tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1708683104926932654Sat, 28 Nov 2009 13:21:05 +0000http://midwestparents.blogspot.com/cool_zebras@hotmail.com (Heather)Blogger195125MidwestParentshttp://feedburner.google.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1708683104926932654.post-1310526523820877221Fri, 27 Nov 2009 14:00:00 +00002009-11-27T22:09:29.327-06:00recipeinexpensive family funMy Mom made the best chocolate chip cookies ever! No fooling! She could make them perfectly, my friends would argue they were store bought cause they were always the same size and shape. She would make this huge batches and store them in the large coffee cans or ice cream pails. Of course, she would also hide them all over the house so we couldn't snitch them between meals. We always found them, http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/MidwestParents/~3/Hevbi8o9kc4/moms-choclate-chip-cookies.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Tim)1<div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/MidwestParents?a=Hevbi8o9kc4:u66wCMIgtSA:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/MidwestParents?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/MidwestParents?a=Hevbi8o9kc4:u66wCMIgtSA:I9og5sOYxJI"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/MidwestParents?d=I9og5sOYxJI" border="0"></img></a> </div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/MidwestParents/~4/Hevbi8o9kc4" height="1" width="1"/>http://midwestparents.blogspot.com/2009/11/moms-choclate-chip-cookies.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1708683104926932654.post-1489754555948706085Thu, 26 Nov 2009 14:00:00 +00002009-11-26T18:08:12.972-06:00Good ReadsBooks have always been an escape for me... I went to a small rural four room grade school (no I didn't walk four miles through snow up to my chin). The Brown County Library system had a bookmobile that came to our school every couple of weeks. I remember getting my library card and thinking I held the key to a whole world... ah the freedom to unlock a whole imagination was right there in my pudgyhttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/MidwestParents/~3/npPo4r3nfeg/reading.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Tim)1<div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/MidwestParents?a=npPo4r3nfeg:rcjPPhDOhPI:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/MidwestParents?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/MidwestParents?a=npPo4r3nfeg:rcjPPhDOhPI:I9og5sOYxJI"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/MidwestParents?d=I9og5sOYxJI" border="0"></img></a> </div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/MidwestParents/~4/npPo4r3nfeg" height="1" width="1"/>http://midwestparents.blogspot.com/2009/11/reading.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1708683104926932654.post-525034075868113137Wed, 25 Nov 2009 14:00:00 +00002009-11-25T08:00:03.663-06:00Minnesotanon-profits we lovewordless wednesdayThe pictures were taken in spring of this year at the Eagle Bluff Nature Center in Southern MN. I had the pleasure of accompanying my daughter and her 6th grade class on a field trip there. A beautiful facility with lot's of great programming, staff and of course outdoor activities. The last picture is of my daughter conquering her fears on the ropes course: 30+ feet off the ground.http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/MidwestParents/~3/9aEs9TI16og/wordless-wednesday_25.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Tim)1<div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/MidwestParents?a=9aEs9TI16og:gTEUBglPD0Q:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/MidwestParents?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/MidwestParents?a=9aEs9TI16og:gTEUBglPD0Q:I9og5sOYxJI"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/MidwestParents?d=I9og5sOYxJI" border="0"></img></a> </div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/MidwestParents/~4/9aEs9TI16og" height="1" width="1"/>http://midwestparents.blogspot.com/2009/11/wordless-wednesday_25.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1708683104926932654.post-2093697018509610800Tue, 24 Nov 2009 14:00:00 +00002009-11-24T08:00:03.671-06:00Minnesotainexpensive family funEvery June, I spend $25. I have been doing it in the State of Minnesota for the last 6 years (since I moved here). For that $25 I have watched eagles soar before my eyes, listened to rivers run wild, met people from all over and watched the seasons change. What did I spend that $25 on - an annual pass to the Minnesota State Parks. My family and I enjoy being in the parks and exploring. We have http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/MidwestParents/~3/jG9wazhRlG0/best-entertainment-for-money.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Tim)3<div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/MidwestParents?a=jG9wazhRlG0:SodKe0o7LQk:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/MidwestParents?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/MidwestParents?a=jG9wazhRlG0:SodKe0o7LQk:I9og5sOYxJI"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/MidwestParents?d=I9og5sOYxJI" border="0"></img></a> </div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/MidwestParents/~4/jG9wazhRlG0" height="1" width="1"/>http://midwestparents.blogspot.com/2009/11/best-entertainment-for-money.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1708683104926932654.post-2810242933063416119Mon, 23 Nov 2009 14:00:00 +00002009-11-23T08:00:04.509-06:00perspectivemannersparenting choicesI have several issues with NBC, ABC, CBS, ESPN and all the other channels that broadcast sports. I want to watch a game with my family. I want them to learn about sportsmanship, being a team player and the game. I want to root for my teams and see them play well... but in between the possessions, the caution flags or innings I cringe. You see, I don't think my 12 year old daughter should have to http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/MidwestParents/~3/2Lyi2NrYnvk/frustrated-with-sports-on-tv.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Tim)3<div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/MidwestParents?a=2Lyi2NrYnvk:ldMvaWIIXW0:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/MidwestParents?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/MidwestParents?a=2Lyi2NrYnvk:ldMvaWIIXW0:I9og5sOYxJI"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/MidwestParents?d=I9og5sOYxJI" border="0"></img></a> </div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/MidwestParents/~4/2Lyi2NrYnvk" height="1" width="1"/>http://midwestparents.blogspot.com/2009/11/frustrated-with-sports-on-tv.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1708683104926932654.post-6616852504634322226Fri, 20 Nov 2009 12:00:00 +00002009-11-20T06:00:07.416-06:00recipeRandy's birthday is tomorrow, and he isn't a cake kinda guy. He is an apple pie kinda guy. I have been competing with his grandmother's apple pie for ten years, and I finally got the dip and kiss after this recipe courtesy of foodnetwork.com (where all the cool kids hang out). It is labor intensive, I'm not gonna lie, but it has a crust to DIE for.Ingredients <!--concordance-begin--> Dough2 1http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/MidwestParents/~3/E5GFCHeA-M0/apple-pie-guy.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Jules)2<div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/MidwestParents?a=E5GFCHeA-M0:uAYwZOQyiLE:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/MidwestParents?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/MidwestParents?a=E5GFCHeA-M0:uAYwZOQyiLE:I9og5sOYxJI"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/MidwestParents?d=I9og5sOYxJI" border="0"></img></a> </div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/MidwestParents/~4/E5GFCHeA-M0" height="1" width="1"/>http://midwestparents.blogspot.com/2009/11/apple-pie-guy.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1708683104926932654.post-2788487749319523252Thu, 19 Nov 2009 12:00:00 +00002009-11-19T06:00:05.973-06:00Good ReadsSeriously? One of the best books for boys who love machines of all kinds. Both my boys (6 and 3) LOVE this book. They love to say, "You think I stink? whooooo-eeeeee do I ever! No skunk ever stunk this bad! But go on, think about it, without me? You're on mount TRASH-O-RAMA baby!"It is a great stocking stuffer, a great read, and a great way to get kids to realize that their garbage has to go http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/MidwestParents/~3/nOv6vvWih6A/i-stink.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Jules)1<div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/MidwestParents?a=nOv6vvWih6A:g7eF0t1pLRI:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/MidwestParents?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/MidwestParents?a=nOv6vvWih6A:g7eF0t1pLRI:I9og5sOYxJI"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/MidwestParents?d=I9og5sOYxJI" border="0"></img></a> </div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/MidwestParents/~4/nOv6vvWih6A" height="1" width="1"/>http://midwestparents.blogspot.com/2009/11/i-stink.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1708683104926932654.post-2207868153154211961Wed, 18 Nov 2009 12:00:00 +00002009-11-18T10:12:40.457-06:00wordless wednesdayMore Wordless Wednesday.http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/MidwestParents/~3/7BjadOmmq84/if-it-was-just-that-easy.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Jules)1<div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/MidwestParents?a=7BjadOmmq84:es0AMBA7-OA:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/MidwestParents?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/MidwestParents?a=7BjadOmmq84:es0AMBA7-OA:I9og5sOYxJI"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/MidwestParents?d=I9og5sOYxJI" border="0"></img></a> </div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/MidwestParents/~4/7BjadOmmq84" height="1" width="1"/>http://midwestparents.blogspot.com/2009/11/if-it-was-just-that-easy.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1708683104926932654.post-5359055090324077310Tue, 17 Nov 2009 12:00:00 +00002009-11-17T06:00:07.078-06:00motherhoodTwo boys are busy. Now, it is all relative. My friends with 3 or more roll their eyes enduringly at me. They smile and nod with a knowing smile that says, in the nicest way possible, that I have NO idea.But really, I think I have an idea….maybe just one, but I’ll put it out there.When I started training for a ½ marathon, I had no idea how long 13 miles is. Really, I didn’t, or I wouldn’t have http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/MidwestParents/~3/9PaZqhjJedI/rest-within-race.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Jules)4<div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/MidwestParents?a=9PaZqhjJedI:z8ZyrXI__2E:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/MidwestParents?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/MidwestParents?a=9PaZqhjJedI:z8ZyrXI__2E:I9og5sOYxJI"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/MidwestParents?d=I9og5sOYxJI" border="0"></img></a> </div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/MidwestParents/~4/9PaZqhjJedI" height="1" width="1"/>http://midwestparents.blogspot.com/2009/11/rest-within-race.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1708683104926932654.post-3102046740348502239Mon, 16 Nov 2009 12:00:00 +00002009-11-16T06:00:00.703-06:00teensFinishing up the last week of the first quarter in a high school is close to the 9th circle. Each one starts to throw the others under the bus. “But he didn’t send me the links on time.” “But she didn’t text me with the time we ere going to meet.” “Can’t you grade us separately?” “When can I meet with you for my thesis?” “When was that due?” “Oh geesh, Brock, why do you teachers do this to http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/MidwestParents/~3/F5jg8bsMLXU/exhausting-hope.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Jules)1<div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/MidwestParents?a=F5jg8bsMLXU:-WYsw894DCQ:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/MidwestParents?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/MidwestParents?a=F5jg8bsMLXU:-WYsw894DCQ:I9og5sOYxJI"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/MidwestParents?d=I9og5sOYxJI" border="0"></img></a> </div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/MidwestParents/~4/F5jg8bsMLXU" height="1" width="1"/>http://midwestparents.blogspot.com/2009/11/exhausting-hope.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1708683104926932654.post-4143864338017269466Fri, 13 Nov 2009 12:28:00 +00002009-11-13T06:28:00.866-06:00holidaysrecipefoodBefore I jump into writing about cooking and food and recipes and the like, I feel it necessary to disclose the relative amateur nature of mah skilz, as they say.I do not cook very much. I do not cook well. My husband, in fact, cooks more often and better than I do. It is not because he likes to do it or feels he is especially good at it. He does so because he likes to eat and he likes it to http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/MidwestParents/~3/GQeefRjVLCc/orange-cranberry-muffins-perfect-for.htmlheather@comparativechildhood.com (Heather T)2<div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/MidwestParents?a=GQeefRjVLCc:ClbPk-Jv7Bk:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/MidwestParents?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/MidwestParents?a=GQeefRjVLCc:ClbPk-Jv7Bk:I9og5sOYxJI"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/MidwestParents?d=I9og5sOYxJI" border="0"></img></a> </div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/MidwestParents/~4/GQeefRjVLCc" height="1" width="1"/>http://midwestparents.blogspot.com/2009/11/orange-cranberry-muffins-perfect-for.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1708683104926932654.post-7917295894890697401Thu, 12 Nov 2009 12:31:00 +00002009-11-12T06:31:00.382-06:00motherhoodGood Readsfamilyparenting choicesYou're Wearing That? Understanding Mothers and Daughters in Conversationby Deborah TannenWhen my oldest daughter was entering her tweens, after a year of hearing she and I argue relentlessly, my husband ordered You're Wearing That? by Deborah Tannen and gave it to me for light reading. He hoped something in the book would help us girls work out our conflicts. I've been a daughter for almost four http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/MidwestParents/~3/Cj4KxJ9VI44/book-review-youre-wearing-that-by.htmlheather@comparativechildhood.com (Heather T)3<div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/MidwestParents?a=Cj4KxJ9VI44:bUVm-2U660I:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/MidwestParents?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/MidwestParents?a=Cj4KxJ9VI44:bUVm-2U660I:I9og5sOYxJI"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/MidwestParents?d=I9og5sOYxJI" border="0"></img></a> </div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/MidwestParents/~4/Cj4KxJ9VI44" height="1" width="1"/>http://midwestparents.blogspot.com/2009/11/book-review-youre-wearing-that-by.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1708683104926932654.post-6684524953385763944Thu, 12 Nov 2009 00:20:00 +00002009-11-11T18:20:00.301-06:00healthwordless wednesdaycurrent eventshttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/MidwestParents/~3/5ijh3JuNAhs/wordless-wednesday-avoid-flu-of-pigs.htmlheather@comparativechildhood.com (Heather T)0<div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/MidwestParents?a=5ijh3JuNAhs:1OrdNiZOtas:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/MidwestParents?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/MidwestParents?a=5ijh3JuNAhs:1OrdNiZOtas:I9og5sOYxJI"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/MidwestParents?d=I9og5sOYxJI" border="0"></img></a> </div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/MidwestParents/~4/5ijh3JuNAhs" height="1" width="1"/>http://midwestparents.blogspot.com/2009/11/wordless-wednesday-avoid-flu-of-pigs.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1708683104926932654.post-1694125705508816654Wed, 11 Nov 2009 12:13:00 +00002009-11-11T06:13:00.112-06:00familywordless wednesdayholidaysThailand, circa 1967-8.Downtime on the ground between missions as a 707 refueler with four fighters.http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/MidwestParents/~3/8d5pMI2xDDI/wordless-wednesday-thank-you-veterans.htmlheather@comparativechildhood.com (Heather T)2<div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/MidwestParents?a=8d5pMI2xDDI:ZKGW4J-Cq7k:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/MidwestParents?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/MidwestParents?a=8d5pMI2xDDI:ZKGW4J-Cq7k:I9og5sOYxJI"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/MidwestParents?d=I9og5sOYxJI" border="0"></img></a> </div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/MidwestParents/~4/8d5pMI2xDDI" height="1" width="1"/>http://midwestparents.blogspot.com/2009/11/wordless-wednesday-thank-you-veterans.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1708683104926932654.post-405691833730009569Tue, 10 Nov 2009 12:03:00 +00002009-11-10T06:03:00.136-06:00it worked for uspregnancyfamilytraditionsinexpensive family funfoodA long time ago, more than a decade ago, one of my dearest friends introduced me to Friday Night Pizza and a Movie Night. She had three children at the time, 5 years, 2 years and newborn. Every Friday night their whole family would watch a movie together and enjoy homemade pizza. It was always a kids movie that the children would enjoy. We found out about it because my daughter and I came by one http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/MidwestParents/~3/2fAw2d9QMmQ/pizza-and-movie.htmlheather@comparativechildhood.com (Heather T)1<div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/MidwestParents?a=2fAw2d9QMmQ:UIwgJekCzqg:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/MidwestParents?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/MidwestParents?a=2fAw2d9QMmQ:UIwgJekCzqg:I9og5sOYxJI"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/MidwestParents?d=I9og5sOYxJI" border="0"></img></a> </div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/MidwestParents/~4/2fAw2d9QMmQ" height="1" width="1"/>http://midwestparents.blogspot.com/2009/11/pizza-and-movie.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1708683104926932654.post-1309222359391668115Mon, 09 Nov 2009 12:02:00 +00002009-11-09T06:02:01.038-06:00healthparenting choicescurrent eventsIt was a problem that didn't have a perfect solution. And the information needed to make a decision regarding the solution was ever-changing. Enter stage right: swine flu.See, I'm already messing up. It's politically incorrect to call the virus "swine flu." Poor pigs. Ok, then. H1N1. It doesn't really matter, though, right? The new, more technical name still causes panic in people.The problem washttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/MidwestParents/~3/5VK5x5bnN-A/avoiding-piggie-flu.htmlheather@comparativechildhood.com (Heather T)3<div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/MidwestParents?a=5VK5x5bnN-A:DrixdkVCw-I:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/MidwestParents?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/MidwestParents?a=5VK5x5bnN-A:DrixdkVCw-I:I9og5sOYxJI"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/MidwestParents?d=I9og5sOYxJI" border="0"></img></a> </div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/MidwestParents/~4/5VK5x5bnN-A" height="1" width="1"/>http://midwestparents.blogspot.com/2009/11/avoiding-piggie-flu.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1708683104926932654.post-8205060003506454190Fri, 06 Nov 2009 13:48:00 +00002009-11-06T07:48:00.310-06:00recipeThis is my quick and easy recipe for French dip sandwiches, using a crock pot. I usually buy a roast or two when they are on sale and throw them in the deep freezer until I want to cook one.For this recipe you need a roast (whatever kind you like the best!), a French loaf, beef bouillon cubes, 1 can of beef broth, cheese slices and water. In the morning, take your roast straight from the freezer http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/MidwestParents/~3/HNpDuiN_l7s/crock-pot-french-dip-sandwiches.htmlcool_zebras@hotmail.com (Heather)1<div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/MidwestParents?a=HNpDuiN_l7s:raCAsS010_U:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/MidwestParents?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/MidwestParents?a=HNpDuiN_l7s:raCAsS010_U:I9og5sOYxJI"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/MidwestParents?d=I9og5sOYxJI" border="0"></img></a> </div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/MidwestParents/~4/HNpDuiN_l7s" height="1" width="1"/>http://midwestparents.blogspot.com/2009/11/crock-pot-french-dip-sandwiches.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1708683104926932654.post-4900470540789965662Thu, 05 Nov 2009 13:28:00 +00002009-11-05T07:28:00.127-06:00Good Reads10 Favorite AuthorsMaeve Binchy- My favorite book was Circle of Friends.Anita Shreve - I don't think I've disliked any of her books.Jodi Picoult - Her books are somewhat predictable for me, but still good.LaVeryle Spencer - It's romance, what many would consider fluff but I enjoyed it during and after college when I needed something less than intense to read. Also she's a Minnesota author. I http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/MidwestParents/~3/fX6CmWcei9M/ten-favorite-grown-up-authors.htmlcool_zebras@hotmail.com (Heather)1<div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/MidwestParents?a=fX6CmWcei9M:BSkthTSlyJA:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/MidwestParents?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/MidwestParents?a=fX6CmWcei9M:BSkthTSlyJA:I9og5sOYxJI"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/MidwestParents?d=I9og5sOYxJI" border="0"></img></a> </div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/MidwestParents/~4/fX6CmWcei9M" height="1" width="1"/>http://midwestparents.blogspot.com/2009/11/ten-favorite-grown-up-authors.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1708683104926932654.post-7985436496102054264Wed, 04 Nov 2009 12:48:00 +00002009-11-03T23:03:39.657-06:00wordless wednesday Check out more Wordless Wednesday.http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/MidwestParents/~3/ZLdMk8MS3Ws/these-days-are-passing-too-quickly.htmlcool_zebras@hotmail.com (Heather)5<div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/MidwestParents?a=ZLdMk8MS3Ws:LZuiL-h66bU:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/MidwestParents?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/MidwestParents?a=ZLdMk8MS3Ws:LZuiL-h66bU:I9og5sOYxJI"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/MidwestParents?d=I9og5sOYxJI" border="0"></img></a> </div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/MidwestParents/~4/ZLdMk8MS3Ws" height="1" width="1"/>http://midwestparents.blogspot.com/2009/11/these-days-are-passing-too-quickly.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1708683104926932654.post-9127410644559963334Tue, 03 Nov 2009 13:44:00 +00002009-11-03T07:44:00.037-06:00it worked for usWhen my oldest was two, she liked to go places and do things much like she still does today. She’s a doer and a social butterfly, yet even the most social two and three year olds have their limits of how many errands they can stand before they melt down.At the same time, there are sometimes days that parents just really need to run a lot of errands. Sometimes it’s just unavoidable to have to go 5http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/MidwestParents/~3/3mA9LeWLd5s/busy-day-sanity-saver-with-twos-and.htmlcool_zebras@hotmail.com (Heather)2<div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/MidwestParents?a=3mA9LeWLd5s:s8vigWou5ls:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/MidwestParents?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/MidwestParents?a=3mA9LeWLd5s:s8vigWou5ls:I9og5sOYxJI"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/MidwestParents?d=I9og5sOYxJI" border="0"></img></a> </div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/MidwestParents/~4/3mA9LeWLd5s" height="1" width="1"/>http://midwestparents.blogspot.com/2009/11/busy-day-sanity-saver-with-twos-and.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1708683104926932654.post-4086187836743451600Mon, 02 Nov 2009 13:03:00 +00002009-11-02T07:04:16.924-06:00Minnesotamidwest wintersPeople in other parts of the country often can’t imagine why anyone would want to live in Minnesota. Our winters are cold and long, our summers are (usually) hot, humid and over in the blink of an eye. But Minnesota has a way of growing on people. Sure, they complain while they’re here but when/if they move out of state I almost always hear them say “I wish I was still in Minnesota.”Here, some ofhttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/MidwestParents/~3/3Kzo_4AE1Kw/why-live-in-minnesota.htmlcool_zebras@hotmail.com (Heather)3<div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/MidwestParents?a=3Kzo_4AE1Kw:MEOF6rY4oy4:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/MidwestParents?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/MidwestParents?a=3Kzo_4AE1Kw:MEOF6rY4oy4:I9og5sOYxJI"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/MidwestParents?d=I9og5sOYxJI" border="0"></img></a> </div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/MidwestParents/~4/3Kzo_4AE1Kw" height="1" width="1"/>http://midwestparents.blogspot.com/2009/11/why-live-in-minnesota.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1708683104926932654.post-2036125161384280294Fri, 30 Oct 2009 09:47:00 +00002009-10-30T04:47:00.352-05:00recipeWhen the weather turns cold there's nothing better than warm soup and fresh bread for dinner. photo credit: mia3momMy girlfriend, Holly, gave me this recipe in 1995 and it's still one of my favorites for fall:Spicy Squash Soup 1 winter squash (such as butternut)1 T butter2 small yellow onions, diced1 mild chili pepper, cored, seeded & diced (small)1 quart chicken stock or broth (4 c)1 T ground http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/MidwestParents/~3/P_I82PzRZeA/spicy-squash-soup.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Hip Mom's Guide)0<div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/MidwestParents?a=P_I82PzRZeA:FnUIV4DIWcA:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/MidwestParents?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/MidwestParents?a=P_I82PzRZeA:FnUIV4DIWcA:I9og5sOYxJI"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/MidwestParents?d=I9og5sOYxJI" border="0"></img></a> </div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/MidwestParents/~4/P_I82PzRZeA" height="1" width="1"/>http://midwestparents.blogspot.com/2009/10/spicy-squash-soup.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1708683104926932654.post-4043144828785344021Thu, 29 Oct 2009 10:28:00 +00002009-10-29T10:28:03.738-05:00Good ReadsI first read this intriguing book years ago and am now the proud owner of a very old copy, and a new (well, new but used) copy, as well. The most recently released edition has the following subtitle:"9 Steps to Transforming Your Relationship with Money and Achieving Financial Independence."Tough to resist that one, isn't it?The book, co-written by Vicki Robin and the late Joe Dominguez, is a http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/MidwestParents/~3/dsmHRFcvjfE/book-review-your-money-or-your-life.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Hip Mom's Guide)2<div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/MidwestParents?a=dsmHRFcvjfE:-pMcNobfmoY:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/MidwestParents?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/MidwestParents?a=dsmHRFcvjfE:-pMcNobfmoY:I9og5sOYxJI"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/MidwestParents?d=I9og5sOYxJI" border="0"></img></a> </div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/MidwestParents/~4/dsmHRFcvjfE" height="1" width="1"/>http://midwestparents.blogspot.com/2009/10/book-review-your-money-or-your-life.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1708683104926932654.post-7037492982565663030Wed, 28 Oct 2009 10:59:00 +00002009-10-28T07:32:47.673-05:00wordless wednesday See more Wordless Wednesday here and here.http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/MidwestParents/~3/W0nRv5KsSG0/when-in-rome.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Hip Mom's Guide)4<div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/MidwestParents?a=W0nRv5KsSG0:ZS2i5BCUC-8:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/MidwestParents?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/MidwestParents?a=W0nRv5KsSG0:ZS2i5BCUC-8:I9og5sOYxJI"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/MidwestParents?d=I9og5sOYxJI" border="0"></img></a> </div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/MidwestParents/~4/W0nRv5KsSG0" height="1" width="1"/>http://midwestparents.blogspot.com/2009/10/when-in-rome.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1708683104926932654.post-5275905425382018111Tue, 27 Oct 2009 10:59:00 +00002009-10-31T11:44:21.549-05:00it worked for usfoodUgghh. No, this isn't going to be a post about handing out raisins on Halloween. This post is about what you can add to your own counter-top treats this year that's not quite as punishing as that Snickers bar you've been eyeing.Step one: Carve your pumpkins.Step two: Keep the seeds. When I was a kid we always rinsed the seeds, sprayed them with Pam, and doused them with salt. This is a tasty http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/MidwestParents/~3/VZdecMvNnnQ/healthier-halloween.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Hip Mom's Guide)2<div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/MidwestParents?a=VZdecMvNnnQ:e_ZplYGPYGI:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/MidwestParents?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/MidwestParents?a=VZdecMvNnnQ:e_ZplYGPYGI:I9og5sOYxJI"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/MidwestParents?d=I9og5sOYxJI" border="0"></img></a> </div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/MidwestParents/~4/VZdecMvNnnQ" height="1" width="1"/>http://midwestparents.blogspot.com/2009/10/healthier-halloween.html