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The Polar Express in Williams, Arizona.
January 11, 2011
>random ramblings
>The girls and I have been traveling the last several days, so blog posting hasn’t been what it should be. But there is much to share and much coming up!
First of all, our plane trips to and fro Show Low, Arizona on my own with an wiggly infant and a busy toddler were a success. I am beyond proud of my girls for being so good, especially Hadley. There may have been a complaint or two while on completely full flights from Phoenix to Minneapolis, but nothing earth shattering and that a freeze dried apple snack couldn’t remedy.
Now you are wondering, I am sure, “Where in the heck is Show Low?” It’s in the mountains of Arizona. Now you are probably thinking, “There are mountains in Arizona?” Yep! There sure are! My mom and her significant other are in the process of building a home there and we went up for a visit. While there isn’t much to the town itself, it is certainly picturesque.
So we headed there to see my mom’s new digs, celebrate a belated Christmas with them and to meet one of my oldest friends and her family in Williams, Arizona (Grand Canyon) to ride the Polar Express Train. Unfortunately, my mother who is never ill was extremely ill and had to pass on the trip to Williams, so the girls and I drove the three hours from Show Low to Williams, passing through Winslow (nope, didn’t stop to stand on the corner) and Meteor City (I was tempted to stop, but the little ones were sleeping)(don’t want to interrupt that) along the way.
We checked in to the Grand Canyon Lodge, stretched our legs for a bit, met up with our friends and enjoyed a not-so-hot buffet dinner before changing into jammies and boarding the Polar Express.
The minute we boarded, we were transported into a magical Christmas world! And I am thankful I knew a lot of the story. Hadley was so excited, enjoyed her cookie and hot cocoa, stared out the window in awe once we reached the North Pole, sang and clapped along to the Christmas carols and even chatted with Santa when he came by. Hayden, on the other hand, slept for a lot of the trip, enjoyed a bite of my cookie, and happily took the jingle bell from Santa.
I can’t express enough how special this trip was. I love the magic of Christmas and it’s been fun to see it in Hadley’s eyes this year. And even more, being able to take the ride with my friend and her sweet family. I hope we can make it a tradition (and I hope my mom can join next year).
Yesterday, our day started a little rough, but the girls were once again champs on the airplanes back home. Jonathan picked us up and we went to Ikea for a meatball dinner and let Hadley run a muck in the play area in the Ikea restaurant before braving the snowy roads home. The girls were happy to be home – we could hardly get Hayden to bed because she wanted to play, and Hadley happily went into her room and crawled under her covers and went to sleep. And, after finally getting Hayden to sleep, I fell fast asleep.
So enough about our trip…
I have a few awesome giveaways lined up this month! Next up is a giveaway to CSN Stores. They have EVERYTHING, laptop messenger bag, furniture, baby gear… Just about everything! So be sure to check back on Monday for that giveaway!
OK, so that’s it for my random rambling. Hope everyone’s week has been great so far!
January 8, 2011
>hadley – 2 1/2
>Today my lovely first born is 2 1/2 years old. It deserves a proper post, but we are traveling. So instead I will share a picture of her from the other evening in her tutu.
January 6, 2011
>traveling
>The girlies and I boarded two airplanes yesterday to visit my mom in the White Mountains of Arizona. The day was long, yet successful. I am very proud of how well they did.
We are headed to ride the Polar Express train tomorrow. I promise there will be lots of photos to share. But until then, here’s a picture of Hadley in the tutu and leotard Santa left for her at Grandma’s.
January 5, 2011
>on mourning
>There isn’t a day that goes by that I don’t think of my dad. He passed almost three years a go, yet I play his last days with us in my head almost daily.
Remembering the last thing he said to me. Telling him that he would be missed, but that I would be OK. The night before he died when he looked at me straight in the eye, his brown eyes locked with mine as he came out of his confusion. Listening to my brother play his guitar and sing him songs laying on the bed next to him. Feeding him pain medication. What his last breath looked like, telling him I love him for the last time.
I think of these things everyday. And my heart aches. My heart breaks.
January 27th marks the third anniversary of the last day of his life. Thus making January a time of mourning. Dear readers, because of this, you will likely see many posts about my dad. Writing is a means of mourning, so hang tight and bare with my sappiness.
January 4, 2011
>and the winner is…
>Thank you to everyone who entered the Prickly Play Porcupine infant toy giveaway!
Using Random.org, entry number 46, belonging to Abrennan09, was selected! Congratulations! I will be emailing you shortly to obtain your shipping info.
Stay tuned for more giveaways this month… Including another Prickly Play Porcupine!
Happy New Year!
November 30, 2010
>homemade baby food (update)
>It’s been awhile since I’ve written about making baby food. But, I’ve been pureeing an making much more adventurous combinations for Hayden than I was ever brave enough to do with Hadley.
Well, let me be honest, I was much more cautious with Hadley with EVERYTHING (poor kid).
Anyway, so here are a couple of very loose recipes I blended up as of late in my (new) food processor (which, by the way, is Soooo much better than the blender):
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BROCCOLI, PEAS & PEARS:
Sounds disgusting, but a HUGE hit with Hayden and, believe it or not, Hadley.
You will need a small head of broccoli, two pears and 16 ounces (or a can) of cooked peas.
* First wash the broccoli and pears.
* Cut the tops off the broccoli, break into small pieces and place in microwave safe bowl.
* Peel the skins off the pears and slice into chunks. Place into the bowl with broccoli.
* Put water in bowl, about an inch swap.
* Cover bowl with plastic wrap, place in microwave for 7 minutes or until the contents are soft.
* When cooked, pour entire contents of bowl (including the water) into your blender or food processor. Add the peas and blend until desired consistency. You may need to add more water to achieve this.
That’s it!
GARBONZO BEANS & SWEET PEAS
This one is inspired by a recipe I read on http://www.DearBabyBlog.com . I didn’t use her recipe to a T, but what I did do Hayden was pleased with.
What you need: a can of garbonzo (chickpea) beans and a can of sweet peas. (Next round I will make from scratch), olive oil, salt, black pepper
* Drain liquid in both cans into sink.
* Put the beans and peas into blender or food processor. Add a little water, two tablespoons of olive oil, a pinch of salt and a pinch of black pepper.
* Puree to desired consistency. Add more water, if needed.
Easy breezy!
STORAGE:
Now, I freeze baby food in covered ice cube trays. Once frozen, I place the cube in marked (kind and date) freezer bags and leave in the freezer until we need it. Then I can use the trays to freeze more food.
TO DEFROST:
* If you plan on using later in the day, put in a covered container and set out. This is great, also, if you are going somewhere with baby.
* If you plan on using immediately, gradually microwave. Start at 30 seconds, stir, add another 15 seconds. Use your judgement, taking care to not make hot – you don’t want to burn baby.
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What are some of your favorite recipes?
Happy pureeing!
Disclaimer: These techniques are what I use successfully, but I can not be held responsible for what others create. Use at own risk.
minimalmom 