We had fun on Friday. It started out with a baby bath, and those are good at cheering everyone up. Then we had a small snafu with Dan taking both sets of keys to work with him. :-) This was because the other day he forgot his keys, and was extra paranoid about grabbing keys. So I had the car, but no wheels.
I have completed all of the assignments for zone 4 this week, and my bedroom is looking a lot better. Of course it still needs some work, but here is the list:
Day 1 - Put away everything that didn't belong in the bedroom
Day 2 - Cleaned the closet floor and tossed or gave away a ton of shoes
Day 3 - Folded Clothes and got them all put away, they tend to pile up
Day 4 - Cleaned the bedside tables, they really needed it!
Day 5 - Cleaned off the top of all the dressers and while I was at it, de-cluttered my jewelry (extra bonus, I found that my wedding band and engagement ring fit again!)
Whew! Dan says he really notices the difference which is its own reward.
At 5, my friend Michelle came over to babysit, and we went out alone for the first time in a long time. We tried out the new restaurant in town, Mi Mexico. It was better than Paradiso, but not as good as Chevy's. Oh well, it was a nice meal and not too expensive.
Then we went to the mall where I used my coupon for a free fragrance sampler from Victoria Secret. Our mall now has one of those candy sellers in the middle, where you can mix and match different types from the bins. I might have gone overboard on chocolate covered nuts, but you didn't hear that from me. ;-)
After a quick stop at Target (because even parents with the night off still have to run errands), we were back with our baby. I managed to go the whole time without a phone call!
Saturday, February 27, 2010
Friday, February 26, 2010
Shopping Thursday
Thursdays I get the car (no parking on University Ave, so Dan takes the bus), and so its errand day.
Baby and I went shopping for deals at Hugos, several $1 items, including sausage links, so I stocked up. Then on to Super One, where I got some good coupon savings. Now the challenge is using what I have because it has to last until next Friday.
Daniel decided to get pretty cranky while I was making dinner, and all I could think about was a quote I read earlier on a friend's blog:
"There never was a child so lovely but his mother was glad to get him asleep."
-- Ralph Waldo Emerson
(thanks Aubrie!)
Baby and I went shopping for deals at Hugos, several $1 items, including sausage links, so I stocked up. Then on to Super One, where I got some good coupon savings. Now the challenge is using what I have because it has to last until next Friday.
Daniel decided to get pretty cranky while I was making dinner, and all I could think about was a quote I read earlier on a friend's blog:
"There never was a child so lovely but his mother was glad to get him asleep."
-- Ralph Waldo Emerson
(thanks Aubrie!)
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Mid-Way Wednesday
I am still plugging away on zone 4, the bedroom. So far, I have been able to complete the daily assignments, and its looking much better already!
Thanks to FlyLady, I have a new favorite tool to help bless my house and the world. Its my feather duster. Yes, a real ostrich feather duster, with a dash a purple to brighten my day. I decided that if I was going to dust for 2 minutes a day, it would get too expensive using swiffer dusters, as nice as those are. My house gets so dusty, and since I have allergies, I really need to keep up with it. This duster makes it fun and easy!
Dinner was a disappointment, I used a coupon to get La Choy Beef Chow Mein and I thought it would be nice to have an easy meal. Well, even for the price its not worth it! I had forgotten that it has no flavor and almost no meat. To get flavor, we had to add tons of soy sauce, so it was like eating salt flavored mush. To add insult to injury, it doesn't even keep you filled. We ended up having sandwiches later in the evening. Oh well, lesson learned!
Daniel got a new toy from Amazon.com, a Winkel! He likes that its very easy to grasp from any angle, fun to chew on, and not too heavy to wave around. We like the soft rattle noise and using it to play with him. Enjoy the pic!
Thanks to FlyLady, I have a new favorite tool to help bless my house and the world. Its my feather duster. Yes, a real ostrich feather duster, with a dash a purple to brighten my day. I decided that if I was going to dust for 2 minutes a day, it would get too expensive using swiffer dusters, as nice as those are. My house gets so dusty, and since I have allergies, I really need to keep up with it. This duster makes it fun and easy!
Dinner was a disappointment, I used a coupon to get La Choy Beef Chow Mein and I thought it would be nice to have an easy meal. Well, even for the price its not worth it! I had forgotten that it has no flavor and almost no meat. To get flavor, we had to add tons of soy sauce, so it was like eating salt flavored mush. To add insult to injury, it doesn't even keep you filled. We ended up having sandwiches later in the evening. Oh well, lesson learned!
Daniel got a new toy from Amazon.com, a Winkel! He likes that its very easy to grasp from any angle, fun to chew on, and not too heavy to wave around. We like the soft rattle noise and using it to play with him. Enjoy the pic!
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Tuesday Fajitas
A quiet but productive day at home on Tuesday. I was able to get through my morning routine before lunch (!) and start a chicken cooking.
I really like the chicken and turkeys that come in a bag, ready for the oven. It helps me so much. I have found some great Gold'n Plump coupons here, including one for the Bake it Easy chicken. (print by February 28)
We had shredded chicken fajitas with a sweet onion, red, yellow and orange peppers, cilantro and avocado. I don't really like bell peppers, but fried with onion, they are really good!
Daniel is just a joy, he loves his toys hanging from his bouncy chair, and he loves attention from mommy and daddy. It seems to us that he loves best being held by us and talked to by us when we are all together. He can tell when we are a happy family together and so the end of the day when the missing parent comes home is just a wonderful time.
"I have a little boy, his name is Danny Joy,
I have a little boy named Danny Joy Theis"
I really like the chicken and turkeys that come in a bag, ready for the oven. It helps me so much. I have found some great Gold'n Plump coupons here, including one for the Bake it Easy chicken. (print by February 28)
We had shredded chicken fajitas with a sweet onion, red, yellow and orange peppers, cilantro and avocado. I don't really like bell peppers, but fried with onion, they are really good!
Daniel is just a joy, he loves his toys hanging from his bouncy chair, and he loves attention from mommy and daddy. It seems to us that he loves best being held by us and talked to by us when we are all together. He can tell when we are a happy family together and so the end of the day when the missing parent comes home is just a wonderful time.
"I have a little boy, his name is Danny Joy,
I have a little boy named Danny Joy Theis"
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Back to the Grind Monday
Well, after a nice week off, its back to housework for me. Thanks to Dan, it wasn't too bad, he was wonderful and clean quite a bit over the weekend.
Baby Daniel and I got lots of cuddle time, and in between I worked on the weekly home blessing hour. By the end of the day, I was kind of discouraged because I didn't get everything done that I planned on, but looking at the house as a whole, I was really productive.
Coupons were clipped on Sunday night, and I am trying to qualify for a huge Proctor and Gamble coupon book if I spend $50 on their products in the next few months. This should be easy for me to do! (Look in the P & G insert in Sunday's 2/21 paper)
This week we are in zone 4, the master bedroom. I really need to get this space under control, so I am ready for this challenge. To keep me honest, here is a picture of the room before, and I will post the after picture this weekend. Wish me luck!
Baby Daniel and I got lots of cuddle time, and in between I worked on the weekly home blessing hour. By the end of the day, I was kind of discouraged because I didn't get everything done that I planned on, but looking at the house as a whole, I was really productive.
Coupons were clipped on Sunday night, and I am trying to qualify for a huge Proctor and Gamble coupon book if I spend $50 on their products in the next few months. This should be easy for me to do! (Look in the P & G insert in Sunday's 2/21 paper)
This week we are in zone 4, the master bedroom. I really need to get this space under control, so I am ready for this challenge. To keep me honest, here is a picture of the room before, and I will post the after picture this weekend. Wish me luck!
Monday, February 22, 2010
Home Safe
Baby and I survived our visit with friends and family, barely. It was a long week of driving and dragging poor Daniel all over Minnesota. However, it proved that I can travel without Dan and live, and its good for Daniel to experience new things. He got a little anxious at times, with all of the cats, dogs, and cheek-pinching relatives. But he was a champ, and charmed everyone with his smile.
We visited with (in order) Aunt Jessica, Grandma Robin, Great-Grandma Lee, Grandpa Paul and Alin, Aunt Emily, Grandma and Grandpa Hood, Aunt Catherine, Uncle Jeremy, Aunt Melissa, Great-Aunt Susan and Great-Uncle Ron and Kate and Jer. whew!
The weather was lovely for this trip, and we took some fun videos. Daniel was very glad to get home, and he really cheered up when he heard his Daddy's voice again.
We visited with (in order) Aunt Jessica, Grandma Robin, Great-Grandma Lee, Grandpa Paul and Alin, Aunt Emily, Grandma and Grandpa Hood, Aunt Catherine, Uncle Jeremy, Aunt Melissa, Great-Aunt Susan and Great-Uncle Ron and Kate and Jer. whew!
The weather was lovely for this trip, and we took some fun videos. Daniel was very glad to get home, and he really cheered up when he heard his Daddy's voice again.
Monday, February 15, 2010
Monday Travels
We made it safe to Albertville where my sister Jessica lives. It is so nice staying with her when we come into town.
While taking a break in Fergus Falls, I changed Daniel, then fed him in the car, and then he pooped. So I went back in to change him, and didn't bother with the carrier (or my coat). He took the opportunity to pee on himself and on his new diaper. After changing his outfit and getting a snack, I was finally headed back to the car, when he decided to spit up on me! I finally got him back in the car, and we were on the way again. I miss you honey!
The rest of the trip was fine, and we arrived in plenty of time to visit Great-Grandma Lee and Grandma Robin. It was a really nice visit, and baby was at his most charming for us. Thank you baby!
I had my favorite steak burrito bowl at Chipotle for dinner, and will be going to bed early for a busy day tomorrow.
While taking a break in Fergus Falls, I changed Daniel, then fed him in the car, and then he pooped. So I went back in to change him, and didn't bother with the carrier (or my coat). He took the opportunity to pee on himself and on his new diaper. After changing his outfit and getting a snack, I was finally headed back to the car, when he decided to spit up on me! I finally got him back in the car, and we were on the way again. I miss you honey!
The rest of the trip was fine, and we arrived in plenty of time to visit Great-Grandma Lee and Grandma Robin. It was a really nice visit, and baby was at his most charming for us. Thank you baby!
I had my favorite steak burrito bowl at Chipotle for dinner, and will be going to bed early for a busy day tomorrow.
Monday On the Road
As I type this, we are getting ready for a road trip into Minneapolis. Yay!
Dan is staying home due to work, bummer, but I am going to be brave and travel with Daniel on my own for the first time.
We will be visiting Grandma and Great-Grandma Theis, and then hopefully some aunties and my parents.
See you soon!
Dan is staying home due to work, bummer, but I am going to be brave and travel with Daniel on my own for the first time.
We will be visiting Grandma and Great-Grandma Theis, and then hopefully some aunties and my parents.
See you soon!
Friday, February 12, 2010
Teething Friday
Daniel has started teething, and for now, its kinda funny. Everything that gets close to him gets chewed on, although his hands get the worst of it. We have one of those raspberry teethers (thanks Aubrie!) that he enjoys as well.
My de-cluttering project has been to work on three years worth of filing. Yuck. Even only working on it 15 minutes a day per FlyLady's suggestion is hard. But its the only way I will have my bedroom back again.
Dinner was perfect for using leftover tater tots (thanks Kate!) and leftover corn. It turned our really flavorful, but that might be because I burned the onions and garlic a little. Oh, I know I have been mentioning onions and garlic in lots of meals, so I want to give a shout out to my new favorite kitchen items. The garlic press and food chopper from Pampered Chef really help me add quick flavor to simple dishes. I just rinse them right after using, and they are cleaned quickly.
Here is my picture for Tatter-Topped Casserole:
My de-cluttering project has been to work on three years worth of filing. Yuck. Even only working on it 15 minutes a day per FlyLady's suggestion is hard. But its the only way I will have my bedroom back again.
Dinner was perfect for using leftover tater tots (thanks Kate!) and leftover corn. It turned our really flavorful, but that might be because I burned the onions and garlic a little. Oh, I know I have been mentioning onions and garlic in lots of meals, so I want to give a shout out to my new favorite kitchen items. The garlic press and food chopper from Pampered Chef really help me add quick flavor to simple dishes. I just rinse them right after using, and they are cleaned quickly.
Here is my picture for Tatter-Topped Casserole:
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Internet Wednesday
Morning routine so far:
Dressed to shoes
Teeth Brushed (a big deal these days)
Bed Made
Dishwasher unloaded
Laundry rebooted
(and then its lunch time!)
After much procrastinating, I finally called our cable company because our internet has been going in and out every few minutes, and it was driving us crazy. They sent someone right over, and after checking the box outside, he came in to check the router. He found a cable splitter on our line, going into the apartment downstairs. Yep, our neighbors were stealing our cable. The same neighbors that left their guinea pig out to die last fall. We really need our own house.
My landlord will let them know what was found, and leave me out of it. I don't want to start a fight since it could get ugly fast.
The cable box was locked, and the company will check on it in the future, but that didn't actually fix the issue. On Thursday, the next guy found that the power cord on the router was bad, and NOW its fixed. YAY!
Dinner was really good, I made Easy Chicken and Rice Divan, but with some easy changes. Instead of chicken, I used some Keilbasa I had instead, and made the unhealthy version with real mayo, sour cream, real cheese. I also used fresh garlic and onion for flavor.
Last night was a queue bash at work, so I went in from 6-9 to work on emails, and since Dan also had to work, Daniel was left with a sitter for the first time. A co-worker had volunteered, and she was wonderful. It worked out well.
Dressed to shoes
Teeth Brushed (a big deal these days)
Bed Made
Dishwasher unloaded
Laundry rebooted
(and then its lunch time!)
After much procrastinating, I finally called our cable company because our internet has been going in and out every few minutes, and it was driving us crazy. They sent someone right over, and after checking the box outside, he came in to check the router. He found a cable splitter on our line, going into the apartment downstairs. Yep, our neighbors were stealing our cable. The same neighbors that left their guinea pig out to die last fall. We really need our own house.
My landlord will let them know what was found, and leave me out of it. I don't want to start a fight since it could get ugly fast.
The cable box was locked, and the company will check on it in the future, but that didn't actually fix the issue. On Thursday, the next guy found that the power cord on the router was bad, and NOW its fixed. YAY!
Dinner was really good, I made Easy Chicken and Rice Divan, but with some easy changes. Instead of chicken, I used some Keilbasa I had instead, and made the unhealthy version with real mayo, sour cream, real cheese. I also used fresh garlic and onion for flavor.
Last night was a queue bash at work, so I went in from 6-9 to work on emails, and since Dan also had to work, Daniel was left with a sitter for the first time. A co-worker had volunteered, and she was wonderful. It worked out well.
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Monday Catch Up
It feels that Mondays are always busy trying to catch up from the weekend. However, with the FlyLady Home Blessing Hour, I felt that I was off to a good start.
Daniel might be starting to teethe, because he is chewing like crazy and has lots of drool. Thanks to gifts, I have lots of these rings, and hung some from his bouncer. He loves them!
Dinner was a fabulous spaghetti dish, Quick Creamy Spinach and Tomato Pasta that has a lot of room for improvising. I made sure to add lots of garlic and onion, along with Parmesan cheese. I really should start taking pictures of the dishes I make, but I am usually too hungry to remember!
Here is Daniel with his new toys:
Daniel might be starting to teethe, because he is chewing like crazy and has lots of drool. Thanks to gifts, I have lots of these rings, and hung some from his bouncer. He loves them!
Dinner was a fabulous spaghetti dish, Quick Creamy Spinach and Tomato Pasta that has a lot of room for improvising. I made sure to add lots of garlic and onion, along with Parmesan cheese. I really should start taking pictures of the dishes I make, but I am usually too hungry to remember!
Here is Daniel with his new toys:
Company Tuesday
I am still taking FlyBaby Steps, and the house really shows it. Dan is supportive of my shiny sink policy. We have been doing so well, we were able to have company over for dinner.
One of Dan's advisers and his wife, Yury and Lyuda came over. They stayed with us last year for a month, and are a really nice couple. (Of course at work, Yury is hard on Dan, but its for his own good.)
I had to go shopping first, and made an afternoon of it. Baby was a champ the whole time. We got some good deals at Target, and then used coupons on everything I bought at the grocery store. I could get used to this saving money thing!
Dinner was Rustic Lemon-Onion Chicken, on a bed of lemon spinach, served with those individual potato au gratings and some crescent rolls. It took longer than I thought to prepare, so dinner was a little late. But we had fun visiting with friends, and playing with the baby.
Daniel was tired from being adored so much, and passed out quite nicely:
One of Dan's advisers and his wife, Yury and Lyuda came over. They stayed with us last year for a month, and are a really nice couple. (Of course at work, Yury is hard on Dan, but its for his own good.)
I had to go shopping first, and made an afternoon of it. Baby was a champ the whole time. We got some good deals at Target, and then used coupons on everything I bought at the grocery store. I could get used to this saving money thing!
Dinner was Rustic Lemon-Onion Chicken, on a bed of lemon spinach, served with those individual potato au gratings and some crescent rolls. It took longer than I thought to prepare, so dinner was a little late. But we had fun visiting with friends, and playing with the baby.
Daniel was tired from being adored so much, and passed out quite nicely:
Friday, February 5, 2010
Relaxing Friday
We all had a much better day today. Its snowing a little outside, but the inside is warm and cozy. Daniel is talking up a storm these days and we both spend a lot of time conversing with him. Dan says that baby is taking after his grandfather, Ken :-).
I broke out my craft items in the afternoon and made some cards while baby napped in his swing.
Saturday is my Stampin Up stamp club, and I am really looking forward to a day just for fun.
Enjoy the new videos!
I broke out my craft items in the afternoon and made some cards while baby napped in his swing.
Saturday is my Stampin Up stamp club, and I am really looking forward to a day just for fun.
Enjoy the new videos!
"Ear" All About Thursday
Yes, it was an ear infection and Daniel is on an antibiotic now. Oddly enough, he feels better now that it has burst. The Dr said he should be just fine!
In between of taking care of baby, I had some success taking care of the house. I have decided that I am ready to try FlyLady.
Thursday was Day 3 of the Beginner BabySteps. My sink is giving me a hug and my shoes are tied!
In between of taking care of baby, I had some success taking care of the house. I have decided that I am ready to try FlyLady.
Thursday was Day 3 of the Beginner BabySteps. My sink is giving me a hug and my shoes are tied!
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Wednesday with a Friend
We took it easy on Wednesday. Daniel was still fussy and uncomfortable. I noticed one of his eyes was red and watery.
In the afternoon, I went to visit my friend Ashley. She has 2 girls and a little boy, so I have learned a lot from her. We had a good time visiting, even though Daniel cried a lot. Her little 1 year old is soooo cute. I look forward to seeing Daniel grow like that!
Unfortunately, he developed a new issue, his ear is oozing something. Wax mixed with boogers is what it looks like, and it keeps crusting on the outside of his ear. We have a Dr appt on Thursday afternoon, so I will post an update afterwords. It may be nothing, but I almost hope they find something to explain his symptoms so that we can have treatment or an explanation. Its very hard not knowing how to help your baby.
On the kitchen front, I de-boned a family sized package of chicken thighs and froze them for later. In the evening, I make my favorite lasagna with hamburger and cottage cheese. This will feed us for a few days. :-)
In the afternoon, I went to visit my friend Ashley. She has 2 girls and a little boy, so I have learned a lot from her. We had a good time visiting, even though Daniel cried a lot. Her little 1 year old is soooo cute. I look forward to seeing Daniel grow like that!
Unfortunately, he developed a new issue, his ear is oozing something. Wax mixed with boogers is what it looks like, and it keeps crusting on the outside of his ear. We have a Dr appt on Thursday afternoon, so I will post an update afterwords. It may be nothing, but I almost hope they find something to explain his symptoms so that we can have treatment or an explanation. Its very hard not knowing how to help your baby.
On the kitchen front, I de-boned a family sized package of chicken thighs and froze them for later. In the evening, I make my favorite lasagna with hamburger and cottage cheese. This will feed us for a few days. :-)
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Dishes on Tuesday
Tuesday was slow. I did get the dishes done and the sink is shining! I also marinated some chicken breasts in Italian dressing and Dijon mustard, and then baked them with Shake 'n Bake. They turned out pretty good.
Daniel continues to be extra grumpy, and its very exhausting for all of us. He even woke up in the middle of the night, and Daddy was kind enough to take care of him for me.
Daniel continues to be extra grumpy, and its very exhausting for all of us. He even woke up in the middle of the night, and Daddy was kind enough to take care of him for me.
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Long Monday
On Monday, I was at work at Amazon.com. I need this Saturday off for my stamp club meeting. Yay!
It was an extra long weekend, because of some required overtime. 7a-7p Saturday, Sunday, and Monday. Dan was a champ watching Daniel the whole time, especially considering that the baby is struggling with extra gas these days.
Daniel is doing better thank goodness, and back to smiling again!
I am glad to be back home with Daniel, and Dan is glad to be back at work.
It was an extra long weekend, because of some required overtime. 7a-7p Saturday, Sunday, and Monday. Dan was a champ watching Daniel the whole time, especially considering that the baby is struggling with extra gas these days.
Daniel is doing better thank goodness, and back to smiling again!
I am glad to be back home with Daniel, and Dan is glad to be back at work.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)