tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-77522314896005692262024-02-06T23:33:33.104-06:00The Dailey JourneyFamily, Food & FotosAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00482024836687697379noreply@blogger.comBlogger621125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7752231489600569226.post-40186717617905665942016-09-30T15:57:00.001-05:002016-09-30T15:57:37.360-05:00Harry Potter Birthday Party<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
So Maggie turned 11. Not quite sure how we got here so quickly, but here we are. As we were talking about what she wanted to do for her birthday this year, she decided this would be the perfect year for a Harry Potter party, as she turned 11, just like Harry did in the first book. We looked through <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/wyndall93/harry-potter-birthday-party/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a> for ideas and came up with:</div>
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The invitations: A letter from Minerva McGonagall inviting her friends to a preview session of Hogwarts where they would make wands, have a feast and watch a "documentary" about Hogwarts.</div>
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<a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/AWC0TTzXuBzOTBb4GDPB6TMfcnJ1PVa0H4aAjmF0XlUP4EuRCRAQPIs/" target="_blank">Wand</a> Shopping: They made wands using yarn, hot glue, pony beads and their imaginations. We then painted them brown.</div>
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The feast included <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/137148751128545263/" target="_blank">Butterbeer</a> (the girls were not fans), Quiddich (shepherd's) pie and baskalisk bones (spaghetti) and <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/137148751131947770/" target="_blank">pumpkin pasties</a>. The cake was red velvet and decorated like Hagrid decorated Harry's first cake! After the feast, they watched Harry Potter & the Sorcerer's Stone.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWTOaav15qfzCwVY9XeEBQNpWlm7LsWTaZiJCvSkXlw-gCkQCl-y_6bb59HwpwTP2v8tYpKFUOi3DhJKkVXlya3Ak5v4qADK9vRI5-7linABk6CcH0hK_9RZ4oAmtdwuDzk1Wjl6Jyww90/s640/blogger-image--983148936.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9C1H-sWEb_3i2Qfjhyphenhyphen3FjB_-MIhNEwu23DAqTtwiz0gndPZmEHwr12HM5kA13Ohzt9a1ClW4fzYsBxYfrDOYxvNmPP5GCtF3LaoERo6YrzNIob5ypM-z2P_k8df9WweGDXGC2jixcshHP/s640/blogger-image-1789855068.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9C1H-sWEb_3i2Qfjhyphenhyphen3FjB_-MIhNEwu23DAqTtwiz0gndPZmEHwr12HM5kA13Ohzt9a1ClW4fzYsBxYfrDOYxvNmPP5GCtF3LaoERo6YrzNIob5ypM-z2P_k8df9WweGDXGC2jixcshHP/s400/blogger-image-1789855068.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Overall, it was a successful party. Maggie & her friends had a great time and Maggie ranks it in her to 10 birthdays!</div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00482024836687697379noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7752231489600569226.post-5906626263707319222016-09-14T19:42:00.001-05:002016-09-14T19:42:37.297-05:00#21DayFix Day something ...I haven't exactly kept up on this. I've been following the guidelines (kinda) and attempting to track, but football season is in full swing and you have to have Buffalo Wings during the first game of the season. The tracking app I use doesn't allow you to "skip" a day and pick up again; well, it does but not easily. You can restart, but I don't like a restart, I prefer to pick up where I left off.<div><br></div><div>I've got a couple of other areas to keep me accountable though. My "workout boss" (as Jessie calls her) Anjali got my into the BeachBody Health Bet: minimum of 3 workouts & 5 Shakes each week. Easy peasy. </div><div><br></div><div>Rocky and I are also tracking our fruits & veggies for the wellness program thru SDSU.</div><div><br></div><div>Again, my goal here is to make better choices. So supper tonight had 2 veggie choices: peas and broccoli to go with shrimp and wild rice (Jessie's favorite). And a glass of wine.<br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnSTjB9u_NKCfjYBqEXedzWGryDvFuLiKOOjxI_YUnO5yUwtaDtThEocA5rvCOkZKLaRHceW8-Gpi975WDYFj9nGJDn6Mb91jGRyRruX_BT1Ryp2akHm_cSnK8iRX2kQtK6xlxvRCk5vra/s640/blogger-image--1552199970.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnSTjB9u_NKCfjYBqEXedzWGryDvFuLiKOOjxI_YUnO5yUwtaDtThEocA5rvCOkZKLaRHceW8-Gpi975WDYFj9nGJDn6Mb91jGRyRruX_BT1Ryp2akHm_cSnK8iRX2kQtK6xlxvRCk5vra/s640/blogger-image--1552199970.jpg"></a></div></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00482024836687697379noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7752231489600569226.post-91144548850005493202016-09-07T19:54:00.001-05:002016-09-15T14:57:29.124-05:00#21DayFix Day 3<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
I think the hardest part of the 21 day fix is figuring out when to have my carbs. I only get 2 (TWO). And wine counts as a carb so if I want to have A glass (4 ounces), then that really limits what I can have. My ideal meal would be bread, cheese and wine. So I have to get creative.</div>
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This was tonight's supper: salmon, brown rice, broccoli, & a stuffed red pepper (spinach, cottage cheese, mozzarella, & bacon). This is 2 veggies, 1 carb, 1.5 protein, with 2 tbsp of oil. I'm still working on portion control -- the salmon filet is hard as it doesn't fit neatly into the red box! I did a little bit of guessing. I tend to be better on using the containers with lunch as it makes it easier to put it in my lunchbox!</div>
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This "diet" -- it's not really a diet but a life style choice, learning how to make better food choices and what a serving is. This is a good match for me because of its flexibility. Very little is off limits. If I wanted to have bread, cheese and wine, I could. Now an entire loaf, with 8 oz of cheese and 2 glasses of wine would be too much -- as it should! Again this is about portion control. A healthy diet includes a wide variety of food and lots of fruits & veggies. And that's something that my diet, my food choices typically lack. This has challenged me to look for more fruits, bringing more fresh and frozen fruits and veggies into the house -- we won't eat what isn't here!</div>
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I am enjoying the challenge and seeing my diet improve. I'm excited to see where this round takes me!</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00482024836687697379noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7752231489600569226.post-48599470198618701962016-09-05T10:48:00.001-05:002016-09-05T12:42:36.221-05:00#21DayFix Round 2I didn't quite make it through my first 21 day fix. The last week of the fix, we were in Minneapolis and, while I did attempt to stick to it, it is really hard to track your food when you are eating out. You can't control exactly what is put on the plate and forget about portion control (still have that "clean your plate" mentality sometimes and sometimes, man, it was too good to waste!) I stayed away from too many fried foods, but probably drank more pop in those few days than I did the rest of the summer! <div><br></div><div>Even so, I would call my first venture a success: 11 inches and 5 pounds gone! It works -- who would have thought that adding more fruits & veggies into your diet and controlling carbs and fats would help you lose weight? Shocking I know. I definitely do not have a knowledge problem when it comes to weight loss: I have an execution problem!<div><br></div><div>When my coach (or my "workout boss" as Jessie calls her) invited me to participate in the BeachBody Health Bet, I knew this would be another great opportunity to try the 21 Day Fix. The Health Bet is focused on tracking Shakeology & workouts, but I decided I need to continue to challenge myself to execute my nutrition knowledge!</div><div><br></div><div>I'm going to blog about this as well to hold myself accountable and hopefully remind myself of the recipes I've enjoyed.</div><div><br></div><div>My Shakeology today was Cafe Latte, almond milk, salted caramel syrup, pumpkin purée and pumpkin spice. We got some sugar pumpkins from Rocky's brother, so I roasted them and made some purée. (Later, Maggie & I are going to practice making pumpkin pasties). The shakeo was delicious but next time I'm definitely adding some graham crackers!</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2T2FD7BmLyylkB9w9QaVqo355KS_RahxXGrNpAkQZkYUSXVSa_tpjXzRfRAp7CNljaMGkVUKIgO9PP8KYBGIWWH_XVAfV6Un_dbahgzm2UVZt4azDvgDSFdZYeual4J68hyphenhyphenTgrPi0Tlx0/s640/blogger-image-2084584611.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2T2FD7BmLyylkB9w9QaVqo355KS_RahxXGrNpAkQZkYUSXVSa_tpjXzRfRAp7CNljaMGkVUKIgO9PP8KYBGIWWH_XVAfV6Un_dbahgzm2UVZt4azDvgDSFdZYeual4J68hyphenhyphenTgrPi0Tlx0/s640/blogger-image-2084584611.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Still trying to decide what's for lunch today -- work days are much easier to stick to the plan than lazy stay home days!</div><br></div></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00482024836687697379noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7752231489600569226.post-54681012129204607992016-08-02T08:54:00.001-05:002016-08-08T10:19:51.591-05:00#Bod4God Back for More #21DFSince completing the Bod4God program, I've done pretty good keeping up on the exercise portion of what I learned. My choices have changed and I have really felt growth in <a href="http://www.beachbodycoach.com/esuite/home/wyndall93#" target="_blank">Piyo</a>, which is definitely my continued workout of choice. I love that I work up a sweat, my heart rate goes up yet I don't have the jarring affect that the high impact exercises have on my joints (jeez how old am I?). Piyo has made me stronger than I ever thought. Strong enough I felt confident to participate in the Brookings marathon relay with a group from work. I had a 3 mile leg and did it in a little over 11 minutes/mile.<br />
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I have not done as well with the nutrition side. I struggle with portion control, and of course, my beloved bread, cheese and wine! Anjali has been a great coach encouraging me to take a variety of challenges, designed not only to challenge me, but also teach me something. I did a 5 day <a href="http://www.beachbodycoach.com/esuite/home/wyndall93#" target="_blank">Shakeology</a> challenge and discovered that I really do like that stuff -- with almond milk & a coffee syrup (salted caramel & s'mores are my favorite). Also discovered the girls like them so it may become a regular rotation for their breakfast.</div>
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And now I'm on the <a href="http://www.beachbodycoach.com/esuite/home/wyndall93#" target="_blank">21 Day Fix</a> which is all about portion control. The program comes with these handy-dandy containers to help you get the right portion for each type of food: vegetables, fruit, carbs, protein, healthy fat, nuts or dressing. The program also allows for some cookie "fats" or other flavoring a in teaspoon increments. And of course, as much water as you can possible drink<br />
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This was my lunch the other day. It took me quite a while to finish it all!! I'm simply not used to eating so many fruits and veggies!! While I haven't really craved sweets, I do find myself wanting more cheese (healthy fats) as I'm only allotted one portion of healthy fats each day.</div>
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I just finished the first week. I haven't weighed myself or taken any new measurements but I've enjoyed the challenge. We ordered in pizza last night,so I had to find a way to get some fruits & veggies. Fortunately, I picked up a bunch of frozen fruits and had bought some fresh kale -- kale chips where have you been all my life?!?</div>
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I'm really not looking to lose weight or inches. I'm hoping to come away from this having become more mindful about what I eat.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00482024836687697379noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7752231489600569226.post-24371195931452777582016-07-29T16:08:00.001-05:002016-07-29T16:08:43.284-05:00History<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
I am a feminist. I believe in equal and equitable treatment for all people. So last night was HUGE. Really really huge.</div>
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My girls were/are SO excited. They are very big Hillary fans. And I encourage it. This election is bigger than who will be president of the United States. This is about that glass ceiling. No longer is the idea that a woman could be president theoretical. Much like the election in 2008 was about the idea that a black man could be president, this election is about that same thing. Love her or hate her, Hillary is finally that woman who broke through, brought the ceiling crashing down. </div>
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We watched her speech outside on the big screen. Maggie was disinterested until Hillary began speaking (Sorry Chelsea), but once Hillary began, she watched with rapt attention. I could tell Maggie was really listening. She was commenting and got into the chanting -- raising her fist and saying "Hillary, Hillary, Hillary!" She understands how important this is. She knows it is important for us to actually SAY Girls are just as good as Boys and that it is ridiculous that we have to say it. Everyone deserves a seat at the table.</div>
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"Women's rights are human rights and human rights are women's rights." Hillary Clinton. </blockquote>
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And so last night, we set up the inflatable screen, the projector and sat out under the stars to watch Hillary Clinton become the first woman in the United States to accept a major party's nomination (and for all those who want to argue about other female candidates - yes, they were candidates, but they were not from a major party and let's not get into their actual chances). I am voting for Hillary, because a vote for Hillary is a vote for both of my daughters.</div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00482024836687697379noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7752231489600569226.post-28781879622690921272016-04-23T17:47:00.001-05:002016-04-23T17:47:18.321-05:00Through Jessie's EyesJessie can't wait to grow up. She loves fashion and make up and is currently "married" to Rusty [the dog]. She became extremely upset the other morning when I told her there was no way she would get a phone for her 6th birthday. I love to listen to her talk and sing her made up songs that tell an epic tale.<div><br></div><div>Today, while we were trying to fly a kite, she grabbed my phone and took some pictures. Finally get to see the world through her eyes:</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv_hXqcX9nF_GSfM245Pzkih4aNO9Qt_uKDJ5heETTCzNg1sT2n2JoTVIINwQblOQCoFxdgVUGhMb0MyTwXZvST_73SowT5GVxI9G15_vYsZ7uij1dHjUPw-XBFXqpkrTJVQDh40Ndh9gT/s640/blogger-image-675766103.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv_hXqcX9nF_GSfM245Pzkih4aNO9Qt_uKDJ5heETTCzNg1sT2n2JoTVIINwQblOQCoFxdgVUGhMb0MyTwXZvST_73SowT5GVxI9G15_vYsZ7uij1dHjUPw-XBFXqpkrTJVQDh40Ndh9gT/s640/blogger-image-675766103.jpg"></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv_hXqcX9nF_GSfM245Pzkih4aNO9Qt_uKDJ5heETTCzNg1sT2n2JoTVIINwQblOQCoFxdgVUGhMb0MyTwXZvST_73SowT5GVxI9G15_vYsZ7uij1dHjUPw-XBFXqpkrTJVQDh40Ndh9gT/s640/blogger-image-675766103.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv6W178mbWKkIofxZny0p9V_DyUEfqhipx6rBf56LP0tyXIhf12VMQvRDQZLDBx_sd-vOkT2Pf3Wv-EGL5LVnFazEV7gfPXyU_L-T9i8MHugCR2pva9Q2ggOQFeEGEqkM0wRrCpMkmogZ-/s640/blogger-image--2112863579.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv6W178mbWKkIofxZny0p9V_DyUEfqhipx6rBf56LP0tyXIhf12VMQvRDQZLDBx_sd-vOkT2Pf3Wv-EGL5LVnFazEV7gfPXyU_L-T9i8MHugCR2pva9Q2ggOQFeEGEqkM0wRrCpMkmogZ-/s640/blogger-image--2112863579.jpg"></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv6W178mbWKkIofxZny0p9V_DyUEfqhipx6rBf56LP0tyXIhf12VMQvRDQZLDBx_sd-vOkT2Pf3Wv-EGL5LVnFazEV7gfPXyU_L-T9i8MHugCR2pva9Q2ggOQFeEGEqkM0wRrCpMkmogZ-/s640/blogger-image--2112863579.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuXE8C32BumZMUo7fBBIE25z1m9rU77pNjwmXKy0m_8f7ON9bonh1PO4stmZZHBs2o3YB5ErYL76bNulerwzbWWewHP0oYs2uqbPLIfsdQ7NxtqE7VN0zYaKwNyFyTunYakKuFu6l1vOcK/s640/blogger-image--26071752.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuXE8C32BumZMUo7fBBIE25z1m9rU77pNjwmXKy0m_8f7ON9bonh1PO4stmZZHBs2o3YB5ErYL76bNulerwzbWWewHP0oYs2uqbPLIfsdQ7NxtqE7VN0zYaKwNyFyTunYakKuFu6l1vOcK/s640/blogger-image--26071752.jpg"></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuXE8C32BumZMUo7fBBIE25z1m9rU77pNjwmXKy0m_8f7ON9bonh1PO4stmZZHBs2o3YB5ErYL76bNulerwzbWWewHP0oYs2uqbPLIfsdQ7NxtqE7VN0zYaKwNyFyTunYakKuFu6l1vOcK/s640/blogger-image--26071752.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV5bh6bQX-VueSsTMMsMPJRSv9364mCm_SHApybzMEEuQ7SXtzJXDpJ3tpW7_ao_xOM7ZzPcOCNBuZlZLNHgDSLrw-lU68SMgZNw5F7XDWdFkQ9e9-YAAkUEn4ejMsrwBb18FZQZcOqgzB/s640/blogger-image-1060910959.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV5bh6bQX-VueSsTMMsMPJRSv9364mCm_SHApybzMEEuQ7SXtzJXDpJ3tpW7_ao_xOM7ZzPcOCNBuZlZLNHgDSLrw-lU68SMgZNw5F7XDWdFkQ9e9-YAAkUEn4ejMsrwBb18FZQZcOqgzB/s640/blogger-image-1060910959.jpg"></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV5bh6bQX-VueSsTMMsMPJRSv9364mCm_SHApybzMEEuQ7SXtzJXDpJ3tpW7_ao_xOM7ZzPcOCNBuZlZLNHgDSLrw-lU68SMgZNw5F7XDWdFkQ9e9-YAAkUEn4ejMsrwBb18FZQZcOqgzB/s640/blogger-image-1060910959.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSmt5cliuPjdD18A0WuZeXDfA7IJJJTp7WD5q_4V4cTCphJXzkUIC27dacziDREJrHHoN0xZYu8KQlLMKLogcHRPYfK03QJUhLO5hMwzn6v00z1SYBLqOwYI3va-8cqMox6RCVPVxLfzYN/s640/blogger-image--2042769871.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSmt5cliuPjdD18A0WuZeXDfA7IJJJTp7WD5q_4V4cTCphJXzkUIC27dacziDREJrHHoN0xZYu8KQlLMKLogcHRPYfK03QJUhLO5hMwzn6v00z1SYBLqOwYI3va-8cqMox6RCVPVxLfzYN/s640/blogger-image--2042769871.jpg"></a></div></div></div></div></div><br></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00482024836687697379noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7752231489600569226.post-12501937768329550202016-03-21T21:14:00.001-05:002016-12-08T08:40:52.912-06:00Palm SundayRiding into the city on an ass<br />
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And the people cried out.</div>
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Leaving the city carrying a cross</div>
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And the people cried out.</div>
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Where would I be?</div>
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Which side would I be on?</div>
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When would I cry out?</div>
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Would I listen if even the rocks cried out?</div>
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What would it take?</div>
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Would I cry out Hallelujah?</div>
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Would I cry out crucify him?</div>
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<i>Luke 19:40 He answered them "if they were silent, the stones would shout out."</i></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00482024836687697379noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7752231489600569226.post-14566745300547904122016-03-14T11:28:00.001-05:002016-03-14T11:28:17.562-05:00Peanut Butter Sandwich Cheesecake Truffles<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
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Girl Scout cookie sales have come to an end (almost) and here I sit with 2 CASES of Peanut Butter Sandwiches (or Do-Si-Dos). These are a classic Girl Scout cookie, around back when I sold cookies in the 80s. They have their own following, but are no where near the popularity of the Thin Mint, Caramel Delite (or Samoas) or Peanut Butter Patties (or Tagalongs).</div>
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Here in South Dakota, we do not do pre-sales (think the Girl Scout out with her sales form and then delivering cookies several weeks/a month later), we have cookies on hand. I really prefer this method. Neighbors are more likely to purchase from the girl with cookies in hand. The hard part is predicting what you might need. My girls like to do booth sales, so I have made it a habit to schedule 1-2 booths during the last weekend of sales and let my parents return cookies they aren't able to sell (by a deadline).</div>
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The number of girls tripled for me -- Maggie's troop doubled in size and Jessie is now a Girl Scout. We went from 5 girls selling last year to 16 girls! So lots of new girls selling. We had a fantastic year. Unfortunately, some of them over-estimated the popularity of some cookies, which is why I now have 24 boxes of Peanut Butter Sandwiches (and Shortbreads). We have one final booth coming up at SDSU right before Easter, so I am hoping we can find some creative ways to sell these not-as-popular cookies. </div>
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In browsing around Pinterest, I found a recipe for Peanut Butter Cheesecake Truffles and decided to see if they would work with Peanut Butter Sandwiches in place of the peanut butter. And I'm happy to say they were a success! Just a few ingredients and we have another way to enjoy these cookies! I'm hoping to do the same with a couple of other cookies before the final sales.</div>
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<i>Peanut Butter Sandwich Cheesecake Truffle</i></div>
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1 box Peanut Butter Sandwich Cookies (you will use 1.5 sleeves)</div>
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8 oz cream cheese, room temp</div>
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1/3 cup powdered sugar (more to taste)</div>
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8 oz chocolate chips + 1/2 cup if desired.</div>
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Finely crush 1.5 sleeves of Peanut Butter Sandwich Cookies in a food processor. Whip with 8 oz of cream cheese and 1/3 cup powdered sugar until smooth. Fold in chocolate chips (if desired). Chill mixture in refrigerator for 1 hour. Form into balls. [I used a small cookie scoop for the balls above. I think I want to find a smaller one so they are truly bite sized.] Freeze. [Due to time, I froze them overnight, which was more than enough. An hour should be fine.] Melt 8 oz of chocolate chips. Dip & cover balls in melted chocolate. Sprinkle with extra crushed cookies. Freeze minimum 1 hour. Enjoy!</div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00482024836687697379noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7752231489600569226.post-41023795044212503502016-02-29T15:59:00.001-06:002016-02-29T15:59:07.213-06:00Wild Generosity<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px; text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Everyone who thirsts, come to the waters; and you that have no money -- come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without price. (Isaiah 55:1)</span></i></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px; text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px; text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Is there anyone among you who, if a child asks for bread, will give a stone? Or if the child asks for fish, will give a snake? (Matthew 7:9)</span></i></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px; text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 12.8px; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Two messages to cut me to the core</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 12.8px; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Of selfishness</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 12.8px; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">When have I chosen the easy route of looking away</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 12.8px; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">When have I chosen to wonder what's in it for me</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 12.8px; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Before I give</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 12.8px; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">My time</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 12.8px; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">My talents</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 12.8px; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">My tithe</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 12.8px; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">When have You been before me</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 12.8px; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">A stranger, reaching out a hand for a bit of my tithe</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 12.8px; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">A friend, asking for a bit of my talent</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 12.8px; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">A child, wanting just a bit of time</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 12.8px; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Yet I selfishly turned away</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 12.8px; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">What's in it for me</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 12.8px; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Selfishly, I cling to the world</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 12.8px; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">I cling to my stuff</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 12.8px; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">I cling to that which doesn't really matter</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 12.8px; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Wanting more for me</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 12.8px; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Remind me that there is plenty for all</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 12.8px; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">There is more where that comes from</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 12.8px; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">You will provide all that I need.</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 12.8px; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">How often you have proved it over and over and over</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 12.8px; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Yet still I want more</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 12.8px; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">More proof</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 12.8px; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">When have You been before me asking me for something?</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 12.8px; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Let me see You and know</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 12.8px; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Let me hear You and give</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 12.8px; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Freely to whomever asks</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Let me be wildly generous</span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00482024836687697379noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7752231489600569226.post-9128816227127607912016-02-27T17:43:00.001-06:002016-02-27T17:43:01.101-06:00StillnessWhere can I find quiet<div>Where can I hear the stillness</div><div>In this noisy world </div><div>The giggle of my girls</div><div>The honking of the geese</div><div>Returning from the south</div><div>The crackle of a fire</div><div>The whine of the dog</div><div>Begging someone to just throw the ball</div><div>And then I realize</div><div>You are in all those noises</div><div>You are behind</div><div>You are the source</div><div>You are the reason </div><div>I can find the beauty in each of those sounds </div><div>Meaning</div><div>Joy</div><div>Thank you.</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00482024836687697379noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7752231489600569226.post-29636324390729230422016-02-24T09:04:00.001-06:002016-02-24T09:06:22.318-06:00Bearing Fruit<div>Prompt from Luke 13:8-9</div><div><br></div>Waiting.<div>I've done that.</div><div>I've been there.</div><div>And it is now</div><div>Now I am seeing the fruit</div><div>Now I am seeing that you are faithful</div><div>And that everything happens in your time</div><div>Not mine.</div><div>We can continue to let the tree grow.</div><div>We are planted in the right spot.</div><div>I was impatient but you have shown</div><div>You have proven to me again</div><div>And again</div><div>I do not need to be afraid.</div><div>I will continue to trust you.</div><div><br></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00482024836687697379noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7752231489600569226.post-10287696558766503272016-02-19T12:40:00.000-06:002016-02-19T12:40:02.497-06:00Grace<i style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px; text-align: center;">I say to the LORD, "You are my God; I have no good apart from you." (Psalm 16:2)</i><br />
<i style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px; text-align: center;"><br /></i>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">Confess in prayer today that God is the goodness of our days, our breath, our life.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;"><br /></span>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">Apart from you, I am a shell.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">Apart from you, I am weak.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">Apart from you, I am unacceptable.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">Apart from you, I am poor.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">Apart from you, I am ordinary.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">Apart from you, I am evil.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">With you, I am filled.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">With you, I am strong.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">With you, I am accepted.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">With you, I am rich.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">With you, I am extraordinary.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">With you, I am good. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">I have good. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;"><br /></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00482024836687697379noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7752231489600569226.post-4085889604657761012016-02-15T07:59:00.001-06:002016-02-19T10:26:28.600-06:00Lent Prayer 1<div style="text-align: start;">
<span style="text-align: center;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Yet even now, says the LORD, return to me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning. (Joel <a dir="ltr" href="x-apple-data-detectors://0" x-apple-data-detectors-result="0" x-apple-data-detectors-type="calendar-event" x-apple-data-detectors="true">2:12</a>)</span></span></div>
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<i style="text-align: center;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br /></span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: start;">
<span style="text-align: center;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><i><br /></i></span></span>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="text-align: center;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><i>We are not alone here.</i></span></span></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><i>We are all connected. </i></span></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><i>We must all return to the Lord.</i></span></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><i>There is no punishment for all because of one.</i></span></div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><i>We are called to love.</i></span></div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><i>I mourn the lack of love.</i></span></div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><i>I mourn the lack of grace.</i></span></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><i>We are all on this journey together.</i></span></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><i>We need to give more grace to one another.</i></span></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><i>We need to give more love to one another.</i></span></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><i>Show me where grace is needed.</i></span></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><i>Show me where love is needed.</i></span></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><i>Remind me to give. Freely.</i></span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><i>Without reservation.</i></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00482024836687697379noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7752231489600569226.post-1739438619971525452016-02-15T06:50:00.001-06:002016-02-19T10:26:41.239-06:00Love Freely<div style="text-align: start;">
<span style="background-color: rgba(255 , 255 , 255 , 0); text-align: center;">The love that comes from faith does not ask, "Who will get into heaven?" or "Who will go to hell?" No, the love that comes from faith says, "Christ is near to you, as close as a whisper and within your heart." (Romans 10:<a dir="ltr" href="x-apple-data-detectors://0" x-apple-data-detectors-result="0" x-apple-data-detectors-type="calendar-event" x-apple-data-detectors="true">6-8a</a>, adapted)</span></div>
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<i style="background-color: rgba(255 , 255 , 255 , 0); text-align: center;"><br /></i></div>
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<i style="background-color: rgba(255 , 255 , 255 , 0); text-align: center;">This Valentine's Day, Lord, let me be your love, your light that shows others you. Guide me, put into my path those that need that love. Remind me so show love when I am impatient, frustrated, angry. I am not ready for the responsibilities that come with judging others. I want to love, give grace to those that I don't think deserve it. Love is not something to be earned but to be freely given. </i></div>
<div style="text-align: start;">
<i style="background-color: rgba(255 , 255 , 255 , 0); text-align: center;"><br /></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><i>This is something I need to do.</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><i>This is something I want to do.</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><i>This is what is required, because you have freely loved me.</i></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00482024836687697379noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7752231489600569226.post-51361420546875604372016-01-02T07:58:00.001-06:002016-01-02T07:58:28.620-06:002016 Resolutions1. 1000 Gifts: get to 1000 gifts by Dec 2016.<div>2. Track food -- know what's going in</div><div>3. 4-5 work outs each week</div><div>4. Anjali's clean eating challenge. Participate in at least 6 this year.</div><div>5. Menu planning. Plan out at least 1 week in advance.</div><div>6. One on one time with Maggie</div><div>7. A new church home</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00482024836687697379noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7752231489600569226.post-61329289926510720962015-09-06T07:55:00.001-05:002015-09-08T11:39:18.293-05:00First day of schoolKindergarten and Fourth grade! 2 Girl Scouts, 2 dance students. A fashionista and an artist. A future doctor and a future zoologist.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBxlvzuXPjh_SWBzRjhoM8inSnSWiY6H6AMhKgPzi_vcxFHl-FPbmKHRGa-HwWo7KJ8br_iu4P8GJlxNmtoEh9mz7GPkTxKpQovwvW_ykFzOX5j797ACagrVS0EkvO7AWpvnfQM98y3TPr/s640/blogger-image-240256030.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBxlvzuXPjh_SWBzRjhoM8inSnSWiY6H6AMhKgPzi_vcxFHl-FPbmKHRGa-HwWo7KJ8br_iu4P8GJlxNmtoEh9mz7GPkTxKpQovwvW_ykFzOX5j797ACagrVS0EkvO7AWpvnfQM98y3TPr/s400/blogger-image-240256030.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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As I continuously pray for them to grow into beautiful women, I also pray God will show me how to be the mother they need. They are so alike and so different. I am also praying the Lord puts godly women into their lives. I miss the women we had in our life in Billings and look for women like that here.</div>
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I pray for their dad, to be the dad they need and the example of a man to look for when they grow up. That our marriage can be one they want for themselves.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj36db0MUrD0Vn-X3kBSuV5YvG5ujbp1xe1G4bnEmzJdO3oOmK5YxmXAPjQsuMFWN7ABLrCrCbVTyCIflJ9GKR7SXeOO9Q6LMMjXFJpjxUK8Mw4Cdw8Q3koFqZZFWR4rCKavgTKeXEfZ_gQ/s640/blogger-image-631528503.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj36db0MUrD0Vn-X3kBSuV5YvG5ujbp1xe1G4bnEmzJdO3oOmK5YxmXAPjQsuMFWN7ABLrCrCbVTyCIflJ9GKR7SXeOO9Q6LMMjXFJpjxUK8Mw4Cdw8Q3koFqZZFWR4rCKavgTKeXEfZ_gQ/s400/blogger-image-631528503.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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Kindergarten according to Jessie: at free choice is when we play with the toys. And I like making Legos with my friend Dixon. He knows the Lego Movie. At school at my table we moved spots. Some of my friends go to a different color table. I stayed at the green table in a different spot. I don't know who's at my table. With the swing, people push you. Some kids call them baby swings. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4RlPUdz11gFFfaLpRSEsKJzE9OQUbqolpUunphTqwWe2bG9D-05aqpbLNH_xjmkbgp8vT65IAcdwdyv-SqPxthcMY45mIkDuMVMRmGfV3D2zF-ultOvBMxrXZffpgfipWXWjWDIPial6e/s640/blogger-image-656511956.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4RlPUdz11gFFfaLpRSEsKJzE9OQUbqolpUunphTqwWe2bG9D-05aqpbLNH_xjmkbgp8vT65IAcdwdyv-SqPxthcMY45mIkDuMVMRmGfV3D2zF-ultOvBMxrXZffpgfipWXWjWDIPial6e/s400/blogger-image-656511956.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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Both girls had a couple of great weeks to kick off the school year. I look forward to a blessed year with them!</div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00482024836687697379noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7752231489600569226.post-37264355659314094562015-07-24T11:30:00.001-05:002015-07-24T11:30:07.828-05:00Another Stitch Fix<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
I am LOVING <a href="https://www.stitchfix.com/referral/4986985" target="_blank">Stitch Fix</a>. No shopping. No deciding. Okay, well there is some deciding. But it's limited.</div>
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In my last box, I only kept one item due to the other selections not fitting (and in my awesome laundry skills, shrunk it after our Disney trip! Added more wash & wear items to my next request). This time I kept 3:</div>
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Madame Knit Tank (<a href="http://www.papermoonclothing.com/" target="_blank">Papermoon</a>). Very comfy, flowy. I can see myself wearing this top all year round as it looks great under a denim jacket. I've worn it a couple of times with a black maxi skirt, but it would also be great with jeans or black slacks. This top was $38.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQWB_ABIw_sHOW2N7iESPQMpJbUUxpvcS5cjho5LDPIAFIZuoCImlGqp11asaCjzXQFHvO-JGggMoMhq51JzR91PFlCWwToEQ3C4BCP12dn6yt5WraS_RDgoYurSkF6cHNhA2zI9JjEr9D/s640/blogger-image--126008605.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQWB_ABIw_sHOW2N7iESPQMpJbUUxpvcS5cjho5LDPIAFIZuoCImlGqp11asaCjzXQFHvO-JGggMoMhq51JzR91PFlCWwToEQ3C4BCP12dn6yt5WraS_RDgoYurSkF6cHNhA2zI9JjEr9D/s400/blogger-image--126008605.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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Bernadette Lace Overlay Raglan Top (<a href="http://www.trademarkia.com/market--spruce-86196348.html" target="_blank">Market & Spruce</a>). Soft jersey t-shirt, almost a baseball style. The lace makes it feminine without being too much. The sleeves are heather gray and the lace is off-white. This is another year-round top. I wore it to work with a pencil black skirt, but I think it would be great for a casual night out too. This top was $58, which is more than I usually spend on a single item, but I think I'll get my money's worth from it.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEf-DbkUmV8jnJl8MvfMPgXz_qoLDsRdOXLdBQWzbKnOtv5JXsLZ9EFvk6Dvjc3b8ImkaL3VQL7xB3WAyCzriBSgHLAjTGeETw_wJLhyphenhyphenDU6hu1g6aJKVVFG16s-wl6gxLIuhZkPdH569IT/s640/blogger-image--850175536.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEf-DbkUmV8jnJl8MvfMPgXz_qoLDsRdOXLdBQWzbKnOtv5JXsLZ9EFvk6Dvjc3b8ImkaL3VQL7xB3WAyCzriBSgHLAjTGeETw_wJLhyphenhyphenDU6hu1g6aJKVVFG16s-wl6gxLIuhZkPdH569IT/s400/blogger-image--850175536.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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Garland Geo Print Maxi Skirt (Papermoon). Super soft fabric. My stylist recommended I wear it with the top I kept from my last box (which alas I shrunk), so I paired it with a simple black t. This is from their petite collection -- the one I got in my last box was WAY too big. This one fit great -- it works with my dressy sandals and my Tevas. The skirt was $58, which again is more than I usually spend, but let's face it, I WAS doing most of my clothing shopping at Wal-Mart & Target.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2gygLzH7qBenqXZASrkIAOj8buXfrEaGJ8AvPsUgDrtK1_o22g9LPwvEnXDjwBqnfXymrRtBkU6CnoY_QfFQkB8IDQJH-aMe4YVd40qdl6hoCNoqIEE3NjdndtEP2MxSwLf35f1920ggg/s640/blogger-image--1492181649.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2gygLzH7qBenqXZASrkIAOj8buXfrEaGJ8AvPsUgDrtK1_o22g9LPwvEnXDjwBqnfXymrRtBkU6CnoY_QfFQkB8IDQJH-aMe4YVd40qdl6hoCNoqIEE3NjdndtEP2MxSwLf35f1920ggg/s400/blogger-image--1492181649.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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I also got some straight leg jeans and a small gold necklace. I liked the jeans, but they just didn't fit me right -- too loose in the waist and too tight in my legs. I am still hopeful they will be able to find jeans that will fit properly and as my next fix is scheduled for October, that's the perfect time to get a great pair of jeans. The necklace was okay. It didn't stand out as a *must have* so I sent it back.</div>
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<a href="http://mtdaileys.blogspot.com/2015/04/stitch-fix.html" target="_blank">As I stated before</a>, this is a great service for me because I really don't like shopping. So when I go, I tend to go for the basics. This is helping find things I wouldn't normally select, or let's face it, FIND in small town SD.</div>
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<i>This is not a sponsored post. I pay for all items on my own. However, this post does provide referral links for new sign ups which gives me a little credit to go towards my next box.</i></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00482024836687697379noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7752231489600569226.post-65596789964438335682015-07-06T09:40:00.001-05:002015-07-08T09:14:37.865-05:00Disney Lessons #DaileyDisneyAdventureWe've been home for almost a month. Pictures are downloaded (working on what to print & a photo book). Starting to think about what vacation to take next, though it won't be even half as big as this one was. I learned a lot planning this trip, some lessons that are definitely transferable!<br />
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1. Plan, plan, plan. Then plan a little more. Disney World is HUGE. You cannot see it all so plan what you MUST see and/or do so you can be sure those get done. And plan those for times when everyone is fresh & fed & happy! Be sure to make those reservations as soon as possible. The week of our trip, Fast Passes for <a href="https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/attractions/magic-kingdom/seven-dwarfs-mine-train/" target="_blank">Dwarfs Mine Train</a>, <a href="https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/attractions/hollywood-studios/toy-story-mania/" target="_blank">Toy Story Midway Mania</a> and to meet <a href="https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/entertainment/magic-kingdom/character-meet-anna-elsa-fairytale-hall/" target="_blank">Anna & Elsa</a> were non-existent!<br />
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1.a. Use the <a href="https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/plan/" target="_blank">MyDisneyExperience</a> App. You can see & make/change/cancel reservations from this app. You can see & make/change your FastPasses. You can get directions to your next ride/event. You can find out how long the wait is at every attraction (and if no wait time is listed, the attraction is not running). You can see what or who (character meets!) is near by. I also had a print out of the Excel sheet schedule I had made, which was good for looking at the next day, but day off the MyDisneyExperince app was my bible -- especially by our last day when I really understood it. The map piece with GPS - I really wish I had understood this one long before the 2nd to last day. I also carried a paper map which was good for all of us to look at together to figure out our next stop.<br />
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2. Don't be afraid to veer from your schedule. Life happens, you get hungry at odd times or someone gets crabby & just needs out of the heat/sun. Will you miss something? Yes. But again, you can't do everything anyway. As long as it wasn't one of your MUST dos, be okay with it. We never did stay at any park for fireworks. We were all tired & done long before. (Of course we could see fireworks from our hotel so we didn't really miss them). Honestly, I wish we had taken more mid-day breaks, but at the time, it always felt like the hotel was just so far away and by the time we got back to the hotel, we were DONE and didn't want to leave.<br />
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3. Eat breakfast every day. Even if you don't normally. I can pin point 2 days that would have gone much smoother if we had gotten up 30 minutes earlier and eaten a hot breakfast. The protein bars just weren't enough.<br />
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3.a. Plan all your meals in advance. The days I thought it would be okay to "play it by ear" ended up being our most challenging days. Make reservations at any sit down restaurant you think you might want to try. If you need to make changes, you can always cancel the reservation on your app [just be aware that some restaurants require some advance notice, but you can check that on the app as well].<br />
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4. Bring water & snacks in with you. I carried in 4 bottles of water & granola bars & fruit snacks. We still got in park snacks but it was nice to not spend $3 for water or have something to hold us over until we found a place to grab a snack. Maggie & I loved the Mickey ice cream bars & Jessie loved the strawberry bars. And any quick service restaurant or vendor with ice will give you a cup of ice or ice water for free.<br />
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4.a. I should have had Rocky or Maggie carry a small bag. I used a small messenger bag I got at the SHRM conference last year and I wouldn't carry anything bigger (it got quite heavy). If one of them had a small string backpack to carry the water it would have made my bag much lighter and would have been nice for all when we split up.<br />
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4.b. What else did I carry? Park map, lip balm, first aid stuff (band aids, ibuprofen, Tums, anti-nausea meds), autograph stuff, small bottle of sun block, ponchos (the $0.96 from Walmart kind), a print out of our schedule, park maps, external phone charger. And anything else the girls didn't want to carry. Though we did insist they carry any souvenir they wanted to purchase before the end of the day.<br />
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5. It is HOT. Unfortunately I didn't know how much the heat bothered Jessie. We brought some spray bottles but ended up also buying a mister there (the strap does make carrying it easier). Jessie had insisted on packing her umbrella and we should have taken that as a sign & let her take it to the parks. We took a lot of breaks. [Jessie recently said "Disney World is the funnest place in the world. And it is hot. It is the funnest place in the world and the hottest place in the world."]<br />
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6. Character autographs. Everything I read said the park autograph books weren't worth the price so I made some for the girls using plastic photo books, scrapbook paper and mini- clipboards. The girls used stickers to decorate the clipboards. I bought a variety pack of Sharpies. We would have been fine with black. These weren't a lot of work and the girls were/are happy with them, but after looking at the books in the park, I didn't really save that much money doing it myself. The photo/autograph books in the park came with pens and were really nice.<br />
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7. Money. Disney is expensive. I didn't think the souvenirs were overpriced, but the food, definitely. We decided ahead of time to not worry about money and we had saved and planned accordingly. The girls also had their own spending money (not that we didn't help them out from time to time). We rarely said no [though I did refuse to purchase the $30 "princess hat" and talked Jessie into some different princess accessories]. You could easily drive yourself crazy worrying about how much money you are spending while you are there. Disney makes it easy to purchase whatever you want by putting the ability to charge to your room on your MagicBand. I'm sure you could do Disney on a tight budget -- you are allowed to bring food and small coolers into the park or if you rented a car, you could go off site to eat. Though, taking the expense of parking and car rental into consideration, paying a little extra for food on site was a small price to pay for us.<br />
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8. <a href="https://mydisneyphotopass.disney.go.com/" target="_blank">PhotoPass</a>. This is a free service offered by Disney. They have photographers EVERY WHERE. They will snap a couple of pictures and then scan your magic band and within a couple of hours, you can see your photos through the Disney website. You can also give them your camera/phone and they will snap a couple of pictures with your camera or step out of the way for you to take the same shot. If you pay in advance, you can get the <a href="https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/memory-maker/" target="_blank">MemoryMaker</a> (you can also purchase while you are there, but pay a little more). We did not purchase the MemoryMaker, but you still get to see everything as they upload it all. Rocky was able to add the ride photos from Splash Mountain and the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train with his magic band. There was also a short video of the mine train ride with video from their ride. The only photo that didn't show up was the one from Maggie's pirate makeover. I'm glad I had thought to have her recreate it while we were in line for the Little Mermaid. You have 30 days to make any purchases from the PhotoPass -- including downloads or actual prints. I downloaded my favorites and will upload to Shutterfly to make photo books and calendars later.<br />
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9. Disney's Magical Express. One benefit to staying at a Disney resort was the free transportation, especially to and from the airport! We booked our tickets about 6 weeks out and sent that information to our travel agent who got us all set up. About a week later, we received our confirmation for the Magical Express, which included luggage tags so we could check luggage without having to pick it up at the airport [we still had to pay the airline baggage fee]. When we arrived in Orlando, we followed the signs to Ground Transportation and were able to get right on the bus. Our bus made 2 stops ahead of us, but we were to our hotel about an hour after we landed. A Disney Cast Member came out to greet us and get us checked in so we didn't need to go to the front desk. Our return was just as easy. We were automatically checked in for our flights & the boarding passes were hanging on our door on check out day. We were able to check our luggage and we're done with it until Sioux Falls. We were also able to go through the TSA pre-check line which meant we didn't have to remove our shoes, take anything out of our carry-one or go through the full-body scan machines.</div>
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10. Use a Disney Travel Agent. There are a lot of them out there and I know a few [after we booked, discovered a <a href="https://www.facebook.com/MagicWithTheMouse/info?tab=page_info" target="_blank">Facebook friend is one</a>!] <a href="http://www.magicalvacationstravel.com/" target="_blank">Our agent</a> did almost everything for us. We talked about our MUST DOs and she got our dinner reservations and Jessie's Bibbidi-Bobbidi-Boutique scheduled once the window opened (180 days in advance). I made the reservation for Maggie's Pirates League makeover and I was left with a great appreciation for what the travel agent does, especially as the Disney Cast Member was trying to get Maggie scheduled for the Bibbidi-Bobbidi-Boutique! The Disney travel agents are free for the travelers and are paid by Disney. Really the only thing she couldn't do was set our FastPasses for us.</div>
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11. Remember, it is just a vacation and you are there to have fun! When you are crabby, or the kids are crabby, just take a break. Getting a family photo isn't as important as getting your overheated daughter out of the sun [and I am speaking to myself here and am thankful my husband reminded me that I really didn't want a family photo with Jessie screaming "I'm hot."] Don't sacrifice your sanity in an effort to do "everything."</div>
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While this isn't a trip you take every year, we are starting to talk about when to go back, which tells me we all had a great time.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00482024836687697379noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7752231489600569226.post-67610064978295647852015-07-06T09:40:00.000-05:002015-07-06T09:40:04.973-05:00Magic Kingdom #DaileyDisneyAdventure<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
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The Magic Kingdom. The park most people think about when they think about Disney World. Cinderella's Castle, Main Street, Mickey Mouse.we had a day and a half here, our last day and a half. And I'm really happy this was the last; like a big finale, the build up, the big pay off. There's something for everyone here.</div>
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We began our 2nd to last day with some relaxation. We slept in, had a good breakfast at the hotel, played in the pool. We were the first ones at the pool and had it to ourselves for a while. It was nice to not have any place to be for a while and not be surrounded by a lot of people. We headed to the park for lunch. The girls loved taking the boat to the park [though I don't think we were took it back to the hotel].</div>
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We checked out <a href="https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/attractions/magic-kingdom/monsters-inc-laugh-floor/" target="_blank">Monster's Laugh Floor</a>, which used the same technology as Turtle Talk with Crush. As we waited in line, we could text jokes in to be used in the show. They picked on people in the audience and each show is different, even different topics. We went twice.</div>
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We caught parts of a coupe of parades, but the girls just weren't interested in standing, in the sun. We rode the tea cups, <a href="https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/attractions/magic-kingdom/its-a-small-world/" target="_blank">It's a Small World</a>, <a href="https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/attractions/magic-kingdom/prince-charming-regal-carrousel/" target="_blank">the Carousel</a> and <a href="https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/attractions/magic-kingdom/stitchs-great-escape/" target="_blank">Stitch's Great Escape</a> -- I'm pretty sure this was the Alien ride when I was last there. There was a short wait, so we decided to try it. I had read some bad reviews, but none mentioned that it was boring. I knew it would get dark and thought that might be enough to scare the girls. But even Jessie thought it was boring. As Maggie put it, nothing happened.</div>
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We met <a href="https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/entertainment/magic-kingdom/character-meet-merida/" target="_blank">Merida</a>, <a href="https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/entertainment/magic-kingdom/character-meet-tinker-bell-town-square-theater/" target="_blank">Tinker Bell</a> and <a href="https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/entertainment/magic-kingdom/character-meet-ariel-grotto-fantasyland/" target="_blank">Ariel as a mermaid</a>. We kept trying to talk Jessie into Splash Mountain, but she kept saying she didn't want to be splashed. I was able to use the app to get a Fast Pass for Rocky & Maggie after dinner. We ate at <a href="https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/dining/magic-kingdom/be-our-guest-restaurant/" target="_blank">Be Our Guest</a>. This was definitely for me! I really really wanted to try the "grey stuff" and it was delicious! We got to meet Beast after the meal. We also discovered that the thunder we assumed was part of the restaurant was actually part of a rain storm. And of course, for some reason I only brought 2 ponchos. So Maggie got one and Jessie & I shared one. We rode Its a Small World hoping the rain would let up before the fast pass time for Splash Mountain. The rain did not so we decided to head back to the hotel and try the ride the next day.</div>
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We got an early start on our last day as we had a 9 am appointment for Jessie at the <a href="http://mtdaileys.blogspot.com/2015/06/bibbidi-bobbidi-boutique.html" target="_blank">Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique</a>. It was nice to be able to walk down Main Street without all the crowds. We were able to get family pictures with the Castle in the background. Then we split up and Jessie & I headed to the salon while Rocky & Maggie headed to Splash Mountain [and got on the very first car].</div>
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Jessie's time at the salon didn't take long and we met up with Rocky & Maggie at the Carousel where we saw the Evil Step Mother & Step Sisters. After, Maggie got her first real roller coaster ride on the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train (which she said was awesome) and Jessie wanted to see Its A Small World again. Then it was time for <a href="http://mtdaileys.blogspot.com/2015/06/pirates-league-review.html" target="_blank">Maggie's pirate make over</a>. We tried to do Splash Mountain and Pirates of the Caribbean, but ran out of time. Jessie got Rocky to do the Teacups again.</div>
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Lunch was at <a href="http://mtdaileys.blogspot.com/2015/06/dining-with-princesses.html" target="_blank">Cinderella's Castle</a> and then we split up again! Maggie decided she didn't want to meet Anna & Elsa so I suggested the Haunted Mansion for them [she wasn't a fan]. They then headed back to the hotel for a break. Jessie & I checked out <a href="https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/attractions/magic-kingdom/mickeys-philharmagic/" target="_blank">Mickey's PhilharMagic 3-D show</a> while we waited for our <a href="http://mtdaileys.blogspot.com/2015/06/character-meetings-daileydisneyadventurr.html" target="_blank">Anna & Elsa</a> FastPass time. Then we headed back to the hotel for a break.</div>
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The break was perfect. Time to cool off & sit for awhile. We started with riding the train to tomorrowland. The girls decided they didn't want to meet any more characters, though a glimpse of Woody & Jessie from the train almost changed their minds. We headed to find something to eat and by the time we had eaten, it was raining again. This time I had brought ponchos for everyone! Maggie wanted to try Splash Mountain again, but it wasn't running. Monsters Laugh Floor was having technical difficulties, so we headed for Mickey's PhilharMagic and started looking for other inside attractions. After the 3D show ended, the Laugh Floor was back up so we decided to go there one last time and then do a little shopping on Main Street. Because of the rain, the shops were crazy crowded, but Maggie was able to spend a little more of her money. And Jessie finally got some cotton candy.</div>
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They were getting Main Street set up for a parade, but again, the girls weren't interested so we headed back to the hotel. A short bus ride back and we enjoyed hanging around the hotel the rest of the evening. We checked out the gift shop and arcade. Did some packing. Jessie was completely fast asleep by 9. It was a good day.</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00482024836687697379noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7752231489600569226.post-42224099806012080522015-06-29T10:21:00.000-05:002015-06-29T10:21:11.878-05:00Character Meetings #DaileyDisneyAdventure<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
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Jessie says this was the best part: getting everyone's autograph. </div>
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Both girls were a little bit shy, but warmed up quickly to the idea of meeting characters.</div>
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My absolute favorite character meeting was the one that was completely unexpected: the wicked step sisters. We saw them as we were headed to the Carousel after Jessie's makeover. They were headed to get in line at the same time. Drucilla spotted Jessie and started talking to her. Jessie was shy, but in a very silly mood after the princess photographer so she got on board quickly. Drucilla even got her to agree to be their new maid since Cinderella left! I LOVED that Drucilla got down on Jessie's level, as did Anastasia and the Step Mother, and were completely in character. Even getting onto the carousel -- They were clumsy, loud, annoying, just like you would expect.</div>
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And the best part, to Jessie, meeting Elsa & Anna. Still in a very very silly mood. She played a little hide & seek with both and then started "melting" with Elsa. Anna was more playful, but it was exactly as you would expect!</div>
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I think the autograph books turned out pretty good (though I'm not sure how much I saved by not just buying them at Disney, especially as we're going to have to get photo albums for the girls as well).</div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00482024836687697379noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7752231489600569226.post-54447419645394852642015-06-28T08:02:00.001-05:002015-06-28T08:02:24.000-05:00Hollywood Studios #DaileyDisneyAdventure<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
The only day we really set an alarm. I had set up a Fast Pass for 8 - 9 am at Toy Story Mania so we wanted to be sure to be at the park when it opened. This is one of THE most popular rides at Walt Disney World so I assumed there might be a wait even with the Fast Pass. We got to the bus stop at our hotel around 7 and waited. And waited. And waited. The bus finally showed up at 7:40 [as we had watched 3 busses for Animal Kingdom come & go]. There were a lot of others waiting with us AND a full bus showed up. We were the first on and still stood for the ride. So our day at Hollywood Studios was off to a rough start. And I was once again wishing we had started with a hearty breakfast.</div>
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We got to the park a little after opening and headed straight to Toy Story Mania. A short wait & we were in. This ride really lived up to the hype. Playing 3D arcade games hosted by different Toy Story characters while riding around to each different game was a blast. Even Jessie loved it.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIPzn-ileAfWTaNPtOKVVFI20eHC0tzTToPmWMsSJA3gVx1Airap3fZRygL_q0iJnhHn-SfSDJGCaO6K0k-YiprOiwFsjjgkWHs2OyXiWb7LEibOoJPtK7rukG6-tUXV81YWMyNKQSJ00y/s640/blogger-image-1500155526.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIPzn-ileAfWTaNPtOKVVFI20eHC0tzTToPmWMsSJA3gVx1Airap3fZRygL_q0iJnhHn-SfSDJGCaO6K0k-YiprOiwFsjjgkWHs2OyXiWb7LEibOoJPtK7rukG6-tUXV81YWMyNKQSJ00y/s320/blogger-image-1500155526.jpg" width="240" /></a>We then went in search of breakfast and a place to sit and decide what to do next. We had quite a few options of what we wanted to do. We saw the <a href="https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/attractions/hollywood-studios/muppet-vision-3d/" target="_blank">MuppetVision 3D</a> and <a href="https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/attractions/hollywood-studios/star-tours/" target="_blank">Star Tours</a> [ended up doing both of those twice]. The Muppets' show was the same show I saw back in the 90s (hello, Disney, definitely time for an update!), but the theater was cool and dark and never had more than a 10 minute wait to get in.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZlUkB0uPEAojhm7hOyTad19NVj0JWciiZF8AC7zZ86ROGdPdi0K9qFp-cI3qLQGPqGuheNGhxpTlngdHXSikzCjkC6DzfeRstSwDCJhTebII6IfObmcagXW7iRjdFDxHVYe6sEXZznCSC/s640/blogger-image--1243012151.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZlUkB0uPEAojhm7hOyTad19NVj0JWciiZF8AC7zZ86ROGdPdi0K9qFp-cI3qLQGPqGuheNGhxpTlngdHXSikzCjkC6DzfeRstSwDCJhTebII6IfObmcagXW7iRjdFDxHVYe6sEXZznCSC/s320/blogger-image--1243012151.jpg" width="240" /></a>Star Tours was cool. And honestly the best part about the Star Wars Weekend. The girls weren't interested in watching any of the parades [sitting in the hot sun watching stuff go by? Not for them!] we did see a lot of characters walking around, but Darth Vader was the only one I recognized. Rocky wasn't interested in any of the character meets or special events. It might have been better to do this park a different day with less crowds as we probably would have gotten the Star Wars effect: the gift shop with the Star Wars toys wasn't going anywhere!! The girls both enjoyed Star Tours, which I was surprised Jessie liked it as I thought the motion ride would have really bugged her. And in our 2nd go around, she was the rebel spy [to Maggie's delight]. Maggie & Jessie each designed their own droid (like R2D2) and Maggie made her own light saber. Jessie picked out one and Rocky got a blaster (which he plans to paint to look like a "real" one).</div>
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And by going on a Star Wars weekend, we ended up missing the Beauty & the Beast show as I didn't realize it was only in the morning.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkCbX3fySLk9MJZ2Kw7IqjrFhuas8dey75fUgkxiFJGyJwL36rMLZTr0Fn3Ndm0s6ZGQeyqzRcMfxGCgKYfzQg28hI19c0HB2rMEbL2E42HSPaYY9xHjAhQ-1uYMNt_Q-ZIJRrO3DRFBsu/s640/blogger-image--788009152.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkCbX3fySLk9MJZ2Kw7IqjrFhuas8dey75fUgkxiFJGyJwL36rMLZTr0Fn3Ndm0s6ZGQeyqzRcMfxGCgKYfzQg28hI19c0HB2rMEbL2E42HSPaYY9xHjAhQ-1uYMNt_Q-ZIJRrO3DRFBsu/s320/blogger-image--788009152.jpg" width="240" /></a>We had lunch at Pizza Planet & the girls enjoyed the arcade. Next stop was the Frozen Sing Along. Jessie sang along to every song and was grinning ear to ear through the entire show. Some ice cream and then we split up so Jessie could see the Disney Junior show and Rocky & Maggie went to the Animation Station to see how movies are drawn and how they change -- Mushu was the host. I thought it was a drawing lesson, but I think Maggie enjoyed it. We ended the day with the Little Mermaid puppet show and then back to the hotel. Overall I think the day was a success. We missed the <a href="https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/entertainment/hollywood-studios/indiana-jones-epic-stunt-spectacular/" target="_blank">Indiana Jones</a> show and <a href="https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/attractions/hollywood-studios/great-movie-ride/" target="_blank">The Great Movie Ride</a>, which probably disappointed me than the others -- both were more for Rocky and me than the girls, so perhaps on the next trip.</div>
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That night Rocky & I went out and the girls enjoyed the evening at the <a href="https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/recreation/cubs-den/" target="_blank">Cub's Den</a>, a kid watch spot and had a blast!</div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00482024836687697379noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7752231489600569226.post-90571958678831477622015-06-23T10:14:00.001-05:002015-06-23T10:14:25.290-05:00Dining with Princesses #DaileyDisneyAdventure<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
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One of the best things about going to Disney World is the food! I know not everyone likes the food [overpriced, nothing special], but I enjoyed it. The prices were a bit crazy, but you aren't just paying for the food, you are paying for the experience and, of course, the opportunity to meet a lot of characters in a short amount of time without standing in a lot of lines.</div>
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Each meal was carefully choreographed so that each character visited each table and spent a few minutes. Even Maggie, who stated she didn't care about meeting the princesses, had fun and jumped up for pictures! We ended up with four character meals, though I'm not sure I would count the meal at Beast's Castle as we only met him after the meal.</div>
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Our original plan had only one princess meal: at Cinderella's Castle on Jessie's birthday, because, well, Jessie! We had made reservations at 'Ohana, but as I was looking at details, our meal there was an evening meal and they didn't have the Lilo & Stitch characters there. When there wasn't a breakfast available there, I looked for other options. I did check with Maggie to be sure she would be okay with 2 princess meals. I was able to make these reservations via the My Disney Experience App.</div>
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We had Saturday breakfast at <a href="https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/dining/epcot/akershus-royal-banquet-hall/" target="_blank">Akershus Royal Banquet Hall</a>. This was our first opportunity to meet the princesses. We got there early so ended up spending time hanging around the area waiting. If you have a reservation, you are able to get into the park early, but the only benefit is really for pictures and we headed straight for the banquet hall. The girls enjoyed watching a squirrel attempt to steal someone's baggie of trail mix they had left in their stroller. I wish I had been able to get an earlier reservation so we could have taken a few minutes afterwards to get a family picture with Mickey Mouse -- next time!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTQTeYFV0_dFWowBNNd8NPHBv4yTQTLwvAu0gRlEgCQGHL1UQrcAfTJ0yAjKOKASt1YUiZVz_RxKI-73MPVO1xD2__7oe-Y3gXW6llVjsQjSdDcFuEE5zJwP-NtXFLGcFK7LYCbzAvKgzE/s640/blogger-image--730029966.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTQTeYFV0_dFWowBNNd8NPHBv4yTQTLwvAu0gRlEgCQGHL1UQrcAfTJ0yAjKOKASt1YUiZVz_RxKI-73MPVO1xD2__7oe-Y3gXW6llVjsQjSdDcFuEE5zJwP-NtXFLGcFK7LYCbzAvKgzE/s400/blogger-image--730029966.jpg" width="400" /></a>We were greeted by Belle [and this ended up being the only time we met Belle] and got a nice picture of the girls with her. The meal here was a buffet of continental breakfast items with a few Norwegian choices and the wait staff brought a "hot plate" to our table, which included scrambled eggs, cheesy hash browns [YAY!], bacon and sausage. And of course, the drinks of your choice. The food was good and I enjoyed trying some of the Norwegian options [cheese & meat]. Jessie was very excited to see Cinderella, who was the first princess to come to our table. We brought a photo mat for these princesses to sign, so it was nice to not have to carry around both autograph books this day, especially as we were headed to a water park after this! Jessie was still a little shy around the princesses, but jumped up faster than when we met Mickey & the gang. We also got to meet Aurora, Snow White & Ariel. They had a little princess parade where the kids followed the princesses through the castle, and Maggie gamely went with Jessie. <span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">The princesses were all very personable and very much in character. Ariel was my favorite, she was the most animated and even commented on my red hair! Jessie got a card signed by all the princesses and a cupcake with candle for her birthday.</span></div>
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This was a fun experience. The castle was neat [though not from any particular movie] with lots of "period" decorations -- thick, wavy glass in the windows that both girls commented on and lots of banners overhead. I think we all liked the food, but it was typical breakfast food.</div>
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<a href="https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/dining/magic-kingdom/cinderella-royal-table/" target="_blank">Cinderella's Royal Table</a> was the 2nd birthday event for Jessie [first was the <a href="http://mtdaileys.blogspot.com/2015/06/bibbidi-bobbidi-boutique.html" target="_blank">Bibbiti-Bobbidi-Boutique</a> and third was meeting Elsa & Anna]. This was one I had asked the travel agent specifically for. In my research, I assumed we would end up seeing the same princesses as before, and mostly did. But eating right in Cinderella's Castle? it is definitely worth it. Plus, we had a princess and a pirate to dine with!</div>
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We were greeted here by Cinderella, of course, AND the photographer there was the same photographer that did Jessie's princess portraits -- he remembered her and got a cute shot of her hugging Cinderella [couldn't talk her into the photo without me]. This was not a buffet, but limited menu selection [girls couldn't choose from nuggets or burgers!] </div>
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This meal started with an appetizer of hummus and a spinach salad while the girls were brought grapes and cheese. I chose the braised short ribs for my meal with mashed parsnips & potatoes.</div>
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While we ate, the carefully choreographed dance of the princesses visit went on. Here the princesses were announced with a little back story [as if that was needed!] and instead of Belle, we met Jasmine. Aurora was the most playful here [covering Rocky's eyes when she got to our table & earning the title of Rocky's girlfriend the rest of the day] though Snow White had to check to see if Pirate Maggie gave the pirate at another table a black eye [thus earning her place as Maggie's favorite, at least for the day!].</div>
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Dessert was also included. The girls had ice cream and Rocky had cheesecake. I chose the special (below) "The clock strikes twelve": white chocolate mousse covered in a dark chocolate. This was the only pre-planned meal that didn't bring Jessie a card & candle in her dessert -- which she didn't even notice. I liked that they acknowledged her birthday, but it wasn't too over-the-top as to be annoying to Maggie. I think she got a little jealous by the end but handled it very well.</div>
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Overall, both meals are definitely worth it. Keep in mind, you aren't just paying for food, but for the opportunity to meet a lot of characters in a short amount of time with no lines. I would definitely do one or both again, but next time I would chose different meal. I do wish they had more princess rotations: Tiana, Rapunzel, Anna , Elsa, Merida, Mulan; plenty to choose from! We ended up meeting Ariel 3 times on this trip [we had to meet her in her grotto where she's a mermaid] and missed Tiana, Rapunzel & Mulan as we were tired of waiting in lines.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00482024836687697379noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7752231489600569226.post-90911700565960674582015-06-16T15:26:00.000-05:002015-06-17T09:05:19.775-05:00Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique #DaileyDisneyAdventureWhen we first started talking about going to Disney, I knew we would have to take Jessie to the <a href="https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/events-tours/magic-kingdom/bibbidi-bobbidi-boutique-park/" target="_blank">"Princess Hair Salon,"</a> especially after we decided we would be at Disney on her birthday. We scheduled her appointment for that day, which was our last day there. Every other day, if we asked her what her favorite part of that day was, she would proclaim "the hair salon!"<br />
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We had a 9 am appointment, so we were allowed in the park early. It was so nice to be able to walk down Main Street with no crowds [and get that family photo with Cinderella's Castle in the background -- a must get photo]!</div>
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We were a little early so we spent time looking through some shops that were open (Maggie & Rocky headed towards Splash Mountain in hopes of avoiding a long wait). Jessie found a necklace with her name on it. We put on her Cinderella dress and headed to the salon! I am glad we decided to bring her own dress. While the dresses there were beautiful, Jessie didn't seem interested and was happy with her own.</div>
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Once we checked in, we didn't have to wait long. Our Fairy Godmother in Training was very sweet (and Jessie was very shy) and Jessie was very good -- she sat still and took it all in. They keep the girls turned away from the mirror so they get a big reveal moment.</div>
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She got to pick out her eye shadow colors and got sparkly nail polish -- and we got to take it all home -- also included a comb, sash and a draw string bag. It didn't take long to do her hair (lots of teasing to get the "bun").</div>
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Hair and make up done, her Fairy Godmother in Training got her a new birthday button, her sash ready and then sprinkled her with magic dust, ready for her big reveal.</div>
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She swiveled Jessie's chair and Jessie was so excited to see herself. She giggled and bounced with excitement in her seat. The photographer got some great shots of Jessie seeing herself for the first time.</div>
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We then went back to the princess gift shop for her photo session. She was a little shy with the photographers, but one (Lowell) got down on her level and got her to giggle and be silly and be comfortable. He got some really cute shots of her.</div>
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This was such a great experience. Every cast member was friendly and seemed to really enjoy what they were doing.This was so worth it -- everything came down to the look on her face when she was turned around. And every so often through out the day, she would ask "Mom, did you let me do this because you knew it would make me happy?" Of course!</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00482024836687697379noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7752231489600569226.post-31484577391173384552015-06-16T15:18:00.000-05:002015-06-17T09:05:30.092-05:00Epcot #DaileyDisneyAdventure<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXGrq98_wnWiwG7d-leXE69lZFSdUGW8LACfOWe9QhNXrMAuvCzd33GOiB3LjUrXrTo4ztxI-KPDzgQ49UC2TG-fmnRYExBQR9l22mW5zbu837hIzrcDa97jyHmfOnrE6E7E2sKlwjk0Xa/s640/blogger-image--338671721.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXGrq98_wnWiwG7d-leXE69lZFSdUGW8LACfOWe9QhNXrMAuvCzd33GOiB3LjUrXrTo4ztxI-KPDzgQ49UC2TG-fmnRYExBQR9l22mW5zbu837hIzrcDa97jyHmfOnrE6E7E2sKlwjk0Xa/s320/blogger-image--338671721.jpg" width="320" /></a>Epcot is kind of a strange park. It doesn't have a lot of thrill rides -- it feels more adult than the other parks. I personally was looking forward to walking through the World Showcase Pavilions and trying out foods from the different countries. In hindsight, I should have planned our food a little better this day. Jessie, especially, needed a bit more than the protein bar I gave her at the hotel and she had a bit of a melt down after we left <a href="https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/attractions/epcot/seas-with-nemo-and-friends/" target="_blank">The Seas with Nemo & Friends</a>. More on that later.</div>
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In an effort to check out the monorail, we took the boat over to the Contemporary and then road the monorail -- Mistake #1. This added WAY too much time to our travel time. The girls enjoyed riding it and it was nice to get a little mini-tour of Epcot when we arrived, but we had to switch trains and it didn't seem to add anything to the trip. I think we all would have been fine with skipping this.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2EkrspPA-Ihxog18PoNucmk3gc-L5jOI1Wnx3izc2gNuDP0Icdd54lPeQbVDvzWFh2RbqKcWK2I-nrqIy63LSzr1EZsWjScI3t37zhSZ5TlU7knX4HWdXK6VgOXeed8GEZWZodJQCYRQq/s640/blogger-image--798029885.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2EkrspPA-Ihxog18PoNucmk3gc-L5jOI1Wnx3izc2gNuDP0Icdd54lPeQbVDvzWFh2RbqKcWK2I-nrqIy63LSzr1EZsWjScI3t37zhSZ5TlU7knX4HWdXK6VgOXeed8GEZWZodJQCYRQq/s320/blogger-image--798029885.jpg" width="240" /></a>At Epcot, we looked for a spot to have breakfast and grabbed coffee and cupcakes at Starbucks. We then headed towards The Seas with Nemo & Friends. Jessie noticed the <a href="http://www.viralnova.com/disney-world-janitors/" target="_blank">Water Artist</a> and we stopped to watch him for a little while. He even invited Maggie to help him finish Minnie's bow!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi66-WUOYQixmEEKhVKLd1uhIgkGLo8koDLgYCsTaVu7bDURG_tiRu0QB4tTZmbdHdFoGmUaD92XjwkFGcmDsvhB8oZHU0a-nlf_4BIIA2dNavGIUtvOUVTv_wkMjdet8uBY5p1tKQ33s7Z/s640/blogger-image--197605278.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi66-WUOYQixmEEKhVKLd1uhIgkGLo8koDLgYCsTaVu7bDURG_tiRu0QB4tTZmbdHdFoGmUaD92XjwkFGcmDsvhB8oZHU0a-nlf_4BIIA2dNavGIUtvOUVTv_wkMjdet8uBY5p1tKQ33s7Z/s320/blogger-image--197605278.jpg" width="240" /></a>The Nemo ride was okay (Jessie got a little scared in the dark parts), but the best part was when we got close to the end and realized we were seeing REAL fish as well. The girls LOVED this part of Epcot and probably would have been happy to spend all day here. The <a href="https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/attractions/epcot/sea-base/" target="_blank">Sea Base</a> is 5.7 million gallon aquarium. They loved watching all the fish, looking for the rays, manatees and dolphins. We missed the dolphin show -- the overhead speakers were a little hard to understand so we weren't sure where to go to watch. We did catch the tail end. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij5Et1RDH1moXHCjfA7u6k6Prfmoyv_XWTxXl0C1Fl15B3mxb19euC8KAxSJs6ZJk8Lgj-Ymbfbq_Bhrqy9J0F3xStBQGNozMrBuogDpRivqwQOsfWk2-KQXleGKI6v2OB4iR4HJUPZs2P/s640/blogger-image-1789997536.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij5Et1RDH1moXHCjfA7u6k6Prfmoyv_XWTxXl0C1Fl15B3mxb19euC8KAxSJs6ZJk8Lgj-Ymbfbq_Bhrqy9J0F3xStBQGNozMrBuogDpRivqwQOsfWk2-KQXleGKI6v2OB4iR4HJUPZs2P/s320/blogger-image-1789997536.jpg" width="240" /></a>We were also able to catch <a href="https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/attractions/epcot/turtle-talk-with-crush/" target="_blank">Turtle Talk with Crush</a> while we were at Sea Base. This was really cool. Live talking with a cartoon character? The kids sat up front to really interact with Crush [Maggie wanted to go again because she couldn't think of a question the first time around and wanted to ask him something!]. The technology involved in a show like this is simply amazing [and we saw the technology again at the Magic Kingdom]. Crush even got annoyed when someone's cell phone went off!</div>
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We started walking around a bit trying to decide where to go next. Jessie wanted to be able to go right up next to some of the flowers and that's when the meltdown started. We ended up in the Land Pavillion where Rocky and Maggie were able to check out the Timon & Pumbaa Circle of Life [Maggie said it was boring] while I got them a Fast Pass for <a href="https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/attractions/epcot/soarin/" target="_blank">Soarin'</a> [awesome per Maggie]. I got Jessie some food and we chilled for a bit and decided what she wanted to do next -- meet Alice in Wonderland.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOyjS9DYFwjNniWZV7uGapmdmaf60MQjQQuzQAigvke8UmPnZUEa-8A0pFJbCMPRQrt5vKMfAYWeEd9DwTFlbo0CKaepGdFFcLHfHhHGfGS2L06sblQuTf5p_09g_Iuu3aWc2J2rRN56zo/s640/blogger-image--1267314824.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOyjS9DYFwjNniWZV7uGapmdmaf60MQjQQuzQAigvke8UmPnZUEa-8A0pFJbCMPRQrt5vKMfAYWeEd9DwTFlbo0CKaepGdFFcLHfHhHGfGS2L06sblQuTf5p_09g_Iuu3aWc2J2rRN56zo/s320/blogger-image--1267314824.jpg" width="240" /></a>We headed to the International part of Epcot and found Alice. We were the last people in line before her break -- a wonderful cast member, who had probably turned others away, let us stay in line for this time frame. Jessie was so excited [and I didn't realize she liked Alice so much], but very shy. She entertained the people ahead of us in line a bit -- after the meltdown, I was surprised she was in such a good mood. She did take a picture with Alice and got autographs for herself and Maggie, but she wouldn't talk to Alice. Same thing happened with Mary Poppins, though we almost didn't get a photo there! We met up with Rocky & Maggie in England and then headed to France for ice cream at <a href="https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/dining/epcot/l-artisan-des-glaces/" target="_blank">L'Artisan des Glaces</a>! We each got a cone to enjoy and then I got to start my Wine Walk! My post about the wines is on <a href="http://finewineonabudget.blogspot.com/2015/06/wine-walk-at-epcot-disney-world.html" target="_blank">Fine Wines on a Budget</a>.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiboJqhyHPlOYYSFvXP5ROxb5JpGuyrYsLIc7OzeU9mFnAai1tRrbEOes-Vy_YJ8emoI6aAMIX0EVk9Lkc8lqUB6Y_CX1MbpJ8MqMTPj4bTxeAGexRzXjIPtmI_yMi3-9K3EjSTv53RxE1G/s1600/Aladdin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiboJqhyHPlOYYSFvXP5ROxb5JpGuyrYsLIc7OzeU9mFnAai1tRrbEOes-Vy_YJ8emoI6aAMIX0EVk9Lkc8lqUB6Y_CX1MbpJ8MqMTPj4bTxeAGexRzXjIPtmI_yMi3-9K3EjSTv53RxE1G/s320/Aladdin.jpg" width="211" /></a>Maggie decided she wanted to try to meet Aladdin and Jasmine, so we headed over to Morocco and ended up waiting about 35 minutes as they had just gone on break when we got there. We were all tired, hungry, hot and a little crabby at this point. The girls waffled on whether or not they wanted to meet them and whether or not they would get autographs or photos. In the end, Maggie got nice photos with them. We found a place to get slushies in Japan and then to Italy for my 2nd wine tasting and some lunch. <a href="https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/dining/epcot/tutto-gusto-wine-cellar/" target="_blank">Tutto Gusto Wine Cellar</a> was the only thing open at 3 p.m. in Italy. The food (and wine!) was good, but the adult portions were VERY small. The kid's portions were almost twice the size. I had a panini with fontina and salami that was served with a wedge ceaser salad -- probably the best ceaser salad I've ever had. I also enjoyed the Chardonnay, Tenuta Di Nozzole Le Bruniche.</div>
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After deciding we were done meeting characters, we took the boat back to Future World to check out <a href="https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/attractions/epcot/journey-into-imagination-with-figment/" target="_blank">Journey into Imagination with Figment </a>and <a href="https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/attractions/epcot/spaceship-earth/" target="_blank">Spaceship Earth</a>. The girls enjoyed Figment, especially the interactive part at the end where they had the opportunity to jump and play where it was air conditioned! Spaceship Earth was almost exactly as I remembered it 15+ years ago. But the interactive play was new to me [maybe we skipped it as I was with friends]. And Maggie is now happy to tell people that the attraction is "a little outdated."</div>
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Epcot wasn't very crowded, which was a huge plus for us [none of us enjoy large crowds] and the bus ride back to the hotel was quick and much easier than attempting the monorail had been! I'm not sure I could have done much more planning to make our day smoother, other than nail down where and when to eat! We were still hungry when we got back to the hotel and I believe this was the night we ordered in pizza -- gotta love room service! [which I must say our room service delivery was top notch. I don't want to call him the delivery guy because his presence was much more than that. He treated our pizza delivery as if he were serving in the fine dining restaurant.]</div>
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And I did get my family picture [even if Jessie doesn't look thrilled -- at least she wasn't crying and it is pretty much her facial expression in all the family photos from the trip].</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00482024836687697379noreply@blogger.com0