tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-989101303959936122024-03-13T05:00:18.009-05:00Amanda {Isla} Cunninghamformer blog of a picture book enthusiastAmanda Cunninghamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05208963542135808791noreply@blogger.comBlogger88125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-98910130395993612.post-41013397286385444332015-04-08T16:50:00.004-05:002015-12-10T09:48:41.017-06:00What Do You Do With an Idea?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I'm thrilled to be guest posting over at the <em><a href="https://nerdybookclub.wordpress.com/2015/04/08/what-do-you-do-with-an-idea-by-kobi-yamada-review-by-isla-cunningham/">Nerdy Book Club today</a></em>! I know some of you first found yourself here because of my picture book reviews. Since I'm expanding my focus to different genres, I only review titles that are truly outstanding. This is one can't get out of my head- <em>What Do You Do With an Idea?</em><br />
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Something
happens to us as we get older.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We used
to have time to dream and to ask ourselves, “What if?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then we had even more time to let each
scenario play out- to watch it crumble or watch it grow.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now we don’t have time for anything.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We don’t have time to communicate unless it’s
via text and half the words are abbreviated.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We don’t have time to visit so-and-so who moved across town or the time
to read all those books that keep piling up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>And, most of the time, we don’t even have time to think.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That’s what happens- we stop thinking as we
age.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We let a famous celebrity, our
favorite television show, or the nightly news tell us what to think.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even if we silenced the noise and finally heard
our own voice blurt out an original thought, we might find ourselves asking, “Now
what?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What do you do with an idea?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Author
Kobi Yamada and illustrator Mae Besom guide us on the course of one child’s
conviction in the celebrated picture book <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">What
Do You Do With an Idea?</i> Yamada’s verse lifts us from whispers of self-doubt
to bellows of confidence and joy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Besom’s
delicate pencil and watercolor pictures tip the scales from a hint of hues to a
world overflowing with colors.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The tale centers
on a child, neither obviously a girl nor boy, to whom we can all relate. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<o:p><span style="font-family: "calibri";"> Want to read the rest of the post? Click <em><a href="https://nerdybookclub.wordpress.com/2015/04/08/what-do-you-do-with-an-idea-by-kobi-yamada-review-by-isla-cunningham/">here</a></em>!</span></o:p>Amanda Cunninghamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05208963542135808791noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-98910130395993612.post-39736096913947140562014-05-05T12:09:00.000-05:002015-12-10T09:46:51.322-06:00Let it Grow Back in January, I wrote about my new year's resolutions in <a href="http://islacunninghambooks.blogspot.com/2014/01/goalkeeper.html"><em>Goalkeeper</em></a>. I have entered a clear passage in my life which has allowed me to come to terms with a slew of my shortcomings. I over plan, over worry, and over work myself in areas that aren't overall beneficial. The past several weeks I decided to tackle something I've always wanted to do, something I've been too scared or too lazy to deal with, by starting a vegetable garden. It may seem a little too earthy to some or a big step backwards to others since the produce section is in constant, ample supply, but for me it would mean a little bit more. I needed to settle some past hurts and fears, get off my rear, and just do it.<br />
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Yes, I live out in the country now on three acres. Yes, I should put some of that space to good use. Yes, I'm an advocate for <a href="http://islacunninghambooks.blogspot.com/2012/02/to-mattresseserrr-produce-section.html"><em>organic</em></a> produce because it tastes better and is safer for my family. (Don't believe me? Click <em><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=exBEFCiWyW0">here</a></em> and watch.) Yes, I realize it's more expensive. And no, after purchasing supplies for my own garden, I don't think it will be a big money saver. But my motivations are bigger. <br />
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A lifetime ago, I was married at 20 and living in my first apartment. I was hopelessly naïve and nesting for the first time in my life. I wanted to emulate my mother's garden to bring a little touch of home to this new chapter and to force myself to grow up a bit. Soon enough, my patio was an oasis. Hanging vines and ferns, hibiscus trees, creeping jenny, maui ixora, moss roses, lantana, and white-picket fence planters and shelves all filled this third-floor, concrete box I called home. I spent mornings out there watering, smiling, squealing at the nests in the hanging ferns, and loving life. When I was finished watering, I'd head to the kitchen, prepare an elaborate breakfast, then take it outside to enjoy the view. It was my escape. It was how I centered myself each day. It didn't take long to realize how much I would need to lean on the clarity and cheerfulness my little oasis provided.<br />
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As the months turned into years, and the issues started to pile up, my garden began to wither away. The day I realized the marriage was over, I escaped to my little nest and stared at all the brown. I had let it all die. It wasn't a conscious avoidance. Little by little, I had given up hope and stopped caring. And one day everything was dead- my hopes, my dreams, my life's purpose, and my garden. <br />
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The next few months I had fooled myself into thinking I was now myself more than ever before. Of course, that all came crashing down soon thereafter. And I became bitter. I cursed myself for all my past decisions and all my wasted years. I couldn't handle the sudden change, so I folded inward. On the outside, I could put on a show. But those who knew my heart saw what I had turned into and there wasn't anything anyone could do to fix it for me.<br />
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I couldn't function. I didn't even take care of my dog very well so my Mom took him to live with my parents. There he stayed until the end of his little life. And the garden? Forget about it. My life revolved around my nights, not my mornings. <br />
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I always felt the urge to find somewhere to settle and nest again, but I had lost my desire to trust. Not only did I stop admiring beautiful gardens in the multi-million dollar estates I worked in, or the elaborate floral arrangements in the luxury hotels I visited (I was a model, not a hooker- just clarifying), but I would cringe at the thought of them, of taking care of them, of taking care of someone else, and for what? It all dies.<br />
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This is not something I've ever discussed with anyone. It's really a small symptom of my bigger fears. But every time I had the desire to plant something in the ground, I retreated. Then in February of last year, I dipped my toes in the water. My husband and I built a retaining wall for a garden. As soon as it was done, I admired it for a few days and retreated once again. It seems so silly. I don't think I even realized what my hesitation was until recently. But if it's silly, then it won't be so bad to overcome.<br />
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Then I took one of those ridiculous personality tests on facebook. You know, the ones that tell us that we have the biggest hearts, the most intelligent point of view, eyes that twinkle, and a tough personality, which always conclude with some message that if anyone doesn't notice all this about myself and much, much more than I should kick their ungrateful bums to the curb. Instead, I read my following depiction (as I shared in <a href="http://islacunninghambooks.blogspot.com/2014/01/the-spontaneous-idealist.html"><em>The Spontaneous Idealist</em></a>):<br />
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<em>However, they quickly become bored when things repeat themselves and too much detailed work and care is required. Their creativity, their imaginativeness and their originality become most noticeable when developing new projects and ideas- then they leave the meticulous implementation of the whole to others.</em><br />
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Oh. Snap, err, slap in the face. That's a back-handed compliment attempt if I've ever seen one (which I have, don't you worry). I'm a dreamer, not a doer. I have great ideas but no work ethic. I never finish anything, instead I pawn it off on someone else. That's quite an exaggeration, but there is some truth to it and I'm not going to let that stand anymore.<br />
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So, I pulled weeds for days, planned for several more days, and planted for even a few more, and am pleased to say that things are actually growing. I'm holding myself accountable as my own goalkeeper. As for the empty frames hung all over the house? I filled them. The counter full of "someday/just in case crafts"? I've narrowed it down to two- stuff for the garden and garments I need to repair. We don't do crafts. We go outside and play. (Although this summer I will have to actually plan some activities and will most likely resort to a few crafts.) I still haven't had friends over for dinner, but we did have our group from church over to do our weekly lesson. My husband and I both cooked. And I think we had a great breakthrough that night within our group. I'm making progress and always leaving room for error. I'm on the move.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOyR75DukG-88L6iDFQL7EyyOsiDOZv1PD2zb6q11T_EtFG2We97nngqME2aqB0IsbZBWpykIpTp-4UwsYLNkQ8CqryTpFFjRM59BvrkxrmQySAwTs54AeAEkVTwBSyq418KON7fr4yRD3/s1600/2152.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOyR75DukG-88L6iDFQL7EyyOsiDOZv1PD2zb6q11T_EtFG2We97nngqME2aqB0IsbZBWpykIpTp-4UwsYLNkQ8CqryTpFFjRM59BvrkxrmQySAwTs54AeAEkVTwBSyq418KON7fr4yRD3/s1600/2152.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First there was this- February 2013</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEtic4GKY-2bpNnoorrDHco1xJ3RT9AHWgUz_wOcAr_Ef7qLm3pPg5-o1yfgClzCDSc5iHyNVpMIj8NNMBYXNGgrRk06LW2TBGRCAywRrbJQEVTdUFRRmOV2MWeqtaYCFdSoJ0LDGWQc8V/s1600/IMG_1251.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEtic4GKY-2bpNnoorrDHco1xJ3RT9AHWgUz_wOcAr_Ef7qLm3pPg5-o1yfgClzCDSc5iHyNVpMIj8NNMBYXNGgrRk06LW2TBGRCAywRrbJQEVTdUFRRmOV2MWeqtaYCFdSoJ0LDGWQc8V/s1600/IMG_1251.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Then over a year of this.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2UQfOU8N9WzLqT5INA2ResBOWwvOBmBdqNwz9cg1orGro-sxVE5l6m2tLYvp8TiXJzl3Wa98l4OX6MF_UOTOcOEkE0F9GWlk1LTfyhlVRRWIM6Ok-GIJsjAKx0D-3837DwgiEf6qMlIs_/s1600/DSC_0071.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2UQfOU8N9WzLqT5INA2ResBOWwvOBmBdqNwz9cg1orGro-sxVE5l6m2tLYvp8TiXJzl3Wa98l4OX6MF_UOTOcOEkE0F9GWlk1LTfyhlVRRWIM6Ok-GIJsjAKx0D-3837DwgiEf6qMlIs_/s1600/DSC_0071.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Then in March, this happened.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1rvtBFxL8Bh_9JdWNMpLVuDpfc7igszW66WR3LxJBYIW2DumjSGJlIndyDB_n_JeD398UJ0AlVC7T10i_Vjz2eHAUB7LKxwjIMPdjSFi6Xz7F3oARdXRbolTSm9yKi7AIcShMbPW3lTP_/s1600/DSC_0100.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1rvtBFxL8Bh_9JdWNMpLVuDpfc7igszW66WR3LxJBYIW2DumjSGJlIndyDB_n_JeD398UJ0AlVC7T10i_Vjz2eHAUB7LKxwjIMPdjSFi6Xz7F3oARdXRbolTSm9yKi7AIcShMbPW3lTP_/s1600/DSC_0100.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Finally, in April.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEierXyuvLSeJmIaU1XxinoE8qdbyR6LqQ2BKaXl-7vrTEpaQfC5KSd-6_Jtd0FoTuMA1XsA8k68KtxoyFnRedP9Wk4J8pKbdvZ3fbAe6JMNAK3cOgEAejSQB6vIUl6TztmBCOGX_mWn-oD5/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEierXyuvLSeJmIaU1XxinoE8qdbyR6LqQ2BKaXl-7vrTEpaQfC5KSd-6_Jtd0FoTuMA1XsA8k68KtxoyFnRedP9Wk4J8pKbdvZ3fbAe6JMNAK3cOgEAejSQB6vIUl6TztmBCOGX_mWn-oD5/s1600/photo.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And now, this.</td></tr>
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Amanda Cunninghamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05208963542135808791noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-98910130395993612.post-43447809312074639652014-04-07T09:24:00.000-05:002015-12-10T09:45:37.048-06:00Campfire Food The main appeal of camping? The food. I run across yummy camping nibbles on Pinterest all the time. I yearn for the day we cook over the fire in a cast-iron dutch oven or skillet. Until then, we'll stick with what's easy- Hobo Dinner with marshmallows for dessert.<br />
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Admittedly, we travel with seasoned camping pros. They come prepared. Without them, we would not eat so well. For instance, we bring cereal for the girls in the morning because Baby Girl is allergic to eggs and doesn't care for bacon. Little Girl doesn't like either. If we had decided to go it alone, without our friends, we might end up eating cereal too. I meant to try these canned cinnamon rolls baked in hollowed-out orange rinds, but if you read my last post, <a href="http://islacunninghambooks.blogspot.com/2014/04/in-tent.html">In a Tent</a>, you know why we never made it as far as breakfast on our last trip.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiswqqosNjWuC54lb8US09RaAdjnbdECzUiJ2SwkFu9fQqf6HeAOh1UQj7pY2j12qmmqGfe_STF2ta8Pco9IahAExzXnelpWN0Hm4xyLemxRivXsxeMcUXG4XPyF5oCfXqU4gXzvbWJdHkf/s1600/orange+rolls+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiswqqosNjWuC54lb8US09RaAdjnbdECzUiJ2SwkFu9fQqf6HeAOh1UQj7pY2j12qmmqGfe_STF2ta8Pco9IahAExzXnelpWN0Hm4xyLemxRivXsxeMcUXG4XPyF5oCfXqU4gXzvbWJdHkf/s1600/orange+rolls+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">For directions, click <a href="http://www.trulysimple.com/2010/06/orange-rolls-cooked-orange/">here</a>!</td></tr>
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However, we did successfully complete another recipe that called for oranges! Did you know you can cook cake batter in hollowed-out oranges? And the cake will have a hint of orange flavor? Neither did I. They are so good. Also, you can use the fruit for freshly-squeezed orange juice. I was lucky Baby Girl was interested in helping because cleaning out the rinds can be a bit time-consuming. While I worked on those, she stirred the batter over, and over, and over again. <br />
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For a step-by-step recipe for Orange Cakes, click <a href="http://lifehacker.com/5935606/bake-a-cake-inside-an-orange-peel-for-a-tasty-campfire-treat/all">here</a>! Basically, you slice the top off the orange and hollow out the fruit. Mix in a bowl and pour batter into 2/3 of the rinds. Replace the top of the orange. Cover in foil. Roast and turn over the coals. It didn't occur to me at the time that I might ever blog about our camping trip, and they were too good to stop and take a picture, so I don't have a great shot of how they look when they're done. But trust me, you want to make these.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">For Orange Cake recipe, click <a href="http://lifehacker.com/5935606/bake-a-cake-inside-an-orange-peel-for-a-tasty-campfire-treat/all">here</a>!</td></tr>
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Our friends introduced us to the whole Hobo Dinner concept. There are tons of recipes on Pinterest, but we love the one they taught us to make! Not only is this delicious, but it is also kid-friendly because love to assemble their own.<br />
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<strong>Hobo Dinner</strong><br />
<em>Layer in a rectangle of heavy-duty foil, </em><br />
<em>from bottom to top:</em><br />
Ground beef patty<br />
Thinly sliced potatoes<br />
Sliced onions<br />
Sliced carrots<br />
1/4 cup cream of mushroom soup<br />
(make sure to get pop-top cans or<br />
bring a can opener)<br />
Salt and pepper to taste<br />
<em>Seal the foil air-tight and place over coals</em><br />
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For instructions on how to properly seal foil packs, and for more delicious foil packet recipes, click <a href="http://www.artofmanliness.com/2010/07/20/cooking-around-the-campfire-9-easy-and-delicious-foil-packet-recipes/">here</a>!<br />
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Some children, like ours, aren't going to go out on a limb and try something new even if the assembly was fun. Both trips our girls ate grilled cheese sandwiches that were cooked in foil packets over the coals. They were so gooey and delicious I wanted some too.<br />
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<em> </em>We made sure to save room for dessert because there were many to try on this trip! Yes, s'mores are easy and delicious, but we have a fire pit at home and make them quite a bit. I wanted to try the Campfire Cones and Banana Boats I had seen so many times before. This was another fun thing to make with the kids because they can assemble these too.<br />
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Stuff a waffle cone with strawberries, bananas, marshmallows, and chocolate chips. Cover with foil and roast. Or, slice a banana lengthwise, stuff with strawberries, marshmallows, and chocolate chips. Cover with foil and roast. For more about Campfire Cones, click <a href="http://kidsactivitiesblog.com/11527/camp-fire-food">here</a>! You can also add butterscotch or reese's pieces peanut butter cups to the Banana Boats. Look <a href="http://veryculinary.com/2012/07/19/grilled-smores-banana-boats/">here</a>!<br />
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<em> </em>After the kids went to bed, us grown-ups tried one more dessert- strawberries dipped in marshmallow fluff and the roasted over the fire. They were incredible!! We did have to use a spoon to get the fluff on the berry though. Make sure you have wet wipes handy for this one too.<br />
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Even if we choose to stay in a cabin nowadays, my mind is set on trying the recipes from the pin below! They look so good! For seven days of camping recipes, go <a href="http://onesweetappetite.com/7-days-of-camping-recipes/">here</a>! <br />
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The picture below is from my favorite camping pin! Click <a href="http://www.buzzfeed.com/peggy/camping-hacks-that-are-borderline-genius">here</a>!</div>
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Amanda Cunninghamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05208963542135808791noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-98910130395993612.post-29266591779497283772014-04-05T20:52:00.000-05:002015-12-10T11:07:47.433-06:00At the Campsite<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Camping. Camping with kids. Did you just flinch? Or did you sigh? I loved camping as a kid and even as an adult. Cozy tents, a kaleidoscope of stars, crackling campfires, and spending the day covered in a layer of dirt was charming, even exhilarating. From Girl Scout trips to 3am munchies on the Guadalupe, I loved it all. Now, camping as a parent? That's tricky, even a bit scary.</div>
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Some of our dear friends are avid campers. They were raised camping and have been taking their children since they were babies. I remember my girlfriend showing me a picture of her son in a pack-and-play surrounded by a blanket of rust-colored fallen leaves with columns of sunlight piercing through the tree tops. They had just gotten back from their annual camping trip and were putting the feelers out- trying to see if we'd be interesting in going with them sometime. I didn't hesitate, "No way! There is absolutely no way Little Girl (a baby at the time) would ever fall asleep (until the age of four she was a difficult sleeper, only closing her eyes for 9-12 hours as a newborn) in a tent and I don't think I could ever get my husband in one." <br />
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A few years later, they asked again. At this point, Little Girl was four and Baby Girl was two. Baby Girl had just finished successfully potty-training and we had just survived eight days in Disney World. We can handle it, we thought. Luckily, our friends were taking on much of the responsibility by deciding to host us. They were bringing and cooking all the food. Phew. I brought ingredients to make a dessert I found on Pinterest and we brought all the necessary gear- tent, blow-up mattresses, marshmallow skewers, soap, water, and books. When we arrived at <a href="https://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/state-parks/tyler">Tyler State Park</a>, we were stunned by the scenery and the spacious campsite, fully-equipped with electricity and running water. The bathrooms were pretty close too.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Camping at Tyler State Park in Texas,</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Little Girl putting OFF on everyone.</td></tr>
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It was a little stressful putting a tent together with a curious and destructive two-year-old, but our four-year-old had just begun to listen to our commands and was a complete angel. Once the tents were set up, the dads grabbed some bug kits and took the kids on a nature walk while the moms started preparing dinner. I was completely out of my element and provided little assistance in the "kitchen". It has never been so obvious I'm a creature of habit as when you ask me to prepare a meal outside of my own kitchen. Even when my oven has been too clean in the past from under-use, I still knew my way around. As the nature walk came to an end, we were ready for them to return. The kids first assembled their own Hobo Dinners and then came to our tent for story time while dinner cooked over the campfire.<br />
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Our girls ended up eating the emergency grilled cheese I brought, just in case they wouldn't be adventurous at dinner time. As it turns out, grilled cheese has never tasted as good until you've cooked it on the campfire- so gooey and warm. With the exception of "bath time" (showering at a campsite with small children was so much trouble for me...I might have been better off hosing them down back at the tents), the rest of the evening was perfect. S'mores. Kids' bed time. Adult beverages and belly laughs. The only rookie mistake we made was inflating the mattresses during the day. We must have warned and corrected the kids a hundred times not to jump on the beds. I woke up about fifteen times that night on the floor because my mattress was leaking.<br />
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The next morning, the moms took the kids to play at the park while the dads prepared a delicious breakfast. Dessert was next. When you're camping you can have dessert after every meal, right? Baby Girl helped me whip together cake batter, we poured it into hollowed-out orange rinds, and let them cook. The moist fists of chocolate cake soaked up the citrus and warmed us up for the day. We took a wonderfully easy, yet beautiful, hike before leaving that afternoon. It was a perfect trip.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hiking in Tyler State Park.</td></tr>
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Fast forward a year and a half, and they asked us to go camping again. We were so excited!! The weather forecast was warm and we were more prepared than last time. The girls squealed in excitement all week! As we packed up that morning, a surprise storm had blown in (lovely Texas weather). I threw an old gazebo in the truck just in case it rained. We made it to <a href="http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/state-parks/ray-roberts-lake">Ray Roberts Lake State Park</a> a little late, but unpacked and set up tent like pros. Unfortunately, I had somehow forgotten the blankets and, according to the newly adjusted forecast, the overnight low would now reach 45*, not 55* as it stated earlier. The dads grabbed brown paper bags and headed out on a scavenger hunt/nature walk with the kids while the wives made a run to Wal-Mart.<br />
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I had received a "Daddy SOS" phone call while we were gone, insisting we hurry back because Baby Girl wouldn't stop crying. Only when we pulled up to the campsite and I saw my husband and Baby Girl three feet from each other, his arms crossed, and her standing still and bawling, did I take him seriously. Apparently, she had gotten into some cactus while we were gone. Of course she did. Fifteen cactus thorns were lodged in her sweet little skin from her underarm, down her side, and all the way to her rump. I couldn't see the thorns with my naked eye and running my fingers across her skin only worsened the pain when they caught on the thorns. Eventually, I discovered they were visible if I pinned her down and held her skin up to the sun light.<br />
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Unfortunately for me, my husband had shut down while we were gone and, even with seventeen plus years of paramedic experience, would be of no assistance. I struggled with her in the car, hoping the enclosure would muffle her terrified screams, while I attempted to hold her down and remove the nearly-invisible thorns from her flailing, fighting body armed only with a pair of eyebrow tweezers. Had she not suffered from a stubborn splinter a few weeks prior which took me thirty minutes of digging with real tweezers to remove, she probably wouldn't have been that upset this time. It was awful. Eventually, I looked out the window and realized I needed to relocate. Her shrieks had been scraping everyone's brains for well over an hour. At this point, it wasn't fair to make the entire campgrounds suffer too. But right before I drove off, and immediately after my own meltdown had begun, I slung an expletive at my husband and flipped him off. He's a lucky guy, isn't he?<br />
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Twenty minutes later, I somehow finished removing all the pain from my Baby Girl, cuddled and calmed her back down, and then headed back to the campsite. Thanks to over a year and a half immersed in a marriage ministry in our church, I knew the only thing to do was to immediately apologize. I didn't hesitate. I said I was sorry for being so hideous and, of course, I loved him and was so embarrassed I had acted that way. He was gracious, forgave me, and we were all laughing about it within minutes. Phew. Crisis averted.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Camping at Ray Roberts Lake National Park.</td></tr>
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Again, we assembled and cooked the Hobo Dinners, told stories and roasted all kinds of melted marshmallow desserts around the campfire, then put the kids to bed. Since we were better at this whole camping thing, we chose not to inflate the mattresses until bed time. The only problem with that is, if there is a hole in one of the ole trusty mattresses that had been reliable for almost ten years, you won't discover it until it's too late. You won't discover it until after you've already made a Wal-Mart run, fed them dinner, dressed them in their pajamas, read the bedtime stories, trekked back and forth from the campsite bathroom one last time, and the adult beverages have already been cracked open, condensation quickly gathering on the glass. It's too late to run back to the store. We'll just have to make it work. Our friend patched the hole with electrical tape. <em>Genius</em>. Kiss, kiss. Goodnight kids.<br />
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We drank. We dipped strawberries in marshmallow fluff and roasted them on the fire. We drank some more. We laughed. We ate more strawberries. We walked down by the lakeshore and stared at the stars. Then it was time for all of us to go to bed. It was getting chilly and I couldn't wait to cuddle up in the warm tent. I layered up, we aired up the girls' mattress that was already sinking, and we tucked ourselves in for the night. Then it all started. <br />
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First, the train horn. You know when the night air is so still you can hear a train blowing its horn miles away? I usually smile and then head back in the house. This is not the case in a tent. I don't know what crisis the train was averting by blowing its horn repeatedly for an hour, or why the horn never faded into the horizon, but it didn't. And just as the horn became bearable, the armadillo started. In Tyler State Park, the raccoons were a problem. There were too many and they weren't scared of coming uncomfortably close, sniffing for snacks. Now at Ray Roberts Park, the armadillos are the problem. We had been shooing them away from our site the last hour or so and I thought they were gone for good.<br />
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I had seen a slithery shape in the fallen leaves near our tent that afternoon and decided to brush it off. Even if it was a huge snake, it wouldn't dare try and slither into our tent. It turned out to be the trail an armadillo's tail leaves behind. Now this relentless armadillo sniffed, scooted, and crunched the leaves right outside our tent for what seemed like hours. Then it would stop. Then it would start up again. Meanwhile, the temperature was dropping, Baby Girl was sniffling up a storm, and the girls were sinking into the mattress again. I kept checking the weather app on my phone. "Ok, it dropped another two degrees. We still have eleven more degrees to go. Surely I'm tough enough to handle this, right? It's just chilly. It's not that bad. I'll fall asleep eventually. Oh no. My nose is frozen. Let's check the app again. Maybe it won't get any colder." An hour or so later, I pleaded with my husband.<br />
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Me: Babe? Are you still awake? I can't sleep. I'm freezing.<br />
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Him: Me too. This blanket is no good. I guess we aren't sleeping tonight.<br />
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Me: Really? How am I supposed to function tomorrow with no sleep?!<br />
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Him: (He muffles a snicker with his hand. He has a severe sleep disorder and never sleeps.) Well, what do you want to do?<br />
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Me: I don't know...???<br />
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Him: Leave?<br />
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Me: Would that be so horrible??<br />
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Him: No! We're not stuck in a fox hole in the middle of a war. We can leave! We have a warm, comfortable home. Why would we force ourselves to stay here when we don't have to?<br />
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Me: THANK YOU.<br />
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So, we packed up and left. Our friends forgave us for not being prepared (we do own an electric blanket but I left it at home with all the other blankets) and for leaving them with a tent and a gazebo to break down in the morning, in addition to all the equipment of their own. And when we slipped the girls into the truck, they awoke, asking us why we were leaving. "Girls, a storm is coming! We have to get out of here!" They asked why no one else was packing up, but didn't put up much of a fight because it seemed a bit exciting to them. My husband and I deliriously laughed the whole way home, swore we would never go camping again without at least a cabin, and slipped into our warm beds at four in the morning. You win some, you lose some.<br />
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And even after I was a monster to him earlier in the day, he was understanding and loving with me that night. You win some, you lose some. The only problems were we didn't leave a bottle opener with our friends (they texted me a picture of the neck of a broken bottle the next day) and we had a bunch of oranges to eat once we made it back home because I didn't get a chance to cook canned cinnamon rolls in hollowed-out orange rinds. You win some. You lose some. If anyone knows of some cool cabins in Texas for our next camping trip, please let me know.Amanda Cunninghamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05208963542135808791noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-98910130395993612.post-10237629007904818152014-03-19T23:24:00.002-05:002015-12-10T09:45:05.705-06:00No, Mommy. Not you.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Spring break usually means a hiatus from the demands of school, the first my skin is warmed by the sun each year, and a time to spend catching up with family and friends I'm normally too busy to see. I scheduled no plans for the first half of the break. Scheduling nothing seems paradoxical, but it must exist, or I won't exist well. We still had a trip to look forward to at the end of the week and needed to take advantage of our down time. But I didn't realize "Spriiiing Break!!" could also mean "Spring <em>Break</em>."<br />
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While my husband was at the fire station, I took the girls to dinner at their favorite restaurant to kick off the week. They settled in their usual stools and watched the flames light up the kitchen while they waited for "brown noodles" at Pei Wei. Brown noodles (lo mein or any noodle with Asian sauce and a few vegetables not-so-subtly snuck in) were named such as not to be confused with white noodles (fettuccine alfredo), known already to the girls as simply "pasta". Don't try and convince them that there are any other kinds of pasta. The only thing pasta could ever be is fettuccine with alfredo sauce.<br />
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Little Girl sat, silently wondering if she'd made the right choice changing her future ambition from Chef to Magician last year. The chefs at Pei Wei casting bright vegetables into and swirling the woks while laughing and singing in an exotic language always try to carry her dreams back to the explorations of the kitchen. Baby Girl was constantly moving yet stayed within a two-foot radius the entire meal- sitting on her legs facing the kitchen, turned to the side with one leg dangling off the stool, sliding off the stool and dancing in a circle, back at counter height with her back to the kitchen sticking her tongue out at other patrons, her belly to the sky as the lays on the stool with both feet hanging low and the longest noodle outstretched and lowering into her tiny gaping mouth...with sound effects. Whatever. They were eating.<br />
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Afterwards, we made our usual stops at the outdoor mall next door. A trip to Barnes & Noble helped us finish shopping for a birthday party gift, Little Girl picked out <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Corduroy-Don-Freeman/dp/0140501738"><em>Corduroy</em></a> and <em><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Gruffalo-Julia-Donaldson/dp/0142403873/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1395160072&sr=1-1&keywords=the+gruffalo">The Gruffalo</a></em> for her friend, and resulted in another purchase of "<a href="http://islacunninghambooks.blogspot.com/2014/02/the-incredible-book-writing-boy.html">Mr. Oliver's</a>" books- this time we picked up a copy of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Stuck-Oliver-Jeffers/dp/0399257373/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1395160159&sr=1-1&keywords=stuck"><em>Stuck</em></a><em>. </em>Then we headed to the park. It's just a little patch of green with a fabricated stream and a fountain, a small playground, and a train ride that encircles the park. They decided we would ride the train first, then we would hit the playground, and finish at the stream. Right as we arrived, the train was finishing its last trip and both girls were chasing it down, sure to be the first ones in line for the next ride. Both bouncy little creatures waited patiently for the even the smallest and slowest of other kids to exit and clear so they could board. As I handed the conductor a few dollars, I turned to board the car they picked when I felt Little Girls arm slice across my legs. I stopped and looked down, startled. She looked up and said, "No, Mommy. Not you."<br />
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Now, I've been known to suffer and recover from plenty of heartbreak in this fallen world. Haven't we all? I've lost and found pieces of my heart in many places- Moonlight Beach in Encinitas, a dressing room in NYC, my first apartment, the back porch of our current home, etc. And in that moment, I added another one to the list: the gum-speckled swath of concrete beneath the train at the mall. <br />
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Me: What do you mean, "Not you?!"<br />
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Little Girl: Mommy. You stay here. You can't come with us.<br />
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Me: What? Of course I can!<br />
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LG: No, Mommy. It's just for little kids. You stay here. I don't want you to ride with us.<br />
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Me: (swallowing, clenching) Honey, you're not going without me. (leading her to the car and hopping inside)<br />
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LG: (silence, back of her head to me, hands gripping the window opening)<br />
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Me: Hey. (she turns to me) Do you know why I'm the only parent on the train? Because I still think this is fun. I'm a fun parent! Look! (smiles, points to self) Fun mommy!!<br />
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LG: (she blinks and turns away) (sighs) Well, we are going to ride this two times. And next time you aren't coming with us.<br />
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Me: Well <em>that</em> isn't happening. I'm sorry. But you're not going on this by yourself.<br />
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I guess some day I can try letting them ride alone. But I'm going to have to follow closely behind. Ever since I lost Baby Girl in Disney World for about three minutes, I don't relax when we're in public, ever. (Different story, different day.) They could disappear for any number of reasons at any second whether I'm cautious, or overly-cautious, or not. I choose cautious. I'm not letting anyone load them up in a train and take them out of sight in a busy area without my eyes on it all. I tried to shield her from such worries by throwing in the Fun Mommy line, but it didn't work.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrzkbwSLTITVHeD-RuO4BlmhUAYGaPRDIFPWFDSnDXSjaFiChjIi3Az5I4-8nd4pyTC9NwxhLMJxB0OJRk5SMU8dtierfBiDFVro4zZdWeLnuOaUU7FD6wJGfwI96q0Bk48FVhjDQqeUVt/s1600/IMG_7517.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/AVvXsEgrzkbwSLTITVHeD-RuO4BlmhUAYGaPRDIFPWFDSnDXSjaFiChjIi3Az5I4-8nd4pyTC9NwxhLMJxB0OJRk5SMU8dtierfBiDFVro4zZdWeLnuOaUU7FD6wJGfwI96q0Bk48FVhjDQqeUVt/s1600/IMG_7517.JPG" width="320" /></a> She accepted the single ride and both danced their way to the playground next. Little Girl precariously jumped from roof to roof of the stationary train and Baby Girl stood on a center spring while four other kids tried to bounce her off. I corrected and warned them a few times. Then they were off to the stream. Their favorite part is collecting fallen leaves and conducting a long series of leaf races until each are satisfied with their totals. Up until this trip, it's been a peaceful game. But not today. Baby Girl was swinging on the chains that attempt to rope off the rocks lining the stream while Little Girl had surpassed them all and was running on tops of boulders not set with the purpose of any one ever testing their balance. Then here came the older boys, whizzing by and even knocking the girls out of the way. I was done. I gave them the five-minute warning and ended up pulling them out of there. No *<a href="http://islacunninghambooks.blogspot.com/2013/03/coach-mom.html">happy hearts</a>* rewards today. I got an earful on the way to the car:<br />
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Little Girl: You <em>never</em> let us do <em>any</em>thing. You're <em>always mad</em> at us. Now <em>I'm</em> mad at <em>you! </em>I don't <em>want</em> to talk to you <em>anymore</em>. I <em>don't</em> love you. I'm<em> mad</em> at you.<br />
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Me: (pulls them to the car, sets Baby Girl in her seat, kneels down) Honey! You think I'm always mad at you? I'm not mad at you! I worry about you because I'm your mommy.<br />
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LG: Well <em>I'm mad</em>. You <em>always</em> say no. You don't love me.<br />
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Me: No. That's not true. You <em>have</em> to know that I know exactly how you feel! Do you feel like you can't do anything right? (nods, pouting) Do you feel like you're trapped? (nods, eyebrows raised) Do you wish you could have more freedom? (nodding feverishly, almost smiling) I know how you feel! That's <em>exactly</em> how I felt when I was a kid living in Mimi and Pop Pop's house! You <em>can</em> have more freedom! (smile, gasp) But with freedom comes more responsibilities. You have to show me I can trust you to make the right choice. (squealing, she heard none of that last part)<br />
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And the full circle reveals itself again. I've taken them swimming at the city pool I grew up visiting every summer, I've watched <em>Pippi Longstocking</em> with them and read <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Henrys-Awful-Mistake-Robert-Quackenbush/dp/1563832755"><em>Henry's Awful Mistake</em></a><em> </em>to them at bedtime, and now I am revisiting my childhood through their eyes. Further exacerbated with the current point of my memoir (I'm starting to hate that word- memoir), my childhood, and a spring break reconnecting with great friends- both from when my husband and I first met and also the girls I grew up with- a tidal wave of memories has flooded my brain and my heart.<br />
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These two have been with my husband and I since the very first "date". They were his friends first and have been there every step of the way. The top photo is our first one together. Bottom left is when she was pregnant with her first. Bottom right is all of our children playing together last week.<br />
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I grew up on the same street as two of my best friends before we all moved away or moved on. By some chance of wonderful luck, we've remained friends all these years and just got all of our children together last weekend for the first time! Now, that'll bring you back! It has been many years since we were all pushing our babies around in strollers. The top picture is our attempt to <strike>camp</strike> sleep in a tent overnight at Lake Tawakoni. The second one is in Vegas while we celebrated turning twenty one. And the bottom photo was last Friday with our kids at the Houston Zoo.<br />
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I went on several trips, travelling different roads this past spring break- memory lane, highway 45. Our trip to Houston was absolutely wonderful. The kids had a ton of fun together and us moms squeezed in some mommy juice (or as my daughters call it, "poison") at night and played catch-up. That first night, I was trying to shake off Little Girl's newest request to get some separation between us and to enjoy more freedoms, when I realized I had forgotten the baby monitor at home, and the box fan, and the lullaby CD, and a nightlight. As my girls grow up and let go of old comforts, I must as well. The box fan, lullabies, baby monitor, and ladybug nightlight are more for me than them at this point. Growing up that night, for me, meant not panicking and rushing out to the store to buy a monitor for my almost six and four year old, uploading a lullaby app on my phone, leaving the closet line on and cracking the door.<br />
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I couldn't help but dip back into the old pot of memories after that trip. And I'm certainly examining them, or at least thinking about examining them, for my memoir. (It's official. I hate that word.) Many questions arose when I first became a mother about choices my parents made in raising me and I've found some answers the last few years as I begin to mature as a parent myself. Whereas nothing was too terribly traumatic, several grey areas of my childhood yet remain and they aren't accustomed to visitors. I love this line from <em>Hope Floats</em> by the little girl, Bernice:<br />
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<strong>My dad says that childhood is the happiest time of my life. But, I think he's wrong. I think my mom's right. She says that "childhood is what you spend the rest of your life trying to overcome. That's what momma always says. She says that beginnings are scary, endings are usually sad, but it's the middle that counts the most. Try to remember that when you find yourself at a new beginning. Just give hope a chance to float up. And it will, too..." </strong><br />
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I guess I'm in the middle with Little Girl now. I taught her to eat, held her hand while she learned to walk, showed her how to use the potty, sent her off to kindergarten with experiences, skills, and a heart of gold, and now the beginning is over. I do hope my children will have a more positive outlook than Bernice on their youngest years, simply because I'm doing my best. Surely my best will be good enough? Little do they know that it won't be easy to break away from me. I will be with them...everywhere...forever...even on that little train.Amanda Cunninghamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05208963542135808791noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-98910130395993612.post-88626626328932209392014-03-07T21:50:00.001-06:002015-12-10T09:44:50.364-06:00In a book I feel incredibly guilty for abandoning books for most of my adult life. They were forced down our throats with such frequency in school and, sadly enough, my first reaction to force is usually rebellion. Though I truly loved works like <em>The Secret Garden</em>, <em>Jane Eyre</em>, and even <em>Taming of the Shrew</em>, Homer's <em>The Odyssey</em> ruined it all for me. It was the first semester of ninth grade honors English, and our teacher told us to start reading. Had I any clue she would give us a pop quiz on the book bi-weekly and it would consume what felt like the entire first semester, I might have actually read the <strike>book</strike> Cliff's Notes. I had opened it and attempted to read it the first week of the assignment, but I just couldn't make it past the first few pages. I couldn't. I hated it. Ever since, I avoided books and even laughed at the whole concept of reading. Who had time for that? I'd rather be out living my life, thank you very much. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzD1-5_Ja8kic_yg3G9ZK_MddmNxFIFfw5gCjuqttZkCHJ7a7wCdKKH8revIgMzHBuu9lLFb9tufLjHdNWRpjsBFARV4N_82Kiycd6ALZZFXlKMmKrGsDxie_n6bUMv2XyMo38seCkg-5w/s1600/doing+it+wrong.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzD1-5_Ja8kic_yg3G9ZK_MddmNxFIFfw5gCjuqttZkCHJ7a7wCdKKH8revIgMzHBuu9lLFb9tufLjHdNWRpjsBFARV4N_82Kiycd6ALZZFXlKMmKrGsDxie_n6bUMv2XyMo38seCkg-5w/s1600/doing+it+wrong.jpg" width="301" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://thecolorfulgeek.tumblr.com/post/25432507050/reading-is-life">source</a></td></tr>
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Like anything else in my adolescence, and even into my early twenties, I was stifling myself. Instead, I pored over fashion magazines and tabloids. I made time for junk food instead of feeding my brain with real nutrition. Of course, fashion magazines aren't a complete waste. (Tabloids are.) However, I wasn't truly appreciating their art and I hadn't accepted the dark side of fashion as dark yet. I was wishing for her waist, for her skin, for her hair, for those clothes, and for another life. During breaks at work or waits in airports and studios, I smoked cigarettes, gossiped, and checked my phone. Every once and a while, and always by myself because I never wanted anyone I knew to catch me, I'd grab a book in the airport gift shop and skim a chapter or two in my hotel room. But I never finished them. The only ones I ever finished were self-help books purchased in desperate attempts to fix my life at the Borders near my apartment.<br />
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I wasted precious time not reading and now that I am a mother it's more difficult to find time to escape in a book. Now, I'm trying. I put down my phone and read in the pick up line at school. I turn off the tv and crack one open right before bed. Sometimes I sneak a few pages in the evenings after dinner. It feels really good. Frequently I find myself being pulled to the library or the bookstore in the rare time I have alone. This is where my new habit gets dangerous. I always find another stack of books I really "need" and am constantly trying to find space for them when I get home. Oops. I guess it's one of the better shopping habits to have, but I still have to be careful not to over-buy.<br />
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The only truly bad thing about searching new titles on the same, lovely old shelves is every once and a while I run into this:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirRb5TblLc4uCRATHITk9Mv6bGeAlVlvd8CyaLF5lmDNPQG-ivpDKBlwP6An1i9TBOdgccfHvV3Fc9ZzgNbV-lm_eEU0Wf3NpMzZtND0wX-N3nalDjfoFRA9V2mgFfZHVzorlWOctjWUNH/s1600/photo+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirRb5TblLc4uCRATHITk9Mv6bGeAlVlvd8CyaLF5lmDNPQG-ivpDKBlwP6An1i9TBOdgccfHvV3Fc9ZzgNbV-lm_eEU0Wf3NpMzZtND0wX-N3nalDjfoFRA9V2mgFfZHVzorlWOctjWUNH/s1600/photo+1.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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<em>Happy Birthday Sweetheart!</em></div>
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<em>The past three years have been the best of my life.</em></div>
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<em>I love you very much, Savannah!</em></div>
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<em>Hugs, Mommy March 11, 2006</em></div>
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<em> </em></div>
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<em>As much as Mommy loves you I love you more!</em></div>
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<em>Happy Birthday Sweetheart!</em></div>
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<em>Daddy 3/11/06</em></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj62DZg7cWjLiACmj6wQDl8XzIx0IhpQ47NwwcvPGRynKbbXiavaiHOCK1X7fGH52xGxZD-a27uFyRQ36p6QUUPJprQC1t7D30IPHHoT3J7jOvhiHTrA9ey1RkxqbShj7qMZ3G7JFvKAWZi/s1600/photo+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="476" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj62DZg7cWjLiACmj6wQDl8XzIx0IhpQ47NwwcvPGRynKbbXiavaiHOCK1X7fGH52xGxZD-a27uFyRQ36p6QUUPJprQC1t7D30IPHHoT3J7jOvhiHTrA9ey1RkxqbShj7qMZ3G7JFvKAWZi/s1600/photo+2.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<em>Aidan, </em></div>
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<em>Just as the bunny searched for a home, </em></div>
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<em>books will always provide a path for your life. </em></div>
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<em>Love, Pappy & Mimi </em></div>
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<em>Christmas 2006</em></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmeOQFOF_Lvi6__cIww-lTPoaKFkgJB5rKT9BOmRYO_rigP0Fu7W1wbrJR0ZHKqiyT5aJHtDRqRSQtXULf6DFUSqRRaYZ2Su552ym5n2i1u4g7ufzlpZ9zQKq8eDmaFbjyLwnYtD2Qp-IR/s1600/sad+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmeOQFOF_Lvi6__cIww-lTPoaKFkgJB5rKT9BOmRYO_rigP0Fu7W1wbrJR0ZHKqiyT5aJHtDRqRSQtXULf6DFUSqRRaYZ2Su552ym5n2i1u4g7ufzlpZ9zQKq8eDmaFbjyLwnYtD2Qp-IR/s1600/sad+1.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<em>To Jonathan</em></div>
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<em>From Can Can</em></div>
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<em>Destin, Fla</em></div>
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<em>July 27, 1998</em></div>
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<em>I love you!</em></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicio8CUqmdkyDXDibtlsU-fBKI-Im52TYtWr9IHUqPS6io_WrO2Fq6mFG17WJGUhncJW_yw_Qk-j7vDVr2y8OjJDIJlCcmVYJGEkdtvyXBtT3Ty4rdqB4yUYG6qpxPazG3OOoCvsX1XVLm/s1600/sad+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicio8CUqmdkyDXDibtlsU-fBKI-Im52TYtWr9IHUqPS6io_WrO2Fq6mFG17WJGUhncJW_yw_Qk-j7vDVr2y8OjJDIJlCcmVYJGEkdtvyXBtT3Ty4rdqB4yUYG6qpxPazG3OOoCvsX1XVLm/s1600/sad+2.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<em>To Chalsie</em></div>
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<em>Because we love you!</em></div>
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<em>Mama & Papa</em></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjABKXo9kzGALcrg-vmHg6z0U9u6qm3Kb78iJBC7Ld9zCx7eLZ6HD7DS0kVLS4TsIIwwAZZU63ABoNMUqRbzeDw3sFBI4kuDPk6RQOjHCV0fAgF9PRLpqUjMTNLDAOOIMzf6ZupABDgct9z/s1600/sad+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjABKXo9kzGALcrg-vmHg6z0U9u6qm3Kb78iJBC7Ld9zCx7eLZ6HD7DS0kVLS4TsIIwwAZZU63ABoNMUqRbzeDw3sFBI4kuDPk6RQOjHCV0fAgF9PRLpqUjMTNLDAOOIMzf6ZupABDgct9z/s1600/sad+3.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<em>Belongs to Chandler Gift. </em></div>
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<em>If found take to 2nd grade.</em></div>
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Of course anytime I see these I want to buy them and reunite them with their owner. They are perfectly preserved messages in a bottle. Somehow a few of my childhood favorites have found their way back to me recently through my niece cleaning out her book collection and passing down so many to my daughters. I treasure them now more than ever before. I run my fingers across their covers like I did when my hands were much smaller, and every turn of the stiffened pages brings me back to my old room, our old street, a different era.</div>
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I wonder what my life would look like if I hadn't ignored the thing that would bring me such joy and unleash a slumbering passion- books. I don't remember collecting them as much beyond the picture book phase in my earlier years. And now I've come full circle, back to the innocent tales and unscathed imagination, but I feel like I've lost so much precious time. I'll forever be playing catch up. I wish I hadn't strayed. I wish I had known sooner that I was made to write.</div>
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On one of my trips to Half-Price Books over Christmas, I was sitting on the floor sifting through a stack of picture books trying to slim the purchase when a family walked into the children's book section. Their four-year-old daughter was immediately eye-to-eye with the spines while her parents lingered near the carpet's edge. The little girl watched me opening a few and flipping through the pages for a minute or so. I guess she figured I was an authority enough to ask me where she could find "a good one". Eager to help, I jumped up and started pulling a few crowd pleasers off the shelves and presenting them to her, waiting for a reaction. </div>
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It wasn't until I held out, <em><a href="http://www.amazon.com/If-You-Take-Mouse-Movies/dp/0060278676">If You Take a Mouse to the Movies</a></em> that I saw the light in her eyes I had been waiting for. She swept it out of my hands and clutched it to her chest. I noticed her parents had ventured in and were talking to each other about their childhood love for Little Golden Books. Just as the little girl approached her mom and began to ask for permission to buy "the good one", her mom grabbed the book from her hands, shelved it, and said, "No. You don't want that one. You want this! I used to love this book!" "But Mom, I want the Christmas mouse book, <em>please</em>?" "No, no. You can't get that one. You're getting this one." And off they went to the front of the store as I heard a fading, "I really want the mouse one." It took all I had not to buy it for her and sneak it in their pile. But I didn't want to cause any trouble. I still feel guilty for failing her in some way.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUXMiuu-rF46v9S43-IO0t7dGtwm_erJndLdsLiJd08gF5NJ0RviF_jz6oBT1TYWiWWdZqqu2KY69NWwYk4ADpU7gDxEGfJjwsKXgLoYW6QdsdHmyMpW2O2126mfozMieKgMa3M7HdaO7O/s1600/1560.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUXMiuu-rF46v9S43-IO0t7dGtwm_erJndLdsLiJd08gF5NJ0RviF_jz6oBT1TYWiWWdZqqu2KY69NWwYk4ADpU7gDxEGfJjwsKXgLoYW6QdsdHmyMpW2O2126mfozMieKgMa3M7HdaO7O/s1600/1560.JPG" width="298" /></a> So here is my plea to you, parents: provide your children with books, and not just any books, but the ones they choose. Take them to the library or the bookstore, even if you don't enjoy it as they do. Encourage them to explore the written and creative languages hidden in stories. They just might find a favorite character that shapes their childhood or discover their truest selves nestled in the pages. I know our world is moving too quickly, even for us, but I beg you to take the time to read with them sometimes. It isn't easy. None of you may like it at first. But after staying the course with both of my girls- one who is such a perfectionist that the concept of reading words she hadn't already conquered sent her into meltdowns the first several months, and the second too animated and excited to sit or care about bedtime stories for years- now they both cry if we don't have time for a story before bed. </div>
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And one more thing. If you're going to donate or sell any books from your home, for whatever reason, take the time to open them and check for any personal messages tucked inside. The words may not mean much to you now, but they meant something to their authors, and they might mean something to your child some day.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIhvCiwyMjkem2LPPT6ydENM7twRjSU_9yo2_s5cC_rldhoGncEQIi4Gg_v3CmkTyB0bQJWr4L30hBaWWUsIUjKCi4pVy4B1bfBdYjjhcR-VQY5MaZGtbgsTwRqMUg-cZNPj8Wf8uhFtSr/s1600/kids+on+books.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIhvCiwyMjkem2LPPT6ydENM7twRjSU_9yo2_s5cC_rldhoGncEQIi4Gg_v3CmkTyB0bQJWr4L30hBaWWUsIUjKCi4pVy4B1bfBdYjjhcR-VQY5MaZGtbgsTwRqMUg-cZNPj8Wf8uhFtSr/s1600/kids+on+books.jpg" width="494" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://burningthroughpages.org/">Burning Through Pages</a></td></tr>
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<br />Amanda Cunninghamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05208963542135808791noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-98910130395993612.post-23609833103530988322014-02-21T21:18:00.000-06:002015-12-10T09:43:19.383-06:00Give a book GIVEAWAY Winners<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7U0IDrGGvn-Sa2FEQWz5VxXhyMfBclaMnMY2i_ewCZfNSSM4wYTj5kBbZgZ2OAt_dgsuZwpVk-VMUCEorr3lcsKVW5vpCmhgLZ3fpUmXyg8aXTJ0j9v3icQK42ZGgw5zDwPkbomp0Gisw/s1600/international-book-giving-day-banner-final5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="105" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7U0IDrGGvn-Sa2FEQWz5VxXhyMfBclaMnMY2i_ewCZfNSSM4wYTj5kBbZgZ2OAt_dgsuZwpVk-VMUCEorr3lcsKVW5vpCmhgLZ3fpUmXyg8aXTJ0j9v3icQK42ZGgw5zDwPkbomp0Gisw/s1600/international-book-giving-day-banner-final5.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Thank y'all for entering the International Book Giving Day Giveaway! </div>
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As always, Little Girl and Baby Girl loved drawing names out of the basket.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx2SOqxUEgcYcju4WgictD68_2uZP225O5oNgktvrKujsfZ_t3Rc_K9_6DzDERYkD-WsO8HzZgugOZAqFblMtiLlI0jRKdGjG2fGLqTNvLnmc12iF7NvTfueVGb4Wwta-pqO6lhXb2-ZY9/s1600/tote.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/AVvXsEjx2SOqxUEgcYcju4WgictD68_2uZP225O5oNgktvrKujsfZ_t3Rc_K9_6DzDERYkD-WsO8HzZgugOZAqFblMtiLlI0jRKdGjG2fGLqTNvLnmc12iF7NvTfueVGb4Wwta-pqO6lhXb2-ZY9/s1600/tote.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
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Congratulations to the winner of the "Oh, the Places You'll Go!"</div>
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Dr. Seuss book tote...</div>
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Sarah!</h4>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizf88auaXVvPoSMt_mEpnuwOfcEBljrpUEy6V35bIXcC4LrvA3QSIIuH5CyY0J5Zx9S7uGRuBxRbc1mwl5mSv5duVEHDUXNOZRDUlsrajQOnt33AkvJbA97QJWWtJRrE4s4k45ibZtASrf/s1600/photo+%25281%2529.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/AVvXsEizf88auaXVvPoSMt_mEpnuwOfcEBljrpUEy6V35bIXcC4LrvA3QSIIuH5CyY0J5Zx9S7uGRuBxRbc1mwl5mSv5duVEHDUXNOZRDUlsrajQOnt33AkvJbA97QJWWtJRrE4s4k45ibZtASrf/s1600/photo+%25281%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Congratulations to the winner of the "Real Men Marry Teachers" book tote...</div>
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Maeghan!</h4>
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You will both receive a small surprise in your tote </div>
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as part of International Book Giving Day!</div>
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Please send your mailing addresses to <a href="mailto:islacunninghambooks@gmail.com">islacunninghambooks@gmail.com</a>!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYT6XlPXFqAkqwc0fn0yr13UcjXB4uBZgsJeCQvL9cbfYcTQPjHkuWz8lk3FVykxlUCu1C2726iH-GD4IYe_8bDekdlWvJh0sk9GaM02FZ5ZlQHZxWkMMnF4iQf9hXUA2jV7J3Bg3rlCQn/s1600/photo.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYT6XlPXFqAkqwc0fn0yr13UcjXB4uBZgsJeCQvL9cbfYcTQPjHkuWz8lk3FVykxlUCu1C2726iH-GD4IYe_8bDekdlWvJh0sk9GaM02FZ5ZlQHZxWkMMnF4iQf9hXUA2jV7J3Bg3rlCQn/s1600/photo.PNG" width="640" /></a></div>
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To order a tote of your own and make a difference </div>
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<strong>one bag, one book at a time,</strong> </div>
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visit <a href="https://www.facebook.com/katchacanvas"><strong>KatchACanvas</strong></a> and click on the order form!</div>
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{Regular sized bags are $12 plus int'l shipping.}</div>
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You can also follow these wonderful teachers </div>
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and their cause on <a href="http://instagram.com/katchacanvas#">Instagram</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/katchacanvas">Twitter</a>, and <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/katchacanvas/">Pinterest</a> too!</div>
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Thank you to the girls at KatchACanvas for donating totes</div>
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to this blog and its wonderful readers!</div>
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I'm so excited to receive my order as well!</div>
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Amanda Cunninghamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05208963542135808791noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-98910130395993612.post-11465624528095216622014-02-18T13:19:00.001-06:002015-12-10T09:43:07.367-06:00The Stars and The Anchor<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLutrhGu8_d1nonM0TuJugAqhky-Ro6LgZFv4NIF9NZk4zeuoYoJ7B7zqNpLAvTWi6mhV-urYVcEUwe8H0jiNdFY3_HHfIvcVLyBwvw696h483sxCLL7MneOAMp825HpVVFWg7Rw0_xIMW/s1600/star+whispers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLutrhGu8_d1nonM0TuJugAqhky-Ro6LgZFv4NIF9NZk4zeuoYoJ7B7zqNpLAvTWi6mhV-urYVcEUwe8H0jiNdFY3_HHfIvcVLyBwvw696h483sxCLL7MneOAMp825HpVVFWg7Rw0_xIMW/s1600/star+whispers.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
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My Galapagos. Part Five.</div>
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{this is the part where I write about writing}</div>
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Last <a href="http://islacunninghambooks.blogspot.com/2013/11/come-on-in-waters-cold.html">I wrote</a> the chilly waves had rushed over me. I didn't escape the discomfort immediately. I stayed. I waited. The shock from the frigid water altered my lenses. I stayed longer. I waited some more. I turned my back to the bleakness of the ocean and fixed my eyes on the sand. Strings of colorful bulbs left glowing kisses on the shore. The whispers of the stars outlined the tree tops. I never would have noticed this light had I not jumped in and I wouldn't have been reminded of a lingering hope I had spent years trying to forget.<br />
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Life in a broken family often left me ricocheting from wall to wall. I smiled and hoped the trail I left behind would serve as a link between us all- the halves, the steps, the estranged, the divorced, the lost. Thirty plus years later and the hope that always spilled between my fingers like sand still escapes me. My history was locked away and kept from me. My family bathes in broken. <br />
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Until my dive into the sea, I felt a weight imprisoned me. Its vines had slithered up my leg and grabbed hold. I lunged, I reached, and I tugged. There it sat. And there I sat. <br />
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But something in the cold that night cleared my vision. Is this weight a burden or an anchor? Am I a slave to it? Or is it a slave to me? What will a lifetime of dragging it behind me look like? What would freedom look like? <br />
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As I finally pulled myself from the cold and crawled back home, I knew I had to face the hope that haunted me for so long. It's not enough to smile and wish. It's wrong to laugh when you should be somber, to wait when you should go. I wished, laughed, smiled, and waited for things that never came. And now this anchor is trying to swallow me. Instead, I'm going to devour it.<br />
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Well, I did it. I committed to the memoir instead of the novel. I couldn't let my story be something it's not. I started writing. I'm 3,187 words and about five versions in and I'm paralyzed. For the entire length of my life, I have swayed back and forth between pain and acceptance. The last few years my heart has been filled with forgiveness and humility. Things are finally better. And now I have to bring it all to the surface again. I don't want to. I want to leave things where they are- better. I want to keep staring into the stars. Forget the ground. </div>
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Originally, I thought I could just sum up this portion of my life with a half sad, half humorous statement and move on. Now I'm realizing skipping this section would make the entire work a farce. I have to say it, not just out loud, but even worse- to myself. Your efforts were futile. You were a fool for so long.</div>
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The past we overcame is always underfoot. For me, it's trailing behind like an anchor. But the stars are still overhead.<br />
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Amanda Cunninghamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05208963542135808791noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-98910130395993612.post-52555194801672344872014-02-14T12:09:00.002-06:002015-12-10T09:42:53.773-06:00Give a book GIVEAWAY It's that time of year again- a time to spread love, to splurge on flowers, to indulge in sweets, and to appreciate the special ones in our lives. I've been wanting to extend my gratitude with a giveaway for a while now. And with Valentine's Day and International Book Giving Day falling on the same date, I chose today!<br />
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For my long-time followers, you know one of my favorite days of the year is International Book Giving Day! I am passionate about encouraging a love of books and want to continually thank y'all for stopping by my blog time and time again. If you aren't familiar with what Book Giving Day is, please let me explain. It's a global effort to get books in the hands of as many children as possible! Here are ways you can celebrate too:<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Click <a href="http://islacunninghambooks.blogspot.com/2013/04/special-sights-little-free-library.html">here</a> for more about Little Free Libraries.</td></tr>
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<li>Give a book to a friend or relative. Stop by your local bookstore and pick up a copy of one you really loved as a kid and give it to your niece, your neighbor's kid down the street, or your child's best friend at school.</li>
<li>Leave a book in a waiting room or a lobby. </li>
<li>Donate a book. Wrap up some books your children have outgrown and deliver them to the library, the children's hospital, a women's shelter, or stop by a <a href="http://islacunninghambooks.blogspot.com/2013/04/special-sights-little-free-library.html">Little Free Library</a> nearest you! </li>
<li>Purchase a tote from <a href="https://www.facebook.com/katchacanvas">KatchACanvas</a> and they'll donate book in your name to a public school in the Philippines.</li>
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To spread a love for literacy, last year I gave away a <a href="http://islacunninghambooks.blogspot.com/2013/02/bear-snores-on.html">four-pack of board books</a> from <a href="http://karmawilson.com/">Karma Wilson</a> and <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ChapmanandWarnes">Jane Chapman</a>'s Bear series. This year, I'm giving away two KatchaCanvas book totes! I promise they won't be empty, but what each contains depends on the winner. The goal of the teachers behind KatchaCanvas is to help children develop a love for reading. I've been following their work for over a year and each time they make a donation, it makes my heart smile. They sent me two totes for the giveaway. The first is for all the Dr. Seuss lovers out there! The second is for all our lovely teacher friends! One winner of each tote and surprise books will be chosen at random <strong>Friday, February 21st!</strong><br />
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You can enter the Giveaway by...</div>
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<li><strong>Regram</strong> one photo below on Instagram and <strong>tag me</strong> in your post<a href="http://instagram.com/islabooks"> @islabooks</a>.</li>
<li>Like me on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/islabooks">facebook</a>, <strong>share</strong> a photo, and <strong>comment</strong> on which one you shared.</li>
<li>Commenting at the bottom of this post.</li>
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We all heard about the horrific devastation put upon the Philippines by Typhoon Yolanda/Haiyan. I know we were heartbroken to watch the news unfold. They still need our help. Buying a tote from KatchACanvas and spurring a book donation to young students in the Philippines is a small way to extend our love, but anything helps. KatchACanvas is located in Manila Philippines and they have done a great job making it easy to <strong>place international orders</strong> via paypal <strong>on their facebook page </strong><a href="https://www.facebook.com/katchacanvas"><strong>here</strong></a><strong>!</strong> <br />
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100% of the proceeds from the Kapit Lang tote pictured below will go to the victims of Typhoon Yolanda/Haiyan. Donations will be coursed through Isko Ops at UP Dilimin and One La Salle Relief at DLSU. Like, shop, and spread the word about <a href="https://www.facebook.com/katchacanvas">KatchACanvas</a>!<br />
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Here are some of their currently available designs!</div>
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"smooth seas never made a skilled sailor"</div>
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This would make a great teacher gift!</div>
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February is a great time to shop with them because of their Dr. Seuss collection!</div>
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This one reminds me spring is coming, eventually.</div>
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"there are universes beneath your skin"</div>
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Amanda Cunninghamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05208963542135808791noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-98910130395993612.post-91904381858321199732014-02-12T14:16:00.002-06:002015-12-10T09:42:39.230-06:00The Incredible Book Writing Boy<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqvqAFZFl0SIabP_2Rckk7QAAi7Ke83MNk5rCM1dsPPoIBC9D9D35fsDx8Rv3hkUEzgGGBCaBLklZQnV4y_OGJPv8AleiKE1tBvXKKKNmsPrFnT3SvlOXPRN-l3UxwrXQ3ufSlpvY4mw3w/s1600/Oliver+12+(3).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/AVvXsEjqvqAFZFl0SIabP_2Rckk7QAAi7Ke83MNk5rCM1dsPPoIBC9D9D35fsDx8Rv3hkUEzgGGBCaBLklZQnV4y_OGJPv8AleiKE1tBvXKKKNmsPrFnT3SvlOXPRN-l3UxwrXQ3ufSlpvY4mw3w/s1600/Oliver+12+(3).JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
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If you're following me on <a href="https://twitter.com/IslaBooks">twitter</a>, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/islabooks">facebook</a>, and/or <a href="http://instagram.com/islabooks">instagram</a>, then you already know how excited I was on Sunday to meet The Incredible Book Writing Boy, <a href="http://www.oliverjeffers.com/">Oliver Jeffers</a>. I noticed on <a href="http://instagram.com/oliverjeffers">his</a> instagram Saturday that he was en route to Texas and immediately began researching where, if at all, he would be making a public appearance. I was ecstatic when I found out he would be speaking at the Dallas Museum of Art yet immediately deflated as I realized it was sold out. But that wasn't going to stop me.<br />
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A few phone calls and several squealing leaps across the house later, I discovered the DMA opened a secondary simulcast room for the overflow and my husband so graciously agreed to accompany the girls and I for what was sure to be a disaster. It was recommended we arrive several hours early to ensure seats. What on earth were we going to do with little ones in a museum for hours while I hovered near the auditorium entrance and made all the employees uncomfortable? I wasn't sure. But I knew we had to go. Yes, I could've left all three at home to make it easier on everyone. Though I knew the day had potential to shape their growing minds and either guide them toward the truth in their own hearts, or help reveal mine to them.<br />
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We headed downtown as soon as church let out and grabbed lunch before we rushed over. I had no idea what to expect. From the panic on the other end of the phone the many times I called, "(covering the mouth piece with their hand) It's sold out?! But it's a free event! Good Lord", I assumed there would be a long line already, possibly some campers in front of the entrance. Unfortunately for Oliver, I secretly wished no one would show. Luck was on my side a bit, thanks to the dreary, freezing weather- which according to the author was like a spring day back in his native Belfast. <br />
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The museum was calm and uncrowded upon arrival. We were met with two smiling faces in the foyer handing out free tickets to <a href="http://www.dma.org/programs/event/studio-creations-think-feel-paint">Studio Creations</a>. (A hands-on program with a different theme each month held on Saturdays and Sundays.) They spoke of a free tour and an activity so we took the tickets and planned to swing by at the scheduled time. I then ran to the information desk and inquired about Oliver's event, looking for a door to lunge my boot into before it closed tight, and tried to pay admission. Up until now, I had only ever worked numerous events at the DMA in my former career and passed through once with our kids on the way to the Nasher Sculpture Center. I never knew the museum is free, except for the special exhibits of course. I was so relieved. At the very least, if anything were to go wrong- say, one of my children rattles the glass flowers in the café with her shrieks and we are asked to leave, or if one happens to hurl herself at a piece and knocks it over, crashing to the ground and we are asked to leave, and perhaps if we all are simply incapable of acting civilized or controlled and we must excuse ourselves from all the sophistication- at least we wouldn't be out big ticket prices.<br />
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We roamed around the <a href="http://www.dma.org/visit/center-creative-connections">Center for Creative Connections</a> for a minute or two until all four of us were swallowed by the world of art. I was surprised we all took to it so quickly. Within ten minutes of entering the museum with a three-year-old and a five-year-old, chaperoned by the self-proclaimed "least artistic person in the world", my husband was posing for a portrait and the girls were sketching him. They sat still. They were quiet. They were concentrating. I was screaming inside and wiping away a few quiet tears of joy.<br />
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At 1 o'clock, we made our way into the art studio to check out the event we received free tickets to earlier, "Studio Creations: Think, Feel, Paint". Other couples had children with them, even a few with strollers, so I thought me might survive after all. The first stop was to visit the abstract gallery. Here we discussed movement, lines, colors, and shapes- all easily relatable for any age. The girls immediately engaged and were throwing yarn like Pollock used to sling paint, decoding the moods of paintings through the use of color, even re-constructing one of the pieces using large shapes made of felt. At this point, I'm starting to lose my mind. It was unbelievable to watch them be so suddenly interested and genuinely happy. They weren't pulling on my leg, whining for a toy, or stomping their feet in protest. I took a few pictures so the moment would last longer.<br />
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Then we made our way back to the studio to make some art. We all pulled inspiration from the pieces we just visited and started painting away. Little Girl knew what she wanted to paint before we had even left for the abstracts- a rainbow. She sat down and got to work. Baby Girl had no clue what to paint, so she decided to experiment with colors mostly. "Mommy, how do I make pink?" "Mix red and white together baby." (a few moments of silence dripping with bliss) "Mommy! It worked!! How do I make purple?" "Try red and blue together." "I can't believe it! You were right Mommy!!" One of the teachers circled our table, complimenting everyone's work, "Oh, I love your cheerful rainbow! And your bright colors make me so happy! And yours...(she looked down at mine, I stopped, glanced at the girls' then back at mine)" "And, mine is dark and depressing." We all laughed. Look, we're in different seasons of life. I'm coping in mine with dark colors. Leave me alone. My husband struggled at first, but found his brush filling the white and all of the sudden, he made art. Although, I feel it may be too indicative of his red-blooded, American-male nature. At least it's honest. Do you see what I see??<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Artists clockwise from top left: Little Girl, Baby Girl, Husband, Me</td></tr>
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Just when I thought the day couldn't get any better, it was time to see Oliver's presentation. My husband took the girls to play in <a href="http://www.dallasmuseumofart.org/visit-center-creative-connections/c3-spaces-kids">Arturo's Nest</a> (a bright and colorful play room for ages 0-4 tucked in the back and located next to clean bathrooms with a diaper changer) while I went to hover near the line of ticket holders. I made the girls taking tickets nervous, and probably made Oliver a bit uneasy when I frantically waved at him as he peeked his head out for a moment, but I was not about to give up on inserting myself into the main stage room. It was free for crying out loud. And it was too dreary outside for everyone to follow through with their plans that day. Luckily, my secret wishes were answered when some guests didn't show and we were allowed to squeeze into the main auditorium- the third row to be specific. No, I didn't hurt anyone hurling myself down the steps to get seats near the front. They just weren't as enthusiastic as I was that day. Sorry. (Not sorry.)<br />
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True to form, Oliver entered the stage quietly and glanced up at the illustration of the Huey's on the large screen which read, "Hello." He looked back at us with no expression, pointed to the screen, and waved his hand. The auditorium lit up with laughter. Then he played this video:<br />
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After the video ended, he waved once more and said, "Thank you. Good bye." and began to exit the stage. Again with the laughter. This is what makes his work so divine- the sharpest of wit, whittled down to a beautiful simplicity. Fortunately, he continued with his presentation as part of the <a href="http://www.dma.org/programs/arts-letters-live">Arts & Letters Live</a> literary and performing art series at the DMA. He read us books, drew us pictures, told us stories, and taught us all how to draw our very own penguin.<br />
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Just in case you're unfamiliar with him and his work, Oliver was studying fine art and realized he wanted to add words to his work. He decided the best format to present his vision was/is in picture books. (He doesn't call them children's books. They're not just for children.) He wrote and illustrated his own book, which he has done since with the exception of collaborating with Drew Daywalt on <a href="http://nerdybookclub.wordpress.com/2013/11/21/the-day-the-crayons-quit-words-by-drew-daywalt-pictures-by-oliver-jeffers-review-by-isla-cunningham/"><em>The Day the Crayons Qui</em>t</a>, sent it straight to publishers and received an excited phone call <em>the next day</em>. Unheard of until now. The rest is history. From picture books, to art exhibitions, and even to the new music video and cover art for U2's album, he's done it all- and done it well. (My favorite parts are the globes and the elevator. Gah!)<br />
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All the while I was sitting there, listening to anything he had to say, I had my note pad open and my pen poised. Like Oliver, I never go anywhere without a pen and paper because as he explains, "Everything inside my head has an equal chance at being forgotten." I kept waiting for any writer's advice, or a great piece of motivation that summed up the secret to being a successful storyteller, and maybe even one tip on the publishing industry. It never came. Well, near the end he did reveal his "Top Tips":<br />
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<li>Purchase a large pencil (for your big ideas)</li>
<li>Have a window to stare out pensively</li>
<li>(I don't remember what he said for this one. I was picturing the windows in my house, deciding which would be best for staring out of pensively.)</li>
<li>Never eat anything larger than your head in one sitting.</li>
<li>If your mom says 'no'. Wait 5 minutes. Go ask your dad.</li>
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Translation? </div>
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Be prepared. </div>
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Carve out a space to work.</div>
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Focus.</div>
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Don't do anything stupid.</div>
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Don't take 'no' for an answer.</div>
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In a nutshell?</div>
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Keep it simple.</div>
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Write great stories.</div>
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Now my children have a better understanding of mommy's adventure of being an author and maybe they won't rule it out early when choosing the paths for their own lives. (I wish I could've been pursuing this career since I was little. I found out much later.) We had such a wonderful time, with the exception of the last ten minutes while we waited to get our books signed, and I was able to breathe the same air as one of the greats. Thank you Oliver for coming to Texas. It was a real treat. We'll be visiting the museum regularly now. Thank you for opening our eyes to new possibilities and fresh experiences. We needed that, especially at what I hope is the tail end of winter.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibde8RceM_GeRJH3jeFXH9Zaer1WwmlC_1GfunkvUUDkmN9ObHy7y3MDLqYvO2P8d_ggiIfeljIdkDr62RIlzqPUjsgW_t_szjbcMcw9xsx2rp-ZN5l8CB1wVYlJ3NuW9X_CJuYAhVh8t4/s1600/photo+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibde8RceM_GeRJH3jeFXH9Zaer1WwmlC_1GfunkvUUDkmN9ObHy7y3MDLqYvO2P8d_ggiIfeljIdkDr62RIlzqPUjsgW_t_szjbcMcw9xsx2rp-ZN5l8CB1wVYlJ3NuW9X_CJuYAhVh8t4/s1600/photo+2.JPG" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A fantastic day with The Incredible Book Writing Boy, Oliver Jeffers!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I hope some of his creativity rubbed off and onto me like static.</td></tr>
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For those of you who are also big fans, Oliver got the idea for the book <em>Stuck</em> after he was having a rough time and borrowed a friend's kite to clear his head. When he returned and was retelling the frustrating story of getting his friend's kite stuck in a tree, it hit him. Yes, he really did get a phone call from his publisher the day after they received his query for <em>How to Catch a Star</em>. No, he didn't have an agent. And he was tricked into illustrating <em>The Day the Crayons Quit</em>. His publisher called him in for a meeting but had to step out of the office for a moment. Before he did he told Oliver, "Just don't look at anything on my desk while I'm gone." So, of course, Oliver looked at his desk and saw the Crayons story laid out. When his publisher came back in, he asked who the illustrator was for the story? Sneaky, sneaky. Oh, and he's right-handed.</div>
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For a complete list of his picture books, click <a href="http://www.oliverjeffers.com/picture-books/the-day-the-crayons-quit">here</a>. These are our favorites:</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Read more about this fantastic book <a href="http://islacunninghambooks.blogspot.com/2013/01/lost-and-found.html">here</a>.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Click <a href="http://islacunninghambooks.blogspot.com/2013/11/the-day-crayons-quit_21.html">here</a> to read my Nerdy Book Club review.</td></tr>
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Now I must know, what is <em>your</em> favorite picture book by Oliver Jeffers? </div>
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Mine is the one that started it all, <em>How to Catch a Star</em>.</div>
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Amanda Cunninghamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05208963542135808791noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-98910130395993612.post-76244404239412422862014-02-06T19:36:00.000-06:002015-12-10T09:42:26.579-06:00Mommy, I want a hamster! The words we dread hearing as a parent, "You don't love me!", "They were mean to me at school", "Are you going to die?", and worst of all, "Mommy, I want a hamster!" Now that my oldest is in Kindergarten, I miss most of her day's events. She concentrates all day long, buttons her lip, minds her manners, and walks in line. But the moment Little Girl shuts the door and before she can even buckle her seatbelt, her eyes are beaming in my rear-view mirror. Her guard falls away and every heartbeat from the day pours out in a sprint of conversation. I say conversation, but it's usually a monologue. My heart breaks when she has had a rough day with a friend. My cheeks hurt from the release of sensitive information she has acquired. I soak it all up. If I try and interrupt her or correct her behavior too soon, she completely shuts down. I don't want to miss anything she wants to tell me, for fear that I might miss part of the girl she is becoming. However, the part where she asked for a hamster...yeah, I could skip that.<br />
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In this new generation of helicopter parents raised in a culture aiming our youth toward their future of being "happy", we've loosened the reins on the privileges we allow our children. What used to be "playing a sport" has turned into a lifestyle which requires parents to essentially take up a part-time job working on the weekends and travelling to other states with the only goal to get ahead of the unfortunate game. What used to be a family photo once every few years has turned into elaborate photo shoots every few months with full sets, costume design, advertisement-worthy graphics, which intend on rivaling power house magazine spreads with budgets in the tens, or even hundreds, of thousands. I am guilty of over-doing it in many areas. I am guilty of still working out some of my childhood issues and, even worse, I'm guilty of imposing my own guilt in addition to any leftover guilt from my parents, my husband's parents, and our grandparents onto my children- even when it comes to hamsters.<br />
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A few weeks ago, Little Girl bopped into her booster seat, snapped the seatbelt, took in a deep breath, and launched into a well-prepared plea for a hamster. I clamped up immediately, trying to conceal my discomfort from her. My first thoughts- We already have a pet and she barely gets enough attention as it is; You want a rodent? Look outside, we live in the sticks. There are plenty of mice and who-knows-what to choose from; That's exactly what I need, another mouth to feed and bottom to clean. Gently, I tried to shut her down. "Baby, if we get another pet, Sugar will be heartbroken. Honey, if it ever got outside the hawks would snatch it up right away. Sweet heart, I know how much you love animals, but remember how hard it was to say good-bye to Princess Daphne and Prince Eric?" <br />
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Yes, we rescued a duckling last year later named Princess Daphne. A simple walk around a shopping area after a trip to the gym found us oohing and awing at a family of ducks in a fountain. All five little ducklings followed Mommy and Daddy Duck into the water. As we tried to get closer, the Mommy and Daddy hopped out and looked back for their ducklings. One by one they tried to hop out of the fountain, only the ledge surrounding was too steep. They couldn't get out. Their tiny wings were soon flinging themselves against the walls of the fountain feverishly and all the ducks were letting out distress calls. The girls looked up to me and, with tears pooling in their eyes, asked what was happening. I surely wasn't going to let their first interaction with these precious little ducklings end in death, therefore causing discomfort to my little angels. Absolutely not. They would only know a world that sparkles as long as I can possibly shield them. So I started untying my shoes, scrunching up my leggings, and assured them, "It's going to be ok girls. Mommy's going to save them. Don't you worry your pretty little heads!"<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5UQ85z7wxxzhTklXXsHMZANh4P9fhUuZ2PeLi9XEOl215xclvwGhS2xyKZ_HGT1X7po_mbcw-jlyPGOy-Jlm6QXU3capXijQKwxg3_O1Pz9sdBusYWckqG32-i35RKlUg426vCLeG_1Vk/s1600/IMG_4131.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/AVvXsEg5UQ85z7wxxzhTklXXsHMZANh4P9fhUuZ2PeLi9XEOl215xclvwGhS2xyKZ_HGT1X7po_mbcw-jlyPGOy-Jlm6QXU3capXijQKwxg3_O1Pz9sdBusYWckqG32-i35RKlUg426vCLeG_1Vk/s1600/IMG_4131.JPG" width="239" /></a> Within seconds, I was knee-deep in a public fountain, the centerpiece of an upscale dining and shopping area in town. I spent the next thirty minutes chasing and rescuing each duckling and finally placing them in the bushes we last saw Mommy and Daddy duck into and hide. As soon as their bitty beaks disappearing behind the leaves, I was so relieved to be done. Then, they started pouring back out and, quicker than I could herd them, they squeezed past me and waddled back into the water. WHAT. Again, the girls distressed, looking up at me; and me trying to figure out how far I was going to let this whole ridiculousness go. I stuck my hands on my hips and assured the girls that if the ducklings wanted to be in the water, then that's where they were supposed to be.<br />
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Of course, the next day at the gym, I let them talk me into going back to the fountain afterwards to check on the little ducks. I knew we might discover a grisly sight, but I hoped that nature had done its job and the ducklings had been carried off without leaving evidence. Low and behold, when we rounded the corner, we found one little duckling left in the fountain, alive. Exhausted and frantic, she didn't even fight me this time as I lifted her up and melted. "Girls, we're going to have to bring her back home and get her well again." I couldn't believe I said that either. So, we took our Princess Daphne shopping for supplies only to find out she was close to death and at least one companion was required to nurse her back to health. I bought one more. Enter: Prince Eric. I never thought two little ducklings could be so bossy.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">How was I supposed to say no to this??</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Right after I changed their bed- briefly clean.<br />
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They squawked at all hours, begging for chopped spinach, sloshed water and poop everywhere in their makeshift home, and left a permanent scar on my senses- ducklings have to be warmed with a heat lamp clamped to the side of their home...heat lamp + poop + moisture from spilled water = no thank you. Once they were too big to keep cooped up anymore, and since they would surely become dinner on our property, we released them into a plump population of ducks that live in the lake nearby.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Too big for this nest.</td></tr>
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The girls bawled, the ducks squawked, and my husband scowled. He knew it would kill him to see the girls cry over the end of the ducks' stay in our home. He had, "I told you so," written all over his face.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The tragic end.</td></tr>
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<br />
Now that we've recovered from the ducklings, Little Girl wants a hamster. Baby Girl agrees. After a few days of reasoning with them, my husband consulted with the guys at the station- known to me as my "brother-wife consultants". Following a quick discussion, he wanted me to steer them towards a guinea pig instead because some hamsters are known to bite. I agreed, and soon the girls did as well. The condition we gave them is, yes, we will get you a guinea pig (mostly because we were never allowed to have pets like that when we were kids) as long as you clean up all your toys and pick up all your clothes every day. If they could keep up some good behaviors, we would take them on Valentine's Day to pick one out. The good news/bad news? They couldn't hold up their end of the bargain. And, we convinced them, we don't have anyone to watch the new pet if/when we go on vacation. Little Girl was sold. She loves hotels. Baby Girl was easily swayed.<br />
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I was so relieved. Over time I had actually convinced myself the girls absolutely deserved another pet and it really wasn't that big of a deal. How silly were our parents not to give into such a whim when we were kids? Man. They really were tough. I scoffed at my parents like I used to guffaw at others who stop reproducing (by choice) at two children. "Ha," I used to tell my husband when, at the time, I wanted three or four children, "Sissies." Like any other learning experience, it's too easy to philosophize. Only when I actually have to perform will my true limits reveal themselves. I'm just grateful I learned my limits before we brought a hamster or a guinea pig home. And hopefully I paid my dues with the ducklings and we can avoid taking in more creatures for a while. <br />
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Amanda Cunninghamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05208963542135808791noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-98910130395993612.post-68214025057087095082014-01-31T14:56:00.002-06:002015-12-10T09:42:13.581-06:00A Day of Nothing With flu season banking down on every family outing, each day at school, and leaving our hands cracked and dry from over-washing, I have been terrified someone in our house would get sick. I've been trying to stay ahead of the laundry just in case the vomit-fest begins and the pile of dirty linens and towels pile up in the laundry room. The horrific week-long cycles of flu-ravaged parents trying to hold it all together have been flooding my pages of social media. I remember the first time it hit our house after we became a party of three. I was in my first trimester with Baby Girl and had spent the last three days in the hospital assisting the nurses with breathing treatments and deep suctioning for my Little Girl. We celebrated our hospital release with squeals of delight and a dozen donuts on the way home. I couldn't wait to crawl into my own bed or take a shower long enough to make my husband wonder what I do in there. But the flu had other plans for us. A few hours in, when all three of us were incapacitated at the same time, I called my mom crying, "So, <em>this</em> is what happens? Is this what we'll go through <em>every</em> year now that we're parents!?? And you just try and survive it? And no one can come help?!?!" As bad as it was, I must admit that now I sort of wish I would come down with the flu so I could catch a break. Yeah, it's a lot of pain and vomit, but I would get to lay in bed and watch tv and drift in and out of sleep as I please, without <em>anyone</em> asking me for <em>anything</em>. Instead of the flu, I caught a cold. And it's fantastic.<br />
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I knew I was in trouble the night before last. I could tell I was about to come down with something. Thanks to Texas weather serving us alternating days of freezing temperatures, blustery winds, the threat of a state-wide shutdown at the sight of the first drop of moisture, and then shocking us with winter-sunburn-weather with highs in the 70s, I should have known it would throw my senses for a loop. As soon as we came home from my husband's Community Helpers presentation at my daughter's preschool yesterday, I succumbed. Isn't it funny how our mommy immune systems can be trained, or at least coaxed, to keep it together at times when it otherwise would cave? I gave into the chills, found some emergency packs of tissue (I honestly thought I was out of tissues and was weighing the costs of either sending my husband to the store for more, or avoiding asking and just using paper towels- ouch), and haven't done much but sleep, prepare meals, and eat said meals since yesterday. It has been absolutely wonderful.<br />
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My husband deserves many praises for the relief he has given me. He helped cook dinner last night gave the girls a bath, put them down for bed, took my oldest to school today and has entertained our littlest the entire day. Although, he helps out like this most days and should be praised more. He really has come quite a long way since the girls were babies. What a gift. Speaking of gifts, the house has been really quiet. And I've actually allowed myself to enjoy it. Although, it does help that I dropped my brand-new iPhone twice on Tuesday and am unable to use the entire right side of my touch screen. This means that during my last 24 hours of sick time, I can't text, can't post, can't tweet, can't pin, can't check my calendar or the weather, and haven't checked my email nearly enough. It feels like a bit of a time warp. Remember when we weren't reachable in the exact second that someone needed us? And what did they do? They waited. Patience. Remember when we didn't have our cell phones within a two-foot radius of our bodies for decades at a time? What did we ever do without our phones? We talked to each other. We went outside. We lived.<br />
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I don't know what I did to deserve this day of nothing. But it has been absolutely wonderful. I think I may drag my heels a bit more in getting my phone fixed. Even when I do, I won't let myself fall into that black hole again. My children need to see my eyes, not just my face. And I need to think more about what's in my heart, not what's at the tip of my fingers. I just glanced at the clock on my phone. I have seventeen minutes until the clock strikes, the walls rattle again with their loud spirits, and I shuffle things around in the fridge deciding what I feel like making for dinner. Quick, let me post this, turn off the tv, and listen to the wind swirling outside while I nosh on these Thin Mints.Amanda Cunninghamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05208963542135808791noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-98910130395993612.post-54265399801781741042014-01-21T11:35:00.000-06:002015-12-10T09:42:07.062-06:00Cloud-hopping This past week has been busy. Every week is busy. Every time I turn around, something pops up on my calendar that I forgot about or gets added that I didn't know about. With one daughter in preschool and one in kindergarten, opportunities to make new friends, fulfill new goals, or pursue little daydreams constantly present themselves. <br />
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When some of life's questions have been answered and you feel a change in the winds or the sky opening up, you release all the previous tension with a mighty exhale and your shoulders feel lighter and younger. No longer do those sentences end in a question mark. You have replaced it with a period, an exclamation point, or even five exclamation points. And it's over.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi94S3-S4DwSsVND00zaJEyPmxc5u2Mo6PEzTOneARdfopny910D6KZtlrmVn3sbU8LRWA99VUe5ckqESVvim_ye7qT_QnZDK2gFpgS32xW_t4ZiJqzbcqgSBwQ7sIdYORv53Y4QW762hFY/s1600/IMG_5517.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/AVvXsEi94S3-S4DwSsVND00zaJEyPmxc5u2Mo6PEzTOneARdfopny910D6KZtlrmVn3sbU8LRWA99VUe5ckqESVvim_ye7qT_QnZDK2gFpgS32xW_t4ZiJqzbcqgSBwQ7sIdYORv53Y4QW762hFY/s1600/IMG_5517.JPG" width="320" /></a> However, as suddenly as you stare into the clouds in ways you never could have imagined before, it seems as though you're faced with an entire new paragraph of questions. Which cloud will I pick to ride? Which ones will I duck and ignore? How many will I stop to smile and enjoy before sending them on their way? As for the ones I sent away, did I rob my heart or my family of something that would have fed us in an entirely new way? Or did I protect us from something that would drain us dry, only to prompt the hunt for a new cloud? I've been daydreaming and cloud-hopping.<br />
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As my long-time readers know, my husband and I went through a transformation last year in church. We heard the buzz about town. We forced ourselves to check out the new program at our new church. We hesitated, we resisted, we cried, we yelled, and somehow came together as husband and wife in a way I never knew was possible. It has been a year since we "graduated" from Re|Engage. I made a departure from my then-usual children's literature posts to share with my closest friends what happened to us. Then God logged onto Pinterest and used <a href="http://islacunninghambooks.blogspot.com/2013/01/reengage-inner-circle_13.html">one of my posts</a> to spread His word. I planned on blogging about our entire journey until the traffic jam. It has never been my intent to seek attention or recognition. Early in my modeling career (a lifetime ago), I unfortunately had a front row seat to the ugly show of what our society regards as role models and financial successes. I wanted/want no part of it. I used modeling to make easy money in order to accelerate my path to having a husband and a family of my own, which of course, blew up in my face. (Luckily, I was given another chance years later.)<br />
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I never networked at parties or cocktail events and never attempted to market myself. The only reason I ever was able to work full-time as a model was because of my relationship with one of my bookers and her loyalty to me. Now as a writer, I am self-employed again and faced with the same problem of selling myself by myself. However, I don't think of myself as anything special, anything worth reading about, or anything worth writing about simply because through my research into the minds of men and women in their relationships, it is obvious that we are all the same. We all have the same insecurities, the same family drama, the same needs and wants. <br />
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Unfortunately, I <em>am</em> a writer. I don't mean I have a two-book deal with a publisher and, no, I don't even expect anyone to read or like what I write. I mean I <em>must</em> write. If I'm not writing, I'm thinking about it every second of every day- when I'm in the shower, when I'm in the car, when I'm cooking dinner, when I'm cleaning up toys, when I'm outside playing with the kids, when I'm inside clicking away...I think about what I'm going to write next while I'm writing something else. And as a writer, I must have a blog as a way to reveal myself to agents, editors, and publishers in order to eventually find a match. I was hoping this blog would stay under the radar in my personal life. I hardly ever share the link with my family and friends. It's almost been my little secret- my grown-up tree house where I can escape, be anonymous, be random, and be free. The few that have found their way over here have blessed me with big hugs and endless, open conversation about normally off-limit topics with brand-new friends. Thank y'all so very much for reading and for telling me you're reading. Sometimes it's a little lonely over here on my secret blog. And that's okay with me.<br />
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So, here's my point. Because we were given such a gift by the Re|Engage ministry at church, I have been feverishly hunting for my opportunity to give back. In the past year I have entertained the idea of mission trips, worked (briefly) in the nursery at church, taught VBS, and joined and excused myself from several Bible study groups. I don't know the Bible. I don't know how to serve. I didn't really know where I should serve. But I think I finally found the answer- Re|Engage. (Duh.) My husband and I have been invited to serve as Facilitators in a closed Re|Engage group at our church. We are referred to as "facilitators" because we are not counselors and are not providing marital therapy. Our marriage has been bestowed a gift and we have been asked to pay it forward by sharing our experience, highlighting important scripture, and serving as a pathway to God. We are both terrified and excited. <br />
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Before we begin this new struggle, as I'm sure it will be, I need clarify some things with you, my lovely readers. Yes, I am writing a few books. One is a memoir and several are picture books. No, nothing from our Re|Engage group will be discussed in the memoir. If I ever finish it, I know I will want to write a second book about finding peace in our marriage after what seemed like a lifetime of disappointment and heartbreak. But that story is a few years out as it's still writing itself. And nothing about anyone, other than us, will be mentioned. We are sworn to absolute confidentiality and we honor it with our faith.<br />
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So, there. Just in case you're wondering what I'm writing in private, now you know. I will continue to blog about whatever hits me right at the time. Just know, you'll be hearing much more about our marriage here than you would probably prefer. And please understand, I don't have all the answers. I don't think I have all the answers. Our experience was raw and earth-shattering. What I share here is the truth, nothing more- just us on our little cloud.<br />
Amanda Cunninghamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05208963542135808791noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-98910130395993612.post-34356438533399868152014-01-13T22:49:00.000-06:002015-12-10T09:41:58.273-06:00How to Feed a Firefighter [Who Doesn't Cook]<br />
I wrote <a href="http://islacunninghambooks.blogspot.com/2014/01/goalkeeper.html">the other day</a> about new year's resolutions and protecting your goals. Last year I tackled a fault of mine and am pleased I was able to turn things around. What was my problem? Cooking at home. I have always enjoyed experimenting in the kitchen. When I was first on my own, I had a dozen of go-to recipes I loved. Of course, when I met my husband he didn't like any of them. Spoiled from a decade plus as a fireman, who is served warm meals three times each shift cooked with love and passion by the resident chef, and a consummate bachelor, dining at a different restaurant on each of his days off, he wasn't much help in the kitchen. But he knew what he didn't like- anything I made. Last year I decided enough was enough. I had to get creative.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me (and my mom) getting creative in the kitchen.</td></tr>
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Because he was so hard to please, unless I smothered beef with queso on the nights he was home, I had to find savory recipes which would hopefully open the doors to healthier eating. When we first started dating, he found out through his yearly physical at the fire department that his bad cholesterol level was extremely high. I don't remember the exact ratio but his total cholesterol level was 225. At first, I was shocked. His appearance certainly wasn't hard on the eyes- fit, muscular, and tough as nails. Though the more I thought about it, I realized this is probably a frequent problem in the firefighting field. What do you think a bunch of mainly men would cook when they knew they could shop for it themselves and their wives would never find out? Biscuits and gravy, steak, steak, and more steak.<br />
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In the beginning of our relationship, most specifically when he told all of my girlfriends over martinis on a regular night out that I had just served him the most disgusting thing he'd ever eaten an hour prior, I knew cooking for him would be tough. (For the record, I had made spaghetti with lean ground beef, my favorite tomato and basil sauce, sans the pound of grated cheddar ??? cheese he apparently requires, served with steamed veggies and homemade garlic bread, light on the butter. The man doesn't eat anything green besides pickles and iceberg lettuce.) Tough because I didn't believe there was a point in cooking at home if it wasn't at least attempting to be healthy and have a few redeeming qualities. If you want to eat junk, we should just go out for dinner. And so we did. <br />
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We ate out pretty exclusively for years and it continued even after we had children. Part of me was relieved to not have to plan meals and clean up the mess every night, but a larger part of me was actually missing the smell of dinner permeating our home and teaching the girls how to cook. I don't know if it's my inner-nerd who loves mathematical equations and science experiments or the heart I wear on my sleeve, wanting to be the one to feed my husband's soul, but I missed being in the kitchen. The problem was made worse after we had the girls and all they ate were the foods likened to hors' doeuvre trays at a cocktail party- fruit and cheese. <br />
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Somehow we found a Viking oven on Craig's List when we were building. After we moved in, there was no holding me back! Although, I made myself tread lightly the first year. (If you haven't met my husband, you're probably wondering how it could take so long to change his mind. If you have met him and know him, you're wondering how I could change his mind so quickly.) Now that we've been here for over two years, I have hit my stride. But yes, I had to compromise on several healthy ingredients and he still won't touch vegetables. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirlXkM27jckc4djyxLzCu0Evz_XoxVNABzeLgQ7IbpWl4Y-U3IxXkIzdth0KOJ_fWeEdcb3uPoK_lGI2daE8FQPqER6rEnqE1T-qwGvnoFCnmDgJuPHAGLViuPogIxhvqCoe0rWyn6gWRB/s1600/shrimp+enchiladas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirlXkM27jckc4djyxLzCu0Evz_XoxVNABzeLgQ7IbpWl4Y-U3IxXkIzdth0KOJ_fWeEdcb3uPoK_lGI2daE8FQPqER6rEnqE1T-qwGvnoFCnmDgJuPHAGLViuPogIxhvqCoe0rWyn6gWRB/s200/shrimp+enchiladas.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">recipe <a href="http://www.keyingredient.com/recipes/274035807/shrimp-roasted-shrimp-enchiladas-with-jalapeno-cream-sauce/">source</a></td></tr>
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My major hurdles were to make anything but steak and burgers since they always eat that at the station and because they're not good for the arteries. And I needed to incorporate pork. He loves pork. I don't. I first broke the ice with these <a href="http://www.keyingredient.com/recipes/274035807/shrimp-roasted-shrimp-enchiladas-with-jalapeno-cream-sauce/">Roasted Shrimp Enchiladas with Jalapeno Cream Sauce</a>, but he hated all the spinach and cabbage. And it took <em>forever</em> to make. Luckily, I found a few recipes on Pinterest that are crowd-pleasers for the toughest crowd around.<br />
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Just in case you're wondering if his cholesterol ever improved, it absolutely did, but through no efforts of mine. We've come to the conclusion that since we live in the country now, about twenty five minutes from anything besides a gas station, he can't make his almost-daily run to Taco Bell. And his cholesterol plummeted to a healthy 170 without the aid of medication. Moral of the story: stay away from their bean burritos with extra cheese.<br />
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Here are a few of the recipes that we added to the rotation, foods that serve as great common ground for us and will hopefully lead to much more palate growth in our future:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdkUGaA_bkjzQRIXO90By5Xctmp5bP14U2Fgngslbp0urPBQNZOEM3x4H57UpaUATlw9wiGD0TP5A7qpRckIi1ryHU-ACU1P2IOG4nVZjce6Lu_0gZpnGR1bFAWuDQihzzg3YKFfUoA_WB/s1600/salmon-sriracha-sauce-lime-fore296.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdkUGaA_bkjzQRIXO90By5Xctmp5bP14U2Fgngslbp0urPBQNZOEM3x4H57UpaUATlw9wiGD0TP5A7qpRckIi1ryHU-ACU1P2IOG4nVZjce6Lu_0gZpnGR1bFAWuDQihzzg3YKFfUoA_WB/s1600/salmon-sriracha-sauce-lime-fore296.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Salmon with Sriracha recipe <a href="http://www.self.com/fooddiet/recipes/2013/04/salmon-sriracha-sauce-lime">here</a></td></tr>
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<h4>
Salmon with Sriracha Sauce and Lime</h4>
Gwyneth Paltrow's recipe from her <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Its-All-Good-Delicious-Recipes/dp/1455522716">cookbook</a> taken from <a href="http://www.self.com/fooddiet/recipes/2013/04/salmon-sriracha-sauce-lime">Self.com</a>.<br />
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Serves 4 <br />
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<h3>
INGREDIENTS</h3>
<div class="ingredient-set">
<ul class="ingredients">
<li><span class="text">Juice and zest of 1/2 lime</span> </li>
<li><span class="quantity">1</span> <span class="unit">tablespoon</span> <span class="text">maple syrup </span> </li>
<li><span class="quantity">1 1/2</span> <span class="unit">teaspoons</span> <span class="text">tsp sriracha sauce*</span> </li>
<li><span class="quantity">1/2</span> <span class="unit">teaspoon</span> <span class="text">coarse sea salt</span> </li>
<li><span class="quantity">1 1/4</span> <span class="unit">lbs</span> <span class="text">pounds salmon fillet, skin removed</span> </li>
<li><span class="quantity">2</span> <span class="unit">tablespoons</span> <span class="text">coarsely chopped cilantro</span> </li>
<li><span class="text"><i>*Buy <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Its-All-Good-Delicious-Recipes/dp/1455522716">Gwyneth's book</a> to get her favorite homemade sriracha recipe.</i></span> </li>
</ul>
</div>
</div>
<h3>
PREPARATION</h3>
<div class="prep-steps">
<ol>
<li class="step"><div class="text">
Heat oven to 425°. In a bowl, whisk together juice, zest, syrup, sriracha and salt. Place salmon in a baking dish lined with parchment paper; pour lime-maple mixture over top. Roast salmon until cooked through and flaky, 15 minutes. Sprinkle with cilantro; serve.</div>
</li>
</ol>
</div>
<div class="recipe-metadata">
<h3>
The skinny</h3>
217 calories per serving, 9 g fat (1 g saturated), 4 g carbs, 0 g fiber, 28 g protein"<br />
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I serve this with mashed or baked potatoes and a side salad. It is insanely delicious!!<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZIiR6HHKJNMtQWy9qyRhZoCOdCuF7EDWjnxFGy9qFRvzEobXjO6tuDukzTIAH30QPGod1sf8BsSN2KHhq3jgibKUkdXb6oloOaokjcV0upZ9Dzu3O2NidaetVpS5n2nouR5MHwo4zVFPl/s1600/lettuce+wraps.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZIiR6HHKJNMtQWy9qyRhZoCOdCuF7EDWjnxFGy9qFRvzEobXjO6tuDukzTIAH30QPGod1sf8BsSN2KHhq3jgibKUkdXb6oloOaokjcV0upZ9Dzu3O2NidaetVpS5n2nouR5MHwo4zVFPl/s400/lettuce+wraps.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">P.F. Chang's Lettuce Wraps from <a href="http://iowagirleats.com/2011/04/26/p-f-changs-lettuce-wraps-remade/">Iowa Girl Eats</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<h4>
P.F. Chang's Lettuce Wraps</h4>
<br />
<br />
Recipe from <a href="http://iowagirleats.com/2011/04/26/p-f-changs-lettuce-wraps-remade/">Iowa Girl Eats</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
"Serves 2-3<br />
<strong>Ingredients:</strong><br />
1lb ground chicken breast<br />
1/2 onion, minced<br />
salt & pepper<br />
2 garlic cloves, minced<br />
1″ knob ginger, peeled & minced<br />
2-1/2 Tablespoons soy sauce<br />
1 Tablespoon + 1 teaspoon rice vinegar<br />
1 Tablespoon sesame oil<br />
1 Tablespoon peanut butter<br />
1/2 Tablespoon water<br />
1/2 Tablespoon honey<br />
2 teaspoons chili garlic sauce (or more if you like it hotter)<br />
dash of pepper<br />
3 green onions, chopped<br />
1/2-8oz can sliced water chestnuts, drained & chopped<br />
1/4 cup peanuts, chopped<br />
10-12 large outer lettuce leaves, rinsed and patted dry<br />
<br />
<br />
<strong>Directions:</strong><br />
1. Heat a large, non-stick skillet on high. Add chicken, onion, salt & pepper, then cook until chicken is nearly done, stirring often to break up the meat. Add garlic and ginger then continue cooking until chicken is no longer pink.<br />
<br />
2. Meanwhile, in a microwave safe bowl, combine soy sauce, rice vinegar, oil, peanut butter, water, honey, chili garlic sauce and pepper. Microwave for 20 seconds, then stir until smooth. Add into the skillet and stir to combine.<br />
<br />
3 Add green onions and water chestnuts into the skillet then cook for 1-2 minutes until the onions are soft and the water chestnuts are heated through.<br />
<br />
4. Sprinkle with chopped peanuts, and serve with cold lettuce leaves."<br />
<br />
<em>Visit Iowa Girl Eats <a href="http://iowagirleats.com/2011/04/26/p-f-changs-lettuce-wraps-remade/">here</a> for great step-by-step photos and tons of great recipes!</em><br />
<br />
FYI, I use boiled organic boneless skinless chicken breasts instead of ground chicken, just to be safe. This is a stand-alone dish. It takes much longer than it looks to prepare everything, but it's worth it!! (My husband thinks I should throw most of it in the food processor but chopping is therapeutic for me.) I never make the drive to P.F. Chang's anymore mainly because I don't have to after this recipe!<br />
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<h4 align="center">
The Best Pork Chops You Will Ever Taste</h4>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj38t1iQYueIExZ_Q3mAbOb4SNEhzKiwFzsJJ50OMiY5SiA0q4B_aRKtbg_ow4n4RZYgyttukIwkP72XdD6L5lusvMxZJScDw0bNAfqXnRzh3yO-ClftqKpewgP3XcWwMdoPkb6JygGKk59/s1600/pork+chops.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj38t1iQYueIExZ_Q3mAbOb4SNEhzKiwFzsJJ50OMiY5SiA0q4B_aRKtbg_ow4n4RZYgyttukIwkP72XdD6L5lusvMxZJScDw0bNAfqXnRzh3yO-ClftqKpewgP3XcWwMdoPkb6JygGKk59/s400/pork+chops.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Best Pork Chop You Will Ever Taste from <a href="http://crazyhorsesghost.hubpages.com/hub/The-Best-Pork-Chop-You-Will-Ever-Taste">HubPages</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I found this recipe via Pinterest on <a href="http://crazyhorsesghost.hubpages.com/hub/The-Best-Pork-Chop-You-Will-Ever-Taste">HubPages</a>. Be ready, they're going to tell you a lot about what you will want to do...<br />
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<br />
"You will want a large baking pan to cook these pork chops on and I would suggest that you line it with tinfoil for ease of clean up. You will want to use large loin cut pork chops for the best flavor. Now you will want to preheat your oven to 400 degrees.<br />
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<br />
<strong>For Your Pork Chop Recipe You Will Need. </strong><br />
<strong>1.</strong> Ranch Dressing In A Bottle.<br />
<strong>2.</strong> 3 Cups Fine Dry Italian Bread Crumbs.<br />
<strong>3.</strong> 1 Small Package Dry Italian Dressing Mix.<br />
<strong>4.</strong> 2 Tablespoons Fresh Grated Parmesan Cheese.<br />
<strong>5.</strong> 1 Tablespoon Dry Powdered Garlic.<br />
<strong>6.</strong> 6 Large Loin Pork Chops.<br />
<br />
You will want to mix ingredients 2 - 5 in a large bowl and mix together very well. Now pour a layer of ranch dressing out into a plate. Take one pork chop at a time and coat it on the plate with ranch dressing and then put the pork chop with the ranch dressing on it into the large bowl with the bread crumbs and coat it well on all sides. Add more ranch dressing to the plate if you need to.<br />
Have your tin foil lined baking pan setting there ready. Spray the tinfoil with vegetable cooking spray. Place your breaded pork chops onto the tinfoil covered pan and once you have all your pork chops on the pan place it into the oven and bake for 45 minutes or until the thick part of your pork chops reach an internal temperature of 160 degrees. As soon as your pork chops are done remove from the pan and serve as soon as possible."<br />
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These really are the best pork chops I've ever had, and I'm not a pork chop fan!<br />
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<br />
Speaking of pork...<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoiqoSjS36m8FHAJDTUhs-Y4GiO24Mow7Y2JxAlYBMkL4rSBJIrqxJicBGklYTKoCxqNGCkB0m3oTmWjfRQSc1QR-qoIwaELTrT_3JEZ0EgRNdya4rNJ-QUcVtYK2jaTnhz0WWvbNCUG8I/s1600/carnitas.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="271" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoiqoSjS36m8FHAJDTUhs-Y4GiO24Mow7Y2JxAlYBMkL4rSBJIrqxJicBGklYTKoCxqNGCkB0m3oTmWjfRQSc1QR-qoIwaELTrT_3JEZ0EgRNdya4rNJ-QUcVtYK2jaTnhz0WWvbNCUG8I/s400/carnitas.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Crockpot Carnitas from <a href="http://www.skinnytaste.com/2010/03/mexican-slow-cooked-pork-carnitas.html">Skinny Taste</a></td></tr>
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<h4>
</h4>
<h4>
</h4>
<h4>
</h4>
<h4>
Mexican Slow Cooked Pork Carnitas</h4>
<br />
from <a href="http://www.skinnytaste.com/2010/03/mexican-slow-cooked-pork-carnitas.html">Skinny Taste</a><br />
<br />
<strong>"(Mexican Pulled Pork)</strong><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: 78%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Gina's Weight Watcher Recipes</span></span><br /><span style="font-size: x-small; font-weight: bold;">Servings:</span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"> 8 • </span><span style="font-size: x-small; font-weight: bold;">Serving Size:</span><span style="font-size: x-small;"> 4 oz (1/2 cup) </span><span style="font-family: "webdings"; font-size: x-small;">•</span><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span><span style="font-size: x-small; font-weight: bold;">Old Points:</span><span style="font-size: x-small;"> 4 pts </span><span style="font-size: x-small;"></span><span style="font-family: "webdings"; font-size: x-small;">•</span><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span><span style="font-size: x-small; font-weight: bold;">Points+:</span><span style="font-size: x-small;"> 4 pts </span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small; font-weight: bold;">Calories:</span><span style="font-size: x-small;"> 176 • <b>Fat</b></span><span style="font-size: x-small; font-weight: bold;">:</span><span style="font-size: x-small;"> 7.7g </span><span style="font-family: "webdings"; font-size: x-small;">•</span><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span><span style="font-size: x-small; font-weight: bold;">Protein:</span><span style="font-size: x-small;"> 25.8 g </span><span style="font-family: "webdings"; font-size: x-small;">•</span><span style="font-size: x-small;"> <b>Carb</b></span><span style="font-size: x-small; font-weight: bold;">:</span><span style="font-size: x-small;"> 1.3 g </span><span style="font-family: "webdings"; font-size: x-small;">•</span><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span><span style="font-size: x-small; font-weight: bold;">Fiber:</span><span style="font-size: x-small;"> 0.1 g</span><br />
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<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Ingredients: </span><br />
<br />
<ul sizcache033351862621767264="4 18 284" sizset="false">
<li>2.5 lb pork shoulder blade roast, lean, all fat removed (I used Smithfield)
<li>6 cloves garlic, cut into sliver
<li>cumin
<li sizcache033351862621767264="4 18 284" sizset="false"><span style="color: black;">dry adobo<img alt="" border="0" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=ginsweiwatrec-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=B001TA9MDQ" height="1" jquery182043316387786930216="6" style="border: currentColor; margin: 0px; padding: 0px !important;" width="1" /></span> seasoning (I used Goya)
<li>garlic powder
<li>3/4 cup 99% fat free chicken broth
<li>2-3 <span style="color: black;">chipotle
peppers in adobo sauce</span> (to taste)
<li>2 bay leaves </li>
</li>
</li>
</li>
</li>
</li>
</li>
</li>
</ul>
<br />
Directions:<br />
<br />
<b>Season</b> pork with salt and pepper. In a medium sauté
pan on medium-high heat, <b>brown</b> pork on all sides for about 10 minutes.
<b>Remove</b> from heat and allow to cool.<br />
<br />
Using a sharp knife,
<b>insert</b> blade into pork, <b>cutting</b> small holes and<b> insert
</b>garlic slivers. <b>Season </b>pork generously with cumin, <span style="color: black;">adobo</span><span style="color: black;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=ginsweiwatrec-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=B001TA9MDQ" height="1" jquery182043316387786930216="7" style="border: currentColor; margin: 0px; padding: 0px !important;" width="1" /></span> and garlic powder all
over.<br />
<br />
<b>Pour </b>chicken broth in the crockpot, <b>add </b>bay leaves
and <span style="color: black;">chipotle
peppers</span>. <b>Place</b> pork in crock pot and <b>cover</b>.<b> Cook</b> low
for 8 hours. After 8 hours,<b> shred</b> pork using two forks and combine well
with the juices that accumulated at the bottom. <b>Remove</b> bay leaves and
<b>adjust</b> salt and cumin (you will probably need to add more). Let it
<b>cook</b> another 15-30 minutes."<br />
<br />
I serve it with Pickled Onions and Cabbage Slaw from <a href="http://www.2sisters2cities.com/2013/05/carnita-tacos/">2Sisters2Cities</a> and Mango Salsa from <a href="http://cookincowgirl.blogspot.com/2012/08/mango-salsa.html">Cookin' Cowgirl</a>. This is also great for large groups!<br />
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If you get around to trying any of these, let me know how it turns out!</div>
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Amanda Cunninghamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05208963542135808791noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-98910130395993612.post-45326879208541773312014-01-12T13:05:00.001-06:002015-12-10T09:41:21.946-06:00Dining at Disney with Picky Eaters<div style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP-PT1lI52ZjPtKL_tHiv-6VIo9tpWtztyTFij9pi5F90Pxaqji4EEjl2eHh2myeN99RE3XMCY38YokYFQCqjqAIEnCXmg5n_kGDopuSC3HvY0gwRq73RDfyIfZca5gFlVddVRVtEFNmH8/s1600/IMG_4930+(2).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/AVvXsEhP-PT1lI52ZjPtKL_tHiv-6VIo9tpWtztyTFij9pi5F90Pxaqji4EEjl2eHh2myeN99RE3XMCY38YokYFQCqjqAIEnCXmg5n_kGDopuSC3HvY0gwRq73RDfyIfZca5gFlVddVRVtEFNmH8/s1600/IMG_4930+(2).JPG" width="265" /></a> If your toddlers and preschoolers are anything like mine, they're picky eaters. Most of the time, one is uninterested and the other is crying (pictured left). As babies, I never left the house without enough snacks to trick their tummies into believing they'd just eaten an entire meal. Since they were always snacking and we were always accommodating them, they're a tad spoiled. It's easier to manage when we're home. All I have to do is shop at three different grocery stores and always be in the vicinity of a Chick-Fil-A. Ha. Needless to say, planning a trip to Disney threw a wrench in our normal eating habits. I viewed this as an opportunity to teach them flexibility and a chance to try as much food in the parks as possible. (Eating is one of my favorite pastimes.) I started researching the restaurant menus in each park like a mad woman. I wanted to have a handful of meal choices on hand so that no matter where we were in the park, everyone would be satisfied.</div>
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In the past year we've visited both Disney parks with our small children: Disney World when they were 4 and 2 years old, Disneyland when they turned 5 and 3 years old. The difference in dining at the two parks is vast. Disney World is wired for family vacations with the Disney Dining Plan, but the resort is its own entity, its own city, and there aren't grocery stores or chain, fast-food restaurants on the premises. We weren't about to spend three meals a day at sit-down restaurants during our vacation, so we chose the two quick-service and one snack Disney Dining Plan. It worked great!</div>
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As for Disneyland, the resort is built into Anahiem, CA, and isn't as isolated as Disney World. Disneyland is surrounded by gas stations, chain restaurants, drug stores, and whatever else you might need. Unfortunately, you may end up spending more money on dining than you would in Disney World with a dining plan. (Watch the Special Offers <a href="http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/special-offers-deals-discounts/">here</a> for fall deals, such as free DDP, released in the spring and winter deals released in the fall.) Luckily, we stayed at the <a href="http://www.ramada.com/hotels/california/anaheim/ramada-plaza-hotel-anaheim/hotel-overview">Ramada Plaza Anaheim</a> which backs up to a strip mall (located at the NE corner of Harbor and Katella) with several places to grab a bite- a 24-hour Subway restaurant, Alerto's Mexican Food, Panda Chinese Kitchen, and our personal favorite, California Pizza Place (that will deliver to your hotel room). I don't think we would've faired very well without these cheap and easy places to eat on our way to and from the parks in Disneyland!</div>
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You'll soon discover that if you want to get in and out of a restaurant quickly (and avoid hungry children banging the table waiting for food), you need to have a plan for quick service dining in Disney World. Our strategy was for me to look at the menu on an <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/disney-world-wait-times-dining/id385303379?mt=8">app</a> (either on the way over or while we waited in line for rides) and know what the girls and I were going to order. When we would arrive at the restaurant, my husband would take our orders to the counter and I'd take the stroller to find a table. After he ordered and visited the restroom, I'd take the girls to the ladies' room to wash our hands. It worked really well. We didn't have any trouble finding spots or paths for the double stroller in restaurants, but the parks weren't that busy in September because everyone was back in school.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh9jZJM8skKos2Hr1cOc-FBl-W73VSee9sDdX8939K2KyVcYHnz3kMsp7G5Q0Iu2hSxiAcgq6HWQrmkHlc1rstPUXcziPDlx3IYPLAC3tDbcTlZjuoxk4riWbyGbsa_k4l6IUMH0f3azJ8/s1600/peel+orange.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh9jZJM8skKos2Hr1cOc-FBl-W73VSee9sDdX8939K2KyVcYHnz3kMsp7G5Q0Iu2hSxiAcgq6HWQrmkHlc1rstPUXcziPDlx3IYPLAC3tDbcTlZjuoxk4riWbyGbsa_k4l6IUMH0f3azJ8/s1600/peel+orange.jpg" width="180" /></a> I packed many snacks in our checked baggage such as their favorite cereal, packets of oatmeal, chips and other dry nibbles. (Click <a href="http://islacunninghambooks.blogspot.com/2014/01/planning-and-packing-for-disney-with.html">here</a> for my post about planning and packing for Disney!) After we ate them on the trip, it would create space in the luggage for souvenirs on the return flight. I also carried some fresh fruit with me in our carry-on. It's a pain but I always try and bring fruit on trips like these- that way I could supplement any meal with something healthy and redeeming by pouring out a handful of blueberries or handing them a clementine. Have y'all ever tried this (pictured right) with one? It's great for outings because the slices won't fall out of a container and onto the ground when they're still stuck to the peel.<br />
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Disneyland</h4>
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CALIFORNIA ADVENTURE PARK</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheJLYNF9LzDn2wz-Uz1GP4ZnwYsFyC6W6QiKnu_gFnwDO8Kpen14UbrXMyV1GGT11oeR-OlCzLfkpXC8Uv5XFJfeEe5PfLkdy59PizV09lTwXBGnd7nNbjLpV3E_OUvg70fCugt98z6rcV/s1600/DSC_0345.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheJLYNF9LzDn2wz-Uz1GP4ZnwYsFyC6W6QiKnu_gFnwDO8Kpen14UbrXMyV1GGT11oeR-OlCzLfkpXC8Uv5XFJfeEe5PfLkdy59PizV09lTwXBGnd7nNbjLpV3E_OUvg70fCugt98z6rcV/s1600/DSC_0345.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Of course we had to take a picture with Red from Cars!</td></tr>
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We were in Disneyland for three days and loved every meal! Before I go on, I need to mention one thing that sets the California location apart from Disney World. Are you ready? Disneyland...serves...alcohol. I'm not a big drinker, but it's nice to at least have the option, just in case everything is driving you a little bit crazy, and you won't find <em>any </em>at the parks in Disney World. Not a drop. Anyway, our favorite spot in <strong>California Adventure Park</strong> was <a href="https://disneyland.disney.go.com/dining/disney-california-adventure/cocina-cucamonga-mexican-grill/">Cocina Cucamonga Mexican Grill</a>! My husband and I both had the soft tacos and they were amazing! The girls each ordered Arroz con Pollo and we found a snack size of edamame nearby at <a href="https://disneyland.disney.go.com/dining/disney-california-adventure/lucky-fortune-cookery">Lucky Fortune Cookery</a>. Pacific Wharf is the perfect spot to grab a bite to eat when accommodating a variety of taste buds. Many different cuisines are within walking distance and all spots have cute outdoor seating and great views of the water! While you're over there, check out <a href="https://disneyland.disney.go.com/attractions/disney-california-adventure/bakery-tour/">The Bakery Tour</a>! It is a self-guided walking tour from San Francisco's sourdough experts, Boudin Bakery. We meant to stop by and get our free sample, but we were rushing to a fastpass time slot.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Edamame disassembly line.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pacific Wharf even offers live music!</td></tr>
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DISNEYLAND PARK</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Disneyland Park in the spring with blossoming Pau d'Arco trees.</td></tr>
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Unlike Disney World, the <strong>Disneyland Park</strong> has tons of little fruit carts sprinkled all over the parks so you can grab a healthy snack. So what do we do instead? Dole whips, cinnamon twists, mickey beignets, and blueberries we brought, of course. If you don't know about Dole Whips, learn as soon as possible. They're a mix between sherbet and ice cream (a pineapple soft-serve) and are the yummiest little snack to cool you down on a hot day. Do not miss the <a href="https://disneyland.disney.go.com/dining/disneyland/tiki-juice-bar/">Tiki Juice Bar</a> right next to the Enchanted Tiki Room near Frontierland.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMINLBqwug973qgudwAD4YlKQVdf24Z76_VKmCC5TEJQHbWWkzOZ4PAouKjdz4G_qDahkl9g2SC7_oYIBjZ1QEGC_GN_cfeCUZbLGvhQMZbnvlnzr87ssyNmYz5a3nq3u2i2WaBYdXpqnQ/s1600/IMG_3553.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMINLBqwug973qgudwAD4YlKQVdf24Z76_VKmCC5TEJQHbWWkzOZ4PAouKjdz4G_qDahkl9g2SC7_oYIBjZ1QEGC_GN_cfeCUZbLGvhQMZbnvlnzr87ssyNmYz5a3nq3u2i2WaBYdXpqnQ/s1600/IMG_3553.JPG" width="239" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkdqH0LzcrHKIA7RMBOrzIchskYiDhTjSKZLxaMsk2-j9QUxuO-mJfJPCGcoBH2gk5D0D16lkLLEyLSRxEzgre-6h4bysqRvkx0jsPLnYAdPDrSg4VZQv7HDXnjaWOo4V3bFz9_CdaVx_o/s1600/IMG_3552.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkdqH0LzcrHKIA7RMBOrzIchskYiDhTjSKZLxaMsk2-j9QUxuO-mJfJPCGcoBH2gk5D0D16lkLLEyLSRxEzgre-6h4bysqRvkx0jsPLnYAdPDrSg4VZQv7HDXnjaWOo4V3bFz9_CdaVx_o/s1600/IMG_3552.JPG" width="239" /></a></div>
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We stopped in for lunch at <a href="https://disneyland.disney.go.com/dining/disneyland/cafe-orleans/">Café Orleans</a> for some good gumbo (I'm not convinced it's better than <a href="http://islacunninghambooks.blogspot.com/2013/01/so-this-is-christmas.html">my recipe</a> from The Gumbo Shop) and ridiculously addicting Pommes Frites (garlic fries with a Cajun spice remoulade). The girls shared spaghetti with carrots, broccoli, and fresh fruit. The staff there was incredible and watching the steamboat pass in the river, surrounded by New Orleans Square, really transported us. But I still saved room for some Mickey-shaped Beignets. The girls were full and uninterested. More for me! Also, right before you cross the bride to get to Paradise Pier, there is a tiny café that offers coffee, muffins, cookies, and cinnamon twists if you feel in the mood for something sweet before the World of Colors begins. It's not posted on the map and I can't remember the name of it, but it's there!</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The hubs and me, sans babies, in 2007.</td></tr>
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Since the girls are too young to be sitting still for long meals, we skipped our favorite dining spot this trip, the <a href="https://disneyland.disney.go.com/dining/disneyland/blue-bayou-restaurant/">Blue Bayou Restaurant</a>. It's nestled inside the beginning of the Pirates of the Caribbean ride. Honestly, it's a bit too dark and romantic in there to bring our little ones. Last time we were in Disneyland, he ordered the Surf and Turf and I got the Filet Mignon. Of course, this was back before children when we splurged on ourselves regularly. Things have changed. So we gave it a smile and a wave as we passed it on the ride.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Blue Bayou Restaurant as seen from The Pirates of the Caribbean.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I'm glad we snuck that date in way back when!</td></tr>
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Another fantastic little spot to enjoy lunch is the <a href="https://disneyland.disney.go.com/dining/disneyland/hungry-bear-restaurant/">Hungry Bear Restaurant</a>, hidden in Critter Country. I only found it because Baby Girl needed a place to snack on blueberries while Little Girl and her daddy rode Splash Mountain. Although I was very tempted to get the fried green tomato sandwich, my husband and I both ordered burgers and the girls got chicken nuggets with apples and carrots. I was so excited sweet potato fries were an option! The food was great, but that's not why we love Hungry Bear. The location is a great escape. We sat upstairs on a covered deck overlooking the river and watched a pirate ship go by a few times, blowing its cannon each time it passed. The girls were going wild! I decided I'd bite a bullet and order a cupcake so the girls could stay as long as they wanted.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">She stuck her tongue out in half the pictures from this trip.</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMa0avd7phFlUbx5gijFPl0L44WfTBbS5ntcLda9y9TqvJUDYgJWxJVapCn4mI1ah0tDzT59Gbv7Ir5Jos2r8aV19dCXhuyhgww3Adc4GfghWvv7DXk3zAPwyQ6eU43iABF6s_S0bjoYZI/s1600/DSC_0660.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMa0avd7phFlUbx5gijFPl0L44WfTBbS5ntcLda9y9TqvJUDYgJWxJVapCn4mI1ah0tDzT59Gbv7Ir5Jos2r8aV19dCXhuyhgww3Adc4GfghWvv7DXk3zAPwyQ6eU43iABF6s_S0bjoYZI/s1600/DSC_0660.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Blueberries before...</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">...cupcake after.</td></tr>
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The only character dining we scheduled this trip was the breakfast at <a href="https://disneyland.disney.go.com/dining/disneyland/plaza-inn/">Plaza Inn</a>. (Disneyland: Meet the Characters post coming soon.) Since there were made-to-order omelets, it was a little difficult trading off and going back and forth to the buffet, but we really enjoyed the meal and all of the characters. The girls loved their Mickey-shaped waffles, of course! (And I might have brought a Ziploc bag with their favorite cereal from home, just in case. I don't want to spend a morning, or even a minute, at the park with hungry kids.) It was neat because a few forgotten characters showed up and, with all of its Victorian architecture, the Plaza Inn really brought us back to the feeling of the park when it first opened.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Meeting Chip and Dale minus the <a href="http://islacunninghambooks.blogspot.com/2014/01/planning-and-packing-for-disney-with.html">Campire Singalong debacle</a>.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Click <a href="http://islacunninghambooks.blogspot.com/2013/03/disney-autograph-book.html">here</a> for my DIY Disney Autograph Book</td></tr>
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As I mentioned earlier, the strip mall next to our hotel was a lifesaver. With Mexican food, Chinese food, a Subway, and a pizza place, we were covered. We usually stopped there for dinner after our naps (yes, we left the park each day to take big naps) and on our way back into the parks for night activities. California Pizza Place was our favorite, but even when it wasn't, they didn't mind letting my oldest bring in a Subway sandwich, which, by the way, she still calls a "Disneyland sandwich". We'd never taken the girls to Subway before this trip.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tink and Wendy headed to their last night at Disneyland.</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLQQlffkTRZYcx-_1QktYRyYpYUJdO9oArwK9SnfuMMw2oGf30ejDUi24FRHo9fjHGdhR-QdpEhc72JJbfjbBvyse3G3A1ib4dIu8cNGEY4VsWq4L37T1f8k5v9tka_zl1z6NQTXJEI9tp/s1600/IMG_4932.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/AVvXsEgLQQlffkTRZYcx-_1QktYRyYpYUJdO9oArwK9SnfuMMw2oGf30ejDUi24FRHo9fjHGdhR-QdpEhc72JJbfjbBvyse3G3A1ib4dIu8cNGEY4VsWq4L37T1f8k5v9tka_zl1z6NQTXJEI9tp/s1600/IMG_4932.JPG" width="240" /></a>
Disney World</h4>
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MAGIC KINGDOM</div>
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Since we opted for the "2 quick service, 1 snack" DDP option, most of our restaurant choices are quick service. For the third meal each day, we either bought breakfast at the hotel or had reservations for a <a href="http://islacunninghambooks.blogspot.com/2013/04/disney-world-meet-characters.html">character dining</a>. </div>
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Most of our days were spent in <strong>Magic Kingdom</strong> so we have many favorites now! Following the advice of the best <a href="http://www.disneytouristblog.com/disney-dining-reviews/">Disney Dining reviewer</a>, I had a few on my list that we wanted to try. Our first stop was a character dining, breakfast at <a href="https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/dining/magic-kingdom/cinderella-royal-table/">Cinderella's Royal Table</a> in the castle! My youngest is allergic to eggs and my oldest despises them. They were pretty limited on the breakfast options and we would have to leave too early to grab anything at the hotel first. (Read more <a href="http://islacunninghambooks.blogspot.com/2013/04/disney-world-meet-characters.html">here</a> about why I still think breakfast at the castle is the best time to go!) So I brought a couple Ziploc bags of their favorite cereals that I had packed in our luggage. I'm so glad I did! </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our view.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Inside the castle.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">French toast sticks: untouched. Cereal: gone.</td></tr>
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After breakfast was served, we only had a few minutes before the princesses started coming around to the tables. And immediately after breakfast, we wanted to make a quick exit and ride a few Fantasyland rides before the crowd back at the park entrance caught up with us. This was our only chance to fill their bellies. When we ordered, I asked they bring a couple bowls of milk and spoons. The girls picked at their meals for a minute or two, then demolished their cereal. Perfect. My husband had the steak and eggs (his favorite, indulgent breakfast meal) and thought it was great. I ordered the bread pudding and was pretty disappointed. It has since been replaced on the menu and rightly so, it was too starchy and yeasty to taste anything like bread pudding. But it looked good. The ambience in the castle, the line of princesses willing to spend quality time at the table, and gaining entrance to the park before everyone else (to capture a pic in front of the castle without anyone in the background and to be perched in Fantasyland when the rides open), were well worth the ticket price, despite the food.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My lackluster bread pudding.</td></tr>
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We meant to try the most-recommended quick-service breakfast option in the park, waffles at <a href="https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/dining/magic-kingdom/sleepy-hollow/">Sleepy Hollow</a>, but grabbed our first meal at the hotel for the rest of the trip. Sleepy Hollow is also one of the only places that serves coffee, but my husband said <a href="https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/dining/magic-kingdom/sunshine-tree-terrace/">Sunshine Tree's</a> coffee was the best. Our favorite snack stops were the Dole Whips (an absolute <em>must</em>) at <a href="https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/dining/magic-kingdom/aloha-isle/">Aloha Isle</a> and the fresh fruit in Liberty Square's little market. As much as my girls normally love smoothies, we made a special trip over to <a href="https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/dining/magic-kingdom/auntie-gravitys-galactic-goodies/">Auntie Gravity's Galactic Goodies</a> for one and they weren't any good. We tried all the smoothies in the resort and they were all the same. It was obvious they aren't made with many fresh ingredients.</div>
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As for lunch or dinner, we found several great spots. <a href="https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/dining/magic-kingdom/columbia-harbour-house/">Columbia Harbor House</a> was my favorite because of the cozy, nautical ambience. We stopped in at the wood-paneled quick-service restaurant, draped with ship wheels and coastal art, right before we rode Pirates of the Caribbean. My husband is big fried shrimp fan and Columbia Harbor House's did not disappoint. They were lightly and perfectly breaded. My tuna sandwich was a little heavy on the mayo, but tasted fresh. I wanted to come here more often to try the veggie sandwich and the salads, but my husband can only eat so much fried shrimp. The girls happily shared orders of chicken nuggets, macaroni and cheese, steamed broccoli, and French fries. All four of us sampled one another's desserts but all enjoyed the cobbler and the chocolate cake. We relaxed and enjoyed the peacefulness of the white room (I was too busy relaxing to take photos) but I've also heard the hidden upstairs room is a great retreat from the chaos that can be Disney. Since I didn't get any pictures, click <a href="http://www.disneytouristblog.com/columbia-harbour-house-review/">here</a> for some good ones and a great review.</div>
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We also liked stopping for lunch at <a href="https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/dining/magic-kingdom/pinocchio-village-haus/">Pinnocchio Village Haus</a> for several reasons. First, the pizza was great. No, it's not Chicago deep-dish style or NYC status, but the crust was crisp on the outside, soft on the inside, and it was perfectly cooked. The Mediterranean salad was delicious and the gelato was decent. But we really liked the carved wood, stained-glass window, cottage atmosphere. If you sit by the window, you can wave at everyone entering It's a Small World. The girls had so much fun eating here!</div>
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Another favorite was <a href="http://www.disneytouristblog.com/cosmic-rays-starlight-cafe-review/#more-137">Cosmic Ray's Starlight Café</a>. I was aware that there is a cool performance from some character called Cosmic Ray, but we never saw it. It was packed when we were there and the only table available was shoved in a back corner. I was willing to risk it because I had heard so much about the half chicken and ribs combo plate. When you're on a dining plan, finding the most for your money can be tough, but not here. I don't remember the ribs, but the rotisserie chicken and mashed potatoes were exactly the comfort food I needed. My youngest had just completed potty-training before the trip and ended up having an accident in the middle of the meal. It was a stressful experience, but the food was delicious. Maybe next time we can stay longer and see what <a href="http://www.disneytouristblog.com/cosmic-rays-starlight-cafe-review/#more-137">all the fuss</a> is about.</div>
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EPCOT</div>
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The day we went to <strong>Epcot</strong>, I was so excited to walk the circle with my husband at my side, the girls tucked nicely and quietly into the stroller, while we sampled food from each country. I wanted to end up at <a href="https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/dining/epcot/hacienda-de-san-angel/">La Hacienda de San Angel</a> and watch the fireworks over the lagoon as we sipped on margaritas. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fit on the floor in the middle of Epcot. <br />
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Well, that didn't quite work out. It was stifling hot and muggy on our day at Epcot. After we were so lucky to basically walk onto The Seas with Nemo & Friends three times in a row, the girls were majorly disappointed with the rest of Epcot. They whined, pouted, and threw fits. We ended up at <strong><a href="https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/dining/epcot/sunshine-seasons/">Sunshine Seasons</a></strong> hoping a meal would cheer everyone up. While the cafeteria-style food-court wasn't my first choice, I wasn't mad at it after my husband and I both ordered the Oak-Grilled Rotisserie Chicken with black beans and yellow rice. Little Girl had a chicken leg with rice and grapes and Baby Girl had macaroni and cheese with grapes and carrot sticks. It was all perfectly cooked and delicious. Sunshine Seasons also offers vegetable soups and vegan meals with jasmine rice. Maybe next visit they'll appreciate exploring new foods and we can enjoy Epcot's different countries cuisine's. Or, maybe not.</div>
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Next time at Epcot we'll try the treats at <a href="https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/dining/epcot/les-halles-boulangerie-patisserie/"><strong>Les Halles Boulangerie & Patisserie</strong></a> and the skewers at <a href="https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/dining/epcot/tangierine-cafe/"><strong>Tangierine Café</strong></a> (quick service) or the pizza, pasta, and salads at <a href="https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/dining/epcot/via-napoli/"><strong>Via Napoli</strong></a> (table service).</div>
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HOLLYWOOD STUDIOS</div>
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On our evening at <strong>Hollywood Studios</strong>, we ate dinner at Toy Story-style at <a href="https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/dining/hollywood-studios/toy-story-pizza-planet/"><strong>Pizza Planet Arcade</strong></a>. The pizza were just as delicious as the ones at Pinocchio Village Haus. The caesar side salads were great and the cookies were huge. We left with big smiles on all of our faces! After stopping in to watch Muppet Vision 3D and riding Toy Story Mania four times, we wheeled over to <a href="https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/shops/hollywood-studios/beverly-sunset/"><strong>Beverly Sunset</strong></a> for spooky and sweet villians' treats! It isn't a well-advertised spot, and the window displays are scary for little kids, but I wanted to see it while we were there.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spooky Confectionary at Hollywood Studios</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The DDP snack was redeemable for only a few select treats.</td></tr>
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ANIMAL KINGDOM</div>
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During our day at <strong>Animal Kingdom</strong>, it was very hot outside and after bouncing around, learning about animals on the <a href="https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/attractions/animal-kingdom/kilimanjaro-safaris/">Kilimanjaro Safari's</a>, and meeting a bunch of the Disney characters in Camp Minnie-Mickey, we needed food. We couldn't wait for our reservations at <strong><a href="https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/dining/animal-kingdom/yak-and-yeti-restaurant/">Yak and Yeti</a></strong> (ahi tuna salad, dim sum, and apparently huge and yummy portions of lo mein) and decided to stop at <a href="https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/dining/animal-kingdom/pizzafari/"><strong>Pizzazafari</strong>.</a> My husband wanted to try the hot Italian-style sandwich and loved it! The girls and I had pizza again (the same yummy pies as served at Pizza Planet with a side caesar salad) and topped it off with one of my favorite desserts at Disney- <a href="http://www.disneyfoodblog.com/2013/08/20/review-cheesecake-in-a-glass-at-disneys-animal-kingdom/">the cheesecake in a glass</a>. It doesn't sound like much but the toppings are tangy and sweet, the cheesecake is light and refreshing, and it's the only memorable dessert from the trip, other than the Dole Whip. We loved the atmosphere too. The animal murals sparked some educational conversation with our children at Pizzasafari!<br />
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'OHANA</div>
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The best was even yet to come at <a href="https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/dining/polynesian-resort/ohana/">'Ohana</a> in the Polynesian Resort. We reserved our spots for the breakfast character dining with Lilo & Stitch and it turned out to be my absolute favorite! (Read more <a href="http://islacunninghambooks.blogspot.com/2013/04/disney-world-meet-characters.html">here</a> about all the fun we had with the characters!) The breakfast is served family style and comes with mickey-shaped waffles for the kids. Those waffles were tough to beat until we dug into the Hua Paka, Uala Kahiki and the Pua'a. In other words, the scrambled eggs, fried potatoes, pork sausage, bacon, and biscuits were amazing! The meal also includes fresh fruits and sweet breads. But they didn't stop there! The lovely staff at 'Ohana helped me put together a birthday cake for my husband with only one day's notice! With all the trip preparations, and a surprise 40th birthday party planned for after the trip, I had forgotten to do anything special for him on his actual birthday. They came to my rescue and it turned out perfectly! I only wish I could've had it sent the rest of the cake back to our hotel. We were headed to the park that morning and couldn't bring it with us. Boo. If we're ever there for dinner (or even after 12 noon) I'll make it a point to order Lapu Lapus from the Tambu Lounge as has been recommended to me several times before.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Family-style breakfast at 'Ohana, complete with passion-orange-guava juice!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My husband's BIG 4-0 kickoff!</td></tr>
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Obviously, the kids ate chicken nuggets, pizza, spaghetti, and sandwiches a majority of the time. If we would have chosen the table service option, their meals would have consisted of a better variety of foods. But I still stand by our choice for 2 quick service and 1 snack. Time is money. And time in Disney World can get expensive, costing more money than we planned and more of our sanity than we possess. If you get desperate, you can also order groceries and other items to be delivered to your room through services like goodingsdelivers.com (407) 827-1200. You might want to keep their number handy, just in case. If you enjoyed this post, be sure to visit my other posts about Disney by clicking the "Baby on Board" tab located in the top right column. Thanks for stopping by!</div>
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<!-- Blogger automated replacement: "https://images-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com/gadgets/proxy?url=http%3A%2F%2F2.bp.blogspot.com%2F-9nq57SGPTXk%2FUssBFYnCctI%2FAAAAAAAACvA%2F8Grcvd5wo1Q%2Fs1600%2FIMG_5492.JPG&container=blogger&gadget=a&rewriteMime=image%2F*" with "https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOyScS0tvf_GkfxNUf7VNF8oaC9PPvyKmdCTnKBa-ya_Scgr7l9OuXluWjoBR1YH1_EClnyCZWqznOo6cp8x5710Ju1HC-jgoE5lepFXUe5AfPxjXBCbt5oPJLtQyeu0BlvF5MH-T7zKWO/s1600/IMG_5492.JPG" -->Amanda Cunninghamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05208963542135808791noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-98910130395993612.post-71075330140878805452014-01-10T21:12:00.001-06:002015-12-10T09:41:10.480-06:00Goalkeeper It's on our minds and in our conversations this time of year- resolutions. I am one of those chronic non-conformists who usually yields after quite a bit of squirming and scoffing. I have lists for my lists but I never make one for my new year's resolutions. I am a goal-oriented person but am not so great with the day-to-day tasks. And I love discussing solutions, but I usually don't talk about my goals. I quietly made a few mental notes last January and am pleased with my results. But it wasn't the list of ambitions that helped me, it was a new tactic- playing goalkeeper.<br />
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Last year in January I had just completed a complete overhaul of our home and, therefore, my mind. Through our marriage class at church, I realized my clutter was affecting my family. My husband and children are all pretty messy themselves, but their chaos doesn't have quite the effect on the house as mine. I always had a stack of papers in the kitchen, on my nightstand, on the dresser, sometimes in a box in the closet, and the laundry room countertops were riddled with projects. Those crafts, activities, and toy repairs I thought would make me a better mother and wife when, in reality, it took a toll on all my relationships because I never completed them. <br />
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The cabinets and drawers were full. And I could almost feel the weight of the multitude of boxes in the attic weighing down on me at all times. Though I was nowhere near A&E's Hoarders status, it was a problem. I didn't even realize how paralyzed I felt until I began lifting the weight. I went through the entire house (ok, maybe my sorting process is reminiscent of Hoarders- I had to touch everything) and cleared out the junk.<br />
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It seems so simple, right? You don't need it? Get rid of it! If it was so simple, then why hadn't I done it sooner? Why? Because life stops for no woman- especially one with clutter up to her ears. The process was, for me, extremely time-consuming, aggravating, and tiring, not to mention disruptive to our daily lives as a family. Thankfully, my mom helped me throw together a garage sale at her house right before Christmas. Everything, and I mean everything (including almost all of our baby gear- yes, God willing, we're stopping at two children), sold like hot cakes.<br />
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I hadn't felt more relaxed or more at peace in, probably...decades. However, without protecting the goal, it would still be sitting on my list. It's easy to jot things down that sound fun or smart at the time. But the real question is, <a href="http://www.booksandsuch.com/blog/what-have-you-given-up-for-writing/">what are you willing to give up</a> for your ambition?<br />
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When I was in my early twenties and getting a taste of what my life as a grown woman would look like, I began sketching a picture. I wanted a cozy, inviting home that reminded visitors of the clean lines and warm colors of their favorite vacation spot. It would be in this home that I host small dinner parties, serving everything made from scratch on our wedding china. When we weren't busy with school activities, family outings, and the occasional vacation, I'd spend my day gardening, hanging newly-printed family photos on the wall, refinishing vintage furniture, grabbing lunch or a movie with my girlfriends, hitting the gym 5 days a week, reading a book, cleaning the house with my leftover time, all the while looking put together with a smile on my face. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5exhwq3BDs_YMD2Msfa_TmciHZQwBMSfH3jP87ezzlCXzIWXwVzUwJVV7xaDPeVSnKnRCql2sfE6kcgkKXLtBWLLeG11_IymIq1WcfL5ulMbOUzaGAJPycwl8U71xHQJunamSa6TeAFnh/s1600/2142.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5exhwq3BDs_YMD2Msfa_TmciHZQwBMSfH3jP87ezzlCXzIWXwVzUwJVV7xaDPeVSnKnRCql2sfE6kcgkKXLtBWLLeG11_IymIq1WcfL5ulMbOUzaGAJPycwl8U71xHQJunamSa6TeAFnh/s1600/2142.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
We all know how that story ends. We don't own wedding china. I only added a few new recipes to our rotation and, with the exception of a birthday party and Christmas, never had anyone over for dinner. I have too many sad, empty frames hung on walls all over the house. (What? The frames were pretty.) We spent many back-breaking days building a retaining wall for our vegetable garden that has been filled with weeds ever since. I lost a few pounds and began to see some old, familiar curves of...could it be??...actual <em>muscle???</em> in my limbs, but a foot injury has left my on my laurels pretty much since fall. I watched four newly-released films last year and three of them were kids' movies. I have several more noticeable scowl lines in my forehead. Oh. And we hired a maid. (I'm in love with her.) <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyS9PCD5211CPsBDIWcxhvBM3U7Arfoq-nflEUDVV4AJ5wkKtCHg9-0C01efoLy0MUrGvU8KBXSnngq11ADvRM3bixCLq28oDp6oBlaUDW0ilwEZQiL_9zg3m33OZVy_GOMFdURmF0USMI/s1600/2152.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyS9PCD5211CPsBDIWcxhvBM3U7Arfoq-nflEUDVV4AJ5wkKtCHg9-0C01efoLy0MUrGvU8KBXSnngq11ADvRM3bixCLq28oDp6oBlaUDW0ilwEZQiL_9zg3m33OZVy_GOMFdURmF0USMI/s1600/2152.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The wall we built last February. FEBRUARY. I was a rock-placement Nazi.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr-lv7boawUO4ABvN_tECNg91sAextkqHUzUTo1K9p7DdfrPM6ZYq3gqOEnKjjlSFTaE0tF3uSB45E65Q_gStrHFyMKkWzmYWDRPS8J36GnvTjWa05yfvqN33iTmuqhlv1b7qfnVtJwF8K/s1600/2156.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr-lv7boawUO4ABvN_tECNg91sAextkqHUzUTo1K9p7DdfrPM6ZYq3gqOEnKjjlSFTaE0tF3uSB45E65Q_gStrHFyMKkWzmYWDRPS8J36GnvTjWa05yfvqN33iTmuqhlv1b7qfnVtJwF8K/s1600/2156.JPG" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My girly girl loves dirt.</td></tr>
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I realized last year that you can have it all, just not all at once. I'm sure there will come a time when I have friends and their families over for dinner. But not now. If I would stop over-booking our family, I'd have more time and energy to do things like garden and actually <em>print </em>one of the thousands of pictures I take. And if I'm ever going to finish a book or make a dent in my dress size, I'd have to say no to other interests, like watching so much tv in bed at night with a pita draped in hummus in hand, for example- never mind finding huge blocks of quiet time to pursue my writing career. (sigh) <br />
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It's not enough to set some goals. I have to protect the goal. I must be on alert at all times, prepared to knock down any intrusions, any distractions, any detrimental advances. I need to spend less time helping others when I can't even help myself. I can't commit to play dates, dinner with the girls, or weekend barbeques and then complain there aren't enough hours in the day. I have to be the goalkeeper for myself and for my family by, funnily enough, keeping the goal.<br />
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Yes, I have a few repeat intentions on my mental list this year. I'll probably spend the rest of this month reorganizing the house that fell apart over the holidays. And I better stop wasting time floating around the social media abyss and start figuring out how to grow plants and keep them alive before it's warm enough to fill a garden. The good news is, my goalkeeping skills for my writing is actually producing a result. It's not much, but it's a start. I hope you're having a great start to the new year as well!Amanda Cunninghamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05208963542135808791noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-98910130395993612.post-18772574384202596272014-01-04T23:48:00.000-06:002015-12-10T09:40:41.607-06:00A Healthy Fear I don't know what parenting was like with phones anchored to the wall, with the only social interaction existing in person, when drugs weren't accessible in high school bathrooms- before demands like children's sports team costs that rival the mortgage, Christmas cards that are works of art, and hard-core porn being accessible from the same device that provides valuable education via apps recommended by their elementary school teachers. I almost can't imagine it. My parents tell me stories about the first time they ever had a slice of pizza and how the most troubled kids drove their cars too fast and got into too many fist fights. It sounds like a movie to me. The world has changed. Parenting has changed.<br />
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When the girls were smaller and, as new parents do, we weren't going to participate in any activity that might possibly result in injury, we used to take them to the cushy, enclosed, air-conditioned play place at the mall. Not just any mall. We had screened them all, discovered at what times of the day they were disinfected, and chose to let our 1 and 3 year old play only just after it had been swabbed down. On most of our visits, we would arrive early to observe and supervise the cleaning while the girls remained strapped in the stroller as not to touch anything and absorb foreign germs into their pristine, fluffy, pink baby skin. <br />
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On one of the days, the girls were perfectly tuckered out and we headed to the shoe bins. While we made our exit, mashing anti-bacterial lotion onto our hands, an older gentleman stood in our path. He only stood there, with his hands in his pockets, watching the four of us. I gave him a smile and said, "Hello." "Man," he replied, "I don't remember ever playing like that with my kids." I glanced over at my husband, checking to see if he was listening. "Being a Dad sure is different nowadays." I watched my husband's chest fill with pride and a grin spread across his face. They talked for a minute as I stepped away. When my husband returned we shared in the moment, feeling validated for our parenting efforts. As soon as the moment passed, I was sad. Sad for the men who missed out on so much in their lives and in their children's lives. The picture of parenting has changed in the past generation, but should it change completely?<br />
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More Dads are helping clean up around the house and attending more birthday parties and school plays than ever before. It's a welcomed change, no doubt. And as we struggle to balance co-parenting with these now-present Dads, irrelevant (or not) advice from our parents, and the nosy, know-it-all, home-school parent down the street, we're bombarded with more information than ever before. Each morning when I log onto facebook, attempting to keep my finger on the pulse of the outside world, I see link after link of articles, blog posts (snort), studies, lawsuits, and organizations telling us parents to not do this, to never say that, to absolutely never forget this. Spanking is assault. Timeouts are humiliating. Microwaves are killing us. Guns...<em>shhhhh</em>...don't say, "guns".<br />
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I'm tired of it all. We're all doing the best we can, just like our parents and their parents did before us. Every generation faces new hurdles, ones the previous ranks will never understand. Some people think meat is lethal, some think carbs are the devil. Some people believe timeouts are responsible, others feel reasoning with a toddler is the answer. Some parents want every child to get a trophy, while others insist the road of motivation is rewarded with one carrot. Some bloggers write they'll never tell their daughter to "Hurry up!" ever again. This blogger wants her children to be punctual.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixUtY3GEf3abkQ2S3zFVCcDX_MmgcqAIX_BKauJ1knvlhj7aRF1LwnJAYTFlsFiw1c1cfeymKh_OBBqCgeX3lXdqnAvPikFiRdNtWkaD0_nCBj88EhRrIwoT08tmAfX1BDXpogs2e5PBhV/s1600/1295.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixUtY3GEf3abkQ2S3zFVCcDX_MmgcqAIX_BKauJ1knvlhj7aRF1LwnJAYTFlsFiw1c1cfeymKh_OBBqCgeX3lXdqnAvPikFiRdNtWkaD0_nCBj88EhRrIwoT08tmAfX1BDXpogs2e5PBhV/s400/1295.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Baby Girl working it out with Daddy. Age 2.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSRTnhpf6FFCovKApMZkZqIKPAKUWdhSgzzOkZtp05-V2oRNakCsrXEX3SnpAjMx3oHIHweJr0J9o_g0K7CvVY4AjqF32UuG1CD2erEFmUzDn5515EvJaMDSZ1oyPBsqEfoXl5TMJv6D8L/s1600/IMG_7056.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSRTnhpf6FFCovKApMZkZqIKPAKUWdhSgzzOkZtp05-V2oRNakCsrXEX3SnpAjMx3oHIHweJr0J9o_g0K7CvVY4AjqF32UuG1CD2erEFmUzDn5515EvJaMDSZ1oyPBsqEfoXl5TMJv6D8L/s400/IMG_7056.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Little Girl getting a good "talking-to" in the middle of the DWA. Age 2.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSYfmsf-M3SauLsGzNYSZCh9OcFXOk_ONV1hjI45NkersKCe_QAnDohct882o5PkYK7fwsNVDEXAEoycCY5LvIxkAczB2iqRoJasGkQ1miBBuejcsmABNiqxI_XrXmjA97nr6AuMO3NzcY/s1600/DSC_0118_03.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSYfmsf-M3SauLsGzNYSZCh9OcFXOk_ONV1hjI45NkersKCe_QAnDohct882o5PkYK7fwsNVDEXAEoycCY5LvIxkAczB2iqRoJasGkQ1miBBuejcsmABNiqxI_XrXmjA97nr6AuMO3NzcY/s640/DSC_0118_03.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Baby Girl in a timeout in the middle of a wedding. Age 3.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Little Girl in timeout at the Gaylord. Age 3.</td></tr>
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I know the days I fail as a parent and so do my children. I make sure to get down on my knees with my family and pray for their forgiveness and for God's forgiveness on the many nights I admit defeat. All I can do is learn from my own mistakes, stop comparing my weaknesses to others' strengths, and continue to try and raise my children with a healthy fear of their dad and me. They're going to get out of line. They're kids. But when they do, I want them to feel a little ashamed and worry they'll disappoint us parents when we find out. I want them to hesitate before whispering to me they like a boy in their class because they already know we disapprove until they're 25 and their brains are fully developed. <br />
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This healthy fear probably won't keep them from having a boyfriend at 16, resisting alcohol until they're 21, or coming home at 9:30 on prom night. But it will make them hesitate. And that's what we want- to make our kids think. We want them to use their brains and stop depending on technology or us parents to pave the way and move mountains for them. We want them to make some mistakes and learn humility, integrity, and perseverance.<br />
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Please don't think I'm giving parenting advice. It's not my forte. And a healthy fear isn't an original idea. Our parents and theirs know what I'm talking about. As for this generation, you can keep your kale chips, your "free" Lexuses from "the best job ever", and your ever-even-keeled temper around your children. I'll be over here trying to keep my kids fed, safe, kind, and smart, all the while teeter-tottering between messing up and celebrating the small victories, and continuing to convince my kids that Mommy might actually be a little crazy. So don't cross me.<br />
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<br />Amanda Cunninghamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05208963542135808791noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-98910130395993612.post-84811551677543367102014-01-03T16:57:00.003-06:002015-12-10T09:40:27.238-06:00Planning and Packing for Disney with Small Children<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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If you had told me I would survive a week in Disney World with a 4 and 2 year old, I would've tried to smack some sense into you. It was vacation and financial suicide if you ask me. But my husband visited Disneyland many times as a kid with his grandparents and wants our children to share the same priceless memories. And, as he pointed out to me, we have a very small window in which to fully enjoy the "Disney Magic" with our girls. I didn't know what this magic was he spoke of. I first went to Disney World when I was 17 and, while it was fun, I didn't remember it being fun enough to risk my sanity and brave it with a double stroller. It's a good thing he was right about the magic, or I'd still grimace at every mention of anything Disney.<br />
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Trip Planning</h4>
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Let's get a few terms out of the way before I dig in.</div>
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<strong>Fastpass: </strong>free tickets reserved online which send you to an attraction at a particular time, then at the attraction you enter the fastpass line and not the regular one; not all rides or meet and greets offer fastpasses, some attractions are so popular (Toy Story Mania in Disney World, Radiator Springs Racers in Disneyland) that all their fastpasses are given out months ahead of time so plan your trip as soon as possible if you want to skip long lines</div>
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<strong>Rider Swap</strong>: free tickets given once you've made it through the line and right before you get on; ideal for two parents who want to ride with one child on the same ride; ask a Castmember for a rider swap ticket, exit, reenter fastpass line, ride it again; can be used anytime same day</div>
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<strong>Castmember</strong>: Disney park employees; they are there to answer any question, fulfill any wish; if you see one standing in the park next to a photographer, get in line because a character is about to show up</div>
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<strong>Extended Magic Hours</strong>: if you are a guest of a hotel within the Disney World Resort then extended magic hours are open for you; we avoided these for all except one night and it was packed</div>
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<em>update:-<strong>Magic Band</strong></em><strong>: </strong><em>a band mailed to you ahead of time or purchased at the resort used as hotel key, park pass, fastpass, photopass, etc.</em></div>
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My husband shopped around for weeks and eventually booked the flights, the hotel, set up <a href="https://www.orlandostrollerrentals.com/"><em>stroller rental</em></a><em>,</em> bought park tickets (we didn't get park hopper tickets because we knew it would take us all day to see the parks with little ones), etc. We wanted to avoid the busy seasons (Christmas, Summer, Spring Break, and basically every other holiday) and we wanted the weather to still be nice, so we chose September. Perk #1 of taking toddlers to Disney- we could go while everyone else was in school. <br />
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After he showed me all of his plans, I wondered why all vacations with little ones couldn't sound this good on paper. Did you know that after you check your bags at the airport the next time you'll see them is in your hotel room? Thanks Disney! And how many other cities/destinations have stroller rentals that will deliver an impeccably clean, easy-to-steer stroller to your room? Thanks Disney! Well, thank you to the stroller rental companies. The strollers available to rent from Disney are hard, uncomfortable, not easy to steer, and you have to leave them in the park when you exit. It is a <em>long</em> walk from the park entrance to the buses, parking lots, or the taxi line. It was a much better decision to deal with a few extra minutes of folding/unfolding the stroller on the bus rather than to carry sleeping children a mile and a half every day.<br />
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Since my husband did all the research and planning for the big ticket items, there is no telling how many websites and blogs he visited. He mainly used <a href="http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/disney-vacation-planning/"><em>this one</em></a> as a reference but is able to share that <a href="http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/special-offers-deals-discounts/"><em>Special Offers</em></a> (for example, a free Disney Dining plan for the whole family) are released <a href="http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/special-offers-deals-discounts/"><em>here</em></a> in the spring for fall offers and again in the fall for winter offers. We stayed at the <a href="https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/resorts/pop-century-resort/rates-rooms/"><em>Pop Century Resort</em></a> while in Disney World. At the time, it was the nicest of the value resorts. While we were there,<a href="https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/resorts/art-of-animation-resort/rates-rooms/"><em> Art of Animation Resort</em></a> opened to the public. As a girl who used to travel and stay in pricey hotels, I am spoiled. But Pop Century was very clean, the staff very hospitable, and the food was great. The room was tiny but we didn't care. We only went to the room to sleep.<br />
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When we visited Disneyland, we stayed at the<em> </em><a href="http://www.ramada.com/hotels/california/anaheim/ramada-plaza-hotel-anaheim/photos-video?partner_id=&hotel_id=14252&campaign_code=&checkout_date&brand_id=RA&children=0&corporate_id=&teens=0&affiliate_id=&iata=&rate_code=&adults=1&checkin_date&rooms=1"><em>Ramada Plaza Anaheim</em></a>. The hotel wasn't much to write home about (the breakfast was no good, with the exception of boxed cereal) but the room had a refrigerator and a microwave. We were able to pick up some groceries as I like to do when we're out of town to keep some meals and snacks simple. The best part of the hotel is it is located right next to a strip mall with a great pizza place (that serves by the slice) and a Subway. Sometimes that's as good as it gets for families traveling with little ones. Disneyland isn't wired quite like Disney World with the dining plans so we were thrilled to grab some decent food on the way to and from the park. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Disney Countdown Chain</td></tr>
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Right after we booked the trip we told the girls. I know many like to surprise their children at the airport but we have always enjoyed anticipating trips long before we became parents. For us, looking forward to the vacation is an important part of the whole experience. As soon as we told them, they began pummeling us with questions, "When are we going? Do we leave tomorrow?? How long until Disney World? And what is Disney World again?" Within the week, the Disney Vacation Planning DVD came in the mail which gave the girls a glimpse of the rides and the excitement. And we decided to make a countdown chain (construction paper strips, glue, marker), especially since preschoolers don't have a great concept of time yet. We witnessed the trip get closer every morning as we tore a link off the chain, and it proved as a reminder they need to be on their best behavior.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chore Chart instructions <a href="http://islacunninghambooks.blogspot.com/2013/03/chore-chart.html">here</a>.</td></tr>
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Speaking of behavior, I am the disciplinarian in our household. My husband caves for his little girls, understandably. Since he set up the bones of the trip it was my responsibility to plan our days and fill in the cracks. There couldn't have been a better time to teach my girls how hard work pays off. I made a chore chart (click <a href="http://islacunninghambooks.blogspot.com/2013/03/chore-chart.html"><em>here</em></a> for the DIY instructions) and told the girls they could use the Disney Dollars (free <a href="http://islacunninghambooks.blogspot.com/2013/03/chore-chart.html"><em>printables</em></a>) they earned to buy an ice cream or a special toy on the last day of the trip. It was a huge success for everyone.<br />
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I was hesitant about the Disney Dining plan but am so relieved we chose this option. Unlike Disneyland, Disney World offers a Dining plan you pay for in advance. There aren't any grocery stores within the Disney World Resort limits, so instead of keeping stuff in the room to save money like I usually do when we're out of town, I gave into the plan. We decided on the two quick service meals and one snack option. It worked great. With a 2 and 4 year old, we would've lost our minds ordering and waiting at a sit-down restaurant three times a day. And since we wanted to squeeze in as many <a href="http://islacunninghambooks.blogspot.com/2013/04/disney-world-meet-characters.html"><em>Character Dinings</em></a> as possible, the two meals/one snack option left one meal a day to plan elsewhere. I was also pleased with the wide variety of restaurants and the food they offered and I'm pretty tough to please when it comes to food. Don't get me wrong, it's not gourmet. But we left every table smiling and satisfied.<br />
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Packing</h4>
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I'm an over planner by nature. I also love a challenge. With luggage fees and strict requirements nowadays, the random rain showers, warm days and cooler nights in Orlando, and two small children to keep entertained, I spent many, many hours stressing about what to pack. </div>
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As for clothing, I left fashion behind and opted for comfort. I didn't wear much jewelry since I knew there would be many bag-slinging, juice-box opening, shuffling and coddling moments with my girls. I had to buy a couple pair of shorts and even purchased a few adult Disney t-shirts that were on sale. I packed hooded, zip-up sweaters and leggings for the kids to add layers when needed. And we each brought two pairs of comfortable running/walking shoes just in case. Lots of cotton. No flip-flops. You'll need more support than that to walk around all day.<br />
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The first major problem to solve was how to entertain the girls as we travelled. I had a couple nightmares about being stuck on the runway for days without snacks and a change of clothes while my girls hung from the overhead baggage compartments as I plotted how to obtain a case of mini bottles of tequila. Luckily, the flights went smoothly. I packed two bags for the plane- one held a couple travel-sized games, portable DVD players (or even better- iPads) and headphones, <a href="http://islacunninghambooks.blogspot.com/2013/03/movie-sleeve-puzzle.html"><em>Magnetic Movie Puzzles</em></a> I made ahead of time, play-doh, a variety pack of clay, and pipe cleaners. I wanted activities that would keep their mind busy but not make any noise to further disturb the child-haters on the plane. Pipe cleaners are cheap, light, and you can make all kinds of silly things out of them. The second held snacks (crackers, applesauce, fresh fruit from home), a change of clothes in case our luggage got lost, and a Ziploc bag of Dum-Dum lollipops in case of an emergency.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://islacunninghambooks.blogspot.com/2013/03/movie-sleeve-puzzle.html"><em>Magnetic Movie Puzzle</em></a> en route to Disney World</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Staying busy and quiet en route to Disneyland!</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYLQgbNNciCNCCwM3IEs7FL22Rpbb0ewphJF5SleyoYrBPKfO-fgXwC35VBqfe5CpiaRNJHUqDpHVqBAaSZ4nDrh8PyqvZdMOY1E3GbjwlGquN74x3Uovrs6THPRE12qnZP6DpekFibhbb/s1600/DSC_0017.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYLQgbNNciCNCCwM3IEs7FL22Rpbb0ewphJF5SleyoYrBPKfO-fgXwC35VBqfe5CpiaRNJHUqDpHVqBAaSZ4nDrh8PyqvZdMOY1E3GbjwlGquN74x3Uovrs6THPRE12qnZP6DpekFibhbb/s320/DSC_0017.JPG" width="212" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr82UZ4gmDG7EnJ8Nv7DXQpgsQRXHccX0gGeeU_d1RIhl_6JKdnzdJLlmzu4RXRbuzdiuZzQEP2OkCjczZ7hgCVYKw78Me8OnaZ5ydCLPa3qY44uAYI1mu6nSNw3AaIDIzeP-QMSUZaKjL/s1600/DSC_0027.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr82UZ4gmDG7EnJ8Nv7DXQpgsQRXHccX0gGeeU_d1RIhl_6JKdnzdJLlmzu4RXRbuzdiuZzQEP2OkCjczZ7hgCVYKw78Me8OnaZ5ydCLPa3qY44uAYI1mu6nSNw3AaIDIzeP-QMSUZaKjL/s320/DSC_0027.JPG" width="212" /></a></div>
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My number one concern was, once we paid for the trip and arrived, that we'd be tempted to spend even more money on sugary treats, t-shirts, stuffed animals, princess costumes, etc. Instead, I whispered a secret into their tiny ears, "I heard that if little kids are good in the park all day and don't ask to buy anything from the gift shops, that Tinker Bell sneaks into their room at night and leaves them a surprise!" It worked like a charm! I shopped ahead of time catching sale and clearance items from the Disney store and brought along two gift bags with Tinker Bell on them, tissue paper, and loose glitter. The glitter because Tinker Bell always leaves a trail of pixie dust behind her, of course. It was really fun figuring out which window or door Tinker Bell snuck in each night, mornings were always exciting watching them open presents, and we avoided park-cost souvenirs. Although, much like Elf on the Shelf, you have to remember to do this each night after long, tiring days at the parks. On the last night, we rewarded them by letting them pick out one special toy and paying with their own <a href="http://islacunninghambooks.blogspot.com/2013/03/chore-chart.html">Disney Dollars</a>.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Get this great backpack diaper bag <a href="http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=11912552&cp=&parentPage=search">here</a>!</td></tr>
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I knew I wouldn't be able to carry much with us into the park each day. I didn't need some big purse slung over my shoulder killing my back. And I knew I couldn't leave a monstrosity of a diaper bag in the stroller while we rode each ride out of fear it might walk away with someone else. So, we relied on our trusty backpack diaper bag. I registered for the <a href="http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=11912552&cp=&parentPage=search">Columbia Trekster Backpack Diaper Bag</a> when I was pregnant with our first after seeing it at a friend's baby shower. There's something about the insulated side pocket to keep things warm or cold, the great inserts in the opposite side pocket that perfectly accommodate items needed from my purse, not to mention the washable changing table mat you won't want to go without, and its compact size that has elevated it to <em>the most</em> useful baby gift we ever received. Even though both kids are out of diapers and what seems like light years from bottles, we still grab this backpack every time we go to the zoo, the state fair, on vacations, etc.</div>
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We opted out of the Bibbidi Boppidi Boutique because it's expensive, time consuming, and my little ladies have a hard time sitting still for anything. Instead, I brought our own makeup, jewelry, and princess outfits from home. On the bus ride en route to Cinderella's table (breakfast in the castle), I put make up on their porcelain skin and decorated their tiny limbs with plastic gems. </div>
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Autograph books are a must for Disney trips. You never know when you'll run into a character in the parks and it's fun to collect autographs at <a href="http://islacunninghambooks.blogspot.com/2013/04/disney-world-meet-characters.html">Character Dinings and Meet and Greets</a>. I heard the ones available for purchase at the resorts and in the parks are expensive. It's true. They're bulky, inconvenient, and not cute, in my opinion. With one trip to Target, I purchased everything I needed to make our own (mini photo albums, card stock, stickers, sharpees, and yarn). Of course, it's easy to go overboard with the pricey scrapbook stickers I bought to decorate the front. Click <a href="http://islacunninghambooks.blogspot.com/2013/03/disney-autograph-book.html">here</a> to see how I made ours!</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cheap and Easy Disney <a href="http://islacunninghambooks.blogspot.com/2013/03/disney-autograph-book.html">Autograph Books</a></td></tr>
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I filled our backpack for the next day each night before I passed out. You probably have your diaper bag favorites, but these items came in handy for a long day at Disney parks: <br />
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a brightly colored scarf, bandana, or sock to tie to the handle and make your stroller easy to spot</div>
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wet wipes and hand soap (we washed our hands in the most random of places)</div>
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tiny Halloween treat-sized play-doh containers for long lines</div>
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small containers of bubbles (secured in Ziploc bags for leaks) </div>
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autograph books and stickers</div>
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M&M's tube full of a stack of two quarters and a penny ratio</div>
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snacks, lollipops</div>
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small Ziploc container or bag for food the littles don't finish</div>
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lightweight blanket or two for spontaneous sleeping</div>
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I can't even count the number of times the girls squished play-doh or I blew bubbles while we waited in line for rides, buses, boats, and meals. Other parents were very grateful for the bubbles too. They entertain everyone's children. When they grew bored with those options, I'd pull out their autograph books and let them decorate the pages with tiny dollar-store stickers. Other times, when we needed to waste time before a fastpass time slot, we'd find some penny pressing machines and add to our collection. It costs 51 cents to press a penny. If you have a tube of two quarters and a penny alternately stacked, you're ready to go- which is good because someone is always waiting behind you. If none of the above worked and they started to meltdown or squawk in line, I'd pull out some leftover grapes or chicken nuggets from the meal they wouldn't finish 15 minutes prior. I know this all seems like a lot, and I assure you that you'll be fine without it, but I won't travel without plan B's and C's and D's. </div>
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Things we didn't need: ponchos, moleskin, glow bracelets, and advice from a few bloggers. It rained while we were there- it poured, in fact. But we're not ones who don't enjoy a little jog in the rain. If you don't like to get wet, there are numerous restaurants, awnings, and attractions to duck into and under. If you have sensitive feet, you are already aware and probably have your own plan of attack. I, on the other hand went out and bought a new stick of <a href="http://www.bodyglide.com/">Glide</a> (used by athletes and models to prevent blisters from shoes) and a fresh package of moleskin in case that didn't work. (Glide is also great for chafing.) Luckily, we alternated two pairs of comfortable shoes the whole week and didn't need reinforcements. </div>
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We didn't need the glow bracelets I brought for them to play with during the fireworks because my feeble attempt to save a few bucks was defeated with savvy Castmembers's carts draped in light-up toys. We caved during the fireworks on the first night and bought them two $15 light-up spinners. Of course I had to tell the girls they were free or they would worry Tinker Bell wouldn't come that night. --> Sucker. <-- Now I pack those for Disney trips, Disney On Ice, 4th of July, etc. I'm not going to get hosed for those again!</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One on left: Disney On Ice. Two on right: Disney World. :]</td></tr>
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Make sure you plan and/or work in some down time while you're in Disney. It's very easy to get wrapped up in what you need to check off the list and come home in need of another vacation. All the stimulation is too much for toddlers anyway. We planned two major blocks of time to stay away from the parks and enjoy free, relaxing attractions. Our first break was spent at the hotel pool. We slept in that morning, ate a late breakfast, made our way to the pool at our leisure, and took a big nap before heading to the park for the evening. It was heaven.<br />
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Our second "break" from the busyness of the park was a crazy maker. Now, I won't name any names, but it is recommended to take advantage of Chip and Dale's Campfire Singalong. It's a free event, you get to take a free boat ride, and you can make s'mores while enjoying the tall pines and get back to nature in Fort Wildnerness for a bit. While all those things are true, what no blog will tell you is that the word is out. Every one has heard it's free and have clogged the tiny arteries which are the only ways in and out of Fort Wilderness. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beautiful boat ride to Fort Wilderness. We won't ride it again though!</td></tr>
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We took the boat ride from the Magic Kingdom (which had to stop twice along the way to drop off people in scooters- don't get me started) and it was beautiful, but it took forever. We were rushing to not be late to the Singalong, my husband sprinting through the darkness pushing the stroller close behind me, but not close enough to spot and warn me of the snake directly in my path- the snake I ended up seeing right before I stepped on and instead leaped over in some kind of survivor-style-hurdle-leap.<br />
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Once we arrived and rounded the corner, what I assumed would be a sense of calm and relief rush over me was immediately replaced with panic and stress. Picture if you will, hundreds of children crowded around several huge firepits , wielding three-foot long skewers topped with flaming marshmallows, flinging them at their parents hiding across the field on bleachers, while the air is filled with smoke and squeaky sing-a-long songs. Still, I would not accept defeat. I marched up to the counter and forked out $20+ for a bag of supplies and led my family to the pits. This is <em>going</em> to be fun. Well, it wasn't. By the time I had carved out a space for us at the pits, dressed and perched two skewers over the best part of the flames, the girls were <em>over it</em> and took off with their Daddy to run around. I figured I'd at least make some s'mores for myself since no one else cared. I turned around to reach in the bag and saw it was gone. I couldn't believe one of these heathens would steal from a grown woman. After ten minutes of staring every kid down in a 50 foot radius, Baby Girl flew by with the bag in her hand. Oops. We elbowed our way past Chip and Dale's body guard, himself looking distressed and dripping in sweat, took a picture and left five minutes later.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My face says it all.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chaos.</td></tr>
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A better option for down time would be a Movie Under the Stars. We stayed at Pop Century but I know most other resorts offer this wonderfully relaxing activity. Check your hotel's schedule.<br />
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Speaking of down time, another problem that arises when visiting Disney with toddlers and preschoolers is nap time. Just so you know, we left the park every day right after lunch, took the bus back to the hotel, and slept until we woke up. We usually all popped up in late afternoon, headed to dinner and back to the parks. The major advantages of taking a nap is you miss the peak busy hours at the park- from late morning to early afternoon, everyone is rested and ready to stay up late for the fireworks, and everyone is rested. It's important enough I needed to write it twice. Yes, your schedule will be completely ruined, but it's worth it. In fact, I don't think we'll ever skip nap time in the future- even when they're grown, even if it's just my husband and me. Don't ruin yourself on vacation.<br />
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Another fun, free thing to do if you're staying at a resort within Disney World is to tour another resort! Disney wants us to look around while we're there and plan our next vacation. So feel free to dine at one of the nicer resorts or just walk around the grounds. I've heard watching the fireworks from the beach at the Polynesian is beautiful but we couldn't make it over there last trip. That would probably be a great idea to avoid the crowds too! If your children don't like fireworks, you're in luck! For those late-nighters that stay until the last firework pops, you're guaranteed to wait in an excruciatingly long line for the buses back to the hotels. I'm not going to go into detail, but let's just say my youngest was still potty-training on this trip. You don't want to get sandwiched in the middle of an hour long line with a potty-training toddler, surrounded by masses of tired, grumpy people. It wasn't good. Leave early with little ones, if you can. If you forget, just prepare yourself for a long night.<br />
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If you haven't downloaded an app to help you navigate the maps, avoid lines, and check out restaurant menus, do it now. Some days certain rides are closed because of weather, repairs, etc. You'll want to be able to check on your phone before you get all the way over to the other side of the park with your young children. I used <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/disney-world-wait-times-dining/id385303379?mt=8">this one</a> for Disney World and <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/disneyland-magic-guide/id416341948?mt=8">this one</a> for Disneyland.<br />
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I do need to give y'all a fair warning about the scooters though. I don't want to give it too much energy because it makes me angry and I have since heard <a href="http://www.insidethemagic.net/2013/10/disney-releases-official-statement-rules-and-faq-on-new-disability-access-service-card-replacing-guest-assistance-card/">Disney is starting to crack down</a> on the problem. However, when we were in Disney World, if you had a doctor's note or visited the doctor at the front of the park, a handicap pass was extremely easy to obtain. Handicap riders not only wait in a separate line at the rides but also their entire group with them gets to opt out of the regular line. And they also <em>skip</em> the lines completely for buses and transportation. Since most aren't legitimately handicapped and this marks the first time they're maneuvering a free scooter, it takes each one of them quite some time to load onto and off of buses. And some even expect special treatment in the form of re-routing other modes of transportation normally unauthorized to make specific stops. It was widespread when we were there and very upsetting. You can read more about it <a href="http://nypost.com/2013/05/14/rich-manhattan-moms-hire-handicapped-tour-guides-so-kids-can-cut-lines-at-disney-world/">here</a>. It may sound trivial, but when I witnessed it, it was unnerving. <br />
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And finally, after all the planning, packing, stressing, and worrying, when you arrive that the Happiest Place on Earth, be happy. Enjoy your time with your family. Smile. Laugh. Be silly. Blow off some steam and have fun!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Before Splash Mountain...</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After Splash Mountain!</td></tr>
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Check out more of my Disney posts:<br />
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<a href="http://islacunninghambooks.blogspot.com/2013/04/disney-world-meet-characters.html"><em>Disney World: Meet the Characters</em></a></div>
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<a href="http://islacunninghambooks.blogspot.com/2013/03/chore-chart.html"><em>Chore Chart- Disney Dollars</em></a></div>
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<em> </em></div>
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<a href="http://islacunninghambooks.blogspot.com/2013/03/movie-sleeve-puzzle.html"><em>Magnetic Movie Puzzle- DIY for car/plane ride activity</em></a></div>
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<a href="http://islacunninghambooks.blogspot.com/2013/03/disney-autograph-book.html"><em>Disney Autograph Book- DIY</em></a></div>
Amanda Cunninghamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05208963542135808791noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-98910130395993612.post-84037461258332442052014-01-02T23:04:00.000-06:002015-12-10T09:40:14.418-06:00The Spontaneous Idealist I've been approached in the middle of the Vegas strip for a psychic reading, I sought it out once in New Orleans at the <a href="http://www.bottomofthecup.com/">Bottom of the Cup Tea Room,</a> and I've been entranced by a rowdy Irish woman reading my palm in an Americanized, strip-mall version of an Irish pub. I'm a seeker. I'm continuously searching for more. I always ask why. I always want to talk about it. I'm pretty irritating.<br />
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During one of those afternoon lulls I usually rush through, I saw a personality test being shared on facebook. I immediately took it, read the results, and laughed. Squirmed. Then laughed. I was labeled "<a href="http://www.ipersonic.com/type/SI.html">The Spontaneous Idealist</a>":<br />
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<em>Spontaneous Idealists are masters of communication and very amusing and gifted entertainers. Fun and variety are guaranteed when they are around. However, they are sometimes somewhat too impulsive in dealing with others and can hurt people without really meaning to do so, due to their direct and sometimes critical nature.<br /><br />This personality type is a keen and alert observer; they miss nothing which is going on around them. In extreme cases, they tend to be oversensitive and exaggeratedly alert and are inwardly always ready to jump. Life for them is an exciting drama full of emotionality. However, they quickly become bored when things repeat themselves and too much detailed work and care is required. Their creativity, their imaginativeness and their originality become most noticeable when developing new projects and ideas - they then leave the meticulous implementation of the whole to others. On the whole, Spontaneous Idealists attach great value to their inner and outward independence and do not like accepting a subordinate role. They therefore have problems with hierarchies and authorities.</em><br />
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Bull's eye. That's me. I'm hard to take. But I will not accept it. With the start of a new year, we all find ourselves folding inward and making decisions that challenge us. It's time for me to face another facet of one of my major character flaws.<br />
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Two years ago I started this blog as an outlet. I felt free to share things I wouldn't normally. I was exposed. But I had just moved to a new town and I wasn't prepared for the shift. Life had been moving too quickly and I didn't know who I was anymore. I didn't know I was a writer. I didn't know that writing would suddenly become what haunted me, fed me, drained me, and resuscitated me. I didn't know my writing would drive everyone crazy. Now I know. And none of it will stop me. <br />
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What has stopped me before was my perfectionistic nature. When I wrote, I wanted it to be perfect. I chose to write about children's books because it was my passion. And it still is. But I can't spend my time researching authors, finding the perfect pictures and links, and poring over others' work if I ever expect to find time for my own. My time is too precious to dissect other books that are already successful. Your time is too precious to read superfluous details about a book you'd probably like to find on your own. So stick around for more compressed and frequent posts this year, or for the next few weeks until I predictably<em> "become bored when things repeat themselves and too much detailed work and care is required." </em>Ha. Happy New Year!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://holadesign.blogspot.com/2012/08/never-give-up-on-dream.html">hola!design</a></td></tr>
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<br />Amanda Cunninghamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05208963542135808791noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-98910130395993612.post-19214336742556303092013-11-21T17:06:00.000-06:002015-12-10T09:40:03.591-06:00The Day the Crayons Quit<div style="text-align: right;">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Click <a href="http://nerdybookclub.wordpress.com/2013/11/21/the-day-the-crayons-quit-words-by-drew-daywalt-pictures-by-oliver-jeffers-review-by-isla-cunningham/">me</a>.</td></tr>
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I am thrilled to be guest posting on <a href="http://nerdybookclub.wordpress.com/"><em>The Nerdy Book Club</em></a><em>'s</em> blog today! When I was asked to write a book review for them, I was allowed to pick the book. I knew it would have to be one of Oliver Jeffers' simply because I needed an excuse to buy one of his newest. We spend most of our time with Oliver's work in <em><a href="http://islacunninghambooks.blogspot.com/2013/01/lost-and-found.html">Lost and Found</a></em> and <em>Up and Down</em>. So, I took Baby Girl to Barnes & Noble, laid out a few choices, and let her pick. I quickly flipped through the pages with her and then sat three books on a table. She immediately signaled at <em>The Day the Crayons Quit</em>. Then, she alerted me that her lemur would make the final decision. At which point she climbed on the table, set her lemur next to the book, put her feet back on the ground, and looked up at me, smiling. <br />
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It was exciting to have my first deadline and actually be able to use the phrase "word count" in daily conversation. When I turned it in on the deadline (yesterday), it wasn't supposed to be posted for another week. But a change in scheduling moved it up to today. You can follow the Nerdy Book Club on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/nerdybookclub"><em>facebook</em></a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/nerdybookclub"><em>twitter</em> </a>to stay updated or check out <a href="https://www.facebook.com/islabooks"><em>my page</em></a> to hear about my favorite posts. I'm their newest fan!<br />
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<em>My first bike was thistle. The metal slide at school was raw umber. My first car was midnight blue. My prom dress was carnation pink. After that, my memories become a little hazy and smeared in grey. Then a book like</em> The Day the Crayons Quit <em>comes along and reminds me how a colorful life feels, smells, and tastes- with crayons. Drew Daywalt’s hilarious tale and </em><a href="http://www.oliverjeffers.com/" sl-processed="1"><em>Oliver Jeffers</em></a><em>‘ childlike morsels brought me back to the crush of gravel beneath my feet, muffled giggles heard through a classroom wall, my mother’s perfume overpowering maple syrup in the morning, and the first nosh of ice cream after chasing the truck down the street. How could I have forgotten?</em></div>
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Want to read the post? <a href="http://nerdybookclub.wordpress.com/2013/11/21/the-day-the-crayons-quit-words-by-drew-daywalt-pictures-by-oliver-jeffers-review-by-isla-cunningham/"><em><strong>Click here.</strong></em></a> </div>
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Amanda Cunninghamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05208963542135808791noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-98910130395993612.post-31139282585796751542013-11-05T13:46:00.002-06:002015-12-10T09:39:47.575-06:00Come on in. The water's cold.<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://mannainomers.blogspot.com/2011/06/green-typewriter-on-beach.html">photo source</a></td></tr>
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My Galapagos. Part Four. </div>
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{this is the part where I write about writing}</div>
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Wide-eyed and desperate for an adventure, I booked a trip to the <a href="http://islacunninghambooks.blogspot.com/2012/02/my-galapagos.html">Galapagos</a>. Despite my initial <a href="http://islacunninghambooks.blogspot.com/2012/03/my-galapagos-spacebar.html">struggles</a>, I committed and bought real estate. "But after a few months of saltwater hair and banana rum, the corners of your postcard life are worn and bent. No longer at a resort on the sand but now trying to survive at a condo inland, reality sought you out and found you. Far from your family and friends, you crave an escape. So, you go back to the place that first gave you comfort- the <a href="http://islacunninghambooks.blogspot.com/2012/10/my-galapagos-hotel-bar.html">hotel bar</a>."<br />
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As soon as I caught my blunt reflection in the unassuming mirror over the bar I wanted to turn away and forget what I saw. But I couldn't. Any moment alone would send my mind into itself. I would stare at the mirror for hours, days, even weeks, poring over every imperfection and mistake of mine. At times my reflection wasn't clear enough. I would inch closer and closer, to get a better view, until my face pressed against the cool, slick glass. The chill left on my cheek ran down my spine and into my heart, leaving a layer of frost on my good intentions. By resigning from my life on the mainland and starting over in islands near the <em>equator</em>, I wasn't prepared for cold weather. This wouldn't stand.<br />
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My days and nights at the hotel bar were my focus for a time. At first I was angry with myself for indulging bad habits. Soon, I was even more disappointed when the old comforts didn't bring me comfort anymore. One night, as I sat with my elbows resting on a comfortable corner of the bar, I untangled my limbs, untucked myself and stood up. I realized that if I wanted things to change, then <em>I</em> would have to change things, starting with my location. I tossed a twenty at the bartender. It landed in the puddle my watered down rum-and-coke had left on the bar. I turned away and began walking. <br />
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I had warmed that stool for months, the rivets from my jeans leaving their distinct marks on the wooden seat, as I glanced at the sea a few million times too many. Tonight, I was going <em>in</em> the water. As my steps traded cement for sand, I stopped. I wanted to feel every second leading up to the plunge. As I looked down and slipped off my shoes the wintry winds blew my hair across my face. I swept a clump off my eyes and held it with one hand while I grabbed my shoes with the other. When I glanced back up, I tried to discern where the ocean began. I saw nothing. A dense fog had crept in and stole the shoreline and the stars. I swiveled and saw the twinkle of lights dangling beneath the thatched roof's silhouette. I thought about turning back and folding into my barstool once again. No. My legs were tired of sitting. It was time to run.<br />
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Into the darkness I leapt, following the sound of waves pawing the shore. The closer and closer I came, the more and more I could feel the approach of the sea. The rhythmic waves of the water sent a swell of salty air rippling from the tip of my nose to the ends of my hair as it trailed behind me. Then the cushiony sand, crushing beneath my feet, turned to swamp and was swallowed into the tide. <br />
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Well. There I was. In the water. The frigid waves had barely dampened the hem of my skirt when I dove in. As I came back up to the surface and breathed in the warm air, I was insulted by the coldness of the sea. I didn't move to this tropical locale to feel anything but warmth and pleasure. Yet, I didn't run back to the cushiony sand. I treaded water, staring at the shore, and began to enjoy the shock- if for nothing else than its ability to make me look at the world differently. <br />
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I wouldn't say I'm chasing my dreams. I'm really trying to rid myself of stories. The stories that play over and over in my head need to leave.</div>
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I do realize I've been trying to find more time for writing since even before I wrote <a href="http://islacunninghambooks.blogspot.com/2012/03/my-galapagos-spacebar.html">this</a> <em>well over a year ago</em>. Finally, I decided to quit waiting around for my little village of support to rescue me, considering my husband has stopped reading my blog altogether. At times his excuse, "I don't even know how to find your blog," leaves me speechless and hurt. (Ahem. Google it.) Other times his lack of enthusiasm for my writing is completely understandable and even expected- it's my life, not his. Regardless, I turned my focus inward and spent the last five months rearranging my world. Though I am a <em>much</em> better wife and mother for all of my efforts, it still didn't create more time, more energy, or lessen my fears. Therefore I must dig deeper, sleep less, and slash the social calendar. I will get this done- even if it's just me, treading water, alone in the night's cold waters.<br />
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Amanda Cunninghamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05208963542135808791noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-98910130395993612.post-77141572723810651292013-10-10T17:51:00.001-05:002015-12-10T09:39:30.559-06:00Firefighter Books from a Fire Family<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Did you know it's <a href="http://www.nfpa.org/safety-information/fire-prevention-week"><strong>National Fire Prevention Week</strong></a>? As the wife of a fireman and mother of two, we have seen our fair share of firefighters books! This week we are going to share our <strong>favorites</strong> with you to spread the word about fire safety and prevention!<br />
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School Visit</h4>
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One of the perks of being married to a man-in-uniform is when he is asked to speak at your children's school! What an exciting day it was for my Little Girl when my husband got to suit up for community helpers week and teach her friends at school all about fire safety! I found great joy in watching her nudge through the crowd to his side, her little arm wrapped around the bottom of his bunker pants, her face beaming with pride. It was a beautiful day!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxFGzczjlaVwLZN4AurKuEk5goXP2wyAViQSXGh_loFICIgRkME42qd4jpQW8q8Gzfx32VQAG1ak8gXDEHy0A-I0KUa6fQfj-KXxXyl2go-l4ZgEWLzOR2U-YyRzN_DhNRQyvJIuLJxoS3/s1600/775202_183621451761847_1471886954_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxFGzczjlaVwLZN4AurKuEk5goXP2wyAViQSXGh_loFICIgRkME42qd4jpQW8q8Gzfx32VQAG1ak8gXDEHy0A-I0KUa6fQfj-KXxXyl2go-l4ZgEWLzOR2U-YyRzN_DhNRQyvJIuLJxoS3/s400/775202_183621451761847_1471886954_o.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Does anyone have any questions?"</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjErTNB5lWjq-iB7jysZMzshtGaIZ9kpK51HcwHo8wrQsAFOrqC85H1vvzbVuYa7h62LBducd1fn4QW6Pg4E7p4bhhV2zzJJDUlc2FX140TwMFSSCPYupq_qlzc5OWpzxXJ7iBxd0PAPL-d/s1600/IMG_7994.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjErTNB5lWjq-iB7jysZMzshtGaIZ9kpK51HcwHo8wrQsAFOrqC85H1vvzbVuYa7h62LBducd1fn4QW6Pg4E7p4bhhV2zzJJDUlc2FX140TwMFSSCPYupq_qlzc5OWpzxXJ7iBxd0PAPL-d/s640/IMG_7994.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"See? Now you know it's just a Daddy under this mask! <br />
You never have to be afraid of a firefighter!"</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEismajFTRJuVlzNMIcvknIDd1PHuUm-aC8Zb1gEYrOLfL4Q5Y_RJNDj4-yfINgfUMepq6CWWBHLzsCOfe3TA0Lgc2PbBYDkxzapQa0lok8685Tih0WmFEC02GKgEXYJGV41N-UOISlsXd-t/s1600/1590.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEismajFTRJuVlzNMIcvknIDd1PHuUm-aC8Zb1gEYrOLfL4Q5Y_RJNDj4-yfINgfUMepq6CWWBHLzsCOfe3TA0Lgc2PbBYDkxzapQa0lok8685Tih0WmFEC02GKgEXYJGV41N-UOISlsXd-t/s400/1590.JPG" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This.<br />
His tousled hair from repeated helmet removal.<br />
I bet her cheeks hurt from smiling all day.</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiujdfw7c7rjZtpk8EPBIZv5y7whjyMCTteCh-EHH-HIVuseUVDpAtwxRULOLhYHRQe_e6QGgVFB__I5I03fTqn3rnZywZ9FgVIcfkqCtQFDtACsEkpG1l2tiIaN2Xme15CL6RU8K1zHFdZ/s1600/IMG_7998+-+Copy.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/AVvXsEiujdfw7c7rjZtpk8EPBIZv5y7whjyMCTteCh-EHH-HIVuseUVDpAtwxRULOLhYHRQe_e6QGgVFB__I5I03fTqn3rnZywZ9FgVIcfkqCtQFDtACsEkpG1l2tiIaN2Xme15CL6RU8K1zHFdZ/s320/IMG_7998+-+Copy.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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I, of course, globbed onto his presentation so I could assist him with the masses and sneak into their curious, little minds- if only for a day! In addition to getting the kids excited about hearing from my firefighter and joining in on several, "Stop! Drop! And <em>Roll</em>!" exercises, I wanted to read a few fantastic firefighter and fire safety books. Following a few days of research at the library, I found them!<br />
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<h4 style="text-align: center;">
The Books</h4>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib5RQVMb-suVYkPTMSfE_8plRFb5-S8gI7cMN_d69bG7Mm7ICU4W1iWh85rHh_QeEdzRqRQcYxXuV5jciL924Klc1-TqpbZoZHuGHAHB-uZ72FGRZ1U4d2hXDfIMNUfehcDxVX8vIfSpKl/s1600/2271.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib5RQVMb-suVYkPTMSfE_8plRFb5-S8gI7cMN_d69bG7Mm7ICU4W1iWh85rHh_QeEdzRqRQcYxXuV5jciL924Klc1-TqpbZoZHuGHAHB-uZ72FGRZ1U4d2hXDfIMNUfehcDxVX8vIfSpKl/s400/2271.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcdM_B5CSINJ5V8VqD7epltnkLNXVtUOr3lvKIhxRWQrIsejQW1JvfjkomL2x1LBSe23wbQDnzEp7QmpftoR1oVFMxvpWK4kXrdobZwn-Hc78le0WHw3UM4BtAFwycTNkLacaZndVsMGtB/s1600/meeow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="199" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcdM_B5CSINJ5V8VqD7epltnkLNXVtUOr3lvKIhxRWQrIsejQW1JvfjkomL2x1LBSe23wbQDnzEp7QmpftoR1oVFMxvpWK4kXrdobZwn-Hc78le0WHw3UM4BtAFwycTNkLacaZndVsMGtB/s200/meeow.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Purchase the board book <a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/meeow-and-the-big-box-sebastien-braun/1103759108?ean=9781907152887">here</a>!</td></tr>
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<a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/meeow-and-the-big-box-sebastien-braun/1103759108?ean=9781907152887"><em><strong>Meeow and the Big Box</strong></em></a><em> </em>by <a href="http://www.sebastienbraun.com/">Sebastien Braun</a> is the perfect book of imagination for our littlest ones (ages 2-3)!! Watch the magic unfold as this clever kitty, Meeow, transforms a big brown box into a bright red fire engine! The bold primary colors and wide-eyed feline attracts little readers, getting them excited about fire trucks and reading for the first time while encouraging play and imagination! (Available as a <a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/meeow-and-the-big-box-sebastien-braun/1103759108?ean=9781906250867">picture book</a> and <a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/meeow-and-the-big-box-sebastien-braun/1103759108?ean=9781907152887">board book</a>.)<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT0Ea03JbsaJjxQ2L1m1hmYdrmWEGOUGxMrd2NFtOTho_LbkZg1Iow2OcWAqXFovsKq-_ZhaaT1EbReZObH4WeTLs4OsPHMYSA9auPUWb-sGRskrDJW_ZStxmBAcYorPqRWF2zS7Jjd77V/s1600/firefighter+frank.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="269" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT0Ea03JbsaJjxQ2L1m1hmYdrmWEGOUGxMrd2NFtOTho_LbkZg1Iow2OcWAqXFovsKq-_ZhaaT1EbReZObH4WeTLs4OsPHMYSA9auPUWb-sGRskrDJW_ZStxmBAcYorPqRWF2zS7Jjd77V/s320/firefighter+frank.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Available as a <a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/0525470212/ref=lpr_g_1/104-3741521-6788747?v=glance&s=books">picture book</a> and <a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/firefighter-frank-monica-wellington/1005319393?ean=9780525423737">board book</a>. (3-7 years)</td></tr>
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<a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/firefighter-frank-monica-wellington/1005319393?ean=9780525423737"><em><strong>Firefighter Frank</strong></em></a> by <a href="http://www.monicawellington.com/">Monica Wellington</a> is a great book for kids who want to know more about both the exciting and normal days events of life at the fire station! While visiting Frank while on shift, we learn firefighters are always busy while waiting for the bell to signal. We follow firefighter Frank as he gives children a tour of the station, shows the teamwork involved with each firefighter responsible for a different job, and even how they clean up the engine after tackling a big fire! "This tribute to this challenging profession is sure to inspire children who dream of one day wearing the uniform." -<a href="http://www.monicawellington.com/books/firefighterfrank.html"><em>Kirkus Reviews</em></a><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcXBdhTKwI7AzKE8niempSQJB91pxgmx53AkYa1EMnDhMIrZS5JHhMfwz0ffYhtYWBp7_w7aK-qxcDTQti8nv_lJG5IAKhlPfYTKdknCV3C1CJVdpGRVMEy8u5VoAat-fGh9N0qowoWx8q/s1600/no+dragons+for+tea.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcXBdhTKwI7AzKE8niempSQJB91pxgmx53AkYa1EMnDhMIrZS5JHhMfwz0ffYhtYWBp7_w7aK-qxcDTQti8nv_lJG5IAKhlPfYTKdknCV3C1CJVdpGRVMEy8u5VoAat-fGh9N0qowoWx8q/s1600/no+dragons+for+tea.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Get your copy <a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/no-dragons-for-tea-jean-e-pendziwol/1021774827?ean=9781550745719">here</a>!</td></tr>
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<em><a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/no-dragons-for-tea-jean-e-pendziwol/1021774827?ean=9781550745719"><strong>No Dragons For Tea:</strong> Fire Safety for Kids</a></em> by <a href="http://jeanependziwol.weebly.com/">Jean E. Pendziwol</a> is a creative story designed to educate children about fire safety at home! A little girl befriends a dragon and invites it over for a tea party. Only, one pepper speck makes the dragon accidentally sneeze fire and the two enact her family's evacuation plan! This adorable tale of two unlikely friends teaches what steps should be taken when escaping your home in case of a fire, and what will happen after the firefighters arrive. <em>No Dragons for Tea</em> was "recognized by the National Fire Prevention Association as a recommended resource for teaching fire safety", among receiving many other awards and even shares a precious little poem at the end, "The Dragon's Fire Safety Rhyme", which provides a simple and exciting way to remember what to do in case of a fire at home! (3-7 years)<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwZtC0vg7vezpkq-5tgQxquq296Z2rKc7XxENu9NPOTP6-WOjf6P3bTYNh0yERcZLGEpensOQRR52FgWQr-_bMwewrwjO7z1h02Se84sMk8Ie1Ibeuj7SuxrZtNqXNDdB35iatjzK1b_Ek/s1600/firefighters+a+to+z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwZtC0vg7vezpkq-5tgQxquq296Z2rKc7XxENu9NPOTP6-WOjf6P3bTYNh0yERcZLGEpensOQRR52FgWQr-_bMwewrwjO7z1h02Se84sMk8Ie1Ibeuj7SuxrZtNqXNDdB35iatjzK1b_Ek/s320/firefighters+a+to+z.jpg" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Available in <a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/firefighters-a-to-z-chris-l-demarest/1100181597?ean=9780689837982">hardcover</a> and <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Firefighters-A-Chris-L-Demarest/dp/0689859996">paperback</a>.</td></tr>
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<strong><em> <a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/firefighters-a-to-z-chris-l-demarest/1100181597?ean=9780689837982">Firefighters A to Z</a></em></strong> by <a href="http://chrisdemarest.net/">Chris L. Demarest</a> is a great opportunity to teach letters of the alphabet and line-of-fire vocabulary to little firefighter enthusiasts! We follow the daily life of firemen and firewomen during a day at the station and learn the different names of equipment, techniques used, and jobs of each firefighter! (ages 5-8)<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRagh0oIp1OuXUun1LHvCXc33psTTDuwF4gp90tE0NnmJ0IflA5anScr68bdRVYwjCz626_MhW_wxnM-XAma-7f_-SH5ohnWolQ3Efbf1KRfOfTxD1lIg2qMYreiAIf7k-sOguXk2T1FS7/s1600/stop+drop+and+rol.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRagh0oIp1OuXUun1LHvCXc33psTTDuwF4gp90tE0NnmJ0IflA5anScr68bdRVYwjCz626_MhW_wxnM-XAma-7f_-SH5ohnWolQ3Efbf1KRfOfTxD1lIg2qMYreiAIf7k-sOguXk2T1FS7/s320/stop+drop+and+rol.jpg" width="248" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Buy it <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Stop-Drop-Roll-about-Safety/dp/0689843550">here</a>!</td></tr>
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<strong><em> <a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/stop-drop-and-roll-margery-cuyler/1103356002?ean=9780689843556">Stop, Drop and Roll </a></em></strong>by <a href="http://www.margerycuyler.com/">Margery Cuyler</a> is an endearing story about a worrisome little girl named Jessica stressed out to the max during fire prevention week at school. After incessantly checking their fire alarms at home and double-checking the fireplace for safety, her worries are still not put to rest as she endures sleepless nights, obsessing over possible problems with their house and not being able to recall three special words, "Stop, Drop, and Roll." She guesses, “Stop, slop, and troll,” and, “Mop, pop, and bowl," but still can't get it right! Frustrated and on edge, Jessica realizes she is better prepared for an emergency than she thought when Tom's birthday candles are aflame. This is the perfect choice for our analytical, problem-solving little ones and to share with your class for fire prevention week! (5-8 years)<br />
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The kids really enjoyed my husband's fun presentation and the different books I read to the class allowed each one to engage in their own style! Of course, a couple weeks later I found the <em>perfect</em> fire safety book which my girls and I still enjoy reading, <strong><em><a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/miss-mingo-and-the-fire-drill-jamie-harper/1015569227?ean=9780763660864">Miss Mingo and the Fire Drill</a></em></strong> by <a href="http://www.jamieharper.com/">Jamie Harper</a>!<br />
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We found the Miss Mingo series after stumbling upon <em><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Miss-Mingo-First-Day-School/dp/0763641340">Miss Mingo and the First Day of School</a></em> which led us to <em>Miss Mingo and the Fire Drill! </em> Animal enthusiasts get a front row seat to Fire Safety Week in this flamingo's classroom! Chief Grizzly arrives to teach the class all about turnout gear and we soon learn each animal has a much different reaction when threatened. I love the sprinkling of animal facts in this colorful and informative book. After learning about firefighters, it was time to practice a fire drill at school. Several mishaps and silly situations later, Chief Grizzly rewards the class with a ride on the fire truck! I absolutely adore the artwork, all the different characters, and the wonderful lessons taught about fire safety! (Available in <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Miss-Mingo-Drill-Jamie-Harper/dp/0763635979/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&sr=&qid=">hardcover</a> and <a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/miss-mingo-and-the-fire-drill-jamie-harper/1015569227?ean=9780763660864">paperback</a>. Ages 4-8.)<br />
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More fires start in the kitchen than in any other area of the home.</div>
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For some great ways to instill fire safety in your home, </div>
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click<a href="http://www.sparky.org/parentpage/fpwkids.htm"> <em><strong>here</strong></em></a> for a guide, grouped by age, that helps children understand </div>
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what they can do on their own and when they need to ask for an adult's help!</div>
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And teachers click <a href="http://www.nfpa.org/safety-information/fire-prevention-week/for-teachers"><em><strong>here</strong></em></a> for some great resources!</div>
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Thank you so much for stopping by today!!</div>
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Amanda Cunninghamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05208963542135808791noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-98910130395993612.post-1436067879975687112013-10-08T23:50:00.002-05:002015-12-10T09:39:16.051-06:00Stuck on Stick Following the stagnant, overbearing heat of summer, the first crisp gusts of fall sweep in and invigorate our souls. Everyone heads outside to prance and cavort in the cool grass and shade of the full trees before the leaves fall, especially the animals. This time of year always has me searching for whimsical books that transport us to different realms of nature. Time and time again, we always grab the same one when we head to the park, to the campsite, or to a picnic. We are stuck on<em> <a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/stick-steve-breen/1100026774?ean=9780142413036">Stick</a></em> by Steve Breen.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp5YmI6pMommL2_Y91w0lheOlc4zpqPMeCoVApkFME8srwfla21zq-xKNk8c3QSgUIYcNBPYmRpzimnDA7Suc4_c6JzG09SyEsY-1_BKzwfkNJxnePMQMKm-zp5N35xkYGxPC7jOwafZit/s1600/stick+cover+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="244" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp5YmI6pMommL2_Y91w0lheOlc4zpqPMeCoVApkFME8srwfla21zq-xKNk8c3QSgUIYcNBPYmRpzimnDA7Suc4_c6JzG09SyEsY-1_BKzwfkNJxnePMQMKm-zp5N35xkYGxPC7jOwafZit/s320/stick+cover+2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<h4 align="center">
The Story</h4>
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Like any other growing little creature, Stick is every parent's worst nightmare and finest treasure- naïve, independent, and determined to pave his own trail. Even the slight freedoms his mother allows for this long-legged rascal aren't enough. He wants more. Stick wants to prove to himself, his parents, and the world that he can do it on his own! Until one day at lunch, his eyes were too big for his head, and he got carried away- literally! This audacious amphibian takes us on a raucous sail through the soggy backwaters of New Orleans, into the heart of the French Quarter, onto and above the streets of Cajun country all by himself, "until Stick really was all by himself." Thankfully, Stick overcomes his stubbornness and asks a swamp regular, the great blue heron, for a ride and makes it back home safely!<br />
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<h4 class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The Storyteller</h4>
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Steve Breen tackled writing a children's book for the first time with <em>Stick </em>but is no stranger to illustrating. While earning a bachelor degree in political science at the University of California, Riverside, he began contributing editorial cartoons to the school paper, <em><a href="http://www.highlandernews.org/">The Highlander</a></em>. Poised to become a history teacher for high school students, Breen was offered a job by <a href="http://www.app.com/" title="Asbury Park Press"><em>Asbury Park Press</em></a> in the art department. After two years there, he became the full-time editorial cartoonist in 1996. [<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steve_Breen">source</a>] Now a two time Pulitzer-Prize winning editorial cartoonist for <em>The San-Diego Tribune</em>, his pointed but "polite-ical" cartoons can be found in <em>The New York Times</em>, <em>USA Today</em>, <em>Newsweek</em>, and <em>US News and World Report</em>. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEika6JXvddiYzfGEgYtLOsaznQVXtipXS_s-DgBA1isA0TPXawy2SCg2fFMbfD3Fm24n4PZPqd3-lZO9xRJ-aj6kq_a-nIgI8JjrsTDIhBEmrAIZg8H-gNZUo26rjOZQZ0U3JYBNrNevNHz/s1600/photo+(5)+-+Copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="398" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEika6JXvddiYzfGEgYtLOsaznQVXtipXS_s-DgBA1isA0TPXawy2SCg2fFMbfD3Fm24n4PZPqd3-lZO9xRJ-aj6kq_a-nIgI8JjrsTDIhBEmrAIZg8H-gNZUo26rjOZQZ0U3JYBNrNevNHz/s400/photo+(5)+-+Copy.JPG" width="400" /></a> As a celebrated illustrator and father of five, Breen reels us into the bayou with his dazzling depictions of the moss, the gators, the music, and one adorable little frog. You can feel the wind of the highway press your face and hear the sound of the fisherman's boats tug along with his whimsical panel illustrations. </div>
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But this tale is not without a gaggle of giggles! Since the story is told in the style of a comic book with few words, I end up adding silly sound effects to pair with Stick's hilarious predicaments. Even without my ad lib, his tale is full of ridiculous physical comedy and a surprise ending that always gets belly laughs from my girls- no matter how many times we've read it before!</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDdP0yP3_ETrc1c-drNFAPYXvHLXHoLdUmOnXKttVAMZGqsRwk2nhpC6HugaXTRNJkAZ5fnCRBb8ItzFZ6-LN8pAIkPeyKups5uIPmfDBL9LdtY_bBoYGQ3kwElU6Osi_gZzSMZSSreyrO/s1600/photo+(1)+-+Copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDdP0yP3_ETrc1c-drNFAPYXvHLXHoLdUmOnXKttVAMZGqsRwk2nhpC6HugaXTRNJkAZ5fnCRBb8ItzFZ6-LN8pAIkPeyKups5uIPmfDBL9LdtY_bBoYGQ3kwElU6Osi_gZzSMZSSreyrO/s200/photo+(1)+-+Copy.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A sneak peek at the ending. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<h4 align="center">
The Review</h4>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOw0PDyQXC56qc_GKt18TYuXgHG6WXzP4T108pd0nFoMublxhuaaoKzHKF8HWGFekOAPPzSE4TATVKCSRbLJ23sI4fnDa4UJf694rmBccg-LGZb3x6a4ULEmNH-bYxZRIRC7XcL6WmTJLP/s1600/2009-07-11yard-walkw-girls1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOw0PDyQXC56qc_GKt18TYuXgHG6WXzP4T108pd0nFoMublxhuaaoKzHKF8HWGFekOAPPzSE4TATVKCSRbLJ23sI4fnDa4UJf694rmBccg-LGZb3x6a4ULEmNH-bYxZRIRC7XcL6WmTJLP/s1600/2009-07-11yard-walkw-girls1.jpg" /></a> From the very first time I read <em>Stick</em> to my girls, they laughed out loud and have asked me to read it again, and again, and again ever since! Because there are so few words, we enjoy making up dialogue and parts of the story as we go along. We add a different twist to the characters each time we visit Stick! This book is one of the reasons I will never stop shopping at discount bookstores. Without them, I may never have found this gem! <em><a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/stick-steve-breen/1100026774?ean=9780142413036">Stick</a></em> (recommended for preschool - third grade) easily earned <em><strong>5</strong></em> out of 5 blueberries as our 16th <a href="http://islacunninghambooks.blogspot.com/2012/03/blueberry-books-introduction.html">Blueberry Book</a>!!</div>
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<h4 align="center">
The Classroom</h4>
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I found some super cute crafts to get your little ones excited about Stick and his wonderful world as a frog! Click <a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Life-Cycle-of-a-Frog-Wheel-192951">HERE</a> to download the Life Cycle of a Frog Wheel for<em> free</em>!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb2RRK4s8G7G7X3YBJDPnFs-J7wOrKFoH6-QEa9MLDbh5tEw6bwqBH2KBcIqj_Zbgcix3YEHHuY17B2nvpnWqKX0wFOGV8feuLWUtmKGcJgokZwGxsGqhuusqCgABZ907xnxNqotm_i8ZW/s1600/frog+life+cycle+wheel.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb2RRK4s8G7G7X3YBJDPnFs-J7wOrKFoH6-QEa9MLDbh5tEw6bwqBH2KBcIqj_Zbgcix3YEHHuY17B2nvpnWqKX0wFOGV8feuLWUtmKGcJgokZwGxsGqhuusqCgABZ907xnxNqotm_i8ZW/s320/frog+life+cycle+wheel.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">{<a href="http://delightfullearning.blogspot.com/2012/07/the-salamander-room-fiar.html">source</a>}</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
I love the idea of using blowers to demonstrate </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
how the tongue of a frog stretches!</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNdarrIqWo_05K358wmyoHyqqgWUhd581u_Ae3Qb1qZo6539RJrOy9aLmEGeMA10oU2YkSOooEfzWKF1pHroDfOdIEG-GwQCrHrX1OMDjX_eKvAEEX_AB5F2ZCQapnJdVKby6LtE39TJZi/s1600/frog+craft.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNdarrIqWo_05K358wmyoHyqqgWUhd581u_Ae3Qb1qZo6539RJrOy9aLmEGeMA10oU2YkSOooEfzWKF1pHroDfOdIEG-GwQCrHrX1OMDjX_eKvAEEX_AB5F2ZCQapnJdVKby6LtE39TJZi/s320/frog+craft.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">{<a href="http://nelsonmemoir.blogspot.com/2012/09/its-potty-party.html">source</a>}</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<a href="http://www.lakeshorelearning.com/general_content/free_resources/teachers_corner/projects/lifeCycleFroggy.jsp">This poem</a> would be a great way to combine science and reading lesson plans!</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgyJBgIv4Gz1SzgBRKZKCVpyIVsp4AiXdbuF397NhdWL2CPShvI7wpl2qkHXrlmQz5FdcQIfw5p68FZdDrPnzCINQheT1Sou0j9N8KtfWaQN4AcbiA7CgEkvgqhLwty1jdRVUrC5FrXDiq/s1600/frog+poem.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgyJBgIv4Gz1SzgBRKZKCVpyIVsp4AiXdbuF397NhdWL2CPShvI7wpl2qkHXrlmQz5FdcQIfw5p68FZdDrPnzCINQheT1Sou0j9N8KtfWaQN4AcbiA7CgEkvgqhLwty1jdRVUrC5FrXDiq/s640/frog+poem.bmp" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">{<a href="http://delightfullearning.blogspot.com/2012/07/the-salamander-room-fiar.html">source</a>}</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<div align="center">
And for those a bit more patient than others, </div>
<div align="center">
this free <a href="http://www.jumpintoabook.com/2013/06/its-mine-by-leo-lionni/">Origami Jumping Frog</a> and <a href="http://mylittle3andme.co.uk/paper-plate-frog-mask-animal-mask/">Frog Mask</a> look fun!!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj72h37RPAgcq1rFUNMpKQavN7gvnYI5pTeN-PcANoEPf8E3oa7biL_5N7oFUPKMlKgyng1fbrcPakasaOEA7ZGocaE6nDsN8V9CuRsUcNGDQ2fPgNDXO_JUzV8YEua7QXaktG0z2OkA_9h/s1600/origami-frog-tutorial.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj72h37RPAgcq1rFUNMpKQavN7gvnYI5pTeN-PcANoEPf8E3oa7biL_5N7oFUPKMlKgyng1fbrcPakasaOEA7ZGocaE6nDsN8V9CuRsUcNGDQ2fPgNDXO_JUzV8YEua7QXaktG0z2OkA_9h/s320/origami-frog-tutorial.jpg" width="236" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj53EMzCyRS3fp6yBteXrAcmhSR173dIgvIrv2gY8tDW8UcXslg1je9X1emQAwGkWB5ZQzqvVjVutEbTlQRKntQ9tdkJlmWIdCQExdGogy4sWEe6YQKiyWwiu0imZoiUz1FJWUEY4FrrkLj/s1600/Frog-Mask-Pin-crop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj53EMzCyRS3fp6yBteXrAcmhSR173dIgvIrv2gY8tDW8UcXslg1je9X1emQAwGkWB5ZQzqvVjVutEbTlQRKntQ9tdkJlmWIdCQExdGogy4sWEe6YQKiyWwiu0imZoiUz1FJWUEY4FrrkLj/s320/Frog-Mask-Pin-crop.jpg" width="183" /></a></div>
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According to <a href="http://hubpages.com/hub/Life-Cycle-of-a-Frog-Lesson-Plan-for-Elementary-Students">this lesson plan</a>, we aren't that different from frogs. <br />
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<em> How are you similar to a frog?</em><br />
<div class="modulePollResults" id="18284767_poll_results">
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<ul><em>
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<li><em>I hop about madly never going very far.</em></li>
<em>
</em>
<li><em>I stick out my tongue a lot.</em></li>
<em>
</em>
<li><em>I love green and I'm cute.</em></li>
<em>
</em>
<li><em>I often feel like a stick in the mud.</em></li>
<em>
</em></ul>
</form>
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Lastly, here are some discussion questions, courtesy of <a href="http://lesliepreddy.com/">Leslie Preddy</a>!</div>
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Pre-reading: <br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>What do you know about frogs? </li>
<li>What do frogs eat? </li>
<li>How do frogs eat? </li>
<li>What adventures have you gone on or want to go on? </li>
</ul>
<br />
During reading: <br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>What kind of things do you like to do by yourself? (page 1) </li>
<li>What do you think Stick’s mom is thinking on this page? (page 2-3). </li>
<li>Do you think Stick realizes the danger he could face? (page 6-7) </li>
<li>What do you think will happen when Stick goes through town? (page 9) </li>
<li>What do you think “jazzy city” means? (page 10) </li>
<li>What do you think will happen next to Stick? (page 13) </li>
<li>Why is everyone in town chasing Stick? (page 16) </li>
<li>What do you think will carry Stick away this time? (page 19) </li>
<li>By looking at the picture, what do you think the motorcycle rider is thinking? (page 20)</li>
<li>What do you think Stick is feeling by looking at this picture? Why? (page 27) </li>
<li>Why do you think Stick finally asks for help? (page 28) </li>
<li>How do you think Stick and his mom will feel when they see each other again? (page 33) </li>
<li>What happened to the lightening bug? (page 38) </li>
</ul>
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Post-reading: <br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>What do you think Stick learned while he was away from home? </li>
<li>Do you think he will go on another adventure anytime soon? </li>
</ul>
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<br />
<div align="center">
Thank you for reading!</div>
<div align="center">
Subscribe via email in the top right column to receive email<em> only</em> for new posts!</div>
Amanda Cunninghamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05208963542135808791noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-98910130395993612.post-53498241502481692852013-09-27T18:28:00.000-05:002015-12-10T09:39:02.383-06:00The treasure for me hearties... Ahoy me buckos! Gangway for the announcement of the giveaway winners!! Here are the names of me beauties who won the booty:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWhjYOonZrWSDq34Ayt1c2-Kwxvy-t3pm7Bl2uB6ClcQdyoHbPYvTXS_dXgVHdqAVQyO866RqG3CfHcaWMK-LZYAQeHkAUsLEBzQ0tb5z2eIz-S0VEBEehtS3bu8hdBERCe8_8GK23IiEP/s1600/peterwinner.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/AVvXsEhWhjYOonZrWSDq34Ayt1c2-Kwxvy-t3pm7Bl2uB6ClcQdyoHbPYvTXS_dXgVHdqAVQyO866RqG3CfHcaWMK-LZYAQeHkAUsLEBzQ0tb5z2eIz-S0VEBEehtS3bu8hdBERCe8_8GK23IiEP/s320/peterwinner.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<h4 style="text-align: left;">
Sarita</h4>
<h4 style="text-align: left;">
Nikki</h4>
<h4 style="text-align: left;">
Kate</h4>
<h4 style="text-align: left;">
Michelle</h4>
<h4 style="text-align: left;">
David</h4>
<h4 style="text-align: left;">
Allison</h4>
<h4 style="text-align: left;">
Hishabibi</h4>
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We hope ye enjoy the loot as much as me lasses do already!! Cast me a message {<a href="mailto:%7Bislacunninghambooks@gmail.com">islacunninghambooks@gmail.com</a>} with ye address so I can send you this treasure smartly! Many thanks extended to ye for entering! Stay tuned in the next few weeks...for more treasure awaits...<br />
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Until then, feast yer eyes on this grog perfect for ye sea dogs:<br />
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<h4 align="center">
Pirate Punch</h4>
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(Sonic's Ocean Water)</div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGPE83ist-BCwsFscXQ1J62hDkfbKoy6oLPbe8PnkB9XITZkJLfighHZSBGg21KDJjVes_ApCDQ0KB85GEEvGTe4DFlhpCOxJVrOd0KNMJDBIr0oT2bU8ZW-bweiP6W8XFDV697IvOVhGh/s1600/pirate+punch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGPE83ist-BCwsFscXQ1J62hDkfbKoy6oLPbe8PnkB9XITZkJLfighHZSBGg21KDJjVes_ApCDQ0KB85GEEvGTe4DFlhpCOxJVrOd0KNMJDBIr0oT2bU8ZW-bweiP6W8XFDV697IvOVhGh/s320/pirate+punch.jpg" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.hwtm.com/index.cfm?page=albums/view_album&albumid=6130&photoid=72468">Pirate Party</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
INGREDIENTS:<br />
<br />
6 Tablespoons water<br />
6 Tablespoons sugar<br />
2 teaspoons
coconut extract<br />
4 drops blue food coloring<br />
48 oz. Lemon-lime
soda<br />
Ice<br />
<br />
DIRECTIONS:<br />
<br />
Combine water and sugar. Microwave for
30-45 seconds and stir to combine until sugar is fully dissolved. (Alternately,
you may heat this on a stovetop to dissolve.) Allow to cool, then add food
coloring and extract. Mix into lemon-lime soda and pour over ice.<br />
<br />
{recipe from <a href="http://f-e-s-t.blogspot.com/2012/08/ocean-water.html">Fest</a>}<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd3GuAm5gH8SfWALxHySEORmyRSuai_KE-s7XSUzNtgrhHraFyuGyqlTbSOQju84yV0SeK9i8LZ_2H1inOr4ot9SlmExwDbTYTy6Kr1E7BBVMRIeydOw7RSPTk8zsTjPF0I6mg7YtuqLQ7/s1600/lost+at+sea.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="398" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd3GuAm5gH8SfWALxHySEORmyRSuai_KE-s7XSUzNtgrhHraFyuGyqlTbSOQju84yV0SeK9i8LZ_2H1inOr4ot9SlmExwDbTYTy6Kr1E7BBVMRIeydOw7RSPTk8zsTjPF0I6mg7YtuqLQ7/s400/lost+at+sea.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">{<a href="http://chrispiascik.com/2011/10/lost-at-sea/">source</a>}</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">{<a href="http://www.inspirewetrust.com/2013/07/11/quotes-collection-something-to-believe-in-22/">source</a>}<br />
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Amanda Cunninghamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05208963542135808791noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-98910130395993612.post-81103494968019883192013-09-19T12:57:00.001-05:002015-12-10T09:38:51.502-06:00Marooned on Me Favorite Day<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjefraYnlO5mwifnTDiiDIQwnUbauhzmcnrF2OPZTda8SdFhyphenhyphenhqeNw3dUokKdIT1TC9syxxxtYIDqHXbkUJlSVEwdfyFWu3LbVcKLaqVPunTf2tdfM8iI2I9uAhTUq4sLYeFtbZsMsOx_m_/s1600/pirateday.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/AVvXsEjefraYnlO5mwifnTDiiDIQwnUbauhzmcnrF2OPZTda8SdFhyphenhyphenhqeNw3dUokKdIT1TC9syxxxtYIDqHXbkUJlSVEwdfyFWu3LbVcKLaqVPunTf2tdfM8iI2I9uAhTUq4sLYeFtbZsMsOx_m_/s320/pirateday.JPG" width="320" /></a> I'm home alone today, marooned and swabbing the hull while me wee buckos are off at school. After a groggy morning I spent overflowing the scuttlebutts, jamming lunches in bags, bows in hair, and booty from our favorite book into their skulls, I am careening. Everything from the moonraker to Davy Jones' Locker will sparkle like a freshly polished doubloon before my deckhands return. I want to plunder the afternoon with me hearties and revel in what has become one of me favorite days of the year, International Talk Like a Pirate Day!!! If you want to enjoy the day immersed in the swashbuckling seas of pirates too, then climb aboard, me hearties!!</div>
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Our most treasured pirate tale of them all is <a href="http://islacunninghambooks.blogspot.com/2012/10/charlotte-jane-battles-bedtime.html"><em>Charlotte Jane Battles Bedtime</em></a>!</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">{<a href="http://islacunninghambooks.blogspot.com/2012/10/charlotte-jane-battles-bedtime.html">photo source</a>}</td></tr>
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Sail back with me and feast your eyes on this...</div>
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<strong> "Debut author, Myra Wolfe, and Spanish illustrator, </strong><a href="http://www.monescillo.es/"><span style="color: #d52a33;"><strong>Maria Monescillo</strong></span></a><strong>, shivered me timbers and cajoled me with their pirate patter and seawater brushings into shelling out a few doubloons for our very own copy of </strong><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Charlotte-Jane-Battles-Bedtime-Wolfe/dp/0152061509"><span style="color: #d52a33;"><strong>Charlotte Jane Battles Bedtime</strong></span></a><strong>. After swiping it off the shelf and clutching it to my heart, I felt like I had just defeated a gang of lily-livered hornswagglers and beat them to the booty."</strong> Read more <a href="http://islacunninghambooks.blogspot.com/2012/10/charlotte-jane-battles-bedtime.html"><em>here</em></a>!</div>
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While Charlotte Jane is tailored for girls, </div>
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<em><a href="http://www.betterworldbooks.com/9780152018481-id-9780152018481.aspx">How I Became a Pirate</a></em> is perfect for lads!</div>
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It is one of our favorites from the *Lately in the Library* series!</div>
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{Read more<a href="http://islacunninghambooks.blogspot.com/2012/07/lately-at-library-pirates-circus-and.html"> here</a>.}</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgSL9sZ7y_AQcpq-I3plZ8x01EdPSus6sBbj0F8vCdgZIof3kFT4Pnx4Ceo2xP69-_TQeiOtWmIoy61gnsms9N45kNjKwXaYEu4g0_D7gf34cJdV19YRKbM8sdmgnNKJ4_P1AQ72scOXTY/s1600/How%2520I%2520Became%2520a%2520Pirate%25202.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgSL9sZ7y_AQcpq-I3plZ8x01EdPSus6sBbj0F8vCdgZIof3kFT4Pnx4Ceo2xP69-_TQeiOtWmIoy61gnsms9N45kNjKwXaYEu4g0_D7gf34cJdV19YRKbM8sdmgnNKJ4_P1AQ72scOXTY/s400/How%2520I%2520Became%2520a%2520Pirate%25202.jpg" width="325" /></a></div>
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We spotted this excellent collection of poems at the library,</div>
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<a href="http://books.simonandschuster.com/Shiver-Me-Timbers!/Douglas-Florian/9781442413214"><em>Shiver Me Timbers! Pirate Poems & Paintings</em></a>,</div>
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last year and smartly swipe our card for it on a regular basis!</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Purchase it <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Shiver-Me-Timbers-Pirate-Paintings/dp/1442413212">here</a>! {<a href="http://neubeckerbooks.com/collections/shiver-me-timbers-by-doug-florian#!/image_8095">photo source</a>}</td></tr>
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While preparing me wee buckos for school this past summer,</div>
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we unturned this jewel of a book, <a href="http://www.scholastic.com/teachers/book/pirates-go-school"><em>Pirates Go To School</em></a>, and added it to our loot.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Buy it <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Pirates-Go-School-Corinne-Demas/dp/0545206294">here</a>! {<a href="http://www.corinnedemas.com/books/pirates.html">photo source</a>}</td></tr>
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<strong>"Pirates come to school each day </strong></div>
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<strong>with backpacks full of books.</strong></div>
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<strong>They hang their pirate swords up </strong></div>
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<strong>in the coatroom on the hooks."</strong> </div>
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Why, we even found one helpful with potty training, <em><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Pirate-Petes-Potty-Ladybird-training/dp/1409302202">Pirate Pete's Potty</a>,</em></div>
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as I previously wrote about our poop deck adventures in <a href="http://islacunninghambooks.blogspot.com/2012/11/everyone-poops_28.html"><em>Everyone Poops</em></a>...</div>
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<strong> "Just as your soft cloud of a baby whose caterpillar crawl and tender coos have been replaced with the trail-blazing, defiant, chaos-making toddler, it is time to potty train. Yes, now when she is the most unruly I am expected to teach her how to give up the only remaining comfort from babyhood- the luxury to go wherever and whenever she pleases without judgment. And like all else as a new parent, it is frightening."</strong> For all my tips and research on potty training, read more<em> </em><a href="http://islacunninghambooks.blogspot.com/2012/11/everyone-poops_28.html"><em>here</em></a>!</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Read a review <a href="http://natashaworswick.wordpress.com/2011/06/28/poos-wees-and-books-reading-around-potty-training/">here</a>! Get a copy <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Pirate-Petes-Potty-Ladybird-training/dp/1409302202">here</a>!</td></tr>
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I wish ye a day filled with only the best grub and grog the Barbary Coast can offer! If you want to join in on the <a href="http://www.talklikeapirate.com/piratehome.html">Talk Like a Pirate Day</a> fun, use this <a href="http://talklikeapirate.com/translator.html">English-to-Pirate Translator</a>, or even a <a href="http://www.the-pirate-ship.com/piratedictionary.html">Pirate Dictionary</a> and get yer wheels turnin', ye landlubbers!</div>
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Before I weigh anchor, let me remind ye about our <strong><em>GIVEAWAY</em></strong> happening now,</div>
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which is most likely perfect for yer wee little pirates!</div>
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I am <strong>giving</strong> away <strong>seven </strong>of these <em>Peter Pan Step Into Reading</em> books!!</div>
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If you have a kindergartener or preschooler learning to read, </div>
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this *Step 1* Easy Reader book will be a fantastic help! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhja2Cixu7X9tvUr-4eYVdfM3ehQiBkR8WOa5wTWlt3OMwE8HbW2pWCmDBrZ-70rAWNODrMzVeYiPUBXPotupRzyU6eKvUjncn03125mn91TldpP23r5ScskQz6p1UXi9lgheK0vrc2Q47v/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhja2Cixu7X9tvUr-4eYVdfM3ehQiBkR8WOa5wTWlt3OMwE8HbW2pWCmDBrZ-70rAWNODrMzVeYiPUBXPotupRzyU6eKvUjncn03125mn91TldpP23r5ScskQz6p1UXi9lgheK0vrc2Q47v/s320/photo.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Choose from an option below to enter the GIVEAWAY today! <br />
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<li>Follow me on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/islabooks">Facebook</a> (if you haven't already), share the photo link for the giveaway on your page, then comment on my photo to let me know you shared.</li>
<li>Find me on <a href="http://instagram.com/islabooks">Instagram,</a> regram the giveaway picture and tag me in your photo so I know you shared (if your profile is private, then comment on my picture).</li>
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Click on my original post, "<a href="http://islacunninghambooks.blogspot.com/2013/09/peter-pan-birthday-giveaway.html">Peter Pan Birthday Giveaway",</a> for more info!!</div>
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Keep your body healthy,</h4>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuF6ezluoDGnWFFTMiwDI09sFBNEGg5K3Z9xhSjJ8s0o4PcKhRnCrYjVKNU922Tl5ImYSMow69MBBkUEZCb8ka0StIBSUbMh3ZBqw0Ll4B8RXW9zB8SEoGYhOWXkfoJJd_CYxYzmxyF8Je/s1600/DSC_0177.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuF6ezluoDGnWFFTMiwDI09sFBNEGg5K3Z9xhSjJ8s0o4PcKhRnCrYjVKNU922Tl5ImYSMow69MBBkUEZCb8ka0StIBSUbMh3ZBqw0Ll4B8RXW9zB8SEoGYhOWXkfoJJd_CYxYzmxyF8Je/s400/DSC_0177.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Get yer eyes checked,</h4>
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Use yer brains,</h4>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikQEICuXGdYAsgG6faFG3RvlNIeHScwF-6Z-iFefumM6a1Pa9j2MJFFp6dqghX6-7T4U8dNMAEJIPFIeHGPzgBX7pDQklN1-ysI4EXljMi_utXtKR822JKaZ0d-2GXQZ2jFHpIqHDsjWUM/s1600/talk+like+pirate.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikQEICuXGdYAsgG6faFG3RvlNIeHScwF-6Z-iFefumM6a1Pa9j2MJFFp6dqghX6-7T4U8dNMAEJIPFIeHGPzgBX7pDQklN1-ysI4EXljMi_utXtKR822JKaZ0d-2GXQZ2jFHpIqHDsjWUM/s400/talk+like+pirate.jpg" width="333" /></a></div>
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And read a book!!! (any book)</h4>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSDhKeerfQqQec5GnDKGSlE-DZyZw7cWkg2CvGGvU3mWt6JmN8VqjnBpAGY-ivK2XAJ4ZsVo8V6TgvoG7Ehdt0En0IoArg3F9z5DfOCYfQbcIIOCe4_dQqpxSJJtBi2DCZkrjswHD-O8bR/s1600/reading-with-pirates.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSDhKeerfQqQec5GnDKGSlE-DZyZw7cWkg2CvGGvU3mWt6JmN8VqjnBpAGY-ivK2XAJ4ZsVo8V6TgvoG7Ehdt0En0IoArg3F9z5DfOCYfQbcIIOCe4_dQqpxSJJtBi2DCZkrjswHD-O8bR/s1600/reading-with-pirates.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">{<a href="http://www.searchamelia.com/reading-with-pirates">photo source</a>}</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Amanda Cunninghamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05208963542135808791noreply@blogger.com0