tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-81655942381003148292024-03-26T23:38:05.875-07:00The Fike LifeBlythe Fikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01083711888523698156noreply@blogger.comBlogger294125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8165594238100314829.post-58015410134487366032018-05-02T12:29:00.001-07:002018-05-02T14:47:14.312-07:00Old dog/new tricksDon't be fooled, people. I am still figuring this out. Post-partumwear mostly makes you feel the exact opposite of a million bucks. Negative one million bucks? idk. The other day I bought a pair of super high-waisted jeans sized up (feeling suuuuper confident about the current state of my ppd bod) and lol wouldn't you know the waist barely even came around to the FRONT of my body. Clearly I need to not mess with a button closure yet. Or any closure, for that matter.<br />
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Anyway, here is my quickie postpartum round-up for what IS working for me this 8th go-round.<br />
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1. <a href="http://shopstyle.it/l/Iuyr">These cropped pants</a>. Super cute fit, lightweight, elastic waist.<i> Get it.</i><br />
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2. <a href="http://shopstyle.it/l/Iunt">This tank top</a>. I have a similar one from Motherhood Maternity and I would wear if everyday if I could. Functions as a nursing bra and spanx so I could not luv it more.<br />
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3.<a href="http://shopstyle.it/l/Iuoa"> Go-To leggings</a> with a high-waist. Give me a high-waist and name it <i>Go-To</i> and you can basically take all my money. But not because these are under $30.<br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">4. <a href="http://shopstyle.it/l/Ivju">This denim button-down</a>. What is it about Old Navy that is killing it lately? I'm embarrassed to admit it but I'm really loving everything I've bought despite all the guilt associated with shopping fast fashion. Ken not tell a lie.<span style="background-color: white;">¯\_(ツ)_/¯</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;">5. <a href="http://shopstyle.it/l/Iup3">This very perfect pencil skirt</a>. It's on sale. Just get it. Don't even think about it. I wear it 4x a week. You will too.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: "lyon text" , "georgia" , "times" , serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: "lyon text" , "georgia" , "times" , serif;">6. </span><a href="http://shopstyle.it/l/Iuqt" style="font-family: "Lyon Text", Georgia, Times, serif;">These cotton v-necks</a><span style="font-family: "lyon text" , "georgia" , "times" , serif;">. Breezy and loose and reasonably priced and and and. Tuck the front into your fave elastic waist pant (the Old Navy ones ^), put some jewelry on, and you'll feel semi-put together! WHY IS THIS FONT WEIRD</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">7. <a href="http://shopstyle.it/l/IurX">Madewell Central Shirt</a> anyway you can get it. This button down is just kind of perfect. Just boxy enough to hide your belly and not make you look dumb. I have this cute <a href="http://shopstyle.it/l/IusR">chambray ruffle-sleeved one</a> and I'm wearing it into the ground. (And this <a href="http://shopstyle.it/l/Iutc">cute yellow one</a> is on sale!)</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">8. Sale again!! <a href="http://shopstyle.it/l/Iutr">This is my fave cardigan</a>. I wear it all the time (pregnant, not pregnant, and beyond) - super cozy, washes well, pockets. Zing!</span></span><br />
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9. I'm eyeing <a href="http://shopstyle.it/l/Iuuc">this skirt</a>... I'll keep you posted.<br />
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10. <a href="http://shopstyle.it/l/IuuP">Pendant necklaces</a>. I got this little stack and they are perfect to mix and match for a little extra something. Something about a few extra pieces of jewelry makes me feel 100% happier and at least 80% less frumpy. I highly recommend along with a new pair of <a href="http://shopstyle.it/l/Iuvy">sunnies.</a> Oh shoot now I want those :/.<br />
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Happy Wednesday, beebs! Francie was killing me with cute this am.* *see below.<br />
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<br />Blythe Fikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01083711888523698156noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8165594238100314829.post-34156140781232969592018-04-19T16:14:00.000-07:002018-04-19T21:33:17.029-07:00What's in a name? (hint: pbs masterpiece classics)Want to know about how we named our baby?<br />
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K<br />
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I'm sure you're all brushed up on the minutia of our marital dynamic, so you know that Kirby and I never agree on names.<br />
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I honestly avoided even talking about it until we were past the <i>feels-like-hell</i> part of pregnancy because another trouble would do me no good. In my mind, I had settled on a girl name because o b v i o u s l y after three boys in a row I was having a girl. Obviously. (Guadalupe!!)<br />
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When we found out our baby was def NOT a Guadalupe, I turned to the boy name genre albeit reluctantly. The last thing I wanted to think about was another boring boy name (no offense mostly all boy names). After cross checking our old lists and not agreeing on a single thing, I turned to the queen of names, <a href="https://sanctanomina.net/">Kate at Sancta Nomina</a>.<br />
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(not a Guadalupe)</div>
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She gave us an amazing consultation- so detailed and deliberate. Out of all the really gorgeous names she suggested, I totally fell in love (re-fell in love?) with the name Jasper. Jasper Fike! Strong, classic, sooooo cute. Such a solid bridge name for our quirkier set and the classic boys names. I was sure Kirby would love it.<br />
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He did not love it.<br />
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Back to the very first square.<br />
(Aside, you should read <a href="https://sanctanomina.net/2017/10/09/baby-name-consultation-fike-baby-no-8/">Kate's post</a>. So many clever ideas. Her thoughts behind Tiber made me straight-up weep!)<br />
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I decided to just avoid names for another month or two. In February, Kirby and I went away for the weekend to San Luis Obispo. I sort of made it my goal to settle on a name while we were away. ***Best laid plans*** We had one talk over coffee in which the name Louis came up and for the rest of the time the only name Kirby saw was... Louis.<br />
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I did not love it.<br />
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I came back and started to text my friends for ideas but nothing came back that felt totally <i>his</i>. About a month before I was due I decided to reach out to two of my old friends who both have really creative names for their kids. (Plot twist: they are Kate and <a href="https://www.instagram.com/realnatonthewall/">Natalie</a> Hanson, married to Zac and Taylor <a href="https://hanson.net/home">Hanson</a>. True! But I digress...) I sent them a few of the names that I loved and they came back with a solid list of suggestions.<br />
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Enter Albert. A name I had never ever considered but suddenly adored via a cutie little nickname that turned the classic, serious, masculine name into something spunky and sweet... <i>Albie</i>. It checked the all the boxes that mattered to me- saintly, smart, solid, different, a name I could yell across the yard, a name I could yell in quick succession with the other boy's names, and something I thought Kirby might be into. He was. (Notably because of the Strokes reference but I'll take it.)<br />
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Here is what Kate and Natalie had to say about Albert...<br />
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"Albert. I thought of this one because you mentioned Alfie, and I have to tell you we've almost used this name twice for two reasons: 1) Ezra (<i>Natalie's son</i>) said once when he was little that he thought it would be a nice thing to do to name a baby after Albert Einstein (lol) 2) I am crazy for 'Albie!' I think of the Strokes song. Also, I like how Albie sounds like Kirby. Cute. I think this is one of those obviously classic and on trend names, but that no one is actually using."<br />
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YES AND AMEN.<br />
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I was utterly sold. I don't know if I've ever felt so attached to a name before and here I was, two weeks before my baby was due, loving this name I had never known I'd love. Isn't it amazing how a name can just come to the surface at the right moment? I'll always love that my friends played such a part in the naming of our baby. As a middle name, Pascal had been my top choice and the two of them together were just so good. AND THEN...<br />
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<a href="http://www.wilberhuset.com/">Jenna</a> reminded me that I hadn't watched Victoria yet.<br />
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If that's not a deal sealer I don't know what is.<br />
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I spent the last week of my pregnancy straight <i>binging</i>. I know you would have, too.<br />
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VICTOOORRRIA. (Albert forever, ya'll)<br />
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But mostly... Albie forever.<br />
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The meaning of his full name is "bright Easter"... truer than true, don't you think?Blythe Fikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01083711888523698156noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8165594238100314829.post-85599989072507121892018-04-11T10:48:00.002-07:002018-04-11T14:11:10.725-07:00BACKOh, it's ooonnnn.<br />
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I have SO MUCH TO SAY.<br />
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(Isn't it dumb how freaking obvious my blog habits go? Something like get pregnant>die>quit blogging>hate blogging>hate everything>have baby>rise again>desp. to blog>love blogging>love everything) It's my truth and I'm just tryna live my truth, ya'll.<br />
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I'm sure this all sounds very thrilling and you just can't wait for me to start slapping out post after post but I super duper promise it's all relatively boring. For instance: birth story, postpartum underwear, my new sheets, how many hours a day I clocked in the bathtub during my final trimester, annoying things my kids do, ALBIE.<br />
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Albie.<br />
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He's the best. Turns out it was totally worth it to have another baby, guys. Can't believe it surprised me... <i>again</i>. But it did.<br />
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I'll just leave you with a little teaser trailer because if my blog trend tells you anything it's that the first post back is just basically making the big ol' meaningless announcement to the internet and then peacing out via a few new baby pics. Thus I must...<br />
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Miss you guys!!<br />
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<br />Blythe Fikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01083711888523698156noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8165594238100314829.post-55591419766041967942017-09-22T10:34:00.001-07:002017-09-22T11:07:07.826-07:00Artifact Uprising & the story of himAt the risk of sounding totally snarky, I will be the first to admit that the idea of "baby book" 10 years into being a mother would have had me rolling eyes. It's probably equal parts the amount of kids I have and how naturally inefficient I am at keeping records of anything. The best I've got is a few accordion files and rubbermaid bins stuffed with cute drawings I want to save. It's not saying much...<br />
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But another thing is that back when I was in a baby book making mood (10 years ago -_-), baby books were so damn ugly and complicated. There is no other way around it. It feels super weird and cliche to already be able to say "back when I was a first time mom blah blah blah" but it's true!! Hero's baby book is like pink gingham with buttons sewn to the cover. Ew.<br />
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It's not often I am converted back to a more time consuming way of doing anything but here I am, making a baby book!! <a href="https://ooh.li/8c1fe19">Artifact Uprising</a> has actually managed to make SUCH <a href="https://ooh.li/811d2b2">good memory book</a> for baby that not only have I made one for Francis who was <i>never ever</i> going to have a baby book (FTR) but now I am going back in time to make one for all my other neglected children. True conversion.<br />
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This is what I really love most about these books- first off, the quality is exceptional (obviously). Not only are the pages lovely and the cover so beautiful you will never let your children touch them but the <a href="https://ooh.li/811d2b2">AU baby book</a> comes with a really pretty ball point pen, double sided stickies for adhering your photos, and a credit for a set of free <a href="https://ooh.li/8c1fe19">Artifact Uprising prints</a>, which are <i>really nice prints</i>. Opening the box felt like a freaking spa day for photo albums! Everything is pretty and it's all right there AND they treat you right. So good. Plus, <a href="https://ooh.li/811d2b2">the color choices</a> are soooo pretty.<br />
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I also love the structure of the book. Some of the prompts were hard for me (IE "<i>you surprised us when...</i>" ???? I have no idea how to answer that) but the 3.25" square photos fit super perfectly right over any prompts I didn't want to/know how to answer. Hack dat! Each section is divided by month and I suppppper loved the simplicity of that. There is really only space for 4-5 photos each month which makes it super doable for the average mom who doesn't have a billion solo photos of their <i>ahem-cough</i> 7th baby. I didn't feel intimated at all about picking a few photos for each month which is KEY for a lady such as myself. Plus, the book is straight up finished at 12 months. You feel like you actually accomplished so much without having to hunt for a lock of hair or something insane.<br />
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Another XL bonus is that all the pages are held in with a binder-style spine so you can just TAKE out anything that doesn't apply (I didn't even need to though, which is pretty major... I just like knowing the option is there.) Plus with the super easy AU app and ordering interface, it took me like 15 min to sort through pics on my phone, make an album for the Frankie-boy, and get my prints ordered.<br />
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Believer, ya'll! Welcome to MODERNISM (you already do all this I'm sure).<br />
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OK SO HERE IS WHAT'S GOOD.<br />
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Watching this video on <a href="https://ooh.li/811d2b2">The Story of You</a> to get inspired/cry if you are anywhere near ovulation or pregnancy. <br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="
https://www.youtube.com/embed/uKpCqDlU5QA
" width="560"></iframe>
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Scoping <a href="https://ooh.li/8c1fe19">Artifact Uprising</a> for a book or prints or everything.<br />
<br />
Using this coupon code for 10% off your order <a href="https://ooh.li/811d2b2">TheStoryofYou10</a> (which really counts when a baby book is pricey).<br />
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Are you gonna get one? Do you have one?? <a href="https://ooh.li/811d2b2">Which color</a>? Inquiring minds n stuff.<br />
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<br />Blythe Fikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01083711888523698156noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8165594238100314829.post-83352247722278443952017-09-20T13:41:00.000-07:002017-09-20T17:15:42.514-07:00Mom drugsAs promised, I wanted to give you the rundown of my survival methods during this hellish first trimester, because this time around I actually had survival methods other than Netflix, my bed, and feeble pleas to the heavens (take me, take me now, etc).<br />
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I <i>SHOULD</i> have mentioned all of this way back when I was a mere half-life so that all my suffering sisters could have benefited as well but I was so unable to accomplish anything so... I didn't. I'm so sorry if you could have used this stuff but missed out, for those of you that can benefit NOW, or later, or ever, read on.<br />
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Sometimes a little teensy IG comment can really turn things around. When I first posted about my pregnancy, a friend mentioned wanting to try a brand called Pink Stork than runs a supplement line for pregnancy and morning sickness. I clicked right over to the website, read a few testimonials, and ordered the morning sickness bundle straight up immediately. (Specifically <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00T3RML94/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00T3RML94&linkCode=as2&tag=thfili05-20&linkId=9b0a283595c55541b4e5d328b478a2a2" target="_blank">the premiere bundle</a>)<br />
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Let me paint the picture for you, pre-Pink Stork. I would wake up > roll over > take a Zofran > every four hours take a Zofran > fall asleep > repeat. The FIRST DAY on Pink Stork (no joke) without even realizing it, I didn't take a Zofran until 3:30 pm. The following day I didn't take one until 5 pm, and then I never took another Zofran again. I wanted to shout Pink Stork from the rooftops but I was still incapable of most things outside of the basics and so I didn't do that but, BUT it took a massive edge off and I swear made life more bearable and more survivable almost instantaneously. I was super faithful with the supplements but only used the <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00SOT677Y/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00SOT677Y&linkCode=as2&tag=thfili05-20&linkId=c4e20012eb1d5b97fdf9acc69a6be8c4" target="_blank">tea</a> and the <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00S3ROEFE/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00S3ROEFE&linkCode=as2&tag=thfili05-20&linkId=53db82d4030f6dbae3cef01e7f3e8384" target="_blank">mist</a> as needed, fyi (both included in the bundle I bought). There is another, <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00T3QCCHQ/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00T3QCCHQ&linkCode=as2&tag=thfili05-20&linkId=f42d70a9139d728a11146af1d41702ac" target="_blank">smaller bundle</a> that I'm sure would help, too, but it did feel comforting to know it was all there if I needed it. So worth a try! <br />
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(Nothing like digging deep in the camera roll to find depressing first tri portraiture ala Mary) AKA HERE LIES THE OLD ME (not dead)<br />
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**Also not dead**</div>
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The other thing was/is/ever shall be is a whole foods supplement drink called Zeal and I will be damned if I didn't stop and LOL at that right here and now because <i>MLM</i>. I give the majorist of props to people that can successfully market MLM products but I... <i>just... can't</i>. Call it my pride, call it whatever! Of course until I started using it and it actually worked and then I was just like slap me in the face I actually <i>will </i>have more where that came from! Plus, it's hard to deny that certain companies are legit and successful. Hello, Beauty Counter? Hello, Young Living?? Hello, Rodan + Fields!! Hello, I, too, buy this stuff! Anyway, it's super revamped my life. Does anyone else drink it?? I know there are a million of these out there that people love and I have no knowledge of any of them but this is the bomb (says with full authority). I feel like my daily bump (bad drug reference, I realize) gave/gives me the energy, clarity, and, oddly, patience to manage the day waaaayyy more smoothly. It's not something I am promoting just for first trimester but more so for life/mom life/etc (although it did save my life in the first tri). My spiritual director drinks it to manage his chronic knee pain, others use it for help with stress and anxiety, or blood pressure, or milk supply, etc... kind a weird cure all for some. Anyway, it has seriously become my d.o.c., MLM repulsion be damned! I'm not going to hawk it too much here but if you want more information/feel like you are in need of something like this in your life- feel free to email me (blythefike@gmail.com) I shall do my very best to respond to you like a normal, attentive human being.<br />
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And there you have it! At the end of the day, pregnancy is survival (can I get an <i>amen?</i>). Even though I lived a lot of life in my bed there is something about finding something that made me feel even a little more normal that restored my hope in all things. If you're there and you're suffering right now, I am so sorry. I'm not going to tell you it will get better because you already know that and it never helps to hear it anyway.<br />
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Happy Wednesday, beebs.Blythe Fikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01083711888523698156noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8165594238100314829.post-16226843500215082962017-09-16T14:31:00.000-07:002017-09-16T14:31:30.358-07:00God knowsOh GEEZ!<br />
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<br />
HA.<br />
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LOL.<br />
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HAR.<br />
<br />
HAR HAR.<br />
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ANOTHER BING BONG. 4 in row, 4, 4 and under, <i>4</i>. (These are the lines running NYSE in my head).<br />
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Can you believe? Well, yes, dumb question. I'm sure you can. Even I, proud gestating mother of boys, can believe it. I even laughed out loud when I saw that little peep all aglow on the screen. You're a boy, aren't you, you little stinker??<br />
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Yeah, mom :P<br />
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Anyway, I wasn't sad as I thought I would be when I considered the mere possibility of this babe being another boy. I really just laughed, and then I called Kirby and he laughed, too. I'd call it an affectionate <i>tossing our hands up</i> moment for the both of us. A true -_-. A cheeky eyeroll towards the heavens.<br />
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But there are already little moments making me genuinely excited that this baby is a boy. 1. I realllllllly freaking love my guys. I love our mornings with the kids away at school, I love watching them play, I love spoiling them with "bra-ssants" from Starbucks. I love how terrible they are to eachother and how easily they recover. I love how Francis is already one of the pack. 2. I kinda wonder how a girl would fare around here at this point. Yesterday morning I had just gotten Francis up and as I changed his diaper, Pete and Joe just climbed all over him. Knees in the stomach, elbow in the temple, etc. And he was <i>so happy</i>. Gleeful, even. I imagine maybe a little one year old girl would not be so happy given similar circumstances. and 3. I just know God's plan is so utterly, utterly perfect for me. He knows what he is doing and so I'll just sit and watch the tide roll in. I am a mother of five boys. FIVE! AH! Laugh/cry/repeat/etc.<br />
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Come at me, little bing bonger.<br />
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<br />Blythe Fikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01083711888523698156noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8165594238100314829.post-27394555042477587652017-09-10T13:29:00.000-07:002017-09-10T13:34:28.154-07:00The date says it all...If the last post dates almost exactly 3 months ago then you better know she got knocked up and is now in her second trimester holllllaaaaa!<br />
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(back 2 life, back 2 reality.... kinda)<br />
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I read the first sentence of that last post and lol'ed a bit bc summer was off to a fantastic start and then I peed on that little stick and life came to a screeching halt. Funny how that little line can change everything. I found out I was pregnant on July 3 (a mere <i>4 weeks</i> pregnant) and by week 5 I was laid da fuq out (pardon my real). Usually I have until week 7 or 8 to start feeling bad but this one hit me like a ton of bricks. The reality is, of course, <i>of course</i>, you can't complain a lot when your body is tackling the immense task of growing a life. I have had healthy, uneventful pregnancies and I am so, so grateful. But there is also the very real reality that pregnancy can be completely grueling, and consuming, and even awful. This one felt a lot like that. For all of the wonder and gratitude that comes with it, it's strange and complicated to accept and manage the feelings of <i>ugh this is so so so bad </i>that can often come be a part of it. I certainly experienced those feelings this time around, and they are tricky.<br />
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Anyway, I am 14 weeks as of tomorrow and feeling more and more like myself every day. So grateful. For as many weeks as I was down n' out, I'm not fleeing a hurricane or some other natural disaster and I'm getting a new baby out of the deal so, <i>perspective.</i> Turns out that every one around here survived my mental/emotional/physical absence and we can all move right along just fine. I suppose kids are resilient and understanding when they are anticipating a new baby. I'm forever grateful for my kids ability to see the joy in that even when I'm a zombie.<br />
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There are so many things I feel the intense urge of unload about but I'll mainly focus on the positives which include how I freaking survived the last 8 weeks (read: surprisingly amazing supplements and totally selfless friends), an slightly insane but awesome road trip to CO, a bomb vacay to Palm Springs where I floated in a pool for many hours a day while sipping cold beverages and mentally trying to erase the entirety of my first trimester, and the fact that I decided to pony up the $50 to get an early gender detection ultrasound next Wednesday. I'm sure it will simply conclude that I'm having yet another bing-bong but at least I will know and we can all move right along.<br />
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All that and more but we should all probably just dip our toes in the waters of Fikedom before I get too overwhelming. For now I leave you with my XL belly + big brother (how???) because he's cute but also because I don't have much else exciting on my camera roll.<br />
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Hope life has been blissfully good to you all. Everyone in Florida- I'm praying for you!!!!Blythe Fikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01083711888523698156noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8165594238100314829.post-91129178421462731022017-06-26T15:55:00.001-07:002017-06-26T16:00:00.324-07:007 quick takes, three days late editionGuys, Summer!!!<br />
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We have been doing it right, if I do say so myself. Aside from les miserables Magic Mountain day, we have hit the beach multiple times, my parents pool a jillion times, been sunburned, lived off of popsicles, had a lot of BBQ, and fun family movie nights while the sun goes down and the raccoons sniff around our patio for leftovers.<br />
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If you are interested in the status of my comments section, let me tell you it is still as terrible as ever. STD's, witchcraft, and getting husbands back are the bulk of my never-ending stream of comments and I rarely get a comment from you! Are you terrified?? I will post it! Don't stop talking to me because I am haunted by DR. OWWNEDNEFA QURASTA.<br />
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This post is just a quick nod to my BF, Jeff Bezos. Now that it's summertime and my children are all around me, a trip to the store for any and all essentials just kills me dead. I'm increasingly grateful for my "subscribe and save" items and I thought they would be fun to share. Obviously because I don't know what *fun* is.<br />
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1. <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007C5IH4C/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B007C5IH4C&linkCode=as2&tag=thfili05-20&linkId=0d13e79f6595612550f2910dfd42618a" target="_blank">sponges</a><br />
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(lol this post is already making me laugh)<br />
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2. <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008DVY1TE/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B008DVY1TE&linkCode=as2&tag=thfili05-20&linkId=a47b3583443a422826d8886670cb21d0" target="_blank">Method Smarty Dish Tabs</a> - I feel like I've really done my research on this and this, by far, is the best bang for my buck when it comes to eco-happy, cheap, user-friendly dishwasher soap.<br />
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3. <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00CC6XSRC/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00CC6XSRC&linkCode=as2&tag=thfili05-20&linkId=6284e8d4f2beaf3ec990218af6abe2b5" target="_blank">Toothbrushes</a>... makes me feel so much better about my children's health in general to have a frequent rotation of toothbrushes that just arrive in my mailbox without my brain having to consider the where, why, how's of XL family dental care.<br />
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4. <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01MG2BJF0/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B01MG2BJF0&linkCode=as2&tag=thfili05-20&linkId=a02f8765ad04b32a7f4bb3a44e195730" target="_blank">Dish soap</a> - This is crazy cheap for Mrs. Meyers!! I have no idea why. This smell makes me happy.<br />
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5. <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00JUJ14EI/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00JUJ14EI&linkCode=as2&tag=thfili05-20&linkId=2a1721a4cbf1580edb887ea2e1776ac0" target="_blank">Toothpaste</a> (for us)<br />
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6. <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00JUJ1B82/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00JUJ1B82&linkCode=as2&tag=thfili05-20&linkId=a976e5025c16e6200754a210eec0da1c" target="_blank">Toothpaste</a> (for them)<br />
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7. <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B006L3MDDC/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B006L3MDDC&linkCode=as2&tag=thfili05-20&linkId=e5d6a1d08367adf296e19762876d7729" target="_blank">Burt's Bees Baby Shampoo</a> - This makes my children smell good for about 45 minutes and for that I am grateful.<br />
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Is there anything better than things you need that just COME to you?? Not a lot.<br />
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((spam zone))<br />
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Linking up with <a href="https://thisaintthelyceum.org/">Kelly</a>...Blythe Fikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01083711888523698156noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8165594238100314829.post-35005550620015216322017-06-14T17:50:00.004-07:002017-06-14T18:00:36.099-07:00Head to toeI gotta be quick today because I made the v v wise and genius decision today to go to Magic Mountain in 100 degree heat with kid that turned up sick and not enough food/water/positivity and we will probably be recovering for at least 6 movies.<br />
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I've got a few <i>where is that from</i> questions as of late so I'm just gonna give you the quick rundown of what's working for me this summer (if in fact it may work for U 2). Everything below I am wearing obnoxiously often which equals I love it<i>.</i><br />
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I love these <a href="http://shopstyle.it/l/45G">sunglasses</a> (on sale, too!)<br />
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Thanks to all those Instagram ads I jumped on the <a href="http://shopstyle.it/l/47v">Glossier</a> train and I am <i>INTO</i> <a href="http://shopstyle.it/l/45N">boy brow</a> and the <a href="http://shopstyle.it/l/45T">stretch concealer</a>. Two thumbs up! Has anyone tried <a href="http://shopstyle.it/l/45Z">cloud paint</a>? That's next on my list...<br />
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I just got this <a href="http://shopstyle.it/l/458">linen boyfriend shirt</a> in white and I loooove it. It perfectly flouncy and crisp and lightweight. ok emoji ok emoji ok emoji cool sunglass guy emoji.<br />
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My <a href="http://shopstyle.it/l/49k">fave accessory</a> that I'm surely over-wearing but I don't care. (I have it in silver)<br />
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I went for these <a href="http://shopstyle.it/l/44L">wide-leg crop jeans</a> because I was feeling brave and I LOVE them (I love a lot of things, did you realize?) Especially with the linen boyfriend button down hellooooo<br />
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And these <a href="http://shopstyle.it/l/49A">sandals</a>. Errday.<br />
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Bye (lololollllcry)<br />
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<br />Blythe Fikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01083711888523698156noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8165594238100314829.post-22169885308449689212017-06-12T15:30:00.001-07:002017-06-12T15:30:41.826-07:00And now we are twoIn many ways, the past two years have felt like a blur. Back to back pregnancies fuzzed my vision and made the details hazy in a lot of ways. But in other ways, I look at my two little babies with an affection that feels clarified. I didn't think I was all the way ready, yet here you are, and it's so damn good. My little blue eyes.<br />
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Today the first of the them is 2. He is a total joy and I feel like the luckiest to have him in our world.<br />
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Now that we have bigger kids, most of our activities are oriented to them. The little kids just kinda go with it. When Hero was two, I would have never put her through a big kid movie, or a game, or whatever; and I would have felt a little sorry for any little kid that lived in a big kid world. But that world's not ours anymore. Last night, Joe whined to cuddle as we watched Rookie of the Year as a family. He paid attention and made goofy commentary and I totally adored that he was the kid having to sit through a weird 90's live action baseball movie. I feels right that he is our little sidekick. Sitting on the sidelines in the dirt as the kids play tag, jumping onto Peter's back when he's crouched too low, following someone around somewhere, all the time. I realize now what a sweet life it must be to be the little guy in an alive, opinionated, happy crew. Adoring, all the time. Swallowed up in action, all the time. What a fun, fun life. He is our best little guy.<br />
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Happy day, my baby.<br />
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More Joe fest with <a href="http://www.thefikelife.com/2015/06/a-grade-birth-with-side-of-wtf-first.html">the birth story</a> in <a href="http://www.thefikelife.com/2015/07/a-grade-birth-with-side-of-wtf-when-we.html">all</a> it's <a href="http://www.thefikelife.com/2015/07/a-grade-birth-with-side-of-wtf-when.html">parts</a> and <a href="http://www.thefikelife.com/2015/10/blue-eyes.html">here</a>.<br />
<br />Blythe Fikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01083711888523698156noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8165594238100314829.post-31361618076183453262017-06-10T13:36:00.000-07:002017-06-10T13:48:27.500-07:00School's outFor summa. How does one summer? Give me your ideas.<br />
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Kirby wins for the cutest tradition starting ever. After school he took the kids out for ice cream, then set up a campout in the yard. He also played capture the flag, cops and robbers, made a scavenger hunt for the little guys that led to hot wheels he bought them, flicked glow stick juice all over the trees to create a fairy land for them, all while making me and everyone else look like the totally subpar parents we actually are. I'm hoping that my generosity when it comes to little kids sneaking into my bed somehow pays off. (all of it on Instastories, btw)<br />
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Anyway, I'm joking bc he is really the best and the kids had so much fun. I did wake up at like 9 am to make them all apple pancake and I'm sure they'll NEVER FORGET IT.<br />
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And Hero got on honor roll. Go, girl.<br />
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And I'm now officially the mother of a soon to be kindergartener, second, third, and fifth grader. How?<br />
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The other day I asked Clem what I would do without her home with me next year and without skipping a beat she replied, "You'll have Pete." Breaking my heart, Clemmy!<br />
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I looked over the Kinder standards and Clem has flying colors in anything social or motor skillish but whether or not she can identify a single letter or number, I know not. My summer goals, if you were wondering.<br />
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As for the bigs kids, I'm giving everyone a week to do nothing and then we hit the summer schedule hard. I mentioned things feeling a <i>little no one does the things I need them to do</i> over here, so summer is going to be prime time habit building season. I mostly want to get the kids to tackle their individual laundry days and get good at making beds and keeping their space clean and not leaving their shoes out to be eaten by racoons. And also read and write a bit everyday. SO THERE, KIDS.<br />
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For now, we chill and I plot.<br />
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How do you guys do summer? As usual, I need you all to tell me wassup.<br />
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Also, look at how sad Joe's <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00245WFC0/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00245WFC0&linkCode=as2&tag=thfili05-20&linkId=3090c67495471cdddbe5fa48813a65af" target="_blank">birthday present</a> ended up being. I was a click away from this <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01LZ92X2J/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B01LZ92X2J&linkCode=as2&tag=thfili05-20&linkId=4b055869522c9133d11941c345ed9c91" target="_blank">cutie sweatshirt</a> but I didn't get it. And now I regret it. Good thing you're only two, Joe. You won't get sympathy presents much longer, bb.<br />
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(Legit and beloved gift, courtesy of his godmother)<br />
<br />Blythe Fikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01083711888523698156noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8165594238100314829.post-74409654860062218842017-06-05T14:23:00.000-07:002017-06-05T14:23:21.269-07:00Bb b a SproutMy babay be eating. A lot. Like, a lot a lot. I love when brands reach out to me and offer to send me goodies to try, especially when they are relevant to my life and most especially when they are good (HINT HINT ALL YOU BRANDS). Mostly when I feed Francis he gets what we are eating but I admit that sometimes that's a random sandwich crust and I'm not an expert but I think I'm pretty sure the nutritional content of a crust is basically... zero? I do try to have little <i>good for you </i>snacky bits around for him to fill in the gaps of my exceptional parenting and feeding skills.<br />
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<a href="https://ooh.li/a0f5a31">Sprout</a> is a super awesome brand that gives you all the pouches and all the puffy things that you want to toss at your baby while you are doing everything else you do. You guys should <a href="https://ooh.li/a0f5a31">check them out here</a> because <a href="https://ooh.li/a0f5a31">couponsssss</a> (<i>whatelsedoyouneed</i>). But also because all their product is organic, non-gmo, gluten free, and ONLY plant-based (chia, dates, chickpeas, pumpkin, lentils, coconut milk, etc). And I'm still no expert but I know all that is GOOD.<br />
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Oh and I actually really appreciate the clear pouches because of all those super sketchy mold-in-pouches stories. Right? Ew! <br />
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Evidence don't lie.<br />
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What a lush.<br />
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Go check out <a href="https://ooh.li/a0f5a31">Sprout</a> for coupons and where to buy!<br />
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Thanks to <a href="https://ooh.li/a0f5a31">Sprout</a> for hosting this post and giving me your awesome product and for the excuse to take photos of my baby being cute. Full disclosure, I ate all the White Cheddar Curlz O_O.Blythe Fikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01083711888523698156noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8165594238100314829.post-67787238696583939182017-06-04T15:20:00.001-07:002017-06-04T15:20:11.578-07:007 QT Busy life/busy wife editionGuys, I can't catch a breather! Except for when I'm totally relaxing in either Las Vegas or on retreat. BUT IN TERMS OF REGULAR LIFE. Phew.<br />
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Here are my <i>school is almost done, we are all haulin' ass</i> quick takes, two days late.<br />
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1. Vegassss was so fun. We panicked our first morning there and booked a third night. Best choice eva. We logged many poolside hours, after having found the quietest chillest pool at the Venetian; and spent quality time with some of our <a href="http://www.homeas.art/">best friends</a>. My perfect Vegas day consisted of an 8ish rise time, immediately rolling out of bed and into a swimming suit, grabbing coffee, finding the best lounge chairs by the pool and enjoying a quiet hour or two before people start pouring in (morning poolside with coffee is my FAVE). Around 1 or 2 (read: noon), cocktails (pool area cocktail servers = queens), more pool, more cocktails, reading, reading, reading, 5 o'clock mass, cocktails, dinner repeat repeat repeat. We really perfected this system by day 3 which was sad because... then you leave. But I really feel like I've got our strategy locked. Lay by the pool reading alllll day > get ready and advance to nighttime fun. It's the ultimate.<br />
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2. As are retreats! I try and go on this specific retreat every year (just so happened to line up back to back with our trip but you don't see me complaining about it). Three days alone to pray and think through your life is pretty incredible. This retreat in particular is silent (or rather,<i> silence is encouraged</i>) so I found myself with ample time to wander alone thinking hard about my life and the life of our family, what changes I want to make and the areas I hope to grow in, alone and together. Coming home felt super refreshing and I'm excited to start the summer with some new habits in place.<br />
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3. Speaking of summer AND habits, gracious do we need some new habits. Last week I was starting to lose my freaking mind with my children and their inability to do.... everything. Where are my shoes? Where is my homework? Where are my clothes? On and on and on and on. I really want this summer to be dedicated kinda in part to fun and largely in part to figuring our shit out before we start another school year. I plan to devote some serious time to room organization and XL family survival strategies. Maybe I'll finally buy a few of <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1423604512/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1423604512&linkCode=as2&tag=thfili05-20&linkId=da792aeddc0ccba5ded3e56377db6d7b" target="_blank">these books</a> I'm always talking about getting...<br />
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Any ideas for me? How do you prep for school year organization? Tell me the secrets.<br />
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4. While the <a href="http://www.wilberhuset.com/">Wilber's</a> are living it up in Paris and London, <a href="https://beaheart.com/">Erica</a> brought the kids over to play for the morning a few days ago.<br />
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When I asked Prim where her mommy was she said "She's on her field trip."<br />
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Too true, baby.<br />
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But have you been following the trip via IG? How many of you have booked flights to Paris bc of it? Be honest.<br />
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5. I've been setting small goals of things to tackle around the house as summer approaches. When we moved, we had so much new storage space that I quickly unpacked most boxes in not the most calculated, organized manner. I was pulling my hair out trying to figure out time to start organizing when I realized hellllo high school girls!! One of our local sitter extraordinaires loves to organize so I've lined her up to come for a few days next week to get my act together. GUYS, WHY DON'T WE ASK HIGH SCHOOL GIRLS TO HELP US WITH MORE THINGS? We r dumb, that's why. She even made a Pinterest board for me... I mean...<br />
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6. Got new chairs!! Remember me complaining about not having chairs that matched at our kitchen table or were even dining chairs at all (step-stool... swiveling office chair, etc). I found a local Craigslist vintage knock-off warehouse sale nearby and holla! They were suuuuper cheap. Cheap and cute and a table that looks like it belongs to an adult. Checking all my boxes.<br />
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7. Joe. Joe is the cute, cutest lately. He will be 2 next week and I'm feeling so excited to celebrate him. We moved the day before his first birthday last year, and I know it doesn't matter and he didn't care, but he spent his first birthday crawling around in the dust of our new house. The two things he loves the most are playing air-guitar and Mickey mouse (bub-house). Thinking of maybe getting him <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00CL8M6FG/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00CL8M6FG&linkCode=as2&tag=thfili05-20&linkId=13608a3b1c634f8f6c29f18357ffc3aa" target="_blank">this hoodie</a> because (((how cute))).<br />
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Happy weekending!!<br />
<br />Blythe Fikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01083711888523698156noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8165594238100314829.post-987524644980325942017-05-10T12:04:00.001-07:002017-05-10T12:07:25.569-07:00Guys...GUYS!!<br />
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I have so much to say. I mean, it's been a time. I don't know why/have no excuses/no answers/per usual. A sampling of the things I've got on my mind are: how much I hate NFP, Tracy Anderson, do I need surgery on my belly button, how much I hate NFP, what are we going to do in Vegas next weekend, etc. Boy, just you wait...<br />
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For now, can we just talk about the weird spam I am getting in my comments NON-STOP? A sampling...<br />
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Ummm, what? Jelqing?</div>
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Seriously, a few weeks back I had like 100 spam comments a single post and I had to go dark and start monitoring comments. Sorry if that annoys anyone but this annoys me more. Also, I realize my battery situation might make most people anxious but this is the reality of my life. #mybestself</div>
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What else have we missed? Mary turned 9! Francis starting taking the bottle like a profesh which immediately sent Kirby to bookmyvacaystat.com and we leave for Las Vegas on Thursday. A few friends were like Vegas? What? and while I admit it is mostly 97% trash we have so much fun there. We just hide in our hotel, and sleep, and eat delicious food, and migrate from pool to restaurant to room to restaurant and it's the best. Plus, Britney Spears may or may not be on my personal agenda. </div>
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Anyway, I will have a drink in all ya'lls honor.</div>
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Oh, and <a href="http://www.catholicnewsagency.com/mamaneedscoffee/">Jenny Uebbing</a> is coming over to my house Friday. Sha-wing!</div>
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May is a big month in my blogging periphery when it comes to little tiny sick hearts. Please, please keep sweet tiny <a href="http://sylcell.com/">Regina</a> in your prayers and she will undergo open heart surgery later this month. And pray for <a href="http://www.aknottedlife.com/">Bonnie's</a> daughter Lydia, who goes in tomorrow for open heart bypass surgery. Sylvia and Bonnie- we love you guys!</div>
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What's new with you guys? Besides spells that reunited you with your wife? -_- More soon xoxo</div>
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Blythe Fikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01083711888523698156noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8165594238100314829.post-61388671900896995572017-04-11T14:28:00.002-07:002017-04-11T14:28:38.911-07:00When you aren't ready yet // Easter versionThis post is not to much for you as it is for me bc here we are, the Tuesday before Easter, and I have zero things for my children's baskets. Rolling my dice on Amazon prime to hook a sister up. Here is what is in my cart right now <i>click click!</i><br />
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To sprinkle through the littles' baskets: <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00UDIHB4C/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00UDIHB4C&linkCode=as2&tag=thfili05-20&linkId=0e0cafbbf9c9e5f59355b073cde00d20" target="_blank">Chalk Easter eggs</a><br />
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A few sweet/cheap books:<br />
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0060724889/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0060724889&linkCode=as2&tag=thfili05-20&linkId=09cfec4d010ce16c7886f616e55d615d" target="_blank">Marshmallow</a>
+ <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/037582717X/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=037582717X&linkCode=as2&tag=thfili05-20&linkId=e6b0d2c074339ecb7e7a0607163f568d" target="_blank">The Golden Egg Book</a> +
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0899428444/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0899428444&linkCode=as2&tag=thfili05-20&linkId=67e9ecd38b1ab9240b1583ff6448bf1c" target="_blank">Our Friends the Saints</a>
+ <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0899428460/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0899428460&linkCode=as2&tag=thfili05-20&linkId=543f4912448070a911fdd703a0b8c80d" target="_blank">Our Blessed Mother</a><br />
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For the older girls:<br />
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005YWG5VM/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B005YWG5VM&linkCode=as2&tag=thfili05-20&linkId=247bc59dc658315431edbb02458ae4f4" target="_blank">Beeswax crayons</a>
+ <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1908072814/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1908072814&linkCode=as2&tag=thfili05-20&linkId=5853f8ca956c6cbb8a80370ebbfaba93" target="_blank">Spring Garden: Colouring Book</a>
+ <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B017PHCAT4/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B017PHCAT4&linkCode=as2&tag=thfili05-20&linkId=5bb07a23a91be87447e2ae19c02896be" target="_blank">gel pens</a> (these are on super sale!)<br />
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For Clemmy + John: <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00SA2VH5C/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00SA2VH5C&linkCode=as2&tag=thfili05-20&linkId=f14c9db0a613ada542dab343b1e8a651" target="_blank">new water bottles</a><br />
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For the little boys to share: <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00SUSUVSK/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00SUSUVSK&linkCode=as2&tag=thfili05-20&linkId=c89be16ec58a221cc16f1bee55e3e1df" target="_blank">Green Toys watering can</a><br />
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For bb: these <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00N14CLSQ/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00N14CLSQ&linkCode=as2&tag=thfili05-20&linkId=ed9fdeb82eb0b88d03ec352a6771368d" target="_blank">Gnome dolls</a> are suppper cute and so are these <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01G0U617Y/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B01G0U617Y&linkCode=as2&tag=thfili05-20&linkId=033906993bf93f865cbcc0091a676645" target="_blank">cutie wooden baby spoons</a> (not sure how generous I am feeling yet, tbh)<br />
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For everyone:<a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01G0U617Y/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B01G0U617Y&linkCode=as2&tag=thfili05-20&linkId=033906993bf93f865cbcc0091a676645" target="_blank"> </a><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00BGVLO1G/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00BGVLO1G&linkCode=as2&tag=thfili05-20&linkId=3d6ab390e7d0e3f69c8d632ea97d0f0c" target="_blank">healthy-ish lollipops</a> that I could use anyway for bribes and such.<br />
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K??? Is that good? I like to plan n' prep if you didn't realize. I usually break open any packages of whatever (pen, crayons, chalk) and give everyone a few of each so a couple items spread far and no one is screaming about what's<i> minnnnneee!!!</i> Not interested in creating candy-frothing Easter monsters, thx.<br />
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Need supplies?? Me too.<br />
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I like these products A LOT - <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B017RNK59S/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B017RNK59S&linkCode=as2&tag=thfili05-20&linkId=852d67e41e7963c7252f48cd8cadb723" target="_blank">eco eggs</a> and <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01C8WRH62/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B01C8WRH62&linkCode=as2&tag=thfili05-20&linkId=40b9e001936155b3ac76b863144638fc" target="_blank">eco grass</a> (bc I try to be nice to the planet as much as possible) and I like, nay <i>love</i>, <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00TYVJ94Y/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00TYVJ94Y&linkCode=as2&tag=thfili05-20&linkId=de079cfc66cdaba83d666b4103cf84a2" target="_blank">Robin Eggs</a> because what else are you gonna put in those plastic eggs?<br />
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Another sweet touch I like to add is a prayer card or two in each basket from our local parish bookstore. And dat...<br />
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is dat.<br />
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Off to purchase I go! Bye!<br />
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**unrelated but cutie/let's hope I can get their looks together by Sunday**<br />
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<br />Blythe Fikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01083711888523698156noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8165594238100314829.post-89286893589283568412017-04-06T13:53:00.003-07:002017-04-06T13:57:14.925-07:00Werk it outYesterday, I posted this amaze image of my guns (wow so much joking happening here, hope you realize) and a few of you asked what/how I am doing so I thought I would give you the current exercise low.<br />
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Admittedly, I am a fan of Gwyneth. I mean, more so a fan of her age + looks than anything else but I digress. With that said, it may come as a surprise that I haven't dabbled in the <a href="https://tracyanderson.com/">Tracy Anderson Method</a> as of yet. Until recently, I had been committed to a mixture of Hot Yoga once or twice a week and then kicking my own butt in whatever way I could think of that day... a HIIT youtube video, or sprinting up our driveway a bunch of times, or just getting in 100 squats if the day was busy. But I wasn't <i>in love</i> with anything I could do from home.<br />
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Then, I thought... why not Tracy? What's stopping me? I mean, <i>Gwyneth</i>?!! So, I went out on a limb and rented her <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00GQ8Q9SW/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00GQ8Q9SW&linkCode=as2&tag=thfili05-20&linkId=6663e14d146d84df06280ca6419250df" target="_blank">Beginner's DVD</a> to give it a whirl for a whopping $2.99. And, guys, I am SO INTO IT. <i>So</i> into it that I bought the DVD after my rental expired and bought all the gear, too. I'm kinddddda in love w/ Tracy. I love way she talks about body sculpting and feminine lines. She is a super clear instructor and uses really good imagery to help you figure out how to do the movements. She's been makin' me all like <i>take me to your leader...</i> except she IS the leader. And even after the first few workouts when I didn't have the weights, I felt so thoroughly worked out. Sore muscles in places that haven't been sore... ever... like along my hips?? What? I think she really knows what she's doing.<br />
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And it's definitely a "method" for a reason - it's clearly very calculated and unlike any exercise style I've experienced. I want to do it everyday and I am <i>feeling</i> it, and seeing changes already, so... sold! Sold, sold, sold.<br />
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My goal/what you're supposed to do is the beginner workout 4-6 times a week until you're super comfortable with it and then move onto <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01AVPWST4/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B01AVPWST4&linkCode=as2&tag=thfili05-20&linkId=e54866256284aff0022df921f442a13e" target="_blank">Tracy Anderson Metamorphosis</a>. I'm all about it!! Have any of you done TAM before?? Wanna do it with me??<br />
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Ok, here are links if you care...<br />
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1. <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00GQ8Q9SW/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00GQ8Q9SW&linkCode=as2&tag=thfili05-20&linkId=91f907b1a9cfbfafce35bc1d46b41299" target="_blank">Tracy Anderson: The Method for Beginners</a><br />
2. <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00GTE43OK/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00GTE43OK&linkCode=as2&tag=thfili05-20&linkId=dc7b185ffc62ba0eb740b74158be2621" target="_blank">Ankle weights</a> (3 lbs, on sale!)<br />
3. <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00BERBXNG/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00BERBXNG&linkCode=as2&tag=thfili05-20&linkId=e4bf045489ec07e36b49ca7c715b6261" target="_blank">Wrist weights</a> (1 lb, same!)<br />
4. <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00BERBX04/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00BERBX04&linkCode=as2&tag=thfili05-20&linkId=2f2a4fddd4e933892729edc505dc9465" target="_blank">3 lb'ers</a><br />
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#gwyneth #jloBlythe Fikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01083711888523698156noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8165594238100314829.post-12306556152141007602017-03-29T11:14:00.000-07:002017-03-29T11:14:33.716-07:00A Constant InconvenienceThis Sunday I sat alongside Johnny in mass as he held baby Francis in his lap. Out of the corner of my eye I watched Francis flail and yell and spit up on the back of Johnny's hand and I watched Johnny bounce him and whisper in his ear and try to keep his eyes on the altar all at the same time like a veteran parent. No complaining, no wincing, no muffled objections. He held the baby, and he sat.<br />
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He's six.<br />
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I realized then like I have a hundred times how lucky my kids are to have so many siblings. I know I have said this before but it's too impossible to ignore when you absorb so many moments of total inconvenience met with total generosity. Of course my kids get annoyed at each other, of course. They fight, and hit, and pull hair, and yell, and spit. All of it.<br />
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But they also can have a conversation while a grubby baby hand is yanking their hair, and they can give with kid a saggy diaper a piggy back ride, and they can be interrupted, and drooled on, with a leaky bottle spilled on their comforter, and a shoe gone missing, and a crying baby in the middle of a movie.<br />
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I know you've heard all the common objections to a large family. We all have. How can you make time for them all? Won't they miss out on so much? Won't they got lost in the shuffle? Won't they be desperate for their own space?<br />
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I've given answers to those questions a thousand times in my head, but the only one worth hearing is this: they will know how to love, they will know how to love, they will know how to love.<br />
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They'll learn it in the chaos, and in the interruptions, and the inconveniences. They will learn it in the spit up, and the tears, and in helping little ones get into pajamas. They will learn in the waiting to be served, and needing to serve, and in all of it.<br />
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What amazes me is how beautifully they already live this way. It's not perfect but it's pretty damn good considering I'm <i>still</i> on the verge of tearing my hair out at any given moment. Their world is built-in sacrifice, whether they like it or not. They are born into sharing. They are born into disruption. And, trust me, they are better for it. They are the lucky ones.<br />
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If you ever find yourself in a moment of self-doubt because your kid's shower runs cold since the littles bathed too long, or because they missed out on the last of the milk, or because a baby spit up in their lap, remember how good every bit of it is. And how beautiful they are becoming in the middle of the mess.<br />
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Blythe Fikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01083711888523698156noreply@blogger.com25tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8165594238100314829.post-27161298903536476652017-03-23T14:54:00.002-07:002017-03-23T15:53:36.662-07:00Shoes 4 J: 2 dream the impossible dreamI realize not everybody has a Johnny, but I do... and I am desperate to figure out how to keep this kid shoed.<br />
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<i>He trashes everything.</i><br />
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So, I am polling the masses. What brands are the best for this kind of kid?<br />
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I go back and forth between super cheap shoes that I can just buy many times a year or pricer shoes that I only have to buy once or twice. But, please if you will, peep J's current sitaution.<br />
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He is wearing <a href="https://www.shopstyle.com/action/loadRetailerProductPage?id=621774946&pid=uid6596-25033686-78">these Cat & Jack</a> sneaks for school right now but only because the office called as I was on my way to Target last week to let me know that the sole of one of shoes tore completely off. Those shoes happened to be his mass shoes which he was wearing because his other school shoes were wet or something <strike>weird</strike> typical. See below.<br />
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The sole-less shoes were Zara which I got for cheap last summer. As for dress shoes, these <a href="https://www.shopstyle.com/action/loadRetailerProductPage?id=532421043&pid=uid6596-25033686-78">Land's End boots</a> have been the only boy shoe hand-downable in this family, but I haven't had the same luck with the brand's regular sneaks. <a href="https://www.shopstyle.com/action/loadRetailerProductPage?id=532421043&pid=uid6596-25033686-78">The boots</a> are quality and worth the $$ if you're in the same spot as I am but <i>I digress</i>...<br />
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I thought a nice little photo pictorial would do you good.<br />
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Johnny's <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01JI7490W/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B01JI7490W&linkCode=as2&tag=thfili05-20&linkId=ce7a8266cca38ed4ef69255e98e3ba59" target="_blank">play shoes</a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheLXeRkFOOs1FmM_g2A5UsaTGi3nrJ5ee_m7MPUM78gQvsGYsxetpyO0J4bWqSVFFOuOamqBkIE7TbVCIZXZgUaoMEcY5d-9V1Cx6vDiYzKuSnK3HURZh-BVVFMIqPFMZJPwyJ64Zo7yeC/s1600/IMG_9982.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheLXeRkFOOs1FmM_g2A5UsaTGi3nrJ5ee_m7MPUM78gQvsGYsxetpyO0J4bWqSVFFOuOamqBkIE7TbVCIZXZgUaoMEcY5d-9V1Cx6vDiYzKuSnK3HURZh-BVVFMIqPFMZJPwyJ64Zo7yeC/s640/IMG_9982.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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Johnny's <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0037M7H8G/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B0037M7H8G&linkCode=as2&tag=thfili05-20&linkId=ca4e3cd78aa6e4df7b733189f9ca233a" target="_blank">sneakers</a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvfAvBD6KdqYsY60PF55dPVDoZ7QaVdWi3bkxYTYa0kONYXu2awgqDabQi78A34Kvr9UTixPw6DL1Z7jF08seJ9WIKqj6o-Krkymantlp0_N-eD-amAf2NjY0WhnSR_qcrdQvKEK24qGUF/s1600/FullSizeRender+%25283%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvfAvBD6KdqYsY60PF55dPVDoZ7QaVdWi3bkxYTYa0kONYXu2awgqDabQi78A34Kvr9UTixPw6DL1Z7jF08seJ9WIKqj6o-Krkymantlp0_N-eD-amAf2NjY0WhnSR_qcrdQvKEK24qGUF/s640/FullSizeRender+%25283%2529.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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Johnny's <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01DWE19LE/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B01DWE19LE&linkCode=as2&tag=thfili05-20&linkId=c48a6dea508a73e19d4e85bc518ef756" target="_blank">3 month old school shoes</a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6HqwPpcVKWhuzKsXXv7jSok2IF1uC0EB7W0zw_e22NCCmHx-fjplgLzn1gsfD-Yq0sSDkxn7bPyOvNvTASlgBRMpwAScYKOcnGOJKbGNYf3mrZ5QMolH1sXRiR06z-o6zDCE1YfuTAFIL/s1600/FullSizeRender+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6HqwPpcVKWhuzKsXXv7jSok2IF1uC0EB7W0zw_e22NCCmHx-fjplgLzn1gsfD-Yq0sSDkxn7bPyOvNvTASlgBRMpwAScYKOcnGOJKbGNYf3mrZ5QMolH1sXRiR06z-o6zDCE1YfuTAFIL/s640/FullSizeRender+%25282%2529.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.shopstyle.com/action/loadRetailerProductPage?id=497774063&pid=uid6596-25033686-78">These slip-ons</a> that lasted him from September to December<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh9h9lX8C4k0msyyA07TFop4vUHAoPpLT8y69NsdP8lNTxon-lS78JbS4ObO_NTDhQzqL3O1u7UWBEM9y_GnsKNdgtP5WyziqusJwOpih1T1gzbqkKEUTWoH-vKOsdP74IS6uJS7hGTrmz/s1600/IMG_9980.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh9h9lX8C4k0msyyA07TFop4vUHAoPpLT8y69NsdP8lNTxon-lS78JbS4ObO_NTDhQzqL3O1u7UWBEM9y_GnsKNdgtP5WyziqusJwOpih1T1gzbqkKEUTWoH-vKOsdP74IS6uJS7hGTrmz/s640/IMG_9980.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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So, what's the verdict? Am I just being too optimistic? Should shoes only last a kid a few months? Converse seem to be the brand that wears the longest, provided they aren't caked in mud. (I realize that's asking alot -__-) But maybe there is a secret you know that I don't and if <i>that be so</i>... lay it on me.<br />
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Signed,<br />
All Shoed Out/This Kid/Womp Womp<br />
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Blythe Fikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01083711888523698156noreply@blogger.com34tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8165594238100314829.post-68670768403934040672017-03-21T12:46:00.000-07:002017-03-21T12:46:12.154-07:00CurrentlyCurrently...<br />
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-Trying not to neglect my entire life reading through <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1101883081/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1101883081&linkCode=as2&tag=thfili05-20&linkId=3251862e3d9a34c04c8d54de6d464697" target="_blank">Lilac Girls</a>. I just finished today and it was great. I think I can use a little break from all things <i>concentration camp</i>, but I've learned a lot and the realities of women in the war are sobering. I highly recommend the trifecta <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1501173219/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1501173219&linkCode=as2&tag=thfili05-20&linkId=9a2d9cb5ea030a492df86036bf576884" target="_blank">All the Light We Cannot See</a> > <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0312577222/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0312577222&linkCode=as2&tag=thfili05-20&linkId=b0e276e9f1094eda29bfcf0c3ab6aacb" target="_blank">The Nightingale</a> > <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1101883081/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1101883081&linkCode=as2&tag=thfili05-20&linkId=3251862e3d9a34c04c8d54de6d464697" target="_blank">Lilac Girls</a>. All different perspectives from different wartime experiences, all really wonderful reads.<br />
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-Working on refining my daily schedule with game-changer advice from a friend. Advice as follows: don't schedule according to time, order according to task. For example, instead of trying to sit down to do some reading everyday at 10, plan on doing it after the baby goes down for a nap (knowing that time with likely vary a bit every day), or plan on folding the laundry after lunch, instead of whenever the timer dings or at 11:05, etc etc <i>infinity</i>. I don't know about you but this is so genius to me. I am not naturally a scheduler but I thrive on plans. But, <i>life, plans,</i> LOL. I think that just giving myself a game plan of tasks I want to accomplish in succession vs time will be really, really helpful.<br />
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-Speaking of tasks, <a href="http://wilberhuset.com/">Jenna</a> pointed out my v v specific list on my laundry room chalkboard. You're welcome for allowing you into my refined world of utter perfection. I've been working towards assigning myself a special job of the day in the hope that as the weeks cycle through, I can at least give a little time to a lot of things. So... along with my laundry of the day, I mapped out a *thing* of the day. Here is a lil' reminder in case you forgot to get this tattooed on the back of your hands:<br />
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Allow me to translate. Monday's are for catching up on whatever, as we all know (why do I feel so much better just to write this down??) It's always dependent on whatever the weekend brings but if I know my goal is just to catch up in any way that's needed, I can saddle up with a bit more direction than I would if I don't plan for it. And by <i>plan</i> I just mean write it on my chalkboard. Hay!<br />
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Tuesday: Spend some time at the desk, pay bills, sort through mail, file something etc.<br />
Wednesday: Organize something. Anything. A drawer, a cabinet, the unmatched sock pile, whatever.<br />
Thursday: Garden in any way, shape, or form. Pull three weeds or uproot a tree, depending on my time and ambition.<br />
Friday: Another <i>something</i>. This means just taking care of whatever random task I've been avoiding. Mailing a package, calling to make a doctors appt., responding to an email, cutting Pete's fingernails, buying <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008DVY1TE/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B008DVY1TE&linkCode=as2&tag=thfili05-20&linkId=53f9b1efec3728a996ac0a0bee4b8556" target="_blank">dishwasher tabs</a>... you know, all the super hard stuff.<br />
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Anyway, that's my list. Having parameters but lots of freedom helps me not pull the old "<i>I don't have time I can't do annnnything</i> (paralyzed, frozen, etc). Because I can always do a little bit, and even sometimes a lot.<br />
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-Being conscious of bringing outside beauty in. Mostly with big clusters of this earthy wild sage that grows on our hillside. I love it on our kitchen table. It makes the room smell like springtime and herbal tea. And cute, because <i>Target vase</i>. Speaking of Target, why is Target always <a href="https://www.shopstyle.com/action/loadRetailerProductPage?id=633663798&pid=uid6596-25033686-78">killing it</a>?<br />
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-Wanting to thrift some cute chairs for ^^^ table. We currently have an old rolling desk chair at it I can't handle the fug. Thinking something mismatch-y and cute like would be attainable for not too much $$<br />
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- Feeling defensive and kinda like a whiner. Last week a photo I posted on IG was deleted for, I assume, **inappropriate content**. After I ranted about it I felt a little silly, like I probably should have just let it go, but I also feel like HEY! Leave me alone.<br />
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Have you ever had a post deleted? It is creepy! Creepier than my kids bums, for sure.<br />
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- Wanting to kick Francis out of our room. He has started to be up so, so much and I think it's mostly because I am right there. My only hesitation is that I'm not ready to move Joe into the boy's room because he is such a good sleeper- still clocking 13 hour nights and 3 hour naps some days. I'm building my arsenal (<a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01H6WXUX8/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B01H6WXUX8&linkCode=as2&tag=thfili05-20&linkId=48d05cdec1149bdb9127238c0ab5635b" target="_blank">sound machine</a> + tequila) and searching for a random closet I can stick Francis in for now (just kidding! relax!<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i> <span style="font-size: xx-small;">not really</span></i></span>).<br />
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- Kirby and I went to a <a href="http://topatopa.beer/">local brewery</a> on Saturday and started jonesing for summer traditions. Remembering that there is nothing better in the summertime than beers and taco trucks near the beach. Can't wait!!<br />
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See you soon xxoo<br />
Blythe Fikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01083711888523698156noreply@blogger.com22tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8165594238100314829.post-87013790600335927882017-03-17T13:33:00.000-07:002017-03-17T14:11:39.965-07:00Quickie laundry room make-overHOW'S THAT FOR A TITLE?<br />
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It is what it is, folks.<br />
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A few weeks ago I was hemming and hawing over our laundry room space and how to make it more functional. <a href="http://www.thefikelife.com/2017/02/dat-laundry-flow.html">Remember</a>? One day I even took an entire door off all by myself only to find out that you can't just flip doors around to swing the opposite direction. Who even knew??<br />
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Anyway, after one morning of spending hours researching shelving systems to fit our tiny space I realized we had an old IKEA shelving thingie we had used at the old house just sitting in our garage... and in an inspired 10 minutes or so, I got me a pretty functional laundry room sitch for free. I rifled through some old bins and baskets and badda bbbbbing. About $30 of IKEA later (two shelves for above the washer, a simple rug, and a few more baskets), I've got me the space of my v basic dreams. It's bright and airy and there is a place to put everything. Plus, cheap. Instead of laundry bins for each kid I keep two rotating baskets for whosever laundry day it is. That load gets folded and put in the basket > kids empty basket and replace > no laundry hanging out all over my house or the laundry room in weird piles. I also have a bin for outgrown clothes in need of storage or Goodwilling, a basket for dry clean stuff, and things that need to be stain treated/are too gross to put back in our drawers but I can't bring myself to toss them.<br />
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For the first time since we've lived here things are all tidy up in the laundry room. (Don't you love when things just come together??)<br />
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Taste *n see.<br />
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(no laundry room is complete without a salvaged bucket with the kid warning on it)<br />
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Since IKEA doesn't sell much online, I collected some links for your laundry room e-organization which you've all <strike>not</strike> asked me for. But, HEY, maybe a little sprucing up for springtime is in order (it feels good, ya'll). Some similar goods and must haves + things I would like...<br />
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<a href="http://rstyle.me/~9L0mb">Laundry soap</a> / <a href="http://rstyle.me/~9L0ra">Similar runner</a> / Smaller rug <a href="http://rstyle.me/~9L0qX">here</a><br />
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Cool shelves <a href="http://rstyle.me/~9L0yw">here</a>... and <a href="http://rstyle.me/~9L0sM">here</a>... and I kinda love you shelf <a href="http://rstyle.me/~9L0xS">here</a> / <a href="http://rstyle.me/~9L0yT">Brackets tho</a> (with <a href="http://rstyle.me/~9L0Dh">these so prettay</a>)<br />
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<a href="http://rstyle.me/~9L0vK">Storage</a> (gah loving these!!) and <a href="http://rstyle.me/~9L0CY">here</a><br />
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<a href="http://rstyle.me/~9L0DO">Hamper</a> / Cutie <a href="http://rstyle.me/~9L0F6">bins</a>, <a href="http://rstyle.me/~9L0FF">baskets</a>, <a href="http://rstyle.me/~9L0FN">containers</a>, <a href="http://rstyle.me/~9L0Jp">crates</a> <a href="http://rstyle.me/~9L0Jd">y</a> <a href="http://rstyle.me/~9L0Iw">mas</a><br />
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<a href="http://rstyle.me/~9L0JJ">Dryer balls</a> / <a href="http://rstyle.me/~9L0KD">Linen Spray</a> / <a href="http://rstyle.me/~9L0Lu">Clothespins</a> / <a href="http://rstyle.me/~9LbqM">Chalkboard</a><br />
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And a <a href="http://rstyle.me/~9L0Ni">gorgie little vase</a>, for happiness.<br />
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Happy weekend, my beebs!Blythe Fikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01083711888523698156noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8165594238100314829.post-48181230129229545392017-03-14T15:05:00.000-07:002017-03-14T15:05:24.498-07:00Tiredness makes everything tiredI am sitting down to punch out this post because I am tired and it's honestly all I can think about (cry laughing emoji for real!!). It's nobody's fault except for mine (and DST). Last night I watched the clock turn 9:30 and I thought to myself- <i>go to bed</i>, and then my alarm buzzed on my phone at 9:55 saying <i>go to bed for a full 8 hours of sleep </i>and<i> </i>I gave it a glance and turned right back to Nick and Vanessa weeping into each other's arms in that Finnish great room. And then I watched approx 38 min of ATFR and now... tired. So tired!<br />
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Yesterday, as if he could see into my soul, the priest I see regularly for confession asked if I was happy. The question was oddly unrelated to my confession so I knew it was what I needed to be asked. I told him I wasn't, and I told him I felt like shit (got a laugh out of us both). Grumpy, snappy, impatient, spiritually lazy... you know. He suggested that maybe my Lenten mortification should be to get more rest, as backwards as that sounds. He said if this were a conversation between monks maybe the advice would be <i>sleep less</i>... push yourself further, mortify. "That may be the answer for the monastery," he said, "but it isn't for the housewife." </div>
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The one in the middle of the world, with actual people depending on them, lovingly present and kind <i>and all</i>.</div>
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So, I say this to you- don't be like me! Don't get a bucket full of wisdom and go home and dump it out. Even if it <i>is</i> for the Bach (although I realize the challenge I was up against...) and maybe rethink your own version of sacrifice. I am realizing that it's maybe <i>more</i> sacrificial for me to peel myself off of the couch at 9:30 and go to bed when I know I should than it is to rise early. A good morning starts the night before, right? Right! </div>
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I'm hoping to re-gung-ho myself this afternoon because this just will not do. Anybody feel me?</div>
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On a more glass half-full note, you know what IS making me happy? This.<br />
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Last week our wisteria bloomed and it's absolutely breathtaking, despite all my sniveling. I wish you could all smell it through the screen.<br />
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I have been trying to spend as much time as possible outside lately which is... not hard. More and more lately have I been finding myself totally overcome with gratitude for our home and it's insane natural beauty. At night with the window open, the smell of the flowers just pours into our room. I am finding new moments all the time to fall in love with this place.<br />
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Annnnnd I can't believe I wasted a post on being tired!! Lol. Gosh, what am I complaining about? OPEN WINDOW, SMELL FLOWERS, GO TO BED. Can someone come kick me in the ass?<br />
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Thanks for letting me hash out my trivial dilemmas, guys.<br />
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eyerolleyerolleyerolleyerolleyeroll</div>
Blythe Fikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01083711888523698156noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8165594238100314829.post-57250402149284159202017-03-06T13:31:00.001-08:002017-03-06T13:31:56.374-08:00Formula formula plus a giveawayTHIS BABY.<br />
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Cute?<i> Yes</i>. Formula guzzling with no resistance? <i>No.</i></div>
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And while he may be just, like, <i>normal</i> in that he doesn't like food you make by mixing powder and water together, we (read: <i>I</i>) could really use a solo night or two somewhere/anywhere and so BABY. TAKE A BABA.</div>
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(<i>NO</i>)</div>
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The local grocery store offerings have failed so I'm poking around in a new direction. Does anyone have suggestions? <a href="https://www.diapers.com/l/best-infant-formula">This site is helpful</a> re: picking through options, as was <a href="https://gimmethegoodstuff.org/safe-product-guides/safe-infant-formula-guide/">this</a> (although "make your own" is like eyeroll city for me) and <a href="http://pickyeaterblog.com/whats-the-best-organic-formula-for-your-baby/">this</a>. But you all know you're my favorite polling place so... suggestions??</div>
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When Joe was a baby I did start off by buying black market German formula off of ebay but I don't think I am committed enough to go that route. We are just talking a bottle or two or thirty every now and again. Is that too much to ask, bb? (<a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001J8D72U/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B001J8D72U&linkCode=as2&tag=thfili05-20&linkId=ca266d6b1d87e4a37179257dd4e2ca5d" target="_blank">Fave mode</a> btw)</div>
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Anyway, this is nothing more than a late Monday morning whine but I DO HAVE A GIVEAWAY! Would you like $50 to spend at Diapers.com? On everything and anything, formula or not? Me too.</div>
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Enter thusly!<br />
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<a class="rcptr" data-raflid="bb9b2eb69" data-template="" data-theme="classic" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/bb9b2eb69/" id="rcwidget_d9jgt1ms" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a>
<script src="https://widget-prime.rafflecopter.com/launch.js"></script>Blythe Fikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01083711888523698156noreply@blogger.com109tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8165594238100314829.post-81278719770976788162017-02-28T15:52:00.000-08:002017-02-28T15:58:54.441-08:00Blah blah booksIt's Fat Tuesday and I've got one simple <i>make-a-dessert</i> goal on my mind so I'll make this concise.<br />
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Topic: <i>books</i><br />
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In general, I am not naturally a list maker but I try try try to be because it makes everything better and simpler. Still, my natural state of whimsy rebels because I crave spontaneity and while I can't have much of that by way of household life, I can have it by way of books. And while I love me a good book list, I tend to just flit from book to book depending on what inspires. Anyway, I am loving my current stack so I've gotta share.<br />
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In an effort to try to integrate a little practical/spiritual reading every day (even for just ten minutes), I've got some goodies to share. This morning I found the book <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B06XBPQ5TC/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B06XBPQ5TC&linkCode=as2&tag=thfili05-20&linkId=244183067713b7dda9ea8ed204573411" target="_blank">Rosa, What's Your Secret?</a> sitting on my microwave and I've honestly not been able to put it down today. Kirby brought it home last night (it was written by the sister of a friend of his) maybe expecting to just add it to the shelf but I AM GOBBLING. It was written in Spanish and translated into English, so you've def got to read it with that in mind. I find that the culture of Spain permeates her beautifully simple and direct advice on managing a large family. Filled with lightheartedness, practicality, and joy... all the things I am after in family life. <i>I am so, so inspired!</i> Already taking mental notes on how I want to incorporate Rosa's wisdom into our family's habits. I think you will be, too. Gah. It's good.<br />
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I am also reading through the homilies of St Josemaria in <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0933932839/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0933932839&linkCode=as2&tag=thfili05-20&linkId=58e35f8558bf1847e692a3608483944b" target="_blank">Friends of God</a>. Each homily is so rich that I give myself a few days to get through them. I just finished reading the homily titled "Time is a Treasure" and I could probably use it as mandatory daily-basis reading for the rest if my life, it's so good. Just lookee here...<br />
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"<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small;">There are no bad or inopportune days. All days are good, for serving</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small;">God. Days become bad only when men spoil them with their lack of faith, their laziness and their indolence, which turns them away from working with God and for God. 'At all times I will bless the Lord.' Time is a treasure that melts away. It escapes from us, slipping through our fingers like water through the mountain rocks. Tomorrow will soon be another yesterday. Our lives are so very short. Yesterday has gone and today is passing by. But what a great deal can be done for the love of God in this short space of time!"</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small;"><i>So</i>.... O_O</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small;">Ok, ALSO, ALSO <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1612788556/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1612788556&linkCode=as2&tag=thfili05-20&linkId=d5e1233bb9c0428e01a7695624d106f6" target="_blank">Love is Our Mission</a>. I know it's basically so vintage being that it was a preparatory catechesis for the 2015 World Meeting of Families but dayummm it's so good. Constant, thoughtful lessons on what it is to be a family. Which, you know, <i>applies. </i>As evidenced below.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small;">OKKK NOW NOVELS</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small;">I just finished reading <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0312577222/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0312577222&linkCode=as2&tag=thfili05-20&linkId=1d128c69ab0428f7233f5aa72c439951" target="_blank">The Nightingale</a></span> which was totally riveting. I love how it echoed the timeline of <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1476746583/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1476746583&linkCode=as2&tag=thfili05-20&linkId=4b31f05ad192c916292ef3742d1cdd65" target="_blank">All the Light We Cannot See</a> and thanks to the both of them I am now thoroughly enamored with France + WW2. I just grabbed <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1101883081/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1101883081&linkCode=as2&tag=thfili05-20&linkId=d70e43aa28ccfeedf24c3238a061e7f7" target="_blank">Lilac Girls</a> from the library after a very refined 30 second Google search confirmed it might be right up my current wartime France alley.<br />
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But to give myself a little breather from all the crying I am flying through <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1455557102/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1455557102&linkCode=as2&tag=thfili05-20&linkId=b632b973a6074755f1edd2c3650f07ec" target="_blank">The Royal We</a> which is totally fun and light and perfectly <i>borderline too embarrassing to admit I am reading</i>. There is no concentration camp or incomprehensible human suffering so it's a nice little vacay before I start LG.<br />
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Anyway, that's where I am at! Where are you at?? Any suggestions? Tell me it all!<br />
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[insert well-styled photo of my books that I don't have] <i>BYE</i>Blythe Fikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01083711888523698156noreply@blogger.com22tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8165594238100314829.post-13160395617564033222017-02-22T13:48:00.001-08:002017-02-22T13:50:27.688-08:00Dat laundry flowBecause I've got my eyes straight up, all up on that prize, I just revamped my laundry flow.<br />
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You're on the edge of your seat, I'm sure.<br />
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We want to start working towards the girls handling their laundry soonish so in an effort to do that AND because it just made sense, I decided to put us on group laundry rotation. Up until now I had just been doing all the laundry 3x a week, but this led to a big pile for everyone to put away those days and a lot more sorting for me. Now our schedule is as follows:<br />
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Monday/Thursday: Girls<br />
Tuesday/Friday: Boys and misc laundry room shiz<br />
Wednesday/Saturday: us<br />
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I realize this gives me more laundry days overall but the amounts are much more manageable (maybe only a load a day compared to the 3 or more that I had been doing). I also was needing to come to grips with the fact that I needed a laundry day over the weekend and, as much as I hate laundrying on weekends in general, our grown-up clothes are so much more appealing to wash on a Saturday than my kid's. No offense, kids.<br />
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On the days that we are home, or if afternoons are chill, I am having the girls manage their wash. They can pop it in before school in the morning, I can switch it out midday, then they fold and put away in the afternoon. Not only is this THE BOMB, but I'm hoping <i>to God</i> it inspires them to wear only 1 measly outfit a day and stop stuffing clean things into the hamper when they "clean up." So help me, baby J.<br />
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Anyway, is this post a SNOOZE or is it a snooze??<br />
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The most exciting thing of all is that I got a new washing machine and it comes on Friday. My current machine is from 1972 and while it works like a horse and is cute, it doesn't give two shits about stains. When Kirby told me to just go ahead and get a new one I actually cried. And then I went and bought the biggest, most gigantic machine I could squeeze into our laundry room. And I can't wait. (***the things that make me happy cry w/ 7 kids LOLOLLLLLL***)<br />
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It's so big I could probably stuff 4 children inside of it. Don't worry, I won't.<br />
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Another revamp I'm trying to get at is a little folding table set up with a basket for each family member underneath. I'm thinking maybe a <a href="http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/S79179373/">situation like this</a>?? So that I can fold > place in bin > that's it. Love this <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B015P0QTNQ/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B015P0QTNQ&linkCode=as2&tag=thfili05-20&linkId=8b6488c872b340f817a13768d9e6a64f" target="_blank">industrial hamper</a>, too. I currently have one similar to <a href="http://rstyle.me/~9EXh9">this</a> but in the XXL version which is... a lot. Also, how cute are <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00JXFREES/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00JXFREES&linkCode=as2&tag=thfili05-20&linkId=2bcad3c767b5d17a859ed08375152793" target="_blank">these</a>?? (So much cheaper than the West Elm version). What to do... what to do...<br />
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ANYWAY THAT'S THE STORY OF MY LAUNDRY. I'll keep you posted bc I'm sure you <i>can't wait.</i><br />
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<br />Blythe Fikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01083711888523698156noreply@blogger.com30tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8165594238100314829.post-55725435985674488662017-02-15T17:41:00.003-08:002017-02-15T17:46:47.966-08:002 min faceIn an effort to continually improve my life and the lives of those around me, I like to try and land on products that work and stick with them. As I was getting out the door the other day I was mentally swooning over my beloved beauty products and at how freaking fast I can look semi presentable with their aid. Why have I have not shared with you?? I have no idea. I love seeing other people's beauty regiments, so here is mine - the 2 min face, or 1 min if you're always late like <i>moi.</i><br />
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Step 1. <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000Z61VVQ/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B000Z61VVQ&linkCode=as2&tag=thfili05-20&linkId=fd3ebbfa102b12dbcbc5ba1dc307f275" target="_blank">Juice Beauty Tinted Moisturizer</a>. Ok JUICE. Freaking Juice. I am consistently so happy with their stuff. This tinted moisturizer is no diff. It's thicker than my old bb cream which took some getting used to but I love it now! Creamy and smooth and smells so light and fresh. The coverage is super good.<br />
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Step 2. <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B018BWGNAY/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B018BWGNAY&linkCode=as2&tag=thfili05-20&linkId=bdae457c5201161c122f77f9b7458fee" target="_blank">Puerto Vallarta</a> all up in this bish. This lip/cheek tint by Nars has been my fave for years. I am never leaving it. It's the perfect bright creaminess. Plus, the name. Like, <i>hi, Mexico all day long.</i><br />
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Step 3. <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00F4VWXO6/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00F4VWXO6&linkCode=as2&tag=thfili05-20&linkId=ef0014ed539b42e42af985e56613e147" target="_blank">Random mascara</a>. I currently use this and I'm happy with it but not in love. I have yet to fall in love with mascara. What do you love? Help me.<br />
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Step 4. Lips. Either a swipe of my staple <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000OO7546/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B000OO7546&linkCode=as2&tag=thfili05-20&linkId=66ed97006faa6a10ae1ec9ba85a9d24d" target="_blank">Un-Petroleum Jelly</a> or a bit of this <a href="http://rstyle.me/~9DsLa">lip balm</a> if I'm feeling medium fancy or my fave nude <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01MRKQLIZ/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B01MRKQLIZ&linkCode=as2&tag=thfili05-20&linkId=b85f719dfb97d0c33f080c1611cc7e46" target="_blank">lipstick</a> if I'm feeling FANCY.<br />
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Guys! That's it! Badda freaking bing, bb.<br />
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(I even tested it out right before I had to leave to pick the kids up from school so I could be, like, <i>so real.) (1 MIN!) (Hence the mediocre blush blending) (</i><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "lyon text" , "georgia" , "times" , serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>¯\_(ツ)_/¯)</i></span></span><br />
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<i>BEFORE</i><br />
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AFTA<br />
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<br />Blythe Fikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01083711888523698156noreply@blogger.com28