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Ten on Tuesday

August 17, 2010 – 11:10 pm

1. Every afternoon at 4:30, the National Anthem blares from the voice box on base. The girls run toward it and stand with their “Hands over our haaarts” (as Lolo would say) as it plays. It’s one of the most adorable things ever. Untitled-8

2. With the onset of back-to-school comes school paperwork. As a student, I remember coming home with a stack for my mom being super excited for her to jot down all necessary information. As a parent, I’m overwhelmed with piles that need to be filled out for three kids. I see a lot of unnecessary items in there, actually. Like, permission to call me if some emergency comes up from the district office. YES, yes! I want to know, call my phone with an automated message. Why do I need to sign something saying that?

3. The girls seem to be completely content with their teachers (at least Sarah and Ashleigh do, we’ll find out Lauren’s take on class next week) and classes, which makes me a happy mama.

4. My toes are something nasty as I step up the mileage. Yes, I’m talking about my toes. I know: Gross.

5. While shopping for groceries yesterday, I reached up to grab a box of vanilla and it was just tall enough to hit the McCormick sign above. The sign was slightly loose and I jostled it just enough that the entire display fell on me, cutting my finger on its way down. Hmph. We’ll file this under “Adventures at the Comissary.”

6. I have to send a family picture in for the girls’ emergency kits. The last time we took a picture with all of us in it was in DC this past May and two of the three girls look less than interested- case in point…

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So I’m sending the picture perfect Christmas photo taken last November. I can’t help but feel superficial.

7. I should not be shopping on etsy this week with 412 other things to do, BUT, I am tired of feeling guilty of using the plastic bags for our produce so I bought some reusable ones here. And while I was over there, I picked up a darling little make-up/cosmetic bag to hold all of my lip gloss because I have an overabundance and can never find any at the bottom of that darn bag that parades around as my purse. Super excited that it will be here soon!

8. While folding laundry tonight, Andy and I had nothing else to watch but Cupcake Wars. I would like 45 minutes of my television time back, thankyouverymuch. Reality TV has met a new low.

9. The world’s largest spiders live in my garage. After a surprise appearance of one in a small trash can the other evening, I have taken to shaking, pounding and knocking all materials gathered from the garage to be brought inside. After that, Andy found a black widow in our office, and I found a cricket on steroids in my running shorts. Now everything gets a good shake before I pick it up. It’s a great way to live, I tell ya.

10. I went to the movies on Saturday with some new friends from base. We saw Eat Pray Love and I must say, I certainly didn’t care for the book as much as I enjoyed the movie. It must have been the Julia Roberts charm. Or, the storyline that deviated from the book. Have you seen it?

Happy Tuesday!

By Susie | Posted in Ten on Tuesday | 12 comments Hide Comments | add a comment

Krista Nash -

Yeah…Cupcake Wars has got to go! That host drives me crazy with his consistent tilt of the head and “So Melody, tell us about your cupcake.” It’s quite sad because normally I am a sucker for anything sort of baking show.
Becca -

HA! Levi would like to polietly decline any invite you might extend to him to come to visit- he is deathly afraid of insects. LOL! Also I am half way throuhg Eat Pray Love and I like the book, however, I keep telling myself that Julia is not the women who should of play the authors role.
Krista Hunt -

Thanks for the giggles this morning!! You are SO missed. I saw the movie and can say I really disliked it. Those men she chose were just nasty!
Fancy nancy -

You need to have your home fumigated or even better yet, tented to get rid of the bugs. I have to say, Lolo does look better with short hair.
Julie -

NO THANK YOU for those arachnids. I feel about those how you do about storms And I think it’s funny that your end of the work day is at 1630, when the last base we lived on it was at 1700! Are you just slackers in Cali? Hee hee.
Nadine -

I love your necklace in your family picture!
Rachel -

I can now officially say, I am soooo glad Lauren cut her hair! She’s gone from adorable to super-duper adorable! I would have never thought it was possible for her to be any cuter, but I WAS WRONG!!!! Miss you!
Jill -

I’m interested to see the movie after reading the book. I’m with Becca, I have a hard time picturing Julia Roberts in the role.

And Lauren short hair really does make her super cute face stand out even more;)

Yay for good teachers and happy school kids and happy Mamas!
deanne -

1 -cute!
2,3 – my kids start school next week, and we don’t find out about the teachers until late tomorrow. not looking forward to the paperwork….can I get a rubber stamp with my signature?
7 – i could get lost on Etsy, it’s major time suck, i haven’t been there in a loooong time…..which makes me think ‘what do i need?’, i think I’ll head over there now, see you in a few days.
10 – i saw that movie while in SF last weekend. i haven’t read the book though, so i can’t give it a full review. I will say that I was not impressed. Yes, Julia was charming and cute, but there’s just something about a spiritual journey that doesn’t end with the Lord, it’s as if it’s just over yet. Then there’s the issue of the character always going from relationship to relationship…..and in the end what happened??…..she began another relationship! Overall the movie was so-so. Maybe I should have seen Salt instead?
becky -

having a very hard time finishing the book….so the movie is worth seeing, wasn’t so sure!
our new favorite show …cupcake wars, family friendly oh the kids love wipeout too!
Megan -

I am with you on all the paper work. I have 3 sets of each too. It’s ridiculous! And the commissary should have a sign, “Shop at own risk”!
j.j. -

i thought the book was pretty good, maybe 3.5 stars? but the movie got not so great reviews so i wasn’t sure i’d see it but perhaps i’ll put it on our netflix queue now;)

i got some reusable produce bags two years ago and they are STILL holding up well! don’t forget to wash them.

oh and below – where’s your yummy toasted maple squash recipe!?!?!?!

Menu Monday

August 16, 2010 – 4:27 pm

Following Jenn’s lead, I’m going to post our menu for the week.. it feels good to fall into some type of routine right now, the beginning of the “work week” seems to be a good time to do that!

Monday: Barefoot Contessa’s Tuscan lemon chicken w/ maple toasted butternut squash

Tuesday: Glazed and Grilled Shrimp Sides: Green beans and couscous with sun-dried tomatoes and pine nuts

Wednesday: Andy’s steak sandwiches with mushrooms, bell peppers and provolone cheese Side: Chickpea Salad

Thursday (girl’s choice): Edna Mae’s sour cream pancakes, scrambled eggs and bacon Special request: French Breakfast Puffs

Friday: Dinner plans away from home

Saturday: Dinner plans away from home

Sunday: Kristin’s Fish Tacos and Spanish Rice

…

When Andy is home, we’re crazy grilling people. I don’t have the patience to learn how to cook well on the grill, but we have tons of great recipes that go on there and a few that I would love to share. I’ll be sure to share a new one next week if the shrimp come out as keepers.

By Susie | Posted in Menu | 6 comments Hide Comments | add a comment

Brooke Zahn -

Yum! While you guys are rockin’ the gourmet grill we’re eating waffle sticks…. If you weren’t so darn far away we just might drop by for dinner. Great. Now I’m hungry. I’m supposed to be going to bed & snuggling up with a book, not filled with visions of French Breakfast Puffs dancing through my head. Enjoy!
Missy -

I’ll be over at 6!
Jill -

It all sounds delish! I should try that:) we could use a little structure around here!!
mandi -

Yum! Makes my menu look a little drab Time to try new recipes again =]
Yours Mom -

I want to to do friday and Saturday OK = )
Jennifer Brightbill -

I love breakfast for dinner. It is so fun. Those french breakfast puffs I have been wanting to try for a while now. They look so good. Thanks for sharing your menu it all sounds scrumptious.

Flashback Friday: Patriotic Ruffle Tees

August 13, 2010 – 3:25 pm

A couple of months ago, I had this awesome idea (that I mostly stole from my friend Jill) to make matchy-matchy ruffle tops for the girls on the Fourth of July. Creating your own ruffles on t-shirts had been trendy on a few blogs I peruse and I wanted a reason to make some! Also, my sewing machine had just come back from getting repaired so I needed to put it use.

After collecting all the materials I needed (four stores, sheesh) and enlisting Jill’s help with the flowers and what nots, I set out to make three perfectly cutie pie tops for Sarah, Ash and Lauren to sport on America’s birthday.

_MG_9470-Edit Did you ever wonder where I was at the night Lauren cut off her hair? I was working on these tops. My sewing machine wasn’t working properly and so I had to hand-stitch those cute little ruffles on. Sounds fun, right? Wrong. After Jill left, I spent about seven more hours on those darling tops on a Monday- the week before we moved and had to pack the materials away.

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And that was the last time I was crafty this year. I think I got it out of my system until at least 2012.

But you have to admit that they are kind of cute.

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And next Fourth of July, I’m most definitely saving time and spending $5 to buy Kohl’s super cute patriotic tees that I don’t have to slave over.

ha.

By Susie | Posted in Uncategorized | 6 comments Hide Comments | add a comment

Stephanie Reid -

These are absolutely adorable! Great job I may give it a try…
Jill :) -

Yay! I was hoping to see these! You really did a fantastic job! They turned out so well, and the ribbon looks good! I still feel bad that we were downstairs while Lauren was cutting her hair. They are all adorable though. Nice job, Susie!!
Katie -

Cute! Cute! Cute! Girls are So much fun!
Nicole RussellWillis -

dying over the cute-ness!! hey, maybe they’ll still fit next year!! hah! or hang ‘em laundry line style for decor at least!!!
Brooke Zahn -

Love Ashleigh in the background marveling at her ruffles! Good job, Mama!
Jeni -

AAAAAA!!! I know you can hear me screaming all the way from Korea. Those are unreal! I am going to be all over this idea…if you can tell me how to do it, PLEASE! Maybe the girls will still fit in them next summer…I hope so, cause they are the cutest in those shirts…hair or no hair

My sewing machine should get here in 2 days uh huh uh huh…

My Dad, the Farmer

August 12, 2010 – 11:43 pm

Years ago, my dad’s family lived and ran a farm in Southern Florida. He’s got a heart for animals bigger than life and a thumb greener than the Jolly Green’s. Last year, he built a fence in my parent’s backyard to house a garden and this year, he planted like, everything! He’s a total farmer through and through.

Over the past few months, my mom and sister have been texting me images of the giant and oversized zucchini that my dad’s garden have been producing. Their counter is overflowing with fresh goodness that also includes bell peppers, tomatoes, cucumbers and green beans. The corn is coming soon and the lettuce already passed its harvest! I’m pretty impressed with this guy, let me tell you (the one on the left is my dad, he’s just posing with his buddy)!

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I was answering a question in a favorite online community today about “Why I love where I live” and I had to really think about that one (you haven’t had a photo tour yet, so just you wait and see WHAT the excitement is out here at Edwards), and then the answer was clear to me: Family. I’m convinced the Lord knows better than me how being so close to my family provides a sense of security and happiness- maybe even joy! We are a mere hour and a half from my folks and a three-ish hour to my mother-in-law’s. I LOVE that living here means being so close to them (not to mention a whole lot of good folks that we know from years past)!

And my life is definitely better with this farmer guy closer by, maybe he’ll be able to help my black thumb turn a little bit more on the leafy side, too. Love you, Peeps. Good job on that garden there

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By Susie | Posted in Family | 9 comments Hide Comments | add a comment

suzanne b. -

Susie, we moved back here to California to be by our family when Claire was about to be born, and it’s what I love best, too. I am so happy you are closer to yours now.
Becca -

We are in tears….Daddy loves you…
Missy -

lol- I’m in tears and not even related to you guys!!!!! Awesome Daddy tribute my friend! PS- you are inspiring me to start blogging more. 3 posts in a row! Woot woot! You go!
Lori -

I could never get that close to home, the closest to PA I ever got was right here in Ohio, and I will take it! lol I certainly understand that yearning to be closer to family. Looking forward to seeing more of your family on the blog, I hope that they know you will turn them into cyber-stars? lol
Vicky -

Love Farmer Tom! And I know your parents must be as happy as you that you guys are close again.
Jill -

I wish I loved gardening like that! I LOVE how they texted pics of the zucchini. And oh how I can appreciate the joy of living close to family. It is definitely the thing I miss the most. It makes up for living in the middle of nowhere, right?
Anel -

I’ve been wanting to grow a garden for the last year. I’m buying my first tomato plant today. Once the dog is gone, Matt said I can use the side yard for a full on garden. I found a great website called SproutRobot that tells you what to grow now by the area code you live in. I might call your dad for tips once I get the garden going.
jill -

Thanks for sharing, Susie. You cut right to the heart of the matter! Welcome back to California, looking forward to seeing what it holds for you.
Anny -

Oh man! We were just in L.A. visiting my family, and when I got back to Seattle, I wanted to move back, to be closer to my family. I don’t particularly love it down there, but I do love my peeps. I can imagine the joy you feel being so close to them again.

The Back to School Catwalk

August 12, 2010 – 12:50 am

The girls and I spent some time collecting a few new outfits today for their fresh new school year that begins in five days! It’s long been a tradition for me to rush home with a bag of two of new goods, throw them on my body as quickly as I can and come out to whoever would pay attention to present my good fortune! There’s just SOMEthing about a new outfit, right ladies? The new spring line after a long cold winter of coats and gloves (I can speak from experience now!). A new find after thrifting paired- with this, that, and something that makes it just right on you. THE prom dress. THE newest LBD* in your collection. You get the picture. It’s kind of like that for our girls- a few new items to spruce up their summer clothes to feel a little more confident in a new season in their journey.

When the girls grabbed their bags and shouted that they were doing “Fashion Show” while running to their room, I could resist putting up the backdrop so they’d have a backstage to come out from. Plus, I remembered that the ladies at eighteen25 recently blogged about making this a tradition with photos and stuff, so, why not join in? Because after all, my kids are the cutest in new, clean clothes!

I present the *almost* second grader. It was not hard to say yes to a purple blouse full of ruffles, who knew that she would walk right out and show it off with a few body shakes? Andy is going to love this one. My personal favorite- the owl top. I SO need to find one in my size

Untitled-1 Our soon-to-be kindergartner is a little bit in love with her first school backpack. It was such a great deal at GAP, I could only nod in agreement when Ash said she HAD to have this backpack. It’s beyond just perfect for her.

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Even the pre-schooler got into the action with this fashon show business. She is always so animated and didn’t disappoint coming down the catwalk:

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(I may have miscounted and Lauren only got two new outfits, so she’s also sporting fashion appropriate for most patriotic American holidays that she wore just weeks before at her Aunt Bee’s softball game.

And as if just back to school fashion wasn’t enough, don’t forget the crème de la crème of back to school season: School supplies! Oh how I love thee.

_MG_9913-Edit Or wait…even better- a fresh box of sharpened (colored) pencils!

_MG_9915-Edit I think they’re all just about ready now to take on the 2010-2011 school year, even if it IS the middle of summer still!

By Susie | Posted in Ashleigh, Lauren, Sarah | 13 comments Hide Comments | add a comment

Tracy -

Abby, Macie, and I thoroughly enjoyed the virtual fashion show! Abby was a little disappointed that Ashleigh is going to kindergarten this year and she didn’t quite make the cut! Macie sends lots of hugs for “Little Lauren”!
Fancy nancy -

OMG!!! they are too cute. Looks like you figure out the ‘Ream of Paper” situation.
brookie -

Love it, love it, love it! Looks like the ladies are ready to dress their minds with a bounty of knowledge and decorate it with the sharpest colored pencils on the west coast. Thanks for the smile!
Krista Hunt -

LOVE this little fashion show, your girls are just the cutest! And freshly sharpened pencils reminds me of You’ve Got Mail! Sending you all a virtual HUG!!
Stacey -

I simply love, love, love the fashion show. Your girls are absolutely adorable!
deanne -

I guess you got all the needed info to get the girls registered for school?? Wow, they start next week? Mine still have one more week until I can do my happy dance, um, I mean send them off to school. Love the fashion show and curtain!
Holly -

I LOVE THIS IDEA!!! Although I’m not sure how it would work for boys… I’m praying for girls Yours are THE CUTEST–please tell Lauren I’m still LOVING the pixie cut!
Yours mom -

I love the shoes Sarah is wearing, are those keens? I want a pair!

So Cute…
jill -

So cute. Your pictures really capture it and make you feel like you are watching them come out and strut their stuff! I love it. I would love to copy, but I don’t think Max would be a fan! Maybe me and Zoey just need to do it together:)
Caryn -

So cute–thanks for sharing. It’s hard to believe the girls have gotten so big–and they are absolutely adorable Our summer is over–students return on Wed. Teachers are back and preping their rooms–I do love the beginning of a new school year
Reina -

What fun! The girls looked like they had a blast! What a great way to get them excited for the upcoming school year.
Jennifer Brightbill -

How cute – I love that you put up the back drop too. Such a great mom of girls you are! I heart school supplies too. Every year now I wish I was going back to school just so I could get school supplies.
Susie -

Me, too, Caryn, me, too. I was a little sad at Kindergarten orientation today that I wasn’t the teacher up there introducing the classroom as my own. Sniff.

Ten on Tuesday

August 10, 2010 – 9:18 pm

1. The packers on the Ohio end wrapped each pair of my shoes in packaging paper. I was a tiny bit smiley to unwrap those gems as I pulled them out of the box, trying to guess which shoes they were before completely visible. Do I need to get a life or what?

2. Just weeks ago I spoke highly of my iPhone. Love, LOVE it. Since it’s been dead for a few days now, I have appreciated its accessibility even more. The Apple store is quite a drive from our new home, so I’m hoping to get it back in working order tomorrow.

3. The girls are very picky about their whole wheat bread. I switched it up this week and got some oats and grains in it and you would have thought I was feeding them grass straight from the field!

4. Recently, my friend Reina was telling me about the documentary Food, Inc. and it piqued my interest so I watched it over my long run this past week. Since then, I haven’t stopped thinking about the food we are putting into our bodies. I’m not sure what will come of it, but it’s kind of cool to read this family’s journey in experimentation.

5. We have cable TV again! It’s been just short of a year since we’ve had it and it’s WONDERful. Honestly, it’s not about having 500 channels to choose from- for me, it’s about having HGTV while I’m folding laundry! ha.

6. The older girls begin school next Monday. I can’t help but wonder, what happened to school beginning the first Tuesday after Labor Day?

7. The school supply list called for “one ream of paper.” Is that lined wide ruled paper? Printer paper? I’m at a loss.

8. I am shopping around for a his and hers sign to go above our towels in the master bathroom. After eight years of marriage, it still drives me crazy when the “his” gets confused and uses the “her” towel. Hmph. I thought a mosaic tiled sign would be cool, but I haven’t found anything yet on etsy that meets my needs.

9. A few months ago, my friend Kelly (and her family) preceded us in arriving to the Middle of Nowhere, CA and invited me to be apart of her book club (thank you, Kelly!). We are currently reading The Help by Kathryn Stockett and can I just say, I’m LOVING it. Don’t give away the ending, just tell me how much you’ve loved it, too!

10. We were in such a hurry to unpack last week that we stacked empty boxes off to the side to “deal with” later. Today was later and this little sight is now unseen. It’s kind of comical, though- we really were surrounded with boxes upon boxes!

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Happy Tuesday, friends!

By Susie | Posted in Ten on Tuesday | 17 comments Hide Comments | add a comment

Angela -

Ooooo!!! I’m totally with you on the shoe thing! What fun trying to guess. Like Christmas in August! =^)
Anel -

Ahh, Ten on Tuesday you’re back! How I’ve missed you.
Glad to see that you are getting settled into the house. Plus,I totally agree with school beginning dates.
Missy -

Oh I have missed you bloggety blogger friend. So happy you are back and have found a new home to settle in.
nadine -

i’ve missed you!
Becky Cooke -

So yeah, Kurt and I watched Jamie Oliver’s Food Revolution and we started eating more whole foods (less ingredients), then we watched Food, Inc. and that is when we went full on… I researched it for myself. I was disturbed at what I found. We now buy organic with meats, eggs, milk, and most fruit and veggies.
Becca -

For the ream of paper, I would buy both. Our school is always asking for donations of printer paper. Can never have enough. Should you not need the printer paper gift it to the teacher, he/she would appreciate it..! Alos…HGTV rocks!!!
Fancy nancy -

One ream of paper is a package of 500.
marie -

I loved The Help-soooo good. And I have a Food Inc. party planned-yes, I am that nerdy
Vicky -

I am still amazed about the amount of packing paper used in our move up here. Seriously, mountains of paper. (and I still have boxes that need to be upacked-prob will for many more years).

One ream of paper is 250 or 500 wide ruled for the younger ages. If this is a class request (to give to the teacher to use in the class), the teacher will prob ask for more later in the year. Buy it now while its on super sale and save it for later. This is the best time to buy anything you will need for the entire school year. So stock up on pencils, crayons, paper, note books, stickers, etc. Teachers love love love extra supplies in January (LOL-guess you know that)

I still have a school supply drawer even tho the boys are in college. If they need something, they check there first before either buying it or TAKING it from MY desk.
Krista Hunt -

Yay for Susie blogs!! We miss you!
Beverly Jacobson -

Two things:
1. I want to see Food, Inc. Another friend has been posting on FB some things she is learning, and I’ve checked out the web site and blog. Interesting…and confirming what I’ve been learning in other ways, too. Not sure where it will lead us, but I suspect it will mean a lot more time in the kitchen!

2. Our neighbors kept a lot of the larger boxes from their move and put them in the basement, duct taping them together to form a really cool, really amazing Box Fort!! My boys LOVE playing down there, and truth be told, so do the girls. Ted is hanging onto the idea for our next move!
Brandy -

I believe the ream they are asking for is printer paper. At least, when I taught in CA, we asked for the same thing…

And, I also agree about the towel situation! We practically need different colors! Why is my husband not bothered by this?
tanya -

Loved “The Help” and loved “Food, Inc.” too. And I’m happy to have you back
Larissa -

susie where did you move to? and how long are you there?
mandi -

That’s the oddest looking movie… I’m not sure I want to know… Yay for being a Cali girl again =]
Reina -

Have you gone organic yet? I can relate with the love for the iPhone. I just entered the 21st century and got texting capabilities on my new HTC EVO! Loving it!
Susie -

It’s going to be hard to get Andy on board with organic, but God can do all things, right?! One of the hard things may just be getting healthy food- we are SO in the middle of nowhere!

We’ve Entered a New Chapter in Our Lives: Camping with (our own) Kids

August 10, 2010 – 12:21 am

Yes, you’ve read that correctly. We took the girls out camping. In nature. Like, IN THE WOODS, where we use BIFs (bathrooms in the forest), sleep in a tent and collect three days of dirt under our fingernails.

We didn’t have too much time to plan the complete details of our trip, but had put it on the calendar a couple of months ago to go with our friends, Dan and Amber. We hadn’t counted on moving into our new house TWO DAYS before camping day, but we did. Our household items arrived on Tuesday, we unpacked until noon on Wednesday and repacked camping materials to leave on Thursday morning. Yes, we are a little bit crazy, too.

We headed north toward Big Sur and wound up camping just east in the Los Padres National Forest at a small campsite next to a small creek. It was perfect for the girls first camp experience. But I should mention two things here: First, I grew up camping- but on the beach or in the desert, most definitely not with a potpourri of trees and running water. And secondly, if you’ve hung around here long enough, you know that I’m paranoid of “severe” weather. It probably will not come as much of a surprise then that I am also paranoid of all living creatures that are more dangerous than a squirrel. I spent the weekend recounting the growl I heard outside of our tent’s nylon lined walls on our second night, looking for the coiled sight of a rattlesnack I had been warned about crossing toward our camp and being on five senses overload with an alertness that would tire any highway patrolman out (but not the one that caught me going eighty-one in a fifty-five on our way home, but I digress).

All in all, the girls attracted a lot of dirt and had tons of fun doing so, Andy got in touch with his rusty Boy Scout skills and taught me to start a fire and we were blessed to catch up and spend some quality time with our dear friends and their boys. Once I get over my paranoia of woodsy creatures, and maybe get a few more essential items for a weekend long camping trip, we’re hitting the open road again (and abiding by the speed limit)! Stay tuned!

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By Susie | Posted in Adventures, Family | 14 comments Hide Comments | add a comment

janine -

great pics!!
Marie -

Not quite a camping person myself but I think it would be a blast with you ladies
Fancy nancy -

OMG!!! your back. Can’t wait to start reading your posts every morning and viewing the pictures
Jill -

Fun! How nice to be able to return to good friends. Glad to hear you have a home and your stuff back too! love seeing your pics again:) Can’t wait for some desert shots!!
mandi -

You did it! Whoohoo! And looks like it was a success! Fun =]
sheri -

great pics!! looks like you had a fun time.
Brandy -

I’m so happy to see a post from you!! I’ve missed you. I’m with you sister….my kind of camping is in a cabin with TV, bathrooms that work, and hot showers But it does look like you guys had a TON of fun. Can’t wait to see more pics from your new adventure!
nadine -

we have a cabin so i haven’t gone camping in years! looks like a lot of fun though!
Amy -

Yay, Sincocks! Good for you! Love your pics and the layout you did–looks like you had a great time!
Megan -

That looks like such a great time!
Janelle Anderson -

I’m seriously so proud of you!!! Miss you. -J
Jennifer Brightbill -

Glad to see you back in blogland. I Love your photo collage and hearing about your camping trip. I am with you on the severe weather and creepy crawlies. Hate both! I am a true San Diegan!
katherinemarie -

That looks like one CRAZY WILD FUN WONDERFUL camping trip! I’m diggin the face paint!!! :)

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By Decorate Your Soul » Ten on Tuesday: The Day Late and $466 Short Edition on August 25, 2010 at 10:20 pm

[...] 5. Andy said, “I should have driven home.” [...]

Ten on Tuesday-ish

July 14, 2010 – 6:57 am

1. Tap. Tap. Tap, is this thing on?

2. Andy noted that this has been my longest blog break, like ever. It’s true. It’s been a lot busy in our life and this little place has taken a backseat.

3. Since I last blogged three weeks ago, I celebrated a(nother) birthday, flew to California to say good-bye to my grandmother, flew home, watched fireworks for a week, packed up our home and said good-bye to our Ohio friends. See? Busy.

4. Which brings me to today: we moved back to California for a few years. I use the word “moved” loosely since we currently are at my parents waiting to hear of the housing situation at Andy’s new base to decide if we’ll live on base or get to search for a new home off base. Just call me your homeless friend.

5. I’ve been using the alarm option on my phone more and more. Can I just say that the “harp” sound is a much gentler sound than the actual “alarm” option that sounds like a bull horn in my bedroom? Ah, nice peaceful, kind of Zen.

6. Have you used Yelp! before? It’s one of the coolest apps we have on our iPhone- you can check it out online, too, but basically if you’re in the mood for say Mexican food in an area unfamiliar to you, you just plug in the location and choose the type of food you’d like to eat at and BAM! reviews come up for really good unknown places. We used all across America, I highly recommend it (and it’s not just limited to food, but all kinds of businesses).

7. Does it sound like I’m a little bit in love with my phone, because I am. I haven’t sat down at a keyboard for over a week, but my phone accesses some favorite spots on the Internet still.

8. Cities we stayed in during our trip: Springfield, MO, Amarillo, TX, and Flagstff, AZ. I was a little bit ready to move to Flagstaff- they have a darling Old Town area and the siteseeing is a little, grand. We’re definitely going back!

9. During this trip, I was super excited to cross off ONE more state on my list of states I’ve traveled to/through. Oklahoma goes in the 31st slot, only 19 states to go and I’m scheming now to get more crossed off. How many states have you been to?

10. I’ve taken a few pictures in the past 3 weeks, but I can’t access them at the moment, so enjoy one from St. Louis via my camera phone: the famous Gateway Arch. Kind of cool, no?

By Susie | Posted in Ten on Tuesday | 16 comments Hide Comments | add a comment

deanne -

do you have an iphone??? love, love, love mine! not sure how’d I’d live without it (not that I ever want to try or find out)

I’m not sure how many states I’ve been through, but I’m going to say 15. when i was about 10 years old my family took a cross country drive from CA to PA, so I got most of those 15 from that trip.
Krista Hunt -

If I close my eyes I can imagine you are sitting here next to me!! <3 Miss you Susie Q!! So glad to got back on the blog! How many states..hmmm. I think only 17…I have some catching up to do!
jenny l. -

Hi Sus. Where are you going to settle in CA? Welcome back.
Marie Taylor -

I feel like I missed out on your Ohio living but hope you get settled very soon and so happy that you are closer to family once again. Good luck with the housing thing!
mandi -

Welcome “home”! Love using the phone’s alarm… hope to never go back!
brandy -

Welcome back to the West Coast!! When you drive back to Flagstaff you should drive 3 more hours to Phoenix! You have a friend here So glad that you made it safely. Hmmmm….I think I have been to 32 states! Not too shabby. Can’t wait to hear more from you now that you are getting somewhat settled in!
Missy -

Oh how I have missed you! yay for back to blogging!
becky -

welcome back to the west coast, will i get to see you soon? Been to flagstaff, cute college town. lived in holbrook did you pass through there?
Michelle B. -

Hey there, YOU’RE BACK! Yea! How funny. We were traveling back to CA from Texas on Monday and Tuesday of this week. Were we on the road together? I think our path was a little south of yours though. We stayed in San Antonio (TX), Las Cruses (NM) and drove through Phoenix and Yuma (AZ). I must say, it was beautiful drive on the way out but once is enough for nothing but desert sceanery. Again, I am so excited to hear you are back in CA! I need to call you soon to fill you in on our latest news….(nope, still not pregnant. Guess again?)
Fancy Nancy -

I am so glad you are back. Can wait to see you on Friday.
Megan -

I have a similar picture of that arch. When we drove from Ohio to California, Mazie was 13 months old. She was fascinated by that arch.
Denee' -

Hey Susie-Q!! So glad to hear that you made it safely ‘home’. We sure will miss you here! Hugs to all and hope to talk to you soon!!
Jeni -

Still homeless? I am about to join you! We are leaving here on the 21st to go on a sightseeing trip for a few weeks…lots of new states to see. I love traveling and see you do to. Hope you get in a house and can settle soon.
Bringing Pretty Back -

You have been busy! I can imagine you are ready for your own home! Hope you find out what you are doing soon. I LOVE Oklahoma! Hope you had a fabulous trip.
Have a pretty night,
Kristin
Reina -

Yay! You’re back in CA! So, when will we get to see you and the family? Hopefully soon! I’m finally getting some time to check out and catch up on my fav blogs to get the inspirational juices flowing…thanks for encouraging me.
Corinne -

Hey girlie. Welcome back to Cali. I’m hoping you get settled soon. IN the meantime I’m looking forward to seeing the snapshots you’ve taken.

Ten on Tuesday: Adventures Around Ohio Wrapped Up

June 23, 2010 – 8:53 pm

While Andy was away on a three-month internship in Washington, D.C. this past spring, I thought the best way to help pass the time would be to go on daytime adventures with the girls. I made a list of places in the area that had either been recommended to me, or that I was curious to see with the girls and we set off. It’s going to be impossible to give each visit it’s own post in the coming weeks, so I’ve decided to wrap them up here in a quick Ten on Tuesday post- at least for documentation for our family.

Oh boy, was I excited that we got all ten checked off our list this past week- I think the girls were, too! No more dragging them across Ohio to see what there is to see…

1. April 17: Aullwood Audobon Center… Spring was in full bloom mid-April and we enjoyed a hike out in nature, the hands-on learning center and a nearby farm with horses, sheep and cartwheels.

_MG_7078-Edit 2. April 18: Whit’s Frozen Custard in Lebanon… I already blogged this excursion down south- the custard did not disappoint, the little downtown area was just as charming as I remember and we even did a little antiquing with “hands to our sides.” I am seriously a broken record. Remember Lauren with long hair?

_MG_7216-Edit 3. May 8: 2nd Street Market… A perfect rainy day for a visit to a semi-indoor Farmer’s Market. I had only read about this quaint little spot near downtown Dayton and was pleasantly surprised at the amount of people visiting on a normal morning. We bought some vegetables and candy and as promised, supported the lone creperie. There were even Czech dancers there performing a dance that would be later performed at the World Festival. I can’t wait to take Andy on my birthday this weekend!

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4. May 8: Dayton Art Institute… We had to double up some of our adventures due to visits to and from D.C. and birthday parties and cookouts. As it turned out, I didn’t leave a lot of flexibility in our spring schedule, but we made do. The architecture on the exterior of the art institute is extremely impressive, although I don’t think the girls gave a second look. I took plenty of pictures that might look cool as black and whites but I was impressed with this children’s display in the basement with thousands of 3D paper butterflies surrounding gumball statue. The artwork is titled “Shimmering Madness” and although I’m not confident that shimmering belongs in there, madness most definitely applies. It was unique to say the least.

_MG_8036-Edit 5. May 16… Columbus Zoo: We met friends Missy, Maya and Laney at the Columbus Zoo where we tailgated a lunch, visited Asia, Africa and Australia, and went on a carousel. The girls usually love most zoos, but this one was impressive for not only its sights, but also it’s layout. You definitely need a full day or perhaps two days to enjoy it all. It would probably be more enjoyable to visit when the polar bears weren’t fresh from the Arctic and on a Tuesday morning rather than a Sunday afternoon, but overall, a successful and enjoyable day!

_MG_9333-Edit 6. May 23: Town Hall Theatre Performance… The girls all enjoyed the live performance of Cinderella and Sleeping Beauty on stage. We had incredible seats for our first theatrical performance together and I was super impressed with how well even Lauren did watching the shows. It lasted maybe two hours with an intermission and we all couldn’t stop talking about how well the young performers did! I’m pretty sure more performance are in their near future (This was an act from Sleeping Beauty)!

Untitled-3 7. June 6: Strawberry Festival… We already discussed this afternoon here- we went, we saw, we got muddy.

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8. June 11: Newport Aquarium… So, when the girls and I were driving toward Cincinnati, I didn’t actually *know* that this adventure was taking across the state line- that’s the advantage to living in the Midwest instead of the great states of the west where you drive for days in brown and heat and stay in the same state. In the Midwest, you get to state line hop, ha! The aquarium located in Kentucky did not disappoint and as it turned out- the girls were really into the shark and toad exhibit. Sarah begged to two-finger pet the smaller sharks. I couldn’t risk her losing two fingers under my supervision, though. And the toads- completely and utterly gross. Seriously, gross. But this is my favorite shot looking up, so no toads to gross you out, too.

Untitled-1 9. June 16: The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis… I was worried we weren’t going to be able to make this excursion happen. It was the furthest away (a two hour drive) and the weather between here and there has been stormy. I don’t do stormy, actually. I saw an opening last week and took it and am so glad we did. This might deserve it’s own post in the future, there were a wonderful amount of hands-on exhibits for the girls and they genuinely had fun. Their favorite was by far the Barbie experience, but I loved watching them in the tree house and ice cream parlor pretending to be grown-ups. It’s all perspective, isn’t it?

_MG_0455-Edit

10. June 18: Oxford… There is a town further south and more west that had been on my radar for quite some time. I did a little researching and found out that besides its town center charm and well known university, Oxford is home to the oldest covered bridge in Butler County. I took the girls there first for their yearly photograph to replace last year’s- I love, love covered bridges and old barns. Maybe it’s because they are so unique to where I am from in California, or, maybe they’re fun to take pictures of and remind one’s self of another time period when such places were built with function in mind and not for an awe – factor. Either way… they’re on my way cool list. We strolled, we ate, we did some sweating.

_MG_0459-Edit I currently don’t have anything on our list of things to do this summer (except to move) – and with the busy spring we had, I’m okay with that…

By Susie | Posted in Adventures, Ten on Tuesday | 9 comments Hide Comments | add a comment

Susan -

Susie, I’m super impressed. When I saw your list in the spring, I was wondering how you’d do it…and you did! How do you compare the Children’s Museum in Indianapolis to COSI in Columbus?
Jill -

Nice Job Susie and girls! Love the rundown of all of the places… I have to put some I haven’t done on my list too. Thanks always for sharing.
Amy -

Seriously, I hope we end up in Dayton next just so we can do all these awesome things! Thanks so much for putting this together!
Missy -

Yay for adventures!!!
Corinne -

Some great fun this spring. Love your photography.
sheri -

love the photos. “hands by your side” made me chuckle. when I’m out with Sophie and Fynn, I usually end up saying “look with your eyes” and they know that means don’t touch a thing
elizabeth -

Matt and I used to hike out to that covered bridge… I miss that corner of Ohio. Would love to see any/all pictures you took that day sometime (you know, when you have some spare minutes in 2013….)
Brooke Zahn -

Per usual, what great pictures. You always catch places with an eye for wonder…. I love that! Looks like you’ve enjoyed Ohio and are ready for your adventures across this great country of ours. Mazel Tov!
Janelle Anderson -

I love your ToT and am sooooo proud of you for taking the time to share all these cool places with your kids and with your readers. You will be missed so much here. We wish you the best in Cali and hope our paths cross again soon. Big hugs. J

The Pixie Cut

June 19, 2010 – 7:47 am

As it turns out, the girls don’t have their hair appointment until a week from this coming Monday and I couldn’t wait one more day to gather a new semblance of Lauren’s hair. To be honest, she botched it up on all sides and unless she kept a pony tail in, it was a giant mess. Acording to the hair stylist, we had two options- keep it as is (which wasn’t an option to me) or go pixie cut.

I chose the latter and about 3/4 of the way through, my baby girl started crying in the chair.

“I don’t like this boys haircut,” was caught in between tears and sniffs.

Heart wrenching, right? You’re telling me. She continued crying all the way home and even when we distracted her with stickers and the leftover iced mocha I had, she remembered her new haircut when I tried to get a couple of pictures for you. She is not posing here at all- this is her shying away from me.

_MG_0678-Edit

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After a few more minutes, a bribe of chocolate, a change of headbands and a reassurance that she looked more like Molly Mahoney than Mr. Magorium (hey, I love that movie!), I lucked out and got one or two smiles.

Untitled-7

And if any of my kids can pull of the pixie cut, it’s most definitely Lauren! There’s something about that cute little face.

But we’re still locking up the scissors so this doesn’t happen EVER again. Ahem, I’m mostly telling myself that.

By Susie | Posted in Lauren | 24 comments Hide Comments | add a comment

Holly -

Tell Lauren I LOVE it! I did the pixie cut for the first time in high school, to the amazement of my classmates, and it was great! I still love and and always seem to migrate back to it every couple of years. It might be my permanent style, except that Andrew hates it… I’m destined to have short hair for the rest of my life!
Lori -

Tell Lauren I love her new hair and it makes her look much older
Crick -

The story and the pics make me say, “Awe.” And those sweet eyes make my heart full!
Becca -

Seriously, I think it looks cute! When you dress it up it even looks better. The worst part is over, and the best thing about hair, it grows back.
Anel -

I just want to reach out and hug her. Lots of hair clips and headbands will help her not feel like a boy. With her sweet face she can work that pixie haircut. Now, lets see how long it takes her to grow it back…and I don’t think it will take 3 years this time around.
Vicky -

Wow, she is adorable. Love the pics. My youngest cut his hair at three and then (and this still hurts to think about) cut a little girl’s hair in second grade. Thank goodness her mother was easy going!
Fancy Nancy -

Her smile makes the short hair really cute on her. Tell Lauren, that nana has had her hair that short quite a few times and does grown back.
Peris Simpson -

She looks great and it makes her look older…..super cute…great job by the stylist….and great job mom for making it all work out with chocolate and all…..have fun with it…
yours Mom -

I think Lauren is so pretty.Love you Lolo…..
Jaime -

I love it! Of course I’m fond of short hair .. it gives her the sass she needs =)
Robin Sincock -

She may just like being “cool”, when she meets the desert heat of Palmdale, California…
*mindi* -

She looks SO cute. I love the little pixie cut.
Angela H -

Oh my gosh I love it! She has such a beautiful face she can totally pull this off. She more than pulls this off, she rocks it!
Janelle Anderson -

Consequences can be so hard sometimes but what a wonderful life lesson she has learned. I have a feeling she won’t forget about this. Besides, she’s cute as a button and she’ll love it for the hot summer. Cute hair clips all the way!!
amber joy -

I love short hair on little girls! too cute.
Tamara Nicole -

She is super cute, and her dress is stinkin adorable as well:-)
Marie Taylor -

DO NOT tell Lauren this, but I remember getting a really, really, really, bad haircut once and my crush at the time said “Marie looks like a boy.” Luckily Elizabeth was baby sitting that night and she made me feel much, much better.

That being said, Lauren looks ADORABLE-like you wanted that exact cut. And with all the adorable headbands and things-even better. Seriously, she looks adorable. But yeah, hope it doesn’t ever happen again
j.j. -

she looks spunky and like it suits her. seriously, it’s just hair. it’ll grow back. soon. love you friend.
Missy -

so so cute! and perfect for summer!
Heather E -

She looks adorable!!! She can definately pull it off
jill j -

Oh goodness she looks so so adorable!! I bet lots of people wish they could pull that off! What a story all together though… And she will definitely be cooler for the summer.
Mary Jo -

She looks adorable!!!
Brooke Zahn -

Lauren looks great! I especially love the new do garnished with the head bling. She is bringing pixi back.
Sarah H -

Hi there,

I stumbled across this post when I was looking for ideas to “fix” the haircut my 4-year-old gave herself yesterday! She saw the pictures of your daughter and loved them, and is now sporting a similar cut (mostly out of necessity).

I love the headbands your daughter has on, I’m going to try to get some for my girl as well.

Have a lovely day!
Sarah

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