tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-63870827318984325002024-03-06T02:23:32.641-07:00Life In The Fish BowlMike and Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16816967607868977948noreply@blogger.comBlogger93125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6387082731898432500.post-36771926536053805182013-12-25T16:16:00.001-07:002013-12-25T16:16:21.639-07:00Merry Christmas from the Gills!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Merry Christmas! </div>
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<br />Mike and Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16816967607868977948noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6387082731898432500.post-58918868350353668342013-12-14T10:49:00.000-07:002013-12-14T10:49:06.083-07:00Just a bit of what I've learned in the first 5 months with baby ZHey Friend!<br />
It's been 4 months ish since I last posted.<br />
Things have been busy but beautiful.<br />
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Zephaniah is such a wonderful addition and blessing to our family.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Zeph and Daddy at the Pumpkin Patch</td></tr>
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Its been so fun to watch him grow and change.<br />
And to see how we are changing because of him! Michael and I have totally different priorities now that Zeph is here, but we love our lives and couldn't go back.<br />
Zephaniah is so much fun. He'll be 6 months old on December 28th, while we are in Michigan celebrating my sister and her fiance's wedding!<br />
He's starting laughing and smiling, and really noticing the people (and dogs) around him. He LOVES Bosley and thinks that when the dog whines its the funniest thing ever!<br />
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Zephaniah has started to sit up on his own and is really into playing with his toys....and by playing either eating them OR banging them against the table or floor to make loud noises. </div>
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Its so crazy though because even 12 weeks ago he was just starting to smile and now he's so entertaining and into talking to people. He loves Facetime with my family, and likes to 'talk' to them and show off his new skills.</div>
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He recognizes voices from the phone too. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">1 week old Zeph with Mom and Grandma<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grandparents!</td></tr>
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Most parents already know this but it truly is amazing how fast things change. </div>
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I'm so thankful that we have the means and technology to easily capture these wonderful stages he's been going through because it seems like a blink and he's learned something new.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">So happy with our cloth diaper and handmade booties!</td></tr>
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We're cloth diapering, but usually only at home. It has been going well. I really love our FuzziBunz and the routine of washing and what not is pretty easy, especially since I only work one or two days a week. We have a HE washer so it took a little trial and error to get the right system down for us. If you have questions at all about that let me know in the comments and I can answer you there!</div>
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They are so soft and his fluffy bum is so stinkin' cute with those colorful diapers!</div>
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I would totally recommend for a mom to try cloth.<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is Zeph's 'really Mom?' face</td></tr>
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I feel like recently we've really been getting into a good rhythm with being parents. Don't get me wrong, sometimes that boy cries and we have NO IDEA why and have to just try to calm him down.<div>
Those times are getting less frequent because we've reached the place where we see what he likes, when he's getting tired, how to talk to and soothe him, how to make him laugh or distract him....and because Zeph is a little older and probably a little more used to being out in this big world. </div>
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He's started taking longer, more restful naps....thank God! And really I think it was my not reading his cues properly that took us so long to get to this place where he's sleeping well. </div>
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Now though he gets sleep-I can usually shower during the day (hurray!) and work on some other projects!</div>
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Its really so much fun to get to know this little guy.</div>
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Here's just a little list of the things we've learned over the that 5 1/2 months.</div>
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*when the baby is a newborn, sleep when he sleeps. For real-your house will be messy but baby doesn't care. Sleep!</div>
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You'll be happier and have more patience with that sweet hysterically crying baby when you've had an hour nap!</div>
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*Freeze up some meals-more than you think. Even after you've recovered from birth, having a quick meal is great for days when the baby has been a hot mess and is having an epic meltdown....right at dinner time....read: the first 3 months of sweet baby Z's life</div>
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*Swings are life savers. At least for us it was. Babies love to rock and sway, and a swing can keep going for hours after your arms would give out. Craigslist has them for 1/2 off! Get the cradle swing that is soft and you can wash the lining!</div>
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*Use that smart phone to your advantage. Track feedings w/apps, take photos and make movies of your little bundle of joy....even when all they do is lay there and stare at their own hand. Because in just a couple of weeks it will be so hard to remember those days where all they did was lay and look at their own hand. Plus grandparents love that stuff. Create a YouTube channel and load that puppy up!</div>
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*Baby-wearing is awesome! There are a ton of places that list all the <a href="http://www.askdrsears.com/topics/health-concerns/fussy-baby/baby-wearing/benefits-babywearing" target="_blank">benefits</a> of babywearing.</div>
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We were fortunate enough to have my cousin gift us a Moby wrap and we used gift cards to purchase an Ergo! So great for handsfree baby-soothing. If Zeph was having a rough time I'd throw him on and walk around in circles around the house if I couldn't leave-taking big exaggerated steps (think lunges) and all the swaying would put him to sleep. The dog though was a little confused and followed us around....so we had a parade of three going on for a while! </div>
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*People have opinions about every aspect of baby raising, from diapers to sleep training, to clothing....seriously like almost everything. But, these opinions are always super strong and it's not "oh we disagree, ok" its more like "we disagree and if you don't change your mind you will damage your baby for life!" </div>
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Its craziness. Ask the opinions of people you respect and that won't be haters if you don't take it. </div>
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And find a pediatrician you can ask questions and get honest responses. I asked my Dr. about vaccines and she sent me home w/her copy of a book to read to make an informed choice. I respect that.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Newborn baby love</td></tr>
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I make no promises of posting on a regular basis, but I'd like to so keep an eye open for some more updates! </div>
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Mike and Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16816967607868977948noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6387082731898432500.post-71715267207582545422013-08-19T17:13:00.002-06:002013-08-19T17:13:44.406-06:00so I had a baby<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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So about two months ago I had a baby!<br />
Ta Da!<br />
Isn't he beautiful?<br />
Ohmigoodness.<br />
So....I thought I would write out my birth experience, for you to read.....and in all honesty for me to remember.<br />
I'll try to not make it too gross.<br />
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So Baby Gill was over due by 5 days, and I was not very happy about that...it was HOT HOT HOT in Boise and I was super swollen and grumpy pants.<br />
Mr. Gill, Bosley and I had been taking lots of walks trying to get things started to no avail.<br />
At my post-due date appointment with my midwife I was told I needed to have an ultrasound to make sure he was doing ok-that it was very routine.<br />
The appointment was on Thursday June 27th at 12:15pm.<br />
At the ultrasound the tech was telling Mr. Gill and I that the baby looked really good, but that we would probably be having the baby that day or the next because she couldn't see any amniotic fluid....which is bad fyi.<br />
So we went straight to Labor and Delivery where we were admitted and I got hooked up the saline fluids, a Penicillin drip and continuous monitoring.....because its high risk to have "no amniotic fluid" so I had to wear a strap around my *HUGE* belly the entire time until the baby was born.<br />
Mr. Gill and his sister Heather were at the hospital with me from pretty much the beginning of the process.<br />
We decided to try to manually induce labor, by inserting a balloon to mimic the head pushing on the cervix....and that started some contractions BUT they went away after a couple of hours.<br />
They make you wait 12 hours after the balloon to try something new so we spent the night at the hospital all hooked up but going nowhere.<br />
The next morning (Friday) at about 6 am they started the Pitocin drip. I don't remember the name of my nurse that day but she was awesome. She had three kids (a set of twin she delivered on Pitocin w/out pain relief) and we knew mutual people. She is a believer and was just very encouraging.<br />
Everything was going well, I was having contractions but not really feeling much of anything. The baby was looking really good on the monitor but my belly was so big that it felt like every time I moved the nurse had to come in and adjust the do-dads.<br />
I had lunch, we watched videos, took walks and around 4 or so in the afternoon I started "feeling" the contractions. I was checked and dilated to about 4 1/2 cm.<br />
So we kept walking and trying to get things going. A couple of hours later they checked me again and I was at 6 cm and as they were checking I had a big contraction and my water broke....even though I had "no" amniotic fluid....explain that one to me.<br />
Anyway after that things got VERY real. It was like in an instant I felt like my entire body was contracting.<br />
I'm pretty sure I told Mr. Gill and Heather I was going to die several times.<br />
So-here's where I'm going to skip over some kinda gross details about what my body was doing for the sake of people like-my Dad. If you want details of the crazy things that were coming out of my body let me know-if you've had a baby you can relate.<br />
Mr. Gill and Heather were awesome though during the rough contractions, helping me stay focused and not screaming like a crazy woman the whole time....I only did that at the end.<br />
I'm so thankful to have had them both there with me to get me through those crazy intense couple of hours.<br />
I was in BIG labor from about 6pm (I think) until 11pm when Baby Z made his arrival.<br />
I pushed for about 20 minutes and almost broke Mr. Gill's arm in half. He was up by my head-thank goodness. Those last couple of pushes I remember screaming like a crazy woman. I hope the other moms to be in the rooms next to me weren't scared!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiacdzeM5zzBLagEoHKc2IeGukDmyzVjU2tH8LTHe3GWVWgUJeD2dXcxzKpWQXGOQWcqXkSBS9kX9F1gkQG7zou62PR01gPUPCC-xdeaDAbQhItPFgGtPAY5iHlB7OWBCylltiCz2nIqIAF/s1600/zephcrop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiacdzeM5zzBLagEoHKc2IeGukDmyzVjU2tH8LTHe3GWVWgUJeD2dXcxzKpWQXGOQWcqXkSBS9kX9F1gkQG7zou62PR01gPUPCC-xdeaDAbQhItPFgGtPAY5iHlB7OWBCylltiCz2nIqIAF/s320/zephcrop.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Moments after being born </td></tr>
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I was on my hands and knees on the bed-so it required acrobatics to get turned around the see my baby boy, but it was like instant relief once he was out!<br />
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Mr. Gill cut the cord (even though he wasn't planning on it-the Midwife kinda just made him)....and he was fine. It felt like almost right after he was born I got the shakes, and had them for at least an hour. They said it was from all the adrenaline in my system after delivery....I believe it because that whole thing was the most intense/physical process I'd EVER been through.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJGU6QBv3OEXQSJFgT70LDsINC-sPBjxd8XvurPOCtZSRuxZo6n4ZpZFZgz9jVNWsLgLSZiMLeFjJ5bRrKSaBHeBjC02lDLrJvA9Cxoghc7XTJK-5JFnoorMQhWuMnAannNGO8z8F-8RyA/s1600/998521_10151475965491596_425887965_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJGU6QBv3OEXQSJFgT70LDsINC-sPBjxd8XvurPOCtZSRuxZo6n4ZpZFZgz9jVNWsLgLSZiMLeFjJ5bRrKSaBHeBjC02lDLrJvA9Cxoghc7XTJK-5JFnoorMQhWuMnAannNGO8z8F-8RyA/s1600/998521_10151475965491596_425887965_n.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">about 12 hours after being born</td></tr>
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Baby Z wasn't too vocal right away so they had to get him stimulated into crying, but I did get to hold him right away. He was just so beautiful. He also had a low temperature so he had to be under the heat lamp for a while too.<br />
He was super chill the first couple days after coming into the world.<br />
I think he was just taking it all in.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiARkyV9C5F4EP2cjVccs62hhXrBrgtjb58FSJ-07tG5-eN-4JEGuc7V51lFK9wjA8hFOJIeO0sd8gnAfuZ_veYy6K-7KjUmEprY5SXFDLYP1Wfsb7XjD7rgvbSAPUy5Pjzbr3KLDJWb-kb/s1600/cryzeph.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiARkyV9C5F4EP2cjVccs62hhXrBrgtjb58FSJ-07tG5-eN-4JEGuc7V51lFK9wjA8hFOJIeO0sd8gnAfuZ_veYy6K-7KjUmEprY5SXFDLYP1Wfsb7XjD7rgvbSAPUy5Pjzbr3KLDJWb-kb/s320/cryzeph.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mom get me out of here!</td></tr>
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He no longer has that problem. This boy gets LOUD!</div>
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The rest of these pictures are from a *photo shoot* I did in when he was about 5 weeks old. </div>
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Which is when he started SMILING!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggLAnH7MAJCO4-oubfnGfjEnP-zN6DA8QfVgezRKvAmW0GueM6ESIpmbUXZxocNlaG_Crw25rmRkATLr8cpoWd_am6HA2hRiEKs9oDKmKCBrpjp64zUJFZ9EndoECTtFo4YVF8EykL01dw/s1600/lyingzeph.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggLAnH7MAJCO4-oubfnGfjEnP-zN6DA8QfVgezRKvAmW0GueM6ESIpmbUXZxocNlaG_Crw25rmRkATLr8cpoWd_am6HA2hRiEKs9oDKmKCBrpjp64zUJFZ9EndoECTtFo4YVF8EykL01dw/s320/lyingzeph.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizoD2xN4rkPaBZh6xxRCuCMcKcLeNGNfRMZMxk_25fZzzpCUqww8MgABLG3FJZeaieyH-XQEZmvJieL41euNty5SDMvTs1xy50QDQ0XHMEuXEHy0mRbWJYzq4FVWyX_9lGqHxSbwHG4L7T/s1600/zephsepia.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizoD2xN4rkPaBZh6xxRCuCMcKcLeNGNfRMZMxk_25fZzzpCUqww8MgABLG3FJZeaieyH-XQEZmvJieL41euNty5SDMvTs1xy50QDQ0XHMEuXEHy0mRbWJYzq4FVWyX_9lGqHxSbwHG4L7T/s320/zephsepia.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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So far being a Mom has been so fun. Exhausting but fun.<br />
I'd trade sleep for his sweet face any day!<br />
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I'm sure my posting will be just as sporadic but hopefully more fun as I give updates about baby Z, being parents and all the fun that follows!<br />
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*Jenny<br />
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Mike and Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16816967607868977948noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6387082731898432500.post-76977218953305151572013-06-17T14:02:00.000-06:002013-06-17T14:07:02.023-06:005 Days and Counting<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Hello Blog friends! Its been a while. </div>
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We're here in the home stretch of baby-making. My due date is this coming Saturday!!! The means baby Gill could come tomorrow.....or, he could come on the 4th of July. Here's hoping he comes a little bit before Independence Day. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzemkMlqVrz3GNzVInDpltD0mOeR47ABNiW1QtX7PxF8nbjtsY8uaDHQODHdNZv5lVXbvAgNC0aB3w8dzfreooofQerV_S_0_Z3jGRheTenrTer7P9XJVrO6WCogbD0zX9KGYHG3CFmc84/s1600/20130601_173826.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzemkMlqVrz3GNzVInDpltD0mOeR47ABNiW1QtX7PxF8nbjtsY8uaDHQODHdNZv5lVXbvAgNC0aB3w8dzfreooofQerV_S_0_Z3jGRheTenrTer7P9XJVrO6WCogbD0zX9KGYHG3CFmc84/s320/20130601_173826.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">37 weeks</td></tr>
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Today also marks the second week I've been home from work. I think the wonderful women I work with could tell that my swollen ankles and painful wrists needed an early break so they let me start my 'maternity leave' early. And can I tell you how WONDERFUL it is to not be working right now? </div>
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I am just not sure how women work up until the day they deliver. I wasn't getting anything done in preparation for baby when I was working-I'd come home so tired, and our evenings tend to be a little bit over-scheduled.....so sleep was always the priority. </div>
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Anyway while I <i>was</i> working all the time-Bosley started to have a hard time. I think a large part of the problem was the fact we were gone all day and so tired at night he didn't get much exercise OR attention....and then there was the issue of all these new things coming into our home, that from his little puppy eyes-looked like they should be toys for him.</div>
So, he took it upon himself to "play" with these new toys one afternoon while I was at work.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMqGOI456mSRTDtosX1jdbKmLZ9u-lMKBLPFUBDXqIxY0aFwzxh9ivHCoUxAX6PIqEuxL3qtJaeT3jBu7V6f8krQljXzMrV8A4vFokYHLofBzoDUVJ4MvhjzFQbpZetQPy9vhM-2fye1pX/s1600/20130524_162046.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMqGOI456mSRTDtosX1jdbKmLZ9u-lMKBLPFUBDXqIxY0aFwzxh9ivHCoUxAX6PIqEuxL3qtJaeT3jBu7V6f8krQljXzMrV8A4vFokYHLofBzoDUVJ4MvhjzFQbpZetQPy9vhM-2fye1pX/s320/20130524_162046.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bosley the Destroyer of worlds</td></tr>
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Yea-that is a picture of the destruction. In case you can't tell what's shredded there its a WHOLE package of disposable diapers, an outfit including shoes, linky toys, a blanket and a stuffed animal.<br />
This wasn't the first time either although it was the largest massacre of baby stuff.<br />
I came home from work tired, swollen and hungry. I waddled into the living room to see the Boz, sitting there amongst the carnage, wagging his tail all ready to play.<br />
I just started crying.....called Mr. Gill and told him I think we might have to give Bosley up because his hunger for diapers has become too much for me to handle.<br />
I'm pretty sure Mr. Gill rolled his eyes and thought to himself-seriously? But he could tell I was very upset because of the angry/crying/yelling at the dog on the other end of the phone and tried to logically talk to me about how Boz behaves when people are actually around, which is slightly sneaky-but not malicious or even really very naughty.<br />
Which was needed because I wasn't being fair to the dog and I may have been a *little* hormonal.<br />
These last few weeks have been MUCH better with Boz though.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmdK-iFodmh7mE7Pn1r5RNjsCrYdj9WE8Qn3XE7DEbD8Z7bshSpZtPXs0Ck_nfOaEoljxeObVY-1Kl3fbBIEwrj4OE4UFBE1A_bpeXOKTXuRSwvsvfHV5ZVuVzG2OlZ1xanSSNFVpxZgKm/s1600/IMG_20130529_121553.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: left;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmdK-iFodmh7mE7Pn1r5RNjsCrYdj9WE8Qn3XE7DEbD8Z7bshSpZtPXs0Ck_nfOaEoljxeObVY-1Kl3fbBIEwrj4OE4UFBE1A_bpeXOKTXuRSwvsvfHV5ZVuVzG2OlZ1xanSSNFVpxZgKm/s320/IMG_20130529_121553.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Happy Dog</td></tr>
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We've been spending our mornings outside in the backyard, and taking lots of walks around the neighborhood. </div>
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We've also been hanging out at a local park that has foothills and a pond, so Bosley can swim and I can climb up and down flights of stairs (rumor has it that helps the baby move into the right position for labor). He's been happier, and so have I. </div>
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We aren't scared of how he'll react to the baby, although we are for sure anticipating a little bit of jealousy.....maybe a couple more chewings of baby things. </div>
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But like my mom mentioned to me after that last massacre.....its only a matter of time before Bosley<i> and</i> baby Gill are a team; tearing up all my stuff. ;)</div>
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So here we are just waiting. I'll try to keep taking pictures of how things go and maybe even post pictures of the nursery before the baby comes!</div>
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*Jenny</div>
Mike and Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16816967607868977948noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6387082731898432500.post-54078583233745815662013-04-10T10:03:00.000-06:002013-04-10T10:04:06.875-06:00Photo Dump!So it's been several months since I've posted. Um, 3 months to be exact. And, I'd say I'm sorry but-ya know....we're just living life. Here is a just a quick photo run-down of what's been happening the last 3 months. <br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IIZthuwSFic/UWWG6T_PL_I/AAAAAAAADbw/eetL4wCfXlo/s1600/20130127_162215.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" bua="true" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IIZthuwSFic/UWWG6T_PL_I/AAAAAAAADbw/eetL4wCfXlo/s400/20130127_162215.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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In late Janurary we found out we're having a boy!<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZaYqz6vhty4/UWWG6R48VdI/AAAAAAAADbs/9USf5PP5elY/s1600/20130202_154940.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" bua="true" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZaYqz6vhty4/UWWG6R48VdI/AAAAAAAADbs/9USf5PP5elY/s320/20130202_154940.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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Our lemon tree produced several big lemons-and I made Lemon Bars!<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jvOKJaM8jY0/UWWG6XBOQQI/AAAAAAAADbs/OVta8s_MPZ8/s1600/20130310_144003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" bua="true" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jvOKJaM8jY0/UWWG6XBOQQI/AAAAAAAADbs/OVta8s_MPZ8/s320/20130310_144003.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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The recipe is on my Pinterest page-OHMIGOODNESS! SO GOOD!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitb1ER6JoOOoSs9F46QauznPWnCW5LG-n_eeFATu0psof6H7_q-t_pk9XOVeHYnf38KUztdQ3hm-_0UG982GvNw8tSDsjsO19XkzZUZRviKsdCb1el4T3XR3Z2VZzcygz9zE91-ToKoPcP/s1600/20130222_132907.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" bua="true" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitb1ER6JoOOoSs9F46QauznPWnCW5LG-n_eeFATu0psof6H7_q-t_pk9XOVeHYnf38KUztdQ3hm-_0UG982GvNw8tSDsjsO19XkzZUZRviKsdCb1el4T3XR3Z2VZzcygz9zE91-ToKoPcP/s320/20130222_132907.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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Bosley got a cut on his little paw and then had to wear the cone of shame until it healed....since he spent all day licking the cut and making it worse....poor puppy. Except his bumbling around w/the cone was SO funny. I mean, SO funny. hehe<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Mqfsz8G6_Fo/UWWG6Y4_zSI/AAAAAAAADbs/Ylth2F6VJGY/s1600/20130307_164627.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em;"><img border="0" bua="true" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Mqfsz8G6_Fo/UWWG6Y4_zSI/AAAAAAAADbs/Ylth2F6VJGY/s400/20130307_164627.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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This is some fabric I picked out for baby. How stinkin' cute is that? I haven't actually MADE anything with it but, its going to be something beautiful. </div>
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This photo is from the very end of March. I was only 27 weeks-but guess what? I was measuring more like I was 33 weeks. He's going to be a BIG baby. <br />
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My parents bought us a BEAUTIFUL crib that I adore. Bosley has been practicing protectively watching over the crib like a big brother should. <br />
Actually he just wanted to be w/Michael as he was putting it together which meant he was practically in the crib as it was being assembled.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH1DAxTuApssCPF9YlawvJki0o18SYhB1sjeGpxCLjKJ_-OZpnZfm0I2qoP8CbkWREo9WT2wZkchCabGDN7pDaa_8TGK0K4YR3DtppgKlQpc8R7K7wbbGYfqn7HuL_NnaTwIHcgqTvdqse/s1600/20130405_192316.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" bua="true" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH1DAxTuApssCPF9YlawvJki0o18SYhB1sjeGpxCLjKJ_-OZpnZfm0I2qoP8CbkWREo9WT2wZkchCabGDN7pDaa_8TGK0K4YR3DtppgKlQpc8R7K7wbbGYfqn7HuL_NnaTwIHcgqTvdqse/s640/20130405_192316.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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And last but not least the Michael Gill and Friends Band had a show just last week! It was super fun and they are going to start recording! <br />
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That's a mini-glimpse into what's been going on w/the Gills. <br />
Have a good Wednesday friends!Mike and Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16816967607868977948noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6387082731898432500.post-75878543933952938702013-01-08T17:42:00.001-07:002013-01-08T17:42:58.425-07:00Hello friendHello Blog Friends!
Happy 2013!
So, it's been over 2 months since I've honestly even thought about putting a post up here....but I have a very reasonable excuse.
I'm PREGNANT!
I'm a little over 4 months along, and so super excited it's kinda crazy.
Let me tell you though, they aren't joking about mind-numbing fatigue that accompanies the first trimester or so.
I still sleep like 8-9...or 10 hours a night and then take a nap most afternoons.
Making a baby is apparently tiring work.
So, there's that. I'll be sure to give updates regularly about how things are going. So far, so good....the baby is about the size of an avocado and is apparently hungry because in the last week or so I can't seem to stop eating.
We have a few adventures ahead of us this year. Mr. Gill and I have made a resolution to work on the house.
Well, mostly Mr. Gill has made that resolution since he'll be doing most of the work, but I totally support him in that choice.
The first project is to put a light/vent into the ceiling of the bathroom.
I don't think I've posted any pictures of the bathroom on the blog....and for a good reason....it's totally gross. It has safety handles in the shower, molding caulk all round the tub and a general sense of grodiness that I can't get rid of no matter how much I scrub that room.
This was supposed to be a simple project, but apparently our house has crazy wiring and tall attic that has made this project a little more, um....let's say delicate than we anticipated. So, we've been living with a hole in the ceiling for about a week, with hopes that this weekend we'll (we being Mr. Gill and Mr. Gill Senior) knock it out.
I'll try to take pictures of the process just so y'all can join in the fun.
Anyone else working on any fun projects for the new year?
I actually have a couple of things I'll be trying....like getting a handle of our out of control budget/non-budget, prepping our spare bedroom for baby-land and being more purposeful with my interactions...(with friends, co-workers, etc).
I also want to read some good books. I feel like it's been years since I've read a really good book.
Any suggestions? My library card has only seen baby books the last 4 months...we need a change of pace!
Here's to a new year and the clean slate!
*Jenny GMike and Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16816967607868977948noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6387082731898432500.post-66661340106186999952012-10-26T09:40:00.001-06:002012-10-26T09:46:44.193-06:00EmWrites about HospitalityHey Friends!<br />I was invited to <a href="http://www.emmillerwrites.com/2012/10/guest-post-youre-welcome-simple-tips-to.html" target="_blank">guest post</a> over at my good friend Emily Miller's blog today! <br />Emily is a close friend I made while living in the great city of Chicago, and has taught me many things including a reverance for Patron Saints. <br />She is a newlywed that blogs over at <a href="http://www.emmillerwrites.com/" target="_blank">EmMillerWrites</a>, writes for Start Marriage Right and The Chicago Sun-times! <br />
Over on her blog she has been doing a FANTASTIC series on Hospitality called <a href="http://www.emmillerwrites.com/search/label/You%27re%20Welcome" target="_blank">You're Welcome</a>. <br />
This series has a lot of awesome stuff about being hospitable and <em>why</em> being hospitable is important so go check it out!<br />
Also-Emily is in general really fun and witty....so take some time to check out her blog in full.<br />Don't worry-she gave me permission to let you blog stalk her!<br />
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Have a good weekend!<br />
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Mike and Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16816967607868977948noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6387082731898432500.post-18555279681997557092012-10-24T21:08:00.001-06:002012-10-24T21:08:50.612-06:00That one timeSo remember that one time when I told you that my husband was in a band, and that band was going to have a concert?<br />
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Well-that totally happened!<br />
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Like, two months ago..... :)<br />
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But I have PROOF!<br />
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It was the best ever having a concert in our backyard. </div>
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We had over 80 friends and family come by and we even got to meet some new neighbors! </div>
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Soon there will be a song clip up of the show.....but Mr. Gill is in charge of making that happen-as it will be showcasing <i>his</i> band. </div>
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One last thing:</div>
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I LOVE Fall and all the joys that come with it, like watching my nephews play in the leaves!</div>
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<br />Mike and Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16816967607868977948noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6387082731898432500.post-76944237839536674892012-10-10T12:56:00.001-06:002012-10-11T17:25:07.004-06:00Truffles!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Truffles.<br />
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Cookie Dough Truffles.<br />
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Seriously, these are SO SO good.<br />
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AND Bonus-if you can make chocolate chip cookies-you can totally make these!<br />
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I first found this recipe on <a href="http://www.loveandoliveoil.com/2010/01/chocolate-chip-cookie-dough-truffles.html" target="_blank">the blog Love and Olive Oil</a> a couple of years ago when I was looking for a sweet treat to bring to a function but I didn't want to bake.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNGguYrS4wTGStcl0BUHGIXGJdjYpfcnbwJAoV5NLpbTohROoSeR3Drnl_6qf9MhtdH-V-pjaiyHULYzjEE6CE1Zr2BTjxfjBA7tC3AE6QwJj7FJQQIU9IWcv-fDLI79RoStZFgIaxgMG_/s1600/DSCN1108.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" nea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNGguYrS4wTGStcl0BUHGIXGJdjYpfcnbwJAoV5NLpbTohROoSeR3Drnl_6qf9MhtdH-V-pjaiyHULYzjEE6CE1Zr2BTjxfjBA7tC3AE6QwJj7FJQQIU9IWcv-fDLI79RoStZFgIaxgMG_/s320/DSCN1108.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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The only modification I've made to the recipe is to add a little bit of espresso powder, because all chocolate chip cookie things are better with coffee!<br />
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Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Truffles</h2>
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<strong>Yield:</strong> <span class="yield">3-4 dozen</span><br />
<strong>Prep Time:</strong> <span class="preptime">1 hour <span class="value-title" title="PT1H"></span></span><br />
<strong>Total Time:</strong> <span class="duration">2 1/2 hours <span class="value-title" title="PT2H30M"></span></span></div>
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Ingredients:</h3>
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2 1/2 cups all purpose flour<br />
1 teaspoon salt<br />
1/4 teaspoon baking soda<br />
1 cup butter, room temperature<br />
3/4 cup granulated sugar<br />
3/4 cup packed brown sugar<br />
1 teaspoon vanilla<br />
1/3 cup milk<br />
1 cup mini semi-sweet chocolate chips<br />
14 oz dark chocolate candy coating</div>
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Directions:</h3>
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Beat butter and sugars and in large bowl with electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy. Add milk and vanilla. Stir in flour, baking soda and salt and mix on low speed (or by hand) until incorporated. Stir in chocolate chips. <br />
Cover and chill dough for 1 hour. <br />
When dough is firm enough to handle (it may help to lightly flour your hands), form dough into 1" balls and arrange on a baking sheet lined with waxed paper. Place sheets in freezer and let chill for 30 minutes.<br />
Melt chocolate candy coating in a double boiler or in microwave according to package directions. Using forks or a dipping tool, dip cookie balls into candy coating to cover. Tap fork on side of pan to remove any excess coating, and return to waxed paper-lined baking sheets. Chill until set. <br />
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These are great to just have in your freezer to pull out when guests are over.....if you can resist the tempation of having them in your house!<br />
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*Jenny G</div>
Mike and Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16816967607868977948noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6387082731898432500.post-47557941926025071432012-08-29T18:26:00.001-06:002012-08-29T18:26:32.034-06:00I'll poke your eyes out<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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You know how sometimes you want something SO MUCH you rip right into it and then something unexpected happens?<br />
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Yea, I don't think that's what happened here. </div>
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I'm pretty sure the Boz <u><i>wanted</i></u><i> </i>to tear out this toy's eyes.</div>
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My terror of a puppy. </div>
<br />Mike and Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16816967607868977948noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6387082731898432500.post-69486324961549112132012-08-24T10:52:00.001-06:002012-08-24T10:52:27.389-06:00Getting CraftyWhen Mr. Gill and I moved into our new home last winter, we were not very discriminate on which room would be our bedroom.<br />
In all honesty we just choose the room that 'seemed' to be the biggest.<br />
So we set up our bedroom in the room that has a window that faces the entry-way of our neighbors house. There are some privacy shrubbery so they can't just peer into our windows during their comings and goings.....BUT they have a huge flood light.<br />
A flood light they like to turn on as soon as it goes dark and it STAYS ON ALL NIGHT!<br />
Because of this we now have the *UGLY* beige black out curtains in our room.<br />
Very not my style but....I think I have found a solution to this issue.<br />
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<b>No-Sew Roman Shades</b><br />
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This is a photo of my kitchen window (notice the pots hanging) not my bedroom.<br />
I found this tutorial on<a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/263742121898643993/" target="_blank"> pinterest</a>, and knew I wanted to try it in my kitchen, mostly because I already had the tools.<br />
This fabric is adorable and the bright cherries really work in this space.<br />
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How this works is you take a cheap-o plastic blind-ours came w/the house, remove all the slats (blinds?) from the ropes except for just a few.<br />
The slats you keep on will be where the shade folds up when you pull the string.<br />
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Then you measure out your fabric to cover the blinds, glue your seams, glue the fabric to the slats...being careful to not glue the rope down so it can move freely.<br />
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The<a href="http://involvingcolor.com/involvinghome/no-sew-roman-shade-from-mini-blinds/" target="_blank"> tutorial </a>has step by step instructions.<br />
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I was able to complete this project for FREE! I already had the blinds, fabric and glue so all I needed was a little time and patience....<br />
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But... I'm not going to lie to you, friends.<br />
This project is EASY but I was probably not as diligent with the measuring/cutting as I should have been....just because it's no-sew does not = lazy face.<br />
So, next time I would be more careful how I glue down my seams to make sure they match exactly. This one has a little over hang you can see on the photo above.....and I'm not going to show you a picture of this but the bottom is not exactly even (:o) but, it works.<br />
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I am REALLY excited to try this idea in our light filled nightmare of a bedroom. I'm thinking I can use the ugly blackout curtains as the base for these roman shades w/a super cute fabric adhered on top?<br />
I will try this as soon as the air conditioner unit finds a new home not in my window.....but that might take a while as Boise has been in a heat wave for the last couple of months.<br />
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I can't wait to make our bedroom reflect more of our style, and what a great way to do that w/out spending loads of cash.<br />
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So if you are looking for an easy and cheap way to update your windows here you go!<br />
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*Jenny G<br />
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<br />Mike and Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16816967607868977948noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6387082731898432500.post-62315724281748226752012-08-21T15:21:00.000-06:002012-08-21T15:24:04.763-06:00The Library and a Burger Bun Recipe<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2Bs4LP_5dnQ/UDP2oXBUXXI/AAAAAAAABQU/LQ759mRG6Xg/s1600/20120820_145845.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2Bs4LP_5dnQ/UDP2oXBUXXI/AAAAAAAABQU/LQ759mRG6Xg/s400/20120820_145845.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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On my 30 before 30 list I wrote that I wanted to get "good" at baking.<br />
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Well....I don't necessarily think this qualifies as being "good" at baking but seriously two of the best bread concoctions come out of my oven in the last few days.<br />
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Firstly, I made a recipe out of Peter Reinhart's artisan breads every day.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoC4Ty2TcB9eNYzr18rxdaVrlWP4osj_5uN4hS8oYaljLrKPLykbSXHaMRwlZBlx-OAFt3gf5dIJMmvkoNC8x7-Fj0Y9lKZ4z_Uz-HMuWmevrGd2LxCBTBKxVCcXkpo_K9uwwMaXqG9ofB/s1600/20120808_215944.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoC4Ty2TcB9eNYzr18rxdaVrlWP4osj_5uN4hS8oYaljLrKPLykbSXHaMRwlZBlx-OAFt3gf5dIJMmvkoNC8x7-Fj0Y9lKZ4z_Uz-HMuWmevrGd2LxCBTBKxVCcXkpo_K9uwwMaXqG9ofB/s320/20120808_215944.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Yea, I'm the girl that checks cookbooks out of the library....so what?<br />
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Anyway this recipe for ciabatta bread is the BOMB! And pretty easy....the hardest part is thinking about it the night before you want the bread since it must chill in the fridge overnight.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-s0MGtTyQbAI/UDP2oVNlmiI/AAAAAAAABQU/N9xv1GgoNkU/s1600/20120816_181126.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-s0MGtTyQbAI/UDP2oVNlmiI/AAAAAAAABQU/N9xv1GgoNkU/s320/20120816_181126.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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If you are interested in making something other than sandwich loaf, check this book out....seriously....from your library :)<br />
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The OTHER thing I made were homemade hamburger buns!<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2l--vTRxskg/UDP2oSlWKlI/AAAAAAAABQU/LnNUgXu9cRM/s1600/20120820_145751.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2l--vTRxskg/UDP2oSlWKlI/AAAAAAAABQU/LnNUgXu9cRM/s400/20120820_145751.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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RIGHT? Who does that?<br />
A girl looking for an excuse to bake that's who.....but these were for real the best ever.<br />
They really taste similar to the onion buns you get at the grocery only WAY better.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cFRsS-EAd2k/UDP2oZ08HxI/AAAAAAAABQU/4WXSTNksdSA/s1600/20120820_150022.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cFRsS-EAd2k/UDP2oZ08HxI/AAAAAAAABQU/4WXSTNksdSA/s400/20120820_150022.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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See all those yummy topping? Garlic salt, dried onions and flax seed!<br />
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I found the recipe at <a href="http://www.Chezus.com/">www.Chezus.com</a> a neat blog I like to follow for fun cocktail ideas and stumbled across these!<br />
I <a href="http://pinterest.com/jennygill09/oh-yum/" target="_blank">pinned it</a> for later (of course) and the other day I had no idea what to have for dinner but we had some burgers. Homemade buns make burgers special-that's the truth.<br />
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I followed the recipe almost exactly, only altering the flour (I substituted 1 cup whole wheat) and my toppings.<br />
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<b>Chez Us homemade buns</b></div>
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<article class="post-12843 post type-post status-publish format-standard hentry category-baking-2 tag-baking tag-buns tag-burger tag-easy tag-hamburger-buns tag-homemade tag-homemade-hamburger-buns tag-recipes sc last-post" id="article-12843" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-color: initial; border-bottom-style: none; border-bottom-width: initial; clear: both; display: block; margin-bottom: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px;"><div class="article-wrap sc content-bg" style="background-attachment: scroll; background-color: transparent !important; background-image: none !important; background-position: 0% 0%; background-repeat: repeat repeat; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
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<ul style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; list-style-type: disc; margin-bottom: 1.5em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<li style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: Georgia, Times, serif; font-size: 15px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.4875em; margin-bottom: 0.7em; margin-left: 3em; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">1 packet active-dry yeast (about 1 tablespoon)</li>
<li style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: Georgia, Times, serif; font-size: 15px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.4875em; margin-bottom: 0.7em; margin-left: 3em; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">1/2 cup warm water</li>
<li style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: Georgia, Times, serif; font-size: 15px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.4875em; margin-bottom: 0.7em; margin-left: 3em; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">1/2 cup warm whole milk</li>
<li style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: Georgia, Times, serif; font-size: 15px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.4875em; margin-bottom: 0.7em; margin-left: 3em; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">1 large egg</li>
<li style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: Georgia, Times, serif; font-size: 15px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.4875em; margin-bottom: 0.7em; margin-left: 3em; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">2 tablespoons melted butter</li>
<li style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: Georgia, Times, serif; font-size: 15px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.4875em; margin-bottom: 0.7em; margin-left: 3em; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">1 tablespoon sugar</li>
<li style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: Georgia, Times, serif; font-size: 15px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.4875em; margin-bottom: 0.7em; margin-left: 3em; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">1 teaspoon kosher salt</li>
<li style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: Georgia, Times, serif; font-size: 15px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.4875em; margin-bottom: 0.7em; margin-left: 3em; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">3 cups all-purpose flour</li>
<li style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: Georgia, Times, serif; font-size: 15px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.4875em; margin-bottom: 0.7em; margin-left: 3em; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">egg wash – 1 egg mixed with 1 tablespoon water</li>
<li style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: Georgia, Times, serif; font-size: 15px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.4875em; margin-bottom: 0.7em; margin-left: 3em; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">1 tablespoon of each: toasted sesame seeds, poppy seeds, dried garlic, dried onion (or any seeds/toppings you like)</li>
<li style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: Georgia, Times, serif; font-size: 15px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.4875em; margin-bottom: 0.7em; margin-left: 3em; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">1 teaspoon <a href="http://astore.amazon.com/chezdenietlau-20/detail/B001XVW3DC" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #201d1d; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">maldon</a> salt</li>
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In the mixing bowl of your mixer, add the yeast into the warm water. Stir. Let it sit until dissolved. In a separate bowl, stir the warm milk, with the egg, sugar, and salt. Mix well. Add the melted butter. Stir again to mix well. Add mixture to the yeast.</div>
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Put the dough hook onto your mixer and stir the mixture well. Add the flour, one cup at a time and mix well after each addition. About 3 minutes. Continue kneading at low speed for 8 minutes. The dough will be smooth and spring back when touched. Remove the dough from the mixer bowl, and lightly oil it. Return the dough to the mixing bowl. Cover with plastic wrap and a couple dish towels. Put into a warm place and let rise until doubled in bulk; about 60 minutes.</div>
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While the dough is rising combine the seeds with the onion and garlic as well as the salt. Set aside.</div>
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Lightly flour your work surface and turn the dough out onto the flour. Lightly knead for a couple minutes with your hands. Divide the dough into 8 pieces, they will be about <a href="http://astore.amazon.com/chezdenietlau-20/detail/B000698A66" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #201d1d; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">3 ounces each</a>. Shape each into a tight ball. Transfer the balls to a baking sheet covered with a <a href="http://astore.amazon.com/chezdenietlau-20/detail/B001079VBG" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #201d1d; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">silpat</a> or parchment paper. Let them rise in a warm place (I like to slide into an over that was gently heated for a couple minutes. Turn the heat off) and let the dough rise until they are puffy and about the size of a burger patty. About 40 minutes.</div>
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Pre-heat the oven to 375°F. Lightly brush the tops with the egg wash. Gently sprinkle with the seed/onion mixture. Bake the buns for 17 minutes or until golden. Let the buns cool to room temperature before serving. Serve. Eat.</div>
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*Jenny G</div>
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</span>Mike and Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16816967607868977948noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6387082731898432500.post-66369127456824222572012-08-08T16:39:00.000-06:002012-08-08T16:39:37.003-06:00The KrillSo we've been busy as bees around here!<br />
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I've been crafting again and I'll have something fun to show you that I copied off of Pinterest (aren't all the best things copied off Pinterest?) probably next week because-let's just be real people.<br />
I don't post every third day.<br />
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Anywho, another fun thing we've been working hard on are the plans we have for our Labor Day Weekend!<br />
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PS-did you know Labor Day Weekend 2012 is in less than a month!<br />
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We are hosting a backyard concert!!<br />
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Oh yes we are!<br />
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Mr. Gill has formed a band called Michael Gill & The Krill and they are going to play in our backyard.<br />
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I know, it seems kind of silly but we are super excited about it for lots of reasons but I'll just list a couple here for you.<br />
1. Mr. Gill has to practice his own songs, making him more comfortable with his stuff.<br />
2. He's invited some of his friends (and family) to be in the band with him, making it exponentially MORE awesome.<br />
3. Its a great reason to have a party and this girl likes parties! Especially parties that bring people together that won't often get together. Mr. Gill's parents are moving to Idaho in like a day and this is the perfect situation for them to get acquainted with our friends and neighbors.<br />
4. Our good friends have also formed a band named Chase, The Fox and they will be opening up the show! How great is that?<br />
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This is the *poster* I made for the event. When I say poster really I mean a photo that I added text to....because I have a VERY limited understanding of Photoshop. </div>
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What are YOUR plans for Labor Day Weekend?</div>
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*Jenny GMike and Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16816967607868977948noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6387082731898432500.post-65797716506147467412012-07-29T15:17:00.002-06:002012-07-29T15:17:53.461-06:00Sunday Breakfast<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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So Mr. Gill and I usually try to take some time to have a nice breakfast on Sundays for a couple of reasons.<br />
1. Usually Saturdays are busy and having a slow morning doesn't work out well<br />
2. Church is in the evenings for us so we are able to chill out in the am.<br />
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This morning we had whole wheat biscuits and eggs w/Mr. Gill's fancy sauce.<br />
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The biscuits came together SUPER quick and made a bunch so we have plenty for the quick mornings during the week.<br />
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The recipe comes from The Better Homes and Gardens Cookbook my mom gave me when I moved out, which I have referenced many times in the years I've been cooking for myself!<br />
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Biscuits Supreme<br />
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2 c flour (we used whole wheat but it calls for all-purpose)<br />
4 tsp baking powder<br />
2 tsp sugar<br />
1/2 tsp cream of tartar (we omitted)<br />
1/2 tsp salt<br />
1/2 c shortening<br />
2/3 c milk<br />
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Pre-heat oven to 450* and stir together all dry ingredients. Cut in shortening until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Make a well in the center and add in milk. Stir until dough just comes together and turn out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead gently for 10-12 strokes. Roll to a 1/2 inch thickness and cut w/biscuit cutter (or the top of a drinking glass).<br />
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Bake on un-greased baking sheet for 10-12 minutes.<br />
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Makes 10-12 biscuits.<br />
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Top w/homemade jam or a creamy bechamel sauce and fried egg.<br />
Pour yourself some coffee and enjoy w/your favorite person!<br />
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*Jenny GMike and Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16816967607868977948noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6387082731898432500.post-29176996229681361722012-07-21T16:54:00.000-06:002012-07-21T16:54:56.149-06:00A whole stick of butterYou may or may not have noticed but I am a terribly inconsistent person. <div>
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There are a few things I do regularly. </div>
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Sleep. I've got that one down.</div>
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Eat. I really enjoy that one. </div>
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But blogging.....apparently not. </div>
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Sorry :/</div>
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But...you're HERE.....</div>
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Reading anyway even if I don't post daily.....or weekly....sometimes I even go a month. </div>
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There have been a few fun things that have happened in since our last chat. </div>
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1. My little sister Laura came to visit! </div>
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We had a stupid awesome time floating the Boise River, having her lead me through Nike Trainer and not being able to walk the rest of the day, and marathon out of nowhere shopping spree. </div>
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Sidenote: Laura is probably my favoritest person to go shopping with because she's honest and has a HIGH sense of fashion and most of all she can talk me into trying things on I love but would have NEVER picked out for myself.</div>
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2. The day after my sister left to go home to Michigan, my sister in law went into labor and had her first child! I was there for the birth and it was awesome.....and slightly terrifying....but mostly incredible. </div>
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I've never seen a human come out of a human before.....and I thought I knew what to expect, but I was literally in awe of what I saw.....absolutely incredible. </div>
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Last thing I have to say about this is-Men are wimps. I can't imagine a dude doing anything like that.</div>
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3. The Boz and I have been spending quite a bit of time together!</div>
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Believe me, he's still a puppy-but he's been mellowing out quite a bit. </div>
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We've been exercising him more, and I think the high heat here in Boise is making him in general more tired.</div>
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He's a pretty happy dog, and even though he ate a WHOLE STICK OF BUTTER that I set out to make cookies with today-I still love him.</div>
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Hopefully next time we sit down to talk I'll have a recipe up for you!</div>
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Have a good weekend!</div>
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*Jenny G</div>
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<br /></div>Mike and Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16816967607868977948noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6387082731898432500.post-19004663774937667072012-07-03T12:43:00.000-06:002012-07-03T12:44:26.839-06:00Easy as PieBaking a pie.<br />
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Sounds easy right?</div>
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Well. </div>
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Maybe. </div>
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ok-here's the story. I was given a bunch of rhubarb recently and I though-GOODNESS! I'll make a couple of strawberry rhubarb pies, one for Mr. Gill (his favorite) and one for our neighbor....since we're still new to the neighborhood and have yet to bribe people to like us. </div>
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But things got complicated for several reasons.</div>
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1. I froze the rhubarb.</div>
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apparently rhubarb doesn't really like to be frozen, as a stalk that is-it was kinda mushy and gross....which made it hard to cut through.......so-don't freeze rhubarb.</div>
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Maybe it would survive better if you pre-chopped then freeze? I dunno. </div>
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2. I tried a new pie crust recipe that boasted making enough for several pies.....when attempting to give away a pie just DON'T try something new. </div>
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The crust was um.....kinda not good.....i'm not going to even tell you what recipe I tried because-well-it was edible but we've all had not so great crust so why share sometime less than awesome right? </div>
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3. I didn't have a pie plate!</div>
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I've lent it out and forgot about it until I'm all strawberry rhubarbed up and have (not-so-awesome) pie crust coming out of my ears.</div>
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So I being my inventive self used a cake pan from the dollar store that I don't actually bake cakes in because-well......bakeware from the dollar store just doesn't really cut it does it?</div>
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so I made only one, and Mr. Gill ate it. </div>
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and our neighbors still think we're slightly shady since we haven't yet had a pie.</div>
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The inside of the pie was pretty awesome. I used this <a href="http://smittenkitchen.com/2010/06/strawberry-rhubarb-pie-improved/" target="_blank">recipe</a> from Deb over at <a href="http://smittenkitchen.com/" target="_blank">Smitten Kitchen</a>!</div>
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I'm sure if you have a pie plate AND use her recipe for crust or any other tried and tested crust recipe it would be a wonderful pie to share for the 4th of July! What is more American than Strawberry Rhubarb Pie? </div>
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Apple Pie </div>
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but those aren't quite in season yet-but berries are so head over to Deb's blog and try this recipe out.</div>
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*Jenny G</div>Mike and Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16816967607868977948noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6387082731898432500.post-34423779968945997612012-06-29T11:35:00.000-06:002012-06-29T11:35:29.957-06:00byTavi<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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So we've been super busy this week, doing lots of fun things-one of which includes selling some purses!<br />
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I have been selling bags for my friends down in Cambodia! Katy and Alan moved there almost a year ago and have been working with Center for Global Impact. (check out their <a href="http://alanandkaty.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">blog </a>on life in Cambodia)<br />
CGI has a program called byTavi that sells purses and scarves. They work with women who are at risk to work for a living wage. <br />
These bags are totally legit and these amazing ladies get 100% of the proceeds. <br />
You can get involved by either having a party, or purchasing a bag yourself. If you are interested totally get ahold of me and we can work something out. <br />
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I have been selling for a couple of months, but they also have a website! <br />
Check out <a href="http://www.bytavi.com/">http://www.bytavi.com/</a> to purchase straight from the website or to learn more about what CGI is up to!<br />
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*Jenny GMike and Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16816967607868977948noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6387082731898432500.post-83328156311503528412012-06-20T11:23:00.000-06:002012-06-20T11:23:26.371-06:00Butta Butta Butta<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-p7vP7VfcnIY/T-H_pRkhKDI/AAAAAAAAArA/zZb-nBKJqmU/s1600/12+-+3" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" rca="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-p7vP7VfcnIY/T-H_pRkhKDI/AAAAAAAAArA/zZb-nBKJqmU/s320/12+-+3" width="240" /></a></div><br />
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Last night I made cookies. <br />
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And then, I took Trader Joe's Cookie Butter and made a sandwich. <br />
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And it was EPIC!<br />
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So Cookie Butter has been talked about ALL OVER the blog world, not to mention that <a href="http://joythebaker.com/podcast/" target="_blank">Joy and Tracy </a>keep talking about their love for it I <em>knew</em> I had to try some for myself. <br />
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But, there aren't any Trader Joe's in Boise, or Idaho......or within a 100 miles of Boise. So when Mr. Gill and I started planning our trip to California I made a stipulation that we had to stop by a TJ while out and about.....<br />
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and we did.....<br />
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twice. <br />
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Once for our camping goodies and a second time for yummy stuff for home. On that second trip I picked up the Cookie Butter, Coconut Oil and Dark Chocolate Covered Ginger (OHMIGOD Sooo Good!). <br />
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Back to the cookies......the filling is so buttery and spicy like creamy gingersnap awesomeness that I decided to just make some shortbread cookies to create my sandwiches. <br />
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This shortcake recipes uses butter, powdered sugar, flour and cornstarch. The orginal recipe didn't call of vanilla extract but I wanted to give the cookies a little more flavor so I threw a little in the to mix.<br />
It was really easy to put together and kind of fun to roll into balls and flatten out w/my palm....because the dough reminded me a little bit of play-dough.....must be the cornstarch. <br />
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These are nice and buttery, and the recipe makes 24 sandwiches so plan on sharing!<br />
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Melt in your mouth Shortbread Cookie Cookie Butter Sandwiches-adapted from allrecipes.com <br />
<h3 class="ingredients" style="margin-top: 10px;">Ingredients</h3><div class="ingredients" style="margin-top: 10px;"><ul><li class="plaincharacterwrap ingredient">2 cups butter, softened</li>
<li class="plaincharacterwrap ingredient">1 cup confectioners' sugar</li>
<li class="plaincharacterwrap ingredient">1/2 cup cornstarch</li>
<li class="plaincharacterwrap ingredient">3 cups all-purpose flour</li>
<li class="plaincharacterwrap ingredient">splash of vanilla extract </li>
</ul></div><div class="plaincharacterwrap ingredient">yield of 2 dozen sandwiches.</div><ol><li><span class="plaincharacterwrap break">Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). </span></li>
<li><span class="plaincharacterwrap break">Whip butter with an electric mixer until fluffy. Stir in the confectioners' sugar, cornstarch, and flour. Beat on low for one minute, then on high for 3 to 4 minutes. Drop cookies by spoonfuls 2 inches apart on an ungreased cookie sheet, or roll into balls and flatten w/your palm.</span></li>
<li><span class="plaincharacterwrap break">Bake for 12 to 15 minutes in the preheated oven. Watch that the edges don't brown too much. Cool on wire racks. </span></li>
<li><span class="plaincharacterwrap break">After the cookies have cooled spread generous amount of Cookie Butter (or peanut butter) on one cookie and make a sandwich w/another. </span></li>
<li><span class="plaincharacterwrap break">Eat and share with a friend over coffee or afternoon tea!</span></li>
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<span class="plaincharacterwrap break"></span><span class="plaincharacterwrap break">*Jenny G</span>Mike and Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16816967607868977948noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6387082731898432500.post-9056374563829135652012-06-17T15:35:00.000-06:002012-06-17T15:35:21.258-06:0030 before 30So about a month ago I turned 29.<br />
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29.....as in 1 year away from 30.<br />
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And, I did not freak out....but in true Jenny fashion I made a list.<br />
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a 30 things to do before I turn 30 list.<br />
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Some of them are pretty awesome, some are pretty normal....some are easy to cross off and some are kinda hard to quantify....but I want to share them w/you and let you know as I cross them off!<br />
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1. Run another 1/2 marathon<br />
2. convert blog into a *mostly* food blog<br />
3. can tomatoes (hopefully from our own garden)<br />
4. try my hand at painting<br />
5. tailgate a BSU game<br />
6. knit something in the round<br />
7. make my own nut butter<br />
8. 30 days of skirts/dresses<br />
9. refashion something from a thrift store<br />
10. try mountain biking<br />
11. attend musical/ballet<br />
12. go to the Shakespeare festival here in Boise<br />
13. 1 whole month on budget (LOL)<br />
14. infuse some liquor<br />
15. make my own vanilla extract<br />
16. sell something I make<br />
17. eat entirely local for one week<br />
18. <strike>attend a festival</strike><br />
19. host a backyard concert<br />
20. get to know our neighbors<br />
21. hike in sawtooth mountains<br />
22. make my own marshmallows<br />
23. paint the bedrooms in our house<br />
24.<strike> drive through a redwood</strike><br />
25. attend a Powwow<br />
26. take a day-long bike trip<br />
27. be a good aunt/uncle<br />
28. become awesome at making homemade bread<br />
29. get myself a fancy-schmancy camera<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>30. dress 50s vintage for something special/important<br />
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So obviously I have crossed some of these off-<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wB3E-VhTd_g/T95L9MPNs-I/AAAAAAAAAqk/bJOGxdbTIKQ/s1600/DSCN0880.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wB3E-VhTd_g/T95L9MPNs-I/AAAAAAAAAqk/bJOGxdbTIKQ/s320/DSCN0880.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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The above photo is a picture of me at the Renaissance fair that happened this weekend in Eagle!<br />
We got to see some pretty interesting things, including the King and Queen. I was asked to "make way" for them...<br />
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This is a photo of Mr. Gill, Bosley and I preparing to drive-thru a Redwood tree when we went on our camping trip in Northern California (SO FUN!)<br />
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Not all of these things will be easy to photograph either....but I'm super excited to work on all of these them!<br />
It makes looking forward to turning the Big 30 a little easier to handle, and hopefully I'll be more awesome for completing these goals.<br />
Are there any fun thing YOU want to accomplish this year?<br />
Throw it up and we'll do them together!<br />
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Love<br />
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Jenny GMike and Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16816967607868977948noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6387082731898432500.post-19815409452412244402012-06-13T17:27:00.000-06:002012-06-13T17:27:12.725-06:00Eating Ferns for DinnerLong time no see people!<br />
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Sorry.<br />
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Its totally my fault.<br />
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We've been busy.....<br />
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With fun things like traveling and singing and cooking and working!<br />
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Today though I want to throw up a post I've been planning for a while.<br />
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I was at the Farmers Market a couple of weeks (or over a month) ago and came across Fiddlehead Ferns!<br />
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How crazy right?<br />
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Fiddlehead ferns are usually a foraged item; "<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><b>Fiddlehead greens</b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"> are the furled fronds of a young </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fern" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #0645ad; text-decoration: none;" title="Fern">fern</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">,</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-0" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 1em;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fiddlehead_fern#cite_note-0" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #0645ad; text-decoration: none; white-space: nowrap;"><span>[</span>1<span>]</span></a></sup></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"> harvested for use as a </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vegetable" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #0645ad; text-decoration: none;" title="Vegetable">vegetable</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">. Left on the plant, each fiddlehead would unroll into a new </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frond" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #0645ad; text-decoration: none;" title="Frond">frond</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"> (</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vernation" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #0645ad; text-decoration: none;" title="Vernation">circinate vernation</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">). As fiddleheads are harvested early in the season before the frond has opened and reached its full height, they are cut fairly close to the ground. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">Fiddleheads have antioxidant activity, are a source of <a class="mw-redirect" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Omega_3" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #0645ad; text-decoration: none;" title="Omega 3">Omega 3</a> and <a class="mw-redirect" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Omega_6" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #0645ad; text-decoration: none;" title="Omega 6">Omega 6</a>, and are high in iron and fibre." <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fiddlehead_fern" target="_blank">source</a></span><br />
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So I <i>had</i> to purchase them.<br />
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I did a quick google search to get an idea of recipes, and it looked like most of them were stir-fry-ish things so I made my own.<br />
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To start things off I made a pot of brown rice. We all know how brown rice is better health-wise for you than white, but I just LOVE the chewiness of brown rice. Mmmm, yum!<br />
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Anyway, onto the feature of the dinner....We had some shrimp in the freezer, so I sauteed a little bit of onion, garlic and bacon until it was done, added the ferns, a couple of handfuls of fresh spinach and after a few minutes added the thawed shrimp.<br />
After the shrimp was all nice and pink in a separate pan I melted some butter, added some flour and let that get brown.....also called making a roux.<br />
Into the roux I juiced a nice big lemon and stirred the sauce into the stir-fry, and plated it up onto a big place of chewy brown rice.<br />
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Some big shreds of Parmesan cheese on top a sprinkle of kosher salt and ta-da!<br />
Pour yourself a big glass of red and use a fancy napkin and you've got a pretty darn good dinner for two!<br />
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Ok, real life... this was Sooo Sooo good!<br />
The ferns really reminded me of asparagus/grass.....but in a good way.<br />
And in all honesty, if you didn't take a bite of JUST the fern, you'd just taste the spinach/bacon/lemon wonderfulness.<br />
Mr. Gill really liked this dish.<br />
So-if you see fiddleheads at your local market-pick them up....just remember to at least cook them slightly, because they have a little bit of toxicity if they are eaten raw!<br />
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And if you don't have a farmer's market but DO have a Trader Joe's, Mr. Gill and I saw some there when we were in California.<br />
So check them out!<br />
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Jenny GMike and Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16816967607868977948noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6387082731898432500.post-46401437659515779712012-04-26T15:52:00.002-06:002012-04-26T15:52:32.670-06:00A little teaseMr. Gill, Lindsay and I made it back from Portland just fine.<br />
I just want to show you a few un-edited pictures I took while I was trying to figure out (still trying) my new camera.<br />
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These are of Bosley right before we left for PDX.<br />
It was the first time I used the camera and it was a nice sunny day so Boz and I had a little photo shoot in our backyard :)<br />
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This is of Mr. Gill and I posing in front of a shop on Hawthorne in Portland called Vintage Pink.<br />
He has since cut off all his beautiful curls.<br />
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The camera I got is a Nikon CoolPix (yea, that's the name-for real) L120. I snagged it at Costco on the cheap....I am that girl....and I still haven't read the manual <i>because</i> it's a CD-ROM or...whatever you call it now-a-days. That's no fun. I want to take pics and look at the manual not sit at my computer....because Mr. Nikon CD-ROM guy-when I'm at the computer I'm either reading blogs and pinning things from them OR searching pinterest for blogs to pin things from.<br />
Thank you.<br />
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Anyways.....<br />
I'll post more pictures later.....for real....I took LOTS while in Oregon and I'll put them up, these are just teasers!<br />
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Love<br />
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Jenny GMike and Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16816967607868977948noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6387082731898432500.post-73486486644836548532012-04-17T23:29:00.001-06:002012-04-17T23:31:49.704-06:00Work-cationHello Friends!<br />
I hope you all had a wonderful Easter. My parents were in town, which was awesome, and our church joined with 4 other area churches to have a big party on easter morning...and that was just incredible, watching all these people work together to put on a huge celebration.<br />
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Now Mr. Gill and I are spending this week visiting Portland with our friend Lindsay! she and her mom have been super gracious hosts to us.<br />
She grew up in the area and has been planning lots of fun things for us to do and see. <br />
We've only been here two days and we've already spent 6 (!) hours at Ikea, seen Blue Like Jazz the movie IN Portland, and has drinks at a sassy little wine bar!<br />
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Mr. Gill is taking some fancy engineering class......something about modeling.....and probably computers? I don't know you'll have to ask him, but he LOVES it. He actually sent me a text yesterday telling me how awesome his class was while he was in the first session.<br />
And so our trip, at least for Mr. Gill is not a vacation purely.....it's more of a work-cation. Not really fully working, but definitely not just a vacation either.<br />
For me though, I'm trying to take in as much of the Portland experience as I can. Do you have any suggestions on things we should do/see?<br />
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So I'm going to sign off this post in the spirit of Lindsay Horst.<br />
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Two things<br />
1. I got a new camera and once we're back from oregon I'll post some fun photos.<br />
2. I miss Bosley!<br />
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*Jenny GMike and Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16816967607868977948noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6387082731898432500.post-43014564687104853482012-03-31T12:27:00.002-06:002012-03-31T12:30:00.576-06:00Meet Bosley!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">So Mr. Gill and I adopted a puppy a week ago today!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">His name is Bosley and he's just about the cutest puppy we've ever seen.....and yes we're biased. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiAiv82vaTv-PXfsZs8vSbabS3rs6RFuthQVdyYwJqYvIVltX46eqcIdKsOyc08GUVh547gAY38CjaAYsH1jotHDQYBO2VHlIEYv1FPoFDXFuPfnFQe7wOhYcOlBd-NLk1C0oJhTMLJygd/s1600/5I95Ld5Mf3F93J93p1c3m9e609bf4c4171ef1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiAiv82vaTv-PXfsZs8vSbabS3rs6RFuthQVdyYwJqYvIVltX46eqcIdKsOyc08GUVh547gAY38CjaAYsH1jotHDQYBO2VHlIEYv1FPoFDXFuPfnFQe7wOhYcOlBd-NLk1C0oJhTMLJygd/s1600/5I95Ld5Mf3F93J93p1c3m9e609bf4c4171ef1.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">He's a black lab mix....we think maybe with Pitbull? We probably will never really know.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">He's cuddly and has soft fur and is a little bit of a princess even if he's a boy. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">He won't sit on the hard floor-he prefers rugs or blankets to sit upon.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It's interesting though because I'm not used to really having anything relying on me before....I mean in a...if you don't feed me I can't eat...type of way. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: left;">Bosley is a little firecracker though. This is his photo right after he was caught making a mess in the kitchen. </div><div style="text-align: left;">It's my fault though....I'll explain.</div><div style="text-align: left;">So, we were outside and he found a stick like 2x his size and didn't want to put it down. I naturally let him bring it inside..</div><div style="text-align: left;">(!)</div><div style="text-align: left;">I couldn't tell him no and then he tore the whole thing apart in my kitchen. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">My puppy is teaching me how to say no to something cute. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">This is why Mr. Gill wanted us to get a dog instead of a baby. </div><div style="text-align: left;">I mean, what if I let a baby chew on a stick? </div><div style="text-align: left;">Something could really go wrong....</div><div style="text-align: left;">Mr. Gill is pretty wise.<br />
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*Jenny G</div>Mike and Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16816967607868977948noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6387082731898432500.post-91666573516868218082012-03-22T22:13:00.001-06:002012-03-22T22:14:15.523-06:00Risky BusinessSo I had this conversation with a friend recently who is thinking about moving to a different state.<br />
She said she feels like it would be a great community for her, she knows people there and she really feels like it would be a good move....but....<br />
But what?<br />
Why not just pick up and move?<br />
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It is complicated.....always, but fear is totally part ot it.<br />
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And I totally get it. I'm right there.<br />
A good friend asked me a couple of weeks ago what I wanted to do if I could do anything.<br />
I had no answer. I mean-there are things I like to do.....but I don't dream of becoming a senator or owning a bakery (you get up too early), or of being a missionary.<br />
I am afraid to even try new things....to see explore what I like to do or not because of fear of failure.<br />
Failure is a big deal to people who want to make sure everyone likes them.....to people who find their identity in making <i>others</i> happy.....<br />
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God revealed something new to me a couple days ago. You know that verse where is says that God works all things to good of those who love him? And then the one that says what Satan meant for evil God meant for good?<br />
Those two hit me in a huge way last week. In my fear of failure in trying something new (plug in for your fear) I wasn't trusting God. I don't think that I need to hear an audible voice from God to say-Hey Jenny....I think it would be nice if you tried to paint. Pick up a brush.<br />
Or, even a specific call to move somewhere new. If I trust that God can work even my 'messes', my 'failures' out for good......then, is it even a failure?<br />
I should feel empowered to take risks. Because in taking a risk I'm opening up space for God to move! If I'm just standing still I have no momentum for God to push me in any direction right?<br />
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So I don't know if trying my hand at painting is going to reveal a new passion for me......but maybe it will. And even if it doesn't I'll know whether or not I like to paint right?<br />
Because I don't have to be perfect to be loved, I don't have to save the world for God to use me as long as I'm moving.<br />
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My friend can move and experience that and even if it doesn't work out and she comes back to Boise-even if it 'fails', at least she was moving, at least she was OPEN to a new experience and I can promise that she will grow from challenging herself to be in a new place.<br />
And WHO knows how God can use a risk like that?? Maybe she'll meet someone or have a life-altering conversation over there she wouldn't have had here.<br />
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God is like that. He wants us to live risky lives for HIM. <br />
Trusting HIM. And by listening to HIM.<br />
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So go try something new.<br />
Take that risk.<br />
Have that conversation.<br />
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Our lives aren't measured in how safe we were..... we won't recount how fiscally responsible we were when we're on our death bed. We'll remember our lives greatest experiences....how we've loved and been loved.<br />
Our lives are measured in our experiences and as long as we are moving and honestly seeking to glorify the Lord...He'll use them!<br />
Good or seemingly bad.<br />
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I'm gonna go find that paintbrush....<br />
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Jenny G*Mike and Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16816967607868977948noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6387082731898432500.post-39704633013399912062012-03-08T08:00:00.001-07:002012-03-08T10:30:27.207-07:00A peek!House Tour Continued!<br />
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So first things first.<br />
Well, second since I have already shown you the home decor of much of the house....lol-you can tell what I'm most excited about huh?<br />
Anyway-this is the front of our house....you cannot see is the little landing and a paved path that goes almost out to the street but not quite.<br />
I don't really get that part...why pave up until there is two feet and leave grass?<br />
We have big plans for the front of this place. See that planter area? We're going to rip it out and put up a lovely front porch complete w/a porch swing.<br />
When Mr. Gill and I were dating I lived in a great house w/a screened in porch w/a big wicker swing and a lot of our memories of falling in love happened on that swing....*sigh*.<br />
Yea-we're planning on putting up another gable and making it a nice big porch....maybe even wrap it around to the side entrance....which is the one we use most often anyway.<br />
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Here is the living room-see the front door and fireplace!<br />
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This is probably one of my favorite paint colors EVER!!!<br />
Oh its just so great. It's the mud room/laundry room....the laundry room was um....being used...by all my dirty laundry so I didn't take a picture.<br />
Next time.<br />
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Anyway this is where the door off of the driveway leads-and this room also connects to the kitchen or the hallway.....<br />
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This is our old-timey backyard patio-<br />
I couldn't help but put an old filter on it and let me tell you why.<br />
The awning (I had to look up how to spell that) is Soooo old store-front style. I kinda want to print out Life in the Fish Bowl in vinyl letters and stick 'em up there.<br />
Also-notice the steps to the back door...they look like steps for the shallow end of the pool! It patio is totally great though, its nice and big and we'll be able to have lots of dinner parties out there w/out being cramped like we were at our last place. And that tree has the perfect bend of branch for a rope swing! :)<br />
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This is the view from the patio-our big backyard. What you can't see is the trash heap of yard clippings the previous renters left for us. We're working on getting rid of it slowly.<br />
I'm planning on having a garden this year-our yard gets lots of nice sun, and I hope to be able to grow something to eat. We'll see how it goes-I've enlisted the help of people who know what they are doing and I've spent some time reading up on it. I'm not quite ready to start composting yet....<br />
Expect updates on that throughout the summer.<br />
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The house tour has not yet concluded, but will take some time as we're still finding boxes we shoved into the spare bedroom a couple of months ago :/<br />
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*Jenny GMike and Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16816967607868977948noreply@blogger.com0Boise, ID, USA43.612631 -116.2110759999999943.523542 -116.343065 43.70172 -116.07908699999999