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Saturday, May 28, 2011

Themes are Good

*ooh, Looks like I can now "mobile post" - but I'm not gonna.*

May in Minnesota is weird. You have beautiful, sunny days with a high of 75. Perfect, Minnesota! Then you have beautiful, sunny days with a high of 55. She can't help her moodiness.

I'm doing a garden this year. I was with infant last year and couldn't get my act together for many reasons. This year, this summer is the summer of gardening for me and the summer of beverages for Justin. We're nerds and like to theme our summers. One summer was the "summer of socks" the next was "summer of slurpees!" So, once we declare it, it'll happen.

Summer of gardening consists of 1) cleaning up the front and back yard and not be the embarrassment of the cul-de-sac any more. And 2) planting a simple vegetable garden. By not going overboard, I'm keeping it simple and doable. Or else, I'll fail. Corn, potatoes, cucumbers, onions, carrots, cauliflower, and pumpkins - for the kids. So far, so good! I got my starters going and just finished tilling most of the garden. But, Minnesota wants to ruin everything for me and rain. Jerk. While the hard work is 1/2 way done, it really all comes down to how things will taste. I can only hope it's edible.

Summer of beverages consists of 1) brewing our own beer and 2)creating our own pop. Orange, root beer, grape, cream soda, whatever! Plus, we'll need a cool beverage after the long hours of garden time we'll be putting in EVERY.NIGHT.FOR.THE.REST.OF.THE.SUMMER!!

I'll let you know how it goes. What's your summer theme?

Friday, May 13, 2011

23 Months



Oh man, good thing I only said I'd do this until you're two because capturing you on camera is not easy. You're too busy to sit still for me (duh, MOM!) and you would rather scroll through the photos on the camera than sit still for one.

At 23 months, you have a few more words, some new songs, and tons more signs. You sign "shoes" which means you want to go outside. You run and run as fast as you can outside (and inside) and love to chase the dog, dad on the bike or just run.



We give you a high-five after you've done a chore. You're a good helper and love high-fives. We'll see how long this lasts.

You've perfected the "sack of potatoes" and "drop to your knees" when I need to pick you up and you don't want to go. You kick and scream and while this would have frustrated me 10 years ago, I just giggle to myself and say "this will pass".



You're growing up so fast. You like to feel like a big boy. So we let you sit in a chair at the table and you did great! Yes, I have white seat cushions that I should probably change out but you were so proud sitting in my chair. Guess we'll have to get you a booster seat. Bye bye high chair!



The big TWO coming up!

Tuesday, May 10, 2011

Weekend

Besides feeling a bit sick on Mother's Day, the weekend was pretty good.

I actually busted out my very first issue of Burda magazine (in FRENCH!) and made a cute new summer top. I took a photo, but a photo of me wearing it would be better. Despite the French instructions, it turned out really nice. Here's a line drawing:



Saturday, Jules and I went to cheer Justin and friends on as they biked 60 miles for MS.





Jules made friends at the rest stop with his cool sunglasses and his fist-bumping skillz.

Then the weather went from this:



Cool jacket weather.

To this:



Hot, muggy, and too hot for clothes weather. This is the Minnesota we love :)

I got a replica Kate Middleton engagement ring (you know, the blue sapphire with diamond beauty?) and its totally blinging! A perfect Mother's Day gift!

So with my new top, ring and warm weather, I'm like a new girl!

Wednesday, May 04, 2011

It's Not You, It's Me

I'm not a picky eater. That's my sister. Although, Justin would disagree and throw me in the same crowd as picky eaters like my sister. There are some flavors I just can't stand. Some textures that are horrid. And probably the most frustrating thing for Justin, some foods I won't eat because the name grosses me out.

For example, I hate cilantro. HATE the smell as much as the taste. Apparently, I'm not alone:

http://whoknew.news.yahoo.com/?nc&vid=25107474

When Justin eats anything with cilantro, I can smell it on his breath and I keep my distance. Same thing goes for garlic - although I love garlic, just not cuddling next to someone who reeks of it.

Chewing peas is like sandy dirt. The texture just makes me gag. The flavor doesn't help either. Peas have a very earthy taste (dirt) so I don't even bother with them anymore.

Greek yogurt. Nope, don't like the word "Greek" in food. Although, I like Greek food, just not "Greek" something. Hummus, yes! Falafal, yes! Baklava, yes! Greek yogurt, no!

I tried Clotted Cream while I was in England. I was VERY hesitant at first, but I really wanted to try it. The word "clotted" has got to be the grossest word ever associated with food. Just sounds like a blood clot and who the hell wants to eat that?!

I tried it and it was THE.BEST.CREAM.EVER!

But I still hate the name.

This one is straight ignorance: Butterscotch. I had no idea it was basically caramel, in liquid form! Oh so yummy.

Justin doesn't think I try many new things, but I really do. They just aren't as obvious to him - he eats everything. I'm just now trying butterscotch, that's like kids play in terms of sampling new foods. One day I hope to try more, but for now, I've grown past scraping the sauce off pizza (I'll still eat it with sauce), but I prefer no sauce.