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    <title>Oops...I {Art}ed!</title>
    
    
    <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="http://michelebrooks.typepad.com/blog/" />
    <id>tag:typepad.com,2003:weblog-83446806970210060</id>
    <updated>2011-09-08T15:42:52-05:00</updated>
    <subtitle>I'm a scrapbooker, photographer, blythe lover, etsy.com stalker, and all-things-handmade enthusiast...in addition to being an AF Sgt, AF wife, and mom of three.</subtitle>
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        <title>pardon me while I gush with pride</title>
        <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="http://michelebrooks.typepad.com/blog/2011/09/pardon-me-while-i-gush-with-pride.html" />
        <link rel="replies" type="text/html" href="http://michelebrooks.typepad.com/blog/2011/09/pardon-me-while-i-gush-with-pride.html" thr:count="0" />
        <id>tag:typepad.com,2003:post-6a0120a73190c3970b014e8b638bfd970d</id>
        <published>2011-09-08T15:42:52-05:00</published>
        <updated>2011-09-08T15:42:52-05:00</updated>
        <summary>J had her first cross country meet yesterday. Even after having her pupils dialated twice earlier in the day, she managed to pull off 6th place, out of 24 other girls. Her time for the 2 mile run was 15:22. Hubby and I are so proud that, as a 5th grader, she beat out a few 8th graders. Our little girl is a rock star!</summary>
        <author>
            <name>Michele Brooks</name>
        </author>
        <category scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#category" term="Family" />
        <category scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#category" term="Kids" />
        
        
<content type="xhtml" xml:lang="en-US" xml:base="http://michelebrooks.typepad.com/blog/">
<div xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><p><a href="http://michelebrooks.typepad.com/.a/6a0120a73190c3970b014e8b6379fc970d-popup" onclick="window.open( this.href, '_blank', 'width=640,height=480,scrollbars=no,resizable=no,toolbar=no,directories=no,location=no,menubar=no,status=no,left=0,top=0' ); return false" style="display: inline;"><img alt="6127452073_6174d269e0" class="asset  asset-image at-xid-6a0120a73190c3970b014e8b6379fc970d" src="http://michelebrooks.typepad.com/.a/6a0120a73190c3970b014e8b6379fc970d-500wi" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="6127452073_6174d269e0" /></a></p>
<p>J had her first cross country meet yesterday. Even after having her pupils dialated twice earlier in the day, she managed to pull off 6th place, out of 24 other girls.  Her time for the 2 mile run was 15:22.  Hubby and I are so proud that, as a 5th grader, she beat out a few 8th graders.  Our little girl is a rock star!</p>
<p><a href="http://michelebrooks.typepad.com/.a/6a0120a73190c3970b01543543473d970c-popup" onclick="window.open( this.href, '_blank', 'width=640,height=480,scrollbars=no,resizable=no,toolbar=no,directories=no,location=no,menubar=no,status=no,left=0,top=0' ); return false" style="display: inline;"><img alt="6128000370_1e7f51f5f2" class="asset  asset-image at-xid-6a0120a73190c3970b01543543473d970c" src="http://michelebrooks.typepad.com/.a/6a0120a73190c3970b01543543473d970c-500wi" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="6128000370_1e7f51f5f2" /></a></p></div>
</content>



    </entry>
    <entry>
        <title>why we all need florida rooms...</title>
        <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="http://michelebrooks.typepad.com/blog/2011/08/why-we-all-need-florida-rooms.html" />
        <link rel="replies" type="text/html" href="http://michelebrooks.typepad.com/blog/2011/08/why-we-all-need-florida-rooms.html" thr:count="0" />
        <id>tag:typepad.com,2003:post-6a0120a73190c3970b015434b60b30970c</id>
        <published>2011-08-21T19:08:49-05:00</published>
        <updated>2011-08-21T21:13:07-05:00</updated>
        <summary>Source: younghouselove.com via Michele on Pinterest I could sit in this room for hours. I love florida rooms, there's just something about them. Besides the 4 bedroom, 3 bathroom, 2 car garage, and nice size backyard...a florida room is a MUST when we purchase our first home. The house that we've been renting for the past 2 years has one, but unfortunately we've been using it as a storage space for boxes. Sad, right? It will be one of the first things I do when I get back from my 'vacation' in the mideast. Oh yea, and it will be...</summary>
        <author>
            <name>Michele Brooks</name>
        </author>
        <category scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#category" term="Inspiration" />
        
        
<content type="xhtml" xml:lang="en-US" xml:base="http://michelebrooks.typepad.com/blog/">
<div xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><div style="padding-bottom: 2px; line-height: 0px;"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/32999498/" target="_blank"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://d30opm7hsgivgh.cloudfront.net/upload/32999498_KDX90fuT_c.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="500 height =" /></a></div>
<div style="float: left; padding-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px;">
<p style="font-size: 10px; color: #76838b;">Source: <a href="http://www.younghouselove.com/2010/09/our-mini-sunroom-makeover-the-big-reveal/" style="text-decoration: underline; font-size: 10px; color: #76838b;">younghouselove.com</a> via <a href="http://pinterest.com/michele_brooks7/" style="text-decoration: underline; font-size: 10px; color: #76838b;" target="_blank">Michele</a> on <a href="http://pinterest.com" style="text-decoration: underline; color: #76838b;" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></p>
</div>
<p> </p>
<p>I could sit in this room for hours. I love florida rooms, there's just something about them. Besides the 4 bedroom, 3 bathroom, 2 car garage, and nice size backyard...a florida room is a MUST when we purchase our first home.  The house that we've been renting for the past 2 years has one, but unfortunately we've been using it as a storage space for boxes. Sad, right?  It will be one of the first things I do when I get back from my 'vacation' in the mideast. Oh yea, and it will be heavy on the turquoise and/or robin egg blue. ;)</p></div>
</content>



    </entry>
    <entry>
        <title>Happy 4th of July</title>
        <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="http://michelebrooks.typepad.com/blog/2011/07/happy-4th-of-july.html" />
        <link rel="replies" type="text/html" href="http://michelebrooks.typepad.com/blog/2011/07/happy-4th-of-july.html" thr:count="1" thr:updated="2011-08-04T15:46:41-05:00" />
        <id>tag:typepad.com,2003:post-6a0120a73190c3970b01543376ce54970c</id>
        <published>2011-07-04T10:45:04-05:00</published>
        <updated>2011-07-04T10:45:04-05:00</updated>
        <summary>Today I'm sharing my first published article and layout with everyone. I was so excited when I was contacted by Jami at Scrapbooking.com for my "All-American Boy" layout. You can find the rest of my article HERE, along with step-by-step instructions. Enjoy the pools, beaches, barbecue, and fireworks! Happy 4th everyone!</summary>
        <author>
            <name>Michele Brooks</name>
        </author>
        <category scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#category" term="American Crafts" />
        <category scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#category" term="Autumn Leaves" />
        <category scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#category" term="Making Memories" />
        <category scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#category" term="Scenic Route" />
        <category scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#category" term="Stampin' Up" />
        
        
<content type="xhtml" xml:lang="en-US" xml:base="http://michelebrooks.typepad.com/blog/">
<div xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><p>Today I'm sharing my first published article and layout with everyone. I was so excited when I was contacted by Jami at Scrapbooking.com for my "All-American Boy" layout.</p>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<p><iframe frameborder="0" height="349" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/1TgPIpl4u8M" width="425" /></p>
</div>
<p>You can find the rest of my article <a href="http://scrapbooking.com/article/75662">HERE</a>, along with step-by-step instructions.  Enjoy the pools, beaches, barbecue, and fireworks! Happy 4th everyone!</p></div>
</content>



    </entry>
    <entry>
        <title>Seattle sights and sounds</title>
        <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="http://michelebrooks.typepad.com/blog/2011/06/sights-and-sounds.html" />
        <link rel="replies" type="text/html" href="http://michelebrooks.typepad.com/blog/2011/06/sights-and-sounds.html" thr:count="0" />
        <id>tag:typepad.com,2003:post-6a0120a73190c3970b014e8943f75c970d</id>
        <published>2011-06-25T19:07:05-05:00</published>
        <updated>2011-06-26T14:15:07-05:00</updated>
        <summary>So I thought that I would be able to blog daily while I was in Seattle for the week, but that didn't happen. So here's a quick recap of all the cool places I got to visit. First up...The Space Needle. I've only been on this thing twice, amazingly. My first time was when I joined the Air Force ('97) and was the night before I headed to Basic Military Training in Texas. I have a knack of picking bad times to go to the observation deck, both trips I've made...it was dark and gloomy. This view is of southern...</summary>
        <author>
            <name>Michele Brooks</name>
        </author>
        <category scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#category" term="Music" />
        <category scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#category" term="Travel" />
        
        <category scheme="http://sixapart.com/ns/types#tag" term="Fish Market" />
        <category scheme="http://sixapart.com/ns/types#tag" term="Music" />
        <category scheme="http://sixapart.com/ns/types#tag" term="Pikes Market" />
        <category scheme="http://sixapart.com/ns/types#tag" term="Seattle" />
        <category scheme="http://sixapart.com/ns/types#tag" term="Sights and Sounds" />
        <category scheme="http://sixapart.com/ns/types#tag" term="The Space Needle" />
        <category scheme="http://sixapart.com/ns/types#tag" term="Travel" />
        <category scheme="http://sixapart.com/ns/types#tag" term="Waterfront" />
        
<content type="xhtml" xml:lang="en-US" xml:base="http://michelebrooks.typepad.com/blog/">
<div xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><p><a href="http://michelebrooks.typepad.com/.a/6a0120a73190c3970b01538f50ac90970b-popup" onclick="window.open( this.href, '_blank', 'width=640,height=480,scrollbars=no,resizable=no,toolbar=no,directories=no,location=no,menubar=no,status=no,left=0,top=0' ); return false"><img alt="Space_needle" class="asset  asset-image at-xid-6a0120a73190c3970b01538f50ac90970b" src="http://michelebrooks.typepad.com/.a/6a0120a73190c3970b01538f50ac90970b-500wi" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Space_needle" /></a></p>
<p>So I thought that I would be able to blog daily while I was in Seattle for the week, but that didn't happen. So here's a quick recap of all the cool places I got to visit.</p>
<p><a href="http://michelebrooks.typepad.com/.a/6a0120a73190c3970b014e8943f585970d-popup" onclick="window.open( this.href, '_blank', 'width=640,height=480,scrollbars=no,resizable=no,toolbar=no,directories=no,location=no,menubar=no,status=no,left=0,top=0' ); return false"><img alt="Space_needle2" class="asset  asset-image at-xid-6a0120a73190c3970b014e8943f585970d" src="http://michelebrooks.typepad.com/.a/6a0120a73190c3970b014e8943f585970d-500wi" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Space_needle2" /></a></p>
<p>First up...The Space Needle.  I've only been on this thing twice, amazingly. My first time was when I joined the Air Force ('97) and was the night before I headed to Basic Military Training in Texas. I have a knack of picking bad times to go to the observation deck, both trips I've made...it was dark and gloomy.</p>
<p><a href="http://michelebrooks.typepad.com/.a/6a0120a73190c3970b014e8943f620970d-popup" onclick="window.open( this.href, '_blank', 'width=640,height=480,scrollbars=no,resizable=no,toolbar=no,directories=no,location=no,menubar=no,status=no,left=0,top=0' ); return false"><img alt="Southview" class="asset  asset-image at-xid-6a0120a73190c3970b014e8943f620970d" src="http://michelebrooks.typepad.com/.a/6a0120a73190c3970b014e8943f620970d-500wi" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Southview" /></a></p>
<p>This view is of southern Seattle. You can see waterfront, Qwest and Safeco fields in the background.</p>
<p><a href="http://michelebrooks.typepad.com/.a/6a0120a73190c3970b01543323c81f970c-popup" onclick="window.open( this.href, '_blank', 'width=640,height=480,scrollbars=no,resizable=no,toolbar=no,directories=no,location=no,menubar=no,status=no,left=0,top=0' ); return false"><img alt="Eastview" class="asset  asset-image at-xid-6a0120a73190c3970b01543323c81f970c" src="http://michelebrooks.typepad.com/.a/6a0120a73190c3970b01543323c81f970c-500wi" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Eastview" /></a></p>
<p>Next up, Pike's Market in downtown Seattle. This place is always buzzing, even on a rainy day.  I only wish that it was open later than 5pm.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><a href="http://michelebrooks.typepad.com/.a/6a0120a73190c3970b01538f6fdbaf970b-popup" onclick="window.open( this.href, '_blank', 'width=640,height=480,scrollbars=no,resizable=no,toolbar=no,directories=no,location=no,menubar=no,status=no,left=0,top=0' ); return false"><img alt="Pikes_Market" class="asset  asset-image at-xid-6a0120a73190c3970b01538f6fdbaf970b" src="http://michelebrooks.typepad.com/.a/6a0120a73190c3970b01538f6fdbaf970b-500wi" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Pikes_Market" /></a> <br /> The World Famous Fish Market, located in Pike's Market (duh?!) It's crazy how these guys make a living from throwing fish around.<br /> <br /> <a href="http://michelebrooks.typepad.com/.a/6a0120a73190c3970b0154334334a7970c-popup" onclick="window.open( this.href, '_blank', 'width=640,height=480,scrollbars=no,resizable=no,toolbar=no,directories=no,location=no,menubar=no,status=no,left=0,top=0' ); return false"><img alt="Fish_market" class="asset  asset-image at-xid-6a0120a73190c3970b0154334334a7970c" src="http://michelebrooks.typepad.com/.a/6a0120a73190c3970b0154334334a7970c-500wi" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Fish_market" /></a></p>
<p>One of my favorite photos from the waterfront, you can dine and enjoy the Seattle skyline via a mini cruise.  I need to do this next time I'm in town.</p>
<p><a href="http://michelebrooks.typepad.com/.a/6a0120a73190c3970b015433433566970c-popup" onclick="window.open( this.href, '_blank', 'width=640,height=480,scrollbars=no,resizable=no,toolbar=no,directories=no,location=no,menubar=no,status=no,left=0,top=0' ); return false"><img alt="Waterfront" class="asset  asset-image at-xid-6a0120a73190c3970b015433433566970c" src="http://michelebrooks.typepad.com/.a/6a0120a73190c3970b015433433566970c-500wi" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Waterfront" /></a></p>
<p>Next up, something commonly found throughout the Pacific Northwest...Totems! This group was painting this rather large totem just outside The Fisherman's Restaurant on pier 57.</p>
<p><a href="http://michelebrooks.typepad.com/.a/6a0120a73190c3970b014e896333e7970d-popup" onclick="window.open( this.href, '_blank', 'width=640,height=480,scrollbars=no,resizable=no,toolbar=no,directories=no,location=no,menubar=no,status=no,left=0,top=0' ); return false"><img alt="Totem_work" class="asset  asset-image at-xid-6a0120a73190c3970b014e896333e7970d" src="http://michelebrooks.typepad.com/.a/6a0120a73190c3970b014e896333e7970d-500wi" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Totem_work" /></a></p>
<p>Last but not least, I caught a great local band, "Morrison Boomer." I really love their sound. I snagged one of their latest CDs and got their autographs. They're not up on youtube yet, but they are on facebook. Also, they're currently working on a new CD and will hopefully be going on tour soon. Gotta love Seattle music.</p>
<p><a href="http://michelebrooks.typepad.com/.a/6a0120a73190c3970b0154334336cd970c-popup" onclick="window.open( this.href, '_blank', 'width=640,height=480,scrollbars=no,resizable=no,toolbar=no,directories=no,location=no,menubar=no,status=no,left=0,top=0' ); return false"><img alt="Morrison_Boomer" class="asset  asset-image at-xid-6a0120a73190c3970b0154334336cd970c" src="http://michelebrooks.typepad.com/.a/6a0120a73190c3970b0154334336cd970c-500wi" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Morrison_Boomer" /></a> <br />Aside from the training that I was sent up there for, I enjoyed my free time in Seattle. I even got a change to enjoy a wonderful seafood dinner w/ family. However, I'm looking forward to being picked up by family this evening and sleeping in my own bed. Enjoy the rest of your weekend!</p></div>
</content>



    </entry>
    <entry>
        <title>in Seattle for the week</title>
        <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="http://michelebrooks.typepad.com/blog/2011/06/in-seattle-for-the-week.html" />
        <link rel="replies" type="text/html" href="http://michelebrooks.typepad.com/blog/2011/06/in-seattle-for-the-week.html" thr:count="0" />
        <id>tag:typepad.com,2003:post-6a0120a73190c3970b014e893ee1a3970d</id>
        <published>2011-06-19T15:04:29-05:00</published>
        <updated>2011-06-19T15:05:37-05:00</updated>
        <summary>Last night I finally had the opportunity to watch a M's game at Safeco Field. I wish the weather had been a little better so they could open up the retractable roof. I am a firm believer of watching any baseball game from the outfield. Home plate seats are overrated. Real fans sit in the outfield. My fave M's player, Ichiro Suzuki. It's interesting to watch this guy operate...he does a lot of stretching and adjusting his pant legs (LOL). Seriously, this guy has a sic bat, awesome speed, ridiculous range, and a good glove. The Mariners lost last night's...</summary>
        <author>
            <name>Michele Brooks</name>
        </author>
        <category scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#category" term="Travel" />
        
        <category scheme="http://sixapart.com/ns/types#tag" term="Game" />
        <category scheme="http://sixapart.com/ns/types#tag" term="Ichiro" />
        <category scheme="http://sixapart.com/ns/types#tag" term="Ichiro Suzki" />
        <category scheme="http://sixapart.com/ns/types#tag" term="Seattle" />
        <category scheme="http://sixapart.com/ns/types#tag" term="Seattle Mariners" />
        <category scheme="http://sixapart.com/ns/types#tag" term="Travel" />
        
<content type="xhtml" xml:lang="en-US" xml:base="http://michelebrooks.typepad.com/blog/">
<div xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><p>Last night I finally had the opportunity to watch a M's game at Safeco Field. I wish the weather had been a little better so they could open up the retractable roof.</p>
<p><a href="http://michelebrooks.typepad.com/.a/6a0120a73190c3970b0154331e95b5970c-popup" onclick="window.open( this.href, '_blank', 'width=640,height=480,scrollbars=no,resizable=no,toolbar=no,directories=no,location=no,menubar=no,status=no,left=0,top=0' ); return false"> </a><a href="http://michelebrooks.typepad.com/.a/6a0120a73190c3970b014e893ec538970d-popup" onclick="window.open( this.href, '_blank', 'width=640,height=480,scrollbars=no,resizable=no,toolbar=no,directories=no,location=no,menubar=no,status=no,left=0,top=0' ); return false"><img alt="Safeco_field" class="asset  asset-image at-xid-6a0120a73190c3970b014e893ec538970d" src="http://michelebrooks.typepad.com/.a/6a0120a73190c3970b014e893ec538970d-500wi" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Safeco_field" /></a></p>
<p>I am a firm believer of watching any baseball game from the outfield. Home plate seats are overrated. Real fans sit in the outfield.</p>
<p><a href="http://michelebrooks.typepad.com/.a/6a0120a73190c3970b0154331e9639970c-popup" onclick="window.open( this.href, '_blank', 'width=640,height=480,scrollbars=no,resizable=no,toolbar=no,directories=no,location=no,menubar=no,status=no,left=0,top=0' ); return false"><img alt="Rightcenter_view" class="asset  asset-image at-xid-6a0120a73190c3970b0154331e9639970c" src="http://michelebrooks.typepad.com/.a/6a0120a73190c3970b0154331e9639970c-500wi" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Rightcenter_view" /></a></p>
<p>My fave M's player, Ichiro Suzuki.  It's interesting to watch this guy operate...he does a lot of stretching and adjusting his pant legs (LOL). Seriously, this guy has a sic bat, awesome speed, ridiculous range, and a good glove.</p>
<p><a href="http://michelebrooks.typepad.com/.a/6a0120a73190c3970b01538f4b8393970b-popup" onclick="window.open( this.href, '_blank', 'width=640,height=480,scrollbars=no,resizable=no,toolbar=no,directories=no,location=no,menubar=no,status=no,left=0,top=0' ); return false"><img alt="Ichiro_love" class="asset  asset-image at-xid-6a0120a73190c3970b01538f4b8393970b" src="http://michelebrooks.typepad.com/.a/6a0120a73190c3970b01538f4b8393970b-500wi" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Ichiro_love" /></a> <br /> The Mariners lost last night's game against the Phillies, but it was definitely awesome to catch one of their home games while I'm in Seattle for the week.  I'm hoping that I find some time in my schedule to check out Pike's Market and the Space Needle.  It's been a long time and I've missed this place.</p>
<p>A photo of my morning routine for the week...</p>
<p><a href="http://michelebrooks.typepad.com/.a/6a0120a73190c3970b01538f4b91a8970b-popup" onclick="window.open( this.href, '_blank', 'width=640,height=480,scrollbars=no,resizable=no,toolbar=no,directories=no,location=no,menubar=no,status=no,left=0,top=0' ); return false"><img alt="Morning_routine" class="asset  asset-image at-xid-6a0120a73190c3970b01538f4b91a8970b" src="http://michelebrooks.typepad.com/.a/6a0120a73190c3970b01538f4b91a8970b-500wi" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Morning_routine" /></a> <br /> Finally, <strong>Happy Father's Day to my wonderful husband!</strong> He's currently enjoying the beach with the kids in 95 degree weather. Nope, I'm not bitter.</p></div>
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