tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-39258509733346522932024-03-12T22:58:05.175-04:00... and away we go!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11193829254897418422noreply@blogger.comBlogger154125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3925850973334652293.post-81281639630635482312015-02-25T13:15:00.000-05:002015-02-25T13:15:49.735-05:00A Lego Party!!This month we celebrated Andrew's 5th birthday with a Lego party for a bunch of his best buddies here in Baltimore. His actual birthday is at the end of December and with the holidays and traveling to and from Canada it worked much better to wait a bit and take the time to plan it just right!<br />
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To say that Andrew is a Lego fan would be putting it mildly. He plays with Lego constantly and when he's not playing with it, he's talking about it, reading a book about it or drawing plans for his next creation. He is often heard to say "Mommy, Lego is my life!" So with this kind of dedication, there was absolutely no question about the birthday party theme for this year!<br />
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Finding ideas and inspiration for throwing a Lego Birthday Party is super easy. The popular theme is all over Pinterest and the creative ideas that people have put together are amazing. I was very tempted to try everything <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/lleeper/lego-party/" target="_blank">I pinned</a>, but forced myself to be reasonable and kept it simple! Our decorations consisted mostly of a Happy Birthday Banner that I printed from <a href="http://bigklittleg.blogspot.com/2012/05/lego-party-free-printable-banner.html" target="_blank">this website</a>, some balloons tethered with jars of Lego, a few colourful strands of garland and some of Andrew's most impressive Lego builds.<br />
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I made each child a Lego T-shirt using printable iron on transfers that had their first initial and we also made some cute Lego construction hats using a plain hat and a Sharpie.<br />
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When the children arrived I set them up with some <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/246501779580811265/" target="_blank">mini-figure colouring pages</a> to keep them busy while we waited for all of the guests to arrive. We also played a game of "Let's make a mini-figure"(our Lego version of "Pin the Tale on the Donkey"), had a <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/246501779580375421/" target="_blank">Lego Spoon Race</a> and had fun with a Piniata.<br />
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For lunch we had the kids build their own mini pizza and served them with veggies and fruit salad, followed by cake, cupcakes and ice-cream. </div>
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As the kids packed up to leave, they each received a little bag of Lego chocolates, some cookies and a new Lego City book. </div>
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It was a great party, the kids had a blast and Andrew was thrilled. It is so rewarding to watch him that day. He loved being the centre of attention and we loved celebrating what an amazing kid he is!</div>
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<img align="right" src="http://i1266.photobucket.com/albums/jj540/leanneleeper/signature.png" />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11193829254897418422noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3925850973334652293.post-47168844063451700732015-02-11T08:15:00.000-05:002015-02-11T08:15:14.786-05:00Simple Valentines...This year, Andrew's preschool class will be having a "Love Note Exchange" to celebrate Valentine's Day. He attends a Nature Preschool where they focus on teaching children to conserve and be kind to the environment. To this end, they have asked that we work with our kids to make simple valentines out of recycled or natural materials.<br />
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We decided to use some of the many paper grocery bags that have accumulated in our pantry and do some potato stamping. After cutting a few hearts I realized there was a super fast way to cut multiple hearts at a time…<br />
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How efficient is that?? Eight hearts from each bag, in less than a minute!!</div>
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Andrew worked very hard adding hearts to each valentine using a </div>
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potato stamp and some acrylic craft paint.</div>
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He then wrote his name on a smaller heart that we glued to the brown paper. </div>
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I think encouraging the class to exchange handmade Valentines is a great idea. It gave us a purposeful way to work on some cutting, gluing and printing skills and Andrew is proud of the little "love notes" that he made for his friends. </div>
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<img align="right" src="http://i1266.photobucket.com/albums/jj540/leanneleeper/signature.png" />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11193829254897418422noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3925850973334652293.post-10745197679163611692015-02-09T14:38:00.002-05:002015-02-09T14:38:31.296-05:00Avocado & Pear SmoothieThis Christmas we got a new blender and have been having all sorts of fun experimenting with different smoothie recipes. My kids will down just about anything that comes in the form of a smoothie, so I've enjoyed the challenge of seeing just what I can sneak into their little bodies! Green Smoothies are our favourite, and while Rob and I love <a href="https://vitamix.com/Find-Recipes/I/T/Its-Easy-Being-Green-Smoothie" target="_blank">this one</a> the most, it's a bit intense for the boys. They prefer something with a yogurt base. One of our favourite creations has been an Avocado & Pear Smoothie. It's a bit different than a lot of the recipes I have come across so I thought I would share!<br />
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<u>Avocado & Pear Smoothie</u></div>
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1/2 of one avocado</div>
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1 pear</div>
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1/4 cup of Greek yogurt</div>
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1 cup of baby kale</div>
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10 ice cubes (approximate)</div>
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1 Tbsp blue agave nectar</div>
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1/4 cup apple juice (more for desired consistency)</div>
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The Avocado & Pear Smoothie is awesome for kids because it has a great texture. The avocado gives it the smooth consistency that you would normally get using a banana but is a nice alternative to the typical banana smoothie flavour. Plus, my kids normally don't like avocado (not to mention kale!!) so I'm happy to get a bit more nutritional variety into their diet!</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-D5Azg9IR_7Q/VNkFcGePNmI/AAAAAAAACfo/i8A8j9nRpj4/s1600/smoothie%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="avocado smoothie" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-D5Azg9IR_7Q/VNkFcGePNmI/AAAAAAAACfo/i8A8j9nRpj4/s1600/smoothie%2B2.jpg" height="400" title="avocado & pear smoothie" width="305" /></a></div>
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What's your favourite smoothie recipe? We're always looking for something new to try!!</div>
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<img align="right" src="http://i1266.photobucket.com/albums/jj540/leanneleeper/signature.png" />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11193829254897418422noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3925850973334652293.post-86894649955794865652015-02-04T15:00:00.003-05:002015-02-04T15:00:50.477-05:00Developing Scissor Skills...Last summer I shared that Andrew had been struggling a bit with his <a href="http://andawaywego123.blogspot.com/2014/07/scissor-skills-for-preschoolers.html" target="_blank">scissor skills</a> and that I was hoping to focus on helping him to develop his strength and confidence with some new activities. We've continued to work away, cutting lots of different materials and I am happy to say that his attitude and ability have greatly improved!! I wanted to share one of the activities he has enjoyed the most. It combines scissor practice with letter sounds and structure… bonus!<br />
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This Scissor Skill Development activity is something your little one can work on over many sittings. It takes a few minutes to set up at first, but is then ready to go for for the future with minimal prep. To make "Andrew's Book of Letters" I joined 15 pieces of colourful card stock with two ring clips. Using the front and back of each page I printed each letter of the alphabet (one letter per page), followed by "is for". </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-l31bbI3EsPE/VNJyaUUJ3SI/AAAAAAAACe8/ZMnaCZ1elf8/s1600/letter%2Bbook%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-l31bbI3EsPE/VNJyaUUJ3SI/AAAAAAAACe8/ZMnaCZ1elf8/s1600/letter%2Bbook%2B1.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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When it is time to work on the cutting activity, Andrew cuts scrap paper into small pieces until he has a small pile. We talk about the letter we are focusing on, brainstorming a good word to complete the "is for" sentence. We trace the large printed letter with our finger a few times and he glues the paper pieces to the large printed letter. </div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vvijrbrzX_w/VNJyaTfnENI/AAAAAAAACfI/CCK0Va0YRdY/s1600/letter%2Bbook%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vvijrbrzX_w/VNJyaTfnENI/AAAAAAAACfI/CCK0Va0YRdY/s1600/letter%2Bbook%2B2.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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I found <a href="http://www.amazon.com/ALEX%C2%AE-Toys-Artist-Squeeze-Scissors/dp/B003B7D6FU/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1423079619&sr=8-6&keywords=kids+scissors+with+spring" target="_blank">these scissors</a> at Target. They have a small spring loaded switch that can be flipped up to help the scissors open up easily between snips. Andrew really likes them and thinks they help him to go "super speed"! He also enjoys using my scrap booking scissors. </div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tx9KwSNkp30/VNJyamd41RI/AAAAAAAACfA/ak7rttQMBaI/s1600/letter%2Bbook%2B3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tx9KwSNkp30/VNJyamd41RI/AAAAAAAACfA/ak7rttQMBaI/s1600/letter%2Bbook%2B3.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
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This has been a great activity for Andrew. It keeps him busy for just the right amount of time (before he loses interest and moves onto something else) and is well suited for him as a tactile learner. I have seen some great gains in his cutting accuracy, but more importantly he is much less frustrated when working with scissors. Success!</div>
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You may also find this helpful. </div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9z72T46EJyI/U9lEahfhdzI/AAAAAAAACSU/TywgwJ3GLKM/s1600/scissor%2Bskills%2Bwith%2Btext.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9z72T46EJyI/U9lEahfhdzI/AAAAAAAACSU/TywgwJ3GLKM/s1600/scissor%2Bskills%2Bwith%2Btext.jpg" height="200" title="" width="135" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://andawaywego123.blogspot.com/2014/07/scissor-skills-for-preschoolers.html" target="_blank">Scissor Skills for Preschoolers</a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZuyRSp16F1I/VMAAaJ1hQjI/AAAAAAAACdE/bSr8sJhXIvg/s1600/Leeper35.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZuyRSp16F1I/VMAAaJ1hQjI/AAAAAAAACdE/bSr8sJhXIvg/s1600/Leeper35.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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Cecelia "Grace" Leeper</div>
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Nov. 3rd 2014 - 7lbs 6oz</div>
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Gracie was instantly loved by her brothers (a little too aggressively by Henry) and has taken to the role of little sister very well. She tolerates being held by both of them and recovers well from their less than gentle affections. </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BiZLdzZG6PY/VMABwenkPKI/AAAAAAAACdU/XjpRjQGTP_c/s1600/Leeper22.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BiZLdzZG6PY/VMABwenkPKI/AAAAAAAACdU/XjpRjQGTP_c/s1600/Leeper22.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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Andrew is already one of her favourite people. She has an endless supply of grins and giggles for him and he is absolutely smitten with her.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-csPnhb8v31A/VMAALvrdxmI/AAAAAAAACc0/M5a35Yumvco/s1600/Leeper51.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-csPnhb8v31A/VMAALvrdxmI/AAAAAAAACc0/M5a35Yumvco/s1600/Leeper51.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
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The last two months have been a bit of a whirlwind and when people asked me how we were adjusting to having a third child I would respond with comments like, "it's going really well" and "so far, so good"! It all seemed a bit too easy... until we left the comfort of our home and made the trek to Canada for the Holidays. Having three kids, and traveling with three kids are two very different situations!! But we all made it back alive and have settled nicely into the New Year with our new girl, and our new normal!</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-78sPYS503HU/VMAAfdOkUEI/AAAAAAAACdM/B_Jaqh_-QmY/s1600/Leeper24.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-78sPYS503HU/VMAAfdOkUEI/AAAAAAAACdM/B_Jaqh_-QmY/s1600/Leeper24.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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(typical Henry!)</div>
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Gracie is perfect. She eats well, she sleeps well and her personality seems to fall somewhere on the spectrum between her all too serious oldest brother and her all too silly older brother. I feel so blessed to be the one to watch what kind of little girl she becomes!</div>
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Photo credit: http://www.monicaridgely.com</div>
<img align="right" src="http://i1266.photobucket.com/albums/jj540/leanneleeper/signature.png" />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11193829254897418422noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3925850973334652293.post-64850138328341648232014-10-24T11:18:00.001-04:002014-10-26T20:27:53.987-04:00DIY Ninja Costumes...Halloween is here and the boys couldn't be more excited! It was decided months ago that they would be ninjas this year and after much deliberation on colour options and symbols, we have finished our costumes!<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NdIhV-YMPTM/VEpmUbV66hI/AAAAAAAACag/hPg1HEz7Qkw/s1600/ninja%2Btitle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NdIhV-YMPTM/VEpmUbV66hI/AAAAAAAACag/hPg1HEz7Qkw/s1600/ninja%2Btitle.jpg" height="640" width="491" /></a></div>
Andrew is a big fan of the Lego show "Ninjago" and is adamant that he is dressed as the character <a href="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/31yxJrawVaL.jpg" target="_blank">Jay</a>. I was happy he wasn't too particular about the specifics, because my plan for for the costume was pretty simple.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pdbEBsTfqUo/VEpmVPvSCZI/AAAAAAAACao/n9EL18c_J8w/s1600/ninjas%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pdbEBsTfqUo/VEpmVPvSCZI/AAAAAAAACao/n9EL18c_J8w/s1600/ninjas%2B1.jpg" height="320" width="640" /></a></div>
The photo shoot of the finished costumes didn't go exactly as I had imagined. I think I would have had more luck photographing two jumping fleas... but I guess that's what happens when you put two little boys in ninja costumes!<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GSaJjhUVXpM/VEpmVzJdQkI/AAAAAAAACa8/Dp02a3tlFew/s1600/ninjas%2B3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GSaJjhUVXpM/VEpmVzJdQkI/AAAAAAAACa8/Dp02a3tlFew/s1600/ninjas%2B3.jpg" height="306" width="400" /></a></div>
I picked up the black tights and and shirts for the ninja costumes at Target. I found them both in the girls department... don't tell Andrew! The masks are ski masks that I ordered from <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005345DBY/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o06_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1" target="_blank">Amazon</a> which should come in handy once we return to Canada.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CgtikP0ytJM/VEpmVDAkUpI/AAAAAAAACaw/dNZsq0J9dpw/s1600/ninjas%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CgtikP0ytJM/VEpmVDAkUpI/AAAAAAAACaw/dNZsq0J9dpw/s1600/ninjas%2B2.jpg" height="325" width="400" /></a></div>
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To make the ninja smocks I folded a piece of fabric in half and lined up one of the boys t-shirts along the top fold. Using the t-shirt as a guide I cut the shape below making the top about one inch wider than the shoulders of the shirt. I used the neck of the t-shirt as a guide for the triangular neckline. At this point, I ironed, pinned and sewed a simple seam along the outside of the entire smock as well as around the neckline. </div>
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To make the belt, I cut a band of fabric that was approximately 3' by 8" in dimensions. I folded it in half and ironed along the fold. Then opened the strip and folded each long edge into the middle fold. After ironing the length of the band I folded the entire thing in half (along the original crease) tucked in the ends and sewed along the perimeter to make a belt. This belt was then sewn to the back of the smock. </div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mlYl-sUOuOk/VEpmUbYZH_I/AAAAAAAACac/OISE6zzOODQ/s1600/ninja%2Bcostume%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mlYl-sUOuOk/VEpmUbYZH_I/AAAAAAAACac/OISE6zzOODQ/s1600/ninja%2Bcostume%2B1.jpg" height="490" width="640" /></a></div>
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Using my Silhouette and the Silhouette Fabric Interfacing, I cut out a dragon and added one to the front of the smock, sewing around the outside.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-q8kCxn8egZI/VEpqhWDczGI/AAAAAAAACbQ/tUt9x6LirVg/s1600/DSC_0092.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-q8kCxn8egZI/VEpqhWDczGI/AAAAAAAACbQ/tUt9x6LirVg/s1600/DSC_0092.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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To make the boy's Nun Chucks I cut pieces of pipe insulation, glued a short length of plastic chain to the inside and wrapped the handles in duct tape. </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Uhia5Ew0F9E/VEpmV18OzyI/AAAAAAAACbA/rqrMzx1TnXA/s1600/nunchucks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Uhia5Ew0F9E/VEpmV18OzyI/AAAAAAAACbA/rqrMzx1TnXA/s1600/nunchucks.jpg" height="490" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Yo82ITwzJtg/VEpmUQaVwEI/AAAAAAAACaY/KKw_uGUHiYw/s1600/ninja%2B4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Yo82ITwzJtg/VEpmUQaVwEI/AAAAAAAACaY/KKw_uGUHiYw/s1600/ninja%2B4.jpg" height="330" width="400" /></a></div>
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I'm happy to have checked this job off of my To Do list... who knows, we may have another little ninja to add to the pack before October 31st!</div>
<img align="right" src="http://i1266.photobucket.com/albums/jj540/leanneleeper/signature.png" />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11193829254897418422noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3925850973334652293.post-79926944566129839902014-10-16T15:33:00.000-04:002014-10-16T15:33:09.331-04:00Cake Batter Pumpkin Spice Squares<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Here is a quick and easy dessert recipe to celebrate fall. It has the quintessential pumpkin spice flavour of the season and is topped with melted white chocolate. </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0blDGvgvZTc/VEAdCKOdLJI/AAAAAAAACaA/nfO8mIfeNQw/s1600/pumpkin%2Bsquares%2Btitle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0blDGvgvZTc/VEAdCKOdLJI/AAAAAAAACaA/nfO8mIfeNQw/s1600/pumpkin%2Bsquares%2Btitle.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-N34t3f3rc0w/VEAV9B9uB_I/AAAAAAAACZc/2dVLROGtZMU/s1600/pumpkin%2Bsquares%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-N34t3f3rc0w/VEAV9B9uB_I/AAAAAAAACZc/2dVLROGtZMU/s1600/pumpkin%2Bsquares%2B2.jpg" height="425" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><u>Ingredients</u></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 21px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">1 box of vanilla cake mix</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">1 Tbsp pumpkin pie spice<br style="background-color: white; line-height: 21px; text-align: -webkit-auto;" /><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 21px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">1/4 C pureed pumpkin</span><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 21px; text-align: -webkit-auto;" /><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 21px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">1/4 C table cream</span><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 21px; text-align: -webkit-auto;" /><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 21px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">1/4 C milk</span><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 21px; text-align: -webkit-auto;" /><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 21px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">1 egg</span><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 21px; text-align: -webkit-auto;" /><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 21px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">1/2 C of white chocolate chips</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 21px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">1 tsp vegetable oil</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">Empty cake mix into a large bowl and sift together with pumpkin pie spice. Add pumpkin puree, cream, milk and egg and stir until the mixture is smooth. Pour batter into a greased 8x8 cake dish/pan and bake at 350°F for approximately 40 min. The squares are finished when the edges are golden and crispy and the middle is still quite soft (they will harden as they set). Once the squares have cooled (in pan) for about 20 minute you can prepare the chocolate drizzle. In a </span></span><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">small </span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"> glass bowl slowly melt white chocolate chips in microwave or over a double boiler, stirring regularly. Once melted it may be necessary to add a small amount of vegetable oil to thin the chocolate. The chocolate is the right consistency when you are able to drizzle it from a spoon in a thin stream. Add as much white chocolate drizzle as you would like and continue to cool in the pan until the chocolate has hardened. </span></span></span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4LP8ZR-5WgA/VEAV9HYMp4I/AAAAAAAACZg/Y-iaL_zDfQw/s1600/pumpkin%2Bsquares%2B3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4LP8ZR-5WgA/VEAV9HYMp4I/AAAAAAAACZg/Y-iaL_zDfQw/s1600/pumpkin%2Bsquares%2B3.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qx9X0YDiUr4/VEAV85gUxkI/AAAAAAAACZY/GIJHgwi1mGg/s1600/pumpkin%2Bsquares%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qx9X0YDiUr4/VEAV85gUxkI/AAAAAAAACZY/GIJHgwi1mGg/s1600/pumpkin%2Bsquares%2B1.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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<img align="right" src="http://i1266.photobucket.com/albums/jj540/leanneleeper/signature.png" />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11193829254897418422noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3925850973334652293.post-19537567806233931242014-10-09T15:42:00.000-04:002014-10-09T15:42:51.668-04:00A Bassinet Cover TutorialI am happy to say that I finally got around to completing a little project that I have been planning for quite some time... a Bassinet Cover for the baby's bassinet. Baby Girl will be using the bassinet that goes along with our Uppa Baby stroller for her main sleeping quarters for the first few months and I just wasn't thrilled with the way the bright shiny red fabric looked with the coral and grey colour scheme I was putting together for her little corner of our master bedroom.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hAaLGl7EYq4/VDaiEYxFK2I/AAAAAAAACYw/-_fhCbAU4MM/s1600/bassinet%2Bcover%2Btitle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hAaLGl7EYq4/VDaiEYxFK2I/AAAAAAAACYw/-_fhCbAU4MM/s1600/bassinet%2Bcover%2Btitle.jpg" height="640" width="478" /></a></div>
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I wasn't exactly sure how I was going to make this bassinet cover. I knew that I wanted to use two fabrics and that I would need to fit them over top of the existing bassinet canopy. I didn't really measure as I went, but sort of just went with it... I hope this is still a helpful guide if you're interested in creating something similar!</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0qX4kktNuBk/VDaiDo_X8jI/AAAAAAAACYc/oeLdsKC_938/s1600/bassinet%2Bcover%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0qX4kktNuBk/VDaiDo_X8jI/AAAAAAAACYc/oeLdsKC_938/s1600/bassinet%2Bcover%2B1.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
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I started by removing the fabric from the bassinet. It basically consists of two fabric panels, and two fabric strips that attach the panels to the frame. I traced both the front and the back panel, leaving a small flap of fabric on the front panel that would tuck under the space that opens for a handle. Once I had cut the two panels, I pinned them (right sides together) and sewed along the middle. You can see in the picture below that the two panels fit nicely over the original bassinet hood. </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-746xypRiykg/VDaiD2Y5ofI/AAAAAAAACYg/me_fZw4-b88/s1600/bassinet%2Bcover%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-746xypRiykg/VDaiD2Y5ofI/AAAAAAAACYg/me_fZw4-b88/s1600/bassinet%2Bcover%2B2.jpg" height="212" width="640" /></a></div>
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Next, I folded and ironed the section of fabric that would tuck under the handle. To make the bands of fabric that would attach the cover to the upright frame, I cut two strips of fabric, 20 cm wide and about 10 cm longer than necessary. I finished one end of each strip with a seam, pinned and sewed them along the front panel on either side of the handle flap. </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1Os5oYlTpCQ/VDaiDHDDECI/AAAAAAAACYU/8Eqkp8kZ1GA/s1600/bassinet%2B3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1Os5oYlTpCQ/VDaiDHDDECI/AAAAAAAACYU/8Eqkp8kZ1GA/s1600/bassinet%2B3.jpg" height="640" width="265" /></a></div>
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I cut a third strip of fabric that would wrap along the bottom edge of the back panel. I finished one end of this strip with a seam, lined it up with the front panel fabric strip and pinned it in place. It was necessary to do this while the bassinet cover was on the bassinet. I secured this back fabric strip by sewing along the entire length of the strip. Once the front and back fabric strips were in place I finished their outer edges with a simple seam. With the bassinet cover in place, I neatly pinned, tucked and sewed the two fabric strips so that they would look tidy once wrapped under the upright frame. </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vaxqI2svGiw/VDaiC6kxOBI/AAAAAAAACYQ/_SnkWY1wbRE/s1600/bassinet%2B4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vaxqI2svGiw/VDaiC6kxOBI/AAAAAAAACYQ/_SnkWY1wbRE/s1600/bassinet%2B4.jpg" height="190" width="640" /></a></div>
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With all seams and edges tidied up, I used some adhesive velcro circles to attach the front fabric strip to the underside of the bassinet hood. This way i<span style="text-align: center;">t can easily be removed when traveling or out for a walk.</span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-c7P9TssRh8Q/VDaiC8Q16cI/AAAAAAAACY0/fLF-IDFM1H8/s1600/bassinet%2B5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-c7P9TssRh8Q/VDaiC8Q16cI/AAAAAAAACY0/fLF-IDFM1H8/s1600/bassinet%2B5.jpg" height="296" width="640" /></a></div>
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This project turned out to be pretty simple, albeit not overly easy to explain. I hope it made a bit of sense!</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MBlM6rO6k-c/VDbh-en_siI/AAAAAAAACZI/C7IiWS54nPw/s1600/bassinet%2Bbefore%2Band%2Bafter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MBlM6rO6k-c/VDbh-en_siI/AAAAAAAACZI/C7IiWS54nPw/s1600/bassinet%2Bbefore%2Band%2Bafter.jpg" height="416" width="640" /></a></div>
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I am happy with the way the Bassinet Cover adds a softer appearance to the bassinet and works with the colour scheme of the "Shared Nursery". Let's hope the new addition likes this bed enough to actually do a bit of sleeping in it!</div>
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<img align="right" src="http://i1266.photobucket.com/albums/jj540/leanneleeper/signature.png" />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11193829254897418422noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3925850973334652293.post-42464596502795599332014-10-02T10:16:00.000-04:002014-10-02T10:16:19.287-04:00A dresser/change table for Baby Girl!! {brimnes hack}The count down is on! Baby Girl Leeper is due to arrive in the next 5 weeks and I have a number of little projects in the works to keep me busy during this arduous final month of pregnancy! First on the list is establishing a little space for baby to call her own. At this point the boys are in their own bedrooms, and since we plan to keep baby in our room for the first few months we thought it better to leave well enough alone and leave Henry in his crib until we were ready for Baby Girl to have her own room. So, we've shuffled our bedroom furniture and made a bit of space for a bassinet, rocking chair and dresser/change table.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-h_PniOe9ZA8/VC1Tj0pSceI/AAAAAAAACXY/yFPUtM--df8/s1600/dresser%2B6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-h_PniOe9ZA8/VC1Tj0pSceI/AAAAAAAACXY/yFPUtM--df8/s1600/dresser%2B6.jpg" height="640" width="470" /></a></div>
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We brought in the Ikea <a href="http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/80218024/" target="_blank">Brimnes dresser</a> that we had been using in Henry's room, added a change pad and the <a href="http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/40219723/" target="_blank">Grundtal</a> wall organizer which fits diapers. wipes and other necessities perfectly. </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DyQlxxJLvE8/VC1Ti8-IGwI/AAAAAAAACXA/yf5g9hzs3TA/s1600/dresser%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DyQlxxJLvE8/VC1Ti8-IGwI/AAAAAAAACXA/yf5g9hzs3TA/s1600/dresser%2B1.jpg" height="640" width="444" /></a></div>
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To add a bit of a girly touch, I hung three framed prints (also from Ikea!). I wanted to incorporate some of the fabric I had picked up for the space and thought that adding it behind the top drawer glass would not only look cute, but hide the contents of the drawer. </div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Edy_Q6ZMsp8/VC1TjpBrllI/AAAAAAAACXU/t386kcY-tmo/s1600/dresser%2B5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Edy_Q6ZMsp8/VC1TjpBrllI/AAAAAAAACXU/t386kcY-tmo/s1600/dresser%2B5.jpg" height="283" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-J6lGspBPxXE/VC1TjjOnqUI/AAAAAAAACXM/TIVpHKR195Q/s1600/dresser%2B4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-J6lGspBPxXE/VC1TjjOnqUI/AAAAAAAACXM/TIVpHKR195Q/s1600/dresser%2B4.jpg" height="283" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YbTTmQ1fybQ/VC1TjbBDzvI/AAAAAAAACXQ/7N4FjCedPu4/s1600/dresser%2B3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YbTTmQ1fybQ/VC1TjbBDzvI/AAAAAAAACXQ/7N4FjCedPu4/s1600/dresser%2B3.jpg" height="400" width="321" /></a></div>
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This was an extremely simple job. I cut a piece of <a href="http://elmers.com/product/detail/902015" target="_blank">Elmer's Foam Board</a> to fit the inside of the drawer, cut a piece of fabric to wrap around the board and hot glued it around the perimeter of the back of the board. To secure the board in the drawer I added a tiny dab of hot glue to the top corners. </div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tnO6Db4CR2k/VC1Ti7uCQGI/AAAAAAAACXI/VwjzystE6xE/s1600/before%2Band%2Bafter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tnO6Db4CR2k/VC1Ti7uCQGI/AAAAAAAACXI/VwjzystE6xE/s1600/before%2Band%2Bafter.jpg" height="466" width="640" /></a></div>
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I absolutely love this fabric and think it adds a nice touch to the dresser. I plan to add it and some coordinating fabrics to a few other areas in the room! Hope to share those projects soon!</div>
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<img align="right" src="http://i1266.photobucket.com/albums/jj540/leanneleeper/signature.png" />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11193829254897418422noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3925850973334652293.post-50648979594615475202014-09-18T17:20:00.004-04:002014-10-23T16:31:33.788-04:00slow cooker chicken tacosNow that the days are cooler and our routine is busier, I have pulled out the old slow cooker and started to add a few soups and casseroles to our weekly menu. These slow cooker chicken tacos have been an old stand by in our house for a few years and I was excited to make them again the other night!<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vgr5b-dyl2Q/VBtHarvPIuI/AAAAAAAACWk/vhWuIlfbHhg/s1600/chicken%2Btacos%2Btitle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="chicken tacos" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vgr5b-dyl2Q/VBtHarvPIuI/AAAAAAAACWk/vhWuIlfbHhg/s1600/chicken%2Btacos%2Btitle.jpg" height="640" title="slow cooker chicken tacos" width="420" /></a></div>
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The recipe is just what I think every slow cooker recipe should be; toss the ingredients in the pot and turn it on! The mixture of chicken, beans and corn makes for a filling meal, packed with protein. </div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FBxmuEFY-lA/VBtHZVxNCKI/AAAAAAAACWI/jDhWl-s_6L0/s1600/chicken%2Btacos%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="chicken tacos" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FBxmuEFY-lA/VBtHZVxNCKI/AAAAAAAACWI/jDhWl-s_6L0/s1600/chicken%2Btacos%2B2.jpg" height="640" title="slow cooker chicken tacos" width="425" /></a></div>
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I've made this dish for guests and taken it to parties and have always had lots of requests for the recipe...</div>
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So here it is!</div>
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<u>Slow Cooker Chicken Tacos</u></div>
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1 can of black beans (drained and rinsed)</div>
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1 large jar of chunky salsa</div>
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2 large chicken breasts (bone and skin removed)</div>
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2-3 Tbsp taco seasoning </div>
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1 cup frozen corn</div>
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Add black beans and salsa to slow cooker. Place the chicken breasts on top of the mixture and sprinkle with taco seasoning. </div>
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Cook on low for 8 hours or high for 5 hours. </div>
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Remove chicken breasts and shred with a fork. Return shredded chicken to the slow cooker, add frozen corn and mix together with black beans and sauce. Turn the slow cooker to low and cook for a half an hour. </div>
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Serve with soft tortillas and top with shredded cheese, sour cream and guacamole.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ikp9W4cXtNk/VBtHapkGFWI/AAAAAAAACWg/50bd-LQvzZc/s1600/chicken%2Btacos%2Btitle%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="chicken tacos" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ikp9W4cXtNk/VBtHapkGFWI/AAAAAAAACWg/50bd-LQvzZc/s1600/chicken%2Btacos%2Btitle%2B2.jpg" height="400" title="slow cooker chicken tacos" width="266" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lPf7v6i1rAo/VBtHZki-sfI/AAAAAAAACWQ/79N1BiuqUNI/s1600/chicken%2Btacos%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="chicken tacos" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lPf7v6i1rAo/VBtHZki-sfI/AAAAAAAACWQ/79N1BiuqUNI/s1600/chicken%2Btacos%2B1.jpg" height="212" title="slow cooker chicken tacos" width="320" /></a></div>
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<img align="right" src="http://i1266.photobucket.com/albums/jj540/leanneleeper/signature.png" />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11193829254897418422noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3925850973334652293.post-74706926474016976152014-09-16T16:29:00.001-04:002014-09-16T16:59:06.123-04:00Morning Routine for PreschoolersNow that Andrew is attending school 5 days a week, I decided it was time for him to start taking more responsibility for his morning routine. He's been doing most morning tasks on his own for the last six months or so, but needs constant reminders and repeated requests to get the jobs done. I wanted to create an easy checklist for him that wouldn't require any maintenance (erasing check marks or reprinting) and that would be easy for him to manipulate on his own. A quick <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/lleeper/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a> search put a number of "morning routine" options at my fingertips and I selected and adapted the one that I thought would work best for us.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DN967sxi0bE/VBiUNgzWo3I/AAAAAAAACVw/OAzo86I_czE/s1600/DSC_0831.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DN967sxi0bE/VBiUNgzWo3I/AAAAAAAACVw/OAzo86I_czE/s1600/DSC_0831.JPG" height="425" width="640" /></a></div>
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To make this Morning Routine Flip Chart, I cut a file folder that I had on hand. Then, using my Silhouette and some adhesive vinyl, I cut out some simple images for the tasks Andrew needs to complete as well as some check marks and a morning message. I added a small piece of magnet to each flap and covered each magnet with some of the orange vinyl (just because it looked better!).<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vnthyaH-pmY/VBiUN3-UNoI/AAAAAAAACVs/9rxXBKcKi20/s1600/DSC_0829.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vnthyaH-pmY/VBiUN3-UNoI/AAAAAAAACVs/9rxXBKcKi20/s1600/DSC_0829.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="text-align: left;">I kept the morning routine tasks very simple; potty, brush teeth, put p.j.'s in the laundry basket and get dressed. I've also started setting out his outfits for the week in a hanging shoe organizer like </span><a href="http://www.target.com/p/10-pocket-canvas-shoe-organizer-natural-blended/-/A-13051010?ref=tgt_adv_XSG10001&AFID=google_pla_df&LNM=13051010&CPNG=Unassigned&kpid=13051010&LID=13pgs&ci_src=17588969&ci_sku=13051010&kpid=13051010&gclid=CjwKEAjwv9-gBRD5ofn2jd2N0UUSJACcdils3nTQtn6th9vfk-D2CbU7jnBLuTPjbMxBVLfnWngzNhoCpXvw_wcB" style="text-align: left;" target="_blank">this</a><span style="text-align: left;">. I have not labeled the days of the week, which gives him some choice in what he will wear each day. </span><br />
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This morning routine has worked better than I imagined it would! Andrew took to the flip chart right away and has stuck with it for a few weeks now! I'm hopeful that the novelty of the chart doesn't wear off, because it will be worth it's weight in gold once baby #3 arrives in November!!</div>
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<u>Sharing...</u></div>
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<u><a href="http://www.abowlfulloflemons.net/2014/09/one-project-at-a-time-91614.html" target="_blank">A Bowl Full of Lemons: One Project at a Time</a></u></div>
<img align="right" src="http://i1266.photobucket.com/albums/jj540/leanneleeper/signature.png" />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11193829254897418422noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3925850973334652293.post-44549664459841054762014-09-11T16:05:00.000-04:002014-09-11T16:05:06.418-04:00Back to school...This week Andrew ventured back to the <a href="http://www.explorenature.org/" target="_blank">Nature School at Irvine</a> for his second year. He was really excited to see his friends and teachers and had no problem at all saying goodbye to Henry and I... a little different than our <a href="http://andawaywego123.blogspot.com/2013/09/andrews-first-day-of-school.html" target="_blank">first day last year</a>. The Nature School at Irvine has been a wonderful place for Andrew. Their day is split between a traditional classroom and the trails of the centre. They approach a traditional curriculum through nature, teaching the eager little learners to respect and love the natural world. As a teacher, I find it incredibly inspiring. Rob and I have been talking a lot about the "Top 10" list of what we will miss when we move back to Canada, and I know this community will be high on the list!<br />
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To show our appreciation (in advance) to Andrew's teachers and Education Assistants, we personalized some cute notebooks I found at Target. Using my Silhouette, I cut a banner for each notebook, tied on fun pen and tucked in a little note from Andrew. They were very happy with the gesture!</div>
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Looking forward to great year of learning!</div>
<img align="right" src="http://i1266.photobucket.com/albums/jj540/leanneleeper/signature.png" />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11193829254897418422noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3925850973334652293.post-12539606028187738502014-09-08T07:56:00.000-04:002014-09-08T07:56:46.253-04:00Henry is TWO!!It's been a few weeks since we celebrated Henry's second birthday, but I didn't want to let this big day pass without sharing a few photos of the little guy in all of his glory! Here he is with his new guitar, the two are pretty much inseparable!<br />
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Henry continues to be the eternal charmer. His quirky little personality is so ridiculously infectious that it may not be possible to look at him for more than a minute without cracking a smile. He delights in making others laugh and is coming up with new ways to do so all the time. He was born to be the middle child... easy to please and impossible to ignore!<br />
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Henry and Andrew have really hit a new stride in their relationship over the past few months. Watching the two of them develop this relationship, tenuous as it may be, is hands down my favourite part of being their Mom.<br />
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This kid is absolutely incredible. </div>
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Happy Birthday Little Man!</div>
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xxx</div>
<img align="right" src="http://i1266.photobucket.com/albums/jj540/leanneleeper/signature.png" />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11193829254897418422noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3925850973334652293.post-1866677878840346122014-07-30T15:27:00.000-04:002014-07-30T15:29:10.822-04:00Scissor Skills for PreschoolersAndrew recently finished a week of Nature Camp at the <a href="http://www.explorenature.org/">Irvine Nature Centre</a>. This is where he attends preschool throughout the school year and I love that he is able to go and meet up with his friends and teachers and stay familiar with his school routine for a week or two throughout the summer. When I was picking Andrew up from his first day of camp I noticed all of the other little campers proudly showing their parents a snake craft that they had made from a paper plate. Andrew's wasn't in his cubby and when I asked about it he pulled it out of his back pack, only partially complete. I could tell by the look on his face that he was not happy about the project. Once we were home, I asked about the snake and he told me he didn't finish it because he "is no good at cutting". To make matters worse he said that the other kids brought their snakes out on the hike that morning but he left his in his backpack because "it kept reminding him that he can't cut". My heart was broken, and to add to the mommy guilt was the fact that his teachers even told me that some extra practice with scissors would be a good idea for Andrew over the summer. I think we had only sat down to work on cutting once, maybe twice.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Bwypdx0INQ0/U9lBnNihDvI/AAAAAAAACSE/7xeSsYRrXEk/s1600/IMG_4845.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Bwypdx0INQ0/U9lBnNihDvI/AAAAAAAACSE/7xeSsYRrXEk/s1600/IMG_4845.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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Here is the photo I sent to Rob to tell him the story.</div>
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Looking at his cutting you can see that he is meticulous about staying on the line his teacher drew. I have taught many children with this approach to perfection, and it completely paralyzes their ability to complete a learning task. They're the ones that rub a hole clear through the page in an attempt to print their name the "right way". I really don't want Andrew to feel this kind of pressure when he enters school.</div>
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Anyway, once the Mommy guilt subsided I decided to take a more productive approach to the situation and prepare a few activities that would help Andrew with his scissor skills without the pressure of "staying on the line".... especially not a spiralled one! I read some great articles, pinned some fun activities and we have been spending lots of time cutting paper, and grass and leaves and just about anything we can find in the backyard. Andrew loves my collection of scrap booking scissors and really enjoys punching holes in leaves while we read "The Very Hungry Caterpillar". I'm happy that he is working on his hand strength and I've kept the snake to try again before the summer is out.</div>
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Here is a collection of my favourite activity ideas. The links to each website is listed underneath, they are all chalked full of amazing learning ideas!</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9z72T46EJyI/U9lEahfhdzI/AAAAAAAACSQ/oUhbPKya1uY/s1600/scissor+skills+with+text.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="scissor skills for preschoolers" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9z72T46EJyI/U9lEahfhdzI/AAAAAAAACSQ/oUhbPKya1uY/s1600/scissor+skills+with+text.jpg" height="640" title="Scissor skills " width="434" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://creativeconnectionsforkids.com/2011/01/cutting-up-fine-motor-activities-to-help-develop-scissor-skills/">Creative Connections for Kids</a></div>
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<a href="http://happyhooligans.ca/scissor-exercises-for-children/">Happy Hooligans</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.notimeforflashcards.com/2013/08/nature-cuttings-outdoor-scissor-skills-activity.html">No Time for Flashcards</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.teachpreschool.org/2012/03/spaghetti-sensory-play/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed:+TeachPreschool+(Teach+Preschool)">Teach Preschool</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.oneperfectdayblog.net/2013/10/29/learning-to-use-scissors-with-play-dough/">One Perfect Day</a></div>
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<img align="right" src="http://i1266.photobucket.com/albums/jj540/leanneleeper/signature.png" />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11193829254897418422noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3925850973334652293.post-13044579170978595332014-07-22T17:20:00.000-04:002014-07-22T20:03:56.303-04:00A Weekend in NYC!!!This weekend found the Leepers on an impromptu trip to New York City! We realized midweek that Rob had an entire weekend off and we had no prior commitments... a rare thing around here! Our amazing friends have just moved to NYC and we had been hoping to find some time this summer to visit, so away we went!<br />
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The boys were amazed with our hotel. Andrew couldn't believe the "beautiful stuff" outside (NY construction) and was amazed at how high up we were (6th floor)... doesn't take much to impress this guy!</div>
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We spent all day Saturday travelling around Manhattan, and were impressed with how much we were able to fit in! Brunch with Friends in Tribeca, the World Trade Centre Memorial, a trip around Staten Island, a tour of Central Park, the beautiful view from "Top of the Rock" and a quick trip to the Lego Store. I have so much respect for moms who schlep their kids around this city everyday!</div>
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On Sunday we took things much slower and spent the day exploring Brooklyn's Prospect Park. Drummer's Grove was incredible, the kids had so much fun showing off their moves. The parks new splash pad and roller skating rink is also pretty impressive!</div>
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It was an incredible weekend. I was thrilled to spend time with a great friend that I have been missing here in Baltimore and loved watching how excited our kids were to be reunited. Getting to spend some "pager free" time with this guy was pretty awesome too!</div>
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<img align="right" src="http://i1266.photobucket.com/albums/jj540/leanneleeper/signature.png" />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11193829254897418422noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3925850973334652293.post-27954923013276041752014-07-17T08:05:00.007-04:002014-07-17T09:39:03.605-04:00a great summer treat {prego cocktail}...Summer in Baltimore is thick... hot and super humid. This fun summer drink is very refreshing and doesn't leave me drooling over Rob's nice cold beer! The ingredients are simple. I found mine at <a href="http://www.traderjoes.com/">Trader Joe's</a>, but I am sure most grocery stores carry them.<br />
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Since this is a carbonated beverage, you'll want to just mix it up in the glass. I added one part 100% Cherry Juice and 2 parts Sparkling Lemonade to a glass with a few fun ice cubes (frozen with fresh mint and lemon). </div>
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I also added a couple of pitted cherries to some cute straws that I had leftover from a <a href="http://andawaywego123.blogspot.com/2013/08/a-crabby-party-henry-turns-1.html">recent birthday party</a>... completely unnecessary for a Wednesday afternoon in the backyard with a 4 year old.</div>
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Andrew was excited that I let him try a "fancy drink" but after a few sips he decided that this drink was "more for mommies"... a little tart and super fizzy!</div>
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<u>Linkin' Up...</u></div>
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<a href="http://www.onneutralground.com/2014/06/25/summer-with-trader-joes-is-here/" title="On Neutral Ground"><img alt="On Neutral Ground" src="http://i1097.photobucket.com/albums/g347/Ashley_Berger/JulieDavisSummerwithTraderJoesjpg_zpsb60ca829.jpg" height="200" style="border: none;" width="200" /></a></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11193829254897418422noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3925850973334652293.post-70656095945084899542014-07-16T08:14:00.002-04:002014-07-16T08:14:57.566-04:00a new look!!If you've been stopping by here for awhile, you may have noticed that "<a href="http://andawaywego123.blogspot.com/">..and away we go!!</a>" has a pretty new outfit on! After almost two years with my original blog template I decided it was time for a change. I've been in a bit of a "blogging rut" lately and much like a shiny new pair of running shoes, the new style has inspired me to get moving!<br />
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In addition to a new overall appearance, I have added a few new features and made some updates. The <a href="http://andawaywego123.blogspot.com/p/project-gallery.html">Project Gallery</a>, located at the top of the page, has been reorganized, A "Latest Pins" feature has been added to the side bar, so you can see what I've been perusing on <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/lleeper/">Pinterest</a>, and a search option has been added if you are looking for a particular post. As before, my social media links and a "follow by email option, are located at the top of the sidebar... I'd love for you to follow along!</div>
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Thanks to <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/ElloThemes?ref=l2-shop-info-avatar">Ello Themes</a> for the beautiful and easy to instal template!!</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11193829254897418422noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3925850973334652293.post-48755671270979953222014-07-14T08:08:00.000-04:002014-07-15T20:35:19.146-04:00Sew Your Own Tote Bag...A nice sturdy tote bag is a must have for the summer season. They are useful in just about any size and are perfect for gathering the necessities for any outing. In the summer months I often use a tote instead of my everyday purse because there just seems to be more to bring along! This year I made this simple tote for each of Andrew's preschool teachers as a thank you for all of their hard work over the year. They appreciated that the gifts were handmade and Andrew (and I) were proud to give them each a gift that was made just for them!<br />
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The tote bags took me about an hour each to make, but I think I could sew them more efficiently now that I've got the pattern fingered out. I created the pattern by researching a few online and combining a few different ideas to come up with the look that I had in mind. I have included a detailed tutorial at the end of this post if you are interested in making one yourself!</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qiA9DnDdVLQ/U8LR56EEDtI/AAAAAAAACOQ/_bGr-Z4xm1k/s1600/tote+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qiA9DnDdVLQ/U8LR56EEDtI/AAAAAAAACOQ/_bGr-Z4xm1k/s1600/tote+1.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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Rather than wrapping the bags up for each teacher, I simply folded the tote and bound it with some pretty ribbon. We also attached a simple card that Andrew added a little message to. </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-v3NzFvsdoHE/U8LR7LM54sI/AAAAAAAACOg/i6Ub8XFhbCs/s1600/tote+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-v3NzFvsdoHE/U8LR7LM54sI/AAAAAAAACOg/i6Ub8XFhbCs/s1600/tote+4.jpg" height="640" width="425" /></a></div>
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<u><span style="font-size: large;">Simple Tote Bag Tutorial</span></u></div>
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1. Using approximately 1/2 a yard of two coordinating pieces of fabric, cut out the following sections. </div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7VP1hjmk83s/U8LcPbeylNI/AAAAAAAACOs/TUV16Lb6MdA/s1600/pattern.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7VP1hjmk83s/U8LcPbeylNI/AAAAAAAACOs/TUV16Lb6MdA/s1600/pattern.jpg" height="414" width="640" /></a></div>
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2. Assemble the "exterior" of the tote by placing one the "fabric A" (6"x14") pieces on top of the "fabric B" (24"x14") piece with right sides together. Sew along the 14" edge. Repeat this step with the second "fabric A" (6"14") piece so that the finished product looks like the diagram above.</div>
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3. To make the tote straps, fold and iron the fabric strip in half lengthwise (wrong side together). Open the strip back up and fold each raw edge into the crease created by the iron. Iron again and then fold in half. Sew along the perimeter of the entire strip. Do not worry that the ends are raw, as they will be tucked into the bag, between the interior and exterior sections. </div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">*for photos of this folding process see <a href="http://andawaywego123.blogspot.com/2013/01/a-diy-yoga-mat-strap.html" target="_blank">this </a>tutorial*</span></div>
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4. Once the "exterior" and each strap have been assembled, place the "exterior" on top of the "interior" with right sides together. Pin along the edge. Then, tuck and pin the straps so that they are in between the two sections of fabric. The ends of the straps should stick out at least one inch. Be sure that the straps are not twisted on themselves and that they are placed in the same location on each end of the tote. Sew along the entire perimeter of the pinned sections, leaving an opening of about 3", along one of the long edges, so that you can turn the entire bag right side out.</div>
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5. Turn the tote right side out and iron flat.</div>
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6. You should now have a long, double sided strip of fabric with handles on each end. Fold the entire strip in half so that the "interior" is on the outside. Pin and sew along the long sides.</div>
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7. To create a boxed bottom for your tote bag, follow <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AmI_5B7Mco0" target="_blank">these</a> instructions. </div>
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8. Turn your new tote bag right side out and you're ready to go!!</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11193829254897418422noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3925850973334652293.post-6814120022077098842014-07-10T15:38:00.001-04:002014-07-10T15:38:29.554-04:00sitting down and catching up...Hello blogging world! It's been some time and you've always been at the back of my mind, wishing I had an extra hour to sit down and catch up, or the energy to get creative and share a project with the world! There is something so nice about getting a post together and hitting "publish"... makes me feel productive in a way that catching up on laundry or visiting the children's museum can't. However, when days get busy, blogging is the first to take a back seat, and I always know it's there if and when I get around to it! <br />
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Most of my readers (aka my friends and family) are up to date with the latest developments in the Leeper house... baby #3 is on it's way (her way to be exact!!!) and we couldn't be more thrilled! I am now 23 whole weeks pregnant and I have been happily hanging out in that blissful time of pregnancy known as the second trimester. No longer exhausted and nauseous and not yet uncomfortable with my body's new dimensions. Although, the speed at which this belly is growing is making me question how long I will be feeling so spry!<br />
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Here are some photos we had taken a few months back, to share the exciting news with our friends and family. I've also included a video that Rob put together when we found out the little "squirt" was a little lady, Andrew's reaction was priceless!<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Fp0kwl3ZSrg/U77pc_wfa2I/AAAAAAAACNg/bcA27jFU5Aw/s1600/Leeper+promotion.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Fp0kwl3ZSrg/U77pc_wfa2I/AAAAAAAACNg/bcA27jFU5Aw/s1600/Leeper+promotion.jpg" height="373" width="400" /></a></div>
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I hope to get around to sharing some of our summer adventures, activities and projects over the next few weeks... but I know better than to make myself any promises!</div>
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<img align="right" src="http://i1266.photobucket.com/albums/jj540/leanneleeper/signature.png" />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11193829254897418422noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3925850973334652293.post-37592157329114920022014-05-02T12:46:00.001-04:002014-05-02T12:46:26.987-04:00*%#* My Four Year Old Says...Today is my birthday!! I am super excited to be going out for a nice meal with Rob and some great friends while my little ones hang out at home with a sitter... happy birthday to me!!<br />
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This morning I was explaining to Andrew that today is Mommy's birthday and I asked him if he remembered to get me a birthday present. I thought I knew what his response would be, but as usual he surprised me with a hilarious answer...<br />
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Andrew - "Oh sorry Mommy, I forgot to go to target to get your present. I was going to get you some underwear, because you love underwear and they have Batman ones there!!"</div>
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<img align="right" src="http://i1266.photobucket.com/albums/jj540/leanneleeper/signature.png" />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11193829254897418422noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3925850973334652293.post-48927907559939396042014-04-29T14:32:00.000-04:002014-09-12T13:21:59.036-04:005 minute granola bars...Granola bars are a hot item in this house! I am constantly tossing a few in my bag, on the way out the door for snacks on the go. I have recently found it very difficult to find a chewy granola bar that isn't full of chocolate chips. Not that my kids don't eat their fair share of chocolate... it's just too messy for the car! This predicament led me to do a little research on homemade granola bars and I was amazed at how simple the recipes seem to be. Most don't even require baking!<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VQfA0QXJLeA/U17nMgx3O0I/AAAAAAAACJo/SDAvpmGIQQ4/s1600/granola+bar+title.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VQfA0QXJLeA/U17nMgx3O0I/AAAAAAAACJo/SDAvpmGIQQ4/s1600/granola+bar+title.jpg" height="400" width="282" /></a></div>
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I quickly learned that there seems to be a basic formula to making granola bars, and that you can't really go wrong with making adaptations to fit your tastes as well as what you have on hand! Andrew and I worked away with what we had in the pantry and came up with a great combination!</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UUyrwOcy1tU/U17nN7i7uUI/AAAAAAAACJ8/0x8slQZ-FVg/s1600/granola+bars+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UUyrwOcy1tU/U17nN7i7uUI/AAAAAAAACJ8/0x8slQZ-FVg/s1600/granola+bars+1.jpg" height="400" width="322" /></a></div>
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<u>5 Minute Granola Bars</u></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">2 cups of rolled oats</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">1 cup of cereal</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">1/2 cup of dried cranberries</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">1/4 cup of sunflower seeds</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">1/4 cup of butter</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">1/2 cup of brown sugar</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">1/4 cup of honey</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">2 teaspoons of vanilla</span></div>
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Combine oats, cereal, cranberries and sunflower seeds in a large bowl. In a small sauce pan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in sugar, honey and vanilla and continue to stir until sugar has dissolved. Slowly pour the butter/sugar mixture over the dry ingredients and stir until combined. Press into a greased 8"x8" cake pan and refrigerate for a half hour. Once the bars have cooled, loosen edges with a spatula, turn out onto a cutting board and slice into desired size.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pv9H8gk37DM/U17nM37ujLI/AAAAAAAACJ0/uaxYd1v4ZDY/s1600/granola+bars+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pv9H8gk37DM/U17nM37ujLI/AAAAAAAACJ0/uaxYd1v4ZDY/s1600/granola+bars+2.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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The cereal in these granola bars add a nice crunch to the chewy texture. For this recipe we used Alphabet cereal, but Cheerieos, Puffed Wheat or Rice Krispies would also be great! We've also picked up a variety of freeze dried fruit to try out some new combinations! </div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dItpTm5gsd4/UXXt768etXI/AAAAAAAABCo/qS95syBeQmY/s1600/granola+title.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dItpTm5gsd4/UXXt768etXI/AAAAAAAABCo/qS95syBeQmY/s1600/granola+title.jpg" height="320" width="228" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://andawaywego123.blogspot.com/2013/04/homemade-granola.html" target="_blank">Homemade Granola</a></div>
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<span style="text-align: left;">You may also be interested in this popular post!</span></div>
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<span style="text-align: left;">Sharing at:</span></div>
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<span style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://puregracefarms.com/2014/09/foodie-fridays-were-growing/?utm_campaign=coschedule&utm_source=facebook_page&utm_medium=Pure%20Grace%20Farms&utm_content=Foodie%20Fridays%20-%20Were%20Growing!" target="_blank">Pure Grace Farms: Foodie Fridays</a></span></div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11193829254897418422noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3925850973334652293.post-15705620037811760172014-04-23T14:28:00.001-04:002014-04-23T14:28:34.820-04:00These days...Life has been hectic (as it always seems to be) in the Leeper House. In the month (!) since I've posted, we've had special visitors and travelled for the better part of 3 weeks! It's been a fabulous time and before I get back to sharing some projects that are in the works, I thought I would share a few photos of our adventures!<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5o-uXs4wDzg/U1f-m8WTYNI/AAAAAAAACI4/vY3auv64m7A/s1600/jake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5o-uXs4wDzg/U1f-m8WTYNI/AAAAAAAACI4/vY3auv64m7A/s1600/jake.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
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My best friend Sara and her sweet son Jake came to Baltimore to visit for a week in March. We had a lot of fun showing them our favourite spots in our new city and loved every moment of playing at home pretending that we don't live so far away! Jake and Henry are only a month apart in age and after an hour or two of testing each others limits they are the best playmates. </div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zfJAWv8OeHk/U1gASYLKobI/AAAAAAAACJE/xyEYQHpyJAE/s1600/OKC.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zfJAWv8OeHk/U1gASYLKobI/AAAAAAAACJE/xyEYQHpyJAE/s1600/OKC.jpg" height="321" width="400" /></a></div>
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We travelled to Oklahoma City for a family wedding and spent 5 days visiting with family that we don't see enough and enjoying our favourite OKC restaurants (the "barbecue" is like nothing I've had before!). We finally met a second cousin (adorable Isaac) and the boys were fast friends. Every time we leave we vow to make it back sooner, life needs to slow down!</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1s5Mdy0_a6M/U1gChNovm3I/AAAAAAAACJU/9XRmeL-1W7Y/s1600/ontario.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1s5Mdy0_a6M/U1gChNovm3I/AAAAAAAACJU/9XRmeL-1W7Y/s1600/ontario.jpg" height="375" width="400" /></a></div>
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And finally, the boys and I travelled back to Canada and spent two amazing weeks visiting with family and playing with friends... babies grow so fast when you live far away! I was lucky to have lots of help with the boys, which afforded me numerous nights out with my girlfriends and a chance to celebrate my "soon to be sister-in-law" at both her shower and bachelorette party!</div>
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It was an action packed month and I am so grateful that everyone takes so much of their time to be with us when we travel. We miss you already!</div>
<img align="right" src="http://i1266.photobucket.com/albums/jj540/leanneleeper/signature.png" />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11193829254897418422noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3925850973334652293.post-43661926010557708312014-03-25T15:28:00.000-04:002014-03-25T15:28:01.542-04:00Printable Flash Cards for PreschoolersOver the past few months Andrew and I have been working really hard on his reading. We have been using lessons from <a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/teach-your-child-to-read-in-100-easy-lessons-siegfried-engelmann/1000473812?ean=9780671631987" target="_blank">this book</a>, along with other activities and seeing some great progress! The book suggests to work through one lesson everyday. This pace is starting to be a bit fast for Andrew, so we often do other activities to reinforce what he's learned before moving onto the next lesson.<br />
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<b>Flash Cards</b> have been very helpful when working on sight words and letter sounds. I like to make my own flash cards using <a href="http://www.picmonkey.com/" target="_blank">PicMonkey</a>, so that I can add graphics or phonetic notation.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KAiaO9IsMOQ/UzHMopCY_dI/AAAAAAAACG4/MV6sGAD8ras/s1600/flash+cards+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KAiaO9IsMOQ/UzHMopCY_dI/AAAAAAAACG4/MV6sGAD8ras/s1600/flash+cards+2.jpg" height="340" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">This week I decided to spice things up a bit for Andrew, and threw in some of his favourite Super Heroes and Villains. I made two sets of these cards, one with a small image and one without. These words are a bit difficult for Andrew, but once he practises enough with the image I will bring out the others and he should be fine. </span>After all, he sees these words in many places!</div>
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We use our flash cards in a variety of ways. Andrew's favourite is to read the word and then smack it with an object from my utensil drawer (odd, but whatever motivates him!). We also like to turn them all upside down and take turns flipping them over and reading the word. </div>
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I thought that some of you might be interested in printing these off for your little one, so below are the first five lists of common sight words, a blank template, and our first set of Super Heroess. Just right click on the image and save it to your computer, and then print the JPEG!</div>
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<img align="right" src="http://i1266.photobucket.com/albums/jj540/leanneleeper/signature.png" />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11193829254897418422noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3925850973334652293.post-68943060466550982842014-03-05T14:16:00.001-05:002014-03-05T14:19:02.863-05:00A party planning journal...Today, I wanted to share a simple party planning idea that I use whenever I am getting organized for a party. I have been using a Party Planning Journal for years, for parties <a href="http://andawaywego123.blogspot.com/2014/02/a-superhero-birthday-party.html" target="_blank">big</a> and <a href="http://andawaywego123.blogspot.com/2013/08/a-crabby-party-henry-turns-1.html" target="_blank">small</a>!<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-J5lHuvfiqu0/Uxd0NTL6tZI/AAAAAAAACGQ/HJ9MfwZc5U4/s1600/party+journal+title.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="party planning journal" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-J5lHuvfiqu0/Uxd0NTL6tZI/AAAAAAAACGQ/HJ9MfwZc5U4/s1600/party+journal+title.jpg" height="400" title="party planning journal" width="260" /></a></div>
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The idea is simple (and probably used by many), grab a notebook and give it the job of housing all of your lists when getting organized for entertaining. For dinner parties I usually just jot down the menu, but for birthday parties I include the guest list, games and decoration ideas.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pmioOVDtyxk/Uxd0Mv3fxTI/AAAAAAAACGI/dMEKt2JXxIc/s1600/party+journal+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="party planning journal" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pmioOVDtyxk/Uxd0Mv3fxTI/AAAAAAAACGI/dMEKt2JXxIc/s1600/party+journal+2.jpg" height="266" title="party planning journal" width="400" /></a></div>
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What I find most useful about having this information all in one place is that I can look back to see what I served at previous parties. That way I can make sure I'm not always serving the same food to our guests! It's also helpful when brainstorming a menu to see whats worked well in the past.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-plhmbr_tt0Q/Uxd0MjwWh1I/AAAAAAAACGU/yIJQmYap0pY/s1600/party+journal+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="party planning journal" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-plhmbr_tt0Q/Uxd0MjwWh1I/AAAAAAAACGU/yIJQmYap0pY/s1600/party+journal+1.jpg" height="266" title="party planning journal" width="400" /></a></div>
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I recently filled my original party planning journal and had to start a new one. I chose this pretty Martha Stewart journal and added a festive touch with some silhouette vinyl cut outs. It's a great size to take along to the grocery store and looks super cute sitting out on my desk!</div>
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<img align="right" src="http://i1266.photobucket.com/albums/jj540/leanneleeper/signature.png" />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11193829254897418422noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3925850973334652293.post-48761819442519842252014-02-25T14:41:00.000-05:002014-02-25T15:08:52.506-05:00A Superhero Birthday Party!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This past month we celebrated Andrew's 4th birthday. If you know my little man, you know that there was absolutely no question of what the theme would be! I was so excited to get started on this party, there are so many amazing ideas out there and it was really hard to restrain myself from attempting them all! </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GAS_bWgOuHY/UwzkHpQDumI/AAAAAAAACE8/mrFmRia1QZw/s1600/title.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="superhero party" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GAS_bWgOuHY/UwzkHpQDumI/AAAAAAAACE8/mrFmRia1QZw/s1600/title.jpg" height="400" title="superhero party ideas" width="323" /></a></div>
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I wanted to keep the decorations as "DIY" as possible, there are many items that can be purchased, but the cost can really add up. I have a large supply of <a href="http://andawaywego123.blogspot.com/2013/07/organizing-craft-supplies-card-stock.html" target="_blank">card stock</a> on hand and lots of ribbon. I only had to purchase the balloons and two comic books! I think I spent less than $20!</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9Zp3GvHJS4Q/UwzddaBvrcI/AAAAAAAACDQ/MMzOvcO-2ec/s1600/super+hero+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="superhero party" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9Zp3GvHJS4Q/UwzddaBvrcI/AAAAAAAACDQ/MMzOvcO-2ec/s1600/super+hero+1.jpg" height="640" title="superhero party decorations" width="416" /></a></div>
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Our new place has a great big mantle which is fabulous for decorating for events. I used Andrew's giant batman, some balloons and the cake and cupcakes to decorate this space. I always try to put the birthday cake front and centre... after all they take a lot of effort! I used rolled fondant for the buildings and Superman logo getting my inspiration <a href="http://cakecentral.com/g/i/2293493/strawberry-vanilla-chocolate-chip-and-chocolate-cake-with-vanilla-buttercream-rice-crispy-and-fondant-hulk-hand/" target="_blank">here</a> and the cupcake toppers were found online (<a href="http://how-do-it.info/Free_Superhero_Party_Printables/" target="_blank">here</a>). </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zEaRPb8niqg/UwzdeMz8I-I/AAAAAAAACDg/Vb4Ljzq62T8/s1600/super+hero+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="superhero party" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zEaRPb8niqg/UwzdeMz8I-I/AAAAAAAACDg/Vb4Ljzq62T8/s1600/super+hero+3.jpg" height="346" title="superhero cake" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ss7UBNJP7UQ/UwzdeF1fUgI/AAAAAAAACDs/cAwAt2fIYnA/s1600/super+hero+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="superhero party" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ss7UBNJP7UQ/UwzdeF1fUgI/AAAAAAAACDs/cAwAt2fIYnA/s1600/super+hero+2.jpg" height="346" title="superhero cake" width="400" /></a></div>
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I used a couple of comic books to make some colourful banners by cutting each page into triangle and stringing them on ribbon. When selecting the comics I looked for bright pictures with appropriate content (some can be pretty gruesome!). I strung these banners around the mantle, across some mirrors and along the counter. They added a lot of colour to the party!</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PHDmesWQOnA/UwzdgKzLxUI/AAAAAAAACEE/qghYASiclGk/s1600/super+hero+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="super hero party" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PHDmesWQOnA/UwzdgKzLxUI/AAAAAAAACEE/qghYASiclGk/s1600/super+hero+5.jpg" height="467" title="superhero decorations" width="640" /></a></div>
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We snapped some priceless photos of Andrew modeling his new superhero underwear, on Christmas morning. I couldn't resist printing a bunch and adding them to the decor. His friends thought they were pretty awesome (probably not an option for future parties!!). I also used one to make this little sign that his friends could sign and had it ready with some markers for their arrival. </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XbnwI8giuEc/UwzdfCIAlbI/AAAAAAAACD8/oITTjyxa-3Q/s1600/super+hero+6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="superhero party" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XbnwI8giuEc/UwzdfCIAlbI/AAAAAAAACD8/oITTjyxa-3Q/s1600/super+hero+6.jpg" height="295" title="superhero party decorations" width="400" /></a></div>
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We gathered all of our Superhero toys and books and had them ready for the little ones to play as they entered. I always find this to be a chaotic time and having an activity that kids can join whenever they arrive is very helpful. </div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-24i0axzYsxs/UwzdiSoxyLI/AAAAAAAACEo/pSrt9ZapV0w/s1600/super+hero+8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="superhero party" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-24i0axzYsxs/UwzdiSoxyLI/AAAAAAAACEo/pSrt9ZapV0w/s1600/super+hero+8.jpg" height="640" title="superhero party activities" width="531" /></a></div>
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We also had a Superhero Snack bar ready for munching and a little cape for every little Superhero (this little sweetie was the only girl at the party but that didn't slow her down)! I used fabric from a previous project for the capes and <a href="http://www.hideousdreadfulstinky.com/2012/12/reversible-cape-tutorial-for-capes-for.html" target="_blank">this pattern</a>. The fabric was actually taken from inexpensive flat sheets that I bought at target for $5.00. </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FAKXNsMrd3o/UwzdeseZvGI/AAAAAAAACDk/mlCk1oeAbxw/s1600/super+hero+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img alt="superhero party" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FAKXNsMrd3o/UwzdeseZvGI/AAAAAAAACDk/mlCk1oeAbxw/s1600/super+hero+4.jpg" height="320" title="superhero party food" width="254" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-edbnlqhUU74/Uwzdg_RH4SI/AAAAAAAACEc/sPdZaUk624Y/s1600/superhero+10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="superhero party" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-edbnlqhUU74/Uwzdg_RH4SI/AAAAAAAACEc/sPdZaUk624Y/s1600/superhero+10.jpg" height="320" title="superhero cape" width="256" /></a></div>
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We kept the kids busy with lots of fun Superhero games! We decorated Superhero masks, used "Silly String" to get some Super villains (pictures on the back of a door), practised jumping over skyscrapers and raced to change into superhero costumes.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OCWhdkrGelw/UwzdgceCAcI/AAAAAAAACEM/_mkAGCCMUKM/s1600/super+hero+9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="superhero party" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OCWhdkrGelw/UwzdgceCAcI/AAAAAAAACEM/_mkAGCCMUKM/s1600/super+hero+9.jpg" height="379" title="superhero party activities" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-smXiJFffXcQ/Uwzdgjd60AI/AAAAAAAACEU/vBPKxItbo_U/s1600/super+hero+party+15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-smXiJFffXcQ/Uwzdgjd60AI/AAAAAAAACEU/vBPKxItbo_U/s1600/super+hero+party+15.jpg" height="400" width="278" /></a></div>
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After lunch everyone sang to Andrew and many little buddies helped him to blow out his candles. This is always my favourite part of the celebration. His big smile makes all of the party prep more than worth the effort!</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Bd2OEET5Tm8/Uwzdd2SzuDI/AAAAAAAACDU/DcmeRkQCNz4/s1600/super+hero+14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="superhero party" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Bd2OEET5Tm8/Uwzdd2SzuDI/AAAAAAAACDU/DcmeRkQCNz4/s1600/super+hero+14.jpg" height="306" title="superhero cake" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ee9oLQKq6Kk/UwzdiQiePvI/AAAAAAAACEw/l7PGHaCLg3w/s1600/superhero+party+12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="superhero party" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ee9oLQKq6Kk/UwzdiQiePvI/AAAAAAAACEw/l7PGHaCLg3w/s1600/superhero+party+12.jpg" height="400" title="superhero party ideas" width="263" /></a></div>
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<span style="text-align: left;">It was so nice to see all of Andrew's new friends come together to celebrate his birthday. It's hard to believe that just a few short months ago we knew nobody in this city! I think he will be wanting to take a few back to Canada with him!</span></div>
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<span style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">**please grab a printable for </span></span><span style="font-size: xx-small;">your little superhero's big celebration!**</span></div>
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<a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/proxy/bjpHAlyXLZl1oD89R5UW-pEiBCGxgfaBWXqcjSR9_d5FstZtASLUzEl6do7Yt7-66QzZPqKFUBCMxKpfnNhbvjsViUugNjaW8CZecbbUJrHdN9Iwc0e3Aw" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img align="right" border="0" src="http://i1266.photobucket.com/albums/jj540/leanneleeper/signature.png" /></a><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div>
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