tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-67629069414765182042024-02-02T09:27:44.147-05:00Babbles by BrookA place for me to post my ramblings.Brookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16213128129986617432noreply@blogger.comBlogger505125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6762906941476518204.post-58830652848519865612014-12-26T21:41:00.000-05:002014-12-26T21:56:51.612-05:00Patience Pays OffI have been scanning Craigslist for months looking for a nice used loft bed for Lily. Her room is rather small and a loft seemed like it would allow for a lot more space for her to play.<br />
<br />
Then, a few weeks ago, I saw the Holy Grail of beds had been just been posted by the Bloomington Habitat Restore. It was a Pottery Barn loft with desk area below. This was exactly what I had been looking for, in great shape and at a very reasonable price. Corey and I drove straight there and I practically flew up to the counter to hand over my money in exchange for the "SOLD" sign.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/spring_peeper/15493317174" title="IMG_4041 by Brook, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_4041" height="480" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7475/15493317174_04c2ddaea8_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
It was very difficult keeping the secret but we kept the disassembled bed in the garage until Christmas. On Christmas Eve, Corey and I tried to work as quietly as possible to assemble the bed while Lily snoozed in the basement (we told her she might have a glimpse of Santa that way, since he obviously would come in through the chimney of the wood stove). Being obsessed with all things medical, I created a little doctor's office below by making some curtains out of bed sheets, and adding a little plastic drawer set filled with bandages and first aid supplies. I printed out a handful of x-ray images I found online, an eye chart and some signage for her office. I punched holes in the signs and they are hung on tiny command hooks I installed. She can switch out the x-rays and change the "open" sign to "closed". We also added some inexpensive light bars from Ikea to the underside of the bed so that there is ample light, even with the curtains closed.<br />
<br />
The bed was a great success and she has been doctoring everything in sight. Such a lucky find and I think I might love it even more than she does.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/spring_peeper/15928224458" title="QD4A9337 by Brook, on Flickr"><img alt="QD4A9337" height="427" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7543/15928224458_ded84302d7_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/spring_peeper/16113736561" title="QD4A9338 by Brook, on Flickr"><img alt="QD4A9338" height="427" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8566/16113736561_4c731ca43d_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/spring_peeper/16114915392" title="QD4A9347 by Brook, on Flickr"><img alt="QD4A9347" height="427" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7464/16114915392_3d6816f799_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/spring_peeper/15928366060" title="QD4A9341 by Brook, on Flickr"><img alt="QD4A9341" height="427" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7503/15928366060_5ec72f15f8_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/spring_peeper/15928229468" title="QD4A9343 by Brook, on Flickr"><img alt="QD4A9343" height="427" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7466/15928229468_fbacde3217_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/spring_peeper/16114917682" title="QD4A9355 by Brook, on Flickr"><img alt="QD4A9355" height="427" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7469/16114917682_147a71b115_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/spring_peeper/16115647435" title="QD4A9339 by Brook, on Flickr"><img alt="QD4A9339" height="427" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7513/16115647435_43983109de_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />Brookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16213128129986617432noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6762906941476518204.post-90971832076670017632014-11-15T20:18:00.001-05:002014-11-17T10:07:08.259-05:00The new Lily<div style="text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/spring_peeper/15789766325" title="QD4A4746 by Brook, on Flickr"><img alt="QD4A4746" height="800" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8670/15789766325_cd94986ecf_c.jpg" width="534" /></a></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Shockwaves hit the Rieman household last Thursday when Lily made a split-second, yet drastic decision. She decided to cut her hair. My lovely friend Leslie was planning to just take a few inches, but after the hair started hitting the ground, Lily made a chopping motion to the back of her neck and said "Cut it to here". I thought she was joking because we talk almost daily about cutting it but she always insists on keeping it super long. Her nickname could have been "Lily Long Hair". It soon became apparent that she wasn't joking and I had to fight the sudden urge to cry. I know that I threaten to cut it whenever we fight over brushing, but here she was, saying she was ready and I wasn't prepared. Within minutes, the deed was done and Lily was over the moon with her new look. I think it's pretty darned cute, myself.<br />
<br />
The anticipation…<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/spring_peeper/15791360792" title="QD4A4674 by Brook, on Flickr"><img alt="QD4A4674" height="534" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7532/15791360792_f6b9193d2a_c.jpg" width="800" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/spring_peeper/15789784755" title="QD4A4682 by Brook, on Flickr"><img alt="QD4A4682" height="534" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7487/15789784755_7d0d1a35c2_c.jpg" width="800" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/spring_peeper/15604957000" title="QD4A4685 by Brook, on Flickr"><img alt="QD4A4685" height="534" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7533/15604957000_66403411f0_c.jpg" width="800" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/spring_peeper/15603969199" title="QD4A4688 by Brook, on Flickr"><img alt="QD4A4688" height="800" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5611/15603969199_59f9d8c564_c.jpg" width="534" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/spring_peeper/15603967469" title="QD4A4689 by Brook, on Flickr"><img alt="QD4A4689" height="534" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5613/15603967469_f9ff91594a_c.jpg" width="800" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/spring_peeper/15603974369" title="QD4A4683 by Brook, on Flickr"><img alt="QD4A4683" height="534" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5610/15603974369_950a361539_c.jpg" width="800" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Her first look…</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/spring_peeper/15169833314" title="QD4A4690 by Brook, on Flickr"><img alt="QD4A4690" height="534" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7488/15169833314_d64d4091c5_c.jpg" width="800" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/spring_peeper/15787912631" title="QD4A4700 by Brook, on Flickr"><img alt="QD4A4700" height="800" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5608/15787912631_a0e9e78989_c.jpg" width="534" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/spring_peeper/15170337213" title="QD4A4741 by Brook, on Flickr"><img alt="QD4A4741" height="800" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7519/15170337213_57097055f3_c.jpg" width="534" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/spring_peeper/15789772305" title="QD4A4694 by Brook, on Flickr"><img alt="QD4A4694" height="800" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7535/15789772305_8e8b5d7e26_c.jpg" width="534" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/spring_peeper/15170339513" title="QD4A4723 by Brook, on Flickr"><img alt="QD4A4723" height="534" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7533/15170339513_cf8e5c9312_c.jpg" width="800" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/spring_peeper/15791341972" title="QD4A4733 by Brook, on Flickr"><img alt="QD4A4733" height="534" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7539/15791341972_c1f321dc34_c.jpg" width="800" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We like it.</div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Brookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16213128129986617432noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6762906941476518204.post-48073585603945532292014-01-22T09:26:00.001-05:002014-01-22T09:26:47.938-05:00The Milking<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhvfWHJONp2zDHEm-36rshEZgZMtnvXKIzw0dLx-6RQu_Ip_FZtEgGfZZ2KfO9icPvwDbceybf0VbCqlBsDw19KHVSiFho0gNH5s-WAIBamwqO6oV9YjV1BXszdApNm2GC1kYt1K30qkc/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhvfWHJONp2zDHEm-36rshEZgZMtnvXKIzw0dLx-6RQu_Ip_FZtEgGfZZ2KfO9icPvwDbceybf0VbCqlBsDw19KHVSiFho0gNH5s-WAIBamwqO6oV9YjV1BXszdApNm2GC1kYt1K30qkc/s1600/photo.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
This morning I slipped on my Mom's coveralls before heading out to take care of the rabbit and chickens. The familiar fabric and smell of the coveralls flooded me with memories of my Mom. As I knocked the ice out of the chicken bucket, I felt transported back to my early years. I was sitting in the patched up lawn chair, scratching a cat and chatting with Mom as she milked. As we talked about life and the world, the metronome "splat… splat… splat" of goats milk hitting the metal pan kept pace. I remember the smell of the udder wash, the rag from one of Dad's old t-shirts and the steam rolling off the washing bucket. I remember the way her steady, powerful hands could express twice as much milk as mine could in the same amount of time. I remember the gentile and loving way my mom stroked the goat's neck to tell her she was "all done". We had some deep conversations in the milking room. Some of my very best memories in that dusty, cobwebbby space. As a kid, I took all of that time for granted. Now I look back and realize how special it really was. Two times per day for 20 years, I knew I could find my mom and have her (almost) undivided attention. In that room she taught me who I was, and to be strong and brave and how to be a good person.<br />
<br />
So now, as I wear these coveralls, I try not to be sad, but to be happy - for the wonderful life she gave me and the memories I like these that will always keep her close.Brookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16213128129986617432noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6762906941476518204.post-48616787982242686302013-12-25T19:31:00.001-05:002013-12-25T19:34:42.674-05:00Kitchen RemodelIn our home as in many others, the kitchen is the "hub" of activity. Corey and I love to cook and the walls of the kitchen were pretty confining and there was little room for seating. Dinner parties meant a few people in the living room, and others in the kitchen. We have always said that the one thing we would love in a house would be an open concept kitchen / living area. A few weeks ago, we realized that this was actually a real possibility in our current place. The wall between our kitchen and living room was not load-bearing, and a row of upper cabinets could be moved to another area without any loss of storage space. Bye bye ugly blue countertop! <br />
<br />
In just a few weeks, the transformation is almost complete! We also added a bar for extra seating. I can now see the lake while cooking breakfast and talk to Lily while she plays in her room! Here are some "Before and After" photos.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMl4MrsvbXvI0uFbKyXihNJoxcqjJmWHr0pqCoGpCkfx4N_F6EKyJSnd6cEBrFPoOCrXzzu0wLAN3AN8GgpGWPPmaX7-U1YFk-5w79ZQ9GCn5z5LKGs9KH1lrBJN7AWCuyFh-GUUv6Ur0/s1600/photo+3+copy_WEB.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMl4MrsvbXvI0uFbKyXihNJoxcqjJmWHr0pqCoGpCkfx4N_F6EKyJSnd6cEBrFPoOCrXzzu0wLAN3AN8GgpGWPPmaX7-U1YFk-5w79ZQ9GCn5z5LKGs9KH1lrBJN7AWCuyFh-GUUv6Ur0/s1600/photo+3+copy_WEB.jpg" /></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm_fGI1xg-B40Ic-IpveHQonFTDxQemSt9W97OJO_O_3wAEIKBZuV-qz40pgRB3Pn8v1RfiOYgEs9EF0VKzkTOu7bZ4CrCG13kuaI-yX6A2TIVFRHvQm7Yx77Fds_MyKFQLVa9QQdoUo8/s1600/photo+4_WEB.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm_fGI1xg-B40Ic-IpveHQonFTDxQemSt9W97OJO_O_3wAEIKBZuV-qz40pgRB3Pn8v1RfiOYgEs9EF0VKzkTOu7bZ4CrCG13kuaI-yX6A2TIVFRHvQm7Yx77Fds_MyKFQLVa9QQdoUo8/s1600/photo+4_WEB.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrO0eS0ObXUKCng0kgLueVhsH_BRW765-8TQT9zsmGeqkJyfNN910WPPsvlALhSfnNuVvIa_mpVlO94I_Gop6CVOJKI7gbF8PqYjOMbssJO0jbAwD-Sj4xFDj8aRKm-_BBbwZ8NUWchQk/s1600/photo+2+copy_WEB.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrO0eS0ObXUKCng0kgLueVhsH_BRW765-8TQT9zsmGeqkJyfNN910WPPsvlALhSfnNuVvIa_mpVlO94I_Gop6CVOJKI7gbF8PqYjOMbssJO0jbAwD-Sj4xFDj8aRKm-_BBbwZ8NUWchQk/s1600/photo+2+copy_WEB.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsdNvdMvipk75BqYW3o2c17wAH-pAn-Rxhgx3BtW_uEkk-vWR4f_glPxT543dI3Bl0ZSvOxZsPwAgUPlCaXtHBi2ORGWqmmOAALp8ug4ndJmCA9g5A-kYbjkfnxP3M32_wnpXDxh2gc38/s1600/photo+1+copy+2_WEB.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="427" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsdNvdMvipk75BqYW3o2c17wAH-pAn-Rxhgx3BtW_uEkk-vWR4f_glPxT543dI3Bl0ZSvOxZsPwAgUPlCaXtHBi2ORGWqmmOAALp8ug4ndJmCA9g5A-kYbjkfnxP3M32_wnpXDxh2gc38/s640/photo+1+copy+2_WEB.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
There is room to seat 5 or 6 at the bar. Woohoo! Party time! Excellent.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />Brookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16213128129986617432noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6762906941476518204.post-49628847363720862802013-08-18T11:03:00.000-04:002013-08-18T11:07:26.916-04:00Big Woods BreweryThe word "shy" would not be included in any list used to describe this kid. I wanted to share a few photos from our recent dinner at the brewery in Nashville.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Lily really liked the man playing guitar. In return, she had to do a little performance of her own.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="480" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/Jsx0N6Qc7XE" width="640"></iframe></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Next, she chatted up the guy behind the counter.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/spring_peeper/9539222788/" title="photo 2 copy 2 by spring_peeper, on Flickr"><img alt="photo 2 copy 2" height="800" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5535/9539222788_b3a16032e4_c.jpg" width="600" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
She loved the dough they gave her. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/spring_peeper/9539222292/" title="photo 1 by spring_peeper, on Flickr"><img alt="photo 1" height="600" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7318/9539222292_b0beee374a_c.jpg" width="800" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/spring_peeper/9539223236/" title="photo 3 by spring_peeper, on Flickr"><img alt="photo 3" height="600" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3697/9539223236_0334d91a21_c.jpg" width="800" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Good times!<br />
<br />
Everyone always asks, the dress is from http://www.betterwithabow.com She makes amazing things! This one is a little too big for her, but she insists on wearing it nearly everyday, anyway :)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Brookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16213128129986617432noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6762906941476518204.post-53247653926279657042013-04-16T22:41:00.001-04:002013-04-16T22:41:57.702-04:00Senior VideoFor those who do not follow my business blog, I wanted to share this Senior Video we created a few weeks ago.<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="281" mozallowfullscreen="" src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/63711881" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="500"></iframe> <a href="http://vimeo.com/63711881">Brook Rieman Photography Senior Experience</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/brookriemanphotography">Brook Rieman</a> on <a href="http://vimeo.com/">Vimeo</a>.Brookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16213128129986617432noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6762906941476518204.post-40559011160340259152013-01-31T08:04:00.001-05:002013-01-31T08:04:57.729-05:00UnsettlingLast night Lily slept in our bed. She's started getting more fearful of the dark and last night she had a rough time getting to sleep and wanted to be with us. <br />
<br />
At 3 in the morning, I wake up to quiet giggling. Then maniacal laughter while she is still fully asleep. Then, in the happiest voice imaginable, she sing-songs "Dad-dy got a base-ball, Dad-dy got a base-ball". <br />
<br />
Next, she says "Mommy! It bounces!! It flies!!!". Then she rolled over and finished sleeping. Too funny.<br />
Brookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16213128129986617432noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6762906941476518204.post-65620928541777574472013-01-24T22:39:00.001-05:002013-01-24T22:44:05.799-05:00Horse loverLily has been talking more and more about horses. She likes to pretend she is a horse and when she gets tired of that, Corey and I have to play the role of the horse. She can often be found riding around the house or the grocery store on an imaginary horse, saying "Gimme Up Girl!". We tried to tell her it's "Giddy Up" but she doesn't believe us. She says we need to buy a real horse and can't understand why she cannot have one right this moment. <br />
<br />
She loves to talk about the horse my mom had, Rusty. Tonight she said "Mommy, I'm going to play Grandma and you play Rusty". We played for awhile and suddenly I was overcome with emotion, realizing in what a real and tangible way my Mom's soul is continuing to live on through her grandkids. Lily loved her (and continues to love her) so much. It only makes sense that Lily wants to be like Grandma and I can't really imagine a better role model for her to have in life.<br />
<br />
Unfortunately for Mom, I was never bitten very hard by the horse "bug". What fun she would have had teaching Lily all about horses, their care, training, and of course, how to ride. <br />
Brookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16213128129986617432noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6762906941476518204.post-20365624589125753642013-01-06T11:20:00.001-05:002013-01-06T11:20:11.013-05:00Fish FamilyWe are the very lucky recipients of a hand-me-down fish tank from a friend. I knew it was a nice tank, but I guess I didn't realize it was THIS big. It is really amazing!<br />
<br />
The base was a natural pine that didn't really fit with our living room decor. A quick coat of paint helped it match our other furniture quite well.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/spring_peeper/8353238837/" title="photo 1 by spring_peeper, on Flickr"><img alt="photo 1" height="600" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8080/8353238837_92098d417b_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />
<br />
Lily was ready for fish right away. As the tank filled, she kept asking where the fish were, because she couldn't see them yet. We plan to keep cichlids in this tank and after doing quite a bit of research online, it looks like we need to let the tank cycle for anywhere from 3-6 weeks before adding fish (for best results). That is a long time for a 3 year old. To help add a little "life" to the tank, I decided we needed to add a photo of our very own fish family. I set up my lights in the kitchen and took a family photo, carefully placing our bodies in such a way that we could be seen behind the tank ornaments. I wanted us to be exactly life-sized, so I meticulously measured our head size and had a 20x30 print made.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/spring_peeper/8353239303/" title="fishfam by spring_peeper, on Flickr"><img alt="fishfam" height="534" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8352/8353239303_c1388892d3_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />
<br />
I attached it to the back of the tank and voila...<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/spring_peeper/8354301564/" title="photo 4 by spring_peeper, on Flickr"><img alt="photo 4" height="800" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8232/8354301564_e2bce2198b_c.jpg" width="627" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/spring_peeper/8353241843/" title="_MG_5631 by spring_peeper, on Flickr"><img alt="_MG_5631" height="534" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8374/8353241843_9865a6b712_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />
<br />
I just love the way it turned out. It definitely takes guests by surprise.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Brookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16213128129986617432noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6762906941476518204.post-87645890411756172662012-12-29T21:53:00.001-05:002012-12-30T20:27:09.157-05:00SleepoverTonight I overheard Lily ask "Daddy, can I have a sleepover with Chippy?". He said "of course" seeing as he is on her bed most nights as she falls asleep anyway. Tonight though, she wanted the two of them tucked in together. <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiySoLR5yW5_B7vcr-PYabJ6BQjA3BwvQs3pl6ikrpCvJ5wxXJFi1qe4GcYLgrQrh5p0Qe9VjdgcNDPGPdVzHDMB4i6gjsM1bu369goeuw_gYzVfjxvWh4rt-o_lRSUgmYIkwpHNaBRvk/s640/blogger-image-221867772.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiySoLR5yW5_B7vcr-PYabJ6BQjA3BwvQs3pl6ikrpCvJ5wxXJFi1qe4GcYLgrQrh5p0Qe9VjdgcNDPGPdVzHDMB4i6gjsM1bu369goeuw_gYzVfjxvWh4rt-o_lRSUgmYIkwpHNaBRvk/s640/blogger-image-221867772.jpg" /></a></div>Brookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16213128129986617432noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6762906941476518204.post-33002289895397326752012-12-17T22:14:00.001-05:002012-12-17T22:14:51.012-05:00Kids can be cruelMe: "Lily, I love you."<br />
<br />
Lily: "I don't love you, Mommy, I only love Daddy. Don't worry, I'll love you some other time."<br />
<br />
Me: "Like when?"<br />
<br />
Lily: "When Daddy takes me to the dentist. Then I will love YOU, Mommy."<br />
Brookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16213128129986617432noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6762906941476518204.post-68422484526245397952012-12-03T14:42:00.000-05:002012-12-03T14:42:44.158-05:00Makeup ArtistLily and I have been watching YouTube videos on makeup application and apparently she has learned a thing or two about it. If anyone wants to hire her, let me know.<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="480" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/tYvL4Q5kWvk" width="640"></iframe><br />
<br />
And if makeup isn't your thing, she is also a skilled nail artist.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/spring_peeper/8241436183/" title="photo 2 by spring_peeper, on Flickr"><img alt="photo 2" height="600" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8204/8241436183_3c269d82d9_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/spring_peeper/8241436315/" title="photo 3 by spring_peeper, on Flickr"><img alt="photo 3" height="800" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8201/8241436315_7ed5a2725c_c.jpg" width="600" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/spring_peeper/8242505168/" title="photo 4 by spring_peeper, on Flickr"><img alt="photo 4" height="600" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8478/8242505168_0c3e3e3cb0_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/spring_peeper/8241436587/" title="photo 5 by spring_peeper, on Flickr"><img alt="photo 5" height="630" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8487/8241436587_1be46a411b_c.jpg" width="800" /></a>Brookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16213128129986617432noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6762906941476518204.post-22401574087220907682012-11-13T21:59:00.001-05:002012-11-13T22:18:32.614-05:00The other side of the lens<div style="text-align: left;">
You know the old saying, "The cobbler's son goes barefoot". That is what happens with photographers. I have hard drives full of pictures of Lily and Corey, but very few of all three of us. Well, luckily that has changed thanks to the amazing Stacy Able of <a href="http://www.stacyable.com/">Stacy Able Photography</a> in Columbus, IN.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I absolutely ADORE the images she captured of our family.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/spring_peeper/8183901551/" title="Stacy Able Photography (6 of 76) by spring_peeper, on Flickr"><img alt="Stacy Able Photography (6 of 76)" height="800" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8482/8183901551_f80e236d19_c.jpg" width="532" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/spring_peeper/8183903141/" title="Stacy Able Photography (10 of 76) by spring_peeper, on Flickr"><img alt="Stacy Able Photography (10 of 76)" height="800" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8340/8183903141_758f34545e_c.jpg" width="532" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/spring_peeper/8183943266/" title="Stacy Able Photography (22 of 76) by spring_peeper, on Flickr"><img alt="Stacy Able Photography (22 of 76)" height="800" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8485/8183943266_790f448439_c.jpg" width="532" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/spring_peeper/8183944520/" title="Stacy Able Photography (23 of 76) by spring_peeper, on Flickr"><img alt="Stacy Able Photography (23 of 76)" height="800" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8483/8183944520_4840931dda_c.jpg" width="532" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/spring_peeper/8183905449/" title="Stacy Able Photography (20 of 76) by spring_peeper, on Flickr"><img alt="Stacy Able Photography (20 of 76)" height="800" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8341/8183905449_a944038683_c.jpg" width="532" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/spring_peeper/8183904269/" title="Stacy Able Photography (18 of 76) by spring_peeper, on Flickr"><img alt="Stacy Able Photography (18 of 76)" height="800" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8344/8183904269_af5e2319c4_c.jpg" width="532" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And yes, there were chickens.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/spring_peeper/8183947298/" title="Stacy Able Photography (41 of 76) by spring_peeper, on Flickr"><img alt="Stacy Able Photography (41 of 76)" height="800" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8347/8183947298_15ab628260_c.jpg" width="532" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/spring_peeper/8183947799/" title="Stacy Able Photography (43 of 76) by spring_peeper, on Flickr"><img alt="Stacy Able Photography (43 of 76)" height="800" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8063/8183947799_ee3c7dbdfb_c.jpg" width="532" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/spring_peeper/8183948635/" title="Stacy Able Photography (44 of 76) by spring_peeper, on Flickr"><img alt="Stacy Able Photography (44 of 76)" height="800" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8058/8183948635_8327852d9e_c.jpg" width="532" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/spring_peeper/8183946368/" title="Stacy Able Photography (35 of 76) by spring_peeper, on Flickr"><img alt="Stacy Able Photography (35 of 76)" height="800" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8337/8183946368_d9a621fae7_c.jpg" width="532" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/spring_peeper/8183947828/" title="Stacy Able Photography (68 of 76) by spring_peeper, on Flickr"><img alt="Stacy Able Photography (68 of 76)" height="800" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8209/8183947828_b00a0fea19_c.jpg" width="532" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/spring_peeper/8183902191/" title="Stacy Able Photography (7 of 76) by spring_peeper, on Flickr"><img alt="Stacy Able Photography (7 of 76)" height="800" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8341/8183902191_2d82863956_c.jpg" width="532" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Stacy, you are incredible. Even faced with a cranky 3 year old and a personal (unfounded) fear of chickens, you rocked it.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/spring_peeper/8183967432/" title="Stacy Able Photography (74 of 76) by spring_peeper, on Flickr"><img alt="Stacy Able Photography (74 of 76)" height="532" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8480/8183967432_cbb2cb51e7_c.jpg" width="800" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Brookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16213128129986617432noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6762906941476518204.post-71466658204581051402012-10-13T10:32:00.002-04:002012-10-13T10:32:58.209-04:00The OTHER photographer in the family...<div>
The other day, Lily said "Mommy, lets take some pictures". She then grabbed my scarf and tied it around her neck. I figured she meant that she wanted me to take some pictures of her wearing my scarf. When I took out my camera, she quickly corrected me. SHE would be taking the pictures. A light bulb went off in my head and I had to laugh. Apparently, every time I leave to go to a photo shoot, I put on a scarf. It really is true. I don't like to wear bulky clothes while shooting since I am moving around and crouching and such, so I typically wear a lighter shirt and a pretty scarf to keep me warm. Apparently this has lead Lily to believe that you cannot do a photo shoot without a scarf. </div>
<div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Since Lily insisted that she would be taking some pictures by herself, I gave her my old back-up camera (I love you to death, Lily, but no way in heck was I going hand over my 5D Mkii to your 3 year old self). What unfolded in the next 30 minutes made me so proud. Now, I try really hard not to be one of those moms who is always talking about how their kid is a Smarty-McSmartypants because EVERY mom thinks their kid is a genius and all kids are awesome in their own way. But here I go. My kid is a natural photographer!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I followed her around with my iPhone and here is what I saw *sidenote. My house was a wreck. Don't judge me*.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/spring_peeper/8082698611/" title="IMG_5295 by spring_peeper, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_5295" height="640" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8472/8082698611_53822af154_z.jpg" width="478" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/spring_peeper/8082691376/" title="IMG_5287 by spring_peeper, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_5287" height="478" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8053/8082691376_a7ed452ff0_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/spring_peeper/8082691612/" title="IMG_5288 by spring_peeper, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_5288" height="478" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8189/8082691612_0f5515628f_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/spring_peeper/8082691798/" title="IMG_5289 by spring_peeper, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_5289" height="478" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8194/8082691798_ed59d67748_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/spring_peeper/8082698091/" title="IMG_5290 by spring_peeper, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_5290" height="478" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8463/8082698091_cfb2f892ff_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/spring_peeper/8082698325/" title="IMG_5292 by spring_peeper, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_5292" height="478" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8195/8082698325_c1d4f6fb41_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Her Dad made a pretty good model.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="480" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/R333SkvYEXw" width="853"></iframe></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/spring_peeper/8082699205/" title="IMG_5300 by spring_peeper, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_5300" height="478" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8472/8082699205_954db70da6_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
What cracked me up is how she used the tone of voice and even the tricks I tend to use to get kids to look at me. If you listen, you can hear her say in a goofy voice "Is there something in my camera?". At the end of the video she says "Can I snuggle?". How cute is that?</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="480" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/rPn0_d6ce9M" width="853"></iframe></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Here are some of the pictures she took, straight out of the camera. Of course I did take out some really bad ones, but still. She is great for a 3 year old. I can't get over her good composition.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/spring_peeper/8082792825/" title="IMG_9766 by spring_peeper, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_9766" height="427" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8187/8082792825_5a681e77dd_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/spring_peeper/8082787632/" title="IMG_9772 by spring_peeper, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_9772" height="427" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8183/8082787632_29ff925dfe_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/spring_peeper/8082795037/" title="IMG_9777 by spring_peeper, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_9777" height="427" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8043/8082795037_e917a13d20_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/spring_peeper/8082789256/" title="IMG_9782 by spring_peeper, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_9782" height="427" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8186/8082789256_4aa23b539f_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/spring_peeper/8082796047/" title="IMG_9783 by spring_peeper, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_9783" height="427" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8185/8082796047_101e7e4653_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/spring_peeper/8082790170/" title="IMG_9786 by spring_peeper, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_9786" height="427" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8193/8082790170_b0de6f96fa_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I love my little mini-me.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/spring_peeper/8082698933/" title="IMG_5298 by spring_peeper, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_5298" height="640" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8048/8082698933_8d3b0731a9_z.jpg" width="478" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>
Brookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16213128129986617432noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6762906941476518204.post-69372062565517105172012-08-12T23:47:00.001-04:002012-08-13T08:07:55.362-04:00Little EntomologistLily loves bugs. She is actually quite kind and amazingly gentle with them, considering she is a 3 year old.<br />
<br />
A few weeks ago, while boating with friends, Lily found a grasshopper floating in the water in the middle of the lake. We were tubing and Lily held on to that little grasshopper for most of the afternoon. She dunked it and found it again, and let it ride on her finger or shoulder as she floated on her little tube in the water. She even brought it all the way home and let it go in the yard.<br />
<br />
This past Friday and Saturday we had a garage sale at the new studio and Corey found a Katydid. That katydid became Lily's pet for the next 2 hours. She carried it everywhere and showed it to every customer who would not run away screaming. She asked them to pet it, but only a few customers took her up on that offer. I could not believe it, but she never hurt that little thing. I also find it strange is that these insects do not escape. They have wings, yet they never try to fly away. I swear, they know she is a gentle little soul and don't mind her handling them. I don't know any other way to explain it. I finally told her the bug needed to rest and put it up on a tree out of reach. She was very sad to have to say goodbye to it.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/spring_peeper/7771107650/" title="_MG_9290 by spring_peeper, on Flickr"><img alt="_MG_9290" height="480" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8300/7771107650_7f25590697_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/spring_peeper/7771104458/" title="_MG_9280 by spring_peeper, on Flickr"><img alt="_MG_9280" height="427" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8290/7771104458_eda72f5b0f_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/spring_peeper/7771105574/" title="_MG_9283 by spring_peeper, on Flickr"><img alt="_MG_9283" height="427" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7126/7771105574_04ecc72673_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/spring_peeper/7771106634/" title="_MG_9284 by spring_peeper, on Flickr"><img alt="_MG_9284" height="427" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8423/7771106634_e240df6ffc_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/spring_peeper/7771109270/" title="_MG_9297 by spring_peeper, on Flickr"><img alt="_MG_9297" height="427" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8287/7771109270_3b3676c94f_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/spring_peeper/7771111252/" title="_MG_9301 by spring_peeper, on Flickr"><img alt="_MG_9301" height="640" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8444/7771111252_049a1f22d5_z.jpg" width="427" /></a><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">I hope she never loses this sense of curiosity and openness to the wonders of the world. </div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Brookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16213128129986617432noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6762906941476518204.post-50665662642067331802012-06-10T16:40:00.000-04:002012-06-10T16:40:14.060-04:00No words.<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/spring_peeper/7173763783/" title="_MG_5072 by spring_peeper, on Flickr"><img alt="_MG_5072" height="533" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8167/7173763783_a861bbffc8_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/spring_peeper/7358994902/" title="_MG_5074 by spring_peeper, on Flickr"><img alt="_MG_5074" height="534" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7223/7358994902_fd57233924_c.jpg" width="800" /></a>Brookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16213128129986617432noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6762906941476518204.post-81031910925046906092012-05-25T12:23:00.001-04:002012-05-25T12:25:32.666-04:00Goldilocks<div style="text-align: center;">If Lily has a trademark, it would be her hair. Even as a newborn she had quite a bit of blond hair and it just continues to get prettier and prettier. Other than the time her Nanny and Aunti cut her bangs, we have never even trimmed it. I just can't do it. It is so silky and healthy, she should be in kiddie shampoo commercials. </div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/spring_peeper/7268274886/" title="hair by spring_peeper, on Flickr"><img alt="hair" height="640" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7094/7268274886_04c3dc82a1_z.jpg" width="427" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/spring_peeper/7268277094/" title="hair_2 by spring_peeper, on Flickr"><img alt="hair_2" height="640" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7093/7268277094_e76644a8c3_z.jpg" width="427" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/spring_peeper/7268275794/" title="hair_1 by spring_peeper, on Flickr"><img alt="hair_1" height="640" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8154/7268275794_4fb5304acc_z.jpg" width="427" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/spring_peeper/7268278506/" title="hair_3 by spring_peeper, on Flickr"><img alt="hair_3" height="640" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7083/7268278506_ebb9c13bb0_z.jpg" width="427" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/spring_peeper/7268283836/" title="hair_6 by spring_peeper, on Flickr"><img alt="hair_6" height="427" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8143/7268283836_a967cf531d_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/spring_peeper/7268285340/" title="hair_7 by spring_peeper, on Flickr"><img alt="hair_7" height="427" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7243/7268285340_00662d7a33_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/spring_peeper/7268286840/" title="hair_8 by spring_peeper, on Flickr"><img alt="hair_8" height="427" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7240/7268286840_77e1acdba1_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/spring_peeper/7268288280/" title="hair_9 by spring_peeper, on Flickr"><img alt="hair_9" height="427" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7072/7268288280_6e34d63e74_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/spring_peeper/7268290176/" title="hair_10 by spring_peeper, on Flickr"><img alt="hair_10" height="427" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8152/7268290176_afbf532c5c_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>Brookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16213128129986617432noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6762906941476518204.post-81118387804058513362012-05-22T22:32:00.000-04:002012-05-22T22:32:43.377-04:00Happy little 3 year oldWell, it happened. Despite my begging her not to, the little munchkin went and grew a year older. She is growing and changing so much, I can hardly keep up. Lately, when I tell her I want her to stay little forever so I can keep her close, she says "No Mommy. I go into a hot air balloon and fly away!". I really don't know where she gets this. We saw a hot air balloon one time on our way home from Illinois. That had to be 8 months ago but apparently it made a big impression. When she says this, I pretend to cry and say "No, please don't leave me!" to which she inevitably replies, it's okay Mommy, you can come, too". Which of course makes my heart melt. She is a good egg, I tell you.<br />
<br />
We had a big Birthday party last year, so this year we decided just to have a little family party, which turned out great. We took the cousins fishing which was really fun. Below are some pictures from the day.<br />
<br />
The "Chicken Whisperer" deserved a chicken cake.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/spring_peeper/7253111620/" title="photo 2 by spring_peeper, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7241/7253111620_ee36a55273_c.jpg" width="800" height="598" alt="photo 2"></a><br />
<br />
She really liked the cards, especially the ones handmade by her cousins.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/spring_peeper/7251147156/" title="_MG_4090 by spring_peeper, on Flickr"><img alt="_MG_4090" height="534" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7082/7251147156_9eb4d843b5_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />
<br />
Of course, she is at the age where she is really into opening presents.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/spring_peeper/7251145326/" title="_MG_4084 by spring_peeper, on Flickr"><img alt="_MG_4084" height="534" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7077/7251145326_d37d8fa119_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />
<br />
Before we went down to fish, all of the cousins participated in the "digging of the worms". Some of the kids were not so keen on actually touching the worms, but would happily point them out to be caught by others. Funny enough, if I remember correctly, the boys were the ones who wouldn't touch the worms while the girls dove right in.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/spring_peeper/7253112588/" title="photo 3 by spring_peeper, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7241/7253112588_b0fd1c4c4f_c.jpg" width="800" height="598" alt="photo 3"></a><br />
<br />
Corey brought his boat down to the lake so some people took boat rides while others fished from the bank. Here Uncle Zack is helping Lily with her catch.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/spring_peeper/7251153430/" title="_MG_4108 by spring_peeper, on Flickr"><img alt="_MG_4108" height="534" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7241/7251153430_6e7b02a183_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />
<br />
Good thing, too, 'cause he was a lunker!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/spring_peeper/7251156002/" title="_MG_4113 by spring_peeper, on Flickr"><img alt="_MG_4113" height="800" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7237/7251156002_b0cd3bffb0_c.jpg" width="534" /></a><br />
<br />
Some of us enjoyed skipping rocks.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/spring_peeper/7251148418/" title="_MG_4103 by spring_peeper, on Flickr"><img alt="_MG_4103" height="534" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8145/7251148418_77128543b1_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />
<br />
Others took their fishing more seriously.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/spring_peeper/7251150612/" title="_MG_4106 by spring_peeper, on Flickr"><img alt="_MG_4106" height="534" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7239/7251150612_a7cfdd83e5_c.jpg" width="800" /></a>Brookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16213128129986617432noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6762906941476518204.post-90685186783666370032012-05-14T13:58:00.001-04:002012-05-14T13:58:20.998-04:00EulogyFor my Mom's memorial service, my brother, Dad and I each wrote a eulogy. I didn't think I would be able to read mine without breaking down, so I asked a dear friend to read it on my behalf. But when my time to speak came, I felt that it was what I had to do. I knew that mom would be proud and it would show her the strong person I was because of the life skills she'd taught me. Below is what I wrote.<br />
<br />
"I have noticed a common word running through nearly every message of condolence about my mother. That word is kindness.
Almost to a fault, my Mom put the needs of others ahead of her own. If you look up the word “selfless” in the dictionary, I would not be surprised if there was a picture of my mom next to it. Most likely in that picture, she would be smiling at a homeless dog, who would be licking her face.
Anyone who knew Mom, knew of her devotion to animals. She spent over 30 years as an active member, and often president, of the Hendricks County Humane Society. Hardly a weekend went by that she wasn’t transporting animals to an adoption day, or educating the public about kindness to animals. I cannot even fathom the number of homeless animals for which she helped to find homes. As we all know, quite a few of those animals found a lifelong loving home with her, becoming members of our family, often to the chagrin of my Dad.<br />
<br />
I believe the following story epitomizes my Mom’s selfless nature. In her job, mom was working with people dealing with mental health issues. One of her clients was a woman with a very old and cantankerous one-eyed cat named Cracker. This woman didn’t have many friends or any family to speak of, and Cracker was her best friend. At one point, the woman was having some problems, which resulted in her being removed from her home. Mom was very concerned for her and of course, Cracker. Mom went and searched for Cracker and brought him home with her. Because this woman did not have family to act as her legal guardian, she was going to be transferred to another county’s mental health system, where she would have to leave everyone and every thing she ever knew. My Mom could not bear to see that happen. Despite being advised against it, my Mom petitioned the court to become this woman’s legal guardian. This allowed the woman to be able to be placed in the County Home where she wanted to live. Animals were not allowed so Mom lovingly kept Cracker, giving the woman photos and updates on him until the day he died.<br />
<br />
My mother dedicated herself to so many worthwhile causes. She worked with organizations too numerous to mention. She fought for Peace all her life and was involved in the fight to curb nuclear weapon proliferation. My brother and I have fond memories of walking in peace marches and nuclear freeze walks as a kid. “Hey Hey! Ho Ho! Nuclear weapons have got to go!”<br />
<br />
Mom was a La Leche League leader, helping breastfeeding moms for close to 20 years. She made many lifelong friends in that group, many of whom are in this room. My brother and I have traumatizing memories of the days that the La Leche League helpline was routed to our house and we would mistakenly answer the telephone, only to hear a tearful mother talking about her cracked and bleeding nipples.<br />
<br />
y mom acted as the leader of my Girl Scout Troop for many years and impacted the lives of so many young women in that capacity. She always loved bettering the lives of young women, beginning when she worked in state correctional facility for girls shortly after college, a job she really enjoyed. Mom was a feminist through and through, even buying me a t-shirt as a child that said, “Women belong in the house… and the senate”.<br />
<br />
I don’t think anyone benefitted from my mom’s selflessness more than my brother and I. She gave up her career to stay home with the 2 of us and provide us the most fun and amazing childhood I can ever imagine. We spent our days milking goats, making maple syrup, growing Christmas trees, keeping honeybees and riding horses. My mom and dad were willing to sacrifice financially for mom to be able to stay home and educate us from birth through high school. Mom made every activity into an educational experience and was the best teacher. We took amazing field trips, were involved with lots of home school groups and spent lots of time volunteering. Every year, mom would ask us if we would rather go to public school, and every year, we would turn the offer down. We didn’t believe any other educator could teach us as much. Mom was so proud when we both went to college. Zack even went on to get a Master’s degree. She even made a t-shirt with our college graduation pictures and the words “Proud of my HOMESCHOOLED Ball State summa cum laude graduates”, which she wore with pride (and much to the embarrassment of us, of course).<br />
<br />
It is so hard to sum up the life of such an amazing person. One thing I know is that despite her relatively short time on earth, she managed to make the world a better place, which was her goal in life. My Mom did not believe in an afterlife. She believed in making the most of every second you have and being the most moral and compassionate person you can be. Her actions were contagious and her spirit of volunteerism will live on, inspiring us all to continue her work for humanity.<br />
<br />
Now that you’ve all been inspired to volunteer for a worthy organization, don’t forget to pack a peanut butter, lettuce, and mayonnaise sandwich for lunch in honor of my mom. It was her favorite."Brookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16213128129986617432noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6762906941476518204.post-68254617806781397292012-05-13T17:48:00.000-04:002012-05-13T17:48:24.912-04:00Dear Mom,<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/spring_peeper/4487759365/" title="IMG_8566 by spring_peeper, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_8566" height="427" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2722/4487759365_29f1372ac5_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
Today is Mother's Day. It has been almost 4 months, but it's still hard for me to grasp. You are on my mind constantly as try to carry on, going through the motions of daily life. Hardly a day goes by that I don't cry, my heart aching from missing you so very much. Of course all of us miss you, your dear friends, family and grandkids.
Last night while I was trying to get Lily to bed, she called you on an invisible phone she held tight to her ear. She told you about the fun things she did while camping. She said she missed you and asked you if you were happy. I think she may be having the hardest time of all of us, grasping the fact that you are gone. She talks about you all the time and often out of the blue comes up with a question. A common time for her to do this is on long quiet walks on the trail with the dogs. After walking in silence for awhile she will turn to me and say "Mommy, does Gamma's leg hurt?" referring to the pain you experienced in your leg where the cancer was attacking in the days before you passed. I worry if it was a mistake to have her spend so much time with you in the last days, but my heart tells me it was not. I believe her being there brought you joy and of course she loved spending time with you, even in the end when you were unable to speak. I remember how sweetly she pretended to put nail polish on your fingers even when you could no longer grasp her hand. I do my best to remind her that you cannot feel pain anymore and not to worry. This question is almost always followed by the question "Is Gamma happy?". This is such a hard question to answer. I know how much you didn't want to leave us. How you fought so hard against the awful disease, enduring the often radical chemo appointments almost constantly for 2 years just to try and prolong the limited time you knew you had with us.<br />
<br />
Two years ago, when we were told that your cancer was terminal, we all mourned. We knew what we were facing and it was just such a hard thing for all of us to take. We felt as though giant boulders were placed on our chests and we could not breath. In your usual style, you would not let this sadness go on for long. You quickly told us that there was nothing to gain my sitting around being depressed about the cards you were dealt. You set your sights on living life and trying as hard as possible to think about happier things, like spending time with your grandkids and riding your horse. This was the reason that you asked me not to write about your diagnosis on the blog. You said you already had to live with it, you didn't want to be reminded of it by reading about it on the blog. You also said you wanted people to think of you as "regular old Mardee, not poor Mardee with cancer". I could understand this, although it was hard to continue blogging, leaving so much of the story of what was going on in our lives unspoken.<br />
<br />
Looking back, I am so very thankful that you did fight as hard as you did. I am grateful that in those 2 short years your granddaughter got to know and love her "Gamma". Visits with you were some of the biggest highlights of her life. She just glowed when she was around you. You were a big kid yourself, and kids just naturally gravitated to you. These qualities were part of what made you such a special mom, as well. You provided Zack and me with the most wonderful childhood we could ever imagine. We had all the love and fun a kid could ever ask for. You were not only our mom, but our amazing teacher as well, homeschooling us all the way up until college. You were so proud of all we accomplished, but of course it was just a reflection of what you instilled in us.<br />
<br />
I would like to try and list all of the things that made you such a special individual. I realized though, that I could write for years and never really express how wonderful and selfless you really were. One of the most incredible things I have ever experienced was your memorial. All of your friends and family coming out in a terrible ice storm to celebrate the life of one extraordinary woman. So many people stood up to express the ways in which you touched their lives, often changing their way of thinking or helping to see something in a new light. The night was such a beautiful tribute to your spirit, you would have absolutely loved it. I felt guilty getting to see all of the old friends that I know you would have loved to have seen. It was the kind of thing you would have loved. Of course it was sad, but it was also uplifting, hearing all of the funny and sweet stories that people told about you.<br />
<br />
Some time after the memorial, I received a beautiful letter from a friend of mine who attended. I think it is a beautiful tribute to the kind of person you were. Below is an excerpt from that letter:<br />
<br />
"I only met your mom maybe twice, but I remember thinking to myself when we met her the first time, "What a nice lady!". After attending the memorial service I think "nice lady" is quite an understatement. I was amazed by how much good one person could do in their lifetime. I was amazed by how many people's (and animals') lives she had touched in such a positive way. I was amazed by how many true, devoted, caring friendships she had developed in her lifetime. I keep saying "I" but I speak for my husband, too. We both looked at each other many times through the service and just said, "Wow!". And we both cried our eyes out.<br />
<br />
I was extremely moved by your mom's passion and drive for the things that were important to her. Her involvement with animal rescue, breastfeeding mothers, and individuals with special needs though her social work career is truly inspiring. Most people go through their lives not really making a difference in the world in any way at all. Some people have a big impact in one very specific area of need. Your mom made a huge impact on MULTIPLE intense areas of need, which was clearly evidenced by the number of people at the service and the amount of love one could feel in the air.<br />
<br />
How is that possible? How is it that one person could do so much? I think the only way to explain this is by saying that some people are just born that way. There are just some special people that grace this earth for a short period of time that somehow, for some reason, from the deepest depths of their soul are just meant to be good people and do good in the world for others to see. I realize this might sound a bit extreme or dramatic, but I was truly inspired by your mom's life. It made me think really hard about the way I want to live my life. It made me think about how I want others to think of me. It made me think about how I have so much passion for some causes, but somehow can't seem to make the time to make a different win a big way like I want to. It made me think about the type of mom I want to be. It made me think about A LOT of things, which is really freaky because I did not go to the memorial service to have a life-changing experience. We just wanted to show some friends our love an support, but came home with a lot more than that."<br />
<br />
I love this letter so much because it gives me it gives me a bit of peace. Peace in knowing that your mission in life will live on and even though you are gone, you are continuing to inspire others to make the world a better place. In your short life, you made such a huge impact. The world is so much better for having had you in it.<br />
<br />
I wish so badly that I had Lily's magical phone through which I could still call you and hear your sweet voice. There are so many things I want to ask you. I want us to share the joys and frustrations of life, just like we always did. I want to hear you get angry about corrupt politicians and have you tell me a funny story about trick you just taught your horse. I want to hear your laugh as I tell you about Lily's latest antics.<br />
<br />
I love you Mom and will miss you always.<br />
<br />
Love Brook<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/spring_peeper/5294589991/" title="IMG_6252 by spring_peeper, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_6252" height="427" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5041/5294589991_b9d2fc33b2_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
A<br />
<br />
slideshow my brother created for for the memorial:
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/PZpbN_KO250" width="560"></iframe><br />
<br />
Video of my mom with my niece from Christmas, Dec. 2009
<object classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" data="http://www.flickr.com/apps/video/stewart.swf?v=109786" height="300" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="400"> <param name="flashvars" value="intl_lang=en-us&photo_secret=fa79b32fc6&photo_id=4219782821">
</param>
<param name="movie" value="http://www.flickr.com/apps/video/stewart.swf?v=109786">
</param>
<param name="bgcolor" value="#000000">
</param>
<param name="allowFullScreen" value="true">
</param>
<embed type="application/x-shockwave-flash" src="http://www.flickr.com/apps/video/stewart.swf?v=109786" bgcolor="#000000" allowfullscreen="true" flashvars="intl_lang=en-us&photo_secret=fa79b32fc6&photo_id=4219782821" height="300" width="400"></embed></object>Brookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16213128129986617432noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6762906941476518204.post-81254528557496300482012-01-02T17:58:00.001-05:002012-01-02T18:00:56.395-05:00Natural girlI am beginning to think our girl might have been born in the wrong country. I think she may have been more comfortable in an area where less clothing is the norm, Zambia, Papua New Guinea or some such place. This kid LOVES to be naked. You would think with the weather finally turning cold and a drafty house, she might prefer to be a little more covered. Nope. It is all we can do to get her dressed to bring her out in public. <br />
<br />
On Christmas night, we were at my parents house, quietly eating dinner. Lily stood up on her chair and loudly said "Is everybody done eating? I wanna DANCE!". The then proceeded to tell everyone that she wanted to "dance naked". <br />
<br />
Too soon there will come a time when she can't go around naked, but being a 2 year old, she can still get away with it. Who am I to stop her? I say, "be free, my sweet pea".<br />
<br />
Not wearing clothes can have it's advantages. Like while painting for example.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/spring_peeper/6623217201/" title="_MG_1524 by spring_peeper, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7002/6623217201_9d817a5657_z.jpg" width="427" height="640" alt="_MG_1524"></a><br />
<br />
It makes cleanup much simpler.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/spring_peeper/6623190485/" title="_MG_1533 by spring_peeper, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7001/6623190485_1e335d36b0_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="_MG_1533"></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/spring_peeper/6623193863/" title="_MG_1537 by spring_peeper, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7173/6623193863_7d74e2092e_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="_MG_1537"></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/spring_peeper/6623195325/" title="_MG_1546 by spring_peeper, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7026/6623195325_0e1668b65a_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="_MG_1546"></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/spring_peeper/6623198865/" title="_MG_1549 by spring_peeper, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7163/6623198865_6963e69397_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="_MG_1549"></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/spring_peeper/6623201333/" title="_MG_1551 by spring_peeper, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7169/6623201333_bcf26d5a1a_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="_MG_1551"></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/spring_peeper/6623238713/" title="_MG_1550 by spring_peeper, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7158/6623238713_2b2d41822d_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="_MG_1550"></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/spring_peeper/6623204895/" title="_MG_1563 by spring_peeper, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7014/6623204895_8c8d47a18a_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="_MG_1563"></a><br />
<br />
I swear, I think she is the cutest thing ever.Brookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16213128129986617432noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6762906941476518204.post-3750887923770695402012-01-01T15:53:00.001-05:002012-01-01T16:14:34.315-05:00Handmade giftsI love giving handmade gifts whenever I can. Each year I try to make at least a few handmade things. This year I made a lot of them. I got such a kick out of the way Lily squealed "Knitting!!!" as she opened each of her gifts. If you are interested in the patterns I used for these items, the links in the text below will take you to my Ravelry project pages.<br />
<br />
I think I'm most proud of these socks for my favorite <a href="http://ravel.me/SpringPeeper/mbks">girl</a> and <a href="http://ravel.me/SpringPeeper/ahs">guy</a>. If you look closely, you can see a little blue paint on Lily's knees, evidence of one of her other Christmas gifts, an art kit for her easel.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/spring_peeper/6613949785/" title="_MG_1498 by spring_peeper, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7174/6613949785_b5028d60ae_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="_MG_1498"></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/spring_peeper/6613951031/" title="_MG_1502 by spring_peeper, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7025/6613951031_17f551d7b6_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="_MG_1502"></a><br />
<br />
Next up is the <a href="http://ravel.me/SpringPeeper/t1">hat</a> I made for Lily. It was a quick knit, but I it turned out cute. I've had this yarn forever. It was knit up into another hat that I never liked, so I ripped it out and made this out if it. I ran out of the Malabrigo, so I added some of my handspun yarn to accent the blue. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/spring_peeper/6577760141/" title="_MG_1430 by spring_peeper, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7027/6577760141_90159f1a20_z.jpg" width="427" height="640" alt="_MG_1430"></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/spring_peeper/6577758569/" title="_MG_1426 by spring_peeper, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7163/6577758569_633ae592bf_z.jpg" width="427" height="640" alt="_MG_1426"></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/spring_peeper/6577757183/" title="_MG_1425 by spring_peeper, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7162/6577757183_c7c9a28ea3_z.jpg" width="427" height="640" alt="_MG_1425"></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/spring_peeper/6577755645/" title="_MG_1421 by spring_peeper, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7009/6577755645_2eea6a50b4_z.jpg" width="427" height="640" alt="_MG_1421"></a><br />
<br />
The thing I've made the most of, are <a href="http://ravel.me/SpringPeeper/d1rfs2">these</a> felted slippers. I won't show pictures of all of them. I made 11 pairs for Christmas and birthday gifts over the last few months.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/spring_peeper/6614002207/" title="IMG_0952 by spring_peeper, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7013/6614002207_14e028cca8_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="IMG_0952"></a><br />
<br />
I like to dress the kid ones up. I had made a Cookie Monster pair for my nephew and Lily loved them so much that I decided to make her an <a href="http://ravel.me/SpringPeeper/ld5">Elmo pair</a>. Of course, now that she has her own, she doesn't like to wear them. That is the way it always goes!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/spring_peeper/6557254443/" title="_MG_1312 by spring_peeper, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7164/6557254443_5f7d7c1450_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="_MG_1312"></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/spring_peeper/6557255213/" title="_MG_1313 by spring_peeper, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7160/6557255213_cce5a01521_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="_MG_1313"></a><br />
<br />
I made 2 of <a href="http://ravel.me/SpringPeeper/gmb">these</a> Market bags for the sister-in-laws in the gift exchange.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/spring_peeper/6273056592/" title="IMG_0601 by spring_peeper, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6235/6273056592_359f6e9af4_z.jpg" width="427" height="640" alt="IMG_0601"></a><br />
<br />
I made this <a href="http://ravel.me/SpringPeeper/sh">hat</a> for my mom.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/spring_peeper/6614004889/" title="IMG_1007 by spring_peeper, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7015/6614004889_561e36c123_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="IMG_1007"></a><br />
<br />
A few of <a href="http://ravel.me/SpringPeeper/bd">these</a> wash cloths were made.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/spring_peeper/6272530997/" title="IMG_0604 by spring_peeper, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6091/6272530997_553535a589_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="IMG_0604"></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://ravel.me/SpringPeeper/s1">This</a> technically this isn't a gift, it's for me. But it is something I've been working on for quite awhile, and finished just in time to wear on Christmas.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/spring_peeper/6557291461/" title="_MG_1322 by spring_peeper, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7013/6557291461_0ffcb4d1ed_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="_MG_1322"></a> <br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/spring_peeper/6557290771/" title="_MG_1319 by spring_peeper, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7034/6557290771_4f36956a76_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="_MG_1319"></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/spring_peeper/6557292649/" title="_MG_1331 by spring_peeper, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7153/6557292649_560f15fcef_z.jpg" width="640" height="394" alt="_MG_1331"></a><br />
<br />
I also sewed pair of pajama pants for Lily, they have bananas all over them. I don't have any pictures of that at the moment. <br />
<br />
Now, on to the next project!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/spring_peeper/6582390455/" title="_MG_1479 by spring_peeper, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7171/6582390455_b66cebfebe_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="_MG_1479"></a>Brookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16213128129986617432noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6762906941476518204.post-90951798959926885362011-12-22T20:52:00.000-05:002011-12-22T20:52:09.838-05:00Sweater sleeve dog coatI've been meaning to post this little tutorial for some time. Over the years, I've made quite a few dog sweaters out of sweatshirts and felted sweaters. It all started on a camping trip when the weather turned cold and my poor dog Chloe was shivering her little tail off. In a pinch, I fashioned a sweater for her out of the sleeve of an old shirt the hubby had brought along. It worked so well, I kept making them. It works best for a small to medium sized dog. Sleeves (especially sweatshirt ones) stretch more than you might think.<br />
<br />
Here is how it's done.<br />
<br />
If you use a sweater, find an old 100% wool one and run it through the hot wash and dryer. You want it to be good and felted so that it will be less likely to unravel. You can also use and old sweatshirt arm. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/spring_peeper/6556903045/" title="_MG_1253 by spring_peeper, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7008/6556903045_9a86d8e483_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="_MG_1253"></a><br />
<br />
Depending on the size of your dog, you might be able to leave the sleeve cuff on. In this case, I cut a little off the cuff off to make the opening a little wider.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/spring_peeper/6556904433/" title="_MG_1255 by spring_peeper, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7145/6556904433_15ee7ea25b_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="_MG_1255"></a><br />
<br />
Next, cut armpit side of the sleeve to make it the length that you'd like for your dog. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/spring_peeper/6556906067/" title="_MG_1258 by spring_peeper, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7006/6556906067_5378c1bc6b_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="_MG_1258"></a><br />
<br />
I use a zig-zag stitch to sew around the raw edges. This gives the openings a little stretch.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/spring_peeper/6556906945/" title="_MG_1259 by spring_peeper, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7012/6556906945_399bf24278_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="_MG_1259"></a><br />
<br />
Next, I cut holes on either side to accommodate the dog's front legs. it is best to measure the distance between the dog's front legs and make the holes that far apart. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/spring_peeper/6556908719/" title="_MG_1260 by spring_peeper, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7166/6556908719_84bc09cc14_z.jpg" width="427" height="640" alt="_MG_1260"></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/spring_peeper/6556910419/" title="_MG_1263 by spring_peeper, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7029/6556910419_3295d798ae_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="_MG_1263"></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/spring_peeper/6556912515/" title="_MG_1264 by spring_peeper, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7171/6556912515_c288c01da5_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="_MG_1264"></a><br />
<br />
Zig-zag around these holes.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/spring_peeper/6556913597/" title="_MG_1265 by spring_peeper, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7175/6556913597_06286d9079_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="_MG_1265"></a><br />
<br />
That's it. Try it on and let your pooch show off a little.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/spring_peeper/6556919377/" title="_MG_1278 by spring_peeper, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7173/6556919377_62156147fb_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="_MG_1278"></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/spring_peeper/6556920523/" title="_MG_1283 by spring_peeper, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7169/6556920523_5b9e9c2d7b_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="_MG_1283"></a>Brookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16213128129986617432noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6762906941476518204.post-47070405729192922892011-12-22T20:13:00.001-05:002011-12-22T20:17:17.358-05:00Evolution of a Christmas photoLast year I neglected to get my holiday cards sent out, so this year I was determined to get it done. Following the time honored Pagac family tradition, I tried to get a photo with Lily and the dogs. At first, it looked like it might work...<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/spring_peeper/6556746119/" title="_MG_1121 by spring_peeper, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7170/6556746119_ec2e10f95b_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="_MG_1121"></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/spring_peeper/6556746983/" title="_MG_1130 by spring_peeper, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7015/6556746983_dc79af4710_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="_MG_1130"></a><br />
<br />
Chip was doing fairly well, but Tater was another story. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/spring_peeper/6556748425/" title="_MG_1135 by spring_peeper, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7016/6556748425_db50aaf3f6_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="_MG_1135"></a><br />
<br />
After a few minutes, Corey noticed the chickens high-tailing it across the yard to Lily. It boggles my mind, but the chickens LOVE her. They follow her like puppy dogs in the yard and let her carry them around without resistance. They became this tame from her spending so much time playing in the coop this summer. I've never seen anything like it and my family has had chickens nearly all my life. <br />
<br />
Lily sees the chickens coming to her...<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/spring_peeper/6556750087/" title="_MG_1140 by spring_peeper, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7004/6556750087_36d73d9303_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="_MG_1140"></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/spring_peeper/6556751855/" title="_MG_1141 by spring_peeper, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7035/6556751855_1b977be63b_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="_MG_1141"></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/spring_peeper/6556753623/" title="_MG_1144 by spring_peeper, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7001/6556753623_155a89ce2c_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="_MG_1144"></a><br />
<br />
Pretty soon, the dogs were forgotten.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/spring_peeper/6556755457/" title="_MG_1157 by spring_peeper, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7170/6556755457_3e97216cdb_z.jpg" width="427" height="640" alt="_MG_1157"></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/spring_peeper/6556759537/" title="_MG_1166 by spring_peeper, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7161/6556759537_ccb2f27768_z.jpg" width="427" height="640" alt="_MG_1166"></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/spring_peeper/6556756791/" title="_MG_1163 by spring_peeper, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7009/6556756791_4ceb499686_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="_MG_1163"></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/spring_peeper/6556758087/" title="_MG_1165 by spring_peeper, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7011/6556758087_6599e2aaa2_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="_MG_1165"></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/spring_peeper/6556761049/" title="_MG_1167 by spring_peeper, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7010/6556761049_b4abc6376b_z.jpg" width="427" height="640" alt="_MG_1167"></a><br />
<br />
Every good chicken deserves a kiss, right? Bird flu, shmird flu.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/spring_peeper/6556762585/" title="_MG_1168 by spring_peeper, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7175/6556762585_5743026d61_z.jpg" width="427" height="640" alt="_MG_1168"></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/spring_peeper/6556763907/" title="_MG_1173 by spring_peeper, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7014/6556763907_42462d70ff_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="_MG_1173"></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/spring_peeper/6556765291/" title="_MG_1174 by spring_peeper, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7156/6556765291_d2bebd552e_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="_MG_1174"></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/spring_peeper/6556766565/" title="_MG_1181 by spring_peeper, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7030/6556766565_e900cc411b_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="_MG_1181"></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/spring_peeper/6556767867/" title="_MG_1182 by spring_peeper, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7023/6556767867_f5fa04dd52_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="_MG_1182"></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/spring_peeper/6556770833/" title="_MG_1192 by spring_peeper, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7003/6556770833_103c22a31f_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="_MG_1192"></a><br />
<br />
And the one that made it on the card...<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/spring_peeper/6556772475/" title="_MG_1200 by spring_peeper, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7011/6556772475_5310b4a9a5_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="_MG_1200"></a><br />
<br />
Thanks to my friend Aimee for the hand-me-down handmade dress she's wearing in the pics :)Brookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16213128129986617432noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6762906941476518204.post-64413660972660924552011-11-04T12:17:00.000-04:002011-11-04T12:17:57.696-04:00Shassypire is history!We've been battling the pacifier (shassypire, as Lily calls it) for what seems like forever. Lily had her first dentist appointment last month and the dentist confirmed that we definitely needed to get rid of it. She recommended the "cold turkey" method. I was not thrilled about that because we had tried that a few months back when we had misplaced all of the pacifiers one evening. It was time for bed and we decided that would be the night she would go without. Lets just say after hours of crying, Corey and I were on our hands and knees scrambling around the house at 4 am, looking for a damn pacifier. <br />
<br />
This time we decided to try a tactic that my friend Kim suggested. Cut the end of the pacifier a little every day until it is just too short to stay in her mouth. This worked like a charm. She just slowly quit asking for it. It's been 3 days without a pacifier now. Whoo hoo!<br />
<br />
There are no pictures with this post but I did put some new pics of Lily and Corey up on the work blog. You can check it out <a href="http://www.brookrieman.com/blog/2011/11/04/gone-fishin-in-beautiful-brown-county/">here</a>.Brookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16213128129986617432noreply@blogger.com4