tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-62754379406908939762024-03-13T02:12:19.010-06:00Cupcakes and CartwheelsCupcakes and Cartwheelsmommatojoahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12955857317419452729noreply@blogger.comBlogger300125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6275437940690893976.post-16401187379027247522013-05-11T06:45:00.001-06:002013-05-11T06:45:51.265-06:00NEW BLOGIf you are interested in following my blog still, head over and add my new blog to your rss feed or sign up for email alerts!<br />
The new blog is http://constantpen.blogspot.com<br />
<br />
A lot has been changing in my life so I decided to make a new blog and start with the new beginning to my life.<br />
mommatojoahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12955857317419452729noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6275437940690893976.post-9965918325371933482012-12-17T17:58:00.002-07:002012-12-17T17:58:33.165-07:00Separation.<center>We are separated :(<br />
How to tell the kids?</center>mommatojoahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12955857317419452729noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6275437940690893976.post-76038990990974031622012-12-08T15:42:00.000-07:002012-12-08T15:42:35.764-07:00Health Issues with My Ari<center>My poor little Ari. <br />
Life has been so incredibly stressful, overwhelming and heavy.<br />
<br />
About a month to a month and a half ago I thought Ari was just tired as his eyes started rolling back. <br />
<br />
I giggled and picked him up, but once I picked him up he was not responsive to me at all. <br />
I was talking to him and he was just kind of limp and his eyes kept rolling back. <br />
I was worried to an extent, but still chalked it up to him being tired. <br />
<br />
We went home and took a nap. <br />
<br />
It didn't happen again for a while, but since then I have counted about 6 more occasions when he would have an "episode".<br />
<br />
I made a doctors appointment and started doing my own research on what could cause this. <br />
Based on what I read and videos I found on youtube I thought it looked a lot like "absence seizures". <br />
When I took him to the doctor I never said what I thought it could be, I just told her what was happening. <br />
Sure enough she said it sounds like he is having absence seizures. <br />
<br />
They measured him and his percentile in height has been dropping as if he just stopped growing. <br />
They did a blood panel and when the results came back the doctor called me with them. <br />
<br />
I knew as soon as she called that something was wrong because the nurses usually call. <br />
She talked about everything that came back normal, but then told me that his blood platelets are elevated (could just be from the stomach bug that was going around), his protein levels are low and that she thinks he may have <a href="http://kidney.niddk.nih.gov/kudiseases/pubs/tubularacidosis/">Renal Tubular Acidosis (RTA)</a> which is basically a kidney malfunction. It is when the kidneys don't filter things properly and that could be what is causing him to not be growing the way he is supposed to. <br />
<br />
They are considering him to be a failure to thrive case :(<br />
<br />
Our pediatrician sent a referral to Children's Hospital. We have to wait for them to call us and then there are a lot of things we need to do in order to get seen by the specialists. <br />
<br />
We need to see a pediatric neurologist and the growth specialists. <br />
<br />
So needless to say, I am extremely tired and worried and overwhelmed. <br />
<br />
There are also other things going on in the family that have contributed to all of this stress. <br />
<br />
Please keep my little man in your prayers. I just want him to be happy and healthy. <br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50792098@N00/8228072375/" title="upload by jonathanandcari, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8070/8228072375_e93ce0ae7d.jpg" width="500" height="500" alt="upload"></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50792098@N00/8229432284/" title="I love it when he crosses his sweet chunky monkey legs while sleeping!!! by jonathanandcari, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8478/8229432284_6f9020220f.jpg" width="500" height="500" alt="I love it when he crosses his sweet chunky monkey legs while sleeping!!!"></a><br />
I seriously LOVE when he crosses his legs while sleeping!<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50792098@N00/8234279745/" title="My silly goober. by jonathanandcari, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8349/8234279745_757f6ff43f.jpg" width="500" height="500" alt="My silly goober."></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50792098@N00/8234701985/" title="My babies coloring by jonathanandcari, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8485/8234701985_d08b96141a.jpg" width="500" height="500" alt="My babies coloring"></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50792098@N00/8229741267/" title="My sickies by jonathanandcari, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8483/8229741267_35e9800b27.jpg" width="500" height="500" alt="My sickies"></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50792098@N00/8235594637/" title="Cute baby hand by jonathanandcari, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8070/8235594637_4e43c102d6.jpg" width="500" height="500" alt="Cute baby hand"></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50792098@N00/8236077795/" title="Awwww by jonathanandcari, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8197/8236077795_fa5a7e22fa.jpg" width="500" height="500" alt="Awwww"></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50792098@N00/8236098481/" title="He grabbed a magazine and "read" it! by jonathanandcari, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8068/8236098481_329c861f1b.jpg" width="500" height="500" alt="He grabbed a magazine and "read" it!"></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50792098@N00/8239646909/" title="upload by jonathanandcari, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8066/8239646909_e826a540e9.jpg" width="500" height="500" alt="upload"></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50792098@N00/8239663367/" title="Cute baby girl in her new ph's! by jonathanandcari, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8209/8239663367_7a27b21d53.jpg" width="500" height="500" alt="Cute baby girl in her new ph's!"></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50792098@N00/8239684145/" title="This dude has new pj's too but he doesn't like to sleep in clothes. Says he gets too hot! by jonathanandcari, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8199/8239684145_3214b3b06b.jpg" width="500" height="500" alt="This dude has new pj's too but he doesn't like to sleep in clothes. Says he gets too hot!"></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50792098@N00/8240762330/" title="Yep! You guessed it! Little man has new pj's too! by jonathanandcari, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8483/8240762330_b89b42c516.jpg" width="500" height="500" alt="Yep! You guessed it! Little man has new pj's too!"></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50792098@N00/8243751540/" title="Best friends! I love these girls so much!!! by jonathanandcari, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8341/8243751540_9737c98dcf.jpg" width="500" height="500" alt="Best friends! I love these girls so much!!!"></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50792098@N00/8242701957/" title="Gorgeous!!!! by jonathanandcari, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8483/8242701957_33b90dd768.jpg" width="500" height="500" alt="Gorgeous!!!!"></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50792098@N00/8246796094/" title="Handsome by jonathanandcari, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8488/8246796094_dd4e43dd04.jpg" width="500" height="500" alt="Handsome"></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50792098@N00/8249214150/" title="Little piggies by jonathanandcari, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8341/8249214150_c91c76444f.jpg" width="500" height="500" alt="Little piggies"></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50792098@N00/8248166255/" title="Her friend Sravika brought her a Krispy Kreme hat! by jonathanandcari, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8057/8248166255_9393b60057.jpg" width="500" height="500" alt="Her friend Sravika brought her a Krispy Kreme hat!"></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50792098@N00/8252172486/" title="My Ari. My baby. My gorgeous boy. My little love. by jonathanandcari, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8337/8252172486_66dcf761e8.jpg" width="500" height="500" alt="My Ari. My baby. My gorgeous boy. My little love."></a><br />
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<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>For Reference, what a absence seizure looks like and this is what Ari does!</b><br />
<iframe width="420" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/H3iLQi6wt94" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br />
</center>mommatojoahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12955857317419452729noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6275437940690893976.post-62923945184915830242012-12-05T03:32:00.000-07:002012-12-05T03:32:49.526-07:00Christmas Photos!<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50792098@N00/8245597155/" title="1 by jonathanandcari, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8201/8245597155_1869575394.jpg" width="500" height="398" alt="1"></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50792098@N00/8246664786/" title="2 by jonathanandcari, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8342/8246664786_be40e65101.jpg" width="500" height="400" alt="2"></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50792098@N00/8246664704/" title="5 by jonathanandcari, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8067/8246664704_53491565fa.jpg" width="399" height="500" alt="5"></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50792098@N00/8246664736/" title="4 by jonathanandcari, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8483/8246664736_5b0e992c9c.jpg" width="400" height="500" alt="4"></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50792098@N00/8246664758/" title="3 by jonathanandcari, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8205/8246664758_c884aaa503.jpg" width="400" height="500" alt="3"></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50792098@N00/8245596977/" title="6 by jonathanandcari, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8348/8245596977_051798ec20.jpg" width="500" height="400" alt="6"></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50792098@N00/8245596881/" title="8 by jonathanandcari, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8201/8245596881_29ac3cea06.jpg" width="500" height="200" alt="8"></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50792098@N00/8245596863/" title="9 by jonathanandcari, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8489/8245596863_af4954f911.jpg" width="500" height="399" alt="9"></a><br />
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</center>mommatojoahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12955857317419452729noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6275437940690893976.post-78622713071059544912012-11-30T22:27:00.000-07:002012-11-30T22:27:58.671-07:00Dreams #NaBloPoMo<center>Before I start this post, I want to clarify that my miscarriages were early on and I didn't "know" what gender they were but I just had that gut feeling and the dreams that helped me to "determine" what they were. If that makes any sense.<br />
<br />
Sammy posted recently how after she had a dream about little Bram's death, she started praying for God to show her the future. <br />
To let Bram come to her in her dreams. <br />
<br />
When I read this post it sparked a not-so-distant memory of mine. <br />
<br />
I had suffered through two miscarriages. <br />
<br />
My first miscarriage was in 2003. I was only 17 years old but as soon as I found out I was pregnant, I knew I wanted to keep the baby.. My baby.. There were a lot of issues to begin with. <br />
I never kept track of my cycles, obviously, but the baby never developed. <br />
I had blood drawn every two days. It was miserable. <br />
I remember my heart just dropping when they called with the hormone levels in my blood stream. At first when they said it had risen I was so happy, but they said it was not rising as fast as it should. I knew then that my baby was not going to make it. <br />
<br />
I got to see the heartbeat once. It was amazing. <br />
<br />
After having the miscarriage I had a <strike through>dream</strike through> nightmare of him being taken away from me. It was awful and I hated it. <br />
<br />
I was so distraught over so many things, not getting to change diapers, hear his laugh and see him grow up, but the biggest and hardest thing for me was that I wouldn't know what he looked like or how he would have felt in my arms.<br />
<br />
Quite a while later after a lot of tears, pain and praying I got the dream. It was a very short dream but it was just enough for me.<br />
It was this:<br />
<br />
<i>One day I doing laundry. The back door was wide open and I was carrying a heavy basket of cleaned laundry from the drier to my room. As I passed the back door I heard my sister say something about Tayte being in the dirt in the backyard. She was saying it was a miracle and he was alive. I dropped my basket of laundry which went all over the floor (which I felt was significant as I have a huge aversion to germs to the point that I wear shoes in my house). I ran out to find my son laying in the dirt under a swing set. <br />
He was alive. He was well. He was the most beautiful baby I had ever seen. <br />
As I scooped him up into my arms we gazed into each others eyes. He had the most beautiful green eyes. A thin little nose and tiny mouth. <br />
I held him. Hugged him. Kissed him. Repeatedly told him how much I loved him.</i><br />
<br />
In an instant I was awake again. I was crying. Praying. Closing my eyes and remembering that little face. It was a face of peace. He was good. He was happy. He was beautiful. <br />
<br />
I remember the feeling of him in my arms. The love. The tenderness. The softness. Him. <br />
<br />
I have that little face memorized. I have the feeling of him in my arms memorized. <br />
I love him and now, 9 whole years after losing him, I find myself weeping over my loss. I love him. <br />
<br />
<br />
My second miscarriage happened a little over a year later, in 2004. <br />
The pregnancy was going well compared to how my previous pregnancy was going. <br />
I went in when I found out I was pregnant. I was about 4 weeks along. Not a lot to see, but I was reassured that it was simply because it was in the beginning of the pregnancy. <br />
<br />
I worried for 4 agonizing weeks. I just wanted to see my baby. I wanted my baby to be healthy. The 8 week ultrasound was great. We saw her little heart beating. It was amazing to see. The baby had grown perfectly for those 4 weeks and I felt such relief! <br />
<br />
I couldn't WAIT for my 12 week appointment! I was so excited to see my baby. <br />
I was beside myself with knowing that was going to be the day I HEARD my baby's heartbeat. <br />
<br />
I went in. I was made to lay on the table. They squirted the warm blue jelly on my tummy and placed the doppler to my belly. From one side to the other and back. Up high and down low. Pressing harder and lightening up. Then I heart a "whish whish". I smiled so big and the nurse looked down at me and gave me a look of sympathy as she explained that what I had just heard was too slow for a baby and that it was my heart beat. <br />
<br />
I cried because I knew right then I had lost my baby. She called the doctor in to do an ultrasound just to be sure. <br />
<br />
I looked at the black screen with this tiny little person inside of my womb. There was no heartbeat. I cried more. I couldn't even talk. I couldn't think. <br />
<br />
I felt like my world was crumbling around me and that there was no reason to even be living. What had I done wrong? I took my vitamins. I followed the "rules" for pregnant women. I did EVERYTHING you are supposed to do and I lost her anyway even when I knew of others who were smoking and drinking while pregnant and their babies were just fine. <br />
<br />
I was so upset, but I put it into Gods hands. <br />
I apologized for my sins. I was sorry for purposely turning my back on Him for "taking my first baby". <br />
<br />
I had a nightmare that my little girl was ripped away from me by some demons. It was quite silly when you think of it in real life, but the nightmare seemed SO real. My baby girl was taken from me and I never got to see her. <br />
<br />
Again I prayed. I cried. Just like with Tayte, I was so distraught over so many things, not getting to change diapers, hear her laugh and see her grow up, but the biggest and hardest thing for me was that I wouldn't know what she looked like or how she would have felt in my arms. <br />
<br />
Some time later I had a dream on my little Angel. <br />
<br />
<i>I was in the hospital. My Angel was born early. I assume she didn't live long from the time I got with her in the drem, but it was long enough to see her. Feel her. Touch her. She was this beautiful baby with a cure button nose. A head full of dark curly hair like her dad. Hazel eyes. Her dad was there (even though in real life I hadn't talked to him in several weeks as he just stopped talking to me). We were holding our little girl dressed in this beautiful bright pink outfit with lace trimmings. I held her and hugged her and kissed her. I told her that I would love her forever. That I would see her again in Heaven.</i><br />
<br />
And with that I was wide awake again. <br />
I was crying and memorizing her little face and the feel of her in my arms. <br />
It has been 8 years since losing Angel. I miss her like crazy. I weep for her. <br />
<br />
But I know. I know in my heart I will see them when I leave this world. I will ger to hold them and kiss them. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
I truly believe God sent me these dreams because he knew how badly I wanted to know what they would look like. How they would feel in my arms and how I got to say goodbye in a different way. It was like closure that I needed. <br />
<br />
My babies. Tayte Lee and Angel Moral. <br />
I will see you soon!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.nablopomo.com"><img src="https://www.blogher.com/files/NaBloPoMo_teaser.jpg" alt="NaBloPoMo November 2012" height="150" width="175"></a></center>mommatojoahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12955857317419452729noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6275437940690893976.post-80586976269590112842012-11-30T20:57:00.002-07:002012-11-30T22:28:32.009-07:00Moms Birthday!<center>Today is my mommy's birthday!<br />
I LOVE YOU MOM! </center>mommatojoahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12955857317419452729noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6275437940690893976.post-19482967238599793562012-11-29T20:12:00.000-07:002012-11-29T20:12:54.926-07:00"His Nose Is Falling Down" #NaBloPoMo<center>Towards the start of this school year (a couple weeks in) I had been taking my kids to breakfast at school. One day we were just minding our own business, kids eating their breakfast and me just hanging out with them. <br />
<br />
This kid then made some comment about Ari's nose. <br />
Ari had a cold at the time that this all started so I thought maybe he was just grossed out by Ari's runny nose (I was wiping it continually because it grosses me out too when kids have boogers all over). <br />
<br />
Well the same kid has continued to make comments about Ari and it has been weeks. I have just been ignoring it hoping the kid would finally just give it up. I mean, ignoring it is what you are supposed to do right?<br />
<br />
Wrong. <br />
<br />
Today I walked in and immediately I hear "Oh no! It's the 'something inaudible' baby". I ignored it... While the two oldest were eating, I was talking with Mrs. C (One of the teachers who has worked with Judah and Ora) and the kid says "That baby is so disgusting!".<br />
<br />
Mrs. C was appalled and with a look of shock on her face she said "What did you just say?? WHY would you say something like that?" <br />
<br />
Kid replies "well, because his nose is like, falling down..."<br />
<br />
Mrs. C and I were equally confused as to what he was talking about and what he meant. She asked him "What are you talking about? I think he is a beautiful baby!"<br />
<br />
Kid says "well his nose........... uh...... um...... I really don't know."<br />
<br />
Well.. DUH... you don't know, you are talking nonsense! <br />
<br />
I guess even though Ari is a baby, not a student and has no idea what is going on in the school takes it seriously as it lines up with their anti-bullying. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
In other news, this stomach flu/bug has been kicking our butts! My word. <br />
Thanksgiving day Jonathan was sick. He stayed in bed all day. <br />
Thanksgiving night Judah and Ari got it. <br />
I was feeling a little off Friday-Sunday a little nauseated and what not.<br />
Monday I got pretty bad. I thought for sure I had hit the worst of it then. <br />
<br />
Boy was I wrong, Tuesday my stomach was cramping so bad I felt like someone was ripping my intestines out. I had the really gross parts of the stomach flu. I had chills, my muscles and joints just ached and my joints had occasional shooting pains in the joints. <br />
<br />
I could barely move. It took every little ounce of energy I had just to get to the bathroom on time. <br />
<br />
I was not comfortable unless I was laying down, but I was running to the restroom so often I didn't lay much in the beginning of the day.<br />
OH YEAH!! AND Jonathan was at work and I had all three kids home (Judah was sick and it was impossible to get O to school.) <br />
<br />
Wednesday all was well. Everything was returning to normal. <br />
<br />
Again I was wrong. <br />
Today Jonathan came home early because he is getting it a second time and Ora was home sick.<br />
<br />
It feels like it's NEVER going to end! <br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50792098@N00/8228072375/" title="upload by jonathanandcari, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8070/8228072375_e93ce0ae7d.jpg" width="500" height="500" alt="upload"></a><br />
Sleepy man.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50792098@N00/8228112977/" title="Bebe foot! by jonathanandcari, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8201/8228112977_31547e827e.jpg" width="500" height="500" alt="Bebe foot!"></a><br />
Cute BEBE foot. <br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50792098@N00/8229432284/" title="I love it when he crosses his sweet chunky monkey legs while sleeping!!! by jonathanandcari, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8478/8229432284_6f9020220f.jpg" width="500" height="500" alt="I love it when he crosses his sweet chunky monkey legs while sleeping!!!"></a><br />
I love it when he crosses his sweet chunky monkey legs while sleeping!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50792098@N00/8229741267/" title="My sickies by jonathanandcari, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8483/8229741267_35e9800b27.jpg" width="500" height="500" alt="My sickies"></a><br />
And my sickies today :(<br />
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<a href="http://www.nablopomo.com"><img src="https://www.blogher.com/files/NaBloPoMo_teaser.jpg" alt="NaBloPoMo November 2012" height="150" width="175"></a><br />
</center>mommatojoahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12955857317419452729noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6275437940690893976.post-83009077988631935952012-11-28T22:28:00.002-07:002012-11-28T22:28:42.214-07:00Vlogging???? #NaBloPoMo<center>I have come to the conclusion that I can not vlog. <br />
I have tried and tried again, yet I am ALWAYS too embarrassed to upload it. <br />
I always delete it as soon as I am done watching it. <br />
<br />
Has anyone else felt this way?<br />
Any tips for vlogging?? <br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.nablopomo.com"><img src="https://www.blogher.com/files/NaBloPoMo_teaser.jpg" alt="NaBloPoMo November 2012" height="150" width="175"></a></center>mommatojoahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12955857317419452729noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6275437940690893976.post-71106700579331714112012-11-27T21:38:00.000-07:002012-11-27T21:38:22.353-07:00Sick Again #NaBloPoMo<center>What an awful time to get the stomach flu...<br />
I have had a hard time the past couple days with feeling sick... <br />
Today was by far the worst. Judah was sick too :( He is already feeling better though, thank goodness. I hate seeing my babies sick!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50792098@N00/8221487807/" title="Tryin' to escape! by jonathanandcari, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8204/8221487807_181ce36459.jpg" width="500" height="500" alt="Tryin' to escape!"></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50792098@N00/8222715496/" title="Grumpy butt. Has his daddy's grumpy face by jonathanandcari, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8481/8222715496_4f5e5dd4ca.jpg" width="500" height="500" alt="Grumpy butt. Has his daddy's grumpy face"></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50792098@N00/8222747296/" title="Silly Ora Koryn by jonathanandcari, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8206/8222747296_321f2405ac.jpg" width="500" height="500" alt="Silly Ora Koryn"></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.nablopomo.com"><img src="https://www.blogher.com/files/NaBloPoMo_teaser.jpg" alt="NaBloPoMo November 2012" height="150" width="175"></a></center>mommatojoahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12955857317419452729noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6275437940690893976.post-40207589016721169252012-11-26T20:35:00.000-07:002012-11-26T20:42:23.330-07:00Sorrowful Weekend #NaBloPoMo<center><a href="http://synfullydelicious.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1158.photobucket.com/albums/p615/synfullydelicious1/Blog%20Design%20by%20CLS/200x200-TWI.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />
<br />
<b>This weekend I....</b>attended my friend's 2 1/2 year old sons funeral. <br />
It was tough. <br />
Sammy and TJ lost their beautiful boy Bram when he was hit by a car flying through a parking lot when they were going to get family photos taken.<br />
<br />
http://kdvr.com/2012/11/17/family-ids-little-boy-killed-in-aspen-grove-parking-lot/<br />
<br />
<br />
Bram was such a beautiful boy. <br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50792098@N00/8198327022/" title="bram by jonathanandcari, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8209/8198327022_37127451c4.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="bram"></a><br />
<br />
My heart is so torn up for this amazing family. <br />
Sammy and TJ are such amazing parents and love their boys so much.<br />
I can not imagine the pain they must be going through. <br />
Sammy posts a few thing on her facebook about her grief, but I know that what she is posting isn't even the tip of the iceberg of pain she is feeling. <br />
<br />
On Saturday they had a balloon release before his funeral. <br />
On the day Bram was born there was some debate on what time he was born, some thought 11:06 and others 11:08. <br />
<br />
Last Saturday, the day he was taken from this world, he passed and was born into Heaven at 11:07. <br />
<br />
His parents and brothers released their balloons at exactly 11:07 a week after losing their beautiful boy. <br />
<br />
It was a beautiful release and once all the balloons were in the air someone caught a picture of the balloons that floated up and formed a heart.<br />
I don't think it was a coincidence.<br />
I believe it was a sign for God to show all the love Bram brought to everyone.<br />
<br />
Here are photos I took:<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50792098@N00/8218779811/" title="1 by jonathanandcari, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8203/8218779811_1496852a0c.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="1"></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50792098@N00/8219860346/" title="2 by jonathanandcari, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8350/8219860346_ff89a57f97.jpg" width="333" height="500" alt="2"></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50792098@N00/8219860292/" title="3 by jonathanandcari, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8202/8219860292_b519a1cd40.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="3"></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50792098@N00/8218779619/" title="4 by jonathanandcari, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8348/8218779619_7b13491f0c.jpg" width="333" height="500" alt="4"></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50792098@N00/8218779565/" title="5 by jonathanandcari, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8344/8218779565_461b237274.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="5"></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50792098@N00/8219860110/" title="6 by jonathanandcari, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8347/8219860110_8e60d051e4.jpg" width="333" height="500" alt="6"></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50792098@N00/8219859484/" title="7 by jonathanandcari, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8209/8219859484_9a923c9c1f.jpg" width="333" height="500" alt="7"></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50792098@N00/8218779455/" title="8 by jonathanandcari, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8479/8218779455_cced2136fd.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="8"></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50792098@N00/8219859964/" title="9 by jonathanandcari, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8197/8219859964_f2844d299e.jpg" width="333" height="500" alt="9"></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50792098@N00/8219859890/" title="10 by jonathanandcari, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8346/8219859890_7c0efa507f.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="10"></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50792098@N00/8218779309/" title="11 by jonathanandcari, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8210/8218779309_343311e650.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="11"></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50792098@N00/8223133138/" title="big6 by jonathanandcari, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8349/8223133138_903ae91d28.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="big6"></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50792098@N00/8218779257/" title="12 by jonathanandcari, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8063/8218779257_f78523b2cc.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="12"></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50792098@N00/8219859758/" title="13 by jonathanandcari, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8487/8219859758_4ca857c6af.jpg" width="333" height="500" alt="13"></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50792098@N00/8218779151/" title="14 by jonathanandcari, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8343/8218779151_fb394d08a3.jpg" width="333" height="500" alt="14"></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50792098@N00/8219859684/" title="15 by jonathanandcari, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8207/8219859684_c2db05621c.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="15"></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50792098@N00/8219859618/" title="16 by jonathanandcari, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8063/8219859618_2f97ddeb2c.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="16"></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50792098@N00/8218779017/" title="17 by jonathanandcari, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8199/8218779017_23a9a279d8.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="17"></a><br />
This was a skit they did showing how it is not scary to go to Heaven. <br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50792098@N00/8218778969/" title="18 by jonathanandcari, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8479/8218778969_a0d08fc811.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="18"></a><br />
TJ <br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50792098@N00/8218778865/" title="19 by jonathanandcari, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8201/8218778865_41956f51ec.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="19"></a><br />
Sammy<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50792098@N00/8223132060/" title="big14 by jonathanandcari, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8200/8223132060_1c5f3175e0_c.jpg" width="588" height="800" alt="big14"></a><br />
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Please keep this amazing, beautiful family in your prayers. <br />
Pray for Sammy and TJ in their time of grief and pray for their boys, Tatum, Kaleb and Alden as they lost their brother. <br />
<br />
Pray for healing.<br />
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<a href="http://www.nablopomo.com"><img src="https://www.blogher.com/files/NaBloPoMo_teaser.jpg" alt="NaBloPoMo November 2012" height="150" width="175"></a><br />
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<center><a
href="http://andthen-shesnapped.com" target="_blank"><img alt="and
then, she {snapped}"
src="http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j52/drexgal/and%20then%20she%20snapped/showoffbutton.jpg"
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mommatojoahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12955857317419452729noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6275437940690893976.post-29127800167054647232012-11-25T21:31:00.000-07:002012-11-25T21:31:24.509-07:00Fun day #NaBloPoMo<center>Today we had a fun day. <br />
Judah, Ora and myself went to my parents house!<br />
We had so much fun making Salt Dough Ornaments and playing with the scraps :)<br />
<br />
I got each of the kids hand prints, our cats paw prints, all the dogs (-1) over at my parents and other little random ones! <br />
<br />
I did not take pictures of them yet because they are not complete!<br />
<br />
I still need to seal them and have the kiddos paint them. <br />
<br />
I am excited to show the end results, but that won't be until next weekend or so when I get the money for paint and sealant. <br />
<br />
Here are a few pictures I took today!<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50792098@N00/8218179831/" title="My big boy. He is growing way too fast! by jonathanandcari, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8344/8218179831_415752d3f8.jpg" width="500" height="500" alt="My big boy. He is growing way too fast!"></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50792098@N00/8218864352/" title="Gorgeous girl! by jonathanandcari, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8487/8218864352_87f7b52c71.jpg" width="500" height="500" alt="Gorgeous girl!"></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50792098@N00/8219289374/" title="So adorable:) by jonathanandcari, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8348/8219289374_7ee5dfa17f.jpg" width="500" height="500" alt="So adorable:)"></a><br />
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<br />
I have some pictures from Bram's memorial service but I am going to ask for permission to post all of them. <br />
Continue to keep this family in your prayers!<br />
<br />
Oh and also, I am going to start my first class tomorrow. I am excited to use my brain again. It's so bored and rusty... <br />
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<a href="http://www.nablopomo.com"><img src="https://www.blogher.com/files/NaBloPoMo_teaser.jpg" alt="NaBloPoMo November 2012" height="150" width="175"></a></center>mommatojoahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12955857317419452729noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6275437940690893976.post-13318566736890425152012-11-25T00:09:00.000-07:002012-11-25T00:09:09.930-07:00Balloon Release #NaBloPoMo<center>Today was little Brams balloon release and funeral.<br />
His parents are so strong and amazing. <br />
I wish I could just take the pain away!<br />
<br />
The most I can do is to continue to pray for peace in this time of mourning!<br />
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When all the balloons were let go of, they formed a heart for a brief moment, I do not think it was a coincidence either. <br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50792098@N00/8216510432/" title="heart by jonathanandcari, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8202/8216510432_0b6dc5c6d9.jpg" width="306" height="306" alt="heart"></a><br />
So glad someone caught this beautiful photo! <br />
<br />
I also recorded the family letting go of their balloons first. <br />
They were sent up at exactly 11:07. <br />
When Bram was born there was actually a bit of a mix up. <br />
Some people said he was born at 11:06 and some say 11:08.<br />
Last Saturday when the tragic accident happened Bram was born into Heaven at 11:07! <br />
<br />
Such a wonderful family. They are some of the most LOVING families I have ever met. <br />
They want everyone to love fearlessly like little Bram did. <br />
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<iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/P8of8_bQDOI" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br />
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<a href="http://www.nablopomo.com"><img src="https://www.blogher.com/files/NaBloPoMo_teaser.jpg" alt="NaBloPoMo November 2012" height="150" width="175"></a></center>mommatojoahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12955857317419452729noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6275437940690893976.post-5988655027070874922012-11-23T20:31:00.002-07:002012-11-25T00:08:05.694-07:00sick #NaBloPoMo<center>Feeling very ill. Can't do a big post.<br />
Tomorrow is Brams funeral. I hope I feel well enough to go.<br />
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<a href="http://www.nablopomo.com"><img src="https://www.blogher.com/files/NaBloPoMo_teaser.jpg" alt="NaBloPoMo November 2012" height="150" width="175"></a></center>mommatojoahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12955857317419452729noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6275437940690893976.post-79896009765664118302012-11-22T23:39:00.000-07:002012-11-25T00:07:48.783-07:00Happy Thanksgiving! #NaBloPoMo<center>The beginning of the day was not so hot. <br />
I slept until about noon because, well I was exhausted. <br />
<br />
Jonathan woke up sick with a tummy bug of some sort, so that threw our original plans for the evening out the window.<br />
<br />
My dear friend Toni invited me and the kids over for dinner since we weren't going to be doing anything.<br />
Of course I took her up on the offer as I love her and don't see her nearly enough. She is also an amazing cook ;)<br />
<br />
So we had roast, mashed potatoes, green beans, delicious made from scratch stuffing and for desert we had delicious sweet potato "pie". <br />
Toni described it as sweet potato casserole since it didn't have a crust. <br />
It was all gluten and dairy free and it was amazing!!!<br />
<br />
While we were over there Ari attempted to kill himself. <br />
He crawled up and down the stairs a lot as we were right there.<br />
Well, he got upstairs and decided he wanted to crawl/slither backward to try ang go under the railing.<br />
I got under him but had no idea how to catch him because he was coming down feet first!<br />
<br />
I yelled "SOMEONE HELP"! <br />
Luckily Judah wasn't in lalaland like he normally is and ran over and wrapped his arm around Ari's bottom and pulled him back up. <br />
No more going upstairs anymore over at Toni's because of this. At least not without an adult right there to follow him around. <br />
<br />
The problem is, is Ari is completely FEARLESS!<br />
Nothing scares him. He will climb everything and do so many things that a baby his age should NOT be doing yet. <br />
<br />
He takes after my husbands cousin Peter. <br />
Peter was born premature. He was a micropreemie baby, born at home.<br />
He should not have made it, but his momma wrapped him in foil to help him maintain body heat and they rushed to the hospital.<br />
Despite all the things that happened he lived! He was a survivor. <br />
Peter, like Ari, was fearless. <br />
Peter later in life took up rock climbing. <br />
One day he and two friends went up to do some rock climbing. <br />
<br />
Peter was belaying his friend when rock began falling. <br />
The friend who was not belaying or climbing ran for cover.<br />
Peter too could have run to protect himself, but he knew that if he had done that, his friend climbing would have been killed.<br />
Peter gave his life for his friend that day! <br />
<br />
Peter made the ultimate sacrifice for his friend.<br />
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<b>"Greater love has no one than this, <br />
that he lay down his life for his friends."</b> <br />
- <i>Jesus Christ</i><br />
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If you would like to read more of Peters story <a href="http://www.srcfc.org/Good-News/Peter-Terbush-Story/">click here</a><br />
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Well I am quite sleepy and I have another Thanksgiving Celebration tomorrow so I should get some rest, but here are some photos from today!<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50792098@N00/8210528744/" title="My gorgeous and amazing friend who was a great host tonight. Miss Toni Kaye:) by jonathanandcari, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8348/8210528744_87f1807edd.jpg" width="500" height="500" alt="My gorgeous and amazing friend who was a great host tonight. Miss Toni Kaye:)"></a><br />
My gorgeous and amazing friend who was a great host tonight. Miss Toni Kaye:)<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50792098@N00/8210510062/" title="Ari Patrick says "jfesgkjfvhhdstunfdyuvphpga" I am pretty sure that means "Happy Thanksgiving" by jonathanandcari, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8200/8210510062_fbd3c903ef.jpg" width="500" height="500" alt="Ari Patrick says "jfesgkjfvhhdstunfdyuvphpga" I am pretty sure that means "Happy Thanksgiving""></a><br />
Ari Patrick says "jfesgkjfvhhdstunfdyuvphpga" I am pretty sure that means "Happy Thanksgiving"<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50792098@N00/8209510343/" title="Happy Thanksgiving!!!! From Ora by jonathanandcari, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8069/8209510343_eafbc3c873.jpg" width="500" height="500" alt="Happy Thanksgiving!!!! From Ora"></a><br />
Happy Thanksgiving!!!! From Ora<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50792098@N00/8209552605/" title="Dreaming that he is saying "Happy Thanksgiving" by jonathanandcari, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8068/8209552605_4ede1aeddd.jpg" width="500" height="500" alt="Dreaming that he is saying "Happy Thanksgiving""></a><br />
Dreaming that he is saying "Happy Thanksgiving"<br />
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<a href="http://www.nablopomo.com"><img src="https://www.blogher.com/files/NaBloPoMo_teaser.jpg" alt="NaBloPoMo November 2012" height="150" width="175"></a></center>mommatojoahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12955857317419452729noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6275437940690893976.post-83026861365091647272012-11-21T23:00:00.000-07:002012-11-21T23:00:51.177-07:00Judah got his ear pierced! Benefit For Bram! #NaBloPoMo<center>On Saturday we stopped by Sally's Beauty Supply store.<br />
They have self ear piercing kits and I asked Ora if she wanted to get her ears pierced.<br />
She was not into it at all, but Judah on the other hand wanted to.<br />
I bought a kit, but was later talked out of it when Jonathan decided to scare the crap outta him.<br />
Then I remembered I have metal allergies and have to wear gold, white gold or tungsten or else I get rashes that itch like no other, water blisters and pain. <br />
<br />
The kit I purchased was gold plated, and that just wasn't going to cut it so I decided against using the kit. <br />
On Sunday after picking the kiddos up from Nana's we stopped by the mall and into Claire's where we got Judahs ear pierced. <br />
<br />
After getting the first one done he didn't want to get the other one done right away. <br />
I was going to wait for him to collect himself, but again Jonathan stepped in and basically rushed us out. <br />
<br />
Of course as soon as we were leaving Judah was asking about getting his other ear pierced. <br />
I told him it was going to be quite a while before we would be able to do it because it cost us $50 for the earring, cleaner and piercing. <br />
He told me he wished that he had gotten the other one done. :/<br />
<br />
Also, here is something Judah shared with daddy then later wanted to share on the interwebs :)<br />
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<iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/2ff1tueFjf4" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br />
<br />
<br />
On a side note, I attended a Benefit for Bram dinner. <br />
I knew no one there, but that is ok. <br />
I know TJ, Samantha and their other three boys need time to grieve.<br />
I was there to support them and to let them know that I care. <br />
I pray that God heals their souls and gives them peace in this difficult time. <br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50792098@N00/8207536332/" title="Benefit For Bram. Love to his sweet family! by jonathanandcari, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8070/8207536332_f580088a61.jpg" width="500" height="500" alt="Benefit For Bram. Love to his sweet family!"></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.nablopomo.com"><img src="https://www.blogher.com/files/NaBloPoMo_teaser.jpg" alt="NaBloPoMo November 2012" height="150" width="175"></a></center>mommatojoahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12955857317419452729noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6275437940690893976.post-18880727005611300552012-11-20T22:27:00.000-07:002012-11-21T22:59:08.920-07:00Interrogation...<center>Interrogation!<br />
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<iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/PSuaOyS9M58" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></center>mommatojoahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12955857317419452729noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6275437940690893976.post-30045461363659001792012-11-20T21:24:00.000-07:002012-11-20T21:24:06.410-07:0030 Days of Thanksgiving 11-20 #NaBloPoMo<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50792098@N00/8174958262/" title="30 Days of Thanksgiving- Day 11 by jonathanandcari, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8485/8174958262_d4e04a749c.jpg" width="500" height="500" alt="30 Days of Thanksgiving- Day 11"></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50792098@N00/8180293785/" title="30 Days Of Thanksgiving- Day 12 by jonathanandcari, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8345/8180293785_a7820f8b3f.jpg" width="500" height="500" alt="30 Days Of Thanksgiving- Day 12"></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50792098@N00/8183265392/" title="30 Days of Thanksgiving- Day 13 by jonathanandcari, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8064/8183265392_e4e0444a45.jpg" width="500" height="500" alt="30 Days of Thanksgiving- Day 13"></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50792098@N00/8186352187/" title="30 Days Of Thanksgiving- Day 14 by jonathanandcari, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8199/8186352187_440a2b52b9.jpg" width="500" height="500" alt="30 Days Of Thanksgiving- Day 14"></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50792098@N00/8188634929/" title="30 Days of Thanksgiving-Day 15 by jonathanandcari, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8065/8188634929_c361c74245.jpg" width="500" height="500" alt="30 Days of Thanksgiving-Day 15"></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50792098@N00/8191151483/" title="Day 16. Piece of crap day by jonathanandcari, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8489/8191151483_3c68f56acb.jpg" width="500" height="500" alt="Day 16. Piece of crap day"></a><br />
(I was having a bad day emotionally. I get into these funks where I feel like there is nothing to be thankful for because I convince myself that everyone hates me. When I say everyone I mean it. Including my kids. I think my kids hate me on some days)<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50792098@N00/8194426900/" title="30 Days of Thanksgiving- Day 17 by jonathanandcari, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8199/8194426900_c8c0712c2f.jpg" width="500" height="500" alt="30 Days of Thanksgiving- Day 17"></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50792098@N00/8197970727/" title="30 Days of Thanksgiving- Day18 by jonathanandcari, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8484/8197970727_d07a715f4f.jpg" width="500" height="500" alt="30 Days of Thanksgiving- Day18"></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50792098@N00/8200635523/" title="30 Days of Thanksgiving- Day 19 by jonathanandcari, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8064/8200635523_9896189ca9.jpg" width="500" height="500" alt="30 Days of Thanksgiving- Day 19"></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50792098@N00/8203668458/" title="30 Days of Thanksgiving- Day 20 by jonathanandcari, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8489/8203668458_fa08c50fca.jpg" width="500" height="500" alt="30 Days of Thanksgiving- Day 20"></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.nablopomo.com"><img src="https://www.blogher.com/files/NaBloPoMo_teaser.jpg" alt="NaBloPoMo November 2012" height="150" width="175"></a><br />
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</center>mommatojoahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12955857317419452729noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6275437940690893976.post-67888734063280392542012-11-20T11:05:00.000-07:002012-11-20T21:23:13.402-07:00My breastfeeding experiences.. <center>(This part I wrote back when Judah was still nursing) "I always knew I wanted to breastfeed my children. My mom breastfed all of her 4 girls. My mother in law breastfed my husband up until he as 10 months old and her milk dried up. She then breastfed my sister in law until she was two years old. <br />
<br />
So when I found out I was pregnant it wasn't even a concern in my book. It never crossed my mind. <br />
Breast is best and that is what my son was going to get when he was born for at least a year.<br />
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My son was almost two months early. He was born on May 26, 2006 even though he was due on July 17, 2006. This caused a few complications in my plan to breastfeed but I was determined to do it no matter what it took. Judah was in the NICU for two weeks and two days and I went up to the hospital everyday and we tried and tried to get him to nurse but my nipples and boobs were just too large for for his little preemie mouth to latch. So we started him on a preemie bottle with expressed breast milk. <br />
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The bottle seemed to work fine so we decided that it would be best to keep him on the bottle with EBM for as long as it was needed. Also we were fortifying the breastmilk with the extra caloric formula just so he would gain the weight that was needed. What we did was just added a scoop of the formula to a bottle full of EBM. Judah came home drinking from the bottle and I continued to put Judah to the breast at every chance I had. When he wanted to eat it was breast first then a bottle, when he wanted to just suck on something he was at the breast, sometimes randomly between I would encourage him to nurse so that he could get all the practice he needed.<br />
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During this time of pumping and attempting to get him to nurse I got more plugged ducts than I could even start to count. I got a nursing blister and the plugged ducts led to recurring mastitis. I suffered from mastitis three times in 3 months. These were the most miserable three months of my breastfeeding experience. <br />
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During my third case of mastitis I remember calling my mom telling her that I want to give Judah the best and that I felt I just couldn't keep up with this whole breastfeeding thing because of the recurring mastitis. I felt like I was going to be a failure if I quit. I knew deep down in my heart that I did not want to stop. I did not want to give up and give Judah formula. I KNEW that my milk is what was best for him, and with him being premature it made me want to breastfeed even more because of his fragile immune system. <br />
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The first three months were the worst three months because of the continuous pumping, nursing blister, engorgement, plugged ducts and mastitis. Over the next two months Judah actually started nursing more and more. He was getting bigger and stronger, and even though he would get tired more quickly at the breast he was enjoying it just as much as I was. <br />
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Around the 5 month mark he actually came off of the bottle and started nursing exclusively! <br />
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I was thrilled and overjoyed that I could experience that sweet mother to child bond that I had been missing out on the first five months of my sons life!<br />
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Judah is now 21 months old and is still nursing. <br />
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I plan to nurse him until his little brother or sister is born in August of 2008. <br />
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Nursing while pregnant isn't too much of an easy task when your breasts and nipples are so sore from the pregnancy. I also plan to tandem nurse when this baby arrives. I will update this post once baby #2 is born to keep track of how my nursing is going once baby is here!"<br />
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I ended up weaning Judah at 22 months as he was only nursing at night and was waking up every couple of hours to nurse and my milk was already dried up. <br />
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Ora was born August 22, 2008. I was going to breastfeed her no matter what. It was not easy the second time around. It took Ora 3 months to latch to the breast. <br />
So I was pumping regularly and putting her to the breast every chance I got. <br />
It was pretty similar to my experience with Judah except I never got mastitis. <br />
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I nursed Ora until she was 15 months and stopped because she was waking up several times a night.<br />
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Ariah was born May 10, 2011. <br />
Due to medication I had to take I was not able to nurse him. I felt awful and felt like he got the short end of the stick, but he is happy and healthy :) </center>mommatojoahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12955857317419452729noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6275437940690893976.post-91487412064624662882012-11-19T08:19:00.001-07:002012-11-20T21:23:05.503-07:00Seven Years Ago... #NaBloPoMo<center>Seven years ago today my dad walked me down the isle and gave me away.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50792098@N00/8199158273/" title="dadwalkdownisle by jonathanandcari, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8205/8199158273_71ce135820.jpg" width="342" height="500" alt="dadwalkdownisle"></a><br />
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Seven years ago today I was a bride to be...<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50792098@N00/8200250118/" title="me by jonathanandcari, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8199/8200250118_d9b7c6d6e0.jpg" width="479" height="500" alt="me"></a><br />
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Seven years ago today I left my parents to cleave to my husband...<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50792098@N00/8199158385/" title="bridewparents by jonathanandcari, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8483/8199158385_ff45d8fd37.jpg" width="418" height="500" alt="bridewparents"></a><br />
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Seven years ago today we gathered with friends and family to celebrate our union...<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50792098@N00/8200249944/" title="wholegroup by jonathanandcari, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8483/8200249944_5ffc7ff649.jpg" width="500" height="341" alt="wholegroup"></a><br />
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Seven years ago today we exchanged vows....<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50792098@N00/8200250160/" title="exchangingvows by jonathanandcari, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8206/8200250160_b31f662e50.jpg" width="388" height="449" alt="exchangingvows"></a><br />
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Seven years ago today we exchanged rings...<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50792098@N00/8199158181/" title="hands by jonathanandcari, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8346/8199158181_f8eab884c0.jpg" width="444" height="500" alt="hands"></a><br />
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Seven years ago I became Mrs. Jonathan David Terbush...<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50792098@N00/8200249990/" title="cutcake by jonathanandcari, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8202/8200249990_745a87a0b4.jpg" width="402" height="500" alt="cutcake"></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50792098@N00/8199158241/" title="drinkarmslink by jonathanandcari, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8346/8199158241_11f0571079.jpg" width="500" height="479" alt="drinkarmslink"></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50792098@N00/8199158087/" title="removingofgarter by jonathanandcari, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8059/8199158087_2413f25100.jpg" width="500" height="400" alt="removingofgarter"></a><br />
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Thank you Jonathan for putting up with me for the past seven years.<br />
I know we have had our up and downs.<br />
It seems we have had more downs than ups, but we have fought our way through the years and today we celebrate one more year of being married. <br />
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<a href="http://www.nablopomo.com"><img src="https://www.blogher.com/files/NaBloPoMo_teaser.jpg" alt="NaBloPoMo November 2012" height="150" width="175"></a></center>mommatojoahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12955857317419452729noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6275437940690893976.post-36962064792882443552012-11-18T16:41:00.000-07:002012-11-20T21:46:36.968-07:00Sorrow... #NaBloPoMo<center>It is with great sadness that I have this subject to even post about. <br />
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My friend Sammy lost her beautiful 2 year old son, Bram, in a tragic accident.<br />
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He was hit by a car in a parking lot in Littleton. <br />
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I can't even put into words the sorrow I feel for Sammy and her family. Bram was taken too soon!<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50792098@N00/8198327022/" title="bram by jonathanandcari, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8209/8198327022_37127451c4.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="bram"></a><br />
Such a beautiful little boy. <br />
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He has three brothers as well and I can't even imagine how they are coping with the loss of their brother as well. <br />
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This poor family is one of the BEST, loving, caring and sweet families I have ever met. <br />
Sammy is an amazing mommy to her four boys. She is a midwifery student and an advocate for Trust Birth. <br />
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Her family is having a very rough time being without their little man this holiday season so PLEASE keep them in your prayers!<br />
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I can't even imagine the pain they are going through as the sorrow I feel for this beautiful family has completely thrown my off kilter. <br />
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I do not have the words to say to help this family through this hard time. I just want them to know that they have me praying for them and a whole group of prayer warriors praying for them! <br />
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<a href="http://www.nablopomo.com"><img src="https://www.blogher.com/files/NaBloPoMo_teaser.jpg" alt="NaBloPoMo November 2012" height="150" width="175"></a></center>mommatojoahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12955857317419452729noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6275437940690893976.post-1341541163498800772012-11-17T21:54:00.000-07:002012-11-20T21:22:34.123-07:00Date Night #NaBloPoMo<center>Date night. The hubby and I have all night to just hang out.<br />
We are celebrating nearly 7 years of marriage.<br />
The 19th marks 7 years.<br />
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We had some sushi went to see "Cloud Atlas".<br />
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I was pleasantly surprised with it.<br />
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<a href="http://www.nablopomo.com"><img src="https://www.blogher.com/files/NaBloPoMo_teaser.jpg" alt="NaBloPoMo November 2012" height="150" width="175"></a></center>mommatojoahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12955857317419452729noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6275437940690893976.post-28257407375964538022012-11-16T22:15:00.000-07:002012-11-16T22:15:07.146-07:00He Walks!!! #NaBloPoMo<center>Today has been a pretty crazy day with Jonathan volunteering in Judah's class and my father-in-laws book release party. <br />
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After several long months of being slightly irritated that my 18 month old was not walking, it all changed tonight. <br />
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While at the book release party there was a foyer with the most gorgeous chandelier (I got some pictures of it) and on the floor there was a sort of maze. <br />
As we were waiting for everything to get set up I was letting the kids run around and try to figure out the maze. <br />
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Well, guess who decided he wanted to keep up with his brother and sister FINALLY!<br />
That's right. My Mr. Ari Patrick. <br />
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I was lucky enough to get it on video!<br />
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<iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/sJvZUozw0Io" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br />
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<a href="http://www.nablopomo.com"><img src="https://www.blogher.com/files/NaBloPoMo_teaser.jpg" alt="NaBloPoMo November 2012" height="150" width="175"></a></center>mommatojoahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12955857317419452729noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6275437940690893976.post-15140481175436774862012-11-15T21:13:00.000-07:002012-11-16T22:15:39.004-07:00Mommy and Ora #embracethecamera<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50792098@N00/8188977021/" title="Ora and Mommy. #embracethecamera by jonathanandcari, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8201/8188977021_c8b35f1532.jpg" width="500" height="500" alt="Ora and Mommy. #embracethecamera"></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.andersonfamilycrew.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" src="http://i54.tinypic.com/15yi6ad.jpg" /></a></center>mommatojoahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12955857317419452729noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6275437940690893976.post-53842180507555058462012-11-15T17:47:00.001-07:002012-11-15T17:47:44.390-07:00I laughed... #WritersWorkshop #NaBloPoMo<center>I am pretty sure this counts. <br />
This is an old video of my Judah. <br />
My sister and I were at Target when we realized Judah was TERRIFIED of the masks.<br />
Being the mom that I am, I thought this was HILARIOUS and recorded it. <br />
I love how he is talking to me, looks to the side and then almost does a double take and jumps before crying! <br />
Oh my word. I hadn't seen this video in a LONG time and when we were watching it this week we all had a good laugh. <br />
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Judah especially thought it was funny. <br />
I have desensitized him since then and now the kid rarely gets scared of anything. <br />
He has not stopped talking about it since watching it :) <br />
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<iframe width="480" height="360" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/aYmqnfRzBQA" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br />
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Did this video make you smile or laugh?<br />
Or did it make you think I am the worst mom in the world?<br />
Leave a comment and let me know!<br />
<br />
I am linking up here:<br />
<a href="http://www.mamakatslosinit.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://i913.photobucket.com/albums/ac331/mamakatslosinit/workshop-button-1.png" alt="Mama’s Losin’ It"/></a></center>mommatojoahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12955857317419452729noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6275437940690893976.post-2773300080613268802012-11-14T10:14:00.000-07:002012-11-14T10:16:41.932-07:0020 Questions with Ora #NaBloPoMo<center><iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/EM_0hqrLePY" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br />
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<a href="http://www.nablopomo.com"><img src="https://www.blogher.com/files/NaBloPoMo_teaser.jpg" alt="NaBloPoMo November 2012" height="150" width="175"></a> </center>mommatojoahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12955857317419452729noreply@blogger.com0