tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8274907199035614932024-03-14T03:05:27.222-05:00A Day in the LifeJennifer Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04816269059665961482noreply@blogger.comBlogger110125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-827490719903561493.post-66533082467999379642012-11-12T14:18:00.001-06:002012-11-12T14:18:33.165-06:00Into TroubleFreddy in the toilet paper, Danny on the windowsill. Freddy in the noodles Danny dropped and Danny in the banana bowl. It seems I spend my days removing my children from all kinds of places and situations.<br />
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Freddy turning over the diaper box, Danny holding the knife. Trying to figure out what will kill them, and what to let them learn a lesson with. (Hint, the knife is not a lesson)<br />
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At least Freddy is young enough to just pick up and move. Danny is a lot faster and he likes to drop things for Freddy to eat, like candy wrappers and dried beans.<br />
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Oh well, what's a few years in worry lost from my life.Jennifer Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04816269059665961482noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-827490719903561493.post-52018709762374055062012-11-08T23:07:00.000-06:002012-11-08T23:07:18.465-06:00Morning Summary9:30 Awakened by Danny asking to go and wake up Freddy (awesome sleepers my kids)<br />
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9:45 Wet diapers changed and kids dressed<br />
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10:00 Danny with pop-tart and Freddy nursed<br />
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10:15 Mommy dressed<br />
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10:30 Both poopy diapers changed<br />
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10:45 Teach Danny how to sew (using a cross-stitch kit that I didn't finish)<br />
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11:00 Ordered out of my room so Danny can sew in peace<br />
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11:01 Walk into the living room to find Freddy sitting up all by himself!<br />
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11:15 Hang diapers to dry on my new rack from IKEA<br />
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11:30 Eat breakfastJennifer Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04816269059665961482noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-827490719903561493.post-58719934855954040722011-11-29T22:13:00.000-06:002011-11-29T22:13:45.555-06:00Another MilestoneAs I write this post, Daniel is asleep for the second night in his toddler bed. Most of the other toddlers we know have been out of their cribs for a while now, but we have been too chicken to try this before now. Daniel is a great sleeper, and I had the secret fear this was because he had no choice but to be in his crib. However, when he gets up in the morning, he is pretty insistent on getting me up at the same time, so I figured if he could play in his room, I would get another 15 minutes under the covers.<br />
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The first night, Dan and I were watching TV downstairs, and we had the monitor on. About an hour after he fell asleep, we heard a sudden thud, and then nothing. We kept expecting him to cry, but it stayed quiet until we couldn't stand waiting anymore. Dan snuck in to check on him, and found that he <i>had</i> fallen out of bed, but was curled up sound asleep on the floor! He was able to lift Daniel back in bed without waking him. We are grateful for a short bed and soft carpet.<br />
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So far, this has worked out really well. He actually seems to be OK with staying in bed at night, and while I had to correct him a couple of times at nap time, he did eventually sleep. I am sad to admit that we used to just put him in bed and run away. Now we stay to calm him down by reading and singing to him. Its very relaxing for me to have down time with my little boy.<br />
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I think that by trusting our instincts, we might have actually found the perfect time for this change. We second guess ourselves on parenting all the time, but its nice to get it right once in a while.Jennifer Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04816269059665961482noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-827490719903561493.post-51381025303173080852011-11-28T14:32:00.000-06:002011-11-28T14:32:07.124-06:00We SurvivedThanksgiving week was a long one for our little family. Dan started off on Sunday with a drive back to Grand Forks to give the defense of his dissertation. The presentation went very well, and he has been declared Dr. Daniel Theis by his adviser. While he was gone, I decided to head up to the Twin Cities on Monday to visit with friends and shop. Daniel is traveling better these days, and I had a stack of CDs from the library for him to listen to.<br />
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We had a lovely visit with Kate and her children, and the boys played with toy trains non-stop. I was able to fill my new minivan with furniture from Ikea thanks to shopping help from my sister-in-law. Wednesday night Dan and I were able to enjoy an actual date all by ourselves, but we were so tired, dinner was all we could handle.<br />
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Thursday was the traditional huge family bash at my grandpa's house. With 35 plus people, we were there all day. I got to participate in the traditional politics/religion discussion/debate. (yes I know that is what you are supposed to avoid, but it works for some of us)<br />
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After a relaxing couple of nights staying with my mother-in-law, and watching Daniel charm her with his cuteness, we were able to drive home on Friday.<br />
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Well, I know that this post has mostly just been catching up on the week's events, but I promise future posts about Daniel's new talents soon.Jennifer Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04816269059665961482noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-827490719903561493.post-50383161419171245412011-06-02T22:04:00.000-05:002011-06-02T22:04:26.276-05:00ToddlerDear Son,<br />
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Within just a couple of short months, you have gone from baby to little boy. Your Dad and I can't keep up with all of your changes (or with you running away from us). New words, new skills and new expressions are developing all of the time.<br />
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Currently, you can say "more", "bye", "all done", "up" and the classic "NO". You love peas, animal crackers, shredded pork and pasta in many shapes. However, broccoli is not to be tolerated.<br />
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Every day you love to go outside ("bye") and take off down the sidewalk. You wear us out going and going and I think it is so funny how you hate to turn around and go home. We usually have to carry you back while you cry about how unfair life is.<br />
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There are so many new experiences for you this summer, and we can't wait to help you get dirty.<br />
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Love,<br />
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Mommy and Daddy<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/xSVDigmYogA?rel=0" width="480"></iframe>Jennifer Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04816269059665961482noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-827490719903561493.post-88635337456896924122011-03-06T17:29:00.003-06:002011-03-06T17:31:18.813-06:00Dan's Life in Winter<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.phdcomics.com/comics/archive/phd020411s.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="173" src="http://www.phdcomics.com/comics/archive/phd020411s.gif" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.phdcomics.com/comics/archive.php?comicid=1418">Pity the poor Grad Students</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>Jennifer Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04816269059665961482noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-827490719903561493.post-56825356223497946032011-03-04T12:26:00.000-06:002011-03-04T12:26:43.790-06:00Mommy Moments: OrangeDaniel is a slow teether. Veeeeerrrryyyyy Slow. His teeth start annoying him, but they won't come out for months! Drooling, diaper rashes, random crankiness and the desire to chew everything. We found that a good way for him to get his chew on, while enjoying something healthy is to give him a big chunk of carrot.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-awadlmIXzYM/TXBfvq6j-JI/AAAAAAAATik/A47GXNJ_FF8/s1600/DSCN1347.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-awadlmIXzYM/TXBfvq6j-JI/AAAAAAAATik/A47GXNJ_FF8/s640/DSCN1347.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>Jennifer Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04816269059665961482noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-827490719903561493.post-25223544267210166142011-03-03T21:20:00.001-06:002011-03-03T21:21:59.354-06:00Thankful ThursdayI am thankful today for some great girl friends. Daniel and I are traveling to Minneapolis next week and I am joyously overwhelmed with how many gals in my life that I get to see. From my friend K who graciously opens her home to us, to my awesome mom and mother-in-law, to my great sisters and cool sister-in-law. All of these women make a difference in my life on a regular basis, and their support really lifts me up.<br />
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I know there are a lot of chain emails around the internet and text messages for girlfriends, but I just want you gals to know that I am blessed by each of you. No matter where we move in the next year, I know that all of you will stay in close contact, and yours are the friendships that keep me sane.<br />
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">(Today's post was inspired by a meme I read about on <a href="http://www.akalranch.com/category/thankful-thursday/">http://www.akalranch.com/category/thankful-thursday/</a>) </span></i>Jennifer Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04816269059665961482noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-827490719903561493.post-8688227077013106422011-02-16T23:27:00.000-06:002011-02-16T23:27:34.269-06:00Grandpa Comes to TownThe boys got to spend the weekend with Dan's dad and of course Daniel's grandpa. They have his name for their middle name, Paul. Since he grew up in ND and went to college in Grand Forks, its a pretty familiar town for him.<br />
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I had to work, but all of the guys had fun driving around town and also working on repair projects at him. They were able to finally get our nice baby gate installed at the bottom of the stairs! <br />
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Daniel looks so much like his dad and grandpa, and he gets his curly hair from Paul. He really likes playing with grandpa too!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0sHGhKxDjvo/TVyxi2ZXHnI/AAAAAAAATf4/rBTINx15FgI/s1600/DSCN1359.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0sHGhKxDjvo/TVyxi2ZXHnI/AAAAAAAATf4/rBTINx15FgI/s320/DSCN1359.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Jennifer Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04816269059665961482noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-827490719903561493.post-20711475041880774602011-02-07T10:42:00.000-06:002011-02-07T10:42:16.144-06:00One Year AgoI have been backing up my photos and videos because I am switching computers, and I came across this video from last year. So much has changed, and yet he is still himself. This video is a favorite of mine. Enjoy!<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/etWH4_8c98g?rel=0" title="YouTube video player" width="480"></iframe>Jennifer Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04816269059665961482noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-827490719903561493.post-14430275311968148862011-02-01T22:12:00.000-06:002011-02-01T22:12:36.646-06:00Busy, BusyThis time of year is usually pretty hard to get through, and this winter has thrown a lot of rough weather at us. Up here in Grand Forks, we have had plenty of snow, (yes, I know the rest of the country has as well) but the worst has been the cold. Day after day after day of below zero cold. It just saps energy and gets in your brain.<br />
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But the show must go on, and this winter I have plenty to keep me from feeling too blue. I have classes 4 days a week, bowling on Tuesday nights, and work on Saturday and Sunday. At home I am still flying with <a href="http://www.flylady.net/" target="blank">FlyLady</a>, keeping a close eye on my fast moving son and working on my scrapbooking and card making. Whew!<br />
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Tonight was a pretty awesome example of how well I am flying at home. We had invited some friends over with very little notice, and then found it wouldn't work out. However, I had all of the ingredients for this special dinner, so this morning, we asked another couple over. With a little touching up last night and one hour between classes today, I was able to have my home ready for guests. We had a lot of fun visiting, and I was able to focus on a great meal without stressing out about the house!<br />
<iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=photooblo-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=1416534628&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe><iframe align="center" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=photooblo-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=0553382179&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe>Jennifer Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04816269059665961482noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-827490719903561493.post-75733194978231976872011-01-26T20:41:00.000-06:002011-01-26T20:41:20.198-06:00I Won!<i><span style="font-size: xx-small;">(Disclaimer: I was not asked to write this review, nor was I provided any compensation or product for my opinions.) </span></i><br />
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I actually won something! There is a t-shirt company called <a href="http://www.threadless.com/" target="blank">Threadless</a>. They print designs chosen by the community, and they are really cool. (I took advantage of one of their sales for several Christmas presents this year). Lately they have been selling tote bags that I really liked the look of. When the company ran a promotion to "Like" the Facebook page, I did, because I actually like them. I got entered in a drawing for one of the bags.<br />
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<i>Side note, my friend K is really mad at me because I got the win announcement on my phone while we were shopping, and shrieked so loud she thought one of our kids was hurt. Oops.</i><br />
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The bag arrived today, and it is perfect for me! Its made of really heavy duty cotton, and has both small handles and a long adjustable shoulder strap. So far, it has been great for shopping, bowling and my school books. (I love winning!)<br />
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Daniel can also pull himself up now! This has led to an increase in small items ending up in weird places. We have found remotes in the garbage can, toys hiding in bookshelves, and metal spoons in the guinea pig cage.<br />
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A treat for Daniel is being allowed to play with my bedside table while I get ready in the morning. He loves to shake things and move them around.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_0jMV98GMkQY/TTiLATYpVlI/AAAAAAAATeU/lyhK0efk47s/s1600/IMG_20110114_102749.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_0jMV98GMkQY/TTiLATYpVlI/AAAAAAAATeU/lyhK0efk47s/s320/IMG_20110114_102749.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>Jennifer Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04816269059665961482noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-827490719903561493.post-79605207297011741432011-01-13T21:33:00.000-06:002011-01-13T21:33:34.464-06:00School!School is Cool. OK, not really, but its not nearly as bad as I was afraid it would be. I am taking 12 credits at <a href="http://www.northlandcollege.edu/" target="blank">Northland Community College</a> and Baby Daniel is going to daycare for the first time while I am at class.<br />
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I am taking dummy math on Mondays and Wednesdays (seriously, we learned how to count with whole numbers and use the greater and less than signs on the first day). This is what I get for failing the math assessment test by not remembering how to handle fractions and percentages without a calculator. But the teacher is nice and the other students participate enthusiastically in class.<br />
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Tuesdays and Thursdays are the busy days, with three history classes in a row with the same teacher. First Minorities in the US, followed with a 20 minute break, then US History II (after the Civil War through the 70s). After that class there is a 2 hour break, and then I finish the day with Minnesota History. The teacher for these classes is pretty old school, using overheads and sporting a mustache, but he likes his subject and has a sense of humor.<br />
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While I am slaving away over books, Daniel is whooping it up with other little boys. We found a great in-home daycare provider. She is Grandma Jewel, and a veteran with kids. I know her daughter's family from our last church, and the two little boys he is with are the sons of a woman I know in Stamp Club. She makes homemade lunches and feeds them healthy foods. <br />
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So far, Daniel cries pretty hard when I leave, but is fine once I am out the door. She has lots of boy toys to play with, and he is having fun getting out of the house for a few hours.<br />
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All in all, I really feel positive about this change, and I am exited to be heading towards a degree that I can feel good about.Jennifer Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04816269059665961482noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-827490719903561493.post-74000979643089340862011-01-06T23:13:00.000-06:002011-01-06T23:13:47.298-06:00Recipe of the Week: Bean RarebitFirst, I know this has a weird name. It actually is a variation on Welsh Rarebit (or Welsh Rabbit), so called because way back in the day, poor English folks ate rabbit meat, and the Welsh were so poor, they couldn't afford rabbit, so their poor people food was cheese. So Welsh Rarebit never had rabbit, its just a lovely cheese sauce that is great on toast.<br />
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Second, this was my mom's recipe. She used to make this in the good old days when she had to feed a family of 9 with very few resources. However, I remember this as some of the best comfort food, and during this especially cold time of year, it really warms us up. <br />
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<a href="http://allrecipes.com/PersonalRecipe/62591909/Bean-Rarebit/Detail.aspx" target="blank">Bean Rarebit</a><br />
<br />
You will need:<br />
1/4 cup chopped onion<br />
1/4 cup of butter (half a stick)<br />
1/4 cup flour<br />
1/2 tsp salt<br />
1-2 tsp mustard (your choice of style, I use regular yellow or Dijon) <br />
2 cups milk<br />
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese<br />
1 can of beans, drained and rinsed. (I use white beans, but pinto would also be good)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_0jMV98GMkQY/TSaa-AMOZTI/AAAAAAAATcI/RmGP44gt6I4/s1600/DSCN1322.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_0jMV98GMkQY/TSaa-AMOZTI/AAAAAAAATcI/RmGP44gt6I4/s320/DSCN1322.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Using a medium sauce pan, cook the onions in the butter on medium for a few minutes until all the butter is melted and the onions are soft.<br />
Then add the flour and salt to the pan and stir into the butter and onions.<br />
Pour in the milk and mustard and cook on medium until the sauce thickens.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_0jMV98GMkQY/TSabDECOu7I/AAAAAAAATcM/qzjO2xJe0sU/s1600/DSCN1323.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_0jMV98GMkQY/TSabDECOu7I/AAAAAAAATcM/qzjO2xJe0sU/s320/DSCN1323.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Stir in the cheese and the beans and cook until the cheese has melted and the sauce is heated through.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_0jMV98GMkQY/TSabIDwqbTI/AAAAAAAATcQ/skHB5PuNncA/s1600/DSCN1324.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_0jMV98GMkQY/TSabIDwqbTI/AAAAAAAATcQ/skHB5PuNncA/s320/DSCN1324.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Serve over buttered toast. For an extra special dish, we like to top it with a fried egg.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_0jMV98GMkQY/TSabM8069nI/AAAAAAAATcU/zkRIUV3PLyU/s1600/DSCN1326.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_0jMV98GMkQY/TSabM8069nI/AAAAAAAATcU/zkRIUV3PLyU/s320/DSCN1326.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Baby Daniel also likes this dish, and he can eat it pretty easily with his fingers if I break up the toast. It makes about 6 servings (2 pieces of toast each). Enjoy!Jennifer Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04816269059665961482noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-827490719903561493.post-51665899860583603582011-01-04T13:40:00.000-06:002011-01-04T13:40:34.968-06:00Playing with DanielI may have mentioned before that Daniel in his second year is not quite so sweet as Daniel during his first year. However, lack of sweetness has been replaced with a whole lot of interesting behavior. He is learning to hear instructions, and learning how to disregard those instructions. He is also learning how to play in new and hilarious ways. Yesterday, while I was shredding papers, he found the shreds were something new to play with.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_0jMV98GMkQY/TSN3KIwkn4I/AAAAAAAATbY/QSsq64JQMlA/s1600/DSCN1315.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_0jMV98GMkQY/TSN3KIwkn4I/AAAAAAAATbY/QSsq64JQMlA/s320/DSCN1315.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_0jMV98GMkQY/TSN3OIohzoI/AAAAAAAATbc/ssP8uFxfHog/s1600/DSCN1318.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_0jMV98GMkQY/TSN3OIohzoI/AAAAAAAATbc/ssP8uFxfHog/s320/DSCN1318.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>Jennifer Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04816269059665961482noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-827490719903561493.post-50198525754857497542010-12-09T23:00:00.000-06:002010-12-09T23:00:56.648-06:00I'm Not Dead, just Recovering from NovemberHave you ever picked up a calendar and flipped to your birthday month? I do, and I am usually disappointed. After poor February, November has the worst images. Its always abandoned barns, trees without leaves, wet, sad, faded leaves or really ugly cornucopias.<br />
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I really don't hate turning another year older. Its not the age, its the fact that another year has rolled by, and I am faced with how much I didn't accomplish. Winter is closing in, and there are only three more paychecks until Christmas.<br />
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Thankfully (yes, I still like celebrating Thanksgiving) we are now in December, one of the best months of the year. Sure, winter is still cold, but it just doesn't seem so bad for a few weeks. I am also thankful for a patient and supportive husband, a beautiful innocent baby and brain meds. Life keeps going and funks come and go.<br />
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So now that I got that out of my system, on to more exiting news. I hadn't realized until it was brought up at our Thanksgiving dinner, but I hadn't really announced that baby Daniel finally figured out crawling. He did this just after his first birthday and has been doing the army crawl and the worm all over the house.<br />
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Here is Daniel coming over to ask for a cookie:<br />
<object height="385" width="480"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/4zXzKCH4NuU?fs=1&hl=en_US&rel=0&color1=0x006699&color2=0x54abd6"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/4zXzKCH4NuU?fs=1&hl=en_US&rel=0&color1=0x006699&color2=0x54abd6" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object>Jennifer Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04816269059665961482noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-827490719903561493.post-87780719595724958362010-11-05T22:08:00.002-05:002010-11-05T22:11:28.015-05:00Video of the week - Daniel and the CookieWell, my brilliant child decided that nibbling on a <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Earths-Best-Teething-Biscuits-4-6-Ounce/dp/B000ER5CTS?ie=UTF8&tag=photooblo-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">teething biscuit</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=photooblo-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=B000ER5CTS" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important; padding: 0px ! important;" width="1" /> was much too inefficient, so he shoved the whole thing in at once.<br />
<object height="385" width="480"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/Fhug-GpWlfc?fs=1&hl=en_US&rel=0&color1=0x006699&color2=0x54abd6"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/Fhug-GpWlfc?fs=1&hl=en_US&rel=0&color1=0x006699&color2=0x54abd6" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object>Jennifer Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04816269059665961482noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-827490719903561493.post-30048875540329118522010-11-03T16:04:00.000-05:002010-11-03T16:04:35.093-05:00Recipe of the Week - Sweet Potato HashI was given this recipe from my friend Kate, and she got it from the April 2010 Better Homes and Gardens. Using the microwave really helps cut down on the sweet potato cooking time. I love avocado and cilantro, and because this is meatless, it is pretty inexpensive.<br />
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Start by cutting 2-3 sweet potatoes into fourths. I placed them into a glass dish and microwaved them for 8 minutes. Once they were cooled enough to handle, I chopped them into bite sized peices and put them in a skillet with some vegetable oil.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_0jMV98GMkQY/TNHL24zjvlI/AAAAAAAATMQ/SkeHrIO_N78/s1600/DSCN1122.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_0jMV98GMkQY/TNHL24zjvlI/AAAAAAAATMQ/SkeHrIO_N78/s400/DSCN1122.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Then I cooked until a little crispy. The original recipe called for canned southwestern style corn, but I thought it was better and stretched further using frozen corn and a can of black beans. After everything was heated through, I sprinkled in some chili powder. The amount will vary for each family.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_0jMV98GMkQY/TNHL7Z2U5HI/AAAAAAAATMU/u9bmlplHBCw/s1600/DSCN1123.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_0jMV98GMkQY/TNHL7Z2U5HI/AAAAAAAATMU/u9bmlplHBCw/s400/DSCN1123.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Once served, everyone can choose how to top their plate. Not everyone likes cilantro or avocado although most will like the salsa mixed in the sour cream. Baby Daniel even liked eating it, smooshed a little without the toppings. He is a big fan of sweet potatoes and black beans.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_0jMV98GMkQY/TNHMAGCOZbI/AAAAAAAATMY/7XmwfHeb1RY/s1600/DSCN1124.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_0jMV98GMkQY/TNHMAGCOZbI/AAAAAAAATMY/7XmwfHeb1RY/s400/DSCN1124.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>As you can see, I like lots of avocado and sour cream with mine. :-) Here is the link for anyone who wants the whole recipe for <a href="http://allrecipes.com/PersonalRecipe/62505264/Sweet-Potato-Hash/Detail.aspx" target="blank">Sweet Potato Hash</a>.Jennifer Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04816269059665961482noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-827490719903561493.post-4737136327001768902010-10-29T20:48:00.001-05:002010-10-29T20:48:53.172-05:00Cake!As promised, birthday cake:<br />
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<object width="480" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/Dka0238zyQ8?fs=1&hl=en_US&rel=0&color1=0x006699&color2=0x54abd6"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/Dka0238zyQ8?fs=1&hl=en_US&rel=0&color1=0x006699&color2=0x54abd6" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object>Jennifer Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04816269059665961482noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-827490719903561493.post-1931656655779740742010-10-28T18:48:00.003-05:002010-12-10T14:42:13.775-06:00One YearDear Daniel,<br />
<br />
One year ago, on October 28, you came into this world. You were surprisingly quiet and calm, considering how much you kicked to get out in the first place. Your Daddy fell in love on the spot, and your Mommy was a little in shock that you were actually here. <br />
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We didn't know what to expect, and we were honestly pretty afraid of you before we got to meet you. But once you were in our arms, we knew that we had been given a gift. At first, you didn't do much, but you wouldn't know that listening to your parents. "Look, he blinked!" Look, he's breathing!" "Look how well he moves his arms and legs!" We called it "Baby TV" and we watched for hours on end.<br />
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At each stage, we thought you were perfect and couldn't get any better, but then you would learn something new, and we would go crazy. Very early on we found that you are serious about learning new things. Ever object you encounter is studied very carefully by you, using your eyes, hands and mouth. <br />
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As you have grown so quickly this year, we have continued to be amazed at every accomplishment. Your smile and laughter delight us, and your tears break our hearts. Your Dad and I feel a little bad for you that you have to break us in as first time parents, but we know that our love for you will make everything OK.<br />
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<embed flashvars="host=picasaweb.google.com&captions=1&hl=en_US&feat=flashalbum&RGB=0x000000&feed=http%3A%2F%2Fpicasaweb.google.com%2Fdata%2Ffeed%2Fapi%2Fuser%2Fjennifertheis%2Falbumid%2F5426446760537079089%3Falt%3Drss%26kind%3Dphoto%26hl%3Den_US" height="267" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" src="http://picasaweb.google.com/s/c/bin/slideshow.swf" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="400"></embed>Jennifer Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04816269059665961482noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-827490719903561493.post-36046886087748445972010-10-14T13:23:00.000-05:002010-10-14T13:23:36.154-05:00Domestic GoddesWell, another week of being a homemaker. I have had <strike>hand cramps</strike> fun clipping coupons and going to multiple stores to get the best deals and figuring out what meals go best with what we have. Actually, I lucked out this week and had most ingredients on hand for a couple of meals.<br />
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Dinner on Monday was a new recipe, <a href="http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Egg-Pie/Detail.aspx" target="blank">Egg Pie</a>. I used the eggs from a buy on get one sale last week, and a leftover partial package of frozen hash browns. It turned out really good and made enough for lunch the next day!<br />
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Last nights <a href="http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Creamy-Potato-Leek-Soup-II/Detail.aspx" target="blank">Creamy Potato Leek Soup</a> dinner was actually made for my lunch while baby Daniel was napping. I had the cream and bacon from previous meals, and the chicken stock was homemade and in my freezer. The Yukon gold potatoes and leeks were from my CSA produce box. I followed the recipe exactly and I also mashed half of the potatoes after they cooked to thicken the soup. With only 5 ingredients it was simple but really flavorful.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_0jMV98GMkQY/TLdJhSqiiZI/AAAAAAAATJ0/AuMJ49uwsV8/s1600/DSCN1095.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_0jMV98GMkQY/TLdJhSqiiZI/AAAAAAAATJ0/AuMJ49uwsV8/s320/DSCN1095.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>I have also been planning out our Christmas cards for this year, and I am excited for stamping club on Saturday. Hopefully I will have some good pictures of my projects.Jennifer Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04816269059665961482noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-827490719903561493.post-39911913498779280592010-10-06T21:57:00.000-05:002010-10-06T21:57:40.731-05:00Tooth!Our little toothless wonder is no longer toothless! We were shopping today and I found a small stuffed toy for him that he was holding in the shopping cart. When I noticed that the tag was being rapidly eaten, I fished out what remained from his mouth. Low and behold, I found a tooth, on the lower right side. So far, I have not been bitten, but that initiation will be happening soon I am sure. We took pictures of this momentous event. <br />
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Is there a tooth in there????? <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_0jMV98GMkQY/TK01imx5qSI/AAAAAAAATJE/chgLRdLsZIs/s1600/DSCN1077.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_0jMV98GMkQY/TK01imx5qSI/AAAAAAAATJE/chgLRdLsZIs/s320/DSCN1077.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>"No mommy, no tooth"<br />
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How about a tooth in here?????<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_0jMV98GMkQY/TK02H_GacsI/AAAAAAAATJQ/ZW5Fd6vYC94/s1600/DSCN1080.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_0jMV98GMkQY/TK02H_GacsI/AAAAAAAATJQ/ZW5Fd6vYC94/s320/DSCN1080.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> "No mommy, still no tooth to be found"<br />
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Baby escapes the camera for now, but mommy will try again another day.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_0jMV98GMkQY/TK01uQah7LI/AAAAAAAATJM/wrykwd2k74U/s1600/DSCN1084.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_0jMV98GMkQY/TK01uQah7LI/AAAAAAAATJM/wrykwd2k74U/s320/DSCN1084.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Jennifer Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04816269059665961482noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-827490719903561493.post-49444726431990046962010-10-06T09:25:00.000-05:002010-10-06T09:25:58.924-05:00Water parkFor Dan's 31st birthday celebration, I surprised him with a day at the local indoor water park. Our friend Kate and her two children, Evie (almost 4) and Logan (10 months) spent several days with us so we all went together. The <a href="http://www.canadinns.com/play/play.php?entry_id=9444" target="blank">Splasher's</a> water park has enough for the kids and the adults, so we all had fun.<br />
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This was a first for Baby Daniel, and I was nervous that he would be scared of all the noise in there. But he had a blast! He went down a slide with us and kept trying to grab the water spouts. He even went on the Lazy River in my lap. We played until the babies turned blue, then went and blew some money in the arcade.<br />
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We wrapped up the day with a feast of Chinese take-out. Needless to say, we all slept well that night!Jennifer Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04816269059665961482noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-827490719903561493.post-2383078240113030182010-09-28T16:05:00.000-05:002010-09-28T16:05:10.521-05:00The Sound of LeavesBaby Daniel and I have been really enjoying the weather this last week. We have gotten out for several walks near our house. The trees lining the sidewalks are just letting their leaves go softly as we walk underneath them. Daniel is very active as we walk, looking from side to side and looking down to watch our shadows. He loves the sound of crunching leaves, and he reaches out to touch bushes and low hanging branches. The whole world is exciting to him. As we pass by children playing ball, he turns his head to watch them with fascination.<br />
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It hurts to think how we will be closed in with the cold much too soon. If all goes well, this will be our last winter in Grand Forks, and I dread its coming. However, I will enjoy this fall season with all of my might and the holiday season to come. Sharing this time with Daniel is very special as we approach his first birthday.Jennifer Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04816269059665961482noreply@blogger.com1