tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18406714008235561102024-03-13T09:08:35.336-06:00Once Upon A Kateliving my happily ever afterKate Bondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14992752848648692518noreply@blogger.comBlogger86125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1840671400823556110.post-82295558352218297842012-05-04T09:13:00.000-06:002012-05-04T09:13:45.874-06:00We Heart Crazy Hair DayThe princess has been planning for this day for almost a year now. Let's just say crazy hair day is kind of a big deal around here! This year we went with an octopus themed hairstyle. She really wanted it blue, which I'm not to crazy about (I think it looks a little spider-ish,) but what are you going to do? Even with its dark hue I think it turned out pretty awesome!<div>
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<br /></div>Kate Bondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14992752848648692518noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1840671400823556110.post-5486911164629972272012-03-26T23:13:00.001-06:002012-03-27T16:39:17.741-06:00Belle and BooAs much as I love that blanket on the post below, I'm getting a little sick of it being the first post I see when I look at my blog. I figure it is I about time I post something new! The weather here has been pretty lovely lately, and I am excited that Spring is here. There are buds on the trees, tulips and daffodils are blooming, the kids are playing outdoors, and Summer is just around the corner! It's been a little while since I have shared anyone else work, so I'm thinking today I will share some "Spring-y" prints from one of my favorite illustrators- <a href="http://www.belleandboo.com/">Belle and Boo</a>. Seriously, their work is adorable. Love them!<br />
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</div>Kate Bondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14992752848648692518noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1840671400823556110.post-61442449801149911772012-01-30T11:04:00.000-07:002012-01-30T11:04:46.482-07:00Bobble BlanketI'm sure you have all been giddy with anticipation, but it's finally here folks...my Bobble Blanket Pattern! This colorful, textured little blanket is perfect for little ones. It's just the right size for the stroller, car seat, or carrying it around and cuddling.<div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-u53Zh5Mv8lw/TybNoq1RklI/AAAAAAAAAz4/mJQIwrA08pM/s1600/Bobble+Stroller+Blanket.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-u53Zh5Mv8lw/TybNoq1RklI/AAAAAAAAAz4/mJQIwrA08pM/s400/Bobble+Stroller+Blanket.jpg" width="285" /></a></div><div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><br />
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</b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Supplies<o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">-U.S. I Hook<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">-3 skeins of I Love This Yarn! Super Soft for color A</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"> (or worsted weight yarn of choice)<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">-1 skein of I Love This Yarn! Super Soft each for colors B, C, D </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"> (or worsted weight yarn of <span style="text-indent: 0.5in;">choice) </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">-Yarn Needle (to sew in ends) <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Guage<o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b> </b>Finished blanket will approximately measure 30” x 40”, but gauge isn’t particularly</div><div class="MsoNormal"> important <span style="text-indent: 0.5in;">for this piece. </span><span style="text-indent: 0.5in;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><br />
</b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Abbreviations<o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b> </b>Ch-chain </div><div class="MsoNormal"> st-stitch</div><div class="MsoNormal"> SC-single crochet</div><div class="MsoNormal"> DC-double crochet</div><div class="MsoNormal"> MB-make bobble</div><div class="MsoNormal"> <span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;">To make bobble work 4 open DC (will have 5 loops </span><span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;">on hook.) </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;"> Yarn over and </span><span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;">pull through all 5 loops.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span> </div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><br />
</b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Pattern</b><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">Using Color A Ch 110, turn</div><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>Row 1</i>: working into 2<sup>nd</sup> ch from hook, SC 1 into each ch , ch1 and turn <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">Row 2: SC 1 into each st across <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">Row 3-6: repeat row 2<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>Row 7:</i> SC 6, with color B MB, with color A SC 11, with color C MB, with color A SC 11, </div><div class="MsoNormal"> with<span style="text-indent: 0.5in;"> </span><span style="text-indent: 0.5in;">color D MB, with color A SC 11, with color B MB, with color A SC 11, </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="text-indent: 0.5in;"> with </span><span style="text-indent: 0.5in;">color C MB, with </span><span style="text-indent: 0.5in;">color A SC 11, with color D MB, with color A SC 11, </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="text-indent: 0.5in;"> with color B MB, with color A SC 11,</span><span style="text-indent: 0.5in;"> with </span><span style="text-indent: 0.5in;">color C MB, with color A SC 11, </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="text-indent: 0.5in;"> with color D MB, with color A SC 6 </span><span style="text-indent: 0.5in;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>Row 8-18:</i> repeat Row 2 <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>Row 19: </i> SC 12, with color D MB, with color A SC 11, with color B MB, with color A SC 11, </div><div class="MsoNormal"> with color C MB, with color A SC 11, with color D MB, with color A SC 11, </div><div class="MsoNormal"> with color B MB, with color A SC <span style="text-indent: 0.5in;">11, with color C MB, with color A SC 11, </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="text-indent: 0.5in;"> with color D MB, with color A SC 11, with color B MB,</span><span style="text-indent: 0.5in;"> </span><span style="text-indent: 0.5in;">with color A SC 12</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>Row 20-30</i>: repeat Row 2<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>Row 31:</i> repeat Row 7<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>Row 32-42: </i> repeat Row 2<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>Row 43</i>: repeat Row 19<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>Row 44-54</i>: repeat Row 2<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>Row 55</i>: repeat Row 7<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>Row 56-66</i>: repeat Row 2<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>Row 67</i>: repeat Row 19<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>Row 68-78</i>: repeat Row2<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>Row 79</i>: repeat Row 7<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>Row 80-90</i>: repeat Row 2<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>Row 91</i>: repeat Row 19<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>Row 92-102</i>: repeat Row 2<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>Row 103</i>: repeat Row 7<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>Row 104-114</i>: repeat Row 2<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>Row 115</i>: repeat Row 19<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>Row 116-126</i>: repeat Row 2<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>Row 127: </i> repeat Row 7<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>Row 128-138</i>: repeat Row 2<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>Row 139</i>: repeat Row 19<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>Row 140-150</i>: repeat Row 2<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>Row 151</i>: repeat Row 7<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>Row 152-162</i>: repeat Row 2<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>Row 163</i>: repeat Row 19<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>Row 164-174</i>: repeat Row 2<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>Row 175</i>: repeat Row 7<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>Row 176-186</i>: repeat Row 2<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>Row 187</i>: repeat Row 19<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>Row 188-193</i>: repeat Row 2<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">Fasten off</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Border<o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>Row 1: </i> Using Color B SC 1 into each st until you get to corner, </div><div class="MsoNormal"> SC 3 in corner (repeat 3x) working around blanket</div><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>Row 2</i>: Ch 3, DC 1 into each st around<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"> Fasten off. Weave in all ends.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7IaMLjADegA/TybaJz9lCfI/AAAAAAAAA0A/IhgC575vI_k/s1600/Robot+&+Blanket.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="228" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7IaMLjADegA/TybaJz9lCfI/AAAAAAAAA0A/IhgC575vI_k/s320/Robot+&+Blanket.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>Phew! </i>I know sewing all those ends in wasn't too fun, but that's it. You're done! If you have any questions or need any help along the way, please don't be afraid to ask me! Enjoy!</div></div></div>Kate Bondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14992752848648692518noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1840671400823556110.post-17053608907430137332012-01-25T21:16:00.000-07:002012-01-25T21:16:17.541-07:00A Little Robot<div style="text-align: justify;">It seems that I have had nothing but baby projects to share lately, but here is another one anyways. This cute little robot found a home with my sister's newest little guy, but stay tuned...</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eFcU8e23KQU/TyDN6YHY-8I/AAAAAAAAAzw/luVvqDoCkGM/s1600/Robot+%2528Close-up%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eFcU8e23KQU/TyDN6YHY-8I/AAAAAAAAAzw/luVvqDoCkGM/s400/Robot+%2528Close-up%2529.jpg" width="263" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: justify;">I will be posting a free pattern for the blanket that went with him soon!</span> </div>Kate Bondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14992752848648692518noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1840671400823556110.post-49252462155552276832012-01-21T22:11:00.000-07:002012-01-21T22:11:56.701-07:00In Case You've Missed Us<div style="text-align: justify;">As usual I have been horrible at updating my blog. Since January is almost over, I've decided we've kinda missed the boat on posting what we were up to in December. In case you are still curious though, you might as well head on over <a href="http://jakelovesjen.blogspot.com/2012/01/belated-2011-christmas.html">here</a>. My sister-in-law did a nice little post that pretty much shows what we were up to. Most of the pictures and activities done would be the same, and I'd hate to be redundant...so I will only copy this picture of the family instead of her entire post.</div><div><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Maybe we'll expand on some of our December activities at a later date, but for now I'm thinking this is enough! </div>Kate Bondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14992752848648692518noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1840671400823556110.post-61433181545205523282011-12-01T07:48:00.002-07:002011-12-01T07:48:00.718-07:00Sock Monkey Hat and ShoesI can not believe that it is December already! Seriously, where does the time go!? We've been busy around here, but I thought I would take a second to share another project. One of our fabulous teachers is expecting, so the princess and I thought this would be a fun gift to give her for Christmas. I have to admit that I love how these turned out. Don't know that the pictures do them justice, but we'll try anyways.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-17em3dFjhT0/TtcXtgJljjI/AAAAAAAAAzQ/h-aoerb2U1o/s1600/Sock+Monkey+Gift+Set_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-17em3dFjhT0/TtcXtgJljjI/AAAAAAAAAzQ/h-aoerb2U1o/s400/Sock+Monkey+Gift+Set_1.jpg" width="398" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And here's a little close-up of the shoe. (I'm loving these soles!)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jSwEGVoOzBA/TtcZmmOVbnI/AAAAAAAAAzg/EXeDqOg9rMM/s1600/Sock+Monkey+Gift+Set_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jSwEGVoOzBA/TtcZmmOVbnI/AAAAAAAAAzg/EXeDqOg9rMM/s400/Sock+Monkey+Gift+Set_2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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</div>Kate Bondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14992752848648692518noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1840671400823556110.post-59646595062577193402011-10-27T11:52:00.000-06:002011-10-27T11:52:23.230-06:00Jack Skellington<div style="text-align: justify;">Last March, while in Disneyland, the prince wanted a Jack Skellington hoodie. He is a huge fan, it's one of his favorite movies. I wasn't willing to pay $50 for a toddler's sweatshirt however, and immediately thought, "I bet I can make him one." It's been a few months, but I finally made it. I figured now is the perfect season for it. It was my first attempt at freezer paper stenciling, but I doubt it will be my last. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NzHmeBt2gAo/TqmZw8wTO1I/AAAAAAAAAy8/iRF9wnpXAN0/s1600/Elliot+%2528Oct2011%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NzHmeBt2gAo/TqmZw8wTO1I/AAAAAAAAAy8/iRF9wnpXAN0/s400/Elliot+%2528Oct2011%2529.jpg" width="285" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Let me just say, it's a hit! He doesn't want to take it off and he's been singing "Nightmare Before Christmas" all morning. Just in time for Halloween.</div>Kate Bondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14992752848648692518noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1840671400823556110.post-58870730051088509222011-10-17T17:04:00.000-06:002011-10-17T17:04:44.012-06:00Owl Baby Gift Set<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Let me start out by saying I don't do gender neutral. Everything looks either boyish or girlish to me. So when my cousin informed they were expecting their first and they wanted to wait to find out what it is, let's just say I was hoping they'd change their mind. I have so many ideas for girl gifts or boy gifts, but zero that would work for either. I even contemplated making two different gifts and sending whichever one once I knew if it's a boy or girl. I ultimately decided against that though, because I want to send it before the baby is born (and that is a lot of work.). I'm not even going to tell you how many different shoes I made before deciding on these ones. (I can count at least four.) Here is what I finally came up with. Not sure how gender neutral it is, but I hope they like it.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-K6le10nExKA/TpyohUUEH8I/AAAAAAAAAyk/oa02ktjsfjE/s1600/Owl+Baby+Set_2+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-K6le10nExKA/TpyohUUEH8I/AAAAAAAAAyk/oa02ktjsfjE/s640/Owl+Baby+Set_2+copy.jpg" width="455" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Here is a better picture of the shoes. I embroidered "HOOT" on each sole.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4u1xufdNlBU/TpyokP0nbSI/AAAAAAAAAy0/mhH6-hPs310/s1600/Owl+Baby+Shoe+Bottom+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4u1xufdNlBU/TpyokP0nbSI/AAAAAAAAAy0/mhH6-hPs310/s400/Owl+Baby+Shoe+Bottom+copy.jpg" width="398" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">So I beg of you, please, PLEASE find out what you are having for my sanity's sake!</div>Kate Bondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14992752848648692518noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1840671400823556110.post-70599431948601913142011-09-29T15:52:00.000-06:002011-09-29T15:52:07.822-06:00Boo Banner<div style="text-align: justify;">We are already getting into the Halloween spirit around here. We pulled out the fall decor today, so I thought I'd share my latest addition to our seasonal decorations. My porch was in need of a little something, so I created this burlap banner to hang above the entrance last year. This was a pretty simple project. All you need is some burlap, acrylic paint, and ribbon. Cut the burlap into the desired shape and size. (I cut seven 13"x9" triangles for the flags.) Paint your design onto the burlap. Once the paint is dry, sew the ribbon along the top for hanging. That's it! Nothing too crazy--just a little planning! I'm still loving how it turned out. This year it is a little more weathered, but it still looks good. Now, I am thinking maybe I should make a couple of matching striped burlap pillows for the chairs out there.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wa9XUaLGw1c/Tie1lJrIMOI/AAAAAAAAAx4/4KHtoYhkVwQ/s1600/BooBanner_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="152" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wa9XUaLGw1c/Tie1lJrIMOI/AAAAAAAAAx4/4KHtoYhkVwQ/s400/BooBanner_1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wPLVaCEHS8U/Tie1m-luXwI/AAAAAAAAAx8/BCKt11ibYpo/s1600/BooBanner_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wPLVaCEHS8U/Tie1m-luXwI/AAAAAAAAAx8/BCKt11ibYpo/s400/BooBanner_2.jpg" width="398" /></a></div>Kate Bondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14992752848648692518noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1840671400823556110.post-83825731398374669532011-09-26T12:45:00.000-06:002011-09-26T12:45:38.654-06:00Better Late than Never<div style="text-align: justify;">My babies are growing up right before my eyes. The prince had his first day of preschool earlier this month and I'm just now getting around to posting about it. It seems that every time I blink weeks have passed me by. All he needed was a totally awesome batman backpack, and he was ready to go. I on the other hand am just a little bit sad. I must admit it is rather strange for me to have time at home with no children there. I do kinda miss them. They are fun to have around most of the time. I hope they are off having wonderful adventures, and I can't wait to hear about every single one of them.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1TIzK2Bc7Tg/ToDIArsq0vI/AAAAAAAAAyg/F-20f0V12Yw/s1600/Elliot%2527s+First+Day+Preschool.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1TIzK2Bc7Tg/ToDIArsq0vI/AAAAAAAAAyg/F-20f0V12Yw/s400/Elliot%2527s+First+Day+Preschool.jpg" width="285" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div>Kate Bondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14992752848648692518noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1840671400823556110.post-32942233385894480842011-08-09T17:14:00.000-06:002011-08-09T17:14:10.647-06:00Super Boy!I finally got a the Prince/Punk's pictures done. They turned out better than I thought they would. I have to admit I was worried. The boy doesn't hold still for long, but I think we captured him perfectly. Here are a few of my favorites from the shoot.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Yfs_3RIp7Cs/TkG91LhMqxI/AAAAAAAAAyQ/mWnWm8Hs5Wk/s1600/Elliot_03+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Yfs_3RIp7Cs/TkG91LhMqxI/AAAAAAAAAyQ/mWnWm8Hs5Wk/s400/Elliot_03+copy.jpg" width="285" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-u1pt-8DgbnQ/TkG92Xio2CI/AAAAAAAAAyU/lARjyrxoXIE/s1600/Elliot_07+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-u1pt-8DgbnQ/TkG92Xio2CI/AAAAAAAAAyU/lARjyrxoXIE/s320/Elliot_07+copy.jpg" width="318" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zair74DxJvE/TkG93c5qGSI/AAAAAAAAAyY/GC2Deh4OfQo/s1600/Elliot_17+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zair74DxJvE/TkG93c5qGSI/AAAAAAAAAyY/GC2Deh4OfQo/s400/Elliot_17+copy.jpg" width="285" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mlX6RcEmCQA/TkG94BwVqNI/AAAAAAAAAyc/_Nz_HGUKyTs/s1600/Elliot_28+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mlX6RcEmCQA/TkG94BwVqNI/AAAAAAAAAyc/_Nz_HGUKyTs/s320/Elliot_28+copy.jpg" width="319" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Such a stud!</div>Kate Bondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14992752848648692518noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1840671400823556110.post-84294232645103243272011-08-02T11:30:00.001-06:002011-08-02T11:30:00.961-06:00Painted Chipboard Letters and Canvas<div style="text-align: justify;">This shelf and picture frame were looking a little lonely and practically every time I would walk by they would beg me for some company. I've been thinking about this for awhile, and have made a few different attempts to put something here. I'm a Wizard of Oz fan and thought it could be cute to add the phrase "no place like home." Other than that, I wasn't sure exactly what I wanted. My first failed attempt was a typography image transfer onto canvas. For some reason my image turned green, and let's just say didn't work in the space at all. My second attempt was subway art using all of the addresses we've lived at. Loved the design and concept, but something about it just wasn't quite right. The latest attempt I think may be the winner. This was a simple and quick project. I glued the chipboard letters onto the canvas and then painted the whole thing. I'm kinda loving the subtlety to it. The space looks a little less empty now, it could still use an accessory or two, but I think we are off to a good start!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4PIWBezH_0c/TjRIbNNICDI/AAAAAAAAAyE/6ld689PByWM/s1600/no+place+like+home+Canvas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4PIWBezH_0c/TjRIbNNICDI/AAAAAAAAAyE/6ld689PByWM/s400/no+place+like+home+Canvas.jpg" width="398" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div>Kate Bondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14992752848648692518noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1840671400823556110.post-4441365555475281472011-07-30T11:08:00.000-06:002011-07-30T11:08:25.003-06:00First Day of First Grade<div style="text-align: justify;">The princess has her first week of first grade under her belt. She LOVES it! Everyday we pick her up the first thing she tells us about is lunch.The girl is excited about the cafeteria. She is so happy to be in first grade and be going to school all day. I must admit that I am going to miss having her around all day, but I couldn't be more pleased that she loves school so much. I took my camera to the school with us to get pictures with her and her little friends on the first day, but she wouldn't let me take any. Apparently I am already embarrassing, so I just have to settle for the ones in front of our house. Can't believe how fast she is growing up!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-B0lZJlt2vrM/TjQ5fGOY2xI/AAAAAAAAAyA/9V1ysi2Rjk4/s1600/Erika+First+Day+of+School%2528July2011%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-B0lZJlt2vrM/TjQ5fGOY2xI/AAAAAAAAAyA/9V1ysi2Rjk4/s400/Erika+First+Day+of+School%2528July2011%2529.jpg" width="285" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div>Kate Bondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14992752848648692518noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1840671400823556110.post-24560894347639358252011-07-15T15:02:00.000-06:002011-07-15T15:02:41.979-06:00Sugar and Spice + Spunk to Spare<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: justify;">I've been terrible at pictures lately, so I decided it was high time we did a photo shoot with each kid. I have one shoot finished and am thrilled with how it turned out. Let's hope the other one turns out this well. (Fingers crossed.) I am having such a difficult time even picking which ones to show here because I love them all so much! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uKCo4J9U1iQ/Th9VyqC6H0I/AAAAAAAAAwU/XPJYkLR1jos/s1600/Erika_01%25282011%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="282" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uKCo4J9U1iQ/Th9VyqC6H0I/AAAAAAAAAwU/XPJYkLR1jos/s400/Erika_01%25282011%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cERw1ku8_1A/TiCnFO5fYxI/AAAAAAAAAxE/0he2LnQZuAE/s1600/Erika_02+%25282011%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cERw1ku8_1A/TiCnFO5fYxI/AAAAAAAAAxE/0he2LnQZuAE/s400/Erika_02+%25282011%2529.jpg" width="398" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OTnGVEGOw8E/TiCnfzsq8dI/AAAAAAAAAxc/iZpsN_HWF5Y/s1600/Erika_30+%25282011%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="285" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OTnGVEGOw8E/TiCnfzsq8dI/AAAAAAAAAxc/iZpsN_HWF5Y/s400/Erika_30+%25282011%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zhW3U7Lmego/TiCo3n6iVmI/AAAAAAAAAxg/LGkiemZS2Jk/s1600/Erika_11+%25282011%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zhW3U7Lmego/TiCo3n6iVmI/AAAAAAAAAxg/LGkiemZS2Jk/s400/Erika_11+%25282011%2529.jpg" width="398" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">I cannot tell you how much I love this girl!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Kate Bondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14992752848648692518noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1840671400823556110.post-74420529428651608112011-07-09T10:04:00.000-06:002011-07-09T10:04:36.956-06:00Ready For Some Relaxation<div style="text-align: justify;">We've been busy around here as usual. I always have this vision of nice and relaxing things in my head, but it rarely turns out that way. I've also have been horrible at getting pictures of our adventures along the way. Have no fear though, I took the little princess out for a photo shoot and got some gorgeous shots I will share later. Until then I plan on relaxing and wish I could do so here.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rNMIKNoYyjk/Thh7DrJwMrI/AAAAAAAAAwQ/976-i4ttjXw/s1600/Lara+Hutton.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rNMIKNoYyjk/Thh7DrJwMrI/AAAAAAAAAwQ/976-i4ttjXw/s1600/Lara+Hutton.PNG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Image via Australian stylist <a href="http://www.namesagency.com.au/hutton.html">Lara Hutton</a>. I love her stuff.</div>Kate Bondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14992752848648692518noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1840671400823556110.post-29447850985291290592011-05-06T10:38:00.010-06:002011-07-15T15:05:58.064-06:00A Warm & Sunny Weekend!<div style="text-align: justify;">It is finally so warm and sunny here! It will only last a couple of days, but I will take all of the sunshine I can get. I thought I would share a few paintings today from one of my very favorite shops on Etsy, <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/janethillstudio?ref=pr_shop">Janet Hill Studios</a>. These paintings are the epitome of sunshine and cheeriness to me. They make me want those long Summer days. Enjoy. I'm heading out and basking in the sunshine, while I've still got it!</div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pIKr6eyxxPA/TcLVvurHpbI/AAAAAAAAAvw/T-1vvNb7dhE/s1600/il_570xN.201838861.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="346" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pIKr6eyxxPA/TcLVvurHpbI/AAAAAAAAAvw/T-1vvNb7dhE/s400/il_570xN.201838861.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YLcVA26kvz8/TcLVwLIpTYI/AAAAAAAAAv0/QGWg0D7sjvE/s1600/il_570xN.205076166.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YLcVA26kvz8/TcLVwLIpTYI/AAAAAAAAAv0/QGWg0D7sjvE/s400/il_570xN.205076166.jpg" width="394" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wAZzS-FUcRc/TcLVw_3LuuI/AAAAAAAAAv8/Cd2jbMB8DpA/s1600/il_570xN.208320039.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="259" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wAZzS-FUcRc/TcLVw_3LuuI/AAAAAAAAAv8/Cd2jbMB8DpA/s400/il_570xN.208320039.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-a0ndyMvPGww/TcLVxfaoyLI/AAAAAAAAAwA/LTBbdl7pTK8/s1600/il_570xN.241305092.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-a0ndyMvPGww/TcLVxfaoyLI/AAAAAAAAAwA/LTBbdl7pTK8/s400/il_570xN.241305092.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Kate Bondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14992752848648692518noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1840671400823556110.post-30082053960531240652011-05-05T10:27:00.000-06:002011-05-05T10:27:38.471-06:00Disneyland<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">A few weeks ago we had the opportunity to go to California for the princess’s National Cheer Competition (more on that to come later.) It just happened to take place right across the street from Disneyland, so we went there too. Our kids are the perfect age where they can ride pretty much everything, but are still young enough to be into it all. Plus, they had never been before, so we were all really excited. My sister-in-law and her husband met us there for a couple of days, and we had a blast. We literally had no down time. We fit everything in in those few days, in between all of the cheer stuff. We totally lucked out on the schedule this year. We’d wake up early for competition, and then would race over to Disneyland after, then repeated it the next day. The princess came home decked out in Pirate gear and has decided on a pirate themed birthday party this year. While the Prince was obsessed with Jack Skellington from Nightmare Before Christmas. Both sang "Yo-Ho Yo-Ho, a Pirate's life for me." for a couple of weeks. Not your typical choices for most kids at Disneyland, but I love it. We all came home thoroughly exhausted, but oh so happy! Can’t wait until next year, although I need a nap just thinking about it.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-R08zdMUoDLI/TcLO-QZLdhI/AAAAAAAAAvU/CLbs663XRSA/s1600/Disneyland_01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="221" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-R08zdMUoDLI/TcLO-QZLdhI/AAAAAAAAAvU/CLbs663XRSA/s400/Disneyland_01.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mblkZ5Ii9wg/TcLPBtfutQI/AAAAAAAAAvY/x7Rket7yZQ8/s1600/Disneyland_04.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="221" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mblkZ5Ii9wg/TcLPBtfutQI/AAAAAAAAAvY/x7Rket7yZQ8/s400/Disneyland_04.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Qeh2hDhZu9A/TcLPEkrOcqI/AAAAAAAAAvc/7q-03diJSWM/s1600/Disneyland_05.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="221" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Qeh2hDhZu9A/TcLPEkrOcqI/AAAAAAAAAvc/7q-03diJSWM/s400/Disneyland_05.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QKBKYNPYhHw/TcLPKdwpaAI/AAAAAAAAAvk/U5mRAPujM0Q/s1600/Disneyland_07.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="221" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QKBKYNPYhHw/TcLPKdwpaAI/AAAAAAAAAvk/U5mRAPujM0Q/s400/Disneyland_07.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NoBpnRsWo5s/TcLPMo8MxgI/AAAAAAAAAvo/oPloJqLECF8/s1600/Disneyland_08.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="221" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NoBpnRsWo5s/TcLPMo8MxgI/AAAAAAAAAvo/oPloJqLECF8/s400/Disneyland_08.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div>Kate Bondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14992752848648692518noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1840671400823556110.post-11009381575491682862011-05-02T17:41:00.000-06:002011-05-02T17:41:40.398-06:00I'm Still Here<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">After about a year of neglect, I decided it was about time to get back to my blog. I’ve had a few people out there ask where I went and if everything is alright. We are all here and doing well, we have just been busy. Honestly, I have thought long and hard about whether or not to say farewell to my blog for good. I just couldn’t decide if blogging was a waste of my time. After a long hiatus I have decided that I’ve really missed it. I need somewhere I can document what is going on with my family, keep track of all my constant inspirations, and share my latest projects, and a blog is as good of a place as any other. While I probably should have a separate blog for each of these things, I’m awful enough at one blog; I don’t think I could manage multiple ones.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I figure this is probably more reflective of me anyways.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So please come in and stay while, and be sure to come and visit often!<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BaMDhhEb5-I/Tb8-JP-iQjI/AAAAAAAAAvQ/y4hQHmzaeiQ/s1600/renovations-9_300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BaMDhhEb5-I/Tb8-JP-iQjI/AAAAAAAAAvQ/y4hQHmzaeiQ/s400/renovations-9_300.jpg" width="332" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">Image over at <a href="http://www.realsimple.com/home-organizing/gardening/container-gardens-bloom-00000000014739/page4.html">Real Simple</a>. Sadly this house isn't mine, but a girl can dream.</div>Kate Bondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14992752848648692518noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1840671400823556110.post-45436420495217760772010-08-24T20:54:00.000-06:002010-08-24T20:54:09.838-06:00Ladies and Gentlemen, Children of All Ages...We're Going to the Circus!<div style="text-align: justify;">I can not say this very often, but I am going to say it now. I was deprived as a child and have never been to a circus. So you may understand why I am beyond excited that we just won tickets to the upcoming show. I was reading the <a href="http://www.babesinhairland.com/">Babes in Hairland</a> blog, and noticed that she was having a contest for circus tickets. All you had to do to be entered in for the first pack was come up with a fun circus hairdo on one of the kiddos, and the judges would pick their favorite one to win. I may be a total dork, but we had a lot of fun with this. Erika decided that she wanted to do something with a tightrope, and from that idea sprung forth a fabulous hairstyle. (Drum roll, please.) And now presenting...The "Tightrope Side Pony" in all it's glory!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_gIG-9FMlvCQ/THSFcQ8-KkI/AAAAAAAAAuQ/W9EqGWBk2XI/s1600/TightropeSidePony.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" ox="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_gIG-9FMlvCQ/THSFcQ8-KkI/AAAAAAAAAuQ/W9EqGWBk2XI/s320/TightropeSidePony.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_gIG-9FMlvCQ/THSFhVMhKBI/AAAAAAAAAuY/Smim0RZ43J4/s1600/TightropeSidePonyBack.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ox="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_gIG-9FMlvCQ/THSFhVMhKBI/AAAAAAAAAuY/Smim0RZ43J4/s320/TightropeSidePonyBack.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div>Kate Bondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14992752848648692518noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1840671400823556110.post-75631012402985152772010-08-09T23:24:00.000-06:002010-08-09T23:24:53.598-06:00The Luckiest Unlucky<div style="text-align: justify;">Sorry I have totally neglected the blog. Sometimes life speeds along and it takes awhile for me to catch back up with it. On Father's Day my little prince fell into a bush. We took him to emergency thinking he would just need some stitches, but a CT scan and a few minutes later they were life flighting him up to Primary Children's Medical Center, the local children's hospital. They discovered that a stick had entered above his eye, followed along side the optic nerve, and had weaved itself through his brain narrowly missing his carotid arteries, and then just stopped short of his brain stem. The next few hours seemed like an eternity. Sitting in that empty OR waiting room, I prepared myself for the worst and thought of everything he'd never be able to do again. They prepared us for the likely posssibility that they would have to open up his skull to retrieve the stick, but they assured us that they had a surgeon who specialized in cutting the skull, another whose job it was to stop the potential bleeding, they had a specialist for every possible thing that could have gone wrong. Luckily, we didn't have to use most of them. Miraculously, his doctors were able to pull the stick out of the original wound without causing further injury. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">After we made it through surgery, it became a waiting game to see what would go wrong. Everyone was sure something would. Serious head injuries like this just didn't happen without devastating or fatal ramifications. We watched the families of some of our PICU neighbors with heart wrenching stories say their goodbyes. Fortunately, our luck continued. We were able to take him off all of the breathing tubes, and the first words out of his mouth was, "I want my Mama!" One of the best sentances I've ever heard in my life. His wound stopped leaking CSF fluid from the brain. He was able to move all of his limbs. We moved out of the PICU to the Nuero-Trauma Unit. After about a week or so, we were finally released from the hospital ahead of schedule. (We were originally told we'd be there a minimum of 21 days.) We had weekly visits from Home Health, gave him a heavy dose of antibiotics every 8 hours through his PICC line, and he continued to make his miraculous recovery. The little guy somehow managed to escape all infections and pretty much made a full recovery.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_gIG-9FMlvCQ/TGDeIRJ0cmI/AAAAAAAAAt4/IOPA1zHYoOY/s1600/36757_1410014104756_1664596767_1014853_5930204_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_gIG-9FMlvCQ/TGDeIRJ0cmI/AAAAAAAAAt4/IOPA1zHYoOY/s400/36757_1410014104756_1664596767_1014853_5930204_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_gIG-9FMlvCQ/TGDePJE16vI/AAAAAAAAAuA/ilRndBagTus/s1600/36757_1410014144757_1664596767_1014854_5487443_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_gIG-9FMlvCQ/TGDePJE16vI/AAAAAAAAAuA/ilRndBagTus/s400/36757_1410014144757_1664596767_1014854_5487443_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">The past few months have been such a whirlwind for me, and I can't truly put into words how I feel. It amazes me how quickly life can change, and most often during such ordinary moments. It's incredible how frail and powerful life can be in the same instant. We truly are some of the luckiest unlucky people. It was so touching to see all of the support we were given. Often times from people we didn't even really know. I can't thank everyone enough for all of your thoughts and prayers. They truly worked miracles for us. Thank you! This has been such an incredible experience. Hopefully things are starting to return back to normal and I can return to some of my usual activities again, like blogging. While this pretty much ruled our Summer, I do have a few more things I want to try and post soon. Thanks again for all the love and support--he is still doing great!</div>Kate Bondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14992752848648692518noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1840671400823556110.post-48553056942686524932010-06-18T10:14:00.000-06:002010-06-18T10:14:34.749-06:00Father's Day Cookies<div style="text-align: justify;">All I can say is <a href="http://amyatlas.blogspot.com/2010/06/fathers-day-cookies.html">Amy Atlas</a> is a an absolute genius when it comes to sweets! She finds and does the most creative and fabulous things with food. These cookies she posted on her blog today are no exception and are so fun! Apparently, you can order them from <a href="http://elenis.com/">Eleni's</a>. Maybe we'll make the Dads and Grandpas in our lives some cookies for the big Father's Day around the corner. (Secretly, they're probably more for us though--Sshh! Don't tell them that!) Mine would never be as good as these though...they are almost too perfect to eat!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_gIG-9FMlvCQ/TBuZ16IpZzI/AAAAAAAAAs0/URU8e2FVmXM/s1600/productimage-picture-tool-time-784_jpg_522x340_crop_upscale_q85.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="261" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_gIG-9FMlvCQ/TBuZ16IpZzI/AAAAAAAAAs0/URU8e2FVmXM/s400/productimage-picture-tool-time-784_jpg_522x340_crop_upscale_q85.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_gIG-9FMlvCQ/TBuaP9vgAwI/AAAAAAAAAtc/a_gZVpql9jM/s1600/productimage-picture-cookie-cookout-542_jpg_522x340_crop_upscale_q85.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="261" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_gIG-9FMlvCQ/TBuaP9vgAwI/AAAAAAAAAtc/a_gZVpql9jM/s400/productimage-picture-cookie-cookout-542_jpg_522x340_crop_upscale_q85.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_gIG-9FMlvCQ/TBuaG2nk6eI/AAAAAAAAAtM/zBxVGzqODJo/s1600/Bstrike_jpg_522x340_crop_upscale_q85.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="261" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_gIG-9FMlvCQ/TBuaG2nk6eI/AAAAAAAAAtM/zBxVGzqODJo/s400/Bstrike_jpg_522x340_crop_upscale_q85.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_gIG-9FMlvCQ/TBuaL0np91I/AAAAAAAAAtU/jH1OMnQKUQg/s1600/productimage-picture-best-dressed-dad-781_jpg_522x340_crop_upscale_q85.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="261" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_gIG-9FMlvCQ/TBuaL0np91I/AAAAAAAAAtU/jH1OMnQKUQg/s400/productimage-picture-best-dressed-dad-781_jpg_522x340_crop_upscale_q85.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_gIG-9FMlvCQ/TBuZ_2ArxhI/AAAAAAAAAs8/Csy3i4WnUg0/s1600/Bdoubles_jpg_522x340_crop_upscale_q85.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="261" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_gIG-9FMlvCQ/TBuZ_2ArxhI/AAAAAAAAAs8/Csy3i4WnUg0/s400/Bdoubles_jpg_522x340_crop_upscale_q85.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_gIG-9FMlvCQ/TBuaVRlo2mI/AAAAAAAAAtk/wBpDl4N-bP0/s1600/productimage-picture-play_ball-207_jpg_522x340_crop_upscale_q85.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="261" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_gIG-9FMlvCQ/TBuaVRlo2mI/AAAAAAAAAtk/wBpDl4N-bP0/s400/productimage-picture-play_ball-207_jpg_522x340_crop_upscale_q85.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_gIG-9FMlvCQ/TBuaCJeSJDI/AAAAAAAAAtE/-bwFelYda8g/s1600/Bfore_jpg_522x340_crop_upscale_q85.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="261" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_gIG-9FMlvCQ/TBuaCJeSJDI/AAAAAAAAAtE/-bwFelYda8g/s400/Bfore_jpg_522x340_crop_upscale_q85.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div>Kate Bondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14992752848648692518noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1840671400823556110.post-57848916729225146342010-06-16T08:05:00.000-06:002010-06-16T08:05:00.368-06:00Nicoletta CeccoliMy little prince got a book from the library the other day and I was immediately smitten with all of the the illustrations in it. Today I thought I'd spotlight some of the work of the talented illustrator <a href="http://www.nicolettaceccoli.com/">Nicoletta Ceccoli</a>. Her work is so hauntingly beautiful.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_gIG-9FMlvCQ/TBfB_qd-kII/AAAAAAAAAsM/P1_OSJJ677A/s1600/ia-ceccoli-fairytale.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_gIG-9FMlvCQ/TBfB_qd-kII/AAAAAAAAAsM/P1_OSJJ677A/s400/ia-ceccoli-fairytale.jpg" width="323" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_gIG-9FMlvCQ/TBfCt688GSI/AAAAAAAAAsc/svAJWdVWE6U/s1600/lucy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_gIG-9FMlvCQ/TBfCt688GSI/AAAAAAAAAsc/svAJWdVWE6U/s400/lucy.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_gIG-9FMlvCQ/TBfCxFzScxI/AAAAAAAAAsk/s9-Xo0fohos/s1600/Nicoletta%2BCeccoli%2B4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_gIG-9FMlvCQ/TBfCxFzScxI/AAAAAAAAAsk/s9-Xo0fohos/s400/Nicoletta%2BCeccoli%2B4.jpg" width="363" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_gIG-9FMlvCQ/TBfCCuhFa2I/AAAAAAAAAsU/jbe7QtlPikY/s1600/3141558750_16e51bc78a_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_gIG-9FMlvCQ/TBfCCuhFa2I/AAAAAAAAAsU/jbe7QtlPikY/s400/3141558750_16e51bc78a_o.jpg" width="303" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_gIG-9FMlvCQ/TBfC1kgdztI/AAAAAAAAAss/n8VHt8fFquk/s1600/sconosciuto.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_gIG-9FMlvCQ/TBfC1kgdztI/AAAAAAAAAss/n8VHt8fFquk/s400/sconosciuto.jpg" width="293" /></a></div>Kate Bondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14992752848648692518noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1840671400823556110.post-73022955970409021522010-06-15T11:58:00.000-06:002010-06-15T11:58:02.392-06:00Tut Tut...Looks Like RainThis last weekend ended up being pretty cold and rainy, so much for Summer being in full swing. Honestly, I really don't mind though, because I absolutely positively love the rain. There is just something about it. While thunderstorms and rain clouds may no longer be in the forecast, some of my favorite rainy day photos are.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_gIG-9FMlvCQ/TBe-Un6KK8I/AAAAAAAAAsE/TapH7YtuziE/s1600/Erika+%28June09%29_03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="286" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_gIG-9FMlvCQ/TBe-Un6KK8I/AAAAAAAAAsE/TapH7YtuziE/s400/Erika+%28June09%29_03.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_gIG-9FMlvCQ/TBe9-v5Yk9I/AAAAAAAAArk/ToOfTUTWGyA/s1600/Elliot+%28June09%29_01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_gIG-9FMlvCQ/TBe9-v5Yk9I/AAAAAAAAArk/ToOfTUTWGyA/s400/Elliot+%28June09%29_01.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Kate Bondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14992752848648692518noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1840671400823556110.post-54449680463595203452010-06-08T19:32:00.000-06:002010-06-08T19:32:43.457-06:00Some Summer Shots<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">I realize it's been a little while since I've posted, but I can't really say I'm sorry about it. Where have I been you ask? Well, not sitting here at the computer. I've have been taking full advantage of the finally good weather. I feel like Summer has finally arrived. I went through and picked out some old shots that are so quintessentially Summer for me, and I don't think I've posted them before (except obviously the first one, but it's still perfect!) </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_gIG-9FMlvCQ/TA7omqkiD0I/AAAAAAAAAqs/OTS7Uo1EJJ0/s1600/Hawaii+2010_02+%285x10%29+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_gIG-9FMlvCQ/TA7omqkiD0I/AAAAAAAAAqs/OTS7Uo1EJJ0/s400/Hawaii+2010_02+%285x10%29+copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">We've pulled out the flip-flops, but you're more likely to catch us barefoot.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_gIG-9FMlvCQ/TA7qjVtN2EI/AAAAAAAAArE/GvB_Ru2BwvI/s1600/Erika%26Elliot_02%2822Aug08%29+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_gIG-9FMlvCQ/TA7qjVtN2EI/AAAAAAAAArE/GvB_Ru2BwvI/s400/Erika%26Elliot_02%2822Aug08%29+copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">And I have three words for you: Sand, Swimming, and Snow Cones...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_gIG-9FMlvCQ/TA7rERnKGSI/AAAAAAAAArM/l7G5c3hlhrw/s1600/Hawaii+2010_23+%285x5%29+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_gIG-9FMlvCQ/TA7rERnKGSI/AAAAAAAAArM/l7G5c3hlhrw/s400/Hawaii+2010_23+%285x5%29+copy.jpg" width="400" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_gIG-9FMlvCQ/TA7smMlPn2I/AAAAAAAAArc/WFig1hYQrtI/s1600/Tetons+and+Yellowstone_09+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_gIG-9FMlvCQ/TA7smMlPn2I/AAAAAAAAArc/WFig1hYQrtI/s400/Tetons+and+Yellowstone_09+copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_gIG-9FMlvCQ/TA7rrK-iDII/AAAAAAAAArU/nwfQpEsKiPM/s1600/Erika+%28May09%29_03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="167" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_gIG-9FMlvCQ/TA7rrK-iDII/AAAAAAAAArU/nwfQpEsKiPM/s400/Erika+%28May09%29_03.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">And this is just the beginning...I've got many more Summer adventures to come!</div>Kate Bondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14992752848648692518noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1840671400823556110.post-73111439664664598812010-05-28T09:31:00.000-06:002010-05-28T09:31:18.962-06:00Erin Westenskow Berrett<div style="text-align: justify;">I try to share things that inspire me here on the blog, but I've noticed I haven't shown very many artists here, even though I get tons of inspiration from them. So today I thought I'd share with you the work of local artist (for me anyways) <a href="http://www.ewbpaintings.com/">Erin Westnkow Berrett</a>. Her still life paintings are so lovely!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_gIG-9FMlvCQ/S__gnYF8sKI/AAAAAAAAAqE/paML7Yf6wXw/s1600/248.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_gIG-9FMlvCQ/S__gnYF8sKI/AAAAAAAAAqE/paML7Yf6wXw/s400/248.jpg" width="265" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_gIG-9FMlvCQ/S__g0-F4aOI/AAAAAAAAAqU/tVMIRRnHU38/s1600/227.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_gIG-9FMlvCQ/S__g0-F4aOI/AAAAAAAAAqU/tVMIRRnHU38/s320/227.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_gIG-9FMlvCQ/S__g7MutRsI/AAAAAAAAAqc/R7ph52ei7MM/s1600/105.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_gIG-9FMlvCQ/S__g7MutRsI/AAAAAAAAAqc/R7ph52ei7MM/s320/105.jpg" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_gIG-9FMlvCQ/S__hk8p3IVI/AAAAAAAAAqk/g3nMni8oSZc/s1600/244.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_gIG-9FMlvCQ/S__hk8p3IVI/AAAAAAAAAqk/g3nMni8oSZc/s320/244.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Kate Bondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14992752848648692518noreply@blogger.com0