tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11284763787778644102024-03-14T02:21:36.745-05:00This Friendly LifeJoin me as I navigate through my life journey. I believe love and kindness are the perfect foundation for a joyful existence. Blessings are everywhere, YO! Leslee @ This Friendly Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13396865343472902241noreply@blogger.comBlogger313125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1128476378777864410.post-44791020040988813842018-11-15T15:03:00.001-06:002018-11-15T15:25:10.179-06:00I'm Still Here.<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">What's up, Party People?!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">I'm still alive! I haven't written a post since 2/22/2015, when I told you a little bit about some <strike>fun, crazy,</strike> totally life saving stuff we did with Landon in Portland! You can read all about that <a href="https://thisfriendlylife.blogspot.com/2015/02/portland-poop-and-unconditional-love.html" target="_blank">by clicking here</a>. But, if you're at all grossed out by poop, or offended by a curse word or two, proceed with caution. If you're fascinated by the amazing things our bodies are capable of, totally go check out that post. It was written at a time my emotions were real and raw.<br /><br />I have no idea why I decided to pop over to my blog today, but I felt a nudge, so here I am. I've missed writing. A lot. The truth is, I've been busy living and haven't taken the time to sit down and do it. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">So, what's new in the last 3 and a half years? Everything and nothing. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Our baby boy is now an incredibly healthy, happy, tiny man! Here we are at his third grade music program last week. I mean, can you even believe how grown this kid is? Neither can we! In case you were wondering, his gut is completely healed. HEALED! He's been medication free for 4 years. This is huge! He recovered from something doctors told us wasn't possible. What a miracle our boy is. He has some food allergies, which are no big deal to us, considering all he's been through. He's still totally freaking amazing in every single way and we are forever thankful because we get to be his parents. He's our greatest blessing. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">I will celebrate 20 years with my job next month. Twenty. Freaking. Years. Am I even that old? It seems crazy to think I've worked there for that long. I am incredibly fortunate to have a wonderful employer, coworker, and awesome environment to be in each day. Scott celebrated 11 years at his job recently and he's still a baseball nut, umpiring during the Spring and Summer seasons.<br /><br />A few years ago I accidentally <a href="https://www.myyl.com/leslee" target="_blank">started my own business</a>. Yep. I began using Young Living products and loved them so much, I couldn't help but share the benefits with others. Now, I am blessed with a whole team of people who are running like crazy, sharing their passion with everyone they love, too! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">I'm a college student again. I've wanted to go back and complete my degree for a long time, but I've allowed fear to hold me back. This year I've focused in on doing the things that scare me. So here I am, working full time, running a business, being a Mama and wife, and taking 9 credit hours. It's been challenging but I'm truly grateful for the opportunity. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">I started running in March. Well, that's not entirely true. I started going to the gym and walking in March, which slowly turned in to me taking up running. Watching my body change and respond in a positive way has been eye opening. It's allowed me to realize I have a lot more potential to harness. I have one life and I need to make the most of it. I've been slacking on my workouts for the last month, but I'm getting back to it tomorrow. In the last 2 years I released 45 pounds. In the last 6 months 10 of that has found its way back. It's time to get serious again.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">We have struggled with infertility. A lot. We have gone through numerous rounds of fertility treatments, praying for God to bless us with another baby. It was exhausting, taxing on my body, draining on our marriage, and something I never want anyone to experience. We are in the midst of considering trying again. I'm not sure I am ready to go through the heartache, yet I yearn to carry a baby, and to give Landon a sibling. It's something he wants, too. We all do. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Foster care has been on our hearts for the last couple of years. We have had more serious conversations over the last year, and have decided to move forward. We have steps to take before this will happen, but we hope to make it all a reality. Knowing we can impact the lives of kids in a positive way is a beautiful thing. Foster care isn't something we take lightly, which is why we have prayed about it and given it so much thoughtful consideration. We are listening to those still small voices and God winks.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">I am hoping to make this blog more active, writing about everything I just told you about, as it unfolds in the perfect timing for our family.<br /><br />I do a lot on Instagram these days. It's fun and a great way to connect with people. I'm @oilyleslee. Come on over and hang with me there! </span><br />
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Leslee @ This Friendly Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13396865343472902241noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1128476378777864410.post-42716586399324518512015-02-22T21:51:00.000-06:002015-02-22T22:06:29.301-06:00Portland, Poop, and Unconditional Love.<span style="font-size: large;">Yeah, today was a day.<br /><br />Landon is coming off a week of being sick. It started with a stomach bug, then went in to sinus/respiratory/coughing crud. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I'm super happy to have him well. Truly. I have to say, the adjusting back to real life has been somewhat challenging today. That boy has some serious sass in him. Couple that sass with a strong will like nobody I've ever met. Whew. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">There were time outs today. Tears. Fits. Screaming. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">He even fell asleep in time out, because he's that stubborn. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I made a dinner I didn't even eat, because I had no appetite after being yelled at by a 4 year old dictator. Then, that tiny bi-polar dictator, began to tell me how I made the most delicious rice, and the best carrots he's ever tasted, and that cauliflower was just oh so good. *sigh*</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">So yeah, it was stressful. I decided that I would be having ice cream for dinner, after the kid went to sleep, because I'm a grown up and all. And because, dammit, I want it.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Then, just like that, it was time for bed. Landon was back to being sweet and compliant; jammies on, teeth brushed, smile on his face. He chose a few books and crawled up in to my lap, settling in his cozy spot on my left side, where he always sits. His head resting just below my shoulder, blanket and froggy in hand. I read to him, silently reminding myself just how precious this time is. Then, he wanted songs, so we turned out the lights and I sang. As I was about halfway through Somewhere Over the Rainbow, his breathing changed, and I knew he had drifted off to sleep. I finished the song, cradling him in my arms. Then it hit, I realized what day it is. The day 3 years ago, he and I flew 1748 miles to Portland, OR in hopes of healing his little body. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">You see, I'm very much an in the moment kind of girl. I tend to not dwell on the past, or think too far in to the future. Sure, I have dreams and goals, I just choose to soak up the moments I'm currently in, good or not so enjoyable. When we were in Portland, I had dreams of where I wanted Landon to be in the future, but I was very much present where we were.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Tonight, as I held my healthy son, remembering where we've been, I began to weep. I pulled him in tight and hugged his little body next to mine. And cried. I let those tears flow. I held him for a while. Then I carried him to bed, laid him down, and cried some more, as I gently stroked his hair, whispering 'I love you' over and over again. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">The trip to Portland changed me. Scott had already missed so much work, that he was unable to accompany me. I remember arriving at PDX, with Landon strapped to the front of my body, fighting with 2 large checked bags, a carry on pack on my back, my purse, his car seat, and a diaper bag. Not one person stopped or offered to help me. Landon said 'shit' for the first time that day. I walked through that airport, fiercely on a mission. I had this. Fuck all those people who couldn't be bothered to even look at the mom by herself, struggling with everything, and her baby, who needed a diaper change for the 8th time today, because he had just soiled his pants with the stench of another bowel movement full of blood. It was the most alone I've probably felt in my entire life. It was a kind of stress I had never experienced previously or since. When we were hospitalized with Landon, it was lonely emotionally at times, feeling like I couldn't properly communicate to others what I was dealing with. But, we had visitors, family, friends, nurses, doctors. Many people in our presence each day. In Portland, it was just Landon and I. In a hotel room. He was hopped up on steroids and having fits of rage. The kind where his eyes would go blank and I knew my son wasn't in there, until the rage lifted. I was alone. At one point, he raged for over 4 hours. We were in a hotel, with very thin walls. I tried everything I could think of to help calm him, all the while he was physically attacking me, biting, hitting, kicking, not even realizing what he was doing. There was a point I curled up in a ball in the fetal position, praying for patience, for him to calm down, for him to be healed. Finally, I put him in to our rental car and drove around downtown Portland in rush hour traffic, while he thrashed around, screaming in his car seat. After about an hour and 45 minutes of driving, he finally calmed down. We had been there for 4 days at that point. My sister flew out the next morning to spend the remaining 2 days with us. I'm not sure how I would have survived without her. Remembering those times, make me realize today was just a blip. I AM thankful for where we are. Believe it or not, I am also thankful for where we've been.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7PIhObn0xY21MI1YjQHoD0NT9pzov0ICAvrEIJAxQPJsfLfD0wQITCc8eAUGqY1yXptTZMSBokXni39TkMcGAOLS9wKPFn00znAQf4mWTQLLqRodr3dXL0CRkybiTfwvRPH0nqtMVlnVM/s1600/2012-2-26+609.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7PIhObn0xY21MI1YjQHoD0NT9pzov0ICAvrEIJAxQPJsfLfD0wQITCc8eAUGqY1yXptTZMSBokXni39TkMcGAOLS9wKPFn00znAQf4mWTQLLqRodr3dXL0CRkybiTfwvRPH0nqtMVlnVM/s1600/2012-2-26+609.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Pretending to talk on the phone, passing the time in our hotel room. I love those baby blues.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitB2u-o8cHxAlnuJZaR-2dE24KEO-wITWg29MeA-EuAY-e0PesYPTIL9OwEbBBIl0wZ1-ZnAxzjaka3WCZu0PfhyB7wWYsry0ApDHRM_5HrSv8ik_L81ihAPqNHRKdfea8vKMWOQJoQk3N/s1600/2012-2-26+617.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitB2u-o8cHxAlnuJZaR-2dE24KEO-wITWg29MeA-EuAY-e0PesYPTIL9OwEbBBIl0wZ1-ZnAxzjaka3WCZu0PfhyB7wWYsry0ApDHRM_5HrSv8ik_L81ihAPqNHRKdfea8vKMWOQJoQk3N/s1600/2012-2-26+617.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">He spent a lot of time standing on that chair, watching the traffic and trains pass by.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn2uh8CetUHavTSHbHUlkPm4GS8PZr3mVLLH-zAgpCfeapkjoY4bbURiiVlDACF-4W5z1lu_-OMqXSBF-HLs2c4lMGN1Gk3DpFHNasJwebLoluznJl-zpb-m1vqVFsQbir6r53fZzZFTqX/s1600/2012-2-26+619.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn2uh8CetUHavTSHbHUlkPm4GS8PZr3mVLLH-zAgpCfeapkjoY4bbURiiVlDACF-4W5z1lu_-OMqXSBF-HLs2c4lMGN1Gk3DpFHNasJwebLoluznJl-zpb-m1vqVFsQbir6r53fZzZFTqX/s1600/2012-2-26+619.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">I packed toys and books and made him play on the bed because his immune system was whacked and I didn't want him on the hotel room floor. Gross.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUDvb0yobfLLSDDS9JCVgw-OqcVNexJJTZXroih_3vu2YDiNiw_xwGdZEkUaHsI3vNCzpt3SCC-tH2Bb8TQ2ICKb4hYBbRYQ9MB63gtcgOePf5ylsy9J2gl5q5UJospfXsg-YFF2dxsgmO/s1600/2012-2-26+622.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUDvb0yobfLLSDDS9JCVgw-OqcVNexJJTZXroih_3vu2YDiNiw_xwGdZEkUaHsI3vNCzpt3SCC-tH2Bb8TQ2ICKb4hYBbRYQ9MB63gtcgOePf5ylsy9J2gl5q5UJospfXsg-YFF2dxsgmO/s1600/2012-2-26+622.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">We shared a king size bed. </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwW32flkmlIO1SBDECL3OLKvKk9KK32zvn7ptR5KGFA7lfUX_Zg3ph__uAGRvm_HtWg99wtYnBJYhPL6kIqs1yv0SNKGaNwyl2bWVRmydVjCRgjNwef6y1wGWuy_DO0907f1fA5OqxHYVp/s1600/431098_10150638104094674_57198922_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwW32flkmlIO1SBDECL3OLKvKk9KK32zvn7ptR5KGFA7lfUX_Zg3ph__uAGRvm_HtWg99wtYnBJYhPL6kIqs1yv0SNKGaNwyl2bWVRmydVjCRgjNwef6y1wGWuy_DO0907f1fA5OqxHYVp/s1600/431098_10150638104094674_57198922_n.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Snuggling with Aunt Shannon on the night of her arrival. We both needed her, even more than we realized at the time.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Post shower. Our hotel didn't have bathtub, and he was terrified of showers at the time. He only got cleaned in that thing twice the whole trip.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCroevi2ksSQISkwMcMepJWcX0kzzcqo1At6oFxnO9vfqxSTFVgAN7C_nktcxu1aCYBKeKrjLIXyW1Cdyw3nMB8Cdh2V1cx4ouTeL3jW5Tkm8ucK9py48j0CtzboqVo6pXhAJMK0EHePmc/s1600/401332_10150638102219674_1751445953_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCroevi2ksSQISkwMcMepJWcX0kzzcqo1At6oFxnO9vfqxSTFVgAN7C_nktcxu1aCYBKeKrjLIXyW1Cdyw3nMB8Cdh2V1cx4ouTeL3jW5Tkm8ucK9py48j0CtzboqVo6pXhAJMK0EHePmc/s1600/401332_10150638102219674_1751445953_n.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">We tried to get out and do some fun stuff. Here's Landon at Powell's bookstore. We went there several times.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpuJJl7LsBjLBXe3edBP7eYWWr8AIwKKHI5IWVrc1t9nvt2_bdumSUW-DC4pkVTp_xemncqmZvJo6ISB605ruZRQl4fI7WbD5UGzhVdGaLapLWlumVDEoVgRKL7hk9ynHh3ObequI78Znp/s1600/419076_10150635668784674_2063242763_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpuJJl7LsBjLBXe3edBP7eYWWr8AIwKKHI5IWVrc1t9nvt2_bdumSUW-DC4pkVTp_xemncqmZvJo6ISB605ruZRQl4fI7WbD5UGzhVdGaLapLWlumVDEoVgRKL7hk9ynHh3ObequI78Znp/s1600/419076_10150635668784674_2063242763_n.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">This was taken after a particularly difficult day. You know, the one where the 4+ hour 'roid rage fit happened.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">The night we arrived, we did our first round of <a href="http://thefecaltransplantfoundation.org/what-is-fecal-transplant/" target="_blank">fecal transplant</a>, with <a href="http://www.brightmedicineclinic.com/" target="_blank">Dr. Mark Davis</a>. Never in a million years did I picture myself standing in a hotel bathroom, with a doctor I had consulted with via phone and Skype, yet just met in person, stirring my own feces. I certainly didn't imagine putting that slurry in to my son. But you know what? When your kid is sick, you will do nearly anything to cure them. We did this every night, and continued for several weeks after returning home.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHCJ4h3DmUSy4SWoHdoW3wNApMXZYQiVV0kHcwFFxcmFbEvaGvHmvitkJP_qyOy2G6C77YEQEF05Q-ri_ZYnkXnuolxKbpttcVqc3BCICvTtFS-pxXXiSRzR1IAlyoOLasxieYiaj65C-7/s1600/2012-2-26+625.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHCJ4h3DmUSy4SWoHdoW3wNApMXZYQiVV0kHcwFFxcmFbEvaGvHmvitkJP_qyOy2G6C77YEQEF05Q-ri_ZYnkXnuolxKbpttcVqc3BCICvTtFS-pxXXiSRzR1IAlyoOLasxieYiaj65C-7/s1600/2012-2-26+625.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">This here is what we refer to as fecal slurry. It's feces blended with sterile saline, being finely filtered, to make it smooth.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">There weren't many people who knew what we were doing in Portland. Of those who did know, most were supportive, if not a bit hesitant. I know a couple who thought we were completely crazy. I intuitively knew we were supposed to be there. That knowing is what pulled me thought the roughest days. I nearly got creamed by a car while I was parked in a lot. I saw it coming at me and threw our compact rental in to drive at the last second! I also had an odd sense of familiarity every where we went. Like, I'd been there before. Although, that was my first time. There were many moments we would be somewhere, doing something, and I would realize I had a dream about the exact scenario in the months leading up to our trip. There's no doubt there were angels among us.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Tonight is the first time I've ever really written about Portland. I haven't ever felt ready to write about it, until now. It's weird how that happens. This post is just a peek into our 6 days there. I hope one day to be able to sit down and write a lot more. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">THIS is our today.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic84nIkAGuF3LllXFkc57Anu3nYvkjjmfLSMs6uioadF_u2Bg8buvUhdOPdXri-HRAnNv8r0X0mZe0Ak4ABHyU18SPaZX4Ut8mj-KtA-YsJzOm3-gRTlxFRAuOT03bAro1DuhgyY9U6JSI/s1600/IMG_7034.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic84nIkAGuF3LllXFkc57Anu3nYvkjjmfLSMs6uioadF_u2Bg8buvUhdOPdXri-HRAnNv8r0X0mZe0Ak4ABHyU18SPaZX4Ut8mj-KtA-YsJzOm3-gRTlxFRAuOT03bAro1DuhgyY9U6JSI/s1600/IMG_7034.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">We ventured out to see a movie, on this snowy day. </span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">I am lucky. I have a husband who loves and supports me. I have an extended family who would move mountains for me. I have friends who get it and love me for who I am. I have an amazing, brave, strong, healthy son.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I will leave you with this. </span><br />
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<br />Leslee @ This Friendly Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13396865343472902241noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1128476378777864410.post-7166063091381330802014-11-16T13:33:00.000-06:002014-11-16T13:33:34.297-06:00Snow Day!<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">We got our first snow today. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The boys had fun.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I'll let the pictures do the talking. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>Leslee @ This Friendly Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13396865343472902241noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1128476378777864410.post-21390016321071665932014-10-19T16:59:00.001-05:002014-10-19T16:59:52.543-05:00SnacksThis year I am attempting to pack snacks for Landon's school days that are similar to what his friends are having. Thus far, I pretty much check the calendar the night before or during our morning frenzy and throw something in his back. Today, I decided to get organized and put things together for the whole week. Yeah, am I totally amazing or what?! *note the sarcasm*<div><br></div><div>Anywhoo, maybe this will help others in our situation. I'm certain having the week planned out will make our week easier. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheXPfOzM-9YFVgg4YEjNONx6tXiTMkeEDQg31pQf_3CU2FC5387_bydmEgMLMCfdTnvsJP02o3fULirKkQFrPuQUs9OzBD1I3cImu7k7G6v2FUM2skQDflBLFmZVqXviOwYWWob5DK4Paq/s640/blogger-image--1016753617.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheXPfOzM-9YFVgg4YEjNONx6tXiTMkeEDQg31pQf_3CU2FC5387_bydmEgMLMCfdTnvsJP02o3fULirKkQFrPuQUs9OzBD1I3cImu7k7G6v2FUM2skQDflBLFmZVqXviOwYWWob5DK4Paq/s640/blogger-image--1016753617.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>Yes, I realize this is all processed stuff. I do feel good knowing the ingredients and that said ingredients are minimal. </div><div><br></div><div>So, tell me, what types of snacks do you pack for your kids? Does their school provide them? </div>Leslee @ This Friendly Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13396865343472902241noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1128476378777864410.post-33524526594226233452014-08-27T11:15:00.002-05:002014-08-27T11:15:15.459-05:00First Day of Pre-K<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Today was Landon's first day of Pre-K. You may remember from last year, I was a hot mess when <a href="http://thisfriendlylife.blogspot.com/2013/08/preschool-orientation.html" target="_blank">he had orientation</a> and again when <a href="http://thisfriendlylife.blogspot.com/2013/08/first-day-of-preschool.html" target="_blank">he started Preschool</a>. This year, I have to say, it was much easier. He is at the same school and has the same teacher, which definitely lessens my anxiety. As a matter of fact, I don't have any anxiety this year. I know he will be well cared for, and they will respect his food restrictions. They know the drill. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">It was a stress free morning. He popped right out of bed, got dressed and ate breakfast. As I was giving his vitamins, I also gave him a dose of Rescue Remedy, to help ensure we had an easy time getting ready. I prepared him last night, by telling him what we would need to do when he woke up. I had his outfit prepared so he could get dressed on his own. One funny thing, I had chosen a super cute button down shirt for him. He took one look at it and said, "I am NOT wearing that! It isn't even cute!" SO, plan B on the shirt, which still seemed to work out fine. What a Diva! :)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">We took a <strike>shit-ton</strike> few photos this morning. As you can see, he was super excited about his first day!</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">"Please Mother, for the love of all things normal, let's just stop with the photos!"<br /></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Maybe we were both a tad bit excited!</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Here we are, ready to hit the road!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">He's arrived at school!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">He even humored me and posed for several photo's in his classroom! What a kid! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Aaaannnnd....one last kiss for Mama!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">He was a little bit clingy and </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">wanted a lot of extra hugs and kisses.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I was completely okay with that. Then, all of a sudden, he was ready and he walked over to his teacher. As I turned to leave, they were chatting away and I was all smiles. Proud. That's what I was in that moment. Once I got on the highway, the emotions hit me. I wasn't anxious like last year. I was simply feeling a tug at my heart because that kid of ours, he's growing up. Yes, I know, he's <i>only</i> four. This is <i>just</i> </span>Pre<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">-K. I know some of you have children that are entering elementary school, middle school, high school, college, and some are even totally grown up! This is still where <i>I</i> am though. I truly enjoy this parenting thing, even though there are days I'm sure I'm doing every thing completely wrong. Today, I'm giving thanks for this life I'm been entrusted with and feeling absolutely grateful to have him in a school with people Scott and I trust.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">It's going to be a GREAT year! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>Leslee @ This Friendly Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13396865343472902241noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1128476378777864410.post-31969224487809268732014-07-24T10:55:00.001-05:002014-07-24T10:59:15.183-05:00Good Mornings.<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">You know, last week, it was VBS at our church. It was Landon's first year attending and he had an absolute blast! The mornings getting him ready to leave the house, those were the opposite of having a blast. They were challenging.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Most of the mornings as we were getting ready, he resembled something like this. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Look how much fun he had once he warmed up though! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Today, <i>this</i> very morning. It was glorious. Truly. As I was getting ready for work, my sweet boy walked out of his room, still somewhat sleepy eyed, carrying his blanket and froggy. He was wearing a mis-matched set of Christmas jammies, because that's how we roll. Our cat, Louis, immediately ran to him and began rubbing his face on Landon's cheek. This is their morning routine. Often times, I hear Landon's bedroom door open, then shut right away. I know then, Louis has entered his room and they are having their snuggles. So, back to <i>this</i> morning. Landon was very happy and calm. He was doing his own thing while I finished getting ready for work. I heard him calling from the kitchen, "Mommy, don't you worry, I will get all of my vitamins ready today!" And he did. He pulled a chair up and proceeded to get everything down and organized, right down to the little cups I put his vitamins in. I know it may seem silly, but I was incredibly proud of him in that moment. He has always been good at taking what we give him. Today was different. <i>This</i> morning he took an active role in his health. He showed me he knows the importance of getting the proper nutrition and supplements in his body each day. That's HUGE! He's four.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">We chatted as I prepared his breakfast. He decided he didn't want to be clothed, so there he stood in his birthday suit, talking about how many eggs he would like and then he insisted on cracking the eggs for me. What a helper! I finally coaxed him in to undies. He walked me out to the car, climbed in my lap and gave me hugs and kisses, as I sat in the drivers seat. This is our morning routine. He scurried back to the front porch, in nothing but his Flash undies, then turned with a smile and said, "I love you, Mommy. I'll be thinking about you and missing you all day." Then he ran back for one more hug. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">These mornings. <i>This</i> morning. It's what fuels me. The innocence of my sweet boy, makes me stop to fully enjoy the moment. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Happy Thursday, Friends. I hope you're all able to take a few minutes today to stop and breathe, enjoying all the blessings surrounding you.</span>Leslee @ This Friendly Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13396865343472902241noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1128476378777864410.post-35895173845608430842014-07-04T08:00:00.001-05:002014-07-04T08:00:41.412-05:00Happy 4th!<b><i>From our family to all of you, we truly hope you have a lovely holiday!</i></b><div><b><i><br></i></b></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnwp2CiwYy6x-u0fm8EaFvXCXQqlELbndEK23Khm29zQqEaIWnbvOjL9_yJ8rsFNPyZNI4vEjXdpmEoerR9NcGz8szxD7juRCuOM8V5wog-6Bk2cfuoviYmz10aMlTprjvGlUIY-y7XzVV/s640/blogger-image--1831699194.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><b><i><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnwp2CiwYy6x-u0fm8EaFvXCXQqlELbndEK23Khm29zQqEaIWnbvOjL9_yJ8rsFNPyZNI4vEjXdpmEoerR9NcGz8szxD7juRCuOM8V5wog-6Bk2cfuoviYmz10aMlTprjvGlUIY-y7XzVV/s640/blogger-image--1831699194.jpg"></i></b></a></div></div><div><b><i> </i></b></div><div><b><i>Take time to be silly. </i></b></div><div><b><i><br></i></b></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfp5bKP3cfgxFi9QkxjLV8OAhihMDG4rMX2dcAzC3wSCgd5a8DXXrxncAYVYnxph9_7SZ1rVcfhDH2fl5lMfPO7t7pOMAzHshOo4SB5xZ9TpfKliPZqMhke4s2gInJkNOipahKdsRNe10d/s640/blogger-image--336153814.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><b><i><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfp5bKP3cfgxFi9QkxjLV8OAhihMDG4rMX2dcAzC3wSCgd5a8DXXrxncAYVYnxph9_7SZ1rVcfhDH2fl5lMfPO7t7pOMAzHshOo4SB5xZ9TpfKliPZqMhke4s2gInJkNOipahKdsRNe10d/s640/blogger-image--336153814.jpg"></i></b></a></div><b><i><br></i></b></div><div><b><i>We are greatly appreciative of our freedoms! </i></b></div><div><b><i><br></i></b></div><div><b><i>God Bless America!</i></b></div><div><b><i><br></i></b></div><div><b><i><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYW3YAK4eoUW2SLhUXMjr5ovHkrgMmugWF7u_PKb-46JG7DgOHnOyW9GMYRVCNqJrvGmtEPFAAoTQa_YaWTR9nfzViWDgzim6ctYIom1pllTW-l2Lt2lVRN0CkA2TGLk7_XdKFp8Ou2YYr/s640/blogger-image-215216984.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYW3YAK4eoUW2SLhUXMjr5ovHkrgMmugWF7u_PKb-46JG7DgOHnOyW9GMYRVCNqJrvGmtEPFAAoTQa_YaWTR9nfzViWDgzim6ctYIom1pllTW-l2Lt2lVRN0CkA2TGLk7_XdKFp8Ou2YYr/s640/blogger-image-215216984.jpg"></a></div><br></i></b></div><div><br></div>Leslee @ This Friendly Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13396865343472902241noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1128476378777864410.post-61850291903387506502014-06-06T11:14:00.001-05:002014-06-06T11:16:27.443-05:00BlanketBlanket. <div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdSrQ8OF5CzJxLIrjJZxZXTgnSxWtZ99p7lNSSobCIXXDu6vt-kR2Tw_OytzK5UbqwWmNh-WFzcKsFFx-uWHKTZgDVD-ohVmgL77xIhjW6FfrgSIJgxTKgUK07apqU2RTcWNOxSGo3YSz9/s640/blogger-image-727081342.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdSrQ8OF5CzJxLIrjJZxZXTgnSxWtZ99p7lNSSobCIXXDu6vt-kR2Tw_OytzK5UbqwWmNh-WFzcKsFFx-uWHKTZgDVD-ohVmgL77xIhjW6FfrgSIJgxTKgUK07apqU2RTcWNOxSGo3YSz9/s640/blogger-image-727081342.jpg"></a></div><br><div><br></div><div>It's been with him since birth. </div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj84-kVdm9IWEx7MlRUP7bbZbMEb9tMHMXFnoWTRDGqpykJuUuO-15py-F8-lRFmBLzrKEmXG2vCixM6RYcAWFqKKJue4-KC4ySHDrYqd6MZIzD1QfIZfWg9dUcZ5LAWNdOGjz4oWzdrNrb/s640/blogger-image-1963201221.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj84-kVdm9IWEx7MlRUP7bbZbMEb9tMHMXFnoWTRDGqpykJuUuO-15py-F8-lRFmBLzrKEmXG2vCixM6RYcAWFqKKJue4-KC4ySHDrYqd6MZIzD1QfIZfWg9dUcZ5LAWNdOGjz4oWzdrNrb/s640/blogger-image-1963201221.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>We actually purchased an exact duplicate so we could switch it out for washings. </div><div><br></div><div>He loves his blanket. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE994n1w11E2aiAHEuDUfkqwykJ9PMg3ud_4byranCPSk_kxROEr2kAnVNBP5WaQo-ZQdvDj65-eUf__eCX7gbblU3vhRgI4x4IjN-1FJ6Feu62oWY7g20AUy98jpFcgwxj5k_qoHx9TnX/s640/blogger-image-1514675924.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE994n1w11E2aiAHEuDUfkqwykJ9PMg3ud_4byranCPSk_kxROEr2kAnVNBP5WaQo-ZQdvDj65-eUf__eCX7gbblU3vhRgI4x4IjN-1FJ6Feu62oWY7g20AUy98jpFcgwxj5k_qoHx9TnX/s640/blogger-image-1514675924.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><br></div><div>It provides a sense of security and brings him comfort when he has to be brave. </div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM9BVquE0fOQZqS3I9MlR5bK4oCXZhBoT7Zmyh1q8KJ96iip683pTwYBss2fCt2fLGLwTRL5804LGROUNpvFWXe40pYqi5yooRBBX2UJeOmUXFLoxz7NVnvij1aAcQOVNsEoeCzdU8wLkm/s640/blogger-image--526117510.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM9BVquE0fOQZqS3I9MlR5bK4oCXZhBoT7Zmyh1q8KJ96iip683pTwYBss2fCt2fLGLwTRL5804LGROUNpvFWXe40pYqi5yooRBBX2UJeOmUXFLoxz7NVnvij1aAcQOVNsEoeCzdU8wLkm/s640/blogger-image--526117510.jpg"></a></div></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div>It has helped him through many fevers and childhood Yuckies. </div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQp2uNwjcvuZTVtPJNu2MvcDwLU1kOKxVmESO68ampLgvs-m08l32gvfaM3hY70UkfFC9zmTiLE08_OFBVg2H4_y3-A9Ujo-1f3gV6u9YOUY_uW8oWu0zrUmXb3h7XwxU4Cl4sC8PKaVJj/s640/blogger-image-1572915153.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQp2uNwjcvuZTVtPJNu2MvcDwLU1kOKxVmESO68ampLgvs-m08l32gvfaM3hY70UkfFC9zmTiLE08_OFBVg2H4_y3-A9Ujo-1f3gV6u9YOUY_uW8oWu0zrUmXb3h7XwxU4Cl4sC8PKaVJj/s640/blogger-image-1572915153.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><br></div><div>We have been working on keeping blanket in bed only, not dragging it all over the house. It's been challenging. Honestly, I don't care if he sleeps with it until he's grown, I just don't want him throwing it at the cat, leaving it on the kitchen floor, spilling cereal on it...you get what I'm saying. </div><div><br></div><div>Today, Landon was playing, then started to get grumpy. I figured he was hungry and offered him a snack. He decline and asked to get blanket out of his bed. I reminded him of what we are working on and told him he was welcome to go sit on his bed with blanket. What happened next was melt down city!</div><div><br></div><div>I tried to explain things, I attempted to reason with him. He cried and begged for blanket. I stood my ground, until, with huge tears streaming down his rosy cheeks, he said these words. "Mommy, I promise I will do anything you want, whatever you ask, if you will just let me snuggle with blanket." </div><div><br></div><div>My child was in a moment of true heartache. This wasn't manipulation, and trust me I did think about that. I've seen those behaviors before and this was different. I began to cry right along with him as I truly felt what he was feeling. I caved. We talked it through and decided today would be our last day with blanket out of bed. We will start fresh tomorrow. </div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM_mu18Si934NkE95RZekHM5QoH2dDAmOmhHMsyE_LsTcJiQoBSmofgeAw0XAdRgk32ddcPqGjuZnxSbl8KtOkZFJ7rT0hADW5I9I3mLRIINmJfU2yhlMZhilzVTg9IEWLc1p_VM-Fc5Rz/s640/blogger-image--136372053.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM_mu18Si934NkE95RZekHM5QoH2dDAmOmhHMsyE_LsTcJiQoBSmofgeAw0XAdRgk32ddcPqGjuZnxSbl8KtOkZFJ7rT0hADW5I9I3mLRIINmJfU2yhlMZhilzVTg9IEWLc1p_VM-Fc5Rz/s640/blogger-image--136372053.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><br></div><div><b>Do your kids have a security item? What is it? How long did you allow them to have it? </b></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><br></div></div>Leslee @ This Friendly Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13396865343472902241noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1128476378777864410.post-51668677257558150652014-05-09T15:40:00.001-05:002014-05-09T15:41:12.032-05:00Four.<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">This guy.....</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">He turned four. He's four. Four years old. Maybe if I type it enough times it will actually begin to register that my baby is four. FOUR. I decided to write a letter to him and am sharing it here. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>My Dearest Love Bug,</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>You captured my heart from the moment my eyes caught a glimpse of you. I prayed for you before you were even created. My prayers were answered April 26th, 2010. You have shown me what true strength is. You have been through a lot in your time here, and you've weathered it with grace. I know you don't even know what that means yet, but one day you will. You will have a full understanding and when that time comes, I want you to know I <b>always</b> saw it in you. I have always believed in you. I am certain you will go on to teach this world things we never could have imagined. Your fortitude amazes me.</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>You are such a cool kid! Here are some of the things you are in to right now:</i></span><br />
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<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>Playing soccer with Daddy. You love to kick that ball and you're really good too! You have the strongest little legs. You are super excited about going to Soccer Camp this summer.</i></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>Snuggles with Mama and Daddy. Every weekend, we lay in our bed and have our "morning snuggles", per your request. I love it and cherish those moments with you.</i></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>Reading books. You don't care who is reading to you, as long as someone is. </i></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>Learning. You are constantly asking questions and want to know more about <b>everything</b>! You are wicked smart.</i></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>You want to know something I think is totally cool? You are ambidextrous. That means you're able to use both of your hands with equal skill. Wow! </i></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>Helping Mama in the kitchen. Anytime I am baking or cooking, you want to be there helping. You know how to measure dry ingredients and you really like to crack eggs. </i></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>Riding your bike. You are super fast! </i></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>Your favorite shows are Paw Patrol, Daniel Tigers Neighborhood, The Magic School Bus, Super Why and Bubble Guppies. Even though you enjoy watching these shows, you would rather play outside.</i></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>Arts and crafts are still one of your favorite activities. Specifically, you like to glue and cut papers to create cool things.</i></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>You think Tickle Time Outs are hysterical. You shout "TICKLE TIME OUT" then Mama tickles you like crazy. It's seriously fun for both of us!</i></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>Park dates, especially with Daddy.</i></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>Trash trucks. Real trucks and the toy kind.</i></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>You call me Mama, not Mommy, which I love.</i></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>You are incredibly strong willed! You want to do things your own way. </i></span></li>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>We went for your Well Kid check up today. You have grown so much! As a matter of fact, you've grown 4 whole inches just since December of last year! You're a little on the short side, (thank your Mommy for that one!) at 39" tall, which puts you in the 20th percentile. At your 3 year check up you were only in the 3rd percentile so you're definitely making progress! Your weight is totally normal for your stature. Let me tell you a little story about what you did while we were seeing Dr. H today. When she came in the room you were kicking the table with your feet. I asked you to stop and you smiled at me and kept kicking. Then, Dr. H told you that she couldn't hear Mommy so you really needed to stop kicking. You stopped immediately and got very embarrassed. You refused to talk and wanted to hold my hand. I love your sensitive nature and I hope it never changes. You are an incredible little being, with a kind, sweet spirit. You get your feelings hurt easily and are very sensitive to how others are feeling. I happen to think that's pretty special. When we are out in public, people are drawn to you. Every time we go somewhere, people approach you. You often get shy and don't want to talk. That's okay. You have impeccable manners. You are very good at saying please and thank you, which makes Mama and Daddy incredibly proud.</i> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>Your presence is truly a gift to all those you encounter. I feel honored every single day that I was chosen to be your Mama. Thank you for blessing Daddy and I. If I could choose anyone in the whole world to be my son, I would pick you every time. I adore every thing about you. I love you like no one else. You are special. You are unique. You are a gift. </i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>All My Love,</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>Mama</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I cannot believe I have a four year old. Seriously. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">You can see how much he's grown and changed by clicking <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q7BOFuEoNYk&list=UUT_jNEStcjm18J-2pw6Yv5A" target="_blank">HERE</a>. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Now, please excuse me while I go play with this darling boy.</span><br />
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Leslee @ This Friendly Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13396865343472902241noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1128476378777864410.post-25995224715558384802014-05-08T12:00:00.000-05:002014-05-08T12:59:21.607-05:00Choosing Joy<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">It's no secret to those who are close to me that I've been having a tough time lately. I can't quite put my finger on what the exact cause is. I'm not sure if I even need to know the cause at this point. Truly, I just want to feel better. I haven't been writing at all. I have lacked all motivation to do so. I threw this incredible birthday party a couple of weeks ago and haven't even posted about that yet. I promise I will. Soon. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I know there is a lot going on energetically right now. Things are moving and shifting and all kinds of stuff is swirling around me. I feel it. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I'm real. I'm a person with emotions. I get envious of others. I feel sad. I feel overwhelmed. I feel frustrated and angry. I feel contempt. I feel like sleeping for days. I get my feelings hurt. I feel like a complete failure at times. On the flip side, I feel happy. I am proud of the successes of others. I feel loved. I feel wanted. I feel joy. I feel content. I feel like I'm exactly where I'm meant to be, even if it isn't always enjoyable. I am grateful for my life. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">One thing I've realized in the last several months, is that the things I put in my body have a direct impact on how I feel emotionally and physically. I'm making positive changes and have already seen some improvements in my general well being. For me, this time it isn't about losing weight, it's about feeling better. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Although I am typically a highly social person, I've found myself wanting time to myself a lot lately. I give all I've got at work and to my family when I get home in the evenings. Then, I'm ready to just be. This is a weird place for me, because I actually really enjoy people and crave human interaction. It's just that lately, I've craved time alone more. I feel like I'm on the cusp of something big. I am unsure what it is, but I feel like something is about to happen. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Here's the thing, no matter how shitty I feel, or how much it feels like things aren't the way I would like them to be, there is ALWAYS joy. Even though the last 6 months or so have been weird and emotional, I've made a conscious effort every single day to find something to be thankful for. I choose to look for the joy on a daily basis. Some days it's much harder than others. Often times, I decide to be grateful for something as simple as having clean, purified water to drink, or a warm bed to sleep in. Other times, I'm thankful for the bigger things, like the opportunity to be with my child every single day, to mentor him as he advances in his journey. Or that I have a loving, supportive husband, who has loved me through all of this and more. It doesn't mean I always feel joyful, but I am at least making an effort. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Days like yesterday, those are hard. I got to help Landon through a seemingly ridiculous fit over cereal. A fit that lasted well in to our drive to school. I went through the motions at work and put on my professional, happy face. I wasn't able to shake the feeling from the morning though. I tried and I definitely found joy, but the feeling of yuck was still there. Days like today, not so tough. It's a new day, the sun is shining, the birds are singing. I started my morning with snuggles from my darling boy, followed by his laughter and smiles. As I was pulling out of the drive way, he ran out and declared, "more kisses and hugs please!". Of course I obliged, he in his Batman undies and jammie top, me in my work clothes, pressed together in the drivers seat of my van, as he bounced to the music and grinned from ear to ear. In those few moments we exchanged a special kind of love. He energized my soul in a way that only a child can. I have no doubt I shared the kind of love for his soul like only a mother knows to provide. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I'm choosing joy, even on the days I don't feel it. </span><br />
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<br />Leslee @ This Friendly Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13396865343472902241noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1128476378777864410.post-54074077627887079952014-04-17T16:29:00.004-05:002014-04-17T16:29:59.176-05:00It Happens. <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Hi!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Were you wondering if I had been abducted by aliens?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Maybe you didn't notice the lack of posts. Like, seriously, nothing since February.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I took some time off from this here blog to do some serious reflecting. I needed it.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Anyway, I'm back! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Here's a picture of a smiling cat, which totally makes up for my absence.</span><br />
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<span style="color: magenta; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b>Happy Thursday!</b></span><br />
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Leslee @ This Friendly Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13396865343472902241noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1128476378777864410.post-78002014327589815122014-02-09T13:43:00.001-06:002014-02-09T13:43:27.346-06:00Birthday TreatsIt's Birthday Party Central at Landon's school this month! This week, they have a celebration every day. Sugar high will be in full effect! I'm considering sending a bottle of wine for his teachers, if they survive. <div><br></div><div>Navigating birthday celebrations when you have food intolerances can be tricky. However, with proper planning and preparation, you can still enjoy the festivities without compromising your health or the health of your family. </div><div><br></div><div>I made up a batch of gluten free cupcakes last month and popped the finished product in to the freezer. I made a very easy, 3 ingredient frosting at the same time. Now, when we have a party coming, I grab a cupcake, frost it and decorate it a day or so in advance. </div><div><br></div><div>Here's the cupcake I decorated today, since we have a birthday party this afternoon. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMg3XNAaon2HzZzyFDhsAyNgqsl106ZJYw21tOCHXgO-kUd1KDpDiCvmwtXmn64aYwVwihUKaQI9zBcs6ClgI7yv0FU_4wK45bBXe2IukoolyTlXmPfx0NyvdY-cFhDO6VLlBPryRGEkMr/s640/blogger-image--1326810138.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMg3XNAaon2HzZzyFDhsAyNgqsl106ZJYw21tOCHXgO-kUd1KDpDiCvmwtXmn64aYwVwihUKaQI9zBcs6ClgI7yv0FU_4wK45bBXe2IukoolyTlXmPfx0NyvdY-cFhDO6VLlBPryRGEkMr/s640/blogger-image--1326810138.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">It's gluten free, food dye free and full of flavor! I try to keep these a surprise so Landon has something to look forward to each time. I decorate them differently, using things he likes that we have on hand. This time I used some really great non GMO marshmallows and raisin in the center. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">These are the marshmallows we like. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6oPLLxWTG93R1jnQo1tPk89lAdUdWruBbOCxJzC6HEO8uQSrFL11c-HivvRQHNTIeHrO9srT7DGetbHcgmVjZMN1pce-X7haZ8PID45TjyW_1Qy7EtkMu-e_QKvA4fL72GJQRAsV9DQWg/s640/blogger-image-802922603.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6oPLLxWTG93R1jnQo1tPk89lAdUdWruBbOCxJzC6HEO8uQSrFL11c-HivvRQHNTIeHrO9srT7DGetbHcgmVjZMN1pce-X7haZ8PID45TjyW_1Qy7EtkMu-e_QKvA4fL72GJQRAsV9DQWg/s640/blogger-image-802922603.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I will warn you now, they are pricey. However, they are corn syrup and food dye free, which is important for us. We use them sparingly and keep them stored in a ziploc to keep them from drying out. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I have used his bunny snacks as a topper and also plan to use dried coconut and dried fruit to create a face on the cupcakes in the future. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Do you have any other ideas for me? If so, I would LOVE to hear from you!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><br></div>Leslee @ This Friendly Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13396865343472902241noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1128476378777864410.post-47956856544331403102014-01-30T09:18:00.001-06:002014-01-30T09:18:16.872-06:00Stay at Home or Working Outside the Home. We are Mom's.<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">You've all heard about the Mommy Wars. Right? I'm not talking about who is a <i>better</i> Mom, I'm referring to The Stay at Home Mom vs. The Working Outside of the Home Mom.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Lately I've been seeing articles pop up regarding The Stay at Home Mom and how hard they work and how they don't receive any credit for all of their hard work. You know what I think about this? They <b><i><u>do</u></i></b> work hard and they absolutely <u style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">do</u> deserve to be recognized for all of their hard work. Guess who else works hard and deserves recognition? The Working Mom. <b>ALL MOMS WORK HARD!</b> Sorry about the yelling, but that part seems important. Yes? </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Please allow me to further break it down for you. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The Stay at Home Mom is often the envy of others, who think she gets to sit around, do crafts, sing songs, and play with her children all day. The truth is, much of her day is taken up with telling her kids to stop arguing, making meals, doing laundry, mopping floors, wiping butts and snotty noses, stocking the pantry, planning meals, toting kids to and from school, and all the other tasks associated with running a household. You understand what I'm saying. However, she also gets to play with her children. She is there when they fall down and need a kiss, to give a hug, a smile or simply join them in laughter. Her job doesn't ever end though. She is up in the middle of the night with sick children, she's washing bedding at 3:00 a.m., she's frazzled when the sun begins to come up, knowing she has a full day to get through...again. She is raising tiny humans to be participating members of society. She's a Mom 24/7. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The Working Mom is also often the envy of others. She <i>gets </i>to go to work every day, she <i>gets </i>to have adult conversation, she <i>gets </i>to sit down while she eats a <b><i>warm</i></b> lunch without kids hanging from her legs, she <i>gets </i>to provide her own income, she <i>gets </i>adult conversation on a very regular basis. You know what else she gets? The guilt of leaving her children every day to go to work. She gets the guilt of letting her colleagues down when her children are sick and she has to call in. She gets to shuffle her kids around on the days when they aren't well enough for daycare, yet missing work simply isn't an option. She gets to work all day then come home and work some more, preparing dinner, cleaning the house, doing laundry (seriously, cant' we find a way for it to do itself by now?!) and readying everything for the next day. She is also awake in the middle of the night, tending to sick children, cleaning up puke and changing sheets. She's frazzled as she prepares for work in the mornings, doing her best to be presentable when she just wants to sleep for days. She runs a house hold too. Her job doesn't ever end. She is also raising tiny humans who she hopes will be participating members of society. She's a Mom 24/7. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Too often, people judge us Mom's. I hear things like, "Well, The Working Mom <i>chooses</i> to work" or "The Stay at Home Mom <i>chooses</i> to stay home". Okay, yes, maybe. Those choices come with their own trade offs though. The Working Mom may only be working because it's what she has to do to make sure her family has a roof over their heads and food on the table. So, sure, she chooses to work to help provide for her family. Or, maybe she chooses to work because *gasp* she actually enjoys her career! The Stay at Home Mom may be staying home because it makes no sense for her to work full time if her entire income would go to a daycare anyway. She may have given up the career of her dreams, selflessly, to be home with her children while they are young. Or, maybe she's always dreamed of growing up and raising kids, only to later realize it's not all it's cracked up to be. It's hard. Being a Mom is <b><i>hard</i></b> work! Mom's don't get vacation days, sick days, or mental health days. We push through, doing the very best we can, most of the time wondering if we're doing it all right. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The truth is, whether you're a Stay at Home Mom or a Working Mom, you have challenges and you work your tail off. Neither of these titles is glamorous, nor is one above another. Mom's are Mom's every single minute of every single day. We are always thinking of our children. We continually strive to do what is best for them, while still trying to maintain our own sanity. The grass isn't greener on one side or the other. Whether you stay at home or work outside of the home, you are just as important. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Mom's, hear this, be grateful for your situation, whatever it may be. You are on the path that was designed specifically for you. Some days are tougher than others, that's for sure. Be kind to yourself. Forgive yourself. Love yourself. You deserve it.</span><br />
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Leslee @ This Friendly Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13396865343472902241noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1128476378777864410.post-641956532559277392014-01-18T20:49:00.000-06:002014-01-18T20:56:21.775-06:00KnockKnockKnock...<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Yes, I'm still alive! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The truth is, the holidays wore me smooth out! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Also, the last several weeks have been emotionally exhausting. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I have writer's block like a mutha. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I've been doing stuff. Like, somewhat creative stuff. I just can't seem to find the motivation to post about it.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I promise to be back soon. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">To be completely honest, I've been down lately. It's difficult for me to post when I'm in an emotional low, because I don't want to bring others down, or to come across as an ungrateful whiner. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The truth is, it ain't always pretty. Sometimes it's U-G-L-Y and I ain't got no alibi, UGLY! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">My head is swimming with......murky stuff.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">This week I found out about a baby boy who died from <a href="http://loveforlandon.org/" target="_blank">IBD</a>. Eff! He was about the same age as Landon when he was diagnosed. It makes me so freaking sad and it pisses me off. Nobody should have to to deal with that. The heartache that Mama is dealing with at this moment in time has to be horrendous. It isn't fair.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">We are dealing with some heavy decisions regarding Landon and his long term care. I know in my heart what is right and what we need to do. So does Scott. If only it were that simple. We are at a cross roads and we are going to have to be strong advocates for Landon, once again. I don't doubt our ability to do that, it's more that I don't look forward to it. I will do whatever is necessary, in the highest and best for my child. I always do. It doesn't mean it's easy.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Sometimes, I feel like people look at Landon and see how well he's doing and assume everything is totally fine. Mostly, things are good. I choose to see the good, so that's what I share. You wanna know what I don't always share? The fact that I'm still holding my breath, waiting for the day we get the news that he's in remission. I don't share how stressed I am in the mornings trying to get his breakfast, while getting myself and him ready to leave, and trying not to stress him out, and making it seem fun for him to take all of his vitamins and supplements. I'm not talking about how difficult it must be for my husband, who is simply amazing, because he puts up with me being a micro manager of everything that goes on with Landon. It isn't easy being married to me sometimes. Scott is solid. I wouldn't be able to do what I do without him. I don't talk about the nights I cry myself to sleep because, dammit, WHY? I don't talk about the guilt. Oh. My. Gosh. The GUILT. Am I making the right decisions? Could I have done things differently? What if I would have been able to breast feed longer? Should I have eaten different during pregnancy? Was I too hard on him today? Did I stress him out today? I don't talk about the immense financial burden. I'm not sharing about how hard it is to keep all these emotions inside because I'm just sure everyone is sick of hearing about it. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">So, yeah. There it is. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Please don't give up on me.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I promise the positive, fun Leslee will return. Soon.</span>Leslee @ This Friendly Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13396865343472902241noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1128476378777864410.post-64958820153496457672013-12-18T11:22:00.000-06:002013-12-18T11:31:49.942-06:00Landon-ese<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW9-GwazUCWiOl88E-PLRvSVu0NbD40YGZhQlQPKUihyphenhyphenZYUt-ZY7aLzVaUL3R63Ej8LPSwrYhxtnMVFW429ttQSBn_SLFOwimwNfgjeGqsPEAJoFlbw1iUYFUo9avSotqvV7gUNoZW8HIP/s1600/landondecember2013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW9-GwazUCWiOl88E-PLRvSVu0NbD40YGZhQlQPKUihyphenhyphenZYUt-ZY7aLzVaUL3R63Ej8LPSwrYhxtnMVFW429ttQSBn_SLFOwimwNfgjeGqsPEAJoFlbw1iUYFUo9avSotqvV7gUNoZW8HIP/s640/landondecember2013.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">It's time for another edition of Landon-ese. In other words, amusing stuff my kid says.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>Landon: I'm Landon</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>Daddy: How old are you?</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>Landon: Um, I'm six.</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>Daddy: Six? Okay.</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>Landon: (very matter of fact) Yes, I'm VERY old.</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">{Pretending to make a call with his toy phone}</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>Landon: Hello. Yes. Okay. Are you there? Can I call you back?</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>Mommy: Who was that, Buddy?</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>Landon: It was Nana. DADDY! It was your MOM on the phone!</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>Landon: Can I have banana freeze? </i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>Mommy: No honey, you can't have bananas.</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>Landon: What about gluten free banana freeze?!</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>Mommy: No honey, your tummy doesn't like bananas.</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>Landon: NO! I'm talking about <span style="font-weight: bold;">gluten free</span> bananas!!!</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>I lamely tried to explain bananas are naturally gluten free, however, he cannot eat them due to his food intolerance...blah, blah, blah. Judging by the look on his face as I droned on, I'm pretty sure I miserably failed.</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">{Upon waking and snuggling in the morning}</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>Mommy: I have to get up and get in the shower, Sweetie.</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>Landon: The problem is, I need at least ten more minutes of morning snuggles. (as he snuggles in tighter)</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>Mommy: You win. </i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>Landon: (taking off his glasses) These things are SO dirty!</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>Mommy: Okay. What would you like to do?</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>Landon: (holds his glasses up, inspects them, then proceeds to clean them with his shirt) There. MUCH better!</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">{After I cleaned the bathroom}</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>Landon: Mommy makes it all nice in there, Daddy, then you just come along and stink it up!</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Aaaannnnd.... my very favorite!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>Landon: Some day I will be as big as you, Mommy! And some day I will be as big as Daddy. Some day I will be big like Papa. Some day I will be big like Nana. Some day, I will also be short like Grandma.</i></span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><span style="background-color: white;"><i>HAPPY WEDNESDAY! </i></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>Leslee @ This Friendly Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13396865343472902241noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1128476378777864410.post-45928759956941961242013-12-13T22:20:00.001-06:002013-12-17T14:33:41.006-06:00Raphael Says Hi<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I'm going to be honest. Most nights, Raphael doesn't do much. He simply finds a new place to sit. We got a little more creative this evening. I think Landon will love it! That's what really matters. </span><br />
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>Update: Landon DID love this, then he was instantly pissed because we wouldn't let him eat those chocolate chips for breakfast. Such bad parents, we are. He eventually got over it.</i></b></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfL-PGtnB4IsOq4lMCzvMgPxV6lghYZFMD37sNa0buAVE0BRehQFgGxu3LKQhhtn2HdXxk28L9cnYAswlRgQmVGUWigqP8rfZP7P7DKcTcCHtNPNZuKdg7NBptVGiJ381HNfwxsjMyP-hI/s640/blogger-image--1320253638.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfL-PGtnB4IsOq4lMCzvMgPxV6lghYZFMD37sNa0buAVE0BRehQFgGxu3LKQhhtn2HdXxk28L9cnYAswlRgQmVGUWigqP8rfZP7P7DKcTcCHtNPNZuKdg7NBptVGiJ381HNfwxsjMyP-hI/s640/blogger-image--1320253638.jpg" /></a></div>
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Leslee @ This Friendly Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13396865343472902241noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1128476378777864410.post-21853466663402681642013-12-05T06:56:00.001-06:002013-12-05T09:51:54.259-06:00Two Years.<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Two years ago today, we were sitting in the hospital with Landon, terrified. He was rapidly losing blood in his bowel movements and was too little to communicate anything he may have been experiencing physically or mentally. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">He has had quite the journey, that brave Boy Wonder. He continually surprises his doctors, impresses us and has a determination to be well. He has changed the way his doctors treat IBD. He continues forge on, smiling and ready to conquer any challenge placed before him. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">At this exact moment, I'm sitting in my recliner snuggled up with Landon. He's been up most of the night and has a fever. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I'm fifty kinds of emotional. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I always hope each year will get easier. I even try not to think about the date. After all, it's just another day. It doesn't work. December 5th is burned in to my memory. I'm flooded with emotion. The first few times I hear Christmas music each year, I cannot stop the tears from streaming down my cheeks. We listened to Christmas music daily during his first hospital stay. We tried to remain festive. I don't feel very festive today. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I know I <i>should</i> feel grateful for all the healing that's taken place within Landon's amazingly strong little body. I <i style="font-weight: bold;">AM</i> thankful. I am also incredibly sad today. That's the truth. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I'm feeling guilty as hell because in about an hour, I have to leave Landon to go to work. I don't want to leave him. I want to stay with him all day. I want to help him feel better. I want to be here to monitor his body temperature. I want to hold him. I want to cuddle him and comfort him. Nobody prepares you for the guilt that comes along with Motherhood. It's intense. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I'm irritated because he's sick again. Not irritated at all by him, just by the illness itself. We recently went through this for 5 full days the first week of November. It's frustrating! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">So, I guess what I'm saying is, I need some extra prayers, love and positive mojo today. Please and Thank You. </span></div>
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Leslee @ This Friendly Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13396865343472902241noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1128476378777864410.post-68853724200690138222013-12-02T16:20:00.000-06:002013-12-02T16:20:21.689-06:00Raphael the Elf is Back!<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Here's the thing about the whole Elf on a Shelf game; people either love it or are totally weirded out by it. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">We love it.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Our Elf arrived <a href="http://thisfriendlylife.blogspot.com/2012/12/raphael-has-arrived.html" target="_blank">last year</a> and Landon named him Raphael. He's a good little Elf and doesn't get in to too much mischief. He really helps Landon remember to be kind. I'm totally okay with this, by the way. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">When we woke up this morning, Raphael was sitting in a mason jar. He had written a letter to Landon and brought a new pair of jammies back from the North Pole! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Landon was intrigued...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTKgMX6Da92tpVAB4FQjkcqecmE499sjjlOorS-wraIC1wda92bo667CPr1cJLXe64OIvbopVMj0ISyqJslvEQ1omelud2J3Q5XmQIBJouyRxo10OODl16tzarHY-37_H57NVjTbpKUrFu/s1600/photo+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTKgMX6Da92tpVAB4FQjkcqecmE499sjjlOorS-wraIC1wda92bo667CPr1cJLXe64OIvbopVMj0ISyqJslvEQ1omelud2J3Q5XmQIBJouyRxo10OODl16tzarHY-37_H57NVjTbpKUrFu/s320/photo+1.JPG" width="240" /></a></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2Zsv-LbeOgd20tM47QQhgm7dE2FrCmCZscxbZmFdoKC0c5hl1DoypsCrhpmFzKb2RyTWkJfZk5HRsKYcXAjRj3tjEzCuFrmuvcQIuUfkqNuov2ZsuwigAqtInxrgYvLCsnW93Ul_B2Pfg/s1600/photo+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2Zsv-LbeOgd20tM47QQhgm7dE2FrCmCZscxbZmFdoKC0c5hl1DoypsCrhpmFzKb2RyTWkJfZk5HRsKYcXAjRj3tjEzCuFrmuvcQIuUfkqNuov2ZsuwigAqtInxrgYvLCsnW93Ul_B2Pfg/s320/photo+2.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The letter reads:</span><br />
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<i><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Dear Landon,</span></i><br />
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<i><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I am having fun watching you as you play. You are such a kind, nice boy! Santa and I want you to have these special jammies to wear. Keep up the great behavior!</span></i><br />
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<i><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Your Friend,</span></i><br />
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>Raphael</i> </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkAN5Cs6UznyObMTE1pYYdZwj94YEnb8sa8dbEarF7TG1iY7LERrxXm2dAvTT8-lKQusvoP7SIfc0VWxu05a161LeHLjiBGR3X5WkfU50-vaYNqZ9zJpyJtwz4bfnyNDofYl6jifyb8J9S/s1600/photo+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkAN5Cs6UznyObMTE1pYYdZwj94YEnb8sa8dbEarF7TG1iY7LERrxXm2dAvTT8-lKQusvoP7SIfc0VWxu05a161LeHLjiBGR3X5WkfU50-vaYNqZ9zJpyJtwz4bfnyNDofYl6jifyb8J9S/s320/photo+3.JPG" width="240" /></span></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiNsf4VuKWWbc3Cx7Z1P7p6kBvK0LxwtS-QBlJYyaSRdJOZAbj6QnufiaqBfeS1TRmSECBIfYoY-X08o0Cx8uX6ok2CKSpuUTLqBCPOTEWAy_PQT-sHlDjbIWuMmyoCn9ydo7HCBItraDU/s1600/photo+4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiNsf4VuKWWbc3Cx7Z1P7p6kBvK0LxwtS-QBlJYyaSRdJOZAbj6QnufiaqBfeS1TRmSECBIfYoY-X08o0Cx8uX6ok2CKSpuUTLqBCPOTEWAy_PQT-sHlDjbIWuMmyoCn9ydo7HCBItraDU/s320/photo+4.JPG" width="240" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Do you get in to the Elf on the Shelf? Does it weird you out or do you really enjoy it?</span><br />
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">P.S. I wrote that whole letter left handed, which is why it was pretty short and to the point! </span>Leslee @ This Friendly Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13396865343472902241noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1128476378777864410.post-26967459000046500322013-11-27T20:01:00.001-06:002013-12-02T15:57:54.601-06:00Gluten Free Pumpkin Pie<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Ok, I'm not gonna lie, I enlisted the help of a pre-made pie crust and a can of Pumpkin Pie Mix. I planned to make the pie filling part from scratch, then my super awesome sister gave me a few cans of Pumpkin Pie Mix. Easy! Have I mentioned recently how much I like easy? This pie is gluten free AND dairy free! Score!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Here's what you will need:</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDaMlUy0jZnK3WmD9EfWgUEJEVDtOI3GviToGLc3FK0baaKb3ha2d874DY6ZiJ5qTNMxRC-MHLOJVLZdRultYWUW_E6WIUX6uo5qPEaTLysRo_VZONVk_t4aQbo05erwez5_tTg-SrBkep/s640/blogger-image--25952667.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Place the pie mix, 3/4 cup canned coconut milk and 2 slightly beaten eggs in a bowl and stir until combined. Pour in to a prebaked gluten free pie shell. Bake at 425 degrees for 15 minutes, reduce the temperature to 350 degrees and bake for another 35-40 minutes. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Here's what your final product should look like!</span></div>
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Leslee @ This Friendly Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13396865343472902241noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1128476378777864410.post-3587415002521627512013-11-26T11:54:00.000-06:002013-11-26T14:17:17.532-06:00Roasted Carrots, Parsnips and Sweet Potatoes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I like easy recipes. You know, the kind which require minimal ingredients yet always have an amazing flavor.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I also like almost anything when it's roasted. There's something magical that happens when you coat foods in raw butter or oil and roast them in the oven. Magical, I tell ya! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I used to LOVE sweet potatoes with plenty of butter and brown sugar. I still enjoy those, however, I've come to adore plain ol' roasted sweet potatoes even more.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><u>Roasted Carrots, Parsnips and Sweet Potatoes</u></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>6 Carrots</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>6 Parsnips</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>4 Sweet Potatoes</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>1/4 cup melted coconut oil</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>1/8 cup melted raw butter (optional)</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>salt and pepper to taste</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>Peel everything, cut in to bite sized pieces and place in a bowl. Pour the melted coconut oil and butter over the veggies, add salt and pepper then mix until everything is evenly coated. Pour on to a metal baking pan and roast in a 425 degree preheated oven for 35-45 minutes or until the veggies are fork tender. Enjoy!</i> </span>Leslee @ This Friendly Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13396865343472902241noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1128476378777864410.post-83237312176505330782013-11-25T11:46:00.001-06:002013-11-26T14:17:32.917-06:00Chicken AND Mashed Potatoes<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Do you remember when I told you all I would <a href="http://thisfriendlylife.blogspot.com/2013/11/thanksgiving-food.html" target="_blank">post a recipe a day</a> leading up to Thanksgiving? Yeah, me too. Epic blogger fail! I'm making up for it today by giving you TWO recipes! </span></div>
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I'm not a huge fan of turkey. As a matter of fact, I could go a whole holiday season just eating all the side items. I do, however, like chicken. We've been eating more of it lately since I discovered it can be made whole in a Crock Pot. It's super easy and totally delicious!</span><br />
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<b><u><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Whole Roasted Crock Pot Chicken</span></u></b></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">1 Free Range Pasture Raised Chicken (local if possible) </span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">1 onion thickly sliced</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">1 tsp rosemary</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">1 tsp black pepper</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">1 tsp salt</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">1 tsp paprika</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">1 tsp onion powder</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">1 tsp garlic powder</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">1/2 tsp cumin</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">1/2 tsp ground cayenne</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Combine all the dry spices in a small dish. Place the sliced onions in the bottom of the Crock Pot. Coat the chicken with your spice mixture all over the outside and on the inside. Place the chicken on top of the onions and cook on high for 4 hours. Do not add any liquid, it isn't necessary. Don't forget to save those bones to make <a href="http://thisfriendlylife.blogspot.com/2013/11/bone-broth-chicken-and-overcoming.html" target="_blank">home made, gut healthy stock!</a> </span></i></div>
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<b><u><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Red Mashed Potatoes</span></u></b></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">5 pounds of red potatoes</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">1 cup salted butter</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">1/2-3/4 cups of heavy cream or half and half</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">salt and pepper to taste</span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>Cut potatoes in quarters and steam them until a fork will easily go through, usually about 25 minutes. Place butter in a large bowl and add hot potatoes. Add cream, salt and pepper and mash. That's it! Easy peasy!</i> </span></div>
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Leslee @ This Friendly Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13396865343472902241noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1128476378777864410.post-54561273888314138402013-11-22T10:06:00.000-06:002013-11-22T14:15:18.121-06:00Feel Good Friday<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">We had a bit of a restless night over in these parts. Landon is congested and woke up crying saying "I'm just so 'snuffy' Mommy!" We had a 30 minute ordeal trying to get him to blow his nose, using saline and the snot sucker bulb thing because he didn't want to blow. This started around 10 p.m. We got him all fixed up and back to bed. At precisely 1:00 a.m., we hear a loud thud followed by crying. Yep, it's what you're thinking, he had fallen out of his bed. I picked him up and took him to the recliner to rock for a few minutes, then tucked him back in to bed with extra kisses. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">He was good to go this morning so I took him to school. We were a little bit late, which creates stress for both of us, but we got there! Needless to say, I was a tired after all the chaos and not sleeping well. So, what does a tired Mama do? Hits Starbucks, of course!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">There I am, in a line of cars wrapping around the parking lot. A vehicle approaches from the other direction. We get to that moment of "OK, who will go first" and we both wave each other on. She smiles. I smile. We wave each other on again. We both smile wider and I wave her on to go in front of me. She smiled, put both hands to her mouth and blew me kisses. How totally awesome is that? </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Day = Made. I <i>felt</i> her gratitude. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">That isn't where this story ends. I got up to the speaker and ordered my drink then proceeded forward, finding my cash. I was thinking about all the things I needed to accomplish today, how crazy cold it is, how good my coffee is going to taste, how sweet that lady in front of me was to blow me those kisses and show me love. I approached the window and the friendly barista tells me, "The woman in front of you really appreciated you letting her go in front of you and she paid for your drink". Wow. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I was deeply moved. Deeply. I smiled and thanked the barista. As I drove away I sent thanks and love to the woman in front of me. Then I felt tears begin to sting my eyes. I was crying over coffee! No, no I wasn't. I was brought to tears because of a simple act of kindness from another human being.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">In those few moments my heart opened further as I was reminded of the good in this world. I believe people are inherently kind. Sure, there are some who aren't, however, as a whole, the people I find myself surrounded by are lovely. This morning, I was in a fine mood, I thought. Now, I'm in reflection. I am inspired. I want to go out and pay it forward. I want to make someone else feel the same love and appreciation I was blessed with this morning. It truly is that simple. You see, I was affected after that kind woman at Starbucks blew me kisses. It was the extra mile she went which was the icing on the cake.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>Go the extra mile. Change a life. Be kind. Make a difference.</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I challenge every one reading this to go out and do one nice thing for someone else in the coming days. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Goodness, I'm <i>full</i> of <i><span style="color: red;">love</span></i> right now. I hope you're feeling it because I'm sending a whole bunch of that out to YOU! Yes, you. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Happy Feel Good Friday, my Friends!</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> </span> </div>
Leslee @ This Friendly Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13396865343472902241noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1128476378777864410.post-14252873657546204942013-11-21T13:56:00.000-06:002013-11-21T13:56:21.629-06:00Deviled Eggs<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2mjWTS-up4iBJWvl5vQJIZFG84f3qLJHvX8SJiWf-dpIjpFdmiYSsR__Av8-jAIXHZCMrmMfkD0p3LG-KSC2joDdAw6uG17eTmXeY7ZqCygNB4qMsRsh3vn2Wi3HW7PcBIioGvUDss30V/s1600/Deviled-Eggs-Recipe-photo-260-SOM-208.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2mjWTS-up4iBJWvl5vQJIZFG84f3qLJHvX8SJiWf-dpIjpFdmiYSsR__Av8-jAIXHZCMrmMfkD0p3LG-KSC2joDdAw6uG17eTmXeY7ZqCygNB4qMsRsh3vn2Wi3HW7PcBIioGvUDss30V/s1600/Deviled-Eggs-Recipe-photo-260-SOM-208.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">We cannot have a holiday with out Deviled Eggs. Seriously. If I don't make these, my 6'8" brother-by-love will go berzerk. You do not want to see him go nuts over some eggs. It isn't pretty. Okay, that may be a slight eggzageration. Ha! You see what I did there?! Anywhoo, here's my tried and true recipe!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><u>Mama's (I'm referring to myself there) Deviled Eggs</u></b> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>~ 1 dozen boiled eggs</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>~ 1/2 C <b><u>real</u></b> mayonnaise</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>~ 1 Tbsp yellow mustard</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>~ 1-2 tsp vinegar</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>~ 1/8 tsp ground cayenne</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>~ Salt and pepper to taste</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>~ Paprika or cayenne for garnish</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Cut your peeled eggs in half lengthwise and place the yolks in a mixing bowl. Add all other ingredients and mix with a hand mixer until well blended. Transfer the yolk mixture to a Ziploc bag. Snip the corner and fill your eggs. Top them with a sprinkling of paprika or cayenne, if you like it spicy! Refrigerate until ready to serve. </span><br />
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<br />Leslee @ This Friendly Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13396865343472902241noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1128476378777864410.post-81580504271414885312013-11-20T13:00:00.002-06:002013-11-20T13:00:27.189-06:00Thanksgiving Food.<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Next week is Thanksgiving, Y'all! Can you even believe it?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">This photo of Landon from 2010 always makes me giggle. He's all like, "gimme that turkey leg!". :-)</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS3S2KE790jK83BEmCm7v2rSxOAj-upPNXkiu1FHY4pp_vhy5dxAThCFpOBmI0xpA_6ucDPvGaABOsqXf18J6qqy22iq45XuwKKMb6dX5HDRp3YrirJKs3icz6mnvyJvYMc-GTFeIbDePB/s1600/77172_470257169673_1934734_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS3S2KE790jK83BEmCm7v2rSxOAj-upPNXkiu1FHY4pp_vhy5dxAThCFpOBmI0xpA_6ucDPvGaABOsqXf18J6qqy22iq45XuwKKMb6dX5HDRp3YrirJKs3icz6mnvyJvYMc-GTFeIbDePB/s320/77172_470257169673_1934734_n.jpg" width="255" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I've been working incessantly on coming up with a gluten free menu to share with all of you. I've seriously been thinking about this and developing new recipes for weeks. It's been a ton of fun!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">We stay away from dairy as much as possible on a daily basis, with the exception of raw butter, which I use a lot. The foods we will be eating on Thanksgiving are mostly dairy free but not totally. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Take a peek at what will be on our table next week.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><u>Starters</u></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #e69138; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>~ Deviled Eggs ~ GF</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i><span style="color: #e69138;">~ Relish Tray ~ GF, DF</span></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><u>The Feast</u></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #e69138; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>~ Turkey AND Chicken ~ GF, DF</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #e69138; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>~ Ham ~ GF, DF</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #e69138; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>~ Mashed Red Potatoes ~ GF</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #e69138; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>~ Creamed Corn ~ GF</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #e69138; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>~ Cornbread Stuffing ~ GF, DF</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #e69138; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>~ Cranberries ~ GF, DF</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #e69138; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>~ Roasted Sweet Potatoes, Carrots and Parsnips ~ GF, DF</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #e69138; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>~ Green Beans Amandine with Bacon ~ GF</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #e69138; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>~ Dinner rolls ~ GF, DF</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><u><b>Finishers</b></u></span></div>
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<span style="color: #e69138; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>~ Pumpkin Pie ~ GF, DF</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #e69138; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>~ Cheesecake ~ GF</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #e69138; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>~ Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Muffins ~ GF</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #e69138; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>*GF = Gluten Free</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #e69138; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>*DF - Dairy Free</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Every single one of these items are completely gluten free yet still flavorful and satisfying! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I will post recipes very soon. As a matter of fact, I will be posting at least one recipe a day from now until Thanksgiving. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Stay tuned! </span><br />
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<br />Leslee @ This Friendly Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13396865343472902241noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1128476378777864410.post-33921413965345245512013-11-13T20:02:00.001-06:002013-11-14T11:48:50.214-06:00Bone Broth, Chicken and Overcoming Intimidation.<span style="color: red; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>This is actually considered a stock, due to the addition of veggies and spices. You could leave those out to make a traditional bone broth, however, I don't because I love the added flavor.</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I've been doing some (by some, I mean tons of) reading and researching about bone broth. Turns out, it has some pretty spectacular health benefits and is amazing for gut healing. It's no wonder chicken soup is seen as a cure all for illness. When made properly, it actually does wonders for our bodies!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I'm weird about bones in my food. I don't like them and have a hard time eating anything off of a bone. I know, it's not normal. Whatevs. I also get grossed out when I have to handle raw meat. I'm working through it! Kind of. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I decided to suck it up and get over it. I made a whole chicken in the crock pot, had Scott pull all the meat from it when it was done, then threw the bones back in the pot to make broth. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Here's the basic process I used. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>First of all, I purchased one free range pasture raised chicken. This is very important in my opinion, especially when you will be making broth from the bones. I spiced it up with paprika, crushed rosemary, salt, pepper, garlic powder and bit of cayenne. I rubbed that all over the outside and inside of the chicken. I also thickly sliced one onion and put everything in the crock pot on high for 4 hours. It was amazing!</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>For the broth, I left all the drippings and onions in the pot then I tossed the bones back in, added 3 whole carrots, 4 whole pieces of celery including the leafy parts, 2 bay leaves, a bit more salt, 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (this helps break down the bones and pull all of the good nutrition out) and filled it to the top with filtered water. I then let it go on low for approximately 48 hours, adding water as needed. I poured it through a strainer in to jars which I will freeze until I'm ready to use. </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I'm pretty sure I just saved myself at least $20 or more AND made something way more nutritious. This cannot be purchased in a grocery store! I can't believe I was intimidated by the process for so long. It's SUPER easy and totally fool proof!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b>Have you ever made your own bone broth or stock? Does the idea of doing so seem like too much work? I want to hear from you!</b></span></div>
Leslee @ This Friendly Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13396865343472902241noreply@blogger.com0