tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-89496147312374174562024-03-17T02:18:53.971-07:00LIFE IS SWEETHaleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05139200520564451218noreply@blogger.comBlogger704125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8949614731237417456.post-65521540323632830872016-06-22T20:51:00.003-07:002016-06-22T20:51:56.183-07:00Happy Father's Day Adam!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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So grateful for their "Dada", my sweetheart, and our best friend + protector. And I enjoyed every second making him this video of memories with him from the past little while (October 2015 - June 2016)...we love you Adam!Haleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05139200520564451218noreply@blogger.com72tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8949614731237417456.post-54782876054986304912014-11-23T18:02:00.001-08:002014-11-23T21:44:00.686-08:00Meeting BostonOur "typical" Wednesday started with a slow morning at home. It was actually extra slow and extra sweet...dancing and Nutella toast were both involved. :) Later I took Brooks to preschool, and while he was there, Ava tagged along for my--hopefully last--OB appointment for this baby growing in my belly. He or she was looking great, and I was just looking [and feeling] 39 weeks pregnant. ;)<br />
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After that appointment Ava and I enjoyed a quick target run together, then grabbed Brooks after preschool...to go home?...Or more grocery shopping? Well, I chose the latter. I had plenty of things needing to be checked of the to-get list for baby's arrival. Procrastination is my middle name. It was while shopping that I felt contractions. At first I assumed they were just the strong Braxton hicks I had been feeling the past few week...but then they started happening in my lower stomach, they were getting stronger and just 10 minutes apart. <i>Could this really be happening??</i><br />
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I called Adam as I was loading the groceries in the car...telling him the contractions were closer together and much lower than I've felt before. And we should plan to go to the hospital tonight to check things out. :) Part of me was giddy on the drive home, but a another part of me was thinking, <i>"Wait little one, please! Just a few more days!"</i> I still had some things to get done and clean at the house, items to buy, my bag to pack, and I was mentally and emotionally prepared and looking forward to enjoying "one last weekend" with my little family of 4, and a date night with Adam. I felt sad I was being so selfish, but goodness those feelings wouldn't go away.<br />
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After getting home, putting away the groceries, and showering, with plenty of contractions through it all, I called my mom. I told her this could be it! And through tears I asked for her to pray for me. Anxiety and the fear of not feeling totally prepared was smothering me. And I'm not even the always-prepared type! That angel woman shared encouraging words, and told me she'd book a flight to come Friday, which was such a relief.<br />
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Later, while Adam was putting the kids to bed and I was packing my bag for the hospital, thoughts of doubt in my ability to mother THREE children had crept into my mind and I wanted those thoughts out! I stopped and knelt to pray, practically begging Heavenly Father for comfort and strength. I heard my three loves laughing in the kids' bedroom. :) And an incredible feeling of calm washed over me. <i>It was all going to be okay</i>...the house didn't have to perfectly clean, I may not get my "last weekend" but instead I'll be enjoying my "first weekend" with our new family of 5, and I'm not a perfect mom but I'm doing my best. This baby would come home to a family that was ready to love and cherish him/her, and that's all this baby really needs. Well, that and a few fresh diapers and mama's milk. ;) The excitement I had felt through my pregnancy was back and I could hardly wait to meet this little boy or girl!!<br />
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Adam's sweet mom came just before 10:00 and we headed to the hospital, knowing Brooks and Ava were in the best hands. On the drive there, we shared our final guesses as to who this babe was...we both said girl. Upon getting to the hospital, we found that a room had been made ready and waiting for me, thanks Doc! :) I was at a 4 and fully effaced. The contractions were staying consistent (now less than 5 minutes apart) and, like Ava's birth, focusing on my breathing helped me get through each one.<br />
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<span style="text-align: start;">I was anxious to know how I was progressing so my nurse checked me again (laying down for those checks made for some HARD contractions) and I was now 7 cm dilated. In between contractions I could feel baby moving...and I was suddenly overwhelmed with sadness knowing how much I'd miss being pregnant. This go-around giving birth I was buckled down tight on an emotional roller coaster! But Adam put a smile on my face by talking about how awesome it's going to be when we finally hold our son or daughter. That desire to meet our babe and find out if it is a boy or girl has given me extra motivation to get through the contractions and push harder--with all three of my births.</span></div>
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Midnight came and went and I felt like pushing was right around the corner. I asked my doctor to break my water (it doesn't break on its own) and as soon as he did that a wave of contractions came, and came hard. Within minutes I told them I needed to push...at 12:18am, with everything I had, I focused low, and pushed...<i>"There's a head!" </i>the doctor said. To say I was shocked was an understatement! I took a few breaths and pushed again...<i>"It's a boy!!" </i>Adam said! I could hear the joy and some laughter in his voice (remember, we had both guessed girl;) but I couldn't get my eyes to open for what felt like eternity, shock maybe? But when I did, oh my goodness it was LOVE. Heaven and Earth touched, and our BOY was here.<br />
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<span style="text-align: start;">Our doctor handed him to me and with tears in my eyes I said something like,</span><span style="text-align: start;"> </span><i style="text-align: start;">"Hey little guy, you sure are messy. Goodness I love you!"</i><span style="text-align: start;"> Haha ;) I kissed him and snuggled his tiny body, looked at his Dad, and soaked in the euphoric feeling that WE DID IT. There's nothing like it! After the umbilical cord stopped pumping, Adam cut it, and they took our little boy to be measured, weighed, and get prints of those tiny feet. :) He was 6 lbs 13 oz and 19 inches long. He was calm during all of that, and then came over to cozy up with mama. That first feeding, with Adam by my side...I'll treasure it forever.</span></div>
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<span style="text-align: start;">My two handsome boys went off so the littler one could get his first "bath" and then they met me in the room we'd be staying in the next few days. Adam headed home to get a good night's rest, I stayed and enjoyed the magic of our first middle of the night feeding (trying to enjoy those still, but it's getting harder, haha). I went to sleep looking forward to introducing Brooks and Ava to their new baby brother in the morning!</span></div>
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<span style="text-align: start;">When they came I was so so excited to see them and squeeze their little, but not-so-little-now-compared-to-baby-brother, bodies! And they were happy to be with Mom. :) Dad and I introduced them to their brother, Ava was more than excited to snuggle the </span><i style="text-align: start;">"Beebee!"</i><span style="text-align: start;"> I suspected that, she's always been a little mama. We giggled and counted his toes and found his tiny nose. I was in heaven! Brooks just wanted Dad at this time and was very hesitant. I could see he was almost getting upset and not wanting anything to do with the baby. It was then I remembered I had a tiny "gift from baby" for them. I pulled out two Pez Candy toys and told them their little brother wanted to give these to them. Brooks was thrilled with his Buzz Lightyear Pez, and I think it warmed him up to our new addition. ;) His little heart melted a bit, and watching him be so tender with his brother was magic! Adam helped Brooks be "so careful" with the baby, Ava was coloring, I was beyond content watching it all, and in that moment our little family was complete. I'm so glad I have these photos--physical records of memories I'll never forget.</span></div>
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It took us a week to decide on his name...Boston Karl Kjar. Karl after my Dad, a man whose footsteps we hope Boston follow in. :)<br />
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Now, it hasn't been easy adjusting to to caring for three little ones at home. If it wasn't for Brooks' preschool, I'm pretty sure days would go by without us leaving the house. But we take things one day at a time, and we are SO happy our Boston is here. Brooks and Ava have been incredible with him...kisses and snuggles around the clock. We love you sweet boy!!<br />
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*** And a huge thank you to <a href="http://lissmabey.tumblr.com/">Malissa Mabey</a> for taking these photos! They are treasures to me.Haleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05139200520564451218noreply@blogger.com34tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8949614731237417456.post-73536845152904607682014-11-19T19:36:00.000-08:002014-11-19T19:36:08.039-08:00Bumping<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs1PKsu0rO4k0BVjkeoozBlCinlPrmYVXYjv2fIB0Wbp6CUVqzbcOR_6xKourADz_mSTmH1ZWUfytofHCsfFkEsejX-9yw1YkATFybNRQb30Xof9Ix0WCy2jUFNk70wKmCsIft29XYg-Ju/s1600/Pregnant+with+Boston.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs1PKsu0rO4k0BVjkeoozBlCinlPrmYVXYjv2fIB0Wbp6CUVqzbcOR_6xKourADz_mSTmH1ZWUfytofHCsfFkEsejX-9yw1YkATFybNRQb30Xof9Ix0WCy2jUFNk70wKmCsIft29XYg-Ju/s1600/Pregnant+with+Boston.jpg" height="640" width="638" /></a><br />
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I've abandoned this poor blog of mine (it's <a href="http://instagram.com/haleykjar">Instagram</a>'s fault, haha<span style="text-align: center;">)...but LOTS has happened since my last update. Biggest and best: we added another member to our family! But before I can share details on that little miracle, here are some awesome and awkward memories from my pregnancy. :)</span><br />
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<b>Awkward: </b><br />
- Losing my breathe when tieing shoes and buckling sandals, or bending down to do anything really. ;)<br />
- Feeling like my ya-hoo is going to fall off due to funky pressure "downstairs". Umm. Tmi? Not sure how else to explain it.<br />
- Trying to squeeze past someone, thinking there's enough room and definitely forgetting my width, so I bump them with my bump. Oops.<br />
- Being asked by a stranger at the park if I was going to have a boy. I answer, "We'll see! We like to wait and be surprised. What makes you think boy?" She looked down at my ankles, "Oh, you're swollen." Well, thanks.<br />
- Squatting down to pick up the receipt I was handed then dropped, and feeling the crotch of my pants rip. Greeeaaaaat.<br />
- Walking out of the doctor's office with splotches of the belly-jelly (ultrasound gel) on my shirt. I was feeling all sorts of classy.<br />
- Much of the time I walked around like an old woman because of my intense lower back pain. I won't miss that.<br />
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<b>Awesome:</b><br />
- Feeling and watching the baby kick and stretch in my belly. Never loses its magic!<br />
- Brooks turned 2 the week before his little sister was born, so he wasn't really aware of what was happening...but this go-around he's much more excited about baby brother or sister! And I think it's rubbing off on Ava. :)<br />
- Knowing Brooks' or Ava's clothes will be used by this second boy or girl!<br />
- Closing my eyes and imagining bringing this babe into the world. I treasure my experiences giving birth, and my heart can hardly wait to open up and feel love for another little one after laboring to get him or her here.<br />
- I was nervous to be pregnant through the summer, but it hasn't been as dreadfully hot as I expected. Plus I don't have to suck in for even a second in my swim suit. Haha, I'm ridiculous. ;)<br />
- Brooks and Ava love to feel the baby move (okay, sometimes I move it so they think it's the baby;) I get to watch them get so excited, and then I feel their bellies. Sweetest back and forth interaction. :)<br />
- I had this little "vision" of Brooks and Ava helping me rub lotion on our freshly bathed babe...it was a boy, and his little arms and legs were wiggling around and big brother and sister were giggling the whole time.<br />
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The babe's birth story will be coming tomorrow. Feeling beyond blessed thinking back. :)Haleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05139200520564451218noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8949614731237417456.post-41662535145810388782014-05-08T09:25:00.002-07:002014-05-10T15:27:34.154-07:00Late night tub time<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Lots of tickling and kisses happened during Brooks and Ava's tub time last night. You would have never thought they were driving each other cray-zy allllll day yesterday. ;)</div>
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Haleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05139200520564451218noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8949614731237417456.post-35033245559947122932014-04-15T09:26:00.000-07:002014-04-15T09:32:10.115-07:00Sakura Bloom Sling Diaries Vol. IV: Adventure<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOBID8qI0lENsWs1RKiXZR6p39PnjuUj_7w_-fiD8JLf7Qy6qUI1A3vhWo7HfvLOnLfvJFzq_hpjRu2_tlmysD070f3K-2uqVkASBgE_ONJ9VawqmkbDe2GSEhb1BE1hQ3Q6sQwqzFyPrf/s1600/last+sling+diary+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOBID8qI0lENsWs1RKiXZR6p39PnjuUj_7w_-fiD8JLf7Qy6qUI1A3vhWo7HfvLOnLfvJFzq_hpjRu2_tlmysD070f3K-2uqVkASBgE_ONJ9VawqmkbDe2GSEhb1BE1hQ3Q6sQwqzFyPrf/s1600/last+sling+diary+1.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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Dear Ava,</div>
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"<i>To live would be an awfully big adventure."</i> -- J.M. Barrie</div>
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You should read that in an English accent, because that brilliant author is English and I think it sounds more beautiful that way. ;) Aves, I love that quote, it's simple but powerful. I interpret it as saying that truly living and appreciating each day and each experience makes for an adventurous life!</div>
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Your adventures and life experiences do not have to be perfect or go just as planned to be wonderful. Sometimes the ones that have uncomfortable bumps or unexpected left turns are the ones we treasure and never want to forget! They shape and mold us. I'd say being a mother has been one of those adventures for me. You and Brooks are my greatest adventures yet, and I know your Dad agrees. We've felt a rainbow of emotions because each of you have stolen our hearts--the highest of highs, moments of pure peace, and lows that are hard to describe. But you are allowing us to live life more richly! And loving you gives your Dad and I a taste of how much our Heavenly Parents love us. Being able to experience and see life through your ever-learning eyes has been such a gift. </div>
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You have turned mundane moments into pure magic. I can only hope that you continue to soak up and appreciate life's little and big adventures...</div>
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Dance in the kitchen--it's our favorite dance floor. ;)</div>
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Pick funky ice-cream flavors.</div>
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Be brave and be kind to those whom others are not. And introduce yourself to the "new kid" at school.</div>
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Go on trips and talk to strangers along the way.</div>
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Never take a sunset for granted. Or cool sheets in the summer time. A warm house in the winter time. Or true friends that will always have your back.</div>
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Be weird. I promise, everyone else is too. :)</div>
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After you find your other half and get married, keep dating him.</div>
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Rock your babies to sleep.</div>
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Soak up nature! On short walks take your shoes off to feel the grass on your feet. And on multi-day backpacking trips take time to be still and pray to God out loud in His creations.</div>
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Laugh when you feel like it, and even when you don't.</div>
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Cry when you're sad, and when you're happy.</div>
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Write down spiritual experiences you have.</div>
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Add as many stamps to your passport as possible.</div>
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If you get to visit Niagra Falls and you take the 'Maid of the Mist' tour, stick your tongue out when you're getting sprayed by the water's mist. It's kind of gross, but kind of awesome. Trust me. ;)</div>
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Forgive. Yourself and others. It can be insanely hard, but is insanely liberating too.</div>
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And wear your babies Ava. Being able to wear you in our <a href="http://www.sakurabloom.com/">slings</a>, at home or on our travels, has made for some of my most treasured motherhood moments.</div>
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I love you. And I love our adventures together.</div>
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Love,</div>
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Mom</div>
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PS - These photos are from last night's adventures into the city--the Salt Lake City Capitol sure is gorgeous! Loved wearing you for a bit, and I'm grateful Dad took the photos he did. I treasure them. :) It was such a lovely spring evening with you guys, my favorites.</div>
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*** In all of these photos I am wearing Ava in our <a href="http://www.sakurabloom.com/simple-silk-baby-sling-bittersweet/">Simple Silk Sakura Bloom sling, in Bittersweet</a>.</div>
Haleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05139200520564451218noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8949614731237417456.post-83210262244070361372014-04-08T16:44:00.002-07:002014-04-08T16:44:57.841-07:00Honey Cilantro Lime Chicken & Mango Avocado Salsa<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMcd8USUEmrUocxecBwbRuo5HzclFXJTH1K1q6eM43mm1ofUu566QdHUSKWq0kV0i-EZ02X7O34JsBSyBc47oosnI3N0fXQkIHjpw5ZwGNsPqnXv8qwlHaz-ZMNR5p4GxFu24WcZv-dn_q/s1600/honey+cilantro+lime+chicken+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMcd8USUEmrUocxecBwbRuo5HzclFXJTH1K1q6eM43mm1ofUu566QdHUSKWq0kV0i-EZ02X7O34JsBSyBc47oosnI3N0fXQkIHjpw5ZwGNsPqnXv8qwlHaz-ZMNR5p4GxFu24WcZv-dn_q/s1600/honey+cilantro+lime+chicken+1.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a><br />
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We're trying to be better about what we put in our bodies over here. Goodness it's not always easy, we all love our baked goods and ice cream. haha ;) But I know it's what we need! Cheers to whole foods. Tonight's dinner was all sorts of delicious. I especially loved that it included blackberry honey my sweet brother and his partner got us for Christmas, local from their Whidbey Island home. :) It was fun creating in the kitchen tonight and I wanted to share the recipes...<br />
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<b>HONEY LIME CILANTRO CHICKEN</b><br />
(adapted from food.com's Cilantro Chicken)<br />
<b><br /></b>
4 boneless skinless chicken breasts<br />
1/4 cup lime juice<br />
1/2 cup fresh cilantro (chopped)<br />
1 1/2 Tbs honey<br />
1 tablespoon coconut oil<br />
1/2 tsp salt<br />
1/4 tsp pepper<br />
<br />
<b>Trim</b> and <b>rinse</b> chicken breast then <b>place</b> in a shallow baking pan (I used an 8x8" glass dish). In a small pan, <b>melt</b> coconut oil and set aside. In a small bowl, <b>mix</b> lime juice, cilantro, garlic, honey, melted coconut oil, salt, and pepper. <b>Pour</b> over chicken and turn pieces to <b>coat</b> evenly. <b>Cover</b> and chill at least 30 minutes (I marinated mine for about 7 hours and it worked great!). I <b>cooked</b> my chicken on our George Foreman at the lowest setting (300 degrees) for about ______ minutes, until there was no pink in the middle. Grilling them would be amazing though! <b>Enjoy!</b><br />
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<b>MANGO AVOCADO SALSA</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
1 mango<br />
2 avocados<br />
2 roma tomatoes<br />
1/4 orange bell pepper<br />
1/4 cup fresh cilantro<br />
juice of 2 limes<br />
<br />
<b>Chop</b>, <b>dice</b>, and <b>mix</b> it all together! <b>Put</b> in a bowl with a lid or plastic wrap to seal it, then <b>refrigerate</b> until ready to serve. <b>Enjoy!</b><br />
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PS - I posted the photo below on <a href="http://instagram.com/haleykjar">instagram</a> last summer, but in case you want a fun and easy way to cut a mango, here ya go! I'd just cut the squares/cubes much smaller for the salsa.<br />
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Haleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05139200520564451218noreply@blogger.com61tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8949614731237417456.post-54269344129989396892014-03-31T17:29:00.000-07:002014-03-31T18:46:24.350-07:00Sakura Bloom Sling Diaries Vol. IV: Listening<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i>Listen with ears of tolerance.</i></div>
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<i>See through eyes of compassion.</i></div>
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<i>Speak with the language of love.</i></div>
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-Rumi</div>
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<br />
Dear Ava,<br />
<br />
I can remember the first time Dad and I listened to your heart beat while you were growing inside my belly. It was quick and strong, yet it made the rest of the world around us slow down. Whether it's your heart, your voice, or your eyes talking to me, I will always listen. Sometimes it takes a few "mom-mom-mom"s and a tug at my pants while I'm doing dishes in the kitchen, but I want you to know I feel so blessed to be able to look at your sweet face and really listening to what you're wanting to tell me.<br />
<br />
As you grow you'll have opportunities to listen, learn from, and help those around you. I hope you take time to really be there when your siblings or friends need someone to talk to. Sometimes they'll just want a listening ear and a shoulder to lean on...and that's when you have the chance to hear more than just the words they are saying. Being a good listener is such a gift.<br />
<br />
Another gift is your intuition--the feelings in your heart and the promptings you get from your Heavenly Father--always listen to that. "<i>The value of persistent prayer is not that He will hear us, but that we will hear Him.</i>" I love that! Whether you pray throughout the day, or pray once a month, your Father in Heaven is always listening and aware of your desires, whether you express them vocally or not. Ava, the beauty of that "persistent prayer" is you have that open line of communication, and if you take time to be still and listen, you'll feel what He's trying to tell you.<br />
<br />
Looking through these old photos of Dad and me wearing you in the <a href="http://sakurabloom.com/">sling</a>, I smile thinking of the times you fell asleep and I could hear you breathing, in and out. Or when we were exploring somewhere new, and you'd either snuggle in close to Dad's chest, or you'd point excitedly and babble about something that made you happy. :) I've been grateful to be able to wear you close, listen to you, and feel your heart beat next to mine. I'll always listen for what's in your heart Ava. I love you to the moon!<br />
<br />
Love,<br />
Mom<br />
<br />
PS - The photo below of you wearing and kissing your baby doll will forever be one of my favorites!<br />
<br />
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<br />
*** In all of these flashback-photos we're wearing Ava in our <a href="http://www.sakurabloom.com/pure-baby-sling-maple/">Pure Linen Sakura Bloom sling, in maple</a>.Haleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05139200520564451218noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8949614731237417456.post-39359573399587871322014-03-18T20:56:00.000-07:002014-03-18T20:56:28.070-07:00Finding the Birthday boy's "Magic Tower"<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Last Friday was Brooks' birthday! That sweet boy turned 4. Where did the time go?? Well, while Daddy was at work, I knew the littles and I needed a birthday adventure. So after seeing my friend <a href="http://instagram.com/armelle_blog">Caroline</a> post about the <a href="http://www.nature.org/ourinitiatives/regions/northamerica/unitedstates/utah/placesweprotect/the-great-salt-lake-shorelands-preserve.xml">Great Salt Lake Shorelands Reserve</a>, I knew we needed to explore that gorgeous place! It did not disapoint. We walked on a wooden path way through golden grass as far as the eye could see, with snowy mountains to the east, and a "magic tower" to the south. Brooks was so excited to get to it! Upon walking to the top of the tower, we (as in I;) sang "Happy Birthday" to our new 4 year old. I wish I could've bottled up that moment! On the way back, Ava had a bit of a melt down (haha oh girl), but for the most part the afternoon was pretty perfect. Love my little explorers. And we're excited to go back through out the summer and look for birds, as it's a reserve for some amazing species!</div>
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^^ They're hard to see, but there are two ducks in the water by the grass, to the right of Ava's head. The kids loved when we spotted them! ^^</div>
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^^ Kisses for my birthday boy! ^^</div>
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^^ The lookout from the tower. ^^</div>
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Haleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05139200520564451218noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8949614731237417456.post-90704606653966496962014-02-24T15:09:00.001-08:002014-02-24T15:09:38.633-08:00Sakura Bloom Sling Diaries Vol. IV: Education<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_oscCQYrPC22anbtxVh36CafaCUoSIDPZn76y-n78VAeOp2aIOiEqCZK82ucetlR5_r0E9Ewte7zhB8Ppu_x7FOaMZvWBzPotZASxJmlBl347g9fN0ZL6RwVibsCP8rnnVNTBksSldE50/s1600/IMG_5120.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_oscCQYrPC22anbtxVh36CafaCUoSIDPZn76y-n78VAeOp2aIOiEqCZK82ucetlR5_r0E9Ewte7zhB8Ppu_x7FOaMZvWBzPotZASxJmlBl347g9fN0ZL6RwVibsCP8rnnVNTBksSldE50/s1600/IMG_5120.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
Dear Ava,<br />
<br />
"If you are not willing to learn, no one can help you. If you are determined to learn, no one can stop you." -Unknown<br />
<br />
I love that quote! Two people came to mind after reading it--your Dad and your Grandma Stum. Ava, your Dad is always wanting to learn more! Whether it's learning how to better his skills on the job, learning to be a better father each and every day (he's such a good one yet keeps improving!), or learning about the Gospel. He's not okay with settling with what he knows now, he want to educate himself and know more because he knows knowledge is power. His desire to learn and grow as an individual is inspiring. And your Grandma Stum, her passion for learning is contagious! Looking back, I was pretty lucky to grow up with a set of Encyclopedias at home, thanks to her. :) And she loves books, just devours them. I don't remember a book I was assigned to read in high school, and some in college too, that she didn't read also. Then she was able to share her thoughts and her perspective with me--she's so generous with her knowledge. Her thirst for knowledge is incredible! <br />
<br />
Ava I hope you look to them throughout your life as awesome examples of how gaining and seeking education will benefit you. I feel blessed to get to watch you and your brother learn new things every day! As children you have an innate desire to explore and learn about the world around you. I hope to help keep that desire and flame burning bright in you! I know learning, in and out of the classroom, has its hard moments. But conquering those difficult lessons and gaining an education will truly give you wings to fly, and like the quote said, "no one can stop you."<br />
<br />
I love you my sweet girl. You are kind. <i>You are smart.</i> You are important.<br />
<br />
Love,<br />
Mom<br />
<br />
PS - I loved exploring part of the <a href="http://www.slcpl.org/">Salt Lake City Library</a> with you, Brooks, and Dad the other day. And I'm so grateful that our sweet and talented friend <a href="http://www.lindsaydeephoto.com/">Lindsay</a> was able to capture it in these photos!<br />
<br />
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*** I'm wearing Ava in a <a href="http://www.sakurabloom.com/simple/">Simple Linen Sakura Bloom sling</a>, in silver. Again, huge thanks to Lindsay of <a href="http://www.lindsaydeephoto.com/">Lindsay Dee Photography</a>!</div>
Haleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05139200520564451218noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8949614731237417456.post-4402196615149655442014-02-19T20:41:00.003-08:002014-02-19T20:41:56.989-08:00Fresh out of the tub...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Jumping on the bed, fresh out of the tub...</div>
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Playing with the animals their Daddy played with when he was a boy...</div>
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Stealing kisses...</div>
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Awesome half-wet hair dos...</div>
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Telling Mama what the gorilla and lion both say...</div>
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...all made up a small part of an afternoon that I never want to forget.</div>
<br />Haleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05139200520564451218noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8949614731237417456.post-14140100918535761232014-01-29T08:28:00.000-08:002014-01-29T08:30:33.015-08:00Sakura Bloom Sling Diaries Vol. IV: Confidence<br />
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Dear Ava,<br />
<br />
<i>"No woman is a more vibrant instrument in the hands of the Lord than a woman of God who is thrilled to be who she is."</i> --<a href="https://www.lds.org/ensign/1997/05/news-of-the-church/sheri-l-dew-second-counselor-relief-society-general-presidency?lang=eng">Sheri Dew</a><br />
<br />
Thinking back over different stages of my life...I can remember times when I wasn't "thrilled" to be who I was. My confidence was fragile--whether I was struggling with my physical appearance, not believing in my ability to accomplish my goals or try new things, or not having confidence in my spirit being able to get through hard times. I hope you come to know Ava, before I really did, that being confident in your own skin and your body's abilities is awesome, but it's not everything. That no matter how many times you try and fail, you can always always always try again! And that through different stages in life you will be stretched far beyond what you're comfortable with, but I promise that you'll learn through it all and come out stronger and more confident if you remember that you're not alone.<br />
<br />
As your mom, I am with you and your sweet brother all the time, and yet I can feel so lonely at times. Honestly, motherhood has thrown more blows at my confidence in myself than I'd like to admit. But Ava, your unconditional love for me--your trust and your forgiving, little heart--is what always builds it back up. You and your brother are daily evidences that I can have an impact on the world. Takes me breath away just thinking about it!<br />
<br />
You'll be two this March, and you're already miss independent...as long as you feel comfortable in your surroundings. ;) When we're out and about, you are passionate about either being worn in your <a href="http://www.sakurabloom.com/">sling</a> or walking and exploring all by yourself. I appreciate both! Aves, I think that wearing you from the start has been a beautiful way to instill in you a comfort and confidence that you are loved, which has helped you feel good about venturing out and trying things on your own. I'll wear you as often as you'll let me. Seeing the world from similar points of view never loses its magic. It sure added to the magic we experienced at the <a href="http://www.icecastles.com/">Ice Castles</a> in Midway this past weekend!<br />
<br />
And back to the quote I shared with you at the beginning...I am thrilled to be your mom Ava. I am thrilled to be your sweet Daddy's wife. I am thrilled to be a sister and a friend and a woman of God who makes mistakes but tries to learn from them. And I am thrilled to be able to watch you become an instrument in His hands. I love you Ava, always.<span style="text-align: center;"> </span><br />
<br />
Love,<br />
Mom<br />
<br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Bentham; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.479999542236328px;">** I'm wearing Ava in a </span><a href="http://www.sakurabloom.com/simple/" style="background-color: white; color: #888888; font-family: Bentham; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.479999542236328px; text-decoration: none;">Simple Linen Sakura Bloom sling</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Bentham; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.479999542236328px;">, in silver. Thanks to my sweet Adam for taking these pictures. :)</span><br />
<br />Haleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05139200520564451218noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8949614731237417456.post-671911806949016672014-01-23T11:25:00.002-08:002014-01-23T11:57:06.380-08:00Guest Post: You are "sew" loved! (DIY Valentines)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Valentine's Day is coming up! And I'm excited to share the valentines we made this year. The details (including the printables!) are on a guest post over at <a href="http://sweetlittlepeanut.com/editorial/diy-projects/you-are-sew-loved-diy-valentine/"><i><b>Sweet Little Peanut</b></i></a>--a charming blog filled with all sorts of lovely things for you mamas and your little peanuts too. You can make these "You are 'sew' loved!" valentines with your kids at home, at school, at a Valentine's party, or the like! Brooks loved sewing, or "loop-de-looping" as he would say, and I hope you and your little peanuts do too. xo </div>
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If you want to see our Valentines from the last few years:</div>
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2011: <a href="http://adamandhaleykjar.blogspot.com/2011/02/homemade-valentines.html">"Blowing Kisses Your Way!"</a></div>
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2012: <a href="http://adamandhaleykjar.blogspot.com/2012/02/puzzle-photo-valentine.html">Picture Puzzle Valentine</a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
2013: <a href="http://adamandhaleykjar.blogspot.com/2013/02/heart-shaped-everything.html">XO Heart Photo Hanging</a></div>
Haleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05139200520564451218noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8949614731237417456.post-50949965742748288812014-01-22T16:44:00.002-08:002014-01-22T16:44:28.347-08:00A Good Day for Sledding<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYvQGEjjKB2WO3hMxsQeTdVFz05Fl0reQb-Kvax2adxoT7ME3h0nSHkBrszYOIBLxmNB9byKhu1Dj-HGeiHahVCSjUGMGNj2UuaC71nQXFoiNaG3RFnt7Q4DrZW6kH9d-DeJ1CbMO9u91c/s1600/photo+5.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYvQGEjjKB2WO3hMxsQeTdVFz05Fl0reQb-Kvax2adxoT7ME3h0nSHkBrszYOIBLxmNB9byKhu1Dj-HGeiHahVCSjUGMGNj2UuaC71nQXFoiNaG3RFnt7Q4DrZW6kH9d-DeJ1CbMO9u91c/s640/photo+5.JPG" /></a><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
New Years Day we decided to start the year out right--got outside to breathe in the fresh air and enjoy a day of sledding! It was a <b><i>beautiful</i></b> day. The snow was super packed-down and not prime for sledding, but we made the best of it! Winter sure is beautiful here in Utah.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFTTNivz6jL5eG-y7Jal8kdCPq7m7MWu-32isv6eQQyoERkZK6SYGDguS6Jcw2KaFcMY53-wijNmDmNFbOOY04iwWamjxE4Xq_YCYThiKyqEXPo4_fS0WnO0c5slIkV6rDNs6y_fGyjpYu/s1600/photo+5.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFTTNivz6jL5eG-y7Jal8kdCPq7m7MWu-32isv6eQQyoERkZK6SYGDguS6Jcw2KaFcMY53-wijNmDmNFbOOY04iwWamjxE4Xq_YCYThiKyqEXPo4_fS0WnO0c5slIkV6rDNs6y_fGyjpYu/s640/photo+5.JPG" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuE0GMXRxAg1wtExodD_WNQE6_44iohUmSWpe6xj04EBhCSYOzF1odIE-j-fHGR4RqpV8pOg18sy1J1aU-JxkTsCkLCzkjRvxN4MlhuN5R4mky953GF2i5sLSXiqEBA_UQkmHM1I8mvlqV/s1600/photo+1.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuE0GMXRxAg1wtExodD_WNQE6_44iohUmSWpe6xj04EBhCSYOzF1odIE-j-fHGR4RqpV8pOg18sy1J1aU-JxkTsCkLCzkjRvxN4MlhuN5R4mky953GF2i5sLSXiqEBA_UQkmHM1I8mvlqV/s640/photo+1.JPG" /></a>Haleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05139200520564451218noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8949614731237417456.post-22991441459256397242014-01-21T09:26:00.002-08:002014-01-21T09:26:37.034-08:00Valentine's Shoot with Sweet Memory Garden Photography<div style="text-align: center;">
Angie of <a href="https://www.facebook.com/SweetMemoryGardenPhotography">Sweet Memory Garden Photography</a> is such a talented and sweet woman! She photographed our wedding almost 6 years ago, and I love that she was able to capture some sweet moments of Brooks and I together for Valentine's Day coming up. :) Some of them made me smile, some made me melt...and some (at the end of the post) made me laugh! She was so great to work with! Fun, flexible, patient, and quick--all needed when photographing kids, especially an energetic and stubborn one like Brooks. ;) She's having Valentine's Mini Sessions at her charming studio this Saturday! Book your spot by email (angie@sweetmemorygarden.com) or phone (801-910-9488)! xoxo<br />
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And because the ones below made Adam and I laugh so hard....ahahaha!<br />
Can't resist some crazy outtakes. ;)</div>
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Haleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05139200520564451218noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8949614731237417456.post-33717426819916715282014-01-16T08:11:00.000-08:002014-01-16T08:11:01.572-08:00Elsa's Castle<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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After finally seeing 'Frozen' last week (well, Adam and the kids had seen it, but it was my first time) and falling in love with the story and music, going to the <a href="http://www.icecastles.com/">Ice Castles</a> in Midway was a perfect follow-up adventure! Felt like we were visiting <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=moSFlvxnbgk">Elsa's castle</a>. :) We had been <a href="http://adamandhaleykjar.blogspot.com/2011/03/italian-cafe-and-ice-castles.html">a few years ago</a>, and it was even better than we remembered. So fun to have experienced it at night time, all a-glow, and then in the day. The kids had their sassy pants on and needed to take a break to warm up (and cool down if you know what I mean) in the car, then we went back in, ready to explore! Loved walking though icy blue tunnels, a gorgeous courtyard of white, and even finding Olaf!! Such a fun winter wonderland. :) </div>
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^^ We saw Olaf!! ^^</div>
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^^ Brooks was sad to go, he would've camped out there if we let him! ;) ^^</div>
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Haleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05139200520564451218noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8949614731237417456.post-5303736947184203622014-01-08T22:13:00.002-08:002014-01-08T23:41:23.309-08:00ABC Picture Project<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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So glad I saw <a href="http://instagram.com/corina_sorensen">@corina_sorensen</a>'s ABC project on <a href="http://instagram.com/haleykjar">instagram</a>! I followed her lead! Just made the letter/frames kind of clear, using one of my favorite photo editing apps <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/afterlight/id573116090?mt=8">Afterlight</a>. It was fun taking most of the photos along the way, and grabbing a few from the recent past that worked perfectly with certain letters. Now to get these into a book for the kids! I hope they like it. :) Then maybe put together a photo gallery wall, we'll see...</div>
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A is for apple crisp.</div>
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B is for balloons...and Brooks and bare buns.</div>
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C is for chocolate chips.</div>
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D is for Dad.</div>
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E is for eternal family...and evergreen trees (we started ours in the Salt Lake Temple, but the Portland Oregon Temple, surrounded by evergreen trees, has a special place in my heart. You can go <b><a href="http://mormon.org/faq/use-of-temples">here</a></b> if you want to learn more about temples)</div>
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F is for family.</div>
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G is for gratitude.</div>
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H is for happy.</div>
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I is for ice cream.</div>
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J is for jump!</div>
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K is for kiss.</div>
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L is for leaves.</div>
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M is for missionaries.</div>
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N is for naps.</div>
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O is for ostrich.</div>
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P is for the pond our the beautiful <a href="http://adamandhaleykjar.blogspot.com/2013/06/gram-moms-weekend-visit.html">Liberty Park</a>.</div>
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Q is for quilt.</div>
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R is for reading.</div>
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S is for siblings.</div>
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T is for tea party.</div>
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U for '<i><a href="http://movies.disney.com/up">Up</a></i>' one of our favorite movies.</div>
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V is for <a href="http://adamandhaleykjar.blogspot.com/search/label/vacation">vacation</a>.</div>
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W is for walking and wearing Ava.</div>
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X is for "xoxo"...never too early to teach my prince charming to write love.</div>
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Y is for yaawwwn.</div>
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Z is for zest.</div>
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Haleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05139200520564451218noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8949614731237417456.post-6620305923889691062014-01-02T17:31:00.000-08:002014-01-02T17:31:41.639-08:00Sakura Bloom Sling Diaries Vol. IV: Dreams<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Dear Ava,</div>
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"<i>A dream is a wish your heart makes.</i>"</div>
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That quote is from a song in the Disney movie <i>Cinderella, </i>a movie I'm sure we'll watch together one day<i>.</i> The soon-to-be princess in that story lived in such sad circumstances, but she never let it break her hope, her heart, or her dreams. She was still kind to those around her and made best with what she had, and eventually lived out her dreams...all while singing happy tunes. :) The song she sings of dreams being wishes our hearts make is a simple, but incredible sentiment! Aves, your heart will drive you to take risks, love deeper, make changes, and dream big. Your heart, and my heart, is where I feel our faith lives...even when our once-burning faith--in ourselves or in those around us--is just a glowing ember after life's storms pour down on us. The dreams we have for our lives take faith and passion and dedication on our part, but the people we surround ourself with also influence how those dreams unveil themselves and eventually turn out.</div>
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I hope you surround yourself with people that lift you and encourage you to dream big! Your Dad, older brother, and I will always be some of those people. Even though you'll have hard seasons in life, and you'll walk through frigid, snow-packed trails (like our wintry walk we took last Sunday), you may feel like your dreams are frozen and they'll never see the warm sun. Sometimes we'll carry you over the ice, like your Daddy as he wore you in the sling. Or we'll hold your hand to keep you steady, like we did with you brother. And then one day I know we'll have to watch you fight for you dreams on your own. But we'll always be here for you, cheering you on as you reach for your dreams. That's a promise. I see a strong woman in you Ava, and I'm so excited to see what dreams are in that beautiful heart of yours! </div>
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Love,</div>
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Mom</div>
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PS - Watching Dad wear you makes me melt every time! Thanks for making one of my dreams come true...to see my love raise a daughter. He cherishes you Ava. So much.</div>
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** I am participating in the <b><i><a href="http://www.sakurabloom.com/">Sakura Bloom</a> Sling Diaries</i></b>, sharing thoughts and photos of our baby wearing adventures. See my other Sling Diary entries/letters to Ava <a href="http://adamandhaleykjar.blogspot.com/search/label/Sling%20Diaries">here</a>. In these photos Adam is wearing Ava in a <a href="http://www.sakurabloom.com/simple-silk-baby-sling-bittersweet/">Sakura Bloom Simple Silk sling in Bittersweet</a>. And please excuse the poor quality of some of these pictures, I take all of my photos with my iPhone, and when I lose day light I lose quality. xo</div>
Haleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05139200520564451218noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8949614731237417456.post-1285673086738769092014-01-02T10:32:00.001-08:002014-01-02T10:32:39.065-08:002013 Year in Review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Feeling blessed to live a life of love and color. I enjoyed sifting through photos of last year, reliving sweet memories and learning from heart-breaking moments. Overall, so happy to say that 2013 was a good one!</div>
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See past "year in reviews" here:</div>
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<a href="http://adamandhaleykjar.blogspot.com/2012/01/our-familys-2011.html">2011</a></div>
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<a href="http://adamandhaleykjar.blogspot.com/2012/12/2012-year-in-review_31.html">2012</a></div>
Haleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05139200520564451218noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8949614731237417456.post-66547455681011013572013-12-24T12:56:00.000-08:002013-12-24T12:56:14.777-08:00Picnic in the Mountains - 2013 Family Photos<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgidPvdN7mfgqbY2S5aaQml798O_UUhUj8SgbDu8t2jFxrtw9Ysl6zthvcV0xfR0c8LBxGLqTC-Y3_fYkYddwR1rYI3PJI3LvICkJUOyByAUNRnxsZoo2gSoor10CQWLyLXoEARmagno-mK/s1600/kjar09.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgidPvdN7mfgqbY2S5aaQml798O_UUhUj8SgbDu8t2jFxrtw9Ysl6zthvcV0xfR0c8LBxGLqTC-Y3_fYkYddwR1rYI3PJI3LvICkJUOyByAUNRnxsZoo2gSoor10CQWLyLXoEARmagno-mK/s640/kjar09.jpg" /></a></div>
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This past October we were beyond lucky to get sweet <a href="http://jenheremphotography.com/index2.php#/home/">Jen Herem</a> to photograph our little family again. <a href="http://adamandhaleykjar.blogspot.com/2012/04/what-i-love-most-about-my-home-is-who-i.html">Last time</a> we had barely become a family of four, and I treasure the photos she captured at our home. This go around we soaked up a beautiful fall evening in the mountains with a little picnic. Jen had her work cut out for her...Ava was wasn't feeling well (a lot sicker than I thought) and Brooks decided to fall asleep on the drive there and woke up with his grumpy pants on. But even with our two littles not feeling so hot, Jen got some beautiful images! Love this little family of mine. </div>
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To see more of Jen's work go <b><a href="http://jenheremphotography.com/index2.php#/home/">here</a><span id="goog_431631455"></span><span id="goog_431631456"></span><a href="http://www.blogger.com/"></a></b>.</div>
Haleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05139200520564451218noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8949614731237417456.post-81922039319876437472013-12-22T21:40:00.002-08:002013-12-23T23:41:31.600-08:00Gingerbread Cookies & Buttercream Frosting<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="text-align: start;">Apparently I chose to miss the wrong BUNCO night, because me friend Shay served these gingerbread cookies and they were a hit! ;) So much so that everyone was asking about the recipe and she was sweet enough to share. <i>Thank you Shay!</i> Another friend of hers passed it on to her from a Cutler's Cookie baking class (where do I sign up for that?!), and considering that I had a not-so-great gingerbread cookie baking session earlier this week, I was giddy when these turned out! They are delicious! <i>Christmas in your mouth</i>. :) I just changed a couple minor things, which I noted below. So, happy gingerbread baking! Love this time of year. And I loved getting to make the dough while wearing my sweet Ava...then baked/frosting them while she and brother slept. It was a good sunday indeed. xo</span></div>
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GINGERBREAD COOKIES & BUTTERCREAM FROSTING<br />
(Similar to Cutler's)<br />
1 cup butter (I used salted)<br />
1 cup sugar<br />
1 egg<br />
1 cup molasses<br />
1/2 teaspoon salt (I didn't add any)<br />
1 1/2 teaspoon baking soda<br />
1 tablespoon ginger<br />
1 1/4 teaspoon cloves (I used Allspice (1 1/2 teaspoons) because I didn't have ground cloves)<br />
1 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon (I used 1 teaspoon)<br />
4 1/2 cups cake flour (more if needed, so it's not too sticky)<br />
** (if you don't have cake flour you can make your own by replacing 2 Tablespoons of flour for every cup with cornstarch and sifting well...but I use cake flour often, as it's called for in my favorite <a href="http://adamandhaleykjar.blogspot.com/2012/05/baking-with-cookie-dough-monster.html">chocolate chip cookie recipe</a>, so I advise stocking up:)<br />
***Update with the replacement cake flour...I tried it today and it was definitely not the same. It may have just been me, but I made two batches of dough, one with Soft Silk cake flour, and one with the sifted flour/cornstarch and it was much more dry. So use cake flour if at all possible! :)<br />
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First <b><i>cream</i></b> butter and sugar (I did it in an electric mixer with the paddle attachment). <b><i>Add</i></b> the egg and molasses and <i><b>stir</b></i> until combined. In a seperate bowl <b><i>m</i></b><i><b>ix</b></i> dry ingredients together and gradually stir into the molasses mixture with a spoon. (It becomes a good workout toward the end;) <i><b>Chill</b></i> dough in the refrigerator for at least 1-2 hours. Chilling the dough makes it easier to handle if rolling dough out to make cut out cookies. *** When ready to bake, take the dough out of the fridge then <b><i>preheat </i></b>oven to 350 degrees F. <i><b>Scoop</b></i> the dough, using an ice cream or large cookie scoop (unless you're using cookie cutters...then you would flour your surface, roll and cut...keep them thick so they stay nice and soft!). <i><b>Drop</b></i> dough balls onto a parchment lined baking sheet, about 6 per sheet. I used a cup and pressed them down <i>just a bit</i>. <i><b>Bake</b></i> for about 8-10 minutes. Cookies are done when top is crackled and middle no longer looks wet or shiny. Don't overbake, as they'll continue to cook even after they are out of the oven.<br />
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BUTTERCREAM FROSTING:<br />
1 cup butter, room temperature (I used salted)<br />
4 cups powdered sugar<br />
1 teaspoon vanilla extract<br />
few tablespoons milk, optional<br />
<br />
<i><b>Beat</b></i> the butter and the powdered sugar together until smooth (I used my mixer with the whisk attachement, but a hand mizer would work too). <i><b>Add</b></i> vanilla and <i><b>beat</b></i> well. <i><b>Add</b></i> milk, a tablespoon at a time, until the frosting is at desired consistency (I added 3 tablespoons to mine). <i><b>Continue beating</b></i> until smooth. Making sure the cookies are completely cooled, <b style="font-style: italic;">frost </b>them and ENJOY! The mo' frosting the betta' ;)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz7OAfpK7Z5ieG8NOTQlKzv4pwiRzJofAeqHGZU1uPJzwaF2Zu7EZX4HASmqw1U1YJN-yNRQ_91cELPcgN1j-gp-v75vWKEgPUUv9ZXA770rT1NrBXnDQMW0kjG-b-hWbEz7cuOvkCwb08/s1600/photo+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz7OAfpK7Z5ieG8NOTQlKzv4pwiRzJofAeqHGZU1uPJzwaF2Zu7EZX4HASmqw1U1YJN-yNRQ_91cELPcgN1j-gp-v75vWKEgPUUv9ZXA770rT1NrBXnDQMW0kjG-b-hWbEz7cuOvkCwb08/s640/photo+3.JPG" width="640" /></a>Haleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05139200520564451218noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8949614731237417456.post-77326040276584757462013-12-21T15:40:00.000-08:002013-12-21T15:40:57.825-08:00Guest Post: Healthy Christmas Snack<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It's old news that I am definitely one to take advantage of any chance I get to play with my food. ;) I've seen fruit and vegetable Christmas trees before, served at holiday parties, and they're always a big hit. But I thought, why not make a simple version that my little boy could take part in making? We did it, and as I had hoped, it was a hit--even for our little party of 2! I shared the details over on my lovely friend Lindsay's blog, <b><a href="http://www.deerlindsay.com/2013/12/guest-post-healthy-christmas-snack.html">here</a></b>!<i> <a href="http://www.deerlindsay.com/">Deer Lindsay</a></i> is such a charming spot in blogland...take a look and try not to smile at the gorgeous photos of her sweet family, and her beautiful and honest words that accompany them. xo</div>
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Brooks was pretty proud. :)</div>
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Haleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05139200520564451218noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8949614731237417456.post-40950603753447787652013-12-19T22:51:00.001-08:002013-12-19T22:51:27.477-08:00Dear Brooks,<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Today it snowed. And it snowed and snowed. Felt like we were living in a giant snow globe and we kind of loved it. :) While Ava slept, you and I headed out, per your request, to "play snowball fight like ELF"...<i>oh, bring it on</i>. ;) Wish I could have captured video of our sheniangans! But considering that I finally took my phone out with us capture some fun in all that powder (we've loved the snow the last couple weeks!) I'll call it good.</div>
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Watching you, sweet boy, try to catch snowflakes on your tongue, stomp through knee-deep snow, making and throwing snowballs in your batman gloves that are too big for your little hands, and then reminding you where your pockets were so you could warm up those hands that you said were "so wet and so code" were just a few moments that made my mama heart smile. And after you decided even your hat was "wet and code", we came inside to soak gingerbread cookies in milk, and it topped off our afternoon pretty nicely. We've had some pretty great mom-and-Brooks afternoons lately, and I treasure them. I treasure you.</div>
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Love you forever Brooks! And I'm so excited for our white Christmas next week!</div>
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Love,</div>
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Mom</div>
<br />Haleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05139200520564451218noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8949614731237417456.post-46966902072104331552013-12-11T18:19:00.000-08:002013-12-11T18:19:19.062-08:00Guest Post: DIY Paper Fan Photo Ornaments<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-eFqGKWJ1bydqhyphenhyphenS3ap7i2bDDHBb2RKOEJpOcGA5yrd35wl-t8_tyfZFRanK6L4H-SIGNkhqUObYwSf1CHZ04ZFgj5Cq2Pv7pcDcg2TA-4p4q1BNuySBFxbPLaXHSHOB3m1iwxP_ElEs1/s1600/photo+ornaments+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-eFqGKWJ1bydqhyphenhyphenS3ap7i2bDDHBb2RKOEJpOcGA5yrd35wl-t8_tyfZFRanK6L4H-SIGNkhqUObYwSf1CHZ04ZFgj5Cq2Pv7pcDcg2TA-4p4q1BNuySBFxbPLaXHSHOB3m1iwxP_ElEs1/s640/photo+ornaments+2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I shared a Christmas-y post over at <a href="http://whipperberry.com/2013/12/diy-paper-fan-photo-ornaments.html">Whipperberry</a>! Anyone still doing Christmas crafting? I think I'll be doing it all month and I'm okay with that. :) Go <b><u><a href="http://whipperberry.com/2013/12/diy-paper-fan-photo-ornaments.html">here</a></u></b> to see how I made our Paper Fan Photo Ornaments. I'm excited to make a few more each year and collect cherished, winter memories.xo</div>
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<br />Haleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05139200520564451218noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8949614731237417456.post-33731146035570778592013-12-03T22:44:00.000-08:002013-12-04T01:04:01.522-08:00Sakura Bloom Sling Diaries Vol. IV: Culture<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Dear Ava,<br />
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This is the first of a set of letters, a bit different from others I've written you, in that these will hold my feelings and hopes for you based on specific prompts (this first one is culture) that the lovely ladies of <a href="http://sakurabloom.com/">Sakura Bloom</a> have given me. :) Their incredible slings have made for the sweetest of memories with you, my little love. When I wear you, we have the same perspective of the things around us and I love it! Our perspectives won't always align though, and I'm okay with that, because we are individuals. But I hope we'll always trust and share with each other.<br />
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Aves, as women we are part of a subculture...and it is <b><i>awesome</i></b>. Well, at least <b><i>you</i></b> can <b><i>make it</i></b> awesome. I believe it is what we put into it, that determines what we can gain from this great culture of womanhood. You're my baby girl now, curious and innocent and lovely. As you grow older you will discover that the world wants so badly to define what a girl and woman should be and how she should act. They'll have grueling expectations and call for perfection--whatever that is. But as women we have a responsibility to embrace each other, to lift each other and encourage each other in our beautiful "imperfections" and differences!<br />
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From sisters in the same house, to friends in your neighborhood, to strangers you'll meet when you travel and explore new places...I hope throughout your life you'll be lucky enough to know women that embrace their individual gifts and who respect others for doing the same. We all see and do things differently, but our hearts are oh-so similar. Our hearts long for love and acceptance. Ava girl, you have a chance--every day of your life--to make a difference. You are a daughter of God, an incredible Heavenly Father, who loves you unconditionally. And each woman you meet is loved by Him too, which makes you sisters. So be kind to them. Give them the benefit of the doubt, and have faith in them. Look at them through His eyes. I promise that when you do, your heart will grow and make room for the most incredible relationships that will bless your life. There is nothing quite like the bond of a sisterhood. <br />
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I can't tell you how lucky I feel to have the chance to raise you, sweet daughter. Before I know it you'll be a woman out on your own, making your beautiful mark on the world. So for now, I'll just soak up the naps you sometimes take on my chest as my sling holds you snug. Wearing you, with our hearts as close as they can be, is a privilege.<br />
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I love you sweet girl. Never forget that.<br />
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Love,<br />
Mom<br />
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** I'm wearing Ava in a <a href="http://www.sakurabloom.com/simple/">Simple Linen sling</a>, in silver. Thanks to my sweet Adam for taking these pictures as we wandered around lovely Park City on Thanksgiving. :)</div>
Haleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05139200520564451218noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8949614731237417456.post-52438068218745960492013-11-29T10:59:00.000-08:002013-11-29T11:10:11.316-08:00Swankaroo Love<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The other day we walked around Station Park to enjoy the gorgeous fall weather that's still lingering. Ava had her <a href="http://swankaroo.storenvy.com/">Swankaroo</a> backpack tag along, and I couldn't get over the cuteness. In it she carried her toy giraffe, apple sauce, and notepad with a few crayons...that girl was set. :) We LOVE her Swankaroo pack, and we just ordered another for Brooks using their Black Friday promo code (blackfriday13)! <a href="http://jkoakden.blogspot.com/">Kendra</a>, the girl behind Swankaroo, is just lovely inside and out, and she works hard to make great products! Go <a href="http://swankaroo.storenvy.com/">here</a> to get your swankaroo on. :)</div>
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Haleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05139200520564451218noreply@blogger.com0