tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-71538713347687616542024-03-12T22:01:33.699-05:00The Swanson FamilyThe Adventures of Miss Ella and Master SamuelShannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06095873169573585095noreply@blogger.comBlogger394125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7153871334768761654.post-15604171835536425452012-11-05T13:53:00.002-06:002012-11-05T13:53:19.298-06:00Blogging<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">As you can tell by my lack of posting I've been quite busy. Between school, work, swimming, homework and just the regular everyday stuff I don't find the time to sit and write stuff. In all honesty, there really hasn't been much going on here. Ella's enjoying the 3rd grade. She has so much more homework than last year. I think the homework thing is actually harder on the parents than the children at this age at least in my opinion. Sam is doing well in preschool. He loves going to school and has a great time. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Both the kids are in swimming lessons. Swimming is really Ella's thing; she loves it and would spend all day in the pool if we let her. She has a couple weeks off until she starts twice a week again. That means I'm driving 20 minutes (one-way) for swimming three times a week. But they love it. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">One of the main reasons for not blogging so much is that it's just easier to update on Facebook. Now that grandma is on there I really don't need to be on here so much. I'll probably come back to it again once in a while, but I feel guilty for not updating and I don't want to feel guilty. :)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">If you'd like to "friend" me on Facebook (for my normal followers; I know there are a few of you left) feel free to do so. http://www.facebook.com/shannon.silusswanson</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Otherwise, I'll update occasionally but at least I won't feel guilty for not doing so.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Bye for now. </span>Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06095873169573585095noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7153871334768761654.post-56803599538753291722012-09-16T19:35:00.001-05:002012-09-16T19:35:56.988-05:00Ella's First Race<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Ella ran in her first running race on Saturday. It was the kids 1/2 mile "Tickle" race and she had a ton of fun! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span>Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06095873169573585095noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7153871334768761654.post-14987610803405010092012-08-26T18:59:00.000-05:002012-08-26T18:59:44.775-05:00Vacation day two (three)?Technically we're on day three of the vacation, but second full day. Zan had his race this morning and it went well. We were able to walk along the run route and see him three times. It has been a beautiful day with full sunshine and about 80 degrees. We just got back from eating dinner and now. Zan and the kids are in the pool. I took the kids to the rooftop pool this morning and now they are inside. The rooftop pool is more my style. It's heated and so nice and warm. I bet it's really nice in the winter.<br />
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Tomorrow we're going hiking at Gooseberry Falls and we're going to Split Rock Lighthouse. It'll be a fun day. I haven't figured how to get a picture from the iPad onto here yet. You'd think that if they were on the same device it would be easy but I haven't figured it out yet. If I do I'll get some photos up.Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06095873169573585095noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7153871334768761654.post-45051092974103302962012-08-25T10:51:00.001-05:002012-08-25T10:51:54.776-05:00Vacation day oneSince we have an iPad now I can type on the road. We got into Duluth yesterday evening. There was a traffic jam on the way up where we sat in traffic for almost two hours! Yes, two hours. It was horrible. But we're here and it's great. We walked along the shoreline this morning, over the lift bridge and to the beach and back. We stopped back for a snack and then we're going to do a little shopping. There are some really cute shops around here. Zan is doing a practice ride this morning. Later we're going to go on the Wiliam A. Irwin, the huge ship.<br />
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That's it for now. Zan got back and he fell off his bike and has some road rash. He's fine and I'll write more later.Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06095873169573585095noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7153871334768761654.post-69828933570824816052012-08-06T15:26:00.001-05:002012-08-06T15:26:35.793-05:00Air Show<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">A couple/few weeks ago we went to the local air show that's not far from our house. We usually know when they're in town because the planes will be circling around our house before and afterwards. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">It was so hot out but we went and only lasted a couple hours. We did get to see everything and had a good time. Maybe next year it won't be so, so hot.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"> </span>Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06095873169573585095noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7153871334768761654.post-28409155041095824762012-08-05T20:26:00.003-05:002012-08-05T20:28:14.626-05:00Trip to the Zoo<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
Last weekend temperatures finally dipped below scorching so we headed to the MN Zoo. They had a dinosaur exhibit there that we wanted to see before it was gone. We haven't been to this particular zoo in quite a few years. </div>
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We ended up spending most of the day there. The dinosaur exhibit was really cool and the kids absolutely loved it!! We'll be heading back soon because we ended up buying a membership. </div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I didn't realize how dirty my camera lens was until I saw some of the photos. In the photo with Sam and the T-Rex there's actually mist in the air, but in the other ones it's because my lens was so dirty - sorry. </span> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Love Sam's pose here - he was trying to be the dinosaur I think.</span> <br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4mDza7YhwwU/UB8dJPoaUcI/AAAAAAAACfQ/Q7SEeVBwTtM/s1600/sam_trex2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4mDza7YhwwU/UB8dJPoaUcI/AAAAAAAACfQ/Q7SEeVBwTtM/s320/sam_trex2.jpg" width="195" /></a></div>Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06095873169573585095noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7153871334768761654.post-47817298623677346722012-07-26T14:07:00.002-05:002012-07-26T14:07:41.812-05:00Little Froggy Friends<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06095873169573585095noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7153871334768761654.post-74102640155608977042012-07-25T19:27:00.002-05:002012-07-25T19:27:53.582-05:00Garden Update<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I've been meaning to post some pictures of the garden for a while, but I've been forgetting. It's growing so much better than it did last year! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">My gourd and squash plants are threatening to take over the entire garden!! I was out there today prying the gourd plants off the bean fence. I haven't done too much to get them off the back fence, but they're growing over the fence in the back too. Tomato plants are getting huge and the cucumbers are trying to eat the peppers. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">All in all it's growing very well. I just need to rethink my placement for next year. I planted according to how they grew last year and since they're growing three times bigger this year I'm just having space issues. That and Zan won't let me increase the garden size. :)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">The top picture is of most the garden. Starting from left to right are peas, green beans, onions (they're under the gourds), gourds, squash, cucumber, peppers, carrots and tomatoes. On the other side of the tomatoes are raspberries and strawberries. (You can see the raspberries in the bottom picture.) </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> </span>Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06095873169573585095noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7153871334768761654.post-15917139916741839992012-07-20T17:06:00.001-05:002012-07-20T17:06:10.622-05:00My First Trip to the Chiropractor<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Well I finally got my butt in to see a chiropractor. I've been meaning to go for a couple years because my back and neck are always sore. When I read that it could help with motion sickness I was hooked and got an appointment. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I had my second appointment today where we went over my x-rays and plan of treatment. The spine in my lower neck is curving the wrong way and my spine coming out of my hips is coming out crooked. My middle back is suffering because of this. My left side (shoulders, hips) also sit lower than my right. He said it looks kind of like scoliosis.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I had my first adjustment (that was weird) and physical therapy today and will continue for 5 weeks 3 times a week. I'm so excited to not wake up with headaches and not be so sore all the time. I really don't have a reason for all this pain; it's just gotten worse each year. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">It's going to cost a small fortune, but hopefully I'll be feeling great! </span>Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06095873169573585095noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7153871334768761654.post-50453275801613946352012-07-06T12:35:00.001-05:002012-07-06T12:35:29.217-05:00New Bed<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I finished the bed frame on Tuesday and since we weren't doing anything for the 4th we got the frame attached to the headboard. Only took a few minutes and it was all done. Man it is so sturdy; I did a good job! :)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> </span>Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06095873169573585095noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7153871334768761654.post-54209407717671917722012-07-04T16:38:00.001-05:002012-07-04T16:38:32.193-05:00Happy 4th of July<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I hope you're all having a great holiday. Man it's so hot outside!! Zan's out there with the kids in the little pool. I just can't sit out there for too long because it's just too hot for me. I'd rather hang out inside doing whatever. I finished up the bed yesterday and we've got it in our bedroom now! Pictures later.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">For now I have pictures from our trip to Sioux Falls. We had a great time! Weather was so nice too. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Other than that there's really not much going on here. I got all of Ella's school supplies yesterday! It can be hard to find some of the exact things you need so since I saw Target put them out I went and got them. All she needs is a couple notebooks and some shoes for gym class. I'm way ahead of the game on this one. :)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Here are pictures from Sioux Falls: Lots of pictures!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> </span>Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06095873169573585095noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7153871334768761654.post-71311395067624201312012-06-06T10:58:00.002-05:002012-06-06T10:58:29.165-05:00Dusting Off The Sawdust<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">The saw's been working and so has my hammer and paint brush. This morning we moved our new headboard upstairs into the bedroom. I wanted to get it out of the garage even though I still need to make the bed frame. I put this together last week and it took four days to stain it. I always have a picture in my mind of how I want things to turn out and they rarely turn out as lovely as they are in my head but this one did and I'm very pleased!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">The bed frame shouldn't take me long and I'm very excited to get it all done and put together! </span>Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06095873169573585095noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7153871334768761654.post-48470467155138326882012-06-03T21:21:00.004-05:002012-06-03T21:21:54.833-05:00Weekend Recap<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">It was a beautiful weekend here! Our old Slip and Slide got a hole in it so off to Target I went to get a new one. I got one that's three people wide and you can race. The kids (and Zan) had a great time. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Daisy and I took a really long walk today. It was nice to get out and totally wore her out. Ella only has three days of school left for the year. Sam is all done with preschool. I have some cute video from his last day. They were singing songs - I need to sort through the video.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I have some finishing touches to my latest building project. When it's done I'll post pictures. All in all we didn't do a whole lot but we had a great weekend. Looking forward to our upcoming trip to visit Grandma and Grandpa!!! </span>Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06095873169573585095noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7153871334768761654.post-83183841697531839112012-05-28T19:49:00.002-05:002012-05-28T19:49:47.537-05:00Photo Heavy<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Happy Memorial Day! We had a great day today. This morning we took a bike ride - I forget how long it was but somewhere between 25 and 30 miles. It was my first time out on the trail on the bike. Rollerblading I'm used to, but I found the muscles that aren't used for rollerblading and they hurt. Zan pulled Sam in the trailer and Ella was attached to my bike on the tag along. Our destination was DQ, so it was worth it. My legs are really sore and I'm sure I won't be able to walk tomorrow, but it was still worth it. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">When we got back this afternoon I got out the pool and Zan got out the slip and slide. Then I got out my camera. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">They had a great time!! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Here's a photo of my garden and the new bushes and tree I planted by the deck.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Did you see my first little strawberry that's turning red?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I also have a couple clementine orange trees that I have potted. I can't plant them in the ground because obviously the climate won't work for them but they can be outside in the summer and inside in the winter. Can't wait until I have oranges.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">So there you go, that's about all that's going on here. Sam has a couple more days of preschool and Ella has a week and a half left of school. Can't wait for summer break!</span>Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06095873169573585095noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7153871334768761654.post-25958290018688548502012-05-20T20:25:00.001-05:002012-05-20T20:25:12.954-05:00A Quick Update<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I've been really busy around here the last couple weeks. In a nutshell -</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">* Got all the plantings in the garden planted. Seedlings are already starting to pop up.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">* Planted some new bushes/trees around the back landscaping around the deck. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">* Had a very successful garage sale on Wednesday.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">* And took a couple extra days off and had fun with the kids. :)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I can't believe it's almost Memorial Day already. School will be out in a couple weeks and I don't know where the year went. Ella will be in third grade next year - that's just crazy!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Zan and Ella went to the father/daughter dance Saturday night. They had a great time. Sam and I baked a cake from scratch with purple frosting, yum!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I've been meaning to take some photos of our new cute little tree and the kids but I haven't yet, so I'll get those done soon here. </span>Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06095873169573585095noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7153871334768761654.post-81503826686750102422012-05-06T20:08:00.002-05:002012-05-06T20:08:35.206-05:00Weekend Wrap-Up<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">It was a great weekend for a duck around here. It's currently raining and has been raining all weekend long. Very wet. We need the rain so I won't really complain but it rained so hard last night and at two different times. Needless to say I didn't get much sleep and am very tired right now. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I just finished sewing two of Ella's old jeans into capri's. She didn't have any and I was thinking I should go get her some but then realized she had some jeans she's outgrowing. She's been wearing the same jeans for two years; she's finally starting to grow again. :)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I made up some homemade Boston baked beans yesterday. I love beans but have never made them myself. I'm also very picky about my beans so I was skeptical. I had a recipe in my canning book and I decided to give it a try. It took most of the day but was quite easy. I left out the pork too so they're vegetarian (not that it really matters, but it's more healthy). They turned out so yummy!! Zan was even surprised. I've never seen him eat so many beans. Although now that I think about it I might pay for that later. :) I have six jars of beans in my pantry and I need more beans to make some more!! Need to stock up for the summer grilling season.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I'm having a garage sale in a couple weeks and finished almost all my pricing yesterday too. It's nice to get all that stuff done beforehand. Now just hoping the weather cooperates. Speaking of weather I think I can finally go get some things for the garden and start some planting. I'm very excited to get things planted. Just need to dirt to dry out a little bit from the rain. </span>Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06095873169573585095noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7153871334768761654.post-49253024632969483322012-04-27T09:58:00.000-05:002012-04-27T09:58:13.269-05:00NFL Draft<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Did I fool you? You really think I'm going to talk about the NFL draft? I don't know anything about it at all! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">But today Ella is wearing her daddy's old Vikings shirt from when he was her age. She looks really cute.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">The kids were supposed to wear their school colors today which happen to be Vikings colors. That's good because we don't have any school t-shirts or anything. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I just got some work in. The sooner I get it done the sooner the weekend can start! </span>Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06095873169573585095noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7153871334768761654.post-82393097640362003342012-04-25T19:57:00.003-05:002012-04-25T19:57:59.434-05:00Keeping the Momentum Going<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I'm trying to stay in this blog updating mode. Unfortunately for you there hasn't been much going on these past few days. The weather has been gorgeous so we've been outside quite a bit. Monday morning I pushed Sam in the trailer while I was on my rollerblade's for a couple hours. I'm not sure how far it was, but quite a ways. It's was still a bit cool, but the sun was out and it was so quiet on the trail. Only saw a couple other people and had a great time. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I've been starting to get some lawn projects done. We don't have any big projects for this year. We're getting a sprinkler system put in next month here. We're on the list; just need them to get to us. Hopefully in about two to three weeks. That will be nice because our yard needs some help. Other than that I just have some dead grass from the dogs that needs to be seeded. That's about it for yard projects this year. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I have three weeks or so - weather pending - until I can start planting some things in the garden. I'm itching to go to the store to pick some things out but I have been patient so I'll hold out a little longer.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">And since I did all that work that past couple days my back is pretty sore today from the raking I did and my legs are a little sore from weeding the garden. Yes there's nothing in the garden except for weeds. Well not anymore that is.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Sam and I went to the park this afternoon. It was much nicer out today than they had originally forecast which was nice. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">These photos haven't been edited; they are straight out of the camera. Sam is wearing one of his three new favorite shirts. His Ironman, Transformers and the Avengers. Thanks Grandma!! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> </span>Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06095873169573585095noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7153871334768761654.post-24432748010991408452012-04-22T16:45:00.001-05:002012-04-22T16:45:09.764-05:00A Little Sewing<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">This weekend was pretty cool and rainy so I decided to finish up and do some new sewing projects. I also cleaned by closet (again) and cleaned up my sewing table (again). These things need cleaning quite often.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">The first thing I finished was a dress for a little girl named Breigh. </span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GiAm87n3V1A/T5R65Dz6OTI/AAAAAAAACYE/uQjueMxtP4A/s1600/breigh_dress.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="193" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GiAm87n3V1A/T5R65Dz6OTI/AAAAAAAACYE/uQjueMxtP4A/s320/breigh_dress.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I know it's not a full picture, but it's the same pattern I've used before for a number of Ella's dresses. I then made a little skirt for Ella with a pattern I had found online and just hadn't used yet. It's now my favorite, super easy skirt pattern. The ribbon at the bottom really adds something to the skirt!</span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9NvKQEjGpbs/T5R7QcYuKqI/AAAAAAAACYM/H8PsaVp3Me4/s1600/skirt_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="185" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9NvKQEjGpbs/T5R7QcYuKqI/AAAAAAAACYM/H8PsaVp3Me4/s320/skirt_1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">The pink fairy fabric I had found at Joann's when I was in Sioux Falls over Christmas. I was just going to get a little and then found out it was on clearance for $2 a yard. Yup, I bought it all!! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Well the sun is starting to come out a little; maybe it'll be nicer tomorrow. I can't wait for the temperature to get a bit warmer! </span>Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06095873169573585095noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7153871334768761654.post-52221433568395200732012-04-20T10:27:00.000-05:002012-04-20T10:27:20.259-05:00Rice and Bean Burritos<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I'm really trying to get back into the blogging mode around here. With the nicer weather comes better moods and getting back into the swing of things. I have been very busy with working and just all the other everyday things. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I successfully gave up sugar for lent. Lent has since come and gone and I really haven't gotten back into it at all. Some days I do crave something sweet to eat, but it passes much easier than before and I'm not scouring the kitchen looking for something. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I've also started eating a more plant-based diet. This is basically vegan eating; not a vegan lifestyle. I still do eat meat occasionally. The meat that we have in our house is from local farms, so it is better in that regard. I've lost about ten pounds since Christmas time; although five of those pounds were just cookie pounds. :) </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">One of my favorite meals is rice and bean burritos. This is an inexpensive and healthy meal that I thought I would share with you. You can also dress it up or down depending on what you want to put in it. I usually keep it very simple. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">All I do is make some rice - usually about 3 or 4 servings. I use long-grain rice or brown rice; you can use whatever you'd like. Once that is cooked I add black beans. I buy my beans dry and can them in my pressure cooker. I have quite a stock of canned black beans, but you can add just a can from the store too. After the beans are mixed in with the rice I add some cumin. This gives it a great flavor rather than adding a store bought seasoning which is all salt anyways. Add as much as you would like; I don't add too much because the kids don't want it too spicy. After the cumin is stirred in I add in salsa. I honestly don't know how much I put it. I just pour until it has the consistency that I like and you can use any salsa you prefer. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Once everything is all mixed together you just put it on your tortilla. You can add more salsa or cheese or anything else that you would like on your burrito. I usually just add salsa, I love salsa, but not too hot for me!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I even took a photo last time I made some. Another great thing is that I'll usually make it earlier in the day and it'll be all ready for dinner time.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">The kids sometimes don't like burritos so I'll make them a burrito quesadilla. I put it all in between two tortillas with cheese and cook it for them. It's the same thing, but they love it. I can't quite figure it out, but whatever works. :)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I was going to make this last night for dinner, but we had an unexpected guest come over. Auntie Jill was in town for the evening and we went out to dinner instead. Yum!</span><br />
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<br />Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06095873169573585095noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7153871334768761654.post-75435202370593450272012-04-16T09:49:00.002-05:002012-04-16T09:49:30.393-05:00Spring Break<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">And I don't mean me taking a break either. I know it's been a while. Usually around this time of the year there isn't much going on anyways.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">About a month ago the kids had their spring break. We had the most beautiful weather too! I surprised the kids and took them to the Como Zoo. We all had a great time.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">They also had their spring flower show at the conservatory. It smelled so nice in there and the flowers were so pretty! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> </span>Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06095873169573585095noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7153871334768761654.post-70932228515778113022012-02-29T16:33:00.001-06:002012-02-29T16:33:55.128-06:00Snow Day<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Today we had our first snow day this year and last year as well. It was very slushy and wet outside, perfect for playing in the snow. Our power was also out for a couple hours this morning, made an interesting and far too early morning around here. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I absolutely detest shoveling snow that is mostly water. It's just so heavy!! Thankfully we have wonderful neighbors. One of our neighbors (honestly can't say for sure which one) saw me out shoveling early this morning and he plowed my driveway out with his truck and plow. It was so nice of him. I think he was just tooling around the neighborhood this morning enjoying the snow anyways.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Here are some pictures of the kids playing in the snow. They made a huge snowball and just had fun playing in the sticky snow. If you happen to be playing outside with Sam you have to watch out because he will tackle you if he feels like it. :)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> </span>Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06095873169573585095noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7153871334768761654.post-89815093474950136142012-02-25T15:54:00.003-06:002012-02-25T15:54:35.815-06:00Lent<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Lent started on Wednesday and this year for lent I decided to give up sugar. By sugar I mean anything containing any type of refined sugar. I can still have fruit and other things that have naturally occurring sugars, honey, real maple syrup, etc. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I'm now finding that pretty much anything packaged contains sugar. Even if it's just a little bit, they throw it in for fun. I made sloppy joe's the other night and I couldn't have any because the sauce has a little sugar in it. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I've been putting honey in my oatmeal for quite a while, so my breakfast hasn't changed and I buy real maple syrup already anyways. The first couple days I had a lingering headache like when I stopped drinking caffeine. The headaches have passed but the sugar craving is still there. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I don't really have to change the way I cook much I just need to read labels more because there are small amounts of sugar in many, many things. I'm trying to go more plant-based diet anyways, so this is helping me sort of branch out a little and try some new things. </span>Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06095873169573585095noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7153871334768761654.post-86796264839456955862012-02-12T09:12:00.000-06:002012-02-12T09:13:09.172-06:00Dress<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Work has been a little slow around here the past couple months for me. Not that I'm ever really bored, but I do find a little extra time on my hands. I had been searching for this one particular dress pattern that was out of print. I just couldn't find it in the size I wanted, but then they decided to re-release the pattern in a digital format. I snapped it up so fast!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Last weekend while everyone was watching the Super Bowl I was sewing away. Actually for a couple whole days - this dress was trickier than the others. But at last I finished it and it is so cute and I can't wait until the weather is warm enough for Ella to wear it - she can't wait either.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> </span>Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06095873169573585095noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7153871334768761654.post-17927539774213940622012-02-09T09:15:00.004-06:002012-02-09T09:15:58.565-06:00February<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">It's February and there's still no snow on the ground! Yes, I'm loving this winter. I remember back in November and December saying oh just one more week without snow and winter will seem shorter. Now I don't really care if it snows because it won't be around too long. The kids would like some snow to play in though. I kept telling them not to worry because it always snows - well at least I don't remember a winter where there wasn't any snow. I'm still sure we'll get something - maybe???</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Sorry about the radio silence around here. There really isn't anything going on. January and February are just really slow and boring. We went to Monster Jam in January. Sam got over his croup just in time to be able to make the show. He had a fever for a few days and even Saturday morning, but it was gone by lunch and we made the show that evening. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Our tickets were for a suite which we were excited about, but didn't realize that we had the best suite in the house - the Vikings Legends Club!! That place was fabulous! There was a bar right there and two bathrooms - right there!! The bathroom's were probably the best part, especially with two children.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Sitting in a regular seat now will seem pretty sad compared to this. The kids had a great time and so did we.</span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2JD8UDwDbto/TzPh7gyuBlI/AAAAAAAACWU/79k1H1HFZWs/s1600/sam_mj.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="197" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2JD8UDwDbto/TzPh7gyuBlI/AAAAAAAACWU/79k1H1HFZWs/s320/sam_mj.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">They even had some car racing in between the Monster trucks. They had trailers attached to their cars this time. It was pretty comical.</span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-trTqq6sk6rY/TzPiVpBG4KI/AAAAAAAACWc/mMDTLkDG14U/s1600/mj_trailer_racing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-trTqq6sk6rY/TzPiVpBG4KI/AAAAAAAACWc/mMDTLkDG14U/s320/mj_trailer_racing.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GucLE39BVsg/TzPieOnt5uI/AAAAAAAACWk/HjoKoTJQrvo/s1600/trailer_racing_crash.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GucLE39BVsg/TzPieOnt5uI/AAAAAAAACWk/HjoKoTJQrvo/s320/trailer_racing_crash.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">What else????</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Last weekend Sam took a scissors to the top of his head resulting in a very short haircut. I will have to go back in a week or so and even it out once the shorter hairs grow back a bit.</span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-z19fK5_feYU/TzPivigzbnI/AAAAAAAACWs/UrNdXWDEGdM/s1600/sam_hair.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-z19fK5_feYU/TzPivigzbnI/AAAAAAAACWs/UrNdXWDEGdM/s320/sam_hair.jpg" width="255" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">And that's been our last few weeks in a nutshell. Sam has a Valentine's party next week, both kids have dentist appointments next week and that's about it for February. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I've been making lists and getting excited for gardening this year. I'll be ordering a few things for the garden to help in the growing and spacing of the things I'll be planting. Spring can't come soon enough!! </span>Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06095873169573585095noreply@blogger.com0