tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-312312702024-03-19T00:34:16.430-07:00JENS LISTJen's List - Los Angeleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12112476054870826532noreply@blogger.comBlogger53125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31231270.post-11399725110672073632014-03-19T12:25:00.000-07:002014-03-19T12:25:05.386-07:00ZOOM<div class="MsoPlainText" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><u>Our smile is the way you greet the world!</u></b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><u><br /></u></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Check out how much celebrities pay for Zoom:</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnReqXdOhp_XoBczwn0PxzOU-18HcMLoofk_ZZQHYFOTcwN8BEJZDzkCmx647GEOxWuRKsfyw5PG6kuczVEfuejn_OVSglKjJ4VEx9mCJdprFm3Sl2j_H2riZyjQTzgiwwaueO/s1600/Zoom++Heidi+K..jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnReqXdOhp_XoBczwn0PxzOU-18HcMLoofk_ZZQHYFOTcwN8BEJZDzkCmx647GEOxWuRKsfyw5PG6kuczVEfuejn_OVSglKjJ4VEx9mCJdprFm3Sl2j_H2riZyjQTzgiwwaueO/s1600/Zoom++Heidi+K..jpg" height="201" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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Jen's List - Los Angeleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12112476054870826532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31231270.post-1147757488335518772014-01-21T09:16:00.001-08:002014-01-21T09:16:32.982-08:00Big Bear or Bust!<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>What a great weekend we had!</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9zf8-oOZFlk0ltEFzhrXA-4gvHhMCyjMKWoVtdPYiwiH4YwzoPJd-STNwtjz5H-BqRyTebjD8-scQghnMSn7hUJL-QJa3O0DO61Jv9wpW34Q498VzbnnhOBOjanwsJMRX7Q06/s1600/photo+10.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9zf8-oOZFlk0ltEFzhrXA-4gvHhMCyjMKWoVtdPYiwiH4YwzoPJd-STNwtjz5H-BqRyTebjD8-scQghnMSn7hUJL-QJa3O0DO61Jv9wpW34Q498VzbnnhOBOjanwsJMRX7Q06/s1600/photo+10.JPG" height="320" width="259" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The 3 older boys had been
BEGGING to learn to ski. The younger 2 really had no interest, so Mike stayed
with them and after borrowing ski clothes/helmets from friends, the 4 of us
headed up to Big Bear last Friday. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The drive up the mountain is
not an easy one. Very windy, narrow and one that I would NOT want to do at
night. Ever! There was no traffic and we made it up without a hitch! </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">We checked into to a
glorified motel(not my fav) - although the view was nice, </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYN2FBEsjJ3_9wb_Nj0RXWTVzXSSF0pTQ6rMXJSGUJrvJ4F-uf5U4GQh3hZV9Dz4GAZUAe70-Bv0XQMAX_V_F0IPTg-_nHt-JkEqOQzR76CNm5q6KxvYF3JQNGTea8UQ4uMHQ1/s1600/photo+13.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYN2FBEsjJ3_9wb_Nj0RXWTVzXSSF0pTQ6rMXJSGUJrvJ4F-uf5U4GQh3hZV9Dz4GAZUAe70-Bv0XQMAX_V_F0IPTg-_nHt-JkEqOQzR76CNm5q6KxvYF3JQNGTea8UQ4uMHQ1/s1600/photo+13.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIdTRA99io-cjrS7Xi0Tr1RekpyGhHGtRkOxVtbgiee_BhNLhtEvUHOF75vQsLzI-SmAtOwoj-rZMUv4I6oBnpgR5rocma-oxWoae_EFyDfME_EsLbQaMfewSNzARzdPIXEFMF/s1600/photo+11.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIdTRA99io-cjrS7Xi0Tr1RekpyGhHGtRkOxVtbgiee_BhNLhtEvUHOF75vQsLzI-SmAtOwoj-rZMUv4I6oBnpgR5rocma-oxWoae_EFyDfME_EsLbQaMfewSNzARzdPIXEFMF/s1600/photo+11.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">and got situated. I was advised to head to the
resort after 6pm to rent the skis rather than waiting until Sat. morning to
avoid the rush(which was a good thing because Sat. morning, when we arrived, the line for rentals was out the door and around the corner!)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9T0y2jly3oMZGqjdBSmTDTft8jVjnuRAioaK9OagB2A0xtaBuI5vKqXI1jv2e5-v8isbzz2hAHiAT4yYmSBMwueEWclcHANKpQ-xZidVfiljU3L4dL06GSvMkCCpXsiropXsL/s1600/photo+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9T0y2jly3oMZGqjdBSmTDTft8jVjnuRAioaK9OagB2A0xtaBuI5vKqXI1jv2e5-v8isbzz2hAHiAT4yYmSBMwueEWclcHANKpQ-xZidVfiljU3L4dL06GSvMkCCpXsiropXsL/s1600/photo+1.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">We ventured into the “Village”, walked around, </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqqILLhXJMncVjsKiPAw2gTDzRCBNeeMGyRJT7m5fLvAAuz_IOuswi4Qd0CufUUWn7AW7AgbHu1Ah_rbsl4NQ4eHLgM32w4rJ-HrxaLWnaI8M3ae_qY09LUBvnciY7y6oHIqRY/s1600/photo+14.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqqILLhXJMncVjsKiPAw2gTDzRCBNeeMGyRJT7m5fLvAAuz_IOuswi4Qd0CufUUWn7AW7AgbHu1Ah_rbsl4NQ4eHLgM32w4rJ-HrxaLWnaI8M3ae_qY09LUBvnciY7y6oHIqRY/s1600/photo+14.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">visited the
local stores and had dinner at a little Mexican restaurant in the town. Of
course, no night would be complete without eating ice cream in the 22 degree
weather! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPHBkjBzP14BJk8H51ZtvngRDnTqFi3CoPhPrm4m9pTeyVfLQu5tOVimUyQFK13JSlN-BZHR0RK9RmUkVugFziH2vnnqYcJk21rS-JZ8ZGbwRAJVs1UhBhn8kxNmQ2Mub18h-c/s1600/photo+15.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPHBkjBzP14BJk8H51ZtvngRDnTqFi3CoPhPrm4m9pTeyVfLQu5tOVimUyQFK13JSlN-BZHR0RK9RmUkVugFziH2vnnqYcJk21rS-JZ8ZGbwRAJVs1UhBhn8kxNmQ2Mub18h-c/s1600/photo+15.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The next morning, we drove
about 5 minutes to Snow Summit and parked for $20 in the VIP section, which was
one of the best tips I rec’d! It is SO close to the mountain, and as I had to
go back and forth to the car several times during the day, it was a MUCH better
walk, then having to trek back thru the reg. parking lot. It was COLD!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsLk_WG393SwSovIZcb4AM0EEeIo1YuSJMSBKgDx33emVLqnKvk0ctVQkb_n8mIl3LL8hqpAGvG7mfmUIIb5ps1W0_Ib3VWRiwPTo_tSDM9etjIl-Qjni8UdcHS2FdnwVYDc_t/s1600/photo+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsLk_WG393SwSovIZcb4AM0EEeIo1YuSJMSBKgDx33emVLqnKvk0ctVQkb_n8mIl3LL8hqpAGvG7mfmUIIb5ps1W0_Ib3VWRiwPTo_tSDM9etjIl-Qjni8UdcHS2FdnwVYDc_t/s1600/photo+2.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">After lathering the
boys with sunscreen, group classes started at 9:45am and went until 11:45am.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7Y6h0BQWNsZweYYy0Da9bVKJjbz7wKkQze-HdE14krrcQ4L85D__-EE1HlvAtaH6ANv5WtkzNvO0rW4ZO6EcJIvvuY5X3T7KhTBxaVX0dBec05xHMZFy9uLYIoOXUB90cY-vL/s1600/photo+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7Y6h0BQWNsZweYYy0Da9bVKJjbz7wKkQze-HdE14krrcQ4L85D__-EE1HlvAtaH6ANv5WtkzNvO0rW4ZO6EcJIvvuY5X3T7KhTBxaVX0dBec05xHMZFy9uLYIoOXUB90cY-vL/s1600/photo+3.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjORCfv0l5VeXQxIz8pfoWH3oqz6S4xCNCCes4w7qP6cAAopKW-x3G3flHaAgjRark6eN1URGup1r234h135QD6ji2PJpP6puoU6WSH72K14Ur3Qjcj1MCzZisIInaz6tEDyjsN/s1600/photo+4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjORCfv0l5VeXQxIz8pfoWH3oqz6S4xCNCCes4w7qP6cAAopKW-x3G3flHaAgjRark6eN1URGup1r234h135QD6ji2PJpP6puoU6WSH72K14Ur3Qjcj1MCzZisIInaz6tEDyjsN/s1600/photo+4.JPG" height="180" width="320" /></a></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJmIx8rFuniWJVwSNH-2z62HSxN9tFrZdOGzpBSyq6mN6NwmnKP5FQAwLWP1KYhf8CiTey3ITPIKnhEqmADYVnglnmhvVn1gbpl1A1fXBlh6Xj615TChyphenhyphenEjOFfHK385lm9yRnQ/s1600/photo+7.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJmIx8rFuniWJVwSNH-2z62HSxN9tFrZdOGzpBSyq6mN6NwmnKP5FQAwLWP1KYhf8CiTey3ITPIKnhEqmADYVnglnmhvVn1gbpl1A1fXBlh6Xj615TChyphenhyphenEjOFfHK385lm9yRnQ/s1600/photo+7.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></span></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There were was 8 kids in the group and for the boys 1</span><sup style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">st</sup><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> time, it was ok for them to get acclimated this way. They did great! We left the ski resort to have lunch and with in and out privileges in the VIP lot, it was easy to go and come back without a hassle. The next round of lessons started at 1:45 and lasted until 3:45pm. The afternoon lesson only had 5 kids(3 of which were mine), however the boys did complain that they had to do a lot of waiting around for the others, that may have fallen or needed extra assistance.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I decided that since I had
already spent a small fortune on lessons($350 total for day 1!), a little more for a private would go
a lot father! The ski school was very accommodating and helped me switch the
lessons for the following day, from a 4 hour group, to a 2 hour private($400 total). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I am not sure the boys knew
how totally exhausted the would be from skiing. After the afternoon lesson
ended, they skied for a little longer and then we headed back to the lodge. The
boys had every intention of heading back into the “Village”, but after showers,
decided ordering a pizza would be better. ALL 3 were asleep BY 6:30pm!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">One mistake I made was
leaving the boys gloves in the car overnight. Oops! They were wet from the day
before and never dried, and even froze a bit in the car, making it was hard to
put on the next morning. Lesson learned. Don’t leave the gloves in the car
after skiing! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTW6LyVPYMKhl1PlXObLCWIak8jo_VdwoY9nj_FLNsP4-El3iDxmJNbl9tooX89_jDGZW1aF0bpS7HnCukktTUjd2DbbIoz5y_BUfx5VFJ6d3qPCnnSu0uzd7LpeSKqWFHW6wL/s1600/photo+9.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTW6LyVPYMKhl1PlXObLCWIak8jo_VdwoY9nj_FLNsP4-El3iDxmJNbl9tooX89_jDGZW1aF0bpS7HnCukktTUjd2DbbIoz5y_BUfx5VFJ6d3qPCnnSu0uzd7LpeSKqWFHW6wL/s1600/photo+9.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The next day, the private lessons were from 8am-10am with a
WONDERFUL girl named Crystal Johnston, that came highly recommended to me and after
seeing how amazing she was with the boys, I would too highly recommend her for
private lessons, if anyone was looking for an instructor! Seeing how much the
boys had improved from day 1 to day 2 made me realize that my choice in
privates the next day was truly the right one! Proof here:</span><br />
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<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7_zhjrUEssY&feature=youtu.be"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7_zhjrUEssY&feature=youtu.be</span></a>
</div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The kids took a break, we had some lunch(which by the way, was VERY expensive - $60...I know - not the healthiest!) </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZVNCFGaa-4rWkIthV_FVLoSq8n6-JFtCmr3rFbPei2pDMdvrCohS6p1tz8065oWCoiWYTvK6KPOA2r9qgvDc4HKKgeup1mSavIWlHnqqUB7LmAdzVdkOp9L05qzzCsDvMYKXP/s1600/IMG_4938.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZVNCFGaa-4rWkIthV_FVLoSq8n6-JFtCmr3rFbPei2pDMdvrCohS6p1tz8065oWCoiWYTvK6KPOA2r9qgvDc4HKKgeup1mSavIWlHnqqUB7LmAdzVdkOp9L05qzzCsDvMYKXP/s1600/IMG_4938.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> and then
headed back onto the mountain, just the 3 of them, on the bunny runs, while I
watched from down below. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy4X22isJ0yjXfWI_4FDul1s2jDzBR9xQPLhJkO9Si_JvuYBhVv_0QwO7uI1QHL6IMySSrQXzWyJKuHOz5l1EQUBlG1LogpbjvKvYV1U2kgoNj8ZwYt1KuD9NBTzqxXEiTY2DL/s1600/photo+5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy4X22isJ0yjXfWI_4FDul1s2jDzBR9xQPLhJkO9Si_JvuYBhVv_0QwO7uI1QHL6IMySSrQXzWyJKuHOz5l1EQUBlG1LogpbjvKvYV1U2kgoNj8ZwYt1KuD9NBTzqxXEiTY2DL/s1600/photo+5.JPG" height="320" width="256" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">They had strict instructions to stay together and all
supported one another on the slopes!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The weather was gorgeous. It
was just like spring skiing – but in January! Some were even in t-shirts! The
instructors made all the kids take off their beanies and jackets before the
lessons even started. Most of the day it was about 56-58 degrees and sunny!
While it had not snowed in town, the mountain made snow and it was perfect,
especially or what the kids needed it for!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The kids were in heaven. All
they talked about after their 2<sup>nd</sup> day of skiing is when they can go
again! It definitely is not a cheap sport. That is for sure! But if we can do
it a few times a year, it will be great! Next time, I think we are ALL going to
try to go, including the little ones – should be interesting!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">So glad that I had this time
to bond with the 3 older boys. Memories made that will last a lifetime. </span></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<!-- Blogger automated replacement: "https://images-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com/gadgets/proxy?url=http%3A%2F%2F3.bp.blogspot.com%2F-fpzkcGT6I2M%2FUt6h1SyXH3I%2FAAAAAAAAAdY%2FvLh2vIjXZGM%2Fs1600%2Fphoto%2B7.JPG&container=blogger&gadget=a&rewriteMime=image%2F*" with "https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJmIx8rFuniWJVwSNH-2z62HSxN9tFrZdOGzpBSyq6mN6NwmnKP5FQAwLWP1KYhf8CiTey3ITPIKnhEqmADYVnglnmhvVn1gbpl1A1fXBlh6Xj615TChyphenhyphenEjOFfHK385lm9yRnQ/s1600/photo+7.JPG" -->Jen's List - Los Angeleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12112476054870826532noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31231270.post-39233998222653754092013-08-12T19:29:00.001-07:002013-08-12T21:54:04.337-07:00TIGER STRIPES<div class="MsoPlainText">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I
really don't think I ever thought about how many kids I would actually have. I
knew I always wanted to be a mom and when I was younger, really thought I would
have a daughter. However, I came to realize that it didn't matter anymore if I
had a boy or girl, just a healthy child.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">What
I did always think about is how cute I would look pregnant and how my body
would just snap back the way it was before I had the baby. Of course, I thought
this, because everything I had seen on television, in the movies, reading
magazines, that's what happened.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">So
imagine my surprise when none of it did. I got pregnant on my honeymoon and all
of a sudden something in my brain kicked in, and I thought it was just a
free-for-all to eat everything I wanted that I had always restricted myself
in the past.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">And
in turn, I gained 70 pounds. When Zachary was born, he was just a little over 6
pounds and I'm not kidding, when I tell you that the doctor made the nurses
weigh him again because I think he couldn't figure out how such a big person
could have such a little baby.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Right
there it hit me. I wasn't that really cute pregnant woman that I had always
dreamed of being. Being a first-time mom is an extraordinarily difficult job. I
think it takes stress to an all new level. There's so much adopting to do that
as much as you thought you could prepare for, you really couldn't.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">So
in the past if I was not at a comfortable weight, I would refocus on myself and
get there. However I could no longer just focus on myself, I had a newborn to
take care of. I did have an opportunity when Zachary was six months old to be
part of a Discovery Health reality show called the Body Challenge. It was a
four-month long shoot where I was followed by cameras at the gym and with a
nutritionist. Zachary came with me to all my appointments. When the show ended,
I felt confident again and that dream of my body bouncing back to the way it
was for the most part become a reality.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">In
the years following, I had three miscarriages, so that alone took a toll on my
what was weight-loss accomplishments. I was then blessed with my first set of
identical twins...and gaining 50 pounds. Carrying twins makes being pregnant to a
whole new level! While I was able to lose the weight after they were born, I
was what I came to know as left with "roo".<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">My
skin had been so stretched after all of these pregnancies and lastly being
twins, that it didn't really matter how much weight I have lost, I had this
enormous amount of excess skin that I had to tuck into everything I wore.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I
told myself as soon as I was done having children, I would was determined to
make a permanent parting with "roo". After two additional losses, I
was again blessed with my second set of identical twins and had regained the 50
pounds that I had lost after my first set.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Oh,
and in case you're wondering, with both sets of twins, I never was that cute
pregnant woman! So here I was, the mother of five amazing beautiful little
boys, but really just couldn't stop thinking about the 2 things that I had
always dreamt about for myself really never came true.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I
talked with Mike about my desire to say goodbye to “roo”. I made an appointment
with the plastic surgeon, who in the consultation told me that I needed to wait
until a year after the last birth before he wanted to do the procedure. A
little over a year after my last babies were born, I underwent a tummy tuck. Here are
my blogs regarding that time of my life:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://levinsonfamily.blogspot.com/2009/07/parting-with-roo.html">http://levinsonfamily.blogspot.com/2009/07/parting-with-roo.html</a>
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://levinsonfamily.blogspot.com/2009/07/ahhhto-be-20-again.html"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">http://levinsonfamily.blogspot.com/2009/07/ahhhto-be-20-again.html</span></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://levinsonfamily.blogspot.com/2009/07/10-days-agomy-life-changed.html"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">http://levinsonfamily.blogspot.com/2009/07/10-days-agomy-life-changed.html</span></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://levinsonfamily.blogspot.com/2009/07/3-weeks-post-op-and-what-i-never-knew.html"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">http://levinsonfamily.blogspot.com/2009/07/3-weeks-post-op-and-what-i-never-knew.html</span></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://levinsonfamily.blogspot.com/2009/08/5-weeks-ago.html"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">http://levinsonfamily.blogspot.com/2009/08/5-weeks-ago.html</span></a></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">What
I remember about that is all of the people asking me if I was scared. I was so
excited to be able to put on a pair of pants and not have to tuck in a massive
amount of extra skin, that I never thought about being scared. I truly thought
it wasn't about me being vain, just being able to live the rest of my life a
little more comfortable.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">That
was four years ago and for 4 years my weight went up and down and up and down,
until this last February when I met a wonderful nutritionist who helped me
realize that what I thought was the right, healthy way to eat, was truly an
unhealthy wrong way to eat. I believe that with her help and a few other
therapists over the years who specialized in eating disorders, I am now at a
place that I feel empowered.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Living
in Southern California is hard. Body image is extraordinarily prevalent, and
especially with girls, I believe begins at a very early age. While I no longer
obsess about food and my weight, literally on an hourly basis, I'm was not 100%
at a place where I am comfortable and content.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">A
few days ago my family and I had the opportunity to spend the day with some
close friends at a beach house they rented that week. It was so awesome,
relaxing and peaceful. My family spent the day in the sand digging holes,
catching sand crabs, and burying each other in the sand. One of my 8 year old's
asked to take a little walk and of course I obliged. I think we were talking
about him starting the new school year soon, when he kind of stopped me by
touching my arm and looked very inquisitively at my stomach. He said
"Mommy, what those marks on your stomach"? I paused, looked at his
sweet face and I said "these are from when I had you and your brothers and
let's just call them my tiger stripes".<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">It
was that moment that all the sudden I realized that I actually earned those stripes. I was so lucky to have them. I was beyond blessed that my body had a
chance to get them. It was a life-changing question that my son asked me. He's
too young to understand right now what gift he gave me but when he gets a
little older, I can't wait to share with him what a difference a few little
words meant. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Since
that day, I have not been able to stop thinking about how for 42 1/2 years I
thought I knew what is best for me and it took an 8 year old to help me really
understand what was.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="MsoPlainText">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">From
here on out, I wear my tiger stripes proudly!</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNDJEnOBLHBqdMDVE1o4Eo2XzqsuOFqV8_wRD9QFwVxCHDtVLvND2nNW3oXFq6c13-8N_8B8Po9C_6T-qzyeY9R6_itgem8npas5MzaNS-TCcTYbZSQEFRdXucv8pMP9OS1ieJ/s1600/tiger+stripes.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNDJEnOBLHBqdMDVE1o4Eo2XzqsuOFqV8_wRD9QFwVxCHDtVLvND2nNW3oXFq6c13-8N_8B8Po9C_6T-qzyeY9R6_itgem8npas5MzaNS-TCcTYbZSQEFRdXucv8pMP9OS1ieJ/s200/tiger+stripes.JPG" width="182" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span>Jen's List - Los Angeleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12112476054870826532noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31231270.post-43397008195220020112013-04-07T20:36:00.002-07:002013-04-07T20:39:36.250-07:00We just did a family photo shoot with Randi Marie Photography & I wanted to share!<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Randi Marie Photography started in 2010. Randi strives to
appreciate each and every moment she has with her clients and her work really speaks
for itself!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Here are just a few of the pix taken: </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvrqSYOom_wibzu6WzmzSgwxK322R4nValNr-HlISICyXNmdV2MlL7Noa7hc5DwG9zBWEwsIhu33eVsH9_v4yD9_RuOR6fH68HrFyrtzPbDP5AUb79-v3sqZ79BcCiHuqFRx21/s1600/pix+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><img border="0" height="292" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvrqSYOom_wibzu6WzmzSgwxK322R4nValNr-HlISICyXNmdV2MlL7Noa7hc5DwG9zBWEwsIhu33eVsH9_v4yD9_RuOR6fH68HrFyrtzPbDP5AUb79-v3sqZ79BcCiHuqFRx21/s320/pix+2.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOXnS3k24mP5_sA2FzaVG0CMQ4mstjF483O37m-j3lJFHo0cXIbpKQvQZI12cqxcWnhHzZAn40C6mWQdA3YsKz1yBRA5amgPTubVG3n86Mu2SfI-U79LcC7Dwsmdf4dLPjwbxz/s1600/pix+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="248" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOXnS3k24mP5_sA2FzaVG0CMQ4mstjF483O37m-j3lJFHo0cXIbpKQvQZI12cqxcWnhHzZAn40C6mWQdA3YsKz1yBRA5amgPTubVG3n86Mu2SfI-U79LcC7Dwsmdf4dLPjwbxz/s320/pix+4.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9-0HtRGRKfbuj0PNGlR9TRuSlRRvOjmF-mWN3Fi6FtA9nDtTRvwIxVcW4hHGZwrhWm5hJrCvs_XwEQzYSBimP49KQr9PMLkmWLCiWOc-uV1a3qHazE6i20IVTKTCd9YcgVlFr/s1600/pix+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><img border="0" height="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9-0HtRGRKfbuj0PNGlR9TRuSlRRvOjmF-mWN3Fi6FtA9nDtTRvwIxVcW4hHGZwrhWm5hJrCvs_XwEQzYSBimP49KQr9PMLkmWLCiWOc-uV1a3qHazE6i20IVTKTCd9YcgVlFr/s320/pix+3.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">We are so happy with
how everything turned out! I highly recommend. For more info on Randi, visit </span><a href="http://www.randimariephotography.com/"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">www.randimariephotography.com</span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">.</span></div>
Jen's List - Los Angeleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12112476054870826532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31231270.post-41140098091373340232013-01-25T22:10:00.001-08:002013-01-25T22:11:00.603-08:00A week in the life of a scared mommy and a sick little boy<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">To
say that this past week was probably the longest week of my life, is an
understatement.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"></span><br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: left;">
<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I am
still blown away that it manifested like it did, but beyond thankful, in the
end, everything is going to be ok.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"></span><br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: left;">
<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Last
Friday started like any other Friday in our house. All 5 boys went to school
and I went about my daily routine. My in-laws were in town from Texas, because
it was a 3 day weekend, so they picked up the little ones from preschool for
me. At about 1:15pm, I received a text from my mother in law telling me that
Matthew came home from school and wanted to go to sleep. I found it very odd,
since this is totally out of the norm, but chalked it up to perhaps he played
hard at school! <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"></span><br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: left;">
<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">At
3pm, he woke up crying, tell me his leg hurt. He had to go to the bathroom and
would not walk. I actually thought he was being a hypochondriac and urged him
to toughen up and go pee! Clearly, I am not winning any Mother of the Year
Awards for that one! He whimpered, so I got up from my desk, and helped him to
the bathroom, as he hobbled along. I asked him if he had hurt his leg or if
someone had hurt him at school, to which he told me no. He begged me to give
him Advil, so I gave in. <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"></span><br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: left;">
<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Soon
after he fell asleep again, only to wake up at 5pm, burning up. He had a fever
of a 103. I found this odd, since I had given him medication just 2 hours
prior, but at this point, concluded that he must have the flu, like everyone
else and I was going to need to prepare myself for a long night ahead. <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"></span><br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: left;">
<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">All
he wanted to do is sleep, and complain that his leg hurt. I was still thinking
that since I know when I have the flu, my body aches, this was the way a 4 year
old was able to communicate the achiness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He fell asleep again and woke up at 8pm, still very hot. I gave him
Tylenol. By 9pm, the fever had not gone down at all, so I gave him a cool bath.
All the while, he was telling me his leg hurt. At 10pm, I gave him another dose
of Advil. At 1030pm, he was still very hot. I was on the phone with one of my
best friends and was complaining to her how that I could not get his fever
down. This had never happened before. Normally, at least I could get it from
103 to 100, or so, but this was not budging! She asked what his symptoms were.
I said none, other than a fever…and oh ya…he won’t walk on his right side. She
said “WHAT”? I repeated what I had just said and she very nervously said “You
have to go to the ER NOW”. I tried to calm her down, letting her know she was
totally overreacting at which point, she urged me to call my pediatrician if I
didn’t believe her. So, I did, reluctantly, because it was now after 11pm, and
I didn’t want to wake anyone up. I spoke with the doc, who confirmed what my
friend said and told me I had to go. I know I sound like the worst mother in
the world when I say this, but it was so cold, and I was in bed, and I was
tired and I asked her about 3 times if she thought I could wait until morning. I
clearly am not one to run to the ER for every little thing. After the 3<sup>rd</sup>
time she told me now, I got up, put my Uggs on and headed out the door with
Matthew to Providence Tarzana.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">We
arrived about 11:30pm. The waiting room was full with what looked like flu
patients. I checked in, and took a seat as instructed. At 12am, we were called
to triage. The intake nurse took all the info, and took us right back to what I
thought was going to be a room, but instead a gurney in the hallway, where we
would spend the next 4 hours. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqfb_cvJewCF4aheVfvQqew_UUEmPSpJ30iiKeoM7sYgEF7A4eYr8Ka0Wmb38zRaXpa4vQYtvJuyBDAljtM6axpK0eLxJBiduIqHSRBigrb-zDGWi6kUWudGs-mlSUYK3osgok/s1600/photo+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqfb_cvJewCF4aheVfvQqew_UUEmPSpJ30iiKeoM7sYgEF7A4eYr8Ka0Wmb38zRaXpa4vQYtvJuyBDAljtM6axpK0eLxJBiduIqHSRBigrb-zDGWi6kUWudGs-mlSUYK3osgok/s320/photo+1.JPG" width="240" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">It was right near the nurses’ station. The banter
that went on in there, kept me entertained, while Matt slept, since they gave
him morphine, for the pain. They drew blood, did an x-ray and ultrasound. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGCk1ULZjwnvNvrdCkoWI74-15E4IN3K8doBbKtjsyG90qdOfn-RTsOmgmACDJj26vVSnL7tHHDmBhcYSXQoDNe30Y4JOwS-D4kyzAh7SBarXGTV35HWVXa58ZSmDlR3tE6o4v/s1600/photo+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGCk1ULZjwnvNvrdCkoWI74-15E4IN3K8doBbKtjsyG90qdOfn-RTsOmgmACDJj26vVSnL7tHHDmBhcYSXQoDNe30Y4JOwS-D4kyzAh7SBarXGTV35HWVXa58ZSmDlR3tE6o4v/s320/photo+2.JPG" width="240" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">His
white blood cell count was super high, as well as 2 other markers for
infection. I found out that we were urged to go to the ER for fear he had what
is known as a Septic Hip, however the lack of fluid found on the x-ray and u/s
confirmed this probably was not it. Given that it was clear he was pretty ill,
they said he had to be admitted; however the pediatric floor did not have a
room at that time. At 4am, we got a private room in the ER where we would stay
until 7am. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8PogOGqjvgnYSlm6NEPP4bVFokVxhTWd0bocwNxIV8gUdsPiNHhsOUuxc5m1gohUAp1L54Guz8MCGWfWnCcbMA-D_90s5rOjvF1ovTpDKdy-7cEwxA0G7fWzZCrfL1QJyeo8w/s1600/photo+4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8PogOGqjvgnYSlm6NEPP4bVFokVxhTWd0bocwNxIV8gUdsPiNHhsOUuxc5m1gohUAp1L54Guz8MCGWfWnCcbMA-D_90s5rOjvF1ovTpDKdy-7cEwxA0G7fWzZCrfL1QJyeo8w/s320/photo+4.JPG" width="240" /></span></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVs0tY6OHh-lZN40dbFhZCS4CLSM2SzIsAOF3LwMfFkhz4a-dKdJrqmQAd00k71XS6c52hhlO1_fL8uBCAj_M4-KL6UTxwDRgqrz_GhNVoLEdmRvSyiOLPSYfqPyaWpnm0l2Yf/s1600/photo+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVs0tY6OHh-lZN40dbFhZCS4CLSM2SzIsAOF3LwMfFkhz4a-dKdJrqmQAd00k71XS6c52hhlO1_fL8uBCAj_M4-KL6UTxwDRgqrz_GhNVoLEdmRvSyiOLPSYfqPyaWpnm0l2Yf/s320/photo+3.JPG" width="240" /></span></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHKe32Xilgpb5yG-cH0tmGzQEiZVIL0xtysdrJ2HvmjPaycs5rWnLwCH6oA0GZEaP1ab4ekYE6Q5U-jsDtCvcZUklcrHQ3cPSbhVyaAYA0USQ_37-aNDWVtuiqYOCHeWybUn6u/s1600/photo+5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHKe32Xilgpb5yG-cH0tmGzQEiZVIL0xtysdrJ2HvmjPaycs5rWnLwCH6oA0GZEaP1ab4ekYE6Q5U-jsDtCvcZUklcrHQ3cPSbhVyaAYA0USQ_37-aNDWVtuiqYOCHeWybUn6u/s320/photo+5.JPG" width="240" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">On
the Pediatric floor, we were wheeled into a giant room, which according to the
door, holds 3 patients. All I could think to myself is “this is going to be
interesting”. As of that moment, there was no one else in there and they actually brought him a portable Wii to play with!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvCMfJNv5aWQSfGhn2ZtKMEiwNnW8E_9cLKUXGeRFd_P_IMbeCB3JqbzXv0s8Iz1RzGGrGrC3E_cuDAVetaTNMKe9So5HjIc7_GQjwmzdUMpZDnyhif4KZQEXBRBkVwIJHnFkL/s1600/IMG_2764.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvCMfJNv5aWQSfGhn2ZtKMEiwNnW8E_9cLKUXGeRFd_P_IMbeCB3JqbzXv0s8Iz1RzGGrGrC3E_cuDAVetaTNMKe9So5HjIc7_GQjwmzdUMpZDnyhif4KZQEXBRBkVwIJHnFkL/s320/IMG_2764.jpg" width="240" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">After we got
settled, I noticed a small red mark on Matt’s upper thigh. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWXFFThtZVPYfy9wNBwckaAVScSxMQ-DPQIFQM7NRQNA_qZhfOXodxsbUHLtRb5zu8hr6CgoWnaMiKoCaecVOmbqP7hjGSU-0bMPCykneY3lHnRQ3jo2TEhkKjuvlmvw0Rgnkv/s1600/IMG_2762.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWXFFThtZVPYfy9wNBwckaAVScSxMQ-DPQIFQM7NRQNA_qZhfOXodxsbUHLtRb5zu8hr6CgoWnaMiKoCaecVOmbqP7hjGSU-0bMPCykneY3lHnRQ3jo2TEhkKjuvlmvw0Rgnkv/s320/IMG_2762.jpg" width="240" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">It had just
appeared, however because his eczema is so bad on his lower legs, I sort of
just figured it was moving. At 2pm they sedatated him for a 2 hour long MRI. By
5pm, the red mark was about the size of the inside of my palm. At 6pm, the results indicated
that there was an absess in his upper thigh soft tissue.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeH-fGlwN3SugIfW4YINJvB8nB-eVqjFU0VrdaYDJw6W4Pbcipeu9JdW-h8PJMGJHGn2eybrelmAZ2s3tAPRHGuiWwKPnPslzEPcVlr9EkcOa1TQueQhh2iEfuZyYfuf8CqTQv/s1600/IMG_2768.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeH-fGlwN3SugIfW4YINJvB8nB-eVqjFU0VrdaYDJw6W4Pbcipeu9JdW-h8PJMGJHGn2eybrelmAZ2s3tAPRHGuiWwKPnPslzEPcVlr9EkcOa1TQueQhh2iEfuZyYfuf8CqTQv/s320/IMG_2768.jpg" width="240" /></span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">They
started him on Clindamyosin, all the while still giving Motrin and Tylenol to
try to bring the fever down. At about 8pm, that evening, we got a roommate. A
girl, about 14-15 years old. She didn’t speak English, but from what I
gathered, it was something gynecological. <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">By
1am, he had 105. I was sound asleep in the bed next to him and the nurse woke
me up in a panic. They covered him in ice packs. By this time the infection has
spread to the size of my hand and was starting to really panic that it was Necrotizing
Fasciitis, aka, the Flesh Eating Bacteria. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8tytwK7DWSzYU2nja5LYOTZHtGskt3WHL2Dw9g_DQ7lbO1K7uRDKIiq-w4LCjag1dimoUHogVc_3QBaIywzHT7mRLvExTzPEXxlLreXxVWXTn96s6-hKHjbimj-TszF17D0zv/s1600/IMG_2787.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8tytwK7DWSzYU2nja5LYOTZHtGskt3WHL2Dw9g_DQ7lbO1K7uRDKIiq-w4LCjag1dimoUHogVc_3QBaIywzHT7mRLvExTzPEXxlLreXxVWXTn96s6-hKHjbimj-TszF17D0zv/s320/IMG_2787.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Many were urging me to have Matt
transferred to Childrens Hospital, however Providence has just, I believe as of
Jan. 1<sup>st</sup>, teamed up with CHLA and therefore a team of doctors from
there came in including an infectious disease and surgeon to take on his case.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzyCoOURmJzESJTF18X_bXPyqrlVwxeMjDKY65pGD2ktKsONfL1IuPtsquBway5KB5bcLCexxqHVW9md-DBj3SSZAbDlIBpRfLd7tdPZQjfox5zX7T00r6i9QRzqd8-HWOUk6h/s1600/IMG_2834.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzyCoOURmJzESJTF18X_bXPyqrlVwxeMjDKY65pGD2ktKsONfL1IuPtsquBway5KB5bcLCexxqHVW9md-DBj3SSZAbDlIBpRfLd7tdPZQjfox5zX7T00r6i9QRzqd8-HWOUk6h/s320/IMG_2834.jpg" width="240" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">By
Sunday morning, his fever was down to about 101 and the infection did not
spread anymore</span> <span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">fortunately.
However, that afternoon, the infection started up again, so they switched from
the Clindamyosin to Vancomycin, an even stronger drug to kill whatever was
lurking.</span></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqfzQfVIZx4dYy75htegZaf0afgtGUEp65uBzqxnaWFzLtCEBbYLJIdQkuXBbmWUXYloShMCli0TqLSWQ8X3bE4x4XPZPpn9fGrD0f7VLUaVSp9_rgjFdarEBd1LwbDr9mAlTZ/s1600/IMG_2797.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqfzQfVIZx4dYy75htegZaf0afgtGUEp65uBzqxnaWFzLtCEBbYLJIdQkuXBbmWUXYloShMCli0TqLSWQ8X3bE4x4XPZPpn9fGrD0f7VLUaVSp9_rgjFdarEBd1LwbDr9mAlTZ/s320/IMG_2797.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Because we still did not have a clear diagnosis as to what Matt had,
they put us in isolation – which also meant…we got our own room – so nice! It
even had a fridge! Thank goodness for that, because every visitor that came
brought me diet coke, my drug of choice and I had a place to keep it cold.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I
settled in, organized all of the amazing gifts Matt had received and made
ourselves comfortable.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGfpS2TnEV7FW2Y1xmyaSTuRJDPLhuy-CHuIrj0j5pRLIzzadVFdQm4zVI6rNnq8L0aU95kmxdA13ggAHXtqNb8ObAGCpzRY_wO3cBwrYq6KTSpheNEeJ0JC8dKIWWnfOFgYb6/s1600/IMG_2808.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><br /></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGfpS2TnEV7FW2Y1xmyaSTuRJDPLhuy-CHuIrj0j5pRLIzzadVFdQm4zVI6rNnq8L0aU95kmxdA13ggAHXtqNb8ObAGCpzRY_wO3cBwrYq6KTSpheNEeJ0JC8dKIWWnfOFgYb6/s1600/IMG_2808.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="96" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGfpS2TnEV7FW2Y1xmyaSTuRJDPLhuy-CHuIrj0j5pRLIzzadVFdQm4zVI6rNnq8L0aU95kmxdA13ggAHXtqNb8ObAGCpzRY_wO3cBwrYq6KTSpheNEeJ0JC8dKIWWnfOFgYb6/s320/IMG_2808.jpg" style="filter: alpha(opacity=30); left: 291px; opacity: 0.3; position: absolute; top: 4796px;" width="72" /></span></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAuNFUXT3WwJD2gcu5hhwEXTgbiOYv0k0KT-7eiatcy4NKkP5fX23q2JbyruaO2GS6rtiWirX-UDu1FrSs8AGP76eE-1gF2kIu_dVhb8ip9GVWUeQmv6K47DHZ2cj0ejabPeqr/s1600/IMG_2820.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAuNFUXT3WwJD2gcu5hhwEXTgbiOYv0k0KT-7eiatcy4NKkP5fX23q2JbyruaO2GS6rtiWirX-UDu1FrSs8AGP76eE-1gF2kIu_dVhb8ip9GVWUeQmv6K47DHZ2cj0ejabPeqr/s320/IMG_2820.jpg" width="320" /></span></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh608c44vFSzC1qDs3WSbPfxJ1QIpSc6Mbj07-QWMepznK_Cetq0BuTyNN-nz0iX8iA7Ee5bmzqglEC0zTfAAfsRfnQY24flgrD7TAPjG_Maz0oRxtrOLd0cQGWuPnI9_56hKLM/s1600/IMG_2765.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh608c44vFSzC1qDs3WSbPfxJ1QIpSc6Mbj07-QWMepznK_Cetq0BuTyNN-nz0iX8iA7Ee5bmzqglEC0zTfAAfsRfnQY24flgrD7TAPjG_Maz0oRxtrOLd0cQGWuPnI9_56hKLM/s320/IMG_2765.jpg" width="240" /></span></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZlYSykSlecionDdQiuQJjMzeSfSg4fgirTaEZ4vChZy65GrckJvOpZXLNiWt6zhuTH_Xr_PWCssdQLS3tXUaOGZs05Isg76MQiMu19_-mKCTxfkTOAzobcZQ3pF_aalNSe3Rs/s1600/IMG_2861.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZlYSykSlecionDdQiuQJjMzeSfSg4fgirTaEZ4vChZy65GrckJvOpZXLNiWt6zhuTH_Xr_PWCssdQLS3tXUaOGZs05Isg76MQiMu19_-mKCTxfkTOAzobcZQ3pF_aalNSe3Rs/s320/IMG_2861.jpg" width="240" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">The love and support we were receiving from the
community was truly overwhelming. Meals were set up, the other 4 boys were
being taken care of and well wishes were overflowing my inbox. I updated
everyone as to what was going on thru Facebook and the vast amount of
encouragement was awesome. A lot of juggling went on; however with help from
everyone, Mike was able to keep the other boys schedules in order, while I
pretty much lived at the hospital with Matt. He relieved me about 3 hours a
day, so that I could go home, shower and do Jen’s List for the next day. <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">By
Tuesday, the spreading had finally stopped and we were confident that the
medication was finally working. On Wednesday, it was determined that enough of
the infection has been destroyed by the meds and it was safe to go in and
debride the area. Dr. Akemi Kawaguchi, who has been a friend of mine since I
was 14, operated. I never, in my wildest dreams, would have thought that as
high school friends, almost 30 years later, she would be operating on my son. I
know I was in amazing hands! <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">The
procedure was a success. She was able to remove almost most of the infection.
What she couldn’t, would drain thru a packing left in the incision area. At the
same time, they also put in a pic line as he was going to need to be on
intravenous antibiotics for weeks and once he was well enough, they could send
us home with that to keep recovering.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">By
Thursday, the nightmare of what we had gone thru was really starting to take
its toll on me physically and mentally. I was beyond exhausted and extremely
emotional. I know that Matt was on an upswing, but I felt like we had been thru
so much, the whole experience was totally overwhelming. Not to mention I most
likely gained 20 lbs. eating every cookie that someone brought and snacking
24/7 just to make the time go by!<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrsObVtiCh58rVpMmdvtbQYrz5qYyLMmBd399F2Zj6qdZ1_-0shyphenhyphenNKNtOUwqF3nTocPBuHFZwj-foLuD6NroKstKaNMMW1JTamlqHztDeTX6sWYr2f-Mfx6Uuojg0Y74vuNo4L/s1600/IMG_2890.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrsObVtiCh58rVpMmdvtbQYrz5qYyLMmBd399F2Zj6qdZ1_-0shyphenhyphenNKNtOUwqF3nTocPBuHFZwj-foLuD6NroKstKaNMMW1JTamlqHztDeTX6sWYr2f-Mfx6Uuojg0Y74vuNo4L/s320/IMG_2890.jpg" width="240" /></span></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibznkTwfxgzoELffb31TlkGsgV6JygAxjW5Q3IaYRwNqZ3YoRTeC61FGUKD6h0LuWO4ZVp_2RrJsiXssS2m9D5UrO8n_oXIi6uBU5qb5MaASCFYTFeC14qeejWZMLbvvjagLXG/s1600/IMG_2916.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibznkTwfxgzoELffb31TlkGsgV6JygAxjW5Q3IaYRwNqZ3YoRTeC61FGUKD6h0LuWO4ZVp_2RrJsiXssS2m9D5UrO8n_oXIi6uBU5qb5MaASCFYTFeC14qeejWZMLbvvjagLXG/s320/IMG_2916.jpg" width="240" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Thursday
night to Friday morning was rough. We both slept horribly and we were so ready
to go home. The docs said they could not discharge us until they knew what the
diagnosis was. Finally, at 2pm, one week later, we had an answer. Strep A
positive. Basically, the same kind that is in your throat, but his landed in a
lymph node in his upper thigh, got infected, abscessed and spread. Not a common
occurrence. All along, everyone thought that it was MRSA. It is a very good
thing that I took him to the ER when I did. Had it gotten into his blood
stream, there would have been major problems. <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">We
signed the discharge papers, packed up what I called my studio apartment and
got home Friday afternoon where the home health nurse met us. She showed me how
to administer the antibiotics thru his pic line, where I will continue to give
him his medication until at least Feb. 2nd, three times a day. <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"></span><br /></div>
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<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Matthew
is VERY brave. I am in awe of how amazingly he handled everything he went thru
the past 7 days. He's on the road to recovery and for that, I'm very grateful.
It was very frightening not knowing what was wrong. The nurses and hospital
staff were terrific and really helped make my stay there tolerable.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSwk-mMiTKpbDXbCqZ0pv0zviRGkuu_nDBJtHaWSVtdTKntw6A-Sw00odH7_b-FOtNk9hIrCRPcgYKtUNRSdb4VGVXPddgyC_e4AQ7mNwC-h-BJuTrSzYvom6bLkyAdYaqhNXK/s1600/IMG_2938.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSwk-mMiTKpbDXbCqZ0pv0zviRGkuu_nDBJtHaWSVtdTKntw6A-Sw00odH7_b-FOtNk9hIrCRPcgYKtUNRSdb4VGVXPddgyC_e4AQ7mNwC-h-BJuTrSzYvom6bLkyAdYaqhNXK/s320/IMG_2938.jpg" width="240" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">A
BIG shout out to the entire community. I am humbled by the graciousness and
overwhelming response to our ordeal. The thoughts, prayers, good wishes
received took us through this truly very scary time. There are not enough words
to properly thank all those that reached out to help. <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-IVfhi0aatdsj_m0wnihjzPk0gVaPJJH5TUHNa1aAnXKYl8gunVCGhMvTcxmQ-QfBRKs-WhuAjqx24uWSR2VT4kA2A6JwGDvf3rj3wZPVzK-hVg-jFCgADMSp4Wsa8RbUDz6B/s1600/IMG_2939.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-IVfhi0aatdsj_m0wnihjzPk0gVaPJJH5TUHNa1aAnXKYl8gunVCGhMvTcxmQ-QfBRKs-WhuAjqx24uWSR2VT4kA2A6JwGDvf3rj3wZPVzK-hVg-jFCgADMSp4Wsa8RbUDz6B/s320/IMG_2939.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I
will forever be indebted.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"></span><br /></div>
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<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Now,
as far as I am a concerned, I need a vacation! <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"></span></o:p><br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">XOXO</span></div>
<br />Jen's List - Los Angeleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12112476054870826532noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31231270.post-63495530641612342582012-07-20T20:11:00.003-07:002012-07-20T20:11:57.738-07:00Kids Photo Shoot with SaraPine.com<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLpo93FxxY1aePi2W-phA2O_rfc8kSKzeKKIPID2QTvtEKrtwKidkLZILaSSD7wPn_OcugY1RFUdkfwNDFMILWah2nUeoepv1GNcs1Ijm7Tc-nbbi68lozxDww1yuTUCKC-N0f/s1600/_Group_11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLpo93FxxY1aePi2W-phA2O_rfc8kSKzeKKIPID2QTvtEKrtwKidkLZILaSSD7wPn_OcugY1RFUdkfwNDFMILWah2nUeoepv1GNcs1Ijm7Tc-nbbi68lozxDww1yuTUCKC-N0f/s320/_Group_11.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b><u><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Every so often, I get introduced to a
photographer that just knows how to work with kids...</span></u></b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">And
with me having 5 boys, that is SUPER important. That, AND, that they
take great photos! I was SO excited to have the chance to do a photo shoot with
Sara Pine (<a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=otzeipdab&et=1108442014112&s=3&e=001pBHK-bFzYc2afZ-h563cotAPo0pm8OfXnLHfz4cCGlhoEs1q_Ju0Tq6bonTRZgfzhVXApVTGBCJ-7LoXDNx-yP3aMREkTyTz1e2n8u7JUbc=" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">www.sarapine.com</span></a>) last week. Sara is beyond awesome with
kids. The shots she was able to get</span><span style="color: #1f497d; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">, </span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">captured their true personality. Sara has been behind the camera
since the age 11 and it shows! She is truly terrific and I HIGHLY recommend her.
She is offering a weekday special - $300 includes the photoshoot at the
location of your choice and ALL pix downloaded online for you to do <i>whatever
you would like with them</i>! This is just a sample of the shots taken to get an idea of how AMAZING our photo shoot really was!</span><span style="color: #1f497d; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Jen's List - Los Angeleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12112476054870826532noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31231270.post-27153553790936260702012-01-10T11:01:00.000-08:002012-01-10T17:48:15.007-08:00I am gonna do it this time….Just like all the other times I said I was gonna do it. But this time it seems different. But then again, I have said that before. What can I do so this time is not like all the others? Can it be that I want it more? Can it be that I need it more? Not sure, but I really want to believe that this time is gonna be the last time I ever have to lose weight.<br /><br />I try to always have a smile on my face. People comment to me all the time that I am always smiling and while I joke back “If I wasn’t smiling, I would be crying”, sometimes it’s true. I mean, come on, one person can’t possibly be happy ALL THE TIME…right?<br /><br />I do love my life. I am so blessed with everything I have. That said, I just wish, more than anything that I didn’t think about food, what I weighed, and my body image 24/7. That is not an exaggeration. There have been plenty of nights that I have laid up thinking how I could be thin. How are thin people thin? When it is morning, so I could have breakfast? Am I the only person that feels this way?<br /><br />Reality is, that I know I can't possibly be the only person that feels this way, BUT, I could be, maybe, one of the only people that talks about it. It is shameful. I think. Drug addicts don’t talk about their drug addiction and alcoholics don’t talk about their addiction, so why would a food addict talk about theirs? Same difference.<br /><br />I read a blog this morning, which prompted me to do what I have been meaning to do for a while now. Blog. It talked about that ever so faithful BMI chart.<br /><br />BMI Categories:<br />• Underweight = <18.5<br />• Normal weight = 18.5–24.9<br />• Overweight = 25–29.9<br />• Obesity = BMI of 30 or greater<br /><br />It’s like the big bad wolf. I will never forget – I had just had my 1st set of twins, about 6+ years ago. It was about 3 months after I gave birth and had to go to the doc for something. He did his exam and I needed a second opinion, so I asked for the records for the first visit to take with me. I read them. The doc called me OBESE. To say I wanted to crawl in a hole and bury myself and never come out was an understatement. I am 5’7” and at that time, weighed 195. He clearly didn’t take into account I just had 2 babies – but just even hearing (reading) those words sent me into a tizzy. Me? Obese? No way. I know what obese looks like and I was not it.<br /><br />I have been extremely successful on WW before. After my 1st pregnancy, I lost 80 lbs in 9 months (gained 70 with him) and after the 1st set of twins, lost 50 lbs in 5 months. Now, with the 5 kids, a full time business and countless other obligations, finding the time to lose the last 20-30 lbs has proved it extremely difficult for me and in the interim, mentally debilitating. I can’t tell you how many times I have heard “You don’t look like you need to lose that much”. Either they were being nice or need glasses. I also hear “You carry it very well” – as if that is supposed to make me feel better.<br /><br />So, for the 100th time, I started Weight Watchers on Jan., 2nd. Studies show that logging what you eat daily is a great way to be held accountable. I agree. It’s also a great way to obsess about what you eat everyday – LOL! Fact remains, that for me to be a healthy person, mom, wife and friend, I need to do this. In the end, it’s not even really about the scale. Its how I feel. How my clothes fit. I have clothes in my closet ranging from size 8-12. I would love to get rid of the big ones and choose daily from the small ones. I have to know that it will happen. I have to believe that I will succeed. After all, “The best way to gain self-confidence is to do what you are afraid to do”. ~Author Unknown<br /><br />And away we go…..Jen's List - Los Angeleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12112476054870826532noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31231270.post-34269017800974048442011-11-27T18:33:00.000-08:002011-11-27T18:41:27.434-08:00Yes....there is such thing as Sleep Apnea in Kids!Having 5 kids in a little over 5 years, one would expect that sleep would be the last thing a parent would get for a while. That said, having 5 kids, by the last 2, Sleep Training 101 should have been a mastered art. Everything was going great until Matthew and Joey were about 2 years old. All of the sudden, they started waking up a few times during the night and asking for something to drink. Just so that Mike and I didn’t get too sleep deprived, we complied with their request and thought that it was a temporary blip in the sleep process.<br /><br />Well…we found ourselves a year and half later, what went from a few times a night being woken up by the “babies”, to 5-7 times a night. Increasing, them waking up was less and less of a request for something to drink and more of being woken from a nightmare. They were not night terrors. I did a lot of research and know the difference. The kids were awake, yet inconsolable. They were scared of something. It actually got so bad for Joey over a span of a few weeks, my mind took me to some horrible place and I told the pediatrician that I thought someone hurt him, because I could not imagine what else would make him wake up from a dead sleep so frightened. He gave me the name of a therapist to talk to. <br /><br />It took me a few days to get the courage to call the therapist, as I wasn’t sure how I was going to be bring my 3 year old there. That night, after the kids went to bed, coming from Joey’s room, it sounded like the Amtrak was rolling thru. I opened his door, and if I didn’t know better, you would have thought there was a 300lb. drunk sleeping his bed. Nothing could prepare me for the sounds that were coming from this 34 lb peanut! <br /><br />I knew he was not sick and could not, for the life of me, think what would be the reason he was snoring the way he was. I adore my friends and trust the mommy opinions of those around me, so I posted a simple question on Facebook asking if anyone knew why this was happening. Within an hour, I rec’d about 50 responses telling me that I need to have him examined for Sleep Apnea and have an ENT look at his adenoids and tonsils.<br /><br />I goggled Sleep Apnea in children and was truly amazed at what I read.<br />In addition to continuous loud snoring, other symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea in children include:<br />• failure to thrive (weight loss or poor weight gain)<br />• mouth breathing<br />• enlarged tonsils and adenoids<br />• problems sleeping and restless sleep<br />• excessive daytime sleepiness<br /><br />Oh my gosh. All of the sudden a light bulb went off in my head. Joey is an identical twin. His twin, in the last 6-9 months has gained about 5 lbs and Joey had not. I shrugged it off as they are each their own person and he will catch up. But, there was really a reason, perhaps now why he was not thriving! He was breathing thru his mouth and would nap during the day whenever he could. <br /><br />I immediately called my pediatrician and told him that I wanted a referral to an ENT. He wrote a script for an x-ray and off we went. Had the test done and went to see the ENT. CONFIRMED. Not only were his adenoids and tonsils large, his airway was almost 100% constricted. Poor boy. And to think, I had NO idea. Nobody talks about Sleep Apnea in kids.<br /><br />The surgery to remove his tonsils and adenoids was set for the following week. I talked to as many people as I could about their experience with recovery, just so that I was as prepared as possible. I know that every child is different, but you can never be too prepared. <br /><br />The surgery went great. The surgeon and anesthesiologist were terrific. The doctor told us that Joey’s tonsils were one of, if not the largest she had ever seen in a child his age. He woke up peacefully, drank an apple juice and we were sent home. He slept most of the day, I kept up with the pain meds and I was thinking that the next week was going to be a breeze. <br /><br />Wrong! Recovery has been difficult and it’s been very hard to see how much pain Joey has been dealing with. While it’s still considered routine and the procedure is completed in about an hour, it is major surgery. In an adult, it takes a month for full recovery. In a child, it's a little over 2 weeks.<br /><br />Toddlers are all-or-nothing when it comes to pain management. While they're on painkillers, your child will act completely comfortable and care free. Don't be fooled. As soon as it's time to give them the next dose, do it, or you'll be dealing with 3o minutes of sobbing and clinging while you wait for the next dose to kick in. If your prescription says to give the painkillers every 4 hours, but you need to give it to them every 3 hours to adequately control the pain, check with the doctor, but ultimately, do whatever you need to do to keep your child comfortable. <br /><br />Hydration is so important. Their throats dry out. I've heard a dry throat when waking described by an adult as feeling like you have a bunch of glass in your throat. And then the medication stings going down. It is hard to rationalize with a 3 year old. I tried to explain to him that if he didn’t drink that we would have to go to the hospital. He didn’t understand. He just knew that it hurt to swallow and he wasn’t going to do it. Sure enough, day 7, he was so dehydrated that we were hospitalized for 36 hours while they “pumped him back up” with fluids. No fun for either of us! We were told that day 7-10 is the most painful period post-op because of the scabbing. Joey was at a consistent high level of pain until day 10 and that seemed to finally be the turning point, where he could eat and drink a little more easily with less pain meds.<br /><br />The past week and a half, Joey slept in our bed and Mike slept in his, just so that I was close enough to him to watch him during the night and give him his meds. It's a long haul, you will be sleep-deprived & your child will be miserable. Definitely not a good time to be trying to accomplish anything else major in your life!<br /><br />Do anything you can to keep them occupied. Watching TV or playing on a laptop is a good way to distract them from their discomfort and keep them still.<br /><br />I also was begging Joey eat. I would let him eat whatever he wanted – even if it was soft cookies for a week! After the surgery, kids tend to lose a ton of weight while they're recovering. He was already small to begin with, so anything he was willing to put down, I was willing to give him!<br /><br />I do know that every child is different and everyone heals and recovers at a different pace. I thought it was important to bring to light the importance of not minimizing all of the issues that Joey was experiencing, because in the end, it was something serious and Sleep Apnea was something that I had no idea about. Those that I have spoken to, say that the surgery has been life changing for their kids. Matthew is next up….Jen's List - Los Angeleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12112476054870826532noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31231270.post-79828009227423921782011-11-01T17:28:00.000-07:002011-11-01T19:32:41.798-07:00Every so often, I get introduced to a photographer that just knows how to work with kids…<div>And with me having 5 boys, that is S U P E R important. That, AND, that they take great photos! I was SO excited to finally have the chance to do a photo shoot with Sara Pine last week. Totally impromptu…I grabbed the kids after school one day and headed to an awesome location in Agoura Hills. They had the best time and Sara and her crew were just awesome with them. The shots she was able to get captured their true personality and I was thrilled to see the outcome of our time together. Sara has been behind the camera since the age 11 and it shows! She is truly terrific and I HIGHLY recommend her. For more about Sara, visit <a href="http://www.sarapine.com">www.sarapine.com</a>. I wanted to share her work with all of the Jens List members and offer the chance to have her photograph your family, as well. Perfect for this coming Holiday Season! $250 includes a photoshoot at the location of your choice on a weekday and all pix downloaded online for you to do whatever you would like with them! Click <a href="http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=0IcNmzdoyaNHHA">http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=0IcNmzdoyaNHHA</a>, then photo book, then full screen and you will get an idea of how amazing our photo shoot really was! Enjoy!</div>Jen's List - Los Angeleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12112476054870826532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31231270.post-16350536682132551842011-10-21T08:13:00.000-07:002011-10-21T19:05:27.853-07:00Best Karate Studio Ever!<div><div><p align="center"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFP-etRNuefKuLG7PY8NQ41y-H1uaqUbOshr5Ia2oYrPARDXPiVCSsgRs4UXnpN7QXi6nOmxzxsro8aIrzyKIIiFO7f89x-U-dixeysNukwHttT66aVmDNHg9LPYrJFd2io-Hu/s1600/3.jpg"><img style="width: 320px; height: 240px; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5665964926276510802" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFP-etRNuefKuLG7PY8NQ41y-H1uaqUbOshr5Ia2oYrPARDXPiVCSsgRs4UXnpN7QXi6nOmxzxsro8aIrzyKIIiFO7f89x-U-dixeysNukwHttT66aVmDNHg9LPYrJFd2io-Hu/s320/3.jpg" /></a><br />For 26 years, Team Karate Centers has been coaching people, of all ages, in the process of learning and practicing the martial arts as a tool for learning and practicing the art of being a more complete, proactive, and empowered human being. They consider ourselves an integral "part of the village" that helps parents instill valuable character traits, beliefs, and habits in children. They teach a brand of self-defense that transcends the block, kick, punch, and throw - and includes the self-defense skills of kindness, empathy, community, and compassion. If you are looking for something fun and extraordinarily engaging, interesting, and life-enhancing, they are masters of making it easy to get started. We have been a part of this studio for over 6 years and absolutely love it there!!!</p><p align="center"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtVkBbMYX3UgOWVUj4S543dPBBTn-MSGNUDpYM37wxTtFJook3Ws0S22sIL0H8wdZYyTj0_Cldsx5gc4xr0SeVzgwiWBl1SrtserYA-VYuW7lhiZcH8ugh4aOUpMBgUTBNfF24/s1600/2.jpg"><img style="width: 320px; height: 240px; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5665964907152039602" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtVkBbMYX3UgOWVUj4S543dPBBTn-MSGNUDpYM37wxTtFJook3Ws0S22sIL0H8wdZYyTj0_Cldsx5gc4xr0SeVzgwiWBl1SrtserYA-VYuW7lhiZcH8ugh4aOUpMBgUTBNfF24/s320/2.jpg" /></a></p><p align="center"><a href="http://www.teamkaratecenters.com">www.teamkaratecenters.com</a> </p><p align="center"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI-ksVp_jAa_Iyp2VLPL_efBH0K9b_JYzEQ7HIoYBcEYnmzMdS_XFcrGAyQuojzAGoFfsYoenz_wdcJKr6lIb1EVNUpab4VWqRQgzI-eNOcpGqe7ZxRU9iWIOC7xwYcQ_ncYtj/s1600/1.jpg"><img style="width: 320px; height: 240px; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5665964899359208018" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI-ksVp_jAa_Iyp2VLPL_efBH0K9b_JYzEQ7HIoYBcEYnmzMdS_XFcrGAyQuojzAGoFfsYoenz_wdcJKr6lIb1EVNUpab4VWqRQgzI-eNOcpGqe7ZxRU9iWIOC7xwYcQ_ncYtj/s320/1.jpg" /></a></p></div></div>Jen's List - Los Angeleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12112476054870826532noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31231270.post-38438362597232108682011-10-09T16:56:00.000-07:002011-10-17T19:27:29.047-07:00Personalized Pumpkins<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrBLI_mGnEzfAPmwIqIIu5d75uG8nRF0fVRPBPCNVTATRcIa4k3dNVpnVf3A_Skzp73b8liixUXLzH3GoLLT-8F4vfQWHriDtVIvMHWJr0pG7y6L1bNt4EpbXgn-55l7IWpc-U/s1600/pumpkins.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 239px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrBLI_mGnEzfAPmwIqIIu5d75uG8nRF0fVRPBPCNVTATRcIa4k3dNVpnVf3A_Skzp73b8liixUXLzH3GoLLT-8F4vfQWHriDtVIvMHWJr0pG7y6L1bNt4EpbXgn-55l7IWpc-U/s320/pumpkins.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5664651831070718482" /></a><br />They come in 3 different sizes and range in different prices depending upon whether you supply the pumpkin or they supply the pumpkin. Pumpkins can have a name, a spooky picture, spray paint, and glitter to make them goolish and stand out. Pricing: for name only Small pumpkins $10; Medium pumpkins $15; and Large pumpkins $20. For the additional bling such as a picture $5 and another $10 for glitter and spray paint. They are great. For more info contact Lindsay at Lindsssay820@yahoo.com. Here are the ones that I got for the kids!Jen's List - Los Angeleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12112476054870826532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31231270.post-26016351071349561622011-09-26T16:24:00.000-07:002011-09-26T16:43:10.963-07:00Mission Accomplished: Girls Night In is a Success<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBf0j-5icvIBx2KfBRFp6jmSmpzOq3jB-MkjOky93xv-bDGn-qVw80xxHY89x_HvaiqMgQ1RtMBkVrfnQZPFSGuTHTwvKv3Tn4BsZzlXPW6vJFMhoYWmoMboilhoGXfDRC76qy/s1600/IMG_2230.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 183px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBf0j-5icvIBx2KfBRFp6jmSmpzOq3jB-MkjOky93xv-bDGn-qVw80xxHY89x_HvaiqMgQ1RtMBkVrfnQZPFSGuTHTwvKv3Tn4BsZzlXPW6vJFMhoYWmoMboilhoGXfDRC76qy/s320/IMG_2230.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5656817708752792274" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh42EywwE7yB9PbuNd_A_bFkLEoZuU_V9YAErj9KSV5T0ReCgZ-kalNKaoeyzDt5HVnX1PYG4wjOTO3uTB4TOc9lfXwgzAxA5yQEHHJIBUEdFE8S0OB-snxrqG9Fw-audbl3bTD/s1600/IMG_2225.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh42EywwE7yB9PbuNd_A_bFkLEoZuU_V9YAErj9KSV5T0ReCgZ-kalNKaoeyzDt5HVnX1PYG4wjOTO3uTB4TOc9lfXwgzAxA5yQEHHJIBUEdFE8S0OB-snxrqG9Fw-audbl3bTD/s320/IMG_2225.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5656817704350042850" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_4-Sz1Oiki_mb-dWCBkl_mIl2sVgjczVRG3_ufUN_5JpMGvnPYfuZrKnis_2MGAoMVJvzfZALT7vJ-8b9SVnTSZd9OxYvD6VBKv36Lu9Uye4iAmVKujrsSgkWZA1Br2t5ZAS5/s1600/IMG_2222.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 118px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_4-Sz1Oiki_mb-dWCBkl_mIl2sVgjczVRG3_ufUN_5JpMGvnPYfuZrKnis_2MGAoMVJvzfZALT7vJ-8b9SVnTSZd9OxYvD6VBKv36Lu9Uye4iAmVKujrsSgkWZA1Br2t5ZAS5/s320/IMG_2222.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5656817700936183026" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbCJEhGHWUc4-nzayePkFXRdGoHN5C11wtwCArt4fiAcfqjXGGDsc14r2xqYQYjNv8PSC7srP9f8zyEWSgRzBFsQtWS0zNMCVtD77FBspr7zOpv9sljCJ0-hunyeHsKUixP5dh/s1600/IMG_2218.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbCJEhGHWUc4-nzayePkFXRdGoHN5C11wtwCArt4fiAcfqjXGGDsc14r2xqYQYjNv8PSC7srP9f8zyEWSgRzBFsQtWS0zNMCVtD77FBspr7zOpv9sljCJ0-hunyeHsKUixP5dh/s320/IMG_2218.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5656817054268430498" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRqVrpP6NauQxoCq6QKYAO0GgZamlPCfJgQK1mY-4QkJlydm_F17CbcFbE4R0JhE4INmYky4-TC8ozg8GM5VaRI8drwRhAqZLGO56sOm_gdDRAnu99b81wOpQiE-744yw_Bb7R/s1600/IMG_2228.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRqVrpP6NauQxoCq6QKYAO0GgZamlPCfJgQK1mY-4QkJlydm_F17CbcFbE4R0JhE4INmYky4-TC8ozg8GM5VaRI8drwRhAqZLGO56sOm_gdDRAnu99b81wOpQiE-744yw_Bb7R/s320/IMG_2228.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5656814905381853218" /></a><br /><br />Yes, it's been over a week since my Girl's Night In: Bridesmaids Style. But it was just THAT fantastic that I was too exhausted to recap. But I'm here now to tell you, in great detail, just how marvelous it was.<br /><br />13 of us gathered in a girlfriend's "screening" room to escape our typical Family Friday Nights. Not that we don't love the end of the week with our family's, but coming off of the beginning of school, it's been nothing short of exhausting. We popped open some wine, and in my case a few cans of Diet Coke, oooohhh'd and aawwwww'd over the treats from LINDSAYCakes and began to relax. I would have loved to chitchat with all the girls all night long (and I think I foresee my own Girl's Night In coming soon), there was a movie to watch.<br /><br />Movie candy was passed around, cell phones were put on vibrate, the lights were lowered. For the next two hours, every one laughed uncontrollably. We couldn't stop. No one moved, we were glued to our seats. It's the most quiet I've ever seen this group of women in my life.<br /><br />After the movie, we did our stretching - hey we're pushing 40, things get tight - and made our way to the desserts. LINDSAYCakes did an incredible job with the cupcakes. Her attention to detail - she did bridesmaids dresses on some, and little faux engagement rings on others. Nearly everyone took one home - in addition to their real party favor: a mini-bouquet from Calabasas Flowers.<br /><br />The evening was priceless, the company was bar none. <br /><br />Bridesmaids is a must see, and it's officially out on DVD now, so get your own copy and have a Girl's Night In ASAP!<br /><br />To place cupcake or cake orders from LINDSAYCakes, email Lindsay @ lindsaycakesxo@gmail.com.<br /><br />To order flowers from Calabasas Flowers, call Denice at (818) 222-5576Jen's List - Los Angeleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12112476054870826532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31231270.post-52629157719118187282011-09-12T13:06:00.000-07:002011-09-12T13:19:54.480-07:00Lights, Camera, Girls Night In: Bridesmaids is Coming Soon to a DVD Near You<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK77JsHFO80BInZczOqhQPsm4cOsxv6UVEuWSmGwL5uP9aYMrywDp21Q3wZxvsujpgHWH2ALGkWtYEcXn2uml6efJCbuFdJQ-YH_xJ1FtBsiDaiZYfp_CuH2uD0eydv4LNhsHh/s1600/gni.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK77JsHFO80BInZczOqhQPsm4cOsxv6UVEuWSmGwL5uP9aYMrywDp21Q3wZxvsujpgHWH2ALGkWtYEcXn2uml6efJCbuFdJQ-YH_xJ1FtBsiDaiZYfp_CuH2uD0eydv4LNhsHh/s400/gni.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5651568612056271090" /></a><br /><br />Jen's List is honored to be receiving an advanced copy of the hilariously funny hit Bridesmaids. I loved it when it was in the theater, and now I'm equally excited to gather a few of my inner circle and sneak out and watch it from the comfort of a friend's home. We've got big plans for our Girls Night In, Bridesmaids style.<br /><br />To keep everything organized, I've created this magnificent pinboard (see above) through one of my favorite new sites, Polyvore. It's amazing and helps me put so many things together.<br /><br />Let's start with the movie theme, because who doesn't need popcorn? Thank G-d for microwave popcorn and those adorable little single serve plastic buckets (as seen above) at Target. I've been eyeing them for quite some time and finally have an opportunity to use them! And movie candy, I've got these multi-purpose mason jars from Michael's that I use for absolutely everything. The night of Girls Night In, we'll take a cute ribbon, tie it around the top and fill them with some of our favorite movie candy: Red Vines, M&Ms, Skittles, etc. (My mouth is watering!)<br /><br />This isn't just any old movie night so we'll need some centerpieces which will double as our party favors, because party favors aren't just for kids anymore. We're doing a pink theme, because we're still girls at heart. But we'll make these itty bitty bouquets out of stock and mini-mums, wrap them in paper and ribbon and have them set in smaller vases with pink ribbon wrapped around the bottom during the party. I'm all about dual functionality.<br /><br />It's Friday night, and many of the girls will be glad to have put the kids to bed and sneak out of the house for some much needed alone time, so we'll have some yummy Moscato and Rose Champagne (think pink!) on hand. Anyone that knows anything about me knows that Diet Coke is my personal drink of choice.<br /><br />Also on hand, will be a fruit assortment, I'm thinking fruit skewers, but those are time consuming, and with 5 boys, that might be fairly ambitious this week!<br /><br />And let's not forget the cupcakes! We've teamed up with local specialist LindsayCAKES who has agreed to make us a special Bridesmaids themed treat. Who doesn't love that?<br /><br />Friday cannot come soon enough!<br /><br />And don't forget you can get your copy of Bridesmaids on Tuesday, so start planning your own Girls Night In.Jen's List - Los Angeleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12112476054870826532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31231270.post-47778829076793706862011-08-19T20:07:00.000-07:002011-08-19T20:08:12.073-07:00Play and Grow Smart-er TipsNancy Pyne-Hapke, author of "Play and Grow Smart, A Guide Supporting Brain Development, Birth through Five," has been giving tips to aid your child's optimum skill development through proactive neuroscience-based activities. These ideas come from scholarly sources to personal interviews, from the internet to periodicals to books.
<br />“CREATIVITY” involves imagination, ingenuity, invention/originality, creative thinking, dramatic/visual/musical arts.
<br />THE CRITICAL WINDOWS during which the circuits of the brain are being most heavily wired for Creativity is 1 – 4 years with lifelong expression. The more opportunity children have to experience healthy, positive and nurturing Creativity experiences during this critical period, the more efficiently their brains will work over the long run.
<br />A FEW DEVELOPMENTAL LEARNING TOOLS (toys and other objects) for CREATIVITY: • blocks • dolls and stuffed animals • books • sandbox • water • costumes and props • play figures • child-sized dishes and tools • art materials • construction sets • music and instruments
<br />Forms of creativity: ART (visual), LANGUAGE (written or spoken), MUSIC/MOVEMENT (bodily movement), FANTASY (pretending).
<br />Some general “Creativity: FANTASY” tidbits:
<br />•• CONTINUE TO talk about, pretend and discuss Toddler’s feelings and other people’s feelings (children’s and adults’).
<br />•• FROM ABOUT 4, having a vivid imagination, he sometimes has imaginary playmates. He has difficulty, however, separating make-believe from reality.
<br />•• HE IMITATES Dad (she imitates Mom), particularly in play.
<br />•• SHE PRETENDS she’s at preschool, the grocery, the mall, in the car.
<br />Next week – “Creativity: Fantasy, Pt. 5”
<br />?’s – email msmarm@roadrunner.com
<br />Jen's List - Los Angeleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12112476054870826532noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31231270.post-15531892659483441172011-08-10T18:44:00.001-07:002011-08-10T18:44:17.216-07:00Play and Grow Smart-er TipsNancy Pyne-Hapke, author of "Play and Grow Smart, A Guide Supporting Brain Development, Birth through Five," has been giving tips to aid your child's optimum skill development through proactive neuroscience-based activities. These ideas come from scholarly sources to personal interviews, from the internet to periodicals to books.
<br />“CREATIVITY” involves imagination, ingenuity, invention/originality, creative thinking, dramatic/visual/musical arts.
<br />THE CRITICAL WINDOWS during which the circuits of the brain are being most heavily wired for Creativity is 1 – 4 years with lifelong expression. The more opportunity children have to experience healthy, positive and nurturing Creativity experiences during this critical period, the more efficiently their brains will work over the long run.
<br />A FEW DEVELOPMENTAL LEARNING TOOLS (toys and other objects) for CREATIVITY: • blocks • dolls and stuffed animals • books • sandbox • water • costumes and props • play figures • child-sized dishes and tools • art materials • construction sets • music and instruments
<br />Forms of creativity: ART (visual), LANGUAGE (written or spoken), MUSIC/MOVEMENT (bodily movement), FANTASY (pretending).
<br />Some general “Creativity: FANTASY” tidbits:
<br />•• FROM 3, talk, pretend and discuss feelings a lot – feelings Toddler has and feelings others have. Being able to pretend you are someone else is the first step in understanding others, getting along and sharing.
<br />•• ENCOURAGE HIM to “doctor” his baby doll or stuffed animal before going to the doctor’s office.
<br />•• USE HAND PUPPETS with different voices.
<br />•• TELL “WHAT IF” stories to her, and ask, “What would a happy kitty act like?” “If it started to rain while you’re playing outside, what would you do?” (Do not use scary scenarios.)
<br />•• KEEP A SPECIAL BOX with costume materials – scarves, grown-up shoes (low heels!), bracelet beads on elastic, hats, clothing contributions from grandma/grandpa, etc.
<br />Next week – “Creativity: Fantasy, Pt. 4”
<br />?’s – email msmarm@roadrunner.com
<br />Jen's List - Los Angeleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12112476054870826532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31231270.post-71241437679969360332011-08-06T20:35:00.001-07:002011-08-06T20:36:29.840-07:00Play and Grow Smart-er TipsNancy Pyne-Hapke, author of "Play and Grow Smart, A Guide Supporting Brain Development, Birth through Five," has been giving tips to aid your child's optimum skill development through proactive neuroscience-based activities. These ideas come from scholarly sources to personal interviews, from the internet to periodicals to books.<br />“CREATIVITY” involves imagination, ingenuity, invention/originality, creative thinking, dramatic/visual/musical arts.<br />THE CRITICAL WINDOWS during which the circuits of the brain are being most heavily wired for Creativity is 1 – 4 years with lifelong expression. The more opportunity children have to experience healthy, positive and nurturing Creativity experiences during this critical period, the more efficiently their brains will work over the long run.<br />A FEW DEVELOPMENTAL LEARNING TOOLS (toys and other objects) for CREATIVITY: • blocks • dolls and stuffed animals • books • sandbox • water • costumes and props • play figures • child-sized dishes and tools • art materials • construction sets • music and instruments<br />Forms of creativity: ART (visual), LANGUAGE (written or spoken), MUSIC/MOVEMENT (bodily movement), FANTASY (pretending).<br />Some general “Creativity: FANTASY” tidbits:<br />•• FROM ABOUT 2, suggest Toddler can be an animal living under a table. <br />•• Play “dress up” and “telephone” with her; help her pretend. <br />•• Play “copy me” games with him in front of the mirror. <br />•• Homemade puppets are easy – a white sock with colored marker face is great fun. <br />•• FROM ABOUT 3, since fantasy play is more elaborate, puppets/stuffed animals can be animals in the jungle, in the zoo, or kings at a tea party. <br />Next week – “Creativity: Fantasy, Pt. 3”<br />?’s – email msmarm@roadrunner.comJen's List - Los Angeleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12112476054870826532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31231270.post-68006757028148671272011-07-30T14:31:00.000-07:002011-07-30T14:33:14.703-07:00Play and Grow Smart-er TipsNancy Pyne-Hapke, author of "Play and Grow Smart, A Guide Supporting Brain Development, Birth through Five," has been giving tips to aid your child's optimum skill development through proactive neuroscience-based activities. These ideas come from scholarly sources to personal interviews, from the internet to periodicals to books.<br />“CREATIVITY” involves imagination, ingenuity, invention/originality, creative thinking, dramatic/visual/musical arts.THE CRITICAL WINDOWS during which the circuits of the brain are being most heavily wired for Creativity is 1 – 4 years with lifelong expression. The more opportunity children have to experience healthy, positive and nurturing Creativity experiences during this critical period, the more efficiently their brains will work over the long run.<br />A FEW DEVELOPMENTAL LEARNING TOOLS (toys and other objects) for CREATIVITY: • blocks • dolls and stuffed animals • books • sandbox • water • costumes and props • play figures • child-sized dishes and tools • art materials • construction sets • music and instruments<br />Forms of creativity: ART (visual), LANGUAGE (written or spoken), MUSIC/MOVEMENT (bodily movement), FANTASY (pretending).Some general “Creativity: FANTASY” tidbits:<br />•• FANTASY is expressing ideas and feelings through pretending. It can include playing “make-believe,” day-dreaming, talking with imaginary companions and reading fantasy books. Fantasy play comes naturally, allowing Toddler and Preschooler to feel powerful and in control, doing the ordering instead of being ordered. <br />•• CREATIVE/IMAGINATIVE play often stimulates physical growth (playing “cops and robbers” or music video stars) and social growth (imaginary play pretending to be a teacher, parent or doctor).<br />•• EARLY, FROM 18 months, Toddler enjoys simple pretend play like wearing hats. Using a bottle/spoon, he’ll pretend to feed a doll/stuffed toy.<br />Next week – “Creativity: Fantasy, Pt. 2”<br />?’s – email <a href="http://www.blogger.com/msmarm@roadrunner.com">msmarm@roadrunner.com</a>Jen's List - Los Angeleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12112476054870826532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31231270.post-84372928913876381752011-07-23T21:40:00.000-07:002011-07-23T21:41:20.551-07:00Play and Grow Smart-er TipsNancy Pyne-Hapke, author of "Play and Grow Smart, A Guide Supporting Brain Development, Birth through Five," has been giving tips to aid your child's optimum skill development through proactive neuroscience-based activities. These ideas come from scholarly sources to personal interviews, from the internet to periodicals to books. “CREATIVITY” involves imagination, ingenuity, invention/originality, creative thinking, dramatic/visual/musical arts. <br />THE CRITICAL WINDOWS during which the circuits of the brain are being most heavily wired for Creativity is 1 – 4 years with lifelong expression. The more opportunity children have to experience healthy, positive and nurturing Creativity experiences during this critical period, the more efficiently their brains will work over the long run. <br />A FEW DEVELOPMENTAL LEARNING TOOLS (toys and other objects) for CREATIVITY: • blocks • dolls and stuffed animals • books • sandbox • water • costumes and props • play figures • child-sized dishes and tools • art materials • construction sets • music and instruments<br />Forms of creativity: ART (visual), LANGUAGE (written or spoken), MUSIC/MOVEMENT (bodily movement), FANTASY (pretending).<br />Some general “Creativity: MUSIC/MOVEMENT” tidbits:<br />•• FROM ABOUT 3, what counts are activities using muscles and discovering how things feel. He has growing hand control/coordination and is interested in perfecting movement skills, so he may spend the entire morning going down the slide or riding a favorite tricycle.<br />•• FROM ABOUT 4 and having increasing agility, Preschooler runs, jumps, hops and skips around obstacles with ease. She likes to gallop, turn somersaults, climb ladders and trees, and hop on one foot. She jumps forward with her feet together over objects 5-6” high.<br />•• FROM ABOUT 5, encourage Kindergartener to jump, hop, skip, dance, tiptoe and march RHYTHMICALLY TO MUSIC. Teach him how to move his body to dramatize the opening of a flower, falling snow/leaves/rain, wiggly worms/snakes. Dance to music on a bad-weather day to transform rainy-day wiggles/squirms to welcome bursts of free-form movement.<br />Next week – “Creativity: Fantasy, Pt. 1”<br />?’s – email <a href="http://www.blogger.com/msmarm@roadrunner.com">msmarm@roadrunner.com</a>Jen's List - Los Angeleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12112476054870826532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31231270.post-36338354887915506492011-07-16T10:27:00.000-07:002011-07-16T10:28:21.621-07:00Play and Grow Smart-er TipsNancy Pyne-Hapke, author of "Play and Grow Smart, A Guide Supporting Brain Development, Birth through Five," has been giving tips to aid your child's optimum skill development through proactive neuroscience-based activities. These ideas come from scholarly sources to personal interviews, from the internet to periodicals to books. <br />“CREATIVITY” involves imagination, ingenuity, invention/originality, creative thinking, dramatic/visual/musical arts. THE CRITICAL WINDOWS during which the circuits of the brain are being most heavily wired for Creativity is 1 – 4 years with lifelong expression. The more opportunity children have to experience healthy, positive and nurturing Creativity experiences during this critical period, the more efficiently their brains will work over the long run. <br />A FEW DEVELOPMENTAL LEARNING TOOLS (toys and other objects) for CREATIVITY: • blocks • dolls and stuffed animals • books • sandbox • water • costumes and props • play figures • child-sized dishes and tools • art materials • construction sets • music and instruments<br />FORMS of Creativity: ART (visual), LANGUAGE (written or spoken), MUSIC/MOVEMENT (bodily movement), FANTASY (pretending).Some general “Creativity: MUSIC/MOVEMENT” tidbits:<br />•• FROM 18 months, play music with different rhythms, and provide kitchen “instruments” – oatmeal box drum/pots/pans.<br />•• FROM ABOUT 2, singing spontaneously, Toddler repeats songs/nursery rhymes over and over. Expose her to different musical styles: classical, country, Gregorian chant, rock & roll, opera, rhythm & blues, etc. with solo voices and orchestras. (Pounding/noise “music” is not good for brain development.)<br />•• SINCE HE IS LEARNING names of body parts and enjoying activities that use these names (touching toes, eyes, elbows), he can do simple creative movements like imitating animals. <br />•• WHILE BALANCING on each foot for 1 - 2 seconds, she jumps by lifting both feet. <br />Next week – “Creativity: Music/Movement, Pt. 3”<br />?’s – email <a href="http://www.blogger.com/msmarm@roadrunner.com">msmarm@roadrunner.com</a>Jen's List - Los Angeleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12112476054870826532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31231270.post-57013485520535484062011-07-08T20:06:00.000-07:002011-07-08T20:08:05.603-07:00Play and Grow Smart-er TipsNancy Pyne-Hapke, author of "Play and Grow Smart, A Guide Supporting Brain Development, Birth through Five," has been giving tips to aid your child's optimum skill development through proactive neuroscience-based activities. These ideas come from scholarly sources to personal interviews, from the internet to periodicals to books.<br />“CREATIVITY” involves imagination, ingenuity, invention/originality, creative thinking, dramatic/visual/musical arts.<br />THE CRITICAL WINDOWS during which the circuits of the brain are being most heavily wired for Creativity is 1 – 4 years with lifelong expression. The more opportunity children have to experience healthy, positive and nurturing Creativity experiences during this critical period, the more efficiently their brains will work over the long run.<br />A FEW DEVELOPMENTAL LEARNING TOOLS (toys and other objects) for CREATIVITY: • blocks • dolls and stuffed animals • books • sandbox • water • costumes and props • play figures • child-sized dishes and tools • art materials • construction sets • music and instruments<br />Forms of creativity: ART (visual), LANGUAGE (written or spoken), MUSIC/MOVEMENT (bodily movement), FANTASY (pretending).Some general “Creativity: MUSIC/MOVEMENT” tidbits:<br />•• MUSIC/MOVEMENT is the expression of ideas and feelings using bodily movements. It includes dancing, singing, playing instruments and using the body to make movements such as leaping like a frog or exploring ways to make a circle with the body.<br />•• BY 12 MONTHS, Baby responds to music with body motions swaying, swooping, swinging. As she practices new mobility, give her freedom to move around, and free your environment of obstacles, preferably with a cushioned floor.<br />•• ABOUT 15 MONTHS, create an obstacle course of pillows/cushions to climb over/around/through. He may also be ready for rocking horses/riding toys he pushes with his feet.<br />Next week – “Creativity: Music/Movement, Pt. 2”<br />?’s – email <a href="http://www.blogger.com/msmarm@roadrunner.com">msmarm@roadrunner.com</a>Jen's List - Los Angeleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12112476054870826532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31231270.post-54759229433279944942011-07-01T17:06:00.001-07:002011-07-01T17:06:57.205-07:00Play and Grow Smart-er TipsNancy Pyne-Hapke, author of "Play and Grow Smart, A Guide Supporting Brain Development, Birth through Five," has been giving tips to aid your child's optimum skill development through proactive neuroscience-based activities. These ideas come from scholarly sources to personal interviews, from the internet to periodicals to books.<br />“CREATIVITY” involves imagination, ingenuity, invention/originality, creative thinking, dramatic/visual/musical arts.THE CRITICAL WINDOWS during which the circuits of the brain are being most heavily wired for Creativity is 1 – 4 years with lifelong expression. The more opportunity children have to experience healthy, positive and nurturing Creativity experiences during this critical period, the more efficiently their brains will work over the long run.<br />A FEW DEVELOPMENTAL LEARNING TOOLS (toys and other objects) for CREATIVITY: • blocks • dolls and stuffed animals • books • sandbox • water • costumes and props • play figures • child-sized dishes and tools • art materials • construction sets • music and instruments<br />Forms of creativity: ART (visual), LANGUAGE (written or spoken), MUSIC/MOVEMENT (bodily movement), FANTASY (pretending).Some general Creativity: LANGUAGE tidbits:<br />•• FROM ABOUT 5, Kindergartener is a good story teller, enjoying making books of his stories. He draws pictures to go along with his words, and he likes explaining the pictures he’s created. (Don’t say: “What’s that?” Do say: “Tell me about your picture.”)<br />•• ADD DRAMA to your daily reading sessions by using different voices for different characters. Ask her to tell the story and imitate your voice.•• ENCOURAGE INTEREST in jokes, nonsense and riddles by reading humorous stories, riddles and nonsense rhymes. Join him in jokes from school, books, TV and movies.<br />•• READ BOOKS which introduce beginning notions of teamwork, cooperation, communication and self-esteem to help develop empathy and understand social roles.<br />Next week – “Creativity: Music/Movement, Pt. 1”<br />?’s – email <a href="http://www.blogger.com/msmarm@roadrunner.com">msmarm@roadrunner.com</a>Jen's List - Los Angeleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12112476054870826532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31231270.post-30840339505865715102011-06-25T14:21:00.000-07:002011-06-25T14:23:06.576-07:00Play and Grow Smart-er TipsNancy Pyne-Hapke, author of "Play and Grow Smart, A Guide Supporting Brain Development, Birth through Five," has been giving tips to aid your child's optimum skill development through proactive neuroscience-based activities. These ideas come from scholarly sources to personal interviews, from the internet to periodicals to books.<br />“CREATIVITY” involves imagination, ingenuity, invention/originality, creative thinking, dramatic/visual/musical arts.THE CRITICAL WINDOWS during which the circuits of the brain are being most heavily wired for Creativity is 1 – 4 years with lifelong expression. The more opportunity children have to experience healthy, positive and nurturing Creativity experiences during this critical period, the more efficiently their brains will work over the long run.<br />A FEW DEVELOPMENTAL LEARNING TOOLS (toys and other objects) for CREATIVITY: • blocks • dolls and stuffed animals • books • sandbox • water • costumes and props • play figures • child-sized dishes and tools • art materials • construction sets • music and instruments<br />Forms of creativity: ART (visual), LANGUAGE (written or spoken), MUSIC/MOVEMENT (bodily movement), FANTASY (pretending).Some general Creativity: LANGUAGE tidbits:<br />•• FROM ABOUT 4, make homemade books and read the books often – a “numbers” book, a “words” book, a “letters” book, a “shapes” book.<br />•• USE THE MAGIC of make-believe – invent stories with Preschooler in them.<br />•• LET HER INVENT stories with herself in them and stories with you in them.<br />•• PLAY LISTENING and guessing games with sounds of different animals.<br />•• ANOTHER GUESSING GAME is to find something he can see, describe it for him, and let him tell you what you described.<br />Next week – “Creativity: LANGUAGE, Pt. 4”<br />?s – email <a href="http://www.blogger.com/msmarm@roadrunner.com">msmarm@roadrunner.com</a>Jen's List - Los Angeleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12112476054870826532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31231270.post-32131772109029752902011-06-18T20:01:00.000-07:002011-06-18T20:05:45.524-07:00Play and Grow Smart-er TipsPlay and Grow Smart-er Tips<br />Nancy Pyne-Hapke, author of "Play and Grow Smart, A Guide Supporting Brain Development, Birth through Five," has been giving tips to aid your child's optimum skill development through proactive neuroscience-based activities. These ideas come from scholarly sources to personal interviews, from the internet to periodicals to books.“CREATIVITY” involves imagination, ingenuity, invention/originality, creative thinking, dramatic/visual/musical arts.<br />THE CRITICAL WINDOWS during which the circuits of the brain are being most heavily wired for Creativity is 1 – 4 years with lifelong expression. The more opportunity children have to experience healthy, positive and nurturing Creativity experiences during this critical period, the more efficiently their brains will work over the long run.<br />A FEW DEVELOPMENTAL LEARNING TOOLS (toys and other objects) for CREATIVITY: • blocks • dolls and stuffed animals • books • sandbox • water • costumes and props • play figures • child-sized dishes and tools • art materials • construction sets • music and instruments<br />Forms of creativity: ART (visual), LANGUAGE (written or spoken), MUSIC/MOVEMENT (bodily movement), FANTASY (pretending).<br />Some general Creativity: LANGUAGE tidbits:<br />•• FROM ABOUT 3, Toddler can make up simple stories about the pictures or books you show him. He enjoys making others laugh and being silly.<br />•• BEGINNING TO REASON and try new things, she may insist some of her strange notions are right, but reasoning takes practice, so be patient with her.<br />•• PROVIDE PAPER, small notebooks and fat markers for use in dramatic play. •• DRAW A FACE on an old sock, and show him how to “talk” with puppets. Next week – “Creativity: Language, Pt. 3” ?s – email <a href="mailto:msmarm@roadrunner.com">msmarm@roadrunner.com</a>.Jen's List - Los Angeleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12112476054870826532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31231270.post-4611489643891340152011-06-11T16:15:00.000-07:002011-06-11T16:16:47.642-07:00Play and Grow Smart-er TipsNancy Pyne-Hapke, author of "Play and Grow Smart, A Guide Supporting Brain Development, Birth through Five," has been giving tips to aid your child's optimum skill development through proactive neuroscience-based activities. These ideas come from scholarly sources to personal interviews, from the internet to periodicals to books. <br />“CREATIVITY” involves imagination, ingenuity, invention/originality, creative thinking, dramatic/visual/musical arts.THE CRITICAL WINDOWS during which the circuits of the brain are being most heavily wired for Creativity is 1 – 4 years with lifelong expression. The more opportunity children have to experience healthy, positive and nurturing Creativity experiences during this critical period, the more efficiently their brains will work over the long run.<br />A FEW DEVELOPMENTAL LEARNING TOOLS (toys and other objects) for CREATIVITY: • blocks • dolls and stuffed animals • sandbox • water • costumes and props • play figures • child-sized dishes and tools • art materials • construction sets • music and instrumentsForms of creativity: ART (visual), LANGUAGE (written or spoken), MUSIC/MOVEMENT (bodily movement), FANTASY (pretending).Some general CREATIVITY: LANGUAGE tidbits:<br />•• LANGUAGE is the expression of ideas and feelings through words, either written or spoken. It includes the stories children tell and their creative “plays” and games.<br />•• FROM 1 year, play sound games with Baby. Repeat back to him the sounds he makes since keying in on sounds largely establishes the breadth of her later vocabulary.<br />•• FROM 18 months, Toddler enjoys talking on the phone (real or toy). Don’t expect logical conversation!<br />Next week – “Creativity: LANGUAGE, Pt. 2”<br />?s – email <a href="http://www.blogger.com/msmarm@roadrunner.com">msmarm@roadrunner.com</a>Jen's List - Los Angeleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12112476054870826532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31231270.post-18763590887717226632011-06-04T14:27:00.000-07:002011-06-04T14:28:45.594-07:00Play and Grow Smart-er TipsNancy Pyne-Hapke, author of "Play and Grow Smart, A Guide Supporting Brain Development, Birth through Five," has been giving tips to aid your child's optimum skill development through proactive neuroscience-based activities, now every Sunday. These ideas come from scholarly sources to personal interviews, from the internet to periodicals to books.<br />“CREATIVITY” involves imagination, ingenuity, invention/originality, creative thinking, dramatic/visual/musical arts.<br />THE CRITICAL WINDOWS during which the circuits of the brain are being most heavily wired for Creativity is 1 – 4 years with lifelong expression. The more opportunity children have to experience healthy, positive and nurturing Creativity experiences during this critical period, the more efficiently their brains will work over the long run.<br />A FEW DEVELOPMENTAL LEARNING TOOLS (toys and other objects) for CREATIVITY: • blocks • dolls and stuffed animals • sandbox • water • costumes and props • play figures • child-sized dishes and tools • art materials • construction sets • music and instruments<br />Forms of creativity: ART (visual), LANGUAGE (written or spoken), MUSIC/MOVEMENT (bodily movement), FANTASY (pretending).Some general Creativity: ART tidbits:<br />•• REMEMBER: avoid making models in clay or drawing pictures for him to copy. He learns more by working out his own ideas, and adult-induced items can actually hinder learning and healthy self-expression.<br />•• FOR OPTIMUM fine motor ease, use art tools (crayons, pencils, brushes, etc.) that are FAT. These should be used through the first grade in consideration of physical fine motor development. “Regular-sized” crayons will break with the strength and lack of refinement of little hands and fingers, get lost, be underfoot and cause frustration for everyone.<br />•• FROM 3, some activities include using primary (blunt) scissors, drawing (circle and face), color matching, tracing circles from objects, rocks glued together to make animals/people/bugs (add faces with markers), sorting beans into egg crating (red navy, small white, dried garbanzo, etc.), stringing large buttons/beads on a shoelace, endless construction with large snap-together components/blocks.<br />•• FROM 4, encourage exploration with new media (cork and wire, soda straws, string, yarn), mix colors with paints, make a collage out of differently-shaped/colored leaves, make play dough from a recipe, decorate a small box (gift for mom?) with uncooked macaroni and paint it.<br />Next week – “Creativity: LANGUAGE, Pt. 1” <br />Any ?’s – email <a href="http://www.blogger.com/msmarm@roadrunner.com">msmarm@roadrunner.com</a>Jen's List - Los Angeleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12112476054870826532noreply@blogger.com0