tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14390108058077813772024-03-14T09:59:41.394-05:00faith. family. food.The Chad Mitchell Family BlogLdybug07http://www.blogger.com/profile/02743615067348195040noreply@blogger.comBlogger41125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1439010805807781377.post-3379218441256859532013-07-15T18:47:00.001-05:002013-07-17T14:51:25.779-05:00A little vacay...Can ruin even the best of intentions. Gatlinburg for the Roby Reunion was a great time, but not great for the waistline or tummy. Not to mention VBS food wasn't exactly Paleo friendly either. But it's just like my Dad used to tell me when I was little-- if you fall off the horse you get back on again. So today I not only got back on the horse, I decided to incorporate working out. Just started Jillian Michael's 30 Day Shred and that woman means business. My entire body is Jell-O after ONE twenty minute video. Hears hoping for the healthiest me ever-- and a little endurance to push through the pain I know will follow in the days to come.<br />
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Our summertime paleo appetizer:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_vYaEa8_j_nxs_FGQswmvCkC3KKan6Br2VEg_e5uIHCpQ5xMyqarmFu33kg3rGXCeBg7lS1XUFyBtV5eAf-4DWkO0jU8DT_xuztAJTa-MYlrGn1XBYyA6m1VQhZS5745oZHIzLHCu6qE/s640/blogger-image-1412376100.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_vYaEa8_j_nxs_FGQswmvCkC3KKan6Br2VEg_e5uIHCpQ5xMyqarmFu33kg3rGXCeBg7lS1XUFyBtV5eAf-4DWkO0jU8DT_xuztAJTa-MYlrGn1XBYyA6m1VQhZS5745oZHIzLHCu6qE/s640/blogger-image-1412376100.jpg" /></a></div>
Garden fresh tomatoes from the Clarksville Farmer's Market with an olive oil drizzle and dash of sea salt. </div>
Ldybug07http://www.blogger.com/profile/02743615067348195040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1439010805807781377.post-84309814760900079822013-07-03T18:38:00.001-05:002013-07-17T14:51:34.795-05:00A little slice of Paleo heaven...One of the things I have missed the most since starting Paleo are the sweets-- no grains, no dairy, no fried deliciousness I have really been able to be okay without. Sweets have been another story, it is a battle not to pull in DQ everyday on the way home for a blizzard.<br />
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This little beaut is a recent find at Publix this afternoon and I decided I would get it and try it... Much to my surprise, it's as good as the real deal folks. Yummo!!!</div>
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Ldybug07http://www.blogger.com/profile/02743615067348195040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1439010805807781377.post-48123138296750110872013-06-04T17:54:00.001-05:002013-07-17T14:51:41.914-05:00I'm old.Today when I got home from work I was as excited as a kid on Christmas morning because there was a brown box on my back deck. It's contents was this little beauty: <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhthIeK8kicVJHVPNd9NsePqJqwpACCENqXprtLj0YY1G3kOetM1ONA1-kRbjW4Bdh1weJK-4lN1UuDizlwPVxwu7Ca3qm7YxxyUF5aCc1shli7PN0liT7UdUWtfzSBFKVStEUMc9AIkho/s640/blogger-image-736287785.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhthIeK8kicVJHVPNd9NsePqJqwpACCENqXprtLj0YY1G3kOetM1ONA1-kRbjW4Bdh1weJK-4lN1UuDizlwPVxwu7Ca3qm7YxxyUF5aCc1shli7PN0liT7UdUWtfzSBFKVStEUMc9AIkho/s640/blogger-image-736287785.jpg" /></a></div>
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You know you're getting older when you are this excited over a kitchen utensil. But in my defense, see how shiny it is!! </div>
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This is a Cooks Essentials Pressure Cooker, Chad and I were given a set of Cooks Essentials pots and pans as a wedding present that we still use and love to this day, so I am hoping this will hold up just as well. Plus, it was on QVC easy pay and ya can't beat that.</div>
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Looking forward to making spaghetti squash with marinara in this bad boy tonight!</div>
Ldybug07http://www.blogger.com/profile/02743615067348195040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1439010805807781377.post-12375901491435003862013-05-31T13:24:00.001-05:002013-05-31T14:31:07.543-05:00You want me to eat what???I knew one of the challenges going into this healthy lifestyle journey would be getting the boys, ah-hem, Chad, to eat things they don't normally eat. Luckily this was Chad's idea and he went into knowing that he was going to have to branch out and try new things. I mean, the man doesn't like guacamole, who doesn't like guacamole?? It's like the perfect paleo snack and makes eating celery much more tasty!<br />
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Anyways, I had purchased some bell peppers in my trip to Whole Foods (<a href="http://chadmitchellfamily.blogspot.com/2013/05/shopping.html" target="_blank">Read more about that experience here</a>), that were about to go bad. I had put off using them because I knew that Chad is not a big fan of bell peppers, but on Paleo it was one of those things I thought he needed to learn to like. So I did a stuffed bell pepper recipe and I am happy to report that while he says he could have done without the bell pepper and just ate the stuffing, he actually liked the recipe-- and ate the bell pepper with it. I thought they were amazing-- this recipe is awesome if you like stuffed peppers. Noal even ate his and the remainder of Trace's he like them so much!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5rGFUZZUUvLo8mLPXEKvvtBBaYGZ5CLDZX5bSt32Oz6GOlojxEhLviNis0NnubzhVT73pc8LzvvgQDSSJxRquYj6KTSTabbcRCDO_esUKQN1nHS-U37WuBCVp9YotMVeh46YVDn05gls/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5rGFUZZUUvLo8mLPXEKvvtBBaYGZ5CLDZX5bSt32Oz6GOlojxEhLviNis0NnubzhVT73pc8LzvvgQDSSJxRquYj6KTSTabbcRCDO_esUKQN1nHS-U37WuBCVp9YotMVeh46YVDn05gls/s320/photo.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My Stuffed Bell Peppers - YUMMO</td></tr>
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I found the <a href="http://balancedbites.com/2010/10/easy-recipe-italian-style-stuffed-peppers.html" target="_blank">recipe on a website</a> and just made a few minor tweaks to accommodate what I had in my kitchen. Instead of using the 1/2 large onion I had a frozen <a href="http://www.birdseye.com/vegetable-products/vegetable-products/birdseye/recipe-ready/marsala-blend" target="_blank">Bird's Eye Marsala blend</a> that was in my freezer and used it instead. I actually liked that better because it added mushrooms to the stuffing and we LOVE mushrooms at our house. Side Note: The Bird's Eye Recipe Ready frozen veggies are awesome if you are lazy like me and hate to chop/dice/mince etc thing like onions, mushrooms, stir-fry ingredients, etc. Plus they are frozen so they don't go bad as quickly and are less likely to end up wasted.<br />
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Next week we are getting ready to try our first round with EMEALS and I am super excited about it. It provides you with 4-7 dinner recipes (depending on the super affordable plan you chose) a week and includes a shopping list for the items you'll need. SUPER EASY and SUPER HANDY if you are just getting started and need new ideas like we do. <a href="http://emeals.com/account/go.php?r=466112&i=l0" target="_blank">Check it out here!</a> We are starting tomorrow so I will be sure to update how that goes!Ldybug07http://www.blogger.com/profile/02743615067348195040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1439010805807781377.post-13931961766109898342013-05-29T08:20:00.002-05:002013-05-31T13:27:03.550-05:00One Week CompleteOne week down in the books for our new, healthier lifestyle. The first week on Paleo has been an adventure and I've have learned a lot along the way. I hope I've been able to shed some insight into the start of it for you if you are interested in starting Paleo yourself.<br />
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Soooo... I'm sure the big question is, what are the results? Here's what I can tell you are the results for us so far:<br />
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<li>Chad and I have both lost weight, just a few pounds each but that's a start.</li>
<li>I have slept better the past week-- even when my allergies struck.</li>
<li>The cravings are slowing down. Not going to lie, it is still tough to not eat what I want to eat, but it gets easier every day.</li>
<li>I am taking on a new mentality about food:</li>
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<li>Food is not about what I want, it's about what my body needs. </li>
<li>That is not to say that I'm never going to eat certain things again, it's just I've learned to view things like cokes, Starbucks, cheese dip, etc as treats, not cheats. I am not going to feel bad when I have these things I'm just going to change my mentality about when and how much I should have them.</li>
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Overall I am happy with the success and results for one week. I have learned a great deal and there is still learning to be done. Looking forward to continuing on this journey!</div>
Ldybug07http://www.blogger.com/profile/02743615067348195040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1439010805807781377.post-26692263547709633122013-05-27T10:16:00.001-05:002013-05-31T13:27:03.552-05:00Happy Memorial Day!<br />
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Wishing everyone a safe and blessed Memorial Day. We are enjoying the morning with Paleo Banana Pancakes and Bacon. Looking forward to an afternoon on the lake with friends!</div>
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Ldybug07http://www.blogger.com/profile/02743615067348195040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1439010805807781377.post-28121514560673152012013-05-25T11:11:00.002-05:002013-05-31T13:27:03.554-05:00SHOPPING!I wanted to take a post to talk a little about what I've learned in the last week about where to shop for Paleo. Upon reading the books and deciding to go on this journey I just knew that Whole Feeds was the place to go to get what we needed-- and don't get my wrong it had everything we needed it was also just EXTEMELY pricey. Chad's reaction was if you spent that where is all the stuff? We knew that eating clean would mean more grocery money, but ouch-- I didn't know how much. Luckily, I found us some more wallet friendly alternatives.<br />
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<b><i>WHOLE FOODS</i></b><br />
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Whole Foods is great if you are looking for really unusual items and not wanting to get confused on what is clean and what isn't because all of Whole Foods is clean eating friendly. But let me warn you, if you have never been to Whole Foods it is an interesting experience. I felt like a complete loser the entire time as I walked around looking my screen shots from the Kindle trying to pick up our new items. The place has a culture all of its own and if it is your first time you're going to feel like an outsider. Let me share a few tips with you. Make a list of what you need-- I thought I had a good idea but got in there and got so overwhelmed that I ended up walking through each aisle at least five times. Also, be sure to bring your own shopping bags. They have bags there if you forget but you don't get the ugly looks if you bring your own.<br />
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<b><i>PUBLIX</i></b><br />
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This place is where you need to go. I just assumed that they wouldn't have as much selection as Whole Foods, but boy I was wrong. I stopped in yesterday just to pick up a few items and was amazed by their selection and their prices. They have all the grass-fed beef and free-range chicken and also have enough organic fruits to get you through. They have lots of options for dressings and I was even able to pick up a Paleo friendly bottle of ranch so that I didn't have to make my own. This is where I will continue to do our shopping from now on.<br />
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<b><i>ONLINE</i></b><br />
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I haven't purchased anything yet because I am waiting to see just how much we use and how much we need but there are some great options to purchase your Paleo friendly foods online. Chad and I are considering do a 1/2 cow from a grass-fed online site that would be a big chunk of money upfront, but would save us in the long run. There are also some sites that offer Paleo snacks and etc that we will buy eventually. Here are some of the websites I've discovered:<br />
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<li><a href="http://vermontgrassfedbeef.weebly.com/">http://vermontgrassfedbeef.weebly.com/</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.paleopax.com/">http://www.paleopax.com/</a></li>
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Lastly, I have to give some major props to my hubby. He made an EXCELLENT Paleo meal last night. I came home from work to blackened Mahi-Mahi, grilled asparagus and zucchini. It was DELICIOUS!!</div>
Ldybug07http://www.blogger.com/profile/02743615067348195040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1439010805807781377.post-88523350393575937852013-05-24T11:56:00.000-05:002013-05-31T13:27:03.559-05:00Skinny JeansBy the title I assume you can guess what my excitement was this morning... I got back into my skinny (the style, not the weight-- still got about 10 lbs to hit before I'm there) jeans today. I had them nicely folded up in the back of my closet and thought, well I'll give it a try. I am lucky enough to be able to wear jeans to work during the summer and I was only able to fit into three pairs that I owned, well make that four now. Super excited because I haven't had these on in a few months-- I phased them out with my boots which I told myself was because of the boots but reality was they were just too tight. I mean I could get them buttoned-- but hear me on this folks, <i>JUST BECAUSE IT ZIPS DON'T MEAN IT FITS</i>. <br />
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Yesterday was a long day and Chad had a family emergency so the evening was kind of a blur. However, I did pack us a bag of snacks for the hospital because from what I know of hospitals I doubted there was much we could find to eat. Luckily we didn't end needing it because the news we initially got wasn't as bad as the reality of the situation. So we didn't end up going up to the hospital.<br />
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The earlier part of day was a great day for our Paleo journey. Chad came up to Clarksville so we could have a lunch date and we ate at Ruby Tuesday's. I probably haven't eat at a Ruby Tuesday's in 2 years and I have to say I was <b>SUPER</b> impressed by their healthy menu options and even better, low prices! Chad and I both had a sirloin steak, the garden bar (which is as amazing as it always has been), and spaghetti squash. Chad also had an extra side of grilled zucchini which was phenomenal!<br />
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Spaghetti squash was new to both of us and I was extra anxious to try it to see if it would help curb some of those grain cravings-- it didn't help they brought out biscuits and set them right in front of us. Lesson learned: politely decline the bread. I swear at one point I heard it calling my name! LOL. The spaghetti squash as a side on it's okay was, well,okay. Not bad, not good, I could eat it but it wasn't something I will chose from now on. However, I do think used like spaghetti with a tomato sauce and meat on top of it that it will be a great pasta substitute!<br />
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For those of you that are interested in starting this journey for yourself or your family I do want to recommend a few books. All of them are quick reads but have some really great pointers and tips to get you started. The best part, you can purchase all three of them on Kindle for around $25!<br />
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<li><b><span style="color: #bf9000;"><a href="http://amzn.com/B0054H1QF2" target="_blank">Everyday Paleo by Sarah Fragoso</a></span></b></li>
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This is a great read if you are looking to make a lifestyle change for your whole family. Sarah has kids and does a wonderful job outlining the basic premise of Paleo and how you can make it family friendly. There are also a few jump start recipes listed in there for you as well. If you can only purchase one book right now, I would pick this one!<br />
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<li><span style="color: #bf9000;"><b><a href="http://amzn.com/B0095JKHIM" target="_blank">Everyday Paleo Cookbook: Real Food for Real Life by Sarah Fragoso</a></b></span></li>
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This is a great resource for recipes beyond what is included in her books. Give you lots of various food categories and menu selections as well. Haven't tried anything out of this yet and haven't really read through it too much to be honest, but I know it will be a good go-to when the feeling of monotony sets in.<br />
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<li><span id="btAsinTitle" style="color: #bf9000;"><b><a href="http://amzn.com/B009GULWLG" target="_blank">Paleo for Beginners: Essentials to Get Started with the Paleo Diet</a></b></span></li>
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This book was extremely helpful in understanding the core concepts of the diet. Most of the information was repetitive from Everyday Paleo, but I found the wording and layout to be easier to digest (no pun intended, okay maybe a little) so if you can get this one too I would. It also has some really great recipes in there as well!<br />
<br />Ldybug07http://www.blogger.com/profile/02743615067348195040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1439010805807781377.post-87137974799412693782013-05-23T09:00:00.001-05:002013-05-31T13:27:03.557-05:00Sharing a little secret...Today I woke up and decided to weigh. >Insert dramatic sound here<<br />
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They say a woman should never tell her weight, but for the sake of the blog I feel it's necessary. I am happy to report that I am already 4 lbs down.... crazy, yes! I am back under 130 (okay, well 129.5, but hey it counts!) and that is really my "I'm okay with my body" weight limit. If we are being honest here, body image has really been a struggle for me this past few months as I have been over that ideal weight anywhere from 3-8 lbs and when you are 5'3" that can mean a big difference in your waistline and thighs. <br />
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Today was a big day for me and I am ready to see what the total transformation will look like. Now please let me preface this with the fact that I do lose weight fairly easily from what I have been told by others, but Chad is also seeing results too. I will be kind and not share his weight because it's not mine to share, but as his wife I am seeing tone in his stomach that wasn't there at the beach... <i>ALL FROM A FEW DAYS! </i>This is crazy!<br />
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So here is how our day went yesterday:<br />
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<b><i>BREAKFAST</i></b><br />
I had an assortment of sliced fresh fruit (pineapple, kiwi, strawberry, melon, etc) and it was my first time using coconut milk creamer in my coffee. To be honest, I can't really even tell a difference in my coffee other than I didn't add about 6 tbsp of sugar (no joke) to it. The creamer taste just like normal dairy based creamers. This is a good thing-- because this girl NEEDS her coffee!<br />
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<b><i>LUNCH</i></b><br />
We went to eat at Blackhorse and what I ordered wasn't much of a change for me. I usually order the Sweet Summertime Salad with Grilled Chicken anyways. The only difference was I did the dressing on the side and asked them to hold the bleu cheese and roll (best not to even see it!). The hardest part was watching everyone else eat their beer cheese dip and chips... UGH!<br />
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<b><i>DINNER</i></b><br />
Yesterday for dinner we encountered our first-- will we cave or stay strong issue. Every Wednesday night we spend our evenings at the church helping with "The Vine", ECN's youth group. Part of the night consists of us all eating dinner together and the menu was one of my favorites, LASAGNA... Which completely and totally goes against all things Paleo. The good news is I am happy to report that we stayed strong. We did opt for convenience by getting combo (shrimp, chicken, beef) fajitas from the local Mexican restaurant to go and just ate the meat and veggies (no tortillas and even sadder, no chips and cheese dip!-- apparently I really love me some chips and cheese dip) but compared to what we would have eaten I felt like we stayed on the right path.<br />
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Overall, the day yesterday was much easier than the first because I prepared. I packed a lunch bag with snacks (Emerald dark chocolate covered almond 100 calories packs and an apple) and was able to stay full throughout most of the day. I feel like this is going good-- here's to staying this motivated for life!Ldybug07http://www.blogger.com/profile/02743615067348195040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1439010805807781377.post-48481932875914544032013-05-22T11:07:00.002-05:002013-05-31T13:27:03.555-05:00I'm soooooo huunnngray!Well day one on Paleo has officially come and gone and I made it. Whoo-hoo, one day at a time, right? The food was great and I really didn't have that much of a problem with what I ate. I really enjoyed it actually-- the only problem was my own fault and that was I didn't eat enough. I am not used to eating healthy and I forget that even with probably more options for purchasing snacks than most, since I work on a college campus with restaurants in the building over, the offerings were all still things I couldn't eat. So other than my breakfast and lunch I didn't have anything to eat, which meant I spent most of the day starving. Here's what my day one looked like:<br />
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<b><i>Breakfast</i></b><br />
I made a smoothie before leaving for work. Here's the recipe:<br />
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<ul>
<li>1 cup frozen organic blueberries</li>
<li>1 organic banana</li>
<li>2 tb almond butter</li>
<li>Coconut Milk</li>
<li>Ice</li>
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Add blueberries, banana and almond butter in the blender. Pour coconut milk over ingredients until covered. Add ice, I used 4 cubes, but this depends on how thick and cold you want your smoothie-- add more or less depending on desired consistency. Blend. Easy enough, right?<br />
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<b><i>Lunch</i></b></div>
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I am normally an eat-outter at lunch and I wanted to make sure that didn't have to change. So for lunch I went to Subway and did a chopped spinach salad with tomatoes, olives, banana peppers, and grilled chicken. I had them put a little of the red wine vinaigrette on the side just to give it some flavor.</div>
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<b><i>Snack</i></b></div>
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As soon as I got home I grabbed an organic barlett pear. By this time I was starving because I didn't think ahead and the temptation to run through McDonald's or Sonic on my way home was intense, but I fought it and made it home so I could eat a good snack.</div>
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<b><i>Dinner</i></b></div>
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I have to say our first Paleo dinner turned out awesome. It was such a beautiful day so Chad fired up the grill and we had hamburgers and fries, Paleo style. Here are the recipes:</div>
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Paleo Hamburgers-- <i>you're going to need a knife and fork for this one! :-)</i></div>
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<li>1 lb grass fed lean ground beef</li>
<li>1 tsp garlic powder</li>
<li>1 tsp onion powder</li>
<li>salt/pepper</li>
<li>9 free-range eggs</li>
</ul>
Mix ground beef, garlic powder, onion powder, 1 egg and salt/pepper to taste together. Pat into 4 equal patties (about 1/4 lb each). Grill to desired doneness (we did ours to about medium well and it took about 10 minutes).</div>
<div>
<br />
While the burgers are on the grill, use bacon grease or coconut oil to fry up 8 eggs-- set aside on plate.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Place burger patties in between two fried eggs (imagine the eggs as your bun). Top with mustard, guacamole, other Paleo friendly condiments of choice. We used guacamole and it was a perfect addition!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Sweet Potato Fries</div>
<div>
<ul>
<li>1 large sweet potato (if it's big enough that all you'll need... two smaller ones would be just fine)</li>
<li>Coconut Oil</li>
<li>Sea Salt</li>
<li>Coconut Flakes</li>
</ul>
<div>
Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Coat baking pan/cookie sheet with coconut oil.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Peel sweet potato and dice into fries. Put sea salt and coconut flakes (to taste) in baggie and add fries. Shake until all pieces are well covered.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Bake at 425 for about 10-15 minutes.<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Overall the day went great. I learned my mistake and I have plenty of snack options with me today at work. Side note-- I slept through the entire night first time in several weeks without waking up... not sure if it was coincidence or if my body can already tell a difference.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Ldybug07http://www.blogger.com/profile/02743615067348195040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1439010805807781377.post-88645507308365273642013-05-21T14:17:00.000-05:002013-05-24T10:34:14.771-05:00And so it begins...<br />
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">
After some reading and discussion with some friends at church, Chad and I decided to make a lifestyle change by following the eating recommendations of the Paleo Diet. Yesterday, I am happy to report, we began the first steps on our journey. The evening was spent purging our kitchen of unhealthy food and restocking it with healthier options-- here are my thoughts and feelings about the process.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<em><strong>OMGee, THE EXCESS!!!</strong></em></div>
<div>
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: 19px;">I spent over two hours riding our fridge and pantry of all the items that we could no longer eat-- out of sight, out of mind. I just felt that as a family unit we would have much more success making this drastic transition by doing it. After 3 garbage bags full of expired/opened and stale/two bites left of food I cannot tell you the incredible sense of guilt I felt over how much food we had wasted. Thankfully, I was able to donate several items of unopened can goods and etc to our church which helped to ease the guilt some, but the overwhelming sense of excess that we had in our pantry and fridge has continued to be heavy on my heart even throughout today. As we move, forward in this journey I pray that God will help us as a family to reel in the excess and over-consumption that has flooded our home and minds from traditional American culture.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">
<em><strong>EXCITEMENT!!!</strong></em></div>
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I am really excited to see how this journey will change us. Though Chad or I neither one have ever been considered overweight we both could stand to lose a few pounds to be at our optimal appearance. I am interested to see how our body's will shift and adjust as we make these changes. I personally though I am more excited to see how these health changes will make me feel. As a wife, mommy of two rambunctious little boys, full time professional and volunteer for about six million other duties it easy too understand why I might stay tired, but the lack of energy I have had recently is overwhelming. It seems as even when I have time to sleep I am not able too, so I am hoping that as I become healthier not only will I look better but I will feel better too.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">
<em><strong>WHAT WILL THE BOYS EAT???</strong></em></div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">
As I dumped the remains of Easter, Valentine, Christmas and I ashamed as I am Halloween candy into the trash bag I began to wonder if the boys would strike a coup d'Éta against me... no more candy, no more chips, no more Pop-Tarts-- <i>whatever shall they eat!?!</i> I was blown away to see that the boys came home after my purge and restock and were absolutely THRILLED to eat the fresh strawberries and apples I had picked up instead of Cheetos or Fruit Loops. Basically-- I have been a lazy mom. Yup, I said it-- LAZY. It is actually not about what the boys will or won't eat, its about the time I am willing to put in to feed them. Handing them a bag or Pop-Tart out of the pantry is much easier and convenient than cutting up some strawberries and slicing an apple to hand them. With that being said, I did keep a few toddler friendly items around such as milk (dairy is not allowed on Paleo) and hotdogs, but for the most part I am going to expect the boys to eat what we eat.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">
<strong>My favorite memory of day one: Noal asking Daddy for more "weafs" out of his salad.</strong> The kid sat and ate raw spinach leaves like it was M&Ms. And I though they were the ones who would complain...</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">
Be sure to check out an <a data-mce-href="http://instagram.com/p/Zja2i5Ap6r/" href="http://instagram.com/p/Zja2i5Ap6r/" target="_blank">Instagram of our new Paleo friendly fridge!</a></div>
Ldybug07http://www.blogger.com/profile/02743615067348195040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1439010805807781377.post-70332899373333531132012-10-24T16:02:00.000-05:002012-10-24T20:50:23.421-05:00Beach VacationLife gets a little crazy sometimes so I haven't been the diligent blogger that I should have. I did want to take the opportunity to share some stories from our beach vacation with you.<br />
<br />
This year we went to Destin, Florida with Yaya and Poppy. It was an AMAZING vacation. Super relaxing, lots of yummy food, a little shopping, and some chubby, sandy toes on my little boys; it doesn't get better than that. Trace absolutely loved the beach this year, even got out in the ocean boogie-boarding with Daddy. Noal was still uncertain about the whole thing, but he didn't mind being outside hanging out with the fam. We were able to see dolphins off our balcony every morning and that was probably my favorite part, I have never seen that many dolphins that close before. Poppy even caught one (don't worry, he cut it lose!) while him and Chad were fishing on the pier.<br />
<br />
It is hard to believe that right when we got back from vacation, Noal turned two. The boys are getting big so quickly and the saying that the days are long, but the years are short could not ring more true for us right now.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Here are some pics from our amazing vacation:
<br />
<br />
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Ldybug07http://www.blogger.com/profile/02743615067348195040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1439010805807781377.post-73998647911802842662012-08-11T20:21:00.000-05:002012-10-29T20:28:19.533-05:00A lifelong friend...<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
My name is Megan and I have been an ASA for 9 years.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What ASA has done for me is provided with a
lifelong friendship that is immeasurable.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6DKsqkstwOy1eq1S0ztSv4T0xOfJORdde08XrXTdJHPUcbI6a11XxHUpcWohy13XAONenTpEVzfdL8oYmUThJoT2g2ak32exE8Xk_2tEqLYiAoHqXU0EpQkuVywhavHYdwbw5bAn6mVs/s1600/598923_942723088729_299745722_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="276" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6DKsqkstwOy1eq1S0ztSv4T0xOfJORdde08XrXTdJHPUcbI6a11XxHUpcWohy13XAONenTpEVzfdL8oYmUThJoT2g2ak32exE8Xk_2tEqLYiAoHqXU0EpQkuVywhavHYdwbw5bAn6mVs/s320/598923_942723088729_299745722_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My big sis, Jodi and I</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>About two years ago, I gave birth to my youngest son… 6
weeks early.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My husband and I sat in the
hospital scared to death not knowing what was about to happen as a doctor
stated, we have to deliver the baby for your health, but I can’t guarantee the
health of your baby.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This was one of
the most terrifying moments of my life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>2 hours later, I went in for a C-section and heard Noal cry as he was
born.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What a great moment that was!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The next two weeks that followed were a
blessing, but were some of the most difficult, because my son was here and he
was alive; however, he was in the NICU and my health was still in question.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When you see babies born on TV, you see the family, balloons
and flowers that fill the room—which had been the case with the birth of my
oldest son.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our hospital room that
included husband, mommy and baby was a revolving door of friends and family
coming to meet our new addition.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With
Noal, it wasn’t the picture perfect moment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I couldn’t get out of bed to greet guests and with Noal in the NICU the
only visitors he was allowed were mom and dad, so no one could go see our new
miracle.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I could only touch my new baby
through the hand holes and hadn’t even gotten to hold him in my arms.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had been okay for awhile, but I hit a point
in the hospital where I was at rock bottom.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Just in time, in walked my best friend, my big sister, Jodi.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jodi came to see me; she was not concerned about
the fact that she wouldn’t get to see the baby or that I wouldn’t be good
host.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She was there to see me and to
check on me and in that moment that was just what I needed-- someone to be
there for me and Jodi was that person and has always been that person from the
moment we met 9 years ago.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If it weren’t
for ASA I wouldn’t have ever been able to meet “my person”.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Don’t be worried about us though…<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>About one year ago today, Jodi was there as
we celebrated Noal’s first birthday and in about one month, on Noal’s 2<sup>nd</sup>
birthday, I will get to celebrate with Jodi as she gets married. I am looking
forward to the day I can visit the hospital after the birth of her children, to
be there for her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>ASA has provided me
with this lifelong friendship and for that, I am truly grateful.</div>
Ldybug07http://www.blogger.com/profile/02743615067348195040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1439010805807781377.post-19137852366864500022012-04-14T20:51:00.000-05:002012-10-29T20:19:58.006-05:005 years ago today....I married my best friend. Little did we know on that day just how much God would bless our marriage. For those of you that know our story, we definitely had a rough road during those three years leading up to marriage. It was definitely God that kept us together through some very hard times, but I wouldn't trade a single fight or hard day. They made us who we are today and I am beyond lucky to have Chad Mitchell as an ever supporting husband and as the amazing father to our two precious little boys.<br />
<br />
5 years later and stronger than ever, we deal with this loss that has shook our family, I know that God will get us through, as he always has. Amen, and Amen.<br />
<br />
Dave Barnes, Amen<br />
<br />
We will have love<br />
We will have pain<br />
There will be days and days and days that feel the same<br />
We will have fear<br />
We will have joy<br />
And maybe little girls and little boys<br />
<br />
We will have friends<br />
We will have peace<br />
There will be nights of lights and music 'til you sleep<br />
We will be strong<br />
We will still break<br />
We'll live through so much more than we can take<br />
<br />
Amen<br />
Amen<br />
With the dawn, we all begin again<br />
Amen<br />
Amen<br />
What is done, and yet to come<br />
Amen<br />
<br />
We will have hope<br />
We will have doubt<br />
There will be memories we could never live without<br />
We will have tears<br />
But there will be grace<br />
There will be prayers that we never thought we'd pray<br />
<br />
Amen<br />
Amen<br />
With the dawn, we all begin again<br />
Amen<br />
Amen<br />
What is done, and yet to come<br />
Amen<br />
<br />
In the sun or the storms<br />
The flood or the flames<br />
Let everything come, and I'm the one to blame<br />
In heartache or hope<br />
I swear I'll say, I'll say<br />
<br />
Amen<br />
Amen<br />
With the dawn, we all begin again<br />
Amen<br />
Amen<br />
What is done, and yet to comeLdybug07http://www.blogger.com/profile/02743615067348195040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1439010805807781377.post-38646948236315134552012-04-13T11:46:00.000-05:002012-04-13T11:46:57.386-05:00Easter 2012We had a great Easter this year with our family. Trace and Noal both loved hunting Easter eggs and of course getting more candy than we will be able to eat in a year. We also had great fellowship with our Sunday School class over breakfast. However, little did we know just how special Easter was going to be for our family. It was the last moment we were able to spend with Chad's Memaw who passed away on April 11.<br />
<br />
On Easter Sunday, the Mitchell family, gathered at Gramps and Memaw's just like we do every Sunday for dinner after church. Then we had an Easter Egg hunt for all of the great-grandkids. It was a very special time then and even more so now since it was the last Sunday that Memaw would be with us for Sunday dinner.<br />
<br />
For those of you that aren't from Erin, the Mitchell family is a huge family... 52 decedents from Gramps and Memaw alone to be exact. It is truly a unique family to have the fortune to be a part of. Extremely close, extremely loving, and extremely loyal. Of the 52 decendents, all of us live within a 50 mile radius of Erin, TN where the family resides. Even though I am not a blood relative, to Gramps, and especially, Memaw, that has not made a difference, I was one of their grandchildren. I am more than blessed to have become a member of this wonderful family and to have know Memaw for the past eight years. She was the matriarch of the family and the best role model for being a true woman of God that anyone could have. Memaw will be greatly missed, but I can only imagine the celebration that is going on in Heaven as God called one of his best home a few days ago.<br />
<br />
He is Risen.... and he has called Memaw home. That is an Easter to be happy about.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><b>EASTER PICTURES </b></div><br />
<b>ECN Easter Egg Hunt at Betsy Ligon Park </b><br />
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<b>The Easter Bunny Came and New Easter Outfits</b><br />
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<b>Easter Sunday at Gramp's and Memaw's House </b><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhif8ktvnu_rRaHLRMkF6KKAUnZOs0Gsk1Lh5rYcCF_snIRXPAuGUAtjyWW9PmEUbrUrot7U0tUBgu4z94LQxI3FLEbSrqY6sbhdNnUU84vblmXB3SlexyQUkM6-GzjHA9h1ve9H1lpXc/s1600/IMGP0692.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhif8ktvnu_rRaHLRMkF6KKAUnZOs0Gsk1Lh5rYcCF_snIRXPAuGUAtjyWW9PmEUbrUrot7U0tUBgu4z94LQxI3FLEbSrqY6sbhdNnUU84vblmXB3SlexyQUkM6-GzjHA9h1ve9H1lpXc/s640/IMGP0692.JPG" width="456" /></a></div>Ldybug07http://www.blogger.com/profile/02743615067348195040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1439010805807781377.post-37081729522885547822012-01-11T16:15:00.003-06:002012-01-22T15:32:19.920-06:00Megan's Personal Yearly GoalsI have never been one to set New Year's Resolutions, because I often think they often only set us up for failure. However, today I read a blog that has encouraged me to make a list of personal goals (of course, stealing a few from the blog for myself!)... but let me clarify, these are GOALS, NOT RESOLUTIONS. I hope that these goals will help me take baby steps to being the faithful follower, wife, mother, friend, person I am called to be. <br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><b>Megan's Personal Goals</b><b> </b></div><ul><li>Get healthy... Yes, the perks of losing weight have a strong bearing on this, but it was not until I started Weight Watchers that I realized just how unhealthy I was. It is my goal now, not to lose wait, but to become a healthier person. </li>
</ul><br />
<ul></ul><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cdn.pinterest.com/upload/134896951308123011_CcnMeGIC_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://media-cdn.pinterest.com/upload/134896951308123011_CcnMeGIC_c.jpg" width="129" /></a></div><ul><li>Start each day by getting dressed. (Ephesians 6:11)<br />
</ul><ul><li>Call a close friend once a week, see one at least once a month. I have been blessed in my life with some amazing friendships and I can honestly say that I am not always the best friend in return. I want to make sure that my friends <u>KNOW</u> how much I care about them.</li>
</ul><ul><li>Record a highlight, memory, or blessing from each day.. This one is going to be a toughy for me. I am horrible about recording important events in our life. As I watch my babies become, well not babies, it makes me sad that I have already forgotten the who, what, when, and wheres of important events in their lives.</li>
</ul><ul><li>Have a family dinner <u>at home</u> at least three nights a week. Even with the boys as young as they are I am already seeing the busy excuses creep into our family dinner nights at home. The convenience of dining out often wins. I think family dinners around the home table are super important and I want to make sure I don't let our hectic schedules take that away.</li>
</ul><ul><li> Save energy for my boys. There are so many nights/weekends that I come home completely exhausted from work/friends/life/house chores/etc that my boys too often get my leftovers. I want to make sure they get a mom that they know is always there for them first, no matter how tired she is!</li>
</ul><ul><li>Plan one way to bless, serve, or encourage my husband. Chad is my rock and my best friend and I need to make sure that I am doing my part of being a supporting and loving wife.</li>
</ul><ul><li>Finish my Master's. The classes are getting harder and harder and life is getting busier and busier, but I must do this! December 2012 APSU Graduate - MUST BE!</li>
</ul>I know that each of these goals in attainable, I just have to keep up the motivation to make them happen. Prayers appreciated! :)Ldybug07http://www.blogger.com/profile/02743615067348195040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1439010805807781377.post-10246592143086123302011-12-15T16:14:00.003-06:002011-12-21T10:46:44.951-06:00Semester Ovah - Holiday BreakHoliday break... 5 work days and counting!<br />
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My first full semester of grad school is finally over... thank goodness, because my brain was on freaking overload for the past few months. Whoever decided that going back to school, with two boys under the age of three and working a full time job, must be insane. Well, anyways, I am done for now and happy to report, still in honors standing no less. This is a nice little break before classes start back again January 12, 2012. Now on to more important things; liking attemping my first prime rib for our Christmas Eve supper.<br />
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<div style="color: #990000; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Merry Christmas Everyone!</span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GCUwYR9cmIk/TupxFRLcZJI/AAAAAAAABEM/XF5SMyP7PFo/s1600/CC2011_Front.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GCUwYR9cmIk/TupxFRLcZJI/AAAAAAAABEM/XF5SMyP7PFo/s640/CC2011_Front.jpg" width="454" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-23X7STVDITo/TvINRb74P2I/AAAAAAAABEY/DEHIuOVDM3k/s1600/CC2011_Back.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-23X7STVDITo/TvINRb74P2I/AAAAAAAABEY/DEHIuOVDM3k/s640/CC2011_Back.jpg" width="458" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8maUyNvd2BA/Tupwr1BrCzI/AAAAAAAABEE/JZL0GuuoMq4/s1600/CC2011_Front.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br />
</a></div>Ldybug07http://www.blogger.com/profile/02743615067348195040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1439010805807781377.post-71406413234422263532011-12-10T11:02:00.000-06:002011-12-21T11:04:22.343-06:00Smokey MountainsThe family took a little trip up to Gatlingburg during the Christmas season. Chad went hiking with his high school buddy, Kyle Nolen and I decided that the Tanger Outlets would be a great place to accomplish some Christmas shopping so I enlisted the help of Yaya and Nana.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-e5AMh3ZK7TE/TvIOjnj0EFI/AAAAAAAABEo/-BRI1PSI4-8/s1600/IMAG0280.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="228" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-e5AMh3ZK7TE/TvIOjnj0EFI/AAAAAAAABEo/-BRI1PSI4-8/s320/IMAG0280.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chad, Noal, Nana, Trace, Yaya @ Dixie Stampede</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9lf37Fvdrok/TvIOka5eGZI/AAAAAAAABEs/mhbfn4z1wPU/s1600/IMAG0282.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9lf37Fvdrok/TvIOka5eGZI/AAAAAAAABEs/mhbfn4z1wPU/s320/IMAG0282.jpg" width="228" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our fam @ Dixie Stampede</td></tr>
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We took the boys to the Dixie Stampede and they absolutely loved it, especially Noal. I expected Trace to be the one who enjoyed it the most, but Noal never moved the entire show. He didn't even look down to get his food, which for those of you who have seen the kid eat, know is a BIG deal! Trace enjoyed it too, but was ready to go for those last 15 minutes, he 3 year old hiney had set all it could set I guess. Nana really enjoyed it as well and I was glad she got to experience that with the boys.<br />
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It rained the entire time we were there, and one night we even got to see a little bit of snow. The shopping was a little hindered, because between the rain and the massive double stroller I couldn't get as much accomplished as I had planned, but it was still a great time. We ate at the Chop House while we were there and it was delish... Noal was passed out though so he wasn't able to enjoy it like the rest of us!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gv5d8b-lSXY/TvIOllTnGBI/AAAAAAAABE0/S6gG5ZpvZDw/s1600/IMAG0284.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="191" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gv5d8b-lSXY/TvIOllTnGBI/AAAAAAAABE0/S6gG5ZpvZDw/s320/IMAG0284.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Noal asleep in the stroller @ the Chop House.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eZSRiP3R0Co/TvIOmZAP9XI/AAAAAAAABE8/yZ6wXaWkPOg/s1600/IMAG0286.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="191" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eZSRiP3R0Co/TvIOmZAP9XI/AAAAAAAABE8/yZ6wXaWkPOg/s320/IMAG0286.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trace liked it, crayons and pizza, he was one happy kiddo. Well, after a minor episode that landed him a trip to the bathroom with Mommy!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
Chad hiked out of the mountains on Wednesday and that night we went to our favorite place to eat in the mountains, Park Grille. It was excellent as always, if you have never been while in Gatlinburg, it is a must visit for me! Then we took the boys to the aquarium, since Trace is fascinated with isch and shaawks right now. The both really enjoyed it and so did Mommy and Daddy.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yaya and Trace watching the sharks at the aquarium.</td></tr>
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Gatlingburg was a fun quick trip for us, but I love any kind of trip. I am glad to say that my boys are excellent travelers too. Traveling is something that Chad and I both enjoy and share a passion for and it is nice that our boys have always been excellent passengers along the way. Both of them have traveled from the time they were born and I wouldn't have it any other way.Ldybug07http://www.blogger.com/profile/02743615067348195040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1439010805807781377.post-78496960425284225452011-11-30T09:11:00.003-06:002011-12-15T15:42:32.875-06:00Family Pictures 2011<object align="middle" classid="clsid:d27cdb6e-ae6d-11cf-96b8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab" height="425" id="Slideshow" name="Slideshow" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.shutterfly.com/flashapps/flashslideshow/Slideshow.swf" /><param name="flashvars" value="configurl=http%3A%2F%2Fws.shutterfly.com%2Fshare%2Fexternal_slideshow_config%3Fsid%3D0AZtmrZyzcOWb2A" /><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always" /><embed id="Slideshow" width="425" height="425" name="Slideshow" align="middle" quality="high" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" flashvars="configurl=http%3A%2F%2Fws.shutterfly.com%2Fshare%2Fexternal_slideshow_config%3Fsid%3D0AZtmrZyzcOWb2A" pluginspage="http://www.adobe.com/go/getflashplayer" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" bgcolor="#869ca7" src="http://www.shutterfly.com/flashapps/flashslideshow/Slideshow.swf"></embed></object><br />
<div style="margin-top: 0; text-align: center; width: 425px;"><a href="http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=0AZtmrZyzcOWb2A&eid=115">Click here to view these pictures larger</a></div><div style="margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center; width: 425px;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left; width: 425px;">Chad, Megan, Trace (3), and Noal (1) Mitchell - October 2011 </div><div style="margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center; width: 425px;"><img border="0" height="1" src="https://os.shutterfly.com/b/ss/sflyshareprod/1/H.15/111?pageName=sharekey&c1=pictures&c2=blogger" style="background: #ffffff; border: none; box-shadow: none; padding: 0;" width="1" /></div>Ldybug07http://www.blogger.com/profile/02743615067348195040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1439010805807781377.post-4286627626712780012011-10-27T15:10:00.002-05:002011-10-27T15:12:17.113-05:00If it's free take two!<div class="sflyProductPreviewWidget" style="height: 494px; width: 425px;"><div class="sflyProductPreviewWidgetTop" style="background-image: url(http://cdn.staticsfly.com/img_/share/preview/msc/widget/top.gif); height: 6px;">I love a bargain... this is the free coffee mug I designed thanks to a coupon from Shutterfly. Even better, for posting this on my blog I get a $10 giftcard. Handy to have right before the holidays!</div><div class="sflyProductPreviewWidgetTop" style="background-image: url("http://cdn.staticsfly.com/img_/share/preview/msc/widget/top.gif"); height: 6px;"> </div><div class="sflyProductPreviewWidgetTop" style="background-image: url("http://cdn.staticsfly.com/img_/share/preview/msc/widget/top.gif"); height: 6px;"> </div><div class="sflyProductPreviewWidgetTop" style="background-image: url("http://cdn.staticsfly.com/img_/share/preview/msc/widget/top.gif"); height: 6px;"> </div><div class="sflyProductPreviewWidgetTop" style="background-image: url("http://cdn.staticsfly.com/img_/share/preview/msc/widget/top.gif"); height: 6px;"> </div><div class="sflyProductPreviewWidgetTop" style="background-image: url("http://cdn.staticsfly.com/img_/share/preview/msc/widget/top.gif"); height: 6px;"> </div><div class="sflyProductPreviewWidgetTop" style="background-image: url("http://cdn.staticsfly.com/img_/share/preview/msc/widget/top.gif"); height: 6px;"> </div><div class="sflyProductPreviewWidgetTop" style="background-image: url("http://cdn.staticsfly.com/img_/share/preview/msc/widget/top.gif"); height: 6px;"> </div><div class="sflyProductPreviewWidgetTop" style="background-image: url("http://cdn.staticsfly.com/img_/share/preview/msc/widget/top.gif"); height: 6px;"> </div><div class="sflyProductPreviewWidgetTop" style="background-image: url("http://cdn.staticsfly.com/img_/share/preview/msc/widget/top.gif"); height: 6px;"> </div><div class="sflyProductPreviewWidgetTop" style="background-image: url("http://cdn.staticsfly.com/img_/share/preview/msc/widget/top.gif"); height: 6px;"> </div><div class="sflyProductPreviewWidgetTop" style="background-image: url("http://cdn.staticsfly.com/img_/share/preview/msc/widget/top.gif"); height: 6px;"> </div><div class="sflyProductPreviewWidgetTop" style="background-image: url("http://cdn.staticsfly.com/img_/share/preview/msc/widget/top.gif"); height: 6px;"> </div><div class="sflyProductPreviewWidgetCenter" style="background-image: url(http://cdn.staticsfly.com/img_/share/preview/msc/widget/bg.gif); background-repeat: repeat-y; height: 482px; padding: 0 6px 0 6px;"><div class="sflyProductPreviewLogo" style="height: 34px; padding: 14px 0 0 14px; width: 105px;"><img src="http://cdn.staticsfly.com/img_/share/preview/msc/widget/logo.gif" style="background: #ffffff; border: none; box-shadow: none; padding: 0;" /></div><div class="sflyProductPreviewContainer" style="height: 350px; padding: 0; text-align: center;"><object classid="clsid:d27cdb6e-ae6d-11cf-96b8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab" height="100%" width="100%"><param name="movie" value="http://cdn.staticsfly.com/flashapps/preview/msc/ProductPreview.swf"/><param name="flashvars" value="configFile=http%3A%2F%2Fws.shutterfly.com%2Fpreviewconfiguration%2F-TzYhMKnDTeGWVJkjNn7Og%2FwbM9Na4db0qT-RVaPrPKmIHhYM7-XldY%2F4-wzhSdKQ31zJH4n3nFMeg%2F"/><param name="menu" value="false"/><param name="quality" value="best"/><param name="wmode" value="transparent"/><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always"/><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"/><embed width="100%" height="100%" align="middle" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" name="wrapper" quality="best" menu="false" allowfullscreen="true" allowScriptAccess="always" flashvars="configFile=http%3A%2F%2Fws.shutterfly.com%2Fpreviewconfiguration%2F-TzYhMKnDTeGWVJkjNn7Og%2FwbM9Na4db0qT-RVaPrPKmIHhYM7-XldY%2F4-wzhSdKQ31zJH4n3nFMeg%2F" src="http://cdn.staticsfly.com/flashapps/preview/msc/ProductPreview.swf"></embed></object></div><div class="sflyProductPreviewMessageContainer" style="background-color: #f4f4e9; height: 55px; line-height: 19px; padding: 15px 0 15px 0; text-align: center;"><div class="sflyProductPreviewTitle" style="color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-seris; font-size: 15px; font-weight: bold;">Blank Project Collage Mug</div><div class="sflyProductPreviewSEOText" style="color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-seris; font-size: 13px;">Create cute birthday cards & <a href="http://www.shutterfly.com/cards-stationery/birthday-invitations" style="color: #6666cc;">birthday invitations at Shutterfly.com</a>.</div><div class="sflyProductPreviewViewCollection" style="color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-seris; font-size: 13px;">View the entire <a href="http://www.shutterfly.com/cards-stationery" style="color: #6666cc;">collection</a> of cards.</div><img border="0" height="1" src="https://os.shutterfly.com/b/ss/sflyshareprod/1/H.15/111?pageName=sharekey&c1=msc&c2=blogger" style="background: #ffffff; border: none; box-shadow: none; padding: 0;" width="1" /></div></div><div class="sflyProductPreviewWidgetBottom" style="background-image: url(http://cdn.staticsfly.com/img_/share/preview/msc/widget/bottom.gif); height: 6px;"></div></div>Ldybug07http://www.blogger.com/profile/02743615067348195040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1439010805807781377.post-72437083883093133542011-09-29T13:51:00.000-05:002011-10-27T14:22:38.262-05:00Family Beach VacationThis year for our annual family beach vacation we went to Destin, Fl. Joining us on this family vacay was my dad and stepmom KC. It was a lot of fun and a lot of firsts for the boys. It was Noal's first time to go to the beach: <br />
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(unless you count while he was still in my belly last year!) and it was Trace's first time to go deep sea fishing:<br />
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which he absolutely loved. They both were very well behaved the entire trip. Chad and I feel so fortunate that both of our boys have always been great travelers. Traveling is something that Chad and I both love to do and so the boys have been drug along by association since birth! Our annual beach trip is something that I look forward to every year.<br />
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This year was no exception, work had been cRaZy to say the least and a week long vacation with no made plans was just what I needed. They boys, while good travelers, are still very young and so we spent a lot of time, doing a whole lot of nothing, in the beach house with the boys. Let me tell you, it doesn't get much better than that... not that I don't look forward to the days where we wake up and go, go, go. but it was nice just to have some quality time to spend with the boys and with my family as well.<br />
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The deep sea fishing trip was, well let's be honest, not my favorite. I would normally leave that kind of thing to the men, but with Trace, I wanted to tag along to help. Trace, on the other hand, absolutely loved the deep sea fishing trip and was awesome. He spent time outside with Daddy and helped all of us reel in our catches and then was a very big boy and played on mommy's phone for entertainment on the two, yes two, hour trip back. So even though the deep sea fishing wasn't my thing, I am glad that I got to share in such a special memory with Trace and Daddy.<br />
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I did enjoy getting to spend time with my boys on the beach. Noal was unimpressed by the beach, but did enjoy it I think. Trace LOVED it, he still wakes up asking if we can go to the beach. He really surprised me because I thought he would be scared of the ocean, because for as much as we are out on our boat, he can sometimes get scared of the lake. I just knew that if the lake scared him ocassionally, the ocean would be out for good. Boy, was I wrong. He loved getting in the ocean and playing in the waves. Chad even got him to go out one day past where he could touch and he just swam around in his puddle jumper like a big boy.<br />
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Another fun thing that we did was take Trace to Alligator Beach at Fudpuckers. For those of you who have been to Destin, you know that Fudpuckers is kind of one of those necessary evils. It's the place you go that has the okay food, for the ridiculous long wait, and even more ridiculous prices. However, Trace LOVES "cwocadiles" so I really wanted him to go see the alligators (they all look same, right?). Luckily, we went for lunch and didn't have to bad of a wait and so while we waited Trace got to hang out at Alligator Beach and see the alligators.<br />
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Of course we had to have some family photos taken while we there and I learned that getting good family photos could pose to be a problem for the next few years; it seemed I was the only one interested in getting them done instead of playing on the beach... SHOCKING! (-: I do have to say for the little amount of cooperation I had, we got some pretty good photos:<br />
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Overall, it was an amazing vacation and has already left me anxiously awaiting our return next year!Ldybug07http://www.blogger.com/profile/02743615067348195040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1439010805807781377.post-9611440240420808602011-09-06T14:19:00.001-05:002011-10-12T15:09:26.650-05:00Sunday FundayOn Sunday afternoon Chad and I decided to take an impromptu trip to Murray, KY. We both graduated from Murray State University and absolutely love the town. Even though it is only about an hour away, we don't get back there as often as we would like. We needed to make a Lowe's run for some house improvements before Noal's big first birthday bash, so we just opted to go to Murray instead of Clarksville for a change of pace.<br />
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We were meeting some great friends of ours for dinner at August Moon and finished with the Lowe's trip a little earlier than expected so we decided to take the boys to the park to play and had a blast. The park was INCREDIBLE. I couldn't believe how much the had redone since I had been there last. It was a great time and we got some great family photos out of it as well!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Noal and Daddy</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Go Trace Go!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Movin' on down</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">What a cutie!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gotta love my boys!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">BIGGGG Slide!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Daddy and Noal</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On your mark... Get set...</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Racin' Slides</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Go!</td></tr>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-j68TytPUfUM/TpXqwClF77I/AAAAAAAAArQ/kvKGotBQwBY/s1600/339782_749756260799_51801833_36645869_7288195_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-j68TytPUfUM/TpXqwClF77I/AAAAAAAAArQ/kvKGotBQwBY/s400/339782_749756260799_51801833_36645869_7288195_o.jpg" width="238" /></a></div>Ldybug07http://www.blogger.com/profile/02743615067348195040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1439010805807781377.post-55693902447269735062011-08-27T14:47:00.002-05:002011-08-27T14:49:56.041-05:00---Blessed Birthday---I had a wonderful birthday weekend and was so blessed to spend some quality time with so many of my friends and family.<br />
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On Friday, Chad and I went to Nashville for the night. We went out to Cabana for dinner and they had the most amazing "sweet tea chicken" and sweet tea slushy that I have ever had. The food was so good and the it was one of the best things I have ever drank. Joining us for dinner were some of our favorite couples, I was so glad they could make the trip down to Nashville to join us.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Soon to be Megan Mitchell Squared (My future sis-in-law!)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-O8aLTiVh3Pc/TllDGDUfGSI/AAAAAAAAAVo/6_zjg4oP_pk/s1600/288655_745600094789_51801833_36589917_874992_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="191" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-O8aLTiVh3Pc/TllDGDUfGSI/AAAAAAAAAVo/6_zjg4oP_pk/s320/288655_745600094789_51801833_36589917_874992_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The hubs and I.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KIQlMG_kxLI/TllDGv0CsJI/AAAAAAAAAVs/vTw-nJnUSdM/s1600/339801_745601447079_51801833_36589935_519470_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="191" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KIQlMG_kxLI/TllDGv0CsJI/AAAAAAAAAVs/vTw-nJnUSdM/s320/339801_745601447079_51801833_36589935_519470_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The ladies, plus two... Notice Nichole and Ash's lil bumps.</td></tr>
</tbody></table> After dinner, we went downtown to the Gulch, AKA the Gooch. We had some drinks at Cantina Laredo and my favorite park was my birthday brownie complete with sparkler.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2rJDPF6-Cus/TllDuviuGQI/AAAAAAAAAVw/8GMNeTdwlvA/s1600/323773_745601681609_51801833_36589937_2571576_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2rJDPF6-Cus/TllDuviuGQI/AAAAAAAAAVw/8GMNeTdwlvA/s320/323773_745601681609_51801833_36589937_2571576_o.jpg" width="219" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My birthday sparkler.</td></tr>
</tbody></table> On Saturday, Chad and I went on a little shopping trip to Green Hills and ate at Carabba's. We loove Carabba's, it is our favorite and has become our staple date night/lunch place. Although I really enjoyed my night out, I was very anxious to get back home to my two precious boys.<br />
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On Saturday night, we were able to celebrate Travis and Megan's engagement. We are so excited for them and the engagement party was a great way to celebrate in this exciting time in their lives with them.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9w_8In0GAYA/TllFr1xQ16I/AAAAAAAAAV0/uT-yjk-1QbM/s1600/IMG_0005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="276" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9w_8In0GAYA/TllFr1xQ16I/AAAAAAAAAV0/uT-yjk-1QbM/s320/IMG_0005.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chad, Megan #1, Megan #3, and Travis</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Chad and I were both tired, so we left early and took our niece Ally Jane home with us. So Trace had his first girl in his bed... Too bad it was his cousin. :) They are going to kill me for those pictures when they are older, but they were just too cute not to share.<br />
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On Sunday, (my actual birthday) we took the cousins to church and it was fun getting Ally Jane all dolled up. I love my little boys, but getting her ready and curling her hair was a fun treat for Mimi! After church we went to Gramps and MeMaw's for lunch and then headed to the lake. My big sis, Jodi, came down and went out with us, Dan and Abby, Trav, Trace, and our babysitter Taylor. We all had a blast and we rocked out some wakeboarding. It was the best I had ever done!<br />
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All in all it was an incredible birthday weekend. I realized just how blessed I was at dinner on Friday night. Megan had got me a Dogeared wish necklace for my birthday and as I was thinking about what to wish for I couldn't even think of a single thing I didn't already have. So my wish was for Travis and Megan to have the happiness in marriage that Chad and I share... and I think they are well on there way! I am so blessed with a great husband, two amazing children, and wonderful friends... I am one very lucky girl. <br />
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Ldybug07http://www.blogger.com/profile/02743615067348195040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1439010805807781377.post-76702207170878152462011-08-19T08:40:00.001-05:002011-08-19T08:51:31.457-05:00Million Watt Smile<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pQJzqGTYH3c/Tk5n2iWCxXI/AAAAAAAAAVQ/R4HwDdTPomo/s1600/185278_240584175980238_100000859711843_724644_6509633_n.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pQJzqGTYH3c/Tk5n2iWCxXI/AAAAAAAAAVQ/R4HwDdTPomo/s400/185278_240584175980238_100000859711843_724644_6509633_n.jpg" /></a> <br />
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Noal loves bath time as much as big bro Trace!</div><br />
<div style="clear: both; text-align: CENTER;"><a href="http://picasa.google.com/blogger/" target="ext"><img align="middle" alt="Posted by Picasa" border="0" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/pbp.gif" style="-moz-background-clip: initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: initial; -moz-background-origin: initial; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 50%; border: 0px none; padding: 0px;" /></a></div>Ldybug07http://www.blogger.com/profile/02743615067348195040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1439010805807781377.post-60514213133850749192011-08-17T11:49:00.001-05:002011-08-19T08:51:53.236-05:00It's August...August means that it is even crazier than normal around the Mitchell household. Working at Austin Peay means that August is the busiest month of the year at work and this one is no exception. To say that work has been crazy these past few weeks is the understatement of the year... and lucky for me there is still a few weeks of crazy to go. The light at the end of my tunnel is that after August is and over and school has resumed I am heading with my wonderful family to the beach... Only 1 month more to go!<br />
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It has also been a busy month of some major birthday planning. In less than a month my baby Noal will be turning one. It is so hard to believe that he is already one year old, it seems like just yesterday we were driving back and forth to the NICU everyday for visits... My how far he has come in a year! Needless to say, I feel we have A LOT to celebrate. Here is a sneak peek of just what is in store for the party:<br />
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Looking forward to an exciting weekend for my birthday and for Travis and Megan's engagement party. Lots to celebrate in our family right now. Pics of the upcoming weekend to come soon!Ldybug07http://www.blogger.com/profile/02743615067348195040noreply@blogger.com0