tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13487460451109295962024-03-28T20:28:30.676-07:00Friday Night Date NightMackenziehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12345687064339325546noreply@blogger.comBlogger109125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1348746045110929596.post-68849509773286728542012-10-05T14:20:00.002-07:002012-10-05T14:21:28.480-07:00USS Constitution<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We are really enjoying being in Boston and finding free dates! </div>
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So I am starting a series on free dates in Boston. </div>
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I call it, the Free Dates in Boston Series.</div>
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SUPER clever right?</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EdE4G96oy0Y/UG9K_ah3FTI/AAAAAAAACJQ/uVWug9blxh0/s1600/Boston+095.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="484" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EdE4G96oy0Y/UG9K_ah3FTI/AAAAAAAACJQ/uVWug9blxh0/s640/Boston+095.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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The first on our list is the USS Constitution. </div>
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It is so cool! And totally free. </div>
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Tours are every 30 minutes or you can do a self guided tour but only of the top deck.</div>
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We opted for the 30 minute one and went below. </div>
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This little lady is the oldest floating war ship in the <i>world!</i></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9BhfYjIJkc4/UG9IcUSYBDI/AAAAAAAACJA/WxeLNZj_gcs/s1600/uss1+Collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9BhfYjIJkc4/UG9IcUSYBDI/AAAAAAAACJA/WxeLNZj_gcs/s640/uss1+Collage.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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It has been in 33 battles and survived them all. Talk about Lucky.</div>
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We had a great little history lesson and saw the gun deck and sleeping quarters.</div>
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This is a great family outing too - we brought our Sweet B with us and she loved it!</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-a1uJlcTwYkc/UG9IXW_SvrI/AAAAAAAACI4/xWYN2E9fNPI/s1600/BOSTON.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-a1uJlcTwYkc/UG9IXW_SvrI/AAAAAAAACI4/xWYN2E9fNPI/s640/BOSTON.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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All is all, the USS Constitution is well worth a visit. </div>
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Completely free and completely awesome!</div>
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Visit the <a href="http://www.history.navy.mil/ussconstitution/">ship's website</a> for times and visitor information.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Happy Dating!</span></div>
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<br />Mackenziehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12345687064339325546noreply@blogger.com48tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1348746045110929596.post-5402752968145091052012-10-02T00:00:00.000-07:002012-10-02T00:00:15.322-07:00Romance Spotlight: Elise <br />
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<span style="font-size: medium;">Hello everyone and welcome to another ROMANCE SPOTLIGHT! Elise from<a href="http://frugalfarmwife.com/"> The Frugal Farm Wife </a>is here to share a fun date that she and her husband had. I hope you take a minute to read about it and make sure you stop by <a href="http://frugalfarmwife.com/">her blog</a> and say hi!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;">Take it away Elise!</span></div>
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Last Friday I was over at my parents and dad mentioned that he had to go to a town about 30 miles away for a few small things for his work truck.<br />
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I jumped on the opportunity and offered to go get them if he would watch Garrett.
Gabriel and I haven't really been able to date as such since Garrett was born last June. But now that he's 11 months old and eating quite a bit of solid food, we're finding that I can leave him for a few hours at a time without undesirable repercussions, so I jumped at the chance to turn an errand into a date!<br />
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Dad accepted my offer to go get his stuff, and I ran to see if Gabriel was up for it. He was of course.
One of our favorite things to do together is ride motorcycles which, again, we haven't really done since Garrett was born. So we ran home, suited up and took off!<br />
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We took some beautiful back country roads and road through a small Amish community to admire their spring gardens.
After we stopped at the small town auto parts store and picked dad's order up, we took a different route home to stop by our favorite little country store where we purchased some dried fruit and peanuts and sat on the store's porch looking out at the creek to eat our snack.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_I8eYlZAmik/UF26NKDDN6I/AAAAAAAABb0/xz_178eyIvA/s1600/meandgabe" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_I8eYlZAmik/UF26NKDDN6I/AAAAAAAABb0/xz_178eyIvA/s320/meandgabe" width="320" /> </a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Gabriel and I in front of the ice machine of all things!</span></div>
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On the way home we drove by some hay fields that were being baled - they smelled wonderful!<br />
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How's that for an unconventional date?!<br />
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It may have started out as a simple errand, but I think Gabriel and I were both happier with our date knowing that we had been at least semi productive while having fun. And besides, The whole thing cost us little more than five dollars since we traded an errand for baby sitting. Now that's my kind of date! :)<br />
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Elise is a child of God, wife, and mother. She blogs on <a href="http://frugalfarmwife.com/">frugalfarmwife.com</a> about her journey in thriftyness, farming, and food allergies<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Thanks so much Elise! Loved it!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Be sure to stop by again for another ROMANCE SPOTLIGHT!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Happy Dating!</span></div>
Mackenziehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12345687064339325546noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1348746045110929596.post-51309785128185823442012-09-28T18:31:00.000-07:002012-10-05T14:21:40.272-07:00Cupcakes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
When your husband/son/brother (any male you know) was a kid did he go to bed with his favorite toy? Or maybe piece of sports equipment? Hubby's family has told me that he would go to bed with his basketball. </div>
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It's cute when they're boys. </div>
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Not so cute as married men. </div>
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Hubby works at a tennis club and is working on becoming a professional tennis player. And because of that, he feels the need to constantly practice. </div>
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Even at home. </div>
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Even at night.</div>
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Even in bed. </div>
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I kid you not. This guy has come to bed with his tennis racket and played "air tennis". </div>
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<i>He's <b>not</b> allowed to do that anymore.</i></div>
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Anyway, we had a great date tonight!</div>
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We went to this adorable little cupcake shop in Newton, MA.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-b0AAJiX_1zY/UGZBT_T_H5I/AAAAAAAACIA/mAMrp67h8b8/s1600/cupcakes+on+centre.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="508" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-b0AAJiX_1zY/UGZBT_T_H5I/AAAAAAAACIA/mAMrp67h8b8/s640/cupcakes+on+centre.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">(Image sources:<a href="http://profile.ak.fbcdn.net/hprofile-ak-snc7/373675_113098792141512_581374563_n.jpg"> here</a> <a href="http://o5.aolcdn.com/dims-shared/dims3/PATCH/resize/273x203/http://hss-prod.hss.aol.com/hss/storage/patch/db71df8beabefb4702659c818fe156d8">here</a> and <a href="http://a8.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/c0.51.851.315/p851x315/456753_185450298239694_1886760390_o.jpg">here</a>)</span></div>
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It was seriously darling! I want to decorate Sweet B's room like this place now. </div>
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Striped pink walls. Black and white tile floor, and multicolored light fixtures.</div>
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There were lots of cupcakes to choose from and even frozen yogurt. </div>
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Hubby got banana and I ordered a baby chocolate. </div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Mb94miPULgQ/UGZI6OyZV9I/AAAAAAAACIc/qOz8a-9RoTM/s1600/cakes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="476" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Mb94miPULgQ/UGZI6OyZV9I/AAAAAAAACIc/qOz8a-9RoTM/s640/cakes.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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So glad we found this little gem! </div>
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Date night for less than $5 - SCORE!</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Happy Dating!</span></div>
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<br />Mackenziehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12345687064339325546noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1348746045110929596.post-51925133373715224192012-09-26T17:50:00.000-07:002012-09-28T18:31:49.890-07:00Top 10 Dates in Washington D.C.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Continuing on with our top 10 lists!</div>
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Next up is Washington D.C.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-swgPgkez9m8/UGNCOrmZf4I/AAAAAAAACG8/OsVOB1_jidI/s1600/DCc.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-swgPgkez9m8/UGNCOrmZf4I/AAAAAAAACG8/OsVOB1_jidI/s640/DCc.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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(Image Sources: <a href="http://www.perkinsdrygoods.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2008/04/washington-monument.jpg">#1</a>, <a href="http://dc.eater.com/uploads/bgr-burger-joint-400.jpg">#2</a>, <a href="http://www.american-architecture.info/USA/USA-Washington/786px-SmithsonianCastel_07120014.jpg">#3</a>, <a href="http://lessons4violin.com/yahoo_site_admin/assets/images/kennedycenter.17694703.jpg">#4, </a><a href="http://www.eriegaynews.com/images/images/travel/international-spy-museum.jpg">#5</a>, <a href="http://cnsnews.com/sites/default/files/images/WHITE%20HOUSE-AP%20PHOTO-USE.jpg?1331589459">#6</a>, <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_hMgHAWXSUuI/SkaQLJHYNmI/AAAAAAAAFZk/c5U7G0AIZPw/s400/Eastern+Market+003.JPG">#7</a>, <a href="http://www.starrtours.com/image_data/6588.jpg">#8</a>, <a href="http://b5media_b4.s3.amazonaws.com/28/files/2007/09/national-archives.jpg">#9</a>, <a href="http://www.dc-criminal-defense.com/DC%20Zoo.jpg">#10</a>)</div>
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In No Particular Order:</div>
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1.<a href="http://www.nps.gov/wamo/index.htm"><span style="font-size: large;">Washington Monument</span></a> - One of the great things about D.C. is that it is crawling with <b>free </b>things to do. If you've ever been to D.C. you know that touring the national mall is a must. But what about going up inside the Washington Monument? While this is free, you must have a ticket and it's first come, first serve. So if you want to ride up to the top, make sure you get an early start.<br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-P3eZhnjA1mU/UGOij-_j5nI/AAAAAAAACHg/GrbovVMel-Y/s1600/DC+021.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-P3eZhnjA1mU/UGOij-_j5nI/AAAAAAAACHg/GrbovVMel-Y/s200/DC+021.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
2. <span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.bgrtheburgerjoint.com/">The Burger Joint</a> </span>- "One burger you must have before you die". I've never been here, but a good friend recommended this one to me. Apparently it's to die for. The beef is all cooked over an open flame and the menu looks delicious!<br />
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3. <span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.si.edu/">Smithsonian</a> </span>- The Smithsonian is actually a compilation of 19 galleries and museums. It would be impossible to see everything in a day- which is why it's so great. No getting bored on this date! Go Smithsonian hopping or try and see everything in one building. These are totally <b>free</b> by the way.<br />
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4. <span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.kennedy-center.org/">The Kennedy Center</a></span> - If you can convince your hubby to sit through a ballet, try seeing one at the Kennedy Center. Ballet not your cup of tea? Try an orchestra, opera or symphony concert. Not to mention all sorts of guest performers.<br />
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5. <span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.spymuseum.org/">International Spy Museum</a></span> - This one is not so free. $19.95 a person to be exact. But a very fun date! There are tons of exhibits and games. Plus a cafe inside!<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FXhclwdsrO8/UGOgnmnrQ2I/AAAAAAAACHY/WB_I6Injees/s1600/hubbs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FXhclwdsrO8/UGOgnmnrQ2I/AAAAAAAACHY/WB_I6Injees/s200/hubbs.jpg" width="200" /></a>6. <span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.whitehouse.gov/about/tours-and-events">White House</a> </span>- Did you know you can tour the white house? And it's <b>FREE</b>! But there is a catch. You must make a request through a member of congress at least 21 day in advance. Still, not bad considering what you get in return. Although George Washington didn't live here, he chose the site and all the Presidents following him have lived here. Talk about history! If taking a tour isn't an option, just visit the grounds. Try to spot secret service men in the trees. They are there.<br />
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7. <span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.easternmarket-dc.org/">Eastern Market</a></span> - Similar to Seattle's Public Market, D.C.'s eastern market is the cities oldest fresh food market. On the weekends, there are arts and crafts, community events, and a farmers market. Take your hubby here to grab food for dinner and then cook a delicious meal together.<br />
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8. <span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.mountvernon.org/">Mt. Vernon</a> </span>- This is technically not in D.C. but super close. I have a great love and respect for the founding fathers and think visiting George Washington's home would be fantastic. It is the most visited historic estate in the country and for good reason. $15 a person gives you about a 3 hour tour of Mt. Vernon and an insight to President Washington's life.<br />
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9. <a href="http://www.archives.gov/dc-metro/washington/"><span style="font-size: large;">National Archives</span></a>- Home to the Declaration of Independence. Not only is this place crawling with history, but you can also make Nicolas Cage proud and reenact scenes from National Treasure. Stop by the gift shop and get your own copy of the declaration on your way out. Did I mention that it's 100% <b>FREE</b>?<br />
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10. <span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://nationalzoo.si.edu/">National Zoo</a></span> - The zoo is FREE! I am kicking myself for not taking advantage of this while we were in Virginia. I have never heard of a zoo being free before and this one looks awesome! Tons of animals and other activities as well. Definitely worth visiting for date night.<br />
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Special thanks to<a href="http://sugarbeascookies.blogspot.com/"> Caitlin</a> for suggestions!<br />
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Next City: Boston!</div>
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Leave me a comment with your favorite date in Boston- it might make the top 10 list. </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Happy Dating!</span></div>
Mackenziehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12345687064339325546noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1348746045110929596.post-11827863304652101512012-09-24T00:00:00.000-07:002012-09-24T00:00:14.222-07:00Romance Spotlight: Dorothy <div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Hello everyone and welcome to another ROMANCE SPOTLIGHT! Dorothy from <a href="http://www.crazyforcrust.com/">Crazy for Crust</a> is here to share the sweet story of how she met her hubby. I hope you take a minute to read their story and make sure you stop by her <a href="http://www.crazyforcrust.com/">totally awesome blog</a>!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Take it away Dorothy!</span></div>
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Hi y'all! I'm Dorothy from <a href="http://www.crazyforcrust.com/" target="_blank">Crazy for Crust</a>, where I'm crazy for...well...crust. And cookies. And cupcakes. And brownies. I bake it all...and then I share it, with a slice of my life thrown in.<br />
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{Who am I kidding? I throw way more than a slice. It's more like I eat the slice and throw the whole pie at you.}<br />
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I'm so excited to be here at Friday Night Date Night, because I'm also crazy for...my husband. I guess that's a good thing?
I hate to say this but...our story is somewhat, I don't know, magical? Almost like destiny?<br />
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All I do know is that I never really believed in soulmates until we got together. Because, seriously, he is my true other half.
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We met in college. I was a traditional student. He was what they call a "returning student." In other words, he was an um, ahem, a much older guy. Like...16 years older.<br />
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It was his first class at our college, College of Notre Dame (no, not that one) in Belmont, California. CS030A aka Computer Science 1, aka my class from hell. I really should have paid more attention in that class, methinks.<br />
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He was married. I had a boyfriend. And before you start calling me mean names, no I was NOT a home-wrecker. We were just friends. He gave me his answers to his homework, we chatted in the lab. I think, looking back that, deep down, I may have had a spark or two, but hey. He was <em>married</em> and I was in a two-year relationship with a guy who I figured was going to be my future +1.<br />
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The following year we had no classes together, but would see each other occasionally in the halls and say hello. Nothing out of the ordinary.<br />
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Then came Fall of 1999, two years after we first met. I was single, and had been for awhile. I ran into Mel in the parking lot during the first week of school. Asked him how his summer went. And he dropped the bomb, probably the best bomb that ever happened to me.<br />
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He had left his wife. He was getting divorced.<br />
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On the outside, I was all <em>"aw, crap, I'm so sorry. That sucks, are you okay?"</em><br />
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On the inside it was like a dance party and the feeling those people who win the lottery must have.
That's the moment I realized the spark was reeeallllly strong. But, dude, the guy was <em>just</em> single. Like, not even fully divorced yet. He wasn't in a good place.<br />
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I bided my time by finding out where he lived and stalking him instead.<br />
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I kid.<br />
<br />
{Not kidding. I really did that.}<br />
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About 6 months later we were running into each other more, talking in between classes. I kept bugging him to meet me for lunch (as friends, of course). Finally, he agreed.<br />
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We had lunch on a Monday. That following Saturday we went hiking and had lunch together. By the end I was convinced he was my soulmate. We had just about everything in common. We could finish each other's sentences. I thought he felt the same way, but wasn't sure.<br />
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By the end of the next week we'd seen each other every day and had our first official "date". By then, I kinda new he felt the way I did.
By the end of the second week I knew we would get married. And not in the "little kid wishing to get married and writing our names in a heart" knew. I <em>knew</em>.<br />
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By the time school ended we were inseperable. We graduated together. Another reason I knew he was a keeper? He brought me roses at the ceremony. And he brought his mom, sister, my mom, and all of my girlfriends roses too.<br />
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By August, 5 months after that lunch date, I was anticipating a ring. I had every weekend planned out so I knew, <em>knew</em> when it would be coming.<br />
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{I'm reeallllly not good at surprises.}<br />
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But he managed to foil my plans.<br />
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<img alt="" class="aligncenter wp-image-944" height="337" src="http://www.crazyforcrust.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/apinkhair-640x421.jpg" title="apinkhair" width="512" /></div>
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We went to Las Vegas for the weekend. I knew he was not going to propose in Vegas because he had told me I needed to meet his family first, which I was going to do on Labor Day weekend.<br />
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When we got to the hotel he went down the hall and got ice for our pre-dinner drinks. He poured me a drink and asked if I wanted ice.<br />
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I said, "No. I don't like ice." {Really, I don't.}<br />
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He said, "you sure? You don't want some ice?"<br />
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I said, "No, I'm good. No ice for me!"<br />
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He said, "I think you want some ice. GET SOME ICE."<br />
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So I did. And I got a girl's favorite kind of ice.<br />
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And a husband too.<br />
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<a href="http://www.crazyforcrust.com/?attachment_id=943" rel="attachment wp-att-943"><img alt="" class="aligncenter wp-image-943" height="524" src="http://www.crazyforcrust.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/wedding20001-640x910.jpg" title="wedding20001" width="369" /></a></div>
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We were married a year later in Ralston Hall, the historical mansion on the grounds of our college.<br />
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And now we have a kid and have been married over 11 years.<br />
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<img alt="" class="aligncenter wp-image-946" height="346" src="http://www.crazyforcrust.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/IMG_4132-640x480.jpg" title="IMG_4132" width="461" /></div>
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But he still makes me feel like that person who won the lottery.
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<span style="font-size: large;">Thanks so much Dorothy! Loved it!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Be sure to stop by again for another ROMANCE SPOTLIGHT!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Happy Dating!</span></div>
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Mackenziehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12345687064339325546noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1348746045110929596.post-78909206205523360202012-09-19T17:53:00.000-07:002012-09-19T17:53:14.687-07:00"We're Sick" Date<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
My little family is sick. </div>
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While being sick is no fun, it does have its perks. For instance, it means that Hubby is home!</div>
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Not so good to miss school and work but I'm trying to look on the bright side.</div>
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Since he is rarely home these days we wanted to take advantage of it and have a date.</div>
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But we both felt totally blah.</div>
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Going anywhere or doing anything besides sitting was not an option.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HcbCYLryKJI/UFpk7fa-22I/AAAAAAAACFo/iPk4UGxU7xI/s1600/we're+sick.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="416" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HcbCYLryKJI/UFpk7fa-22I/AAAAAAAACFo/iPk4UGxU7xI/s640/we're+sick.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Reading a book or watching a movie was about the only thing we had energy to do. So we made a date of it. And since neither of us were fit to be seen, this is the only photo that will be published. We grabbed a blanket and cuddled up with a P.G. Wodehouse book for each of us. For dinner, we had some chicken noodle soup and orange juice-with a side of Kleenex. </div>
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Even if you're sick, try to enjoy your time together. </div>
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And hey, it's free.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Happy Dating!</span></div>
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<br />Mackenziehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12345687064339325546noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1348746045110929596.post-62252452334873479882012-09-18T18:48:00.000-07:002012-09-18T18:48:19.625-07:00Dear Hubby<div style="text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kmGVFgjzjug/UFkkKdLI54I/AAAAAAAACFM/-uZ37Q7TATc/s1600/love+note.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kmGVFgjzjug/UFkkKdLI54I/AAAAAAAACFM/-uZ37Q7TATc/s640/love+note.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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Mackenziehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12345687064339325546noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1348746045110929596.post-86575486236568526352012-09-17T10:09:00.000-07:002012-09-18T17:21:16.560-07:00Romance Spotlight: Emily<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Hello everyone and welcome to another ROMANCE SPOTLIGHT! Emily from <a href="http://www.sweetbellaroos.com/">Sweet Bella Roos</a> is here to share her love story with us. Be sure to stop by <a href="http://www.sweetbellaroos.com/">her blog </a>and say hi!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Take it away Emily!</span></div>
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Hi there! My name is Emily and I blog over at <a href="http://www.sweetbellaroos.com/">Sweet Bella Roos</a>. I am a proud mama, firefighter's wife, wannabe baker & blogger. Lover of all things vintage, turquoise, & handmade. Hater of veggies, sushi, & waking up early.
I was so excited when Mackenzie asked me to post about how I met my Hubby. Seriously, how cute is her blog? Pretty sure I have every 'I Love Lucy' episode recorded. It's a sickness ha-ha.
Plus, I have to admit, I think our love story is pretty cute. I mean who doesn't love a story about star-gazing, swine flu, and Steak and Shake? <em>(For those of you on the West Coast, Steak and Shake is a burger place here... not quite as famous as In-N-Out).</em> </div>
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<a href="http://www.sweetbellaroos.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/us_engaged.jpg"><img alt="" class="alignnone wp-image-1027" height="341" src="http://www.sweetbellaroos.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/us_engaged.jpg" title="us_engaged" width="526" /></a> </div>
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<em></em>James and I met in a college astronomy class. The fact that we both ended up in that class was completely <strike>random</strike> <span style="text-align: center;">fate because he didn't need it for his degree and just decided to take it as an elective, and I had just decided to switch from BioChem II a few weeks before the class started. A few days before the semester started I came down with Swine Flu. Let me just tell you that was as awful as it sounds. I-felt-horrible. By the first day of class I had been on meds long enough to not be contagious anymore, but not long enough to not look like death anymore. I barely got up the energy to shower, threw on a sweatshirt, put my hair in a ponytail, and headed off to class.
This class was a lecture/lab combo and that night we had both. I was just expecting to go over the syllabus and return as quickly as possible back to my bed, but my professor of course had other plans. When he asked us all to get out our "star wheels" (which of course I didn't have with me) I started to panic. I immediately began to scan the room, knowing I need to make friends fast to find someone to share with me. Of course I picked the cutest boy in class, who just happened to be sitting on my row. When we got outside I introduced myself, which went something like this:
Me: Hi, I'm Emily. Is it cool if I share your star wheel? I forgot mine. Oh and by the way, I promise I'm not dying or contagious... even though I look and sound like it... but I'm on meds and my doctor says I'm fine.
James: Uhh, sure.
Yep. I was smooth, and </span><em style="text-align: center;">clearly</em><span style="text-align: center;"> he was into me. So after spending an hour outside in the freezing cold of January (coughing like crazy), class was over and I thanked him for taking pity on the sick girl. We didn't have class again until the following week but this time he came and sat next to me. I couldn't tell if he was shy or "just not that into me"... but I felt like he needed an encouraging nudge to ask me out (ha-ha). So the following night I told him how I hated that class was so late (7-10pm) because I didn't have enough time coming from work to grab anything to eat and by the time we got out of class I was starving. Which of course opened the door for him to ask me to go grab a bite to eat after class... which he did. </span><em style="text-align: center;">Now if you ask him, he will tell you that he had been planning that all week and that it was totally his idea.</em><span style="text-align: center;">
So after class we went to Steak and Shake because that was one of the few places nearby still open. I actually hate Steak and Shake ha-ha. We ended up talking the entire night until they finally kicked us out at 2am. From there we were inseparable in class. </span><em style="text-align: center;">(Did I mention he had the highest grade in the class? Did I pick wisely that first night or what ha-ha!) </em><span style="text-align: center;"> I found out that he had the last season of 'Lost' on his iPod and soon we began going over to each other's house after class to watch it. About 6 weeks later we took a trip to Houston together and when we got back he said "I love you" for the first time. I had already known for weeks that he was the one.</span></div>
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<span style="text-align: center;"></span><a href="http://www.sweetbellaroos.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/us_padre.jpg" style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" class="alignnone wp-image-1025" height="378" src="http://www.sweetbellaroos.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/us_padre.jpg" title="us_padre" width="504" /></a></div>
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<span style="text-align: center;">So when people ask us how we met, we love to say that we met 'gazing at the stars'... sounds more romantic when you leave out the part where I was coughing up a lung with the flu. :) James proposed to me under the stars a year and a half after we met and we were married the following Fall. If you would like to see pics from our wedding (and see how our ties to astronomy made an appearance) you can view them </span><a href="http://www.sweetbellaroos.com/2012/05/16/the-day-that-changed-more-than-my-last-name-2/" style="text-align: center;">here</a><span style="text-align: center;"> or </span><a href="http://www.sweetbellaroos.com/2012/05/23/its-the-little-things-2/" style="text-align: center;">here</a><span style="text-align: center;">.</span></div>
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<span style="text-align: center;"></span><a href="http://www.sweetbellaroos.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/us_wedding.jpg" style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" class="alignnone wp-image-1026" height="576" src="http://www.sweetbellaroos.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/us_wedding.jpg" title="us_wedding" width="531" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Thanks so much Emily! Loved it!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Be sure to stop by again for another ROMANCE SPOTLIGHT!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Happy Dating!</span></div>
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<img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54490/71/013147FCF4CC1CA754BF490C9D43A1C3.png" />
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Mackenziehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12345687064339325546noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1348746045110929596.post-35833375210763989902012-09-15T12:48:00.001-07:002012-09-15T12:48:54.562-07:00Seattle's Top 10 Dates<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I've decided to start a top 10 dates list for different cities in the USA. Since I grew up in Washington I thought it would only be appropriate to start with good ol' Seattle. </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-skIjNsCzihA/UFPYal54Z9I/AAAAAAAACDk/H9c0pUQ7zeY/s1600/topseattle1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="489" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-skIjNsCzihA/UFPYal54Z9I/AAAAAAAACDk/H9c0pUQ7zeY/s640/topseattle1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">(Photo sources <a href="http://www.theroamingboomers.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/Ivars-Fish-Bar-Seattle.jpg">#1</a>, <a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/9/9d/Aerial_view_of_EMPSFM.jpg/300px-Aerial_view_of_EMPSFM.jpg">#2</a>, <a href="http://pics4.city-data.com/cpicv/vfiles18700.jpg">#3</a>,<a href="http://blog.thenewstribune.com/seahawks/files/2009/09/qwestfield2.jpg"> #4,</a> <a href="http://0.tqn.com/d/architecture/1/0/D/u/SeattleSpaceNeedle.jpg">#5</a>, <a href="http://www.baseballpilgrimages.com/american/safeco.jpg">#6, </a><a href="http://blogs.seattleweekly.com/voracious/agua_verde.jpg">#7</a>, <a href="http://designapplause.com/wp-content/xG58hlz9/2008/11/fountain-seattle.png">#8</a>,<a href="http://www.innatthemarket.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/Stock-Pike-Place-Sign.jpg"> #9</a>,<a href="http://destinationnexus.com/pictures/master/Bill-Speidels-Underground-Tour-in-Seattle-Washington-98104.jpg"> #10</a>)</span></div>
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In No Particular Order:</div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large; font-weight: bold;">1.<a href="http://www.ivars.com/"> Ivar's Fish Bar</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span">- I don't like seafood. Not in any shape or form...except Ivar's. It is so good! But food isn't the only attraction at this waterfront restaurant. Feeding the seagulls that swarm this place has been a favorite past time of visitors for years. This gem was founded in 1938. </span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ejK0DT-dKtk/UFPblTilnjI/AAAAAAAACEA/Nyr44MualHU/s1600/DSCF0840.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ejK0DT-dKtk/UFPblTilnjI/AAAAAAAACEA/Nyr44MualHU/s200/DSCF0840.JPG" width="150" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large; font-weight: bold;">2. <a href="http://www.empmuseum.org/">EMP (Experienced Music Project)</a> </span><span class="Apple-style-span">- Yes, that is a building in the picture. No one quite knows what it is supposed to resemble. I have heard everything from a smashed guitar to a wad of play dough. Either way, it's a cool place. It is the best music museum you will visit in your life. I could seriously write a whole post on this place but I will refrain and just say its well worth a visit!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large; font-weight: bold;">3. <a href="http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/ferries/">Ferry Rides</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span"><a href="http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/ferries/"> </a>- These are great for several reasons. You enjoy a beautiful ride in the sound, you can tag you car along if you like, it's relatively cheap and very safe.</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9KpEnncZ-tw/UFPg5p7nu1I/AAAAAAAACEg/I0xNf8HG50s/s1600/DSCF0875.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9KpEnncZ-tw/UFPg5p7nu1I/AAAAAAAACEg/I0xNf8HG50s/s200/DSCF0875.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large; font-weight: bold;">4. <a href="http://www.seahawks.com/">Seahawks Game</a> </span><span class="Apple-style-span">- If your hubby (or you) is a football fan, you must see a Seahawks game. I'm not too into football and neither is Hubby so I have nothing more to say on this.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large; font-weight: bold;">5.<a href="http://www.spaceneedle.com/"> Space Needle</a> </span><span class="Apple-style-span">- A MUST if you are in Seattle. But, you MUST be loaded. Well, at least not poor law students like us. It is pretty expensive but a staple in the Seattle experience. Did you know that the restaurant spins? Talk about a great view while you dine!</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NhHbhN33rrM/UFPiDSUNQNI/AAAAAAAACEo/jo8aeNQ0HaQ/s1600/DSCF0813.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NhHbhN33rrM/UFPiDSUNQNI/AAAAAAAACEo/jo8aeNQ0HaQ/s200/DSCF0813.JPG" width="150" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large; font-weight: bold;">6. <a href="http://seattle.mariners.mlb.com/index.jsp?c_id=sea&sv=1">Mariners game</a> </span><span class="Apple-style-span">- Visit SafeCo field and catch a Mariners game! The roof is retractable. Kind of necessary in a rainy city like Seattle but a nice touch. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large; font-weight: bold;">7. <a href="http://www.aguaverde.com/">Agua Verde Cafe and Paddle Club </a></span><span class="Apple-style-span"><a href="http://www.aguaverde.com/">-</a> How cool is this place? It's a canoe/kayak rental AND a restaurant. Enjoy a kayak ride together and then top it off with a meal while watching others paddle away into the sunset. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large; font-weight: bold;">8. <a href="http://www.seattlecenter.com/locations/detail.aspx?id=8">International Fountain</a> </span><span class="Apple-style-span">This one is free people! And check out the size of this thing. Gigantic fountain + hot day = great FREE date!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>9. <a href="http://www.pikeplacemarket.org/">Pike Place Public Market</a> </b>- </span>Another must do in Seattle. The world famous Pike Place Market. It's fantastic. If nothing else, just watch the fish throwers. They are amazing, and hilarious. <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TbtsfyrEF_c">You can even check them out on youtube</a>. </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9mQZJNgBkfc/UFPif9jDCzI/AAAAAAAACEw/-i4dZSy861A/s1600/DSCF0869.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9mQZJNgBkfc/UFPif9jDCzI/AAAAAAAACEw/-i4dZSy861A/s200/DSCF0869.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large; font-weight: bold;">10. <a href="http://www.undergroundtour.com/">Seattle Underground</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span"> - Who knew Seattle had an underground right? I didn't and I grew up in Washington! It is literally part of the "original" Seattle, before they elevated the streets in the mid 1800s. The ceiling is the sidewalk! Crazy right? Definitely worth seeing. </span><br />
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Hope you enjoyed this top 10 list from Seattle.<br />
Coming soon, Washington D.C!<br />
Leave a comment about your best date and it may end up on your city's top 10 list!<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>Happy Dating!</b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><b style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal;"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54490/71/013147FCF4CC1CA754BF490C9D43A1C3.png" style="-webkit-box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0898438) 1px 1px 5px; background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-color: rgb(238, 238, 238); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-color: rgb(238, 238, 238); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(238, 238, 238); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(238, 238, 238); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0898438) 1px 1px 5px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 5px; padding-right: 5px; padding-top: 5px;" /></span></span></b></span><br />
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Mackenziehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12345687064339325546noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1348746045110929596.post-39255621682272558842012-09-14T10:05:00.000-07:002012-09-14T18:21:28.051-07:00Argument Crowns<div style="text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9KrwUdGDukA/UFNh84ydQwI/AAAAAAAACCw/JlhU5x8Vm3s/s1600/crown3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="236" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9KrwUdGDukA/UFNh84ydQwI/AAAAAAAACCw/JlhU5x8Vm3s/s400/crown3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I hate to admit it, but Hubby and I have had arguments in our marriage. </div>
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Not a lot. </div>
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Not very often.</div>
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But it does happen every once in awhile. </div>
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And let me just explain a few things about these "discussions". </div>
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Hubby is a fabulous debater. He was on the debate team in high school as a matter of fact and even went to state. His debating skills helped in his decision to become a lawyer too. Since he argues like one already he figured, why not?</div>
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Ok not really but it seems like it sometimes. </div>
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And then there's me. </div>
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Your typical female. </div>
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You know how it goes. He says something and I reply with, "what you <i>really</i> meant by that was..." I have also been known to pull the "you just think I'm fat" card. </div>
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Ridiculous I know. </div>
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"Disagreements" can do that to you I guess. </div>
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During one of these "talks" Hubby was being particularly clever in his pre-lawyer skills and interrupting a lot. I was being especially feminine and being over sensitive. At one point I even said in a moment of frustration "You are the interruption king!"</div>
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And that got me thinking....</div>
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I went into the next room and came back with this little creation.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BZwBKhpBrBY/UFNiH7tDgyI/AAAAAAAACC4/C5HAW2Mb2B4/s1600/crown1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BZwBKhpBrBY/UFNiH7tDgyI/AAAAAAAACC4/C5HAW2Mb2B4/s400/crown1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">(Please excuse the fact that I can't spell "Interruption" correctly)</span></i></div>
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We both had a good laugh. </div>
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I had to make myself one of course.</div>
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Completely with glitter, flowers, and pearls.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-O3RhfR7vG3I/UFNicuviHpI/AAAAAAAACDA/TdVhcykCk5E/s1600/crown.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="228" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-O3RhfR7vG3I/UFNicuviHpI/AAAAAAAACDA/TdVhcykCk5E/s400/crown.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Totally old school here. Construction paper, glue sticks and scotch tape. </div>
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Ever since then, the rule has been that we must wear our crowns during an argument. </div>
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And you know what?</div>
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They don't last very long.</div>
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These crowns of ours really help us realize how silly we can be.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qsvO4X77eRU/UFNiyJt6VqI/AAAAAAAACDI/O4N_kdz3LTg/s1600/crown2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="236" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qsvO4X77eRU/UFNiyJt6VqI/AAAAAAAACDI/O4N_kdz3LTg/s400/crown2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<i>(The Interruption King and The Over Sensitive Queen)</i></div>
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We usually end up laughing. </div>
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What bad habit do you have?</div>
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Try making crowns for you and your spouse. </div>
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I swear they help!</div>
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And send me your pics!</div>
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I want to see your creations!</div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>Happy Dating!</b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><b style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal;"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54490/71/013147FCF4CC1CA754BF490C9D43A1C3.png" style="-webkit-box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0898438) 1px 1px 5px; background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-color: rgb(238, 238, 238); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-color: rgb(238, 238, 238); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(238, 238, 238); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(238, 238, 238); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0898438) 1px 1px 5px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 5px; padding-right: 5px; padding-top: 5px;" /></span></span></b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><b style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal;">(The Over Sensitive Queen)</span></span></b></span></div>
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Mackenziehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12345687064339325546noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1348746045110929596.post-31046692202843104042012-09-07T09:52:00.000-07:002012-09-07T16:35:36.411-07:00I'm not Funny<div style="text-align: center;">
Did I ever tell you guys that sometimes I have double standards? It's true.</div>
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For instance, Hubby and I have this rule about not eating in bed. Ever. </div>
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But today I couldn't help it!</div>
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To give myself <i>some</i> credit, I normally don't. I really am pretty good. Today I caved though. I put our little girl down for a nap and pulled out a chocolate protein bar (which is the closet I get to a real chocolate bar these days -darn it) and a glass of milk. Nothing sounded better than curling up in bed, turning on one of my favorite "I Love Lucy" episodes and munching on my imaginary twix. </div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Open Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/meltingmama/2418852960/" style="color: #333333; text-decoration: none;" title="Supreme Carb Conscious Quadruple Layer Protein Bar by Melting Mama, on Flickr"><img alt="Supreme Carb Conscious Quadruple Layer Protein Bar" height="320" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2049/2418852960_6e250fcda2.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="400" /></a></span></div>
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<a href="http://meltingmama.typepad.com/wls/2008/04/supreme-protein.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">(Image Source)</span></a></div>
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So I did.</div>
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I know, I know, it's terrible. </div>
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But I tell myself that being the Mom comes with certain privileges right?</div>
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Please tell me I am not the only one.</div>
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If you haven't noticed, I have been MIA for the past month or so. </div>
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For a lot of reasons. </div>
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Life has been hectic for one. We moved here to Boston, Hubby started a new job AND law school. We didn't have any of our own furniture so we have been sleeping on the floor and made cardboard bookshelves (which are surprisingly sturdy).<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Tb6D0OxbYow/UEqCAfY0eHI/AAAAAAAACCU/IQZYBpfBhmM/s1600/IMG_20120907_180407.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Tb6D0OxbYow/UEqCAfY0eHI/AAAAAAAACCU/IQZYBpfBhmM/s400/IMG_20120907_180407.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Back in Virginia I had a really awesome group of friends. I mean really awesome. I got together with at least one of them every day. Seriously. They all had kids close to my daughters age, and our husbands got along great too. I couldn't have asked for anything better. And then we moved. We are slowly meeting people here but it's not the same. Since Hubby is in law school and working I rarely see him. I guess I have been a little lonely if I am completely honest. I know it will pass. I will make new friends and get used to the new place but it's just different ya' know? My poor friends in Virginia are probably getting a little annoyed with me. I call, text, and skype with them all the time. And I am beginning to notice that I am the only one calling them. Are you trying to tell me something guys? Maybe three times a day is a bit much?</div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #535353; font-family: 'Open Sans'; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-M0tcd_QaWsE/UAOR1fhFePI/AAAAAAAAQPg/IxztnLPJm_o/s1600/girls+night+for+the+blog.png" imageanchor="1" style="color: #f2b6b6; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration: underline;"><img border="0" height="476" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-M0tcd_QaWsE/UAOR1fhFePI/AAAAAAAAQPg/IxztnLPJm_o/s640/girls+night+for+the+blog.png" style="-webkit-box-shadow: transparent 0px 0px 0px !important; background-attachment: initial !important; background-clip: initial !important; background-color: initial !important; background-image: none !important; background-origin: initial !important; border-bottom-style: none !important; border-color: initial !important; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none !important; border-right-style: none !important; border-top-style: none !important; border-width: initial !important; border-width: initial; box-shadow: transparent 0px 0px 0px !important; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 5px; padding-right: 5px; padding-top: 5px; position: relative;" width="640" /></a></span></div>
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<a href="http://www.somethingswanky.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">(Thank you Ashton)</span></a></div>
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Mostly, my heart aches for my little girl. I just about loose it every time she asks to play with her old friends. It is unbelievably hard to say "I'm so sorry honey, but we can't play with your friends today. They don't live close by" or to watch her try and hug them through the computer. </div>
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Getting our regular date nights in has been tough too. Any law school wives out there with suggestions? Finding a minute together at all is tough let alone time for a date.</div>
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Also, I am incredibly intimidated by all of you. Yes, you. You are all such wonderful bloggers, writers, photographers, and so creative! I am not so good at any of those. I have a terrible camera, am completely clueless when it comes to anything computer/blogging related and not a great writer. </div>
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And here is why:</div>
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I am not funny.</div>
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(You have no idea how hard it is for me to admit that)</div>
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I can't tell you how long I have struggled with this either. It has taken me 22 years but I have finally accepted it. </div>
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I am not funny.</div>
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You see, my family is hilarious. My Dad is the best story teller alive and can get a crowd rolling on the floor in 5 minutes. My sisters are right up there with him and <a href="http://choosetothrive.blogspot.com/">one sister in particular does an awesome job or showing her sense of humor on her blog</a>. But not me. I am just not funny. Doesn't every family have one of those? Well, in my family it's me. I'm the odd one in every sense of the word. I am taller than all the girls. I refuse to take medicine and live on the east coast. I hate coke and am the only one who can't tell a good joke. I have wanted so badly to be funny my whole life but I'm not. I'm like Al Borland from Home Improvement.</div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, verdana; font-size: 13px; font-weight: 500; line-height: 14px; word-spacing: 1px;"><img alt="Tim 'The Tool Man' Taylor and his sidekick Al Borland - HOME IMPROVEMENT" border="0" height="300" src="http://www.tvacres.com/images/props_tool_time_binford.jpg" width="400" /></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, verdana; font-size: xx-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 14px; word-spacing: 1px;"><a href="http://www.tvacres.com/props_tools_binford.htm">(Image Source)</a></span></span></div>
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Let me prove to you how not funny I am. When I attempt to tell a joke, I usually get to the punch line and look at the person and wait for the expected laughter. 9 times out of 10 though, they look at me and go "...uh huh" or "go on". I then sink into my chair and say "never mind".</div>
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The only time my husbands laughs at me is when I am mad. Apparently, I am hilarious then. Which just makes me more mad.</div>
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Still not convinced? Read my old blog posts. I tried to be funny in every single one of them. Looking back <i style="font-weight: bold;">I </i>don't even think they are funny. Now that's just embarrassing.</div>
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So, long story short, I haven't been blogging lately because I am a little lonely, not able to date much and coming to grips with the fact that I am not funny. Or a good blogger. </div>
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Whew! </div>
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That is a load off my shoulders!</div>
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But I am still here. I will get going again. I just need some motivation. My strategy right now is to not look at anyones's blog. Because if I do I start thinking "Wow this is amazing....wow this makes my stuff look like crap" So please don't be offended that I haven't been commenting lately. </div>
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It's a compliment really.</div>
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I have a few ideas floating around in my head on how to get date nights going again and a few changes to my regular posting format. Is that even what it's called? Told you, clueless. </div>
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Thanks for your patience!</div>
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Be back soon.</div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Happy Dating!</span></b></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><b style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal;"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54490/71/013147FCF4CC1CA754BF490C9D43A1C3.png" style="-webkit-box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0898438) 1px 1px 5px; background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-color: rgb(238, 238, 238); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-color: rgb(238, 238, 238); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(238, 238, 238); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(238, 238, 238); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0898438) 1px 1px 5px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 5px; padding-right: 5px; padding-top: 5px;" /></span></span></b></span></div>
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Mackenziehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12345687064339325546noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1348746045110929596.post-59213767444144188192012-07-21T19:07:00.001-07:002012-10-05T14:22:01.978-07:00River Walk<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We made it!</div>
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I now live in BOSTON!</div>
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We still have a lot of unpacking to do and need to figure out where things are, but we are here.</div>
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And safe.</div>
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And missing friends....</div>
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Anyways,</div>
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Neither Hubby nor I have ever been here before so we have a lot of exploring to do. </div>
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To kick off our Boston dates, we decided to take a stroll along the Charles River.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NmNjyVF4rJM/UAtcAZBGFqI/AAAAAAAACAM/yDVJeKMp184/s1600/riverCollage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NmNjyVF4rJM/UAtcAZBGFqI/AAAAAAAACAM/yDVJeKMp184/s640/riverCollage.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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There is this great walking trail by our apartment complete with hundreds of geese and ducks. </div>
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It was a perfect day for a walk like this! We did lots of exploring, talking and making silly faces for the camera. </div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Sfv_tfQu__U/UAtcA9oGSDI/AAAAAAAACAU/5jyek5V-BVY/s1600/riverCollage1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Sfv_tfQu__U/UAtcA9oGSDI/AAAAAAAACAU/5jyek5V-BVY/s640/riverCollage1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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After some flexing and karate kicks, we fed the geese some bread and headed home. </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-L-ZHuEUgQkU/UAtcBv8PCdI/AAAAAAAACAc/GvNhH3Yby_w/s1600/riverCollage2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-L-ZHuEUgQkU/UAtcBv8PCdI/AAAAAAAACAc/GvNhH3Yby_w/s640/riverCollage2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Taking a walk is a fantastic date because</div>
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1. Its FREE!</div>
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2. You get in some exercise - which is always a bonus</div>
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3. Plenty of time to chat and enjoy the view</div>
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4. It's a great way to explore a new neighborhood</div>
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Stay tuned for some more dates from the Boston area!</div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Happy Dating!</span></b></div>
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<br />Mackenziehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12345687064339325546noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1348746045110929596.post-4896575712913425982012-07-06T15:02:00.002-07:002012-07-06T15:02:38.569-07:00Photo Shoot<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
For our date today, we had a little family photo shoot!</div>
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My wonderful neighbor from <a href="http://www.somethingswanky.com/">Something Swanky</a> took them for us.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1W1dy7WuCkc/T_dVf1TTK7I/AAAAAAAAB-g/0V4N0_IQzMY/s1600/Collage+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1W1dy7WuCkc/T_dVf1TTK7I/AAAAAAAAB-g/0V4N0_IQzMY/s640/Collage+1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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While we were up there it started raining! We had to pack up everything and go sooner than we expected but it was still fun to get some pictures with my two favorite people.</div>
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We even took some in the rain just for kicks and giggles. </div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IAScXymquZc/T_dYnBIa-FI/AAAAAAAAB_Q/NOuSlAXnBxc/s1600/DSC_0570.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IAScXymquZc/T_dYnBIa-FI/AAAAAAAAB_Q/NOuSlAXnBxc/s640/DSC_0570.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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I have to be honest here people. When Hubby and I look in the mirror, I don't think we are an ugly couple....</div>
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But whenever I see a camera, something happens. </div>
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I don't know what it is.</div>
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My eyes shrink, my cheeks triple in size and don't even get me started on my thighs.</div>
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Apparently, I don't know how to smile either. </div>
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Anyways, lets just say pictures can be deceiving. </div>
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<i>At least thats what I am telling myself. </i></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8ZwYsLO2AC4/T_dVmZ5D8EI/AAAAAAAAB-4/HdqqIvlg_eg/s1600/collage+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8ZwYsLO2AC4/T_dVmZ5D8EI/AAAAAAAAB-4/HdqqIvlg_eg/s640/collage+4.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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But on a completely different note, this date is totally FREE!</div>
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Just grab some props from home, and a friend to take the photos.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ydopCO_tavc/T_dVkM0PQJI/AAAAAAAAB-w/6VEF9v-Rjig/s1600/collage+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ydopCO_tavc/T_dVkM0PQJI/AAAAAAAAB-w/6VEF9v-Rjig/s640/collage+3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Pinterest is <i><b>crawling</b></i> with photography ideas that I just love.</div>
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Hubby wasn't too excited about a lot of them but I did convince him to do a few. </div>
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Before your shoot, find a few poses that you want to try. </div>
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Or have an awesome photographer who will help you create them like we did!</div>
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Thanks <a href="http://www.somethingswanky.com/">Ashton</a>!</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3-VG22RiO5A/T_dVp5tBq4I/AAAAAAAAB_A/ccdA0WPYgkc/s1600/DSC_0722+edited.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3-VG22RiO5A/T_dVp5tBq4I/AAAAAAAAB_A/ccdA0WPYgkc/s640/DSC_0722+edited.jpg" width="428" /></a></div>
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A few posts ago I mentioned that we are moving. </div>
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Now that we have an apartment all ready to go, I think its safe to announce the location on the blog.</div>
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We are moving to BOSTON!</div>
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I am so excited! </div>
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And sad.</div>
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Our whole life together has been here in Virginia. </div>
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We met here.</div>
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Dated here.</div>
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Had our baby here.</div>
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Have amazing friends here.</div>
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Virginia really is for lovers.</div>
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But I am so excited to start a new adventure in Boston! I am sure that there will be tons of opportunities for FREE dates up there. I have never been so if anyone has any suggestions please let me know!</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VVfn2MWX0V4/T_dYy--vMTI/AAAAAAAAB_Y/9Bj-xeK5i3o/s1600/DSC_0561.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VVfn2MWX0V4/T_dYy--vMTI/AAAAAAAAB_Y/9Bj-xeK5i3o/s640/DSC_0561.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Wish us luck on our move!</div>
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I may have a few more posts from Virginia but look forward to dates from the Boston area in a couple weeks!</div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Happy Dating!</span></b></div>
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<br />Mackenziehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12345687064339325546noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1348746045110929596.post-79609034359337227012012-07-03T00:00:00.000-07:002012-07-03T00:00:13.872-07:00Romance Spotlight: Camille<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Hello everyone and welcome to another ROMANCE SPOTLIGHT! Camille from <a href="http://fridaywereinlove.blogspot.com/">Friday We're in Love</a> is here to share a FREE date with us! I'm so excited that I "met" Camille because she blogs about dating too! So be sure and stop by<a href="http://fridaywereinlove.blogspot.com/"> her blog</a> for some awesome date night ideas!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Take it away Camille!</span></div>
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Hi Fridaynightdatenight readers, I'm Camille and I blog over at <a href="http://fridaywereinlove.blogspot.com/">fridaywereinlove.blogspot.com</a>. Mackenzie and I connected online and realized we were kindred spirits, both out there trying to spread the love and share date ideas. I'm thrilled to trade a post with one another! We talked about going with the idea of free dates, and I had a recent one come to mind that I'm so happy to share! <br />
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Did you know that most cities do a free museum night or day once a month? Seriously, call your local museum! We tried to hit up the <a href="http://www.azscience.org/" target="_blank">Arizona Science Center</a> on First Friday when it's free, but and it just didn't happen. We decided we'd try and go the next month, when our lovely friend clued us into culture passes. They are passes you can check out from the library for 2 people to get free admission to a participating museum. If you go when it opens you're almost guaranteed to get the one you want. We were thrilled to nab one to the Science Center, and decided to forgo the First Friday madness and visit on a less busy day instead. <br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SdZZaf2It3c/T6an-S1KwvI/AAAAAAAAHe0/05cOEFIrQNo/s1600/IMG_4218.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SdZZaf2It3c/T6an-S1KwvI/AAAAAAAAHe0/05cOEFIrQNo/s640/IMG_4218.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white;">We hit up a pizza place on our way, then it was off to get our science nerd on for one of the funnest dates we've had!</span><br />
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Some dates I feel like I get to play professor and tell Jacob all about the art or the literary references, but this was one date that this cute electrical/energy engineer told me about everything we looked at. He was like a kid in a candy store with a big smile on his face at every exhibit. He's also the hottest tour guide I've ever had! <br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uJZKtW7-gI8/T6auxlVxlrI/AAAAAAAAHfg/MRLYvoU7AkU/s1600/IMG_4200.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uJZKtW7-gI8/T6auxlVxlrI/AAAAAAAAHfg/MRLYvoU7AkU/s640/IMG_4200.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
He decided to make me take a picture with this, making sure I was touching it. He couldn't stop laughing. And I had no idea there were some valuable uses for cow dung. Now I do, with picture to prove! <br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rJyYdQlgf1Y/T6auzWu-QjI/AAAAAAAAHfo/OvyMwJQh9Wc/s1600/IMG_4201.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rJyYdQlgf1Y/T6auzWu-QjI/AAAAAAAAHfo/OvyMwJQh9Wc/s640/IMG_4201.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Then we played with some smart windows that help save energy. </div>
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This was followed by a lesson for me on lighting. Jacob is the man to ask about light bulbs, he really knows his stuff and can calculate all kinds of power savings and conversions in his head, I guess doing it for a living helps quite a bit. I sure love that I married a smart man! </div>
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We played with many other exhibits and learned quite a bit (well, at least I did). </div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-y5IY54LxT7A/T6awi1_zuNI/AAAAAAAAHgU/z7GP1fhbxxg/s1600/IMG_4211.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-y5IY54LxT7A/T6awi1_zuNI/AAAAAAAAHgU/z7GP1fhbxxg/s640/IMG_4211.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Did you know there are more bald women than women with green eyes? I'm a rare breed! (Okay, I probably learned that from a Rogaine commercial for women years ago, but it sounds like I should have learned it here...right?)<br />
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One of our favorites was the bed of nails. Man physics can really be so cool! And I'd like to shout out to one of the best teachers I've ever had, Mr. Pa'ne for teaching me the rules I still remember and letting me walk on a bed of broken glass in class. I'll always owe my love of science to that man! </div>
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Jacob had a helper who really wanted to push the button for him. He's such a nice guy to hand his life over to a toddler! <br />
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But one of the reasons we REALLY wanted to go, was for the special exhibit- <a href="http://vangogh-alive.com/" target="_blank">Van Gogh Alive</a>. I know, if you've ever read my blog this won't surprise you. If not, let me introduce you to my obsession with Vincent (<a href="http://fridaywereinlove.blogspot.com/2011/09/getty-getaway-in-la.html" target="_blank">here</a> or <a href="http://fridaywereinlove.blogspot.com/2012/04/art-of-merlot-becoming-van-gogh-date.html" target="_blank">here</a>). I feel like I've studied him so much we're on a first name basis here. <br />
This part wasn't exactly free, but it was really inexpensive with the culture pass and it was optional. The exhibit is usually $25 to get in, but with a culture pass it's only $11- double score on that one! <br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XziQSKixork/T6a2eNR776I/AAAAAAAAHhE/2C6seBt-kb8/s1600/IMG_4209.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XziQSKixork/T6a2eNR776I/AAAAAAAAHhE/2C6seBt-kb8/s640/IMG_4209.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
The exhibit really is quite the experience! Images are projected on every crevice of the room with classical music, quotes by Vincent, and animations from elements of paintings- all designed to help you get inside the mind of Van Gogh. I was sold the second his bedroom was dissected and I felt like I was sitting inside the room. If you want a taste of it, you can watch a video by clicking the video tab on <a href="http://vangogh-alive.com/" target="_blank">this website</a>. <br />
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Luckily for every one not in AZ- it's touring and hopefully will show up at your state science center soon! <br />
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Even if you just choose the free option this is really one fun, academic date that I think any couple would enjoy.<br />
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Thanks for letting me post Mackenzie! Happy dating everyone!<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Thanks so much Camille! Loved it!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Be sure and stop by again for another ROMANCE SPOTLIGHT!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Happy Dating!</span></div>
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<b style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal;"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54490/71/013147FCF4CC1CA754BF490C9D43A1C3.png" style="-webkit-box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0898438) 1px 1px 5px; background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border: 1px solid rgb(238, 238, 238); box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0898438) 1px 1px 5px; padding: 5px;" /></span></span></b></div>Mackenziehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12345687064339325546noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1348746045110929596.post-37116519699992029602012-06-30T10:14:00.000-07:002012-07-06T04:04:58.722-07:00Indoor Drive-In<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Hubby and I really wanted to go to a drive-in the other night. </div>
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Few problems though:</div>
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Our budget is non existent at the moment.</div>
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No babysitter.</div>
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It has been scorching hot and humid lately.</div>
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I mean <i>stepping-outside-is-like-stepping-into-a-hot-shower </i>kind of hot.</div>
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No problem!</div>
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We made an indoor drive-in at home!</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Dc6lLWhjG9o/T-8u85WGTGI/AAAAAAAAB94/reCbAclAMI4/s1600/drivein.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="542" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Dc6lLWhjG9o/T-8u85WGTGI/AAAAAAAAB94/reCbAclAMI4/s640/drivein.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Welcome to the Whiteley Drive-In!</div>
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I had most things ready before Hubby got home so when he walked up the stairs to our apartment, this is what he saw:</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Fq-pnfxWqKw/T-8u-bu__aI/AAAAAAAAB-I/APhIp-BGlHw/s1600/driveinnCollage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Fq-pnfxWqKw/T-8u-bu__aI/AAAAAAAAB-I/APhIp-BGlHw/s640/driveinnCollage.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I used construction paper, ribbon, scissors, glue....anything and everything I had on hand.</div>
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This date didn't cost a dime!</div>
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I made a "road" street sign and stop light to keep with our vehicle theme. </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cXWuV0CUiO0/T-8u7mmoIUI/AAAAAAAAB9o/ldz3007UmQM/s1600/driveICollage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cXWuV0CUiO0/T-8u7mmoIUI/AAAAAAAAB9o/ldz3007UmQM/s640/driveICollage.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Inside is where it really got fun.</div>
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I took christmas lights and strung them on the ceiling to create "stars". </div>
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Then I brought out a cardboard box (we have plenty of those around since we are moving in two weeks!!!) with paint, paper, tin foil and clingy wrap.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OV-xwlSjf0c/T-8u7TduOGI/AAAAAAAAB9g/yadtyPYvTgc/s1600/driveCollage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OV-xwlSjf0c/T-8u7TduOGI/AAAAAAAAB9g/yadtyPYvTgc/s640/driveCollage.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Then we went to town making our "car" to take to the drive-in.</div>
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Hubby painted doors and handles, while I made a cute little license plate ;)</div>
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We used clingy wrap for the windshield and tin foil for the side-view mirrors. </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cttt8_Uc6sQ/T-8u8LOqbKI/AAAAAAAAB9w/ttU-I4Niov4/s1600/driveInCollage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cttt8_Uc6sQ/T-8u8LOqbKI/AAAAAAAAB9w/ttU-I4Niov4/s640/driveInCollage.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Once we were done, we "drove-in" and watched a movie together under the "stars"!</div>
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So fun right!</div>
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This date was completely awesome because :</div>
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A. Free baby! </div>
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B. We had complete temperature control</div>
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C. Hubby and I got to create something fun together instead of just watching a movie</div>
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Try it! </div>
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And send me pics! </div>
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I would love to see what kind of cars ya'll come up with. </div>
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Stay cool and....</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Happy Dating!</span></div>
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<b style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal;"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54490/71/013147FCF4CC1CA754BF490C9D43A1C3.png" style="-webkit-box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0898438) 1px 1px 5px; background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border: 1px solid rgb(238, 238, 238); box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0898438) 1px 1px 5px; padding: 5px;" /></span></span></b></div>
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<b style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal;">Linking up:</span></span></b></div>
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<b style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal;"><a href="http://www.skiptomylou.org/">SKip to my Lou</a></span></span></b></div>
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<a href="http://www.firstdayofmylife.org/" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="ThankfulThursday" height="193" src="http://i875.photobucket.com/albums/ab312/babypickel/ThankfulThursday.png" width="200" /></a><a href="http://blacktagdiaries.blogspot.com/" target="_blank" title="Thankful Thursdays"><img alt="Thankful Thursdays Button" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-A7J6gHPwOE8/TYgfPfTF3uI/AAAAAAAAC1U/OVXV4gcEdrI/s220/TT_Button2.jpg" /></a>
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<a href="http://www.lovenotesbylauryn.blogspot.com/search/label/spread%20the%20love%20link%20party" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i1199.photobucket.com/albums/aa468/laurynashli1/spreadthelovebutton.jpg " /></a><a href="http://www.lizmarieblog.com/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank" title="Liz Marie Blog"><img alt="Liz Marie Blog" height="130" src="http://www.lizmarieblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/561339_814737968508_208706387_35562931_246451812_n5.jpg" style="border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial;" width="200" /></a><a href="http://tipjunkie.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="Tip Junkie handmade projects" border="0" src="http://www.tipjunkie.com/images/TipMeTuesdayButton1.png" /></a><a border="0" href="http://www.SugarBeeCrafts.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_jjzZ1M1Qh-A/THxI7fshPSI/AAAAAAAAZDs/yJ7qafJTTkQ/s800/takealookbutton.png" /></a><br />
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<center></center>Mackenziehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12345687064339325546noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1348746045110929596.post-59311378389894459962012-06-26T18:12:00.003-07:002012-06-28T17:38:08.026-07:003rd Anniversary<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
On Saturday June 23, Hubby and I celebrated our 3rd wedding anniversary. </div>
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3 wonderful years.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TMAwt96oB0Q/T-pYtghSY5I/AAAAAAAAB8w/ftPTK1lhT5Q/s1600/_MG_9088.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TMAwt96oB0Q/T-pYtghSY5I/AAAAAAAAB8w/ftPTK1lhT5Q/s640/_MG_9088.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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We were married in the Salt Lake City Temple for <a href="http://www.lds.org/?lang=eng">time and all eternity</a>.</div>
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It was a beautiful, cloudless day. </div>
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Everything was perfect.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HL51Zh_-nm8/T-pW21R-7kI/AAAAAAAAB8c/EDG1MnaXscI/s1600/annivCollage2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HL51Zh_-nm8/T-pW21R-7kI/AAAAAAAAB8c/EDG1MnaXscI/s640/annivCollage2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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To celebrate, we went to our favorite local ice cream shop. I got chocolate and butter pecan on a homemade chocolate dipped waffle cone. Hubby got cantaloup and banana. </div>
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I don't know about you guys, but if I am going to get a dessert....I am going to get a dessert. </div>
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None of this fruit nonsense. </div>
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Sheesh.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xDwz-QvYgHY/T-pW1qmq9-I/AAAAAAAAB8M/dJsqqgogLKU/s1600/annivCollage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xDwz-QvYgHY/T-pW1qmq9-I/AAAAAAAAB8M/dJsqqgogLKU/s640/annivCollage.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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After we put Sweet B to bed (with a sitter), we went to a beautiful spot on the river to watch the sunset. There is a tree swing that sits right off the bank with a gorgeous view. It was wonderful to spend the evening together listening to the river and watching the fire-flys surround us on the swing.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zjU8ZdOiRIY/T-pW2G_eFlI/AAAAAAAAB8U/Ey4Xyw6aPag/s1600/annivCollage1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="434" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zjU8ZdOiRIY/T-pW2G_eFlI/AAAAAAAAB8U/Ey4Xyw6aPag/s640/annivCollage1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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We laughed, made faces, and cursed our cheap camera that can't seem to capture anything we want it to. </div>
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Darn it. </div>
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Just image a gorgeous river, speckled with glowing fire-flys. </div>
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Then imagine a big beautiful tree with a couple sitting on a swing.</div>
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And I will imagine that my waist is the size that it was 3 years ago. </div>
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Ahem...</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-h1v17Pp4lUM/T-z43cm9dRI/AAAAAAAAB9I/IFrsx9bRO5c/s1600/_MG_9097.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-h1v17Pp4lUM/T-z43cm9dRI/AAAAAAAAB9I/IFrsx9bRO5c/s640/_MG_9097.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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Happy Anniversary Hubby!</div>
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Thanks for the happiest years of my life!</div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Happy Dating!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 18px;"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54490/71/013147FCF4CC1CA754BF490C9D43A1C3.png" style="-webkit-box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0898438) 1px 1px 5px; background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-color: rgb(238, 238, 238); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-color: rgb(238, 238, 238); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(238, 238, 238); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(238, 238, 238); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0898438) 1px 1px 5px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 5px; padding-right: 5px; padding-top: 5px;" /></span></span></b></span></span></div>
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<br />Mackenziehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12345687064339325546noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1348746045110929596.post-27889222320345202432012-06-18T00:00:00.000-07:002012-06-18T00:00:16.017-07:00Romance Spotlight: Lauryn<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Hello everyone and welcome to another ROMANCE SPOTLIGHT! Lauryn from<a href="http://lovenotesbylauryn.blogspot.com/"> love notes by lauryn</a> is here to share her and her hubby's story. It's super cute and I hope you take a minute to read it! Be sure to stop by her <a href="http://lovenotesbylauryn.blogspot.com/">AWESOME blog</a> too. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Take it away Lauryn!</span></div>
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hello friday night date night readers!</div>
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i'm lauryn from the blog</div>
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<img alt="love notes by lauryn" height="104" id="Header1_headerimg" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tSUd6IcnEac/T7goopuV1mI/AAAAAAAACRI/J_kCR8B0ovw/s640/lovenotessimple3_01.jpg" style="display: block;" width="640" /></div>
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mackenzie asked me to post about my husband and i.</div>
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she asked me to write it a LOONG time ago.</div>
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and i never got around to it. not because i was trying to be irresponsible, </div>
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but because i wanted to capture our story perfectly in a short amount of words.</div>
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see i have known my sweet boy for 7 years. </div>
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out of those 7:</div>
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2.5 were spent dating</div>
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2 were spent writing letters</div>
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& for 2 years we have been married.</div>
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i could honestly write a long book about our story....</div>
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much too long for a blog post. </div>
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so i will share our life and our love story in a very very small nutshell.</div>
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and for those of you who really don't even want the nutshell version, </div>
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here is the story in pictures:</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-14dNXjjoLkM/T9vHrOFYNiI/AAAAAAAACY8/8MU5aSgr9MU/s1600/our+love+story.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-14dNXjjoLkM/T9vHrOFYNiI/AAAAAAAACY8/8MU5aSgr9MU/s640/our+love+story.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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pull up a seat and grab some popcorn or something.</div>
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even the nutshell story is long.</div>
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<b><u>high school sweethearts</u></b></div>
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michael and i met my freshman year of high school. i was 15 and he was 16.</div>
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i was often a visitor at his house.. he had the party house.</div>
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we talked, played ping pong, had water fights, drove around crazy in the car, etc.</div>
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one night as i was leaving he so casually said </div>
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"you're not leaving without a hug"</div>
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i already was crushing on this boy. </div>
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and now, my 15 year old self was going to get a hug from this stud!</div>
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ah, bliss.</div>
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we began to see a lot more of one another, and one night he kissed me.</div>
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i was 15.</div>
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i was horrified.</div>
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so i cried.</div>
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and broke up with him.</div>
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over text.</div>
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yes, i cried. yes i broke up with him. yes it was over text.</div>
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i'm awful i know.</div>
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i really couldn't believe i had been kissed. i felt so little!</div>
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naive little me, ruined by an innocent little peck.</div>
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so i decided it was probably a great time to go back to my old boyfriend </div>
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who i held hands with, texted a lot, and was never alone with him.</div>
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much more comfortable for me.</div>
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by time i was a sophomore, </div>
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i was a single girl again. ready to enjoy my high school life.</div>
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i would see cute little michael on the hill at lunch.</div>
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him with all his cool friends and pizza just hanging out in the back of a pickup truck.</div>
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gosh, he was so cool.</div>
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whatever.</div>
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i didn't even like him.</div>
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i think.</div>
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my friend one night asked me if i would ever get back together with him.</div>
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i jumped right on that.</div>
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uh, yes.</div>
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next thing i knew we were dating again! </div>
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i loved it. it was always so much fun. </div>
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all the time happiness.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><u>called to serve, rochester NY</u></b></div>
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eventually, </div>
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the time came that the boy had to leave me.</div>
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he turned 19 and it was time for him to <a href="http://mormon.org/missionary-work/" target="_blank">serve the lord</a>.</div>
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he got called to serve a mission for <a href="http://mormon.org/" target="_blank">our church</a> in rochester, new york.</div>
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i was completely supportive. i wanted him to do this.</div>
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but the thought of him being gone for 2 entire years-just short of the amount of time we had dated-</div>
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made me sick. sick sick sick.</div>
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i went with him to the missionary training center when he left </div>
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(you could do that back then, now it is not permitted)</div>
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when i came home, i went right to the lovesac in our front room</div>
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and lived there.</div>
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for days.</div>
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weeks.</div>
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i was hysterical.</div>
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it was pathetic.</div>
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i couldn't believe it.</div>
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i slept with kleenex boxes and woke up to tissue crumbs.</div>
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i missed a TON of school.</div>
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no one warned me how hard this was going to be.</div>
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what had i gotten myself into.</div>
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a big freakin' mess.</div>
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that's what.</div>
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somehow i gained the composure to go back to school.</div>
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i finished out my senior year of high school and could not have done it without my bestie ky.</div>
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we had a blast.. to this day she is my best friend. i love love love her.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><u>time for adventure</u></b></div>
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when i graduated i decided it was time for me to have some adventure.</div>
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i don't know why or where it came from, but i decided i was going to go to mexico.</div>
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i went for 4 months, stayed with an AMAZING family and taught english to sweet little kiddos.</div>
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i grew up a ton. </div>
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i got busy enough i wasn't constantly stressing over my missionary.</div>
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i came back and was a counselor at a youth camp.</div>
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i got my first REAL job teaching preschool. (i still work there today!)</div>
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i started school at the university of utah.</div>
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and waited.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<b><u>such a long wait</u></b></div>
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people told me it would get easier. it didn't.</div>
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people told me the second year was easier. it wasn't.</div>
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i still had many nights where all i wanted to do was go find my lovesac and sleep.</div>
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i needed him.</div>
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it was so so hard.</div>
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i would find myself with less tissues in the bed, </div>
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but that didn't stop the random bursts of pain, spouts of tears, heartache.</div>
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i remember talking to ky and telling her i could actually feel pain in my heart.</div>
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every once and a while now, i will remember the pain and begin to cry.</div>
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i can not even explain how hard it was on me.</div>
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i didn't want to be one of those girls... all sappy and weird about a kid from high school.</div>
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but i totally was. i didn't care, i still don't care. </div>
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he is my sweetie.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<b><u>...but so worth it</u></b></div>
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after 2 years, and 4 days extra too!</div>
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he came home.</div>
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(i even felt relief writing that!)</div>
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i went to the airport with his family.. i was a nervous wreck!</div>
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sweating like crazy, shaking....ah.</div>
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what was i going to do.</div>
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first person of the plane.</div>
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no.</div>
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not him.</div>
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not them.</div>
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not her either.</div>
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suits?</div>
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missionaries!</div>
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michael!!</div>
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this could not be happening.</div>
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i was SO happy.</div>
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the second i saw him i knew things would work out.</div>
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i just knew it.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<b><u>may 28, 2010 ...then comes marriage</u></b></div>
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and they did.</div>
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michael got home the beginning of december.</div>
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he proposed at the end of january.</div>
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we got married in the salt lake temple at the end of may.</div>
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these have been the happiest 2 years of my life.</div>
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i love my cute michael so much. </div>
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he is absolutely amazing.</div>
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i feel 100% complete with him.</div>
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he is the only thing that can make me TRULY happy.</div>
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i am lucky lucky lucky in LOVE.</div>
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<br /></div>
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thanks mackenzie for having me.</div>
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it was so good for me to finally sit down and write our story.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
♥<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Thanks so much Lauryn! Loved it!</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Hope you stop by again for another ROMANCE SPOTLIGHT!</span><br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Happy Dating!</b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 18px;"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54490/71/013147FCF4CC1CA754BF490C9D43A1C3.png" style="-webkit-box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0898438) 1px 1px 5px; background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-color: rgb(238, 238, 238); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-color: rgb(238, 238, 238); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(238, 238, 238); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(238, 238, 238); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.09375) 1px 1px 5px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 5px; padding-right: 5px; padding-top: 5px;" /></span></span></b></span><br />
<br /></div>Mackenziehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12345687064339325546noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1348746045110929596.post-51450041477186120372012-06-15T18:19:00.000-07:002012-07-05T13:15:39.170-07:00S'mores Night<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Have I mentioned the fact that I have awesome neighbors?</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Because I do. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">True story. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">The other night as we were getting in to bed we noticed our lovely neighbors building a fire outside.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">That can only mean one thing:</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">S'mores!</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0q36isyfr00/T9va8qHz3DI/AAAAAAAAB6g/1zglcbI3te4/s1600/fire+Collage1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0q36isyfr00/T9va8qHz3DI/AAAAAAAAB6g/1zglcbI3te4/s640/fire+Collage1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Who doesn't love a s'mores night? It was kind of a spur-of-moment thing and one by one fellow neighbors trickled out of their apartments to join the fun. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BR1CeRNMjrI/T9va8B1ftnI/AAAAAAAAB6Y/nzSHMAWNi8c/s1600/fire+Collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BR1CeRNMjrI/T9va8B1ftnI/AAAAAAAAB6Y/nzSHMAWNi8c/s640/fire+Collage.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">It was a fantastic way to end the evening. There is nothing like gathering around a fire roasting marshmellows while watching fire-flys fill the night sky. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Aaahhhh.....I just love Virginia. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AWUPg-8oQlM/T9va9R8kLeI/AAAAAAAAB6o/JcMP-d41UAg/s1600/fire+Collage2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AWUPg-8oQlM/T9va9R8kLeI/AAAAAAAAB6o/JcMP-d41UAg/s640/fire+Collage2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">And my neighbors...</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">And date nights...</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Happy Dating!</span></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 18px;"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54490/71/013147FCF4CC1CA754BF490C9D43A1C3.png" style="-webkit-box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0898438) 1px 1px 5px; background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-color: rgb(238, 238, 238); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-color: rgb(238, 238, 238); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(238, 238, 238); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(238, 238, 238); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0976562) 1px 1px 5px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 5px; padding-right: 5px; padding-top: 5px;" /></span></span></b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 18px;">Linking up:</span></span></b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 18px;"><a href="http://www.somethingswanky.com/">Something Swanky</a></span></span></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.lizmarieblog.com/" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" target="_blank" title="Liz Marie Blog"><img alt="Liz Marie Blog" src="http://www.lizmarieblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/561339_814737968508_208706387_35562931_246451812_n5.jpg" style="border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial;" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<center><a href="http://www.lovenotesbylauryn.blogspot.com/search/label/spread%20the%20love%20link%20party"><img border="0" src="http://i1199.photobucket.com/albums/aa468/laurynashli1/spreadthelovebutton.jpg " /></a></center><br />
<div align="center">
</div>Mackenziehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12345687064339325546noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1348746045110929596.post-72091051818524450572012-06-13T04:55:00.000-07:002012-06-13T04:55:00.163-07:00Romance Spotlight: Rachel<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Hello everyone and welcome to another ROMANCE SPOTLIGHT! Rachel from </span><a href="http://randomwritings-2.blogspot.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">The Random Writings of Rachel</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> is here to share what she and her hubby did for their first anniversary. I hope you take a minute to read all about it and be sure to stop by <a href="http://randomwritings-2.blogspot.com/">her blog</a> and say hi!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Take it away Rachel!</span></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Hi! I’m Rachel and I’ve
been married a year and a half to my love, Angel. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_Nt9QWaHeRA/T9d6YBlPFrI/AAAAAAAAB94/vR25SPUfa3Q/s1600/IMG_6445.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_Nt9QWaHeRA/T9d6YBlPFrI/AAAAAAAAB94/vR25SPUfa3Q/s400/IMG_6445.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
My husband and I
decided shortly after we got married that we’d take turns planning anniversary
celebrations. I volunteered to take the first year. We were both in college
when we first met (he was a senior and I was a freshman back then), and I was
still in college, and, in fact, even had one class on the day we celebrated our
1<sup>st</sup> anniversary, so I decided to give our anniversary celebration a “Back
to School” theme. I also wanted to go traditional with the anniversary present
(1<sup>st</sup> anniversary is paper), so I bought a journal for us to share,
to write to each other in. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
My husband didn’t have
to work, and drove me to school on the day of our date. Before I left for
class, I left him with a <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Test</i> and a <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Reading Assignment</i>. The <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Test</i> was compiled of a whole bunch of “How
well do you know your spouse?” type questions. The <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Reading Assignment</i> was found in the new journal, it was a letter
from me to him. He chose to add a <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Writing
Assignment</i> too, and wrote me a letter while he was waiting for me to get
out of class. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When my class was
done, I was happy to find out that my test and assignments had gone over well,
and he was excited to find out what we’d be doing next. I told him that we were
going out to eat at the only restaurant we ever ate at while he was in college:
Taco Bell. Where we are, Taco Bell is the cheapest place to eat out, and during
my first year of college, it was the go-to place when Angel and I and our
friends wanted some food. After he graduated and started working, we could
afford restaurants on a slightly higher level of sophistication than Taco Bell,
but I wanted to take him back there so we could remember the fun days of being
in college together. At Taco Bell, we went over the test Angel had taken (I had
taken one earlier), and I found, to my dismay, that he had a higher score than
I did—he knew more right answers about me than I knew about him! I learned that
I have to work on my research skills.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
After that, we went
out for “recess”—to an arcade where you can play games for quarters. Another
college student-budget friendly activity! We just happened to hit the jackpot
on one game and ended up getting enough tickets to redeem them for a stuffed bumblebee,
which now sits proudly on a shelf in our bedroom, forever a reminder of our 1<sup>st</sup>
anniversary.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uLW8kNo16kQ/T9d6ohK-VBI/AAAAAAAAB-I/8p0cfItOkQc/s1600/DSCN0739.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uLW8kNo16kQ/T9d6ohK-VBI/AAAAAAAAB-I/8p0cfItOkQc/s400/DSCN0739.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It was simple and
inexpensive, but also fun, and now I can’t wait to see what Angel does for our
2<sup>nd</sup> anniversary!<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Thanks so much Rachel! Loved it!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Hope you stop by again for another ROMANCE SPOTLIGHT!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Happy Dating!</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 18px;"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54490/71/013147FCF4CC1CA754BF490C9D43A1C3.png" style="-webkit-box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.09375) 1px 1px 5px; background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-color: rgb(238, 238, 238); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-color: rgb(238, 238, 238); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(238, 238, 238); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(238, 238, 238); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 5px; padding-right: 5px; padding-top: 5px;" /></span></span></b></div>
</div>Mackenziehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12345687064339325546noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1348746045110929596.post-49040337432135616422012-06-11T18:09:00.000-07:002012-07-03T05:50:09.063-07:00Flour Fight Group Date<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I am so exited to share this group date with you guys! It was seriously THE BEST!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">We had a <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">F</span></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">lour Fight!</span></span></b></div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><br /></span></span></b></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YFIwz7g2j_A/T9aKXF0rRuI/AAAAAAAAB5Y/M4rM2t2_X_s/s1600/flourCollage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YFIwz7g2j_A/T9aKXF0rRuI/AAAAAAAAB5Y/M4rM2t2_X_s/s640/flourCollage.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">That's right. We threw flour at each other. And it was probably the most fun I have had on a group date. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Ever.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZzIomBasNSI/T9aTc9fsM-I/AAAAAAAAB6I/37DYWbTcXkM/s1600/flourCollage4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZzIomBasNSI/T9aTc9fsM-I/AAAAAAAAB6I/37DYWbTcXkM/s640/flourCollage4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Everyone brought a bag of flour and put them in a pile in the grass. Then we all raced to the pile and grabbed whatever bag you could get your hands on. </span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_AU6aSvrYAE/T9aNWGUhMFI/AAAAAAAAB5o/e4BNbgifcu4/s1600/flourCollage1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_AU6aSvrYAE/T9aNWGUhMFI/AAAAAAAAB5o/e4BNbgifcu4/s640/flourCollage1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">As much fun as this was, I gotta say it feels like </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">death</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> when it gets in you ears. And then there was some bright lady who brought powdered sugar instead of flour. (</span><s><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Glad it wasn't me...ahem</span></s><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">)</span></div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Never use powdered sugar.</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">That's all I'm going to say about that.</span></div>
<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2eoKA60sFZQ/T9aNWkueyyI/AAAAAAAAB5w/8N7lcSdhqeM/s1600/flourCollage2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2eoKA60sFZQ/T9aNWkueyyI/AAAAAAAAB5w/8N7lcSdhqeM/s640/flourCollage2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Even the kids got involved in this one. Everyone had a blast!</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Lx7vE6a-RDk/T9aSd67X98I/AAAAAAAAB6A/-MQn2jSrXjM/s1600/flourCollage3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Lx7vE6a-RDk/T9aSd67X98I/AAAAAAAAB6A/-MQn2jSrXjM/s640/flourCollage3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I highly recommend this for a group date. I can't say it enough: It was so fun!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">It's relatively cheap too. Just use the flour in your house or whatever you have on hand. Whipped cream, baby powder but whatever you do don't use powdered sugar!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">You have been warned.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Try it! Grab some flour and have a go!</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Happy Dating!</span></b></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 18px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: x-small; font-weight: normal; line-height: 25px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 18px;"><b><a href="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54490/71/013147FCF4CC1CA754BF490C9D43A1C3.png" imageanchor="1" style="color: #f9ff9c; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration: underline;"><img border="0" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54490/71/013147FCF4CC1CA754BF490C9D43A1C3.png" style="-webkit-box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0898438) 1px 1px 5px; background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-style: solid; border-color: initial; border-color: initial; border-color: initial; border-left-color: rgb(238, 238, 238); border-left-style: solid; border-right-color: rgb(238, 238, 238); border-right-style: solid; border-top-color: rgb(238, 238, 238); border-top-style: solid; border-width: initial; border-width: initial; border-width: initial; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 5px; padding-right: 5px; padding-top: 5px; position: relative;" /></a></b></span></b></span></span></b></span></b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 18px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: x-small; font-weight: normal; line-height: 25px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 18px;">Linking up:</span></b></span></span></b></span></b></span></div>
<br />
<a href="http://blacktagdiaries.blogspot.com/" target="_blank" title="Thankful Thursdays"><img alt="Thankful Thursdays Button" height="131" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-A7J6gHPwOE8/TYgfPfTF3uI/AAAAAAAAC1U/OVXV4gcEdrI/s200/TT_Button2.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="http://tipjunkie.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="Tip Junkie handmade projects" border="0" src="http://www.tipjunkie.com/images/TipMeTuesdayButton1.png" /></a><a border="0" href="http://www.SugarBeeCrafts.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_jjzZ1M1Qh-A/THxI7fshPSI/AAAAAAAAZDs/yJ7qafJTTkQ/s1600/takealookbutton.png" /></a>Mackenziehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12345687064339325546noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1348746045110929596.post-74317416943407486632012-05-26T18:55:00.000-07:002012-05-26T18:55:31.242-07:00Waterfall<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-09SNeoC8TYo/T8GEIe0W45I/AAAAAAAAB5A/R_r7XXqLopc/s1600/waterfall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">It has been gorgeous here in Virginia lately. Just gorgeous!</span><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-09SNeoC8TYo/T8GEIe0W45I/AAAAAAAAB5A/R_r7XXqLopc/s1600/waterfall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-09SNeoC8TYo/T8GEIe0W45I/AAAAAAAAB5A/R_r7XXqLopc/s640/waterfall.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> Hubby and I wanted to take advantage of the fantastic weather so we drove up to a little dam and played in the creek. It was extremely hot today so it was nice to cool off in the shade and splash in the water.</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pLlsRL7S5pE/T8GED8mNgQI/AAAAAAAAB44/lUZVdndzprQ/s1600/PicMonkey+Collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pLlsRL7S5pE/T8GED8mNgQI/AAAAAAAAB44/lUZVdndzprQ/s640/PicMonkey+Collage.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Someone made this awesome path of "stepping stones" that were fun to walk across and we did a little climbing too. We love rivers, creek, lakes and ponds. They're beautiful and make great date night locations. </span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-e2oIvuC5dac/T8GEKA-VAGI/AAAAAAAAB5I/3MsMI6fP5xg/s1600/rock.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-e2oIvuC5dac/T8GEKA-VAGI/AAAAAAAAB5I/3MsMI6fP5xg/s640/rock.jpg" width="434" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Do you live by a body of water? Go there with your Hubby. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Spend a date together where the its quiet and peaceful. There is something so soothing and romantic about water. Places like this are free too! Can't beat that now can you?</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: x-small; font-weight: normal; line-height: 25px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 18px;"><b></b></span></b></span></span></b></span></div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Happy Dating!</span></b></div>
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<a href="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54490/71/013147FCF4CC1CA754BF490C9D43A1C3.png" imageanchor="1" style="color: #f9ff9c; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration: underline;"><img border="0" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54490/71/013147FCF4CC1CA754BF490C9D43A1C3.png" style="-webkit-box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0898438) 1px 1px 5px; background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-style: solid; border-color: initial; border-color: initial; border-color: initial; border-color: initial; border-left-color: rgb(238, 238, 238); border-left-style: solid; border-right-color: rgb(238, 238, 238); border-right-style: solid; border-top-color: rgb(238, 238, 238); border-top-style: solid; border-width: initial; border-width: initial; border-width: initial; border-width: initial; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 5px; padding-right: 5px; padding-top: 5px; position: relative;" /></a></div>
<br />Mackenziehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12345687064339325546noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1348746045110929596.post-29033414175679580082012-05-16T18:15:00.000-07:002012-05-18T06:21:29.255-07:00Chalk Night<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
When was the last time you drew with chalk? </div>
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And I don't mean your kids.</div>
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YOU.</div>
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Me? It's been awhile.</div>
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<br /></div>
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So....I decided to pull them out and leave some love notes for my Hubby. </div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tF3LXI-rgnI/T7RJ3SCllOI/AAAAAAAAB4U/01xB-CquhNY/s1600/chalk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="246" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tF3LXI-rgnI/T7RJ3SCllOI/AAAAAAAAB4U/01xB-CquhNY/s640/chalk.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I was surprised at how easily entertained I was. </div>
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I love chalk!</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-e9iQv3HpzeU/T7RJ6Aep-mI/AAAAAAAAB4c/HstgHkPbux4/s1600/stairs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-e9iQv3HpzeU/T7RJ6Aep-mI/AAAAAAAAB4c/HstgHkPbux4/s640/stairs.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I thought it would be fun for Hubby to come home to a different kind of "welcome".</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2awx-i50eN0/T7RL3FWsuWI/AAAAAAAAB4k/IjEUWVrqTw8/s1600/sidewalk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="454" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2awx-i50eN0/T7RL3FWsuWI/AAAAAAAAB4k/IjEUWVrqTw8/s640/sidewalk.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I wrote on everything. The sidewalk, the stairs, the railing and even our parking spot.</div>
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No missing these love notes!</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XPRSyvwvTN0/T7RNtIQdbNI/AAAAAAAAB4s/YivuKhElWyU/s1600/rail.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XPRSyvwvTN0/T7RNtIQdbNI/AAAAAAAAB4s/YivuKhElWyU/s640/rail.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Try it!</div>
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Chalk costs close to nothing and if you already have some, this is totally FREE!</div>
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Leave a sweet message for your Hubby or make a date night of it!</div>
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Have a "chalk-off" or something. Get creative!</div>
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<br /></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>Happy Dating!</b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: small; font-weight: normal; line-height: 25px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 18px;"><b><a href="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54490/71/013147FCF4CC1CA754BF490C9D43A1C3.png" imageanchor="1" style="color: #f9ff9c; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration: underline;"><img border="0" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54490/71/013147FCF4CC1CA754BF490C9D43A1C3.png" style="-webkit-box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0898438) 1px 1px 5px; background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-style: solid; border-color: initial; border-color: initial; border-color: initial; border-left-color: rgb(238, 238, 238); border-left-style: solid; border-right-color: rgb(238, 238, 238); border-right-style: solid; border-top-color: rgb(238, 238, 238); border-top-style: solid; border-width: initial; border-width: initial; border-width: initial; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 5px; padding-right: 5px; padding-top: 5px; position: relative;" /></a></b></span></b></span></span></b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: small; font-weight: normal; line-height: 25px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></b></span></span></b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: small; font-weight: normal; line-height: 25px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 18px;">Linking up:</span></b></span></span></b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: small; font-weight: normal; line-height: 25px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 18px;"><a href="http://www.somethingswanky.com/">Something Swanky</a> <a href="http://www.lizmarieblog.com/2012/05/link-up-with-me-liz-marie/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+LizMarie+%28Liz+Marie%29">liz marie blog</a></span></b></span></span></b></span></div>
<a href="http://www.lovenotesbylauryn.blogspot.com/search/label/spread%20the%20love%20link%20party" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i1199.photobucket.com/albums/aa468/laurynashli1/spreadthelovebutton.jpg " /></a><a href="http://www.somewhatsimple.com/" title="Somewhat Simple"><img alt="Somewhat Simple" src="http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a342/stephd757/linkpartythursday.png" /></a>
<a href="http://www.kitchenfunwithmy3sons.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="KitchenFun" src="http://i1118.photobucket.com/albums/k612/jm1313/kitchen_funfriday.png" /></a>
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<center></center>Mackenziehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12345687064339325546noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1348746045110929596.post-79466039929378903422012-05-15T00:00:00.000-07:002012-05-15T00:00:04.019-07:00Romance Spotlight: Amanda<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Hello everyone and welcome to my ROMANCE SPOTLIGHT! Amanda from </span></b><a href="http://amandakristeen.blogspot.com/"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">The small-time Adventures</span></b></a><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> is here to share an awesome date that she and her hubby had at home! I hope you take a minute to read all about it and be sure to stop by </span><a href="http://amandakristeen.blogspot.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">her blog</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> and say hi!</span></b></div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Take it away Amanda!</span></b></div>
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Hello "Friday Night Date Night"-ers! I found Mackenzie's blog a short time ago & loved it! It's so fun & fits so well with my life & what my husband & I try to do - date & keep falling in love <i>without</i> breaking the bank. ;)</div>
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One of our own favorite dates started like this - our
honeymoon was not very long, but very eventful. We were supposed to spend a couple of days alone in a family member's cabin before having to U-haul it up to San Francisco, but a snowstorm closed down the road right before we got there. Blocking both the road in AND out of a small nearby town, we ended up holed up inside a Best Western Motel which had a mysterious wet spot on the carpet which never dried or shrank in size. We still managed to have a great time though, because hey, being snowed-in on your honeymoon is pretty romantic... even if their is a large spot on the floor you have to avoid. ;) We did, however, decide we could take a slightly longer & more thrilling honeymoon during my husband's spring break in March. Knowing we couldn't go somewhere extravagant we thought that hiking & staying around Yosemite would be wonderful.
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Beautiful, isn't it?</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gQbqqUYkT_c/TaydxlJ0DWI/AAAAAAAABko/eAKh3ezkaII/s1600/Upper_Yosemite_Falls_Yosemite_National_Park_California_1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gQbqqUYkT_c/TaydxlJ0DWI/AAAAAAAABko/eAKh3ezkaII/s640/Upper_Yosemite_Falls_Yosemite_National_Park_California_1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b>But</b> by the time March came around, with no car & a small budget we decided to nix Yosemite. </div>
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Welcome: Apartment. </div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vbod71R-Tao/TayecXp_WbI/AAAAAAAABks/HUdMl0qYFpc/s1600/100_1577-1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vbod71R-Tao/TayecXp_WbI/AAAAAAAABks/HUdMl0qYFpc/s640/100_1577-1.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">view from our front door is another plain apartment, but if you look to the left - ALMOST like Yosemite?</td></tr>
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We switched off planning dates that week to make up for it, & on my turn I decided we would go camping as much as possible. So I told Derek to wait in our room & I'd pick him up, while I made dinner, packed our backpack full of the essentials, grabbed
all the sheets and pillowcases we owned put on my hat and told him we were going camping.</div>
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We used part of our laundry line for the top of our tent, and used chairs and such for the frame. We were pretty excited with how it turned out. :) </div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Aex9voGQs8M/TaygTUuGiUI/AAAAAAAABk8/91Jt98SUJ78/s1600/100_1598-1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Aex9voGQs8M/TaygTUuGiUI/AAAAAAAABk8/91Jt98SUJ78/s640/100_1598-1.jpg" width="524" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">That's my husband sitting inside the doorway. </td></tr>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xMYi0l0alDw/Tayggam16CI/AAAAAAAABlA/a0I8GychmCk/s1600/100_1600.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xMYi0l0alDw/Tayggam16CI/AAAAAAAABlA/a0I8GychmCk/s640/100_1600.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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After
that was done I brought out our meal trying to make it look "campy." The dark jar is full of homemade salad dressing if you're
puzzled. ;)</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NYYs4t5IkK8/TayhC7Dc2pI/AAAAAAAABlE/2RouSCaARyo/s1600/100_1608.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="222" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NYYs4t5IkK8/TayhC7Dc2pI/AAAAAAAABlE/2RouSCaARyo/s400/100_1608.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-twtcoyUq7gM/TayhL18eb_I/AAAAAAAABlI/YZ4XjHFlvWg/s1600/100_1610.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-twtcoyUq7gM/TayhL18eb_I/AAAAAAAABlI/YZ4XjHFlvWg/s400/100_1610.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hcmVM2A-UR0/Tayho90uI1I/AAAAAAAABlM/TBmGjGJXulM/s1600/100_1603.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hcmVM2A-UR0/Tayho90uI1I/AAAAAAAABlM/TBmGjGJXulM/s640/100_1603.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> Our fire</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-E5Ejv7cq6I4/TayllcqlPnI/AAAAAAAABlc/GCWrsxOL8gE/s1600/100_1614-1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="177" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-E5Ejv7cq6I4/TayllcqlPnI/AAAAAAAABlc/GCWrsxOL8gE/s400/100_1614-1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our dessert-ish snack. Derek LOVES Ritz crackers, so I "splurged" on some to wrap up the night. He was so into them he missed the picture. ;)</td></tr>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-taoMFZTsqrs/Tayle3eMbJI/AAAAAAAABlY/W0mdJfVVWeg/s1600/100_1613-1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-taoMFZTsqrs/Tayle3eMbJI/AAAAAAAABlY/W0mdJfVVWeg/s640/100_1613-1.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-b8AdWSfZhDw/Taymy0K95pI/AAAAAAAABlo/OP_m8NmzxGE/s1600/100_1623.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-b8AdWSfZhDw/Taymy0K95pI/AAAAAAAABlo/OP_m8NmzxGE/s640/100_1623.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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After
placing all our blankets down for padding (hard floor) we played games
and spent the night in our makeshift tent palace. It was awesome. Take that Yosemite. ;) </div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>Thanks so much Amanda! Loved it!</b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>Hope you stop by next week for another ROMANCE SPOTLIGHT!</b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54490/71/013147FCF4CC1CA754BF490C9D43A1C3.png" style="-webkit-box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0976562) 1px 1px 5px; background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-color: rgb(238, 238, 238); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-color: rgb(238, 238, 238); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(238, 238, 238); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(238, 238, 238); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 5px; padding-right: 5px; padding-top: 5px;" /></span></div>
</div>Mackenziehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12345687064339325546noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1348746045110929596.post-75988578350166336492012-05-11T17:11:00.001-07:002012-05-18T06:21:48.710-07:00Toilet Paper Love<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I love leaving little notes for Hubby. Sometimes I get bored with a pen and paper though. </div>
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But now I have a new alternative!</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GUosmswxm4Y/T62mkRIG9wI/AAAAAAAAB4I/rI3w51bDTkQ/s1600/toilet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="460" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GUosmswxm4Y/T62mkRIG9wI/AAAAAAAAB4I/rI3w51bDTkQ/s640/toilet.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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He will know I love him even at times when he needs to use this :)</div>
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If you want to learn how to make origami toilet paper hearts, click <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vYIEpCEcML8">HERE </a>for a video tutorial. </div>
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Try it! It will <i>definitely</i> put a smile on his face!</div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Happy Dating!</span></b></div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal; line-height: 25px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 18px;"><b><a href="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54490/71/013147FCF4CC1CA754BF490C9D43A1C3.png" imageanchor="1" style="color: #f9ff9c; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration: underline;"><img border="0" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54490/71/013147FCF4CC1CA754BF490C9D43A1C3.png" style="-webkit-box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0898438) 1px 1px 5px; background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-style: solid; border-color: initial; border-color: initial; border-left-color: rgb(238, 238, 238); border-left-style: solid; border-right-color: rgb(238, 238, 238); border-right-style: solid; border-top-color: rgb(238, 238, 238); border-top-style: solid; border-width: initial; border-width: initial; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 5px; padding-right: 5px; padding-top: 5px; position: relative;" /></a></b></span></b></span></span></b><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal; line-height: 25px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></b></span></span></b><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal; line-height: 25px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 18px;">Linking up:</span></b></span></span></b><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal; line-height: 25px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 18px;"><a href="http://www.somethingswanky.com/">Something Swanky</a></span></b></span></span></b></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 0px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<a href="http://www.lovenotesbylauryn.blogspot.com/search/label/spread%20the%20love%20link%20party" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i1199.photobucket.com/albums/aa468/laurynashli1/spreadthelovebutton.jpg " /></a><a href="http://www.somewhatsimple.com/" title="Somewhat Simple"><img alt="Somewhat Simple" src="http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a342/stephd757/linkpartythursday.png" /></a> <br />
<center></center>Mackenziehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12345687064339325546noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1348746045110929596.post-23663623198814887602012-05-09T20:07:00.003-07:002012-05-18T06:22:15.127-07:00Explore Your City<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Each city is full of sites and activities unique unto itself. Some of the best dates are spent discovering different parts of your own city together. We spent part of our honeymoon in Seattle, Washington. It was a lot of fun! There are plenty of things to do, and places to see that won't break the bank.</div>
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For example:</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jlPDwQ_5CoY/T6snDGF3kYI/AAAAAAAAB3Y/XJGdCsXJlYA/s1600/ferry.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jlPDwQ_5CoY/T6snDGF3kYI/AAAAAAAAB3Y/XJGdCsXJlYA/s640/ferry.jpg" width="622" /></a></div>
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We took a ferry ride. </div>
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These are less than $10 for most and are fantastic! Kids under 6 ride for free, and you can take your car aboard to check out different islands if you like. It's a great view and so fun!</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RQr0aujJXh4/T6snF1u4lyI/AAAAAAAAB3g/3GISApwHCQY/s1600/space+needle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RQr0aujJXh4/T6snF1u4lyI/AAAAAAAAB3g/3GISApwHCQY/s640/space+needle.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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We stopped at the space needle! </div>
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We didn't actually go up. It's <i>way</i> pricy. It's a lot of fun to go walk around and take pictures though. </div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OOECxDN9-ss/T6sq4cG4v9I/AAAAAAAAB3s/1mzEeFN8f0Y/s1600/pike+place.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="326" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OOECxDN9-ss/T6sq4cG4v9I/AAAAAAAAB3s/1mzEeFN8f0Y/s640/pike+place.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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We visited Pike Place Public Market.</div>
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This place is great. All sorts of fresh produce, seafood and miscellaneous vendors!</div>
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Have you ever heard of the fish throwers they have there? Look them up on you tube if you haven't. It's really cool to watch them!</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eUI1LXYm3WM/T6ssfH-GJ7I/AAAAAAAAB30/8jRIw7yerdA/s1600/ivers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="430" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eUI1LXYm3WM/T6ssfH-GJ7I/AAAAAAAAB30/8jRIw7yerdA/s640/ivers.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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We also fed the seagulls at the famous Ivar's.</div>
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This is a MUST if you are ever in Seattle.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZeStQd_O1cY/T6su3NEaJ8I/AAAAAAAAB38/waU9rNFZkV8/s1600/seat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZeStQd_O1cY/T6su3NEaJ8I/AAAAAAAAB38/waU9rNFZkV8/s640/seat.jpg" width="430" /></a></div>
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Even if its just walking around window shopping or site seeing; exploring a city together is a great date! </div>
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What kinds of things do you do together in your city?</div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>Happy Dating!</b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 18px;"><b><a href="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54490/71/013147FCF4CC1CA754BF490C9D43A1C3.png" imageanchor="1" style="color: #f9ff9c; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration: underline;"><img border="0" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54490/71/013147FCF4CC1CA754BF490C9D43A1C3.png" style="-webkit-box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0898438) 1px 1px 5px; background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-color: rgb(238, 238, 238); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-color: initial; border-left-color: rgb(238, 238, 238); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(238, 238, 238); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(238, 238, 238); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; border-width: initial; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 5px; padding-right: 5px; padding-top: 5px; position: relative;" /></a></b></span></b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">P.S. </span>Sorry for the lack of posts lately. We have been swamped! Among other things, our "Sweet B" had a birthday and Hubby graduated with two BA's! </div>
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<b><i>Whoo hoo!</i></b></div>
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Now its off to law school... destination TBA.</div>
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Linking up:<br />
<a href="http://www.somethingswanky.com/2012/05/sweet-treats-swanky-stuff-thursday.html?showComment=1336620541731#c6368982281342918032">Something Swanky </a> <a href="http://wearethatfamily.com/">We are THAT Family</a></div>
<a href="http://www.lovenotesbylauryn.blogspot.com/search/label/spread%20the%20love%20link%20party" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i1199.photobucket.com/albums/aa468/laurynashli1/spreadthelovebutton.jpg " /></a><a href="http://blacktagdiaries.blogspot.com/" target="_blank" title="Thankful Thursdays"><img alt="Thankful Thursdays Button" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-A7J6gHPwOE8/TYgfPfTF3uI/AAAAAAAAC1U/OVXV4gcEdrI/s220/TT_Button2.jpg" /></a>
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<center></center>Mackenziehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12345687064339325546noreply@blogger.com5