tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24088609287977072682012-02-16T07:31:06.309-06:00Randomness from a Designer MomMelissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05858024535213588322noreply@blogger.comBlogger771100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2408860928797707268.post-53383843032079500382009-06-22T01:20:00.002-05:002009-06-22T01:27:16.046-05:00

Sorry for not updating the blog very much recently. Life. There you have it. Not much of an excuse but the one I'm using.I'll be sporadic on here for a while still because there are some major life changes coming up. Not sure where Ander and I will land but I assure you it will be on our feet and much better for it.I hope life has been better for all of you than it has for me lately.

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05858024535213588322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2408860928797707268.post-3025130125849627082009-05-14T06:51:00.002-05:002009-05-14T06:51:01.030-05:00

I have two addictions. I mean of the tv variety. LOST and The Biggest Loser. This is completely lame I realize. I don't really watch Biggest Loser but somehow I found myself having a bit of a vested interest this season. Every time it came on I had to work out because in my mind I am almost as fat as "those" people. How horrifying. I know I'm nowhere near there but I'm a bit obsessed with

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05858024535213588322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2408860928797707268.post-48332597329252460712009-05-13T22:40:00.003-05:002009-05-13T22:48:33.006-05:00

This house is good design just not my style. It was designed by Erlich Architects in the United Arab Emirates. It's nice to look at yet when you consider it is not a hotel but in fact a house you start to feel like it's way too much. I think maybe that's my issue with it. It's got that sparsely furnished modern vibe I enjoy but it's way too opulent all at once. I can't stop looking though.

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05858024535213588322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2408860928797707268.post-55135449510297670772009-05-11T08:17:00.000-05:002009-05-11T08:17:01.348-05:00

Hope everyone enjoyed their mothers day weekend. We had a nice time. We started the day at the framers market where we got some strawberries (which Anders promptly ate), avocados for guacamole later in the day, cabbage plants (to hopefully make sauerkraut with later in the year) and pepper plants. It was a bit chilly. Cold enough that my hands were numb. Oh Minnesota in May!After the market

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05858024535213588322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2408860928797707268.post-88445858001186751372009-05-08T07:18:00.002-05:002009-05-08T07:18:00.607-05:00

Um, yeah. I just don't know what to say. I was trying to see where he was going to go with the whole putting the small chair on the larger chair. I guess he wanted to sit a little higher. And no, he did not fall or get hurt while performing this stunt.

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05858024535213588322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2408860928797707268.post-89602493365965516772009-05-07T07:21:00.001-05:002009-05-07T07:21:01.016-05:00

Somebody figured out how to turn the TV on and off with the power button instead of just turning it off by unplugging it. The key is to get your face as close to the screen as possible. Oh, and turn the volume to maximum.

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05858024535213588322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2408860928797707268.post-7932278065721830542009-05-07T07:11:00.004-05:002009-05-07T07:11:01.222-05:00

The walls have been going up around here. That's a good thing considering it's been years since the second story addition started. Here's hoping to us being able to move up there by summer's end.

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05858024535213588322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2408860928797707268.post-74592782618788583832009-05-06T07:00:00.002-05:002009-05-06T07:00:05.635-05:00

Got this awesome (and insanely easy) bread recipe from John's mom who in turn got it from Mother Earth News via the New York Times. I make it several times a week. Just got another recipe from a playgroup mom that (also from the New York Times) that claims to be even easier. Click here for the first recipe and here for the second. No knead bread does seem to be the thing but I do so enjoy

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05858024535213588322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2408860928797707268.post-32876948732051699252009-05-05T06:46:00.002-05:002009-05-05T06:46:01.007-05:00

Instead of trying to find a job or figure out a new more fulfilling career as I had planned, I made a sock bunny for Anderson last night.

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05858024535213588322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2408860928797707268.post-18935414613304087832009-05-04T06:31:00.003-05:002009-05-04T06:31:01.887-05:00

Anderson and I enjoyed a lovely weekend together while John was away. On Saturday we went to the Minneapolis Farmers Market and the Living Green Expo. The farmers was grand! We bought a few strawberry plants and put them in the ground as soon as we got home. We also listened to some live music and I've decided we should try to go every weekend this season.The Living Green Expo was fine but it

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05858024535213588322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2408860928797707268.post-27649773165881110032009-05-01T06:04:00.002-05:002009-05-01T11:12:03.267-05:00

Lovely art work from Anderson. I see a dragon and other creatures. John sees a map of many lakes. What do you see?

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05858024535213588322noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2408860928797707268.post-26573026013237234552009-04-30T06:57:00.001-05:002009-04-30T06:57:01.167-05:00

Looking for something fun to do, Anderson and I painted rocks the other day. He thought it was excellent fun. So much fun in fact that he proceeded to paint his face when the rocks were done. Not to be left out of the fun I had him paint my face as well. It was quite messy but it kept us busy for a good 20 minutes or more.

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05858024535213588322noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2408860928797707268.post-58888551264452731642009-04-29T17:50:00.002-05:002009-04-29T17:57:30.859-05:00

We have a family bed but lately I've been thinking Anderson might sleep better if he slept in his own bed. Completely away from us but in the same room to start.He still climbs in bed with us but at least he doesn't want to nurse 5! times a night anymore. That was getting absurd hence the switch to his own bed. At this pace, perhaps he'll sleep in his room and be weaned by the time he's 10. (

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05858024535213588322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2408860928797707268.post-3057718423696677962009-04-28T07:42:00.002-05:002009-05-03T21:31:37.202-05:00

The shack out at John's dad's place. It doesn't look like much (because it isn't) but it could be a really cool little spot if some care was taken. John and I have talked about fixing it up so we have a place to get away from the city but it would take alot of work that could be destroyed by his dad renting it out to undesirables. It's sad to have a place like that just sitting there rotting

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05858024535213588322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2408860928797707268.post-36234885566781810422009-04-27T07:49:00.003-05:002009-04-27T07:49:01.498-05:00

I kind of forgot that I created a Youtube account a while back to show videos of Anderson to my parents. I was reminded of I checked it out the other day and was kind of amused to see that the video of Anderson eating a pickle had gotten over 1,100 hits. That's not viral but it's also not bad. Maybe my cousin was right when she said he should be a model.Having trouble uploading the video so

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05858024535213588322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2408860928797707268.post-16488512076736416932009-04-24T07:48:00.001-05:002009-04-24T07:48:01.303-05:00

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05858024535213588322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2408860928797707268.post-68503347606080611752009-04-23T07:54:00.001-05:002009-04-23T07:54:01.094-05:00

I planted some more items in the garden. It's been so warm and the soil was perfect and just crying out to have new life put into it. So, I planted broccoli, brussel sprouts and cauliflower. All cold weather plants therefore pretty sturdy. The radishes I planted a little bit ago have already started poking through the ground. I even think I see the beginnings of a few spinach poking through.

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05858024535213588322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2408860928797707268.post-1590462303934523912009-04-22T07:36:00.002-05:002009-04-22T07:36:01.855-05:00

I was trying to take a picture of Anderson but he was in no mood for it. He seems to be having more and more tantrums lately. I'm pretty sure it's because of the terrible two's. You know, he understands a ton and knows what he wants to say but we stupid adults don't understand and so he's constantly frustrated and thus melts down. The again, it could just be that I really am not a very good

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05858024535213588322noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2408860928797707268.post-87339539801240052009-04-21T14:08:00.000-05:002009-04-21T14:08:35.423-05:00

When it warms up, the clothes must come off apparently. Anderson was striking some pretty awesome poses for the camera today. Does it get any cuter than this???

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05858024535213588322noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2408860928797707268.post-62422913240635559752009-04-20T07:31:00.001-05:002009-04-20T07:31:00.871-05:00

Anderson got a swing when we visited my parents. It has become his favorite activity lately. Whenever we step into the backyard he starts saying "swee". When you ask him if he's ready to get out, you get a resounding "no". He'll sit in it for over a half hour. That's a looong time for a toddler to do anything. At least my toddler.

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05858024535213588322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2408860928797707268.post-85530627026090177772009-04-17T07:53:00.000-05:002009-04-17T07:53:01.143-05:00

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05858024535213588322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2408860928797707268.post-83132505611985676232009-04-16T07:46:00.000-05:002009-04-16T07:46:00.401-05:00

Anderson fell in love this weekend. She's his cousin but still. It was pure love and adoration on his part. She liked him too. He wanted her to carry him everywhere and she gladly obliged. On several occasions I caught a glimpse of him just staring at her with such awe on his face. It was adorable. I'm now thinking I need to find a stay at home mom with a little girl he can follow around.

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05858024535213588322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2408860928797707268.post-69080722209766838242009-04-15T19:33:00.004-05:002009-04-15T19:44:49.460-05:00

We went to my parents for a long Easter weekend. On Saturday there was an Easter egg hunt at the local park put on by the fire department. Apparently it had been raining alot there and the grass was too wet so the hunt was held on the tennis courts. Most ridiculous thing ever. They said go and it was over before you could blink. Of course, Ander is too little to care or even get why he was

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05858024535213588322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2408860928797707268.post-44103679866414553202009-04-09T07:00:00.000-05:002009-04-09T07:00:06.598-05:00

Why is it that as soon it starts to warm outside, I get little gnats in my house? I think they must live in the soil of my houseplants. Apparently these are known as fungus gnats. They are so annoying! I must figure out how to get rid of them once and for all. My research tells me to let the plant soil dry out. I've also heard somewhere that putting rocks on the soil will help with the

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05858024535213588322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2408860928797707268.post-66993087662547760702009-04-08T07:46:00.002-05:002009-04-15T19:32:59.882-05:00

On Sunday the family went out to eat with the some friends in downtown Minneapolis. The munchkin decided to sing at the top of his lungs after dinner so I took him into the skyway system attached to the building to play. If you're not familiar with Minneapolis' downtown, many of the buildings are connected by skyways on the second story so people can walk around downtown without going out into

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05858024535213588322noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2408860928797707268.post-41290272747735984482009-04-07T07:31:00.001-05:002009-04-07T07:31:02.195-05:00

I'm probably jumping the gun but I planted peas, spinach and radishes today. I couldn't help myself. I'm so ready for warm weather to be here. This is the earliest I've ever planted something but only by a few weeks. The seed packets said the soil temp should be 40 degrees and I'm pretty sure it is. If the seeds don't sprout it's not a big deal. I have more and will plant some more in a few

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05858024535213588322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2408860928797707268.post-64338840381870422342009-04-06T08:11:00.002-05:002009-04-06T08:11:01.161-05:00

Yes, he really is eating dog food. Gross, right? He loves his big brother Pride so I guess it stands to reason that what Pride eats is good. I do know he shouldn't be eating this and I do usually keep him from eating it. And here he is after it was taken away. Very annoyed with a bit of disdain. That's my boy. The dog food lover.

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05858024535213588322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2408860928797707268.post-55947632062263139502009-04-03T19:53:00.003-05:002009-04-03T20:10:51.323-05:00

Today was pretty close to perfect for us. John worked this morning but was home in time for lunch then nap. Playgroup was at our house so the morning went by quick with no fight for naptime. Naps can be a challenge some days even though they are much needed.After nap we all played in the backyard for a bit then Anders and I accompanied John on a "quick" trip to the bank. It was quick but John

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05858024535213588322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2408860928797707268.post-59794932538320478662009-03-31T19:59:00.000-05:002009-04-03T19:53:14.630-05:00

Sorry for the lack of posts lately. The weather was really getting me down. I don't like winter very much and this one was a doozy. I don't think Anderson likes it much either so we've been bumming a lot. A few other things I won't mention here have been kind of icky as well. That said, I'm going to make a point of posting. Maybe it will help me on the cold, dreary days.

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05858024535213588322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2408860928797707268.post-32785238519990420362009-03-30T08:06:00.003-05:002009-03-30T08:12:58.143-05:00

John has been doing some work on the upstairs lately. Anderson and I go up almost every day to see the progress. He enjoys cutting things with a drywall saw, hammering away on anything with whatever he can get his hands on and sweeping up. He's dad helper.Well this weekend John had a tape measure that Anderson took from him. He then grabbed one of his chairs and brought it over to the front

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05858024535213588322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2408860928797707268.post-81969008095047445752009-03-27T07:36:00.002-05:002009-03-27T07:39:42.870-05:00

Look how tired he looks! Uh oh. We're going to be in for a bumpy day. It's not even 8 AM and he's already let his displeasure with the world be known.

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05858024535213588322noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2408860928797707268.post-56318462088770672082009-03-27T07:33:00.001-05:002009-03-30T19:59:35.709-05:00

For the past several months, Anderson and I have been frequenting the MN Zoo to visit with the dolphins. One of those dolphins, Allie, was pregnant and due the end of February/beginning of March.The baby hadn't been born as far I knew this morning so I thought we'd go hang out in the dolphin stadium, have some lunch and watch our friends. As soon as we got to the zoo I asked if the baby had

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05858024535213588322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2408860928797707268.post-962576828964895952009-03-25T07:48:00.001-05:002009-04-03T20:23:02.269-05:00

We went to a small town mega hardware store last weekend. It was like our local mega hardware store but I noticed a few options available to the folks in the small town not available to us city folks.One lovely find was a red bathtub ( not the one pictured, that is a Red Diamond from Water Games Technologies). Another was a mauve shower enclosure.If you're wondering why I'm writing about this

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05858024535213588322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2408860928797707268.post-17338481968151167392009-03-19T13:59:00.004-05:002009-03-26T19:48:42.754-05:00

I haven't been working full time since Anderson was born. I quit my job because my company wouldn't let me go to part time and I couldn't fathom leaving my tiny and precious six week old in the care of anyone but me. When he was several months old I was asked to teach two college classes. I didn't really have to interview for that job because the head of the department knew me and recommended

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05858024535213588322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2408860928797707268.post-17290064316730135532009-03-18T09:03:00.001-05:002009-03-18T09:03:08.022-05:00

Made yummy Thai Curry Soup the other night that was then turned into Stuffed Peppers. Gotta love meals that pull double duty.I used some green curry paste and followed the directions for curry but added 3 cups chicken stock to make it a soup. Then tossed a bunch of veggies ( corn, carrots, peas) and some shrimp and we had a great dinner that everyone loved. There was left over broth so I

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05858024535213588322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2408860928797707268.post-56272489793693988222009-03-17T08:47:00.006-05:002009-03-17T09:03:40.095-05:00

We've been having lots of lovely weather lately. Highs in the 60's with rapidly melting snow that should be completely gone in a couple days. The Cities have come out of hibernation.Anderson has discovered puddles and mud. He remembered he actually likes it outside when it's not freezing. There haven't been as many meltdowns because he's bored in the house. Naptime is a breeze because he's

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05858024535213588322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2408860928797707268.post-34105890287597339322009-03-16T12:43:00.004-05:002009-04-06T22:46:07.169-05:00

Look what I found at the farm this weekend. If you don't know, it is an original Herman Miller chair. Quite the find! J didn't want to ask for it but I think I'm going to make him go back and get it before it rots into the ground and becomes completely worthless. One person's trash is another person's treasure.

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05858024535213588322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2408860928797707268.post-63772544851179914512009-03-16T12:30:00.006-05:002009-03-16T12:43:29.855-05:00

We visited J's parents this weekend. The weather was perfect for being outside. Anderson, Pride and I took a lovely hike down to the stream at the farm and then all over the land while J did a little project. It was lovely to be out in the fresh air. Anderson liked playing in the stream with his new frog rain boots. Of course, I forgot my camera for our hike. Oh well. I do hope we get to

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05858024535213588322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2408860928797707268.post-22052790684356497552009-03-13T08:10:00.000-05:002009-03-13T08:10:00.586-05:00

We've been taking alot of walks lately. It's so nice to get outside and not freeze. This has been a very hard winter for us. It was insanely cold and there wasn't much snow. Plus, it turns out my child does not really like the cold (or the snow for that matter). He has a meltdown when I try and put his snowsuit on and is paralyzed if his hands get wet from the snow.I've heard you are

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05858024535213588322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2408860928797707268.post-66646210834880560642009-03-12T09:56:00.001-05:002009-03-12T09:56:01.169-05:00

I really love this guy. He' such a cool person to hang out with. I feel super lucky to have him. Whatever did I do with myself before he came along?

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05858024535213588322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2408860928797707268.post-57076921838944053022009-03-12T07:56:00.002-05:002009-03-12T07:56:00.842-05:00

This home designed by Slovenian architectural firm Bevk Perovic Architekti is reminiscent of a barn. An ultra modern, slick, no animals, have a martini and kick back kind of barn.

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05858024535213588322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2408860928797707268.post-81393297810400530112009-03-11T08:39:00.001-05:002009-03-11T08:39:00.544-05:00

Taco night is a regular for us around here. I usually just cook some ground beef with onions and green pepper then stir in a taco seasoning. It's all served with homemade gaucamole, sour cream, cheese and tortillas. Pretty simple and basic. J forgot tortillas at the grocery store this week though so I had to improvise. I make naan (Indian flat bread) from time to time and thought it might be

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05858024535213588322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2408860928797707268.post-68973864397693007892009-03-10T08:45:00.000-05:002009-03-10T08:45:00.885-05:00

These houses are all very cool but I'm more drawn to the grasses blowing in the breeze. I've always wanted to live on the beach (heck I wanted to be a beach bum when I was younger). So it makes sense this elicits feelings of delight in me. I can't stop looking at the clean lines of the buildings melting in to the luscious mounds of wavering grass. Don't you want to sit out there and listen to

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05858024535213588322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2408860928797707268.post-79702853376976593632009-03-10T07:57:00.002-05:002009-03-10T20:27:40.813-05:00

Remember Elmyra from Tiny Tunes? She was waaay into animals but they didn't like her because she was, well, not very bright? She would always "hug" the animals she caught so tight they looked like they might pass out. Sometimes I feel such a surge of love for Anderson that I want to hug and squeeze him as tight as I possibly can just to show him how much I love him. Of course I restrain

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05858024535213588322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2408860928797707268.post-15607133188666505212009-03-09T09:14:00.000-05:002009-03-09T09:14:00.832-05:00

For our painting project this week I decided to make stamps for Ander to use. Of course, I don't have any supplies to do that so instead, I made a few stamps out of potatoes. I simply cut two potatoes in half, drew what I wanted on the cut face and cut/traced it with knife and then cut back the part of potato I didn't want. I only had about ten minutes to make them as a toddler runs out of

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05858024535213588322noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2408860928797707268.post-6952353705489866012009-03-09T08:35:00.000-05:002009-03-09T08:35:00.756-05:00

Ander has started to take an interest in photography. Here are some of his masterpieces.

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05858024535213588322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2408860928797707268.post-36934600676432685602009-03-06T07:16:00.000-06:002009-03-06T07:16:00.696-06:00

I've always wanted to go to Machu Picchu. Here are some photos to inspire me (thanks Wikepedia). Perhaps in a few years when Ander is older, we can take the trip together.

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05858024535213588322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2408860928797707268.post-79918638031023648052009-03-05T07:23:00.001-06:002009-03-05T07:23:00.284-06:00

I'm not the biggest fan of the cowboy ranch style but this house from Turnbull Griffin Haesloop Architects sure makes me a fan.

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05858024535213588322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2408860928797707268.post-11000548233979183352009-03-04T15:08:00.001-06:002009-03-04T15:24:30.754-06:00

Remember Bob Ross? The fro haired, chain smoking painter who used to teach people how to paint on PBS. I always loved him. He made me think I too could paint. I saw a moment of a show similar to his but with a woman this morning and it made me think of good old Bob. I still wish I could paint like him but realize his style is no where near my own. I'm more of a minimalist with no formal

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05858024535213588322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2408860928797707268.post-8937709157084279932009-03-04T07:10:00.000-06:002009-03-04T13:55:25.255-06:00

We like homemade granola around here. Alot. I make a new batch every week or two. So yummy with plain yogurt.I don't usually pay too much attention to measurements but here's a rough estimate of my "recipe".Granola4 cups oats1/2 c wheat germ1/2 c wheat bran1 c coconut1 c walnuts1/2 c slivered almonds1/4 c flax seeds1 c honey1-2 tb oilMix all ingredients together. Spread onto baking sheet.Bake

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05858024535213588322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2408860928797707268.post-47287437482999901882009-03-03T10:09:00.001-06:002009-03-03T10:09:00.413-06:00

If you can make it, definitely check out the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival north of Seattle. Absolutely amazing!

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05858024535213588322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2408860928797707268.post-78435194060663523112009-03-03T09:01:00.000-06:002009-03-03T09:01:00.844-06:00

Anderson is currently obsessed with the above books. They must all be read a minimum of six times a day. How did this happen? I used to read 600 page novels with real substance. I used to be somewhat intelligent. Now? Well now I can recite "The Night Before Christmas" and tell you that Babar had a sugar momma.

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05858024535213588322noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2408860928797707268.post-31021016222981484282009-03-03T07:47:00.000-06:002009-03-03T07:47:02.759-06:00

A friend recently started a blog. She's been talking about her cleaning philosophy, etc. It got me to thinking about how I keep house. I'm not particularly neat nor is my house a disaster area. I have my cleaning schedule: Vacuum, mop, dust and clean the bathroom three times a week. Do laundry as needed (which seems never ending). Kitchen is a daily task but since we do not have a

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05858024535213588322noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2408860928797707268.post-22740161291193777752009-03-02T20:48:00.002-06:002009-03-02T20:55:35.977-06:00

I have always wanted to live off the grid. To grow all my own food. To make cheese from the milk of my goats (I don't have them yet). To truly check out of main stream America.I started on a path toward that goal almost ten years ago. I was going to work on an organic farm in France when instead I went to a farm in MN that was open to unschoolers. I didn't know how drastically that was going to

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05858024535213588322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2408860928797707268.post-57756783081259949342009-03-02T19:39:00.002-06:002009-03-02T19:42:10.322-06:00

Last summer I discovered that Anderson really likes edamame (or, soy beans) for a snack. They are so easy to make. I buy a bag of frozen (usually shelled) soybeans then when he needs a quick snack, I put a few in some boiling water and they are done in a few minutes. How easy is that?! I need to find some more easy and quick snacks that are healthy like this one. I tried making homemade

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05858024535213588322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2408860928797707268.post-77375821048208981812009-03-02T12:13:00.001-06:002009-03-02T19:41:54.196-06:00

We're at that lovely stage in a child's life when he decides to throw a tantrum to get his way. Ander started this stage a bit early (1 year almost to the day) but has been perfecting it lately. The above photo is his "fake" cry. When he isn't getting what he wants he makes that face then looks to see if you're going to oblige him. It's very hard not to laugh at him when he does this. I mean

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05858024535213588322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2408860928797707268.post-79995080442006354572009-02-27T10:35:00.001-06:002009-02-27T12:17:39.477-06:00

I love to camp. No really. I do. I don't particularly care if it's cold, hot or wet. I'll go. I've camped in Alaska in winter. That should tell you how much I love to camp. I have no problem going to the bathroom in the woods. Actually, I kind of prefer it to a bathroom. You're probably thinking I'm gross now.I grew up camping at the beach with my mom and a bunch of her friends. It was

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05858024535213588322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2408860928797707268.post-5891633942617987852009-02-27T09:59:00.000-06:002009-02-27T09:59:50.480-06:00

As winter drags on here in Minnesota, I'm dreaming of vacations for the coming sumer. Of course we'll go camping. The family and I are also trying to find a family camp to take Ander and his cousin Aiden. It's all about having fun and building family memories.I remember going to family camp at Skylake in CA. Such good times with the lake, horses, archery and craft time. I will always hold a

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05858024535213588322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2408860928797707268.post-81642686852756219692009-02-26T08:52:00.005-06:002009-02-26T09:09:08.214-06:00

My dog Pride. Isn't he just the cutest little thing?! He used to be my baby. We went on two hour hikes 6 days a week. He got the highest quality dog food. He was treated like a little prince. He was a child in my mind and his. Then came Anderson. Poor Pride has been relegated to "dog". He now only gets walks when the weather is decent and Ander is cooperative. Then we usually only go to

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05858024535213588322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2408860928797707268.post-91011571352832768712009-02-26T08:47:00.001-06:002009-02-26T08:49:12.276-06:00

We have lived in our little house since October 2002. We think it may be a Sears kit house built in 1923. A basic two bedroom house, about 950 sq. ft. It was in desperate need of a new roof, siding, a new bathroom and for the basement to be gutted. These were all things we could achieve but we had grander schemes.Together, J and I came up with a design and began a very long remodel process

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05858024535213588322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2408860928797707268.post-58873904014640006242009-02-26T08:20:00.001-06:002009-02-26T08:21:18.171-06:00

I saw this coat rack idea in Sunset Magazine a few months ago and thought it would be perfect for the little guy's coats and hoodies. He loves to choose what he'll wear for the day so it gives him great access but also looks cute.

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05858024535213588322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2408860928797707268.post-78398244138929066582009-02-25T07:54:00.004-06:002009-02-25T15:28:46.617-06:00

When I was pregnant with Anderson I ate Indian food at least once a week. Once he was born that trend continued for some time. Luckily, once Ander started eating solids he developed a love of Indian food.With money tight I decided to try and make our favorite dishes at home, palak paneer and chicken tikka masala. For my first attempt I followed the directions to a tee. Major mistake as it

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05858024535213588322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2408860928797707268.post-41797249328677407822009-02-25T07:52:00.000-06:002009-02-25T07:52:17.183-06:00

There's a cool quiz out in the web world that I just had to take. The quiz is over at Sproost. function switchCategories(target, cat){ $(".morelink").removeClass("selected"); $(target).addClass("selected"); $(".styleimage, .blurb").css("display", "none"); $("." + cat + "img, ." + cat + "txt").css("display", "block"); $(target).blur(); } function signupNewUser(){ signupAction = 'planner';

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05858024535213588322noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2408860928797707268.post-50932657388274495802009-02-24T10:20:00.000-06:002009-02-24T10:20:37.552-06:00

It's almost March. Here in MN that means cold and snow for another what, 6 weeks? I can't help but dream of spring and digging my hands in the dirt of my garden. I can even hear birds chirping outside my window. It's addictive. Gardening that is. I started gardening in earnest when we got this house (2002). The first thing J and I did was to dig up a plot in the backyard and put new, organic soil

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05858024535213588322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2408860928797707268.post-47321237470601332602009-02-23T13:57:00.005-06:002009-02-23T14:06:01.866-06:00

There used to be this old grocery store here in the Seward neighborhood of Minneapolis. It got gross so they closed and the local coop bought the building to repair and add on. While they waited to raise the money needed, they allowed artists to tag or graffiti the old building. I alway thought this little goat was the cutest thing ever. Someday, I plan to print this photo and hang it in

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05858024535213588322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2408860928797707268.post-68327678108006993342009-02-23T13:16:00.004-06:002009-02-23T15:08:07.874-06:00

Wouldn't Miley Cyrus' dress from the Academy Awards make a lovely wedding cake design? I know most people hated it but there is something appealing about it to me.I don't actually watch any awards shows. I find them tedious. I do however, enjoy looking at the dresses. They can be so pretty! I wish more of the women would dress in frilly pieces that are way fancier instead of way too form

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05858024535213588322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2408860928797707268.post-19470122296212445762009-02-23T00:58:00.000-06:002009-02-23T15:10:03.568-06:00

I made a Tee Pee for Anderson the other night after getting it in my head he absolutely had to have a fort! It's winter after all so I started thinking about forts and how fun it was to hang out in them as a kid.We built the obligatory blanket and chairs fort. He walked right into and knocked the whole thing over. I suppose 20 months is a tad young for this.Next, I thought about a box. What

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05858024535213588322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2408860928797707268.post-43808620744972417032009-02-22T16:29:00.006-06:002009-02-22T16:39:36.336-06:00

Anderson has been feeling pretty icky for the last several days. I made him a hot toddy (kid version) with oranges, honey and a bit of cinnamon. He quite liked it!Since then, he's been napping an insane amount. My poor baby.

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05858024535213588322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2408860928797707268.post-19261034480822698372009-02-20T19:12:00.001-06:002009-02-25T08:49:30.749-06:00

Remember fruit leathers from when you were a kid? They were found in the produce section and were simply pureed, dried fruit. I loved fruit rolls or fruit leathers. They were also pretty darn cheap. The stuff they sell nowadays is definitely not cheap and it's a lot smaller and just not as good.I knew you could make them at home so made an attempt thinking they'd be a great snack for the

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05858024535213588322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2408860928797707268.post-62189278565115300062009-02-19T14:43:00.001-06:002009-02-22T17:29:19.675-06:00

I know there is beginning to be debate as to the coolness of chalkboard paint but let me just say, if you have kids, it will always rock! We've got a little area in the kitchen for Ander to draw. I've also painted the old door to the porch. It's great when the weather is a bit warmer to hang out out there while he draws to his hearts content. His friends also enjoy leaving their mark when they

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05858024535213588322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2408860928797707268.post-11718722458588486262009-02-18T12:50:00.004-06:002009-02-18T13:14:53.449-06:00

Wishing I was here:Or here:

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05858024535213588322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2408860928797707268.post-86865330291764214882009-02-18T12:35:00.006-06:002009-02-25T08:49:57.796-06:00

Anderson and I made zucchini muffins for breakfast. He can't get enough of them!Zucchini Muffins1 cup white flour 1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour1/4 cup wheat germ1/4 cups oatmeal2 tsp cinnamon1 tsp baking soda1 tsp salt1/2 tsp baking powder1/2 tsp nutmegCombine above ingredients and set aside.2 beaten eggs1 cup brown sugar1/2 cup white sugar2 cups grated zucchini1/3 cup

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05858024535213588322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2408860928797707268.post-78101359758964435612009-02-17T13:25:00.000-06:002009-02-17T13:25:21.514-06:00

I saw this show, Make, on PBS the other night. Kind of geeky but also cool. There's this guy (Reuben Margolin) who makes the most radical kinetic sculptures. They are just amazing. Check out the segment here or visit his webpage for some still photos and several other videos. I can't stop watching the sculptures move. They're so fluid. Amazing!

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05858024535213588322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2408860928797707268.post-19666752903870432132009-02-16T12:59:00.000-06:002009-02-16T13:00:09.111-06:00

So, from time to time I watch Regis and Kelly in the mornings. They just had this Beautiful Baby contest. Like most mothers, I am convinced Anderson is truly beautiful. (Unlike the moms who have to know their kid looks like an elephant's ass but you tell them the kid is cute, people mean it when they say Ander is cute.) Anyway, I entered him in the contest.I figure they choose the cutest kid

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05858024535213588322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2408860928797707268.post-65311443958288143882009-02-15T01:23:00.001-06:002009-02-15T12:18:02.156-06:00

It's 1:23 am and I am awake. I have a slight problem with caffeine. I like it but it doesn't like me. I had decaf coffee this morning. Fine. Just enough to get me going but not enough to give me the shakes. At lunch I had Thai iced tea. Some caffeine. I felt fine afterwards so must not be too much. Then we stopped at the coffee shop around 2:30pm and I had a large chai. Caffeine again.

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05858024535213588322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2408860928797707268.post-47017599920841478382009-02-14T23:48:00.000-06:002009-02-15T00:35:27.500-06:00

Anderson and I made a Valentine's Day card for his Dad. He wasn't sure about the paint on the fingers thing at first but after squishing it in his hands for a bit he quite enjoyed the project. Daddy was also pleased to have a giant valentine handed to him first thing in the morning. It kind of made up for being woken at 6:30 am on a Saturday (I hope).

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05858024535213588322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2408860928797707268.post-30826743438861085602009-02-14T23:00:00.001-06:002009-02-18T13:16:26.083-06:00

I've always had a bit of a running commentary in my head. A dialogue for the pretend movie being filmed about my life. I just know that if people knew what I was doing at any given time, they'd either feel a little better about how un-lame their life was compared to mine. Or, if I share all the kooky ideas I have, maybe someone will validate how cool I really am. Either way, I'm here to post

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05858024535213588322noreply@blogger.com0