItPtnXumsyBNupSewB0W9TQKVO3-H8GRPVcFNzL164zI0lLZRpFvqItJ/s1600/001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJrj5mVIbmhb3DW8P6jR9DEmHInOot5hoJDxgZR5UMTnhkal52C9ezRTBEFhnpBNcb-HhSFs1uS7qcOQjHf8rOItPtnXumsyBNupSewB0W9TQKVO3-H8GRPVcFNzL164zI0lLZRpFvqItJ/s400/001.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Work shower that Laurea threw</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfF-Et3F3QykxHp7yEkgxy9r513oePe-rA9ab81Qc6qiYB3AZsIw9nF6vRUItacr0fdN7kGVi6ois_dzUzu4BdumpztpcdHrryu1FE7PGUbrkxoM0Yp5_7vLYFo6NjOgBA9Ow4_-O6CQua/s1600/007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfF-Et3F3QykxHp7yEkgxy9r513oePe-rA9ab81Qc6qiYB3AZsIw9nF6vRUItacr0fdN7kGVi6ois_dzUzu4BdumpztpcdHrryu1FE7PGUbrkxoM0Yp5_7vLYFo6NjOgBA9Ow4_-O6CQua/s400/007.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sharon and I </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrCIqXBS-UTQLWpRRYLJcOwhu4uiPBh38zAMjZhX2DpBJtAG7wWB78XHXiJGBXULegl8VLoxNDFwKZf2Zdwy-qJPBp5DlPRyHDHOEPobs2sSaYpHDMW05lhgGEBWfWGY2KdpwlOS8b-t4W/s1600/010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrCIqXBS-UTQLWpRRYLJcOwhu4uiPBh38zAMjZhX2DpBJtAG7wWB78XHXiJGBXULegl8VLoxNDFwKZf2Zdwy-qJPBp5DlPRyHDHOEPobs2sSaYpHDMW05lhgGEBWfWGY2KdpwlOS8b-t4W/s400/010.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Presidents wife made me a nice baby quilt</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhoSHP_XLA3Lb7bTRJCn6QR5MJOKNeBIDc39Qd4jrDAxhx7mqBdhShysSjaqHEUZfFh8hJBxFvH0rSkstMHnK_jYBneSU0GbjZjaM21SU_hqPbiDFGOHTOHOQJC4n0vD95ftsmyqrEfRNZ/s1600/IMG_177.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEc4TirwZXkSVMbrEF6S_j2gFPdLHK8TYziNMAjmIKyLoaj_yVV9Cme6qp7Eh_tMGZmGwV8gatdWf-ngTBKnbVZRLFpZ6mGDD6LbID7hwZ2f0JiNUgvrOLGrU6cusMVOg2C5fHATlW9J-V/s1600/IMG_173.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
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<br />
<br /></div>Melinda Dumashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13696156539794436501noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3550508801284094093.post-15940585698839903222012-07-08T12:07:00.001-07:002012-07-08T15:47:17.628-07:0032 weeks down, 8 weeks to go<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfFOeCcn3PCS3nPDeKSpz7pNR3IzFdXdzzJ9-Jm2ECCdfzVgGZi732v9x24jEYloB0SPNYBeED_-Ep43dRGeR314zUGbu6CbX0y5VBU6GVcAxatYVjGv4xYg-UHvaFMC0MCtyeBeX9zceb/s1600/32+weeks" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfFOeCcn3PCS3nPDeKSpz7pNR3IzFdXdzzJ9-Jm2ECCdfzVgGZi732v9x24jEYloB0SPNYBeED_-Ep43dRGeR314zUGbu6CbX0y5VBU6GVcAxatYVjGv4xYg-UHvaFMC0MCtyeBeX9zceb/s400/32+weeks" width="332" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">32 Weeks</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: left;">
Hi! I am going to try and document my pregnancy now that I am in my third trimester. Ha. We will see how I do. I just took a few questions from someones blog and filled them in and added some of my own. I also dumped a few pictures to show my life this week. Enjoy!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>How far along?</b><b> </b>
32 weeks<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Feeling:</b> I am feeling heavier and bigger tummy wise, maybe
because he is having a growth spurt and I have eaten a lot this week. It has
been a little uncomfortable at night, but I am still getting enough sleep. It
has been harder to get up and get ready, so I haven't been showering some
mornings and just pulling my hair back so I can get an extra 30 min of
sleep. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>I am noticing: </b>that when I am talking to a large group of
people or on the phone for a while, I get hot flashes and just start sweating.
So I put a fan at my desk and keep it on all day. So weird. Blame it on my
hormones. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Stretch marks?</b> Yes, some tiny ones on my hips, near others I
got in middle school. Nothing new, I have known my body is prone. I still will
wear a swimsuit and not worry! <o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Best moment this week:</b> Meeting up with other Filipinos and having so much Filipino food to eat
for our 4<sup>th</sup> of July Filipino Feast. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Miss Anything?</b> Wearing some of my cute summer dresses. They
just fit awkwardly right now. And maybe a cold margarita. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Movement: </b>Oh so much movement, especially on my right side…
where my stretch marks are.. any parallels?<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Food cravings:</b> Not craving, but I am enjoying so much
watermelon right now. The perfect bites are those that have been sitting in the
refrigerator for a few hours! <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Looking forward to:</b> My gym membership at UNT at the Rec. Center. I got the membership to
swim laps and walk the indoor track since it is too hot to do this outside. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Firsts: </b>Washed a load of baby clothes with my clothes to get
some laundry done. I was telling
Jonathan it is so weird to have little clothes in there with ours. Also, we
only do laundry once every 2 weeks now and I think that is going to change after
the baby comes. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Other:</b> I bought a medicine ball to sit on because it helps the baby “stay down” and gives my butt/tailbone a rest. I am tempted to
bring it to work. </div>
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</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Birthing class:</b> This was our 3rd week and it was great. I am already getting sad we only have 3 more weeks left. I love getting to know people in there, hearing their questions and asking lots of questions that I come up with during the week. We worked on more pain coping techniques with music. I am getting my play list together this week and looking forward to having good music playing during labor. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Baby room:</b> I have finally cleaned it out (almost) and taped the room up for painting. No paint color chosen yet. Jonathan will be taking care of that once he takes his test on July 21. So we should have colors picked out them. I am letting him take the lead on this. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Baby name:</b> Nada. We did have a 2 hour discussion on it, but nothing new yet. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Our other child- Kona Baby</b>: For the 4th of July, me and some friends took our dogs to the lake and swam with them. The water felt great and the dogs got some good exercise. She was sleeping on the way home. We tried out a new dog park on Thursday in Lewisville and met up with my friend Courtney to meet her new dog. Lately, she has become bored at home since the she can't be out in the heat to much. We try to get a walk in the evenings, but only after 9pm. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 12pt;">I
don’t know if I will keep this format, I am just tying it out. It does help me
answer questions so I don’t just ramble everything on my mind. Here are some pictures
from my iphone that I took to document this week. </span><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGv8IidwWRF52_BJ0OM6yK4ajrDS_f7wzHMLyUbKiypqFWyf_DaiaRVq-VgguttrNeT1jUrIpsljgSIqDgz3o_kmKg_C20PzibjKUxqdUgDkM0N-sCvLY15dno2ZGcQPmwkwhT07SLONmD/s1600/4th+dessert.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGv8IidwWRF52_BJ0OM6yK4ajrDS_f7wzHMLyUbKiypqFWyf_DaiaRVq-VgguttrNeT1jUrIpsljgSIqDgz3o_kmKg_C20PzibjKUxqdUgDkM0N-sCvLY15dno2ZGcQPmwkwhT07SLONmD/s400/4th+dessert.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brownie cake I made of a Filipino flag</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5KRlOGR7to-V449ekMv7wWLwgdpiDGk5mOyn1NxN97yiu29ij5xQ2si_N_xRpfm9gtaxdqevwAZaOZAa5lLGKQRZISgwTHpmGpGmN4MyYow1GD3l1PJTWoECMwtrVULErsp3w_6DTYwAa/s1600/4th+food" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5KRlOGR7to-V449ekMv7wWLwgdpiDGk5mOyn1NxN97yiu29ij5xQ2si_N_xRpfm9gtaxdqevwAZaOZAa5lLGKQRZISgwTHpmGpGmN4MyYow1GD3l1PJTWoECMwtrVULErsp3w_6DTYwAa/s400/4th+food" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Filipino food<br />
<br />
<br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span id="goog_929192790"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<span id="goog_929192791"></span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkMpExTH5CfEBiMEXuK2C-DTut7JY7WyuRO39EB_KY4e7grSObj_JCwwQXKqbM4HkQoj2LAFpaQ_P6hkW43LyXtqFPKqobwWs5D8bM0ZZLHBIj1oYvzGY7lPkmLw8ldlqZGgOVWExgqdgV/s1600/watermelon+craving" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkMpExTH5CfEBiMEXuK2C-DTut7JY7WyuRO39EB_KY4e7grSObj_JCwwQXKqbM4HkQoj2LAFpaQ_P6hkW43LyXtqFPKqobwWs5D8bM0ZZLHBIj1oYvzGY7lPkmLw8ldlqZGgOVWExgqdgV/s400/watermelon+craving" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I have been eating an entire watermelon this weekend.. Jonathan picked the sweetest one!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwhtdw1ZTtBZx77RBwJb75W-v0CKOfAqF9ivt1yNymrx-a3eq9JIBEyEVTc9zXfrxrvfbVekcJUoSWOzqBvsWlgqWBpnPvPXuRJpdf9h5IULQKK6xkvH3nXbqDCDAYEnda0GDTt32SkUpZ/s1600/4+bottles+of+water" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwhtdw1ZTtBZx77RBwJb75W-v0CKOfAqF9ivt1yNymrx-a3eq9JIBEyEVTc9zXfrxrvfbVekcJUoSWOzqBvsWlgqWBpnPvPXuRJpdf9h5IULQKK6xkvH3nXbqDCDAYEnda0GDTt32SkUpZ/s400/4+bottles+of+water" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trying to drink 4 water bottles a day. This is how I keep track at work. </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5Lw5ys_jhoQiziSslxlW5IkuXK-rNc8yE6Jtbl9TvBSrSZBpWaG2eDmexwfGFElYECL6zPurmA-QdU8_QzGTbIoShLPGdjhHzYSjWxpv0xC_5dGTlxpyqMNOVaBVwQBuHRL8zmMCw6q9-/s1600/inanna" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5Lw5ys_jhoQiziSslxlW5IkuXK-rNc8yE6Jtbl9TvBSrSZBpWaG2eDmexwfGFElYECL6zPurmA-QdU8_QzGTbIoShLPGdjhHzYSjWxpv0xC_5dGTlxpyqMNOVaBVwQBuHRL8zmMCw6q9-/s400/inanna" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Birthing Center where Baby will be born and where I have appointments. Had a good 2 week check up. Baby is doing great and in a good place. </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinPeWpjp1EluOLiunH5fyAE8i9LFALefJo_JHozEi8xu_D7Xk9cq7eWiIu6cnIycQq6K61Zu83uUAv6qUS-vvxpZuTCBjk67Nu0urzx8HPmw6q3ISElhYG5FN1nSXmw1p9J46FYj217kJz/s1600/first+load+of+laundry" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinPeWpjp1EluOLiunH5fyAE8i9LFALefJo_JHozEi8xu_D7Xk9cq7eWiIu6cnIycQq6K61Zu83uUAv6qUS-vvxpZuTCBjk67Nu0urzx8HPmw6q3ISElhYG5FN1nSXmw1p9J46FYj217kJz/s400/first+load+of+laundry" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First load of baby laundry. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx9o5aHOrYZJuJ3UeMVDIV22nC2LSZhYz1-SYV2ECTet1e7o-cmxTelB0qoZqJ9h0nzcfZaKgtY694FSCJf4PlJqJsRynsg-sPsbwXcJ4CwEThNkX6jKyZ0uLFXBpJ28t1UkKFJipr6F0V/s1600/ball" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx9o5aHOrYZJuJ3UeMVDIV22nC2LSZhYz1-SYV2ECTet1e7o-cmxTelB0qoZqJ9h0nzcfZaKgtY694FSCJf4PlJqJsRynsg-sPsbwXcJ4CwEThNkX6jKyZ0uLFXBpJ28t1UkKFJipr6F0V/s400/ball" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My new comfort and chair. This is where I sit and get on the computer. </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK3ultg637RsWy0x3mc5z_NYc7zDCiEw5iNrGOmamSBzvLbjWMLT5TRzDS6jly-_GKnXPq8_2eZFqgz-mlLlzsv9SkyiRVIAKL_15oi3P2LULu-e86buQvq-9kGUP3OZVH_ONQXS2xH9jQ/s1600/4th+fun+kona" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK3ultg637RsWy0x3mc5z_NYc7zDCiEw5iNrGOmamSBzvLbjWMLT5TRzDS6jly-_GKnXPq8_2eZFqgz-mlLlzsv9SkyiRVIAKL_15oi3P2LULu-e86buQvq-9kGUP3OZVH_ONQXS2xH9jQ/s400/4th+fun+kona" width="395" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dre, Tristan, Nelson and Kona</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf-IOqjWV4Zu-B2Mj0iYpInzAYqoFTccMpQel_lwD11Hi0uulXkAYjttA_uqQuklvzWhHCGmFDe-5uCMQjo26wG5H7FSo22k2tYs_QqdUUn3c_wxzrbCpzX5dfxUqyQqViJdPwcM3vaJ27/s1600/baby+room" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf-IOqjWV4Zu-B2Mj0iYpInzAYqoFTccMpQel_lwD11Hi0uulXkAYjttA_uqQuklvzWhHCGmFDe-5uCMQjo26wG5H7FSo22k2tYs_QqdUUn3c_wxzrbCpzX5dfxUqyQqViJdPwcM3vaJ27/s400/baby+room" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Almost clear baby room</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 12pt;">See you next week! </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>Melinda Dumashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13696156539794436501noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3550508801284094093.post-82194852270947145072012-07-03T13:07:00.000-07:002012-07-03T13:07:02.014-07:00We're Here!I know, it's been over 3 months since my last post - but for a good reason....I'll give you a hint:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLLRZ3-8TEloCxLyGCP9S8E1oqxxog2Ey5Bb7lfwbFKPyV1iCgaSLi04OLIzDU0xHtSoilhcgq_jb65RF6H9vNXGRu8fj9QA5PhJbQVSqNPopebtIj2xsBAvVxH9wFe7b8AeYoBwR4u440/s1600/belly" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLLRZ3-8TEloCxLyGCP9S8E1oqxxog2Ey5Bb7lfwbFKPyV1iCgaSLi04OLIzDU0xHtSoilhcgq_jb65RF6H9vNXGRu8fj9QA5PhJbQVSqNPopebtIj2xsBAvVxH9wFe7b8AeYoBwR4u440/s400/belly" width="400" /></a></div>
-Not because I have been on vacation<br />
-Not because I haven't had internet<br />
-Not because I didn't have anything to post about<br />
But<br />
-Because I have other things on my mind and didn't blog about it<br />
-Because I was distracted with other things<br />
-Because I didn't know how to start blogging about this:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZrStTN1RRsn9XGiRLHb1_9MzdLVMx0S-icKp806g0U5ZwS3VTaBcCGs_wOWDSfBNlay3jKD7qNrTQC0SUNyVetHcfkmcvQnb_H6qwDc5y_7uBHJgLlklIUP7IkK28p0g4iXXqL4zidPYJ/s1600/three" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZrStTN1RRsn9XGiRLHb1_9MzdLVMx0S-icKp806g0U5ZwS3VTaBcCGs_wOWDSfBNlay3jKD7qNrTQC0SUNyVetHcfkmcvQnb_H6qwDc5y_7uBHJgLlklIUP7IkK28p0g4iXXqL4zidPYJ/s400/three" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
With more to come. I might just start off this blog acting and talking like I have been blogging this whole time... Beginning with 32 weeks! <br />
<br />
<br />Melinda Dumashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13696156539794436501noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3550508801284094093.post-31370032950605457312012-03-22T13:48:00.000-07:002012-03-22T13:48:01.929-07:00Crafty<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0Wun42Pudz5z6spcNaJN2mgoZqh_vSirXJUg-Ptf5Nz-sj2CrlAe3Ix6PWNS26HW0A2tbXho8d_24I0uqFiu05P_2NIRnpDp0aqv-bI3E2Msltad3ZZi6iNJLWgRfJvmdpiwNd4aU7L6o/s1600/craft+table+helper.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0Wun42Pudz5z6spcNaJN2mgoZqh_vSirXJUg-Ptf5Nz-sj2CrlAe3Ix6PWNS26HW0A2tbXho8d_24I0uqFiu05P_2NIRnpDp0aqv-bI3E2Msltad3ZZi6iNJLWgRfJvmdpiwNd4aU7L6o/s1600/craft+table+helper.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> (I will explain the picture in the post)</div><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> I don't consider myself a crafty person, but I like to make things from time to time. I don't own a embroidery machine or die cut, but I do have a craft table. That's a start.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">A few months ago, I saw this picture on <a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/17029304810490496/">Pinterest</a> and was inspired to make a craft room.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmKZsgb4nLKY4m5aeNh9wr0Hj6L5R4Qqmd9_lsQ2n1_urgAd59ZiDU8WpV6xVWVTRt5n_Cq0Kn5jFuiOItgMYaCKjWVUyd1DDrzBKU4AyliqX7tVL1sMgGz0-XklMrazowpaQSeouI3rMP/s1600/craft+room.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="294" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmKZsgb4nLKY4m5aeNh9wr0Hj6L5R4Qqmd9_lsQ2n1_urgAd59ZiDU8WpV6xVWVTRt5n_Cq0Kn5jFuiOItgMYaCKjWVUyd1DDrzBKU4AyliqX7tVL1sMgGz0-XklMrazowpaQSeouI3rMP/s320/craft+room.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> <br />
<span style="font-size: large;">My husband asked me why I needed a craft room and all I could think of at the time was one small project: To put together our wedding album from 2007. (lame reason)</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">After that conversation I had a garage sale and sold a queen size bed that was crowding my future craft room. My next mission was to find a cheap, sturdy craft table. A few days later I found a cheap $10, sturdy table at the re-sale shop that my University has on campus. When I arrived home, I immediately put it together and realized that this is what impulse buying gets you:</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzauiI9i4VruxX9W8KDo4H3tBdpvHLsRjxUGNytGrXsHCVW-M44eYbNXyCJXncSzGa1a-lY3cQVCIYVHwp3SrE6zjkdYoek4OZbMPfY4lI40qmiH4gWXwFzdjKooAuyimPq10zoVql2TkX/s1600/crap+craft+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzauiI9i4VruxX9W8KDo4H3tBdpvHLsRjxUGNytGrXsHCVW-M44eYbNXyCJXncSzGa1a-lY3cQVCIYVHwp3SrE6zjkdYoek4OZbMPfY4lI40qmiH4gWXwFzdjKooAuyimPq10zoVql2TkX/s400/crap+craft+1.jpg" width="400" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">To answer your question, "Yes, the table only came with one side of legs." This is how I improvised. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcsfyl96Fq48QMzbnyGRWP_lgR5Lal69tjYVecP1bcUtNxv9jzMwbUqDhKdOM3sgVrsOknbGoCL4H-cOKinGYHRHLa-ebxOQVwLUmUyR-VPRuEjSgQmEH0Yeip1yUFipRvjFu8cGGOzMb7/s1600/crap+craft+resolution.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcsfyl96Fq48QMzbnyGRWP_lgR5Lal69tjYVecP1bcUtNxv9jzMwbUqDhKdOM3sgVrsOknbGoCL4H-cOKinGYHRHLa-ebxOQVwLUmUyR-VPRuEjSgQmEH0Yeip1yUFipRvjFu8cGGOzMb7/s400/crap+craft+resolution.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">*P.S.- I wrote this post back in January and lots has changed since then. I got a a new table and chair! This time for FREE! My good friend Devon had put her table and chair out on the edge of the street for people to take and I just so happen to be in the area with my SUV. Thanks Devon for making my craft room look much better. </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKxFxFKHYPgL09oG5wHepA_tb8jr2NXzQbUZPUgY4IUwW68QrNb7phwrD0KpihATZ99sMmZN1K9Mn56OSFd3p_dZ1LLyqrBA-0erorKIyzahIpqHBpYVJeXY3iY1YTHqvy3NMboeNVyDpv/s1600/craft+table.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKxFxFKHYPgL09oG5wHepA_tb8jr2NXzQbUZPUgY4IUwW68QrNb7phwrD0KpihATZ99sMmZN1K9Mn56OSFd3p_dZ1LLyqrBA-0erorKIyzahIpqHBpYVJeXY3iY1YTHqvy3NMboeNVyDpv/s400/craft+table.jpg" width="298" /></a></div><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">*P.S.S. - This craft room will now be used for something else... ;-)</span><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div>Melinda Dumashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13696156539794436501noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3550508801284094093.post-44031386137483883762012-02-03T09:57:00.000-08:002012-02-03T09:57:31.819-08:00I will be crying plenty this summer<span style="font-size: large;">Onions make me cry every time I cut them. If you have ever walked in on me while chopping onions, you might see me with goggles on, a candle burning next to me, a towel to cover my nose and mouth, or just kleenex shoved up my nose. Pathetic. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">The reason for so much crying this summer is this:</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHldE1xLxFTtOFZq3YtMTEV73XglqtgWQI2xt9Xta0t7Uzbx__fi_ObWQD-C0AT_RMaZzCHf6o-_mTbv7SOp-pOuJIWbzo7-D6KAIjyYm0mk8nfsoVdTBMeYATOoCWCrsYCDn1-nU2Bm4c/s1600/onion+bed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHldE1xLxFTtOFZq3YtMTEV73XglqtgWQI2xt9Xta0t7Uzbx__fi_ObWQD-C0AT_RMaZzCHf6o-_mTbv7SOp-pOuJIWbzo7-D6KAIjyYm0mk8nfsoVdTBMeYATOoCWCrsYCDn1-nU2Bm4c/s640/onion+bed.jpg" width="478" /></a></div><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">It might not look like much. But if you look closely, you will see something in the top left corner...here is a closer picture for your convenience.</span><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGojf3bON0Brt3XMq4aD-UhYTX4AotHvQ7NhSj2mms4ki7pQ_lfVusmMNd1LiNfZkUQJfaBRJtJ1w0O-zlWHHv2lejcGtkbTOrtErLFnSzX9O1550peVeGrdptEGYj8DGeeJdd_0kH3cLB/s1600/onion+tops+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGojf3bON0Brt3XMq4aD-UhYTX4AotHvQ7NhSj2mms4ki7pQ_lfVusmMNd1LiNfZkUQJfaBRJtJ1w0O-zlWHHv2lejcGtkbTOrtErLFnSzX9O1550peVeGrdptEGYj8DGeeJdd_0kH3cLB/s640/onion+tops+2.jpg" width="478" /></a><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">What you are seeing are 45 little onions growing. We will see how many make it through the summer and into my kitchen. Also, you cant see it in the picture, but just above it, we have 20 garlic bulbs planted.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">We are really excited about our new garden. We built <b><a href="http://www.alwayscelebrate.blogspot.com/2011/06/remember-your-first-everything.html" target="_blank">this garden</a></b> last summer with little time to plant anything. Other things we anticipate to plant are tomatoes, zucchini, squash and herbs that will be in separate locations.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">My friend <b><a href="http://thecookinglife.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">Michelle</a></b> found a way to help with the crying while chopping dilemma. She takes a non-lit matchstick and bites it between her teeth while cutting the onion. I am sure this will still look silly, but might be the easiest way.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">My little ones are <i>celebrating</i> today because it's raining. They are enjoying their first nutrients. </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBJuY54BDl7XxgNgpqKM311-kKmBL8RkAiZJHLGa93a2d5oXqHMW_E4PN98N1fre-fsEamGV6vT9pWVF5r5crEl66lSd-dOq_vSpk8Al9TkLpnACMIJh2XbfDQdaS5XTwkfURQ28gRILwk/s1600/onion+tops.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br />
</a></div>Melinda Dumashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13696156539794436501noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3550508801284094093.post-1880559189277829892012-01-13T08:14:00.000-08:002012-01-13T08:14:22.353-08:00Dream<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.urbanoutfitters.com/"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTRO-_tdVTMzT32Kg1nNmw0HrzxxoSpH67aIfxKV_ZfYdhWW6XfPZ5aFd6oCKEkG7XxXEqja1OCCbAcPEn0UpO-EX1mHaVAJ159VNcz-1UDSjVwHytC9FmQEmTqpmCRvWiHx23VzLEQyj6/s400/platform+shoes.jpg" width="270" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><span style="font-size: large;">I had a dream last night that I was wearing platform high heal shoes and was walking everywhere in them. I felt so proud and comfortable wearing them around, it was like they were made for me.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I remember thinking, "these are so comfortable, I can't believe they look so crazy and dangerous, but are so stable and fitting."</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">The only reason I dreamed these things, is because I have tried on these types of shoes several times. Usually when nobody is looking at the store. Also, last Friday, I stopped in Old Navy to return something and had to check out the clearance section. Low and behold, there were some awesome, glittery platforms on sale with my name on it.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">But I didn't buy them. I couldn't see myself wearing them anywhere but at home to cook dinner. Maybe one day I will get some, but I won't wear them with clothes like the pictures below shows. </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf9-R48Ng1NCrAHkjTh5wCKnK6SDZ4BVVsJEhhBkJSeM4X-X3Qk8RyA73LJcpsIFZnq6HkoAU_MMvQtdIdn19XFSLEr4g_8GDthFC8d5YhS0HSBN-P2m8tHRr3-Br05f0j32jztfqxKSLO/s1600/platform.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf9-R48Ng1NCrAHkjTh5wCKnK6SDZ4BVVsJEhhBkJSeM4X-X3Qk8RyA73LJcpsIFZnq6HkoAU_MMvQtdIdn19XFSLEr4g_8GDthFC8d5YhS0HSBN-P2m8tHRr3-Br05f0j32jztfqxKSLO/s320/platform.jpg" width="238" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1k8YwoL7x8B9h2rHGUmt9t1RUHnzyolYfRoeKf82YRzBX-DaPL0tthuoPw4r76JW3cfC3D23YCqEJ2IRQnC8r_4nhpvfKoXfrpgsn7v6fKTpeNOxgu5IvPzIUhwQFWH9XW2w_ZaBpauMU/s1600/high+shoes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1k8YwoL7x8B9h2rHGUmt9t1RUHnzyolYfRoeKf82YRzBX-DaPL0tthuoPw4r76JW3cfC3D23YCqEJ2IRQnC8r_4nhpvfKoXfrpgsn7v6fKTpeNOxgu5IvPzIUhwQFWH9XW2w_ZaBpauMU/s320/high+shoes.jpg" width="239" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">I will just have my WILD dreams for now.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div>Melinda Dumashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13696156539794436501noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3550508801284094093.post-61054625301237251612011-12-16T10:58:00.000-08:002011-12-16T10:58:56.458-08:00Pronunciation LessionI don't know about you, but I don't remember a lesson in English class on the pronunciation of the following words:<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;"> <i><span style="font-size: large;">Ms. </span></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><span style="font-size: large;"> Mrs.</span></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">Miss.</span></i></div><br />
Maybe I was sick that day of class or "you just know" that kinda thing, but I never paid attention to the pronunciation until recently. I will admit that I am not the greatest on the use of correct grammar always or spelling perfectly, but this will be something I try to work on more because I am around so many proper and professional people who listen to the pronunciation of their salutation. <br />
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Here is what I have at my desk to help me with the pronunciation.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf1lGZdeAeGTaUy2qZsmYrqOkqp9CAbqGD7EdjziaWGl9vyb9vGna94V5_aww-rtnDD8qnatRNj-uKytU00o8d5zDZ8pvQwtgcTHG6PgMl2FD_D154clxkSnuigorPxVv-0QsgeckzOGE0/s1600/salutation.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="475" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf1lGZdeAeGTaUy2qZsmYrqOkqp9CAbqGD7EdjziaWGl9vyb9vGna94V5_aww-rtnDD8qnatRNj-uKytU00o8d5zDZ8pvQwtgcTHG6PgMl2FD_D154clxkSnuigorPxVv-0QsgeckzOGE0/s640/salutation.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"> If you see me soon, try to correct me or remind me when I say your salutation and name. </div>Melinda Dumashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13696156539794436501noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3550508801284094093.post-37971329611612236362011-11-26T07:15:00.000-08:002011-11-26T07:15:15.085-08:00Brown Friday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOId0UTleRq_AUzDAqu7WZwi4s-Lyo6fKvbm9yd9S8dH1FUTtWAT80OIbf3waL09CqJZXQJhqbgWWUhAhoVBH-68J0RD2LJnDn1aqHEhNrUb7T7Yp5Oih5L24veJhvd2_lgmh8Hqb2HnRt/s1600/friends+thanks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br />
</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOId0UTleRq_AUzDAqu7WZwi4s-Lyo6fKvbm9yd9S8dH1FUTtWAT80OIbf3waL09CqJZXQJhqbgWWUhAhoVBH-68J0RD2LJnDn1aqHEhNrUb7T7Yp5Oih5L24veJhvd2_lgmh8Hqb2HnRt/s1600/friends+thanks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOId0UTleRq_AUzDAqu7WZwi4s-Lyo6fKvbm9yd9S8dH1FUTtWAT80OIbf3waL09CqJZXQJhqbgWWUhAhoVBH-68J0RD2LJnDn1aqHEhNrUb7T7Yp5Oih5L24veJhvd2_lgmh8Hqb2HnRt/s400/friends+thanks.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><span style="font-size: large;">This year I participated in Brown Friday because it consisted of <strike>relaxing </strike>at home with these brown furry friends. One of Kona's boyfriends, Nelson came to stay with us. They played all day nonstop while I did this:</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTbn2D84a3yz3IdID_MFr4l_icujDKKejySD_68M8wHTXjT_P024jesnrYsG5bEygvGotkbwCR-Krk2XGw3l8KXfueu0QmH_bTtlxxz8tQlAAT_6Si6MJM8qefawCdWqQR8HaZQNY7xi0j/s1600/black+friday" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTbn2D84a3yz3IdID_MFr4l_icujDKKejySD_68M8wHTXjT_P024jesnrYsG5bEygvGotkbwCR-Krk2XGw3l8KXfueu0QmH_bTtlxxz8tQlAAT_6Si6MJM8qefawCdWqQR8HaZQNY7xi0j/s400/black+friday" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Later that afternoon, I found a good parking spot and made it to the mall to find a brown belt that was not snatched up in the mad rush. It just so happened to be Brown - to go with my Brown Friday theme. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAWnb4BKc1R44Aax9RDINoAHOnPcYmMJ8pV177g3xrQa2sClSCctkGEBxyWwax7kpwgoHFpgC1-76whFNWqj8SoiJIUTmY5bQa2kC-nuZ8dKFVtFrRpWHmxbBeMWgas0VI8TzFhqD5zqT-/s1600/belt" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAWnb4BKc1R44Aax9RDINoAHOnPcYmMJ8pV177g3xrQa2sClSCctkGEBxyWwax7kpwgoHFpgC1-76whFNWqj8SoiJIUTmY5bQa2kC-nuZ8dKFVtFrRpWHmxbBeMWgas0VI8TzFhqD5zqT-/s400/belt" width="300" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">I hope everyone had a good Friday, no matter what color it might have been. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Melinda Dumashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13696156539794436501noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3550508801284094093.post-34511795815184622882011-11-24T20:00:00.000-08:002011-11-24T20:00:46.112-08:00Turkey and PiesI am so full right now as I type this post (in my sweat pants on the couch) about Ten things I love about Thanksgiving time:<br />
<br />
1. Family getting together and a full kitchen of people<br />
2. Good food to eat<br />
3. Being off from work<br />
4.Thinking about how blessed and thankful I am for many things<br />
5. Wearing sweats so that I don't know how much I ate<br />
6. Sales at the stores<br />
7. Hearing what people are Thankful for<br />
8. Mashed Potatoes<br />
9. Leftovers<br />
10. Movies on TV<br />
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<br />
What do you love about Thanksgiving?<br />
<br />
GOBBLE GOBBLE<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUmChEtbSM9wFl4vEC3yBl9gP7zCZ7MoGfcpUU_NlL4QMKGcRuO-okss3b1-mIe2tGnh-PmXG0EX0Qnl1EFE3Fj8e1WcRqouHU5j_xzUT8Lc2vCZU_mOPZoJk78qdzWyOT-o082N4cq7sK/s1600/husband.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br />
</a></div>Melinda Dumashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13696156539794436501noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3550508801284094093.post-77022294843948899562011-11-23T11:34:00.000-08:002011-11-23T11:34:30.455-08:00Thankstmas<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPdve9O8tIMFNP0bOfWukBlYKpl56Nl09-pGzk99xv-UamWGxddYCIowHpbD2SriOiQ4Jo6Up9zcLzK3Q7TZFtbwxPHVIUBDavI7Fuid3murHIopT_zw0xBu7FXmv9b5MbLaB5hO254F5o/s1600/almost+time.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPdve9O8tIMFNP0bOfWukBlYKpl56Nl09-pGzk99xv-UamWGxddYCIowHpbD2SriOiQ4Jo6Up9zcLzK3Q7TZFtbwxPHVIUBDavI7Fuid3murHIopT_zw0xBu7FXmv9b5MbLaB5hO254F5o/s1600/almost+time.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br />
</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPdve9O8tIMFNP0bOfWukBlYKpl56Nl09-pGzk99xv-UamWGxddYCIowHpbD2SriOiQ4Jo6Up9zcLzK3Q7TZFtbwxPHVIUBDavI7Fuid3murHIopT_zw0xBu7FXmv9b5MbLaB5hO254F5o/s1600/almost+time.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPdve9O8tIMFNP0bOfWukBlYKpl56Nl09-pGzk99xv-UamWGxddYCIowHpbD2SriOiQ4Jo6Up9zcLzK3Q7TZFtbwxPHVIUBDavI7Fuid3murHIopT_zw0xBu7FXmv9b5MbLaB5hO254F5o/s400/almost+time.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">I made a scene that represents Thanksgiving and Christmas.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">As you can see, Frosty is coming from behind the Thanksgiving scene to illustrate that Christmas is <i>just around the corner.</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i> </i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Time to <i>Celebrate Thanksgiving</i>, even though there is Christmas music playing on the radio and it's sunny and 70. <i><br />
</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i> </i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i> </i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i> </i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i> </i></span></div>Melinda Dumashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13696156539794436501noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3550508801284094093.post-26870048009943401792011-10-25T07:24:00.000-07:002011-10-25T07:24:24.916-07:00Would you rather?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnFmjvWpuEVP6OyIfThYa3QPeD9ey8CcSsSSv_jaoNdySip0JwPNbSMiPX-M2o5wjsx5ma59rEjkgzzp5TW2sa_tFBCGuKCEak2ewFs-NOie5DduOKhLElCXcaV7o2tJn_ly3qzHHkyzwZ/s1600/zipper+trouble.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnFmjvWpuEVP6OyIfThYa3QPeD9ey8CcSsSSv_jaoNdySip0JwPNbSMiPX-M2o5wjsx5ma59rEjkgzzp5TW2sa_tFBCGuKCEak2ewFs-NOie5DduOKhLElCXcaV7o2tJn_ly3qzHHkyzwZ/s400/zipper+trouble.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></div><ul><li><span style="font-size: large;">Find your zipper open yourself and have to think about who saw you, what underwear you are wearing, or even what you were doing the whole time it was unzipped <span style="font-size: large;">(sitting, squatting, stretching)</span></span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></li>
</ul><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Or </span></b></div><ul><li><span style="font-size: large;">Have someone tell you and be a little embarrassed, maybe think about some of the things above, but be more grateful that you know now and can carry on.</span></li>
</ul><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;">I dont know about you, but when I find my pants unzipped, (like I did last Wednesday) my ears get hot and I start to think through everything. Sometimes I even unzip my pants again to see what it looked like when I sit or how I looked walking. I am so weird like that. </span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">We all have seen it on others and we think to ourselves "if they only knew..." or "should I tell them, no- they might be embarrassed..." I would hate for that person to go to the restroom and see that their pants are unzipped and know they have been talking to me for a long time and feel more embarrassed. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">It is a little different when you have to tell the opposite sex about their zipper, but I know they would still appreciate it. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Anyone else think this way or have a story to tell?</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">P.S. - Everyone check your zipper now!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"></span>Melinda Dumashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13696156539794436501noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3550508801284094093.post-52360353590682635342011-10-10T14:48:00.000-07:002011-10-10T18:22:02.351-07:00Allergy Nose<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="366" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhJrR47IfoUSUUeNlnGoPOLBLyYshJNlgYJBUmY49G-b0tJ-o73BzLcrcuU813W0P4YNcP7k1k-czoj5SJ_8TrWgh9ZcfNA_2sNHZAAcp_QYOiN5bt6Am2osryuduamhEukp2IjQYpPRy6/s400/crop+cold.png" width="400" /> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDt7kT9uikZ6HpLvS41PXg9VqlKvSm3gU84JsWr56zitGVR19xBtSiO8oaSqUPeny9eaH6T34jk7Y3ZcJGu1ZeUkSawvpV6LEWFphIzAGqF_Qy4IXyp4fvKQQHqEj_RDzUOdIavomQ-g6C/s1600/ice+cold.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: inherit; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">This picture is from a magazine ad I cut out a few weeks ago that looks so awkward when you first see it, but very real for me. If you look closely, you will see the lady on the left with her nose pushed up against a "cold" window with frost. The picture on the right shows another lady putting an ice cube up to her nose.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: inherit; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: inherit; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">You might be wondering what type of magazines I read to find these pictures, but the truth is these pictures really are what I feel like doing during allergy season. After sneezing and blowing my nose hundreds of times, my nose starts to chafe, burn, and turn red. Sorry for the details, but I am sure you all have had it once in your life.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: inherit; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: inherit; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">Lady's and Gentleman, let me introduce you to my noses new best friend <i><b>Kleenex Cool Touch Tissue.</b></i><i><b> </b></i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: inherit; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i><b> </b></i><i><b><br />
</b></i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i><b> </b></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXuEGIzR6RN-M_piUKF_HFc6GCODpXcO4Ur-F4j2O3PQna3iqn9jAkQRod4gqHuX23oFVWSn34yj0OBXrBN5venHJ7BDRo3TC_Lf6bChPnWxTIjMCYCXv2vq6igE4R_0vW_F6ow1JxH7MX/s1600/kleenex+cold.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXuEGIzR6RN-M_piUKF_HFc6GCODpXcO4Ur-F4j2O3PQna3iqn9jAkQRod4gqHuX23oFVWSn34yj0OBXrBN5venHJ7BDRo3TC_Lf6bChPnWxTIjMCYCXv2vq6igE4R_0vW_F6ow1JxH7MX/s400/kleenex+cold.JPG" width="400" /></a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i><b> </b></i><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">Cool touch kleenex comes in a blue chrome box and can be found at all groceries and pharmacies. It is made with a blend of ingredients, including cooling moisturizers and aloe. When it comes in contact with your nose, your body heat activates the formula to release cooling comfort to so soothe your nose. (This is what the description says on the box)</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i><br />
</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i>Go out and get a box, your nose will be glad you did!</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div>Melinda Dumashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13696156539794436501noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3550508801284094093.post-89913243342837860832011-10-05T20:13:00.000-07:002011-10-05T20:13:24.443-07:00Mexico Bound....but Oregon Found - Part 1<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2hrxy6wNH1mOZsfIk4F5Isiekr6zgr5fnfFdJBA-oRTfX2NuouUs2NO1pwOiftWvvieSA3GGnm32yLdPx4fjyPIw7leUb6kOn0Y-94ShypFxpCVzgz1UtrR_UmEqMZ4KGZb1FYMRZlFjP/s1600/lunch+infront+of+crater.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2hrxy6wNH1mOZsfIk4F5Isiekr6zgr5fnfFdJBA-oRTfX2NuouUs2NO1pwOiftWvvieSA3GGnm32yLdPx4fjyPIw7leUb6kOn0Y-94ShypFxpCVzgz1UtrR_UmEqMZ4KGZb1FYMRZlFjP/s640/lunch+infront+of+crater.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">Heaven's Backyard<span id="goog_1027119042"></span><span id="goog_1027119043"></span></span></i></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Jonathan and I had planned on going to Mexico with friends in late October for vacation. When we realized that I could not go, we were itching to take a vacation somewhere. By this time it was July 20th and there were only a couple of weeks before work became busy for the Fall. <br />
<br />
Both of us have never gone to Oregon before and to be honest, did not really know much about it. We had some friends who lived there and after seeing some of their pictures from facebook, we were hooked. We called them up and this is what awaited us:<br />
<ul><li>Lodging with a separate guest room</li>
<li>Extra car (Subaru Outback - one of my favorites)</li>
<li>Temperatures ranging anywhere from 30-80 degrees - "oh yeah"</li>
<li>Tent and all the camping gear you would find at REI</li>
<li>Road Bikes</li>
<li>Great food</li>
<li>All the hiking and rafting you can handle</li>
<li>And 3 of the cutest little boys on the planet to entertain</li>
</ul>With such irresistible amenities all in one package and at no extra cost, we were sold. We booked our tickets to Oregon and 2 weeks later arrived in Heaven's backyard. Here are some pictures from the first few days.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1lANa9Tc0gR1i1JFeI8Nn2CiBySB2McRTlWmZWATmzHHXMzLegCPhSEej8JZ7SMwklyUQQZKkDthETlH2oU0rF-bdbtXfQo7uckqoR-I9XBa9i2aP_ezt9QunY6ZFNZRksBtAVGc_JOpH/s1600/IMG_7202.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1lANa9Tc0gR1i1JFeI8Nn2CiBySB2McRTlWmZWATmzHHXMzLegCPhSEej8JZ7SMwklyUQQZKkDthETlH2oU0rF-bdbtXfQo7uckqoR-I9XBa9i2aP_ezt9QunY6ZFNZRksBtAVGc_JOpH/s640/IMG_7202.JPG" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Hiking Spencer Butte</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGZ4bTanjbblN0YfxD0Sy4IhCsLwTjk7Yv1ETMlr8o13gUE4Oo4wR-9U9N0pjyeHlKKs8VZ0INwxLlZ6rkRVcLiGmu5psrxQcEIrsUiIDbBi8k18TYCIP0C-LsnmTEhh0WKvB3e3PC1pDz/s1600/IMG_6958.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGZ4bTanjbblN0YfxD0Sy4IhCsLwTjk7Yv1ETMlr8o13gUE4Oo4wR-9U9N0pjyeHlKKs8VZ0INwxLlZ6rkRVcLiGmu5psrxQcEIrsUiIDbBi8k18TYCIP0C-LsnmTEhh0WKvB3e3PC1pDz/s640/IMG_6958.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Sunset<br />
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</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYiFcHPgkRCzvDXRmsvRyyLGJF-c2svcx8L1Ir5QbH_UdZgO0m8IaB1SiwQ1yIKlY2n_VVTdrthbYS-cSj-YsqaIMHN2b8Pbuku3HuW-1_XLP4Hi9q2Ojb-LDTX3gTQC_KBZr-t_PemRaq/s1600/IMG_6923.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYiFcHPgkRCzvDXRmsvRyyLGJF-c2svcx8L1Ir5QbH_UdZgO0m8IaB1SiwQ1yIKlY2n_VVTdrthbYS-cSj-YsqaIMHN2b8Pbuku3HuW-1_XLP4Hi9q2Ojb-LDTX3gTQC_KBZr-t_PemRaq/s640/IMG_6923.JPG" width="425" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Dinner with the Family</span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUcOPD5RhFhCVHr8bbxR-JiZjG9l1I65wYl1HccsLOmKcg3Me4bkCjCC4zoJ38kWATQJk7JTi8oAZ-o-Cqf23VwOCanSx6W0xtK642gL0ECvCgkImKaQ2lqM2mb1Y0Mf4LO6eeyaAjWexx/s1600/IMG_7009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUcOPD5RhFhCVHr8bbxR-JiZjG9l1I65wYl1HccsLOmKcg3Me4bkCjCC4zoJ38kWATQJk7JTi8oAZ-o-Cqf23VwOCanSx6W0xtK642gL0ECvCgkImKaQ2lqM2mb1Y0Mf4LO6eeyaAjWexx/s640/IMG_7009.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.kingestate.com/">King Estate Winery</a> - Known for their Pinot Gris</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpwI31vE_jH1qgwVhMB4mimvu9oUQg4rwUhfM2RRkqJ78Tter5kH0l03-c0x5iURqc57wPPMn2ycN6jqT4qF6KOAmRYZgTdjVN7-JnIzH1T0tVJyPiW5KIlFSeeEdt2jvS6xTkBtEyTt5B/s1600/IMG_7080.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpwI31vE_jH1qgwVhMB4mimvu9oUQg4rwUhfM2RRkqJ78Tter5kH0l03-c0x5iURqc57wPPMn2ycN6jqT4qF6KOAmRYZgTdjVN7-JnIzH1T0tVJyPiW5KIlFSeeEdt2jvS6xTkBtEyTt5B/s640/IMG_7080.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Brochure Shot</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo1aS_Q6t6d_VTb9fTu2kwWRBFxxyeE7Edl1Kjxke-k9wd4msj4n_QuOkFfpp1V3YV5FajTmyyiw0Ioq09GFV7lF32SDtBbDUv_dH3gOj0W6hEBCViry6W3ZzOjDghuo3X7y1LbFrk3rET/s1600/IMG_7107.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo1aS_Q6t6d_VTb9fTu2kwWRBFxxyeE7Edl1Kjxke-k9wd4msj4n_QuOkFfpp1V3YV5FajTmyyiw0Ioq09GFV7lF32SDtBbDUv_dH3gOj0W6hEBCViry6W3ZzOjDghuo3X7y1LbFrk3rET/s640/IMG_7107.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Self Guided Tour into the Vineyard</span><br />
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The first few days we relaxed, explored Eugene, ate outside almost every meal, hiked 2 buttes, and then visited this <a href="http://www.kingestate.com/">winery</a>.<br />
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Enough for my first day back at blogging.<br />
P.S. - I have learned my lesson not to talk about or promise on my blog about posting pictures of a certain vacation or event.... it only gets harder to blog with that on my conscience.Melinda Dumashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13696156539794436501noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3550508801284094093.post-73493760349890780972011-08-29T12:20:00.000-07:002011-08-29T12:20:39.394-07:00To Grandmothers House We Go<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlgnXbNX4kT__2WMVzedetoP3V7j08TipllRiNgFLDGZVH6Ga1mLvoxrVxzOA56YsnasvnsjDu7CgEbAzZDgEstDBxl4ilYYRRxrDfmLBRUirbt-ArAA1Z9lpq_ri_G_YJBR7ShWtf0m3r/s1600/soap+collectors" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlgnXbNX4kT__2WMVzedetoP3V7j08TipllRiNgFLDGZVH6Ga1mLvoxrVxzOA56YsnasvnsjDu7CgEbAzZDgEstDBxl4ilYYRRxrDfmLBRUirbt-ArAA1Z9lpq_ri_G_YJBR7ShWtf0m3r/s640/soap+collectors" width="476" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Soap from different places of stay</td></tr>
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If you have ever gone to an estate sale or cleaned out someones house that has lived there a long time, you usually run across some interesting things. You learn so much about people by looking at the things they collected, saved, took pictures of or even things they kept as souvenirs.<br />
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We are currently in the process of cleaning out my Grandma's house that she and my Grandfather lived in for almost 50 years. As I go through their things to save, throw away or sell, I see so much stuff that made me think <i>they have so much of these</i> or question, <i>What is this for?</i> I have to remember that they lived through the Great Depression and World War 2, so times were different in the way you lived.<br />
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My dad found a box full of my Grandparents recipes that they used to make food. My dad doesn't cook, but wanted to find his Dad's famous french toast recipe. Since I have a love for food and I do like looking at recipes, I decided to tackle the never ending box of recipes.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU29NfzpYlMeu43ZfWjag7WQkNsvP0kdwrQCGMvlCeBXfUidf9ohaLYuLZWJYOtsxeoyo7wQspbkGqZqHqJ-lFFpQslaS3AJVeU0yw4MoE3JCq8IP0Kad-ZB_NjNNVp1GVQkUgSOwbzKyx/s1600/Recipe" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU29NfzpYlMeu43ZfWjag7WQkNsvP0kdwrQCGMvlCeBXfUidf9ohaLYuLZWJYOtsxeoyo7wQspbkGqZqHqJ-lFFpQslaS3AJVeU0yw4MoE3JCq8IP0Kad-ZB_NjNNVp1GVQkUgSOwbzKyx/s400/Recipe" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">I had to remember that they did not have the internet or blogs to look up recipes, just newspaper, books, and passed down recipes.</span></td></tr>
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In the end, I didn't find the french toast recipe in this pile, (only took 1 hour to sort through) but I did get some new recipes to try. This is what the pile looked like after I picked out the goods.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrvPzg2VaKLsIOzesFLwEeGuWsV1AdonI7HTJqBFMNruk_S_IZZ7yHztxQYMHuWuQClVKV6qIbu5OlsyYm5fD-8eTdsgbMoMDkXS1d2j1UbwboPnBJMmclyq4lIw22xp8sxuX1L2fGQ2xQ/s1600/Recipes" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrvPzg2VaKLsIOzesFLwEeGuWsV1AdonI7HTJqBFMNruk_S_IZZ7yHztxQYMHuWuQClVKV6qIbu5OlsyYm5fD-8eTdsgbMoMDkXS1d2j1UbwboPnBJMmclyq4lIw22xp8sxuX1L2fGQ2xQ/s400/Recipes" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>And here are the goods I found and will have to try:<br />
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Magic Casserole (does include my favorite: Mashed Potatoes in recipe) <br />
Crunchy Oven Fried Chicken (made with cocktail peanuts and peanut butter)<br />
Carrot Cake<br />
Pineapple Cake<br />
Lemon SUPREME cake (apricot nectar added)<br />
Butler Chocolate Pie<br />
Sock-It-To-Me-Cake<br />
Lime Cheesecake (my mother in law will like this)<br />
Banana Split Cake<br />
Coconut Buttermilk Pie<br />
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Sounds like we will be having Chicken and lots of Cakes and Pies. <br />
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Not only did they collect all these recipes, I found so many soap bars (as pictures above), handkerchiefs, petite white gloves, aprons, scarfs from different places, doilies and my favorite: mason jars.<br />
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<b>What type of things did your grandparents save or collect?</b><br />
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Melinda Dumashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13696156539794436501noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3550508801284094093.post-44698355558863457122011-08-19T07:55:00.000-07:002011-08-29T12:08:05.751-07:00My blog is saying....<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJFg7sx4vcTsmY4zx8S4SW5eG8jhLBO3G3_MYfADFcYm-xZMwLfuRTXXDuUl5qMIwmMqt62Kwt6qUtUW5SOn-DfemANvKdGqw1a6AFp_oUNeeHXyA71rSts4fDS24Sl0jp_rk4ZNO5UzhK/s1600/forgetmenot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJFg7sx4vcTsmY4zx8S4SW5eG8jhLBO3G3_MYfADFcYm-xZMwLfuRTXXDuUl5qMIwmMqt62Kwt6qUtUW5SOn-DfemANvKdGqw1a6AFp_oUNeeHXyA71rSts4fDS24Sl0jp_rk4ZNO5UzhK/s400/forgetmenot.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Forget-Me-Not</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Melinda says, </b>"<i>Don't you worry, I haven't forgot about you. Life has just starting to calm down</i>."</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Blog says,</b> "<i>I thought you were on vacation, doesn't that mean you were calm with life slowing down?</i>"</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Melinda</b>, "<i>Yes and No. My vacation was that and more, it's just coming back from a vacation and having to catch up with all that you left out of sight, out of mind</i>."</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Blog,</b> <i>"I understand. Well, I expect to see all the pictures and hear all the stories about your trip soon."</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Melinda,</b> "<i>Yes Ma'am, once I upload all the pictures we took and get my room cleaned</i>."</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div>Melinda Dumashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13696156539794436501noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3550508801284094093.post-9071992923012460862011-07-29T14:11:00.001-07:002011-07-31T22:21:47.156-07:00Birthday Week is coming to end, but Vacation time starts!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtyCHyUuKh3NlhW1sj2CsPHvRKgUhGWTCD8Wsi67SzBzwqZK9VsABK60vUwGWYhVXIaC-XGZjfpETwkzbG3KLYLyUzqCnLv__J-zz3tP9qHU9IHC1UwxBZI63aAukHOOv1PWpuQoqGwyB1/s1600/birthday.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtyCHyUuKh3NlhW1sj2CsPHvRKgUhGWTCD8Wsi67SzBzwqZK9VsABK60vUwGWYhVXIaC-XGZjfpETwkzbG3KLYLyUzqCnLv__J-zz3tP9qHU9IHC1UwxBZI63aAukHOOv1PWpuQoqGwyB1/s400/birthday.JPG" width="297" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><span style="font-size: large;">I had a great birthday celebration that lasted all week with belated greetings from people, work lunches and all those <a href="http://www.clippergirl.com/birthday-clubs"><u>Birthday Clubs</u></a> I belong to. I am so thankful for my friends and family who always make me feel very loved on my birthday. I have a better understanding now that I am older what my parents meant by "I don't need any birthday gifts." I am realizing that I appreciate the special birthday wishes and greetings that come from cards, Facebook post, phone calls, text, and even special kisses from my dog.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I was going to stop the post there. But as promised in the last post, I have a few pictures of my week, or my meals this week. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2LiYydJhIVNcBicTAoeS-8NDMW-Gf_bIcqPz9gQtLWPQ3fx7sJ0dgdIq7Fwzqg7EVa6U1wqupZClMORinNXjEToN64d4OMlqzAZnAshZ2H76H0OoTEo4DUSOb3VOtj6hAu5MFfEzC825I/s1600/mom+and+me.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2LiYydJhIVNcBicTAoeS-8NDMW-Gf_bIcqPz9gQtLWPQ3fx7sJ0dgdIq7Fwzqg7EVa6U1wqupZClMORinNXjEToN64d4OMlqzAZnAshZ2H76H0OoTEo4DUSOb3VOtj6hAu5MFfEzC825I/s400/mom+and+me.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Mom and I at Benihana's for a Hibachi experience and good food!</span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAd7veXDOLtBnevxS1_BTypG01jhZSFByWgkhA3H3gE93v2F2amCteeD_D-br-qM5vFLaC0TXgC4NLDss3-KK8ndWdKD736Gf_t2a4sInbQGZoKZhVYSfl5EaAuQ0maLBQBHHfkbxoQWfu/s1600/Huddy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAd7veXDOLtBnevxS1_BTypG01jhZSFByWgkhA3H3gE93v2F2amCteeD_D-br-qM5vFLaC0TXgC4NLDss3-KK8ndWdKD736Gf_t2a4sInbQGZoKZhVYSfl5EaAuQ0maLBQBHHfkbxoQWfu/s400/Huddy.JPG" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Went to <a href="http://azbikelaw.org/cnc-fp/"><u>Cups N' Crepes</u></a> for breakfast on Saturday. Did not get a crepe, but got my favorite meal, it's called "Huddy" </span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Ended the evening with Pasta Milano. I did not say favorite meal like usual when I order this because I don't know if I can call it my favorite anymore. They no longer make the dish with bow tie pasta, instead big tubes. Texture makes a huge difference and the dish was not the same. I still ate it and enjoyed it. For dessert, we had a chocolate cake with chocolate sauce on the side. The picture is the one at the top. </span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b> </b></span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><br />
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</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoPIDbYXQDT0RgyDUH9u8vbjo2llrf9mj_mMlu4OO3y6Xie3Q87c590SLKBXyy_KH3e3ZRUpkIMMgGdpNYK_LSUw-tcGCa8bMywJSTio67qqjX6bHsXapZvP-9I55RK_gEntD6faQHEHDE/s1600/pizookie.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoPIDbYXQDT0RgyDUH9u8vbjo2llrf9mj_mMlu4OO3y6Xie3Q87c590SLKBXyy_KH3e3ZRUpkIMMgGdpNYK_LSUw-tcGCa8bMywJSTio67qqjX6bHsXapZvP-9I55RK_gEntD6faQHEHDE/s400/pizookie.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDuh5ZJevbmwofN7TB7FtVB9aCJUTCaWwPVkah8LPvN74CcGmzVVtlb5VUdaW0qBUwyTWEQqo8cLy2HP3oFEYvh_lvRuHN-AuYo5FNVPn8TmIqT7OImWVPy8tFUtOAGrWQACawuBu7yVdx/s1600/work+special+day.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi18CFfZgJ3uGX7vIjxm2hWWGBU1FH4TEdFQA4P7U0wbb5YYUWUq4YHjUZjWl_mDhrOrAAyBy3hHMrHbRz6jBSAlyiu6OwZhL_mR9iXvRxUgEh7N5LmAPvALsIuh282SbB41uTwlZkBbpA9/s1600/Strawberry+Beignet.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi18CFfZgJ3uGX7vIjxm2hWWGBU1FH4TEdFQA4P7U0wbb5YYUWUq4YHjUZjWl_mDhrOrAAyBy3hHMrHbRz6jBSAlyiu6OwZhL_mR9iXvRxUgEh7N5LmAPvALsIuh282SbB41uTwlZkBbpA9/s400/Strawberry+Beignet.JPG" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">This was actually from the week prior. We were at BJ's Brewery and ordered this Strawberry Beignet and Pizookie below with the birthday coupon. </span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b><span style="color: red;">Let me pause here to say that I did not just eat all week, this was all spread out from the last 2 weeks. Back to the pictures. </span></b></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDuh5ZJevbmwofN7TB7FtVB9aCJUTCaWwPVkah8LPvN74CcGmzVVtlb5VUdaW0qBUwyTWEQqo8cLy2HP3oFEYvh_lvRuHN-AuYo5FNVPn8TmIqT7OImWVPy8tFUtOAGrWQACawuBu7yVdx/s1600/work+special+day.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDuh5ZJevbmwofN7TB7FtVB9aCJUTCaWwPVkah8LPvN74CcGmzVVtlb5VUdaW0qBUwyTWEQqo8cLy2HP3oFEYvh_lvRuHN-AuYo5FNVPn8TmIqT7OImWVPy8tFUtOAGrWQACawuBu7yVdx/s320/work+special+day.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">My work made it a special day on Wednesday when everyone was in the office</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1G5HViVIJqWaBvIkjvXrQG9b0MsC_RWX94lE3uZWtJ-ALa6YOktB4BvlG_wqvty7965aRgokUaJ0ievepPwtCPdahkciwxGZzqnk2IpyFtzjZn8cxtc4ILBPB_VofWk1IWMEhXrfKUOH0/s1600/cupcakes+work.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1G5HViVIJqWaBvIkjvXrQG9b0MsC_RWX94lE3uZWtJ-ALa6YOktB4BvlG_wqvty7965aRgokUaJ0ievepPwtCPdahkciwxGZzqnk2IpyFtzjZn8cxtc4ILBPB_VofWk1IWMEhXrfKUOH0/s400/cupcakes+work.JPG" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">These M&M cupcakes are from my sweet co-workers. They had a pizza party for me since I LOVE pizza. </span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsmJeZ3wcnBulV1q333xLeDsl4gu9OmJ3aPOdDJcPqBYHBdMhAZ7QCVPLaVRIYTUy8JKmySKz_XbMxKwzmitqOlRirF9JWOJSG1WUfsxOprIBDNHYiq18yEq9nvgkpendi1-6XZ_LPTb1g/s1600/earrings+from+christine.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsmJeZ3wcnBulV1q333xLeDsl4gu9OmJ3aPOdDJcPqBYHBdMhAZ7QCVPLaVRIYTUy8JKmySKz_XbMxKwzmitqOlRirF9JWOJSG1WUfsxOprIBDNHYiq18yEq9nvgkpendi1-6XZ_LPTb1g/s320/earrings+from+christine.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Special gift sent from my sister. She ordered these from ETSY and sent them. I have been wearing them since I took them out of the box. </span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDuh5ZJevbmwofN7TB7FtVB9aCJUTCaWwPVkah8LPvN74CcGmzVVtlb5VUdaW0qBUwyTWEQqo8cLy2HP3oFEYvh_lvRuHN-AuYo5FNVPn8TmIqT7OImWVPy8tFUtOAGrWQACawuBu7yVdx/s1600/work+special+day.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br />
</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></div>Melinda Dumashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13696156539794436501noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3550508801284094093.post-9842139024431342512011-07-22T09:02:00.000-07:002011-07-22T09:02:21.250-07:00The last few weeks in pictures...<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container"><tbody>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2moz2ncuIf5vX25dADxMPLXhW0c4MIl0dXsuskEDFgVHYDViQMrqhhchhlMSwORUTX2F3n81Og7UlSxp7LJsXx-aNUMvIWBuKqoFItvDAJJcr2aukNQWFzdsIpb2GoBnvKInghRC8jjGL/s1600/ripped+pants.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2moz2ncuIf5vX25dADxMPLXhW0c4MIl0dXsuskEDFgVHYDViQMrqhhchhlMSwORUTX2F3n81Og7UlSxp7LJsXx-aNUMvIWBuKqoFItvDAJJcr2aukNQWFzdsIpb2GoBnvKInghRC8jjGL/s400/ripped+pants.JPG" width="298" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Early Lunch Break</b></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container"><tbody></tbody></table><div style="text-align: left;"><b>When</b>: Tuesday, July 12th. 95 degrees outside</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>What</b>: I was bending over to put a heavy box down and then <i>RIP</i>. Hearing my pants rip is not fun. Turning around to make sure nobody is around is a huge relief.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Where</b>: UNT football stadium (cleaning out the old suite)</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Why</b>: I decided to bring some heavy boxes up and down football bleachers in nice dress pants that were <i><b>loose</b></i>.(promise)</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>How</b>: You know how your clothes stick to you in hot and humid weather? I do. After they ripped, I still had 3 boxes sitting out at the top of the bleachers that I could not just leave out... had to finish the job <i>fast</i>. </div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1A7tlzAon1W009Xtcmwk3MosPpxrwhFjeSQJU2gEVB-XY17nRK6iUZAfD2okRWqMG-RrcsLVbb4_GpwuqA1mogXZnJSn5OaqbeDpUg8fwJGEWAYJR5umI5FaU_R-OqISKuA6JCTqWWPVV/s1600/kitchen+circus.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1A7tlzAon1W009Xtcmwk3MosPpxrwhFjeSQJU2gEVB-XY17nRK6iUZAfD2okRWqMG-RrcsLVbb4_GpwuqA1mogXZnJSn5OaqbeDpUg8fwJGEWAYJR5umI5FaU_R-OqISKuA6JCTqWWPVV/s400/kitchen+circus.JPG" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>"Step Right Up"</b></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: left;"><b>When</b>: Saturday, July 16th. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>What</b>: First Book Club Brunch. We discussed<i> <a href="http://butterybooks.com/?cat=3&s=water+for+elephants&site_section=book-search">Water for Elephants</a></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Where</b>: My Big Top! <br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Why</b>: I wanted to decorate so that we could feel like we were at a circus (please ignore the mess. This was taken night before) I put streamers up everywhere and made swings in random places. I even had circus music playing as you walked in. I love themes!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>How</b>: It was really fun! We talked about the book for about 30 minutes and chatted and ate the other 2 hours! This usually happens at every book club I have been too. </div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div> </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRgqI4pb5Xpip5yTcfWvBe-I18rAjo7N-6jiKS2fM4hJpc0VrRROvgkhJmt2VJhmJqHEGtDnB44gpUEkjcV83WSnyV5hZFmrbBh-OKmJt5WmokzMbCzPog2tUlSX_gch0RC1NTnma2SiTt/s1600/jk+round+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRgqI4pb5Xpip5yTcfWvBe-I18rAjo7N-6jiKS2fM4hJpc0VrRROvgkhJmt2VJhmJqHEGtDnB44gpUEkjcV83WSnyV5hZFmrbBh-OKmJt5WmokzMbCzPog2tUlSX_gch0RC1NTnma2SiTt/s400/jk+round+2.JPG" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Jovi came to visit</b></span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC2jT_ILJGnycxZ2lwBVzkgr2bJOIm2op_8QLZXtdZJRvzDH32zsMAaqhWhxzvcepVOOmmT4rjFz2mRjtz2EXDL0dQF0i6SRiOYCkBiOLvExMpsJ40X2kwARx1b-OMSwbc6tT3ksw_oPVG/s1600/jk+people+watching.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC2jT_ILJGnycxZ2lwBVzkgr2bJOIm2op_8QLZXtdZJRvzDH32zsMAaqhWhxzvcepVOOmmT4rjFz2mRjtz2EXDL0dQF0i6SRiOYCkBiOLvExMpsJ40X2kwARx1b-OMSwbc6tT3ksw_oPVG/s400/jk+people+watching.JPG" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Taking breaks during play</b></span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnYI9ZmZLLJPZ_1iuqQkbGUbzbh5m1Y2_E8IowJ5IMHfdOZ-PGBykxiBIYAP11Y9qFZEGV1PaHPKhR1gOYD43PTmGMNAEKzfcxiT8YhIXjKpOO9vt2SfxdDzTnMh4vkj9pNLcA8rdP_DIB/s1600/jk+jovi+turn.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnYI9ZmZLLJPZ_1iuqQkbGUbzbh5m1Y2_E8IowJ5IMHfdOZ-PGBykxiBIYAP11Y9qFZEGV1PaHPKhR1gOYD43PTmGMNAEKzfcxiT8YhIXjKpOO9vt2SfxdDzTnMh4vkj9pNLcA8rdP_DIB/s400/jk+jovi+turn.JPG" width="298" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Jovi's turn to dominate</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b> </b></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Kona's Turn</b></span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha3OrxCCta5ImsikF0SYVnaaS7WntdtePi9MKSbXqjZKrONkE6lGIsOeNxPucm7jUTNlUUgtB4Md082AwEOZ2PsLoqqwTDebNQtk0DJu9wgBS6_lqbdTffhPWOWwfMJX3r_ZqXFv-03QlM/s1600/jovi+and+kona+hugging.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha3OrxCCta5ImsikF0SYVnaaS7WntdtePi9MKSbXqjZKrONkE6lGIsOeNxPucm7jUTNlUUgtB4Md082AwEOZ2PsLoqqwTDebNQtk0DJu9wgBS6_lqbdTffhPWOWwfMJX3r_ZqXFv-03QlM/s400/jovi+and+kona+hugging.JPG" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>So tired, they had to play while lying down</b></span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><b>When</b>: Saturday, July 16th - After Book Club</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>What</b>: Jovi, the great dane puppy came to visit. We were dog sitting for Alex and Loryn Best </div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Where</b>: Living room to outside. Back in the living room, then to guest room. Back in the living room. Same thing the whole day.<br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Why: </b>They played so good together despite their sizes. Jovi is double the size of Kona. They were both the same size in March when we visited them in San Angelo. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>3 days after Jovi left, Kona was so sad and would walk by the room where Jovi slept to see if she was still there.</i><b></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Next post I will post about all the food I have been eating for my Birthday Week. I have so many free coupons for restaurants that I have been taking advantage of. </b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
<b>(P.S.- So many restaurants have free stuff for your birthday, look into it and sign up! I am part of at least 8 free meal or dessert clubs. Let's just say that during the month of July, I am a happy eater!) Here is the website I visited to get <a href="http://www.clippergirl.com/birthday-clubs">Free stuff</a>! </b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br />
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</tbody></table>Melinda Dumashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13696156539794436501noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3550508801284094093.post-91334098633560680012011-07-05T10:50:00.000-07:002011-07-05T11:53:44.048-07:00$2.99<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTEbOttl7AsAnKwbhVmQGvzZzcshD8gjcKtz0KBUrnxJc9A8V9Hw7dCTKDN7yCxBdTd7sVXDvEPQBRGzm4oOWBKXi0uaQn6toT869VyIMD-_RJSWYojXCq76R8p2eXlASEYCjw1X9vifD7/s1600/sprinkles.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTEbOttl7AsAnKwbhVmQGvzZzcshD8gjcKtz0KBUrnxJc9A8V9Hw7dCTKDN7yCxBdTd7sVXDvEPQBRGzm4oOWBKXi0uaQn6toT869VyIMD-_RJSWYojXCq76R8p2eXlASEYCjw1X9vifD7/s400/sprinkles.JPG" width="298" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><span style="font-size: large;">Jonathan and I had a lovely 4th of July weekend! We got to run errands, shop, eat, clean, smoke ribs, lounge around the house and watch movies. On July 4th, we made our way to Dallas to look at external hard drives to buy so that we can finally upload pictures to our computer without using all our space. (The day is almost here when I will no longer use my iPhone for posting pictures) </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">While in Dallas, we decided to visit the old stomping grounds we enjoyed while living in that area. After lunch, we popped into <b><a href="http://sprinkles.com/">Sprinkles</a></b> to get a cupcake. I ordered the carrot cake cupcake and Jonathan got the red velvet cupcake. While placing our order, the attendant asked us "would you like a cupcake for your dog?" Both Jonathan and I answered at the same time, but with a different answer. I said "No" thinking that he would say the same thing because we </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">1.) Don't feed Kona human food </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> 2.) They are $2.99 a pop</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">When I heard a "Yes" come out of Jonathan's mouth, I was shocked. Happy 4th of July to Kona as well. Something she will <b>NOT </b>get used to. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">When we got home later that day, we decided to give her the $2.99 cupcake to enjoy hoping she would eat it slowly and really appreciate it, like I do desserts. This is how much she enjoyed it:</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/d3u-8z7N9V0?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I was very shocked when she was done because it looked like she just sucked it up and didn't even chew. I just hope she knew it was something different and sweet - not fluffy dog food with white icing.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"> </span>Melinda Dumashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13696156539794436501noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3550508801284094093.post-69465520603547556602011-06-29T10:31:00.000-07:002011-06-29T10:38:08.351-07:00Monkey Bread<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.mrsbettierocker.com/2011/04/monkey-bread.html#comment-form"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbFtz8WkdprSKufXL-jQfcOkESBzHFty8ZM_6OqdcAZlQGmpezoMtYq91CNextPLW4d1182j80M_NQ7F3yHCSvy1vmEYn5zn9cO5AsFeln7CmoBDtPYfPOWtB3zzTvvPnkku2sm1_1MKY/s400/DSCF4365a.jpg" width="400" /> Monkey Bread</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"> <span id="goog_1914493067"></span><span id="goog_1914493068"></span>As far as I can remember and probably smell, my mom would make monkey bread for any special occasion. My mom makes this breakfast bread every Christmas morning, Birthdays, friends sleeping over, biscuits being on sale, and many other holiday mornings. I love waking up to the smell of butter, cinnamon, and melted caramel on biscuits in the oven. It helped everyone wake up quicker knowing that it would be gone fast. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><span style="font-size: large;">Over the last few years our family has grown, with last Christmas eve having 16 people staying the night at mom and dad's house. With that many people, we made 2 monkey bread dishes that morning to make sure everyone could have some.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Some of the family to stay the night. Christmas 2010</span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSG9mTBZUoznethINnwScjz3wPYEYo3E-3YH2L-6ZdB0DJ5PF3qhM1tP6vBDkOx6hvDXKQc1zhNZ0CJqrcKZCrFPR-jme5JQmyJ5j28B2qHvgbZzfkZKQqz-T1ZENQzTj9sLzKw4__Xams/s1600/gather+around+the+monkey.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSG9mTBZUoznethINnwScjz3wPYEYo3E-3YH2L-6ZdB0DJ5PF3qhM1tP6vBDkOx6hvDXKQc1zhNZ0CJqrcKZCrFPR-jme5JQmyJ5j28B2qHvgbZzfkZKQqz-T1ZENQzTj9sLzKw4__Xams/s400/gather+around+the+monkey.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">Standing around watching me cut portions to make sure it was equal (2009)</span></span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
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</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzUsXKHmAp1239futHY3pdjIZH1oXaWGcgyGHVLkL7wRVrjvFOLa3gVzl38pFXWLFPrJzqtQafQgt352ornfd5YlDsiehFKlvPNH_m6Q05qJcJypnE8jaVGXOxkheLhaxQxDgV4QS4242x/s1600/cutting+monkey+bread.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzUsXKHmAp1239futHY3pdjIZH1oXaWGcgyGHVLkL7wRVrjvFOLa3gVzl38pFXWLFPrJzqtQafQgt352ornfd5YlDsiehFKlvPNH_m6Q05qJcJypnE8jaVGXOxkheLhaxQxDgV4QS4242x/s400/cutting+monkey+bread.jpg" width="300" /></a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Carefully cutting (2009)</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">The reason I wrote this post was because I found a different way of making Monkey Bread. I will have to try it out on the next guest who stay with me. (hint hint) The recipe I found had the bread in individual jars. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://cdn.babble.com/family-kitchen/files/2011/03/Monkey-Bread-in-a-Jar-p.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://cdn.babble.com/family-kitchen/files/2011/03/Monkey-Bread-in-a-Jar-p.jpg" width="266" /></a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"> <span style="font-size: small;">Source: <a href="http://blogs.babble.com/family-kitchen/2011/03/28/everyone-will-go-bananas-for-monkey-bread-in-a-jar/">Monkey Jars</a></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">Maybe this way will help make sure everyone gets the same portion of bread and leave no room for disagreement, which is sometimes funny to argue about, especially over food. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
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</div>Melinda Dumashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13696156539794436501noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3550508801284094093.post-44612677921994138792011-06-28T13:15:00.000-07:002011-06-28T13:15:21.660-07:00Cupcakes and Babies<span style="font-size: large;">Love both of these things. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I have not had a cupcake in a while, but I did get to make some cupcakes for a friend who just had her baby on Saturday. The only difference is that her son gets to wear them. </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU64NIqUIz205AxCz_MBXz3IaG_Df_NUTLmnjPki34XnKN7UwpPuAWhPbiQjjEuenjpF2CNwXkcaeURP6v5lEVlTtqLh0umgzvfLKzeI_3mQoQawpYGJafBVJ-Algm_kJciUBpkHdn6ktt/s1600/yummy+cupcake.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU64NIqUIz205AxCz_MBXz3IaG_Df_NUTLmnjPki34XnKN7UwpPuAWhPbiQjjEuenjpF2CNwXkcaeURP6v5lEVlTtqLh0umgzvfLKzeI_3mQoQawpYGJafBVJ-Algm_kJciUBpkHdn6ktt/s400/yummy+cupcake.JPG" width="297" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"> </span></span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6_gAwSuet6wfgMlHy-9M2hpV5hCuvsDDv0Vyem6uM0VFV232g_IbvYmzzgFMMKix7bBKjipyWDSJJKsgg9reLAUBr1pHrrUr8YBQQTGXRu8nGtDttqiCt-BEmKejIBQ86AfUgUgDtDNDu/s1600/cup+clear.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6_gAwSuet6wfgMlHy-9M2hpV5hCuvsDDv0Vyem6uM0VFV232g_IbvYmzzgFMMKix7bBKjipyWDSJJKsgg9reLAUBr1pHrrUr8YBQQTGXRu8nGtDttqiCt-BEmKejIBQ86AfUgUgDtDNDu/s400/cup+clear.JPG" width="298" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAEd2U-eDlnQfTm8pcdXvPB2hMN7uEIU4NyZAmqCDZCaqqxcUIArVa9wvSr34ZkfSqQCG5mmwxvmzruLsvmAT4RLoJra2FDurr9ZwNEMZkBDmU4IdoievYwC2dalxAP-TEC81Ru5qNJp7e/s1600/cupcake+box.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAEd2U-eDlnQfTm8pcdXvPB2hMN7uEIU4NyZAmqCDZCaqqxcUIArVa9wvSr34ZkfSqQCG5mmwxvmzruLsvmAT4RLoJra2FDurr9ZwNEMZkBDmU4IdoievYwC2dalxAP-TEC81Ru5qNJp7e/s320/cupcake+box.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">I saw the cupcake onesie's <b><a href="http://littlebirdiesecrets.blogspot.com/2011/02/baby-onesie-cupcake-tutorial-and-sweet.html">here</a></b> and decided to make them</span>. <span style="font-size: large;">I forgot to take a picture of the final product, but I put a little tag on it that said "Cupcakes for a Sweet Baby"</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">To help celebrate 4th of July, I might just have to make some cupcakes, only edible this time.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b style="color: red;"><a href="http://cakecentral.com/gallery/1870326">Yum</a></b></td></tr>
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Melinda Dumashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13696156539794436501noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3550508801284094093.post-60540701622119460542011-06-20T16:51:00.000-07:002011-06-20T16:51:09.823-07:00Just add a little mint<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/b/b0/Mint-leaves-2007.jpg&imgrefurl=http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Mint-leaves-2007.jpg&usg=__drUALk0BJbYmiLdbq3KNA2UYKao=&h=960&w=1280&sz=235&hl=en&start=0&zoom=1&tbnid=sVr7Axi0daUmSM:&tbnh=125&tbnw=173&ei=s9z_TdmDD6bk0QHFw9nPAw&prev=/search%3Fq%3Dmint%26um%3D1%26hl%3Den%26sa%3DN%26biw%3D1280%26bih%3D599%26tbm%3Disch&um=1&itbs=1&iact=rc&dur=143&page=1&ndsp=20&ved=1t:429,r:1,s:0&tx=125&ty=96&biw=1280&bih=599"></a></td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: center;"></div><span style="font-size: large;">The Texas heat has been so hot lately. I don't even want to be outside unless it is before 9:00am or after 7:00pm. It's funny, I play a mind game with myself during the winter time when I am out and about and bundled up, I mentally tell myself, "it's hot and I am sweating" just to feel a little warm, and I think it helps. I try not to be outside for long during the summer because after a while, I just feel myself starting to melt/sweat and I try to avoid that unless I am in the proper attire or I am about to jump in a pool. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Today my co-worker gave me a sprig of mint from her house since she knew that I wanting to start growing it. I kept it on my desk and it smelled so fresh and clean. After smelling it for one hour, I could not wait to use the mint at home, so I decided to make a refreshing mid-morning (9:30am) drink. </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwMKAe0hND6xPEmA5uWv0-dJos1CJAr6AXf1R37qjXUTn2VIhnIFiIOQbFYuziMitTzyp2e_4TDXlHQNk1QFMNsEYzAPP6xuM9_F8ao8qRIrSqLcI73H-X0FXCpPTShpTGxSvwQ0HF6tt4/s1600/mint+julep.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwMKAe0hND6xPEmA5uWv0-dJos1CJAr6AXf1R37qjXUTn2VIhnIFiIOQbFYuziMitTzyp2e_4TDXlHQNk1QFMNsEYzAPP6xuM9_F8ao8qRIrSqLcI73H-X0FXCpPTShpTGxSvwQ0HF6tt4/s320/mint+julep.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><span style="font-size: large;">This is my version of a "workplace" mint julep. Cool, refreshing, sweetened iced tea with a few pieces of mint. I think this will be an afternoon "must" when 3:00pm rolls around for the summer. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Ahh, refreshing! </span><br />
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</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container"><tbody></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggeTCNgQkE3pAtJdOurgt2DDU0-wzbqHqHKY_443OfSfFYnhJg4Wxf3FfpPkygQFRCdWRpQpMao6KgbA8UpRlF8S0GQg7v2k2UgaasIv23pQkGuAc0pKa5m3o3IIgksG8jc3bh6YVKUmm6/s1600/mint.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> </a></div>Melinda Dumashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13696156539794436501noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3550508801284094093.post-33073195474992098572011-06-16T09:41:00.000-07:002011-06-16T19:54:52.293-07:00Remember your first everything.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj64uuF-Sa1IBGNtRcWz1BJJ9RbwHzV-8Vo7g04XInv_ls8KOzc3iJaahyQfKpKsl737apmDo9eg8zy8LDleN7vIeYprmzgpNcQ-QumYGqE8p6guXetJ-nwHg7d2_q5eTB_I3tTpGI_0IDm/s1600/chocolate.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj64uuF-Sa1IBGNtRcWz1BJJ9RbwHzV-8Vo7g04XInv_ls8KOzc3iJaahyQfKpKsl737apmDo9eg8zy8LDleN7vIeYprmzgpNcQ-QumYGqE8p6guXetJ-nwHg7d2_q5eTB_I3tTpGI_0IDm/s1600/chocolate.jpg" /></a></div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Dove chocolates are one of my favorite chocolates to eat. I might be silly to say this, but what I love about this particular chocolate is the wrapper. I love the inside messages you find once you open the chocolate candy. I try to open Dove chocolates very carefully so that I can save the wrapper, especially if I like the quote. One of my favorites quote wrappers can be found in our guest bathroom in a heart picture frame. It simply says "<b><i>Remember your first everything</i></b>." This was actually the other blog name I was going to use since I love thinking about how many <b><i>firsts</i></b> we have in life. </span></div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">It is fun to think about my firsts because it brings me back to that moment and creates a feeling of accomplishment or even thankfulness. Some examples (small and big) of my <i><b>first</b> </i>include: </span></div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">-trying sushi (I hated it, but love it now)</span></div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">-airplane ride (1 hour to Oklahoma)</span></div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">-getting to sit in first class (one day I will on an international flight) </span></div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">-love (my husband of course)</span></div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">-house </span></div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">-half-marathon</span></div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">-first day of work at new places</span></div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">This past weekend, we started our <i><b>First</b></i> Garden! We are playing it safe with the vegetables we are growing and keeping in mind how Texas summers are brutal. We don't have high expectations on what will happen, we are just excited to try it out! But it will be fun to look back in a few years and reminisce about what we grew and how much we will learn from our initial harvest.</span></div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvL0B-Sqhrrx6ZqH3_4m-2d-inNKlsk2ZA1is9hOOQfNWGRkzjeWTjnssN50VgQEOPti4mECla5HffvqInQFCntjNrU-_gcW6OmOImlyUm-E-qnjQrOhzph8oQ0XJcJs_9tzqkZLl1EKS8/s1600/first+garden.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvL0B-Sqhrrx6ZqH3_4m-2d-inNKlsk2ZA1is9hOOQfNWGRkzjeWTjnssN50VgQEOPti4mECla5HffvqInQFCntjNrU-_gcW6OmOImlyUm-E-qnjQrOhzph8oQ0XJcJs_9tzqkZLl1EKS8/s640/first+garden.JPG" width="476" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">Kona is making sure we have a place to grow treats </span></span><br />
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<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">P.S. - What are some of your firsts you like to remember? </span><br />
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</span>Melinda Dumashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13696156539794436501noreply@blogger.com3