tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32494210288041026922024-03-05T01:38:03.799-05:00Life With The LedfordsI prayed for this child, and the LORD has granted me what I asked of him. 1 Samuel 1:27Amanda Ledfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15506192289304958588noreply@blogger.comBlogger864125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3249421028804102692.post-62819758814798778722016-01-15T12:58:00.001-05:002016-01-15T13:04:05.621-05:00A Year Later, It Is Well With My Soul<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4CiLH8VbgkLg71OF2EVP7gpiWktM84jXrGZkmDpRN3jy7PmRu2s-oSMsPHvy_ReJFQ1v04H0OTUk81XefJ_8au6ty427tb9iiK2gSTZ0_7H0C1z9r1sY5RIANKI-Gc6NsuB2Ei1gXRmmy/s640/blogger-image-2024403008.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4CiLH8VbgkLg71OF2EVP7gpiWktM84jXrGZkmDpRN3jy7PmRu2s-oSMsPHvy_ReJFQ1v04H0OTUk81XefJ_8au6ty427tb9iiK2gSTZ0_7H0C1z9r1sY5RIANKI-Gc6NsuB2Ei1gXRmmy/s640/blogger-image-2024403008.jpg"></a></div>A year ago today my life changed forever. My Nana, who was my best friend, biggest supporter, and always my first call in good times and bad, passed away. She fought dementia for 12 years and had not been "my Nana" for several years. Even as she became someone we did not know anymore, she still loved us and we loved her. That night as she took her final breath, we were not sad, but joyful that she was no longer suffering or dealing with a memory that was no longer there.<div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF-MxqfrGLfcA37Rgx_PoiUqVYRM6pOkzQp2y4qA2D6ZKdWNwQichl8AFnwmu7hhBlgUM9Tah5hGhsPaF4Dv43aeW3Ao8Q_d5uccWRiWkTuqJTFbr9aLTEEQxqE25c_YL_qfAjQbZ54UAu/s640/blogger-image--1362803349.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF-MxqfrGLfcA37Rgx_PoiUqVYRM6pOkzQp2y4qA2D6ZKdWNwQichl8AFnwmu7hhBlgUM9Tah5hGhsPaF4Dv43aeW3Ao8Q_d5uccWRiWkTuqJTFbr9aLTEEQxqE25c_YL_qfAjQbZ54UAu/s640/blogger-image--1362803349.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>I found out I was pregnant with Aliza a week almost to the hour after Nana left us and I knew immediately she had a hand in that! When sweet Aliza was born I knew immediately Nana was with her. She looked just like us and was demanding the center of attention...just like Nana! Haha! She already shows so many personality traits of my Nana; a killer side eye to show her disapproval, her smile, and infectious laugh. We often joke that their spirits must have passed, because they are so similar! God sure does has a funny way of keeping those who have left you a part of your life! </div><div><br></div><div>There have been so many times I have wanted to call her and couldn't. The day I found out I was having a girl I just sat and cried for 5 minutes before I called anyone because I couldn't call her and no one would have loved that baby more! There were days when Aliza was struggling with reflux that I would have given anything to bring her to Nana like I did with Nicholas for her to rock the colicky baby in a way that only she could that always relieved colic. We've now come through all of our "firsts" without her and although I miss her terribly, there is a peace that she is no longer suffering. <br><div><br></div><div>I spoke at her service the following week and I have had every intention of sharing what I said, but never felt like writing the post. I wanted to do that today...</div></div><div><br></div><div><div>Most of you know that my Nana and I had a very unique, special relationship. She had 10 grandchildren and loved us all equally, but differently. I was her first grandchild and think the day I was born was the best day of her life...not because I was born, but because that was the day she gained her most valued title...Nana. With me she was my best friend, my loudest cheerleader, most loyal supporter, and the person that taught me that I could be ANYTHING I wanted to be. Nana always had a way of teaching life lessons, whether you realized that is what she was doing or not. With me it was by encouraging imaginary role play to teach that I could be anyone I wanted to be. It didn’t matter if it was Princess Diana, an astronaut, or a mom, we role played that part! </div><div><br></div><div>Part of this pretend play for us was to dress up and pretend to be two old ladies… I was Louella Snodgrass and Nana was Myrtle Higgenbottom. I can honestly tell you that I have NO IDEA where those names came from, but Louella and Myrtle have had some amazing times! I remember actually wearing a gold sequined scarf, hat, and large rhinestone broach to the zoo where we sat and people watched. I was 3 or 4 and yes, I already knew how to people watch! The funny thing is, looking back, I’m SURE people were actually looking at US and commenting on how ridiculous WE looked! Louella and Myrtle LOVED soap operas. I still think I was the only 4 year old in the Baptist preschool that could recap the current storyline on All My Children. Louella and Myrtle continued in those roles (well, without the dress up clothes) as recently as just a couple of years ago. I remember when she moved to the assisted living telling my friends that nothing has changed, Louella and Myrtle will just finally be where two old ladies should be...the assisted living! </div><div><br></div><div>One of her favorite things she did with her grandchildren was to host birthday parties. Not just any birthday parties, but extravagant birthday parties ranging from dress up parties to baseball themed parties! For my 5th birthday she had a playhouse built in her backyard for my party. By that time I had been joined by Lindsey, 3 years later, Katie and when Nana married Fred, 4 more granddaughters. Between the 7 of us, there have been countless tea parties, dress up birthday parties, and afternoons spent in that playhouse. </div><div><br></div><div>My Nana taught me so much over the 33 years I had with her. I’m thankful that she taught me how to decorate for holidays and instilled in me the love of hosting parties, dishes, crystal, and serving pieces! Everytime I bring home a new piece of crystal or a serving piece I just tell Michael that I can’t help it! My Nana taught me to love these things! Not only did she have a love for dishes and hosting parties, but she also LOVED to cook! You never went to her house that their wasn’t freshly cooked tea cakes, rice crispy treats, and a German chocolate cake sitting on her island! I’m certain that the freezer in Heaven is now stocked full of dumplings for chicken and dumplings, German chocolate cake, and sliced pears for pear preserves for eternity! </div><div><br></div><div>The most important thing Nana taught us was to love The Lord, our family, and our friends. Even in her darkest times she always worried about others instead of herself. An example of this was when my grandfather was in his last days and a close family friend was also in the hospital. Nana, 8 month old Lindsey, and 5 year old me were at Erlanger waiting on an elevator when our friends passed by. In showing concern for them and asking about their loved one, she forgot that she had pushed Lindsey’s stroller onto the elevator and as the doors shut she turned around just in time to see Lindsey take an unattended ride through Erlanger! I now work at Erlanger and ride these same elevators often, every time laughing remembering how her concern for others almost caused us to lose Lindsey! This has become a story that our family has laughed about for years! </div><div><br></div><div>As much as Nana LOVED being a grandmother, at 80 years old, my Nicholas became the light of her life as her only great grandchild. As recently as Christmas Eve she played and laughed with him. She loved him as only she could and he loves her. He asks about her daily and I am so thankful he was able to know her. </div><div><br></div><div>I was blessed for almost 34 years with the most amazing grandmother. Nana was a very colorful, feisty, sassy, fun loving, and the most one of a kind person I’ve ever known. She loved her family fiercely and she loved us well. No one was more proud of us than our Nana. Anytime one of us made the paper, she would order her own personal color copy of the picture! She was my first phone call in the good and bad times. I could count on her to celebrate the good times and comfort me in the bad. In the happy times she would sing You Are My Sunshine to us and when I was upset about anything, she would make me stop crying long enough to hear her sing the words of It Is Well. In the last few days that song has randomly played on my itunes several times when I needed it most and has given me a peace by reminding me that she is no longer suffering, she is with the Lord, and that she always looked forward to the day she would leave this world for Heaven. </div><div><br></div><div>Proverbs 31:25 says: She is clothed in strength and dignity and she laughs without fear of the future. My Nana was THE ideal Proverbs 31 woman and I will forever be thankful for the time I had with her.</div></div>Amanda Ledfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15506192289304958588noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3249421028804102692.post-69967051256990511792016-01-07T20:05:00.001-05:002016-01-07T20:05:34.441-05:00Thoughts On ThursdayHi! I'm back for a catch up, random thoughts post! <div><br></div><div>1. Working mom of two. Being a working mom of 2 has thrown me for a loop. We got into a great routine while I was off for 12 weeks, but when I returned to work it was all new, not to mention Christmas craziness also going on. This week we have worked hard to return to a sense of normalcy and so far so good. Meal planning, laundry, and packing lunches are all returning to normal and that makes me happy! We all get home around 6:00 and the next 2.5 hours are crazy, but we are surviving. Next round of craziness...when baseball starts in about 2 months! </div><div><br></div><div>2. A new, bigger car. The lease on my Explorer was quickly approaching when Aliza was born and it didn't take long to see that a larger car would be fabulous. About 2 weeks before I went back to work, Michael surprised me with a new to us Yukon! The kids and I love all of the room and not feeling so cramped. I don't know that I could ever go back to a smaller SUV now! As a matter of fact, I'm kind of wishing we had gone ahead with the XL instead of the standard length! </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9K3UqgAV_XjBZYCyXPedmfnxC-qoJ2B6V8Kb0rje-wPyNEmBOuTmU-lZAg6vQEoBiNDw-DHenRGOFByGRRwEWwrjFp480fs9R4HbKNmwHAruZo6HxhlkPvcUwpKacN2GjeYf2br4gkoB7/s640/blogger-image-790832604.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9K3UqgAV_XjBZYCyXPedmfnxC-qoJ2B6V8Kb0rje-wPyNEmBOuTmU-lZAg6vQEoBiNDw-DHenRGOFByGRRwEWwrjFp480fs9R4HbKNmwHAruZo6HxhlkPvcUwpKacN2GjeYf2br4gkoB7/s640/blogger-image-790832604.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">3. I love big bows and I cannot lie! My baby is rarely seen (other than at daycare) without a big bow. I love little girls in smocking, big bows, and sparkle! <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIaJPUkoYaCT1LyGUXVXUnRPbqy0xmdTCj5Gi76WKHZyZwYi48ybhvVu-fJrvDIRnikRxrmydeOM7wQhpzEbkpV6C8GoY33dLGyuAQPWC60ofgZuk1ASA8_7VvMYO-obLohyphenhyphenbWDnPdEkzP/s640/blogger-image-58332849.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIaJPUkoYaCT1LyGUXVXUnRPbqy0xmdTCj5Gi76WKHZyZwYi48ybhvVu-fJrvDIRnikRxrmydeOM7wQhpzEbkpV6C8GoY33dLGyuAQPWC60ofgZuk1ASA8_7VvMYO-obLohyphenhyphenbWDnPdEkzP/s640/blogger-image-58332849.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlsUGZXEh5YJkzmqE-fHF9m2TAt84X39PCXwerGtaiKWdP5ZQUhIZO5tuIjFYXFh9vt6Z2rxzgXxNKlWsEDAetmWnFnFJBYq3RVggA6lOunr0o2qa9P_WJRZ_vTNR6qbLq0LbRE5QTKWoP/s640/blogger-image--445882560.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlsUGZXEh5YJkzmqE-fHF9m2TAt84X39PCXwerGtaiKWdP5ZQUhIZO5tuIjFYXFh9vt6Z2rxzgXxNKlWsEDAetmWnFnFJBYq3RVggA6lOunr0o2qa9P_WJRZ_vTNR6qbLq0LbRE5QTKWoP/s640/blogger-image--445882560.jpg"></a></div></div></div>However, for New Years Eve, we broke out our tiara handband and sparkly sleeper! <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisTJ1BLCkWkoU0HGm3FkfthfbdnWkhPDxhohrUewMOrK6UrWgApDkn9GmawWGCGg7c1hBaHViqbmyGILAy3810bm_V6ccYRToSf3vSYVFnqY3eXVo0NBhF5AietoJ0kRHxiaFY2YvBLw9z/s640/blogger-image--1292109497.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisTJ1BLCkWkoU0HGm3FkfthfbdnWkhPDxhohrUewMOrK6UrWgApDkn9GmawWGCGg7c1hBaHViqbmyGILAy3810bm_V6ccYRToSf3vSYVFnqY3eXVo0NBhF5AietoJ0kRHxiaFY2YvBLw9z/s640/blogger-image--1292109497.jpg"></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">4. Bonus Year of School. We are half way through our bonus year of PreK and it has been amazing! Absolutely, hands down, best decision ever! Nicholas has just flown and grown so much over the last 5 months. We LOVE his school and his teacher! She has been so good for him and it's amazing how much he has learned. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBUDNjEI_C9jgP0POAi3xgjentqVm1HmC97_iHCxbbqLvLduIHlEIYFQa8bG7p3CpGoVGZLXa8XlHYNHvkK-sqNbFZe_KWnISc3Khr3xb1zr9NRi3XShGdGj2A3JlyBvz_CdsjBLqagjCz/s640/blogger-image--1771259890.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBUDNjEI_C9jgP0POAi3xgjentqVm1HmC97_iHCxbbqLvLduIHlEIYFQa8bG7p3CpGoVGZLXa8XlHYNHvkK-sqNbFZe_KWnISc3Khr3xb1zr9NRi3XShGdGj2A3JlyBvz_CdsjBLqagjCz/s640/blogger-image--1771259890.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">6. Breastfeeding. I plan to do an entire post on this subject, but we have had quite the breastfeeding journey this go around. I had a lot of problems early on with Nicholas waking up enough and latching well and I ended up exclusively pumping, but I had high hopes this time around it wouldn't end like that. Well, it sort of did. Aliza did great for about 4 days then when my milk came in she couldn't latch. We did everything but nothing worked, so out came the pump. She sometimes nurses at bedtime and in the morning, but she is still almost exclusively bottle fed. I am proud to say that she is exclusively breastfed and to me it doesn't matter if it comes out of a bottle or breast, she is still fed and happy! (Of note, I am the last person on the planet to judge breast vs formula. I've now had one that was on formula from 6weeks on and one exclusively breastfed and they are both healthy and happy. Every baby is different and every situation is unique. You just do what is best for you and your baby! No judgies here!)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">7. Losing Babyweight. I'm not going to lie, all but 2 pounds have come off, BUT I am 2 sizes from where I was a year ago and where I would like to be thanks to flab and fat. With Nicholas it all fell off and I didn't have a lot of flab, well I do this time and literally no time to work out and tone. I'm hoping I can return to my workout routine by summer, but right now I'm having to accept the fact life is crazy and I just can't get it in. And that is ok! </div></div>Amanda Ledfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15506192289304958588noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3249421028804102692.post-66212996603469595322015-12-24T12:45:00.001-05:002015-12-24T12:45:51.494-05:00Santa! We Know Him!We went to see Santa a couple of weeks ago after church and he was such a good Santa! We've seen this Santa every year but one and if you are in Chattanooga, try to go Hamilton Place when this Santa is working! <div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii7N6M2jAeFiz8rhpfr547I6O0IL6xy9HyDH2m0TXa1dmNUPCGo7dJX5V5Goht952PlZHCX2djtvcO3uYoJ0TKxWdE6WICi1l_udOJgTzrraGDSzOCN6Gt8GqRd3m2tstVbAvu-ZjLM2pc/s640/blogger-image-578273109.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii7N6M2jAeFiz8rhpfr547I6O0IL6xy9HyDH2m0TXa1dmNUPCGo7dJX5V5Goht952PlZHCX2djtvcO3uYoJ0TKxWdE6WICi1l_udOJgTzrraGDSzOCN6Gt8GqRd3m2tstVbAvu-ZjLM2pc/s640/blogger-image-578273109.jpg"></a></div>We are excited today that tonight is the night Santa comes to town! This year Nicholas has asked for a Star Wars Infinity video game, plants vs zombies stuff, Legos, zombie nerf gun, and Star Wars stuff. Aliza is hoping for a few toys to grow into between now and her birthday! </div>Amanda Ledfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15506192289304958588noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3249421028804102692.post-60127828158226092392015-12-22T11:17:00.001-05:002015-12-22T11:17:38.863-05:00Hello Again!Merry Christmas! Hope everyone is enjoying the holiday season! I wanted to pop in with a quick photo update and share some pictures of my sweet babies. We are having so much fun and enjoying these two cuties! I miss blogging, but there just isn't much time these days. I'm hoping to blog Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas soon!<div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjco1uoAUHKUD01PaB9GFPcGGj9YmBGx8pv2FoCHiHs5y9Ig6YuzKGt_0XiNN6uQs5Zwe5yQsmKW18bBcfDoUf5QuYomyKrU4-c2JlpUdSZ98ISe08SecbTQBg4lbkywQm4ghTYyBN2awJX/s640/blogger-image--127058251.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjco1uoAUHKUD01PaB9GFPcGGj9YmBGx8pv2FoCHiHs5y9Ig6YuzKGt_0XiNN6uQs5Zwe5yQsmKW18bBcfDoUf5QuYomyKrU4-c2JlpUdSZ98ISe08SecbTQBg4lbkywQm4ghTYyBN2awJX/s640/blogger-image--127058251.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAgp5CVZx5SdAcjfM_BffkAZlxCTPdQWAxJw3_uaf2uBASfqbNfnsEgM28LIPNBlBfB0Jicd4AJ60rp7YZQ_OfdKkRGAmsKyGSFadJ6gFX5lj_P837pAykMiYNzzdk2gHR2bKXsOHEozjO/s640/blogger-image-839501308.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAgp5CVZx5SdAcjfM_BffkAZlxCTPdQWAxJw3_uaf2uBASfqbNfnsEgM28LIPNBlBfB0Jicd4AJ60rp7YZQ_OfdKkRGAmsKyGSFadJ6gFX5lj_P837pAykMiYNzzdk2gHR2bKXsOHEozjO/s640/blogger-image-839501308.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZdCBhELsc4mjyphkPnW7qMXv35555QtlQzwrWvjBJRHbn9jHdmmTblYmGnFasqgoCjWD_2_poHfpMgYnjufZ6TwRPKoPAHybvTNocTpm6NtuJU-2naIsF7Ak4cmbD7mR-RR_lM4pFp5oP/s640/blogger-image-525336993.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZdCBhELsc4mjyphkPnW7qMXv35555QtlQzwrWvjBJRHbn9jHdmmTblYmGnFasqgoCjWD_2_poHfpMgYnjufZ6TwRPKoPAHybvTNocTpm6NtuJU-2naIsF7Ak4cmbD7mR-RR_lM4pFp5oP/s640/blogger-image-525336993.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj5tNdA3xpRBe7UkCDR01m_OSJ5M90hn_13jhia2srg1kWGLYzj84Ey08lYQjTEI99jVtU_jZVvLOhIcSqDx0_kuGa6gr7eLM6esDT-pImw3gnLx02BgDTVnbBTa79YT9s1B6owMhpW6mu/s640/blogger-image-245448044.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj5tNdA3xpRBe7UkCDR01m_OSJ5M90hn_13jhia2srg1kWGLYzj84Ey08lYQjTEI99jVtU_jZVvLOhIcSqDx0_kuGa6gr7eLM6esDT-pImw3gnLx02BgDTVnbBTa79YT9s1B6owMhpW6mu/s640/blogger-image-245448044.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUn5yAN8U6wN_16w8Fu2eFbjkDkVxRISWifL2ca0kLvPp9QhPVCEc8H0aIltM2_gTe_9Q824U1fiUjeI1yq_ov7suTuBkPsxyJso4PB8ELpxnN-Hr-rWXEnri9DBvkl_34tMRdeOP0vP5t/s640/blogger-image-1400101445.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUn5yAN8U6wN_16w8Fu2eFbjkDkVxRISWifL2ca0kLvPp9QhPVCEc8H0aIltM2_gTe_9Q824U1fiUjeI1yq_ov7suTuBkPsxyJso4PB8ELpxnN-Hr-rWXEnri9DBvkl_34tMRdeOP0vP5t/s640/blogger-image-1400101445.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdaFN63DmpIBjKQvLCmL2P4U9jEIEIjBmNlsgF9II0DpWvWSxf9Ow7An37B-d-8vWFsRvdZBm49puGda6a4nAzTx1TWIHIavWWndmsiKOPSaSjMtBq59DVVXKLmkZ8DTzG6-94eIkDIT5u/s640/blogger-image--327253004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdaFN63DmpIBjKQvLCmL2P4U9jEIEIjBmNlsgF9II0DpWvWSxf9Ow7An37B-d-8vWFsRvdZBm49puGda6a4nAzTx1TWIHIavWWndmsiKOPSaSjMtBq59DVVXKLmkZ8DTzG6-94eIkDIT5u/s640/blogger-image--327253004.jpg"></a></div><br></div>Amanda Ledfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15506192289304958588noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3249421028804102692.post-46912843653997092182015-12-22T01:30:00.000-05:002015-12-22T11:09:34.073-05:00Christmas Breakfast Casserole<div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Tis the season for lots of yummy foods! I always share some of my favorite holiday dishes and I actually had this one sitting in my drafts, so thought I would share with you! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Last year I tried a new casserole on Christmas morning and it was such a hit, we've had it several times since! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Traditional Sausage, Egg, and Cheese Breakfast Casserole </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">1 roll of crescent rolls</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">1 lb of hot sausage cooked and crumbled (I prepared mine the day before)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">1 cup shredded cheddar cheese </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">1 bag of frozen shredded hashbrowns</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">12 beaten eggs</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Salt and Pepper to taste </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Spray a 9x13 baking dish with a cooking spray and roll out crescent rolls. Layer hashbrowns, eggs, and sausage. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Cook on 400 for 50-60 minutes or until cooked throughout (I tried it at 350, but it took forever!) Cover with cheese and cook until melted. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Next time Michael wants me to add bacon bits and mushrooms. I can't wait to try it again and play with different ingredients!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Hope you enjoy! </span></div>
Amanda Ledfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15506192289304958588noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3249421028804102692.post-79484603500513481182015-09-27T13:15:00.001-04:002015-09-27T13:15:35.083-04:00Introducing Baby Aliza Kate<style type="text/css">
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</style>We would like to introduce baby Aliza Kate, who joined our family on Friday, September 11, 2015 and immediately stole everyone's heart! It had been a long, hard pregnancy, but it was so worth it to have this sweet baby complete our family. <br />
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We went in at 6am for a c-section at 7:30 and by then I had actually been in labor since Sunday afternoon and more than ready to have this baby!!! I had been to the hospital the Sunday before when I first felt I was in labor, but my contractions were not regular enough to have her at 37 weeks. I literally spent the next 5 days in bed or in the bathtub trying to keep her in until Friday morning's scheduled appointment. I got one final (although I didn't get many over the previous 33 weeks) bump picture and one with my big boy on our way out of the door.<br />
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Aliza was born at 8:03am and before they even had her out I kept hearing my doctor say "this is a big baby with a lot of hair!" He was NOT kidding! </div>
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She weighed 8 pounds and 10 ounces and we were told she was 20.5 inches that day, but at our 2 week pediatrician appointment, she was up to 23 inches, so our pediatrician thinks she was actually around 22-22.5 inches! She was only 1 ounce smaller than her brother was!<br />
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We were in a room by 10:00 and Michael went to get the proud big brother and Grandparents from the waiting room. Needless to say, everyone couldn't get over her size or hair! Haha! Nicholas was in love immediately and so excited to get to hold his long awaited baby sister!</div>
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Yes, I dressed them alike for the occasion! It was cute and Nicholas loved matching Daddy! :-)<br />
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This was at the end of a long day, but we finally made it for a family picture around 9:00 that night. <br />
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We had a very long, hard first night and when my doctor came in around 10:00 the following morning I asked to go home. He said that since I was already on oral pain meds and walking around well, I could go. I am so thankful they let us leave early. It made our transition home much easier and Nicholas was able to be with us after less than 36 hours. Aliza came home in the same dress I did 34 years earlier and wore a family heirloom bonnet. She looked like a little doll!<br />
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When we got home I tried to get some pictures of her in her fancy dress in her fancy crib, but she wasn't having it.<br />
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We did manage to get one of Aliza, Nicholas, and I in front of our stork and big brother sign. This was my favorite picture of the entire weekend. I laughed so hard at Nicholas showing his big brother muscles!</div>
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We are so blessed to have 2 healthy, beautiful children. Six years ago right now I was taking fertility drugs and no one was sure we would ever have one, much less two children. Sometimes it is just so overwhelming to think they are both mine! We have had a good 2 weeks at home and I will blog more about the weeks leading up to this post and the weeks after later. I hope to get all caught up this week now that Gigi and Michael have gone back to work and it is just the baby and I at home during the day. </div>
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Amanda Ledfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15506192289304958588noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3249421028804102692.post-52980082427447825962015-08-18T09:28:00.001-04:002015-08-18T09:28:17.599-04:00First Day of School<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkC1KhHgL3Nr-euriKbShU8WH-iKOpCLUMyR09mhko0LZUq3Xn_w55pNL3QNn-QrLetIcxHmpAXtx76B0EQR-Oj89LmOEThKR7087OQ1_z7seBi3Eo8gOFauswUXMf-PyZfKXCttObAZh5/s640/blogger-image--166184732.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkC1KhHgL3Nr-euriKbShU8WH-iKOpCLUMyR09mhko0LZUq3Xn_w55pNL3QNn-QrLetIcxHmpAXtx76B0EQR-Oj89LmOEThKR7087OQ1_z7seBi3Eo8gOFauswUXMf-PyZfKXCttObAZh5/s640/blogger-image--166184732.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Yesterday was the day we had looked forward to for a long time, the first day at our new school! As you know, we elected to give Nicholas a "bonus year" by attending the state funded PreK at his elementary school. So far, that has been the best decision we've ever made for him! He LOVES it! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjimu_tDE4JWftv8e2HnILKh6FyjnQ_3U178udkVA6NTcAbOnLyoo8cTmhpcJZ06-dUx_nMDXsi94_ZhdKkSF32Fs7zkyNTXHf27Fw1_mGLf56I0UDRgWKnxQROtNfRMQ2_MzOcwIUntPsE/s640/blogger-image--1698183499.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjimu_tDE4JWftv8e2HnILKh6FyjnQ_3U178udkVA6NTcAbOnLyoo8cTmhpcJZ06-dUx_nMDXsi94_ZhdKkSF32Fs7zkyNTXHf27Fw1_mGLf56I0UDRgWKnxQROtNfRMQ2_MzOcwIUntPsE/s640/blogger-image--1698183499.jpg"></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Sunday night we read back to school books after we got our bath and got in bed early for the big day. He was excited and nervous, but not as much as Mommy! I had such mixed emotions, and still do 2 days into it. For 5 years he has rode to work with me and been at daycare right next door to my office. Now he is 25 minutes away. I also worry about him going to the cafeteria, after school care, and those type of things. It's a big step!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYhiX-25y817UvHYGi5ayxcXug-DKgIE6m_djcojqeCmlas6lC8H4pJCMHnbBSnPne5k6Wzllci0gc9HsEVrpujwIO_nqlacxQ6qxBK9enuKrivdC7ZbjvotFiqHLeMUL6qLi6r7H0RvbR/s640/blogger-image--721398062.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYhiX-25y817UvHYGi5ayxcXug-DKgIE6m_djcojqeCmlas6lC8H4pJCMHnbBSnPne5k6Wzllci0gc9HsEVrpujwIO_nqlacxQ6qxBK9enuKrivdC7ZbjvotFiqHLeMUL6qLi6r7H0RvbR/s640/blogger-image--721398062.jpg"></a></div>He was so excited to get up and get to school! When we dropped him off he didn't seem to care at all! (Huge improvement over last year) He ran in to find his cubby, put his stuff up and get to a table to sit. He sat at a puzzle table and was happy as he could be! </div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I cried a lot Sunday night and did fine on Monday until his teacher asked how I was doing then I lost it. I was the crazy sniffing pregnant mom leaving the classroom after telling him bye 5 times. After I got back home and thought about how excited he was and happy, I finally felt better. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I picked him up around 4:00 so he could get used to going to after school care before he had to go until 5:30 today. He loved it too and when I picked him up he ran up to me with a big hug and kiss and said he loved school! I couldn't have been more relieved. We immediately went to get an ice cream to celebrate both of us surviving big day! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimwNxMrfcPdiS7aPT_5Zv4gEq7RHdBBPEahwxBBF7Y54PczdioewwqX_WiMbUzDikxQ6KH6ITWJHgnhzuDBr0M0d9uf0anRo7IvqpnFyBGFOhzEzQI6lRZWlGoiUDhLr9dpO2inBu8bu8D/s640/blogger-image--46332018.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimwNxMrfcPdiS7aPT_5Zv4gEq7RHdBBPEahwxBBF7Y54PczdioewwqX_WiMbUzDikxQ6KH6ITWJHgnhzuDBr0M0d9uf0anRo7IvqpnFyBGFOhzEzQI6lRZWlGoiUDhLr9dpO2inBu8bu8D/s640/blogger-image--46332018.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">This morning he got up on his own, ran into our room excited for another day! He walked around for 10 minutes with his backpack waiting on me to fix his lunch and for Michael to take him to school. After Michael took him to school he called me to say he did great! He walked in, put his stuff up, went over to a table to sit, and never looked back!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I am so proud of my big boy! </div></div>Amanda Ledfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15506192289304958588noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3249421028804102692.post-2169660767747102892015-07-16T07:18:00.000-04:002015-07-16T08:28:37.366-04:00Thoughts For Thursday<div>
1. Nicholas is LOVING day camp! Last week was his first full week week and he had so much fun! They go swimming twice a week and a field trip to somewhere fun once a week. His teacher sent me this last Tuesday and it made my day! </div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">It has been close to 100 degrees here all week and I'm starting to swell as I hit the 30 week mark! I couldn't even find any shoes in my closet for church on Sunday except flip flops and some sandals! I went out Sunday night and got some Epsom salt...not sure it's working though. Any tips for a hot, swollen pregnant girl? </span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">3. </span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">I'm really struggling not to buy all the seasonal baby things. And I mean ALL the things! I would have bought one of each of these had they not been 6-12m last weekend at Hobby Lobby! I need an intervention! STAT!</span><br />
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">4. </span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> Life keeps getting ahead of us. Between two demanding jobs, a 5 year old, pregnancy, and taking care of two homes (ours and Michael's grandfather's home) we cannot keep up anymore. I bought this calendar at Hobby Lobby in hopes it would make it easier to track who is doing what when and what bill is due when. </span><br />
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">5. </span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">I've developed a craving for V8 drinks. Sadly, they have over 900mg sodium in them (see number 2) so I've had to quit drinking them. Also, note that they are not a suitable replacement for the weekend morning Bloody Mary. </span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">6. I've begun looking at birth announcements, but nothing has just jumped out at me. Any suggestions on a good place to order them? </span></div>
Amanda Ledfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15506192289304958588noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3249421028804102692.post-77088167978685008062015-07-13T10:58:00.001-04:002015-07-13T10:58:28.470-04:00Going From One to TwoOne thing that has always worried me about having two children is how it would effect Nicholas. I already love our new little addition and can't wait to meet her, but I worry how it will impact them both. Being an only child, I feel like I have no clue how to love two children or how to show two children equal attention. I'm starting to get really anxious and nervous about baby sister's arrival because of that. <div><br><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeXyYO6HXsDnNs8iKCaLprmnDlyj3b4nb22ywbg6uaigd_cWaSBhTSYIiuBxAoan5BGT3NqDox_M2HhJ2M0h4osB7si7cD-fwkvXJQVD0YHA2uHY8zq1gNRcdC_qF6Mv7OIqUIxISpClCd/s640/blogger-image-759244625.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeXyYO6HXsDnNs8iKCaLprmnDlyj3b4nb22ywbg6uaigd_cWaSBhTSYIiuBxAoan5BGT3NqDox_M2HhJ2M0h4osB7si7cD-fwkvXJQVD0YHA2uHY8zq1gNRcdC_qF6Mv7OIqUIxISpClCd/s640/blogger-image-759244625.jpg"></a></div></div><div>For five years it's just been the three of us. Within the last couple of years we have finally gotten into a great routine and comfortable in our role as parents. I have no clue what a second child will do to our lives. I'm so excited to welcome her and get to know her, but at the same time, worried about how she will fit into our family. I know she will be loved, a lot, but will they both feel loved equally? Will one resent the other or us? </div><div><br></div><div>I know these are normal feelings (I think??? I hope???) and pray every night that we have made sure Nicholas feels secure and loved no matter what. Lately, when he wants to cuddle I drop whatever I'm doing or if he wants to play video games, we do it. I want him to know he is still important and loved just as much as ever. <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX8WzyFEree3DnDHtLYDXBF_EErVBVnyQIJmYchnHQ0TnP1tuIYuvXYkjnEEGm1hyRfDvB3cfZKw-0-e6_Xvmvdg2_irgOOZEnkdN9IIcA_XFWMiTeJVmG2-uPGUCdMtM-idlwlb9l-ykK/s640/blogger-image-1646240493.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX8WzyFEree3DnDHtLYDXBF_EErVBVnyQIJmYchnHQ0TnP1tuIYuvXYkjnEEGm1hyRfDvB3cfZKw-0-e6_Xvmvdg2_irgOOZEnkdN9IIcA_XFWMiTeJVmG2-uPGUCdMtM-idlwlb9l-ykK/s640/blogger-image-1646240493.jpg"></a></div></div></div><div><br></div><div>We've decided to do one activity every weekend before she arrives to focus on Nicholas and each other by doing something we all love to do that may not be easy to do with a baby. So far we have really enjoyed that special family time! We have 10 weekends at the very most to spend just the three of us and I plan to make the most of it! (I also have some fun mommy and Nicholas dates planned for us to do once a month or so after sister comes)</div><div><br></div><div>Last weekend we went to Buffalo Wild Wings and played games and trivia. It was so much fun and something we loved doing before we had Nicholas. Even Nicholas loved it and has already asked to go back! Ha!</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu3G0T7e5N9FiFlXI8fHYKaqTv3cabadRuIN4xao40RSBSg92owTtsKmJwbGNszgLYKiUwPQ0uZQm_9SjsBctk9Og85ul-ep-Wx6BuWLiCvmfJHNEbm_VCoDpzSZtxm38nUWOqe68vu-YZ/s640/blogger-image--1471344597.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu3G0T7e5N9FiFlXI8fHYKaqTv3cabadRuIN4xao40RSBSg92owTtsKmJwbGNszgLYKiUwPQ0uZQm_9SjsBctk9Og85ul-ep-Wx6BuWLiCvmfJHNEbm_VCoDpzSZtxm38nUWOqe68vu-YZ/s640/blogger-image--1471344597.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>This past weekend we went to see the Minion movie and ate popcorn for dinner! That's living on the edge for me! Haha! <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZuAgsVmGeYb_Wc1klbtG7b5mW42-_3d1ZLb72B8rdbF28ymG4anFvdnFDOLcDYTQctfMNM1ykz02nNrCeBCZqFqdgYefP_VWmISLZeWwb6U9N42Q6L1Ah-siAUoCgfUrUKoeJih7TXESz/s640/blogger-image-1058951947.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZuAgsVmGeYb_Wc1klbtG7b5mW42-_3d1ZLb72B8rdbF28ymG4anFvdnFDOLcDYTQctfMNM1ykz02nNrCeBCZqFqdgYefP_VWmISLZeWwb6U9N42Q6L1Ah-siAUoCgfUrUKoeJih7TXESz/s640/blogger-image-1058951947.jpg"></a></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8QqHhpbG74FzbQkWf0OPkpUH5xusUgppGuy3eW4A2JFyC0fXPM4J1uX91t3LJ9K9ak8vihIq3L2Or_9WNZ4KRUvF3ZMTtczXepXp5mrshUmbvn4OPhy2Kx0aBc5-PE6Qbjg_4ZjbPY_ZA/s640/blogger-image--720640690.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8QqHhpbG74FzbQkWf0OPkpUH5xusUgppGuy3eW4A2JFyC0fXPM4J1uX91t3LJ9K9ak8vihIq3L2Or_9WNZ4KRUvF3ZMTtczXepXp5mrshUmbvn4OPhy2Kx0aBc5-PE6Qbjg_4ZjbPY_ZA/s640/blogger-image--720640690.jpg"></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">It's so hard to believe we are so close to meeting the little person who will complete our family. I'm so excited! I cannot wait to see the love between my two babies and how she will bless our family, but in the meantime, I plan to soak in all of the time I can with my sweet little man and his Daddy. <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdKkmQUYsBg_IdCI2U_9xw4dFaHrOuOBznfVDbX2FTP4P_7xksew-e1x5H7zXT3xo8rhd3ZQkS-r2h35-wsUqyXGIxhm6QkvDuO1s5vSI8G4A7YI_buXwTgtOapIsLGIdcofRMyi1iIDGZ/s640/blogger-image--609130335.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdKkmQUYsBg_IdCI2U_9xw4dFaHrOuOBznfVDbX2FTP4P_7xksew-e1x5H7zXT3xo8rhd3ZQkS-r2h35-wsUqyXGIxhm6QkvDuO1s5vSI8G4A7YI_buXwTgtOapIsLGIdcofRMyi1iIDGZ/s640/blogger-image--609130335.jpg"></a></div></div></div></div>Amanda Ledfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15506192289304958588noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3249421028804102692.post-69138009124463379072015-07-04T16:15:00.001-04:002015-07-04T16:15:30.559-04:00Fourth Of July Recipe: Nana's Peach Ice CreamThis is a repost from 2013, but it's a classic family recipe I wanted to share again! <div><br></div><div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">When I was a little girl there was a couple of things you could ALWAYS count on eating at Nana's house in the Summer: homemade tea cakes, rice krispy treats, and peach ice cream! Nana loves peach ice cream and she always had some made and ready. I never realized how much it symbolized Summer to me until I made some this weekend for her birthday. As soon as I tasted it I felt like I was back at her house and it was 1990s all over again! :-)</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="text-align: start; clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN0OH3TG-nK1b1qIeYf1tNvB5u2z1CgaP6MedcREKQaiIHo39Nzf_9my-mT8qpDfseS1hhiCVq0jnLiKWs5Vaw7IVDRDPjNZK11m6KcBizU7KTtOju8IBC6FLl39uR4OVcH4ZNOyGhl_I/s1600/IMG_0054.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="text-decoration: none; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><font color="#000000"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN0OH3TG-nK1b1qIeYf1tNvB5u2z1CgaP6MedcREKQaiIHo39Nzf_9my-mT8qpDfseS1hhiCVq0jnLiKWs5Vaw7IVDRDPjNZK11m6KcBizU7KTtOju8IBC6FLl39uR4OVcH4ZNOyGhl_I/s400/IMG_0054.JPG" width="400" style="border: 1px solid transparent; padding: 4px;"></font></a></div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> Ingredients:<br>6-8 sliced, peeled peaches (I cheated this time because they aren't really in season yet and used thawed frozen peaches)<br>1 cup of sugar<br>4 cups half and half<br>1 small box of instant vanilla pudding<br>1 can evaporated milk<br>1 can sweetened condensed milk<br><br>Slice and peel peaches, mix with sugar. Stir and let sit for about an hour.<br></span><div class="separator" style="text-align: start; clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4wCD8Pv_HKgMs2GYne0R1ymryqNjAZ0-hytk1jOH7G8lQKZXAFDhjKbUmjFKJUguNRYqtARpxgGDYETXTZmUFmPON1AIIhtTGCLf9mb1XaeG9BQHbIUGJPTf18Mdp9GjhNkEu8ZpDArw/s1600/IMG_0056.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="text-decoration: none; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><font color="#000000"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4wCD8Pv_HKgMs2GYne0R1ymryqNjAZ0-hytk1jOH7G8lQKZXAFDhjKbUmjFKJUguNRYqtARpxgGDYETXTZmUFmPON1AIIhtTGCLf9mb1XaeG9BQHbIUGJPTf18Mdp9GjhNkEu8ZpDArw/s400/IMG_0056.JPG" width="400" style="border: 1px solid transparent; padding: 4px;"></font></a></div><div class="separator" style="text-align: start; clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">After an hour, place the peaches and sugar in a food processor (do not use a blender, it will not work as well) and puree until it is a chunky puree. We like to have chunks of peaches in our ice cream so I do not puree all the way.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">In a large mixing bowl, stir pudding and evaporated milk. Add peach puree, condensed milk, and half and half. Stir well. <br><br>Pour into ice cream freezer and freeze according to the freezer's instructions.<br></span><div class="separator" style="text-align: start; clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZJLI-g2nnwhbvVIuU9hhL2Ych0jY8KIfAmfHoEH8DKCWTCqEb5j6yflISSXIk_Z4nTt4tN5gAxyWyRvm8FI09T3KtVyMJ1rZOzkFfxfh9DaJb98yZAJUaXqabUWOKOxZc6yWWzTP8wMM/s1600/IMG_0059.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="text-decoration: none; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><font color="#000000"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZJLI-g2nnwhbvVIuU9hhL2Ych0jY8KIfAmfHoEH8DKCWTCqEb5j6yflISSXIk_Z4nTt4tN5gAxyWyRvm8FI09T3KtVyMJ1rZOzkFfxfh9DaJb98yZAJUaXqabUWOKOxZc6yWWzTP8wMM/s400/IMG_0059.JPG" width="400" style="border: 1px solid transparent; padding: 4px;"></font></a></div><div class="separator" style="text-align: start; clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="text-align: start; clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Hope you enjoy!</span></div><div><br></div><div style="color: rgb(34, 13, 1); font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"></div></div>Amanda Ledfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15506192289304958588noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3249421028804102692.post-86516888428965204762015-07-01T09:03:00.000-04:002015-07-01T09:09:57.797-04:00Today You Are FiveDear Nicholas,<br />
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As of 4:28 this morning you are FIVE years old! It is so hard for Mommy to believe that you've been with us that long and that you are that old! We celebrated your birthday on Saturday with your friends, but today we get to celebrate just the three of us. This is a BIG birthday! You are no longer considered a baby in any way, you are definitely a big boy now!!! </div>
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The next few weeks will bring so many changes in your life. This week you get to go on your first field trip in kids camp, in about 6 weeks will be your first day of elementary school, and in 12 week or less, you will become a big brother! We are so proud of the boy you've become. You are no longer our little boy, but rather our big boy who is ready to take on the world. (Even if we aren't ready for you to go out into the big world without us!) </div>
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My prayer for you as you begin all of these big changes is that you always have a desire to learn, help those who may be struggling around you, and they you always love the Lord. </div>
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I also wanted to document a few things about you on your 5th birthday for me to be able to remember when you are a really big boy! </div>
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- You are 44 pounds and 45 inches tall</div>
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- You wear size 5 clothes and an 11.5 wide shoe</div>
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- You love your friends and your best friends are Tate, Braxton, Trey, Lucas, and Will. </div>
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- Your favorite thing to do is play on your Nabi</div>
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- Your favorite food is fish or shrimp and any dessert</div>
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- You would rather have chocolate milk than anything to drink.</div>
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- You love Legos, Ninja Turtles, Star Wars, and Transformers. </div>
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One day you will look back and remember your first day of elementary school, the day your sister was born, and the many changes of this year and I hope you have good memories. Your 5th year is going to have so many wonderful changes and I pray you embrace them with the enthusiasm you embrace life. </div>
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Daddy and I love you so much! We are so proud of you and the sweet, loving little guy you've become! Happy birthday buddy! </div>
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Love, Mommy </div>
Amanda Ledfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15506192289304958588noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3249421028804102692.post-27543153734330435372015-06-25T10:15:00.000-04:002015-06-25T11:22:34.140-04:00Thoughts For Thursday1. It's birthday party week at our house! It feels strange not to be crafting and making all of the decorations, but we are going much smaller and simpler this year and it's all from the party stores. We only invited immediate family and his close friends, and booked it at a party facility, not the back yard. He even insisted his cake be "a grocery store cake only!" I may have mourned a little over the cake situation!<br />
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2. Nicholas swam for the first time without his floaties on Sunday! Because I had to be in the water with him, I didn't get any pictures, but he did well. He even got into the deep end on accident and dog paddled his way out. </div>
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3. Baby sister's canvas scripture came last week. It is beyond perfect! I found it on etsy and it couldn't match any better!<br />
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I chose Proverbs 31:25 because it was a scripture my Nana had on her refrigerator for years and the one I read at her funeral. I had actually declared it my scripture for the year 2 weeks before she died and 3 weeks before we found out about Aliza Kate. There was never a doubt what I would hang in her room! </div>
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4. Speaking of Aliza Kate, I realized this week I only have 59 more work days until maternity leave (including 2 holidays and a vacation day!). Needless to say, that freaked me out a little! There is a lot to do in a short time! Ahhhh! </div>
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5. Six months from today is Christmas!!! I have such a cute vision of my house on Christmas morning: kids in matching pjs, playing with our new toys, and watching the Disney parade while we wait on family to come in the afternoon. It's hard for me to believe that there will be TWO children posing for pictures in front of our tree this year (and in coordinating outfits of course)!!! And I can't wait!!!! </div>
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A few weeks ago we were having a lazy Saturday morning and Nicholas laid on my legs and said he wanted to cuddle with his sister. Yes, I almost died right there. I pray he always loves her as much as he does right now. He is so excited and can't wait to be a big brother!!!</div>
Amanda Ledfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15506192289304958588noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3249421028804102692.post-89243825482381022802015-06-22T09:21:00.001-04:002015-06-22T09:41:59.838-04:00Father's Day 2015We had a fabulous, low key day all about Michael yesterday. We spent Saturday seeing the grandfathers so that yesterday could be a day just for the 3 of us. I loved making sure he had his own special day!<br />
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When we got married I had an idea in my mind of how I wanted our family to be and what kind of a dad I wanted him to be. It is an understatement to say he has far exceeded my expectations! </div>
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From the moment he first held Nicholas to spending all day on his special day just throwing him across the pool and doing whatever the 5 year old wanted, Nicholas is his focus. He told me yesterday that being a dad is the most important role he has and I think he puts 100% in all the time. <br />
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However, it's the other times in our lives that have made such an impact on me. It's the times no one can see but me: helping with homework, giving Nicholas a bath or brushing his teeth when he is crying because he doesn't want to do it and Michael stays calm (unlike me), or reading a book at bedtime when they are both tired and I know Michael would rather be on the couch watching TV. Those are the moments that really matter and those are the moments I'll always be thankful for. </div>
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Michael, I want you to know that we love and appreciate all you do to make our family function. I couldn't do it without you. You are our rock, our strength, and our best friend. We love you more than I could ever express and can't wait to see you with our new little girl! I've been blessed beyond measure to be your wife and share in the role of parenting our children with you. There is no one I would rather share this crazy journey with! </div>
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Amanda Ledfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15506192289304958588noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3249421028804102692.post-13003578954865916792015-06-17T10:24:00.001-04:002015-06-17T10:30:09.782-04:00LatelyI'm I know, I know. I did so good for a couple of weeks, then fell off the wagon again. The last few weeks have taken a toll on me between work, home, and being pregnant. I'm behind in every aspect right now. Here is what has been going on and what has been on my mind lately... <div><br><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">1. Grilling out and lots of fresh veggies! <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh34u34BX_09SmdvAUVPmydK3C-o69I85_tQof6Z-cBVpoWv-WaBCv9Wc5GBoscSKUkZhXTZ6XHI5L-8YNy00TqRDnSqFIB0CG4aT1ZuABMnD0aFiiSe3uz-HUlee3LU9rVmjqSV1hq6Kkc/s640/blogger-image--160247713.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh34u34BX_09SmdvAUVPmydK3C-o69I85_tQof6Z-cBVpoWv-WaBCv9Wc5GBoscSKUkZhXTZ6XHI5L-8YNy00TqRDnSqFIB0CG4aT1ZuABMnD0aFiiSe3uz-HUlee3LU9rVmjqSV1hq6Kkc/s640/blogger-image--160247713.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Michael has taken over as our main cook lately. Bless him! Baby sister has caused me to have pubis symphysis diastasis (meaning my pelvis is essentially dislocated and I'm in pain) and by the time I get home at night I'm done and can barely walk. We buy meats at Costco and this was our buggy at the grocery store last week. All nice and colorful! I love eating in the Summer! Nicholas is a huge fresh fruit eater and had been begging for a watermelon. He loved it so much he wouldn't open his eyes for a picture! Lol! <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh13gBGuMk1ZcNpJFR1_uPUCwXx62WTYXQHdfR5F7ksOsD5hTfSG7NCQzNovvk9zX3awbkMWgfpfJmCdJ3D2bzdItUnl16Z-cDW86zGBIDJ33sbNwhhGN4JNC9kfZlp8t-9XWgaYL631UN4/s640/blogger-image-396880187.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh13gBGuMk1ZcNpJFR1_uPUCwXx62WTYXQHdfR5F7ksOsD5hTfSG7NCQzNovvk9zX3awbkMWgfpfJmCdJ3D2bzdItUnl16Z-cDW86zGBIDJ33sbNwhhGN4JNC9kfZlp8t-9XWgaYL631UN4/s640/blogger-image-396880187.jpg"></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">2. Lazy, hazy pool Sundays <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK52cvXIUda8IMJHwSFvkTU3wICsO6zshcoL8g1GHiGajQxJD3fkjc9ItGZ_unPYrsWqFaQ28V2EkhM3y9j__P5cL3m78Y8DIsMQfMdkj_uSAbFkW_yQHSHLLK6EnF3_ANQa2YIlzp2VF0/s640/blogger-image-1063235653.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK52cvXIUda8IMJHwSFvkTU3wICsO6zshcoL8g1GHiGajQxJD3fkjc9ItGZ_unPYrsWqFaQ28V2EkhM3y9j__P5cL3m78Y8DIsMQfMdkj_uSAbFkW_yQHSHLLK6EnF3_ANQa2YIlzp2VF0/s640/blogger-image-1063235653.jpg"></a></div>We've been at the pool the last 2 Sundays. This was last week and it just cracked me up. He is swimming really well this summer and LOVES the water. </div><div><br></div><div>3. Busy Days </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheqlf9tLciQiglYK6iET1lx52JGgAtvdOFYFEbjGyt2eH5UQVJ92f4JKH3c8c18-D1jGH75IAHj9a5VrxPnfm5esAN7HmOWmKJPGIQ_0FQJy6wc-1aLoJRCiD3c_nidO44Na7InGIGGsp8/s640/blogger-image--874238702.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheqlf9tLciQiglYK6iET1lx52JGgAtvdOFYFEbjGyt2eH5UQVJ92f4JKH3c8c18-D1jGH75IAHj9a5VrxPnfm5esAN7HmOWmKJPGIQ_0FQJy6wc-1aLoJRCiD3c_nidO44Na7InGIGGsp8/s640/blogger-image--874238702.jpg"></a></div>Nicholas and I have both been worn out by the end of the day. It's my busy trauma season and I'm slammed with patients and not sleeping well. Nicholas is just playing hard! Last Monday he had day camp all day and as soon as he hit the door I found him on the couch under a blanket! He stayed like this until dinner and bath time! Haha!</div><div><br></div><div>4. Summer TV</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4dqk8CHsKCSa9ydFYQOOYGDI_gGD8SSfXv1-BhlkdVHNN3YTiqy-cXkR937HVrJbqiOnTIbccQb5Nn9FRTNgGP24LPAT0wzdEnlrdCMmTKh1rTVadVcf2NTpLJTrmgIXqgiiX0fWKP10a/s640/blogger-image--1079085465.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4dqk8CHsKCSa9ydFYQOOYGDI_gGD8SSfXv1-BhlkdVHNN3YTiqy-cXkR937HVrJbqiOnTIbccQb5Nn9FRTNgGP24LPAT0wzdEnlrdCMmTKh1rTVadVcf2NTpLJTrmgIXqgiiX0fWKP10a/s640/blogger-image--1079085465.jpg"></a></div>I'm not a big TV watcher anyway, but Summer TV is terrible. I'm counting the days until Scandal comes on...which happens to be Aliza's due date! It is actually only 99 DAYS AWAY now! We may be watching together in the hospital! </div><div><br></div><div>5. 25 weeks! </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie8ydUQjMUqTRis5f5P_30qHG445_voQzVd7WkF7lOcxa0Zj0GGrgfaTEe3p9ehVVqfCwksx9MkbyBItTl1vo4kR2c929qRxln8o-dD7JIEtUK6wr87GgWp_xJN6aI9tk-3pRUndj6SalN/s640/blogger-image--1929423888.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie8ydUQjMUqTRis5f5P_30qHG445_voQzVd7WkF7lOcxa0Zj0GGrgfaTEe3p9ehVVqfCwksx9MkbyBItTl1vo4kR2c929qRxln8o-dD7JIEtUK6wr87GgWp_xJN6aI9tk-3pRUndj6SalN/s640/blogger-image--1929423888.jpg"></a></div>Well, now that I'm almost 26 weeks, I'll post a comparison shot from Nicholas to Aliza. I've said it before and I'll say it again, pregnancy is a lot harder at 34 than it was at 29! Ha! </div><div><br></div><div>6. Nursery Progress! </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirIfaANXjLhUxLVn78UbMvF_HFgA12I1ygpKPTy8xGXAE2NVBjgVDy8i-qJcBn-zUrMRJNi_hieOyoZWjTXLKEFdqjYAw98HaRVeaD5utSRe5kwxHg4oQDqZnHMevljjQ9FjFcvwsXbzCS/s640/blogger-image--50638909.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirIfaANXjLhUxLVn78UbMvF_HFgA12I1ygpKPTy8xGXAE2NVBjgVDy8i-qJcBn-zUrMRJNi_hieOyoZWjTXLKEFdqjYAw98HaRVeaD5utSRe5kwxHg4oQDqZnHMevljjQ9FjFcvwsXbzCS/s640/blogger-image--50638909.jpg"></a></div>I'm not going to post much until it is all together, but our guest room is starting to look like a nursery!!! Nicholas and Michael put the crib together last weekend and this weekend my mom and I will be organizing and hanging some wall hangings. Our family is hosting a shower at our house, so I want her room ready by then! Hard to believe we are just a little over 3 months away from meeting our little princess! </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">7. Cuddles <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjthWEl9RwyX3tBvCIg4BdE1Az8VZsiGOQAL3cDhqNyYgonNpzB5zXP0KlTulXeKNdJPMCKJMWgZB_J9dpsITOtCpc6Sh7hpgIs08rRiul8t3i94HG4EBB17q_40_GoxZ8LdQ-vkS71QvRA/s640/blogger-image-1610834831.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjthWEl9RwyX3tBvCIg4BdE1Az8VZsiGOQAL3cDhqNyYgonNpzB5zXP0KlTulXeKNdJPMCKJMWgZB_J9dpsITOtCpc6Sh7hpgIs08rRiul8t3i94HG4EBB17q_40_GoxZ8LdQ-vkS71QvRA/s640/blogger-image-1610834831.jpg"></a></div>Nicholas is already showing what a sweet big brother he is going to be. He loves to "hug sister" by rubbing my belly or giving me big hugs and last week when he was so tired he wanted to rock in the glider. If you think I didn't capitalize on this bedtime stall tactic you're crazy! We spent 30 minutes delaying bedtime so we could rock! I tell him several times a day that he will always be my first and special baby and we love him SO much. </div><div><br></div><div>8. Babies Don't Keep<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6wvA5zM5pmwxY5GTVgAvLDSXT0d5xzjumiR_zihmaJ0p2GA9gra3Vmy3lSAcxbuEZoz4R9Dv8VNm1MBjY-IoYNrNt7GcE-LfyWhBvwkVTbWx1II8phc2EGqjOLr5qnNVZI72qzMohHckP/s640/blogger-image--1006417461.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6wvA5zM5pmwxY5GTVgAvLDSXT0d5xzjumiR_zihmaJ0p2GA9gra3Vmy3lSAcxbuEZoz4R9Dv8VNm1MBjY-IoYNrNt7GcE-LfyWhBvwkVTbWx1II8phc2EGqjOLr5qnNVZI72qzMohHckP/s640/blogger-image--1006417461.jpg"></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">It's so hard for me to believe this sweet baby is almost FIVE! On the days he goes to day camp he comes home acting like such a big kid. It's amazing how his vocabulary is bigger, he walks right into school without hesitating, and just acts big! In two weeks he will officially be in day camp, on his way to big school, and FIVE YEARS OLD! I'm struggling with that and I'm 99% sure God knew I couldn't handle it if he were still an only child, so he gave us baby sister! </div></div>Amanda Ledfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15506192289304958588noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3249421028804102692.post-2788698498423262882015-06-04T12:57:00.001-04:002015-06-04T19:11:45.964-04:00Thoughts for Thursday<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I've had a busy week, but made some time to do a quick brain dump for the week.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">1. Day camp at Nicholas' school is no joke! These kids come home exhausted, which has worked out great for me! Ha! He gets to go twice a week between now and his birthday and last night he came in and just laid on the couch or in my lap all night. Those of you who know my wild man know that means he is TIRED! He didn't even try to make up excuses to get up once he went to bed! Thanks kids camp! This tired mom is thankful! Ha!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">2. We are a little more than 3 weeks away from Nicholas' 5th birthday party! He has chosen to have a ninja turtle party and we are going simple this year. We've booked a facility and all I have to do is show up with paper goods, cake, drinks and pizza. I can handle that! Against my <span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">will, I've given up on a Pinterest inspired party at home this year and letting him pick it all out. Again, I'm tired and picking my battles! Ha! </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">3. It's trauma season at work and we are busy! Let me give you my annual reminder... Use your head. No kids on lawnmowers, stay away from motorcycles, and keep an eye on your kids in the pool! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">4. Being pregnant at 34 has been a lot harder than 29! Don't get me wrong, I've been blessed by two healthy pregnancies I was told I may never have. I LOVE feeling my baby move around and see the excitement when Nicholas feels her move, but...I've had a LOT of back and pelvis pain. I've been diagnosed with pubis symphysis dysfunction and combined with a spine that doesn't move out of the way, I'm in a lot of pain just about 24 hours a day. I had similar issues with Nicholas, but it has been much worse this time. By the time I get home from work I'm done. I'm so, so thankful for all the help Michael has given me over the last month. He has been cooking dinner, helping with the laundry, and Nicholas' bedtime routine. I couldn't do it without him! We will be 24 weeks tomorrow and we will meet her in about 16 weeks!!!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">5. Speaking of baby sister, I've registered again this time because my family has offered to host a shower for me and since we thought we were done with babies, the only thing I really had left from Nicholas was furniture! (thank goodness since it is so expensive) Any must have baby items that you think I should have? We plan to buy all the big stuff ourselves (mamaroo, monitor, car seats, etc) but I'm clueless on what are the current must have items! </span><br />
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Amanda Ledfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15506192289304958588noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3249421028804102692.post-50755341127141769442015-06-03T08:41:00.001-04:002015-06-03T08:42:16.921-04:00Summer Recipes: Grilled Shrimp Tacos<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
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Ingredients: </div>
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32-40 peeled, raw shrimp</div>
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1 corn on the cob</div>
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5-6 green onions (use entire onion including stalk)</div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">1 medium poblano pepper</span></div>
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1 cup diced cherry tomatoes</div>
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1 avocado</div>
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1 tsp chopped cilantro</div>
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1/2 tsp minced garlic</div>
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1/4 tsp salt</div>
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1/4 tsp pepper</div>
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8 tortillas </div>
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To make the salsa:</div>
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Grill corn (shucked already to get the kernels nice and brown), poblano pepper, and onions. When cooked, cut corn off the cob, slice pepper and onions. Mix with tomatoes, avocado, cilantro, garlic, lime juice from lime, salt and pepper in a mixing bowl, set to the side. </div>
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Grill shrimp for 10-15 minutes or until pink and cooked well. </div>
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Grill tortillas for a minute or two or until warm then serve! </div>
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This is one of our favorite summer meals, but it does take some time to prepare, so we have to make it on the weekends. It is so good and leftovers are just as yummy! </div>
Amanda Ledfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15506192289304958588noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3249421028804102692.post-66225531459385062492015-06-01T20:57:00.001-04:002015-06-01T20:57:47.966-04:00A Busy WeekendFriday night was our end of the year baseball party. We had the party at a small carnival type amusement park near our house that I used to frequent as a kid! It was fun to see him on the same rides I enjoyed 30 years ago! Nicholas and Michael both got awards for playing and coaching and Nicholas loved showing his off! Haha!<div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0ZgM8B7sdDpZwrivEDY6X0Ge_-Ejt23UgiuSd3O7E0A9DLj5XNz9PLS2ImjBmGt81FVfdBFUMEDvkTu7NfkVOmXQpTCLl99xEy2iqw0r1KWgKIfiprnZsV-9rMTSg8wYUBwNgeiZqiqsC/s640/blogger-image--41993560.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0ZgM8B7sdDpZwrivEDY6X0Ge_-Ejt23UgiuSd3O7E0A9DLj5XNz9PLS2ImjBmGt81FVfdBFUMEDvkTu7NfkVOmXQpTCLl99xEy2iqw0r1KWgKIfiprnZsV-9rMTSg8wYUBwNgeiZqiqsC/s640/blogger-image--41993560.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg22x8a8lWtDqL3S-ZlFCAywJmT9tGneqGEXQSnnHlAZ55VUsGPhnk2-QXIeBpqtJRn8KC1KeuXV1PGOE6nJeF86EbB1jtR1fSYjR2rxFqeTlGS67MbKyhy1w9lvvNK0DZihgfRuwPYvbKO/s640/blogger-image--1997833595.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg22x8a8lWtDqL3S-ZlFCAywJmT9tGneqGEXQSnnHlAZ55VUsGPhnk2-QXIeBpqtJRn8KC1KeuXV1PGOE6nJeF86EbB1jtR1fSYjR2rxFqeTlGS67MbKyhy1w9lvvNK0DZihgfRuwPYvbKO/s640/blogger-image--1997833595.jpg"></a></div><div><br></div>We are so proud of how much better Nicholas did this season! He can't wait to play "real baseball" next year on the 5 year old team! </div><div><br></div><div>We hung out with his friend Brayden and his family after the party and rode rides. They had so much fun! </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp7fqpWdA9otcmFPzWuzBpGpPGHL2r7UTRiGjMmoZJUGkoOY8ll3NRLcu2aZBwsdNGpuyrHAuSqFk2z8JZ2eh0aU8xNx89KgUkarSGTlpTnSGHTfzWqRCmb2si9WRWpx4lJ6oWJGxIe7rg/s640/blogger-image-1360891804.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp7fqpWdA9otcmFPzWuzBpGpPGHL2r7UTRiGjMmoZJUGkoOY8ll3NRLcu2aZBwsdNGpuyrHAuSqFk2z8JZ2eh0aU8xNx89KgUkarSGTlpTnSGHTfzWqRCmb2si9WRWpx4lJ6oWJGxIe7rg/s640/blogger-image-1360891804.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifDZJCN7TtjVnwmOrUuU0z26l4weUT03f4PbfBk2GPkRz6afaEgO1HpgPI8tB4-YHhvBZF6FXTn_BcVzFyC598fmP5cBM1TNkhwwN1uK9lTRMFAqApYtq66BwP7k6BjTqs9Hc6rRqkF8wL/s640/blogger-image-1200073962.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifDZJCN7TtjVnwmOrUuU0z26l4weUT03f4PbfBk2GPkRz6afaEgO1HpgPI8tB4-YHhvBZF6FXTn_BcVzFyC598fmP5cBM1TNkhwwN1uK9lTRMFAqApYtq66BwP7k6BjTqs9Hc6rRqkF8wL/s640/blogger-image-1200073962.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwKXzok3FWmrAlmXWfbVe8jzXwdq7TEtzSud1g5qTBQtSAyhQ7BeY-RlENO9hVFA-fP80RAxWpfOvqzHql9nGcSUoa0b59YisKzsn_SboR7YYxHVZzfH3xN9LBUpSOvO6Y2dWJCDIG5Wq0/s640/blogger-image-944490692.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwKXzok3FWmrAlmXWfbVe8jzXwdq7TEtzSud1g5qTBQtSAyhQ7BeY-RlENO9hVFA-fP80RAxWpfOvqzHql9nGcSUoa0b59YisKzsn_SboR7YYxHVZzfH3xN9LBUpSOvO6Y2dWJCDIG5Wq0/s640/blogger-image-944490692.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6OuB5B6Ej98G_Msm5v8q6YCLMXDAhTmKs6dV5e7gLGMLK_5tT3_MvE67IUb_ZyYZKij7A-bkDv5kt1JtLHSd9aCkGQSWbxTUc_YqtnchzdKxqneEzz6bQ8t9ESe9s4-ogCrqRtBnPN2pT/s640/blogger-image-1334344282.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6OuB5B6Ej98G_Msm5v8q6YCLMXDAhTmKs6dV5e7gLGMLK_5tT3_MvE67IUb_ZyYZKij7A-bkDv5kt1JtLHSd9aCkGQSWbxTUc_YqtnchzdKxqneEzz6bQ8t9ESe9s4-ogCrqRtBnPN2pT/s640/blogger-image-1334344282.jpg"></a></div></div></div></div><br></div><div>We had a busy weekend getting our house ready for baby sister. We decluttered Nicholas' room on Saturday and yesterday my dad and Michael moved furniture around and instead of our extra bed and dresser, we now have our sweet white sleigh furniture back from the attic read to be put together for baby sister! I can't believe she will be here in about 16 weeks!!! </div><div><br></div><div>Last night Nicholas wanted to ride his bike after dinner and I was feeling better than I usually do at that time of day, so I wanted with them. I was amazed how good he does now! He just took off and got way ahead of us! He is doing so much better on his bike!</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-Fkb9B8FEgU05PUNgEM85wwCU7lCeeaBRx4IcdkpquhIQNhyphenhyphenqcrfNKFESTzUoeLDPqvDxFvZnzOIcUUtLi3jwk25fcfwmLZ9CJEuznp8IaKRYX7yugVbuhPHFDI4zqpUqJdtcx8FvRnpq/s640/blogger-image-955935242.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-Fkb9B8FEgU05PUNgEM85wwCU7lCeeaBRx4IcdkpquhIQNhyphenhyphenqcrfNKFESTzUoeLDPqvDxFvZnzOIcUUtLi3jwk25fcfwmLZ9CJEuznp8IaKRYX7yugVbuhPHFDI4zqpUqJdtcx8FvRnpq/s640/blogger-image-955935242.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>Today we had a very exciting morning! When we got to daycare he was invited into the day camp to spend the day!!! Once he turns 5 he can go on field trips with them, but for now he can go on any day that they have classroom days! To say he was excited would be an understatement! He has LIVED to be in "kids camp" since he was 3 and he LOVED it!!! I have one tired little boy on my hands tonight. Apparently being a kids camper is hard work! </div>Amanda Ledfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15506192289304958588noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3249421028804102692.post-48013863236166934712015-05-28T06:55:00.000-04:002015-05-28T06:56:07.049-04:00A Bonus YearSince Nicholas turned 3 I've been stressing and worrying over making the decision for kindergarten. He is a smart child, loves school, and has always adapted well, but with a July 1st birthday, it just bothered me to think of sending him at 5 and even more so to think of sending him to college a few weeks after his 18th birthday. This past year he has struggled a little bit because he was one of the youngest in his class and that caused him to be a follower when he has always been a leader as an older child in his previous classes. I didn't want him to go through school as immature or the youngest. I've cried and missed sleep over this decision, but I know in my heart I've made the right choice. <br />
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In our state we have a lottery funded PreK program that is equal opportunity, but limited spots. We entered the drawing and got a spot at the school he is zoned to attend kindergarten!!! At that point I knew God was telling me I did the right thing. On Tuesday we went for a meet and greet at his new school and saw his classroom. He was a bit overwhelmed, but loved it! He was very shy and wasn't sure about them taking his picture, but he was super excited on the inside! It's been all he has talked about!</div>
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(Here we are wearing our socks and sperrys again! Haha! Bless him and his fashion preferences!)<br />
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I was worried about how he was adapt to the news that he was repeating PreK, but he understands that he has a late birthday and some kids go to preK when they are 5. He calls it his 5 class. I wanted him to know he wasn't going to kindergarten from the beginning and he has been ok with it the entire time. I'm so thankful for that. </div>
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He will start his new school on August 17 and I know on August 14th, when we leave the only "school" he has ever known we will both cry. It's a big step and I know he will do great! I'm so proud of him and can't wait to see what his future holds! </div>
Amanda Ledfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15506192289304958588noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3249421028804102692.post-20028221731197346912015-05-27T09:08:00.001-04:002015-05-27T09:10:50.466-04:00Summertime Favorite MealsI love to spotlight a fun, tasty summertime food on here, but last year got out of the routine. I had several requests for the recipe of a homemade ice cream I posted over the weekend. This is one of my mom's classic recipes that I grew up with and it is pretty amazing! Enjoy!<br />
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Milky Way Ice Cream</div>
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Ingredients:</div>
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25-30 fun sized Milky Way bars</div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">1 can Pet milk</span></div>
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1 small package of chocolate instant pudding</div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">1 small carton of half and half</span></div>
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4 eggs</div>
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1 tsp vanilla</div>
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1 1/2cup sugar</div>
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Milk</div>
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Chop candy bars in food processor and melt over medium heat combined with Pet milk. Allow mixture to cool. Combine pudding, half and half, eggs, sugar, and vanilla and mix well. Once chocolate mixture has cooled, mix with pudding mixture. Pour into ice cream mixer and finish filling mixer with milk. Freeze according to mixer instructions. </div>
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Amanda Ledfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15506192289304958588noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3249421028804102692.post-56061929080477081852015-05-25T19:34:00.001-04:002015-05-25T19:41:46.804-04:00Summer Kickoff Weekend Wrapup<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">We have had a fabulous Memorial Day weekend! We've enjoyed spending time with friends and family! I didn't get a lot of pictures because I was just enjoying being in the moment. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Saturday morning we split up and the boys worked around the backyard getting it ready for Summed and I went to order Aliza's bedding (!!!) and to Babies R Us to begin figuring out what we need. I've realized that baby gear is a lot different than it was 5 years ago! Saturday night we had the Millers over for a shrimp boil. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">It isn't Summer around here until we've boiled some shrimp! Haha! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Yesterday we spent the entire day at the pool. Michael's dad and sister joined us in the afternoon and for dinner. Nicholas is doing so well in the pool this year! I am so proud of him!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">We also got a new grill because we had a charcoal grill that had rusted out and took way too long to use on weeknights. With my pelvis issue and being on my feet all afternoon at work I'm struggling at night, so we needed a way to cook dinner but not take an hour. We've grilled last night and tonight and are in love with the new grill! Look for some yummy summertime grilling recipes soon! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Today we spent a couple of hours at the pool before it got too cloudy and Nicholas wanted to go home. We have been lazy and it was just what we needed! </span></div>
Amanda Ledfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15506192289304958588noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3249421028804102692.post-57364828723668162032015-05-22T12:48:00.000-04:002015-05-22T13:25:09.980-04:00Summer Bucket List<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Every year I try to make a Summer Bucket List for our family. I consider this to be the kickoff weekend for Summer so I made a list of summertime goals for our little family! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">1. Lots of Pool Time</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">2. Homemade Ice Cream (definitely Nana's peach ice cream and Gigi's Milky Way ice cream!)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">3. Go to a Baseball Game</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">4. Host a BBQ</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">5. Friends over for Shrimp Boils, our favorite!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">6. Watch Fireworks</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">7. Catch Fireflies</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">8. Enjoy a Watermelon Together</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">9. Play Outside More and Enjoy longer days </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">10. Go To The Lake</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">11. Make a Waterslide in the Backyard</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">12. Play in the Sprinkler</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">13. Make a Keylime Pie</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">14. Plant Flowers around the Patio</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">15. Bubbles in the Backyard </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">......Just enjoy being together and soaking up the last few months of being a family of 3! </span></div>
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Amanda Ledfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15506192289304958588noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3249421028804102692.post-32164347183153227292015-05-21T16:09:00.001-04:002015-05-21T21:00:46.008-04:00My Little GraduateToday was an exciting day at our house! Nicholas graduated from PreK! He has been at his daycare/preschool since he was 12 weeks old and today was his last day of "school" there! Now he gets to go to summer camp and be a big kid!!!<br />
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(Ignore his socks and Sperrys! It's the only way he will wear them! Ha!)</div>
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It's hard for me to believe this sweet little 12 week old baby is now a PreK graduate and will be leaving his current school for the PreK-5 at his elementary school next year.<br />
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He is so excited to move on to the "premary" (primary) school all of his friends in the neighborhood go to. I'm sad that he will no longer be right across the street from my office and I won't have that time in the car with him twice a day. I love the thought of my babies being so close by during the day! (Aliza will be attending the same daycare when I return to work after Thanksgiving)</div>
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His little graduation was so sweet and he looked so grown up! The cap and gown kill me! </div>
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Receiving his diploma from his teacher<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">! </span></div>
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This little boy and Nicholas have been together in every class since they were 3 months old. We are going to miss him and his family next year. </div>
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Tomorrow they have a day of fun planned to celebrate before moving on to kids camp...which is all we've heard about for months! Apparently once you go to kids camp you're grown! Haha! </div>
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Nicholas we are so proud of you and how much you have learned! I hope you always have the desire to read and to learn!</div>
Amanda Ledfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15506192289304958588noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3249421028804102692.post-90490904023280028182015-05-19T19:30:00.000-04:002015-05-19T19:30:00.632-04:00Baby Sister UpdateWe got a good look at baby sister a couple of weeks ago and today I saw my OB for my regular check up. He is very happy how things are going! Michael and Nicholas went with me to my big anatomy ultrasound and it was so fun to watch Nicholas see his sister for the first time. He had to take her pictures in to show his class when he went back to school!<br />
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We got some really good shots of her hand and foot, but she still is really shy and isn't a fan of showing her face! She enjoys keeping her hands up by her face and has been in this position the last two times we've looked at her. </div>
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And of course we double checked to make sure she is still a girl, and she is! </div>
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I am so relieved that she is healthy and doing well. My OB doesn't do ultrasounds every time, so that will probably be our last glimpse at baby sister until we see her in the delivery room! It is still hard for me to believe that God has given us two healthy babies when there was a time we never thought we would have one. We have definitely been blessed! </div>
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I go back in another 4 weeks and will take my glucose test. Yay! We all know how much fun that is! I'm a little nervous about that because I feel bad every time I eat something really sweet, but I have to trust that everything will be ok! </div>
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Amanda Ledfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15506192289304958588noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3249421028804102692.post-68535283476677982772015-05-17T18:00:00.001-04:002015-05-17T18:00:03.584-04:00Wedding WeekendWe have had a fun, but busy weekend. Michael's best friend of almost 20 years got married yesterday and both of my boys were in the wedding. <span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"> </span><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">(I didn't get many good pictures because I didn't carry my good camera just my phone. I'll post more when the professional pictures come out) </span><div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjJ6npVqLlGL1bcJjZbVI4n8g08BUc9rrx6Wt_nMjFav_pSNV2XsD9dbZ1Y_OoH1MpcnDU9OkZes_qblK8qyrs2T7fLPrXxSojJrcO0kIE89Zlr7w39L88C_rUMRp4fh1Yiuu7jlRfGz8D/s640/blogger-image--581892677.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjJ6npVqLlGL1bcJjZbVI4n8g08BUc9rrx6Wt_nMjFav_pSNV2XsD9dbZ1Y_OoH1MpcnDU9OkZes_qblK8qyrs2T7fLPrXxSojJrcO0kIE89Zlr7w39L88C_rUMRp4fh1Yiuu7jlRfGz8D/s640/blogger-image--581892677.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">This picture is from our wedding 10 years ago. Chad caught the garter and apparently catching the garter doesn't work like catching the bouquet because it took him another 10 years to get married! Haha! They have been friends since high school and have seen each other through major illnesses and a loss of a parent, good jobs, bad jobs, bad life choices, and now each others weddings. I've learned a lot about friendship by watching them over the last 14 years and their friendship been a blessing me. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJwOnbRccXW0ojcl4kD0TT6rW-p6P83zzNvppmA0HZii6-RbaE1rBLze0x6gVOEh0PHUakmsn2uBk6_MVDCZ2BQiv0P9agogddV8L4wupmCua-AN7iO5NIXO4p1lCpfCfv9cpbAZNkgTJi/s640/blogger-image--806624792.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJwOnbRccXW0ojcl4kD0TT6rW-p6P83zzNvppmA0HZii6-RbaE1rBLze0x6gVOEh0PHUakmsn2uBk6_MVDCZ2BQiv0P9agogddV8L4wupmCua-AN7iO5NIXO4p1lCpfCfv9cpbAZNkgTJi/s640/blogger-image--806624792.jpg"></a></div><br></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMOOKP5Dw5VOzeQcb3k-hSCYWAy1V0bCV17NyFcCOFk2d5vZBd8kpJ8a9nWrlrP35wB63TCmV6s3cCZ9ENor0B8PqHZG_lswbb_S2PueyjpZGwcndaZAfJ70o-hTyYqr0O5BGBtjhYLZsp/s640/blogger-image--905355617.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMOOKP5Dw5VOzeQcb3k-hSCYWAy1V0bCV17NyFcCOFk2d5vZBd8kpJ8a9nWrlrP35wB63TCmV6s3cCZ9ENor0B8PqHZG_lswbb_S2PueyjpZGwcndaZAfJ70o-hTyYqr0O5BGBtjhYLZsp/s640/blogger-image--905355617.jpg"></a></div></div>The bride, Melanie got Nicholas this cute shirt and he was so excited to wear it to meet up with the big boys to get ready. He couldn't wait to be the ring bearer and dance at the reception. Michael sent me this picture of Nicholas and Chad after they got dressed and I almost cried! N looked so handsome and I was so happy for our good friend! </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCQM_8vEJd3qIu9z40P334N5BXJdRov4fx0AWrVOUb5-ef26u60rZIjNyXESk7YoPMdyLe45w6lAsaFhlNACnziTfHDWHk7eEa7Oz75AahzKHHKZcsXyIOcNOYCcPGqvZxWztw-KLzMleZ/s640/blogger-image--927833339.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCQM_8vEJd3qIu9z40P334N5BXJdRov4fx0AWrVOUb5-ef26u60rZIjNyXESk7YoPMdyLe45w6lAsaFhlNACnziTfHDWHk7eEa7Oz75AahzKHHKZcsXyIOcNOYCcPGqvZxWztw-KLzMleZ/s640/blogger-image--927833339.jpg"></a></div>I literally held my breath the entire wedding but Nicholas did so well! </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZnN1PhVqlznMjN7RypZm4Y-RdW2uWRVj8Z-kcAzNJhzUgtzl27-EDBeo6jdKpWgYpmICJKwI0dhaonh6-iLopdGIghLiExsDXhap_GMtjAdkutsoB-r-qIHJblzCdCcEqJpy35negqbI7/s640/blogger-image-324431465.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZnN1PhVqlznMjN7RypZm4Y-RdW2uWRVj8Z-kcAzNJhzUgtzl27-EDBeo6jdKpWgYpmICJKwI0dhaonh6-iLopdGIghLiExsDXhap_GMtjAdkutsoB-r-qIHJblzCdCcEqJpy35negqbI7/s640/blogger-image-324431465.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">It was a beautiful wedding! The ceremony was held where we got married and it is always fun to go to a wedding there! <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhASfpKi91-KHc45OHSKrvxVivAfYqk6_Y9fQ4nUgRweyzVX48_Gh-dd7ieKvvdqfRN5rt0le6lsmrRH1UjBrx1UF3ON8fudwFYRqJkTJTHu6yB482E_Ux2zvXXskd3GdSl7Iecp1QTLbVZ/s640/blogger-image-2068559989.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhASfpKi91-KHc45OHSKrvxVivAfYqk6_Y9fQ4nUgRweyzVX48_Gh-dd7ieKvvdqfRN5rt0le6lsmrRH1UjBrx1UF3ON8fudwFYRqJkTJTHu6yB482E_Ux2zvXXskd3GdSl7Iecp1QTLbVZ/s640/blogger-image-2068559989.jpg"></a></div></div>We are so happy and excited to welcome the new Mrs. Akins to our group of friends! She looked amazing and we are so happy that Chad finally found someone who makes him as happy as Michael and I are! <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPLv4jWp4JOPweL2uRd-XNwVALcSb0d2HYdvTlxo78_AJrltST1v-rtamyeAH6RN7dhyNXHr1eQYmo_Q6dJEKsriJ9MvPU4BMcnO1g-aE56ItHsu1xTiu04lF8zdvOi46MDPWUo6nGuaoh/s640/blogger-image-1189371358.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPLv4jWp4JOPweL2uRd-XNwVALcSb0d2HYdvTlxo78_AJrltST1v-rtamyeAH6RN7dhyNXHr1eQYmo_Q6dJEKsriJ9MvPU4BMcnO1g-aE56ItHsu1xTiu04lF8zdvOi46MDPWUo6nGuaoh/s640/blogger-image-1189371358.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Today I have spent most of the day in bed just resting with the Hallmark channel! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTgkdBZZg1qmmsiZ-SbYkpQFYktdGW_vXyEAoBMixeHynDSHWkCCxy33Ox6uBNzfabZx_690OKW2PJKEc4vctxswpWzTE7VrSWb1omrzKMEKYPnm223zQnEU4jc8C8ZNkcxfai6yku-3nF/s640/blogger-image--524461102.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTgkdBZZg1qmmsiZ-SbYkpQFYktdGW_vXyEAoBMixeHynDSHWkCCxy33Ox6uBNzfabZx_690OKW2PJKEc4vctxswpWzTE7VrSWb1omrzKMEKYPnm223zQnEU4jc8C8ZNkcxfai6yku-3nF/s640/blogger-image--524461102.jpg"></a></div>I have developed pubic symphysis diastasis over the last week (meaning my pelvis has spread apart too much, too soon) causing a lot of pain. 7 hours on my feet in heels last night was just too much and I'm paying for it today. I'm looking forward to my doctor appointment on Tuesday and hearing what he has to say about it. </div></div></div></div></div>Amanda Ledfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15506192289304958588noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3249421028804102692.post-6995705909249448762015-05-16T10:40:00.000-04:002015-05-16T12:22:37.379-04:00Mother's Day 2015This was my 5th and probably most special Mother's Day. I can't believe the little man who made me a mommy is almost 5 and about to be a big brother. We had a very low key day and I'm so thankful for that. It was nice to just spend the day the 3 of us and not have to hurry from stop to stop this year.<br />
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We started the day with Nicholas bringing me a present in bed. He got me the Mother's Day Pandora purse charm! I love it and it is perfect considering I am obsessed with purses! Ha!</div>
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We had brunch and just enjoyed being back together after Nicholas and I had spent all of the week before at Disney (more on that later).<br />
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Words cannot describe how much I love this little guy! He is so much more than I ever imagined! He keeps us laughing and definitely keeps us on our toes. He is all boy all the time, and I wouldn't change a thing! </div>
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My favorite part of the day was just relaxing at the pool for a couple of hours. Nicholas has been riding his bike by the pool almost daily for a couple of months waiting for it to open. He was so excited to get in that cold water for the first time this year! I love the pure joy on both of those faces in this picture (even if it cuts part of N's head off! Haha!)! </div>
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I ended up with a massive migraine after the pool, but I still had an amazing, fabulous day with my two boys. I'm so blessed and thankful to be their wife and mother. God has been so good to me and I can't wait to add another little person to our family! I was 20 weeks last Friday and here is a fun comparison picture of me at 20 weeks both pregnancies. I've gained more weight this time, but I started out a lot smaller than I did last time, so hopefully it will even out. </div>
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Amanda Ledfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15506192289304958588noreply@blogger.com