tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-75234858707507591472024-03-14T04:19:39.555-05:00Andralynn Creative DesignsArtistic inspiration for everyday lifeAndreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00582377010910744042noreply@blogger.comBlogger67125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7523485870750759147.post-82046015747417795612013-03-04T21:27:00.000-06:002013-03-04T21:27:06.761-06:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0HdQNICqAb-wK1Hu8a1fWKPy0SfYztW422nLUJhhrUeKFhSYHTYV1JnhZFOTvTQiSPVHilPob3WLEwGlL0qqGuMPBNFKf5D45u3hjYae3qJTuFnoLSG6Bym_rOgjmM1VXzDqkAvK2VVb4/s1600/curiosityquote.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0HdQNICqAb-wK1Hu8a1fWKPy0SfYztW422nLUJhhrUeKFhSYHTYV1JnhZFOTvTQiSPVHilPob3WLEwGlL0qqGuMPBNFKf5D45u3hjYae3qJTuFnoLSG6Bym_rOgjmM1VXzDqkAvK2VVb4/s320/curiosityquote.jpg" width="315" /></a></div>
<br />Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00582377010910744042noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7523485870750759147.post-88925587419823211792013-01-17T12:06:00.000-06:002013-01-17T12:06:06.911-06:00Hooray!<br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: blue; font-family: courier; font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.craftster.org/forum/index.php?action=best-of-2012"><img alt="Craftster Best of 2012 Winner" src="http://www.craftster.org/bestof2012/2012-Winners.jpg" /></a> <br /><a href="http://www.craftster.org/forum/index.php?action=best-of-2012">I'm a Craftster Best of 2012 Winner! </a> </span>Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00582377010910744042noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7523485870750759147.post-68724737891980928432012-12-28T20:42:00.002-06:002012-12-28T20:42:44.539-06:00<br />
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<br />Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00582377010910744042noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7523485870750759147.post-51785135461627845022012-10-23T14:31:00.001-05:002012-10-23T14:31:13.629-05:00A Little FroggyI was given very shocking news the other day. Ella told me that I would have to grow a NEW Ella, because she was going to turn into a frog and I wouldn't have her any more. It's very tragic and sudden, and I'm not sure what to do about it. Besides laugh, that is. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK7g7w80DgLWiYb48zZjoR0IZxVNb1Dt_q6inxNvLGoJmqSYbWKFgnkVRkzt50xeAbQjSY3MfRuPH0sOIqA7lMmTWkXNakTmf36K63vvZQz6hXZ7otzj9fKmeApEeTY65hypQ_HvjQhxRO/s1600/IMG_2889.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="243" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK7g7w80DgLWiYb48zZjoR0IZxVNb1Dt_q6inxNvLGoJmqSYbWKFgnkVRkzt50xeAbQjSY3MfRuPH0sOIqA7lMmTWkXNakTmf36K63vvZQz6hXZ7otzj9fKmeApEeTY65hypQ_HvjQhxRO/s320/IMG_2889.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00582377010910744042noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7523485870750759147.post-75021189559607889582012-09-01T18:38:00.001-05:002012-09-01T18:38:45.405-05:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEideAufvRRD4qkLCQ3lVuBjLoTjvEnZ869MnXlluAo0kUxyOP1s4twO1X9VrTEPpBprWStYjA3RLzG7K0mwJn50iQtR8T5SURfyBb_C8YPiDDsZspE1wJk594hgmGJkTNvFj8Vzrxc0ANZb/s1600/sale.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="255" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEideAufvRRD4qkLCQ3lVuBjLoTjvEnZ869MnXlluAo0kUxyOP1s4twO1X9VrTEPpBprWStYjA3RLzG7K0mwJn50iQtR8T5SURfyBb_C8YPiDDsZspE1wJk594hgmGJkTNvFj8Vzrxc0ANZb/s320/sale.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00582377010910744042noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7523485870750759147.post-27496295378573847562012-06-13T14:09:00.001-05:002012-06-13T14:09:31.429-05:00The Owl and The Pussycat<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
In my house, fairy tales, nursery rhymes and storybooks are as important to daily life as peanut butter sandwiches at lunch time and bubble baths before bed. One of my favorite classics is "The Owl and The Pussycat" -- a beautiful little love story that has inspired quite a few paintings in the past few months. </div>
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/101988590/kids-wall-art-whimsical-owl-and-pussycat">The Owl and The Pussycat</a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px; text-align: left;">The Owl and the Pussy-cat went to sea</span></div>
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In a beautiful pea green boat,</div>
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They took some honey, and plenty of money,</div>
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Wrapped up in a five pound note.</div>
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The Owl looked up to the stars above,</div>
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And sang to a small guitar,</div>
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'O lovely Pussy! O Pussy my love,</div>
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What a beautiful Pussy you are,</div>
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You are,</div>
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You are!</div>
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What a beautiful Pussy you are!'</div>
</span>Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00582377010910744042noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7523485870750759147.post-54208872867578771342012-05-24T09:35:00.000-05:002012-05-24T09:35:07.342-05:00Red Light, Green LightThe other day, we were driving around town, trying to get some errands done and I was trying desperately not to go crazy. Traffic was horrible (as usual) and as I slowed the car to stop at ANOTHER traffic light, Ella, being a very curious three-year-old, asked why we were stopping.<br />"We're supposed to stop at red lights," I said.<br />
After an eternity, the light changed to green.<br />
"We go at green lights," I added as I moved the car forward. Apparently, this was the world's fastest traffic light, and it was already turning to yellow by the time I got up to the intersection. I stepped on the gas.<br />
"And we go really fast at yellow lights!" I concluded, jokingly.<br />
"Yeah, if you're a maniac," Annabel muttered. Only nine-years-old and already a backseat driver. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEVouWFJqTcvVH5FmP53p94hmyceccwegx-LDHpxqJd0UkpETlb2JaQfwieELQRy2IaYqqG3Ety9nTClMhdGN52FU8BbD9LIWydYrDMkspejohvN_KaWTRzVHrZ5a7KyXMOHhgkY1tHxDi/s1600/IMG_3936.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="234" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEVouWFJqTcvVH5FmP53p94hmyceccwegx-LDHpxqJd0UkpETlb2JaQfwieELQRy2IaYqqG3Ety9nTClMhdGN52FU8BbD9LIWydYrDMkspejohvN_KaWTRzVHrZ5a7KyXMOHhgkY1tHxDi/s320/IMG_3936.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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"Race Car Dog"<br />Whimsical Children's Painting</div>
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<br />Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00582377010910744042noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7523485870750759147.post-52393254916312943262012-03-28T13:39:00.000-05:002012-03-28T13:39:27.613-05:00Camp Out EssentialsI've been camping many times in my life. I've roughed it in the wilderness, hiked many trails, and fished my fair share of lakes. This past week, however, I learned an entirely new way to camp from my girls. Here's the rundown:<div><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/andralynn"><img border="0" height="258" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBWM1sK6wvY6qSCHcF3n4uogdymTTmo1l1LYQqfM6sdSiFbQeKa8JtKRCS-GO5OnBzoQCPLkNqxXEvZkP6sZuPKO3G4j0orxfDejMdMOGKJ715pZTMBwbkWJz7p3MLlVAUHS214KMIgKTZ/s320/IMG_6395.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div><br />
</div><div>When you want to go camping, there are a few essential things you need to take. Along with your sleeping bag, pillow and bedtime snacks, you will probably also need your toy cat piano (just in case there's a spontaneous need for a dance party). Also, it's important that you bring along ALL your stuffed animals, not just your favorites, because you don't want any of them to feel left out (it's a good idea to have a big stack of books to read to these animals, too--you don't want them to get bored). And don't forget, if you don't have at least half your toys stored away in various purses, sacks and bags, you may regret it sometime late in the night. Last, but not least, you must have not one, not two, but THREE changes of clothes. It would be scandalous not to be wearing the height of fashion while walking around the campsite. <br />
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Luckily, the camp out took place in the backyard. I don't think we're ready to trek into the wilderness just yet!<br />
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</div>Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00582377010910744042noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7523485870750759147.post-29820765060022843782012-02-27T20:09:00.000-06:002012-02-27T20:09:55.706-06:00Silly EllaElla had just gotten dressed and was having a little trouble adjusting her clothes.<br />
"Let me help you, Ella. We need to fix your crooked pants," I said, calling her over.<br />
"Oh, no!" she exclaimed, running to me. "Don't let it get me!"<br />
"Don't let what get you?" I asked, puzzled.<br />
"The cricket in my pants!" she cried. "Get it out!"<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUDlmt83H8t94Hxh1E4RSiQUcG3U11DxzWBUMsYALMHyEtGiegBgPa15qqU4xbFXFZi6EZIVNSqej9ubkMFBSf_jILDuJQBXr0qyz3W9ot51QxhZZcbKtYS2pNHE2Ej47074lIhH7eV1rE/s1600/IMG_5777.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="254" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUDlmt83H8t94Hxh1E4RSiQUcG3U11DxzWBUMsYALMHyEtGiegBgPa15qqU4xbFXFZi6EZIVNSqej9ubkMFBSf_jILDuJQBXr0qyz3W9ot51QxhZZcbKtYS2pNHE2Ej47074lIhH7eV1rE/s320/IMG_5777.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00582377010910744042noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7523485870750759147.post-24332001785573524672012-02-02T18:36:00.000-06:002012-02-02T18:36:20.635-06:00Common SenseAs a mother, I quickly realized that common sense is not really all that common. It is something that is taught (painfully at times), and things that may seem obvious to a grown up can be a true realization for a kid. <div>I have compiled a short list of "Things that I have said that I never thought I would have to say." Please feel free to add your own to the comments (I'd like to feel like I'm not alone and completely crazy!).</div><div><br />
*Don't put the cat in your mouth.<div><br />
</div><div>*Don't put lettuce on your head.</div><div><br />
</div><div>*Don't put toys in your nose.</div><div><br />
</div><div>*Yes, you have to wear clothes to the store.<br />
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*Ketchup and ice cream don't taste good together. </div></div><div><br />
</div><div>*Don't put trash in the garbage disposal! Yes, I know it's called a "garbage disposal" but you can't put trash in it! Don't argue! </div><div><br />
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</div>Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00582377010910744042noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7523485870750759147.post-76755005927930590442012-01-31T10:50:00.001-06:002012-01-31T11:16:24.743-06:00Giveaway Complete!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; line-height: 14px; text-align: left;">The $30 gift certificate giveaway is over! Thanks to everyone who entered and congratulations to Kat! To say thank you to all of you wonderful, fantastic, awesome people, you can use coupon code GIVEAWAY10 for 10% off at my shop for the rest of the week.</span> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvJu-cOHTwlIx_X9iaMMw60ggIxJ61_cQ9WqgPXMwGnoMTaUZZmelUrj5PMnsAUMo2X7CYgvGEQyADwbzj-5asRoouzxKYtEFA9d5P-Pw1fAIW0qlJg0Btr0fIBvu7MVKAUkAJDYmKa_9o/s1600/IMG_5520.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="253" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvJu-cOHTwlIx_X9iaMMw60ggIxJ61_cQ9WqgPXMwGnoMTaUZZmelUrj5PMnsAUMo2X7CYgvGEQyADwbzj-5asRoouzxKYtEFA9d5P-Pw1fAIW0qlJg0Btr0fIBvu7MVKAUkAJDYmKa_9o/s320/IMG_5520.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;"><br />
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<noscript>&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;a href="http://rafl.es/enable-js"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;You need javascript enabled to see this giveaway&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;.</noscript></div>Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00582377010910744042noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7523485870750759147.post-33538625856261180642012-01-07T22:04:00.000-06:002012-01-07T22:04:20.774-06:00Good Guys and Bad GuysSuperheroes and villains are a very big topic in our house, so it's important to get all the facts straight and know all the rules. <br />
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"Ella, do you know what a bad guy is?" Annabel asked her little sister seriously.<br />
"Um...Ice cream!" Ella answered with enthusiasm.<br />
"No, Ella. A bad guy is someone who commits a crime, like stealing. They usually wear masks." Annabel corrected.<br />
"Oh." Ella said with understanding.<br />
"Are you a bad guy or a good guy?" Annabel continued quizzing.<br />
"A bad guy!" Ella answered, again with a lot of enthusiasm.<br />
"No, Ella, you're a good guy. I'm a good guy, Mama is a good guy, Papa is a good guy, and you're a good guy, too." Annabel explained patiently. There was a long pause while she pondered what she had just said.<br />
"At least I think you're a good guy. You don't have any evil plans, do you?"<br />
"Yes!" Ella exclaimed.<br />
"Then I guess you're a bad guy after all," Annabel concluded.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj67p3KBAz8Cpx_qVSZMBSdjVR2wv7sd2MnEIHvss3wQ-CYAy9qfZbmrzVo4UJUllsZJySPIzXE2Al9DgW7sxDiSv9YeXO5uoEOnbAX2-17XQ3vjUTEEQdWo8fDrgL6-A1lfx1T2fYvC4p9/s1600/littlesuperhero.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj67p3KBAz8Cpx_qVSZMBSdjVR2wv7sd2MnEIHvss3wQ-CYAy9qfZbmrzVo4UJUllsZJySPIzXE2Al9DgW7sxDiSv9YeXO5uoEOnbAX2-17XQ3vjUTEEQdWo8fDrgL6-A1lfx1T2fYvC4p9/s320/littlesuperhero.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00582377010910744042noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7523485870750759147.post-33669421882857131252011-12-29T17:51:00.002-06:002011-12-30T09:59:00.805-06:00Argh, Matey!When I woke up this morning I had no idea I was surrounded by pirates. My first clue was when Ella growled at me "Shiver me timbers!" when I handed her a cup of juice, but even then I still wasn't entirely aware I was the middle of an adventure. As the morning progressed (and I became more conscious with the aid of caffeine) I realized that not only were my two beautiful girls saying "Argh!" more than usual, they were trekking through the house while looking at a piece of paper that looked suspiciously like a map. Even the cat was in on the game, wearing a little bandanna around his middle while riding around like a prince inside a tote bag. "Looking for buried treasure?" I asked innocently. "Yes," Annabel answered. "We're trying to find the TV remote." <br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/andralynn"><img border="0" height="256" src="http://img1.etsystatic.com/il_fullxfull.239611453.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div><br />
</div>Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00582377010910744042noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7523485870750759147.post-65493061469190299742011-12-06T13:39:00.001-06:002011-12-06T13:40:43.488-06:00Another Good Luck Owl GiveawayWere you just saying to yourself "Boy, I wish I had a Good Luck Owl of my very own"? Here's your chance! Click below to find out the details and to read a really snazzy feature about yours truly. Hurry now!Good Luck Owls wait for no one!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://annadeloresphoto.blogspot.com/2011/12/whimsical-work-of-andralynn-giveaway.html">http://annadeloresphoto.blogspot.com/2011/12/whimsical-work-of-andralynn-giveaway.html</a><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://img3.etsystatic.com/il_570xN.238718287.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="175" src="http://img3.etsystatic.com/il_570xN.238718287.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00582377010910744042noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7523485870750759147.post-84595298955745246642011-12-06T13:30:00.002-06:002011-12-06T13:34:58.618-06:00More than just a boxLike most people, when I look at an empty diaper box I see something that needs to be tossed into the recycling bin. When I see an empty paper towel roll it means it's time to put out a new roll. I don't see anything special or valuable there. It's just trash. Or at least, that's how I used to think.<br />
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I recently sorted out the mess that's known as Annabel's closet. Inside I found what I would call a small junkyard. Glued together in a huge heap was a monstrosity of boxes, pieces of paper, paper plates and string. I was about to stuff it into a garbage sack when Annabel stopped me. This wasn't trash, she told me. It was a magical fortress where epic battles were fought and good triumphed over evil, and if I threw it out, the entire world would be in jeopardy. I was doubtful, but I took a second look...just to be on the safe side. Sure enough, I saw carefully illustrated characters in the midst of heroic deeds lining the inside "walls" and miniature toothpick "swords" hanging within easy reach of the fortresses defenders. After hearing the entire epic tale, I decided to let the fortress continue its existence for a little while longer (until recycling day or until the cat had squashed it beyond all recognition, whichever came first).<br />
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The lesson I learned from all this is that you really can't judge something by outward appearance. Greatness can be hiding inside a humble exterior and if you're not careful, you could be throwing out the last bastion of goodness in the universe before its had a chance to defeat the evil overlord. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrR3FzYgMfkzY49nQVXpB0DSFpPBKdWGhmONgtKsdo7062BhyphenhyphenM_U0Wy14ibeQ44z6Pcd_Cw0FcERb21nUhhbWn6jfmm8D9n_66qcyoj3RkvL_04LGEMvLwa6hYFqzc2RJGHMjK9I9MIr-a/s1600/IMG_2914.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrR3FzYgMfkzY49nQVXpB0DSFpPBKdWGhmONgtKsdo7062BhyphenhyphenM_U0Wy14ibeQ44z6Pcd_Cw0FcERb21nUhhbWn6jfmm8D9n_66qcyoj3RkvL_04LGEMvLwa6hYFqzc2RJGHMjK9I9MIr-a/s320/IMG_2914.JPG" width="250" /></a></div>Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00582377010910744042noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7523485870750759147.post-45682610859553700722011-10-27T15:11:00.000-05:002011-10-27T15:11:05.912-05:00Who's There?Watch out world, Annabel has discovered the joys of knock knock jokes! Being a creative child, she doesn't just like to find a book and read them to me. Oh, no. She likes to make up her own. <br />
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Here are a couple of her newest gems:<br />
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Knock knock.<br />
Who's there?<br />
Eat.<br />
Eat who?<br />
Don't eat anybody! Are you a monster?<br />
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Knock knock.<br />
Who's there?<br />
Cloud.<br />
Cloud who?<br />
Are you a rainstorm?<br />
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Comedy Central, here she comes! <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/andralynn"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-G1fi5Jq5nMaJp7XHM7SoPpknC_FKPyLL18q9FQ5u9X6ol26B2ZC9_F9gKl5Omdo-NAD5HpqFpSvSRWoES-elZeJhcTLpskLbJn1O_UV6rDkcbxYS1-rvFMuKhuZXHGffp_-4xDjU-unP/s320/IMG_2050.JPG" width="226" /></a></div>Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00582377010910744042noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7523485870750759147.post-40736644579168792262011-10-14T22:35:00.001-05:002011-10-14T22:36:42.840-05:00Log CabinsToday we went to a quaint little place called "The Log Cabin Village" where they have (surprise!) log cabins and rustic pioneer type activities. On our way there, Annabel was explaining things to Ella so she'd know what to expect. <br />
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"Ella, do you know what a log cabin is?" Annabel asked.<br />
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"No," Ella replied.<br />
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Using her I'm a Big Sister and I Know Everything voice Annabel continued "A log cabin is sort of like a house, except it's made of sticks and mud."<br />
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Ella's eyes got huge. "Sticks and mud?" she gasped, "That's disgusting!"<br />
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I don't think she would have made it as a pioneer.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_dFons1rxcAGPTOu4w58HRu-s_txVhulmtR4qNN5Hzn29LuHc7vFJ1zD8VL1faJyiFNw4svBeW8Ji2pNBgiawxkHT75MVTvTl7Txobofcfl10S9cW38ZhGrqZr3-czId7v2imwC_JrjJY/s1600/farm2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="320" width="316" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_dFons1rxcAGPTOu4w58HRu-s_txVhulmtR4qNN5Hzn29LuHc7vFJ1zD8VL1faJyiFNw4svBeW8Ji2pNBgiawxkHT75MVTvTl7Txobofcfl10S9cW38ZhGrqZr3-czId7v2imwC_JrjJY/s320/farm2.jpg" /></a></div>Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00582377010910744042noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7523485870750759147.post-6455904894965980152011-09-19T22:30:00.000-05:002011-09-19T22:30:28.007-05:00Lesson LearnedI learned a hard lesson today. When painting (especially if you happen to be a messy painter, like me) DO NOT I repeat DO NOT put your M&Ms on the table next to your canvas. While you're not paying attention, they will inevitably get covered with green paint and will become mostly inedible (unless you peel the candy coating from them, but then they're not truly M&Ms anymore...boo).<br />
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The offending painting pictured below (Annabel says it was worth it...I'm undecided).<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisb2neoX85_N6SQ720luGUS67qhn1ZyMVU19f-rtDOEjIPWEP4HUz5BOp3pb602c_jtTv7HrK6Bx9coDBFjw0Gq4mj8AaQXIOLsU-sDvf4FFnWnAs_SbQkYnQUOORDOMGuwJJLI48x0w53/s1600/IMG_4219.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="320" width="318" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisb2neoX85_N6SQ720luGUS67qhn1ZyMVU19f-rtDOEjIPWEP4HUz5BOp3pb602c_jtTv7HrK6Bx9coDBFjw0Gq4mj8AaQXIOLsU-sDvf4FFnWnAs_SbQkYnQUOORDOMGuwJJLI48x0w53/s320/IMG_4219.JPG" /></a></div>Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00582377010910744042noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7523485870750759147.post-12352593142676967732011-09-14T20:22:00.001-05:002011-09-14T20:23:37.501-05:00It's hard being littleBeing little can be so hard sometimes. You can't open the refrigerator to get your own snack, you can't reach the sink to wash your own hands, and you can't go outside all by yourself. But most of all, it's hard to be little when you realize that your sister can do something you can't. Like whistle.<br />
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Poor little Ella was trying so hard to whistle like a bird, pursing her lips and blowing with all her might. No matter how hard she tried, all that came out was a slobbery wet sound. She was very frustrated. <br />
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Naturally, being a big sister, Annabel started whistling to show Ella how.<br />
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Ella stood there for a minute, watching and listening. Suddenly she scrunched up her little face and started crying "Mama! Mama! Annabel stole my whistle! She has my whistle, right in her mouth!" <br />
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She didn't understand why I didn't make Annabel give it back. <br />
<a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/andralynn"><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk8MZ637BhW2tnF-nvhmpE2TiWiVR6wek-kHMHVguEJZROIfLrBPWUUJSU5WOW-DY7RbEHRZkRI3yIkwAwgUmUXLdpv8gSoR_ha9qh75e0je77RkfW_Guz1W14dbPdbuIYitIrJMVcRkL7/s1600/IMG_3972.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="235" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk8MZ637BhW2tnF-nvhmpE2TiWiVR6wek-kHMHVguEJZROIfLrBPWUUJSU5WOW-DY7RbEHRZkRI3yIkwAwgUmUXLdpv8gSoR_ha9qh75e0je77RkfW_Guz1W14dbPdbuIYitIrJMVcRkL7/s320/IMG_3972.JPG" /></a></div></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/andralynn">Turtle Painting</a>Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00582377010910744042noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7523485870750759147.post-7671229746396580192011-08-30T21:34:00.000-05:002011-08-30T21:34:22.361-05:00Growing UpWe were out hunting for a "big girl bed" for Ella (*Sob* I still can't believe she's that big already!), and Annabel and Ella were having a serious discussion about getting bigger and growing up.<br />
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First, Annabel asked Ella, "Do you want to be just like me when you grow up?"<br />
"Uh huh!" Ella replied happily.<br />
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"Do you want to be just like Mama when you grow up?" Annabel continued.<br />
"Uh huh!" Ella agreed again.<br />
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"Do you want to be <i>sort of</i> like Papa when you grow up?" Annabel asked.<br />
"You know how he is," she whispered conspiratorially, "and I'm sure you don't want to be stinky like that."<br />
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<a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/andralynn"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmNTFldMq_x6LLcA3OUVdyPOPW8iLxowmICFiUpTn5jeF3Qtyb30SK2BQiubQc2unENhHcpr0huHKBMrw8iMafwE9rOlPh1Jk3Fr8WuM2EPBbwnq9kB28ACafRYtXVfaeAYoj4z5_v6pPg/s1600/IMG_3957.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="239" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmNTFldMq_x6LLcA3OUVdyPOPW8iLxowmICFiUpTn5jeF3Qtyb30SK2BQiubQc2unENhHcpr0huHKBMrw8iMafwE9rOlPh1Jk3Fr8WuM2EPBbwnq9kB28ACafRYtXVfaeAYoj4z5_v6pPg/s320/IMG_3957.JPG" /></a></div></a><br />
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Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00582377010910744042noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7523485870750759147.post-39788431133723154192011-08-25T21:05:00.001-05:002011-08-25T21:05:55.193-05:00Fast ThinkingLast night, my husband went in to check on the girls before we went to bed (as usual). <br />
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He stopped by Annabel's room and found her sound asleep, sprawled across her bed, upside down with a book in her hand (as usual). <br />
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When he opened the door to peek at Ella, though, she stirred and started crying. Trying to keep her from waking up, he started patting her, saying "Shhhh...Shhhh..." Instead of soothing her, Ella started crying out in a sleepy voice "Oh, no! It's a snake!" Thinking quickly, he started hooting like an owl instead. <br />
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She went right back to sleep. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfOg_nGEPlT8VbvJPpiitbER1W1KByWTeqz2GuW6i3fBuJvg1r24pmv37l5crZNm79fob9rZo4IxZKdzkzI2PSyyiaANkhRyakCHQOjhrr6SG_WRLOVA21NPhLTDLneQX5fAzpgbPTEn8R/s1600/IMG_3617.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="238" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfOg_nGEPlT8VbvJPpiitbER1W1KByWTeqz2GuW6i3fBuJvg1r24pmv37l5crZNm79fob9rZo4IxZKdzkzI2PSyyiaANkhRyakCHQOjhrr6SG_WRLOVA21NPhLTDLneQX5fAzpgbPTEn8R/s320/IMG_3617.JPG" /></a></div><br />
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<a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/78114781/guitar-owl-painting-whimsical-original">Guitar Owl</a>Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00582377010910744042noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7523485870750759147.post-78749263205600883072011-08-21T16:02:00.000-05:002011-08-21T16:02:50.595-05:00After finishing this painting Ella came over to inspect it and give her approval. One by one, she pointed at the animals and commented on them. "Look, it's a bear! Look, it's a rabbit!" When she was done she got a very puzzled look on her face and turned to me quizzically. I asked her what was wrong. She pointed back at the painting and said in all seriousness "Where's the hippo?"<br />
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I knew I had forgotten something. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVxVIz-jNr0wP_fdNN6rXpuDbl-t_HMJGKyjREf89yQZWjVdbdws2FknC_YoUz1y7i-gVdzCgGhVeG6PZdhLae4vgfaVKBKRRqCghGoFPgyN9vzKMBVe2yKwEICVYyPpq_GeJJBnbw-XMo/s1600/IMG_3923.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="256" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVxVIz-jNr0wP_fdNN6rXpuDbl-t_HMJGKyjREf89yQZWjVdbdws2FknC_YoUz1y7i-gVdzCgGhVeG6PZdhLae4vgfaVKBKRRqCghGoFPgyN9vzKMBVe2yKwEICVYyPpq_GeJJBnbw-XMo/s320/IMG_3923.JPG" /></a></div><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/80211829/large-original-childrens-painting"><br />
Kite Festival</a>Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00582377010910744042noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7523485870750759147.post-75589057861695576552011-08-02T14:02:00.002-05:002011-08-02T14:20:07.680-05:00Tea Party with a TwistElla was having a tea party with her toy dishes, spoons and a little toy salt shaker. She was playing nicely with Annabel, when suddenly I heard, "Ella, don't cook me!" Apparently, Ella was salting Annabel and getting her ready to put in the oven.<br />
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Maybe we shouldn't be reading Hansel and Gretel just yet.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDJ4fkZeX3psDzdLbbd40Vjh5kz_vuY8ARHZV-1iTbcNHeEWNRlB30lyK3FBlDXAhVWLvLzZyT2Nb6lZCVsC2TEqY4ws7CmBZ2pt-y6ic9bHYVyJK-aB_AcJaHCMbLcTd2zkS24YN7LLHA/s1600/IMG_2754.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="263" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDJ4fkZeX3psDzdLbbd40Vjh5kz_vuY8ARHZV-1iTbcNHeEWNRlB30lyK3FBlDXAhVWLvLzZyT2Nb6lZCVsC2TEqY4ws7CmBZ2pt-y6ic9bHYVyJK-aB_AcJaHCMbLcTd2zkS24YN7LLHA/s320/IMG_2754.JPG" /></a></div>Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00582377010910744042noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7523485870750759147.post-65871799514112970272011-07-21T11:44:00.000-05:002011-07-21T11:44:07.168-05:00Sure of YouSince the day Ella was born, I have eagerly looked forward to the day when I would get to listen to the conversations she would have with her big sister. Oh, what fun it would be. <br />
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I have not been disappointed. <br />
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They talk about why a unicorn is not a horse, whether or not a bug is a monster, and the finer points of why that stack of blocks is a house, not a castle. They also talk about sweeter things, things that make my heart smile. Things that inspired me to paint this painting I titled "Sure of You". <br />
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After a hard day of playing, Annabel leaned over her sleepy sister to give her a little kiss and whisper in her ear so faintly that I almost couldn't hear..."I just wanted to be sure of you." <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdk-vI3M7k0BMQZfj6Fs04pwJn9eoa5OjMVc0Dh3-vyWc_PFkEnzzTF1_8RgD_NkeRZm_DQvUWs6bz1rP6JCRrQX4ttJSYBr5KDyN_OwXVJn3lijHVnO7hS2zdfS3P_Sd8XVokxow-s1II/s1600/IMG_3610.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="239" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdk-vI3M7k0BMQZfj6Fs04pwJn9eoa5OjMVc0Dh3-vyWc_PFkEnzzTF1_8RgD_NkeRZm_DQvUWs6bz1rP6JCRrQX4ttJSYBr5KDyN_OwXVJn3lijHVnO7hS2zdfS3P_Sd8XVokxow-s1II/s320/IMG_3610.JPG" /></a></div>Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00582377010910744042noreply@blogger.com1