tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-90521040125750943332024-02-07T20:14:56.107-05:00Heathen Family RevivalMassaging the minutia of everyday life into something worth reading.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07378421551422918709noreply@blogger.comBlogger478125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9052104012575094333.post-64334644818048602082011-01-15T15:45:00.000-05:002011-01-15T15:45:11.185-05:00Yoo Hoo, Over Here!I've moved!<br />
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<a href="http://heathenfamilyrevival.tumblr.com/"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Heathen Family Revival</span></a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><div style="margin: 20px 40px;">
<a href="http://www.zazzle.com/kellycrabtreephotog?rf=238983688038111634">Kelly Crabtree Photography</a>
</div></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07378421551422918709noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9052104012575094333.post-35208574327299480842010-09-29T18:05:00.000-04:002010-09-29T18:05:32.024-04:00Goodbye...Maybe...I Don't Know...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicFgUrNlWSES73zSprZVOR5G0lx_GgcfKEufHyhAQwzsB6gmEvW1i7d7HBDuluvWcl5YUvVHSdJdBkTlIhQt-_-dAKnmPxTUQamiEgh_HflEnzVMyMsyvoGFtAsBXNNDK5I-BfDUFf6XaX/s1600/kbc-3132.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicFgUrNlWSES73zSprZVOR5G0lx_GgcfKEufHyhAQwzsB6gmEvW1i7d7HBDuluvWcl5YUvVHSdJdBkTlIhQt-_-dAKnmPxTUQamiEgh_HflEnzVMyMsyvoGFtAsBXNNDK5I-BfDUFf6XaX/s640/kbc-3132.jpg" width="428" /></a></div><br />
<br />
I'm gonna be real honest with you folks. As my loyal readers I believe you deserve to know the truth.<br />
<br />
I'm finding it pretty difficult to care about blogging right now. It's not writer's block or a deficit of time that's been keeping me from this space. It's not you, it's me. When I embarked on this journey, the internet filled a very obvious void in my life. I was reaching out to find like minded people, parents who got what I was going through and shared my values. I needed to feel like I belonged to something. Blogging helped me to look deeper into myself, which ultimately led me to look outside of myself with a more open mind. By making friends in the virtual world, I have learned how to make better friends in the real world. <br />
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It's mostly those three dimensional friends you can blame for my absence. The void I felt 2.5 years ago has been filled. That empty space was what motivated me to write and now I find myself without inspiration. Now, before you get sad or mad or hungry, I would like to say that facebook shares some of the blame for my blog apathy. I have friended most of my favorite blog writers and readers and keep up to date with their lives that way. It's instant gratification. <br />
<br />
Soooo, I am going to take a pretty good break from blogging. Maybe forever, maybe not. Anyone who wants to find me on <a href="http://www.facebook.com/Kelly.Beckman.Crabtree">facebook</a>, is welcome to do just that. If you're here for the photos, I am active on <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/26241857@N03/">flickr</a>. I am also on twitter, but that account has withered, so I wouldn't bother. I am not gifted in the 140 character milieu. <br />
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Thank for everything and adieu.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><div style="margin: 20px 40px;">
<a href="http://www.zazzle.com/kellycrabtreephotog?rf=238983688038111634">Kelly Crabtree Photography</a>
</div></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07378421551422918709noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9052104012575094333.post-29610658398017019292010-09-21T16:42:00.000-04:002010-09-21T16:42:19.171-04:00School: A Photo Essay<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4107/5012764338_0d44cfba57_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4107/5012764338_0d44cfba57_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4089/5012764964_764af4299a_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4089/5012764964_764af4299a_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4092/5012161841_64f02a2e83_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4092/5012161841_64f02a2e83_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4110/5012162411_f472c62da0_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4110/5012162411_f472c62da0_b.jpg" width="428" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4126/5012766644_6ca570167a_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4126/5012766644_6ca570167a_b.jpg" width="428" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4153/5012767172_cbb97165cd_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4153/5012767172_cbb97165cd_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><div style="margin: 20px 40px;">
<a href="http://www.zazzle.com/kellycrabtreephotog?rf=238983688038111634">Kelly Crabtree Photography</a>
</div></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07378421551422918709noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9052104012575094333.post-27125226731614809652010-09-08T05:43:00.001-04:002010-09-08T05:43:00.146-04:00Passing the TorchThe summer is over, at least according to the Labor Day rule, and so for my final Wardrobe Wednesday I give you the final swim of the season. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4110/4965865022_ec8f2b4a5a_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4110/4965865022_ec8f2b4a5a_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>It was an uncommonly beautiful day and I took some lovely photos of Violet and her friends splashing in the water in their rapidly shrinking bathing suits. <br />
<br />
But, enough about me.<br />
<br />
Drum roll please....<br />
<br />
The new home for Wardrobe Wednesday will be <a href="http://feetoffthetable.blogspot.com/">Feet Off the Tabl</a>e. The lovely and talented Aliceson will be your host for as long as she can stand it! Go give her some love and share some fashion disasters.<br />
<br />
Later dudes.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><div style="margin: 20px 40px;">
<a href="http://www.zazzle.com/kellycrabtreephotog?rf=238983688038111634">Kelly Crabtree Photography</a>
</div></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07378421551422918709noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9052104012575094333.post-55426324573011498162010-09-01T08:35:00.000-04:002010-09-01T08:35:36.634-04:00Violet Has Mail!This post is woefully overdue, but here it is.<br />
<br />
A few weeks ago, a comment exchange with Holly of <a href="http://coldspaghetti.org/">Cold Spaghetti </a>resulted in an offer of silly bandz. I gave my consent and address and soon a letter arrived in the mail for Violet. As much as I love e-mail, there is no substituting the joy of an actual paper letter with your name written on the front....er, a letter that contains Silly Bandz and NOT a bill, that is.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4088/4947678355_a8739ea13a_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4088/4947678355_a8739ea13a_b.jpg" width="427" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4083/4947679047_a7ca1a2cdb_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4083/4947679047_a7ca1a2cdb_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
Holly is clearly the Mama of a little girl, because she KNEW even the packaging would be a source of ecstatic joy!<div class="blogger-post-footer"><div style="margin: 20px 40px;">
<a href="http://www.zazzle.com/kellycrabtreephotog?rf=238983688038111634">Kelly Crabtree Photography</a>
</div></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07378421551422918709noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9052104012575094333.post-40749201569138250142010-08-24T22:18:00.000-04:002010-08-24T22:18:34.832-04:00I've Got a Lot of Balls...in the air<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT-M7Wpi9EAD9P_AKGzBWemOmUVWSGgiqcIwxVpNAPOLlb7OgDHa1-Ee6RdMsoHaOgKimWEGtKM2ojpi7QEDj8RoGVbeB9FcI_UH01rRLzZI0oIw84Vwur0Ag2nLKDKAh3hL7BzNFH6fC0/s1600/Crabtree_+08201001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="427" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT-M7Wpi9EAD9P_AKGzBWemOmUVWSGgiqcIwxVpNAPOLlb7OgDHa1-Ee6RdMsoHaOgKimWEGtKM2ojpi7QEDj8RoGVbeB9FcI_UH01rRLzZI0oIw84Vwur0Ag2nLKDKAh3hL7BzNFH6fC0/s640/Crabtree_+08201001.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
This week we started kindergarten and it is way harder than I thought it was going to be, so I may have to start drinking in the evening. Violet is enrolled in a virtual charter school. I know some homeschoolers will say I have sold out to <i>the man</i>, but when <i>the man</i> provides ALL the books AND a computer AND an internet stipend, he's pretty hard to resist. I LOVE free shit! Anywho, I am still working out how to make this curriculum bend to my will, so I may be a bit of a ghost.<br />
<br />
I got myself a few photo gigs and I have been juggling school work and photoshop work and housework and that has left me very little time to read blogs or write blogs or even fantasize about posts in my head. I have set a goal of writing one post a week and I am going to pare down my blog reader to the bare bones. Don't worry. If you are reading this, I will probably continue to read your blog. <br />
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I started going to a belly dancing class with my friend E and that has been fun and challenging, without making me want to kill the instructor. I highly recommend it. It is a subtle art form, so there is ZERO workout culture, pep-talking. I hate that crap.<br />
<br />
We are now official members of a large learning co-op, as well as a preK co-op......soooooo, I find myself busier than I have been in a looong time. Remember, I don't multi-task well.<br />
<br />
Here's where I drop the bomb.<br />
<br />
I am going to discontinue Wardrobe Wednesday. It has run its course for me and it's time to move on. If anyone would like to take it over, let me know and I will link to your blog and send participants your way. <br />
<br />
M'kay?<div class="blogger-post-footer"><div style="margin: 20px 40px;">
<a href="http://www.zazzle.com/kellycrabtreephotog?rf=238983688038111634">Kelly Crabtree Photography</a>
</div></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07378421551422918709noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9052104012575094333.post-21740329901357434632010-08-17T22:48:00.000-04:002010-08-17T22:48:35.282-04:00Wardrobe WednesdayI am phoning it in again this week. This is a wardrobe related page from the scrapbook I'm working on right now.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitzGjntP-vI7E0e2xqBG3ErBm0tUaNJKkcSR8GT9y5dwdRRkllJEB7h0lfFfSzqvflcaUV_hZO9rHaAIE6mrOpLcueWzR9t-RFPUvHJwMhns_HMzL8VJDCBVSCVPEU7a_fyG1l2h2qQprD/s1600/you+can%27t+tell+time.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitzGjntP-vI7E0e2xqBG3ErBm0tUaNJKkcSR8GT9y5dwdRRkllJEB7h0lfFfSzqvflcaUV_hZO9rHaAIE6mrOpLcueWzR9t-RFPUvHJwMhns_HMzL8VJDCBVSCVPEU7a_fyG1l2h2qQprD/s640/you+can%27t+tell+time.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
Incidentally, my blog has been enormously helpful with this marathon scrapbooking. I just cut and paste this text directly from an old post and <i>voila</i>!<div class="blogger-post-footer"><div style="margin: 20px 40px;">
<a href="http://www.zazzle.com/kellycrabtreephotog?rf=238983688038111634">Kelly Crabtree Photography</a>
</div></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07378421551422918709noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9052104012575094333.post-3962747783397239252010-08-11T08:45:00.000-04:002010-08-11T08:45:41.668-04:00(Digital) Wardrobe WednesdayDue to an awesome sale at <a href="http://winkflash.com/">Winkflash</a> this month, I have a major scrapbooking deadline. I don't write about my scrapping often, because I don't think it's a very interesting topic, but right now I have pixels on the brain as I try to scrap 12 months of photos in the next 2 weeks. @$%#!<br />
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I was recently trolling the internet for ideas and came across a digital paper pack made to look like chalkboards. I was contemplating a purchase when I realized that I could totally make the paper myself.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiCXlVUjx3DpgvxigMq2q_luojFaM3Osry6ycknb5UmWk3w_9WC8xAZeMN-LC_RzDc-hlNRrFye-xyF1PAaNVwAKbsVgbCARmwFXvcEGTYBHSCGnkoEtR0coy38zd6dQud6m0Y5ScJToXL/s1600/silly+funny.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiCXlVUjx3DpgvxigMq2q_luojFaM3Osry6ycknb5UmWk3w_9WC8xAZeMN-LC_RzDc-hlNRrFye-xyF1PAaNVwAKbsVgbCARmwFXvcEGTYBHSCGnkoEtR0coy38zd6dQud6m0Y5ScJToXL/s640/silly+funny.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
I also made the masking tape frame, using my new scanner. How did I ever live without a scanner before?<br />
<br />
So, I am totally going to give you these files to download for your own manic scrapbooking. <br />
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Chalkboard with Talk Bubble<br />
<a href="http://www.mediafire.com/?5nyd77bd2linsr2">http://www.mediafire.com/?5nyd77bd2linsr2</a><br />
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Masking Tape Frame<br />
<a href="http://www.mediafire.com/?k3h59hj5y9atsdh">http://www.mediafire.com/?k3h59hj5y9atsdh</a><br />
<i>*Both files are in photoshop format.</i><br />
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Do me a favor. If you use my stuff, upload a copy of your work to my Linky. I would love to <strike>steal</strike> see what you come up with! <br />
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<script src="http://www.linkytools.com/thumbnail_linky_include.aspx?id=39175" type="text/javascript">
</script><div class="blogger-post-footer"><div style="margin: 20px 40px;">
<a href="http://www.zazzle.com/kellycrabtreephotog?rf=238983688038111634">Kelly Crabtree Photography</a>
</div></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07378421551422918709noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9052104012575094333.post-19540553511278268742010-08-05T22:08:00.000-04:002010-08-05T22:08:32.981-04:00I Like a Man with Exceptional Fine Motor ControlMy husband spends a lot of his day pretending to be an asshole. His job involves keeping bad people away from good people and that is not an occupation for the faint of heart. <i>Asshole</i> is part of the job description. Seriously. I read the contract.*<br />
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Recently, the stress of work has been following Aaron home. Really, it trails him like an annoying neighbor kid who just can't seem to get the message that he isn't wanted. The stress makes Aaron sensitive and that makes me sensitive and before you know it everyone is suffering from a digestive complaint and a 3-day migraine. I beg. I nag. I plead with my husband to find something, anything to do that might help him de-stress. A real, old-fashioned hobby, involving his hands and various 3 dimensional supplies.**<br />
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He found one. <br />
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I nag because I care... and because it works.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4078/4864005553_6e873c418d_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4078/4864005553_6e873c418d_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4140/4864621070_5f0d4be4b1_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4140/4864621070_5f0d4be4b1_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4076/4864621712_29871be562_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4076/4864621712_29871be562_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
87 paper cranes were hanging in my living room this morning. He wanted it to be an even 100, but his hands gave out. It took 7 hours to fold them and 3 hours to hang them. It took me about 30 seconds to start crying.<br />
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<i>*No I didn't! </i><br />
<i>**Video games do not count as a hobby. Sorry. Nope. </i><div class="blogger-post-footer"><div style="margin: 20px 40px;">
<a href="http://www.zazzle.com/kellycrabtreephotog?rf=238983688038111634">Kelly Crabtree Photography</a>
</div></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07378421551422918709noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9052104012575094333.post-13804840533936250342010-08-04T08:40:00.000-04:002010-08-04T08:40:56.436-04:00Wardrobe WednesdayI recently got a scanner. I know. Welcome to the new millennium, Heathen Family! Anyhoo... I've been scanning some old photos to <strike>embarrass</strike> share with friends and family on facebook. <br />
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If you are the schooling type, it's getting to be that time of year again. The aisles at Target are full of new pencils and clean, lined notebooks. I love the smell of school supplies in the morning! I thought I'd share with you some pictures of me from the first day of first grade. The year was 1983.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsRbVnBBDXwcROKKC2HkvkhQlndWS12rNjxPAn5VhsBBTlbUIn0m5uKqlNABiOzOFLWZma5ZHbtXU_3pAsC2So22k9ZeC2JCXiS7I3VW0v9EhG1Jk8XZaMdyEzFKsyu2WtlwpKAbSQUJcG/s1600/Crabtree+2010-08-01+%281%29.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="432" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsRbVnBBDXwcROKKC2HkvkhQlndWS12rNjxPAn5VhsBBTlbUIn0m5uKqlNABiOzOFLWZma5ZHbtXU_3pAsC2So22k9ZeC2JCXiS7I3VW0v9EhG1Jk8XZaMdyEzFKsyu2WtlwpKAbSQUJcG/s640/Crabtree+2010-08-01+%281%29.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
Aren't we all so cute? Sadly, I know that at least one of the people in this photo is dead. It sucks getting old. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-cka8pk03lZc9o4kSKqexlB07b9zPwy_VLLofazOR7fDBTNdNvNeXcbyDvKdN0pWLbCXj9Ds5gz8kdNMFYYJxW6DOHkUtEmQNCqUF1hT6_dWr7lWUhbRQKQEE5hexa2qAOsbCrHwLiIST/s1600/Crabtree+2010-08-01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="432" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-cka8pk03lZc9o4kSKqexlB07b9zPwy_VLLofazOR7fDBTNdNvNeXcbyDvKdN0pWLbCXj9Ds5gz8kdNMFYYJxW6DOHkUtEmQNCqUF1hT6_dWr7lWUhbRQKQEE5hexa2qAOsbCrHwLiIST/s640/Crabtree+2010-08-01.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
How much do you think that Smurf lunchbox would fetch now? Sigh.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><div style="margin: 20px 40px;">
<a href="http://www.zazzle.com/kellycrabtreephotog?rf=238983688038111634">Kelly Crabtree Photography</a>
</div></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07378421551422918709noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9052104012575094333.post-40539449059291107972010-08-03T09:14:00.000-04:002010-08-03T09:14:09.384-04:00Among the JelliesI am trying out another new photo challenge today. I am just going to keep entering different contests until I win.<br />
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</div><a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4141/4856320295_e2e685c67e_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4141/4856320295_e2e685c67e_b.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://ashleysisk.blogspot.com/search/label/In%20a%20Yellow%20House" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQtlKOaH-C4eZr2AwYj340EWrEd0H8m-2kTucFtiha-bdoSCDKOD5qBc087uEnbmc2QzVvAEshaquypcoZpiNniutehCM5wnriPRsbcX2GFG7ap9FfEO5CRenfoXqnBQgQ2dlbUfjAqAHw/s200/Yellow-Button.gif" /></a></div><br />
This week's theme is Animal Kingdom... so, go take some pictures of the wildlife.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><div style="margin: 20px 40px;">
<a href="http://www.zazzle.com/kellycrabtreephotog?rf=238983688038111634">Kelly Crabtree Photography</a>
</div></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07378421551422918709noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9052104012575094333.post-8350147885127145092010-07-28T00:22:00.000-04:002010-07-28T00:22:00.244-04:00Wardrobe WednesdayLast year, we discovered <a href="http://www.ladybuggirl.com/">Ladybug Girl</a>. Violet was immediately hooked and since Lulu bears a strong likeness to our girl, we now own all three books in the series.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3SMl8QhN2Zz3b-Ij1JbcK_eGV1S6Jo4G-Z1xQo6OwVYCmAJc6ISOMRzHCojQEJ1yc7y6OADrJk29mAE-RByb62ZOymvzZMvtuZ-GDTAW7E_XVl6kRxyxyWwRsu-1s9r_JvqAxIIk46sOu/s1600/ants.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="419" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3SMl8QhN2Zz3b-Ij1JbcK_eGV1S6Jo4G-Z1xQo6OwVYCmAJc6ISOMRzHCojQEJ1yc7y6OADrJk29mAE-RByb62ZOymvzZMvtuZ-GDTAW7E_XVl6kRxyxyWwRsu-1s9r_JvqAxIIk46sOu/s640/ants.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">If only more people knew about Lulu, I would stop hearing about Violet's resemblance to Suri Cruise. </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</tbody></table><br />
Up until this recently, Violet has been content to merely read about Ladybug Girl. Our trip to the water park last week is the closest Violet has ever been to the ocean, but it was enough to forge a kinship between her and Lulu. Lulu conquers her fear of the ocean in the latest installment of Ladybug Girl and Violet was inspired to do the same in the wave pool... sort of.<br />
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Violet has taken to dressing, not as Ladybug Girl, but as Fairy Cat Girl. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4153/4835772041_606c1c7a20_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4153/4835772041_606c1c7a20_b.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><br />
It didn't take long for Violet to remember why she doesn't wear a leotard around the house. Fairy Cat Girl (seen without wings after an emergency potty stop) has a really hard time keeping her costume dry. She may be five, but she still needs help with those silly one piece garments.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><div style="margin: 20px 40px;">
<a href="http://www.zazzle.com/kellycrabtreephotog?rf=238983688038111634">Kelly Crabtree Photography</a>
</div></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07378421551422918709noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9052104012575094333.post-45017033272649578752010-07-26T22:00:00.000-04:002010-07-26T22:00:18.295-04:00Absolute Favorite (for right now)I found a new weekly photo challenge, hosted by <a href="http://thepapermama.blogspot.com/">the paper mama.</a> She's got a fun blog, with lots of photos, so I thought I'd give it a go.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://thepapermama.blogspot.com/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="The Paper Mama" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4F67Y51FMCKiJ3Tj1uIUZMpY7VaoyRotIIPS0gi_6Pyw2QC5NUlJgNi9YMhgPNsnSx7OEyG0xY8G7Af0hoQN04s8AdtbfTed8uFcoNG_ob-pXnfmoxaqVEcqve8y6NGocfzfEJEWgSN9V/s200/paper+mama+button.png" width="200" /></a></div><br />
The theme this week is "Absolute Favorite". I have too many photos to really do an in depth search, so I limited myself to the last 6 months.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4148/4832986564_e145392ebf_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4148/4832986564_e145392ebf_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
This is Vi and one of her friends, telling secrets in a cave at the children's garden. I love that you can only see one eye and yet that eye is clearly so very serious.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><div style="margin: 20px 40px;">
<a href="http://www.zazzle.com/kellycrabtreephotog?rf=238983688038111634">Kelly Crabtree Photography</a>
</div></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07378421551422918709noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9052104012575094333.post-80135662730307577982010-07-23T17:21:00.000-04:002010-07-23T17:21:40.531-04:00My Lost Week<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4082/4820771863_c0169133b4_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4082/4820771863_c0169133b4_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
</tbody></table>So, I forgot that my blog does not transmit directly from my head (if someone could invent that I'd really appreciate it, 'kay). I must now attempt to recap, without getting all epic in length or sacrificing my charming story telling style. <br />
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My niece and nephew came to visit. They normally reside in Arizona, where I've been told the heat is dry and the scorpions are like 99% guaranteed NOT to get in your house. Mosquitoes and humidity were a frequent topic of concern for the kids, especially the boy, who seemed to have a leaky faucet attached to the top of his skull and a new welt every 10 minutes.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4141/4814998427_56628e54f7_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4141/4814998427_56628e54f7_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
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Violet had a birthday and a party and got very little direct attention from her mother for approximately 6 days and appears to be unharmed by the experience. Of course, she crawled into my bed almost every night, so I guess I shouldn't start weeping for the loss of my sweet, needy baby just yet. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4115/4822131542_c97ed52602_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4115/4822131542_c97ed52602_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
This innocent fun is totally and completely illegal in Arizona. Like, zero tolerance illegal, not Ohio (we look the other way one weekend a year) illegal. The box of cheap sparklers we bought could potentially burn down the whole state. The kids were elated and felt like they were doing something naughty. It was pretty entertaining to watch. <br />
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We also spent a day at the water park, for which there are mercifully no photographs. Aaron and I brought home black and blue souvenirs on the shoulder and ass respectively. Water slides really are built for young people. Violet learned that the lazy river is a dangerous hazard, where you cannot even trust your own mother to prevent you from drowning. Also...peeing in pools is totally okay in Grandma's book, but that's a post for another day. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRjOZa8RhdkMID4TVuPxoJph0bgiba8FUMR9wRpPt22j46avWwOS80HnHmJwu6vGl4TpEv7Jb1A_DgdEqyhRrwf9gB2xWpwTwNLVYH_5e0Ap5XUzWlYxgTWU4A8jXH21aRKRKVMyJj8t4A/s1600/37590_1479620627308_1137562792_31450588_1549450_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRjOZa8RhdkMID4TVuPxoJph0bgiba8FUMR9wRpPt22j46avWwOS80HnHmJwu6vGl4TpEv7Jb1A_DgdEqyhRrwf9gB2xWpwTwNLVYH_5e0Ap5XUzWlYxgTWU4A8jXH21aRKRKVMyJj8t4A/s640/37590_1479620627308_1137562792_31450588_1549450_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
We left the water park just as it started to storm and headed straight to the refuge of Bob Evans, which is an Ohio temple of senior citizen cuisine and all-day breakfast. The girl was excited to try something new and by "new" I mean enough food to feed a girls' softball team. She ate bacon, eggs, potatoes, stuffed cinnamon pancakes, one of her brother's chicken fingers and a hunk of my chicken fried steak. It was a sight to behold!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4080/4821519025_ae1fefe4e2_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4080/4821519025_ae1fefe4e2_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>We went bowling. We walked. We dressed the girl up in my senior <a href="http://kelly-crabtree.blogspot.com/2010/07/beautiful-girl.html">prom dress</a> and forced her to pose for pictures in the 90 degree heat. We visited the art museum and played corn hole. We got comic books and made photo albums and schemed about ways to make money for future plane tickets. We watched challenging movies and talked about important stuff and stupid stuff equally. There was some farting and squabbling and whining, but it was a good time.<br />
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Today, I packed them up and sent them back and tried not to cry. <br />
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The End. <br />
<div class="blogger-post-footer"><div style="margin: 20px 40px;">
<a href="http://www.zazzle.com/kellycrabtreephotog?rf=238983688038111634">Kelly Crabtree Photography</a>
</div></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07378421551422918709noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9052104012575094333.post-57141166649434444472010-07-19T21:49:00.000-04:002010-07-19T21:49:24.748-04:00Over My Head: I Heart FacesThe sun was just over Violet's head. It was a perfect chance to practice capturing solar flare. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4137/4810924866_33193489d1_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4137/4810924866_33193489d1_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
Oh...and she's FIVE now. I am head over heals in love with this kid.<br />
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<center><a href="http://www.iheartfaces.com"><img src="http://www.livinglocurto.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/I_Heart_Faces_noborder_125x100.jpg" /></a></center><div class="blogger-post-footer"><div style="margin: 20px 40px;">
<a href="http://www.zazzle.com/kellycrabtreephotog?rf=238983688038111634">Kelly Crabtree Photography</a>
</div></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07378421551422918709noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9052104012575094333.post-4087516046121206042010-07-14T08:50:00.000-04:002010-07-14T08:50:21.651-04:00Wardrobe WednesdayI live a scant 3 blocks from a grocery store. It's nice to be able to walk there, but when I have access to the car I usually drive to Trader Joe's. I may rethink things now. My ghetto market is making a concerted effort to class things up.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4116/4793309556_e138b33d94_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4116/4793309556_e138b33d94_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
Your WIC coupons are welcome here ladies, but the bikini top needs to stay at home.<br />
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<script src="http://www.linkytools.com/thumbnail_linky_include.aspx?id=35184" type="text/javascript">
</script><div class="blogger-post-footer"><div style="margin: 20px 40px;">
<a href="http://www.zazzle.com/kellycrabtreephotog?rf=238983688038111634">Kelly Crabtree Photography</a>
</div></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07378421551422918709noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9052104012575094333.post-43763910090762946382010-07-12T20:45:00.000-04:002010-07-12T20:45:04.833-04:00Monday Garden Club: Weeds Are Plants Too<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
I've noticed that folks with gardens are always talking about the weeds. The weeds must go! The weeds are evil! How can I get fewer weeds and more pretty plants? Wah, wah, wah!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Weeds need love too, people! I have taken it upon myself to start a weed sanctuary. My yard is a place where morning glories and crab grass of every shape and color can come to feel safe. Creeping vines of all sorts need not worry about being ripped from the ground and unceremoniously thrown in the compost pile. There are no precious zucchini plants or tomato cages to impede the growth of dandelions in my backyard.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid33kNJJhlJNKGNW4bf_QeshUbyYXOjyIQywITuqr3MGVEog0iOIrDq99b_ejlQbnsD4Pjzh1yYu27Joe-49Myd-ggsFf6tfTi6_nM0mT85XRRJQL6CLHMOD7kABW-CjEXsiuQ1FnUOHA5/s1600/Crabtree+2010-07-11+%284%29.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid33kNJJhlJNKGNW4bf_QeshUbyYXOjyIQywITuqr3MGVEog0iOIrDq99b_ejlQbnsD4Pjzh1yYu27Joe-49Myd-ggsFf6tfTi6_nM0mT85XRRJQL6CLHMOD7kABW-CjEXsiuQ1FnUOHA5/s640/Crabtree+2010-07-11+%284%29.jpg" width="428" /></a></div><br />
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I have also created a spectacular chigger habitat. I received four bites of gratitude while I was taking this picture. They really are very happy in this space.<br />
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Of course, despite my best efforts to create a beauty-free zone in my yard, the Trumpet Creeper vine on my back fence continues to flourish. It's even sent out little search parties into the tall grass to look for new places to sprout.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxWVCoFfMUYGPA5mUND87YWEmT-C9WgAhSwxq1hnTAwAJmO359y_wzYSc6x9yIN-agr2fTMeK4cxHwov6gQjsjjcXpFsv87gBWV6WpV5ilNlRvyv8qjGQgEKGKD_gcIQ7ytnORCZ0Mdupi/s1600/Crabtree+2010-07-11+%282%29.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxWVCoFfMUYGPA5mUND87YWEmT-C9WgAhSwxq1hnTAwAJmO359y_wzYSc6x9yIN-agr2fTMeK4cxHwov6gQjsjjcXpFsv87gBWV6WpV5ilNlRvyv8qjGQgEKGKD_gcIQ7ytnORCZ0Mdupi/s400/Crabtree+2010-07-11+%282%29.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVpOmpgPZFCc4_oT3I5A5soZ_rvnO7oOrtaueEO1Qn-hSfhRJ2NqpKoo_MlSkPozk2L4grVqyAvwRc0u_JV2b9JCIUli3M_NHwly5xn9ZFNJ_1dY5UM9szm78NRxMuWygjPKurRigAtAbW/s1600/Crabtree+2010-07-11+%281%29.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVpOmpgPZFCc4_oT3I5A5soZ_rvnO7oOrtaueEO1Qn-hSfhRJ2NqpKoo_MlSkPozk2L4grVqyAvwRc0u_JV2b9JCIUli3M_NHwly5xn9ZFNJ_1dY5UM9szm78NRxMuWygjPKurRigAtAbW/s400/Crabtree+2010-07-11+%281%29.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZWt10tsQ34W2dqp7DpBUeax4-qxg66Hcvt0kvQVxiAJpO4wHFdSAVjD3ZKJ9FHjn_nivPFYiD1bZ9-lX9IqmSVHiJTXEpmeasJhre0Kb4_C3OlkeLxV-v-yoSu_jT8bsJ6LqPFx-kZy8H/s1600/Crabtree+2010-07-11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZWt10tsQ34W2dqp7DpBUeax4-qxg66Hcvt0kvQVxiAJpO4wHFdSAVjD3ZKJ9FHjn_nivPFYiD1bZ9-lX9IqmSVHiJTXEpmeasJhre0Kb4_C3OlkeLxV-v-yoSu_jT8bsJ6LqPFx-kZy8H/s400/Crabtree+2010-07-11.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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If I use macro focus no one need ever know how much of a mess my yard really is. I think that's the best solution, better gardening through tricky photography.<br />
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Okay, the real gardeners are working over here at <a href="http://feetoffthetable.blogspot.com/2010/07/monday-garden-club_12.html">Aliceson's place</a>. Go visit and see actual food being grown. It really is a mystery to me how she does it.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><div style="margin: 20px 40px;">
<a href="http://www.zazzle.com/kellycrabtreephotog?rf=238983688038111634">Kelly Crabtree Photography</a>
</div></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07378421551422918709noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9052104012575094333.post-89855846090870184972010-07-07T00:15:00.002-04:002010-07-07T00:15:00.204-04:00Wardrobe Wednesday<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4076/4769466963_7069cde0fc_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4076/4769466963_7069cde0fc_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This gumball machine mustache was the only thing Violet enjoyed about eating lunch at our local taqueria.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
While away with her Grandma, Violet gets to indulge in the childhood equivalent of the Vegas slots. I almost never have money for gumball machines, so Vi gets pretty jacked up when she gets to put in a quarter and turn the dial. This weekend she got an enormous Shrek tattoo. Violet has never seen the movie Shrek (because her parents think it's stupid) and the tattoo is kind of ugly, but she would not be deterred. Grandma couldn't bare to apply the nearly 5 inch tat to Violet's arms or legs, so she made an interesting decision. She put Shrek on Violet's butt. You'll have to imagine it for yourself. I took a photo for my private collection, but there was no way to make it decent enough for internet consumption. It takes up one whole cheek.<br />
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<script src="http://www.linkytools.com/thumbnail_linky_include.aspx?id=34192" type="text/javascript"></script><div class="blogger-post-footer"><div style="margin: 20px 40px;">
<a href="http://www.zazzle.com/kellycrabtreephotog?rf=238983688038111634">Kelly Crabtree Photography</a>
</div></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07378421551422918709noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9052104012575094333.post-45338655478283328652010-07-03T08:55:00.000-04:002010-07-03T08:55:19.696-04:00This Has Nothing to do with the 4th of JulyI hope you are having a wonderful weekend. I'm sure I will suffer some sort of heat related injury before the holiday is through, but that's what the 4th is all about. Right?<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4078/4756910049_1032459824_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4078/4756910049_1032459824_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4119/4756909733_60d2a32c41_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4119/4756909733_60d2a32c41_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><div style="margin: 20px 40px;">
<a href="http://www.zazzle.com/kellycrabtreephotog?rf=238983688038111634">Kelly Crabtree Photography</a>
</div></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07378421551422918709noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9052104012575094333.post-24712137178691733002010-06-30T09:19:00.000-04:002010-06-30T09:19:57.016-04:00Wardrobe Wednesday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm5fuTDK3S5vmAJmBhyphenhyphenS8_CI6lLojmmUbXaXX-PrJXBPbJ1e5NXx09qHTBgh_eRJGBcl_1PNZufFGHyCb0mw_BbdfoWIifG5pO_XetIzWy18BumuXU7ulme2S3RTkRdHK7N7CxDzyyF5_X/s1600/Crabtree+2010-06-27+%2823%29.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm5fuTDK3S5vmAJmBhyphenhyphenS8_CI6lLojmmUbXaXX-PrJXBPbJ1e5NXx09qHTBgh_eRJGBcl_1PNZufFGHyCb0mw_BbdfoWIifG5pO_XetIzWy18BumuXU7ulme2S3RTkRdHK7N7CxDzyyF5_X/s640/Crabtree+2010-06-27+%2823%29.jpg" width="425" /></a></div>So, our whirlwind flirtation with <a href="http://heathenfamilyrevival.blogspot.com/2010/04/ill-remember-you-all-when-im-famous.html">local fame</a> came to a spectacular conclusion this week. Violet was invited to help cut the ribbon for a new pavilion at our downtown metro park. The media materials I received referred to Violet as "The Ambassador of Family Fun". Trust me when I say, we wore that title out. It's an especially funny moniker for a child who is busy spreading her joy through a temper tantrum.<br />
<br />
This is video from our local news.<br />
<object data="http://www.wdtn.com/video/videoplayer.swf?dppversion=2046" height="280" id="video" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="320"><param value="http://www.wdtn.com/video/videoplayer.swf?dppversion=2046" name="movie"/><param value="&skin=MP1ExternalAll-MFL.swf&embed=true&adSizeArray=1x1000,2x40,3x1000&adSrc=http%3A%2F%2Fad%2Edoubleclick%2Enet%2Fpfadx%2Flin%2Ewdtn%2Fnews%2Fmetro%2Fregion%5F1%2Fdetail%3Bdcmt%3Dtext%2Fxml%3Bpos%3D%25pos%25%3Btile%3D2%3Bfname%3DRiverscape%2Dpavilion%2Dunveiled%3Bloc%3D%25loc%25%3Bsz%3D%25size%25%3Bord%3D604904427565775100%3Frand%3D%25rand%25&flv=http%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Ewdtn%2Ecom%2Ffeeds%2FoutboundFeed%3FobfType%3DVIDEO%5FPLAYER%5FSMIL%5FFEED%26componentId%3D21564202&img=http%3A%2F%2Fmedia2%2Ewdtn%2Ecom%2F%2Fphoto%2F2010%2F06%2F28%2FRiverscape%5Funveiled11de64bf%2D7c91%2D42fe%2Db31e%2D410b3f5295020000%5F20100628174539%5F640%5F480%2EJPG&story=http%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Ewdtn%2Ecom%2Fdpp%2Fnews%2Flocal%2Fdayton%2FRiverscape%2Dpavilion%2Dunveiled" name="FlashVars"/><param value="all" name="allowNetworking"/><param value="always" name="allowScriptAccess"/></object><br />
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I was instructed to dress Violet as a fairy, so that she would be recognized from the Parkways cover. I was under the impression that I would be taking photos of my darling celebrity, but the PR department had other plans for me. I was charged with wielding the big scissors. As it was explained to me, my job was to make the actual cut on the ribbon, because the kids were given safety scissors. Ha! Those ginormous scissors were as blunt as a pair of old butter knives. One of the boys who shared the stage with us managed to cut the ribbon, through the sheer force of his will. I swear it was made of kevlar.<br />
<br />
It was a lot of fun, being famous for a time, but I'm happy we can return to our life of anonymity. It would be really stressful for me to make myself look presentable all the time. <br />
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<br />
What were you wearing this week?<br />
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<a href="http://www.zazzle.com/kellycrabtreephotog?rf=238983688038111634">Kelly Crabtree Photography</a>
</div></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07378421551422918709noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9052104012575094333.post-77227041923588628062010-06-23T10:09:00.001-04:002010-06-23T10:11:36.617-04:00Wardrobe WednesdayThis is Violet's costuming vision for her 5th birthday party. Polka dot backdrop optional. She is full of ideas lately.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1187/4726892435_3a6f287df8_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1187/4726892435_3a6f287df8_b.jpg" width="428" /></a></div><br />
<br />
Some random quotes from my dotty little girl:<br />
<br />
"Mary! You are not a ghost. Look in the mirror." Mary is a white, stuffed dog.<br />
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"Boobies are funny." Said from the toilet, as she watched me get in the shower.<br />
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"Ouch! Mama, you need to clean this room. I stepped on this thing and it hurt." She said this after totally rejecting the verity of my own injury in her messy room. <br />
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"Mary stayed awake all night! She is teaching all the other animals to stay up all night!"<br />
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"Mama!! I slept in my clothes. I looked down this morning and I was like, OH My God! I never put pajamas on."<br />
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"That toothpaste is too spicy." We ran out of her mild, mint kid paste and she had to use the grown up stuff.<br />
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"Actually...Mary hates all animals...but only zoo animals." The word <i>actually</i> is a favorite of Violet's.<br />
<br />
What have your kids been saying lately?<br />
<br />
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<a href="http://www.zazzle.com/kellycrabtreephotog?rf=238983688038111634">Kelly Crabtree Photography</a>
</div></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07378421551422918709noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9052104012575094333.post-53441412806135393292010-06-21T13:39:00.000-04:002010-06-21T13:39:13.985-04:00My Baby Niece is 15 and if You Do the Math that Means I Am Old<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>My little sister got a jump on things about 15 years ago and gave birth to my lovely niece Breanna. Sure, people worry when 16 year olds have babies, but I'd say my sister is having the last laugh on that. By the time my sister is 40, she will have finished raising her kids AND she will hold several college diplomas. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNw2HVsZbzGnIjauE0cWohO3mPYeJtVrYOEaY-U0FOzsJRtty3eAwnn6Q7kS8u2sYcUzTTdGR79QiZjXPIviz_m6zMFV0xiNTzAFx2SLXaWR8LYhVJCwfvLaCRlaAV1qACOy8WCvfvVdAD/s1600/Crabtree+2008-07-17.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNw2HVsZbzGnIjauE0cWohO3mPYeJtVrYOEaY-U0FOzsJRtty3eAwnn6Q7kS8u2sYcUzTTdGR79QiZjXPIviz_m6zMFV0xiNTzAFx2SLXaWR8LYhVJCwfvLaCRlaAV1qACOy8WCvfvVdAD/s1600/Crabtree+2008-07-17.jpg" width="425" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
My niece and nephew are coming to visit next month and I will surely take lots of WAY more impressive photos than this, but for now this must suffice.<br />
<br />
Apparently, the folks at I Heart Faces are unaware of my summer schedule and decided to put on a teen challenge THIS week. I would fare much better if the challenge were held the last week of July, but whatever. I'm not bitter.<br />
<br />
<br />
<center><a href="http://www.iheartfaces.com/"><img src="http://new.iheartfaces.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/I_Heart_Faces_noborder_125x100.jpg" /></a></center><div class="blogger-post-footer"><div style="margin: 20px 40px;">
<a href="http://www.zazzle.com/kellycrabtreephotog?rf=238983688038111634">Kelly Crabtree Photography</a>
</div></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07378421551422918709noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9052104012575094333.post-64973790814360418232010-06-19T15:48:00.000-04:002010-06-19T15:48:18.728-04:00Toy Story 3: Al FrescoLiving in Ohio has a few perks. We get to "enjoy" four seasons of weather and, strange as it may seem, our state is tied for the most working <a href="http://www.drive-ins.com/stats.htm/year=2001">drive-in movie</a> theaters in the country. Ohioans enjoy bringing their own snacks and citronella candles to the cinema. The Heathen Family is no exception.<br />
<br />
Last night, in the shadow of the runway at Wright-Patterson Air Force base, we saw Toy Story 3. I mention the runway because at one point during the movie a cargo plane took off and I missed a bit of dialogue. No matter. It's all part of the drive-in experience. Also, gale force wind and rain, but I'm getting ahead of myself.<br />
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When last we left our intrepid toys, they were choosing to embrace love and life with a child, over a sterile eternity under museum glass. In Toy Story 3, Woody and the gang face the inevitable consequences of their decision. Andy is all grown-up and leaving for college. No more playtime.<br />
<br />
I laughed, I cried....I packed up all of my stuff in the middle of the movie because the wind started to blow really hard and the rain threatened to soak us... I <strike>would</strike> will see it again and again.<br />
<br />
Actually, the rain abated and we watched the rest of the movie inside the car. The drops on the windshield made for a less than hi-def experience, but at that point it didn't matter much. Woody was in trouble, serious trouble. All we cared about was making sure he was okay. Violet was vibrating with agitation. She experiences new movies with her whole being.<br />
<br />
Do you remember the scene in Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves where Robin is trying to rescue the Sherwood Forest gang from a hanging? Maid Marion suddenly lets out with a blood curdling "ROBIN!!!!!" It's the best, most visceral scream I've ever heard in a movie that didn't involve sleep away camp. Anywho, that is what Violet sounded like as she screamed, "WOODY!!!!" during the most terrifying scene in the movie.<br />
<br />
Here's the ONLY clip I could find containing said scream from Robin Hood. It happens at the 55 second mark, if you want to fast forward past Kevin Costner looking worried and shooting arrows. I'll totally judge you for skipping the deliciousness that is early 90s cinema, but whatever. Just imagine Violet's rumpled little head in place of Mary Elizabeth Mastran-whatsherface and you'll have a close approximation of last night's wail from the back seat. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<object height="505" width="640"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/MNPLFdQr81o&hl=en_US&fs=1&rel=0"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/MNPLFdQr81o&hl=en_US&fs=1&rel=0" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="640" height="505"></embed></object><br />
<br />
So yeah, go see TS3 and then stick your hand in the $5 bin at Wal-Mart and pull out a copy of Robin Hood, because that kind of nostalgia is intoxicating. Don't believe me? Visit this <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZGoWtY_h4xo&feature=related">link</a>* and prepare to be transported back to the land of mullets and the first Gulf War.<br />
<br />
*This is totally a Bryan Adams video and I would have embedded it, you know for your convenience and all, but some Canadian has let fame go to his head and won't allow me to do that.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><div style="margin: 20px 40px;">
<a href="http://www.zazzle.com/kellycrabtreephotog?rf=238983688038111634">Kelly Crabtree Photography</a>
</div></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07378421551422918709noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9052104012575094333.post-87132685079818029782010-06-16T00:00:00.001-04:002010-06-16T00:00:04.224-04:00Wardrobe WednesdayOn Saturday morning, Violet was double booked for birthday parties. Thankfully, the black cloud of rain that has been following us all spring was there to solve our dilemma. One birthday was rescheduled later in the afternoon, so we didn't have to reveal which kid we love more. Whew!<br />
<br />
It was a long day of partying for my girl and by evening she looked like a rave kid who had been sampling the ecstasy.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4057/4704888042_9fd4655ca2_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4057/4704888042_9fd4655ca2_b.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><br />
I think she's talking to her cake dealer. She was totally jonesing for another icing fix.<br />
<br />
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<a href="http://www.zazzle.com/kellycrabtreephotog?rf=238983688038111634">Kelly Crabtree Photography</a>
</div></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07378421551422918709noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9052104012575094333.post-9319828223164514912010-06-14T15:03:00.000-04:002010-06-14T15:03:40.372-04:00Baby MineI was at a birthday party this weekend and caught a little infection from my friend's baby. Baby Fever, to be exact. It is highly contagious, especially for people who have mouthy, independent, soon-to-be school aged kids. I Heart Faces is also running a baby theme this week, so I found myself wistfully flipping through the archives of The Heathen Family iPhoto albums. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4070/4700844268_032f2cc1ea_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4070/4700844268_032f2cc1ea_b.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br />
I would have posted a photo of the infectious newborn in question, but I was too busy trying not to weep in public to think about training my camera on his little face. <br />
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Go check out the rest of the baby photos, but don't blame me if your uterus starts quivering. <br />
<br />
<br />
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<a href="http://www.zazzle.com/kellycrabtreephotog?rf=238983688038111634">Kelly Crabtree Photography</a>
</div></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07378421551422918709noreply@blogger.com16