tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-79019142024-03-13T13:41:16.946-04:00Life & Times of Tassi & BrandonBrandon Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18175673883100081509noreply@blogger.comBlogger306125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7901914.post-81042766718181288262015-01-27T17:45:00.000-05:002015-01-27T17:45:34.961-05:00Healthy Food=Gross??????I have found it seems the common belief for a lot of people is that healthy only equals salads and soggy steamed veggies. I can see why it's so hard to keep eating healthy if that is your only idea of what is healthy. After awhile those things do become gross or tiresome. I've decided I'll share a few recipes that I consider healthy and are far from gross. This is by request from one of my sisters. I hope others can use the recipes. I know I know you just know you hate the veggies I am using. I think you should just give some of these recipes a try. You might just end up surprising yourself. Here is my first recipe.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Roasted Mayo Sweet Potato And Spinach</span><br />
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I peeled the sweet potato skin completely off. I then sliced part way down along the width. I then put about a tablespoon of this yummy chipotle mayo I get at our local farmers market. You can use any of your favorite mayos. Plain would also work with some good seasonings. I then placed in a cold oven. I started heating up the oven at 385 degrees. It took around 30-40 minutes. I placed about two cups of spinach on top for the last 5-10 minutes. Check for softness.<br />
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Since I did not end up having eggs in the morning I made a fried egg and served the potato with about another tablespoon of mayo. It was delicious and I was more than filled up. Enjoy!</div>
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Tassi Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10047018067108046874noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7901914.post-19132514522305930452014-09-29T19:59:00.001-04:002014-09-29T19:59:12.794-04:00Summer FunSummer of 2014 was filled with some fun little trips. We were able to take our kids on a trip to the Virginia Creeper trail. It is a couple hour bike ride down a mountain. We were not sure how our kids would handle this challenge. Brooklyn rode on her own and the other two were either in a wagon or tag a long bike. About an hour into the ride the heavens opened. The rain poured down on us as we attempted to keep moving. Camden and Dallin were covered in mud from head to toe. They were splattered with mud from the bigger bikes in front of them. After we cleaned ourselves up Brooklyn stated that was the hardest thing she has ever done. She did it with a strength I have never seen in her. We were able to talk about how when we trust in the Lord we can do all things even those that are really difficult.<br />
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Our next little trip was out to the North Carolina coast. We stayed at Atlantic Beach. It was beautiful and a lot of fun. We have had many stressful times at the beach due to a lot of over stimulation from the sounds and textures of the beach. However this year was different. Each kid was jumping in the water and taking in every aspect of the beach. It was exciting and scary at the same time. We kept floaties on Dallin and made sure there was always an adult nearby the other two when they were in the water. </div>
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The rest of the summer was spent playing at our house and hanging out with friends.</div>
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I love North Carolina. I love that I get to raise my family in an incredible place. We have been blessed.</div>
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Tassi Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10047018067108046874noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7901914.post-37621380889521465162014-04-23T10:02:00.002-04:002014-04-23T10:02:27.041-04:00Gooey Caramel and Chocolate Chip Oatmeal BarsThese bars are so yummy and addicting. The good news you only need a little to satisfy that sweet tooth. The bad news is they are difficult to stop at just one.<br />
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Not my photo. I don't know the source.</div>
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<br />Tassi Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10047018067108046874noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7901914.post-69519412942181854872014-03-31T21:36:00.001-04:002014-03-31T21:36:23.908-04:00I Don't Care!The last few years have felt like a long journey of ups and downs. I think I focused more on the downs than the ups. We all have our struggles that are personal to us. I really do not like feeling that despair while in the downs. I know others struggle with much more than I will ever come close to. I think I narrowed down some of the reasons why those downs were so hard to get out of. I cared too much what others thought of me. I cared too much about the things I felt like my family or me were missing out on. I felt annoyed by others that seemed to be successful in all parts of life. <div>
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Here is the great thing I have learned from these downs and climbing back to the ups just to fall back down. It gave me the opportunity to really focus on what is most important. My kids, Brandon, my faith, and me. It allowed me really to not have the time to care about my shallow thoughts. I feel I am at a point where I don't care. I am not being insensitive when I say that. But really I don't care. I don't care that a friend is taking her third trip to Disneyland in the same year with her kids that seem perfectly behaved. I don't care that a friend has her kids perfectly dressed and sitting perfectly at church. I don't care that my kids are throwing a huge tantrum in the middle of a store. Well maybe I do still care a little about that. But I don't care what others are thinking. I care more about how it is making my child feel. I don't care that a friend takes her daughter for a mommy daughter mani/pedi. I don't care that a friend's hubby surprised her with an amazing gift. </div>
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I really truly do not care. The best part about not caring is that I truly am happy for what my friends are experiencing. I no longer feel bothered annoyed and less than. I am happy that they are excited to share their kids and families happy experiences. I feel sad when they feel sad. I feel frustration when they feel frustrated. I have more time to care about the things that really matter in my life and my friends life and less time to care about the shallow things. This may not make any sense to anyone reading this but it does to me. I feel stronger than I have in a long time. I guess I am probably gearing up for something else to hit us and I hope this not caring can help push me through the downs. </div>
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Tassi Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10047018067108046874noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7901914.post-83317428974869983332013-09-06T22:37:00.002-04:002013-09-06T22:45:08.241-04:00It's Not MeI think I am becoming a very negative person when it comes to parts of my life and toward other people. In the last few years with the booming social network and blog world we are all exposed to parental bragging and people who feel they have the right to judge other parents that obviously have not taught their kids the appropriate social behaviors. I am proud of my kids. I think they can be pretty great and I think its cool that other parents are proud of their kids.<br />
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Lately though I have become more sensitive to the nature of some of these post and comments. Parents are posting about their frustration with schooling for their very loved and nurtured star students. Claiming it is hard to have their kids learning what they need to because they are in a classroom with students who were not taught, loved, and nurtured well by their parents. The teacher has to spend all her time teaching down to these poor unloved kids. I also read today of a mom frustrated with a bully at her son's school. She mentioned many times how much she has taught her son to be a good person and its a shame these parents have not done the same for their son.<br />
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I have become increasingly frustrated by these different post because most of the time the parent is patting themselves on the back and claiming they have done more for their kids than the other uninvolved parents. There is a story to every family that most people are not aware of. I am learning through my own experiences as a mother not to judge too quickly. I have no idea what these families are going through just as they don't know what we are dealing with. I am far from perfect.<br />
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I was so naive as a new parent. I thought I was going to be an all-star parent. During my last semester I was practically a full time PE teacher. I was able to control my PE classes with positive praise and proper discipline. I thought my kids and I are going to have the best time with these new skills I had gained. I looked at other families pre kids and thought I will never have kids that behave like that. HA! I hang my head in shame now for those thoughts even being allowed to creep in my mind. The truth is I had no clue what I was up against.<br />
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Here is a commercial I thought about from the 80's that got me thinking. This is when Brandon sings "A dangerous past time." I know".<br />
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I get it. The dad smokes pot so the kid smokes pot too. This is what I have been confused with lately. I use to congratulate myself on how well my babies would sleep. I thought somehow it was because of my example and teaching. I've sadly come to the conclusion that I was just blessed with good sleepers and it had nothing to do with my flawless bedtime regiment. </div>
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I have kids, who will remain nameless, who have completely thrown off everything I thought parenting would be like. I am tired of getting looks and comments from people when my kids are not displaying appropriate behavior. Which is often. Obviously me being their mother I have not taken the time to nurture, love, discipline, and teach them appropriate behavior. Who else is there to blame. I know some looks are just my over sensitivity but we have all seen the look I'm talking about. </div>
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I have one child who performs well below age level in school. I've worked so hard to help this child reach the level they should be at in school. Countless hours of therapies, extra learning activities to keep attention, positive praise, and so called proper discipline. If the idea of the nurturing, teaching, and love is what will help my child succeed than this child should be off the top of the charts. </div>
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That is no where near our story. I don't remember teaching my children to swing or spit at bystanders that look at them strangely or even just offer to help. A chair or a trash can on different occasions has also been used to push over or throw when letting out their frustration. They have also bitten, hit, and pinched kids they feel have wronged them somehow. I have done something completely wrong in the minds of these so called parents who have nurtured, loved, and taught their kids proper behaviors. I also had a psychologist who we were paying too much for her advice try to tell me the tools she is giving me will work like a charm because they worked for her and her kids. </div>
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I am not writing this to fish for the "Your a great Mom!" comments. I know I am a good mom most of the time. I don't think I am a bad mom. I love my kids. I get excited for family and friends kids when they achieve something great. I am trying to be more sensitive towards those people who seem to be struggling. I try to avoid the judgmental thoughts. I'm realizing most people around me are just trying to do the best that they know how. I am hoping others can do the same for me and my family.</div>
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I saw this video while Camden was in the hospital. It showed people walking around a hospital with their current struggles or successes floating above their heads so others could see. I think people would be nicer if we all had messages on us declaring our current struggles at the moment.</div>
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Tassi Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10047018067108046874noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7901914.post-79685615396299456732013-02-04T05:00:00.000-05:002013-02-04T05:00:01.484-05:00Closet DoorsI've been on a kick lately. I have been removing a few closet doors in our house. After the third closet door was removed Brooklyn came home asking what closet was next. Here are just a few photos.<br />
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The first two closets are in the kids room. The closet doors were the tri fold doors. I hate them. We have a few broken throughout the house. I think in their room I will add curtains in the doorway. </div>
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The third closet is our coat closet next to the front door. I want to find baskets to cover blankets and diapering stuff. Hopefully the diapering stuff will be gone soon. I think a really fun color could be fun inside the closet. </div>
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My next plan is to add a shoe cabinet right under Brooklyn's art work. I think I might start taking off all doors. That way our house can be considered an open floor plan. </div>
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Tassi Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10047018067108046874noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7901914.post-24585886831352846912013-02-01T10:18:00.001-05:002013-02-01T10:22:44.811-05:00Camden is 6!!!!!!!I can't believe she is 6. She has definitely taught me a lot since she was a baby. This is from her <a href="http://brandonandtassi.blogspot.com/2008/02/brithday-party.html" target="_blank">one year birthday party</a>. This year we are going to take her to build a bear with a friend and Brooklyn. She is a happy, energetic, and determined girl. She loves Kindergarten and her teachers.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/tassiphotography/8242367185/" title="Fall 2012 1 by sugartassi, on Flickr"><img alt="Fall 2012 1" height="640" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8485/8242367185_e08db5e057_z.jpg" width="425" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/tassiphotography/8243435270/" title="Fall 2012 2 by sugartassi, on Flickr"><img alt="Fall 2012 2" height="640" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8477/8243435270_67c564a4b6_z.jpg" width="425" /></a></div>
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Camden loves music and dancing most of all. Her favorite song right now is "Some Nights" by Fun. She is still trying to figure out the reading thing but wants nothing to do with learning sight words and small books. She wants to read what Brooklyn is reading. She creates her own stories as she is looking through the many pages of words. She is very close to independently riding her bike without training wheels. I am so proud everything she has accomplished so far. Happy Birthday Camden!</div>
Tassi Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10047018067108046874noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7901914.post-92092045534982684512013-01-04T13:39:00.000-05:002013-01-04T13:39:11.918-05:00Home Beautifying ProjectI am constantly trying to think of ways I can improve our house without spending a lot of money. My need to be inexpensive causes me to delay the improvement in some rooms. Its so easy to start coming up with simple ideas that explode into huge ideas that are far from being practical. However with the reupholstery of our sectional complete I think I have come to a semi complete family room design. I say semi because I don't think I will ever be complete. I seem to move things in and out of rooms when necessary. Here are some photos.<br />
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I think I am leaning towards doing my wingback chair in a yellow velvet over the stripes. I like the pop of color the yellow offers. The rug from West Elm will have to wait for now. </div>
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Tassi Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10047018067108046874noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7901914.post-60846984454900010032012-11-19T13:34:00.000-05:002012-11-19T13:34:03.101-05:00VisitorsWe had visitors. We love having family come for visits. We have been very fortunate to have family come out off and on since August. We recently had Tara (my sister), Kensington (Tara's daughter), and my mom. A week later my sister Tobi and her Husband showed up in NC. They were celebrating their anniversary and were nice enough to join us for a night.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/tassiphotography/8152274354/" title="halloween 11 by sugartassi, on Flickr"><img alt="halloween 11" height="425" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8199/8152274354_9ba67f4977_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/tassiphotography/8152277928/" title="halloween 5 by sugartassi, on Flickr"><img alt="halloween 5" height="640" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8204/8152277928_8c98a3aa71_z.jpg" width="425" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/tassiphotography/8152278624/" title="halloween 4 by sugartassi, on Flickr"><img alt="halloween 4" height="425" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7271/8152278624_20751cc81e_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/tassiphotography/8152246587/" title="halloween 13 by sugartassi, on Flickr"><img alt="halloween 13" height="640" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8063/8152246587_a37d54c759_z.jpg" width="425" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/tassiphotography/8152250797/" title="halloween 7 by sugartassi, on Flickr"><img alt="halloween 7" height="640" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7253/8152250797_dbb66968ef_z.jpg" width="425" /></a></div>
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The girls had so much fun in their princess costumes. Dallin however did not want to dress up in his simple Jedi costume I made him. Oh well.</div>
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Tobi and Ron with the girls. Not sure where Dallin is again. </div>
Tassi Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10047018067108046874noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7901914.post-22159094758162119482012-11-16T06:00:00.000-05:002012-11-16T06:00:15.150-05:00When Did This Happen?He has survived to the ripe old age of three. I can't believe it. He is no longer a baby. I love this kid so much it hurts sometimes. Literally. Having a boy has been a huge adjustment for me. He is always surprising us with new things he is learning.<br />
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Things he currently likes:<br />
Chocolate Milk<br />
Hot Chocolate<br />
Bananas<br />
Trains<br />
Train Tracks<br />
Anything to do with Trains<br />
Throwing anything<br />
Going on walks<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/tassiphotography/8189891606/" title="Dallin 5 by sugartassi, on Flickr"><img alt="Dallin 5" height="425" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8486/8189891606_5d0cdf0925_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/tassiphotography/8188812393/" title="Dallin 4 by sugartassi, on Flickr"><img alt="Dallin 4" height="425" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8063/8188812393_427ea99dee_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/tassiphotography/8188812837/" title="Dallin 3 by sugartassi, on Flickr"><img alt="Dallin 3" height="425" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8208/8188812837_379b3cb507_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/tassiphotography/8189892804/" title="Dallin 2 by sugartassi, on Flickr"><img alt="Dallin 2" height="425" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8350/8189892804_255fd0d727_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/tassiphotography/8188813539/" title="Dallin 1 by sugartassi, on Flickr"><img alt="Dallin 1" height="425" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8478/8188813539_4db447cfbe_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/tassiphotography/8189898842/" title="Dallin 4 by sugartassi, on Flickr"><img alt="Dallin 4" height="425" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8342/8189898842_6374253562_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/tassiphotography/8188820021/" title="Dallin 2 by sugartassi, on Flickr"><img alt="Dallin 2" height="640" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8064/8188820021_88c4a5ddfd_z.jpg" width="425" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/tassiphotography/8188820495/" title="Dallin 1 by sugartassi, on Flickr"><img alt="Dallin 1" height="640" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8208/8188820495_b16f909ab1_z.jpg" width="425" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/tassiphotography/8189899210/" title="Dallin 3 by sugartassi, on Flickr"><img alt="Dallin 3" height="425" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8484/8189899210_8e40f427dd_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<br />Tassi Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10047018067108046874noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7901914.post-56448268964239069302012-11-15T10:19:00.002-05:002012-11-19T13:06:03.064-05:00PhotographyPhotography. I love it! I have loved it ever since I started posing my stuffed animals, cabbage patch dolls, and barbies. I now do it with people. I love to capture people as naturally as possible in an unnatural situation. Most people don't show up to parks in coordinated clothing and walk along a path with all hands being held.<br />
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I just did a photo shoot this past weekend in a very popular photo shoot location. The intimidation factor always goes up when many of the photographers show up with all their gear. Many different lenses, reflectors, and many props.<br />
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I have decided the more photo shoots I do the less I need. However a girl can always dream about different photo gear.</div>
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I have also found I need photo shop less. The better I have gotten with my settings the less I am trying to make the photo look better with photo shop. I have come to the conclusion that photo shop can't fix poor in camera settings it can only enhance good in camera settings. I do love photo shop for a good head swap. Here is a good example from a photo shoot this past weekend.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CYQVF6lJgWo/UKUFDCak_xI/AAAAAAAABvI/M2XWHOS54C4/s1600/Syrett+Raw+Image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CYQVF6lJgWo/UKUFDCak_xI/AAAAAAAABvI/M2XWHOS54C4/s320/Syrett+Raw+Image.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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This is the straight out of camera version. Its fine as is. However it was a very dark gloomy day. I wanted to add some warmth in the photo and pump up the colors. Be careful with pumping some colors up because they can turn to neon. Yikes.</div>
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Here are some great photographers I like looking at. They are mainly wedding photographers which I am not nor will I ever be. I love their images. <a href="http://www.julia-wade.com/blog/" target="_blank">Julia Wade</a> and <a href="http://sloanphotographers.info/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Sloan photographers</span></a>.</div>
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Here is my website. <a href="http://tassismithphotography.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Tassi Photography</span></a></div>
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Tassi Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10047018067108046874noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7901914.post-71560555507647620582012-10-23T06:00:00.000-04:002012-10-23T06:00:08.948-04:00AZ Photo Shoots<br />
When Tatum texted to say that her water broke I decided I needed to find a way to get to Mesa. I sent out an email to family members without Tatum knowing that I wanted to come but was wondering if anyone needed photos to help pay my airfare. The last thing I had to do was convince Brandon it was a good idea. He was very willing to take on the extra responsibility as long as I made arrangements for the kids while I was gone. I decided to keep it secret from Tatum with everyone else knowing I was coming. I think Tatum was getting annoyed by everyone trying to convince her she did not need newborn photos done in the first week. I got in later Tuesday night. Chase had told us to come by their place to surprise Tatum. I knocked on the door close to 11:00PM. I definitely surprised her. It was a great quick trip. I wish I could have spent more time with different people. Here are some photos from the different photo shoots.<div>
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Tatum, Chase, Baby Sydney</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/tassiphotography/8051410286/" title="CTS 98 by sugartassi, on Flickr"><img alt="CTS 98" height="425" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8181/8051410286_4e25511d4e_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/tassiphotography/8051410894/" title="CTS 97 by sugartassi, on Flickr"><img alt="CTS 97" height="640" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8457/8051410894_93b8ff919d_z.jpg" width="425" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/tassiphotography/8051416275/" title="CTS 72 by sugartassi, on Flickr"><img alt="CTS 72" height="425" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8457/8051416275_d49d40c23c_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/tassiphotography/8051438140/" title="CTS 34 by sugartassi, on Flickr"><img alt="CTS 34" height="425" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8174/8051438140_215112753b_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Tara, Matt, Kensington</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/tassiphotography/8055319662/" title="TMK 2 (1) by sugartassi, on Flickr"><img alt="TMK 2 (1)" height="640" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8454/8055319662_cdf076db34_z.jpg" width="425" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/tassiphotography/8055309646/" title="TMK 53 by sugartassi, on Flickr"><img alt="TMK 53" height="640" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8169/8055309646_95efc9a1c1_z.jpg" width="425" /></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/tassiphotography/8055334434/" title="TMK 8 by sugartassi, on Flickr"><img alt="TMK 8" height="640" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8039/8055334434_7a32c51a7a_z.jpg" width="425" /></a></div>
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Tait, Bethany, Macy, Collin, Emily, Evan</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/tassiphotography/8057378968/" title="TBMCEE 13 by sugartassi, on Flickr"><img alt="TBMCEE 13" height="427" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8038/8057378968_6af7f5d7cf_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/tassiphotography/8057364627/" title="TBMCEE 31 by sugartassi, on Flickr"><img alt="TBMCEE 31" height="640" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8180/8057364627_027b6b602d_z.jpg" width="425" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/tassiphotography/8057357975/" title="TBMCEE 41 by sugartassi, on Flickr"><img alt="TBMCEE 41" height="425" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8456/8057357975_d3a3e68768_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Crystal, Kett, Abby, Spencer, Owen</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/tassiphotography/8058369568/" title="KCASO 65 by sugartassi, on Flickr"><img alt="KCASO 65" height="427" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8031/8058369568_a9bcccd207_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/tassiphotography/8058372342/" title="KCASO 59 by sugartassi, on Flickr"><img alt="KCASO 59" height="425" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8171/8058372342_237ccd8144_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/tassiphotography/8058377542/" title="KCASO 45 by sugartassi, on Flickr"><img alt="KCASO 45" height="427" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8032/8058377542_22f40d20c7_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I will share more on my photography blog in the next few days. </div>
Tassi Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10047018067108046874noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7901914.post-47044722178928741222012-10-22T06:00:00.000-04:002012-10-22T06:00:04.315-04:00I've Been BusyI have been busy. Almost a month ago I was able to visit my family in Mesa right after my sister Tatum had her first baby. I had four photo shoots while in Mesa to help pay for my airfare. I then came home to my kids first track out from school. I like this year round schedule. Lots of walks, park time, YMCA, and jumping. One photo shoot before Brandon and I left town. Brandon and I cruised for 5 days. Thanks to my mom for being willing to watch our kids. We then came back to our kids last week of track out which I then got sick for the first few days of the week. I have so many photos to share of the last few weeks.<br />
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Took the girls bowling first week of track out.</div>
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Pretty AZ desert</div>
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The first day of our cruise.</div>
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We bought dresses in Mexico for the girls.</div>
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Lots of relaxing.</div>
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Lots of reading.</div>
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Brooklyn's volleyball season ended.</div>
Tassi Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10047018067108046874noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7901914.post-10417289902411508392012-09-25T09:00:00.000-04:002012-09-25T11:14:49.848-04:00Auction Photo ShootLast year Camden was attending a Baptist preschool. Every year they have a silent auction during Thanksgiving time. I decided to auction two photo shoots. Little did I know what I was getting into. It was a very complicated process just getting a hold of the families who won. Once we were in contact, finding a date and time that worked for both families was even more challenging. The first family I had their shoot in May and just completed the second photo shoot in September. I'm glad we were able to make it work. Both photo shoots were a lot of fun.<br />
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D Family<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/tassiphotography/8009089588/" title="D Family 115 by sugartassi, on Flickr"><img alt="D Family 115" height="425" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8033/8009089588_10b69fca3d_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/tassiphotography/8009083985/" title="D Family 149 by sugartassi, on Flickr"><img alt="D Family 149" height="425" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8175/8009083985_afb1431190_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Mr. L</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/tassiphotography/7974841294/" title="LB 1 by sugartassi, on Flickr"><img alt="LB 1" height="425" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8298/7974841294_1809ab1cb4_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/tassiphotography/7974838709/" title="LB 3 by sugartassi, on Flickr"><img alt="LB 3" height="640" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8033/7974838709_9e9db8eb7c_z.jpg" width="425" /></a></div>
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Check out more photos of the <a href="http://tassismithphotography.blogspot.com/2012/09/d-family.html">D Family</a> and <a href="http://tassismithphotography.blogspot.com/2012/09/mr-l.html">Mr. L</a> on my photography blog.</div>
Tassi Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10047018067108046874noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7901914.post-44964296581985260362012-09-24T11:00:00.000-04:002012-09-24T11:00:08.423-04:00My D BoyThere is so much to say about this kid. He keeps our life interesting. He is so loving and happy. There is another side of him we have been trying to figure out the past year. It has been a challenge for me. I keep being told that he is just a boy and that's what they do. I don't usually like that reply because it does not answer anything for me. I enjoy my alone time with him while the girls are at school. He is a much more relaxed child. Here are a few photos he allowed me to take.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/tassiphotography/8016328384/" title="Dallin 14 by sugartassi, on Flickr"><img alt="Dallin 14" height="640" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8033/8016328384_b67a8ef2e2_z.jpg" width="425" /></a></div>
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He loves books.</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/tassiphotography/8016329172/" title="Dallin 13 by sugartassi, on Flickr"><img alt="Dallin 13" height="640" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8450/8016329172_dab2c1c025_z.jpg" width="425" /></a></div>
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He is also very curious. He will touch everything especially the things I ask him not to.</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/tassiphotography/8016329950/" title="Dallin 12 by sugartassi, on Flickr"><img alt="Dallin 12" height="425" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8179/8016329950_581805c34c_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/tassiphotography/8016330750/" title="Dallin 11 by sugartassi, on Flickr"><img alt="Dallin 11" height="425" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8041/8016330750_dfb09a72e2_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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No I did not pose him. I was able to grab this photo as he was rolling over. He is quick.</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/tassiphotography/8016331704/" title="Dallin 10 by sugartassi, on Flickr"><img alt="Dallin 10" height="640" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8321/8016331704_ded7c1a97b_z.jpg" width="425" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/tassiphotography/8016332530/" title="Dallin 9 by sugartassi, on Flickr"><img alt="Dallin 9" height="425" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8319/8016332530_18e03d28ea_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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He thinks it is fun to fall down.</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/tassiphotography/8016333204/" title="Dallin 8 by sugartassi, on Flickr"><img alt="Dallin 8" height="425" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8173/8016333204_0a270d4ba8_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/tassiphotography/8016331915/" title="Dallin 7 by sugartassi, on Flickr"><img alt="Dallin 7" height="640" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8041/8016331915_eb5b33a405_z.jpg" width="425" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/tassiphotography/8016334756/" title="Dallin 6 by sugartassi, on Flickr"><img alt="Dallin 6" height="640" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8171/8016334756_2f7aaff1b9_z.jpg" width="425" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/tassiphotography/8016335334/" title="Dallin 5 by sugartassi, on Flickr"><img alt="Dallin 5" height="425" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8307/8016335334_e822e40fd5_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/tassiphotography/8016333881/" title="Dallin 4 by sugartassi, on Flickr"><img alt="Dallin 4" height="425" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8035/8016333881_cd647507b2_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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TEEEETTTHHHHH!!!</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/tassiphotography/8016334599/" title="Dallin 3 by sugartassi, on Flickr"><img alt="Dallin 3" height="425" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8454/8016334599_a49418b0be_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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HEEEAADDDD!!!!</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/tassiphotography/8016337732/" title="Dallin 2 by sugartassi, on Flickr"><img alt="Dallin 2" height="640" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8039/8016337732_227c8802b6_z.jpg" width="425" /></a></div>
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He thinks he jumps so high.</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/tassiphotography/8016336365/" title="Dallin 1 by sugartassi, on Flickr"><img alt="Dallin 1" height="425" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8308/8016336365_4bc2521646_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
Tassi Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10047018067108046874noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7901914.post-24545825754029336192012-09-21T10:03:00.001-04:002012-09-21T10:03:09.991-04:00How Do Other Mom's Work?There is always a time during a month that I hit a wall and I feel like I am barely above water. I don't understand how other mom's make it work. Between my three kids I can't seem to keep up with all their needs. There are many mom's that have more kids, do more than me, and have more challenges. I have both Camden and Dallin needing occupational therapy and speech therapy. I keep them going because I do feel that it is helping them a lot. However it is challenging to make those appointments weekly. I felt Brooklyn needed something other than attending her siblings therapies weekly. I signed her up for a Fall Volleyball league. I volunteered to be the assistant coach. I did it for the love of my daughter and the sport. Is there ever going to be end to all this running around? I know people will say enjoy it while its here. I think it is pretty hard to feel joy when most of the time I feel like a chicken running around with its head cut off. I think I might make one of these<a href="http://littlegreennotebook.blogspot.com/2012/09/diy-whiteboard-calendar.html"> calendars</a>. I have my electronic calendar that works some of the time. I think the act of erasing daily task might motivate me more. Here's to hoping I have a productive day.Tassi Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10047018067108046874noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7901914.post-82059718375264788082012-09-19T05:00:00.000-04:002012-09-19T05:00:00.990-04:00Fun With DadFun with dad does not always happen as often as my kids would like. However when it happens the kids love it even if for ten minute time slots. I am thankful for a husband that does his best to give his time to us.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/tassiphotography/7994332729/" title="Trampoline 2 (1) by sugartassi, on Flickr"><img alt="Trampoline 2 (1)" height="425" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8461/7994332729_362d450df6_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/tassiphotography/7994333589/" title="Trampoline 1 (1) by sugartassi, on Flickr"><img alt="Trampoline 1 (1)" height="425" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8308/7994333589_e0a13f930c_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/tassiphotography/7994287348/" title="Trampoline 2 by sugartassi, on Flickr"><img alt="Trampoline 2" height="425" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8309/7994287348_970ba188f6_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/tassiphotography/7994284876/" title="Trampoline 4 by sugartassi, on Flickr"><img alt="Trampoline 4" height="425" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8450/7994284876_d325426755_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/tassiphotography/7994283818/" title="Trampoline 5 by sugartassi, on Flickr"><img alt="Trampoline 5" height="640" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8317/7994283818_544ba452ba_z.jpg" width="425" /></a></div>
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I think the smiles say so much. </div>
<br />Tassi Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10047018067108046874noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7901914.post-58129658558500224692012-09-18T05:00:00.000-04:002012-09-18T05:00:04.781-04:00Cary Scavenger HuntOur family had the opportunity to participate in the Cary Scavenger Hunt this past weekend. We more often avoid activities of this nature. We have fabulous kids with real struggles with spontaneity and transitions. We would have no tears if we could have the clues before hand and map out a plan of action. With this being a real competition for many others the clues before hand is not an option. We definitely were off to a rocky start. With not knowing where we were going and the in out of cars was not fun for a few of the kids. We were very close to calling it quits. After a few times of extreme tantrums we decided to take it very slow and take in all the cool things Cary has to offer. I love the history that is right around us.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/tassiphotography/7994164226/" title="Cary Scavenger Hunt 14 by sugartassi, on Flickr"><img alt="Cary Scavenger Hunt 14" height="425" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8041/7994164226_4ffc1d07f4_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Local pharmacy in downtown Cary. They have a soda fountain and yummy hot dogs. </div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/tassiphotography/7994159077/" title="Cary Scavenger Hunt 13 by sugartassi, on Flickr"><img alt="Cary Scavenger Hunt 13" height="427" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8314/7994159077_587e8790e5_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Random art.</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/tassiphotography/7994161009/" title="Cary Scavenger Hunt 12 by sugartassi, on Flickr"><img alt="Cary Scavenger Hunt 12" height="425" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8322/7994161009_22bbdcd25a_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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First high school in Cary.</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/tassiphotography/7994169808/" title="Cary Scavenger Hunt 11 by sugartassi, on Flickr"><img alt="Cary Scavenger Hunt 11" height="425" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8036/7994169808_f6b73135d0_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/tassiphotography/7994165785/" title="Cary Scavenger Hunt 10 by sugartassi, on Flickr"><img alt="Cary Scavenger Hunt 10" height="640" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8182/7994165785_41840676fb_z.jpg" width="425" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/tassiphotography/7994173790/" title="Cary Scavenger Hunt 9 by sugartassi, on Flickr"><img alt="Cary Scavenger Hunt 9" height="640" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8317/7994173790_857b18dee9_z.jpg" width="425" /></a></div>
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We found the oldest known cemetery in Cary that dates back to the Revolution. It is in the middle of neighborhood on a beautiful circle. There is also a small cemetery in the middle of one of the parks that I have frequently walked and ran the trails. I know its weird but I love cemeteries. I find them very peaceful.</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/tassiphotography/7994168639/" title="Cary Scavenger Hunt 8 by sugartassi, on Flickr"><img alt="Cary Scavenger Hunt 8" height="640" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8453/7994168639_a52e61a2a9_z.jpg" width="425" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/tassiphotography/7994170131/" title="Cary Scavenger Hunt 7 by sugartassi, on Flickr"><img alt="Cary Scavenger Hunt 7" height="640" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8316/7994170131_acfc9dac12_z.jpg" width="425" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/tassiphotography/7994171847/" title="Cary Scavenger Hunt 6 by sugartassi, on Flickr"><img alt="Cary Scavenger Hunt 6" height="640" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8312/7994171847_307c68688c_z.jpg" width="425" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/tassiphotography/7994180604/" title="Cary Scavenger Hunt 5 by sugartassi, on Flickr"><img alt="Cary Scavenger Hunt 5" height="640" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8174/7994180604_10f5a9e1c5_z.jpg" width="425" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/tassiphotography/7994175761/" title="Cary Scavenger Hunt 4 by sugartassi, on Flickr"><img alt="Cary Scavenger Hunt 4" height="425" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8179/7994175761_7af91ffa06_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/tassiphotography/7994176889/" title="Cary Scavenger Hunt 3 by sugartassi, on Flickr"><img alt="Cary Scavenger Hunt 3" height="425" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8460/7994176889_cf5e16d9fe_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/tassiphotography/7994186200/" title="Cary Scavenger Hunt 1 by sugartassi, on Flickr"><img alt="Cary Scavenger Hunt 1" height="425" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8035/7994186200_20b52f2da2_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Dallin was feeling very patriotic. </div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/tassiphotography/7994178241/" title="Cary Scavenger Hunt 2 by sugartassi, on Flickr"><img alt="Cary Scavenger Hunt 2" height="425" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8444/7994178241_e34ee42687_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Proof I was involved. I finally made an appearance. </div>
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Little did we know that our slow poke attitude won us a prize for being the lowest scoring team. We won four tickets for the Triangle Food Tours. Yahoo!!!!</div>
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Overall I am glad we did it and hope to do it again. </div>
Tassi Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10047018067108046874noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7901914.post-48409379892384831752012-09-16T21:25:00.000-04:002012-09-16T21:25:19.925-04:00Camden's First Day of SchoolCamden is the main reason why we switched schools. We chose to have her placed in a Cross Categorical Kindergarten class. What does that mean you ask? I have no idea. My basic understanding is for those kids that don't need the constant care but would be lost in a regular developing Kindergarten class. Camden has come a long way but still struggles with grade level requirements. She has her CCK class and also attends a regular developing Kindergarten class for her specials and some letter instruction. She also has both speech and occupational therapy outside of school. She is a very busy child. She comes home pretty wiped out and ready to hit the sack much earlier than her siblings. She is a very happy girl most of the time and is learning to work through a lot of her issues. We are very proud of her.<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/tassiphotography/7994251303/" title="Camden's First Day of School 3 by sugartassi, on Flickr"><img alt="Camden's First Day of School 3" height="640" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8309/7994251303_6fcdb59da1_z.jpg" width="425" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/tassiphotography/7994251953/" title="Camden's First Day of School 2 by sugartassi, on Flickr"><img alt="Camden's First Day of School 2" height="640" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8317/7994251953_a5918f3051_z.jpg" width="425" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/tassiphotography/7994259290/" title="Camden's First Day of School 1 by sugartassi, on Flickr"><img alt="Camden's First Day of School 1" height="640" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8172/7994259290_f3d33afbb6_z.jpg" width="425" /></a></div>
Tassi Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10047018067108046874noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7901914.post-59182566718785428722012-09-14T21:30:00.000-04:002012-09-14T21:30:00.518-04:00YogaI love Yoga. Its really great when you have a great instructor. Here is a photo of my kids and I in the backyard. We just randomly bust out in yoga poses in our backyard. No not really. There is a store named Athleta that I love. I love their clothes for my exercising. It is a shame that I own better workout clothes than my everyday clothes. I took this photo for a photo contest. I hope I win. I could really use a $200 gift card for their store.<br />
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I had the privilege of leading some of the Young Women in my ward in a yoga workout. I have never done it before. I don't know all the special names for each pose. We made up our own names. We had a lot of fun and definitely worked up a sweat.<br />
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Tassi Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10047018067108046874noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7901914.post-61633970358605011852012-09-13T21:50:00.001-04:002012-09-13T21:50:21.636-04:00Brooklyn's First Days of SchoolI am a slacker when it comes to posting First Day of school photos. It was very stressful for all of us. We moved to a new school so both our girls could be together. Brooklyn was very unhappy about the move originally but I think she is coming around. She is now in third grade. She works so hard to accomplish everything her teacher expects. Her teacher is very proud of the fact that she gives lots of homework. I on the other hand do not appreciate it. I hate homework more now then I did when I was in school. She is such a great big sister to Camden. She is usually holding Camden's hand as they walk up to the school from Carpool. I could not love this girl more. Well I guess I could on those days I lose my patience.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/tassiphotography/7984240624/" title="First Day of School 3 by sugartassi, on Flickr"><img alt="First Day of School 3" height="640" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8295/7984240624_b3af1dc594_z.jpg" width="425" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/tassiphotography/7984234985/" title="First Day of School 2 by sugartassi, on Flickr"><img alt="First Day of School 2" height="640" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8309/7984234985_59baf74635_z.jpg" width="425" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/tassiphotography/7984241298/" title="First Day of School 1 by sugartassi, on Flickr"><img alt="First Day of School 1" height="640" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8448/7984241298_2fe6c7a72c_z.jpg" width="425" /></a></div>
Tassi Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10047018067108046874noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7901914.post-49770937019717850472012-09-06T12:41:00.002-04:002012-09-06T12:41:56.146-04:00We Like To JumpThere is not a lot of time for being active once school starts. I have a new theory on the obesity epidemic. I think the homework that is given out is helping with the rise in obesity. Same with the testing that is required to gain federal funding. By the time homework is finished its time for bed.<br />
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As a mom I like to allow my kids as much activity as possible. One of those activities is jumping. Its fun and a workout. My kids love it almost as much as I do.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/tassiphotography/7917674740/" title="School by sugartassi, on Flickr"><img alt="School" height="640" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8318/7917674740_88c0149f14_z.jpg" width="425" /></a></div>
Tassi Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10047018067108046874noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7901914.post-26493696530083261912012-09-05T13:39:00.001-04:002012-09-05T13:39:58.744-04:00NutritionI think growing up I was unique when it came to my food preference. Saturday night in my family was usually take out night. With five kids at the time, McDonalds was the majority vote. The only thing I found good there was their milk. I always went with my dad those nights and got take out at his favorite Chinese restaurant. During homemade meals I loved eating the vegetable except green beans. I always thought I hated green beans until I had them fresh and roasted.<br />
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I never was too concerned about my food intake. My mom did a good job of offering healthy snacks and meals. It was not until I was married and preparing for my own family that I really dove into nutrition.<br />
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I am not one of those moms who loses her baby weight in the first few months because of nursing. My body for some reason likes the very curvaceous body type. Those curves are not always in the ideal location. After each baby my body eventually loses most the weight just as I decide to get pregnant again.<br />
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I have seen all over Pinterest the most bizarre and extreme ways of losing weight. I am so disappointed when I see a friend pin one of these starvation/binge ways of losing weight. The only way that my weight has come off each time is having a well balanced meal plan heavy on the vegetables. Good protein, good fat, lots of veggies, little fruit, little grains, little dairy, and very little added sugar. I also need my vitamins. I take a B12, B complex, Vitamin D 5000iu, and omega 3,6,9. I had my blood tested to see what areas I was low. It helps a lot with my daily energy and metabolism.<br />
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I was burned out from school after I graduated with my PE degree. I thought my undergrad was just fine and I never wanted to go back. I still get a pit in my stomach every time I drive past Arizona State University during visits home. Finally a few months ago I was bit with the education bug. I finally found a subject that I would love to go back to school for. Nutrition, specifically pediatric nutrition.<br />
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Our bodies are pretty amazing. I want to learn how food effects our bodies. I want to know what foods are good for different behavioral problems. I want to know the real science behind it. I want to better prepare meals for my family and help other families to do the same.<br />
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I am hoping this new desire to attend college will be a reality in the next few years. For now I will just have to stick with trial and error and picking apart different nutrition articles.Tassi Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10047018067108046874noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7901914.post-58551580599217671662012-09-04T13:54:00.002-04:002012-09-06T12:42:59.661-04:00What Do I Want to Be?Lately I have been thinking an awful lot about what I want to be when I grow up. I completed my undergrad degree in PE when I was pregnant with my first, Brooklyn. I never had an opportunity to teach other than student teaching because of many moves and more kids added a long the way. While I have been fortunate enough to be a stay at home mom I have gained many new skills and interest. I am going to start using my blog more to share different projects I have been working on along with updating with stories of my family. I am hoping this will help me find what I am truly interested in doing after my kids don't need me so much.<br />
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I am going to start with my love for home design. Its something that I had an interest in when I was younger but was discouraged when a designer said there is a lot of drawing that comes with the job. One of my biggest weaknesses is allowing others dictate what I can and can't do. I have never been known to be a great artist so I assumed I would have been horrible in design. Which lead to never pursuing that line of work.<br />
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My first project I will post is my curtains. Curtains are expensive. I have expensive taste. I finally found some curtains that were under $100 per panel that I really liked. Adding up the number of panels I wanted I still would have been spending up to $300. Thanks to all the tutorials people place on the internet I decided I would attempt a much cheaper route and would make curtains out of drop cloths. My inspirational curtains were from West Elm.<br />
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<a href="http://www.westelm.com/products/linen-cotton-narrow-frame-window-panel-b873/?pkey=cwindow-panels-curtains-shades"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HT1rKvRVmd4/UEY4tHXrU1I/AAAAAAAABr0/AZrTrBM3-qw/s320/img64b.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I loved the simplicity and the black trim. </div>
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I bought two 12x9 drop cloths to make two 4ft panels and four 2ft panels. I have a 6x9ft piece left over for other projects. I bleached the panels a few times, washed with lots of softener, and added peroxide. I dried with dryer sheets. It lightened the cloth and softened the curtains. I then ironed and sewed black double fold quilt bias tape. Since I am too cheap to buy curtain rings I just glued fabric loops onto the back. Here are my images. </div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/tassiphotography/7931225762/" title="Curtains 4 by sugartassi, on Flickr"><img alt="Curtains 4" height="640" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8451/7931225762_249f4fe8a6_z.jpg" width="425" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/tassiphotography/7931227448/" title="Curtains 3 by sugartassi, on Flickr"><img alt="Curtains 3" height="640" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8037/7931227448_8546596fd7_z.jpg" width="425" /></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/tassiphotography/7931228966/" title="Curtains 2 by sugartassi, on Flickr"><img alt="Curtains 2" height="640" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8301/7931228966_d614560aae_z.jpg" width="425" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/tassiphotography/7931230588/" title="Curtains 1 by sugartassi, on Flickr"><img alt="Curtains 1" height="425" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8175/7931230588_1b6aba817b_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I'm glad I only spent around $60 dollars rather than almost $300. When I have the time I will iron them out better. Maybe my mom will iron them when she comes to town. </div>
Tassi Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10047018067108046874noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7901914.post-70868953757265307152012-09-02T20:03:00.000-04:002012-09-02T20:03:05.314-04:00Lazy Sunday Afternoons! My kids are early risers. Even if they go to bed late they are up by the latest 7AM. That's sleeping in. Naturally we do better with morning church. We eat breakfast get dressed and go to church. Then the rest of the day is spent napping, playing games, reading, watching movies, and I get to take photos.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/tassiphotography/7917691788/" title="Lazy Sundays 1 by sugartassi, on Flickr"><img alt="Lazy Sundays 1" height="425" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8450/7917691788_3429b6da5f_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/tassiphotography/7917689096/" title="Lazy Sundays 2 by sugartassi, on Flickr"><img alt="Lazy Sundays 2" height="425" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8182/7917689096_46c3e0e45d_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/tassiphotography/7917686994/" title="Lazy Sundays 3 by sugartassi, on Flickr"><img alt="Lazy Sundays 3" height="640" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8438/7917686994_f9ca029f4d_z.jpg" width="425" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/tassiphotography/7917685336/" title="Lazy Sundays 4 by sugartassi, on Flickr"><img alt="Lazy Sundays 4" height="425" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8296/7917685336_efff2dd687_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/tassiphotography/7917682228/" title="Lazy Sundays 5 by sugartassi, on Flickr"><img alt="Lazy Sundays 5" height="425" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8309/7917682228_7f1e6995e6_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/tassiphotography/7917679724/" title="Lazy Sundays 6 by sugartassi, on Flickr"><img alt="Lazy Sundays 6" height="640" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8448/7917679724_202b749265_z.jpg" width="425" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/tassiphotography/7917678386/" title="Lazy Sundays 7 by sugartassi, on Flickr"><img alt="Lazy Sundays 7" height="425" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8037/7917678386_a9e540218a_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/tassiphotography/7917676580/" title="Lazy Sundays 8 by sugartassi, on Flickr"><img alt="Lazy Sundays 8" height="640" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8296/7917676580_a78b6c0bec_z.jpg" width="425" /></a></div>
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Dallin was taking a nap. His first in two years since the last time had morning church. </div>
Tassi Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10047018067108046874noreply@blogger.com0