tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-83545639079375407952024-03-12T20:33:36.541-07:00Random Strafuss RamblingsMusings of a momma/writer/librarianHeatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09149052736668076882noreply@blogger.comBlogger13125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8354563907937540795.post-10120153271436896592015-05-20T20:58:00.001-07:002015-05-22T17:39:42.640-07:00The Writer's Voice Query and First 250 WordsI just found out I won a spot in The Writer's Voice contest! Wooooohooooo!!! Below is my query, and the first 250 words of my MG Fantasy novel, <i>The Princess Tournament</i>.<br />
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<span class="s1"><b><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>Query:</b></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>Twelve-year-old Cordelia of Lavishton has never met a pirate. She's never tangled with a water sprite, or bandaged a troll's enormously smelly foot. She's led the prim and proper life of a princess, never needing to learn the best way to battle a dragon, or outwit an evil sorceress.</span><br />
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<span class="s1">All that changes on the eve of a peace celebration, when the royal families from the Three Kingdoms of Darland gather. It’s the perfect time to make new friends, and for the kingdoms to commemorate their unity and harmony.</span><br />
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<span class="s1"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>It’s also the perfect place for sabotage.</span><br />
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<span class="s1"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>When a vengeful bard takes his revenge on the kings who mocked him, he informs the remaining royals that Cordelia and two other princesses, Maya and Dawn, must compete in a tournament. His goal is to create the story of the century, one that will keep his name famous for years to come.</span><br />
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<span class="s1"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>Now the girls must survive three tasks in order to break the curse. Winning means their father will be freed from the curse. Losing means their king will be lost in a terrifying dream state forever.</span><br />
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<span class="s1"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>The Princess Tournament is 38,000 words. While it has been written to set up a trilogy, it can stand alone. The story is told from the perspective of Cordelia, Maya, and Dawn, and should appeal to fans of <i>The Hero’s Guide to Saving your Kingdom </i>and <i>The Storybook of Legends</i>. </span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>Thank you for your time and consideration.</span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>Sincerely,</span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>Heather Strafuss</span><br />
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<b>First 250 Words: </b><br />
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<span class="s1"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>Cordelia of Lavishton sat in a stagecoach, hands folded neatly in her lap. Her back was stiff and her left knee itched, but Cordelia didn’t dare move. Her maid, Gertrude, had spent hours pressing her gown and styling her hair, and informed her that if she moved <i>one inch </i>the wrong way, the dress would wrinkle and her hair would droop. </span><br />
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<span class="s1"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>Cordelia didn’t think anyone would mind if her gown had a few creases in it, or if her hair was less than perfect. But Gertie had turned a very dark shade of purple when she mentioned that, so Cordelia promised to remain as still as possible. </span><br />
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Her little brother, however, was making that extremely difficult.<br />
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<span class="s1"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>Toby bounced in the seat opposite her. While she was twelve and expected to be a perfect demonstration of a princess, Toby was six, and hadn’t started his lessons in Etiquette yet.</span><br />
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<span class="s1"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>That never bothered her before, but now it made Cordelia bite her lip. How was she supposed to obey Gertrude and keep her dress perfect if he was rolling about the carriage like a dog?</span><br />
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When he stood abruptly, Cordelia pulled her dress back so his already-muddy shoes (<i>how </i>was he already dirty?) wouldn’t touch it. She could just imagine Gertrude’s gasp of horror if she discovered Cordelia had gotten dirt on the gown. If she showed up filthy and dishonored her mother’s memory, Gertrude would make her walk in extra-high heels for weeks.</div>
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<span class="s1"><i>Thank you for reading my entry! </i></span></div>
Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09149052736668076882noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8354563907937540795.post-7595662996748223882012-12-20T12:47:00.000-08:002015-05-20T20:34:20.263-07:00Heather's Top Ten YA!<div style="text-align: center;">
Hello Readers! I thought I'd do a list of my favorite ten books from the year</div>
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(These are in no particular order!) </div>
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They're all just books I really enjoyed reading this year. This list is YA because that's mostly what I read, so if you dont read YA, I suggest you pick at least one on the list and give it a shot. </div>
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Because YA books are awesome. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw7EKFrc5I33qoRGwm9xDGvDJPNcbKAQYjf8yAUDnf6JKkzY3ozbzehwCnKUvCXnvJ6dnT_E7kwxAMt9XqDSvLUQXLxjtA7KlXq4PzDv3YNtfviETg4Z-3hM3vffLDf24ziyqQbmyi0iup/s1600/codename.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw7EKFrc5I33qoRGwm9xDGvDJPNcbKAQYjf8yAUDnf6JKkzY3ozbzehwCnKUvCXnvJ6dnT_E7kwxAMt9XqDSvLUQXLxjtA7KlXq4PzDv3YNtfviETg4Z-3hM3vffLDf24ziyqQbmyi0iup/s1600/codename.jpg" width="133" /></a>1. Code Name Verity by Elizabeth Wein</div>
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A WWII novel about a pilot and a spy who are best friends. That's an awesome setup right there, but Wein goes a step further and makes you feel ALL the feelings while reading this book. When the worst happens and Codename:Verity is kidnapped, she must choose to reveal her mission or be executed. What follows are her thoughts as she is imprisoned, and her friend Maddy's desperate search to find her. I'm not usually much into historicals, but this book grabbed me right from the start and I could NOT put it down. I also sobbed uncontrollably at times. Beautifully written, and the fact that it centered on two best friends (KISS ME HARDY! SOB!) really made this one stand out for me. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglKEFuFFXafiXo9muoZ8Cj-BCGaWnwzE3-58v-TkWalpHgOGP0dmT_ZLM7rAtqb1Vz3BUpalV4b5sPPTtbtt2C7cpV78Y0fXFfGdl7L5wiLiAK1OZ9UWgkpaDZeAc9RIYzqHZDWfdP2p7F/s1600/cinder.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglKEFuFFXafiXo9muoZ8Cj-BCGaWnwzE3-58v-TkWalpHgOGP0dmT_ZLM7rAtqb1Vz3BUpalV4b5sPPTtbtt2C7cpV78Y0fXFfGdl7L5wiLiAK1OZ9UWgkpaDZeAc9RIYzqHZDWfdP2p7F/s1600/cinder.jpeg" /></a>2. Cinder by Marissa Meyer</div>
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A retelling of Cinderella in which Cinderella is a cyborg. Really, that should be all you need to know to make you interested!</div>
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I loved this book SO MUCH. It's so original, and Cinder is a great main character. Meyer's debut novel really hooked me and I really want to know what happens in the rest of the series. Plus, it was nice to have a setting in New Beijing as opposed to a wasted dystopian America (those are everywhere right now so the change was nice.)</div>
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Also, Prince Kai! Helloooooo, Prince Kai! *fangirls*</div>
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3. Out of Sight, Out of Time by Ally Carter</div>
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This is book five of the Gallagher Girls series. If you have not read any of the others, please do so IMMEDIATELY. You will not regret it. Seriously one of the best series I've ever read. And they keep getting better. </div>
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Book five starts out with Cammie waking up in a convent, unable to remember what happened to her over the summer. She spends the rest of the book trying to figure out what happened to her, despite the fact that sometimes ignorance is bliss. </div>
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I won't say more because a LOT happens, but Cammie and the Gallagher Girls have grown so wonderfully and there were several times they had me wishing I could jump into the book and join them, and give them hugs when needed. Five awesome stars, and I can't wait for the next (and last! sniff!) book to come out. </div>
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This is the last book in the Hex Hall series. (Much like the Gallagher Girl books, if you have not read the first two yet, get thee to the library immediately!) After the MONSTER cliffhanger in book two, Sophie and co. are back to save the day.</div>
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The Hex Hall series is hilarious, adventurous and full of so much snark I can't help but love it. Sophie is amazing, and while Spell Bound is more serious than the other two, this book doesn't disappoint. With the exception of something MAJOR happening at the end ( that I am STILL not over, Ms. Hawkins!!) the book is a great conclusion. And there is a fun new character introduced who gets her own series (School Spirits) coming out next spring. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZS8BW5YR4LeKuTgGYkfMKJS79BYARI38A7fH5vf9QT-s1XXe5qxQ9tzhNfrwY9kXnz5D1T3RAT120nxPVWxNOB5uKvOJI-5juE_DP3trEjpM4z7u-Av2BEQx0cNk6-PZZP6VJm4wnzlap/s1600/Grave+Mercy.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZS8BW5YR4LeKuTgGYkfMKJS79BYARI38A7fH5vf9QT-s1XXe5qxQ9tzhNfrwY9kXnz5D1T3RAT120nxPVWxNOB5uKvOJI-5juE_DP3trEjpM4z7u-Av2BEQx0cNk6-PZZP6VJm4wnzlap/s200/Grave+Mercy.jpeg" width="131" /></a>5. Grave Mercy by Robin LaFevers</div>
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Assassin Nuns. ASSASSIN NUNS. That's right up there with cyborg Cinderella. (Really, how do you guys come up with these ideas? I'm jealous!)</div>
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Ismae escapes her very tough life and goes to live at St. Mortain, where the sisters serve the god of Death. She learns the tips and secrets of assassinating those who are Marked by Death, and follows her orders faithfully, until she goes on a mission that makes her start to question her new world. </div>
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Some readers wished for more action in this book, but honestly the pace and plot worked perfectly for me. The ending wrapped things up nicely, even though there will be more books focusing on other assassins. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX8uB4mio8ToC2SdFBuI-IZxirU84zjAUzTkykW_k5ni-P3wN-ySgR-zACIqjB4AMJ4ORzXGM79SPbMNOwErPG9kjRccNC4NvfN9ZDRLmJxVv-mEuxiQ-EROcZ24sdssHc_32BZQtDIjmS/s1600/unspoken.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX8uB4mio8ToC2SdFBuI-IZxirU84zjAUzTkykW_k5ni-P3wN-ySgR-zACIqjB4AMJ4ORzXGM79SPbMNOwErPG9kjRccNC4NvfN9ZDRLmJxVv-mEuxiQ-EROcZ24sdssHc_32BZQtDIjmS/s200/unspoken.jpeg" width="132" /></a>6. Unspoken by Sarah Rees Brennan</div>
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Kami Glass has an imaginary friend, a boy she's talked to in her head all her life. She tries to live her life as normally as she can as an investigative reporter, until the Lynburns return and Kami makes a startling discovery. </div>
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Every single character in this book is fantastic. Kami leads the gang as a strong, smart and sassy detective and figuring out the mystery alongside her is fun. When you reach the ending you may want to hunt down Ms. Rees Brennan and throttle her, but luckily there are two more books in which a certain character should...well, I can't say more lest I spoil things. But read this gem, it won't disappoint you!</div>
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</a>7. Crown of Embers by Rae Carson<br />
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Book Two in Girl of Fire and Thorns. I really enjoyed the first book, but I love this one SO much more. Elisa is the hero of her country after leading her people to victory against their enemies. She's also the Queen who must do what's best for her country before it crumbles. This takes her on a dangerous journey with her friend, a warrior, and one of the enemy. </div>
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So much happens in this book. There is so much drama, and I was on the edge of my seat quite a bit. Elisa is a great MC and has grown so much you can't help but feel proud of her and want to cheer her on. And Hector. Oh, Hector. You are my favorite, and I love you.</div>
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8. The Diviners by Libba Bray</div>
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Holy creepy badguy, Batman. The Diviners takes place in 1920s New York and the entertaining Evie O'Neill is the narrator for much of the story. She comes to the city that never sleeps to live with her uncle Will, after a scandalous ordeal sends her hometown into a tizzy. Will is the curator of a museum know as The Museum for Creepy Crawlies and when a series of occult murders rampage the city, Evie and Will get in the middle of the investigation. The book is long, but excellent. But read it with ALL THE LIGHTS ON. Seriously. Naughty John is one of the most terrifying bad guys ever and you will experience shivers when reading some of the more </div>
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gruesome and horrifying parts of the book. Stay out of basements as well!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimsW1w2EVWFvITFqBD2tmVqQ0jJjL0NGXkfYz48Oxjp7xHubdRtaR42M7GvLCUbL6C8XRNjW1gEYHjVKNgbAjxlduZW1BRVAzANzkgKBwUQ8K6A8ra4eA00d8XtnZNSo68NlK3hRY4xwCC/s1600/days.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimsW1w2EVWFvITFqBD2tmVqQ0jJjL0NGXkfYz48Oxjp7xHubdRtaR42M7GvLCUbL6C8XRNjW1gEYHjVKNgbAjxlduZW1BRVAzANzkgKBwUQ8K6A8ra4eA00d8XtnZNSo68NlK3hRY4xwCC/s1600/days.jpg" width="133" /></a>9. Days of Blood and Starlight by Laini Taylor</div>
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Blood and Starlight is Book 2 in the Daughter of Smoke and Bone trilogy. If you haven't read Daughter of Smoke and Bone READ IT. It's one of the best, most unique and amazing stories I have ever read. And Days of Blood and Starlight lives up to it. </div>
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I admit I had no idea where this book would go after the ending of the first one but I trusted Taylor and I'm so glad I did. It's hard to sum up the plot but basically Karou deals with the EPIC cliffhanger from book one and tries to right wrongs and still be the person she was. The result is an amazing and heart-breaking story and the ending leaves you desperately wanting the next one. (Also, this one has MORE ZUZANA. I LOVE ZUZE!)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT-VLElIQWB98OsUUgC7ZHB_zTzXgzSlBDYDk7BCp0QI1_jee9X3ZTYNPWCjbSeG4A4H7YjuidldVjW7Rky-aKopP-honDgPJfsPOpkdr917OoQSRtv28G1DIRmrhnondTdrwYtymqC99p/s1600/MOA.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT-VLElIQWB98OsUUgC7ZHB_zTzXgzSlBDYDk7BCp0QI1_jee9X3ZTYNPWCjbSeG4A4H7YjuidldVjW7Rky-aKopP-honDgPJfsPOpkdr917OoQSRtv28G1DIRmrhnondTdrwYtymqC99p/s1600/MOA.jpg" width="131" /></a>10. Mark of Athena by Rick Riordan</div>
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Greek and Roman campers come together in book 3 of the Heroes of Olympus trilogy. Percy, Annabeth, Hazel, Leo, Piper, Jason and Frank have to learn to cooperate together in order to get to the Doors of Death and stop Mother Earth from destorying the world. I'd been looking forward to this book for so long because it finally had Annabeth's POV! She was my favorite in the original Percy Jackson series so I was super excited to finally get her as a narrator. There's a lot of Percy/Annabeth moments that show just how much the two have grown since the Lightning Thief. Riordan is just amazing with character developement and the fact that all his books just keep getting BETTER is something to be jealous of. (There is a MASSIVE cliffhanger at the end, though, just a heads up!)</div>
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So those are my favorites! If you pick one to read I hope you like it! What are some of your favorite books from this year?</div>
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Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09149052736668076882noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8354563907937540795.post-28001345688884811272012-11-06T08:28:00.002-08:002014-03-19T12:16:05.450-07:00Election Day is Here!<div style="text-align: center;">
I don't know what it is about Election Day. But I freaking love it.</div>
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There's something about going out there, casting your vote for who should be president and getting a sticker that makes me feel all Bad A**. </div>
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It's important, and I love being part of it.</div>
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This morning Burrito went with me to vote. I'd been prepping her for it the past few days, telling her if she helped Mommy vote she'd get a sticker. This made it all sorts of exciting.</div>
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As soon as we got to the polls she strutted in all serious-like and started exclaiming "Mommy, I'm ready to vote! Mommy, I'm ready to vote!" while I was signing in.</div>
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Everyone there thought she was adorable and she got TWO stickers for being so enthusiastic about voting. </div>
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So I hope you all have used your right to vote! Even if you don't vote who I chose. </div>
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That's okay, that's part of democracy! </div>
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Also, to all the men and women who suffered so that everybody in our country had the right to vote: Thank You. </div>
Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09149052736668076882noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8354563907937540795.post-43410238837103187622012-08-02T19:41:00.000-07:002012-08-02T19:44:22.343-07:00Summertime!<div style="text-align: center;">
Yup, Neglectfulness has struck again on the Strafi blog. Whoops. Sorry, Dear Readers. My only excuse is that summer started off incredibly busy, and then yours truly got incredibly lazy. </div>
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My bad!</div>
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The summer started off pretty awesome. My sister-in-law (who is awesome) married one of my best friends from high school (who is also awesome) and thus their wedding was...awesome!!! Beautiful ceremony, fantastic guests, and I think it's safe to say, fun wedding party shenanigans. </div>
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(Note to self: you are not 21, and you are a mommy. You can't drink like a fish anymore, darling. Note to all wedding guests: sorry for being THAT bridesmaid!! You know the one:) </div>
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<i>Your smell like pine needles and your face is like sunshine!!</i></div>
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But it was a pretty good time :) </div>
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So after that, my slightly (err...REALLY) out of shape butt decided to do the Color Run. In case you have no idea what I'm talking about, the Color Run is where a bunch of <strike>crazy </strike>dedicated people run a 5k and have color packets thrown at them.</div>
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Sounds crazy but is totally a good time! Except for that whole exercise part. </div>
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I went with a good friend and we got into all sorts of mischief on the way there (it was about a five hour drive. Long story. No we're not crazy. Really. We're not!) </div>
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Anywho. Here are we absolutely gorgeous after the run:</div>
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<i>H-Dogg and Lizzle (Sorry could not come up with a cooler codename!)</i></div>
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So after all that fun in June, July came along with 100 degree temps EVERY FREAKING DAY and it was literally too hot to do anything except swim, and then only in the evening. </div>
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So yeah, that's been my summer. Couple all of the above with Potty Training and you have an idea of how my life has been lately. Burrito's done really well with the potty training but to those people who tell you it can be taught in the day: you are FREAKING LIARS. They LIE, readers. LIE LIE LIE!</div>
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Ahem. </div>
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Hope all of you are having a fun summer! Now I'm back to watching Bridget Jones. Who, I'm fairly certain, is me only British and single. Oh dear.</div>
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<i>ChechNYA!</i></div>
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<br /></div>Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09149052736668076882noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8354563907937540795.post-28099531153245255952012-05-17T08:36:00.001-07:002012-05-17T08:36:34.706-07:00Back It Up!I'm baaack! I bet you thought I was being Neglectful Blogger Momma again, didn't you? Trust me, Dear Readers, I had many ramblings to randomly mention over the last week or so but something bad happened.<br />
My hard drive died.<br />
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<i>This is a pretty good depiction of how I felt</i></div>
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Luckily, I was super crazy paranoid that something like this could happen so all the pictures on my computer were also on my husband's computer and our server he has set up, along with a lot of my music (Except for my 80s collection. For some reason The Husband didn't want that on his computer...luckily I can always borrow those CDs from my own Momma). I also had The Book saved on several different flash drives, so I didn't have an emotional breakdown over losing something I had worked on the past two years.<br />
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I didn't back up everything.<br />
All the stories I wrote in college are gone. All the beginnings or random ideas I had thought to one day get around to have vanished. The horribly-terrible-but-taught-me-a-lot-about-writing first book I ever wrote? Bye bye. And my freaking resume that I agonized over to get perfect poofed too. I still have one version in my gmail somewhere, but still. I will have to fine tune it again and who wants to do that? <br />
I have had a large case of the sads due to those all disappearing.<br />
So my random ramble to you for today is even if you think it is a little thing that you will never look at again, back it up. Trust me. You will save yourself from being stuck in a glass cage of emotion!Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09149052736668076882noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8354563907937540795.post-58265631215402496292012-05-07T10:45:00.003-07:002012-05-07T10:46:16.501-07:00Cheer Up, Buttercup!<div style="text-align: center;">
Last week was kind of a rough one for me for various reasons. Since y'all know by now I love making lists, I decided to create a Five Things That Cheer Me Up to remind myself that lolz are usually the best medicine. (Warning, there is some language ahead!)</div>
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1. Grumpy Cats:</div>
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<i>Seeing them be so super grumpy helps get my own grumps under control</i></div>
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2. Animals that have Excellent Self-Esteem</div>
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3. Damn You Autocorrect</div>
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4. Silly videos</div>
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Dramatic Reading of "I'm Sexy and I know it":</div>
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<i>Girl...LOOK at that body...lololol</i></div>
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Thunderstruck/Ghostbusters Crossover:</div>
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<i>Who you gonna call? AC/DC!</i></div>
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The song that is currently on repeat in my head these days:</div>
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<i>I just met you...and this is CRAAAZY but here's my number! Call me Maybe!?!</i></div>
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And Burrito's Favorite:</div>
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<i>We have the whole song memorized. Sad, but true. And look at the baby monkeeeey!</i></div>
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5. Last But Not Least: Morgan Freeman Inappropriate Picture</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR0D5lzjk-X9QHEqseDYUicUTUUpBGfHCusXJ1sxog00GodX-srRJhw69b5_mBMm0DJbN32jlxn7icigkCx8w4F08IIbYD1xVNhzQW_pkJoQAIjrH1Id6jtOuNclc4oIqIH9QREzrbKPct/s1600/morgan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR0D5lzjk-X9QHEqseDYUicUTUUpBGfHCusXJ1sxog00GodX-srRJhw69b5_mBMm0DJbN32jlxn7icigkCx8w4F08IIbYD1xVNhzQW_pkJoQAIjrH1Id6jtOuNclc4oIqIH9QREzrbKPct/s320/morgan.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i>I laugh hysterically EVERY TIME</i></div>
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Hopefully that brought out the laughter for anyone needing it! </div>
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<br /></div>Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09149052736668076882noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8354563907937540795.post-16286103060304195442012-05-06T09:50:00.004-07:002014-03-19T12:17:43.876-07:00Lazy SaturdayYesterday we spent the morning outside in our backyard and then went to the zoo before it got too hot. We've only recently gotten to do things like this (I used to work every weekend) and now that we have the chance to hang out together as a fam on weekends it's been a lot of fun. We got a family zoo pass so we pretty much just pop up there when it's nice out and we get sick of our backyard.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3PQ3Lpqn0l_QXBJyplCqWYgd2ewrsiGEvIpIEuFXeS5OqQHMX9c2ucgElvz7QCftZQxBtcy4bCp7VBDms7S67AjzbVRXrJjyO05jOdP0mO_h2UwMHmwmjOrXIuhyBvbCJK4emQV10skCr/s1600/belle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3PQ3Lpqn0l_QXBJyplCqWYgd2ewrsiGEvIpIEuFXeS5OqQHMX9c2ucgElvz7QCftZQxBtcy4bCp7VBDms7S67AjzbVRXrJjyO05jOdP0mO_h2UwMHmwmjOrXIuhyBvbCJK4emQV10skCr/s320/belle.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i>Although Belle and Burrito do love the backyard</i></div>
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The kiddo loves monkeys, so it was pretty easy convincing her to get off the slide and go to the zoo. There's an older chimpanzee named Suzie that's usually sitting by the window so we stop by there first and say hi.<br />
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We also stalk the peacocks. Burrito thinks they're yelling "help!" when the squawk, so if you happen to hear her yelling help she's actually trying to imitate a peacock.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiURUo1VdPWMGCaFQTMBEZQXgGHNK1u2EUVlby45AF9VWtW3rs__4W4fUQhr50EnXM-pdx-MUusN4kpplI5HwyvZtCWhurKAkFUFOj8me0FyAapnUv46fDzGPOQJlEbeXlBJWcnxZa-9DGe/s1600/peacock.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiURUo1VdPWMGCaFQTMBEZQXgGHNK1u2EUVlby45AF9VWtW3rs__4W4fUQhr50EnXM-pdx-MUusN4kpplI5HwyvZtCWhurKAkFUFOj8me0FyAapnUv46fDzGPOQJlEbeXlBJWcnxZa-9DGe/s320/peacock.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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We ended our zoo trip at the little park, which I knew probably wasn't a good idea but we let her play anyway. After half an hour she was hot and tiring so we plucked her up to take her home. It didn't go over too well, but I had been expecting that. The good news was she stopped crying rather quickly. The bad news is, she a few minutes later she lost it again in front of a group of people coming into the zoo, so their first exhibit of the day was an angry two-year-old demanding to have her sunglasses.</div>
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Luckily, they laughed and by the time we got to the car everyone was all smiles. </div>
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<i>Okay, this is earlier in the day. </i></div>
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<i>But when we left the zoo we were all hot and sweaty and in no mood for pictures! </i></div>
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Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09149052736668076882noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8354563907937540795.post-56154106080974771172012-05-03T08:20:00.000-07:002012-05-03T08:20:07.461-07:00It's Official...Our Family Is Funny!For the past several years in Manhattan there has been a Last Laugh comedy competition in Aggieville, and my step-dad has entered with his Singing Gutterboy act. It's pretty funny stuff and each year he's been better and better.<br />
And last night, he won :)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWDikNH98RroYiYg1lG4jRimI5VnNOBnsNj8GcKF1c09tp6RL-qPZuZWlev_pR-zYFUQEAlyLDd4asfklK53AF8vv1dcUfJz81oLWeUKIYaAIdo0F6i_gJlCvE5_nv6L62uiraegXgm6-r/s1600/pat+winning.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWDikNH98RroYiYg1lG4jRimI5VnNOBnsNj8GcKF1c09tp6RL-qPZuZWlev_pR-zYFUQEAlyLDd4asfklK53AF8vv1dcUfJz81oLWeUKIYaAIdo0F6i_gJlCvE5_nv6L62uiraegXgm6-r/s320/pat+winning.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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This was super special for several reasons. First, because my step-dad is awesome and is a pretty funny dude. (Hopefully all this "I'm the funniest guy in NE Kansas" doesn't go to his head TOO much, otherwise we'll be stuck with fart jokes all year just because he can...)<br />
And second, last night was also my Mom's birthday. So it was a super fun night to be out and watch him win and hug my mom on stage all happy and stuff. ;)<br />
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I can't talk about his act too much because some of it's R-rated stuff. And some is about stuff grownups do, but I always tune those songs out and think he's singing about fluffy bunnies.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipCrcu4FkNtyeeO8yWFHH2IQ_6Il0d4atOVRkwwpmLuLk4liQ_ybHNv3zHiTwU4R_aDLD0i-OP3dSzH1OsG4mkq2uHirST1Qzeuhtkn_GsULQktTM0Bz0-KtZxgGd-dqO7_DieQzznI7yh/s1600/singing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipCrcu4FkNtyeeO8yWFHH2IQ_6Il0d4atOVRkwwpmLuLk4liQ_ybHNv3zHiTwU4R_aDLD0i-OP3dSzH1OsG4mkq2uHirST1Qzeuhtkn_GsULQktTM0Bz0-KtZxgGd-dqO7_DieQzznI7yh/s320/singing.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<i>This is him singing the fluffy bunny song. </i></div>
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If you want to know what the actual songs are like, feel free to browse his website. There's a CD you can buy or a section where you can listen to a few songs. </div>
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<a href="http://www.thesinginggutterboy.com/">http://www.thesinginggutterboy.com/</a></div>
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Anyway, congratulations Pat! We're all so happy for you!</div>
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<br />Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09149052736668076882noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8354563907937540795.post-61719850337051640702012-04-26T20:25:00.000-07:002013-04-20T08:10:02.860-07:00Oh, CrapYou know the phrase, "Monkey See, Monkey Do?" Around here lately it's been "Monkey Hear, Monkey Say." It's good because Burrito has quickly picked up new words this way, but (as I'm sure every parent knows), that's not always the best thing.<br />
Recently a Modern Family episode (another obsession of mine that I forgot to add to the list..I'll have to do another post and add things I forgot!) made waves when they had the toddler on the show, Lilly, say a bad word.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiorjmRxBpQyPtYWy70juTkNUVA1ewHMO3egfREvIm7aAuwn7XgmqLD9XlDog0wYOCdy-Q8E-zFWH7Mwylf0M6JSW335PZX-TFrFGm-LEcLT7kgPt573BeOd4BKymBVa8VdkcFCmunsg2w9/s1600/modern+fam.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiorjmRxBpQyPtYWy70juTkNUVA1ewHMO3egfREvIm7aAuwn7XgmqLD9XlDog0wYOCdy-Q8E-zFWH7Mwylf0M6JSW335PZX-TFrFGm-LEcLT7kgPt573BeOd4BKymBVa8VdkcFCmunsg2w9/s1600/modern+fam.jpeg" /></a></div>
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<i>Of course, look at what she's wearing. Can you really blame her?? </i></div>
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Well, the actress just said cheese or something and they bleeped it on the show to make it <i>seem</i> like she cussed but she never actually did. People freaked, saying the show was horrible. Honestly, I thought the episode was great. It made me feel better about being a parent. I have no idea what people were so up in arms about, because let's face it. Kids say the darndest things. And sometimes that includes a bad word.<br />
Or in our case, a bad phrase.<br />
Or two.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk5kk1cynI0N0stB7WS0ZRDrCmL2wjTP2E1J1kUbkx2GrES5mByNwrjW_ayYkiGj-UjnHv8GZ-zxiNRNRCmTtdpPSi7T7XkWjkiRVfQL32L3lyFvgBCFtq_SmPDWMrqYMptU2DLiCrSVgl/s1600/mother+award.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk5kk1cynI0N0stB7WS0ZRDrCmL2wjTP2E1J1kUbkx2GrES5mByNwrjW_ayYkiGj-UjnHv8GZ-zxiNRNRCmTtdpPSi7T7XkWjkiRVfQL32L3lyFvgBCFtq_SmPDWMrqYMptU2DLiCrSVgl/s1600/mother+award.jpeg" /></a></div>
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<i>I'm expecting my button any day now</i></div>
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It started innocently enough. I had my Mom on speakerphone one afternoon and realized I had double-booked us for two birthday parties that weekend. When I realized the mistake, I said "Oh crap." And what did the little one in the backseat say to that?</div>
"Oh, crap."<br />
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Nana thought it was hysterical and immediately burst out laughing, which made Burrito say it about ten more times. I admit, it was funny but horrifying at the same time. After I stopped reacting to it, Burrito forgot all about her new phrase and I thought all would be well in the world.</div>
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Then we went to Nana's for dinner the next evening. </div>
After dinner Burrito was playing with her toys when we heard this little phrase pop out.<br />
"Shut up! Shut up!"<br />
The room went dead silent. This is pretty much how I felt:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLEOhQjJceUY6hkMsNGgol4ZU-XpZrM6ZEDI4VtCawvmX8TvV9AEWQM7xs658NA_uRLu-xYOPbgCbCWltfDgUlz2n7TyB60WewghFvSEcukpnZeWdpYdJNxiNUlEBJ9yn4IDqjHPvFVj-Y/s1600/joey.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLEOhQjJceUY6hkMsNGgol4ZU-XpZrM6ZEDI4VtCawvmX8TvV9AEWQM7xs658NA_uRLu-xYOPbgCbCWltfDgUlz2n7TyB60WewghFvSEcukpnZeWdpYdJNxiNUlEBJ9yn4IDqjHPvFVj-Y/s320/joey.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i>Joey is shocked. Shocked!</i></div>
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Now, I know I need to watch my language, (especially while driving and people cut me off). But we don't ever say that kind of thing in front of Burrito due to you know, scarring the kid for life and being bad parents. For the life of me, I couldn't figure out where she would have heard that phrase. So after Daddy and Burrito had a chat about why that was inappropriate and things like that hurt people's feelings she apologized to everyone and we went home. </div>
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Then we discovered the culprit. </div>
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Remember how I said we have snuggle/movie time before bed?? Well a week ago I checked out the movie Rio from the library and it's been Burrito's current favorite thing. (It's a good movie! Bright colors, fun songs and is just plain cute). But for some reason I was paying closer attention to it that night than any other night, and I realized that during the "bad birds" evil song he says a certain phrase to the other birdies. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZnI7Ru9sHp9hvqzOfEQQiPvOxDjjmslrOzroK1dvDDQEB7eL25TGWQXjioISJlTi-tCdbjPkEWY2uxSUEUJ2IuhnSZB46HohycdDJjzcdXu2jyhNYGWyZ2h5unF53nELZnKw0pAXNAFp_/s1600/Nigel.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZnI7Ru9sHp9hvqzOfEQQiPvOxDjjmslrOzroK1dvDDQEB7eL25TGWQXjioISJlTi-tCdbjPkEWY2uxSUEUJ2IuhnSZB46HohycdDJjzcdXu2jyhNYGWyZ2h5unF53nELZnKw0pAXNAFp_/s1600/Nigel.jpeg" /></a></div>
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<i>Yes, you're evil. We get it. Did you have to teach my toddler the phrase "Shut up?" </i></div>
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<i>Wait. Quit glaring at me...</i></div>
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So now Mommy has to fast-forward that part of the "Birdie Movie." Hopefully she forgets that phrase too. It's due soon anyway and when she's a bit older and completely understands that that's not a nice thing to say we'll check it back out. </div>
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In the meantime, Mommy is definitely going to work on substitute words when she gets road rage.Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09149052736668076882noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8354563907937540795.post-20839112949541264212012-04-25T20:33:00.005-07:002012-04-26T08:33:47.751-07:00Obsessions<br />
Okay, so those who know me well know that when I discover something new and awesome I have a *slight* tendency to get obsessive about it. Like Pinterest. Or Harry Potter. Or looking at Harry Potter pins ON pinterest....<br />
Yes, I know. I have issues.<br />
Anyway.<br />
My most recent obsession is Game of Thrones. You guys. This show is SO GOOD. There are bad guys and good guys and swords and chicks that are bad a** and cute boys and direwolves and zombies and dragons and my little fangirl heart can hardly take it!!<br />
Ahem. So basically every Sunday The Husband and I are glued to the TV with a giant bowl of popcorn. It's one of my favorite times of the week :) Of course, he yells at me if I dare open up Pinterest while watching so I have to wait til it's over to fuel that addiction. But it's all good :)<br />
So since i seem to be in List Mood today here are some of my top Obsessions. Don't judge too much, and feel free to add yours in the comments if you dare!<br />
Without further ado, here are<br />
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Heather's Top Ten Obsessions:<br />
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1. <b>World of Warcraft. </b></div>
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I haven't played as much recently due to being addicted, er, interested in other things. But when I get into the WoW groove I stay up way too late and spend my Friday evenings playing the game after Burrito goes to sleep.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_K5aAOvbIj53l9Fcql55HH0Qqc0zIrDQ4aAle-dC_efs84_JUwY1MJI_ZsMosFYgqfP02WhE4M5GDbhS8bcRyL_G7ElfnFw-_njAC_vjBGWxkMH9qOKRoQMwxdj74fBEJoTiU1PtOoeHv/s1600/WoW.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_K5aAOvbIj53l9Fcql55HH0Qqc0zIrDQ4aAle-dC_efs84_JUwY1MJI_ZsMosFYgqfP02WhE4M5GDbhS8bcRyL_G7ElfnFw-_njAC_vjBGWxkMH9qOKRoQMwxdj74fBEJoTiU1PtOoeHv/s1600/WoW.jpeg" /></a></div>
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<i>Sadly, I have yet to become a NightElf Mohawk</i></div>
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<b>2. Harry Potter. </b></div>
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Yup, still obsessed. If it's Harry Potter marathon weekend on ABC Family, I will watch it. Even though I own all the DVDs. Even though I own all the Blu-Rays. Even though I own all the books. Even though I'm currently in the middle of buying all the e-books. (Please remember not to judge too much!!) I freaking love JK Rowling and the world and characters she created. And even if her new book is horrendous, I will still love it. Because it's JKR. And JKR DOES NO WRONG.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi60TpERShr7Yb2yhtU72-RW9_Xll4-FPw-i_z6l7hMiQ5EnwYsGc8Pl9FdSw3OBUYn_LF2BWxgjYWjWGfejWZn_hJX5IfkgxncCKz3ydMSTc0dDOHwT3UuT2wZrmu0EAgtbFqPSgyFjk-y/s1600/harry+potter.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi60TpERShr7Yb2yhtU72-RW9_Xll4-FPw-i_z6l7hMiQ5EnwYsGc8Pl9FdSw3OBUYn_LF2BWxgjYWjWGfejWZn_hJX5IfkgxncCKz3ydMSTc0dDOHwT3UuT2wZrmu0EAgtbFqPSgyFjk-y/s1600/harry+potter.jpeg" /></a></div>
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<i>Nothing will ever live up to them. But that's what rereading is for!</i></div>
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3. <b>Game of Thrones </b></div>
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...but we already talked about that!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLE21x1HIqQXIaKr7uCz4tUAbPW6Ja0T1c8hlJI9rdSS4acHhbnWeVHdDKM7nreal0GUoK4JF9IDmpWp9Zb9uBFt07WhxAvJ5MnzS99xehv0IAhJycHiDQZZYBYAOJVeuz3ilcYCyXpZfi/s1600/dani.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLE21x1HIqQXIaKr7uCz4tUAbPW6Ja0T1c8hlJI9rdSS4acHhbnWeVHdDKM7nreal0GUoK4JF9IDmpWp9Zb9uBFt07WhxAvJ5MnzS99xehv0IAhJycHiDQZZYBYAOJVeuz3ilcYCyXpZfi/s1600/dani.jpeg" /></a></div>
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<i>Dani has dragons. Dragons are awesome.</i></div>
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4. <b>Nora Roberts</b>. </div>
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Ah, Queen Nora. You are a close second to JKR. My bookshelf is pretty much ALL Nora Roberts paperbacks. It's a comfort thing. I read her books before falling asleep every night. No clue why. She just released her 200th book (TWO freaking hundred. Talk about making you feel a little lazy!) Anyway. I've always loved La Nora and try to snatch her new books at work before anyone else can!</div>
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<i>Even Stephen King says she's cool. You don't ignore Stephen King.</i></div>
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5. <b>Pinterest.</b> </div>
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It's a great way to pass the time and look at a lot of crafts I'll probably never do and find recipes that look delicious. (I actually HAVE made several of the recipes. Go me!)</div>
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<i>Where Pinterventions begin</i></div>
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6. <b>YA books</b>. </div>
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(No, not mother trucking Twilight. Vampires don't friggin sparkle. I like the books but will never get past that. Vamps may be sexy, but they are EVIL. They stalk and kill, not look constipated and glisten)</div>
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<i>You will think about it every time you see him now. </i></div>
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*Ahem* Moving on... </div>
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YA books are great. My most addicted series are Hunger Games (obvs) and anything by Rick Riordan. Rachel Hawkins, Kiersten White, and Marissa Meyer are all current obsessions</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF_PxkmXso0XKlEex_wr-7t5tX8DweggLuZ9S_LmvfnXTE3nCPZDr5JVYyLXStTMEK3cqD5kq6sdv_RCmEB28nCMj4FVYQXWXb1h7mQGrcL0i2E8iQYcwr8snBI4OaPpSfuuJ79xdDvP6Y/s1600/percy.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtyJmYfJzjtDamWj3pO_3Oj-bNM9pJF2QXkWfdFRdq1ntGk7B9X84dVlDSoufi9natuqRIll2qW4jXsLgM-ZcUqQs05FoYfIyNKWEWdvUBiYNxcKD5FapbBbBjcWHuX9D1lgCGBiy8MWR8/s1600/hunger.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtyJmYfJzjtDamWj3pO_3Oj-bNM9pJF2QXkWfdFRdq1ntGk7B9X84dVlDSoufi9natuqRIll2qW4jXsLgM-ZcUqQs05FoYfIyNKWEWdvUBiYNxcKD5FapbBbBjcWHuX9D1lgCGBiy8MWR8/s1600/hunger.jpeg" /></a><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF_PxkmXso0XKlEex_wr-7t5tX8DweggLuZ9S_LmvfnXTE3nCPZDr5JVYyLXStTMEK3cqD5kq6sdv_RCmEB28nCMj4FVYQXWXb1h7mQGrcL0i2E8iQYcwr8snBI4OaPpSfuuJ79xdDvP6Y/s1600/percy.jpeg" /></div>
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7.<b> Lost.</b> </div>
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Oh man, I loved that show (Not the ending. We pretend that doesn't exist) Before the Ending That We Don't Talk About Brian and I watched this show all the time. We got hooked when I was pregnant. Watching four seasons in two months was a good way to sit on my pregnant bootie and forget how much my feet hurt. And I seriously miss the beginning with the dude going "Previously, on Lost..."</div>
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<i>Crazy things happen on a crazy island....</i></div>
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8. <b>Vampire TV shows.</b> </div>
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Specifically, ones where no one freaking sparkles.</div>
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<i>Although they seem to glisten too. Hmm. Lestat would not approve</i></div>
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9.<b> Bad 80s music. </b></div>
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(Remember, no judging!) I blame my mother. But if I'm running or on a car trip?? Def Leppard, baby</div>
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<i>Armaggedon it!</i></div>
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10. <b>Friends</b> </div>
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I couldn't keep my favorite Friends off the list! It's been off the air for years but I can still quote every episode. And like Harry Potter, I will watch over and over and over and over.</div>
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<i>So no one told you life was gonna be this way...(you know you clapped)</i></div>
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Aaand that's my list!! Apparently I am a big, big nerd. But that's okay. All the cool kids are :)<br />
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<br /></div>Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09149052736668076882noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8354563907937540795.post-73758718964566764822012-04-25T09:23:00.002-07:002012-04-25T09:23:47.502-07:00Neglectful Blogger Momma Strikes Again!Remember when I was going to do better about blogging? Haha. Oops. <br />
But that's okay! I'll just blog today and pretend like I've kept at it the whole time. On to the fun stuff!<br />
Top Five Cute Things Baby Girl (Codename: The Burrito) Has Done Recently:<br />
1. Sing "I Love You, You Love Me" to herself before she falls asleep. I am not to blame for this (because Momma does not care for Barney so we'll watch anything but that creepy purple dinosaur), but she's picked it up, and I gotta admit, it's freaking adorable when she sings it in her room.<br />
2. She is OBSESSED with the song "Ruby" by the Kaiser Chiefs. Daddy got her hooked on it. So now whenever we get in the car she'll politely ask for Ruby and sing along. And again, it's super freaking cute.<br />
3. Burrito now knows all of the alphabet and can count to ten! Yay! <br />
4. Bubbles are the best thing ever. We're working on teaching her to blow them herself, but so far she loves to chase them around the yard and try to pop them.<br />
5. She likes to SNUGGLE! This is a big one for Momma because since the time she was about six months old the child doesn't sit still long enough for a proper snuggle. But lately she's been really into getting her blankets (yes, blankets-we have to have 3 of them to snuggle properly) and snuggling with Momma before bedtime. Which of course, Momma loves <3<br />
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Not too long ago we converted to a toddler bed so now we're really working on Potty Training. She likes to sit on the potty, but she doesn't do a whole lot while there. I made a cute Potty Chart for her to put stickers on (she looooves stickers) but the dang cat yanked it off the wall and attacked it. <br />
Some days, I really prefer Belle over Oscar. (Not that he minds, he spends all the time snuggling with The Husband and ignores me. I repeat: Dang cat.)<br />
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Despite failing on the blogging part of my New Year's Resolution, I've done pretty well with the other ones. In March I ran/walked the St. Patrick's Day Parade and in June I'm doing the Color Run. Hopefully I'll be ready for the 5k. I've been getting up at the crack of dawn to jog on my own in the mornings (If you know me at all you'll know what an accomplishment that is--the mornings are my mortal enemy). I'm still not very good, but I figure doing some is better than doing nothing and that someday I'll get there.<br />
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I'm still querying agents for the book I wrote-I had one ask for the manuscript (which got me ALL. KINDS. OF. EXCITED.) but she ultimately decided to pass. It was a crushing letdown, but I'm still trying. Again, better than doing nothing. And at least I'm not obsessivly checking my email every two seconds to see if I have a reply anymore. That was probably beginning to annoy The Husband. ;) <br />Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09149052736668076882noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8354563907937540795.post-18963166073809968262012-01-05T08:50:00.000-08:002012-01-05T08:55:10.483-08:00New Year Resolutions, Dude Colds Stink, and What To Do After You've Written A Novel Happy Belated New Year!<br />
As you can guess from the title, I've been a little sick recently. So has Baby Girl and The Husband. It's made for a rather interesting start to the new year, but we're working through it. And by "working through it" I mean we have a crapload of tissues and cough syrup lying around. Which is always fun.<br />
This cold has made me start my resolutions a little late. Just like a bajillion other people, I have goals of getting more organized, being better about money and losing weight. Actually, I've made it a goal to try and run a 5k sometime this year, which will be completely awesome if it doesn't kill me.<br />
Let's hope for awesome.<br />
Another goal of mine for 2012? Find a literary agent for my book.<br />
A what, you say? An agent? Whazzat??<br />
Basically a literary agent is a super awesome person who helps you get your book published. You can try and go it alone without an agent but everything I've read says that's really not a good idea. An agent is an amazing partner who wheels and deals with you in the giant crazy publishing world.<br />
Problem is, you have to get one to like your book first.<br />
How do you do that? Well, first you write a book (I know, duh! But hey, it's a lot freaking harder than it sounds. Believe me.)<br />
So your book is all done. After you have done SEVERAL revisions and forced a friend or critique partner to go over it, you can start querying an agent. There are several super cool websites that can help you learn how to write a good query. My favorite is QueryShark, but watch out. The shark can bite.<br />
Then you send your query to a few favorite agents you've found by either stalking your favorite authors online and seeing who represents them or googling literary agents.<br />
Now I'm not going to recommend you stalk your favorite authors, but usually you can find out a LOT of information from their websites or blogs (do not confuse this with THE alot-and if you have no idea what I'm talking about check out Hyperbole and a Half. You're welcome).<br />
I'd suggest at least taking a look at your favorite author's site before you query.<br />
So you send an agent or two your query letter. Then you reread said letter. Then you freak out. If you're anything like me, your freak out will sound like this:<br />
"Oh crap, this query is <i>terrible, WHY </i>did I press send, how do I get it back?!?!"<br />
Then you groan and console yourself with Cheez-Its and wait for your "I'm sorry, but we are looking for other things" response. Because the sad truth is, you're probably going to get a no. Which sucks. :( But you have to keep your head up. Just because it doesn't work for that agent doesn't mean it won't work for another. And if you're lucky you get advice on how to make your query not suck. You go through and revise before sending it to other agents. (NEVER resend to an agent who has said no. They don't like that and then you become annoying query author which is never a good thing).<br />
The good news is, all it takes is one Yes. So you hope and hope and hope that somewhere out there, SOMEONE likes your book.<br />
In the meantime? You write another book. And then start all over again :)Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09149052736668076882noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8354563907937540795.post-40137114224509042962011-12-06T08:00:00.000-08:002013-04-20T08:21:12.691-07:00It's the Holidays!Today I realized I've been rather neglectful of being a blogger, which is kind of odd because I like to write. Weird. But since it's the holiday season and Burrito is doing all sorts of cute things I realized I better start writing them down and putting them on the internet. That way she can thank me in ten years (because I've heard that your kids LOVE you and COMPLETELY understand every rule and decision you make when they are teenagers. Right? Right????)<br />
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So since I've been Neglectful Blogger Momma here is a recap of all the insanely freaking cute things my daughter has done recently: </div>
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1. Sing and dance to "Frosty the Snowman" I keep trying to record her singing the song and naturally she stops as soon as she hears the recording click on. Sigh. But it's super cute so I will keep trying!</div>
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2. Sing the alphabet. Burrito's version is more like "ABCDEEE!" To her credit though, in the last few days she's nailed the ending of the song. We'll just keep working on that pesky LMNOP part ;)</div>
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3. Counting is 2,3,4,6,8,10,14,14,14,14! I have no idea where she got that from. She absolutely refuses to start with 1, and I'm not sure why she doesn't like odd numbers! </div>
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4. Much like her beloved singing Frosty, we have a singing and dancing Santa Claus that she is growing fond of. The only thing is that since he dances, she's slightly afraid of him and won't make him dance herself. So now if she wants to hear him sing and dance she says "Santa pwease, Santa pwease, Santa PWEASE!"</div>
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We're working on patience ;)</div>
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5. She loves Pixar. I gotta admit, if I have to watch a kids movie every night before bedtime, the Pixar films are the way to go! Momma is a big fan of the Disney Princesses --despite the horrible lessons they teach small kids and all--which you don't really think about at ALL when you're six...I mean, I watched The Little Mermaid about thirty million times and had no idea Ariel was teaching me to be stubborn, not listen to my parents, think men only love pretty girls who don't talk (which totally rubbed off on me, I mean, The Husband married me because I am quiet and NEVER talk, and have NO opinions....hehehe). Ariel also taught me that the best way to spend the day was in a clamshell bikini, but alas, I have yet to find one. </div>
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And don't get me started on the bad things they say about Belle. A girl likes to read and all of a sudden she's a victim of Stockholm Syndrome. Which, okay, she does fall for the dude that kidnapped her, but he like, changed and stuff. And...All right, fine, they have a perfectly valid point with that, but I love Belle so don't diss mai girl!!! She READS. Be nice to the girl who reads a lot!!!</div>
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Hmm. First blog post and I got on my soapbox. Whoops. *hops down* *hangs head in shame*</div>
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So, erm....Burrito! She likes Pixar films. And it's super funny to hear her try to say "To infinity and beyond!" Or Mufasa, which sounds more like "Mumasa." </div>
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Also, I swear I don't just let my kid watch TV all the time. We play and read (Baby Girl had a breakdown when Momma tried taking Chicka Chicka Boom Booma back to the library. The tantrum was EPIC. The kicker? I was taking it back because we now OWN THE BOOK).</div>
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But Momma is a big fan of snuggling so before bed we chill and snuggle and watch Pixar. Judge if you want but I love our couchtime snuggles :)</div>
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And that's all for now! I have more cute stories which means I will be better about blogging. I also need to figure out how to put pictures on here and stuff. If you know how, feel free to advise me in the comments! Or just comment on anything in general. TTFN!</div>
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Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09149052736668076882noreply@blogger.com2