tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-73826081183936844542024-03-13T05:20:24.144-07:00Smiles Awake YouHey, there! My name is Mandy and I'm a 22 year old Mom, wanna-be photographer, internet junkie and soon to be wife. My blog is mostly about life with my amazing daughter and fiancé. Thanks for visiting, and feel free to stop and say hello!Mandy Vallejohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15723476513601266027noreply@blogger.comBlogger288125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7382608118393684454.post-64269414119748108152012-07-27T22:04:00.001-07:002012-07-27T22:05:47.914-07:00School.<br />
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Well, I did it. I bit the bullet and re-enrolled in college. I am officially a nursing pre-major, which basically means I'm taking the required classes to get in to the nursing program. I'm all at once excited and totally scared. This will be my third attempt at college. The first try was a joke; it was right after high school and I never went and failed both classes. The second try was a bit more serious but I was pregnant and ended up not being able to take one of my finals because I was put on bed rest at the end of the semester and my instructor refused to work with me on changing the final time. Then I had Kaetana and I never finished the class. FAIL. I'm confident this time around will be different, though. I've finally figured out what I want to do. Nursing, obviously, but more specifically I'd like to work in pediatrics. There's nothing career-wise that sounds better to me than helping kids out. So that's gotta be a driving factor in my third time's a charm college experience, right? Right. We'll see how it goes but as of this semester I'm only taking 2 classes, Math and English, both online.Mandy Vallejohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15723476513601266027noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7382608118393684454.post-49075071635262618082012-07-23T20:35:00.001-07:002012-07-23T20:35:54.295-07:00Life, according to Instagram.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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naked time // pre-hair cut // good morning // PBR on the 4th</div>
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view from my porch // no heat curl // my favorite people // kitty keeps getting beat up</div>
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cheese? // a beautiful day // brushin' her teeth // mean muggin'</div>
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new favorite beer, so good // morning cuddles in bed // thrifting for books // pouting</div>
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a doodle // thrifted saltwaters // still getting beat up // part of a tip at work</div>
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first face painting // heart shaped pancakes // finger painting // washing off the paint</div>Mandy Vallejohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15723476513601266027noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7382608118393684454.post-59054028338336672452012-07-18T20:16:00.000-07:002012-07-18T20:16:27.182-07:00Cast on, Cast off.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This sweet lady got her cast off today! I've been so excited all week, anticipating her finally having her little arm back to herself. We popped over to the orthopedist's office this afternoon and got it removed, which incidentally was so scary for me! They used this rotary saw thing and I was terrified - I couldn't even watch! Kaetana on the other hand didn't bat an eye at it. She just stared at her arm in awe. What a trooper. </div>
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<a href="http://distilleryimage1.s3.amazonaws.com/1aa50050d14511e1973e22000a1d0116_7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://distilleryimage1.s3.amazonaws.com/1aa50050d14511e1973e22000a1d0116_7.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="400" /></a>Aaanyways, they removed the cast and xrayed her arm again just to make sure everything healed up nicely, which of course it did. So we're in the clear! I told her no more broken bones until she at least reaches double digits. I just can't handle this stress again any time soon (if ever.) The best part of the day was her getting to take a real bath again --
one without a bag taped to her arm I mean. She splashed around for about
30 minutes and then passed the eff out right after. Altogether, a pretty wonderful and exciting day. :) </div>
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<br /></div>Mandy Vallejohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15723476513601266027noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7382608118393684454.post-2791846425217544912012-07-17T21:35:00.002-07:002012-07-17T21:35:58.723-07:00Jux<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Hi, all. I joined a website called <a href="https://jux.com/">Jux</a> a few days ago and really like it. I have a feeling I'll be posting on there more than here -- this website always just vaguely irritates me and I don't post on it as much as I would like to. I just thought I'd pop over here and let ya'll know, in case you're interested.<br />
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<a href="https://smilesawakeyou.jux.com/">Here's my Jux.</a> <-- clicky click clickMandy Vallejohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15723476513601266027noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7382608118393684454.post-63966042426291322722012-07-17T11:30:00.000-07:002012-07-17T11:42:51.987-07:00Blogger 411 - Learning random stuff about me.<u>1. How long have you been blogging? And what got you started on blogging? <i>Has your blog changed?</i></u><br />
<i><span style="color: #444444;"> About 2 and a half years. I started right after I found out I was pregnant, but was (and still am) pretty wishy-washy with it. I lost all the photos to my earlier posts, too, one day and that put me off blogging for quite a while. But I like it so I just do it when I feel like it.</span></i><br />
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<u>2. Did you go to college? If so where, and what did you study?<span style="color: #444444;"><i> </i></span></u><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><i>Off and on at Yavapai Community. I've always been kind of a slacker when it comes to school but I'm actually starting back up this Fall to start my prerequisites for the Nursing Program. :) </i></span><br />
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<u>3. Where have you traveled?</u><br />
<i><span style="color: #444444;">I've been to most of the western/mid-western states, Mexico, Canada and Australia/New Zealand.</span></i><br />
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<u>4. If you won the lottery, what would be the first thing you would buy?</u><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><i>Oh, my. It took me a long time to think about it - but I would honestly probably go buy a brand new car. A Mercedes or Lexus, most likely. Just because. </i></span><br />
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<u>5. What are your 3 biggest pet peeves?</u><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><i>- Bad customer service, especially at restaurants. Like, seriously, this is your JOB. Do it.</i></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><i>- When I'm texting someone and they suddenly stop/take forever to reply. Drives me nuts.</i></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><i>- When people post something personal and vagues (like on Facebook) but then freak out when you ask about it. Why do you post if you don't want to talk about it? So annoying.</i></span><br />
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<u>6. What is your favorite movie?</u><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><i>I honestly can't think of one so I'll just write the first one that popped into my head, which is Romeo and Juliet - with Leo DiCaprio. Mostly because I keep wanting to watch it, and it's awesome.</i></span><br />
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<u>7. What is your drink of choice; <i>wine, beer, or liquor</i>. Or Water, Soda, Tea?</u><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><i>Water, for the most part, then tea. I do, on occasion, enjoy a soda or beer.</i></span><br />
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<u>8. What is something you enjoy to do when you have <i style="font-weight: bold;">me</i> time?</u><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><i>Read, do something crafty, watch a movie, or blog/read blogs.</i></span><br />
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<u>9. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">If you could have a $10,000 shopping spree to one store, which store would it be?</span></span></u><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><i>Probably Target. </i></span><br />
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<u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">10. Share with us an embarrassing moment of your past? <i>Or present.</i></span></span></u><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><i>Right before my freshman year in high school started, I was at 'pre-band camp' learning the basics of Marching Band. We were going over standing at Pride and I locked my knees which you aren't supposed to do, of course, and passed out in the middle of it. Awful.</i></span><br />
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<u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">11. What <b>day</b> would you love to relive again?</span></span></u><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #444444;"><i>I'd really like to relive the first day John and I really hung out. It was rainy and spectacular. </i></span> </span></span><br />
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<u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">12. If your life was turned into a movie... what actor would play you?</span></span></u><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #444444;"><i>Oh, I don't know. Someone short. Ha.</i></span> </span></span><br />
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<u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">13. What are the jobs you had in high school/college/the early years?</span></span></u><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><i>Where do I start? I've worked at <b>so many places</b>.</i></span> <br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><i>Fry's as a courtesy clerk, Denny's as a server. Scooped fro-yo at TCBY, ran the cafe and Entertainment department at Bookman's, was the floor manager at the college bookstore. Now I'm a waitress at a waffle house in town. </i></span><br />
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<u>14. Show us a picture from high school or college.</u><br />
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<span style="color: #444444;"><i>Ah, yes, so many carefree days spent downtown with my friends. If I remember correctly me, my friend Steff (the one in front) and my friend Mandy (on the right) got drunk off sneaky screwdrivers (hidden in an orange juice bottle!) and went to the movies after this. We saw Dark Knight. Nostalgia time!</i></span></div>
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<u>15. If you could travel <b>anywhere</b> in the world, all expenses paid, where would you go?</u><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><i>England. Aaaaall over England!!</i></span> <br />
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<u>16. Show us the most current picture of you or you and your family.</u><br />
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<span style="color: #444444;"><i>This is the most recent photo of me. I don't have any recent ones of the whole family, so this will do.</i></span> <br />
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<u>17. Where do you see your life 5 years from now?</u><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><i>Honestly? I have no idea.</i></span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Linking up with <a href="http://www.frommrstomama.com/2012/07/blogger-411-all-you-need-to-know-about.html">From Mrs to Mama</a>. </span></i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a border="0" href="http://www.frommrstomama.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-w3vvP5rPoso/TxDmwpHCzGI/AAAAAAAACKQ/MXlnyUXZhmM/s1600/Untitled.png" /></a> </span></i></span></div>Mandy Vallejohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15723476513601266027noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7382608118393684454.post-33385247579121793772012-07-12T20:33:00.001-07:002012-07-12T20:33:14.280-07:00High on Thrifting Thursday<div style="text-align: center;">
Once again, I thrifted too often and bought way too many things. </div>
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They're all pretty amazing, though, so I'm not too torn up about it. See for yourself:</div>
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Seriously with this rug? Seriously!? It's 3'x5' which is pretty amazing, and Kaetana LOVES it. </div>
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For the record, that cradle was bought at Goodwill on Dollar Thursday. I think it was originally like $10 or something. Also I'm obsessed with those embroidered wall hangings. Can you tell?</div>
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I've been on the hunt for a Maio print for<b>ever</b>. I was so excited to find this. And the crochet granny square blanket is the perfect size for underneath Tana's teepee. It's so soft, too.</div>
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Those curtains were originally marked $26 for both panels but I had a fit and talked them down. Because I'm cheap like that. And that colander is the exact shade of my kitchen, which I love.</div>
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Altogether, another amazing couple of weeks in thrift-land.</div>
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Linking up <a href="http://www.harpershappenings.com/2012/07/12/high-on-thrifting-thursday-v-11/">HOTT</a> over at <a href="http://www.harpershappenings.com/">Harpers Happenings</a>.</div>
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<a href="http://www.harpershappenings.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://i39.tinypic.com/zlwylv.jpg" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>Mandy Vallejohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15723476513601266027noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7382608118393684454.post-27658371198576475262012-07-10T13:26:00.000-07:002012-07-10T13:27:17.381-07:00Hanging Vase - DIY<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I bought this mason jar a few weeks ago thrifting for 50 cents, and couldn't really figure out what to do with it. I just liked that it was big, but it didn't have a lid or anything so it's been sitting in my kitchen collecting dust. Until, that is, I saw this cute metal hook at Hobby Lobby and became a crafting genius! I brought it home and this afternoon attached it to the wall next to my kitchen window (above the sink.) I used some twine I had leftover from another project and really just wrapped it around a lot - making sure to keep it really tight - and knotted it every couple of loops. After I thought it was secure enough, I looped and knotted it around the hook and voila! I filled it with water and some daisies and it adds a nice pop of color and cheer to my kitchen without taking up my counter space.<br />
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This project was crazy easy, anyone could do it, and the best part is it only cost me $5 (the cost of the hook) because I had everything else on hand.:)Mandy Vallejohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15723476513601266027noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7382608118393684454.post-8165302710307322792012-07-09T08:35:00.001-07:002012-07-09T08:37:27.088-07:00Counting!<object classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" data="http://www.flickr.com/apps/video/stewart.swf?v=109786" height="360" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="640"> <param name="flashvars" value="intl_lang=en-us&photo_secret=7570431ffe&photo_id=7536137254&hd_default=false"></param>
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We have been working on learning numbers lately.</div>
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She still gets pretty caught up on '3' but otherwise, she's doing great!</div>Mandy Vallejohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15723476513601266027noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7382608118393684454.post-50112140065067924162012-07-04T21:21:00.000-07:002012-07-04T21:21:26.836-07:00Happy 4th of July<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Photo from last year's 4th.</span></div>
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I hope everyone is enjoying the fireworks with the people they love. As for me, I'm sitting at home watching tv drinking PBR alone. Kaetana decided she didn't want to stay awake today and passed out at 6:30, plus it rained all afternoon so we decided to skip the show again this year anyways. This makes the 4th year in a row that I've missed them. Oh well, maybe next year.</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">{Also, I'm ~30 pounds lighter now than I was then, which is good because I am huge up there. Embarrassing.}</span></div>
Mandy Vallejohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15723476513601266027noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7382608118393684454.post-53414123711210158302012-07-02T16:23:00.000-07:002012-07-02T16:23:40.539-07:00Life, according to Instagram.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">checkin' things out // toddler breakfast // the broken arm club // bahama mamas out with Ashley!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">having issues coloring // flat tire in the middle of BFE // getting 4 new tires! // fried pickles at Hooters with Steff</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">waiting to see the orthopedist // pretty pink cast! // the sweetest // amazing thrifted pony rug </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">first haircut, girlfriend's got bangs // love from great grandma // found my external hardrive!! // my favorite lady</span></div>Mandy Vallejohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15723476513601266027noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7382608118393684454.post-38960190192520096102012-06-24T14:32:00.001-07:002012-06-24T14:32:15.588-07:00Broken Arm<div style="text-align: justify;">
Yesterday, while I was at work, Kaetana fell off of a TINY chair and broke her little arm. My parents weren't sure it was broken, they thought she had sprained her wrist. She was playing normally after it happened, apparently, so they didn't worry too much. When I got home she was napping. She woke up a while later and when I went in to get her she kind of fell over and started crying after trying to push herself up. It was so, so sad. I ended up being worried enough to take her to urgent care where my worst fears were confirmed. She has a hairline fracture on her arm right above her wrist. Right now she's in a temporary splint, and on Thursday she will go in for a real cast. I so was not prepared for this to happen to her so young and it has really shaken me. I fear I'm going to become 'that mom' who shadows her child just in case she might fall/bump in to something/scrape her knee/hurt herself in any way. Of course today, she feels fine. It seems like the splint is more of a minor annoyance to her than anything else. I'm the one having serious issues with it. Sometimes, being a Mommy is really hard. :(</div>
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There she is waiting for the doctor, going home with her new splint and sporting the sweet sling I made her out of an old bandana. She also went and visited my Grandpa today so they could form the "Broken Arm Club" haha, poor things. I also put one of her <a href="http://www.babylegs.com/">Babylegs</a> over the splint so she wouldn't try to pull it off. It's working beautifully and it's pretty darn cute too!</div>
Mandy Vallejohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15723476513601266027noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7382608118393684454.post-44178767464232462162012-06-21T20:37:00.003-07:002012-06-21T20:37:41.863-07:00High on Thrifting Thursday<div style="text-align: center;">
I've had a <u>ton</u> of thrifting luck these past two weeks and have gotten some seriously legit stuff.</div>
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I have a couple things that aren't in this post, actually, that I have specific plans for so I'm saving them until I finish what I want to do! Here are a few of my fantastic finds:</div>
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Yes, I finally found a chalkboard!<br />
I've been looking for ages for one, and got lucky because I found it on half off day. BAM.</div>
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Isn't this alphabet embroidery adorable? It's going in Kaetana's playroom!</div>
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I have been plans for the planters.</div>
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*ahem*succulents*ahem*</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.harpershappenings.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://i39.tinypic.com/zlwylv.jpg" /></a> </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Linking up with <a href="http://www.harpershappenings.com/">Harpers Happenings</a>.</span></div>Mandy Vallejohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15723476513601266027noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7382608118393684454.post-33755093660384546212012-06-20T19:12:00.003-07:002012-06-20T20:29:08.282-07:00Saturday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Saturday was spent downtown on the Courthouse Square for the Tsunami on the Square festival. My parents took Kaetana down there in the morning while I was at work, and when I got off I headed down to spend the rest of the afternoon with everyone. The festival is always so much fun, lots of cooky people dressed up and on stilts, and we go every year. This year was extra awesome with Kaetana old enough to appreciate the craziness of everything.</div>
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Kaetana had a total blast. She got to meet Ariel and Belle and was thrilled, hung out with all three of her grandparents, then rolled around and did "somersaults" in the grass. There was lots of running around yelling at puppies, and even some delicious frozen yogurt samples from the local place Yogartz. Yum, yum. Overall it was a great day and I'm happy to have spent it with my beautiful girl and actually had a nice time with my parents too.</div>Mandy Vallejohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15723476513601266027noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7382608118393684454.post-3541300599347867652012-06-19T08:04:00.000-07:002012-06-19T08:04:00.642-07:00Tsunami on the Square, a year apart.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I'm currently obsessing over looking at photos </div>
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from this time last year and comparing them to now.</div>
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On the left is John with Kaetana at Tsunami on the Square last year.</div>
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On the right is from a few days ago at the same festival.</div>
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It's always mind boggling to see the difference from just a year.</div>Mandy Vallejohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15723476513601266027noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7382608118393684454.post-22943446904222358862012-06-18T20:36:00.000-07:002012-06-18T20:36:01.398-07:00Button Update!<div style="text-align: center;">
I finally got around to updating my blog buttons!</div>
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They're on my sidebar, with codes underneath, if you're interested in sharing.</div>Mandy Vallejohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15723476513601266027noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7382608118393684454.post-78131472154322743502012-06-18T20:00:00.000-07:002012-06-18T20:00:22.190-07:00plum crazy<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vJ1tvClImTM/T9_qqHv9bvI/AAAAAAAABBw/nrAOuWAVaxA/s1600/IMG_0048.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vJ1tvClImTM/T9_qqHv9bvI/AAAAAAAABBw/nrAOuWAVaxA/s640/IMG_0048.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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This girl sure does love her some fruit.</div>Mandy Vallejohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15723476513601266027noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7382608118393684454.post-79319819411284930972012-06-15T20:38:00.000-07:002012-06-15T20:38:06.507-07:00Easy peasy Father's Day gift idea!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This is the gift I made John last year for Father's Day. </div>
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It was such a huge hit, he and everyone else LOVED it. </div>
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I think it's a pretty great last minute gift idea! </div>
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Basically, I hung a black sheet in a corner and stuck her on it. </div>
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It was simple because she was only 6 months old, and not crawling too much. </div>
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I can't imagine doing this with her now - it would be crazy! </div>
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I got a wooden 'D' and an 'A' from Joann's (which I actually returned later, haha) </div>
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and took about a thousand photos of her holding them. </div>
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Then, I picked my favorites and stuck 'em together. </div>
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I printed an 8x10 via <a href="http://www.snapfish.com/snapfish/welcome">Snapfish</a> which only took a few days to ship to me.</div>
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The whole thing cost me maybe $3,</div>
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and it's definitely one of John's favorite gifts. </div>Mandy Vallejohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15723476513601266027noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7382608118393684454.post-23534196821072187882012-06-14T20:53:00.001-07:002012-06-14T20:55:18.617-07:0018 Months<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I can't believe my little lady is 18 months old already! A year and a half. How did that even happen? Actually, she turned 18 months on the 7th, a week ago. But today was her checkup and I wanted to wait for this post until after I knew her stats and such. </div>
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This sweet girl of ours has grown up <u>so much</u> in the past couple of months. I knew it would go quickly but I am constantly surprised by just how quickly, if that makes any sense. Her personality has blossomed more than ever - she's hilarious and extremely independent. She's content playing by herself for the most part (to the point that when I try to join her she gets all huffy and moves away haha) but I'm happy that she is such a good self entertainer. I've been around kids that are glued to their parents and it doesn't look like much fun. </div>
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That's not to say that she isn't a little lover, though. When she's real tired, she gets super cuddly and it's the sweetest thing. She makes up injuries just so she can come up and shove whichever body part in my face and say, 'owwww' until I kiss it. It's adorable. She loves music, particularly The Black Keys lately thanks to John, and will dance/spin around the living room forever. She has the funniest little moves! I need to video it soon, actually. ;)</div>
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Like I said above, she went to the doctor today - her current stats are:</div>
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Weight: 24.2 lbs (69th percentile)</div>
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Height: 31.5" (37th percentile)</div>
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Head Circumference: 48cm (89th percentile)</div>
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She's currently in 18 month tops and dresses,</div>
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18-24 month bottoms,</div>
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and size 4 shoes. </div>
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She has 11 teeth fully in and is cutting #12 right now.</div>
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I'll say it again, this girl is growing up too, too fast. I love her so much, though, she is my shining star. I couldn't imagine my life without this beautiful child, and am grateful every day for her.</div>Mandy Vallejohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15723476513601266027noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7382608118393684454.post-9127539423243861892012-06-11T16:59:00.000-07:002012-06-11T16:59:20.164-07:00New obsession - custom paintings!<div style="text-align: center;">
I found <a href="http://www.melissaturner.com/">Missy's Portraits</a> a long time ago via a giveaway on some blog.</div>
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I've wanted a painting ever since, but they're pretty expensive and I'm cheap.</div>
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In March, though, she did a half off thing all month so I snagged up an 11x14" for $100!</div>
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I was so, so excited when I sent her the photo I wanted to use and when I got it?</div>
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<b>HOLY CRAP!</b></div>
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This lady has some legit talent, people.</div>
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Here's the painting I got.</div>
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Uh-mazing, amiright? </div>
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This was John's birthday gift, actually.</div>
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Kaetana is 3 months old, and wearing his favorite fuzzy hat. </div>
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I love it more than most <i>things </i>I own.</div>
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So, naturally, when I stumbled across another giveaway for a "mini portrait" (5x7)</div>
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I jumped right on that shit.</div>
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<u><i>And won</i>.</u></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gzuncHYNLyg/T9aE8xOrCxI/AAAAAAAABBY/EgKTUWEV2nw/s1600/292266_316864885065669_821094068_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="458" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gzuncHYNLyg/T9aE8xOrCxI/AAAAAAAABBY/EgKTUWEV2nw/s640/292266_316864885065669_821094068_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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This is from my favorite photo of me and John.</div>
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It's Valentine's Day 2009.</div>
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I love these paintings so much, and know I'll cherish them forever.</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">**Disclaimer: I had no incentive to write this post and got nothing for it. I just wanted to share these paintings and the crazy talent behind them.</span></div>Mandy Vallejohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15723476513601266027noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7382608118393684454.post-50709737330131153942012-06-10T20:56:00.000-07:002012-06-10T20:56:27.636-07:00What a difference a year makes...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Oh5ovyVKhwE/T9Vrs8QhFFI/AAAAAAAABBM/YMfLFw9YO6I/s1600/yearagotoday.png" /> </div>
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The photo on the left was taken on June 9th last year.</div>
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The photo on the right was taken this afternoon.</div>
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I'm freaking out about the difference!</div>Mandy Vallejohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15723476513601266027noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7382608118393684454.post-35084922250264517322012-06-08T18:24:00.003-07:002012-06-08T18:24:52.543-07:00Currently<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/319702_3736943794967_124067821_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/319702_3736943794967_124067821_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">This sweet lady fell asleep on me yesterday. That hasn't happened in a long time, it made my heart happy.</span></div>
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<b>Reading:</b> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Angus-Thongs-Full-Frontal-Snogging-Confessions/dp/B000BEVWJ8/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1339203509&sr=8-4">Angus, Thongs, and Full Frontal Snogging</a>. Don't laugh. It's the first book in a series chronicling the life of British 14-year old Georgia Nicolson. It's hilarious, and written in the style of a diary. I own the whole series and read them every once in a while when I need something silly and pointless in my life.<br />
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<b>Watching:</b> the new season of Storage Wars! I DVR'd it and am totally excited that there are finally new episodes. I love that stupid show.<br />
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<b>Thinking about:</b> lots of things. My life is changing pretty drastically and although it's hard I know it's going to work out just the way it's supposed to. <br />
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<b>Loving:</b> my little girl! I am now, more than ever, so beyond grateful for her existence in my life. She is a constant source of joy for me and I could never feel bad with her here.<br />
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<b>Anticipating:</b> some girl time with my ladies tomorrow! I have been trying to spend more time with my close friends lately and it's definitely bringing my spirits about the not-so-great situation life is in recently.</div>
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<b>Listening to: </b>Gorillaz Radio on <a href="http://www.pandora.com/">Pandora</a>. I have to really be in the mood for this station, because it tends to play a lot of Deadmou5. But right now, I love it.<br />
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<b>Eating: </b>nothing! Well, nothing currently. I did have some Olive Garden leftovers earlier, though. Chicken Parmesan. Delicious.<br />
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<b>Feeling thankful for: </b>the support that I'm getting from all my friends and family right now. It's easy to feel alone sometimes when all I do is work and stay at home afterwards, but when things get rough the true friends come out - and I couldn't be happier about it.</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">**Currently post inspired by Danielle's at <a href="http://www.sometimessweet.com/">Sometimes Sweet</a></span>.</div>Mandy Vallejohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15723476513601266027noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7382608118393684454.post-58524033997329984922012-06-07T20:22:00.001-07:002012-06-07T20:24:06.209-07:00High on Thrifting Thursday<div style="text-align: justify;">
I always mean to link up to <a href="http://www.harpershappenings.com/2012/06/07/high-on-thrifting-thursday-v-9/">High on Thrifting Thursday</a> over at <a href="http://www.harpershappenings.com/">Harpers Happenings</a> but never seem to get around to it. I get home late most Thursdays, and forget about it. But not today! It is late, yes, but I'm jumping on the bandwagon anyways and I'm excited to share some of my recent thrifting finds. Because, let's be honest, I thrift <u>a lot.</u> Working next to a Goodwill has it's <strike>benefits</strike>. Anyways here are some of my more recent goodies!</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This frame made me so happy - it's the perfect home for Kaetana's Easter photo!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-A-tFYM5IAEw/T9FsJaX5E4I/AAAAAAAABAk/gwQB5T4leHg/s1600/IMG_0006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-A-tFYM5IAEw/T9FsJaX5E4I/AAAAAAAABAk/gwQB5T4leHg/s640/IMG_0006.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">These match my kitchen perfectly. Awesome.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RI7VeWSjb1c/T9FsHK_aX2I/AAAAAAAABAc/-ejv9MzI8A4/s1600/IMG_0004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RI7VeWSjb1c/T9FsHK_aX2I/AAAAAAAABAc/-ejv9MzI8A4/s640/IMG_0004.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">That's right, I'm a picture frame whore. I'll never buy one at full price again.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-17QaDIbIBwI/T9FsPKlSe2I/AAAAAAAABAw/xtoMyayVrRc/s1600/IMG_0007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="522" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-17QaDIbIBwI/T9FsPKlSe2I/AAAAAAAABAw/xtoMyayVrRc/s640/IMG_0007.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This got added to my dining room wall with the others I've thrifted. I think it's my favorite.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></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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Every time I find something really awesome and unique I am reminded how glad I am I gave thrifting a chance. I used to think it was stupid and irritating - I didn't have the patience to look around and find things worthwhile. But it really has saved me a <u>ton</u> of cash on clothes for Kaetana, and made my house a little more <i>me. </i>Happy, happy days! <3<br />
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<a href="http://www.harpershappenings.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://i39.tinypic.com/zlwylv.jpg" /></a> </div>
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<br />Mandy Vallejohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15723476513601266027noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7382608118393684454.post-31584664814084165662012-06-04T16:06:00.000-07:002012-06-05T18:51:50.510-07:00Words<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="400" src="http://distilleryimage4.s3.amazonaws.com/61307742ac2f11e1aebc1231381b647a_7.jpg" width="400" /></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">A few days ago at Trader Joe's - </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">she waved and said 'hi' to everyone we passed!</span><b> </b></div>
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<b>~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~</b></div>
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The expansion of Kaetana's vocabulary has been blowing my mind lately! It seems like she knows so many words these days, and a lot of them have taken shape within the last week or so actually. She finally got the hang of making the "y" or "ee" sound, which opened up her world as far as words go. Not everything she says is perfect, of course, but they're all real words and both she and we know what she's talking about. It's pretty exciting. Right now she can say:</div>
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- Mommy<br />
- Daddy<br />
- Kitty<br />
- Puppy<br />
- Book<br />
- Cool<br />
- Dude<br />
- Whoa<br />
- Hi<br />
- Bye<br />
- Ball<br />
- Water (Wa-Wa)<br />
- Shoes<br />
- Juice<br />
- Gma<br />
- Papa<br />
- More <br />
- Banana</div>
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- Nana (How she says her name, ha) <br />
- What<br />
- No<br />
- Dinner (Ninner)<br />
- Bird<br />
- Blue<br />
- Purple <br />
- Please</div>
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- Play &</div>
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- Two </div>
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That's 28 words! I'm so proud of my little love!Mandy Vallejohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15723476513601266027noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7382608118393684454.post-70428018285527288762012-06-02T15:19:00.002-07:002012-06-02T15:19:55.341-07:00Favorite Photo - May<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ltxmyytNMlA/T8qQhh10R7I/AAAAAAAABAQ/7ul_kw2zNpc/s640/IMG_0031.jpg" width="640" /></div>
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This is definitely my favorite photo from May.</div>
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It was taken last weekend when John and I took Kaetana downtown.</div>
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Riding on Daddy's shoulders, wearing her sweet ladybug balloon bracelette. </div>
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Happy, happy days.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">{Linking up with <a href="http://thepapermama.com/2012/06/the-paper-mama-fave-photo-challenge-a-prize.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+ThePaperMama+%28%E2%99%A5+the+paper+mama%29">The Paper Mama </a>for her Fave Photo Challenge.</span></i>}</div>Mandy Vallejohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15723476513601266027noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7382608118393684454.post-84023461052431936472012-05-30T22:43:00.000-07:002012-05-30T22:51:44.394-07:00Tuesday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
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This week was unusual because John and I both had Tuesday off, which hasn't happened in a very long time. I was looking forward to having a whole extra day to spend with him, so we convinced my parents to come over and watch the baby so we could go hang out in Jerome. It was nice because we hadn't been there in a couple years (not since my friend Sydney was visiting from Maine! In 2009!) I got up early to get Kaetana ready and pick up the house a bit then went and got my parents.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AETRg2EueYE/T8b_O5nLNQI/AAAAAAAAA-w/sxBrr3hp2jk/s640/igcollage.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Epic Tuesday morning bedhead // Cuddles with my love before we left</td></tr>
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Then John and I got ready, and headed out around 11 am. The drive was beautiful, as always, but there were crews replacing sections of the guard rails so there was a 10-ish minute wait which was kind of annoying. It did give us a chance to take goofy photos - below is my favorite!</div>
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Eventually we got to Jerome and had a really great time. We went to The
Spirit Room then had lunch at the Asylum Restaurant. The food there was
good but the service was questionable. Next time we'll probably hit up
Haunted Hamburger instead. </div>
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<img border="0" height="630" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VTr_oFKOt7w/T8cAiXRBxeI/AAAAAAAAA_I/koSGZsQ7v1Y/s640/collage+2.png" width="660" /></div>
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<img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-p9BhS86Mr2A/T8cCeO5DnFI/AAAAAAAAA_g/vMgCNXYtdrs/s640/IMG_0021.JPG" width="640" /></div>
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Then we went to Puffin' Stuff, of course, where we got a pretty frog pipe and new hookah. I had wanted a new one for a while so this is awesome. I also bought John a cigarette case because he's always crushing his when he takes naps haha. The frog pipe was originally $45 but a foot broke off so she gave it to me for $20. He's so cute. We also went to the Puscifer store.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VSqAc2nPg54/T8cG3p8ipPI/AAAAAAAABAA/7JgN87p9wXA/s1600/IMG_0026.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VSqAc2nPg54/T8cG3p8ipPI/AAAAAAAABAA/7JgN87p9wXA/s640/IMG_0026.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
We wandered, went to the kaleidoscope store (always!) and ended up at a saloon where John tried to teach me how to play pool. I say tried because I SUCK at pool, apparently. It was fun though. After about 4 hours in Jerome we headed back to town. John wanted to go see Chernobyl Diaries so we did that and I didn't really enjoy it. It wasn't that scary and the whole premise felt over done. After the movie we went home, put our little lady to bed and smoked hookah together before I went and passed the eff out because I was so exhausted. It was a pretty spectacular day and I'm definitely going to be making it a point to have more like it, more often.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DQZ_lmaPEH8/T8cEuyKw9dI/AAAAAAAAA_4/dH55hkrxlIg/s1600/IMG_00291.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DQZ_lmaPEH8/T8cEuyKw9dI/AAAAAAAAA_4/dH55hkrxlIg/s640/IMG_00291.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Inside one of the Kaleidoscopes.</td></tr>
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</div>Mandy Vallejohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15723476513601266027noreply@blogger.com1