tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-90861739678905086512012-02-28T12:25:15.675-05:00The Rife ObservatoryLeah Rifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05843324234310268331noreply@blogger.comBlogger2681100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9086173967890508651.post-9944071269574153602012-02-28T12:05:00.000-05:002012-02-28T12:05:40.332-05:00Simple Goal Setting<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3RSHkBM4ehU/T00F9wjGDPI/AAAAAAAACKY/mxRKHkjvH7o/s1600/tumblr_lzaq9jjn5S1rnzocwo1_500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="397" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3RSHkBM4ehU/T00F9wjGDPI/AAAAAAAACKY/mxRKHkjvH7o/s400/tumblr_lzaq9jjn5S1rnzocwo1_500.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://modernhepburn.tumblr.com/post/18400024645/newenglandprepster-simple-goal-setting">via</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />I'm not going to lie, being a mama takes work! It's amazing how I can still function some days with only 4 hours of consecutive sleep and a tiny bowl of applesauce. Finn is SO worth the hard work of learning how to be a mama though.<br /> <br />Anyway I was just thinking about goal setting, and I love this image. I can get overwhelmed really quickly...I was like that in college and at some stressful jobs I've had. This is a great reminder that I don't have to be a super-mom and get a million things done every day. One small goal accomplished each day is good enough for me right now. Today is laundry, tomorrow will be finishing a baby shower invitation I'm working on, and Thursday will be to see my sister. Giving myself permission to accomplish one thing at a time helps me be more productive in the long run since it's harder to get overwhelmed when there's only one thing to do. <br /><br />One day, I'll have more time to organize and work on multiple projects. But for now, I just get to enjoy my precious baby boy and take care of him...which is the best job in the whole world. :)<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9086173967890508651-994407126957415360?l=therifeobservatory.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Leah Rifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05843324234310268331noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9086173967890508651.post-10187760923016339282012-02-27T11:18:00.000-05:002012-02-27T11:18:57.775-05:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bec0-hb1HXw/T0uJALXTpYI/AAAAAAAACJ4/WJ2Nh-3OUzw/s1600/2.27.12-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bec0-hb1HXw/T0uJALXTpYI/AAAAAAAACJ4/WJ2Nh-3OUzw/s400/2.27.12-1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UiGgxpGzrQM/T0uJCxZeK8I/AAAAAAAACKA/uMv6d96GjTs/s1600/2.27.12-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UiGgxpGzrQM/T0uJCxZeK8I/AAAAAAAACKA/uMv6d96GjTs/s400/2.27.12-2.jpg" width="267" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nImFeIm2BLc/T0uJFIWa7MI/AAAAAAAACKI/i2qyp8lSR8M/s1600/2.27.12-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nImFeIm2BLc/T0uJFIWa7MI/AAAAAAAACKI/i2qyp8lSR8M/s400/2.27.12-3.jpg" width="267" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OAeCXI-3hrM/T0uJHuDRBoI/AAAAAAAACKQ/IVOqjTD1UxA/s1600/2.27.12-4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OAeCXI-3hrM/T0uJHuDRBoI/AAAAAAAACKQ/IVOqjTD1UxA/s400/2.27.12-4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />After a wonderful weekend away with both sets of parents, we had a relaxing evening at home watching the Oscars. Landon went out and got some appetizers and a drink while I put Finn to bed, and then we actually watched the whole thing! <br />I think the best acceptance speech was Christopher Plummer...he's so charming! And I loved the performance by Cirque Du Soleil. We both had our mouths hanging open the whole time...such talent! It was so nice to be able to enjoy a quiet night with Landon in our little home.<br /><br />Now, on to the week ahead. It's so beautiful out today and I'm feeling optimistic. Enjoy your Monday!<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9086173967890508651-1018776092301633928?l=therifeobservatory.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Leah Rifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05843324234310268331noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9086173967890508651.post-4818525095135197582012-02-22T18:40:00.000-05:002012-02-22T18:40:05.378-05:003 months<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5EgpAI8DtE0/T0V7THJzRbI/AAAAAAAACJw/UQ3X5YSKU3g/s1600/3months.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5EgpAI8DtE0/T0V7THJzRbI/AAAAAAAACJw/UQ3X5YSKU3g/s400/3months.jpg" width="267" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Our baby boy turned 3 months old yesterday! <br /><br />Current likes:<br /><br />*eating<br />*bath time<br />*smiling<br />*paintings on the walls<br />*blowing spit bubbles<br />*kicking his legs<br />*sucking on his fists<br />*diaper changes<br />*hearing me sing to him in a hammed up opera voice<br />*being held<br />*looking at stripes and lines<br /><br />Current dislikes:<br /><br />*tummy time!<br />*getting put into his car seat (once we're driving he's fine)<br />*wearing hats<br />*being swaddled<br /><br />We are loving life with Finn. He is getting a little personality and loves trying to laugh...not quite there, but he's close. He absolutely loves bath time. He'll kick and splash and smile the whole time. He is getting better at sleeping longer stretches and is going 6-8 hours pretty consistently...woo hoo!<br /><br />Finn, you are so precious to us and we love you so much! <br />Happy 3 months!<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9086173967890508651-481852509513519758?l=therifeobservatory.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Leah Rifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05843324234310268331noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9086173967890508651.post-1770797318654089022012-02-17T08:58:00.000-05:002012-02-17T08:58:12.823-05:00happy friday...Happy Friday everyone! What are your weekend plans? Landon and I are headed up to Goshen for a weekend with family and friends. We're really excited for the color party my boss is throwing tomorrow night! This year's color is purple! We are going to get our outfits today....still figuring that one out. :)<br /><br />My parents are coming today to spend some time with Finn and me. I love that his grandparents live so close...I had a wonderful relationship with all my grandparents growing up and I'm so glad Finn gets to do the same.<br /><br />It's a glorious day today! The sun is out, I'm feeling rested from Finn sleeping 7 hours straight (score!) and I'm getting things done.<br /><br />Here are some inspiring things from the interwebs that I love...happy weekend!<br /><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4PWP6UVulL0/Tz5XVUFR_uI/AAAAAAAACJQ/5G28tQcjsMU/s1600/tumblr_lyrwvk80r01qkol0qo1_1280.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4PWP6UVulL0/Tz5XVUFR_uI/AAAAAAAACJQ/5G28tQcjsMU/s400/tumblr_lyrwvk80r01qkol0qo1_1280.jpg" width="327" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">gotta try <a href="http://witanddelight.tumblr.com/post/16922852628/talking-about-toast-today-on-the-blahg">these</a>!</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />If you like Bach and aquariums, check out this neat video.<br /><br /><iframe frameborder="0" height="338" scrolling="no" src="http://www.npr.org/templates/event/embeddedVideo.php?storyId=146844691" width="400"></iframe><br /><br />Check out these awesome underwater <a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/arts-post/post/dog-show-seth-casteels-underwater-photos-flood-the-internet/2012/02/15/gIQA7ezLGR_blog.html">photos</a> of dogs chasing balls!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NGHy7jTqp3k/Tz5a2p5TYhI/AAAAAAAACJY/3NFQxt8ZZ-s/s1600/TandemStock_31272319.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="285" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NGHy7jTqp3k/Tz5a2p5TYhI/AAAAAAAACJY/3NFQxt8ZZ-s/s400/TandemStock_31272319.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Annnd underwater babies! I'm signing Finn and myself up for an infant swim class and I'm so excited!<br /><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-29kF0WmUhyg/Tz5bYNAAwkI/AAAAAAAACJg/gE9FfbVox5w/s1600/Alex_B.smile.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-29kF0WmUhyg/Tz5bYNAAwkI/AAAAAAAACJg/gE9FfbVox5w/s400/Alex_B.smile.jpg" width="277" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.babyswimming.com/philosophy.htm">via</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Isn't this a pretty tattoo?<br /><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pGXgj0cM61M/Tz5cgXljpKI/AAAAAAAACJo/HvtzXc27lzw/s1600/tumblr_li3tgjiezX1qzabkfo1_500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pGXgj0cM61M/Tz5cgXljpKI/AAAAAAAACJo/HvtzXc27lzw/s400/tumblr_li3tgjiezX1qzabkfo1_500.jpg" width="270" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://fyeahtattoos.com/post/3877460602/the-lace-glove">via</a></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9086173967890508651-177079731865408902?l=therifeobservatory.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Leah Rifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05843324234310268331noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9086173967890508651.post-41108055942087841172012-02-15T15:21:00.000-05:002012-02-15T15:21:32.739-05:00birthday!Well, I am officially 26 years old today! I can't believe it. It doesn't seem that old to me, but I'm amazed at how quickly this past year flew by. It was definitely a wonderful 25th year, and I'm excited to enjoy each and every day of my 26th.<br /><br />Landon surprised me with a candlelit dinner last night. I walked downstairs after putting Finn to bed and the table was set with flowers, chocolates, a card, and food from my favorite mediterranean restaurant. I started crying because after some super rough weeks, it was exactly what I needed. He even watched The Notebook with me...<i>love</i> that movie. (No judgments please, I like it and that's that.) ;)<br /><br />Tonight we're going to Starbucks for my free birthday drink! I love that they do that, right? And home for some good food and lemon bars! Oh and my all time favorite movie...Groundhog Day!! Haha, I've watched that every year on my birthday since I was in high school.<br /><br />I feel so loved today...so many amazing friends and family are in my life! <br /><br />Here are a few things I'm loving today...<br /><br /><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-emqkkmXPyzE/TzwSa8FDOSI/AAAAAAAACIg/twgoowkc9cI/s1600/2.15.12-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-emqkkmXPyzE/TzwSa8FDOSI/AAAAAAAACIg/twgoowkc9cI/s400/2.15.12-1.jpg" width="267" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">My little cutie boy.</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bhIDxxdRIJQ/TzwSf7qUrNI/AAAAAAAACIo/OBQI01cUu4E/s1600/2.15.12-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bhIDxxdRIJQ/TzwSf7qUrNI/AAAAAAAACIo/OBQI01cUu4E/s400/2.15.12-2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">This amazing egg sandwich I found <a href="http://joannagoddard.blogspot.com/2012/02/best-egg-sandwich-youll-ever-have.html">here</a>.</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5LrRxlwiQfA/TzwSiju7V2I/AAAAAAAACIw/hpRmW99NJ6U/s1600/2.15.12-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5LrRxlwiQfA/TzwSiju7V2I/AAAAAAAACIw/hpRmW99NJ6U/s400/2.15.12-3.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-J2j_I7GYvJA/TzwSmVJWe1I/AAAAAAAACI4/W4n-kHwIAeE/s1600/2.15.12-4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-J2j_I7GYvJA/TzwSmVJWe1I/AAAAAAAACI4/W4n-kHwIAeE/s400/2.15.12-4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-f-qEVcYHY_s/TzwSmr2vU8I/AAAAAAAACJA/eqoWgbZbo3k/s1600/Groundhogs-Day.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-f-qEVcYHY_s/TzwSmr2vU8I/AAAAAAAACJA/eqoWgbZbo3k/s400/Groundhogs-Day.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.golocal.com/blog/photo-friday-groundhogs-day-with-bill-murray/">via</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9086173967890508651-4110805594208784117?l=therifeobservatory.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Leah Rifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05843324234310268331noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9086173967890508651.post-47664607657406154482012-02-14T12:50:00.000-05:002012-02-14T12:50:19.207-05:00Happy Valentine's Day! Give a kiss to your loves today...I'm lucky I have two this year, my husband and my precious son. <br />Life and love are beautiful!<br /><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FNJo4oHZutU/TzqbxpxRwWI/AAAAAAAACIA/60PUkQdsm30/s1600/247557310736561442_eobe0uZA_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FNJo4oHZutU/TzqbxpxRwWI/AAAAAAAACIA/60PUkQdsm30/s400/247557310736561442_eobe0uZA_c.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/247557310736561442/">via</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IC6lUskHL3Q/TzqcHJDz3bI/AAAAAAAACII/21GYTtZsvHs/s1600/tumblr_li22md6tEG1qfhntco1_400.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IC6lUskHL3Q/TzqcHJDz3bI/AAAAAAAACII/21GYTtZsvHs/s400/tumblr_li22md6tEG1qfhntco1_400.jpg" width="378" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://lovelymoms.tumblr.com/post/3856422882/jane-birking-and-kate-barry">via</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PBKskKS49lY/Tzqdc3-KV3I/AAAAAAAACIQ/OxDEN_RoYvo/s1600/11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PBKskKS49lY/Tzqdc3-KV3I/AAAAAAAACIQ/OxDEN_RoYvo/s400/11.jpg" width="260" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.photopathway.com/photography/henri-cartier-bressons-sayings/">via</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-s4yjg1ba7kc/TzqeVgRO2EI/AAAAAAAACIY/x6IhMiiJV_I/s1600/QyGOt5dgoh8swr05U8tM4qbho1_500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-s4yjg1ba7kc/TzqeVgRO2EI/AAAAAAAACIY/x6IhMiiJV_I/s400/QyGOt5dgoh8swr05U8tM4qbho1_500.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://when-pigs-have-wings.blogspot.com/search?updated-max=2010-06-27T00%3A01%3A00-04%3A00&max-results=8">via</a></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9086173967890508651-4766460765740615448?l=therifeobservatory.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Leah Rifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05843324234310268331noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9086173967890508651.post-47454677653564459412012-02-10T10:40:00.000-05:002012-02-10T10:40:24.360-05:00weekend!<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PJ3vk9wp0y8/TzU3MiCEOxI/AAAAAAAACH4/OSb_jIe0Xw0/s1600/tumblr_lxsxx1082b1qzygwfo1_1280.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="323" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PJ3vk9wp0y8/TzU3MiCEOxI/AAAAAAAACH4/OSb_jIe0Xw0/s400/tumblr_lxsxx1082b1qzygwfo1_1280.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://modernhepburn.tumblr.com/post/17002957820">via</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />I'm so excited for this weekend! My dear college friend Ballard is coming to visit. She is like my little sister and we have so much fun when we get together. The thing I love most about our visits is how we can be so transparent with each other. You know those very few friends who you can completely be yourself around? The ones who can hear about your failures and flaws and accept you all the same?<br />I only have a few people like that in my life and I'm so lucky she's one of them.<br /><br />We are going to have a ball starting tonight! There really isn't an agenda other than the usual...<a href="http://www.theflyingcupcakebakery.com/">Flying Cupcake</a> run, Modern Family, Revenge, and Once Upon A Time, and basically lounging around and talking. There will be lots of playing and kisses with Finn too I bet.<br /><br />Our friendship is simple, we love being with each other and that's that. :)<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9086173967890508651-4745467765356445941?l=therifeobservatory.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Leah Rifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05843324234310268331noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9086173967890508651.post-68465980731911232182012-02-08T18:57:00.000-05:002012-02-08T18:57:17.679-05:00Finn doesn't usually enjoy tummy time, so I put him in front of our floor length mirror and he did so good! He's growing into such a little man. I put him in some jeans and a flannel shirt the other day and I couldn't believe how grown up he looked. <br />I'm the luckiest mama in the whole world. :)<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oqemiyR2X-k/TzMLCNpCp_I/AAAAAAAACHY/wrtBp1pV6yM/s1600/2.8.12-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oqemiyR2X-k/TzMLCNpCp_I/AAAAAAAACHY/wrtBp1pV6yM/s400/2.8.12-1.jpg" width="267" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hLNdjupvIPI/TzMLFsJCykI/AAAAAAAACHg/9PiaAuS6rWQ/s1600/2.8.12-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hLNdjupvIPI/TzMLFsJCykI/AAAAAAAACHg/9PiaAuS6rWQ/s400/2.8.12-2.jpg" width="267" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ebP1fjq-2dk/TzMLIp2IXBI/AAAAAAAACHo/JtYS4uSEOZg/s1600/2.8.12-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ebP1fjq-2dk/TzMLIp2IXBI/AAAAAAAACHo/JtYS4uSEOZg/s400/2.8.12-3.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-f1GAmiISP2Q/TzMLLvG7SsI/AAAAAAAACHw/s07a_9yae3w/s1600/2.8.12-4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-f1GAmiISP2Q/TzMLLvG7SsI/AAAAAAAACHw/s07a_9yae3w/s400/2.8.12-4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9086173967890508651-6846598073191123218?l=therifeobservatory.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Leah Rifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05843324234310268331noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9086173967890508651.post-31199687549338490672012-02-07T14:15:00.000-05:002012-02-07T14:15:59.848-05:00valentine's day cards...I'm not really the Valentine's Day card giving type, but if I were, these cards would be perfect!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ed7xEsoqUQE/TzF3frMXUbI/AAAAAAAACG4/GvfCMXj3Kc8/s1600/il_570xN.262750843.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ed7xEsoqUQE/TzF3frMXUbI/AAAAAAAACG4/GvfCMXj3Kc8/s400/il_570xN.262750843.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Gn_607CySbE/TzF3iMVev3I/AAAAAAAACHA/979AB_yQTtc/s1600/il_570xN.263702555.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Gn_607CySbE/TzF3iMVev3I/AAAAAAAACHA/979AB_yQTtc/s400/il_570xN.263702555.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-algvsmiN46c/TzF3idBF9rI/AAAAAAAACHI/sF7wwqSRw28/s1600/il_570xN.297818652.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-algvsmiN46c/TzF3idBF9rI/AAAAAAAACHI/sF7wwqSRw28/s400/il_570xN.297818652.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IeqB8SfYJ1M/TzF3itTbckI/AAAAAAAACHQ/XtbhkbI76IM/s1600/il_570xN.298318798.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IeqB8SfYJ1M/TzF3itTbckI/AAAAAAAACHQ/XtbhkbI76IM/s400/il_570xN.298318798.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/JulieAnnArt?page=1">images</a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9086173967890508651-3119968754933849067?l=therifeobservatory.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Leah Rifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05843324234310268331noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9086173967890508651.post-30411694912620282642012-02-02T14:23:00.000-05:002012-02-02T14:23:42.117-05:00l.o.v.e.<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NFgchctLzJE/TyreM1C4tfI/AAAAAAAACGw/PiFFxmURyZ4/s1600/tumblr_lyfln9qCgB1qbl99yo1_1280.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NFgchctLzJE/TyreM1C4tfI/AAAAAAAACGw/PiFFxmURyZ4/s400/tumblr_lyfln9qCgB1qbl99yo1_1280.png" width="266" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><a href="http://modernhepburn.tumblr.com/post/16797704929">via</a></span></span></span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Well, February is here already and I can hardly believe how fast 2012 is going. Slow down, please!<br /><br />Since this is the love month and my favorite month of all, I thought I'd reflect on the love in my life, my amazing husband.<br /><br />*Landon. I love you more than any other person on this whole earth. You are my dearest and most treasured friend. You are my pal and the only one I can share my deepest feelings with. Thanks for laughing with me and not at me, loving me even when I am mad about something, and sharing your own dreams with me. I love it when we snuggle in bed and watch Big Bang Theory on your computer. I love dancing <s>with you</s> by myself in the kitchen while you laugh as our food is cooking. I love playing Settlers of Catan with you and trying to beat you every time.<br /><br />Thank you for sticking with me through the hard times. Through the times I'm sick, mad, bawling, not talking, hurt, and overcome with the everyday frustrations. Thank you for leading our family and setting a good example.<br /><br />You are a flippin' awesome dad to Finn. I love how you never baby talk him, you teach him German, and you wrastle with him. I love how you tell him about your day as you give him a bath and that you throw his diapers into the wash for me. I can't wait to watch you teach him how to fix things, make chocolate chip cookies, and pee standing up. If Finn Abram grows up into half the man you are, then I will be blissfully happy.<br /><br />We are a team, an unstoppable duo, and we will conquer our obstacles and live out our dreams together. I fall more in love with you every day, every year. Nothing will ever get in the way of my love for you, babe. Here's to one of the most exciting years yet!<br />I love you man.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9086173967890508651-3041169491262028264?l=therifeobservatory.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Leah Rifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05843324234310268331noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9086173967890508651.post-1270161531415851622012-01-27T20:02:00.000-05:002012-01-27T20:02:01.999-05:00weekend...We decided to have a low key weekend since I'm feeling a bit under the weather, so Landon took us out to Starbucks. We're wanting Finn to be able to sleep on the go, so we tote him around during his catnap in the early evenings sometimes. He has been a pretty mellow fellow for us and I'm so thankful for that!<br /><br />I am also thankful for my soy cappuccino and my hot date. We love these times as we get to talk about what's going on in each other's day and what our plans are for the future. <br />Here's to a relaxing weekend with my boys.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OnwHlK0nM-U/TyNH1OxtZWI/AAAAAAAACGQ/IBYrDjrjx1w/s1600/1.17.12-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OnwHlK0nM-U/TyNH1OxtZWI/AAAAAAAACGQ/IBYrDjrjx1w/s400/1.17.12-1.jpg" width="267" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SxnlfkchPss/TyNH7q1vXHI/AAAAAAAACGY/1PUWJoYmXa8/s1600/1.27.12-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SxnlfkchPss/TyNH7q1vXHI/AAAAAAAACGY/1PUWJoYmXa8/s400/1.27.12-2.jpg" width="267" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_0OVTosAPyA/TyNIQAQ3GLI/AAAAAAAACGg/dO8chQOsfXA/s1600/1.27.12-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_0OVTosAPyA/TyNIQAQ3GLI/AAAAAAAACGg/dO8chQOsfXA/s400/1.27.12-3.jpg" width="267" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-l9kzh21zv6w/TyNIWBAbA9I/AAAAAAAACGo/84yF4bOxMrA/s1600/1.27.12-4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-l9kzh21zv6w/TyNIWBAbA9I/AAAAAAAACGo/84yF4bOxMrA/s400/1.27.12-4.jpg" width="267" /></a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9086173967890508651-127016153141585162?l=therifeobservatory.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Leah Rifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05843324234310268331noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9086173967890508651.post-44837913380377255822012-01-23T21:45:00.000-05:002012-01-23T21:45:08.372-05:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xCNgrGEPmmk/Tx4aqnOEgfI/AAAAAAAACGI/ORn41vWyJAs/s1600/1.23.12-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xCNgrGEPmmk/Tx4aqnOEgfI/AAAAAAAACGI/ORn41vWyJAs/s400/1.23.12-1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Our sweet little boy is growing so fast! He's 9 weeks old and already such a little man. I love him so very much.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9086173967890508651-4483791338037725582?l=therifeobservatory.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Leah Rifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05843324234310268331noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9086173967890508651.post-8001444465126331012012-01-17T14:48:00.000-05:002012-01-17T14:48:46.872-05:00running...So Landon and I are going to get back into running soon. We're signing up for a few small races to give us some incentive, and I am so excited! Landon was a bigger runner in high school and college, and I got serious about it during and after college. My dad is a huge runner and competes in all kinds of races, and I admire him so much.<br /><br />So to give me even more motivation, I found this awesome story of K.V. Switzer. You may have heard of her, but I hadn't before today. She is the first woman to run the Boston marathon as a numbered entry in 1967. That was 5 years before women were allowed to enter officially. She was a 20 year old college student who was gutsy enough to enter a race that she was told women were incapable of running. After running four miles, the race official attempted to stop her, but her boyfriend shoved him out of the way. Awesome story! Read more about her <a href="http://www.runningfreeonline.com/Gear/Details/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/73/Girl-Power">here</a>.<br /><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QxkXffq1a78/TxXPv35nM_I/AAAAAAAACGA/im4vDLym7x8/s1600/WLW-GirlPower_D8FA-gp4_thumb.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="218" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QxkXffq1a78/TxXPv35nM_I/AAAAAAAACGA/im4vDLym7x8/s400/WLW-GirlPower_D8FA-gp4_thumb.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.runningfreeonline.com/Gear/Details/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/73/Girl-Power">via</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Anyway, while we may not be running in the Boston marathon, we are aiming for a few 5k races to start out with and work up from there. I can't wait to spend time running with Landon and pushing Finn in his stroller!<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9086173967890508651-800144446512633101?l=therifeobservatory.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Leah Rifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05843324234310268331noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9086173967890508651.post-44234176069275377482012-01-13T13:37:00.000-05:002012-01-13T13:37:05.979-05:008 weeks...Finn will be 8 weeks this weekend. The time flies and then it doesn't, but I feel like I'm getting to enjoy him every day and not feel rushed. <br />He is my dearest little baby boy and he makes my heart feel a million times bigger than it ever has. Being a mama has already made me appreciate life in such a different way. I am so very happy!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YE6N91uMiNg/TxB5Rmg6sxI/AAAAAAAACFo/fk3aN2h4RJ8/s1600/8wks-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YE6N91uMiNg/TxB5Rmg6sxI/AAAAAAAACFo/fk3aN2h4RJ8/s400/8wks-1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1DvzxX5Kz_E/TxB5VOsNEEI/AAAAAAAACFw/OsQL8pXZrP0/s1600/8wks-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1DvzxX5Kz_E/TxB5VOsNEEI/AAAAAAAACFw/OsQL8pXZrP0/s400/8wks-2.jpg" width="267" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XZ79xbFz41Y/TxB5YctaXcI/AAAAAAAACF4/OcKV2-KaMt0/s1600/8wks-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XZ79xbFz41Y/TxB5YctaXcI/AAAAAAAACF4/OcKV2-KaMt0/s400/8wks-3.jpg" width="267" /></a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9086173967890508651-4423417606927537748?l=therifeobservatory.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Leah Rifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05843324234310268331noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9086173967890508651.post-91877763657241132412012-01-11T17:54:00.000-05:002012-01-11T17:54:45.470-05:00chocolate almond cupcakes...I spotted a delicious looking recipe on <a href="http://www.google.com/search?client=safari&rls=en&q=foodgawker&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8">foodgawker</a> today and just had to make it! The recipe is chocolate lavender cupcakes, and you can get it <a href="http://www.thepastryaffair.com/blog/2012/1/8/chocolate-lavender-cupcakes.html">here</a>. I didn't have any culinary lavender, so I used almond extract and some almonds as a substitute. The results were great and curbed my chocolate craving today.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-z7ab8MQ8-5c/Tw32nyuhs3I/AAAAAAAACFA/ViGjx1VZ2gg/s1600/1.11.12-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-z7ab8MQ8-5c/Tw32nyuhs3I/AAAAAAAACFA/ViGjx1VZ2gg/s400/1.11.12-1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hCHHJ_qX1kw/Tw32qOsganI/AAAAAAAACFI/TmT6YnhfELo/s1600/1.11.12-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hCHHJ_qX1kw/Tw32qOsganI/AAAAAAAACFI/TmT6YnhfELo/s400/1.11.12-2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mNSuYXhmQ5M/Tw32tVT0G9I/AAAAAAAACFQ/s_fWYpPFzhM/s1600/1.11.12-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mNSuYXhmQ5M/Tw32tVT0G9I/AAAAAAAACFQ/s_fWYpPFzhM/s400/1.11.12-3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UtgNJFpEOxg/Tw32wkqgbcI/AAAAAAAACFY/0Vus_jRnLdw/s1600/1.11.12-4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UtgNJFpEOxg/Tw32wkqgbcI/AAAAAAAACFY/0Vus_jRnLdw/s400/1.11.12-4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mK9kBdUdnt0/Tw320sPgATI/AAAAAAAACFg/SptMX0r0KIM/s1600/1.11.12-5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mK9kBdUdnt0/Tw320sPgATI/AAAAAAAACFg/SptMX0r0KIM/s400/1.11.12-5.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9086173967890508651-9187776365724113241?l=therifeobservatory.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Leah Rifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05843324234310268331noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9086173967890508651.post-91441112559001347562012-01-10T16:01:00.000-05:002012-01-10T16:01:05.465-05:00waking...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EjQVmxTdEzA/TwymVag5juI/AAAAAAAACEQ/OuGgLeJYiAQ/s1600/1.10.12-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EjQVmxTdEzA/TwymVag5juI/AAAAAAAACEQ/OuGgLeJYiAQ/s400/1.10.12-1.jpg" width="267" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--sf1LtvtRi4/TwymYNUhYNI/AAAAAAAACEY/-Kko9Gvz9So/s1600/1.10.12-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--sf1LtvtRi4/TwymYNUhYNI/AAAAAAAACEY/-Kko9Gvz9So/s400/1.10.12-2.jpg" width="267" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tzGPehKiVQc/TwymaiJC5SI/AAAAAAAACEg/n0vYyAYjwog/s1600/1.10.12-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tzGPehKiVQc/TwymaiJC5SI/AAAAAAAACEg/n0vYyAYjwog/s400/1.10.12-3.jpg" width="267" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sHjki21ozQc/Twymedkr5nI/AAAAAAAACEo/Tf6C9vKzmsg/s1600/1.10.12-4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sHjki21ozQc/Twymedkr5nI/AAAAAAAACEo/Tf6C9vKzmsg/s400/1.10.12-4.jpg" width="267" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-p0Ygm_vPWJU/Twymg_qy7mI/AAAAAAAACEw/w_T-HwqHs-A/s1600/1.10.12-5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-p0Ygm_vPWJU/Twymg_qy7mI/AAAAAAAACEw/w_T-HwqHs-A/s400/1.10.12-5.jpg" width="267" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oTB-tkxpT6w/TwymjZlmAcI/AAAAAAAACE4/LddJDcAZ_ek/s1600/1.10.12-6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oTB-tkxpT6w/TwymjZlmAcI/AAAAAAAACE4/LddJDcAZ_ek/s400/1.10.12-6.jpg" width="267" /></a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9086173967890508651-9144111255900134756?l=therifeobservatory.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Leah Rifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05843324234310268331noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9086173967890508651.post-77123489289268621682012-01-04T21:22:00.000-05:002012-01-04T21:22:01.035-05:00Finn's first holiday season included....<br />*knitted hats<br />*remote controlled helicopters (landon's favorite gift!)<br />*box beds with Grandpa<br />*all the uncle love anyone could want<br />*snow<br />*muffins<br />*puppies<br />*pigs<br />*new friends<br />*cuddling with Grandma<br />*endless games of Ticket to Ride<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1wzIJ-4PS84/TwUH3Of9PbI/AAAAAAAACCQ/FcRx28Nbiao/s1600/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1wzIJ-4PS84/TwUH3Of9PbI/AAAAAAAACCQ/FcRx28Nbiao/s400/1.jpg" width="267" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZIAScH095Ow/TwUH7mcaE6I/AAAAAAAACCY/kfFhmp6noWE/s1600/2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZIAScH095Ow/TwUH7mcaE6I/AAAAAAAACCY/kfFhmp6noWE/s400/2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-f6W9JUljw08/TwUH-7ynViI/AAAAAAAACCg/T0t8BNoAk_c/s1600/3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-f6W9JUljw08/TwUH-7ynViI/AAAAAAAACCg/T0t8BNoAk_c/s400/3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--khFmS20ltU/TwUIC-7rweI/AAAAAAAACCo/Procwpq6nxU/s1600/4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--khFmS20ltU/TwUIC-7rweI/AAAAAAAACCo/Procwpq6nxU/s400/4.jpg" width="267" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lx5Lb-DWjLA/TwUIG8ZMvsI/AAAAAAAACCw/O5QU96gUwPM/s1600/5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lx5Lb-DWjLA/TwUIG8ZMvsI/AAAAAAAACCw/O5QU96gUwPM/s400/5.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VY96QxTpv6A/TwUIK2g_2nI/AAAAAAAACC4/iWnpe5yUZwE/s1600/6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VY96QxTpv6A/TwUIK2g_2nI/AAAAAAAACC4/iWnpe5yUZwE/s400/6.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7pPNuyMZNBI/TwUIPb2PRYI/AAAAAAAACDA/ORUyLL-kzG8/s1600/7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7pPNuyMZNBI/TwUIPb2PRYI/AAAAAAAACDA/ORUyLL-kzG8/s400/7.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-O5T_2n8SSTA/TwUITD7ZD5I/AAAAAAAACDI/667AKMXz_Wo/s1600/8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-O5T_2n8SSTA/TwUITD7ZD5I/AAAAAAAACDI/667AKMXz_Wo/s400/8.jpg" width="267" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CNu_2Suyubw/TwUIYFEwfUI/AAAAAAAACDQ/Dcahr8GzJK0/s1600/9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CNu_2Suyubw/TwUIYFEwfUI/AAAAAAAACDQ/Dcahr8GzJK0/s400/9.jpg" width="267" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tBNVkYiJmgc/TwUIcp0rnLI/AAAAAAAACDY/S6s3-2KK-eg/s1600/10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tBNVkYiJmgc/TwUIcp0rnLI/AAAAAAAACDY/S6s3-2KK-eg/s400/10.jpg" width="267" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NhPzZRJAcII/TwUIg-_6zFI/AAAAAAAACDg/XcsPzWhjEjk/s1600/11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NhPzZRJAcII/TwUIg-_6zFI/AAAAAAAACDg/XcsPzWhjEjk/s400/11.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xgJV9BggQ7I/TwUIlmgSPSI/AAAAAAAACDo/IKZMEZgejvg/s1600/12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xgJV9BggQ7I/TwUIlmgSPSI/AAAAAAAACDo/IKZMEZgejvg/s400/12.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1mx3C8wbEws/TwUIp80MrfI/AAAAAAAACDw/xXJhtyOgNQk/s1600/13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1mx3C8wbEws/TwUIp80MrfI/AAAAAAAACDw/xXJhtyOgNQk/s400/13.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-j9ERLPiEGyk/TwUIuVwC1FI/AAAAAAAACD4/asA2Ud0izIE/s1600/14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-j9ERLPiEGyk/TwUIuVwC1FI/AAAAAAAACD4/asA2Ud0izIE/s400/14.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-n3GG730iqs8/TwUIyS6w7GI/AAAAAAAACEA/IYSvM0b_zyQ/s1600/15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-n3GG730iqs8/TwUIyS6w7GI/AAAAAAAACEA/IYSvM0b_zyQ/s400/15.jpg" width="267" /></a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9086173967890508651-7712348928926862168?l=therifeobservatory.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Leah Rifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05843324234310268331noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9086173967890508651.post-72653645563753599362011-12-30T14:14:00.000-05:002011-12-30T14:14:44.053-05:00Maternity ShootWe had a total blast doing our maternity shoot with my boss and her husband. Only Janie could get me to wear a tutu in October while being 8 months pregnant! :) Check out the entire post <a href="http://ipjanieyoder.wordpress.com/2011/12/30/bambino/">here</a>.<br /><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cHysKClJMoI/Tv4NFcWkd3I/AAAAAAAACBU/KUTdhiuU7iM/s1600/41.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cHysKClJMoI/Tv4NFcWkd3I/AAAAAAAACBU/KUTdhiuU7iM/s400/41.jpg" width="317" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.imaginationphotography.org/">Imagination Photography</a></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9086173967890508651-7265364556375359936?l=therifeobservatory.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Leah Rifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05843324234310268331noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9086173967890508651.post-65901694809682085612011-12-23T14:03:00.000-05:002011-12-23T14:03:31.312-05:00We had a blast making our Christmas card this year. Since Finn arrived so close to the holidays, we timed his birth announcement along with our own card. Here are the ones we sent to friends and family, and also a few extras.<br /><br />Have a very wonderful Christmas and Happy New Year!!<br />See you all in 2012!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HjKBYmpxoLM/TvTOk3cGi1I/AAAAAAAAB_Y/GvU6aa3_mww/s1600/DSC04698+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HjKBYmpxoLM/TvTOk3cGi1I/AAAAAAAAB_Y/GvU6aa3_mww/s400/DSC04698+copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9uJLgWS2hts/TvTOzIYx9SI/AAAAAAAAB_w/RlwRcUkvY-M/s1600/DSC04696.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9uJLgWS2hts/TvTOzIYx9SI/AAAAAAAAB_w/RlwRcUkvY-M/s400/DSC04696.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1iV8SoFbEnY/TvTOt396rFI/AAAAAAAAB_o/IS-U0ejxTDo/s1600/DSC04686.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1iV8SoFbEnY/TvTOt396rFI/AAAAAAAAB_o/IS-U0ejxTDo/s400/DSC04686.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g4Y-Emr2Xiw/TvTPfeSmoTI/AAAAAAAACAc/PIawDbYsMKE/s1600/DSC04549+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g4Y-Emr2Xiw/TvTPfeSmoTI/AAAAAAAACAc/PIawDbYsMKE/s400/DSC04549+copy.jpg" width="267" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vKfDHXvY0Ak/TvTPiWtZnQI/AAAAAAAACAk/0yjX296FNvQ/s1600/DSC04557+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vKfDHXvY0Ak/TvTPiWtZnQI/AAAAAAAACAk/0yjX296FNvQ/s400/DSC04557+copy.jpg" width="267" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CZXF9HYCUwU/TvTPq2m-PfI/AAAAAAAACAs/5EFBaASheFo/s1600/DSC04564+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CZXF9HYCUwU/TvTPq2m-PfI/AAAAAAAACAs/5EFBaASheFo/s400/DSC04564+copy.jpg" width="267" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8lJQLjqCNC8/TvTPz1rIwLI/AAAAAAAACA0/bGsqs-pAb70/s1600/DSC04571+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8lJQLjqCNC8/TvTPz1rIwLI/AAAAAAAACA0/bGsqs-pAb70/s400/DSC04571+copy.jpg" width="267" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1Z1Kz27R93Y/TvTP8g_NJuI/AAAAAAAACA8/Hz7oOlDcstQ/s1600/DSC04579+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1Z1Kz27R93Y/TvTP8g_NJuI/AAAAAAAACA8/Hz7oOlDcstQ/s400/DSC04579+copy.jpg" width="267" /></a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9086173967890508651-6590169480968208561?l=therifeobservatory.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Leah Rifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05843324234310268331noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9086173967890508651.post-44493319877465377172011-12-22T15:00:00.000-05:002011-12-22T15:00:37.798-05:00movie time!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Tomorrow night, Landon and I are going to head home a bit early for the holidays so we can go see a movie and let Finn hang out with the grandparents. I'm so excited to go out to the theater since I haven't been since before Finn was born. Landon and I love going to the movies!<br /><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1UPyaOPXuqM/TvOJS88imFI/AAAAAAAAB_M/TrMFBZ2kSBA/s1600/sherlockholmes2poster1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1UPyaOPXuqM/TvOJS88imFI/AAAAAAAAB_M/TrMFBZ2kSBA/s400/sherlockholmes2poster1.jpg" width="248" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.comingsoon.net/news/movienews.php?id=79646">via</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />We're seeing the new Sherlock Holmes which looks great! I love the time period and all the amazing costumes and set design. I'm especially excited to see <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0636426/">Noomi Rapace</a> in the film (I think she is gorgeous!) We saw her in all three of the original Swedish Girl With The Dragon Tattoo films when they came out, and loved her. Landon and I have read the books too...if you haven't, you should because they are superb! Even the real life story surrounding the author and his death is very intriguing.<br /><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2L8FF7ZzVMw/TvOHKpWilqI/AAAAAAAAB-0/TquU-MLd-fA/s1600/noomi-rapace1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2L8FF7ZzVMw/TvOHKpWilqI/AAAAAAAAB-0/TquU-MLd-fA/s400/noomi-rapace1.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.topnews.in/light/people/noomi-rapace">via</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />What did you think of the new hollywood version? I saw the trailer and it looks alright, but I was a bit biased. Check out the Swedish <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mVWA2ZlRn9c&feature=related">trailer</a>. Ah, but I will probably still see it and compare it to the "real" ones. :) Tomorrow, though, it's Sherlock Holmes time and all about the mystery and plotting. Maybe Landon will buy me some butter popcorn!!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9086173967890508651-4449331987746537717?l=therifeobservatory.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Leah Rifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05843324234310268331noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9086173967890508651.post-52797699362439998422011-12-21T16:08:00.000-05:002011-12-21T16:08:28.768-05:00got my new glasses in yesterday. i kind of like them alot!<br />contacts, you're going on vacation for awhile.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zQF_YyrNnto/TvJKhmsjV5I/AAAAAAAAB-o/_BX1AP3P3sc/s1600/Untitled-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zQF_YyrNnto/TvJKhmsjV5I/AAAAAAAAB-o/_BX1AP3P3sc/s400/Untitled-1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9086173967890508651-5279769936243999842?l=therifeobservatory.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Leah Rifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05843324234310268331noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9086173967890508651.post-22157501567464439602011-12-20T15:24:00.000-05:002011-12-20T15:24:25.305-05:00peppermint bark!One of the things I love to make for Christmas is peppermint bark. Why, you ask? Because of how ridiculously easy it is to make and how tasty and delicious it is in my mouth!<br /><br />Here's the <a href="http://simplyrecipes.com/recipes/peppermint_bark/">recipe</a>, you should try it sometime. :)<br /><br />I can't wait to go back home for the holidays and share this with our families!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-p7WI3NHRrsg/TvDuojecwcI/AAAAAAAAB-Y/boLhDCAVTqI/s1600/DSC04851.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-p7WI3NHRrsg/TvDuojecwcI/AAAAAAAAB-Y/boLhDCAVTqI/s400/DSC04851.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_fHSMrMBEIE/TvDutmZFenI/AAAAAAAAB-g/sO4lsCFaR5c/s1600/DSC04848.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_fHSMrMBEIE/TvDutmZFenI/AAAAAAAAB-g/sO4lsCFaR5c/s400/DSC04848.jpg" width="267" /></a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9086173967890508651-2215750156746443960?l=therifeobservatory.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Leah Rifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05843324234310268331noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9086173967890508651.post-77383883816875369342011-12-19T21:27:00.000-05:002011-12-19T21:27:06.486-05:00wedding in st. louis!Over the weekend, we had the pleasure of seeing a good friend of my sister's and mine from college get married to his adorable and sweet bride. They live in St. Louis, so we road tripped over with Hannah and Jon, and Finn tagged along. I was a bit nervous, wondering how Finn would do, but he was awesome! He slept in the car, ate well, and didn't cry at all the whole wedding!! What a little champ.<br /><br />Since they got married downtown, we got a sweet hotel room with a spectacular arch view! The wedding was at a neat little art gallery with creaky wooden floors and unique artwork. I loved the decor and the whole laid back feel of the wedding. It was one of the most artistic weddings I've been to and it was so much fun! We enjoyed amazing food, visiting with old friends from IWU, and lots of laughing and dancing. Later, back at the hotel, we enjoyed some late night pizza, soda, and a movie.<br /><br />I am just so happy for our friends, Dan and Natalie. They are such genuine people and are deeply in love with each other. It's so exciting to see two people that are so perfect for each other.<br />It was a wonderful weekend away and we wish all the best to the happy couple!!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SxHaNFdQbEo/Tu_v2Sdyg4I/AAAAAAAAB7g/p6tNlzpbCNY/s1600/DSC04736.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SxHaNFdQbEo/Tu_v2Sdyg4I/AAAAAAAAB7g/p6tNlzpbCNY/s400/DSC04736.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QlzSl0qCb1U/Tu_v6pZ2VFI/AAAAAAAAB7o/68Di9ZRhIxQ/s1600/DSC04731.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QlzSl0qCb1U/Tu_v6pZ2VFI/AAAAAAAAB7o/68Di9ZRhIxQ/s400/DSC04731.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_mmL-uiw6os/Tu_v-wko2NI/AAAAAAAAB7w/u5EJNeZhq_8/s1600/DSC04732.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_mmL-uiw6os/Tu_v-wko2NI/AAAAAAAAB7w/u5EJNeZhq_8/s400/DSC04732.jpg" width="267" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WpN1GZxif-0/Tu_wCZamH_I/AAAAAAAAB74/sGUdmkHaAA8/s1600/DSC04842.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WpN1GZxif-0/Tu_wCZamH_I/AAAAAAAAB74/sGUdmkHaAA8/s400/DSC04842.jpg" width="267" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rIY9O6lefw8/Tu_wJo_KSkI/AAAAAAAAB8A/KcKjbYb2r4g/s1600/DSC04738.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rIY9O6lefw8/Tu_wJo_KSkI/AAAAAAAAB8A/KcKjbYb2r4g/s400/DSC04738.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iIdIGU5Rcl8/Tu_wQHZwY-I/AAAAAAAAB8I/mBFs2IBZLzU/s1600/DSC04746.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iIdIGU5Rcl8/Tu_wQHZwY-I/AAAAAAAAB8I/mBFs2IBZLzU/s400/DSC04746.jpg" width="267" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lL63wmXhh5g/Tu_wUqnTQ_I/AAAAAAAAB8Q/7Rq01-HlEnM/s1600/DSC04745.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lL63wmXhh5g/Tu_wUqnTQ_I/AAAAAAAAB8Q/7Rq01-HlEnM/s400/DSC04745.jpg" width="267" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6pnmUflCMF8/Tu_wZa7kBnI/AAAAAAAAB8Y/0pZUSjsnv1s/s1600/DSC04749.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6pnmUflCMF8/Tu_wZa7kBnI/AAAAAAAAB8Y/0pZUSjsnv1s/s400/DSC04749.jpg" width="267" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--sdHXntd4vk/Tu_wfshpgPI/AAAAAAAAB8g/MdV3j6VVM1Y/s1600/DSC04753.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--sdHXntd4vk/Tu_wfshpgPI/AAAAAAAAB8g/MdV3j6VVM1Y/s400/DSC04753.jpg" width="267" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-A5CwO1wKnsE/Tu_wn-6HFNI/AAAAAAAAB8o/eNAgahYdoKQ/s1600/DSC04752.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-A5CwO1wKnsE/Tu_wn-6HFNI/AAAAAAAAB8o/eNAgahYdoKQ/s400/DSC04752.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fHSoR0luhKk/Tu_ws-l1VDI/AAAAAAAAB8w/HuaCu8nVPjw/s1600/DSC04761.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fHSoR0luhKk/Tu_ws-l1VDI/AAAAAAAAB8w/HuaCu8nVPjw/s400/DSC04761.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--KjVa6gzoJY/Tu_w4LzD3-I/AAAAAAAAB9A/yEk_NJG21Ps/s1600/DSC04756.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--KjVa6gzoJY/Tu_w4LzD3-I/AAAAAAAAB9A/yEk_NJG21Ps/s400/DSC04756.jpg" width="267" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kZQKdaFfDg0/Tu_w9dJ4zRI/AAAAAAAAB9I/nNo0ezlOsz4/s1600/DSC04778.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kZQKdaFfDg0/Tu_w9dJ4zRI/AAAAAAAAB9I/nNo0ezlOsz4/s400/DSC04778.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qwm8cOMMfes/Tu_xCtGDavI/AAAAAAAAB9Q/IsMegjMeKrM/s1600/DSC04807.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qwm8cOMMfes/Tu_xCtGDavI/AAAAAAAAB9Q/IsMegjMeKrM/s400/DSC04807.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HPIOJ9FgbM4/Tu_xIfemHXI/AAAAAAAAB9Y/cvrVDq0ZkhY/s1600/DSC04802.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HPIOJ9FgbM4/Tu_xIfemHXI/AAAAAAAAB9Y/cvrVDq0ZkhY/s400/DSC04802.jpg" width="267" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BO7V8JAug4k/Tu_xNpy8xCI/AAAAAAAAB9g/0-_7iLoGbg8/s1600/DSC04744.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BO7V8JAug4k/Tu_xNpy8xCI/AAAAAAAAB9g/0-_7iLoGbg8/s400/DSC04744.jpg" width="267" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sCvOzwvaqTs/Tu_xRpMBLBI/AAAAAAAAB9o/b4symU4tGaY/s1600/DSC04783.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sCvOzwvaqTs/Tu_xRpMBLBI/AAAAAAAAB9o/b4symU4tGaY/s400/DSC04783.jpg" width="267" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_h7Kxb_I2cs/Tu_xWY18V9I/AAAAAAAAB9w/_4hHnqB4JiM/s1600/DSC04786.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_h7Kxb_I2cs/Tu_xWY18V9I/AAAAAAAAB9w/_4hHnqB4JiM/s400/DSC04786.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vftrigvarPw/Tu_xbcskApI/AAAAAAAAB94/EmsEas0gIAs/s1600/DSC04816.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vftrigvarPw/Tu_xbcskApI/AAAAAAAAB94/EmsEas0gIAs/s400/DSC04816.jpg" width="267" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DFdIIawn0_c/Tu_xg3MKmiI/AAAAAAAAB-A/0RTSgOWC8TU/s1600/DSC04844.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DFdIIawn0_c/Tu_xg3MKmiI/AAAAAAAAB-A/0RTSgOWC8TU/s400/DSC04844.jpg" width="267" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--AmWGxCYCV4/Tu_xlb74EEI/AAAAAAAAB-I/nnA5_4JCZw8/s1600/DSC04845.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--AmWGxCYCV4/Tu_xlb74EEI/AAAAAAAAB-I/nnA5_4JCZw8/s400/DSC04845.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-36e-1dg2_6s/Tu_xrD936II/AAAAAAAAB-Q/FOe5XATgBRU/s1600/DSC04799.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-36e-1dg2_6s/Tu_xrD936II/AAAAAAAAB-Q/FOe5XATgBRU/s400/DSC04799.jpg" width="267" /></a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9086173967890508651-7738388381687536934?l=therifeobservatory.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Leah Rifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05843324234310268331noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9086173967890508651.post-23341164591132695542011-12-09T12:24:00.004-05:002011-12-09T15:50:08.950-05:00Finn's Birth StoryWell I finally had time to write out Finn's birth story. Just so you know, this story is really long. I just couldn't leave out any details because they all mean something to me. If you don't want to read the whole thing, then don't, but here is the story of how we had a baby and I hope you like it.<br /><br />Before I got pregnant, I had already decided that I wanted a natural labor and birth, with little intervention and no drugs. My mom had four children naturally, two with midwives at a birthing center. Landon's mom also had her children naturally. This was something that Landon also became passionate about when we were talking babies and after I got pregnant. So, in order to prepare, we took a Bradley childbirth class. I would highly recommend this class to anyone who is trying for a natural birth. It focuses on relaxation and having the husband be the wife's coach during labor and not a bystander.<br />We had a wonderful experience with our instructor and the other couples in the class. The class gave us confidence and helped us know more or less what to expect going into labor.<br /><br />I had an appointment the monday before my due date, and the midwife was very laid back about going overdue and said I might even be able to go past Thanksgiving if it came to that, but after Thanksgiving, we'd need to talk options. This was encouraging since I didn't want to be pushed into induction or another intervention if the baby looked healthy and there weren't any problems. She said they would do an ultrasound and non stress test at 41 weeks to make sure things were fine.<br /><br />So, my due date was November 12. That day came and went, and I didn't think too much of it. A lot of first time moms go past their due dates, and many times the due date isn't accurate anyway, so we thought of it more as a guess date. Of course I wanted to meet our baby, but I truly believed that the baby would come when it was time and things shouldn't be rushed along. I busied myself with exercising, working, and getting the house organized. A few days later, I got a call from one of the midwives (there's 4 of them that we saw on a rotation), and she told me they consulted with a backup OB at the hospital who didn't want me to go overdue too long, so they scheduled me for an induction on November 22. She also wanted me to come in the day before the ultrasound to get my membranes stripped. (I'll let you look that one up on google if you're not sure.) :) <br />I was so floored by all the information that I just mumbled an agreement and "yes I understand" and hung up. Wow, this was not happening the way we had envisioned at all. I talked with Landon that night and we were pretty upset and frustrated. I called our Bradley instructor who gave me a pep talk on asking the questions and finding out all the risks and benefits. She said we were the ones who had to make the decision, and we needed to find out the facts to be informed. So I wrote out a list of questions to ask the midwife when we saw her.<br /><br />I went in for the appointment so I could have my membranes stripped. It was uncomfortable, but not painful. I was measuring at 1cm but almost fully effaced, and my body was so close to getting ready for this baby to come. The only disappointment is that I wasn't having ANY sort of contractions that I could tell. But at least my body was moving along in small ways.<br />I grilled the midwife with questions about the risks of low fluid, the risks of induction, other means of induction naturally, and a whole lot more. I think she was a bit taken back, but she answered every question. We were basically told that it was a legal liability for the hospital to let me go past 10 days overdue. I completely understood where they were coming from, but Landon and I weren't satisfied enough to get induced for that reason alone. We asked the midwife why it had to be 10 days and why couldn't we go past that if things looked fine? She couldn't really give me an answer, so she said they would let me know. We left the appointment feeling a bit confused. I was praying so hard that my body would just jump into action and we wouldn't have to deal with any interventions at all. Landon was so amazing through this whole thing! He was calm and encouraging, and told me over and over that things would be fine. Thank goodness for this man!<br /><br />The next morning, November 19 we went in for the ultrasound and non stress test. The tech was so nice and cheery, but she made a comment that my fluid was really low. We know that sometimes ultrasounds aren't 100% accurate, so I was hoping things were fine anyway. She said everything else looked really good on the scan and the baby looked healthy. The non stress test was boring as heck, but we made it through and baby showed excellent results. I had a few contractions that showed up on the read out, but I couldn't feel them. We were told we'd hear the results of everything in a few days. On our way home, a hospital nurse called me and told me we had to come right back right away, that the midwife needed to speak with me. I hung up and told Landon and cried all the way to the hospital. The nurse sounded so concerned and I wasn't sure what was happening. <br />We got there and the midwife told us she saw the results, talked with the OB, and they wanted me to come in the next evening for induction because my fluid was so low. Oh my gosh, what was happening?? I asked her if we could ask her some questions, so we went to her office and talked about it. I asked if we could push the induction back by one day since everything else looked so good on the testing. She hesitated, but said it was our decision, so she agreed if we would come in again the next day for another non stress test. Ok, we could do that. She stripped my membranes again and I was still at 1cm, so we went home.<br />On the way, we stopped at Target and bought an exercise ball for me to bounce on. We went home and watched football and I bounced on that dang ball for 4 hours straight. I wanted to try everything to get things moving. At around 9pm that evening, I felt some very mild contractions that were roughly 6 to 10 minutes apart. I got SO excited because I was finally feeling something. I kept bouncing and drinking water and running to the bathroom. The contractions lasted until about 1am and then stopped.<br /><br />The next morning, November 20, I woke up early and couldn't sleep, so I told Landon I was going to go walking at this nature preserve I'd been walking at throughout the pregnancy. It was a balmy morning and no one was around at the preserve. It was so quiet and peaceful. My nerves were shot at this point and my emotions were running wild. I was seeing this amazing birth that I had envisioned slipping away. I had asked myself a lot the past few days why we, the ones who were really passionate about a natural birth, were facing induction and interventions, when tons of women who were fine with induction and interventions had spontaneous labor all the time! It wasn't fair, I thought and I was feeling so discouraged. As I walked and jogged in the woods, I just stopped and I bawled. I stood on a bridge and just poured my heart out to God. I was angry and scared...I think that's when I faced everything. After crying and blubbering my thoughts out, I just let it go and stood there. A peace just came over me and a calmness that I hadn't had before. I realized that God was in control, not me, and if things had to happen a different way than I imagined, I was ok with that. I left to go home and get ready for church, and the whole morning was so calm.<br />When we got to church, I didn't really want to face a lot of people, so we headed straight for the sanctuary. We got seats in the back and were standing around waiting for the service to start, when one of our leaders came up to us. Normally, people ask the polite questions and "how are you doing" and stay on the surface. Not at our church. The people there are genuinely interested in how you are and what's going on in your life. For some reason, this man looked at me and said "are you worried" in a way that wasn't surface. I teared up and told him yes, and explained a bit of what was going on. He looked at us with the most serious face I've ever seen and told us it was ok. He said sometimes we just need to let go and let God be in control. He said so many other things, but that one sentence was enough for me. I knew we were going to be fine and we were going to meet our baby so soon, one way or another. Everyone else we talked to that morning were so encouraging. I left feeling so full and happy.<br /><br />We headed straight to the hospital after church to get the second non stress test. This one was even better than the last and everything looked really good. The midwife that was there was one of our favorites. She was so positive and encouraging, and said that since things looked fine, we could go with the original induction date of November 22. She stripped my membranes again (geez was I getting tired of this), and said I was at almost 2cm, but everything else was ready to go. She said I might try some castor oil since my body was really primed for delivery, and it might jumpstart things. She also said she wouldn't be surprised if I went into labor that night. Needless to say, we left that appointment feeling really good.<br /><br />At home, we hung out and rested and some friends came over to give us a few things for the baby. Then, we ordered pizza and watched a movie. I took half the castor oil at 4:45pm and the other half an hour later. We watched more football and just hung out. I started feeling some effects of the castor oil and got a bit crampy, but nothing too exciting. I took a hot bath and tried to relax and take my mind off of everything that had happened. At 8:45pm, I talked with my sister to give an update, then Landon's mom, then my mom. After I hung up with my mom, I really started to feel the effects of the castor oil. I couldn't tell if I was having true contractions, or just cramping from the oil, but they were getting uncomfortable. Soon, I was feeling real contractions, no question. At one point, I literally heard something crack in my lower back, like when you get adjusted at the chiropractor, then immediately after the contractions got intense. Landon was up checking on me and suggested I lay down to relax. We were going to watch Jason Segal on SNL from the night before. We got one minute in, and I told Landon I couldn't watch it, things were too intense. At this point, I think the contractions were about 6 minutes apart and lasting a minute or so. I breathed through them and tried to relax or tried some exercises from class. The thing that helped the most was just lying on my side and breathing. Landon rubbed my back or played with my hair to help me relax.<br /><br />One thing about labor is that you easily lose track of time. Things went on pretty much like this for the next couple of hours with contractions steadily getting more intense. At 11:30pm I asked Landon to call our Bradley instructor. He did and explained how things were and she said "it sounds like you're going to have a baby!" She just encouraged him to keep doing what he was doing. He then called the midwife on call (who was our favorite one!) and she said things sounded good and to call her when we were headed for the hospital. Around midnight, I was asking Landon if we could leave for the hospital. I was in a lot of pain during the contractions, but still able to focus in between them. Landon started getting our stuff ready while I knelt on the floor during the contractions. We got into the car and left. I kept asking if it was too soon to go to the hospital. We learned that the average first time mom's labor can be anywhere between 15 to 20 hours. Since I was only three hours in, I was worried it was way to soon and geez, how much more intense are these things going to get.<br /><br />It takes about 40 minutes to drive to the hospital, a little less since it was after midnight. I tried to relax as much as I could through the contractions, but it was really uncomfortable in the car. On the ride, I started shivering before a contraction would hit, then start sweating when they happened. They were pretty uncomfortable, but not unbearable at all.<br /><br />We got to the ER and Landon asked if I wanted him to drop me off. I said I'd walk since it wasn't that far, so we parked and he grabbed just my bag and we went in. I walked up to the desk and felt awkward saying I was in labor when she asked how she could help me. She looked at me and said "you're in labor?" and I said yes. This made me feel all the more like we were there too soon. Should I have come in screaming or crawling on the floor? Was this real labor? I sat in a wheelchair hunched over until they said we could go up a few minutes later. We started walking and the receptionist asked if I didn't want a wheelchair. I said it was more comfortable to walk. We made it about 10 steps and I asked Landon to get the wheelchair after all. :) <br /><br />We got up to the birthing center and they put me in a triage room and hooked me up to the monitor. Our midwife came in a few minutes later and was so calm and happy. She checked me and I was at 4cm!! I was so glad since I didn't want to have to leave and come back. I labored in there on my side for awhile...again, I lost total track of time. Landon was awesome. He rubbed my back, encouraged me to breathe through each contraction, and stayed right by me. Baby's heart rate was doing awesome, but the monitors were so annoying. They kept slipping off and losing track of the heart rate and the nurses kept coming in to adjust them. I was too focused to ask them to take them off though. We then got moved to our room, a big beautiful corner room since there was only one other mom there in labor. The contractions were getting more intense and I was shaking really bad in between them. The only position that felt good was lying on my side, so I stayed that way for awhile. By this time, I was starting to moan a bit through the contractions. A friend from church said that if you moan at a really low tone, it helps with contractions. So I moaned like an old man for each one. I didn't care though because it helped with the pain. Landon was rubbing my lower back with a tennis ball which felt really good most of the time. I asked Landon if I could get in the tub, so he went to get a nurse. (That was one thing I liked, the nurses left us alone unless we needed them, so I didn't feel like people were hawk watching me the whole time.) They got the tub ready and helped me to the room. It was more like a jacuzzi than a tub, and it felt amazing as soon as I got in. I rolled around in there and let the jets hit my lower back.<br /><br />The contractions got super intense when I was in the tub and I was moaning a lot louder now. Landon kept telling me to breathe because I'd start panting if I lost focus. The contractions were now coming one on top of another. At one point, I told him I couldn't do it and I was going to need some pain medicine. In my mind, this was going to last for 10 more hours and get a lot worse, and I knew I couldn't handle the pain. Landon calmly told me no and I was doing so good, and to keep going. By this time, it was probably 3:15 or 3:30am. A little while later, I told Landon I wanted out of the tub and back to the room since I was so hot. He helped out, and I immediately got on my hands and knees because I couldn't stand. <br /><br />We finally got me into the gown and back to the room. I asked him for an ice pack for my back, so he left to get one. As soon as he was gone, I felt an urge to push! I was freaking out because I thought it was way too soon to push and my body wasn't ready. I yelled for Landon and pushed the call button and told the nurse. Soon everyone came into the room and brought in all the delivery equipment. The midwife checked me and said I was completely dilated and I was going to have a baby!! I was so shocked since it had happened so quickly. I wanted to lay on my side, so I pushed with each contraction and tried to relax in between. The midwife then wanted me to get into a seated position since the baby's head was off center when I was on my side. They helped me up and I had my knees up to my chest and pushed. The midwife was so great at helping me know when to push because I couldn't really feel the contractions at this point. She said I could reach down and feel the baby's head at one point, and I couldn't believe this was happening. She told me to keep pushing and I was going to feel a burning and stinging soon, which I did but it wasn't as horrible as what some people told me it would be. The baby's head came out, and Landon said the midwife grabbed the baby by the neck and helped pull him out with my next push. It was 4:15am, November 21st and I had been pushing for 20 minutes.<br /><br />They immediately put him on my chest and started rubbing him off. I looked at Landon and asked if it was a boy or a girl, and we both looked down and saw at the same time that we had a son! The nurses suctioned his mouth and he started crying and I started crying. It was the most amazing and awe-filled moment ever. I had just given birth to this baby boy that had been with me for nine months. I can't even describe the feelings I had. Landon cut the cord awhile later, and Finn started nursing like a champ. He was doing so great! The midwife said the cord was wrapped twice around his neck, but he didn't have any problems. I remember awkwardly holding him and asking the nurses if I was doing it right. They were all so amazing and helpful and encouraging. I really appreciated them because they read through our birth plan and stuck to it the whole time.<br /><br />It was such a fast labor and totally took us by surprise. All in all it was about 7 hours, which I am so thankful for. The pain wasn't as bad as I thought, though it did hurt a lot! It was so worth it to see my precious baby boy at the end. The days building up to this day were so full of emotion and stress, and to have it all work out so perfectly was such a blessing. I wouldn't have had it any other way. We are so blessed to have little Finn Abram in our lives, and I am so blessed to be a mama.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9086173967890508651-2334116459113269554?l=therifeobservatory.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Leah Rifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05843324234310268331noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9086173967890508651.post-20981803386225388382011-12-05T15:37:00.000-05:002011-12-05T15:37:49.300-05:00It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas around here....<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tvb6EQRmO6w/Tt0rCOSmoII/AAAAAAAAB6w/EoDhIz3KzWA/s1600/DSC04647+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tvb6EQRmO6w/Tt0rCOSmoII/AAAAAAAAB6w/EoDhIz3KzWA/s400/DSC04647+copy.jpg" width="267" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QIHisD5b4xY/Tt0rHNayhiI/AAAAAAAAB64/tKtGBrq2qwk/s1600/DSC04649+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QIHisD5b4xY/Tt0rHNayhiI/AAAAAAAAB64/tKtGBrq2qwk/s400/DSC04649+copy.jpg" width="267" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QHVo8Iz-c94/Tt0rKznXGvI/AAAAAAAAB7A/Veg5weOERSM/s1600/DSC04654+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QHVo8Iz-c94/Tt0rKznXGvI/AAAAAAAAB7A/Veg5weOERSM/s400/DSC04654+copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cGqtyRMIQQg/Tt0rOSXItvI/AAAAAAAAB7I/CV5DxexL9NU/s1600/DSC04656+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cGqtyRMIQQg/Tt0rOSXItvI/AAAAAAAAB7I/CV5DxexL9NU/s400/DSC04656+copy.jpg" width="267" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EuiKwvutf68/Tt0rSumF3RI/AAAAAAAAB7Q/_QL2HOHbdKw/s1600/DSC04657+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EuiKwvutf68/Tt0rSumF3RI/AAAAAAAAB7Q/_QL2HOHbdKw/s400/DSC04657+copy.jpg" width="267" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CON77GoEyAs/Tt0rZkqJMNI/AAAAAAAAB7Y/QQGoxiR_b1g/s1600/DSC04608.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CON77GoEyAs/Tt0rZkqJMNI/AAAAAAAAB7Y/QQGoxiR_b1g/s400/DSC04608.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9086173967890508651-2098180338622538838?l=therifeobservatory.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Leah Rifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05843324234310268331noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9086173967890508651.post-58612581479656967432011-11-30T12:27:00.000-05:002011-11-30T12:27:17.901-05:00If you absolutely love <a href="http://frightenedrabbit.com/">Frightened Rabbit</a>, as Landon and I do, you will love these bands. Landon has a knack for finding sweet tunes, and he showed me these recently. <br />I absolutely love the Scottish accents, don't you?<br /><br />Check out:<br /><br /><a href="http://wewerepromisedjetpacks.com/">We Were Promised Jetpacks</a><br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="215" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/G5ZhBAylbN4" width="320"></iframe><br /><br /><a href="http://www.myspace.com/thetwilightsad">The Twilight Sad</a><br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="215" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/yWKMv-nHKbw" width="320"></iframe><br /><br /><a href="http://www.myspace.com/admiralfallow">Admiral Fallow</a><br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="215" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/HKy6MWS2iws" width="320"></iframe><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9086173967890508651-5861258147965696743?l=therifeobservatory.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Leah Rifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05843324234310268331noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9086173967890508651.post-33562969480410705832011-11-29T11:00:00.000-05:002011-11-29T11:00:37.952-05:00<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RYNXVuWMSjQ/TtT_uTLUV4I/AAAAAAAAB6Y/g1g-ig2a0xY/s400/tumblr_ltzwi2dLzW1qan8z1o1_1280.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="266" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://modernhepburn.tumblr.com/post/13145578533">via</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KuHlxbQrOd0/TtUACsE_ClI/AAAAAAAAB6g/8oFgBf64x1s/s1600/tumblr_ltxv3sXrqR1qzipvbo1_500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KuHlxbQrOd0/TtUACsE_ClI/AAAAAAAAB6g/8oFgBf64x1s/s400/tumblr_ltxv3sXrqR1qzipvbo1_500.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://recklesstrash.tumblr.com/">Add caption</a></td></tr></tbody></table><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wiXt7nIZs1A/TtUA9KgKl0I/AAAAAAAAB6o/36z0dtFgu1o/s1600/tumblr_lui6v0UKT31qh0g6wo1_500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wiXt7nIZs1A/TtUA9KgKl0I/AAAAAAAAB6o/36z0dtFgu1o/s400/tumblr_lui6v0UKT31qh0g6wo1_500.jpg" width="298" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://monotonybreaks.tumblr.com/">Add caption</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />these days i'm having to take things slow and easy. it's nice to get to quietly relax and take in the quiet moments amidst the noisy ones throughout the day. all i need on days like today are good books, hot drinks, and messy hair.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9086173967890508651-3356296948041070583?l=therifeobservatory.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Leah Rifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05843324234310268331noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9086173967890508651.post-32143551411291412162011-11-28T16:36:00.000-05:002011-11-28T16:36:42.306-05:00Finn Abram Rife...<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LLdfhqSxkv0/TtP8B0fUTZI/AAAAAAAAB5Y/Rt8pNR27Sc8/s1600/DSC0442.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LLdfhqSxkv0/TtP8B0fUTZI/AAAAAAAAB5Y/Rt8pNR27Sc8/s400/DSC0442.jpg" width="267" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Finn, a few hours old.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jl_ql1hUCqE/TtP8E55GevI/AAAAAAAAB5g/YnWegqpoQc4/s1600/DSC04407.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jl_ql1hUCqE/TtP8E55GevI/AAAAAAAAB5g/YnWegqpoQc4/s400/DSC04407.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our first family picture ever! About 10 minutes after he was born.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aGN9ptF1Sfk/TtP8IOJkDuI/AAAAAAAAB5o/RrFoisR57d8/s1600/DSC04446.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aGN9ptF1Sfk/TtP8IOJkDuI/AAAAAAAAB5o/RrFoisR57d8/s400/DSC04446.jpg" width="267" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hXJhbIz9YUA/TtP8Kja0CkI/AAAAAAAAB5w/sS3-ZKe2tNY/s1600/DSC04425.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hXJhbIz9YUA/TtP8Kja0CkI/AAAAAAAAB5w/sS3-ZKe2tNY/s400/DSC04425.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rD7DK8UVKQk/TtP8NR5XtAI/AAAAAAAAB54/DIddKxwdhRk/s1600/DSC04462.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rD7DK8UVKQk/TtP8NR5XtAI/AAAAAAAAB54/DIddKxwdhRk/s400/DSC04462.jpg" width="267" /></a></div><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AmHDmYd9gl8/TtP8QVDgAzI/AAAAAAAAB6A/5Z8dbi4v9Io/s1600/DSC04415+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AmHDmYd9gl8/TtP8QVDgAzI/AAAAAAAAB6A/5Z8dbi4v9Io/s400/DSC04415+copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sleepy husband...but he totally deserved that rest! </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VyWSBKHBKFQ/TtP8VLRUprI/AAAAAAAAB6I/EvScvfdOfdg/s1600/Finn1week.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VyWSBKHBKFQ/TtP8VLRUprI/AAAAAAAAB6I/EvScvfdOfdg/s400/Finn1week.jpg" width="267" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Finn, one week old.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4N4zXHz9kQg/TtP8YmXn31I/AAAAAAAAB6Q/uyQqvTWmiYI/s1600/Finn1week2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4N4zXHz9kQg/TtP8YmXn31I/AAAAAAAAB6Q/uyQqvTWmiYI/s400/Finn1week2.jpg" width="267" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />We are so blessed and happy to have Finn Abram Rife join our family! He came at 4:15am on 11/21/11. He weighed 8lbs. 1oz. and was 21.5 inches long. I can't begin to tell you how amazing and beautiful the birth experience was. I still can't believe that this little man is here, and all the things that it took to make him. God knows what He's doing. Finn is perfect and we are so happy! <br /><br />I was blessed to have a short labor...only 7 hours! I was prepared for a longer labor, so Landon and I were thrilled when it happened quickly. We were so happy when it happened because we were facing a possible induction. Fortunately, God worked it out that I went into labor spontaneously, and we were able to have the unmedicated birth that we desired. I'll post my ridiculously long birth story some other day.<br /><br />Finn is doing so well, too. He had his first Dr. appointment today, and he nailed it. :) He's a champ at breastfeeding, and he's been really good at sleeping too, which I appreciate. Having a baby is so wonderful! It's been really hard at times, but it's been worth it all to see his little face every day and cover it with kisses. I love him SO much.<br /><br />Landon and I are truly blessed by Finn and we can't wait to watch him grow and change each day.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9086173967890508651-3214355141129141216?l=therifeobservatory.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Leah Rifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05843324234310268331noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9086173967890508651.post-20515801092708635562011-11-15T22:23:00.000-05:002011-11-15T22:23:34.011-05:00<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9MSZ_9v9GGI/TsMqyYF8sVI/AAAAAAAAB5Q/dXOB6MdqK3w/s1600/tumblr_lm1bq7xyOo1qbfpfoo1_500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="261" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9MSZ_9v9GGI/TsMqyYF8sVI/AAAAAAAAB5Q/dXOB6MdqK3w/s400/tumblr_lm1bq7xyOo1qbfpfoo1_500.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://modernhepburn.tumblr.com/post/12788743716">via</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Landon and I are savoring these quiet days with each other as we wait for this newest addition to our family. I love it when Landon gets home from work and we get to snuggle or sit on the couch and talk about our days...one of my most favorite times. Soon, he'll come home and snuggle with me and our baby as we catch up. I can't wait for that.<br /><br />Still no sign of baby yet. We had an appointment on Monday and the midwife was so calm and laid back about me being over due. She said we can technically go past Thanksgiving if baby waits that long, and they aren't pushing induction at all right now. I'm so thankful for that. Landon and I truly believe that the baby will come when he or she is ready. Since I'm over due now, I'll go in for monitoring once a week just to make sure all is well, and if so, we just keep waiting. <br /><br />Oh, my precious baby, mama can't wait to hold you, and see you, and kiss you.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9086173967890508651-2051580109270863556?l=therifeobservatory.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Leah Rifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05843324234310268331noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9086173967890508651.post-29747310746089345672011-11-11T18:53:00.000-05:002011-11-11T18:53:32.039-05:00birthday boy...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DVVMb9TRVGo/Tr2yxp1uyTI/AAAAAAAAB4Q/IIBw6C_olgE/s1600/DSC04362.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DVVMb9TRVGo/Tr2yxp1uyTI/AAAAAAAAB4Q/IIBw6C_olgE/s400/DSC04362.jpg" width="267" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mDnCwZYCJv0/Tr2y3IB0oUI/AAAAAAAAB4Y/RMu3oBFQWsM/s1600/DSC04363.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mDnCwZYCJv0/Tr2y3IB0oUI/AAAAAAAAB4Y/RMu3oBFQWsM/s400/DSC04363.jpg" width="267" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5bmpet7fZ8M/Tr2zGR64zyI/AAAAAAAAB4g/BEGAVIPot1s/s1600/DSC04364.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5bmpet7fZ8M/Tr2zGR64zyI/AAAAAAAAB4g/BEGAVIPot1s/s400/DSC04364.jpg" width="267" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_Tu8nq89TSw/Tr2zK4ZG6jI/AAAAAAAAB4o/kdB9TR7qXdo/s1600/DSC04368.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_Tu8nq89TSw/Tr2zK4ZG6jI/AAAAAAAAB4o/kdB9TR7qXdo/s400/DSC04368.jpg" width="267" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QFid274wmIw/Tr2zQAbd6AI/AAAAAAAAB4w/gsbp7JVafws/s1600/DSC04369.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QFid274wmIw/Tr2zQAbd6AI/AAAAAAAAB4w/gsbp7JVafws/s400/DSC04369.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ktVPqf_fSXs/Tr2zUnAalkI/AAAAAAAAB44/s5rY-R8JcMs/s1600/DSC04372.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ktVPqf_fSXs/Tr2zUnAalkI/AAAAAAAAB44/s5rY-R8JcMs/s400/DSC04372.jpg" width="267" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-93Mxu2UEoN4/Tr2zZsGZyxI/AAAAAAAAB5A/4nXCiPwOBA4/s1600/DSC04373.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-93Mxu2UEoN4/Tr2zZsGZyxI/AAAAAAAAB5A/4nXCiPwOBA4/s400/DSC04373.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Zj1sclnJHXc/Tr2zeTnyD1I/AAAAAAAAB5I/7f4bxQFEHtU/s1600/DSC04374.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Zj1sclnJHXc/Tr2zeTnyD1I/AAAAAAAAB5I/7f4bxQFEHtU/s400/DSC04374.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />We celebrated Landon's 25th birthday last Saturday and had a wonderful, relaxing time. We started out the morning with the Rife's traditional birthday breakfast of cherry turnovers and chocolate milk. I did not wake the poor boy up at the crack of dawn though...he was able to enjoy his Saturday morning sleep. He was super excited to get his birthday gift from me...a Louisville slugger wooden bat! He's been wanting one for quite awhile, and now it's resting by his side of the bed in case any bad guys get in. :)<br /><br />Then, we headed out to our favorite burger place in town for some good eats. We LOVE the food there! The fries are just perfect, and the burgers are always superb. We ended the day with watching a movie at the theater and having brownies for dessert. I love my husband so very much and I'm so proud of all that he's done with his life. He is successful, caring, loving, and passionate about living and he's going to make a GREAT dad!<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9086173967890508651-2974731074608934567?l=therifeobservatory.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Leah Rifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05843324234310268331noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9086173967890508651.post-41027393149360542992011-11-09T15:47:00.000-05:002011-11-09T15:47:01.503-05:00A room for a wee one....The nursery is finished for real now! I just had to add a few decorating touches. Here's a peek for you, all we need now is a baby! I'm ready for this little one to get here today, or tomorrow, or Saturday. :) <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CNQeo6hLJMo/Trriv6YOixI/AAAAAAAAB2o/XS6h5gC-3Tc/s1600/DSC04375.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CNQeo6hLJMo/Trriv6YOixI/AAAAAAAAB2o/XS6h5gC-3Tc/s400/DSC04375.JPG" width="267" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SDY8ErG1ysI/Trri4NJurUI/AAAAAAAAB2w/WH5p8TeTYuk/s1600/DSC04376.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SDY8ErG1ysI/Trri4NJurUI/AAAAAAAAB2w/WH5p8TeTYuk/s400/DSC04376.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-u9sfUmTdBVU/Trri-XQ8UMI/AAAAAAAAB24/7RZK85cO0iQ/s1600/DSC04379.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-u9sfUmTdBVU/Trri-XQ8UMI/AAAAAAAAB24/7RZK85cO0iQ/s400/DSC04379.JPG" width="267" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />This is a shelf my grandpa made for me and it hung in my room growing up as a child. We got the pat the bunny from my awesome cousins and aunt and uncle, and the ornament is our baby's first one I made which we'll hang on the tree this year. <br />It looked nice hanging there for now.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JeQnM7UBAMI/TrrjmbV4UDI/AAAAAAAAB3A/cZY-9k5YUvE/s1600/DSC04380.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JeQnM7UBAMI/TrrjmbV4UDI/AAAAAAAAB3A/cZY-9k5YUvE/s400/DSC04380.JPG" width="267" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />This is an owl embroidery design I did last year, and I loved the way it looked in the nursery. (If you know Landon and I at all, you know we love handmade, simple decor.)<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7pGA_pyghNA/Trrj_mqcCeI/AAAAAAAAB3I/YbL8VZulMu4/s1600/DSC04381.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7pGA_pyghNA/Trrj_mqcCeI/AAAAAAAAB3I/YbL8VZulMu4/s400/DSC04381.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />I can't wait to use our cloth diapers! My mom and dad helped Landon and I get them all ready. We also have a great stash of disposables for travel and such.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IWmGWAQG6fY/TrrkO_DiBOI/AAAAAAAAB3Q/6Kbb9nQ7XJ0/s1600/DSC04382.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IWmGWAQG6fY/TrrkO_DiBOI/AAAAAAAAB3Q/6Kbb9nQ7XJ0/s400/DSC04382.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />The basket of blankets and "friends" for the baby. I grew up calling our stuffed animals friends, and we have some really cute ones for the kiddo.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-y8wuQX4cIUU/TrrkeUyF_OI/AAAAAAAAB3Y/NGiknAZ0WCE/s1600/DSC04383.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-y8wuQX4cIUU/TrrkeUyF_OI/AAAAAAAAB3Y/NGiknAZ0WCE/s400/DSC04383.JPG" width="267" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-REpZiTiopQE/TrrkozKLI7I/AAAAAAAAB3g/YBGvfkBZcaM/s1600/DSC04384.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-REpZiTiopQE/TrrkozKLI7I/AAAAAAAAB3g/YBGvfkBZcaM/s400/DSC04384.JPG" width="267" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />We have a wonderful rocking chair we got from our soon to be sister, Casey. She also made the lovely blanket hanging on the back. It's a real life Cracker Barrel rocker, and so comfy! This is where you'll find me and baby during early morning nursing times. :)<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vR3DzhLNldo/TrrlEVajbPI/AAAAAAAAB3o/js8HHdMvaA8/s1600/DSC04387.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vR3DzhLNldo/TrrlEVajbPI/AAAAAAAAB3o/js8HHdMvaA8/s400/DSC04387.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />The desk Landon refinished for me as a wedding gift, all the baby books are stacked and waiting on a shelf I helped my Grandpa make when I was little.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rF8M8wjIDBI/TrrlWSR4oBI/AAAAAAAAB3w/bcK30WItqoo/s1600/DSC04388.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rF8M8wjIDBI/TrrlWSR4oBI/AAAAAAAAB3w/bcK30WItqoo/s400/DSC04388.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PAvSivqikpI/TrrlaGN4eOI/AAAAAAAAB34/ZRbXqk-kBeE/s1600/DSC04389.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PAvSivqikpI/TrrlaGN4eOI/AAAAAAAAB34/ZRbXqk-kBeE/s400/DSC04389.JPG" width="267" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />A couple of pillows I made...the whale is one of my all-time favorite projects I've done.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lD-mxN_fDp4/Trrln-EQnMI/AAAAAAAAB4A/BojkmjkOVGw/s1600/DSC04390.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lD-mxN_fDp4/Trrln-EQnMI/AAAAAAAAB4A/BojkmjkOVGw/s400/DSC04390.JPG" width="267" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Some great motivational signs we were given from my awesome boss. <br />I love the colors and the fonts.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--TKAzZ6Dvls/Trrl0rwXa8I/AAAAAAAAB4I/vKrEj5FxWwA/s1600/DSC04392.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--TKAzZ6Dvls/Trrl0rwXa8I/AAAAAAAAB4I/vKrEj5FxWwA/s400/DSC04392.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Here's some wonderful bunting that my sister made as decor for my baby shower. It looks great hanging over the pack n play. <br />I love the colors.<br /><br />Well, there you go. It's not much, but it's perfect for us and our precious baby. I love how the majority of things I see in this room are handmade and have meaning to Landon and I. We have been so blessed with amazing family and friends, and our baby is one lucky little kiddo.<br /><br />I can't wait to meet him or her!!! :)<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9086173967890508651-4102739314936054299?l=therifeobservatory.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Leah Rifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05843324234310268331noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9086173967890508651.post-65100992334211929992011-11-04T16:33:00.000-04:002011-11-04T16:33:10.884-04:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vOW1Wu4Z7NM/TrRKZw1Vy_I/AAAAAAAAB2g/K7Z-WTQtpsQ/s1600/DSC04361.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vOW1Wu4Z7NM/TrRKZw1Vy_I/AAAAAAAAB2g/K7Z-WTQtpsQ/s400/DSC04361.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />My go-to snack lately...<br /><br />1) Cut up one granny smith apple into slices.<br />2) Cut up a chunk of your favorite cheese into slices...sharp cheeses work well.<br />3) Pair up a good looking apple slice with a great slice of cheese.<br />4) Enjoy!<br /><br />Tomorrow is Landon's birthday, so we are taking the entire day and celebrating. I told him <i>no</i> baby talk is coming out of my mouth tomorrow. He deserves some quality one on one time, and I am going to make it the best 25th birthday that I can for him. For sure it will include: cherry turnovers and chocolate milk (a Rife tradition we have carried on), <a href="http://www.boogieburger.com/">Boogie Burger</a>...seriously the best burgers in Indy, a movie that Landon gets to pick...I think we might see <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0376136/">The Rum Diary</a>, a special yummy dessert that I'm making, and hanging out all day!<br /><br />I hope you all have a great weekend!<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9086173967890508651-6510099233421192999?l=therifeobservatory.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Leah Rifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05843324234310268331noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9086173967890508651.post-16818889227253174842011-11-02T17:11:00.000-04:002011-11-02T17:11:29.830-04:00Squeaky Clean!<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-L_vlfDwW1GM/TrGtqiktL9I/AAAAAAAAB2Y/3yWNgRipG9M/s1600/il_570xN.107983298.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-L_vlfDwW1GM/TrGtqiktL9I/AAAAAAAAB2Y/3yWNgRipG9M/s400/il_570xN.107983298.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/36135498/vintage-70s-the-vinegar-institue?utm_source=Kaboodle&utm_medium=PageTools&utm_campaign=Share">via</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Ahhhh, what a productive day! I got a burst of cleaning energy today, or maybe just a frantic urge to have this house sparkling before baby gets here. Regardless, I was able to knock a lot off of my to-do list. I swept and mopped all the floors, swept out the dirty garage, washed all the blankets, cleaned the bathrooms, and did some much needed organizing. It feels so good to sit back and enjoy a clean home.<br /><br />I am working at eliminating harmful chemical cleaning products from our home. They just aren't necessary, and a bit too harsh. I pretty much just use plain white vinegar for all my cleaning purposes. It does a great job and smells better than bleach or other strong chemicals in regular cleaners.<br /><br />Also, my friend pointed out yesterday that Johnson & Johnson baby wash carries some harmful chemicals, which stinks because I have two giant bottles of it already. Here's an <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/11/01/johnson-johnson-baby-sham_n_1069123.html">article</a> I read about it. So Landon and I spent a bit of time last night researching some natural alternatives, and I even found a recipe for <a href="http://www.brighthub.com/environment/green-living/articles/67506.aspx">homemade baby wash</a> that I'd love to try. It would be so much cheaper, and I can actually pronounce all the ingredients. Cheap is good, and natural is always good. :)<br /><br />I realized I haven't done a thankful list for quite some time, and I need to get better at reminding myself of those things. Here are some things I'm thankful for today:<br /><br />*Energy! I have seriously taken this for granted in the past.<br /><br />*Good friends. We had dinner with some amazing friends last night. They are so encouraging, and we love to be with them.<br /><br />*My husband. What other kind of guy would go to a cloth diapering store to buy burp cloths with me?<br /><br />*Peanut Butter and Bananas!<br /><br />*An amazing job. I edited photos today and loved every minute!<br /><br />*Beautiful weather. Isn't today just amazing? The sun, the leaves, the fresh air? So awesome.<br /><br />*Between Two Ferns. Oh Zach, you know how to make me laugh....<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9086173967890508651-1681888922725317484?l=therifeobservatory.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Leah Rifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05843324234310268331noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9086173967890508651.post-28566354202105724572011-11-01T12:47:00.000-04:002011-11-01T12:47:08.270-04:00halloween weekendWe had a fun little Halloween around here yesterday. On Friday, we carved pumpkins, then lit them up last night for the little ones. This was the first year we've ever had trick or treaters, and I got super excited when I saw the first little man show up on our porch. It was fun to hand out the candy and see their cute costumes. We even had some candy leftover so..... :)<br /><br />Hope you all had a fun day yesterday! Here's a peek at our carving, and I'll throw in a preview that my boss did of our maternity shoot on Sunday. She's awesome by the way!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1gFXABNcgks/TrAh_stz_dI/AAAAAAAAB1w/fO5251VhI7Y/s1600/DSC04347+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1gFXABNcgks/TrAh_stz_dI/AAAAAAAAB1w/fO5251VhI7Y/s400/DSC04347+copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nJlmTSj47GQ/TrAiDIWWVLI/AAAAAAAAB14/fHEn8yDUVBM/s1600/DSC04349+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nJlmTSj47GQ/TrAiDIWWVLI/AAAAAAAAB14/fHEn8yDUVBM/s400/DSC04349+copy.jpg" width="267" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cx7nTMpmk_I/TrAiHrw-EJI/AAAAAAAAB2A/CH4hz8FaHVY/s1600/DSC04356+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cx7nTMpmk_I/TrAiHrw-EJI/AAAAAAAAB2A/CH4hz8FaHVY/s400/DSC04356+copy.jpg" width="267" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cwy-KL_b2s8/TrAiLKpL5RI/AAAAAAAAB2I/w54ZFkkrZwo/s1600/DSC04351+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cwy-KL_b2s8/TrAiLKpL5RI/AAAAAAAAB2I/w54ZFkkrZwo/s400/DSC04351+copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sjqAsgKGFYI/TrAiSDAH8dI/AAAAAAAAB2Q/hxp4LhQPM7g/s1600/322818_298611243501780_117700211592885_1140271_1599115793_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="273" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sjqAsgKGFYI/TrAiSDAH8dI/AAAAAAAAB2Q/hxp4LhQPM7g/s400/322818_298611243501780_117700211592885_1140271_1599115793_o.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9086173967890508651-2856635420210572457?l=therifeobservatory.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Leah Rifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05843324234310268331noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9086173967890508651.post-23600229274141098362011-10-31T10:06:00.000-04:002011-10-31T10:06:37.562-04:00baking day!My sister, Hannah, came down to visit last week for a baking day! <div>We found some great recipes on <a href="http://foodgawker.com/">Food Gawker</a>, and made three sweet fall desserts. One thing we are pretty good at is baking and cooking, so we totally ruled the kitchen with our mad skills. :)</div><div>Our hubbies were extra happy when we divided up the goods and shared with them later that evening, so yes, we were nice and shared.<div><br /></div><div>Here's a peek at our day...</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OKoBuOsrtEE/Tq6n3RAFbTI/AAAAAAAAB0g/2XbR0TaWX2o/s1600/DSC04316+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OKoBuOsrtEE/Tq6n3RAFbTI/AAAAAAAAB0g/2XbR0TaWX2o/s400/DSC04316+copy.jpg" width="267" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lPu7DsHFHHY/Tq6n61SfnZI/AAAAAAAAB0o/vghgbebCrSI/s1600/DSC04314+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lPu7DsHFHHY/Tq6n61SfnZI/AAAAAAAAB0o/vghgbebCrSI/s400/DSC04314+copy.jpg" width="267" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kbEn3ynRZbM/Tq6n-C8YfYI/AAAAAAAAB0w/hhI4hYFXl_c/s1600/DSC04318+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kbEn3ynRZbM/Tq6n-C8YfYI/AAAAAAAAB0w/hhI4hYFXl_c/s400/DSC04318+copy.jpg" width="267" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0Bk2M4E6QqI/Tq6oLKFcLAI/AAAAAAAAB04/X3qliUk2PJo/s1600/DSC04332+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0Bk2M4E6QqI/Tq6oLKFcLAI/AAAAAAAAB04/X3qliUk2PJo/s400/DSC04332+copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-H-Vkl2oVbdM/Tq6oPuebk8I/AAAAAAAAB1A/hCTpQ0B_lGw/s1600/DSC04337+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-H-Vkl2oVbdM/Tq6oPuebk8I/AAAAAAAAB1A/hCTpQ0B_lGw/s400/DSC04337+copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5XokxBK6wvc/Tq6oV5CjdWI/AAAAAAAAB1I/1amsMztTNV8/s1600/DSC04338+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5XokxBK6wvc/Tq6oV5CjdWI/AAAAAAAAB1I/1amsMztTNV8/s400/DSC04338+copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2-rfNPocFcA/Tq6oZmfhsSI/AAAAAAAAB1Q/vfFBr1fOPNI/s1600/DSC04340+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2-rfNPocFcA/Tq6oZmfhsSI/AAAAAAAAB1Q/vfFBr1fOPNI/s400/DSC04340+copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Y1_Xr02UoUw/Tq6ode9PaWI/AAAAAAAAB1Y/jQ8paXnUWPM/s1600/DSC04345+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Y1_Xr02UoUw/Tq6ode9PaWI/AAAAAAAAB1Y/jQ8paXnUWPM/s400/DSC04345+copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Fw6NOr1jXCw/Tq6ohJwsZJI/AAAAAAAAB1g/a8MtGMJaMjo/s1600/DSC04325+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Fw6NOr1jXCw/Tq6ohJwsZJI/AAAAAAAAB1g/a8MtGMJaMjo/s400/DSC04325+copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SRcc0pUzDe0/Tq6olTmuOHI/AAAAAAAAB1o/zEwy7_3WsLE/s1600/DSC04327+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SRcc0pUzDe0/Tq6olTmuOHI/AAAAAAAAB1o/zEwy7_3WsLE/s400/DSC04327+copy.jpg" width="267" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>We finished the day with some dark hot cocoa with whipped cream and taste tested our goods. It was such a fun day working together, talking, laughing, and just hanging out. Here are the recipes we used if you want to try them out. My favorite was the pumpkin cinnamon rolls...by far the easiest and best recipe I've ever tried.</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.missinthekitchen.com/2011/10/24/quick-pumpkin-cinnamon-rolls/">Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls</a></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://littlepinkapron.blogspot.com/2011/10/dark-chocolate-brownies.html">Dark Chocolate Brownies</a></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.thesweetslife.com/2011/10/pumpkin-roll.html">Pumpkin Roll</a></div><div><br /></div></div><div>Happy Halloween to all! Hopefully we'll get some little trick-or-treaters tonight, but if not, we'll just have to finish the candy ourselves...oh well. We didn't do any dressing up for a Halloween party this year, but Landon and I had the chance to get decked out for a maternity shoot we did yesterday. My boss did an amazing job with us and I can't wait to see the photos! Let's just say I never expected to wear a tutu or a mustache, or have Landon juggle for our prego photos...they are going to be awesome!</div><div><br /></div><div>Have a fun day!</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9086173967890508651-2360022927414109836?l=therifeobservatory.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Leah Rifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05843324234310268331noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9086173967890508651.post-87287942003958902432011-10-27T16:06:00.000-04:002011-10-27T16:06:25.525-04:00Benjamin and CaseyOver the weekend, Landon and I had the pleasure of hanging out with the Rife family back in Ohio where we took some engagement photos for Landon's older brother Benjamin, and his bride to be Casey.<br /><br />Ben and Casey had some great ideas in mind for the shoot, and the whole family, (minus Dad who stayed behind to make supper and do dishes) tagged along for the afternoon. We had so much fun!<br /><br />The sweet couple got engaged over the summer on an epic road trip to various national parks out west. We are so happy for them and we can't wait for their wedding next summer! Don't worry, they're having the talented duo from <a href="http://imaginationphotography.org/">Imagination Photography</a> do their wedding photos...much more professional, don't you think? :)<br /><br />Anyway, here's a look at the day we had. (You can click on the photos to see them larger if you'd like.)<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xGlWsNqrcG0/TqmqpCwqz6I/AAAAAAAABvI/LKLi2384ZA8/s1600/2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xGlWsNqrcG0/TqmqpCwqz6I/AAAAAAAABvI/LKLi2384ZA8/s400/2.jpg" width="290" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-py1W4HyRb8Y/TqmqXpo9m6I/AAAAAAAABvA/JzHC2G-WXA8/s1600/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-py1W4HyRb8Y/TqmqXpo9m6I/AAAAAAAABvA/JzHC2G-WXA8/s400/1.jpg" width="290" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CCrij0hp0WU/TqmqzVKVw8I/AAAAAAAABvQ/OBVMiiusXcY/s1600/3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; 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text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hSIOKoywVu4/Tqm3ovTSzeI/AAAAAAAABzw/ryOR9wjmNDg/s1600/37.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="290" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hSIOKoywVu4/Tqm3ovTSzeI/AAAAAAAABzw/ryOR9wjmNDg/s400/37.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4GpdstLRNyM/Tqm31LlO6WI/AAAAAAAABz4/sS4Gbf0HA3I/s1600/38.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="290" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4GpdstLRNyM/Tqm31LlO6WI/AAAAAAAABz4/sS4Gbf0HA3I/s400/38.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dQjr6p4x33k/Tqm4TqGIFiI/AAAAAAAAB0A/Dd7Ij4UGl3A/s1600/39.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="290" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dQjr6p4x33k/Tqm4TqGIFiI/AAAAAAAAB0A/Dd7Ij4UGl3A/s400/39.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RrVI2_ojriU/Tqm4isEZJeI/AAAAAAAAB0I/Rj_341FGC6E/s1600/40.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="290" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RrVI2_ojriU/Tqm4isEZJeI/AAAAAAAAB0I/Rj_341FGC6E/s400/40.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TLQPHhJbtRQ/Tqm4xl1uSmI/AAAAAAAAB0Q/mH_tQJUVNWE/s1600/41.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="290" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TLQPHhJbtRQ/Tqm4xl1uSmI/AAAAAAAAB0Q/mH_tQJUVNWE/s400/41.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Mhi6c7KE7f4/Tqm5CLHN6cI/AAAAAAAAB0Y/vnZp33sgrZg/s1600/42.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Mhi6c7KE7f4/Tqm5CLHN6cI/AAAAAAAAB0Y/vnZp33sgrZg/s400/42.jpg" width="290" /></a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9086173967890508651-8728794200395890243?l=therifeobservatory.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Leah Rifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05843324234310268331noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9086173967890508651.post-86562573725781792822011-10-25T17:46:00.000-04:002011-10-25T17:46:15.876-04:00oh baby!Well here's a little baby update...<br />I'm almost 38 weeks and I can't believe how fast it's gone!<br />-Baby room ready - check!<br />-Hospital bag packed - check!<br />-Car seat installed correctly - check!<br /><br />We are ready whenever this little one decides to come. I can't wait! I'm currently trying to watch the sugar intake, but every time I walk past the halloween candy I just bought, I have weak moments. I may have sampled quite a bit already. :)<br /><br />Here's my weekly tummy picture.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-amzKZmWEdIk/TqcsPEwzNeI/AAAAAAAABr8/xQJ1CnkkZCA/s1600/DSC04309+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-amzKZmWEdIk/TqcsPEwzNeI/AAAAAAAABr8/xQJ1CnkkZCA/s400/DSC04309+copy.jpg" width="267" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />And here's a little taste of how these mini photo shoots <i>usually</i> go before we get a good one. Let's just say Landon gets a bit camera happy.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Rb6MTzRSyis/TqcsgxUCCHI/AAAAAAAABsE/S4k4kEcXndo/s1600/photostrip.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Rb6MTzRSyis/TqcsgxUCCHI/AAAAAAAABsE/S4k4kEcXndo/s1600/photostrip.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Well, we're staying in tonight...this is what's for supper. I spied it on <a href="http://foodgawker.com/">Food Gawker</a> yesterday.<br /><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sbVNI231Gks/TqctSaCMGgI/AAAAAAAABsM/Qf3HYeDiPLE/s1600/IMG_3546.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sbVNI231Gks/TqctSaCMGgI/AAAAAAAABsM/Qf3HYeDiPLE/s400/IMG_3546.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://pleasenotepaper.blogspot.com/2011/10/easy-pizza-casserole.html">via</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />I think we'll watch some breaking bad episodes and chillax. I'm <i>all</i> about relaxing nowadays...<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9086173967890508651-8656257372578179282?l=therifeobservatory.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Leah Rifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05843324234310268331noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9086173967890508651.post-68550821076318124632011-10-20T21:08:00.000-04:002011-10-20T21:08:52.780-04:00'tis the season for pumpkin pie...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SgDKNns8G2k/TqDDlbyVTII/AAAAAAAABrc/EOHONc3RwbY/s1600/DSC03809.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SgDKNns8G2k/TqDDlbyVTII/AAAAAAAABrc/EOHONc3RwbY/s400/DSC03809.JPG" width="267" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-p5P0Y3-y0QI/TqDDvJUA5JI/AAAAAAAABrk/9k1fPiPNN9c/s1600/DSC03812.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-p5P0Y3-y0QI/TqDDvJUA5JI/AAAAAAAABrk/9k1fPiPNN9c/s400/DSC03812.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cIqK_9jV9xQ/TqDD5vsxnrI/AAAAAAAABrs/pMIZ82YJo6I/s1600/DSC03815.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cIqK_9jV9xQ/TqDD5vsxnrI/AAAAAAAABrs/pMIZ82YJo6I/s400/DSC03815.JPG" width="267" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Oh, how I love pumpkin pie. It is probably my most favorite type of pie to eat. This is the second batch for this season, and I will probably make a few more. I love to make homemade whipped cream to go along with...it is by far better than the cool whip or whipped cream in a can. I love fall so much, and this is one of the main reasons why.<br /><br />Speaking of pumpkins, tomorrow, Landon and I are heading to Circleville, Ohio to see my roomie from college and hang out at the coolest <a href="http://www.pumpkinshow.com/">Pumpkin Show</a> is the nation!! Can you say pumpkin doughnuts, pumpkin chili, Giant pumpkins, pumpkin guy on roller skates, homemade pumpkin logs?? This is seriously one of the coolest things ever and I get to share it with some great friends. I can't wait to go and take my mind off of baby stuff for awhile.<br /><br />After that, we're headed to the Rife homestead where we get to hang out with the whole family. I'll be taking engagement photos for Landon's brother and his bride-to-be on Sunday and I can't wait! They are so awesome and we've got some great ideas for the shoot. It should be fun!<br /><br />It's going to be a great weekend!<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9086173967890508651-6855082107631812463?l=therifeobservatory.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Leah Rifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05843324234310268331noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9086173967890508651.post-55104632155105923892011-10-13T10:50:00.000-04:002011-10-13T10:50:43.862-04:00halloweenHey guys, I found the perfect Halloween costume for this year!<br /><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-91GtH0Ibdjw/Tpb5WGJUp7I/AAAAAAAABrM/gzJA42O91nU/s1600/tumblr_lr3zt3duFq1qk13m4o1_500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-91GtH0Ibdjw/Tpb5WGJUp7I/AAAAAAAABrM/gzJA42O91nU/s400/tumblr_lr3zt3duFq1qk13m4o1_500.jpg" width="322" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.tumblr.com/tagged/vintage#11393457696">via</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Yeah right, with my giant belly, I should probably stick to something like this....<br /><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2OXRhRaLLm4/Tpb6Su5TwBI/AAAAAAAABrU/btKkkjGBsLw/s1600/Screen+shot+2011-10-13+at+10.48.15+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2OXRhRaLLm4/Tpb6Su5TwBI/AAAAAAAABrU/btKkkjGBsLw/s400/Screen+shot+2011-10-13+at+10.48.15+AM.png" width="263" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.imdb.com/media/rm3792934912/tt0467406">via</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Landon and I could go together! :)<br /><br />What are you dressing up as this year?<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9086173967890508651-5510463215510592389?l=therifeobservatory.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Leah Rifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05843324234310268331noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9086173967890508651.post-46412581995031748012011-10-11T11:37:00.000-04:002011-10-11T11:37:21.771-04:00Thoughts about Birth...<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zoKE4AiNiu0/TpRdLMXE-oI/AAAAAAAABrE/9odYXHqBNSw/s1600/210316510_YQYxDOkZ_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zoKE4AiNiu0/TpRdLMXE-oI/AAAAAAAABrE/9odYXHqBNSw/s400/210316510_YQYxDOkZ_c.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/210316510/">via</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />This baby is growing so fast now...I can feel so much movement and it's hard to imagine that in about a month, I'll be holding our baby in my arms.<br /><br />Lately, I've been hearing a lot of comments about birth and pregnancy...just from here and there. I'm amazed at all the negative comments people make, about the pain, the process, all that has to be dealt with being pregnant. I don't understand how a lot of women can be so negative and begrudging of pregnancy and childbirth when it is such an amazing gift and one of the most wondrous miracles in our world. Yes, I understand that childbirth is going to be painful...trust me, I've heard this over and over and over. And I'm tired of hearing it. I'm tired of hearing about all the horrible things that could happen to my body during labor, and all the downsides. I'm done listening to things like that.<br /><br />Landon and I have talked many times, and we've chosen to take a positive approach to this pregnancy, labor, and delivery. I've been reading from sites like <a href="http://marvelouskiddo.blogspot.com/">Marvelous Kiddo</a> and <a href="http://joannagoddard.blogspot.com/">A Cup of Jo</a> about beautiful birth stories, and the joys of being a mother. I also read <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Ina-Mays-Guide-Childbirth-Gaskin/dp/0553381156">Ina May's Guide to Childbirth</a> because it was filled with amazing story after story of the miracle of birth. Not every women I've read about has had a perfect birth experience. A lot of them dealt with hard pain and circumstances they couldn't control. But the attitudes they had and demonstrated are so encouraging to me. My body is designed to carry and grow a baby, and to deliver that baby into this world. This whole pregnancy thing is normal and natural, and I'm embracing every moment.<br /><br />This birth is going to be one of the best things in my life, and I can't wait to meet our baby! I'm trusting that everything is going to be ok, no matter what happens. We're striving for a natural birth, but if something happens we can't control, I'm not going to lose it. Landon will be there, family will be thinking of us, and we'll have a wonderful birth team of our midwives and nurses. I'm preparing to mentally embrace the pain that will come, because I know it's natural and normal. I'm getting ready to think about all the wonderful things that are going to happen during the birth as our baby enters this world and into our arms.<br /><br />My aunt, who's throwing a baby shower for me this weekend, has asked me a couple of times how I feel about this pregnancy. I've been able to tell her that for the most part, things have been good and I can't really complain. She said she loves hearing that, and that she and her husband LOVE seeing pregnant women who are happy, and not bitter and complaining at the "lot" they've been thrown. She said a happy pregnant woman is one of the most beautiful things because she has been given such an amazing gift.<br /><br /><br /><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">I'm holding onto every positive thought I hear, and I'm throwing out all the negative ones. Those just won't fly with me. I wish women would more often share the wonderful thoughts they have on birth with those of us who are going through this for the first time. I'm so thankful for the friends and family that have done just that with me. It means more than they know.</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9086173967890508651-4641258199503174801?l=therifeobservatory.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Leah Rifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05843324234310268331noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9086173967890508651.post-86511920987737394452011-10-10T10:38:00.000-04:002011-10-10T10:38:06.300-04:00our weekend...We just stayed in town this weekend...it was so nice to spend some real one on one time with Landon. I know these last few weekends are going to fly by, and I'm trying to savor them.<br /><br />After we saw the morning showing of <a href="http://www.50-50themovie.com/">50/50</a>, which was one of the best movies I've seen in quite awhile, we ate lunch at Panera (score!), then headed home for a perfect midwest afternoon...real cider, college football, and lounging. Yes, we know how to relax around here. :)<br /><br />I also got to finish up a little sewing project I attempted for our new baby. Here are the <a href="http://www.marthastewart.com/how-to/stuffed-bunny">instructions</a> I found. It was so easy...if I could do it, anyone could!<br /><br />Today, I'm going to finish up a project I'm doing for my boss. I get to edit this amazing and gorgeous Indian wedding they did. <br />This job is so wonderful!<br /><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-huE9HJUh6qg/TpMB6Y2lv_I/AAAAAAAABqo/jn1CwvBZ2Fg/s1600/DSC03786.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-huE9HJUh6qg/TpMB6Y2lv_I/AAAAAAAABqo/jn1CwvBZ2Fg/s400/DSC03786.jpg" width="267" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Real cider from the orchard where we got ours for our wedding!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-G_txnAVhmGE/TpMB7YwW9tI/AAAAAAAABqs/kBxLyUjbS3g/s1600/DSC03787.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-G_txnAVhmGE/TpMB7YwW9tI/AAAAAAAABqs/kBxLyUjbS3g/s400/DSC03787.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is where I want to be on a Saturday afternoon...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TF0pbOb_T-Y/TpMB-HYQXVI/AAAAAAAABq0/mbMbkEnTLKY/s1600/DSC03789.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TF0pbOb_T-Y/TpMB-HYQXVI/AAAAAAAABq0/mbMbkEnTLKY/s400/DSC03789.jpg" width="267" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Bs9ux5lvn3o/TpMB827SSXI/AAAAAAAABqw/G0_XFKh5I0o/s1600/DSC03788.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Bs9ux5lvn3o/TpMB827SSXI/AAAAAAAABqw/G0_XFKh5I0o/s400/DSC03788.jpg" width="267" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tommy Rees, our amazing QB!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8zF_5Puv3p8/TpMB_U8F7II/AAAAAAAABq4/Kq6eJmNb8bw/s1600/DSC03792.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8zF_5Puv3p8/TpMB_U8F7II/AAAAAAAABq4/Kq6eJmNb8bw/s400/DSC03792.jpg" width="267" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KADdxI_lfi8/TpMCBprB0XI/AAAAAAAABrA/wK4tqSW0Zx8/s1600/DSC03799.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KADdxI_lfi8/TpMCBprB0XI/AAAAAAAABrA/wK4tqSW0Zx8/s400/DSC03799.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ggTdtUxqk7w/TpMCAASNBJI/AAAAAAAABq8/sgNn0CP3USY/s1600/DSC03796+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ggTdtUxqk7w/TpMCAASNBJI/AAAAAAAABq8/sgNn0CP3USY/s400/DSC03796+copy.jpg" width="267" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">finished!</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9086173967890508651-8651192098773739445?l=therifeobservatory.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Leah Rifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05843324234310268331noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9086173967890508651.post-59263540966670601222011-10-07T09:59:00.000-04:002011-10-07T09:59:35.729-04:00<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rahina/3520862057/" title="Coffee and notes by rahina, on Flickr"><img alt="Coffee and notes" height="333" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3563/3520862057_03cb0efb11.jpg" width="500" /></a><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span><br />We are looking forward to a quiet weekend with lots of relaxation and free time. I am dying for a real cappuccino...I just don't like decaf and it makes me sad to not have any of the good stuff. <br />Ahhh, only about 5 more weeks to go then I'm getting a giant cappuccino and drinking a few woodchucks.<br /><br />Have a great weekend!<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9086173967890508651-5926354096667060122?l=therifeobservatory.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Leah Rifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05843324234310268331noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9086173967890508651.post-74269915697645396042011-10-06T11:45:00.000-04:002011-10-06T11:45:48.231-04:00Renaissance Faire<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AgUK00t24yY/To3J4xWmsEI/AAAAAAAABpk/AcIw9sZkcPQ/s1600/CIMG0662+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AgUK00t24yY/To3J4xWmsEI/AAAAAAAABpk/AcIw9sZkcPQ/s320/CIMG0662+copy.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-U9iGqYE1x5I/To3J9Znzd-I/AAAAAAAABpo/3_J_I2CJOiU/s1600/CIMG0663+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-U9iGqYE1x5I/To3J9Znzd-I/AAAAAAAABpo/3_J_I2CJOiU/s320/CIMG0663+copy.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wh5k6oQsglc/To3KBuw0GRI/AAAAAAAABps/2YWXqnpC77s/s1600/CIMG0664+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wh5k6oQsglc/To3KBuw0GRI/AAAAAAAABps/2YWXqnpC77s/s400/CIMG0664+copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qgjgwG-m2I0/To3KJe44zwI/AAAAAAAABp0/PnFlZBIh8Tc/s1600/CIMG0671+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qgjgwG-m2I0/To3KJe44zwI/AAAAAAAABp0/PnFlZBIh8Tc/s400/CIMG0671+copy.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zVkJ8H2MgRA/To3KOa28QQI/AAAAAAAABp4/8FTqCM_7J14/s1600/CIMG0672+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zVkJ8H2MgRA/To3KOa28QQI/AAAAAAAABp4/8FTqCM_7J14/s400/CIMG0672+copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0E4VDHBjqEU/To3KV67ScmI/AAAAAAAABp8/D-4Ili8YITw/s1600/CIMG0674+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0E4VDHBjqEU/To3KV67ScmI/AAAAAAAABp8/D-4Ili8YITw/s400/CIMG0674+copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9RbRN7951I8/To3KdS2MmFI/AAAAAAAABqA/B3Np3Les9AI/s1600/CIMG0675+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9RbRN7951I8/To3KdS2MmFI/AAAAAAAABqA/B3Np3Les9AI/s400/CIMG0675+copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aDCh0Bv8u_Q/To3KjBB57lI/AAAAAAAABqE/ph_AEREpbj8/s1600/CIMG0676+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aDCh0Bv8u_Q/To3KjBB57lI/AAAAAAAABqE/ph_AEREpbj8/s400/CIMG0676+copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VJsc1FeiQWk/To3Ko46lAfI/AAAAAAAABqI/rGoIUL_R9is/s1600/CIMG0678+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VJsc1FeiQWk/To3Ko46lAfI/AAAAAAAABqI/rGoIUL_R9is/s400/CIMG0678+copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-b6b-0dwpDyE/To3KtJFOSFI/AAAAAAAABqM/_ldzUqGKP9k/s1600/CIMG0682+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-b6b-0dwpDyE/To3KtJFOSFI/AAAAAAAABqM/_ldzUqGKP9k/s400/CIMG0682+copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-w4mZwR-g97M/To3Kydbnw6I/AAAAAAAABqQ/RESesFsIUEg/s1600/CIMG0686+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-w4mZwR-g97M/To3Kydbnw6I/AAAAAAAABqQ/RESesFsIUEg/s400/CIMG0686+copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-quzUtEHhU_w/To3K1gg11tI/AAAAAAAABqU/ZJnblzWTYAs/s1600/CIMG0687+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-quzUtEHhU_w/To3K1gg11tI/AAAAAAAABqU/ZJnblzWTYAs/s400/CIMG0687+copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-df9RFoAlgpI/To3K50vg9WI/AAAAAAAABqY/VCqxXnfhWU4/s1600/CIMG0688+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-df9RFoAlgpI/To3K50vg9WI/AAAAAAAABqY/VCqxXnfhWU4/s400/CIMG0688+copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OvFxHPuUEKc/To3LACP_tCI/AAAAAAAABqc/HdIM_PvoFOs/s1600/CIMG0689+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OvFxHPuUEKc/To3LACP_tCI/AAAAAAAABqc/HdIM_PvoFOs/s400/CIMG0689+copy.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SSIuJhyFY4w/To3LGinU7RI/AAAAAAAABqg/0OZKm3BPA2A/s1600/CIMG0694+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SSIuJhyFY4w/To3LGinU7RI/AAAAAAAABqg/0OZKm3BPA2A/s400/CIMG0694+copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-c8R-_cWEXi4/To3LLOJKmKI/AAAAAAAABqk/bnlmK46jsg0/s1600/CIMG0701+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-c8R-_cWEXi4/To3LLOJKmKI/AAAAAAAABqk/bnlmK46jsg0/s400/CIMG0701+copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />We had a wonderful 2nd wedding anniversary this past weekend. Stayed a hotel nearby, got some deep dish *amazing* pizza, and then checked out a local renaissance faire. It was such a relaxing and laid back time with Landon...can't believe it was the last one without a kiddo running around! Time flies, but we are SO excited to grow into a family! Here's to many more amazing years together. Love you babe.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9086173967890508651-7426991569764539604?l=therifeobservatory.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Leah Rifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05843324234310268331noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9086173967890508651.post-52757116297915670322011-10-05T17:01:00.000-04:002011-10-05T17:01:11.999-04:00tea time.<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NeSox_iWKJc/TozEEavjpSI/AAAAAAAABpg/HBxycGMPUYE/s1600/tumblr_lr2j1oW6re1qzaqtlo1_1280.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NeSox_iWKJc/TozEEavjpSI/AAAAAAAABpg/HBxycGMPUYE/s400/tumblr_lr2j1oW6re1qzaqtlo1_1280.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://modernhepburn.tumblr.com/post/10440449312">via</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Do you love tea? I love a warm cup of steaming, smooth tea to calm me down and relax. We all need a little more relaxation in our lives. <br />I've loved drinking Tazo Refresh tea lately.<br /><br />Tonight I'm making lemon chicken, brown rice, and fresh kale for supper. I've been so hungry lately, and I'm trying to fill up with good things rather than sweets...very difficult sometimes. Secretly, I can't wait until I'll be breastfeeding because my friends have told me you burn a lot of calories, and you're ravenously hungry all the time. <br />I love food a lot.<br /><br />Have a wonderful Monday evening!<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9086173967890508651-5275711629791567032?l=therifeobservatory.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Leah Rifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05843324234310268331noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9086173967890508651.post-54619829232204388842011-10-03T10:31:00.000-04:002011-10-03T10:31:05.198-04:00Fall and love....First off, today is a happy day! Landon and I are celebrating two whole years of marriage! Wow, I can't believe it, and I'm so so so happy. We are still wildly in love with each other and our relationship grows deeper every day. We celebrated a bit early over the weekend, so I'll post those pics later. Tonight, I'm just making a a homemade dinner and something pumpkin for dessert I think. We'll probably build a fire and enjoy a quiet evening just the two of us. It's fun to look back on the best day of my life, here's a <a href="http://therifeobservatory.blogspot.com/2010/10/october-3-2009.html">post</a> I did last year.<br /><br />We love Fall around here, and I'm loving the crisp days and bright sun. I love decorating for Fall, so here's a peek at how we like to make our home a bit warmer with some Fall decor...<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/---1FmU5GRQ0/TonEmVo2-7I/AAAAAAAABoY/ulJXcia5U9U/s1600/DSC03754.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/---1FmU5GRQ0/TonEmVo2-7I/AAAAAAAABoY/ulJXcia5U9U/s400/DSC03754.JPG" width="267" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-utjOT_B30nM/TonEog8f_wI/AAAAAAAABoc/PwCEUQGO3zo/s1600/DSC03756.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-utjOT_B30nM/TonEog8f_wI/AAAAAAAABoc/PwCEUQGO3zo/s400/DSC03756.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kfSx3-b98fc/TonEp_wMvqI/AAAAAAAABog/WclQobCoWpU/s1600/DSC03760.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kfSx3-b98fc/TonEp_wMvqI/AAAAAAAABog/WclQobCoWpU/s400/DSC03760.JPG" width="267" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SZvlUXNy0zk/TonEraSgamI/AAAAAAAABok/btZt_VVuk80/s1600/DSC03765.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SZvlUXNy0zk/TonEraSgamI/AAAAAAAABok/btZt_VVuk80/s400/DSC03765.JPG" width="267" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9NReuCeJWsI/TonEski5FbI/AAAAAAAABoo/8JfeplycWGg/s1600/DSC03768.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9NReuCeJWsI/TonEski5FbI/AAAAAAAABoo/8JfeplycWGg/s400/DSC03768.JPG" width="267" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RIoFWL333yY/TonEx6Xq8ZI/AAAAAAAABos/Dr9ndmteQeU/s1600/DSC03771.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RIoFWL333yY/TonEx6Xq8ZI/AAAAAAAABos/Dr9ndmteQeU/s400/DSC03771.JPG" width="267" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Gw0f5o6yk-I/TonFzNdP6TI/AAAAAAAABpM/7N1ZEjdI4vQ/s1600/DSC03769.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Gw0f5o6yk-I/TonFzNdP6TI/AAAAAAAABpM/7N1ZEjdI4vQ/s400/DSC03769.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eFe8Tg1_KtU/TonEyySrGaI/AAAAAAAABow/grKN9YOQ70c/s1600/DSC03772.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eFe8Tg1_KtU/TonEyySrGaI/AAAAAAAABow/grKN9YOQ70c/s400/DSC03772.JPG" width="267" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hx3biYTn3sE/TonEz8E96aI/AAAAAAAABo0/YDM-4A-QLf8/s1600/DSC03773.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hx3biYTn3sE/TonEz8E96aI/AAAAAAAABo0/YDM-4A-QLf8/s400/DSC03773.JPG" width="267" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EWo6LCHIYhE/TonE0g-oKOI/AAAAAAAABo4/AfCkIe-2g48/s1600/DSC03775.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EWo6LCHIYhE/TonE0g-oKOI/AAAAAAAABo4/AfCkIe-2g48/s400/DSC03775.JPG" width="267" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FPfvJ-2oxbU/TonE15pIdTI/AAAAAAAABo8/pbw7TFdK32k/s1600/DSC03777.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FPfvJ-2oxbU/TonE15pIdTI/AAAAAAAABo8/pbw7TFdK32k/s400/DSC03777.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MvRAStYc2xk/TonE-4lp-gI/AAAAAAAABpE/8GX4TTY5M0A/s1600/DSC03782.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MvRAStYc2xk/TonE-4lp-gI/AAAAAAAABpE/8GX4TTY5M0A/s400/DSC03782.JPG" width="267" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jic_EJsXvck/TonE_-k0K6I/AAAAAAAABpI/lyZfTCoVDs0/s1600/DSC03783.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jic_EJsXvck/TonE_-k0K6I/AAAAAAAABpI/lyZfTCoVDs0/s400/DSC03783.JPG" width="267" /></a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9086173967890508651-5461982923220438884?l=therifeobservatory.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Leah Rifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05843324234310268331noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9086173967890508651.post-236149303577502982011-09-23T07:02:00.000-04:002011-09-23T07:02:04.157-04:00Sometimes I can't help but think that life used to be a tad bit cooler than it is today...<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OoP_vvVUjLc/TnxmyykjAcI/AAAAAAAABoI/1Q-HvDfVN3o/s1600/tumblr_lkpnmbkq5A1qbfoleo1_500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OoP_vvVUjLc/TnxmyykjAcI/AAAAAAAABoI/1Q-HvDfVN3o/s400/tumblr_lkpnmbkq5A1qbfoleo1_500.jpg" width="335" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NAKiLH9-Gto/Tnxmz0cSihI/AAAAAAAABoM/ERf2rWgnfBo/s1600/tumblr_llb7rzWmFy1qbfoleo1_500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="290" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NAKiLH9-Gto/Tnxmz0cSihI/AAAAAAAABoM/ERf2rWgnfBo/s400/tumblr_llb7rzWmFy1qbfoleo1_500.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FuxbNZH8Blk/Tnxm0fD9r4I/AAAAAAAABoQ/DlU3vx4O8Is/s1600/tumblr_lls058JkPH1qbfoleo1_500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="332" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FuxbNZH8Blk/Tnxm0fD9r4I/AAAAAAAABoQ/DlU3vx4O8Is/s400/tumblr_lls058JkPH1qbfoleo1_500.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OmZ_qxYmY_Y/Tnxm05OiDtI/AAAAAAAABoU/meGVOsDr9dY/s1600/tumblr_lm8d7kweoE1qbfoleo1_500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OmZ_qxYmY_Y/Tnxm05OiDtI/AAAAAAAABoU/meGVOsDr9dY/s400/tumblr_lm8d7kweoE1qbfoleo1_500.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />images <a href="http://aconversationoncool.tumblr.com/">via</a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9086173967890508651-23614930357750298?l=therifeobservatory.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Leah Rifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05843324234310268331noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9086173967890508651.post-35874188455723577652011-09-16T08:08:00.000-04:002011-09-16T08:08:07.361-04:00sisters...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-s6tcrTcwtlw/TnM7cJkLyzI/AAAAAAAABn0/M6WR_FCaeYk/s1600/Screen+shot+2011-09-16+at+8.03.34+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="250" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-s6tcrTcwtlw/TnM7cJkLyzI/AAAAAAAABn0/M6WR_FCaeYk/s400/Screen+shot+2011-09-16+at+8.03.34+AM.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Today Hannah and I are heading to Ohio to see Ballard! She's my dear friend from college and we like to affectionately refer to her as our little sister. She recently moved into a new apartment and we're going to spend some good quality time together. I believe we'll have lots of laughs, good talks, shopping, and our traditional cupcakes we like to eat when we visit each other! Looking forward to a wonderful weekend!<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9086173967890508651-3587418845572357765?l=therifeobservatory.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Leah Rifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05843324234310268331noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9086173967890508651.post-9443262743055234722011-09-15T11:05:00.000-04:002011-09-15T11:05:54.260-04:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qH_BjRn9dnY/TnIKz_BycsI/AAAAAAAABnc/o_3mFNHt2W4/s1600/hmprod.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qH_BjRn9dnY/TnIKz_BycsI/AAAAAAAABnc/o_3mFNHt2W4/s1600/hmprod.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qH_BjRn9dnY/TnIKz_BycsI/AAAAAAAABnc/o_3mFNHt2W4/s400/hmprod.jpeg" width="341" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.hm.com/us/product/91278?article=91278-B">Brown cardigan</a> from H&M.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4dU0M9c-Tzo/TnIQsoANmeI/AAAAAAAABno/-23qAiuyovE/s1600/hot-chocolate-ck-1687649-l.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4dU0M9c-Tzo/TnIQsoANmeI/AAAAAAAABno/-23qAiuyovE/s320/hot-chocolate-ck-1687649-l.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/barcelona-hot-chocolate-10000001687649/">Barcelona Hot Chocolate</a>.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0hCO32fdie8/TnILwyOvFlI/AAAAAAAABng/djEbOPnj4VU/s1600/gp850519-02vliv01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0hCO32fdie8/TnILwyOvFlI/AAAAAAAABng/djEbOPnj4VU/s400/gp850519-02vliv01.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=5745&vid=1&pid=850519">Boatneck sweater</a> from Gap.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-45UnQCsYvkM/TnISItWe-KI/AAAAAAAABns/lyqp-mon0HU/s1600/exps41126_SCS1557701D103.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-45UnQCsYvkM/TnISItWe-KI/AAAAAAAABns/lyqp-mon0HU/s1600/exps41126_SCS1557701D103.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.tasteofhome.com/Recipes/Ginger-Tea-Drink">Ginger Tea Drink.</a><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pJzhF-rCo-w/TnIMyVHGsII/AAAAAAAABnk/rss49-35OmQ/s1600/Screen+shot+2011-09-15+at+10.33.18+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pJzhF-rCo-w/TnIMyVHGsII/AAAAAAAABnk/rss49-35OmQ/s400/Screen+shot+2011-09-15+at+10.33.18+AM.png" width="266" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.urbanoutfitters.com/urban/catalog/productdetail.jsp?id=22568638&color=011&itemdescription=true&navAction=jump&search=true&isProduct=true&parentid=W_TOPS">Fisherman cardigan</a> from Urban Outfitters.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-t9RLkaPjiPY/TnIS_fToYUI/AAAAAAAABnw/4mpqPEHn9Og/s1600/bever_01373_l.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-t9RLkaPjiPY/TnIS_fToYUI/AAAAAAAABnw/4mpqPEHn9Og/s1600/bever_01373_l.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.marthastewart.com/334270/steamed-milk">Steamed milk.</a><br /><br /><br /><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">It's so beautiful and cool today. All I can think of are cozy sweaters and warm drinks.</div><div><br /></div><br />I think I'll take a walk in this gorgeous weather and come back to curl up with my book and this steamed milk.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9086173967890508651-944326274305523472?l=therifeobservatory.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Leah Rifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05843324234310268331noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9086173967890508651.post-24111150719655423952011-09-14T12:31:00.000-04:002011-09-14T12:31:00.850-04:00lately...I am so sorry for not posting in <i>any</i> sort of pattern lately. A baby on the way has definitely changed up a lot of things around here and I find myself prioritizing things differently.<br /><br />I thought I'd give a quick update on how things are here in Indianapolis at the Rife household.<br /><br />Landon continues to work hard at being a structural engineer. He is so good and so hard working...I know his co-workers appreciate his calm and laid back personality in the office. We have been praying about what the future holds regarding job and location, and we are looking into some different opportunities...ones that don't include Indiana. But for right now, especially with the bambino, we are content with being close to family and having an amazing church family.<br /><br />Speaking of church family, we have been amazed at how our relationships have exploded with the people in our church! I have never been in a group of such genuine and amazing people who are so loving, and it has been such a blessing to get to know them better. Landon and I are now a part of the worship team at church on a regular basis...Landon plays guitar or bass, and I play the violin. It's so wonderful.<br /><br />I am working at home doing wedding photo editing and <i>loving</i> it! The hours are perfect since I make them as I want, and I have an amazing boss who is kind, genuine, passionate, and so very talented. I have loved getting to know her a whole heck of a lot better.<br /><br />My belly is getting bigger every day and I can feel a ton of movement and body parts...it's pretty weird sometimes, but at least I know baby is doing ok! Landon and I are taking a Bradley birthing class since we are opting for a non-medicated, natural birth and it has been helping so much! I love researching and being informed, and this class has definitely done that for us. Plus, it focuses on the husband as the coach during labor and birth, and Landon is showing real promise for being a superb coach for me! He faithfully encourages me to do my exercises and relaxation, and eat well, and he is getting excited about being a dad. I am not afraid of labor or birth, I am mentally preparing, and it is going to be awesome! Yes, it will hurt a lot, but I'm learning to embrace the pain and welcome what my body is naturally created to do. Isn't it amazing that women's bodies are fully equipped to grow and give birth to a baby? I am constantly wowed by the way my body can adapt and handle this little one.<br /><br />So, here are a few things lately....<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Nu8r2GoPD9o/TnDUMYImE5I/AAAAAAAABnM/1eURysWiv6E/s1600/DSC03696+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Nu8r2GoPD9o/TnDUMYImE5I/AAAAAAAABnM/1eURysWiv6E/s400/DSC03696+copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />My daily breakfast: homemade honey cinnamon oatmeal, homemade whole wheat toast with butter, and ice cold milk. mmmmm...<br /><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xmRQhRjWTIM/TnDUvGvyikI/AAAAAAAABnQ/qmWClbSTWD0/s1600/c7e8afffd7ed43f7939570f4c796838c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xmRQhRjWTIM/TnDUvGvyikI/AAAAAAAABnQ/qmWClbSTWD0/s400/c7e8afffd7ed43f7939570f4c796838c.jpg" width="335" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.starbucks.com/menu/drinks/chocolate/salted-caramel-hot-chocolate#size=11009249&milk=63&whip=125">via</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />My occasional guilty pleasure in the form of a salted caramel hot chocolate from Starbucks.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5w6PbbqsM34/TnDVM6z5ipI/AAAAAAAABnU/H4TOy96hM_I/s1600/Screen+shot+2011-09-14+at+12.23.54+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5w6PbbqsM34/TnDVM6z5ipI/AAAAAAAABnU/H4TOy96hM_I/s400/Screen+shot+2011-09-14+at+12.23.54+PM.png" width="265" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />I can't believe I'm almost 8 months along! It's going by fast. The midwife told us baby is head down though!! Woo hoo!<br /><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VQ76ilYHLjA/TnDV4yUP8HI/AAAAAAAABnY/9s-zp3I0puw/s1600/Screen+shot+2011-09-14+at+12.26.44+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="283" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VQ76ilYHLjA/TnDV4yUP8HI/AAAAAAAABnY/9s-zp3I0puw/s400/Screen+shot+2011-09-14+at+12.26.44+PM.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">From our northern Michigan vacation</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />He's going to be a great dad. :)<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9086173967890508651-2411115071965542395?l=therifeobservatory.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Leah Rifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05843324234310268331noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9086173967890508651.post-76717885363675696672011-08-31T09:50:00.000-04:002011-08-31T09:50:32.641-04:00things i'd like to try...<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TcztHJVeJoI/Tl44VPW4QfI/AAAAAAAABm0/LFAMMCOl8qU/s1600/14a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TcztHJVeJoI/Tl44VPW4QfI/AAAAAAAABm0/LFAMMCOl8qU/s400/14a.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.foodbuzz.com/recipes/1679568-salted-caramel-brownies">Salted caramel brownies</a><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yv_8I91zCS8/Tl445krJoiI/AAAAAAAABm4/dVlNNk0EuJE/s1600/originns-of-salsa-dance.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="250" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yv_8I91zCS8/Tl445krJoiI/AAAAAAAABm4/dVlNNk0EuJE/s400/originns-of-salsa-dance.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Learn how to <a href="http://www.howtodancelikestar.com/where-did-salsa-originated">salsa</a><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-91xdhKSsu8k/Tl45nMMirvI/AAAAAAAABm8/TOuSvQOwgwM/s1600/raised-bed-main-m.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-91xdhKSsu8k/Tl45nMMirvI/AAAAAAAABm8/TOuSvQOwgwM/s1600/raised-bed-main-m.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Build a <a href="http://www.sunset.com/garden/perfect-raised-bed-00400000039550/">raised garden</a> bed<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8I-UPfjB_DA/Tl46e0eQQnI/AAAAAAAABnA/7c94YrbeezY/s1600/1974+shower+under+waterfall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="327" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8I-UPfjB_DA/Tl46e0eQQnI/AAAAAAAABnA/7c94YrbeezY/s400/1974+shower+under+waterfall.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Shower in a <a href="http://www.zavadil.com/ca-tour.htm">waterfall</a><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yl09sPUNVnU/Tl47HF1C6yI/AAAAAAAABnE/qQ500YdIK78/s1600/oktoberfesttent.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yl09sPUNVnU/Tl47HF1C6yI/AAAAAAAABnE/qQ500YdIK78/s400/oktoberfesttent.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Celebrate <a href="http://www.travelnlife.com/2011/06/oktoberfest/">Oktoberfest</a> in Germany<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OKSZ9Gn4ahg/Tl477jx4eaI/AAAAAAAABnI/r5fn-hQ46Ms/s1600/caves2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OKSZ9Gn4ahg/Tl477jx4eaI/AAAAAAAABnI/r5fn-hQ46Ms/s400/caves2.jpg" width="265" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.quitandtravel.com/2010/03/15/black-water-rafting-waitomo-caves-new-zealand/">Black water rafting</a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9086173967890508651-7671788536367569667?l=therifeobservatory.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Leah Rifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05843324234310268331noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9086173967890508651.post-89037043537041176182011-08-30T08:11:00.000-04:002011-08-30T08:11:39.023-04:00breakfastsEver since I got pregnant (and after the morning sickness ended), I've been so much better at eating a full breakfast every morning. This is a huge change for me as I hardly ever used to eat a big breakfast, or any at all. While oatmeal and toast or egg on toast are my go-tos lately, I love the look of these amazing morning spreads...mmmm.<br /><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9iweHzWLp50/TlzRCvvvhZI/AAAAAAAABmg/QXK7Tyf0UTU/s1600/2010_10_10-halvahbun1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="330" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9iweHzWLp50/TlzRCvvvhZI/AAAAAAAABmg/QXK7Tyf0UTU/s400/2010_10_10-halvahbun1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.thekitchn.com/thekitchn/beloved-turkish-breakfast-the-secrets-in-the-swirl-129197">Halva bun</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HhQoytCb-SY/TlzRc_imYAI/AAAAAAAABmk/Obf6rHZNByI/s1600/international-breakfast.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HhQoytCb-SY/TlzRc_imYAI/AAAAAAAABmk/Obf6rHZNByI/s400/international-breakfast.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://hollyczuba.com/2011/03/09/an-international-breakfast/">Apfelkuechen and hot chocolate</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yfCaFFwGWjA/TlzSg-HJBKI/AAAAAAAABmo/pkJQi_pxWXk/s1600/mld106832_0311_coffeecake_yeast_xl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yfCaFFwGWjA/TlzSg-HJBKI/AAAAAAAABmo/pkJQi_pxWXk/s400/mld106832_0311_coffeecake_yeast_xl.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.marthastewart.com/photogallery/televisions-best-breakfasts#slide_6">Chocolate coffee cake</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DFd76tUcSdM/TlzSyntAuDI/AAAAAAAABms/83kkNDTShC4/s1600/md105417_0210_quinoa2_xl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DFd76tUcSdM/TlzSyntAuDI/AAAAAAAABms/83kkNDTShC4/s400/md105417_0210_quinoa2_xl.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.marthastewart.com/photogallery/televisions-best-breakfasts#slide_18">Breakfast quinoa</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xqov0zoPnZI/TlzTLetgYcI/AAAAAAAABmw/s12UXVYSb68/s1600/tvm3006_091707_swisschardquich_xl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xqov0zoPnZI/TlzTLetgYcI/AAAAAAAABmw/s12UXVYSb68/s400/tvm3006_091707_swisschardquich_xl.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.marthastewart.com/photogallery/televisions-best-breakfasts#slide_50">Swiss chard quiche</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br /><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9086173967890508651-8903704353704117618?l=therifeobservatory.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Leah Rifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05843324234310268331noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9086173967890508651.post-74282789755073799022011-08-29T16:22:00.000-04:002011-08-29T16:22:14.835-04:00<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Well, I know it's still summer, but I am anxiously anticipating the most wonderful time of the year! I can NOT wait for fall! We've had some tauntingly cool weather a few times lately and I feel the itch to start making pumpkin pie and decorating for fall.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">I love this oh-too-short season more than any other....Landon and I were engaged in the fall, married in the fall, and shoot, we're even having a baby in the fall. I am dying to put on my flannel shirt, my wool socks, my scarf, and sip on a warm mug of real apple cider while reading a good novel.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br /></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JLZcZAJCRvs/Tlvw9D7LWrI/AAAAAAAABmY/6f2R8hr6_KY/s1600/2008_12_17-Cider.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JLZcZAJCRvs/Tlvw9D7LWrI/AAAAAAAABmY/6f2R8hr6_KY/s400/2008_12_17-Cider.jpg" width="277" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.thekitchn.com/thekitchn/ingredients-fruit/seasonal-spotlight-apple-cider-072369">via</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br /></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GiSaIG8VVgM/TlvulBoE9ZI/AAAAAAAABmU/XgPxBdG6u0o/s1600/pumpkin-pie-recipe-11-8-2006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GiSaIG8VVgM/TlvulBoE9ZI/AAAAAAAABmU/XgPxBdG6u0o/s400/pumpkin-pie-recipe-11-8-2006.jpg" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.bfeedme.com/thanksgiving-pumpkin-pie-recipe/">via</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5CA-Ba-VXlk/Tlvxmt19C8I/AAAAAAAABmc/WqxUa7WL--I/s1600/fall-road.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="270" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5CA-Ba-VXlk/Tlvxmt19C8I/AAAAAAAABmc/WqxUa7WL--I/s400/fall-road.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.insidegatlinburg.com/vacation-tips/when-do-the-leaves-change-color-in-the-fall/">via</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9086173967890508651-7428278975507379902?l=therifeobservatory.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Leah Rifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05843324234310268331noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9086173967890508651.post-36230294820709383182011-08-08T08:26:00.000-04:002011-08-08T08:26:54.628-04:00baby stuff...What a great week this is going to be! We are busy almost every night, but with fun stuff...registering for baby stuff tonight. Here's a couple things that would be fun to put on our list:<br /><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cWuaResfP-8/Tj_RFXN6HsI/AAAAAAAABl8/zar376rTjqk/s1600/TOY167.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cWuaResfP-8/Tj_RFXN6HsI/AAAAAAAABl8/zar376rTjqk/s400/TOY167.jpg" width="386" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">cutest stuffed animals ever from <a href="http://playing-mantis.com/Hand_Knitted_Monkey.htm">Playing Mantis</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-86SD8ZTEB-s/Tj_R6KFJkcI/AAAAAAAABmA/hj2TEUOjkQM/s1600/pi_980.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-86SD8ZTEB-s/Tj_R6KFJkcI/AAAAAAAABmA/hj2TEUOjkQM/s320/pi_980.jpeg" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">What a sweet <a href="http://www.katequinnorganics.com/eshop/cart.php?target=product&product_id=980&category_id=84">hat</a>!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RGnvN2jRvKQ/Tj_S-Dt7e-I/AAAAAAAABmE/W8BxVK1wi00/s1600/FB-onesize-lineup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="61" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RGnvN2jRvKQ/Tj_S-Dt7e-I/AAAAAAAABmE/W8BxVK1wi00/s400/FB-onesize-lineup.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.fuzzibunz.com/">FuzziBunz</a> cloth diapers.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br /><br /><br /><br />Don't be afraid of that last one. We are probably going to be doing cloth diapering for our wee one. I have been doing a ton of research, and FuzziBunz are my favorite so far. We're actually taking a free Cloth Diapering 101 class at a local store in a couple weekends to help us figure things out. Best part of cloth diapers? You can save a TON of money, and they can last such a long time. <br />Oh, and aren't the colors fun? They have sure changed a lot since my mom used them on me and my siblings. She has been a huge inspiration for us to use cloth.<br /><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UcvYB0pEmmc/Tj_UGiZtj4I/AAAAAAAABmI/RlGJh1bkO0U/s1600/DSC03670.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UcvYB0pEmmc/Tj_UGiZtj4I/AAAAAAAABmI/RlGJh1bkO0U/s400/DSC03670.JPG" width="267" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The baby is growing!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Today I'll be getting some photo work done and I love listening to music (and eat snacks) while I do so. Here's a nice little version of Chicago that I love....enjoy your day!<br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="249" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/r7ER-ut8BcI" width="325"></iframe><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9086173967890508651-3623029482070938318?l=therifeobservatory.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Leah Rifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05843324234310268331noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9086173967890508651.post-61782351902806363582011-07-27T13:07:00.000-04:002011-07-27T13:07:28.815-04:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OkYQI2TeWl8/TjBEhRmGawI/AAAAAAAABl0/Z_yOjK_O7fg/s1600/DSC03624.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OkYQI2TeWl8/TjBEhRmGawI/AAAAAAAABl0/Z_yOjK_O7fg/s400/DSC03624.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-D1y3sugsXgU/TjBEi3oUzII/AAAAAAAABl4/95OxOW9aAWs/s1600/DSC03625.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-D1y3sugsXgU/TjBEi3oUzII/AAAAAAAABl4/95OxOW9aAWs/s400/DSC03625.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />I am a big fan of simple food dishes, and this lunch has become a favorite. Today, since I was running errands, I stopped by Whole Foods and got a bit of my favorite tuna lime salad. When I got home, I added some fresh garden lettuce from my dad's garden, and a fresh tomato from the local produce stand. Ahhh, what a fresh and delicious meal...and nutritious to beat!<br /><br />I have our stuff all packed for our extended weekend up in northern Michigan. We are leaving as soon as Landon gets off of work and we are so excited for some fresh Michigan air, the lakes, the cherries, and relaxation! This will be the last formal vacation we take before the summer ends, so we will be savoring every minute. My parents and my sister and her husband will also be up there, which is an added treat.<br /><br />I love summer and all the fun things we get to do.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9086173967890508651-6178235190280636358?l=therifeobservatory.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Leah Rifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05843324234310268331noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9086173967890508651.post-60655880124833862792011-07-25T09:54:00.000-04:002011-07-25T09:54:14.586-04:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nNoW3mXiV6o/Ti10Hh9R2FI/AAAAAAAABlw/ZTE3avz0dU0/s1600/DSC03621+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nNoW3mXiV6o/Ti10Hh9R2FI/AAAAAAAABlw/ZTE3avz0dU0/s400/DSC03621+copy.jpg" width="267" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Here's a little photo baby update. I still have some off days, but overall, the sickness is gone! Our little buddy is VERY active and moves around so much. The midwife is convinced he's a boy because of it. :)<br /><br />Today, my sister is coming to spend the day! She is planning a super awesome baby shower for my younger crowd of friends this fall and we're doing some fun work on that. I think we'll go down to Broad Ripple and have lunch at <a href="http://www.cafepatachou.com/">Petit Chou</a>, a beautiful little café with all sorts of fresh dishes.<br /><br />Have a splendid Monday, friends!<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9086173967890508651-6065588012483386279?l=therifeobservatory.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Leah Rifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05843324234310268331noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9086173967890508651.post-58040702674261547372011-07-22T10:05:00.000-04:002011-07-22T10:05:57.205-04:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HOlmhqCiRzU/TimDC3Z2zZI/AAAAAAAABlc/R9dvZIpOe70/s1600/Untitled-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="285" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HOlmhqCiRzU/TimDC3Z2zZI/AAAAAAAABlc/R9dvZIpOe70/s400/Untitled-1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />We like to keep things simple and a simple night at home in bed is wonderful. We watched a movie while eating brownies, then Landon worked on some stuff while I sat around with him and read a bit. After long work days, this time is so special to us.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9086173967890508651-5804070267426154737?l=therifeobservatory.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Leah Rifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05843324234310268331noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9086173967890508651.post-33695844569640976432011-07-20T13:18:00.000-04:002011-07-20T13:18:46.031-04:00Summer smoothie...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rKpluNWDQVc/TicMh4ElowI/AAAAAAAABlU/0hppEvfTZzk/s1600/DSC03566+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rKpluNWDQVc/TicMh4ElowI/AAAAAAAABlU/0hppEvfTZzk/s400/DSC03566+copy.jpg" width="267" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2M720ebrwxY/TicMij9QmqI/AAAAAAAABlY/5VYP-dgaIYk/s1600/DSC03567+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2M720ebrwxY/TicMij9QmqI/AAAAAAAABlY/5VYP-dgaIYk/s400/DSC03567+copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Summer mornings are the perfect time for a breakfast smoothie. Mmmmm...one of my favorite breakfasts.<br /><br />Here's the recipe for the one I made this morning:<br /><br />5 frozen strawberries<br />1 banana<br />1/2 cup honey flavored greek yogurt<br />1 handful fresh blueberries<br />a bit of water<br /><br />Here's a few tips I've learned when making smoothies:<br />-use frozen fruit...it serves as the "cold, icy" base and you can cut up fresh fruit and freeze it for later use.<br /><br />-rinse out your blender as soon as you have finished pouring out the smoothie into cups, it helps clean up stay to a minimum and it'll be ready for the next time.<br /><br />-sneak some veggies in! avocados serve just as well as bananas, and kale or romaine lettuce can sneak in without you even tasting it. just cut it up real small and throw it in!<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9086173967890508651-3369584456964097643?l=therifeobservatory.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Leah Rifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05843324234310268331noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9086173967890508651.post-52215070202201076332011-07-19T10:36:00.000-04:002011-07-19T10:36:55.786-04:00Summer cooking...<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kwlvyiZwNMY/TiWUWcu4l3I/AAAAAAAABlQ/9kWe-puHbN0/s1600/zucchini-bread-a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kwlvyiZwNMY/TiWUWcu4l3I/AAAAAAAABlQ/9kWe-puHbN0/s400/zucchini-bread-a.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://simplyrecipes.com/recipes/zucchini_bread/">via</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Summer is definitely in full swing, isn't it? We are thankful for the air-conditioning for weeks like this one will be. <br /><br />Landon and I just got back from a most wonderful and relaxing vacation with his family to the Outer Banks in North Carolina. I decided to take a break from everything, including my camera, so I didn't take a single picture! I don't usually do that, but it was so nice to not have to think about anything from back home for a week. I read two books, swam every day, went to the beach, rode bikes, went kayaking, learned how to paddle board, and went sailing...among other fun things.<br /><br />Now we're back and ready to hit work in full swing...except this morning. I sat down to start working this morning, and realized the guys from Lowe's were here to install new windows. So I grabbed my laptop and retreated into the dining room since there's a gaping hole in the wall in my office where the window used to be. They should be done soon....I hope. :)<br /><br />Anyway, my dad gave us some amazing zucchini from his garden (which is always fabulous), and I'm grating it up to freeze for recipes. One of my favorite recipes is zucchini bread. I found this one that I think I'll try later this week. My mom taught us how to grate up zucchini, place 2 cups into baggies, and freeze them since most recipes call for around 2 cups. So simple! I love summer produce.<br /><br />Love,<br />Leah<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9086173967890508651-5221507020220107633?l=therifeobservatory.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Leah Rifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05843324234310268331noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9086173967890508651.post-19983263931271908002011-06-30T11:27:00.000-04:002011-06-30T11:27:46.842-04:00a morning at work...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pptgiVJ34kU/TgyU1Z1_0eI/AAAAAAAABk8/CFIyj2nXucg/s1600/DSC03415+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pptgiVJ34kU/TgyU1Z1_0eI/AAAAAAAABk8/CFIyj2nXucg/s400/DSC03415+copy.jpg" width="267" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kbEHWFSAQvg/TgyU2pVwQLI/AAAAAAAABlA/dZ4nXOlOsCA/s1600/DSC03423+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kbEHWFSAQvg/TgyU2pVwQLI/AAAAAAAABlA/dZ4nXOlOsCA/s400/DSC03423+copy.jpg" width="267" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SmHExK6oZPk/TgyU3YWymxI/AAAAAAAABlE/5u7mqsZdqSI/s1600/DSC03424+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="237" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SmHExK6oZPk/TgyU3YWymxI/AAAAAAAABlE/5u7mqsZdqSI/s400/DSC03424+copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mYlmEdcnPzs/TgyU4cb0BzI/AAAAAAAABlI/bQvtpMhvG7o/s1600/DSC03427+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mYlmEdcnPzs/TgyU4cb0BzI/AAAAAAAABlI/bQvtpMhvG7o/s400/DSC03427+copy.jpg" width="267" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yfUQULWSep0/TgyU6obXgGI/AAAAAAAABlM/R7gGIQ3Jsco/s1600/DSC03429+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yfUQULWSep0/TgyU6obXgGI/AAAAAAAABlM/R7gGIQ3Jsco/s400/DSC03429+copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />i love, love, love getting to work from my home.<br /><br />i get to go to work dressed in comfy clothes with my hair in a messy bun.<br />frequently, i take music breaks to refocus and step away so i can come back with a fresh perspective.<br />my boss is the best ever. she had a mini statuette made so i always know she's encouraging me.<br />sufjan stevens and sigur ros keep my inspiration at a high while i work.<br /><br />*happy sigh*<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9086173967890508651-1998326393127190800?l=therifeobservatory.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Leah Rifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05843324234310268331noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9086173967890508651.post-13356230029099754032011-06-28T17:05:00.000-04:002011-06-28T17:05:36.086-04:00little moments...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DqGQ_vIxxFs/Tgo_SmqhAII/AAAAAAAABko/EDvxCBjrpJQ/s1600/DSC03391+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DqGQ_vIxxFs/Tgo_SmqhAII/AAAAAAAABko/EDvxCBjrpJQ/s400/DSC03391+copy.jpg" width="267" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HxnGaNBy-NU/Tgo_T9Ez5MI/AAAAAAAABks/ErOg5SfO2qU/s1600/DSC03393+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HxnGaNBy-NU/Tgo_T9Ez5MI/AAAAAAAABks/ErOg5SfO2qU/s400/DSC03393+copy.jpg" width="267" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XrWTB4QFA6U/Tgo_U8ae-5I/AAAAAAAABkw/rCcKx09XRcQ/s1600/DSC03394+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XrWTB4QFA6U/Tgo_U8ae-5I/AAAAAAAABkw/rCcKx09XRcQ/s400/DSC03394+copy.jpg" width="267" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-E-Gz-nalMrQ/Tgo_WAYwKaI/AAAAAAAABk0/Og05U6flqeA/s1600/DSC03395+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-E-Gz-nalMrQ/Tgo_WAYwKaI/AAAAAAAABk0/Og05U6flqeA/s400/DSC03395+copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kzNerQejUJg/Tgo_YBbmSVI/AAAAAAAABk4/uloINLQvMn0/s1600/DSC03396+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kzNerQejUJg/Tgo_YBbmSVI/AAAAAAAABk4/uloINLQvMn0/s400/DSC03396+copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />We have had the pleasure of beautifying our little condo a bit this past week. I found a wonderful rug from Crate & Barrel on sale x3 and scooped it up. <br /><br />After many months, I finally got our Van Gogh poster framed by this sweet older gentleman who owns a shop in the neighborhood where we used to live. It looks so refreshing above our dining room table.<br /><br />I love that summer is here. I love fresh fruit and simple sweets. I love that my tummy is slowly growing bigger and that there is a little baby in there who is a perfect mix of Landon and I. Lately, I can feel little tiny kicks when I'm relaxed, and it makes me so much more excited to meet our little son or daughter.<br /><br />Have you ever had a meltdown? I have been having them so much more lately. Sometimes things get too overwhelming and I just need a cry. I was listening to Sigur Ros' <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_bqpvOJnT5s">Godan Daginn</a> (one of my favorite songs) the other night and just sat down on our couch and let it all out. Sometimes life is hard and stressful. Sometimes things aren't perfect. Sometimes I realize how much I don't know and how much I need to learn. I cry and sob and bawl. I talk to Landon, my mom, or my sister. I pray for help. Then I realize that I am so blessed, I can do this, and things will get better even if they seem like they won't.<br /><br />Life is such a blessing and we have so much to look forward to. <br />Thank goodness for little moments.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9086173967890508651-1335623002909975403?l=therifeobservatory.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Leah Rifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05843324234310268331noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9086173967890508651.post-5023134365038864592011-06-22T16:54:00.000-04:002011-06-22T16:54:57.375-04:00Summer fruits...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-q1mnlST1Rv8/TgJU7hYubfI/AAAAAAAABkg/QzvTaU9ARnM/s1600/DSC03384+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-q1mnlST1Rv8/TgJU7hYubfI/AAAAAAAABkg/QzvTaU9ARnM/s400/DSC03384+copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-X-Reu3f40EA/TgJU92dx8zI/AAAAAAAABkk/0FznTWDJTek/s1600/DSC03389+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-X-Reu3f40EA/TgJU92dx8zI/AAAAAAAABkk/0FznTWDJTek/s400/DSC03389+copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />We are hanging out with some friends of ours tonight for a Settlers of Catan game night! Landon and I LOVE that game and we love that we have some great people to play with around here.<br /><br />I decided to get all summery and make a fruit pizza for a snack. What's better than fresh fruit and a sweet cream cheese spread on a yummy cookie crust? <br />Here's my makeshift recipe:<br /><br />1 tube sugar cookie dough<br />12 oz. cream cheese softened<br />1 1/2 cups powdered sugar<br />Strawberries<br />Blueberries<br />Kiwi<br /><br />Roll dough into a circle and bake until just golden at 350˚. <br />Set out to cool completely.<br />Mix cream cheese and powdered sugar until well blended.<br />Chop up fruit...as much or as little as you want.<br />When the cookie is cool, spread the cream cheese mixture evenly, then top with chopped fruit.<br />Chill for a bit. Then cut and enjoy!<br /><br />I hope you are all enjoying this nice summer weather. Isn't it great to keep your windows open and feel the nice breeze?<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9086173967890508651-502313436503886459?l=therifeobservatory.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Leah Rifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05843324234310268331noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9086173967890508651.post-85906368049967719162011-06-21T10:42:00.000-04:002011-06-21T10:42:57.121-04:00Hot meals here...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GkzKOmIM2cw/TgCr-mQW5wI/AAAAAAAABkc/wwm96jWDCi0/s1600/DSC03383+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GkzKOmIM2cw/TgCr-mQW5wI/AAAAAAAABkc/wwm96jWDCi0/s400/DSC03383+copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Ever since March, I haven't really been in the cooking mood. But since things are getting easier, I'm finally banging around in the kitchen again.<br />I usually try to make up a menu for the week so I only have to go shopping once. This doesn't always happen, but it's nice to try for.<br />Yesterday I made tikka masala and we had it with some hot naan bread. It was a bit spicy, but so delicious and easy to make. (Yes, I made it from a jar.)<br />Landon is a happy camper knowing there will be leftovers for him to take to work and hot meals to eat when he gets home. :)<br /><br />I started my first editing job this week! It's been so much fun already...learning how to maneuver through the programs, and working on such beautiful images. I always get so nervous starting a new job...I'm working on being more confident, but new jobs always seem daunting at first. Fortunately I have an amazing boss who is so approachable and easy to talk with. This is a learning process, and I'll only get more comfortable as the days go on. But I absolutely LOVE this kind of work and I feel so blessed to be able to work from home listening to Sufjan Stevens and munching on almonds.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9086173967890508651-8590636804996771916?l=therifeobservatory.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Leah Rifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05843324234310268331noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9086173967890508651.post-43090960374487444912011-06-15T09:48:00.000-04:002011-06-15T09:48:31.474-04:00rain, you can stay...<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Y9Y-Cd-avRs/Tfi1OxZ3xQI/AAAAAAAABkY/sksAB4pHRuk/s1600/rain_puddles-12332.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="262" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Y9Y-Cd-avRs/Tfi1OxZ3xQI/AAAAAAAABkY/sksAB4pHRuk/s400/rain_puddles-12332.gif" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.free-extras.com/images/rain_puddles-12332.htm">via</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />It's raining so beautifully outside right now. I don't know why, but rainy mornings are so soothing and relaxing. I tend to be more thoughtful and stoic on these types of mornings. Oh what a great day today will be.<br /><br />We had a wonderful time with our small group last night. Can I just say that having a group of friends who you can share and talk with is such a blessing! We've been talking a lot about distractions and how to eliminate them. One of the couples in our group has cut out TV from their lives and they are loving all of the extra time they have. Landon and I were talking on the way home about what we can get rid of. Everyone is always so busy, so on the go, and it's hard to have quiet evenings. Why do we insist on staying so busy all the time? <br /><br />I will share a secret with you...Landon and I hardly ever eat supper at our dining room table. We love watching shows, so inevitably, we find ourselves sitting with our food in front of the TV or computer. This is a bad habit! :) I think we are going to make it a goal to eat supper with no entertainment, at our table, so we can talk and focus on each other.<br /><br />Life is too short to waste on entertainment that we'll forget about in a few years anyway. Investing in others is more important, and more fulfilling I think.<br />Have you cut out distractions from your life? What have you done to give yourself more free time?<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9086173967890508651-4309096037448744491?l=therifeobservatory.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Leah Rifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05843324234310268331noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9086173967890508651.post-79094884090796290832011-06-14T10:08:00.000-04:002011-06-14T10:08:02.156-04:00A bit of this, a bit of that...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-K22wLN2s-DY/TfdoUlaGu1I/AAAAAAAABkI/ZIfENSpkXQs/s1600/CIMG0614.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-K22wLN2s-DY/TfdoUlaGu1I/AAAAAAAABkI/ZIfENSpkXQs/s400/CIMG0614.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-N-ByJtXSYuI/TfdoV1cA23I/AAAAAAAABkM/mnrhQnFKquc/s1600/CIMG0615+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-N-ByJtXSYuI/TfdoV1cA23I/AAAAAAAABkM/mnrhQnFKquc/s400/CIMG0615+copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-G2haZzTNh7w/TfdoXaTZF9I/AAAAAAAABkQ/tExrRj_vOek/s1600/CIMG0617+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-G2haZzTNh7w/TfdoXaTZF9I/AAAAAAAABkQ/tExrRj_vOek/s400/CIMG0617+copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ju8ncv8ZsAA/TfdoYfV54OI/AAAAAAAABkU/f_V3ubMBQ2E/s1600/DSC03374.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ju8ncv8ZsAA/TfdoYfV54OI/AAAAAAAABkU/f_V3ubMBQ2E/s400/DSC03374.jpg" width="267" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />What a great last week I've had! My sister and her husband have moved to an adorable old house in the town where we both went to college. I went up last week to meet her and see the new place. We had lunch at one of our favorite college eats called Payne's. They have the best food and drinks and frozen custard you'll ever try.<br /><br />I got to use my graphic skills on a design project for a wedding gift Hannah and Jon were giving to their friends that got married on Saturday. This was one of my favorite projects so far. Hannah envisioned the antique frame with small wire netting, and I did the design pieces. Between me, Hannah, and my mom, we figured out how to attach the pieces to the frame. What great fun we had!<br /><br />Sunday marked the 17 week point in my pregnancy. The kiddo is growing! We refer to the kiddo as "he" since we decided not to find out the sex, and I just don't like saying "it." I think I read that he's about the size of a baked potato. I crack up at the food analogies each week...a kumquat, a lime, an apple. Maybe we should call him our potato....<br /><br />I am just so happy right now. Reading some great books that are challenging myself, spending more time outside at our pool, enjoying the summer with my amazing husband, learning a lot. God is good to us. I am so excited about this weekend because Landon and I are going camping! We haven't gone yet this year and I'm dying for a quiet few days on a gorgeous lake with our tent. Summer is the best.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9086173967890508651-7909488409079629083?l=therifeobservatory.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Leah Rifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05843324234310268331noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9086173967890508651.post-49161338337120304662011-06-06T08:26:00.000-04:002011-06-06T08:26:00.523-04:00Just some thoughts...<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mL36RBHm0ZA/TezC49_v0TI/AAAAAAAABkE/y8Jb0ih27Lk/s1600/Pregnancy-yoga.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="271" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mL36RBHm0ZA/TezC49_v0TI/AAAAAAAABkE/y8Jb0ih27Lk/s400/Pregnancy-yoga.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.greenparenthood.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/Pregnancy-yoga.jpg">via</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />When I found out I was pregnant, I was bound and determined to be as healthy as I could. I read some great books on nutrition and pregnancy yoga, and got super pumped. Things started out great...we made a trip to Whole Foods, I was faithful with my morning yoga, and we were continuing to work out at our gym. Then, around the end of March, I got terrible morning sickness. And by morning sickness, I mean 24 hour sickness. :) I never thought it could get as bad as it has for me...I basically stayed in bed for 3 months and my amazing husband cared for me when I couldn't. We had to make one trip to the ER, I lived in the bathroom some days, I cried a lot, and I lost a considerable amount of weight. I was so disappointed.<br /><br />I have realized something about myself...I love to plan out and be in control of a situation. I make lists, I plan ahead, and I figure things out. But this experience has completely taken the control away from me and I am being challenged in a way I never thought I could be. While things haven't quite gone the way I had intended, I am realizing that I am learning so much...about myself, about my husband, and about my family. I'm pretty sure that pregnancy (and parenthood) are a way to learn self-sacrifice...which I think is a wonderful quality to master. Landon and I are learning this on a daily basis, and we have become much closer as a result.<br /><br />Things are finally toning down in the sick-all-day department, and I couldn't be more excited! I am finally able to start eating the way I want instead of the way my stomach demands, and the nice weather is motivating me to get back into the yoga.<br /><br />This little bambino is becoming more and more a piece of our lives, and every time I hear the heartbeat with our midwife, I realize how real this is and how amazingly blessed Landon and I are.<br /><br />(I hope to be posting more frequently...I'm so sorry to have been absent for so long. I miss you all!)<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9086173967890508651-4916133833712030466?l=therifeobservatory.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Leah Rifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05843324234310268331noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9086173967890508651.post-2042986857119938962011-06-04T14:28:00.000-04:002011-06-04T14:28:59.813-04:00Guess What...<iframe frameborder="0" height="242" src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/24581878?title=0&byline=0&portrait=0" width="430"></iframe><br /><br />You might want to watch it at Vimeo since it's so small on here. :) Here's the <a href="http://vimeo.com/24581878">link</a>.<br /><br />This has made our entire year!<br /><br />Love,<br /><br />Leah<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9086173967890508651-204298685711993896?l=therifeobservatory.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Leah Rifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05843324234310268331noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9086173967890508651.post-19146882955150399612011-05-25T16:27:00.000-04:002011-05-25T16:27:22.044-04:00To Denver and back...Well I just got back from an 8 day long adventure to Denver. Wow! It was beautiful and fun and wonderful all at once. We spent our time in Denver, then make a stop in our old stomping grounds of Kansas to see friends. You might not think Kansas is beautiful, but we think so. :)<br /><br />Since I am a lazy bum sometimes, I stole these pictures from my sister who is so faithful at documenting with a camera and I took only a few shots with my own. (Having a large camera can be a pain sometimes, and Hannah's takes great shots without having to mess with taking the lens cap off.)<br /><br />Some of my favorite moments were:<br /><br />*Being with all of my siblings at once for the first time in awhile. Our brothers are really cool guys and we loved hanging out with them.<br /><br />*Listening to Sirius satellite radio in the rental car...how my honda is jealous.<br /><br />*Seeing the breathtaking snow-capped mountains.<br /><br />*Eating pretty sweet asian grub.<br /><br />*Eating some of the best pizza in the whole world.<br /><br />*Seeing it snow, hail, rain, sleet, and sunshine all in a few days.<br /><br />*Hiking to a waterfall with Hannah and asking some potheads for directions to get there.<br /><br />*Seeing the wheat fields in Kansas that we used to play in. (We played in fields and ditches as kids, not yards filled with fancy toys thank goodness.)<br /><br />*Realizing that the best things in life are good and genuine friends who would give anything for you.<br /><br />Life is been so good. I have amazing friends and family, and I'm free to travel around and make some awesome memories. What a summer this shall be!!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D8f0mxp5rv4/Td1lYquYxJI/AAAAAAAABjc/_aqRYCGabFo/s1600/Screen+shot+2011-05-25+at+4.20.14+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D8f0mxp5rv4/Td1lYquYxJI/AAAAAAAABjc/_aqRYCGabFo/s400/Screen+shot+2011-05-25+at+4.20.14+PM.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QmqZXHQ3pT8/Td1laqY54OI/AAAAAAAABjg/w7mNlePVCM8/s1600/Screen+shot+2011-05-25+at+4.20.32+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="293" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QmqZXHQ3pT8/Td1laqY54OI/AAAAAAAABjg/w7mNlePVCM8/s400/Screen+shot+2011-05-25+at+4.20.32+PM.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-htwaCjc3W6c/Td1lcuLgMwI/AAAAAAAABjk/J-luuEuhFX0/s1600/Screen+shot+2011-05-25+at+4.20.55+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-htwaCjc3W6c/Td1lcuLgMwI/AAAAAAAABjk/J-luuEuhFX0/s400/Screen+shot+2011-05-25+at+4.20.55+PM.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sYTehSAbXfM/Td1lePu0NmI/AAAAAAAABjo/T-_DDTtJqQY/s1600/Screen+shot+2011-05-25+at+4.21.08+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sYTehSAbXfM/Td1lePu0NmI/AAAAAAAABjo/T-_DDTtJqQY/s400/Screen+shot+2011-05-25+at+4.21.08+PM.png" width="297" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qSdg0LvPoZA/Td1lftFT-MI/AAAAAAAABjs/Xc4WwnuXCYg/s1600/Screen+shot+2011-05-25+at+4.21.18+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qSdg0LvPoZA/Td1lftFT-MI/AAAAAAAABjs/Xc4WwnuXCYg/s400/Screen+shot+2011-05-25+at+4.21.18+PM.png" width="301" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KR1_KwFHZK4/Td1lhDkL9NI/AAAAAAAABjw/LOtkh3A2TJ4/s1600/Screen+shot+2011-05-25+at+4.21.50+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="301" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KR1_KwFHZK4/Td1lhDkL9NI/AAAAAAAABjw/LOtkh3A2TJ4/s400/Screen+shot+2011-05-25+at+4.21.50+PM.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zyUskEIkrjc/Td1li7gw7ZI/AAAAAAAABj0/Gm3ANwHLIDc/s1600/Screen+shot+2011-05-25+at+4.22.02+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zyUskEIkrjc/Td1li7gw7ZI/AAAAAAAABj0/Gm3ANwHLIDc/s400/Screen+shot+2011-05-25+at+4.22.02+PM.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FHySPnug9gc/Td1lkJuOH2I/AAAAAAAABj4/jwhzWcE2Zr4/s1600/Screen+shot+2011-05-25+at+4.22.16+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FHySPnug9gc/Td1lkJuOH2I/AAAAAAAABj4/jwhzWcE2Zr4/s400/Screen+shot+2011-05-25+at+4.22.16+PM.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xV38bKu_1b0/Td1l18xg9KI/AAAAAAAABj8/qf4uWROiTZw/s1600/Screen+shot+2011-05-25+at+4.22.47+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="301" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xV38bKu_1b0/Td1l18xg9KI/AAAAAAAABj8/qf4uWROiTZw/s400/Screen+shot+2011-05-25+at+4.22.47+PM.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KnS3PWcYtt4/Td1l3KZ7qpI/AAAAAAAABkA/QKideIXk7WM/s1600/Screen+shot+2011-05-25+at+4.23.02+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="288" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KnS3PWcYtt4/Td1l3KZ7qpI/AAAAAAAABkA/QKideIXk7WM/s400/Screen+shot+2011-05-25+at+4.23.02+PM.png" width="400" /></a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9086173967890508651-1914688295515039961?l=therifeobservatory.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Leah Rifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05843324234310268331noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9086173967890508651.post-34653934247597636182011-05-16T16:45:00.000-04:002011-05-16T16:45:43.521-04:00It's ok...It's ok...<br /><br />1. To take a break from your day and just listen to music for the love of music. Here's a good song to daydream to...<br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="249" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/JzIK5FaC38w" width="325"></iframe><br /><br />2. To be vulnerable with someone. I find that when I am completely open, honest, and brutally vulnerable with someone I trust, I can get things off my chest and I feel so much better afterwards. <br /><br />3. To not claim to be a girly girl but still paint your nails hot pink. (I did, and I love them.)<br /><br />4. To not share every major event of your life for the world to hear....sometimes it's fun to keep secrets from Facebook.<br /><br />5. To have "ugly" days...so long as you remember that someone loves you no matter how you feel about yourself and you should think the world of yourself too. <br />Maybe you'll have fewer "ugly" days if you think about that.<br /><br />6. To not be ashamed of singing in the shower. Belt it out!<br /><br />7. To ask for extra hot fudge and less ice cream on your sundae...I do almost every time. :)<br /><br />8. To take advantage of free food samples at the grocery. Don't even pretend that you're thinking about buying the advertised product...just walk up, take your sample, and walk away!<br /><br />9. To think that automatic car washes are probably one of the most fun things to do.<br /><br />10. To spend time with your lover instead of doing the dishes. Your relationship is more important, and your lover wants to be with you while the dishes could care less.<br /><br />Have a splendid day friends! I'm leaving on a week long trip to Denver tomorrow and totally excited! I plan on taking a boatload of pictures.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9086173967890508651-3465393424759763618?l=therifeobservatory.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Leah Rifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05843324234310268331noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9086173967890508651.post-10616580512056135382011-05-10T13:06:00.000-04:002011-05-10T13:06:18.034-04:00catch up...Hey friends! I'm so sorry to be silent for so long. These past couple months have been a much-needed break for me from the blogging/internet world. I find that life slows down a bit when I'm not concerned about updating statuses or taking a picture of my lunch so I can write about it later. :)<br />I want to savor life and make the most of each day. I love blogging, and I hope to get some regular posts in now, but I'm not wanting to let it control my free time. Maybe I'll post some more thoughtful things, and let the fluff posts be.<br /><br /> Also, some big news! I quit my nanny job and am officially done working outside the home for a good while. The photo editing job will start up soon, and I can do that from home and make my own hours. (*fist pump*)<br /><br />Anyway, here's some photo catch ups for you...a little slice of what we've been up to these past few months. I hope you all are enjoying spring and the warm weather!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FTX-iIzxJF8/Tcltc9hD3aI/AAAAAAAABic/zJcC9YGLt9A/s1600/DSC02975.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FTX-iIzxJF8/Tcltc9hD3aI/AAAAAAAABic/zJcC9YGLt9A/s400/DSC02975.jpg" width="267" /></a></div><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nHEz85GkJ1c/TcltiUe6TZI/AAAAAAAABig/GJJEzp58EMM/s1600/DSC02985.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nHEz85GkJ1c/TcltiUe6TZI/AAAAAAAABig/GJJEzp58EMM/s400/DSC02985.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We love our fireplace in this new condo!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vtXPbDIlDDg/TcltoJ6TVqI/AAAAAAAABik/G3kE1SJOACg/s1600/DSC02990.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vtXPbDIlDDg/TcltoJ6TVqI/AAAAAAAABik/G3kE1SJOACg/s400/DSC02990.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lunch out with Landon.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nyGNTTvKvwo/Tclttkm4UwI/AAAAAAAABio/BJvNCVAAKXg/s1600/DSC02994.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nyGNTTvKvwo/Tclttkm4UwI/AAAAAAAABio/BJvNCVAAKXg/s400/DSC02994.jpg" width="267" /></a></div><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yYKeiW8i4Mw/TcltzVZXKfI/AAAAAAAABis/5XR_ojtrp0o/s1600/DSC02997.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yYKeiW8i4Mw/TcltzVZXKfI/AAAAAAAABis/5XR_ojtrp0o/s400/DSC02997.jpg" width="267" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Staining our chairs from Ikea.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-j2hzBYNpays/Tclt6D2NSCI/AAAAAAAABiw/untcwNQSUnM/s1600/DSC03002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-j2hzBYNpays/Tclt6D2NSCI/AAAAAAAABiw/untcwNQSUnM/s400/DSC03002.jpg" width="267" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lucy's wedding!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9xDImK7L8Hw/Tclt_QmW1VI/AAAAAAAABi0/E_c97uy7_tA/s1600/DSC03004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9xDImK7L8Hw/Tclt_QmW1VI/AAAAAAAABi0/E_c97uy7_tA/s400/DSC03004.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">With the newlyweds.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2qRgdF6t9ts/TcluD2uKm9I/AAAAAAAABi4/SAishEIyn7o/s1600/DSC03008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2qRgdF6t9ts/TcluD2uKm9I/AAAAAAAABi4/SAishEIyn7o/s400/DSC03008.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fresh new petunias for our front porch.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-x1MkSNWY9dY/TcluJtmZ_HI/AAAAAAAABi8/-n5fJV41Tfg/s1600/DSC03009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-x1MkSNWY9dY/TcluJtmZ_HI/AAAAAAAABi8/-n5fJV41Tfg/s400/DSC03009.jpg" width="267" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hopefully we'll get some hummingbirds this season.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mpmNLBQ0y3k/TcluNnH48mI/AAAAAAAABjA/BQgMByhF8fg/s1600/DSC03010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mpmNLBQ0y3k/TcluNnH48mI/AAAAAAAABjA/BQgMByhF8fg/s400/DSC03010.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More petunias for the step.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9mD_nYb3Pu4/TcluYMu0ZPI/AAAAAAAABjE/W6O7wh3lGCI/s1600/DSC03011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9mD_nYb3Pu4/TcluYMu0ZPI/AAAAAAAABjE/W6O7wh3lGCI/s400/DSC03011.jpg" width="267" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our back patio, perfect for grilling this summer!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-W4zM9pZgL4g/Tcluea5DXQI/AAAAAAAABjI/4LESMputusw/s1600/DSC03012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-W4zM9pZgL4g/Tcluea5DXQI/AAAAAAAABjI/4LESMputusw/s400/DSC03012.jpg" width="267" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My new reading spot.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Vp3TRbKpxPg/TcluicyI2dI/AAAAAAAABjM/uTpQnrHmGWg/s1600/DSC03014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Vp3TRbKpxPg/TcluicyI2dI/AAAAAAAABjM/uTpQnrHmGWg/s400/DSC03014.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gerber daisies from Landon to celebrate my last day of work.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wBJGOLb6drE/TclumgWVJ7I/AAAAAAAABjQ/ZONr2s2JXus/s1600/DSC03016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wBJGOLb6drE/TclumgWVJ7I/AAAAAAAABjQ/ZONr2s2JXus/s400/DSC03016.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fun new spring colors...I'm so excited to wear sundresses all summer long.</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9086173967890508651-1061658051205613538?l=therifeobservatory.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Leah Rifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05843324234310268331noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9086173967890508651.post-10279642552625844012011-04-12T17:09:00.000-04:002011-04-12T17:09:45.815-04:00Spring time...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-G4NmICiG0rY/TaS_PL4zPbI/AAAAAAAABiY/9ZC8keF6YE4/s1600/Magnolia+Tree.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-G4NmICiG0rY/TaS_PL4zPbI/AAAAAAAABiY/9ZC8keF6YE4/s400/Magnolia+Tree.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Hello friends,<div><br /></div><div>It's been awhile since I've posted, but I just wanted to check in and let you know I haven't fallen off the face of the earth! Things have been crazy around here...too much to go into detail. But Landon and I have a lot on our plates and it's been nice to take a break from a lot of things.</div><div><br /></div><div>I can't put much effort into blogging right now, but I'm going to try to get back into it in May sometime. I promise I'll be much more relaxed and breezy and have something of worth to say instead of nothing. :)</div><div><br /></div><div>For now, spring has sprung in Indiana and the trees and plants and grass are so beautiful. I took a walk yesterday with one of the little boys I nanny and it felt so good to be outside breathing in some fresh air and admiring nature. He showed me how he finds wild chives in the woods, which he refers to as "chife" and we washed some and he let me taste it.</div><div><br /></div><div>I'm really looking forward to this spring and summer and trying to enjoy each day as much as I can. Easter will be here soon and with it some wonderful family time and of course great food. Can't wait!</div><div><br /></div><div>Miss you all and I'll be back soon. </div><div><br /></div><div>Love,</div><div><br /></div><div>Leah</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="http://www.891011.com/1623rhine/housephotos.html">image</a></span></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9086173967890508651-1027964255262584401?l=therifeobservatory.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Leah Rifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05843324234310268331noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9086173967890508651.post-17886011050751336622011-03-21T08:52:00.000-04:002011-03-21T08:52:54.401-04:00Break...<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kwerfeldein/174193356/" title="fresh air by Martin Gommel, on Flickr"><img alt="fresh air" height="279" src="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/76/174193356_812a3485fe.jpg" width="500" /></a><br /><br />Hey friends...<br />I need some fresh air, some down time.<br />Things around here have gotten a bit overwhelming...in a good way. But I am feeling pulled in a few different directions right now and not feeling motivated for putting 100% into blogging. I'm going to take a bit of a break from it all and just focus on some other things in my life.<br />I'll try to check in every now and then and not completely go silent though. I love you all and how you've been an encouragement with your comments and such. Thank you for that!!<br />I promise I'll be back soon, but right now, I just need some quiet time. :)<br />Thanks for understanding, friends.<br /><br />Love,<br /><br />Leah<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9086173967890508651-1788601105075133662?l=therifeobservatory.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Leah Rifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05843324234310268331noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9086173967890508651.post-90591624460544836042011-03-18T11:35:00.001-04:002011-03-27T21:04:54.702-04:00spring clean...<div style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; border-collapse: collapse; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; padding-left: 14px; padding-top: 20px;"></div><div style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; border-collapse: collapse; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; padding-left: 14px; padding-top: 20px;">Whosever room this is should be ashamed!<br />His underwear is hanging on the lamp.<br />His raincoat is there in the overstuffed chair,<br />And the chair is becoming quite mucky and damp.<br />His workbook is wedged in the window,<br />His sweater's been thrown on the floor.<br />His scarf and one ski are beneath the TV,<br />And his pants have been carelessly hung on the door.<br />His books are all jammed in the closet,<br />His vest has been left in the hall.<br />A lizard named Ed is asleep in his bed,<br />And his smelly old sock has been stuck to the wall.<br />Whosever room this is should be ashamed!<br />Donald or Robert or Willie or--<br />Huh? You say it's mine? Oh, dear,<br />I knew it looked familiar!</div><div style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; border-collapse: collapse; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 11px; padding-left: 14px; padding-top: 20px;">Shel Silverstein</div><div style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; border-collapse: collapse; font-family: Tahoma; padding-left: 14px; padding-top: 20px;">Ok, so maybe my room doesn't look or sound this bad, but it's always a good idea for me to keep up on cleaning and tidying up. The fact that the weather has turned warmer and the air feels fresh definitely helps.</div><div style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; border-collapse: collapse; font-family: Tahoma; padding-left: 14px; padding-top: 20px;">Here's to spring cleaning!!</div><div style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; border-collapse: collapse; font-family: Tahoma; padding-left: 14px; padding-top: 20px;">xo</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9086173967890508651-9059162446054483604?l=therifeobservatory.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Leah Rifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05843324234310268331noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9086173967890508651.post-82760455567360108302011-03-17T10:43:00.000-04:002011-03-17T10:43:24.762-04:00I'll take a kiss...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-BhegA1fOokA/TYIac9-A5wI/AAAAAAAABiM/75rq-2ePXYA/s1600/kiss-me-im-irish.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-BhegA1fOokA/TYIac9-A5wI/AAAAAAAABiM/75rq-2ePXYA/s320/kiss-me-im-irish.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-OsYWg20WwwU/TYIcAWwQI2I/AAAAAAAABiQ/A5EKV9i_mQg/s1600/Screen+shot+2011-03-17+at+10.33.59+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-OsYWg20WwwU/TYIcAWwQI2I/AAAAAAAABiQ/A5EKV9i_mQg/s400/Screen+shot+2011-03-17+at+10.33.59+AM.png" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-DXOnFiomQ6Y/TYIc7wj8IiI/AAAAAAAABiU/EpQueq5oriE/s1600/Screen+shot+2011-03-17+at+10.38.10+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-DXOnFiomQ6Y/TYIc7wj8IiI/AAAAAAAABiU/EpQueq5oriE/s400/Screen+shot+2011-03-17+at+10.38.10+AM.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Thanks to Ancestry.com, we found out that I have a bit of Irish blood in me...maybe that's where the temper comes from?? :) <br />I like to think Landon's irish because of his hair. I'm sure he would be a big hit at Claddagh's pub if we went tonight. We'll see what we're up for after late nights of work.<br />But I will take a kiss from my love...there's never a question about that.<br /><br />Kiss someone you love today...<br /><br />xo<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9086173967890508651-8276045556736010830?l=therifeobservatory.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Leah Rifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05843324234310268331noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9086173967890508651.post-34652684727953628912011-03-16T12:27:00.000-04:002011-03-16T12:27:15.418-04:00a few healthy tidbits...<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-xLqcIfMRZB0/TYDfxi2Hf7I/AAAAAAAABiA/Ppuo8zsupZQ/s1600/Yoga-photo.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="290" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-xLqcIfMRZB0/TYDfxi2Hf7I/AAAAAAAABiA/Ppuo8zsupZQ/s400/Yoga-photo.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="http://www.socialearth.org/new-york-yoga-classes-that-make-a-difference-in-more-ways-than-one">via</a></span></td></tr></tbody></table><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-wr7KHVK25Ew/TYDg4Mf5ABI/AAAAAAAABiE/YJtPhog7Ifs/s1600/ISP_Water_Glass.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-wr7KHVK25Ew/TYDg4Mf5ABI/AAAAAAAABiE/YJtPhog7Ifs/s400/ISP_Water_Glass.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://www.acornadvisors.com/Kitchen%2520Newsletters/2007-06-07_Ice_Cold/ISP_Water_Glass.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.acornadvisors.com/Kitchen%2520Newsletters/Newsletter%2520Samples/Jun%25207%2520-%2520Kitchen%2520Collage%2520-%2520Ice%2520Cold.html&usg=__QUlu2_i1DANqy51XkmueQauyPEA=&h=449&w=300&sz=13&hl=en&start=0&zoom=1&tbnid=hsbntimOf4w2cM:&tbnh=162&tbnw=100&ei=k-CATfXVA-iX0QHI4_jqCA&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dwater%2Bglass%26um%3D1%26hl%3Den%26client%3Dsafari%26sa%3DX%26rls%3Den%26biw%3D1024%26bih%3D690%26tbs%3Disch:1&um=1&itbs=1&iact=hc&vpx=128&vpy=294&dur=298&hovh=275&hovw=183&tx=118&ty=138&oei=k-CATfXVA-iX0QHI4_jqCA&page=1&ndsp=17&ved=1t:429,r:6,s:0">via</a></span></td></tr></tbody></table><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-kftghT2t0lo/TYDhUjxxT8I/AAAAAAAABiI/G1FWk6BnqyM/s1600/almonds_health_benefit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-kftghT2t0lo/TYDhUjxxT8I/AAAAAAAABiI/G1FWk6BnqyM/s320/almonds_health_benefit.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://www.acornadvisors.com/Kitchen%2520Newsletters/2007-06-07_Ice_Cold/ISP_Water_Glass.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.acornadvisors.com/Kitchen%2520Newsletters/Newsletter%2520Samples/Jun%25207%2520-%2520Kitchen%2520Collage%2520-%2520Ice%2520Cold.html&usg=__QUlu2_i1DANqy51XkmueQauyPEA=&h=449&w=300&sz=13&hl=en&start=0&zoom=1&tbnid=hsbntimOf4w2cM:&tbnh=162&tbnw=100&ei=k-CATfXVA-iX0QHI4_jqCA&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dwater%2Bglass%26um%3D1%26hl%3Den%26client%3Dsafari%26sa%3DX%26rls%3Den%26biw%3D1024%26bih%3D690%26tbs%3Disch:1&um=1&itbs=1&iact=hc&vpx=128&vpy=294&dur=298&hovh=275&hovw=183&tx=118&ty=138&oei=k-CATfXVA-iX0QHI4_jqCA&page=1&ndsp=17&ved=1t:429,r:6,s:0">via</a></span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Landon and I have been trying to get more healthy lately. It's not always easy, but we've tried to make some small changes and turn them into habits to work towards our goals. <br /><br />We try to make it to the gym at least 3 times a week. We don't kill ourselves on the treadmill or bike, instead we work on a full body weight lifting routine. It's 30 minutes and since we do it together, the time goes by so fast. Also, when one of us doesn't want to go, the other usually helps make it happen. :)<br /><br />One thing I've started doing is more yoga. All I use is a dvd with four 10 minute workouts and I'm already seeing results. I feel better after yoga, my flexibility is increasing, and I visibly see toning happening. If you don't like yoga, or don't like gyms, try doing simple weight lifting and toning exercises at home, or go on a brisk walk each day.<br /><br />Another huge thing to work at is drinking more water. It may not feel like a lot, but if you opt for a glass of cold water rather than a pop, your body will thank you. You don't have to stop drinking everything else, just add water in a bit more to your daily routine.<br /><br />When you snack, be a bit more thoughtful about what you're snacking on. We have started to love munching on raw almonds. They are delicious and filling, so after only a small handful, you won't be hungry for awhile.<br /><br />The thing that helps us is knowing we're just working on small changes...not a lifestyle overhaul all at once.<br /><br />What are your favorite ways to stay fit and healthy?<br /><br />xo<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9086173967890508651-3465268472795362891?l=therifeobservatory.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Leah Rifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05843324234310268331noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9086173967890508651.post-79180234698495780002011-03-15T11:00:00.000-04:002011-03-15T11:00:35.233-04:00recent work...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-3YKcrzUmI1U/TX9-Iijh79I/AAAAAAAABh4/AaZaSSrenrU/s1600/Screen+shot+2011-03-15+at+10.55.42+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="306" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-3YKcrzUmI1U/TX9-Iijh79I/AAAAAAAABh4/AaZaSSrenrU/s400/Screen+shot+2011-03-15+at+10.55.42+AM.png" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-65DCBLkIMGE/TX9-K55IhgI/AAAAAAAABh8/xD1l7w0naTI/s1600/Screen+shot+2011-03-15+at+10.55.10+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="308" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-65DCBLkIMGE/TX9-K55IhgI/AAAAAAAABh8/xD1l7w0naTI/s400/Screen+shot+2011-03-15+at+10.55.10+AM.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Some recent illustrations I've been doing. I love working with shapes and lines and white space.<br />It's a wet day today in Indy, but nice since I'm off work. Perfect day for putting on some music and making art. And I have to finish my book...it's taking forever for me to wrap this one up.<br />Have a splendid day friends.<br /><br />xo<br />Leah<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9086173967890508651-7918023469849578000?l=therifeobservatory.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Leah Rifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05843324234310268331noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9086173967890508651.post-7602259776847771612011-03-14T11:54:00.000-04:002011-03-14T11:54:28.064-04:00oh happy day...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Lg8kACGGPdU/TX44SQ9PujI/AAAAAAAABhg/xklCXBiox4k/s1600/3.14.11-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Lg8kACGGPdU/TX44SQ9PujI/AAAAAAAABhg/xklCXBiox4k/s400/3.14.11-1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ypBMaQb9wuM/TX44XeIr-GI/AAAAAAAABhk/Qu6LNesE4SA/s1600/3.14.11-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ypBMaQb9wuM/TX44XeIr-GI/AAAAAAAABhk/Qu6LNesE4SA/s400/3.14.11-2.jpg" width="267" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />I completed one of my spring goals by adding some color to our home. I was grocery shopping at Krogers and saw these beautiful football mums beckoning to me. They look perfect on our wooden table.<br /><br />It has been easy to be joyful lately. I have had so many good things happen in my life this week...family, friends from church, encouragement, good news, and support. The hard part is staying joyful when the days aren't so good. But getting practice in now will surely help later.<br /><br />Today I am letting my hair down and relaxing. I'll be finishing my book and munching on raw almonds...my most favorite snack lately.<br /><br />I hope you all have a wonderful day and can find something you are joyful about, even if it's something as small as remembering to floss or eating your favorite cookie.<br /><br />xo<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9086173967890508651-760225977684777161?l=therifeobservatory.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Leah Rifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05843324234310268331noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9086173967890508651.post-4223510792030139462011-03-11T09:03:00.000-05:002011-03-11T09:03:02.826-05:00spring goals...Here are some of my goals for the spring.....<br /><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-sqfniJsdLGY/TXonvgbZA6I/AAAAAAAABhU/UzJhGB8Kbcc/s1600/speaking_of_joy_by_marielliott.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-sqfniJsdLGY/TXonvgbZA6I/AAAAAAAABhU/UzJhGB8Kbcc/s400/speaking_of_joy_by_marielliott.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="http://marielliott.deviantart.com/art/speaking-of-joy-91905460">via</a></span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>*make it a point to be joyful and optimistic.</div><div><br /></div><div><div><img border="0" height="0" src="http://c.gigcount.com/wildfire/IMP/CXNID=2000002.0NXC/bT*xJmx*PTEyOTk4NTE*NjY*MjAmcHQ9MTI5OTg1MTQ4OTI1NiZwPTE5MTU3MSZkPSZnPTEmbz*2N2RjMDIyNmY1YjQ*NDQ4ODIy/YWE1ZjFhODQ*YTQzMA==.gif" style="height: 0px; visibility: hidden; width: 0px;" width="0" /><a href="http://www.glitternation.com/"></a></div><a href="http://www.glitternation.com/"><div><img border="0" alt="Get Your Polaroids Page Graphics at Glitternation.com" src="http://s246.photobucket.com/albums/gg82/gn879/comcat/Polaroids/free-fall-polaroid.jpg" title="Get Your Polaroids Page Graphics at Glitternation.com" /> </div></a><div> </div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="http://www.glitternation.com/comments/preview.php?id=Polaroids&img=free-fall-polaroid.jpg">via</a></span></div><div><br /></div><div>*let my hair down and relax</div><div><br /></div><div><div><img border="0" height="0" src="http://c.gigcount.com/wildfire/IMP/CXNID=2000002.0NXC/bT*xJmx*PTEyOTk4NTE1OTkyNDEmcHQ9MTI5OTg1MTYwNTAxNyZwPTE5MTU3MSZkPSZnPTEmbz*wZmViZmM*ZTRlMjY*ZGQ2OTYz/MjFlYzZhOTIxZDRhOQ==.gif" style="height: 0px; visibility: hidden; width: 0px;" width="0" /><a href="http://www.glitternation.com/"></a></div><a href="http://www.glitternation.com/"><div><img border="0" alt="Get Your Polaroids Page Graphics at Glitternation.com" src="http://s246.photobucket.com/albums/gg82/gn879/comcat/Polaroids/ps-i-love-you-polaroid.jpg" title="Get Your Polaroids Page Graphics at Glitternation.com" /> </div></a><div> </div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="http://www.glitternation.com/comments/preview.php?id=Polaroids&img=ps-i-love-you-polaroid.jpg">via</a></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">*let Landon know how much he means to me</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-5w7CxLJ-6OE/TXoqbbXL9gI/AAAAAAAABhY/DBO63BYAeJY/s1600/2008_09_29-Flowers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="256" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-5w7CxLJ-6OE/TXoqbbXL9gI/AAAAAAAABhY/DBO63BYAeJY/s400/2008_09_29-Flowers.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/la/roundup/inspiration-adding-flowers-and-plants-to-the-kitchen-and-bath-078875">via</a></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">*add some color to our home</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-FQhDMP1I2Hw/TXoqy5_dOKI/AAAAAAAABhc/RwP7xEUM43A/s1600/readymade1_jeanpelle-full.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-FQhDMP1I2Hw/TXoqy5_dOKI/AAAAAAAABhc/RwP7xEUM43A/s400/readymade1_jeanpelle-full.jpg" width="386" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/ny/how-to/how-to-make-a-bubble-chandelier-from-jean-pelle-for-readymade-076151">via</a></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">*knock off this <a href="http://www.femtalks.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/03/diy_bubble_chandelier1.jpg">diy project</a> from my list</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I hope you all have a fantastic weekend! We are having a bunch of family over for a party and I can't wait! We're going duckpin bowling, eating great food, and playing games.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Love,</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Leah</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9086173967890508651-422351079203013946?l=therifeobservatory.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Leah Rifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05843324234310268331noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9086173967890508651.post-26320284664631994552011-03-10T10:44:00.001-05:002011-03-10T11:45:37.892-05:00New Place!<div>Sorry it has been so long since I blogged! Things have been crazy around here, but I'm back.</div><div><br /></div><div>We are so excited to finally be moved in! Don't look too closely...I still have random piles to sort through. I'll be looking for a living room rug soon and we'll be hanging curtains once the windows are replaced, which will be soon hopefully. I am in the process of hanging our art pieces too...just trying to be thoughtful about the placement.</div><div>We love this new condo and feel so blessed to have it! This is a five star hotel compared to the one we almost got.</div><div><br /></div><div>Have a wonderful day friends!</div><div><br /></div><div>Love,</div><div>Leah</div><div><br /></div><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-orupN9D_9Is/TXjtkfDm1HI/AAAAAAAABg8/HvqwcQIgjBM/s1600/3.10.11-11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-orupN9D_9Is/TXjtkfDm1HI/AAAAAAAABg8/HvqwcQIgjBM/s400/3.10.11-11.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Front entry into the living room.</td></tr></tbody></table><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-fxyVH6zTpaM/TXjtYmAR8YI/AAAAAAAABgw/X-oI9wO6Bp4/s1600/3.10.11-8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-fxyVH6zTpaM/TXjtYmAR8YI/AAAAAAAABgw/X-oI9wO6Bp4/s400/3.10.11-8.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Living Room.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-VsouUx3eeR0/TXjtcP4AdxI/AAAAAAAABg0/4eyuoDxJyPc/s1600/3.10.11-9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-VsouUx3eeR0/TXjtcP4AdxI/AAAAAAAABg0/4eyuoDxJyPc/s400/3.10.11-9.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-L228vVCOGCA/TXjtQLrQZMI/AAAAAAAABgo/WFfcvpJuGj4/s1600/3.10.11-6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-L228vVCOGCA/TXjtQLrQZMI/AAAAAAAABgo/WFfcvpJuGj4/s400/3.10.11-6.jpg" width="267" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking down from upstairs loft.</td></tr></tbody></table><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-VsouUx3eeR0/TXjtcP4AdxI/AAAAAAAABg0/4eyuoDxJyPc/s1600/3.10.11-9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-q0tQk22mNkY/TXjtglviRXI/AAAAAAAABg4/021bNe5OgMM/s1600/3.10.11-10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-q0tQk22mNkY/TXjtglviRXI/AAAAAAAABg4/021bNe5OgMM/s400/3.10.11-10.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wood burning fireplace!</td></tr></tbody></table><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-VsouUx3eeR0/TXjtcP4AdxI/AAAAAAAABg0/4eyuoDxJyPc/s1600/3.10.11-9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-f0-qWJ6mxec/TXjtoC1QNBI/AAAAAAAABhA/sqx7V_l9GsU/s1600/3.10.11-12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-f0-qWJ6mxec/TXjtoC1QNBI/AAAAAAAABhA/sqx7V_l9GsU/s400/3.10.11-12.jpg" width="267" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dining room. </td></tr></tbody></table><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-xUSb4SHDduQ/TXjts07rDlI/AAAAAAAABhE/oMs3Z879ClA/s1600/3.10.11-13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-xUSb4SHDduQ/TXjts07rDlI/AAAAAAAABhE/oMs3Z879ClA/s400/3.10.11-13.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Awesome kitchen.</td></tr></tbody></table><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-G79c8cbaNQo/TXjtwKsJQpI/AAAAAAAABhI/80qsleTGbZo/s1600/3.10.11-14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-G79c8cbaNQo/TXjtwKsJQpI/AAAAAAAABhI/80qsleTGbZo/s400/3.10.11-14.jpg" width="267" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Laundry/pantry.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-5qxaITZdtVI/TXjtzKYB2yI/AAAAAAAABhM/RW1R3x_xvoU/s1600/3.10.11-15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-5qxaITZdtVI/TXjtzKYB2yI/AAAAAAAABhM/RW1R3x_xvoU/s400/3.10.11-15.jpg" width="267" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Downstairs half bath.</td></tr></tbody></table><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-7M3lQvb1tkU/TXjt2O96SRI/AAAAAAAABhQ/x1vlE1wmoIY/s1600/3.10.11-16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-7M3lQvb1tkU/TXjt2O96SRI/AAAAAAAABhQ/x1vlE1wmoIY/s400/3.10.11-16.jpg" width="267" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Garage!</td></tr></tbody></table><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-sKCR281-Xs0/TXjs2X2RPpI/AAAAAAAABgU/JdWkBIyCDt4/s1600/3.10.11-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-sKCR281-Xs0/TXjs2X2RPpI/AAAAAAAABgU/JdWkBIyCDt4/s400/3.10.11-1.jpg" width="267" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spare bedroom/office.</td></tr></tbody></table><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-HhUlFllkx5c/TXjs74o_wKI/AAAAAAAABgY/cIoA7SoHPIo/s1600/3.10.11-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-HhUlFllkx5c/TXjs74o_wKI/AAAAAAAABgY/cIoA7SoHPIo/s400/3.10.11-2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Master bedroom.</td></tr></tbody></table><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-Q_JxXwlqtxU/TXjtDVZsEoI/AAAAAAAABgg/f9HuJeVTK0s/s1600/3.10.11-4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-Q_JxXwlqtxU/TXjtDVZsEoI/AAAAAAAABgg/f9HuJeVTK0s/s400/3.10.11-4.jpg" width="267" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Master/full bathroom.</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-VsouUx3eeR0/TXjtcP4AdxI/AAAAAAAABg0/4eyuoDxJyPc/s1600/3.10.11-9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9086173967890508651-2632028466463199455?l=therifeobservatory.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Leah Rifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05843324234310268331noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9086173967890508651.post-68238745313370125282011-03-04T08:29:00.000-05:002011-03-04T08:29:37.859-05:00moving on...<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-W9rGQsFe1eE/TXDoxsF62RI/AAAAAAAABgQ/fWTkM7kFrPI/s1600/fashion3-ck-0409-lg-9495051.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-W9rGQsFe1eE/TXDoxsF62RI/AAAAAAAABgQ/fWTkM7kFrPI/s400/fashion3-ck-0409-lg-9495051.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="http://www.esquire.com/style/fashion-story/mens-suits-spring-0409">via</a></span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />This is what Landon and I feel like today. I wish I could say we're sore and tired because we're super spies instead of sore from lifting boxes and tired from staying up late. I have had fights with packing tape, boxes, dust, broken a dish, cut my finger, and terminated a ton a old stuff we don't use. I'm ready to be done.<br /><br />Today we officially get our condo! I'm picking up the keys this morning. We are SO excited and feel extremely blessed to have this place. Many memories will be made this next year, I guarantee you.<br /><br />I'll see you all next week. My mom and I will be unpacking and we won't have internet until Wednesday. I'm pretty excited about that, I actually need a break from the web world for awhile. I'll be back with pictures and tales of our new place.<br />Thank you for all your encouraging words!<br />Have a wonderful weekend!<br /><br />Love,<br /><br />Leah<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9086173967890508651-6823874531337012528?l=therifeobservatory.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Leah Rifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05843324234310268331noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9086173967890508651.post-70330645129648235662011-03-03T09:36:00.000-05:002011-03-03T09:36:22.534-05:00Dream Destination...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-BZFF1MK3zAI/TW-kKnlQeLI/AAAAAAAABf4/-4PfEFiZ5p0/s1600/681x454-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-BZFF1MK3zAI/TW-kKnlQeLI/AAAAAAAABf4/-4PfEFiZ5p0/s400/681x454-1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-INPgkEKdSc8/TW-kK7hZwgI/AAAAAAAABf8/N0ACytei8wA/s1600/681x454-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-INPgkEKdSc8/TW-kK7hZwgI/AAAAAAAABf8/N0ACytei8wA/s400/681x454-2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-69Zl96gcfuw/TW-kLa-HH0I/AAAAAAAABgA/QBYCy-QRLZo/s1600/681x454-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-69Zl96gcfuw/TW-kLa-HH0I/AAAAAAAABgA/QBYCy-QRLZo/s400/681x454-3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-wgPqHz-0CoM/TW-kLiDQAKI/AAAAAAAABgE/7MPtbscTruc/s1600/681x454-4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-wgPqHz-0CoM/TW-kLiDQAKI/AAAAAAAABgE/7MPtbscTruc/s400/681x454-4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-Ax7w3DwIHhI/TW-kL0yfLNI/AAAAAAAABgI/y_LqH13c8R8/s1600/681x454-5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-Ax7w3DwIHhI/TW-kL0yfLNI/AAAAAAAABgI/y_LqH13c8R8/s400/681x454-5.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-7ZiYOcvxTSs/TW-kMfexEfI/AAAAAAAABgM/q-W0cu5QdRA/s1600/681x454.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-7ZiYOcvxTSs/TW-kMfexEfI/AAAAAAAABgM/q-W0cu5QdRA/s400/681x454.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />One of my dreams is to visit Morocco. I think it looks so beautiful and spicy and bright. Wouldn't it be amazing to travel across the world to Africa and explore an entirely different culture? I would love it! Then, I could just hop on over to the Rock of Gibraltar and Spain, right?<br /><br />I was having coffee with a good friend on Sunday, and we were talking about travel, money, moving, and life. She said something to me that she had read in an article once, "People who spend their money on experiences rather than things are usually happier." She and another friend planned, in only a few days, a spur of the moment trip to the West Coast and are really taking that to heart. I love that quote and have thought of it often since Sunday. Why not settle for a small, modest home with just the things you need and spend your extra time and money on travel and experience? <br />That's what Landon and I are hoping to do.<br /><br />Where would you love to visit outside of your home country?<br /><br />Have a wonderful Thursday friends!<br /><br />xo<br />Leah<br /><br />ps. Would Hannah, Michelle, Stace, Elly, and Dulci please e-mail me your addresses? Thanks for participating in Pay it Forward. I'll be getting ready to send out your handmade items!<br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">images <a href="http://www.lonelyplanet.com/morocco/marrakesh/images">via</a></span><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9086173967890508651-7033064512964823566?l=therifeobservatory.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Leah Rifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05843324234310268331noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9086173967890508651.post-55601449294660586392011-03-02T10:56:00.000-05:002011-03-02T10:56:14.576-05:00Pay it Forward 2011...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-kRLI5aXvb2E/TW5mwZwSxrI/AAAAAAAABf0/z7upSIvM2xw/s1600/payitforward.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="307" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-kRLI5aXvb2E/TW5mwZwSxrI/AAAAAAAABf0/z7upSIvM2xw/s400/payitforward.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />I spied this on <a href="http://www.avillagetown.com/">Krystal's blog</a> this morning and loved the sound of it! How fun to make things for other people! <br />I love a good excuse to be crafty, so I'm jumping on. The first 5 people to comment will receive something handmade from me before 2011 ends. They can, in turn post this and make something for 5 more people. If you want to participate, but don't have a blog, that doesn't matter! <br />I'll still make something for you. :) Just comment already! :)<br /><br />Have a wonderful day! I'm going to brew some coffee, turn on some LCD Soundsystem, and pack my little heart out. <br />We are moving in T minus 3 days and 3 hours.<br /><br />xoxo<br />Leah<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9086173967890508651-5560144929466058639?l=therifeobservatory.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Leah Rifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05843324234310268331noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9086173967890508651.post-42080868308960482102011-03-01T15:43:00.000-05:002011-03-01T15:43:40.363-05:00This made me smile today.<br /><br /><iframe frameborder="0" height="225" src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/17829022" width="400"></iframe><br /><a href="http://vimeo.com/17829022">Library</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/roehl">ryan roehl</a> on <a href="http://vimeo.com/">Vimeo</a>.<br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9086173967890508651-4208086830896048210?l=therifeobservatory.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Leah Rifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05843324234310268331noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9086173967890508651.post-34991393443153592182011-03-01T11:03:00.001-05:002011-03-01T15:45:26.910-05:00<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-EYshuvXKZ4g/TW0Xsq8OGHI/AAAAAAAABfE/RcDsOywbqUI/s1600/couple%252Clove%252Cphotography%252Cbublish%252Ccouples%252Ccute-4ed938010e14c57d5b6f7d68e063e590_h.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="270" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-EYshuvXKZ4g/TW0Xsq8OGHI/AAAAAAAABfE/RcDsOywbqUI/s400/couple%252Clove%252Cphotography%252Cbublish%252Ccouples%252Ccute-4ed938010e14c57d5b6f7d68e063e590_h.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="http://ache.tumblr.com/">via</a></span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>Get up, my dear friend, </i></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><i> fair and beautiful lover—come to me!</i></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Look around you: Winter is over; </i></div><i><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><i> the winter rains are over, gone!</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><i>Spring flowers are in blossom all over. </i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><i> The whole world's a choir—and singing!</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><i>Spring warblers are filling the forest </i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><i> with sweet arpeggios.</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">I know spring isn't quite here, but I am wishing for it so dearly. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">The sun is shining so beautifully today and it is getting me so ready for warmer weather.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">Have a fabulous and wonderful day...snuggle with someone you love, take a long walk, read a book, drink some tea, try a recipe you've always wanted to but never have.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">xo</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">Leah</span></div></i></span></span><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9086173967890508651-3499139344315359218?l=therifeobservatory.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Leah Rifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05843324234310268331noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9086173967890508651.post-10814525406155707442011-02-28T11:00:00.000-05:002011-02-28T11:00:25.160-05:00<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-bLHFht7-Zg8/TWvBhUoWz0I/AAAAAAAABe4/WjsVlJkLec0/s1600/blurry-lights-01-400x300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-bLHFht7-Zg8/TWvBhUoWz0I/AAAAAAAABe4/WjsVlJkLec0/s400/blurry-lights-01-400x300.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="http://megathy.com/stockimagine/tag/blurry/page/2/">via</a></span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />It has been a crazy last few weeks. This is pretty much how I'm starting to feel...everything is blurring together and I can't focus on one thing. Moving, job, packing, projects, keeping up with house work...<br /><br />Fortunately, I have such an amazing support system of family and friends. I found out that we are having 7 of our family members come help move on Saturday, plus a friend from church is bringing a big truck. My mom is staying longer to help me clean, unpack and organize too! I am so overwhelmed and amazed.<br /><br />If I had nothing else in this world except my husband and my family, I would be happy.<br /><br />So, with packing and moving, my posts might be a bit scarce towards the end of the week.<br /><br />Hope you all are enjoying your Monday.<br /><br />xo<br />Leah<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9086173967890508651-1081452540615570744?l=therifeobservatory.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Leah Rifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05843324234310268331noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9086173967890508651.post-29386808143984539422011-02-25T14:50:00.000-05:002011-02-25T14:50:08.530-05:00Lovely Friday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ynq13hMO0ek/TWgGYTDA9MI/AAAAAAAABeQ/-SrWlqm5RAg/s1600/2.25.11-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ynq13hMO0ek/TWgGYTDA9MI/AAAAAAAABeQ/-SrWlqm5RAg/s400/2.25.11-1.jpg" width="267" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ltxCkZE-72Q/TWgGZi8P_xI/AAAAAAAABeU/L6VlmI9mOj8/s1600/2.25.11-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ltxCkZE-72Q/TWgGZi8P_xI/AAAAAAAABeU/L6VlmI9mOj8/s400/2.25.11-2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3ng5Fd6WuKg/TWgGamkKdlI/AAAAAAAABeY/-CofZIL3tpY/s1600/2.25.11-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3ng5Fd6WuKg/TWgGamkKdlI/AAAAAAAABeY/-CofZIL3tpY/s400/2.25.11-3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wq9dbK-gQ5I/TWgGb_yk7dI/AAAAAAAABec/lTMkii-Ay9g/s1600/2.25.11-4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wq9dbK-gQ5I/TWgGb_yk7dI/AAAAAAAABec/lTMkii-Ay9g/s400/2.25.11-4.jpg" width="267" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fUkRnyRmq0A/TWgGdVQEQBI/AAAAAAAABeg/nSxqnNPdy28/s1600/2.25.11-5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fUkRnyRmq0A/TWgGdVQEQBI/AAAAAAAABeg/nSxqnNPdy28/s400/2.25.11-5.jpg" width="267" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mxffDf4jNaQ/TWgGfNzZydI/AAAAAAAABek/1P4gVm9RUd8/s1600/2.25.11-6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mxffDf4jNaQ/TWgGfNzZydI/AAAAAAAABek/1P4gVm9RUd8/s400/2.25.11-6.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xTVtUoFgK34/TWgGgq7YYKI/AAAAAAAABeo/D-6SdTZUjRc/s1600/2.25.11-7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xTVtUoFgK34/TWgGgq7YYKI/AAAAAAAABeo/D-6SdTZUjRc/s400/2.25.11-7.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6uDHRbiMEGQ/TWgGlOTCeiI/AAAAAAAABe0/XJu3n5TNn6c/s1600/2.25.11-10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6uDHRbiMEGQ/TWgGlOTCeiI/AAAAAAAABe0/XJu3n5TNn6c/s400/2.25.11-10.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wqJoauaYhSM/TWgGh2tFLoI/AAAAAAAABes/tMFCucS5cG8/s1600/2.25.11-8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wqJoauaYhSM/TWgGh2tFLoI/AAAAAAAABes/tMFCucS5cG8/s400/2.25.11-8.jpg" width="267" /></a></div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sfZGYwErdN0/TWgGjcCdmxI/AAAAAAAABew/sDlZ1x-A0Ac/s1600/2.25.11-9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sfZGYwErdN0/TWgGjcCdmxI/AAAAAAAABew/sDlZ1x-A0Ac/s400/2.25.11-9.jpg" width="400" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />I am having a lovely Friday with my dear friend, Ballard. She is the best.<br /><br />*Ulta adventures<br />*Starbucks date<br />*Flying Cupcakes and TV shows<br /><br />It is so great to have wonderful friends. :)<br /><br />xo<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9086173967890508651-2938680814398453942?l=therifeobservatory.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Leah Rifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05843324234310268331noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9086173967890508651.post-53703964453436243862011-02-24T10:24:00.000-05:002011-02-24T10:24:09.955-05:0080s party<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cVg-c0Gfa8o/TWZ2zS0zk0I/AAAAAAAABdE/IpR2ejeri2M/s1600/2.24.11-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cVg-c0Gfa8o/TWZ2zS0zk0I/AAAAAAAABdE/IpR2ejeri2M/s400/2.24.11-1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CLQWhVmZL30/TWZ20DFi4UI/AAAAAAAABdI/O1MxNTuw8wM/s1600/2.24.11-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CLQWhVmZL30/TWZ20DFi4UI/AAAAAAAABdI/O1MxNTuw8wM/s400/2.24.11-2.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cb_H-VAkE-Q/TWZ21LiaxjI/AAAAAAAABdM/dBLdBG8Otmo/s1600/2.24.11-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cb_H-VAkE-Q/TWZ21LiaxjI/AAAAAAAABdM/dBLdBG8Otmo/s400/2.24.11-3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LhyoENf1ltQ/TWZ21zojU7I/AAAAAAAABdQ/SmxhZGqHQQU/s1600/2.24.11-4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LhyoENf1ltQ/TWZ21zojU7I/AAAAAAAABdQ/SmxhZGqHQQU/s400/2.24.11-4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-I-fw01lR31w/TWZ22leusoI/AAAAAAAABdU/sPFqlny4oLU/s1600/2.24.11-5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-I-fw01lR31w/TWZ22leusoI/AAAAAAAABdU/sPFqlny4oLU/s400/2.24.11-5.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-spJP9Nkh1qs/TWZ23RlFs5I/AAAAAAAABdY/SSpUxDE5rtg/s1600/2.24.11-6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-spJP9Nkh1qs/TWZ23RlFs5I/AAAAAAAABdY/SSpUxDE5rtg/s400/2.24.11-6.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cLWsgyUGuX4/TWZ23wwsBTI/AAAAAAAABdc/1uVRLbygNFA/s1600/2.24.11-7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cLWsgyUGuX4/TWZ23wwsBTI/AAAAAAAABdc/1uVRLbygNFA/s400/2.24.11-7.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Over the weekend, I got to hang out with my sister, my awesome cousin Rachel, and my brother Jonah. We went to a rockin' 80s party hosted by my new boss for the photo editing job. It was a total blast! We danced, played euchre, met some awesome new friends, oh, and I may have jumped on a trampoline at midnight whilst eating meatballs.<br />I'd have to say that was probably the most fun party I've been to in a very long time.<br /><br />xo<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9086173967890508651-5370396445343624386?l=therifeobservatory.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Leah Rifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05843324234310268331noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9086173967890508651.post-65756606052477179152011-02-23T16:01:00.000-05:002011-02-23T16:01:55.208-05:00Packing up...<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/dasgraphiker/3766312976/" title="REFUSE (SUMMER 09) by das.graphiker, on Flickr"><img alt="REFUSE (SUMMER 09)" height="307" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2668/3766312976_c0811a9c79.jpg" width="400" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/dasgraphiker/3766312976/">via</a></span></div><div style="text-ali