tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-81197373781256736472024-03-05T10:14:55.279-05:00This, My LifeKelly Dahlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05657878717073020612noreply@blogger.comBlogger180125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8119737378125673647.post-47027916736210016042011-05-26T09:45:00.000-04:002011-05-26T09:45:28.032-04:00Muddy Play<i>This post was written a few weeks ago. Unfortunately Blogger has been problematic, and my timing has been bad. Every time I've tried to get this up, Blogger was down. Since then we've had lots more rain and some cold days that necessitated the heat being turned on again. Not very Spring-like. But we are so fortunate to have been spared any catastrophic weather like others around the south and midwest. My heart goes out to those living through the devastation and those who have lost loved ones.</i><br />
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It feels like we skipped over spring and jumped right into summer here in Ohio. We've had a few 80+ days in a row. When it's that hot the garden hose becomes a favorite thing. With all the cold and rain we've had the ground is totally saturated. What does that mean?<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">MUD!!!!!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_6FRKnzzZyjqpNZ7v1IfcyH-FES0XSq76gXG6FiKs6OrEv9GcoWMQwGSCvUDyBZ7Qg6I28gXl4X_oVFFSpqkTLErXMZtWOUsEncVlWEtvU8KB_76rpIlgFlhOXG2ZLh2czUvDFd_WARAO/s1600/IMG_1013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_6FRKnzzZyjqpNZ7v1IfcyH-FES0XSq76gXG6FiKs6OrEv9GcoWMQwGSCvUDyBZ7Qg6I28gXl4X_oVFFSpqkTLErXMZtWOUsEncVlWEtvU8KB_76rpIlgFlhOXG2ZLh2czUvDFd_WARAO/s320/IMG_1013.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Ellery was hesitant at first. Mud between her toes is a new sensation!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLn3f2h_ebQo52aZUU47VP-VL89fIwyQy1-X1hYGUCYK70uVGkvUCDsZWHCWl77dCCkvoqZXYncX5bqPThF8uc4BNmYgzGEa1eUexdkxTwpkMGg7tPQAZZQ7vhG45eQ7Y235npRxZ7f1Vu/s1600/IMG_1018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLn3f2h_ebQo52aZUU47VP-VL89fIwyQy1-X1hYGUCYK70uVGkvUCDsZWHCWl77dCCkvoqZXYncX5bqPThF8uc4BNmYgzGEa1eUexdkxTwpkMGg7tPQAZZQ7vhG45eQ7Y235npRxZ7f1Vu/s320/IMG_1018.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Cooper found a stick that quickly became a crocodile. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The croc is making a move on Ellery's mud puddle.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhptCFN6ajLAJY0OLOLf42ZH1GMLORH7VTYHAyC9VkH92maLmps1Jq1wEAzRA1BHAG5LgeRDUSu4VgYkmFhR1gha5BZr-uB0r28BZQVHbvkZYoAmvLPt56b1Gq1x2_KdS96ceNnnfEXC6X_/s1600/IMG_1021.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhptCFN6ajLAJY0OLOLf42ZH1GMLORH7VTYHAyC9VkH92maLmps1Jq1wEAzRA1BHAG5LgeRDUSu4VgYkmFhR1gha5BZr-uB0r28BZQVHbvkZYoAmvLPt56b1Gq1x2_KdS96ceNnnfEXC6X_/s320/IMG_1021.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The croc prepares to dive into the mud </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(and maybe eat Ellery's toes!).</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDhTotM0PFIUDwIiWrDOnLoaX3cddBtIC5-ORTvSTRlohGkzpkhHOritJrZnHN1ydq_3NEVtMeqC3e9uYNPzUiZ4SVW4Wwh65M9AmpIO3b7MF3v6xd13QCn9jYCuW8P4BjRxtDHYmjNB3i/s1600/IMG_1028.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDhTotM0PFIUDwIiWrDOnLoaX3cddBtIC5-ORTvSTRlohGkzpkhHOritJrZnHN1ydq_3NEVtMeqC3e9uYNPzUiZ4SVW4Wwh65M9AmpIO3b7MF3v6xd13QCn9jYCuW8P4BjRxtDHYmjNB3i/s320/IMG_1028.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">When the kids get wet clothes tend to get discarded. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Here they are resting and soaking up some Vitamin D.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSy68LKwZbOLzT6y0biwcrQhQuN5I-vMNJfikarOMUdA8dBOewG0_8pEvAt2e2y0ednzwY6rZdonaUb5ZcuQSIdfhgEgLNwgZOQAGODGIMr7ds6shEUTmTzy0y6xLtsOmJQ8yB1Njzw-CX/s1600/IMG_1038.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSy68LKwZbOLzT6y0biwcrQhQuN5I-vMNJfikarOMUdA8dBOewG0_8pEvAt2e2y0ednzwY6rZdonaUb5ZcuQSIdfhgEgLNwgZOQAGODGIMr7ds6shEUTmTzy0y6xLtsOmJQ8yB1Njzw-CX/s320/IMG_1038.jpg" width="161" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Ellery lovingly checked in on her resting brother. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">She's stroking his head. The love they share makes my heart melt.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I hope Spring is treating you all well!!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Kelly Dahlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05657878717073020612noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8119737378125673647.post-60090376345575355462011-05-10T21:50:00.000-04:002011-05-10T21:50:59.271-04:00Together AgainA few weeks ago we had an incredible treat: two sets of visitors from our old home, Pittsburgh. For the three years Cooper lived in Pittsburgh we were a part of an amazing play group. The group of mothers became my closest friends, friends closer than any I've had since college. As children grew up and entered elementary school, the play group dissolved a bit. But three of the kids stuck together: Eleanor, Ryder and Cooper. Heather, mom to Eleanor, and Lee, mom to Ryder, lovingly gave me a beautiful shower before Ellery was born and are two of the best friends I could have ever hoped for. Without knowing it, Heather and Lee planned back-to-back trips to Columbus during their preschool spring break. Their visits were the warm rays of sunshine that have been missing from our spring.<br />
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First to arrive were Lee and her two boys Ryder (4) and Keller (2). Ryder and Cooper fell right back into playing as if it had been only a couple days, as opposed to almost 2 years, since they last saw each other. Keller joined in the play, and Ellery did her very best to tag right along with the big boys. While the volume in our house was decidedly louder than usual, it was so refreshing to see the boys cooperating and playing together, independent of the motherly interventions that were such a part of our playdates when the boys were toddlers in Pittsburgh. While the pictures are blurry (since I only have my iTouch camera and seem to have a great deal of difficulty holding still), you can get a taste of the fun had by all.<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv5IOcCtqLLxzqVSNm5DUop12f0u0hjY-EpCZ50kcgRhmQ8lqt2RXxsFt_gO88iPY5mSi2X98PMUXXFLZgMqU8Q6mpiS7KisFz2LXkSpAyI9jWCcF8E5RnBDUrkYLy8yIWoNdhRpLHgNxn/s1600/IMG_0934.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv5IOcCtqLLxzqVSNm5DUop12f0u0hjY-EpCZ50kcgRhmQ8lqt2RXxsFt_gO88iPY5mSi2X98PMUXXFLZgMqU8Q6mpiS7KisFz2LXkSpAyI9jWCcF8E5RnBDUrkYLy8yIWoNdhRpLHgNxn/s400/IMG_0934.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Cooper, Keller and Ryder</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix0Ez6czR6S5hlnj7kWpEOtv4KCF-ei3TPebyPX_KTyqgCjYTBgeU-fqrFNwtHM9h2Hh7lwQP-uO5fdJW9I0Y-_R33zAJNNgmnQ-oFknfbdmRMDyqf7I2rB2z7GM9zAGhrXcL6KS9E048x/s1600/IMG_0946.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix0Ez6czR6S5hlnj7kWpEOtv4KCF-ei3TPebyPX_KTyqgCjYTBgeU-fqrFNwtHM9h2Hh7lwQP-uO5fdJW9I0Y-_R33zAJNNgmnQ-oFknfbdmRMDyqf7I2rB2z7GM9zAGhrXcL6KS9E048x/s400/IMG_0946.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The crew reluctantly sits still long enough to snap a few pictures</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOORAIZQ_q8gmGrPqUCOJLre8XUZpaBNtMhRcXcPi5nidLiypu9GYBgg_Y2zm2vm2LgYFJSRKfcm9D-nyEcDrPuz7Y7qeC9z0Speo4NMc3vUkbiFafUHhodUXvkI5T8B0MBwHibhydnVGp/s1600/IMG_0948.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOORAIZQ_q8gmGrPqUCOJLre8XUZpaBNtMhRcXcPi5nidLiypu9GYBgg_Y2zm2vm2LgYFJSRKfcm9D-nyEcDrPuz7Y7qeC9z0Speo4NMc3vUkbiFafUHhodUXvkI5T8B0MBwHibhydnVGp/s400/IMG_0948.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT5ovClumFrUJ8-7woeVSSG-hdkjKwkrRfN580mWsS8fbW0bVaBFwrz7MfYPFFLjLA4MjWIgWDnE9SEuahAKfgShwYVOplxK5YqmqHEbhGhy36E55RkzSAz6rEdy-sAIpFi2ES8JANE8ie/s1600/IMG_0955.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT5ovClumFrUJ8-7woeVSSG-hdkjKwkrRfN580mWsS8fbW0bVaBFwrz7MfYPFFLjLA4MjWIgWDnE9SEuahAKfgShwYVOplxK5YqmqHEbhGhy36E55RkzSAz6rEdy-sAIpFi2ES8JANE8ie/s400/IMG_0955.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Ellery and Keller run.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Next, Heather and Eleanor arrived, over-lapping their visit with the others for about half an hour. It was utterly surreal to see Cooper, Ryder, and Eleanor, along with Keller and Ellery all in our front yard. We sadly said good-bye to Lee, Ryder and Keller and Cooper and Eleanor quickly fell into step.<br />
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Eleanor and Cooper shared a special closeness when we lived in Pittsburgh. When Cooper was just 1, Eleanor used to feed him pretzels by hand. We saw Heather and Eleanor just about every week, and our friendship runs deep. After we moved, Eleanor still held a special place in Cooper's heart. The first Christmas after we moved here Cooper thought he spotted Eleanor at church, and tried desperately to catch up with her, only to have his heart break a little when he realized it wasn't her.<br />
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The pictures, though blurry, show how these two feel about each other. An amazing friendship indeed.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-lxMIgTP3Dw24rhTs6MR4O84APIeTWYFLcbQPvXglqG3SL2Lw_k0jy2YyzX4X_Wh45t53oXj2FbbcLFVGDr6VWBh5kWPXetQcgewP5OzCPDZretsXbJCXfGwpB1-wSUUj6GfB-vms6MPj/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-lxMIgTP3Dw24rhTs6MR4O84APIeTWYFLcbQPvXglqG3SL2Lw_k0jy2YyzX4X_Wh45t53oXj2FbbcLFVGDr6VWBh5kWPXetQcgewP5OzCPDZretsXbJCXfGwpB1-wSUUj6GfB-vms6MPj/s400/photo.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgea36i9DCHf2VczQ0mk3FHf9czxL-YBZEY_nqsSJEyHQM7NLD8QdlpOtfmcF6U7EPwT995-iMaDTP027sIIUm7Z8hMUDvzVVvHAAz3KQwXodBhvCrKvya-WhbjXM3iIr7Qwc4PMQUaYx_F/s1600/park.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgea36i9DCHf2VczQ0mk3FHf9czxL-YBZEY_nqsSJEyHQM7NLD8QdlpOtfmcF6U7EPwT995-iMaDTP027sIIUm7Z8hMUDvzVVvHAAz3KQwXodBhvCrKvya-WhbjXM3iIr7Qwc4PMQUaYx_F/s400/park.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Don't you wish you could hear what they are talking about?!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiemz4yxw6HmQ9dVSKxG8zn7Ml5eTrKuU9UcG6z_61sosWGSz9wppWjXxpkpobk1ChBW8m1KIJEK3_PfvCEo5vqv6yh6wNaOxOrLj7XF6pNOAlc2UAE3hQtIEot0mJqwmE7a0mti9q8lzjj/s1600/IMG_0959.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiemz4yxw6HmQ9dVSKxG8zn7Ml5eTrKuU9UcG6z_61sosWGSz9wppWjXxpkpobk1ChBW8m1KIJEK3_PfvCEo5vqv6yh6wNaOxOrLj7XF6pNOAlc2UAE3hQtIEot0mJqwmE7a0mti9q8lzjj/s400/IMG_0959.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Serious Lego builders</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdWojc8U9vEnxEsdBv0nFbbffr4YhgV1_4wXUI-XVkY6BuKJgBFbj4G6WeB3Cc9ymY0Snkz94yq-pjaiPLBuP1wvzVMmwGanQK8O04jDSUuVKLPVeNlcO1gKztz4sVOSF_refDM2nITCHz/s1600/IMG_0964.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdWojc8U9vEnxEsdBv0nFbbffr4YhgV1_4wXUI-XVkY6BuKJgBFbj4G6WeB3Cc9ymY0Snkz94yq-pjaiPLBuP1wvzVMmwGanQK8O04jDSUuVKLPVeNlcO1gKztz4sVOSF_refDM2nITCHz/s400/IMG_0964.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Cooper shared many hugs</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0n9xRQ3s2cw-tAbiqHsnbbMNmViEpL0bqGWtqP-HbIatFL9s-xp6Pj2m5UrCECpU3ta-7VxJ7lcQlEGSdRq4OHqdJVMQdjD0rf2wGCTLNf3QJ9vXfAEFgYja1txJuW9Gb2yUa4l8ahvWA/s1600/IMG_0965.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0n9xRQ3s2cw-tAbiqHsnbbMNmViEpL0bqGWtqP-HbIatFL9s-xp6Pj2m5UrCECpU3ta-7VxJ7lcQlEGSdRq4OHqdJVMQdjD0rf2wGCTLNf3QJ9vXfAEFgYja1txJuW9Gb2yUa4l8ahvWA/s400/IMG_0965.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I think you can see here that Eleanor didn't mind too much.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjENxSi-NcjLo1qzDfb8GGX82OeON2MPiLksb-XjyL6bxs1Oo7vxlDFUGXlDx64ja3amheXgVtUPzOBITt7K-OPVP-oabUoOptSkNi0lEEYPqac3Vp5TI_NEOr6wJqkAjeuTWI2GACCmfBj/s1600/IMG_0968.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjENxSi-NcjLo1qzDfb8GGX82OeON2MPiLksb-XjyL6bxs1Oo7vxlDFUGXlDx64ja3amheXgVtUPzOBITt7K-OPVP-oabUoOptSkNi0lEEYPqac3Vp5TI_NEOr6wJqkAjeuTWI2GACCmfBj/s400/IMG_0968.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This is what Cooper looks like when he sees Eleanor.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7JPbxJ8Y5mJSHMWpRybC3Igx7a8OFvPaqwKweDwWEyp6WvuDW_ZAlLBBMVWXtJlqzs4bucTtAz8f1KRO01iA2RJBO-mvchQxL5GTSxQHGVOf2M3mXBvWlUF3Sj0FNb7_16Wfsy8wHitEU/s1600/IMG_0973.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7JPbxJ8Y5mJSHMWpRybC3Igx7a8OFvPaqwKweDwWEyp6WvuDW_ZAlLBBMVWXtJlqzs4bucTtAz8f1KRO01iA2RJBO-mvchQxL5GTSxQHGVOf2M3mXBvWlUF3Sj0FNb7_16Wfsy8wHitEU/s400/IMG_0973.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Happy kids.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And then, before I knew it, it was time to say good-bye to Heather and Eleanor. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Saying good-bye was incredibly difficult for me. I loved the picture I got of what our friendships, and our kids' friendships, would have been like if we hadn't moved away from Pittsburgh. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">When we moved from Pittsburgh to Ohio there were so many things to worry about. There was packing, cleaning, so many details, along with being a mom to a 3 year old and a 3 month old. I was also excited to be reunited with Erik, who had moved 6 weeks earlier. In retrospect, I didn't really let myself say good-bye to my friends, to really let it sink in what I was leaving behind. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">When Lee and Heather left our home in Columbus to return to their homes in Pittsburgh, my heart cracked open and I said both the good-bye I never said when we moved along with the tough good-bye that seeing them again necessitated.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Thank you Lee and Heather for coming to visit. It was amazing to have you here.Thank you for your friendship. Thank you for sharing your incredible children with me and my children. We will have to do it again soon. Girls weekend?</div></div>Kelly Dahlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05657878717073020612noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8119737378125673647.post-38926319261132935302011-04-27T23:00:00.000-04:002011-04-27T23:00:39.953-04:00Ellery is 2!!It's been a busy week with visits from much loved family and friends. Here is a small taste of Ellery's 2nd birthday. I can't get enough of this video. I hope that you enjoy it too.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><object width="320" height="266" class="BLOGGER-youtube-video" classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0" data-thumbnail-src="http://1.gvt0.com/vi/bAbxYA_R5o0/0.jpg"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/bAbxYA_R5o0&fs=1&source=uds" /><param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF" /><embed width="320" height="266" src="http://www.youtube.com/v/bAbxYA_R5o0&fs=1&source=uds" type="application/x-shockwave-flash"></embed></object></div>Kelly Dahlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05657878717073020612noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8119737378125673647.post-67103753246449139242011-04-11T21:39:00.000-04:002011-04-11T21:39:16.763-04:00Spring is FINALLY HereWe enjoyed amazing weather yesterday. It was more like summer than spring, with temps reaching near 80. It was amazing, glorious, and so freeing to enjoy being outside without worrying about coats, hats, and other tools for staying warm.<br />
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In honor of the warmth, and to keep us all busy while Erik was being an amazing rockstar at <a href="http://midwestux.com/">The Midwest UX Conference</a> (which he co-founded, organized, and presented at!) all weekend, the kids and I set out for the Columbus Zoo. We arrived close to opening, and the crowds weren't too bad. Can't say the same about when we finally left around 2pm. It was packed!<br />
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Here is Cooper planning our attack.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5aHYhTclcOYSO3YMjk5QIOuw9WYNeI8zIUZF6oRDokrLjfrhSU4vkVPGug6NfRNyrA1sDKJVyj-hQIAXZuOAnHCWlljNlXj90Sggj0WXQ1o3yPvrBFl4C4QQgmlPjdqa42vKZcMAWXWLZ/s1600/IMG_0852.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5aHYhTclcOYSO3YMjk5QIOuw9WYNeI8zIUZF6oRDokrLjfrhSU4vkVPGug6NfRNyrA1sDKJVyj-hQIAXZuOAnHCWlljNlXj90Sggj0WXQ1o3yPvrBFl4C4QQgmlPjdqa42vKZcMAWXWLZ/s320/IMG_0852.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br />
Both kids loved seeing the Komodo Dragon. For those of you who don't know, this is huge progress for Cooper, who up until yesterday would walk past the Komodo Dragon exhibit with his hands over his eyes. The giant lizard was amazing, walking around and "smelling" the glass right in front of the kids.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmVTXhe3zzMIMrpI58X469G2B2if49StTq577J-LH1yvx46C5Xb54Ueq4Wk1vjxqRGVNDOfekDJl-NnlUPTB7UoX2MSZ6ephG52LyjN-RlvWoXQxTT8A_p81q4xm9bu5ucXMtf-R8vgMXm/s1600/IMG_0858.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmVTXhe3zzMIMrpI58X469G2B2if49StTq577J-LH1yvx46C5Xb54Ueq4Wk1vjxqRGVNDOfekDJl-NnlUPTB7UoX2MSZ6ephG52LyjN-RlvWoXQxTT8A_p81q4xm9bu5ucXMtf-R8vgMXm/s320/IMG_0858.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpw-MWI7hpQxnbgSE6z-7lvzxzvhykvjo6S19sSEPsdrRthFjXh6248_BEgd8LGp8zBh5VhyzRdV-yNltxswHXuPX96J4omZaecQUzlsuCjZncJ2z8SPyAH__990F9NuFlcm5ntKuCjT1q/s1600/IMG_0859.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpw-MWI7hpQxnbgSE6z-7lvzxzvhykvjo6S19sSEPsdrRthFjXh6248_BEgd8LGp8zBh5VhyzRdV-yNltxswHXuPX96J4omZaecQUzlsuCjZncJ2z8SPyAH__990F9NuFlcm5ntKuCjT1q/s320/IMG_0859.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
We left the zoo exhausted and just a little bit sunburned. Time to get back in the sunscreen habit!<br />
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Most of the rest of the day was spent outside too, doing some Spring cleaning yard work and playing soccer and tag.<br />
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Here are Ellery and Cooper, sun-kissed and tired after a full day of fun in the sun.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6yqt8ppaeePWcYH8okgCuEIZG74Wy5LU3NOjxN5fa0SLk7c5qMsX_y23_-KqEHmaBEh4L1H_GDQdJIydg3lMSt2cjyVZBgE-TsXz-pqwoO_NwRDvyeivX1RuagIcMJI2ViMEmqh-uaSJ_/s1600/IMG_0873.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6yqt8ppaeePWcYH8okgCuEIZG74Wy5LU3NOjxN5fa0SLk7c5qMsX_y23_-KqEHmaBEh4L1H_GDQdJIydg3lMSt2cjyVZBgE-TsXz-pqwoO_NwRDvyeivX1RuagIcMJI2ViMEmqh-uaSJ_/s320/IMG_0873.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
And here is where I ended my day, soaking up as much warm air as possible, enjoying my first <a href="http://www.bellsbeer.com/">Bell's Oberon</a> of the year and strategizing on big things to come.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMtkwY7lsVhqsz7q7jQ6rAh4PA31IWbuT9_6I8TVsA106sgnuGJwHTBOzUMjEQsmoqXFKVTneRKAzZ6PU_AMbPsQiD1Rh0IIJvcjmyppBG7Rd7GjuqCzywTa9xWYfwQvACdquo7zZbyolL/s1600/IMG_0879.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMtkwY7lsVhqsz7q7jQ6rAh4PA31IWbuT9_6I8TVsA106sgnuGJwHTBOzUMjEQsmoqXFKVTneRKAzZ6PU_AMbPsQiD1Rh0IIJvcjmyppBG7Rd7GjuqCzywTa9xWYfwQvACdquo7zZbyolL/s320/IMG_0879.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Kelly Dahlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05657878717073020612noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8119737378125673647.post-4088634518914663552011-04-07T14:28:00.000-04:002011-04-07T14:28:07.870-04:00Where've You Been?You say I'm the one who went missing? True enough. Yes, I took a long, unintended but necessary break from this space, for a few reasons. But now I'm back. Did ya miss me?<br />
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It was a long and cold winter, but that didn't slow us down. There's been lots of art, picnics in front of the fire, a big birthday, learning, building, growing, and loving life.<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;">It feels really wonderful to be in this space again. I also have some really exciting things in the works. Super exciting things. I can't wait to share them with you and bring you along on the next big journey in my life. </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">Hurray for Spring!!!!</div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimuoiepyoVsJK2IFxFXWWjnE2jPzPs74tREn9NsNajJoxWVn_ylHv7xTsOOnzvvdC2YcAP9-t4GCQMBZhKF4KJAQTaRAmKv8H6weh1XIGKKI_8nyvKLHbsKdrxGtHiXIMj2KS5Iyad-jtx/s1600/IMG_0661.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimuoiepyoVsJK2IFxFXWWjnE2jPzPs74tREn9NsNajJoxWVn_ylHv7xTsOOnzvvdC2YcAP9-t4GCQMBZhKF4KJAQTaRAmKv8H6weh1XIGKKI_8nyvKLHbsKdrxGtHiXIMj2KS5Iyad-jtx/s320/IMG_0661.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Kelly Dahlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05657878717073020612noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8119737378125673647.post-33383955710283088322010-10-13T10:32:00.001-04:002010-10-13T12:37:36.684-04:00Oh, October<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;"></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;"><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #b45f06;">Delicious autumn! </span></i></div></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #b45f06;">My very soul is wedded to it, </span></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #b45f06;">and if I were a bird I would fly </span></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #b45f06;">about the earth </span></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #b45f06;">seeking the successive autumns. </span></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #b45f06;">Mary Anne Evans (George Eliot</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #b45f06;">)</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #b45f06;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px;">Fall has arrived, though I'm not sure how that happened. Time has been flying away from me. I'm sure it has something to do with school five days per week and a husband traveling for work for 3 weeks in September. Now here I sit in mid-October. Wow.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px;">When I come to my computer and indulge in my daily blog reading habit, I find myself going towards words to inspire and feed my soul. Like many, my reading of blogs (and writing) ebbs and flows, along with my feelings about this whole blog world. There have been times that reading blogs has actually made me feel less than, down on myself, like I don't do enough as a mother/woman/wife/etc.. I think that has something to do with the sincerity (or lack) of the blogs I was reading. These days I find myself savoring blogs that inspire and sooth and bring peace to my soul. One in particular is <a href="http://www.threadinglight.com/">Threading the Light</a> . I love what these women are offering up to the world...mindful reflection in the midst of the busy-ness that surrounds our days. I am especially drawn to their project, <a href="http://www.threadinglight.com/2010/09/piece-together-peace.html">"Piece Together Peace"</a>.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px;"></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px;"><div style="font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><br />
<div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><img alt="piece-together-peace.html.jpg" src="webkit-fake-url://6D4B345D-A868-40A9-9D76-E63E09F3F6E0/piece-together-peace.html.jpg" /></div></div></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px;">Here, I join their mission. I do believe that Peace can come from each and every one of us, that if we bring Peace to ourselves, we will thereby bring it to others. As a mother, I think of this often. An image that I have tried to remind myself of is the instructions given on airplanes: if the cabin looses pressure, parents should put their oxygen masks on first, and then put masks on their children. If we deprive ourselves of oxygen, how will our children breathe?</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px;">So here is my small piece for October. I have taken the time to unsubscribe from every solicitor that enters my email box. How does this bring me Peace? Because it helps to eliminate the incessant and sometimes overwhelming wanting that advertisements can bring. I no longer have realtors emailing me housing listings (we aren't even looking to buy a house, but this made me long for something I couldn't have), William Sonoma doesn't beckon me to buy a panini press, and Boden will no longer tempt me with their clothing. By quieting the wanting, the desires, the wishes, I also eliminate the dissatisfaction with my current life and open myself to acceptance and appreciation for the joy and beauty in all that I do have. Sure sounds like a lot of Peace to me. And Peace that I hope to teach my children as well.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px;">If you are moved, I encourage you to read and join the "<a href="http://www.threadinglight.com/2010/10/piece-together-peace-october-intention.html">Piece Together Peace</a>" project. Let me know if you do.</span></span></div>Kelly Dahlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05657878717073020612noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8119737378125673647.post-31813119564884174632010-09-20T12:49:00.000-04:002010-09-20T12:49:25.597-04:00Macy Gray - Beauty In The World<object style="background-image:url(http://i1.ytimg.com/vi/0qX7ZsxD3Ik/hqdefault.jpg)" width="480" height="295"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/0qX7ZsxD3Ik?fs=1&hl=en_US"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/0qX7ZsxD3Ik?fs=1&hl=en_US" width="480" height="295" allowscriptaccess="never" allowfullscreen="true" wmode="transparent" type="application/x-shockwave-flash"></embed></object><div><br /></div><div>A little inspiration for your day.</div>Kelly Dahlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05657878717073020612noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8119737378125673647.post-50028644158021052162010-09-07T12:52:00.000-04:002010-09-07T12:52:43.198-04:00Back to School/Back to the BlogCooper had his first day of Preschool for the year today.<br />
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He returned to First Community Church and will attend five days per week this year, plus stay for their Lunch and Play program two days per week. A new adventure for our growing boy. I'm hoping for another year of incredible growth, that he continues to learn to balance his big emotions, and that he makes some close friends.<br />
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I stepped away from this space for the last few months. Turns out I needed summer vacation too. I'm still not exactly sure where I want to go with this space, but sometimes it is best to figure things out as you go. At least that is my loose plan for now.<br />
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I hope that everyone had a wonderful summer and is ready for all the excitement that fall brings.Kelly Dahlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05657878717073020612noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8119737378125673647.post-17718076376709913152010-06-09T22:02:00.000-04:002010-06-09T22:02:22.476-04:00Welcome to Our Summer CSA!!!The Dahl family has joined the <a href="http://www.nal.usda.gov/afsic/pubs/csa/csa.shtml">CSA</a> revolution as new members of the <a href="http://2silos.com/">2 Silos</a> meat and produce CSA. We picked up our first meat share a few weeks ago (2 cornish hens, 1 chicken, 4 mutton chops, 1lb ground mutton, and 1 rabbit). Last week we picked up our first produce and egg share, which included 4 quarts of strawberries and some lovely lettuce. And this week? Look at this beautiful bounty!!<br />
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Snow peas, strawberries, eggs, zucchini and golden zucchini, and green tomatoes. Yum!<br />
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The challenge? Keeping up with the bounty in the midst of moving craziness. We are moving on Saturday. Good thing the local, fresh produce lasts and my parents are coming in town to help eat it all.<br />
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I'm looking forward to sharing our CSA adventures in eating healthy, local, fresh, delicious food all summer long.Kelly Dahlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05657878717073020612noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8119737378125673647.post-14235571272063904342010-06-08T22:53:00.000-04:002010-06-08T22:53:40.433-04:00More On My BirthdayI got a wonderful stack of books for my birthday, gifted by my much loved mother and husband. They know me well, and know to check my Amazon wishlist around birthday time.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ5rOZfUdV_tV3X53vkhM-K-ytMl4cvum5BuNfvrtYeRGsAHMmQiHElp7i3AvNBVdDNviPotVAiP4wR4m6S4lBrvXdjmX4sQoJJ-uTiLTHLfJk9G_WXylD73Ze8RBbkpYjxkaatpdOxs88/s1600/DSC06214.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ5rOZfUdV_tV3X53vkhM-K-ytMl4cvum5BuNfvrtYeRGsAHMmQiHElp7i3AvNBVdDNviPotVAiP4wR4m6S4lBrvXdjmX4sQoJJ-uTiLTHLfJk9G_WXylD73Ze8RBbkpYjxkaatpdOxs88/s320/DSC06214.JPG" /></a></div><br />
What I like most about this stack of books is how well it sums up where I am right now, who I am, and who I am becoming every day, as a woman, a wife and a mother.<br />
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Here's the list, in case any titles aren't clear in the picture:<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Hand-Wash-Cold-Instructions-Ordinary/dp/1577319044/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1276050618&sr=8-1">Hand Wash Cold: Care Instructions for an Ordinary Life by Karen Maezen Miller</a><br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Circle-Stones-Womans-Journey-Herself/dp/1880913631/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1276050688&sr=1-1">Circle of Stones: A Woman's Journey to Herself by Judith Duerk</a><br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Buddhism-Mothers-Approach-Yourself-Children/dp/1741140102/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1276050870&sr=1-1">Buddhism for Mothers: A Calm Approach to Caring for Yourself and Your Children by Sarah Napthali</a><br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Sew-Liberated-Stylish-Projects-Modern/dp/1596681616/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1276050972&sr=1-1">Sew Liberated: 20 Stylish Projects for the Modern Sewist by Meg McElwee</a><br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Pints-Purls-Portable-Projects-Knitter/dp/160061146X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1276051053&sr=1-1">Pints and Purls: Portable Projects for the Social Knitter by Karida Collins (my knitting class teacher!) and Libby Bruce (owner of my local knitting store)</a><br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Swedish-Kitchen-Reminiscences-Hippocrene-Cookbook/dp/0781810590/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1276051189&sr=1-1">A Swedish Kitchen: Recipes and Reminiscences by Judith Pierce Rosenberg</a><br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Buddha-Bedtime-Enchant-Enlighten-Inspire/dp/1844836231/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1276051293&sr=1-1">Buddha at Bedtime: Tales of Love and Wisdom for You to Read with Your Child to Enchant, Enlighten and Inspire by Dharmachari Nagaraja</a><br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Amy-Butlers-Stitches-Stylish-Projects/dp/0811851591/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1276051427&sr=1-1">In Stitches: More Than 25 Simple and Stylish Sewing Projects by Amy Butler</a><br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Peaceful-Meditation-Albert-Whitman-Prairie/dp/0807563811/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1276051545&sr=1-1">Peaceful Piggy Meditation by Kerry Lee Mclean</a><br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Moody-Cow-Meditates-Kerry-MacLean/dp/086171573X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1276051622&sr=1-1">Moody Cow Meditates by Kerry Lee Mclean</a><br />
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I would love to know if you have any of these books, and what you think about them. I may even provide some reviews in the future.Kelly Dahlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05657878717073020612noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8119737378125673647.post-18596705015472078662010-06-07T22:15:00.000-04:002010-06-07T22:15:07.673-04:00On Turning 36<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>I'm a strong believer in how you start something is how you get to live it every day. With that in mind I chose to begin my 36th year achieving a new goal -- running a 10K.<br />
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The morning starting with a kids race with one very enthusiastic 4 year old participant.<br />
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The kids started with some serious stretching and a quick explanation of the course.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY0ibsiRPzMKm2I7fhpVA9ELD2rr3vI021rJc4lMFZvUKC3DGpCOCFTt6KP8rcnbF1d33yoY6RPrwS-UqicOToypyFd5hXkmiGya9W5XFm9c4ymfWFhn8yMFa2Mj-QSr5GSPpB_rli9ZrS/s1600/kids_stretch1" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY0ibsiRPzMKm2I7fhpVA9ELD2rr3vI021rJc4lMFZvUKC3DGpCOCFTt6KP8rcnbF1d33yoY6RPrwS-UqicOToypyFd5hXkmiGya9W5XFm9c4ymfWFhn8yMFa2Mj-QSr5GSPpB_rli9ZrS/s320/kids_stretch1" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkuJ6uOh5JXG1yY5knFHaWsRiIikkVtLNFCdm0IGajt-Hsa_mnSt9wO0gcB01Tytn0yPprAEdTEMbJpYBKYIRzGqEiqMlN73vh8UoS6S0AYVobGYNy9VNUTSf3Z-mP4GNytO12cl_xv7hb/s1600/kids_stretch2" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkuJ6uOh5JXG1yY5knFHaWsRiIikkVtLNFCdm0IGajt-Hsa_mnSt9wO0gcB01Tytn0yPprAEdTEMbJpYBKYIRzGqEiqMlN73vh8UoS6S0AYVobGYNy9VNUTSf3Z-mP4GNytO12cl_xv7hb/s320/kids_stretch2" /></a></div><br />
And they're off!!!!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibxQfBV3DK4lKDD6OyPFwAhsXZwPdGralhdx0q5rT321DKfeewNViL6hncJI1WxKHUatfV3c70UY9j2V73it6xeZVvRJ7g7Tyc24ACU9Lw_dcj-4svCdX72VrB0dzE8P9lUq8haFWkbS4O/s1600/kids_run1" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibxQfBV3DK4lKDD6OyPFwAhsXZwPdGralhdx0q5rT321DKfeewNViL6hncJI1WxKHUatfV3c70UY9j2V73it6xeZVvRJ7g7Tyc24ACU9Lw_dcj-4svCdX72VrB0dzE8P9lUq8haFWkbS4O/s320/kids_run1" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt_888jOqzyWbGGRAf8CF571AdDWxB-dX08qMniQ-1EasL520eXwTCKaKrbtdH6TcSOxDXoiQ7UmEHrESo9svLoDbZ2vtO8S4Ovk-gsmOiVJETGKI-xMQDqZrgQ5F0eGUUa5XRSOzGPzdd/s1600/kids_run2" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt_888jOqzyWbGGRAf8CF571AdDWxB-dX08qMniQ-1EasL520eXwTCKaKrbtdH6TcSOxDXoiQ7UmEHrESo9svLoDbZ2vtO8S4Ovk-gsmOiVJETGKI-xMQDqZrgQ5F0eGUUa5XRSOzGPzdd/s320/kids_run2" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIjE8WLhTahJ41imOxOpoaKiKgIQRnbjFsehMNG5aj51bF9JF5suygWKgeRFNLcJ-cMkRfKW8rUmIbvFux_iF2ivkBnBx0ed8b3yPWaMtduIjhcePjM-1176_ZwLAs2D_8A4YUp0swt0s7/s1600/kids_run4" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIjE8WLhTahJ41imOxOpoaKiKgIQRnbjFsehMNG5aj51bF9JF5suygWKgeRFNLcJ-cMkRfKW8rUmIbvFux_iF2ivkBnBx0ed8b3yPWaMtduIjhcePjM-1176_ZwLAs2D_8A4YUp0swt0s7/s320/kids_run4" /></a></div><br />
Here they come, nearing the finish line.<br />
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Don't you love how he is looking straight at the camera?<br />
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After Cooper received his "first place medal" it was time for me to race. Things started a bit roughly as my iPod had some technical difficulties. I ended up having to fiddle with it for the first couple minutes, cursing technology and myself for not preparing everything perfectly.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0vERakfQBBHT9-A6EZZFwqO8rpcafxzMWzIOcpt-dD5bg3xqqKc9fMpZYodt0bPz0asNgu6mBcROgIMyXrbF7td0nNy8I29QwmWBjoI8Zbm_Wj8CNQpUntXr0iBTCmsMg2C_TGcP64IGW/s1600/run_start" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0vERakfQBBHT9-A6EZZFwqO8rpcafxzMWzIOcpt-dD5bg3xqqKc9fMpZYodt0bPz0asNgu6mBcROgIMyXrbF7td0nNy8I29QwmWBjoI8Zbm_Wj8CNQpUntXr0iBTCmsMg2C_TGcP64IGW/s320/run_start" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxxnQb1NfPGB3XvhE7iXC8cl1NAZtnA8QZpkZGopFYEdhD7bDMyxBPrElT2FSO-Wdl0WfkEg9s5puD6rJDYdjbYB0jAjJUmbiKt-6WX0wCiodq3oZbn0-NU0tJofB_eQoSacDfpvGvceZA/s1600/run_start2" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxxnQb1NfPGB3XvhE7iXC8cl1NAZtnA8QZpkZGopFYEdhD7bDMyxBPrElT2FSO-Wdl0WfkEg9s5puD6rJDYdjbYB0jAjJUmbiKt-6WX0wCiodq3oZbn0-NU0tJofB_eQoSacDfpvGvceZA/s320/run_start2" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Here I am fiddling and cursing.</div><br />
I eventually got the iPod working and found my rhythm. I nearly made my goal time of finishing in under 1 hour, crossing the finish line at 1:00.33, wearing a big smile on my face, proud of my achievement and so grateful to see Erik, Cooper and Ellery waiting for me and cheering me on.<br />
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Here's to a strong, active, love filled, goal achieving, creative, hard working 36th year of being ME!Kelly Dahlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05657878717073020612noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8119737378125673647.post-36885621052853664522010-05-28T09:40:00.001-04:002010-06-05T11:45:07.793-04:00Ballantrae ParkWe had a glorious time yesterday at Ballantrae Park in Dublin, Ohio. Cooper lost himself in the water play. Every time I glanced at him he was talking to himself, his imagination taking him on all sorts of adventures. Ellery was more timid with the water than I would have guessed, but she too loved the park. We will definitely be heading back there this summer!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRrC2cdp0e3oXdQEqDslgI2osATNLErT5dRhsBF9uT7CoQthfEr939e5tXOp3X7FMJ9mDFPoQ0_6BpHvZRmYyujjbTkMRSi1cN8yOywGC8-zXfmRVHKG5aQ7l80C4jdUONXQ0sELsMjvfv/s1600/DSC06197.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRrC2cdp0e3oXdQEqDslgI2osATNLErT5dRhsBF9uT7CoQthfEr939e5tXOp3X7FMJ9mDFPoQ0_6BpHvZRmYyujjbTkMRSi1cN8yOywGC8-zXfmRVHKG5aQ7l80C4jdUONXQ0sELsMjvfv/s320/DSC06197.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO84gjjklar30IfSyJlXdJQj3fQpc7sUIH7P1IHc6egYJdFdVNRlM6cvJ-NxyU8U9NC573ChyphenhyphenFLwgczTB-o0hiIpPxDI8MksP-GcTDbbBqpb5X5ctpLUmmYNmuJyki_iBBIapCkpvH04XK/s1600/DSC06195.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO84gjjklar30IfSyJlXdJQj3fQpc7sUIH7P1IHc6egYJdFdVNRlM6cvJ-NxyU8U9NC573ChyphenhyphenFLwgczTB-o0hiIpPxDI8MksP-GcTDbbBqpb5X5ctpLUmmYNmuJyki_iBBIapCkpvH04XK/s320/DSC06195.JPG" /></a></div>Kelly Dahlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05657878717073020612noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8119737378125673647.post-10514176350423156712010-05-17T23:24:00.000-04:002010-05-17T23:24:05.320-04:00Being CreativeI'm feeling quite pleased with a bit of creating I did last night. I wanted to make a little thank you gift for a wonderful woman who has cared for my baby girl on Monday mornings since September while I participated a parenting group. The group takes place at the church where Cooper attends preschool. This woman has been more of a friend to me than I'm sure she realizes, but most of all she has loved my Ellery. Any mother understands that those who love your babies are held closely your heart. So, a little handmade love was needed.<br />
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Three hand decorated <a href="http://www.moleskine.com/">Moleskine</a> notebooks, for accomplishments, hopes and dreams, and creating, along with a set a <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Flair-Felt-Marker-Colors-Medium/dp/B002UIG6QM/ref=sr_1_39?ie=UTF8&s=office-products&qid=1274152768&sr=1-39">Flair</a> felt tip markers. <br />
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In gratitude.Kelly Dahlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05657878717073020612noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8119737378125673647.post-17412340388046801952010-05-14T11:11:00.000-04:002010-05-14T11:11:00.337-04:00{this moment}<i>A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember. Inspired by </i><a href="http://www.soulemama.com/soulemama/"><i>Amanda Blake Soule</i></a><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho8AeJyUiS3uKTDEcD4ZCuP_t1URNNPzyhc3XqY5KIUUuUx_LhkNrcpRUVQa4wU3HtTDNdecO1RS_0Xmwsznggg75gk-dsadelQMzLgyAeX0s-2CLkWmz286m6ng2kDEMYxmqgIztAKF4c/s1600/DSC06044.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho8AeJyUiS3uKTDEcD4ZCuP_t1URNNPzyhc3XqY5KIUUuUx_LhkNrcpRUVQa4wU3HtTDNdecO1RS_0Xmwsznggg75gk-dsadelQMzLgyAeX0s-2CLkWmz286m6ng2kDEMYxmqgIztAKF4c/s320/DSC06044.JPG" /></a></div>Kelly Dahlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05657878717073020612noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8119737378125673647.post-57866259716419606852010-05-07T18:56:00.000-04:002010-05-07T18:56:51.671-04:00{this moment}<i>A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember. Inspired by </i><a href="http://www.soulemama.com/soulemama/"><i>Amanda Blake Soule</i></a><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEE-4jLprKGkB8ART6dbuL7HwylsvRX5a_WW0y_t-od9J92uOUePgwzBzzRe_yp4o1E7dxQU0nYEu4J9h1Oz8osStF9VwR7fP6idmrJcx8tEggkS7Om_AhXV2cAnn_nOUlCN_9tws3d5UR/s1600/DSC06023.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEE-4jLprKGkB8ART6dbuL7HwylsvRX5a_WW0y_t-od9J92uOUePgwzBzzRe_yp4o1E7dxQU0nYEu4J9h1Oz8osStF9VwR7fP6idmrJcx8tEggkS7Om_AhXV2cAnn_nOUlCN_9tws3d5UR/s320/DSC06023.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Happy Friday!!<i><br />
</i></div>Kelly Dahlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05657878717073020612noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8119737378125673647.post-67131421689338686952010-05-05T10:07:00.000-04:002010-05-05T10:07:37.104-04:00Try Something New Tuesday (a day late)I'm a day late getting this post up, seeing as it's now Wednesday. This is due in part to getting a much needed last minute therapeutic massage last night.<br />
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Here are all the new things we tried yesterday:<br />
<ul><li>Classical music -- No, classical music isn't new. But what is new is I left the local public radio station on all day yesterday. They play nothing but classical music and have DJs with the calm, soothing voices distinct to classical music stations. It resulted in some impromptu "ice skating"/ballet dancing by Cooper and I. It also resulted in a calmer mood in our house. Perhaps it was just a coincidence, but I'm going to continue with the music and observe the effects. Even if it just keeps me calmer, then it is a very good thing.</li>
<li>Bike riding -- Cooper very recently conquered riding his two wheeler. We purchase the <a href="http://www.trekbikes.com/us/en/bikes/kids/ages_4_6/float/">Trek Float</a> for him for his <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhMzyeW95u_MjX6IFDNobFk15wnfeSuVYcfi1_yoWs2iVUH0Yo5qBGoo0CNXozZ0_CTpE7cJzZVeoWvbGQi9SiO_0jIFaCOQA2su9hd1QUvpz15r-GTkT-0jck3RFJAKOLNEN7JEAOq3yM/s1600-h/DSC05403.JPG">4th birthday</a>. This bike starts as a push bike with the cranks removed. Then, when the child is ready, the pedals are replaced. Cooper mastered balancing and "floating" quickly and took off when we put the pedals on last Friday. Yesterday I took Cooper and Ellery to Antrim Park in Columbus. This is a 1.2 mile loop around a pond. Cooper road his bike, I pushed Ellery in the stroller, and we enjoyed a glorious spring day. I'm working on putting together a movie of Cooper's biking skills. Stay tuned for that!</li>
<li>Massage -- While I've gotten massages in the past, this is the first time I've gone for a therapeutic massage. My primary care physician is part of an <a href="http://medicalcenter.osu.edu/PATIENTCARE/healthcare_services/integrative_medicine/Pages/index.aspx">Integrative Medicine</a> practice where they practice a variety of western and eastern medical modalities. The massage was very helpful for my chronic hip/back pain. I really wanted to get an assessment to learn whether the running I've been doing is a good idea or not. Looks like it is okay, for now. I just need to stretch and warm up more. I always love learning more about how my body works and what I can do to feel my best.</li>
</ul>Have you tried anything new lately?Kelly Dahlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05657878717073020612noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8119737378125673647.post-11763180011590415672010-04-30T14:41:00.000-04:002010-04-30T14:41:35.084-04:00{this moment}<i>A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember. Inspired by </i><a href="http://www.soulemama.com/soulemama/"><i>Amanda Blake Soule</i></a><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2JXcr-_fnJIfUAWu0pRz9EOrK4cLTnmgNBlAPVReBNMlrQvZMJYL-2J8VS1s0svrYefPL5L2qg91kak-44E8YVjGKPnNuqS2zDyfXWNQ7ZkfjfeTborW3YTCONGJGCksXLSUVdL4QcFwE/s1600/DSC06008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2JXcr-_fnJIfUAWu0pRz9EOrK4cLTnmgNBlAPVReBNMlrQvZMJYL-2J8VS1s0svrYefPL5L2qg91kak-44E8YVjGKPnNuqS2zDyfXWNQ7ZkfjfeTborW3YTCONGJGCksXLSUVdL4QcFwE/s320/DSC06008.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"> Have a wonderful weekend everyone!<i><br />
</i></div>Kelly Dahlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05657878717073020612noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8119737378125673647.post-39669248817695843232010-04-27T22:18:00.000-04:002010-04-27T22:18:04.466-04:00Try Something New TuesdayI am well aware that the date today is April 27 and spring is in the air. But my preoccupied mind has been craving something warm and comforting. The weather has also turned cooler, as it does in the spring, and we are back in long sleeves and light jackets. So baking was surely in order, and fall flavored baking at that.<br />
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I've had a can of pumpkin calling to me for weeks and I've been looking for some healthier cookie recipes. Today I put it all together.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">Spring Time Pumpkin Cookies!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_xsL2iyobI0Efz0-9L7jqGLSn_n-1JM6e62LCNC2XM-1RWpe91QDfkRwrnYekAgRiCPLwukAa_gqCbUjCnBfOStmpSMIj0hij9UScnozpT5JO8WO4JwJwveR06WrYXuw9AbvC3i6ANhrk/s1600/DSC05955.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_xsL2iyobI0Efz0-9L7jqGLSn_n-1JM6e62LCNC2XM-1RWpe91QDfkRwrnYekAgRiCPLwukAa_gqCbUjCnBfOStmpSMIj0hij9UScnozpT5JO8WO4JwJwveR06WrYXuw9AbvC3i6ANhrk/s320/DSC05955.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
You can find the recipe <a href="http://www.superhealthykids.com/pumpkincookies.html">here</a>. They are super yummy, almost more like a muffin than a cookie, nice and light, not too sweet. Just what I was hoping for. I opted against the chocolate chips. Such an easy recipe that I will definitely make again. Maybe next time I'll wait until they are seasonably appropriate. But, maybe not. They are that good!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvS8jVnpth1SNUGChLr9A_EUKEPYD8Byve59PnYZSNTjscoDSWvbzrZA6fUYcFdNSgwNSRiYHAjuxHNlM0E0tW4dbsdQlHsquhAQQiQtN3_PIGsAeSl_q92y49EkUEWf8rGUQT0OfCZ1lq/s1600/DSC05952.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvS8jVnpth1SNUGChLr9A_EUKEPYD8Byve59PnYZSNTjscoDSWvbzrZA6fUYcFdNSgwNSRiYHAjuxHNlM0E0tW4dbsdQlHsquhAQQiQtN3_PIGsAeSl_q92y49EkUEWf8rGUQT0OfCZ1lq/s320/DSC05952.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjThZJnm0pjQ19AFFQos0LDbuJhKfqxEK0pIvhKwfMw6-sP5SNwRExi5wnXdVYQG6DR6UsQqBHsvkVsK17zVZTAzuLqshlsIvbsaVZl2sTTCBO4f1DJRarYO3TdjPnDI0DlZz7dRvPhqzCm/s1600/DSC05954.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjThZJnm0pjQ19AFFQos0LDbuJhKfqxEK0pIvhKwfMw6-sP5SNwRExi5wnXdVYQG6DR6UsQqBHsvkVsK17zVZTAzuLqshlsIvbsaVZl2sTTCBO4f1DJRarYO3TdjPnDI0DlZz7dRvPhqzCm/s320/DSC05954.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Here is Cooper trying something new on Tuesday:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhWxvgNVj0yAF3oNyiY1R-L8w5_iDTWJdYl3f1_8GeLBseVdvc_sRd_J2heDolcRi2gBb7QIpZV3TbNhQrlnTTYBNIPa_dobNht5SnqcvQGW59zxnPYCwTuhFFtFXyWCOH7d0cnmg0PNNs/s1600/DSC05948.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhWxvgNVj0yAF3oNyiY1R-L8w5_iDTWJdYl3f1_8GeLBseVdvc_sRd_J2heDolcRi2gBb7QIpZV3TbNhQrlnTTYBNIPa_dobNht5SnqcvQGW59zxnPYCwTuhFFtFXyWCOH7d0cnmg0PNNs/s320/DSC05948.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
I love how proud he was to open the can all by himself (almost).<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmJmwwXuCpCRizPazwDTXJLR_6V-jQyurFMHghp8mdsYt9LfNTxe2Lsv8dDsYbKAoNvXUQd3L8xGyFUUOZ0WnqmQTjCyRAVelj3I4_Vxx9srmKJn6t-E4JhvFN07ea7eAzfb-YlbIsVe6N/s1600/DSC05951.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmJmwwXuCpCRizPazwDTXJLR_6V-jQyurFMHghp8mdsYt9LfNTxe2Lsv8dDsYbKAoNvXUQd3L8xGyFUUOZ0WnqmQTjCyRAVelj3I4_Vxx9srmKJn6t-E4JhvFN07ea7eAzfb-YlbIsVe6N/s320/DSC05951.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
I love helping Cooper learn to do something new. But, I must confess that this is not what usually happens when we bake "together". Let's just say I could improve my patience. There's a lot of "let me do it. Let Me Do It. JUST LET ME DO IT!"And that comes from me, not Cooper. I'm trying to let go more and just be with what happens, even if it isn't as planned or gets messed up. I'm trying to remember that the time is what is precious, being together and creating memories. The cookies? Well, they just add a little extra sweetness to our day.<br />
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Have you tried anything new lately?Kelly Dahlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05657878717073020612noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8119737378125673647.post-80689192750249931892010-04-26T07:35:00.000-04:002010-04-26T07:35:45.101-04:00Just put one foot in front of the otherBack in January I wrote about my <a href="http://kellydahl.blogspot.com/2010/01/ive-been-thinking-lot-about-this-new.html">goals for the year</a>, my resolution list of sorts. I'm happy to say that I've been reaching many of my goals. One of these is getting back into running.<br />
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I knew that running would be great for me...the health benefits, especially the mental health benefits. But I'm finding myself surprised at just how great it is making me feel.<br />
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I love the weekly rhythm of my runs (I run Tuesday and Thursday mornings and Sundays, at various times). I love the peace of having time for just me. I love the goal of training for an event, the <a href="http://www.columbus10k.com/">Columbus 10K</a>, which I will run on my 36th birthday. I love smiling and greeting all the people I pass on the road. <br />
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Yesterday, while running 4 miles, my current longest run, I had these words repeating with the rhythm of my feet: "Running makes me a better mom." And in my mind I had this picture of my heart growing with each step. Picture the Grinch, when his heart grows at the end of the movie, bursting out of the frame. That is how I feel about running. It makes my heart grow. It feeds my soul. It fills up my love bank so that I can be with my children and approach them from my heart first. <br />
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Like everything in life, running isn't easy. My body sometimes rebels with aches and pains, even at my very modest distances. It can be challenging to get myself going when I'm still waking at night with Elle. I get excited to not have to run (like this morning...just too tired and soar).<br />
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But I will return to the road, again and again. Because really, the rewards of simply putting one foot in front of the other are just too beautiful to miss.Kelly Dahlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05657878717073020612noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8119737378125673647.post-69355598444043989192010-04-23T21:46:00.000-04:002010-04-23T21:46:17.711-04:00{this moment}<i>A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember. Inspired by </i><a href="http://www.soulemama.com/soulemama/"><i>Amanda Blake Soule</i></a><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRpO_RdmPo3Bu1m8a6dZcyQ8M6Hn5-xDgkeRngh1TlL5pfuD2hQ1IlmwDCOO2vlRIyr2fGMbhx0x_cDoTMZn6ma1QjjQPrrOt8AQmM0HuWYZPOgKLkm_iW6t8vY2DJ42QM_G0YBEDQIfU2/s1600/DSC05941.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRpO_RdmPo3Bu1m8a6dZcyQ8M6Hn5-xDgkeRngh1TlL5pfuD2hQ1IlmwDCOO2vlRIyr2fGMbhx0x_cDoTMZn6ma1QjjQPrrOt8AQmM0HuWYZPOgKLkm_iW6t8vY2DJ42QM_G0YBEDQIfU2/s320/DSC05941.JPG" /></a></div>Kelly Dahlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05657878717073020612noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8119737378125673647.post-60359900478621839372010-04-21T21:46:00.000-04:002010-04-21T21:46:34.553-04:00To Be Good EnoughOne of the best things about Cooper's preschool is a group offered to all parents called Parent Growth. It is a weekly meeting lead by the director of the preschool. We cover various topics related to raising young children. It is a cherished time to share ideas, commiserate, and gain wisdom from other parents.<br />
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A couple weeks ago we were given a copy of an article called The Good Enough Mother by Elaine Heffner, CSW, EdD. I finally read the article and loved it's conclusion.<br />
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"A good enough mother:<br />
<ul><li> loves her child but not all of his behavior.</li>
<li>isn't always available to her child whenever he wants her.</li>
<li>can't possibly prevent all her child's frustrations and moods.</li>
<li>has needs of her own which may conflict with those of her child.</li>
<li>loses it sometimes.</li>
<li>is human and makes mistakes.</li>
<li>learns from her mistakes.</li>
<li>uses her own best judgment.</li>
</ul>There are no perfect mothers and no perfect children. If we accept our own limitations, we are better able to accept those of our children and of life itself. In that way we become good enough mothers. And good enough mothers are real mothers." <br />
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I've been an over achiever my entire life. I'm beginning to realize that this is part of what makes motherhood so difficult. As I devour parenting books, attend parenting classes, and read parenting blogs I'm always thinking, "I could do this a little bit better". I see what others are capable of and I think that I can do that too, that I should be doing more, doing better.<br />
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Since moving to Columbus, which has also been the locus of becoming a parent to two children instead of one, I've had some of my worst, most detestable parenting moments. I have uttered repugnant words to my children and husband. I've behaved in ways that I'm ashamed of.<br />
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But maybe what is the worst thing of all is I never stop beating myself up for doing so.<br />
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Maybe instead I can just accept myself as I am, accept that I am achieving everything I can as a mother, as a wife, and as a woman. Maybe I am the good enough mother. And maybe, just maybe, that is the best place to be after all.<br />
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It is okay to be imperfect. It is okay to tell Cooper I just need a break from him and he needs to go play in his room for a while, even if he cries and screams his way up the stairs. It is okay for Ellery to fuss in her exersaucer while I put the finishing touches on dinner, throwing a few cheerios her way hoping they will make her a little happier. It is okay that sometimes I scream in frustration, slam doors, mutter exasperated words under my breath.<br />
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It is all okay because Cooper and Ellery and I are lucky enough to enjoy everyday moments together, <i>every</i> <i>day</i>. And there is so very much good in our days. <b>So very much</b>.<br />
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Please, take a moment and watch Gretchen Rubin's beautiful video <a href="http://www.theyearsareshort.com/">The Years Are Short</a>, which really captures how the everyday moments of being a parent lie at the heart of what is really important.<br />
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Tomorrow morning, when I spend five minutes helping Cooper decide what he wants for breakfast, when I wrestle Ellery's clothes onto her squirming body, I will remember that those are the moments, the moments I will never get back. The beautiful moments of being a parent. And I will cherish them and hope that they can last a little bit longer.Kelly Dahlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05657878717073020612noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8119737378125673647.post-85285862404762997742010-04-20T22:07:00.000-04:002010-04-20T22:07:27.976-04:00Try Something New TuesdayOur new thing today was a picnic in a new (to us) park! Checking out the parks around Columbus is a great way to get to know all the different neighborhoods. It was a lovely day and we enjoyed snacking on our lunch, playing with new friends, and soaking up the sun. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRdyId_wCHwzA5piM8nWUkUlJ87CoagErQ9s_YzwnbHOkyJeakjmsQI38YHp76981OuXkga6yLHIFuYOq7nyRa4aGIC6xfmD7hXfzTVWFSLqIilJEqGVeLeTniiySC7hcDmzTwwpENfblu/s1600/DSC05917.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRdyId_wCHwzA5piM8nWUkUlJ87CoagErQ9s_YzwnbHOkyJeakjmsQI38YHp76981OuXkga6yLHIFuYOq7nyRa4aGIC6xfmD7hXfzTVWFSLqIilJEqGVeLeTniiySC7hcDmzTwwpENfblu/s320/DSC05917.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaduTZoB6L8dAnQgrPMroQxaCXYZWocVWEguR8UnD-gD6xsLj3zp-7lvtpknWOkY6cy0LdI7OWvbpBSZaDuaR-Pw2Zl1hlhLRP5Fu0Vst444d5RdI1mp3WOJ50C1H2qkbAgU4Hr3MrmIyV/s1600/DSC05919.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaduTZoB6L8dAnQgrPMroQxaCXYZWocVWEguR8UnD-gD6xsLj3zp-7lvtpknWOkY6cy0LdI7OWvbpBSZaDuaR-Pw2Zl1hlhLRP5Fu0Vst444d5RdI1mp3WOJ50C1H2qkbAgU4Hr3MrmIyV/s320/DSC05919.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHu1hMMUMx-HqC6uEfXhKnM3EefQEVaiVB8g5JhtB08BY4ozcAnhQ_YUJDHTQJu8M-Ihdd4Eh-4GbGtt1Z6Spp7BzcOdPeCb-Nflq5jOurJGrIGiheBnz-0HoACPpzdN2s4lHsIrRwypo7/s1600/DSC05920.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHu1hMMUMx-HqC6uEfXhKnM3EefQEVaiVB8g5JhtB08BY4ozcAnhQ_YUJDHTQJu8M-Ihdd4Eh-4GbGtt1Z6Spp7BzcOdPeCb-Nflq5jOurJGrIGiheBnz-0HoACPpzdN2s4lHsIrRwypo7/s320/DSC05920.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKxA0cjW2kmX_f1RszGh28rUjGeZ_kTgUx8wmICi0vKga31x8LJuXjRMmuq5UpMlLJ11rjUkkiBg6RbXr71kPKzgU67wdRtiJAyHGZiLUaQkCyCao_Ghe4sttvTGCQOv2rbgAsaMuD0UoB/s1600/DSC05921.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKxA0cjW2kmX_f1RszGh28rUjGeZ_kTgUx8wmICi0vKga31x8LJuXjRMmuq5UpMlLJ11rjUkkiBg6RbXr71kPKzgU67wdRtiJAyHGZiLUaQkCyCao_Ghe4sttvTGCQOv2rbgAsaMuD0UoB/s320/DSC05921.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Ellery slept while Cooper and I ate. </div><div style="text-align: center;">The nap provided just the rest needed to work hard on learning to walk. </div><div style="text-align: center;">She took a record 15 or so steps!</div><br />
We have so very much to be grateful for.Kelly Dahlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05657878717073020612noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8119737378125673647.post-51233385240348971852010-04-16T22:54:00.000-04:002010-04-16T22:54:02.530-04:00{this moment}<em>A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember. Inspired by </em><a href="http://www.soulemama.com/soulemama/"><i>Amanda Blake Soule</i></a><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvMQlGyxLHf4jPSJ3qobyp2CR7d7mJvvt64z8JUPSeNT9gB71jwf74DOyOLijq1AF3MyYLm4UhS9wmPgETauysU_ByXY-WaNL6JXAIfLLfKqDcW9fHa3aRO1MZahk24CtnIzaVa_hLT5Xj/s1600/DSC05888.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvMQlGyxLHf4jPSJ3qobyp2CR7d7mJvvt64z8JUPSeNT9gB71jwf74DOyOLijq1AF3MyYLm4UhS9wmPgETauysU_ByXY-WaNL6JXAIfLLfKqDcW9fHa3aRO1MZahk24CtnIzaVa_hLT5Xj/s320/DSC05888.JPG" /></a></div>Kelly Dahlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05657878717073020612noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8119737378125673647.post-12513891256495235182010-04-15T09:50:00.000-04:002010-04-15T09:50:30.199-04:00Ellery is 1!!!!!Happy Birthday my dear, sweet girl!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdo4-5KSon8O84ikS89oJBjvNDV_clYROl4zgtcEpKogW5kSf2-5herG9f1Us1o0Aoju4Pma1OOuo5FdRlblsJEpvXaCZk83XdKM-GC4ZByQIVRWphtw86CG74zVqEVz8elmEoAMe3oBKH/s1600/DSC05906.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdo4-5KSon8O84ikS89oJBjvNDV_clYROl4zgtcEpKogW5kSf2-5herG9f1Us1o0Aoju4Pma1OOuo5FdRlblsJEpvXaCZk83XdKM-GC4ZByQIVRWphtw86CG74zVqEVz8elmEoAMe3oBKH/s320/DSC05906.JPG" /></a></div>Kelly Dahlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05657878717073020612noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8119737378125673647.post-71196594211296739212010-04-14T11:15:00.000-04:002010-04-14T11:15:18.216-04:00One Year AgoThis is what I looked like.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4hfrHOwBoqRH8OECWzqPk119mUk3lkcfniQWU7icOIPOirZ7XM5HCEOUSboHTsb9BZMPCK4jw20zt6rQGv91mgQyuwW_HWfUV8xUPQWcvz79lzjSjpJ7MzPqwEBG1Q_FG3c4B4-8Howht/s1600/P1050664.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4hfrHOwBoqRH8OECWzqPk119mUk3lkcfniQWU7icOIPOirZ7XM5HCEOUSboHTsb9BZMPCK4jw20zt6rQGv91mgQyuwW_HWfUV8xUPQWcvz79lzjSjpJ7MzPqwEBG1Q_FG3c4B4-8Howht/s320/P1050664.jpg" /></a></div><br />
That picture was actually taken around 4:30am on the 15th. I was at the <a href="http://www.midwifecenter.org/tmc/tmc/content.asp?p=home">Pittsburgh Midwife Center</a>, hoping that labor was going to get moving after my water broke just before midnight on April 14th. Unfortunately that didn't happen and I ended up looking like this.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwWUEFzkHJyVsLAUZ8kT1DINErzYYlBqk5e2VfN8KRCluEiJYW3evNRjg15BP36xuWmWZ1FAvB-3qft5oc6TAljzEzX_OMzw2j7SaFL_kHOGrWJAcmeX06GR9NyoNiQ6_DksDOC5G9fB1I/s1600/P1050671.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwWUEFzkHJyVsLAUZ8kT1DINErzYYlBqk5e2VfN8KRCluEiJYW3evNRjg15BP36xuWmWZ1FAvB-3qft5oc6TAljzEzX_OMzw2j7SaFL_kHOGrWJAcmeX06GR9NyoNiQ6_DksDOC5G9fB1I/s320/P1050671.JPG" /></a></div>That picture is before the Pitocin kicked in and I drifted into the bizarre and focused world of a fast a furious labor.<br />
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Last year we were preparing to welcome our little girl. Now, we are busy preparing to celebrate Ellery's big day tomorrow. I'm going to be making this <a href="http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/photo/Red-Velvet-Cake-with-Raspberries-and-Blueberries-108256">cake</a> along with some matching cupcakes. My parents arrive tomorrow to join in the celebration. We have so much joy to share!Kelly Dahlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05657878717073020612noreply@blogger.com1