tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18660104831103201362024-03-05T04:54:18.097-07:00a bicycle built for twoPaulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00297959396606806907noreply@blogger.comBlogger314125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1866010483110320136.post-72910416327593418252015-04-27T15:27:00.001-06:002015-04-27T16:36:46.239-06:00IRS scam , phone call to pay money---be carefulI realize I haven't blogged in about two years, but today something so scary happened that I had to share it with friends and Internet land to help others.<br />
<br />
I was called today by a phone number that I didn't recognize. When I picked up the call I was told that it was the Larimer police department and that there was a warrant out for my arrest. I had Vi with me and luckily was at the gym and was able to check her in somewhere safe while I delt with the call. I was told that a cop car had been dispatched and was on its way to arrest me for tax fraud. The man on the phone had a pretty thick accent which made me wonder if this was a scam, but I googled the number on my caller id and yet in fact it was the phone number of the Larimer Sheriff Department. My heart was racing as I was thinking of some sort of miscommunication that was gonna leed to my arrest and vi left alone at the gym.<br />
<br />
The guy impersonating an officer claimed her was Supervisor Brad King and gave me some bogus ID#. He told me that if I didn't comply with the federal government I would be arrested and sent to federal prison for tax fraud. I kept trying to ask pertinent questions about which tax year I made the error and what I did wrong and he just yelled at me and told me to comply or they knew where I was and I would be arrested.<br />
<br />
I like to think I am a smart person, but man when your nerves are rattled and someone is impersonating something legit, meaning the phone number they were calling from was the sheriff department, I was concerned. I was told if I hung up the phone it would show I didn't want to comply with a federal investigation and would be arrested immediately. They told me to withdraw $1800 out of my bank account to send in to pay the difference on my taxes. I had to stay on the phone while I did it. Meanwhile I texted my husband and tried to tell him what was happening and where to meet me. He called the cops who did a search and realized there was not a warrant out for my arrest and that this was a scam. Paul texted me this information that it was a scam and to not pull out the money, but this information made me more concerned that the scammers were following me and were going to take me. The scammers kept tell me that they knew where I was and told me I was being followed by the cops and that if I didn't follow along with the investigation I would be arrested.<br />
<br />
After I withdrew the money they told me to go to an address that they claimed was a Safeway. Thank goodness for smart phones. I googled the address and saw it was a house. I told the person on the phone I felt more comfortable going to a different Safeway. I texted Paul the address of where I was heading and he and the cops were on their way. I had to go to a Safeway to find a reload it card (that is how they wanted the money sent in). By now I knew it was a scam, but I needed to go somewhere safe and wait till Paul and the cops arrived. The store clerk at Safeway in Boulder could tell I was in trouble and he stayed by me and also called the cops. The cops arrived and talked to the scammer on the phone, who of course hung up.<br />
<br />
I was pretty scared from the whole ordeal. Worried I was being arrested, or worried I was being followed, and pretty terrified I was gonna be kidnapped. At first I thought it was a legit thing since they were calling from the sheriff department, but realized once I was in it that it was a scam. I tried to think clearly under so much fear so I wouldn't give some scammer my money, not fall into a kidnappers hands, and also to help the cops track down the scammer.<br />
<br />
The cops took my statement. I felt pretty sheepish at first, but they told me that the caller had some convincing jargon which is why I was scared and withdrew the cash.<br />
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Please be aware dear friends and readers. If someone calls you to impersonate they are a cop and even if the number pulls up as a cop number please be careful. Either hang up and call the cops or text someone to do it for you. I also learned a couple things from the real cops<br />
<br />
-- There is an app that allows people to call and that it shows they are calling from a different number (i.e., the Larimer Sheriff Department)<br />
-- This type of scam is happening a lot<br />
-- Avoid scams about IRS as a cop wouldn't be calling about it<br />
-- A cop will never ask for money<br />
-- You can't buy your way out of a warrant<br />
-- If they threaten an arrest it will happen and they will just arrest you not give you a way to plead out of it<br />
-- Cops won't yell at you when you are asking questions if you are staying calm<br />
<br />
I am just grateful I could think clearly enough to get ahold of Paul and text him everywhere I was going. I am grateful to the Boulder Police department who responded quickly and took the matter seriously. I am grateful Paul is so smart. I am grateful vi was safe and that I never sent the money and wasn't taken. Please be safe and leery of people. It was a horrible experience to feel taken advantage of and even more terrified to be told I was being followed and a feeling of fear I was going to be taken from my husband and daughter.<br />
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<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/70/D83210CB6AB84AFFEF87092D592877B3.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Leah Stonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09461493656539874697noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1866010483110320136.post-27840308017618687902013-04-23T14:22:00.001-06:002013-04-23T14:22:09.695-06:00Tips for Babies With Club Feet<u><i><b>What I Wish I Had Known Beforehand</b></i></u><br />
<br />
I got a call today from a dear friend whose baby will be born with clubfeet and I was spouting off tons of tips for them and realized I should just make a blog post about it for others to read.<br />
<br />
There are three main phases to the clubfoot process, the casting phase, the bracing phase 23 hours a day for 3 months, and the brace at night till baby is 5 years old phase<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><u><b>Clothes:</b></u></span><br />
<br />
<b>Casting Phase</b><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><b>What you will never use:</b></span><br />
<br />
-Zip up sleepers and snap sleepers with feet <br />
Your baby isn't ever going to wear a zip up sleeper...ever. Don't buy them- if you get them as gifts return them ASAP. (remember they are going to be braced till they are five years old at night so a zip up sleeper would be torture to take on and off if they have an accident at night).<br />
<br />
-Pants or shorts (trust me you wont want to deal with these during the casting phase a)<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><b>What you will need lots of</b></span><br />
-Onesies and leg warmers<br />
Buy at least three pairs of leg warmers that are the larger size not the newborn size<br />
(you can also just use stretchy socks)<br />
The purpose of the legwarmers and socks is to put them over the casts up to the top to make sure that poop doesn't get on the casts. It happened to us and trust me it is stinky and poop doesn't come off.<br />
<br />
-<a href="http://www.kickeepants.com/shop/pc/viewCategories.asp?idCategory=75" target="_blank">Layettes</a> are a lifesaver. They work brilliantly with the casting process
and fantastic with the bracing process too. I highly recommend just
buying like two really nice ones that are really soft like the ones from
<a href="http://www.kickeepants.com/shop/pc/viewCategories.asp?idCategory=75" target="_blank">Kickee Pants</a> (they are pricey but so nice) <br />
<br />
<b>Bracing Phase All Day</b><br />
<br />
<b>What are a pain to use</b><br />
-any sort of pants, bloomers, shorts, etc<br />
They aren't impossible to use it is just that you have to unclip the ponseti bar every time you want to change the baby, by all means if you want to deal with it then go for it.<br />
<br />
-zip of sleepers (forget it)<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>What you will need lots of</b><br />
<div id="irc_mimg">
<a data-ved="0CAUQjRw" href="http://www.google.com/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=images&cd=&docid=80HX_xkhsVeNyM&tbnid=z2orHlJ208NkwM:&ved=0CAUQjRw&url=http%3A%2F%2Frhinestonearmadillo.typepad.com%2Fmy_weblog%2F2009%2F07%2Fbabylegs.html&ei=C-p2Ue-aDMGZiQKR7oD4AQ&bvm=bv.45580626,d.cGE&psig=AFQjCNEU7f4_p9b9xMy9LyoI1_gKb43-EQ&ust=1366834040950092" id="irc_mil" style="border: 0pt none;"><img height="350" id="irc_mi" src="http://rhinestonearmadillo.typepad.com/.a/6a00e54efdf1128833011570b95ace970c-800wi" style="margin-top: 22px;" width="285" /></a></div>
-onesies and legwarmers<br />
now you want to own some newborn sized legwarmers. I love the ones by <a href="http://www.babylegs.com/Newborn.aspx" target="_blank">baby legs</a>. This is just my preference but I love the kimono style onesies (the kind you snap around and don't pull over the head like the one below)<br />
<a class="rg_l" href="http://www.google.com/imgres?client=firefox-a&hs=ra5&sa=X&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&biw=1278&bih=591&tbm=isch&tbnid=FhL4qGezBzePPM:&imgrefurl=http://sweetpeascloth.com/item_59/BabyLegs.htm&docid=EnyM0ZGLdnF4VM&imgurl=http://sweetpeascloth.com/images/BabyLegsTweedle.jpg&w=640&h=470&ei=-Ol2UfaIJeahiQKUyIGIAw&zoom=1&ved=1t:3588,r:19,s:0,i:183&iact=rc&dur=840&page=2&tbnh=189&tbnw=258&start=12&ndsp=17&tx=142&ty=34" style="height: 189px; left: 0px; width: 258px;"><img class="rg_i" data-sz="f" name="FhL4qGezBzePPM:" src="https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSkYdS3WRU49QE4gF7zMNuPWroaCSrNPuV3DN-DSMp0CtFNWH8o" style="height: 189px; margin-left: 0px; margin-top: 0px; width: 258px;" /></a><br />
<div class="rg_ilm rg_ilsm" style="width: 100%;">
<div class="so_text rg_ilmbg">
<a class="rg_l" href="http://www.google.com/imgres?client=firefox-a&hs=ra5&sa=X&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&biw=1278&bih=591&tbm=isch&tbnid=FhL4qGezBzePPM:&imgrefurl=http://sweetpeascloth.com/item_59/BabyLegs.htm&docid=EnyM0ZGLdnF4VM&imgurl=http://sweetpeascloth.com/images/BabyLegsTweedle.jpg&w=640&h=470&ei=-Ol2UfaIJeahiQKUyIGIAw&zoom=1&ved=1t:3588,r:19,s:0,i:183&iact=rc&dur=840&page=2&tbnh=189&tbnw=258&start=12&ndsp=17&tx=142&ty=34" style="height: 189px; left: 0px; width: 258px;"><span class="son rg_ilmn"><br /></span></a></div>
</div>
<br />
-if you have a girl I highly recommend dresses and cute skirts to put over onesies, for boys just rock the onesie and legwarmers<br />
-snap one piece outfits without feet (if you find one you love with feet just cut the feet off the bottom)<br />
-<a href="http://www.kickeepants.com/shop/pc/viewCategories.asp?idCategory=75" target="_blank">Layettes</a> are a lifesaver. They work brilliantly with the casting process
and fantastic with the bracing process too. I highly recommend just
buying like two really nice ones that are really soft like the ones from
<a href="http://www.kickeepants.com/shop/pc/viewCategories.asp?idCategory=75" target="_blank">Kickee Pants</a> (they are pricey but so nice) <br />
<br />
<b>Swaddling during Casting and Bracing </b><br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.halosleep.com/" target="_blank">Halo Sleep Sacks</a><br />
<div id="irc_mimg">
<a data-ved="0CAUQjRw" href="https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=images&cd=&docid=BmkzgoAymDss4M&tbnid=Uz92VFl_iUv0XM:&ved=0CAUQjRw&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.halosleep.com%2Fsafe_sleep_for_baby%2Fsafe_swaddling_made_easy%2F&ei=2-l2UbCHEoWniALv54DoCA&bvm=bv.45580626,d.cGE&psig=AFQjCNFCnTr9CK9R0kLu2WIEqDSxJLMfBw&ust=1366833974759567" id="irc_mil" style="border: 0pt none;"><img height="393" id="irc_mi" src="https://www.halosleep.com/_asset/slwxo8/Swaddle-step-3.jpg" style="margin-top: 0px;" width="459" /></a></div>
You are gonna need 2 newborn sizes and 2 next size up. Make sure they can swaddle your baby and once they out-grow the swaddle you can just buy the sleep sack without the swaddle part.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Baby Gear</b></span><br />
<br />
<b>Sleeping</b><br />
<img alt="mamaRoo Blue Plush" class="mamaroo_big" height="263" src="http://assets0.4moms.com/assets/mamaroo/mamaroo_blue_big-8857be6b00186dbe5fcaac9d9e1ea88d.png" width="400" /><br />
The casts and braces are really heavy and babies can use them as leverage to flip themselves over onto their face. Because of this I don't feel comfortable letting Vi sleep flat on her back until she is able to roll over face to back and back to front with the brace on. I have her sleep in the <a href="http://www.4moms.com/mamaroo" target="_blank">MamaRoo </a>which I think is a brilliant thing. It works as a bassinett, swing in one. At night I just snap her in by placing her in her layette, then the halo sleep sack over that, swaddle her arms and then I cut a hole on the back of the sleep sack down below her bottom and unzip the front of the sleep sack and pull the snap restraint through the hole. She is snapped in all night and I don't have to worry about her rolling in her sleep. She will sleep in this until she wont need to be swaddled anymore and when she can rollover with the brace on. The MamaRoo is also nice because it adjusts in positioning it can sit the baby way up or lay the baby down. I have it lightly rock her all night while she sleeps and many nights she sleeps 7 hours straight. I realize we will have a hard transition to crib, but with these braces it didn't want to chance her rolling onto her face while sleeping.<br />
<br />
Baby Bouncer (find one with a wide base)<br />
<br />
Car Seat<br />
I would almost recommend going straight to the all in one car seat and skip the infant bucket seat because until they get bigger the brace can get stuck on the sides and they can use the car seat as leverage to pull their feet out of the brace. The problem is then you have to always transfer your baby from car seat to baby carrier or a laydown stroller every time you want to run <a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1866010483110320136"></a>an errand. If you do do the bucket seat I recommend putting some padding under the babies feet and try to prop them forward in the carseat so they can't get their feet stuck.<br />
<br />
Convertible car seat with a flat bottom like this from <a href="http://www.buybuybaby.com/product.asp?SKU=18771861&RN=7022&" target="_blank">Buy Buy Baby</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1866010483110320136"><img alt="Diono RadianRXT Convertible Car Seat from Birth to Booster Child Seat - Daytona" border="0" height="230" src="http://www.buybuybaby.com/assets/product_images/230/19159418771861p.jpg" title="Diono RadianRXT Convertible Car Seat from Birth to Booster Child Seat - Daytona" width="230" /></a><br />
<br />
<b>Baby Carrier</b><br />
Can't use a sling<br />
Moby Wrap works well<br />
Baby Bjorn works well<br />
Ergos put their feet out too wide so can't work with brace or cast<br />
<br />
As I think of more things I will add to this<br />
<br />
Reference my other posts <a href="http://www.paulandleah-stone.blogspot.com/2013/02/miss-vi-and-her-adorable-club-feet.html" target="_blank">Here</a> and <a href="http://www.paulandleah-stone.blogspot.com/2013/03/cast-removal-2-and-ponseti-brace.html" target="_blank">Here</a> and <a href="http://www.paulandleah-stone.blogspot.com/2013/02/blog-post.html" target="_blank">Here</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/70/D83210CB6AB84AFFEF87092D592877B3.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Leah Stonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09461493656539874697noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1866010483110320136.post-25681289465386994422013-03-05T17:03:00.000-07:002013-03-05T19:02:31.176-07:008 Years8 years!!!<br />
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I can not believe we have been married for 8 years. You are the love my life. Thank you for giving me a beautiful baby girl and being so great and helpful with her. I can't wait for Vi to have you wrapped around her tiny little finger.<br />
<br />
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Thanks for giving our daughter your sexy looks.<br />
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Paul is on the left, Vi in the middle, and me on the right (I look like any angry old man). Doesn't she look like Paul?<br />
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PS. to see what Paul looked like with hair, check out our <a href="http://www.retrospectstudios.com/galleries/park-city-wedding-photographer/park-city.html" target="_blank">wedding photos in Hawaii.</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/70/D83210CB6AB84AFFEF87092D592877B3.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Leah Stonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09461493656539874697noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1866010483110320136.post-71855052971451547902013-02-28T18:56:00.000-07:002013-03-05T19:03:20.700-07:00Vi's One Month PhotoI wanted to use the same chair to see how big Vi gets over the next year. She was not happy in any photo I took. I really like the bottom one she is like "Hey". By the way at a month old Vi already weighs 10 lbs 9.5 ounces (over three pounds gained since birth 7 lbs 6 ounces).<br />
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- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhoneLeah Stonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09461493656539874697noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1866010483110320136.post-47164907594036710162013-02-26T16:26:00.001-07:002013-02-26T17:10:02.210-07:00Cast Removal and Cast #2Valentine's Day was the removal of Vi's first cast and application for cast #2. We had to take the cast off her ourselves by soaking her in a tub of warm water with about 1/4 to 1/2 cup of white vinegar. We used a plastic tote because we didn't want the plaster in my tub and then in our pipes.<br />
<br />
It was quite the process and utilized Paul, me, and Grandma Shari. The whole process took about 40 min to soak the cast and then peel it off. Vi loved that whole process, I was worried she would scream the whole time, but she thought the water felt great and loved having the casts off. After the casts were removed she got to have a bath, a real bath not just a sponge bath. It was great. I was amazed by how much her feet had turned out in just one casting.<br />
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Once she had her bath we took advantage of the hour before leaving for her appointment by trying to do a Valentine's Day photo shoot at home.<br />
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At her Dr. appt we got to weigh her with her casts off and she weighed a whopping 8 pounds 8 ounces. At 17 days of age she had already gained over a pound from her birth weight of 7 pounds 6 ounces. The dr measured her progress and she went from being an 8 out of 20 to a 2 or 3 out of 20 (that is a good thing, the lower the score the better) and told us she would only need one more cast. What normally takes 6-8 casts Vi was going to accomplish in 2. We were really excited about that.<br />
Here she is getting cast #2 on.<br />
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As you can see she hates her new cast. She had a horrible 48 hours post cast. Screamed all the time and was very fussy. It is definitely not easy to watch. I felt horrible for my little babe.<br />
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- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhoneLeah Stonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09461493656539874697noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1866010483110320136.post-25701679002056243252013-02-21T16:52:00.000-07:002013-03-05T18:59:47.459-07:00Cast Removal #2 and Ponseti BraceOn Feb 21 we had to prep Violette for tendon surgery. The plan was that she was going to need a tenotomy (a process where both Achilles tendons are cut) and then recasted in a new foot flexed position for 3 weeks allowing the tendon to regenerate. I was sick just thinking about it. We had to remove her cast just like the week before and then put Lidocain on both of her heels and ankle area.<br />
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When we arrived at the Dr and they did their measurements we got wonderful news. Vi didn't need the surgery as she had enough flexibility in her feet. Only about 10% of clubfoot kiddos fit into this category, the other 90% need the tenotomy. The Dr said that Vi had just as much flexibility as a newborn without clubfeet and that the dr would be ecstatic to get this kind of flexibility after a tenotomy surgery. So no surgery for my little girl!!!<br />
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Vi was fitted for her ponseti brace that she will wear for the next 3 months 23 hours a day. We were given stretches to do to her feet to keep her flexible and were told to do them when the brace is off for her hour break. She looks like a little snowboarder with her brace on, so stinking cute.<br />
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So far she hates her brace. The first set of shoes were too big and she kept slipping out of them, so today we got smaller shoes and I am praying they will work better and she will stop screaming bloody murder. This is hard, real hard. Having a newborn is hard enough, add this on top of it and I think Paul and I are about ready to loose our minds.<br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/70/D83210CB6AB84AFFEF87092D592877B3.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Leah Stonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09461493656539874697noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1866010483110320136.post-2411414118379949672013-02-10T15:40:00.001-07:002013-02-10T15:40:39.219-07:00Miss Vi and her adorable Club Feet<br />
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Yes you have read correctly, my sweet precious darling has been diagnosed with clubfoot on both of her feet. I was a bit concerned with how turned in her feet were at the hospital and seeing as we have family history of club feet my pediatrician immediately referred us to Denver Children's Hospital's Orthopedic Surgeon and Team. We went on Thursday February 7, and came home with tons of information, broken and hopeful hearts, and two casts on Violette's legs. <br />
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I would be lying if I said this has been easy. Changing a diaper is hard enough, now try doing it with two casts all the way up to the baby's hips. You thought a blowout diaper was a pain before, now realize you can't bathe your daughter to get the poop off and yes now it is on her casts. Finally we were getting the hang of breastfeeding and now we are starting over because the positioning is all weird and she is not happy about it. <br />
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I will remain hopeful though. In the big picture of life clubfeet is so minor and fixable. There have been several famous and gold medal winning athletes born with clubfeet like Mia Hamm and Kristy Yamaguchi and not that Vi has to win a gold medal, I would love her to have a life of enjoying the outdoors and athletics to some extent. This is what I know<br />
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1. We will be doing the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Club_foot" target="_blank">Ponseti method</a> involving a serious of weekly casts to fix her feet<br />
2. Her feet aren't as bad as many (she rates an 8 on a scale of 20, 20 being the most severe)<br />
3. She will have anywhere from 4-6 casts to fix her condition<br />
4. After the casting period she may have a minor surgery involving clipping and stretching her achillies tendon and then recasting for 3 weeks<br />
5. She will then wear these crazy cute shoes that turn her feet out and have a metal bar between them for 3 months<br />
6. After the 3 months she will continue with this brace when she is napping or sleeping until she is 5 years old to ensure she doesn't relapse.<br />
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Just typing all of this makes me tired. But if we take it one day at a time it is gonna be fine. I even found a couple blogs with families dealing with the same thing and it has been really helpful. Check this <a href="http://apeachtreecitylife.blogspot.com/2012/08/clubfoot-files-casting-progress.html" target="_blank">one out cause it has good info.</a><br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/70/D83210CB6AB84AFFEF87092D592877B3.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Leah Stonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09461493656539874697noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1866010483110320136.post-78334293220295196172013-02-10T15:10:00.001-07:002013-02-10T16:00:45.942-07:00Violette's and My Birth Story<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Since I am a first time mom, it was a little bit tricky to decipher if and when I was in labor. I had a hard time timing my contractions and finding regularity until there was no guessing anymore. :) I had had braxton hicks contractions throughout most of my third trimester, yet they were an extreme tightening of my upper belly and nothing like a period cramp.<br />
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I started feeling really nauseous on Thursday and after googling all the signs of labor I was convinced that the end was near. On Friday I went into the doctor's office because I was having weird cramping in my back and left the office feeling a little bummed as the doctor checked my cervix and said I was only dilated to 1 cm and that my cervix was still really high so there wasn't much of a chance of the baby coming that weekend.<br />
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Sunday morning I went to my prenatal water aerobics class because I was having lots of back pain and getting in the water was the only thing that relieved the pressure and when I got home I started experiencing a very mild period like cramp. I didn't think much of it and continued my daily activities. The cramping didn't really increase in intensity until like 3 am. Around 3 am I woke up to the thought that I peed my pants but I wasn't sure if it was pee or if it was amniotic fluid (sorry TMI but I want to save this story for myself for later) and I texted my doula to see if she could help me decipher if I was in labor. I went back to sleep and woke up around 6:30 am with a slightly more intense cramping sensation. Looking back I think I was just hanging out in early labor for awhile but I was in denial. By 7 am Paul had to take our friends to the airport (they were out visiting and helping Paul finish the basement) and as Paul was leaving I told him I may be in labor, but I am not sure so please hurry up. Well by 7:30 am I could only deal with the contractions on my hands and knees and I was crawling around my house trying to pack my hospital bag, by 7:45 am I called Paul in tears asking when he would be home and pleading that I needed to go to the hospital, by 8 am I called him and was swearing like a sailor pretty much expressing that he get home immediately and get me to the *$(&ing hospital or this baby is gonna be delivered at home. We called our dr's office and told them my contractions were 3 1/2 min apart and they wanted us to come in first before going to labor and delivery because my dr was out of town, which I thought was insane, but luckily the office was on the 2nd floor of the hospital and labor and delivery was on the 3rd floor. The car ride to the hospital felt like forever and I started making Paul count very slowly when I was having a contraction so I had something to focus on. Finally we arrived at Boulder Foothills Hospital and at this point my contractions were insane. We got off the elevator on the second floor and I had a contraction so painful it brought me to my hands and knees. The staff ran and got me a wheelchair, took me back to the dr office, and had me get ready to have the doctor check my cervix. Well when the Dr. walked in I was on my hands and knees on the bed with my bare butt in the air and this is how I met my delivery doctor for the first time. I told her if she didn't hurry I was gonna have this baby in her office so she checked me and confirmed what I already knew, I was 5 cm dilated 90% effaced and at a station 0. They whisked me upstairs and just in that time I had 3 different contractions so bad I had to scream for Paul to stop pushing the wheelchair and get out onto my hands and knees then get back in the wheelchair when the contraction was over.<br />
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In the short time I went from floor 2 to floor 3 I am convinced I entered transition (the dilation of 7 to 10 cm) as I was acting nuts and not myself. I was begging the nurse for an epidural and she said the anesthesiologist had 2 patients before me so I had to wait and anyways she had to get an IV line started and get me on fluids. She was twiddling her thumbs and taking her sweet time and I was so desperate for pain relief that I said very loudly to Paul "how do I fire her? I want a new nurse." Needless to say that nurse never came back in my room and I had a new nurse in seconds who had an IV in my arm immediately. All I remember is that I had to stand on my feet and bend over during the contractions and had to make Paul count nice and slow. Before the pain was diminishing by around 18 slow seconds (probably around 30 seconds) and now the pain wasn't easing up until about 50 seconds (about a minute and a little bit) and I was really struggling with not losing my mind. When I stood up for another contraction my water had broke all over the bed. The nurse asked to check my cervix before the anesthesiologist came to give me the epidural and I shouted "no one is going near my vagina until I get some drugs" (I told you I had lost my mind). Pretty soon I was on my hands and knees on the bed yelling that I had to push and I started trying to push my baby out. My labor was going so fast. Soon my savior arrived and made me sit for about 15 min while he gave me the epidural. Paul said I had the craziest eyes he had ever seen since I couldn't stand up for my contractions, I had to remain seated. Once it was administered (and by the way it didn't hurt a bit) I started to feel relief fairly quickly. The anesthesiologist did such a good job that I didn't loose function of my legs and could still feel my contractions enough to push, it just dulled some of the pain. The nurse checked my cervix right after the epidural and I was 9 1/2 cm. I went from 5 cm in the DR office to 9 1/2 cm in under 40 min. That progression usually takes first time moms hours to do.<br />
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After I was experiencing some relief and a moment to breath, I had Paul put in Harry Potter 4 so I could watch it and relax (funny I know but I napped to a Harry Potter movie like everyday of my pregnancy so this was soothing to me), the nurse had me lay on my side to help finish the dilation process. I could still feel immense pressure and was very uncomfortable and kept asking when I could push. About an hour later the dr came in, <a href="http://www.bouldermedicalcenter.com/providers/cieslikl.php" target="_blank">Dr. Laura Cieslik</a> (by the way did I mention that I love her) and told me I was now dilated and ready to push. I loved how the lights stayed dim expect for one spotlight and the only people around were my Dr., my nurse, my doula and my amazing Paul. It was very private and peaceful and I remember looking outside and noticed it had started snowing.<br />
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I started pushing and the Violette's heart rate kept dropping. The Dr. put me on oxygen to help and told me that there may be a chance we would need to vacuum her out and need an episiotomy. I wanted whatever would keep her safe, but was now very motivated to get her out. The Dr. kept trying different positions to help keep her heart rate up (I tried right side, hands and knees, and left side) and eventually having me push while laying on my left side did the trick. The dr asked what my baby's name was and I told her Violette and she kept talking to her saying "now Violette we need you to keep your heart rate up" and every time she called her by name the heart rate bounced back up. It was really cool. I pushed for a total of 45 min and out she came purple as can be with the umbilical chord wrapped around her neck twice. We didn't need to use the vacuum or perform an episiotomy (thank goodness). I watched as the Dr unwound it and the nurses whisked her away right beside me to suction her and get her breathing. She wasn't crying and I was terrified everything was okay. I remember crying and asking Paul if she was okay. Paul was by Violette's side and reassured me that she was breathing and her heart rate was back to normal. So I guess miss Violette wanted to be named Violet after all since she came out the color of her name.<br />
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I just remember while they were cleaning me up looking outside and seeing a beautiful snowy day and kept smiling that my little girl was delivered safely on a gorgeous snowy January afternoon at 1:36 pm weighing 7 lbs 6 oz and 20 " long.<br />
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I was able to walk fairly quickly after the delivery (great job anesthesiologist) and was transferred to post pardum recovery. Our room had a queen sized bed for Paul and I to share and views of the flatiron mountains to kill for. Prime Boulder real estate :) The nursing staff at Boulder Foothills hospital was amazing and I would highly recommend every woman to deliver here. I had a fabulous experience (aside from the 40 minutes I wanted to kill everyone).<br />
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We are in love with our new addition. Welcome to the Stone clan Miss Vi.<br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/70/D83210CB6AB84AFFEF87092D592877B3.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Leah Stonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09461493656539874697noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1866010483110320136.post-60308148718785619172013-01-09T17:10:00.003-07:002013-01-09T17:10:59.966-07:00Baby ShowersI have not really been blogging at all during this pregnancy. Sorry, but today you can see some sweet shots of my belly :)<br />
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I had 3 awesome baby showers. I am really lucky to have such great family and friend support. I had one shower in Denver, one in DC, and one in Utah.<br />
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My shower in Denver was on Saturday, November 3 and was hosted by my dear friend Colleen. She has become really special to me and we spend a lot of time together. She has a baby about 7 months older than my future girl so it will be fun to hang out together. I didn't remember to take photos from the shower, but here are a couple she sent me. It was so nice to have some of my friends I have made here over the past year come and support me. Even my mom made the trek out from Utah.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiouu0xgGy59TU5QX1xDmWFUBa5JJx-tr0BfnS2jRPai05dx-S3fW4gzXIgs6EaRTWdnx-j5UIVmFDH-2-uooVZ0HqmidpmgxJL50F5QokEsfStOjQjZuFDG3TthcbKE4Hj8iNbeRxfpiNM/s1600/denver+shower.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiouu0xgGy59TU5QX1xDmWFUBa5JJx-tr0BfnS2jRPai05dx-S3fW4gzXIgs6EaRTWdnx-j5UIVmFDH-2-uooVZ0HqmidpmgxJL50F5QokEsfStOjQjZuFDG3TthcbKE4Hj8iNbeRxfpiNM/s640/denver+shower.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
My shower in DC was a surprise hosted by my dear friends I was lucky enough to spend 2 years with while living there. I didn't take a single picture, dang it, so if any of you have pictures please send them my way. It was lovely and perfect and we got some great gifts and ate some yummy food. Thank you Nora, Emily, Lauren, and Tiffany.<br />
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My mom and little sis Kim threw me a shower in Utah. It was so special and perfect and I loved seeing all my friends and family back home. My mom ordered these great sugar cookies from Schmidt's Bakery in South Jordan, Utah decorated with my little girl's name, Violette (pronounced Vi-o-let). They were even better tasting than they look, which I think is hard to imagine. We had delicious taco soup and chicken noodle soup, a fabulous fresh fruit tray, yummy rolls from Great Harvest Bread Bakery, and Izze drinks. Violette and I made out like bandits and received some great gifts. Thank you, thank you, thank you. At this shower I am 33 weeks pregnant.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiI6Y51vsxXx_1zWpx2e2TYQFxNOK_kWwRWBrQZpAv5WYEqWBgKknMWnmVW6BnDJCTziNZ7Izb2V-2CQLTSLSQZOBt4_MneYUD2g24xItq015MErmbHCSrHya2BHcWSOgwGwP1PFy1QvV5/s1600/baby+shower+collage.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiI6Y51vsxXx_1zWpx2e2TYQFxNOK_kWwRWBrQZpAv5WYEqWBgKknMWnmVW6BnDJCTziNZ7Izb2V-2CQLTSLSQZOBt4_MneYUD2g24xItq015MErmbHCSrHya2BHcWSOgwGwP1PFy1QvV5/s640/baby+shower+collage.jpg" width="640" /></a> </div>
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Here I am with my sis-in-law Sarah who due about the same time as me (we are both having girls) and my little sis Kim who is about 9 weeks behind me in her pregnancy. Lots of pregnancy hormones in the room :)<br />
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I am now a ripe 36 1/2 weeks pregnant. Went to the Dr. yesterday and am starting to dilate, so we shall see when she makes her debut. <br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/70/D83210CB6AB84AFFEF87092D592877B3.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Leah Stonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09461493656539874697noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1866010483110320136.post-76222660724297343552012-11-20T19:17:00.003-07:002012-11-20T19:17:38.615-07:00Charlie Survived His Surgery<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Charlie had his surgery yesterday. They removed 3 larger tumors (his neck, front leg, and back leg), 3 smaller tumor-like looking bumps we asked to have removed, and his right lymph node on his neck. He had to stay the night at the Cancer Center. It was heartbreaking, but not as heartbreaking as seeing him today. I was not prepared for how big his incisions would be. The Dr. explained that the incisions are so big so they can get clean margins around the tumor to make sure they get all the cancer. We wont know if they got all the cancer until next week. Fingers crossed!!!</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">He is not very happy and I hope he will forgive me one day. Sorry Charlie Pants.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/70/D83210CB6AB84AFFEF87092D592877B3.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Leah Stonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09461493656539874697noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1866010483110320136.post-11738304409483720152012-11-08T11:49:00.004-07:002012-11-08T11:49:59.996-07:00Charlie Pants Has Cancer<br />
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I am so sad to report, but my precious seizure-alert service dog Charlie
Pants has 3 different mast cell tumors. We found out this past Monday
while making an emergency trip to the vet for Charlie to get some
stitches on his ear (he cut his ear on a rose bush and hit a vein while
we were out walking). While the vet was stitching him up we asked her
to examine some weird looking lumps, one on his neck, one on his front
leg, and one on his back leg. The bumps on his legs looked like tiny
blisters so we didn't think much of them and the one on his neck we were
once told was a fatty tissue build-up, so we weren't that worried they
were tumors. The vet aspirated the lumps and informed us later that day
(Monday) that indeed all three lumps are cancerous. I burst into tears
(being 6 1/2 months pregnant doesn't help with my ability to control my
emotions) nor does the fact that Charlie is truly the love of my life.
He gives me a 5 to 10 minute warning before I have a seizure and if he
dies at 7 years old I am gonna lose my best friend, my dearest
companion, and my miracle dog.<br />
<br />
We have been referred to Colorado State University's Veterinary School
in Fort Collins, Colorado and we met with a team of Doctors yesterday to
discuss our options. It is a fantastic place filled with loving and
caring students and doctors. So far this is what we know: fortunately
the cancer is currently localized in the 3 lumps so surgery is a good
option, unfortunately some of the lumps are so big that they can't get
all the cancer cells so Charlie will still need radiation and possibly
chemotherapy. The surgeons would like to operate tomorrow (Friday
11/9). What a week!<br />
<br />
I am very overwhelmed with this. We have a new baby coming in less than
3 months and the next 3 months are going to be spent taking Charlie to
surgery, radiation everyday for 15 - 20 days, and possibly chemo. Not
to mention the high cost (we are looking at around $7,000-$10,000). <br />
<br />
Does anyone have any success stories with Mast Cell Tumors and their dogs? <br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/70/D83210CB6AB84AFFEF87092D592877B3.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Leah Stonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09461493656539874697noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1866010483110320136.post-54995899360531149612012-09-13T16:59:00.001-06:002012-09-13T16:59:36.789-06:00The Little Monster Is...Well almost everyone I know voted boy except for my sister and my mom. This is what I had guessed <a href="http://www.paulandleah-stone.blogspot.com/2012/09/boy-parts-or-girl-parts.html" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSduKlGA6F4ahPW7Udo6ZEQbFeAk_3iJH5Gj4z8QlbrD5AYp6eRj48vUx-qxKC-pBvEDie0BDUvdfp0FQDi1PrvomIdM_h1wOT5PeL2sxhqEMhDn4iBkutfDbOEHrVX83BsWSYf_uAlfnt/s1600/baby+girl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSduKlGA6F4ahPW7Udo6ZEQbFeAk_3iJH5Gj4z8QlbrD5AYp6eRj48vUx-qxKC-pBvEDie0BDUvdfp0FQDi1PrvomIdM_h1wOT5PeL2sxhqEMhDn4iBkutfDbOEHrVX83BsWSYf_uAlfnt/s640/baby+girl.jpg" width="640" /> </a></div>
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Looks like this little monster is gonna wear pigtails.</div>
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It is a GIRL!!!</div>
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I guess I will never go off my motherly intuition again :) </div>
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<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/70/D83210CB6AB84AFFEF87092D592877B3.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Leah Stonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09461493656539874697noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1866010483110320136.post-41519825587027404082012-09-13T08:26:00.001-06:002012-09-13T08:26:58.480-06:00Boy Parts or Girl Parts???<div style="text-align: center;">
<img height="384" id="il_fi" src="http://www.twilitemoon.com/category/images/PMB/categoryimages/babyclothingCAPS.jpg" style="padding-bottom: 8px; padding-right: 8px; padding-top: 8px;" width="643" /><a href="http://www.twilitemoon.com/category/baby-clothing.aspx" target="_blank">via </a></div>
Today Paul and I get to find out the gender of our little Gremlin growing. About 3-4 weeks ago I had a dream I was at the ultrasound and it was a boy. I guess we shall see if I have any motherly intuition or not.<br />
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Place your vote now if you have one.<br />
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PS. I have something tricky up my sleeve to tell all the parents the gender since no one lives by us so stay tuned, I'll announce later today.<br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/70/D83210CB6AB84AFFEF87092D592877B3.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Leah Stonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09461493656539874697noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1866010483110320136.post-6118308244721353272012-09-12T13:21:00.006-06:002012-09-12T20:01:47.126-06:00Vintage/Retro PostersI just love the look of vintage/retro posters and would love some for my <a href="http://www.charliepantsmusic.com/" target="_blank">online singing lessons studio</a>, Charlie Pants Music.<br />
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I tried my hand at a couple today and thought I would post it here to spread the word of what I do for work.<br />
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<a href="http://www.charliepantsmusic.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcWzgFlgLMarKEe0Wd9HWsspQ_1scatkTUv2AWuNg3tOpDJ5iFmjQRINMk-OUQqWltcnzYjfS8JThXpziM1WvaB5QkSgASOLP4p9wCVEQUxRsr5TewdEKnPOAZCgYgUXqqA9spf3VxD0oZ/s1600/sing+lessons+retro+poster+smaller.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.charliepantsmusic.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuRgZP7ezgto_Ks78lX40uU6sDQfEVvWIPaR5cQQsBCAEARsB1RR6WslB9yp1lD7cCq1CqW63F0p7lNCn3JSoeJ9IUPg5GPiYIlNKI5dfXT3U6H9J_M4bKCqE84rf1ONJQ-apkxRB2YmCS/s640/military+singing+lessons.jpg" width="482" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.charliepantsmusic.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje-Ld_pP6SlXaR3KdrG19-ALUdqS_CW4luNjtHSGQNb5kXJVIVY_PaB07dlWS8Om_yEFwxkv4oYLQE5tn-SouhkOJxQcxIsijcSbfeX7M9uZ118ZcHcBqhyxNESbkxUsC9suDepSM4363Q/s640/keep+calm+take+singing+poster.jpg" width="470" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="http://charliepantsmusic.com/" target="_blank">Leah Stone of Speech Level Singing International</a>,
method to Michael Jackson and 120 Grammy Winners, offers <a href="http://www.charliepantsmusic.com/p/online-vocal-lessons.html" target="_blank">online singing lessons</a> and in person <a href="http://www.charliepantsmusic.com/p/workshops.html" target="_blank">group singing workshops and lessons. </a></span>
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<span style="font-size: medium;">Student's have been on</span></div>
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<ul><ul><ul><ul>
<li><span style="font-size: medium;">X Factor</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: medium;">Disney</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: medium;">American Idol</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: medium;">The Voice</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: medium;">Duets</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: medium;">Broadway</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: medium;">The Latin Grammy's</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: medium;">The Tony Awards</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: medium;">Black Entertainment Television & so much more... </span></li>
</ul>
</ul>
</ul>
</ul>
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Contact:</b> <a href="http://www.charliepantsmusic.com/p/contact.html" target="_blank"><b>charliepantsmusic (at) gmail (dot) com</b></a></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Web: </b><b><a href="http://www.charliepantsmusic.com/" target="_blank">www.charliepantsmusic.com</a></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: large;"><b>Blog: <a href="http://charliepantsmusiclessons.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">www.charliepantsmusiclessons.blogspot.com</a></b></span><br />
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<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/70/D83210CB6AB84AFFEF87092D592877B3.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Leah Stonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09461493656539874697noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1866010483110320136.post-34233022022067659972012-09-08T12:09:00.002-06:002012-09-08T12:11:25.974-06:00Homemade Witch HatMy sister called me today asking me if i knew how to make a witch hat as she and my other sisters and mother are going to <a href="http://www.google.com/imgres?um=1&hl=en&client=firefox-a&sa=N&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&biw=1075&bih=482&tbm=isch&tbnid=fx2wSqKdZXYJvM:&imgrefurl=http://yoginiology.com/at-home-yoga-for-the-mommy-to-be/&docid=ZmHsK9OZb503TM&imgurl=http://yoginiology.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/prenatal-yoga-benefits.jpg&w=400&h=400&ei=njRKUPnCN-GgigK6-oDABg&zoom=1&iact=hc&vpx=822&vpy=151&dur=384&hovh=182&hovw=182&tx=158&ty=138&sig=101033768845255839163&page=2&tbnh=132&tbnw=132&start=13&ndsp=17&ved=1t:429,r:16,s:13,i:222" target="_blank">Witch A Palooza</a> at Gardner Village in Salt Lake City, Utah. It is a fun experience to get the ladies together, let your inner witch out for the night, watch great dinner theater (This year will be Taming of the Brew), and admire some amazing Halloween Decorations.<br />
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<a href="http://gardnervillagetix.com/products/daily.php?month=10&year=2012">
<img alt="Witchapalooza Music Dinner Theater" border="0" src="http://gardnervillagetix.com/i/3956WitchapaloozaDinnerShow.jpg" title="Witchapalooza Music Dinner Theater" /></a><a href="http://gardnervillagetix.com/products/daily.php?month=10&year=2012">
</a>
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<a href="http://www.google.com/imgres?um=1&hl=en&client=firefox-a&sa=N&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&biw=1075&bih=482&tbm=isch&tbnid=fx2wSqKdZXYJvM:&imgrefurl=http://yoginiology.com/at-home-yoga-for-the-mommy-to-be/&docid=ZmHsK9OZb503TM&imgurl=http://yoginiology.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/prenatal-yoga-benefits.jpg&w=400&h=400&ei=njRKUPnCN-GgigK6-oDABg&zoom=1&iact=hc&vpx=822&vpy=151&dur=384&hovh=182&hovw=182&tx=158&ty=138&sig=101033768845255839163&page=2&tbnh=132&tbnw=132&start=13&ndsp=17&ved=1t:429,r:16,s:13,i:222" target="_blank"> </a><a href="http://gardnervillagetix.com/products/daily.php?month=10&year=2012">
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Many of the women wear impressive witch hats that you can purchase for about $40-80, but I say why pay when you can create on your own brilliant witch hat.<br />
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I went to pinterest and the web for inspiration<br />
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Here is what I suggest you purchase to make a great witch hat<br />
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Hit up your dollar store or Michaels or Hobby Lobby (don't forget the 40% off coupon)<br />
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-basic black witch hat (or another color if you like)<br />
-tulle (orange, purple, green, black)<br />
-feathers (I like the black feathers personally)<br />
-ribbon<br />
- plastic spiders<br />
-wire (black if you can find it)<br />
-anything else you can think of (spider webs, toy bats, etc.)<br />
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Get out your glue gun or super glue and get a creating. You have to remember to keep the thing light so don't load that sucker up with pumpkins or heavy spiders. The wire is incredibly important to wrap around the inside of the top to make it stick straight up or curl around like so<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO6QgR-1Pmu3TbBVc3F1fMGGtb32oqW8hAqP65bRmnKCHoNsDM7NnBcRiaPZoawbX9SIqEmgzKvFINA0SPJAafo8BcI1cIEvYtFNcupehyl5eDHfcE9JlBPvqVhdacL2qxmEffzvfzO5h9/s1600/139611657167986712_FeUaNG21_f.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO6QgR-1Pmu3TbBVc3F1fMGGtb32oqW8hAqP65bRmnKCHoNsDM7NnBcRiaPZoawbX9SIqEmgzKvFINA0SPJAafo8BcI1cIEvYtFNcupehyl5eDHfcE9JlBPvqVhdacL2qxmEffzvfzO5h9/s640/139611657167986712_FeUaNG21_f.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
For a cute idea if you aren't a hat wearer I found this on the great and talented Martha Stewart website, a Bat Headband. Directions can be found <a href="http://www.marthastewart.com/270734/bat-headband?czone=holiday/halloween-center/halloween-center-costumes&center=276965&gallery=275248&slide=270734" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
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<img class="img-xl slide-img align-left" src="http://www.marthastewart.com/sites/files/marthastewart.com/imagecache/img_xl/la0907_hall07_bathdbd_vert_0.jpg" title="Bat Headband" /></span></div>
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Maybe if I am feeling extra creative I will rig one up for you guys to see how I did it.<br />
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<a href="http://www.google.com/imgres?um=1&hl=en&client=firefox-a&sa=N&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&biw=1075&bih=482&tbm=isch&tbnid=fx2wSqKdZXYJvM:&imgrefurl=http://yoginiology.com/at-home-yoga-for-the-mommy-to-be/&docid=ZmHsK9OZb503TM&imgurl=http://yoginiology.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/prenatal-yoga-benefits.jpg&w=400&h=400&ei=njRKUPnCN-GgigK6-oDABg&zoom=1&iact=hc&vpx=822&vpy=151&dur=384&hovh=182&hovw=182&tx=158&ty=138&sig=101033768845255839163&page=2&tbnh=132&tbnw=132&start=13&ndsp=17&ved=1t:429,r:16,s:13,i:222" target="_blank"> </a><a href="http://gardnervillagetix.com/products/daily.php?month=10&year=2012">
</a>
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/70/D83210CB6AB84AFFEF87092D592877B3.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Leah Stonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09461493656539874697noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1866010483110320136.post-8156021052976310082012-09-07T11:54:00.000-06:002012-09-07T11:54:24.174-06:00Recipe Fail & Prenatal YogaSo I guess my idea to have others share their favorite recipe via their blog address was a major fail. It could mean a couple of things<br />
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1. No one reads this blog so it really didn't stand a chance to succeed<br />
2. My readers also don't know how to cook<br />
3. No one cared<br />
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I can take it though. It is fine, Paul will just continue to eat the crap I cook for him or the gourmet food he cooks when he has time.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img height="400" id="il_fi" src="http://yoginiology.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/prenatal-yoga-benefits.jpg" style="padding-bottom: 8px; padding-right: 8px; padding-top: 8px;" width="400" /> </div>
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<a href="http://www.google.com/imgres?um=1&hl=en&client=firefox-a&sa=N&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&biw=1075&bih=482&tbm=isch&tbnid=fx2wSqKdZXYJvM:&imgrefurl=http://yoginiology.com/at-home-yoga-for-the-mommy-to-be/&docid=ZmHsK9OZb503TM&imgurl=http://yoginiology.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/prenatal-yoga-benefits.jpg&w=400&h=400&ei=njRKUPnCN-GgigK6-oDABg&zoom=1&iact=hc&vpx=822&vpy=151&dur=384&hovh=182&hovw=182&tx=158&ty=138&sig=101033768845255839163&page=2&tbnh=132&tbnw=132&start=13&ndsp=17&ved=1t:429,r:16,s:13,i:222" target="_blank">via </a></div>
I am heading to Prenatal yoga in like 2 seconds and I feel weird every time the teacher tells me to place one hand on my heart and the other on my baby and then send the baby loving energy. My eyes are supposed to be closed, but I keep opening one eye to see if others are actually participating and usually the women all look so blissfully happy rubbing their bellies. Wonder what is my problem?<br />
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Have a great weekend.<br />
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PS. I posted on Charlie's blog about my <a href="http://superdogcharliepants.blogspot.com/2012/09/weekend-wag-fall-is-in-air.html" target="_blank">first fall sighting</a> so check it out.<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/70/D83210CB6AB84AFFEF87092D592877B3.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Leah Stonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09461493656539874697noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1866010483110320136.post-8563128489449711942012-08-15T12:45:00.000-06:002012-08-15T12:47:22.015-06:00Recipe Blog Hop<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<img height="296" id="il_fi" src="http://getitfree-cdn.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/blog/616.jpg" style="padding-bottom: 8px; padding-right: 8px; padding-top: 8px;" width="470" /> </div>
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The time has come that I finally look into the eye of the beast and tackle it.<br />
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I can't cook. I hate to cook. It is boring.<br />
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I do enjoy home cooked food though and unfortunately my amazing chef of a husband can't just be my full time stay at home husband. Dang it I need to make that happen ASAP.<br />
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This is what I need and I propose. All my readers and friends are going to help me play a game. I want you to blog about your easiest, most delicious, and preferably crock pot friendly meal and then send me the link. I don't want a pinterest recommendation- I want your recommendation complete with pictures and testimonials. Then I will try it out and we can laugh and how bad my turns out.<br />
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Good idea? Today this is what I am trying, found it on pinterest and don't know if it will turn out. It is in the crockpot as I type.<br />
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<img alt="Crockpot! 1 cup pineapple juice 1/2 cup packed brown sugar 1/3 cup light soy sauce 2 pounds chicken breast tenderloins. Cook on low 6-8 hrs and they should just fall apart." class="PinImageImg" src="http://media-cache-ec4.pinterest.com/upload/72831718944637091_1yLDsUs3_f.jpg" style="height: 317px; width: 500px;" /></a></div>
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Crockpot! 1 cup pineapple juice 1/2 cup packed brown sugar 1/3 cup
light soy sauce 2 pounds chicken breast tenderloins. Cook on low 6-8
hrs.<br />
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I am promised this is supposed to taste great and fall apart in my mouth. I will let you know. Please post your recipe on your blog and then post it in the comments so we can all try your recipe out :)<br />
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<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/70/D83210CB6AB84AFFEF87092D592877B3.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Leah Stonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09461493656539874697noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1866010483110320136.post-35582037073029036012012-08-08T17:57:00.000-06:002012-08-08T17:57:26.185-06:00It is TrueSo I guess swearing up and down that kiddos aren't in your future does make for a confused bunch of friends when we announce that we are having a baby. The rumors are true, I am not just getting fat, which is quite a relief:)<br />
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A couple of people have asked if we are having a boy based on the photo announcement you can see <a href="http://www.paulandleah-stone.blogspot.com/2012/08/drum-roll.html" target="_blank">here,</a> but I assure you that currently we don't know. The shoes in the picture as suppossed to be black, I was looking for a gender neutral color, but I think the exposure of the photo made them look blue. (PS. can you guess how long it took for the dogs to actually lay next to each other and the shoes to cooperate? A very long time, the shoes were the worst :)<br />
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Alas, when we know the gender, you guys will know. I guess we can take bets on what it will be. Which gender will Leah and Paul tolerate better?<br />
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On to more pressing issues, I need help finding a rug for my family room. Here is a photo of the room. The walls are orange, yes orange. I find it quite fun but am having problems deciding on a rug that is durable, easy to clean and inexpensive. Please help.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt1XcmjcwhaZ1F5p5K3rwpx3bzCF-gSdWSQmhx_3O7nP8Tjiq8YUfpQwoIVhyx3OGaWlSkpUOxz9lMliDgfU9UXtq1T-f3_E8OSq0HFHrO5ixFMPRp-Zv6AxslhvYidHgpjpqe8CWR3vwu/s1600/family+room.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt1XcmjcwhaZ1F5p5K3rwpx3bzCF-gSdWSQmhx_3O7nP8Tjiq8YUfpQwoIVhyx3OGaWlSkpUOxz9lMliDgfU9UXtq1T-f3_E8OSq0HFHrO5ixFMPRp-Zv6AxslhvYidHgpjpqe8CWR3vwu/s640/family+room.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Give me ideas or send me links of rugs you think would look good.<br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/70/D83210CB6AB84AFFEF87092D592877B3.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Leah Stonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09461493656539874697noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1866010483110320136.post-62442769748718816172012-08-07T08:25:00.000-06:002012-08-07T08:25:00.603-06:00Drum Roll....<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLyj3vrn2gM-wJDCgWtfXvIvlHcdpOz1Wc9sXkC1pn7eq1K7nFlaHUzMZK0FLuYstPPeOqkLSX1UU2_eIu2ASVOU-5BiRlT7UTnpWGCqO4hm9__R1PhFfLePI7QdnNVgyEj8lRWP7wr9Vx/s1600/dog+feet+announcement+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLyj3vrn2gM-wJDCgWtfXvIvlHcdpOz1Wc9sXkC1pn7eq1K7nFlaHUzMZK0FLuYstPPeOqkLSX1UU2_eIu2ASVOU-5BiRlT7UTnpWGCqO4hm9__R1PhFfLePI7QdnNVgyEj8lRWP7wr9Vx/s640/dog+feet+announcement+3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Paul and I are both a little terrified and a lot excited. The land of the kiddos here we come.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/70/D83210CB6AB84AFFEF87092D592877B3.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Leah Stonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09461493656539874697noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1866010483110320136.post-62510323276613160122012-07-13T22:33:00.001-06:002012-07-13T22:33:59.517-06:00Turning 30<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHKMd-e6l7M5myo3Oe5Is6fFoYuCxqFm1nndKgYuSE_sEUALML2kZrZ0N3wubb0X8dk2GB0wllu1CXuTZ-VYAWK4V178l6bHidU7jXL8Zmj7g83gBSUkzUQi-0LOsllL-tExS8O9gQjJvU/s1600/paul+fish.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHKMd-e6l7M5myo3Oe5Is6fFoYuCxqFm1nndKgYuSE_sEUALML2kZrZ0N3wubb0X8dk2GB0wllu1CXuTZ-VYAWK4V178l6bHidU7jXL8Zmj7g83gBSUkzUQi-0LOsllL-tExS8O9gQjJvU/s640/paul+fish.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Luckily Paul turns older first. He turns the big 3-0 tomorrow. I turn the big 3-0 on Tuesday. We are heading down to New Mexico for a fun, romantic weekend getaway. We will be relaxing in Red River, Taos, and Santa Fe. If you have been to any of these places and have any advice on things to do, eat, play, etc that would be great.<br />
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I have been thinking a lot about turning 30. A year ago turning 29 was miserable, I just kept thinking "Damn I am gonna be old next year." Isn't that funny to think that 30 is old? I have now had time to let it sink in that 30 isn't even close to old. Someone told me that 30's are for getting comfortable in your skin and knowing what is important in life. I can feel that taking hold and am excited for it to root.<br />
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So dear Paul here are the 30 most memorable things so far<br />
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1. You are the master of the Honey Dew list (thank you for building and fixing just about anything I can dream up and ask for).<br />
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2. Remember when you <a href="http://paulandleah-stone.blogspot.com/2008/04/i-chopped-down-tree.html" target="_blank">chopped down that huge tree</a> at our Sugarhouse house and you thought you were so awesome?<br />
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3. Our whale watch adventure while in Maui, although we only saw the tale of a whale and it wasn't all too exciting at least I could provide you with enjoyment while puking over the side of the boat.<br />
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4. You gave me Mr. Charlie Pants. I remember tiny paw prints walking up my chest and a wet tongue licking my face to wake me up one glorious day. He is a freaking awesome dog.<br />
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5. Buying our house in Sugarhouse (Salt Lake City, Utah) and all the many projects you did (mudroom, raised flower beds, outdoor room, my garage vocal studio, the yard and sprinkler system, so many more...)<br />
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6. <a href="http://sugarhousebeauty.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Selling our house in Sugarhouse</a>, (Utah) and moving across the country to Washington DC to go to graduate school together.<br />
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7. Our <a href="http://paulandleah-stone.blogspot.com/2010/10/leaf-peeping-2010.html" target="_blank">Fall Foliage trip back East</a> 1,776 miles driven over 12 states in 4 1/2 days<br />
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8. Our two week adventure through Italy. Although I wasn't allowed to take a picture of the David Statue you helped me sneak one anyways and somehow it turned out to be an embarrassing picture of just his weiner.<br />
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9. Getting pulled over by Italian cops while in Italy and me eating an entire bag of Fruitellas (kind of like mumbas).<br />
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10. The many bike races. Some that include not so fond memories (you forgot to register and bring cash as only way to register on race day) or when you did the whole race but somehow was no where to be found on the finish card. and great memories like when we were dating and I went to your Deer Valley race to hand out water and screamed so loudly for you that other parents asked me to yell for their boys too.<br />
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11. Calling me up to ask me if I put glass in your <a href="http://paulandleah-stone.blogspot.com/2010/07/pb.html" target="_blank">peanut butter and jelly sandwich.</a><br />
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12. Graduating together with our Master's Degrees.<br />
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13. Packing up the moving truck yet again and heading to Colorado to explore the Rockies.<br />
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14. When you <a href="http://paulandleah-stone.blogspot.com/2010/07/attack-of-escalator.html" target="_blank">cut your toe on an escalator</a> at Eddie Bauer's while in Chicago. Honestly babe, who does that?<br />
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15. How much you loved our first doberman Vixen.<br />
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16. How you and our current doberman Jack are BFFs. Although I get jealous cause you cuddle with him more than with me, I think it is sweet of the love between a boy and his dog.<br />
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17. Buying our <a href="http://paulandleah-stone.blogspot.com/2012/06/we-bought-house.html" target="_blank">home in Colorado</a>. Man I love this house.<br />
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18. Making out with you when we were dating. I just loved dating you. You were a great boyfriend. A great husband too, but it is always fun to look back at those young moments of love.<br />
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19. Our first kiss at the drive-in in Rexburg. You got a cool old red truck and put a mattress in the back. I am pretty sure you had the whole thing planned. I am pretty sure we "watched" the "Planet of the Apes" and I think "Legally Blonde".<br />
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20. When we used to send cassette tapes to each other while you were heading to Russia so we could still hear each other's voices. So romantic and sweet of us.<br />
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21. Watching you graduate with you Bachelor's. I was so stinking proud.<br />
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22. How everyone thought you were gay while in your undergraduate cause you were so hot and dressed well and rode the red scooter with matching helmet to school. Best compliment I say :)<br />
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23. Our beloved movie watching marathons.<br />
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24. Riding that motorcycle up in Rexburg and riding in the tractor on the farm.<br />
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25. Our road trip of the Southern States Spring Break of 2011. What a fun trip. Remember how scared I was on the crocodiles and wouldn't sleep in the tent with you? Haha.<br />
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26. You giggle gets me everytime.<br />
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27. Taking art class together. Remember that horribly ugly baby you drew?<br />
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28. I love eating the creations you make in the kitchen.<br />
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29. Our trip to Australia to visit my dad and mom in Adelaide. How cool was it to pet a Koala, feed giraffees, and feed baby kangaroos. Remember how freaked you were that they were going to kick you so you kind of kept running from them with trepidation?<br />
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30. Our wedding day in Hawaii. That was really something special. Love you babe.<br />
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I have so many more and have a hard time thinking of all the good ones on the spot, but know that I love you. Happy 30th Babe.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/70/D83210CB6AB84AFFEF87092D592877B3.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Leah Stonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09461493656539874697noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1866010483110320136.post-33311380038849914762012-06-13T18:18:00.004-06:002012-06-13T18:21:36.482-06:00We Bought a House<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWoeHFL4geViVF-0FQgmvQvAOMcuQOVCS9aj13avCUoeP7PxD6z2WDdIqy9l8Tu72wTTNNEIw1Pz6E3rDG91YAlFByJl0C3lB6okGohSLjluFf_qOpQtQr4nCmmTIPMKBvrE1OW2Kp9aO0/s1600/we're-moving.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWoeHFL4geViVF-0FQgmvQvAOMcuQOVCS9aj13avCUoeP7PxD6z2WDdIqy9l8Tu72wTTNNEIw1Pz6E3rDG91YAlFByJl0C3lB6okGohSLjluFf_qOpQtQr4nCmmTIPMKBvrE1OW2Kp9aO0/s1600/we're-moving.jpg" /></a></div>
Image: <a href="http://stephaniewilliamsphotography.com/">Stephanie Williams Photography</a><br />
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I am excited to report that the Stone house has moved about a block away. <br />
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We bought a cute yellow bungalow with a large front porch in our current neighborhood, <a href="http://www.bradburnvillage.com/" target="_blank">Bradburn</a>, of Westminster, Colorado.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiICsZbkC16Q2G6IgqVh2SZeoMbbje2PsnHRUJj4udTFeCisJzW2vGz0kRcaiBlVAYtA9BUmUm4Q-EQEQ9QlIpC1H1zVNISkISqMWKSy7NpMt1UlZW57ZX-RQj7RjkP8kD4SVrg480hIRSQ/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiICsZbkC16Q2G6IgqVh2SZeoMbbje2PsnHRUJj4udTFeCisJzW2vGz0kRcaiBlVAYtA9BUmUm4Q-EQEQ9QlIpC1H1zVNISkISqMWKSy7NpMt1UlZW57ZX-RQj7RjkP8kD4SVrg480hIRSQ/s640/photo.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Pretty fun. I have been nesting up a storm :) Now I get to pick paint colors, I love this part. Any ideas for a whole house color palette? I like grey's and blue's. Although my family room is orange and originally I thought that color was gonna go, I kind of love it, and think it will stay. I will post a photo so you can see it and you can vote.<br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/70/D83210CB6AB84AFFEF87092D592877B3.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Leah Stonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09461493656539874697noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1866010483110320136.post-16069225192752116222012-06-05T19:27:00.002-06:002012-06-05T19:27:37.397-06:00Parenting like the FrenchI want to buy these books because I saw this post a long time about <a href="http://joannagoddard.blogspot.com/2012/02/motherhood-mondays-how-to-raise-kids.html" target="_blank">How to Raise Kids Like a French Woman</a> on Cup of Jo's blog and I just find it very interesting and several points I would like to follow when I have little ones of my own.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-tSRUM-NPXbmlL3vfXQ2vmkRoC6vzYtZ-_m8eEYFUntn2wqJETazUM2m3V5DGyZZkxh17Pl4416MG4tqwpWJCZXuEinfmyLMVkxbQSSqB1wEQx5HJoHRV12yfe5YZwTima9RmtrwNqMw/s1600/bringing-up-bebe-baby-how-to-raise-your-child-french-woman-french-parenting.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-tSRUM-NPXbmlL3vfXQ2vmkRoC6vzYtZ-_m8eEYFUntn2wqJETazUM2m3V5DGyZZkxh17Pl4416MG4tqwpWJCZXuEinfmyLMVkxbQSSqB1wEQx5HJoHRV12yfe5YZwTima9RmtrwNqMw/s600/bringing-up-bebe-baby-how-to-raise-your-child-french-woman-french-parenting.jpg" width="400" /> </a></div>
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Cup of Jo also blogged about <a href="http://joannagoddard.blogspot.com/2012/06/french-kids-eat-everything.html#more" target="_blank">how to teach your kids</a> how to eat by using tips from the French. What is it with those Frenchies? Too smart maybe. Check these tips out and tell me what you think. I really love the idea of not using food as a reward. Smart.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht4dD939wP6FH6DOsTAg715u2WLXJ29lNjAIincQpMPuQWCI46u3YzIV-RMCHRuUwGNUX1hobdQm8SqVndFcRHBHYNNibBOV_vxE-N6Of8Rdc0_xqydqnH471ZoIVH1uUpV8oqK3EwdH0/s1600/french-kids-eat-everything-book-.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht4dD939wP6FH6DOsTAg715u2WLXJ29lNjAIincQpMPuQWCI46u3YzIV-RMCHRuUwGNUX1hobdQm8SqVndFcRHBHYNNibBOV_vxE-N6Of8Rdc0_xqydqnH471ZoIVH1uUpV8oqK3EwdH0/s600/french-kids-eat-everything-book-.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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Illustrations by <a href="http://shop.sarahjanestudios.com/" target="_blank">Sarah Jane Wright</a> for <a href="http://goo.gl/sHKJf" target="_blank">French Kids Eat Everything</a>)
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/70/D83210CB6AB84AFFEF87092D592877B3.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Leah Stonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09461493656539874697noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1866010483110320136.post-43200656093908475712012-04-11T16:13:00.000-06:002012-04-26T11:08:17.597-06:00Custom Pet Portraits<script type="text/javascript" src="//assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js"></script>Get a custom oil portrait of your pet. It is the perfect gift to remember your loving best friend forever. Contact me about pricing and to place an order<br />
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<a href="mailto:leahstone17@gmail.com">leahstone17@gmail.com</a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsfl-oyOtFg4psRZzxAoxW-67rlJ144H6iDHHKhUyg3HNmO1PiUWWzMRLr1asRsR2pJc37g_Tzj75ITEt9wpmDlSXwEuL4D3GMrD9BtVVuxPeLNertUeGWiebVgZf8qf0ltLqxFFuuT2FL/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsfl-oyOtFg4psRZzxAoxW-67rlJ144H6iDHHKhUyg3HNmO1PiUWWzMRLr1asRsR2pJc37g_Tzj75ITEt9wpmDlSXwEuL4D3GMrD9BtVVuxPeLNertUeGWiebVgZf8qf0ltLqxFFuuT2FL/s640/photo.JPG" width="506" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/70/D83210CB6AB84AFFEF87092D592877B3.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Leah Stonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09461493656539874697noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1866010483110320136.post-16619752279614535122012-04-09T10:02:00.001-06:002012-04-09T10:03:37.417-06:00Buying a HomeSo Paul and I are in the midst of buying a house which as many of you know if fun, exciting, and sometimes annoying. It is a cute yellow bungalow in a great neighborhood for making good friends, doggie play dates, and families. I am really hoping it all works out smoothly. I have been pinning things like crazy that I want to do to the house, but the first order of business is this...<br />
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<a href="http://media.cdn-redfin.com/photo/94/bigphoto/701/1075701_0.jpg" style="display: block; position: relative;" target="Redfin_Property_Photo"><img alt="11827 OSCEOLA St, Westminster, CO 80031" height="480" id="big_photo_inner_1" src="http://media.cdn-redfin.com/photo/94/bigphoto/701/1075701_0.jpg" style="left: 16px; top: 12px;" title="11827 OSCEOLA St, Westminster, CO 80031" width="640" /></a> </div>
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The house is yellow with white (possibly cream) trim which is adorable. The shingles up above are not so adorable, they are light pink. Yeah you heard me, light pink. The picture doesn't show the nature of this situation, but trust me a yellow and pink house is not a good combination. So immediately when we move in I want to pain the shingles a different color so I am taking votes. I am thinking a nice gray would look great or even just continue the yellow up above on the shingles. What do you think?</div>
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</a></div>Leah Stonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09461493656539874697noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1866010483110320136.post-18804851566834994302012-03-28T19:15:00.003-06:002012-03-28T19:15:41.563-06:00A White KitchenI really love the look of a white kitchen (white cabinets, white/grey soapstone counter tops, and white subway tile) but I am not sure if I am sold on the idea of doing it for my house. I have 2 black short haired pups, Charlie and Jack, and I can just imagine their tiny hairs getting stuck on the cabinet doors and I would find myself whipping them down endlessly.<br />
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Tell me what you think. Do you like white kitchens? If you could paint your cabinets any color what color would they be?<br />
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<img alt="great beams and mix of wood and white." class="PinImageImg" height="436" src="http://media-cache1.pinterest.com/upload/191543790371118309_3kLdfyLC_f.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<img alt="white kitchen {la dolce vita}" class="PinImageImg" src="http://media-cache4.pinterest.com/upload/219972763018898934_BcAe9ZQQ_f.jpg" style="height: 585px; width: 450px;" /> </div>
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<a class="PinImage ImgLink" href="http://bigchill.com/site/fridges/kitchen-photos/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">via </a><a href="http://www.housebeautiful.com/" target="_blank">House Beautiful</a><a class="PinImage ImgLink" href="http://bigchill.com/site/fridges/kitchen-photos/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> <img alt="Big Chill retro appliances" class="PinImageImg" src="http://media-cache9.pinterest.com/upload/209839663857914255_c4rZG1ww_f.jpg" style="height: 461px; width: 600px;" />
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If I had an extra $0000 for appliances I love the look of these retro appliances by <a href="http://bigchill.com/site/" target="_blank">Big Chill</a>.</div>
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<a class="PinImage ImgLink" href="http://ths.gardenweb.com/forums/load/kitchbath/msg1204523015640.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> <img alt="Creamy kitchen/white appliances" class="PinImageImg" src="http://media-cache2.pinterest.com/upload/42432421458647327_fLXAQa4W_f.jpg" style="height: 433px; width: 599px;" /></a><a class="PinImage ImgLink" href="http://bit.ly/GSRCt7" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">
<img alt="color for white kitchen...love green milk glass," class="PinImageImg" src="http://media-cache4.pinterest.com/upload/209347082648683456_kI7qFqc6_f.jpg" style="height: 550px; width: 550px;" />
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All photos via <a href="http://pinterest.com/leahstone17/kitchen/" target="_blank">pinterest</a><br />
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