Rambling
We are now into Day 4 of Daddy's business trip. Ben will return home sometime tomorrow afternoon. I think things are going exceptionally well, really. The kids have been good and Ben's teenage sister has come to stay for the weekend. The extra set of hands were a great asset last night when I had to run out to the store!
Potty training is going fairly well. We had two puddles yesterday, sadly, but today our big girl has been completely dry. I even took the children to the zoo for a couple hours this morning. Our H. Bear wore pull-ups and refused to use the public washroom. She waited until we returned home and then used her potty. Our big girl received a big marshmallow for that feat!
Last night I realized that after almost nine years of marriage Ben and I have never been apart for so long. I really miss him. The bed has been cold and I've taken to wearing flannel pajamas and thick socks. I hope he's enjoying the weather in sunny California...
Our littlest family member is still working on tooth #2. I wish that thing would finally poke through! He's been up two or three times every night lately. (Oh how I pray my baby will sleep 12 hours again!) I also suspect our timbit is ready to start solid foods. He will be six months old next week and is a fairly big boy. I think he's getting hungry in the night.
Yesterday we slept in and I kept our three-year-old home from school. (Our kindergartener had a PD day.) I am feeling quite guilty about skipping preschool. Our son doesn't really understand he missed school, at least. I was simply too tired to load up all the kids first thing in the morning. Yes, I'm feeling horribly guilty.
All that to say, I'm looking forward to Ben's return tomorrow. I've been so grateful for our caring friends and family. I can't count how many people have offered to help. Thank you so much!
Saturday, October 11, 2008
Thursday, October 09, 2008
Thanksgiving Dinner Revised
So I've been battling with what to make for Thanksgiving dinner this weekend. Originally, I wanted to buy a free-range turkey from here but I simply couldn't swallow the expense. I then considered buying a turkey from the grocery store. However, after reading about turkeys in the book Animal, Vegetable, Miracle I just can't bring myself to do it.
I've finally decided we're going to eat chicken.
I have two, rather large, organic chickens in my freezer. The huge roasting pan I inherited from my grandmother should contain them both quite nicely. I hope none of our family is offended by eating chicken for Thanksgiving dinner...
So I've been battling with what to make for Thanksgiving dinner this weekend. Originally, I wanted to buy a free-range turkey from here but I simply couldn't swallow the expense. I then considered buying a turkey from the grocery store. However, after reading about turkeys in the book Animal, Vegetable, Miracle I just can't bring myself to do it.
I've finally decided we're going to eat chicken.
I have two, rather large, organic chickens in my freezer. The huge roasting pan I inherited from my grandmother should contain them both quite nicely. I hope none of our family is offended by eating chicken for Thanksgiving dinner...
The Potty Training Diaries: Day 3
Day 3 is shaping up to be somewhat challenging...
Mommy did not have a great night without Daddy at home. The kids woke up seven times in the night :-(. Little Timbit is working on tooth number two and our sensitive Middle C had several bad dreams.
One of our artistic children coloured on all the stairs with green crayon.
Our potty training novice pooped in her panties.
The toilets have plugged three times so far.
At least we've had no puddles this morning! (Thank goodness. I don't know if my carpets can take much more abuse.) Our big girl has used the potty five times successfully today.
Day 3 is shaping up to be somewhat challenging...
Mommy did not have a great night without Daddy at home. The kids woke up seven times in the night :-(. Little Timbit is working on tooth number two and our sensitive Middle C had several bad dreams.
One of our artistic children coloured on all the stairs with green crayon.
Our potty training novice pooped in her panties.
The toilets have plugged three times so far.
At least we've had no puddles this morning! (Thank goodness. I don't know if my carpets can take much more abuse.) Our big girl has used the potty five times successfully today.
Wednesday, October 08, 2008
Tuesday, October 07, 2008
News Flash: Toddlers are Clumsy
Our two-year-old is sporting a fashionable new look these days. A few days ago she was on the losing end of a battle with the bedside table and now has an impressive black eye.
Those sneaky end tables. They can just jump right out at you.
On the day of the table incident our daughter bumped her forehead on the hardwood floor as well. (On the same side as the black eye, of course.)
She also had her fingers closed in a door.
It was a very traumatic day for our young princess.
All this to say: Toddlers are clumsy. They're accident-prone. They tend to be top-heavy. They often wear bruises as badges of honour.
This thing called walking can be very tricky business, indeed.
Our two-year-old is sporting a fashionable new look these days. A few days ago she was on the losing end of a battle with the bedside table and now has an impressive black eye.
Those sneaky end tables. They can just jump right out at you.
On the day of the table incident our daughter bumped her forehead on the hardwood floor as well. (On the same side as the black eye, of course.)
She also had her fingers closed in a door.
It was a very traumatic day for our young princess.
All this to say: Toddlers are clumsy. They're accident-prone. They tend to be top-heavy. They often wear bruises as badges of honour.
This thing called walking can be very tricky business, indeed.
Monday, October 06, 2008
Menu Plan MondayOctober 6, 2008
Here is my proposed menu plan for the upcoming week :-).
Monday: No cooking (supper with my parents)
Tuesday: Honey dijon chicken, brown rice, carrots, green salad
Wednesday: Vegetable and bean soup, whole wheat toast, grapes
Thursday: Leftovers
Friday: Lasagna (the old stand-by in the freezer), green salad
Saturday: Bean burritos, avocado and tomato salad
Sunday: Clean out the fridge
Next Monday is Canadian Thanksgiving. I'm still working on our Thanksgiving menu, but here's the plan as it stands. Many of the following recipes are from my new Taste of Home magazine.
Apple and herb roasted turkey
Old-fashioned dressing
Slow-cooker mashed potatoes
Candied sweet potatoes
Herbed corn
Beets
Strawberry gelatin salad
Pumpkin cheesecake deluxe with pecan brittle garnish (mmmmm!)
Menu Plan Monday is hosted each week by Laura at Org Junkie.
Sunday, October 05, 2008
Saturday, October 04, 2008
Friday, October 03, 2008
Lookin' Good?
Ben's new tweed jacket is causing quite the stir. His jacket + jeans combination has received rave reviews from several men our parents' age. Considering my husband is not yet thirty, I haven't decided whether or not this admiration is a good thing...
Ben's new tweed jacket is causing quite the stir. His jacket + jeans combination has received rave reviews from several men our parents' age. Considering my husband is not yet thirty, I haven't decided whether or not this admiration is a good thing...
Thursday, October 02, 2008
Wednesday, October 01, 2008
Wide Open Space
I am watching some men drill post holes into our field. I like to think of it as "our" field but the land is actually owned by the city. The field is more correctly known as an "stormwater dry pond" and it stretches several hundred metres behind our house.
I'm told the northern half of the field belongs to the Calgary Board of Education. One day they plan to build a school there. The section of land behind our house, however, will never be developed. I pray we'll always enjoy that beautiful grassy expanse outside our back door.
And, so it seems, after today we'll also have soccer matches to look forward to!
I am watching some men drill post holes into our field. I like to think of it as "our" field but the land is actually owned by the city. The field is more correctly known as an "stormwater dry pond" and it stretches several hundred metres behind our house.
I'm told the northern half of the field belongs to the Calgary Board of Education. One day they plan to build a school there. The section of land behind our house, however, will never be developed. I pray we'll always enjoy that beautiful grassy expanse outside our back door.
And, so it seems, after today we'll also have soccer matches to look forward to!
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Random Updates
Sadly, Claire the spider has disappeared. We're not sure whether she's died or simply hidden herself away for the winter. Our family had grown quite fond of the spider these past few months. Ben and I made a habit of admiring her web each evening, almost as part of our nightly routine.
On a totally unrelated note --- this post made me laugh very hard yesterday. Go read it.
Sadly, Claire the spider has disappeared. We're not sure whether she's died or simply hidden herself away for the winter. Our family had grown quite fond of the spider these past few months. Ben and I made a habit of admiring her web each evening, almost as part of our nightly routine.
On a totally unrelated note --- this post made me laugh very hard yesterday. Go read it.
Monday, September 29, 2008
So That's Why He Wouldn't Stop Crying At 4am...
Our little timbit had a big surprise in store for us today. He cut his first tooth! What a big boy!
How old have your babies been when they've cut their first teeth? Here's a rundown of our family's toothy debuts:
Baby #1: 6 months
Baby #2: 4 1/2 months (and then he got a whole mouthful all at once)
Baby #3: 11 months (she was the slow poke!)
Baby #4: 5 1/2 months
I think our little timbit will be chewing up steak before we know it!
Our little timbit had a big surprise in store for us today. He cut his first tooth! What a big boy!
How old have your babies been when they've cut their first teeth? Here's a rundown of our family's toothy debuts:
Baby #1: 6 months
Baby #2: 4 1/2 months (and then he got a whole mouthful all at once)
Baby #3: 11 months (she was the slow poke!)
Baby #4: 5 1/2 months
I think our little timbit will be chewing up steak before we know it!
Sunday, September 28, 2008
Menu Plan MondaySeptember 29, 2008
Here's my menu plan for the upcoming week. The lentil curry is a new recipe I dug up from an old Everyday Food magazine.
Monday: No cooking (supper with my parents)
Tuesday: Lentil curry, brown rice
Wednesday: Encore performance
Thursday: Squash and bean chili, corn meal muffins
Friday: Lasagna (from the freezer), green salad
Saturday: Clean out the fridge
Sunday: No cooking (supper with Ben's parents)
Check out Menu Plan Monday each week, hosted by Org Junkie.
Saturday, September 27, 2008
Friday, September 26, 2008
Stylin'
Ben and I have never claimed to exhibit great fashion prowess. Our clothing is quite ordinary. Ben loves his stripy shirts. I like Value Village.
Fashionistas we are not.
Lately, we've begun a new love affair with LL Bean. The clothes are good quality and reasonably stylish. Ben likes wearing the LL Bean button-up shirts. I love how perfect his shirts look straight out of the dryer. I recently bought two LL Bean fleece sweaters, and I must admit, I enjoy any shopping experience that doesn't involve trucking four small children through the mall. (The duty and shipping nearly make me faint, but that's another story.)
Along the same lines, I recently did truck several small children though Eddie Bauer. The store had a terrific clearance sale. I wasn't courageous enough to brave the dressing rooms with the Inklings in tow, but I sure enjoyed browsing through the racks. Someday when we're rich and famous I could get used to shopping at Eddie Bauer ;-).
All that to say, I've been feeling a wee bit insecure next to my super-stylish friends. I could never pull off the skinny jeans and 80s tops. Lulu Lemon gives me hives. I prefer comfy cargos and a fleece pullover any day. Hemp jewelry is cool, right?
Ben and I may be nabbed by the fashion police sometime soon. Ben's new tweed jacket must surely count as a minor offense. That's okay, though ... at least we'll have comfortable clothes to wear in jail.
Ben and I have never claimed to exhibit great fashion prowess. Our clothing is quite ordinary. Ben loves his stripy shirts. I like Value Village.
Fashionistas we are not.
Lately, we've begun a new love affair with LL Bean. The clothes are good quality and reasonably stylish. Ben likes wearing the LL Bean button-up shirts. I love how perfect his shirts look straight out of the dryer. I recently bought two LL Bean fleece sweaters, and I must admit, I enjoy any shopping experience that doesn't involve trucking four small children through the mall. (The duty and shipping nearly make me faint, but that's another story.)
Along the same lines, I recently did truck several small children though Eddie Bauer. The store had a terrific clearance sale. I wasn't courageous enough to brave the dressing rooms with the Inklings in tow, but I sure enjoyed browsing through the racks. Someday when we're rich and famous I could get used to shopping at Eddie Bauer ;-).
All that to say, I've been feeling a wee bit insecure next to my super-stylish friends. I could never pull off the skinny jeans and 80s tops. Lulu Lemon gives me hives. I prefer comfy cargos and a fleece pullover any day. Hemp jewelry is cool, right?
Ben and I may be nabbed by the fashion police sometime soon. Ben's new tweed jacket must surely count as a minor offense. That's okay, though ... at least we'll have comfortable clothes to wear in jail.
Thursday, September 25, 2008
Eight-Legged Friend
A rather large spider lives on our back deck. Her name is Claire. She's been with our family for several months and spends her days hidden in the corner of the house. At night she weaves her web by the light of the moon.
Claire is properly known as an orb weaver. We believe she is a cat-face spider.
Our spider friend is impressively large. Her body alone has grown to nearly an inch in diameter. Neither Ben nor I have seen a bigger spider in the wilds of suburban Calgary. We wonder if Claire will stay with us through the winter. Will she hibernate in the corner of the siding? Can she survive the cold?
We do not mind sharing our deck with this eight-legged friend ... just so long as she stays outside of our house.
A rather large spider lives on our back deck. Her name is Claire. She's been with our family for several months and spends her days hidden in the corner of the house. At night she weaves her web by the light of the moon.
Claire is properly known as an orb weaver. We believe she is a cat-face spider.
Our spider friend is impressively large. Her body alone has grown to nearly an inch in diameter. Neither Ben nor I have seen a bigger spider in the wilds of suburban Calgary. We wonder if Claire will stay with us through the winter. Will she hibernate in the corner of the siding? Can she survive the cold?
We do not mind sharing our deck with this eight-legged friend ... just so long as she stays outside of our house.
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Ode to Autumn
Here's a neat little meme started by my dear (real life) friend, Prairie Girl. Be sure to head over to her site and join the contest in honour of Autumn. A subscription to Martha Stewart magazine is up for grabs!
1. My favorite fall colour is chocolate brown.
2. The fall meal I am most looking forward to enjoying is beef stew with baking powder biscuits.
3. My favorite fall activity is baking.
4. I am looking forward to wearing mittens again.
5. If I were to fill my thermos/coffee mug with any beverage, it would definitely be peppermint tea.
6. My favorite fall tradition is Thanksgiving dinner!
7. My favorite spot to "take in" fall colours is driving through the mountains.
8. My favorite fall sound is the school bell.
9. My favorite fall smell is wood-burning fireplaces.
10. Fall makes me feel cozy and productive.
Here's a neat little meme started by my dear (real life) friend, Prairie Girl. Be sure to head over to her site and join the contest in honour of Autumn. A subscription to Martha Stewart magazine is up for grabs!
1. My favorite fall colour is chocolate brown.
2. The fall meal I am most looking forward to enjoying is beef stew with baking powder biscuits.
3. My favorite fall activity is baking.
4. I am looking forward to wearing mittens again.
5. If I were to fill my thermos/coffee mug with any beverage, it would definitely be peppermint tea.
6. My favorite fall tradition is Thanksgiving dinner!
7. My favorite spot to "take in" fall colours is driving through the mountains.
8. My favorite fall sound is the school bell.
9. My favorite fall smell is wood-burning fireplaces.
10. Fall makes me feel cozy and productive.
Fall Into Reading 2008Yummy! Nothing beats a crisp fall day, a warm cup of tea, and a delicious book. I'm thankful Katrina has, once again, chosen to host the Fall Into Reading challenge :-).
This season is a busy one for our family. As a result, I've chosen a very modest reading list this time around. Here are my book selections:
This book is the third installment in the series I'm slowly working through.
Okay, I can admit my weakness. I'm a hopeless fan of Christian romance. (Pathetic, I know, but I can think of worse vices.)
This is an older book, but one I've long been curious about.
I had to add something to my list to make me look serious and scholarly.If you would like to check out other Fall Into Reading book lists please visit the Mr. Linky at Callapidder Days. Better yet, join in on the fun yourself!
Happy reading!
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
The Week at a Glance
I must admit, the upcoming week is stressing me out. I'm not sure why, really. This week is not much different than any other. Maybe I need to catch up on my sleep?
At any rate, I've decided to map out my tasks for the next few days. I know it's not exactly riveting for most other people, but hey, this is pretty much my life these days!
Here goes:
Monday: unpack, laundry, bank blog posts (done, done and done!)
Tuesday: groceries, clean van (ew!), last-minute birthday shopping
Wednesday: make cheesecakes, clean house main level
Thursday: (Ben's birthday!) Play date, clean upstairs, laundry
Friday: Buy tree, finish digging flower beds
Saturday: Plant tree, baking
Sunday: Church, visit with friends!
I must admit, the upcoming week is stressing me out. I'm not sure why, really. This week is not much different than any other. Maybe I need to catch up on my sleep?
At any rate, I've decided to map out my tasks for the next few days. I know it's not exactly riveting for most other people, but hey, this is pretty much my life these days!
Here goes:
Monday: unpack, laundry, bank blog posts (done, done and done!)
Tuesday: groceries, clean van (ew!), last-minute birthday shopping
Wednesday: make cheesecakes, clean house main level
Thursday: (Ben's birthday!) Play date, clean upstairs, laundry
Friday: Buy tree, finish digging flower beds
Saturday: Plant tree, baking
Sunday: Church, visit with friends!
Monday, September 22, 2008
Menu Plan MondaySeptember 22, 2008
Better late than never, right?
Monday: Scrambled eggs with sauteed veggies, whole wheat toast
Tuesday: Pasta with meat sauce (from the freezer), green salad
Wednesday: Repeat performance
Thursday: (Ben's birthday!) Curried chicken and artichoke casserole, brown rice, steamed cauliflower and broccoli, mocha cheesecake and brownie cheesecake for the party!
Friday: Chicken noodle soup, homemade bread, melon cubes
Saturday: Leftovers
Sunday: Lasagna (from the freezer), green salad
Check out more great recipes and menu plans at Org Junkie.
Home
This weekend our family went to my cousin's wedding in Kelowna. It was certainly a whirlwind trip! We left at the crack of dawn on Friday and returned late last night. We had intended to return in time for school and work this morning. In retrospect, if we had known a mudslide would close the TransCanada highway I think we may have stayed in Kelowna an extra day.
The wedding was very nice. It was good to visit with my extended family, if only for a day. The kids were awesome. Considering we kept them awake late, all shared a single hotel room, and spent most of the weekend driving, the kids were incredible. They had a terrific time cuttin' up the floor at the wedding dance. Too cute!
I'm ready to be done traveling, that's for sure. It feels like we've been gone every weekend lately. (Though we haven't, really.) I'm such a homebody, I'd choose to stay home all the time if we could. Ben and I definitely haven't been bitten by the travel bug like my sister and brother-in-law!
(As an aside ... my sister bought a new house last week and it's only three blocks away! We are very excited to welcome Lori and Matt to the neighbourhood!)
Ben has one trip coming up in October and then we are done! No more traveling for our family for a good, long time. I'm totally looking forward to nesting through the fall and winter. It's time to settle down.
This weekend our family went to my cousin's wedding in Kelowna. It was certainly a whirlwind trip! We left at the crack of dawn on Friday and returned late last night. We had intended to return in time for school and work this morning. In retrospect, if we had known a mudslide would close the TransCanada highway I think we may have stayed in Kelowna an extra day.
The wedding was very nice. It was good to visit with my extended family, if only for a day. The kids were awesome. Considering we kept them awake late, all shared a single hotel room, and spent most of the weekend driving, the kids were incredible. They had a terrific time cuttin' up the floor at the wedding dance. Too cute!
I'm ready to be done traveling, that's for sure. It feels like we've been gone every weekend lately. (Though we haven't, really.) I'm such a homebody, I'd choose to stay home all the time if we could. Ben and I definitely haven't been bitten by the travel bug like my sister and brother-in-law!
(As an aside ... my sister bought a new house last week and it's only three blocks away! We are very excited to welcome Lori and Matt to the neighbourhood!)
Ben has one trip coming up in October and then we are done! No more traveling for our family for a good, long time. I'm totally looking forward to nesting through the fall and winter. It's time to settle down.
Thursday, September 18, 2008
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
A Little Visitor (Part 2)
As of last night, "Buggy" the bat was still alive. My heroic husband stayed up late constructing a lovely bat box for him. (I decided to go to bed.) Ben gently prodded Buggy into his new home, where he crawled up to the top and hung upside-down. Ben took it as a good sign. Since it was late and dark, Ben put the bat box out beside our fence but didn't hang it up.
This morning our entire family was very curious to learn Buggy's fate. Ben built the bat box with a hinged front. At breakfast time he went into the backyard to check inside the box, but alas, our bat had flown the coop. The box was empty.
We're hoping Buggy went out hunting bugs and stayed safe last night. I'm not sure whether he could fly with a torn wing. I hate the thought that a cat or some predator may have caught him. At any rate, Buggy was a wild creature and we didn't want to keep him in the garage too long. He deserved to be out and free. Maybe he will return to the bat box tonight. Who knows? We'll hang the box on our fence in hopes that a small nocturnal resident will soon call it home.
As of last night, "Buggy" the bat was still alive. My heroic husband stayed up late constructing a lovely bat box for him. (I decided to go to bed.) Ben gently prodded Buggy into his new home, where he crawled up to the top and hung upside-down. Ben took it as a good sign. Since it was late and dark, Ben put the bat box out beside our fence but didn't hang it up.
This morning our entire family was very curious to learn Buggy's fate. Ben built the bat box with a hinged front. At breakfast time he went into the backyard to check inside the box, but alas, our bat had flown the coop. The box was empty.
We're hoping Buggy went out hunting bugs and stayed safe last night. I'm not sure whether he could fly with a torn wing. I hate the thought that a cat or some predator may have caught him. At any rate, Buggy was a wild creature and we didn't want to keep him in the garage too long. He deserved to be out and free. Maybe he will return to the bat box tonight. Who knows? We'll hang the box on our fence in hopes that a small nocturnal resident will soon call it home.
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
A Little Visitor
Our family hosted a tiny house guest last night. He slept in a shoe box in our garage. He was small, furry, and actually quite cute.
Our guest was a little brown bat.
Ben found the bat in his parking lot last night after work. It was lying injured on the pavement. (The bat has a torn wing.) Ben carefully placed the bat in a box and brought him home to show the kids.
We won't let the kids get too close to the bat. I'm scared he might try to bite if he gets frightened. Once the children were in bed last night, Ben went to the pet store and bought some meal worms. We don't know much about bats, but we thought the bat might eat the worms since he won't be out hunting flying bugs any time soon.
This morning the bat actually looks a bit better. (I wasn't convinced it would survive the night.) He is hanging upside down from the side of the shoe box, has had a bit of water and might have eaten a meal worm or two. If the bat lives through the day, Ben is planning to build a bat box for the backyard tonight.
Ben and I have talked about building a bat box for years. We think bats are pretty interested creatures, to tell the truth. They are impressive insect hunters. Ben read that a single brown bat can eat 1000 mosquitoes in a hour! Ben will hang the small bat box on the side of our fence and we'll see if the little bat will make it his home.
Link: How to build a bat house
Our family hosted a tiny house guest last night. He slept in a shoe box in our garage. He was small, furry, and actually quite cute.
Our guest was a little brown bat.
Ben found the bat in his parking lot last night after work. It was lying injured on the pavement. (The bat has a torn wing.) Ben carefully placed the bat in a box and brought him home to show the kids.
We won't let the kids get too close to the bat. I'm scared he might try to bite if he gets frightened. Once the children were in bed last night, Ben went to the pet store and bought some meal worms. We don't know much about bats, but we thought the bat might eat the worms since he won't be out hunting flying bugs any time soon.
This morning the bat actually looks a bit better. (I wasn't convinced it would survive the night.) He is hanging upside down from the side of the shoe box, has had a bit of water and might have eaten a meal worm or two. If the bat lives through the day, Ben is planning to build a bat box for the backyard tonight.
Ben and I have talked about building a bat box for years. We think bats are pretty interested creatures, to tell the truth. They are impressive insect hunters. Ben read that a single brown bat can eat 1000 mosquitoes in a hour! Ben will hang the small bat box on the side of our fence and we'll see if the little bat will make it his home.
Link: How to build a bat house
Monday, September 15, 2008
I Hate Being Indecisive
I think we've finally reached consensus. Ben and I will hold our almost-four-year-old back a year from starting kindergarten. His November birthday and outgoing personality have really thrown us for a loop! However, we've decided it's best for him to be five (almost six) before he starts school.
Next year we'll register our son in the same jr. kindergarten program his big brother attended. I think that extra year will be really beneficial for our little guy.
I think we've finally reached consensus. Ben and I will hold our almost-four-year-old back a year from starting kindergarten. His November birthday and outgoing personality have really thrown us for a loop! However, we've decided it's best for him to be five (almost six) before he starts school.
Next year we'll register our son in the same jr. kindergarten program his big brother attended. I think that extra year will be really beneficial for our little guy.
Sunday, September 14, 2008
Menu Plan MondaySeptember 15, 2008
I'm looking forward to this week because I'll need to spend very little time in the kitchen. I do enjoy cooking (most of the time) but it's always nice to get a little break. Later this week our family will be traveling to a wedding, so my menu plan will only run from Monday through Thursday. As well, my kind mother-in-law blessed us with a large lasagna this evening :-D. Our meals for the week are almost set! How awesome is that?
Here's my proposed menu plan:
Monday: No cooking! (Supper with my parents)
Tuesday: Vegetable frittata, sweet onion muffins
Wednesday: Chicken lasagna (thank you!), salad greens
Thursday: Clean out the fridge
I don't believe our hotel room this weekend will have a fridge. I'm planning to bring a few simple things in our cooler so that we won't totally rely on fast food:
juice boxes
bottled water
string cheese
yogurt tubes
grapes
craisins
apples
fruit leather
granola bars
muffins
bagels
cream cheese
pretzels
If you'd like to see other great menu plans and recipes, check out Menu Plan Monday at Org Junkie.
Saturday, September 13, 2008
Friday, September 12, 2008
Scary
Today I am grateful for guardian angels.
I was out running errands for most of this morning and returned home just before lunch. As I pulled into our driveway, I clicked the button on the garage door opener. Nothing happened. I clicked a few more times. Nothing.
"Drat," I thought to myself, "The remote's battery has gone dead."
I put the van into park and stepped onto the driveway. I punched our code into the key pad on the side of the house and waited. Nothing. The garage door didn't budge.
Double drat.
I punched in the code one more time and listened carefully. The motor was running inside but the garage door wouldn't move. Something was broken, for sure.
The kids and I left the van on the driveway and went in through the front door. I walked through the house and out to the garage, flipping on the light. I pressed the button from the inside.
The garage door motor started, the chain pulled the lever across the ceiling, but the arm was no longer attached to the door. All the bolts had pulled free. It took a moment for the ramifications to sink in.
What if those bolts had given way when the door was open?
What if one of the children had been under the door when the bolts gave out?
Our children had run under that door just hours earlier as we left for school...
I shuddered.
And I thanked God for sending a big, burly angel to shoulder that heavy door in order to keep our family safe.
Today I am grateful for guardian angels.
I was out running errands for most of this morning and returned home just before lunch. As I pulled into our driveway, I clicked the button on the garage door opener. Nothing happened. I clicked a few more times. Nothing.
"Drat," I thought to myself, "The remote's battery has gone dead."
I put the van into park and stepped onto the driveway. I punched our code into the key pad on the side of the house and waited. Nothing. The garage door didn't budge.
Double drat.
I punched in the code one more time and listened carefully. The motor was running inside but the garage door wouldn't move. Something was broken, for sure.
The kids and I left the van on the driveway and went in through the front door. I walked through the house and out to the garage, flipping on the light. I pressed the button from the inside.
The garage door motor started, the chain pulled the lever across the ceiling, but the arm was no longer attached to the door. All the bolts had pulled free. It took a moment for the ramifications to sink in.
What if those bolts had given way when the door was open?
What if one of the children had been under the door when the bolts gave out?
Our children had run under that door just hours earlier as we left for school...
I shuddered.
And I thanked God for sending a big, burly angel to shoulder that heavy door in order to keep our family safe.
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Big Boy School Kids
Today is our five-year-old's first full day of school. (He's especially looking forward to eating his lunch in the cafeteria!) Our son also has his first ballet lesson later this afternoon. I'm thinking we'll have one tired boy come the end of the day. A seven o'clock bed time should be just fine, don't you think?
Our almost-four-year-old seems to have taken to preschool like a duck to water. I don't even get a goodbye at the door anymore! He's a sociable little guy, and I suspect he'll do just fine at making friends. We had originally planned to keep our second-born back a year from starting kindergarten because his birthday is in November. (The school's cut-off date is Dec. 31.) We're now considering registering our son to kindergarten next year after all.
Our boys are 22 months apart in age, but I think they may end up being only one grade apart in school. Keeping our five-year-old back a year was definitely the right decision. (He is a January baby.) Would it be the right decision for his younger brother too? I'm no longer convinced. They're two very different little boys.
I mean BIG boys! (They're always reminding me!)
Today is our five-year-old's first full day of school. (He's especially looking forward to eating his lunch in the cafeteria!) Our son also has his first ballet lesson later this afternoon. I'm thinking we'll have one tired boy come the end of the day. A seven o'clock bed time should be just fine, don't you think?
Our almost-four-year-old seems to have taken to preschool like a duck to water. I don't even get a goodbye at the door anymore! He's a sociable little guy, and I suspect he'll do just fine at making friends. We had originally planned to keep our second-born back a year from starting kindergarten because his birthday is in November. (The school's cut-off date is Dec. 31.) We're now considering registering our son to kindergarten next year after all.
Our boys are 22 months apart in age, but I think they may end up being only one grade apart in school. Keeping our five-year-old back a year was definitely the right decision. (He is a January baby.) Would it be the right decision for his younger brother too? I'm no longer convinced. They're two very different little boys.
I mean BIG boys! (They're always reminding me!)
Monday, September 08, 2008
The Not-So Virtuoso
So I've been practicing piano again, getting ready for my next round of exams at Christmas. Let's just say ... it's been a loooooong time since I've seriously sat at the piano. (We're talking years). The fingers, they are slow. I'm totally out of shape.
So I pulled out Hanon's trusty piano exercises for "the virtuoso pianist". If those babies can't whip my fingers into shape, I don't know what will. (Groan.)
While our youngest kids nap in the afternoon, our five-year-old takes a "quiet time" on our bed. He's a creature of habit and likes his own space, so this actually works very well. I've been playing piano while all the kids rest. This afternoon our son commented on my new practice regime.
"Hey Mommy! I really liked your piano playing!"
"Thanks, Buddy."
"You know what part I liked the best?"
"No. What?"
"The really fast part, right at the beginning! All the notes in a row!"
Our son wasn't interested in the fun stuff --- the children's songs I've been learning for my exam. Nope. He was into the heavy stuff. He liked the Hanon, all those scales and finger exercises.
What a crazy, crazy kid.
So I've been practicing piano again, getting ready for my next round of exams at Christmas. Let's just say ... it's been a loooooong time since I've seriously sat at the piano. (We're talking years). The fingers, they are slow. I'm totally out of shape.
So I pulled out Hanon's trusty piano exercises for "the virtuoso pianist". If those babies can't whip my fingers into shape, I don't know what will. (Groan.)
While our youngest kids nap in the afternoon, our five-year-old takes a "quiet time" on our bed. He's a creature of habit and likes his own space, so this actually works very well. I've been playing piano while all the kids rest. This afternoon our son commented on my new practice regime.
"Hey Mommy! I really liked your piano playing!"
"Thanks, Buddy."
"You know what part I liked the best?"
"No. What?"
"The really fast part, right at the beginning! All the notes in a row!"
Our son wasn't interested in the fun stuff --- the children's songs I've been learning for my exam. Nope. He was into the heavy stuff. He liked the Hanon, all those scales and finger exercises.
What a crazy, crazy kid.
Sunday, September 07, 2008
Menu Plan MondaySeptember 8, 2008
The weather has certainly turned cool the past couple of weeks. It's funny that we went straight from running our air conditioner to using the furnace. It seems the fall season has very suddenly come upon us. I don't mind, really. Fall is one of my favourite times of year. I love cool-weather cooking and like to use my oven. I even started baking again last week. Mmmm.
As an aside, my project for this week is to decorate our living room and kitchen area. I think I've finally found a vision for the space. I needed to live in our new house for a couple of months before I could decorate and make it feel "homey". This afternoon I purchased fabric for valances, some new drapes, and three curtain rods. I think once I dress the windows the space will feel more warm and inviting.
I'm still finding our family's groove with the new back-to-school schedule. This will be our first full week of the new routine. I'm not sure yet how everything will play out, but my big boys both had a great time at school last week. I'm loving living across the street from our son's school. It's a great time saver, and it's nice to get out for a little walk and some fresh air.
Here's my proposed menu plan for the upcoming week:
Monday: No cooking (supper with my parents)
Tuesday: Lasagna (I made a huge batch of sauce last week. I plan to make two lasagnas and freeze one), green salad
Wednesday: Encore performance
Thursday: Best of bridge bean soup, homemade multigrain bread
Friday: 5-minute southwest salad, cornmeal muffins
Saturday: Grilled hamburgers, japanese cabbage salad, corn on the cob, baked beans
Sunday: Clean out the fridge
Check out Org Junkie for more Menu Plan Monday goodness.
Saturday, September 06, 2008
The Funnies
Our two- and three-year-olds have been experimenting with humour today. Their original material is incredibly cute. Here's a small sampling:
"Knock, knock!"
"Who's there?"
"Cookie."
"Cookie who?"
"Don't cry. It's only a joke."
(Our daughter's jokes basically all involve cookies in some way.)
Our three-year-old told the following joke at the supper table this evening. He's never attempted a light bulb joke before.
"How many worms does it take to change a light bulb?"
"I don't know. How many?"
"Just five, Mommy."
Our two- and three-year-olds have been experimenting with humour today. Their original material is incredibly cute. Here's a small sampling:
"Knock, knock!"
"Who's there?"
"Cookie."
"Cookie who?"
"Don't cry. It's only a joke."
(Our daughter's jokes basically all involve cookies in some way.)
Our three-year-old told the following joke at the supper table this evening. He's never attempted a light bulb joke before.
"How many worms does it take to change a light bulb?"
"I don't know. How many?"
"Just five, Mommy."
Friday, September 05, 2008
Thursday, September 04, 2008
Domesticity
Today was a real mixed bag. I accomplished a great deal (gotta love checking things off the list). I paid for the productivity though :-(. While I was working the kids decided to throw every single toy they own into a great big pile in the middle of the floor. They called it the "mess tent". If you know me, you know this was a huge headache. I have all the kids toys categorically organized into tidy little plastic bins on shelves. Ben and I have spent way too much time sorting everything out this evening.
Oh well.
On a happier note, I learned two new kitchen tricks this morning. I buy pretty well all our meat in bulk from Country Lane Farms. I often choose to buy the chicken variety packs and cook the whole birds in my crock pot. Then, I strip the meat from the bones and freeze it in small portions for casseroles and soups. Yesterday I had the bright idea of cooking a chicken through the night in my crock pot. I put a whole cut-up chicken in the pot, topped it up with water, and added a little salt, pepper and a bay leaf. I set the slow cooker on low and let it run through the night for about nine hours. This morning I had a fully-cooked bird and dark, rich chicken broth. It worked great!
I also made roasted red peppers this morning. They were embarrassingly easy to make, and so much less expensive than buying roasted red peppers in a jar. I simply washed the peppers, placed them on a foil-wrapped cookie sheet, and popped them under the broiler. Every three or four minutes I turned the peppers so that the sides were evenly blackened. When all the skin was black and bubbly, I took the peppers out of the oven and let them cool in a bowl. The skin peeled right off. I sliced the peppers in half, took out the stems and seeds, and stored them flat in freezer bags. It was totally painless (except for the part when I set off the smoke detector).
Here's what I made with my chicken and red peppers. This is a tried and true family favourite in Inksterland. I found the recipe a couple years ago at our local YMCA:
Red Pepper, Tomato and Chicken Pilaf
1 2/3 C. quick-cooking brown rice
3/4 lb. boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into 1" pieces
(I use 2 C. of cooked chicken from my crock pot)
1 (14 1/2 oz.) can stewed tomatoes
1 (14 1/2 oz.) can fat-free, reduced-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
(I use homemade broth)
1 (7 oz.) jar roasted red peppers, drained and chopped
(I use one or two homemade roasted red peppers)
1 sm. onion, chopped
2 tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
1 bay leaf
1 tsp. paprika
1/2 tsp. dried oregano
1/2 tsp. freshly ground pepper
1/4 tsp. salt
1/2 C. frozen peas
1. Preheat oven to 375F. In a 2-quart casserole dish combine rice, chicken, tomatoes, broth, red peppers, onion, oil, bay leaf, paprika, oregano, pepper and salt. Stir well and cover. Bake 40 minutes.
2. Stir in peas. Bake, uncovered, until broth is absorbed, 10-15 minutes. Remove bay leaf and serve.
Makes 6 servings.
Today was a real mixed bag. I accomplished a great deal (gotta love checking things off the list). I paid for the productivity though :-(. While I was working the kids decided to throw every single toy they own into a great big pile in the middle of the floor. They called it the "mess tent". If you know me, you know this was a huge headache. I have all the kids toys categorically organized into tidy little plastic bins on shelves. Ben and I have spent way too much time sorting everything out this evening.
Oh well.
On a happier note, I learned two new kitchen tricks this morning. I buy pretty well all our meat in bulk from Country Lane Farms. I often choose to buy the chicken variety packs and cook the whole birds in my crock pot. Then, I strip the meat from the bones and freeze it in small portions for casseroles and soups. Yesterday I had the bright idea of cooking a chicken through the night in my crock pot. I put a whole cut-up chicken in the pot, topped it up with water, and added a little salt, pepper and a bay leaf. I set the slow cooker on low and let it run through the night for about nine hours. This morning I had a fully-cooked bird and dark, rich chicken broth. It worked great!
I also made roasted red peppers this morning. They were embarrassingly easy to make, and so much less expensive than buying roasted red peppers in a jar. I simply washed the peppers, placed them on a foil-wrapped cookie sheet, and popped them under the broiler. Every three or four minutes I turned the peppers so that the sides were evenly blackened. When all the skin was black and bubbly, I took the peppers out of the oven and let them cool in a bowl. The skin peeled right off. I sliced the peppers in half, took out the stems and seeds, and stored them flat in freezer bags. It was totally painless (except for the part when I set off the smoke detector).
Here's what I made with my chicken and red peppers. This is a tried and true family favourite in Inksterland. I found the recipe a couple years ago at our local YMCA:
Red Pepper, Tomato and Chicken Pilaf
1 2/3 C. quick-cooking brown rice
3/4 lb. boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into 1" pieces
(I use 2 C. of cooked chicken from my crock pot)
1 (14 1/2 oz.) can stewed tomatoes
1 (14 1/2 oz.) can fat-free, reduced-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
(I use homemade broth)
1 (7 oz.) jar roasted red peppers, drained and chopped
(I use one or two homemade roasted red peppers)
1 sm. onion, chopped
2 tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
1 bay leaf
1 tsp. paprika
1/2 tsp. dried oregano
1/2 tsp. freshly ground pepper
1/4 tsp. salt
1/2 C. frozen peas
1. Preheat oven to 375F. In a 2-quart casserole dish combine rice, chicken, tomatoes, broth, red peppers, onion, oil, bay leaf, paprika, oregano, pepper and salt. Stir well and cover. Bake 40 minutes.
2. Stir in peas. Bake, uncovered, until broth is absorbed, 10-15 minutes. Remove bay leaf and serve.
Makes 6 servings.
Wednesday, September 03, 2008
Tuesday, September 02, 2008
Back to School Shopping
The living's been easy. Our kids have worn grubbies. (Shorts, t-shirts and sandals.) The new school year dawns and the weather turns cool. I pull out their sneakers. The long winter pants. And nothing fits. (When did that happen?) The kids have all grown near six inches, I swear.
The boys need new shoes.
We dash to the Payless. Plain black runners for school are top on the list. Our three-year-old needs some new sneakers too. "What size are their feet?" the salesgirl asks. I have no idea. The numbers keep changing! "I'll measure them both," she kindly suggests.
Size 12 1/2 and size 10. We're off to find runners. The three-year-old wanders around, changing displays. "I'll take him over to find a size 10," the helpful clerk offers. I rush to find some black shoes on the shelf. Size 13s. Good enough.
"Diego!!" I hear my son gleefully cry. "Mommy, I found them!" he calls over the shelf. I come round the corner and spot my big boy, big boy shoes on his feet. Diego runners. Of course. They light up, no less.
The salesgirl shrugs, "He found them himself." (She's been well taught.) I cringe at the price tag but swallow my thoughts. "They're perfect," I say. And they are.
Two pairs of new shoes. Two happy boys. One boy, in particular, admires his kicks. He won't take them off. Not even to sleep. "Can't I pleeeease wear Diego to bed?" he begs and he pleads.
That's where I draw the line.
The living's been easy. Our kids have worn grubbies. (Shorts, t-shirts and sandals.) The new school year dawns and the weather turns cool. I pull out their sneakers. The long winter pants. And nothing fits. (When did that happen?) The kids have all grown near six inches, I swear.
The boys need new shoes.
We dash to the Payless. Plain black runners for school are top on the list. Our three-year-old needs some new sneakers too. "What size are their feet?" the salesgirl asks. I have no idea. The numbers keep changing! "I'll measure them both," she kindly suggests.
Size 12 1/2 and size 10. We're off to find runners. The three-year-old wanders around, changing displays. "I'll take him over to find a size 10," the helpful clerk offers. I rush to find some black shoes on the shelf. Size 13s. Good enough.
"Diego!!" I hear my son gleefully cry. "Mommy, I found them!" he calls over the shelf. I come round the corner and spot my big boy, big boy shoes on his feet. Diego runners. Of course. They light up, no less.
The salesgirl shrugs, "He found them himself." (She's been well taught.) I cringe at the price tag but swallow my thoughts. "They're perfect," I say. And they are.
Two pairs of new shoes. Two happy boys. One boy, in particular, admires his kicks. He won't take them off. Not even to sleep. "Can't I pleeeease wear Diego to bed?" he begs and he pleads.
That's where I draw the line.
Monday, September 01, 2008
The Labour Game
Here's a fun meme from Rocks in My Dryer. In honour of Labour Day it's all about (you guessed it) labour.
How long were your labors?
Baby #1 --- 6 hours
Baby #2 --- 6 hours
Baby #3 --- 4 1/2 hours
Baby #4 --- 4 hours
None, praise God.
Who delivered?
Our first two babies were delivered by the doctors on call at the hospital. I had never met any of the doctors before. (Rather impersonal, though not altogether bad, experiences.) Our next two babies were delivered by my wonderful midwives at home, in an inflatable pool in our kitchen.
Head over the the Mr. Linky on Shannon's blog if you'd like to play along :-).
Here's a fun meme from Rocks in My Dryer. In honour of Labour Day it's all about (you guessed it) labour.
How long were your labors?
Baby #1 --- 6 hours
Baby #2 --- 6 hours
Baby #3 --- 4 1/2 hours
Baby #4 --- 4 hours
How did you know you were in labor?
With all the babies there was just a point where I "knew". Strong contractions woke me up in the middle of the night or early in the morning. All the labours followed basically the same pattern.
Where did you deliver?
Babies#1 & #2 --- the hospital
Babies #3 & #4 --- waterbirths at home
Drugs?
None.
C-Section?None, praise God.
Who delivered?
Our first two babies were delivered by the doctors on call at the hospital. I had never met any of the doctors before. (Rather impersonal, though not altogether bad, experiences.) Our next two babies were delivered by my wonderful midwives at home, in an inflatable pool in our kitchen.
Head over the the Mr. Linky on Shannon's blog if you'd like to play along :-).
Just One More Day
Tomorrow will be our family's final day of summer vacation. Our two oldest sons start school bright and early on Wednesday morning. (Kindergarten for the five-year-old and preschool for his younger brother.) I feel like September has suddenly leapt upon us. Where did the summer go? Is it fall already?
Our family has been away from home a lot over the past week or so. The kids are all out of routine and have not been sleeping terribly well. The baby is especially thrown off. (The poor little guy's been fussing and crying most of the evening because he's so tired.) I'm afraid this week we'll require a major reboot in the areas of discipline and routine.
I'm taking a deep breath and trying to enter the upcoming week with a brave face. Our babies are going to school! I can't believe it's actually happening. Our family is entering a whole new season.
Tomorrow will be our family's final day of summer vacation. Our two oldest sons start school bright and early on Wednesday morning. (Kindergarten for the five-year-old and preschool for his younger brother.) I feel like September has suddenly leapt upon us. Where did the summer go? Is it fall already?
Our family has been away from home a lot over the past week or so. The kids are all out of routine and have not been sleeping terribly well. The baby is especially thrown off. (The poor little guy's been fussing and crying most of the evening because he's so tired.) I'm afraid this week we'll require a major reboot in the areas of discipline and routine.
I'm taking a deep breath and trying to enter the upcoming week with a brave face. Our babies are going to school! I can't believe it's actually happening. Our family is entering a whole new season.
Saturday, August 30, 2008
A Wee Bit Greener
Our new compost bin is officially operational. (Thanks Sandra!) Ben put it together the other night and I've started adding soil and kitchen scraps to the bin. For the time being we've placed the composter beside our lower deck, near the patio doors. We'll see if smell becomes an issue. However, I plan to compost through the winter and Ben thought the bin should be near a door. (No need to trudge through the snow banks!)
I have grand plans for our yard next year. (Ha! We'll see what happens in the land of reality.) Maybe our little composter will help make the yard a bit greener.
Our new compost bin is officially operational. (Thanks Sandra!) Ben put it together the other night and I've started adding soil and kitchen scraps to the bin. For the time being we've placed the composter beside our lower deck, near the patio doors. We'll see if smell becomes an issue. However, I plan to compost through the winter and Ben thought the bin should be near a door. (No need to trudge through the snow banks!)
I have grand plans for our yard next year. (Ha! We'll see what happens in the land of reality.) Maybe our little composter will help make the yard a bit greener.
Friday, August 29, 2008
Dragon-licious
Yesterday at the grocery store we stumbled across a dragon fruit. The kids begged to bring the fruit home so we bought one for our family. "It's good to try new things!" our five-year-old insisted.
This morning I sliced into the unusual fruit for breakfast. How beautiful! I was shocked by the dragon fruit's vibrant colour. The outer part was bright fushia, surrounding a white inner pulp full of tiny black seeds. The fruit was a little bit like kiwi, with a similar texture. The flavour was mildly sweet.
Our kids gobbled up the dragon fruit, leaving nothing for Daddy to sample :-(. Our two-year-old especially enjoyed her fruit.
Gorgeous.
Rice crispies and dragon fruit --- the breakfast of champions.
Inspired by the dragon-y goodness.
Yesterday at the grocery store we stumbled across a dragon fruit. The kids begged to bring the fruit home so we bought one for our family. "It's good to try new things!" our five-year-old insisted.
This morning I sliced into the unusual fruit for breakfast. How beautiful! I was shocked by the dragon fruit's vibrant colour. The outer part was bright fushia, surrounding a white inner pulp full of tiny black seeds. The fruit was a little bit like kiwi, with a similar texture. The flavour was mildly sweet.
Our kids gobbled up the dragon fruit, leaving nothing for Daddy to sample :-(. Our two-year-old especially enjoyed her fruit.
Gorgeous.
Rice crispies and dragon fruit --- the breakfast of champions.
Inspired by the dragon-y goodness.Thursday, August 28, 2008
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Dancin' Man
We've registered our five-year-old son for ballet classes. Some people think this is an unusual extra-curricular activity for a little boy but our son is super-excited about dancing. A couple weeks ago we bought his uniform (black exercise pants, a white t-shirt and black slippers). My goodness, that boy looks cute in his dance clothes. He's tried them on several times over the past few days, just because he's so eager.
Why ballet?
Our family is not terribly into sports. (Sorry Uncle Matt.) We're more interested in the arts. At the same time, we would like our kids to be involved in physical activities. Dance seemed like a good fit for us. It also doesn't hurt that dance lessons qualify for the government's active living tax exemption!
We've registered our son in a local Christian dance school. I am very cautious about enrolling our kids in a school that isn't faith-based, especially for the boys. We know we can trust the type of instruction our son will receive at the Christian studio. Modesty and strong character are stressed highly, and our son's masculinity will be affirmed. It also doesn't hurt that friends from church and school also have children enrolled in the same studio.
I think ballet provides an excellent foundation for physical development. (Much the same way I value piano lessons.) Do I expect our children to stick with ballet forever? Not really. I hope they enjoy the activity for a few years, gain some coordination and grace, get exercise, and hopefully develop a greater appreciation for the arts in general. I'd love for dance to be an activity our entire family will enjoy together.
With our son, Ben and I have stressed how male ballet dancers must be very strong and physically fit. Our little guy has really latched on to the concept. As we left the dance supply store a few days ago, his new ballet uniform in hand, he proudly marched over to the front door.
"Here Mommy," he exclaimed, "Let me open that door. I'm very, very strong you know!"
We've registered our five-year-old son for ballet classes. Some people think this is an unusual extra-curricular activity for a little boy but our son is super-excited about dancing. A couple weeks ago we bought his uniform (black exercise pants, a white t-shirt and black slippers). My goodness, that boy looks cute in his dance clothes. He's tried them on several times over the past few days, just because he's so eager.
Why ballet?
Our family is not terribly into sports. (Sorry Uncle Matt.) We're more interested in the arts. At the same time, we would like our kids to be involved in physical activities. Dance seemed like a good fit for us. It also doesn't hurt that dance lessons qualify for the government's active living tax exemption!
We've registered our son in a local Christian dance school. I am very cautious about enrolling our kids in a school that isn't faith-based, especially for the boys. We know we can trust the type of instruction our son will receive at the Christian studio. Modesty and strong character are stressed highly, and our son's masculinity will be affirmed. It also doesn't hurt that friends from church and school also have children enrolled in the same studio.
I think ballet provides an excellent foundation for physical development. (Much the same way I value piano lessons.) Do I expect our children to stick with ballet forever? Not really. I hope they enjoy the activity for a few years, gain some coordination and grace, get exercise, and hopefully develop a greater appreciation for the arts in general. I'd love for dance to be an activity our entire family will enjoy together.
With our son, Ben and I have stressed how male ballet dancers must be very strong and physically fit. Our little guy has really latched on to the concept. As we left the dance supply store a few days ago, his new ballet uniform in hand, he proudly marched over to the front door.
"Here Mommy," he exclaimed, "Let me open that door. I'm very, very strong you know!"
Monday, August 25, 2008
Home Again, Home Again, Jiggedy Jig
We returned yesterday from our long weekend in the mountains. The wedding was lovely. (A weekend without the kids, also lovely.) Re-entry into our normal busy routine today has been a bit of a shock.
The next few days will fly by. We leave again on Friday for another weekend trip to the mountains and have a million tasks to accomplish before then. Can it be that school really starts next week? When did that happen?
We returned yesterday from our long weekend in the mountains. The wedding was lovely. (A weekend without the kids, also lovely.) Re-entry into our normal busy routine today has been a bit of a shock.
The next few days will fly by. We leave again on Friday for another weekend trip to the mountains and have a million tasks to accomplish before then. Can it be that school really starts next week? When did that happen?
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
From the Mouths of Babes
Today my three-year-old has been full of interesting statements...
I spent very little time on my personal appearance this morning. (I slapped my hair into a pony tail, threw on some clean clothes, and that's about it.) As I entered the boys' bedroom my three-year-old looked up at me with sleepy eyes and said:
"Oh no, Mommy. You don't look pretty anymore."
A few minutes later, after the kids were up and dressed, my son brought me his new toy. It was a big mess of a tangled spring.
"Mommy?" he asked, "Can you fix my flinky?"
After breakfast my sunny little guy bounced around the living room. He excitedly talked about his upcoming fourth birthday (the day's more than two months away) and about his big party plans. I only half-listened as he jabbered on.
"Hey, you know what?" he said, "I want a rat cake! A rat cake, Mommy!"
"A rat cake???"
"Yeah Mommy! You know, like Remy the rat!"
Ah yes. I think it's shaping up to be an entertaining day...
Today my three-year-old has been full of interesting statements...
I spent very little time on my personal appearance this morning. (I slapped my hair into a pony tail, threw on some clean clothes, and that's about it.) As I entered the boys' bedroom my three-year-old looked up at me with sleepy eyes and said:
"Oh no, Mommy. You don't look pretty anymore."
A few minutes later, after the kids were up and dressed, my son brought me his new toy. It was a big mess of a tangled spring.
"Mommy?" he asked, "Can you fix my flinky?"
After breakfast my sunny little guy bounced around the living room. He excitedly talked about his upcoming fourth birthday (the day's more than two months away) and about his big party plans. I only half-listened as he jabbered on.
"Hey, you know what?" he said, "I want a rat cake! A rat cake, Mommy!"
"A rat cake???"
"Yeah Mommy! You know, like Remy the rat!"
Ah yes. I think it's shaping up to be an entertaining day...
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
A One Track Mind
No, it's not what you think.
For whatever reason I've become totally infatuated with books. I'm developing a serious addiction. Not sure why, really. I've always loved to read but this week the obsession has gone a bit overboard. My stash no longer fits neatly within the basket beside our bed. The basket doth spilleth over and my library card is seeing some serious action.
I'm pretty sure I'll never find time to read them all.
At least the piles look pretty.
Mmm. Circus freaks.
Because the Amish are cool. Totally.
No, it's not what you think.
For whatever reason I've become totally infatuated with books. I'm developing a serious addiction. Not sure why, really. I've always loved to read but this week the obsession has gone a bit overboard. My stash no longer fits neatly within the basket beside our bed. The basket doth spilleth over and my library card is seeing some serious action.
I'm pretty sure I'll never find time to read them all.
At least the piles look pretty.
Here are two of my latest acquisitions:
Mmm. Circus freaks.
Because the Amish are cool. Totally.
Monday, August 18, 2008
Where is MPM?
I'm wingin' things this week. No menu planning for me! Ben and I are leaving this Thursday to attend a wedding on the weekend. (Without our three oldest kids!) Since I deviated from my plan for last week, I can recycle a few of the recipes. I'll need only a quick trip to the grocery store today for some essentials. Hooray!
I'm wingin' things this week. No menu planning for me! Ben and I are leaving this Thursday to attend a wedding on the weekend. (Without our three oldest kids!) Since I deviated from my plan for last week, I can recycle a few of the recipes. I'll need only a quick trip to the grocery store today for some essentials. Hooray!
Christmas in August!
This afternoon I pulled into the driveway and spotted a large parcel sitting on our front steps. A parcel! For us! Best of all, the hefty box was full of books. Does life get any better?
Our book club had a promotion last month so I placed a rather large order of yummy titles. Here are the great new books I'll be drooling over for the next few days:
This afternoon I pulled into the driveway and spotted a large parcel sitting on our front steps. A parcel! For us! Best of all, the hefty box was full of books. Does life get any better?
Our book club had a promotion last month so I placed a rather large order of yummy titles. Here are the great new books I'll be drooling over for the next few days:
Sunday, August 17, 2008
The Never Ending List
Don't get me wrong, I love our new house. It is a complete and unexpected gift from God. Every day Ben and I find something else in our home to be thankful for. For example, this week we were grateful for our west-east exposure. (This is something we never would have thought to look for in a house.) Our backyard faces east and by mid-afternoon it's nice and shady. The kids can play outside without frying in the hot weather.
However, our new home has come with a list. A long, long, long, long list of tasks. We've accomplished a great deal over the past seven weeks, it's true. But every day I feel like the list of unfinished tasks grows longer. The weeds in the yard stare me in the face. The poorly painted bathroom mocks me. The curtainless windows make me feel naked and exposed. The unstained fence seems shabby.
I know most people don't even notice these unfinished details, but the perfectionist in me constantly cringes. I want everything to be done. Finished. There are only so many hours in the day (and limited strength and energy). I hate the fact that I can't get everything accomplished.
As well, Ben and I try to live by the motto "people before things". Time spent with our family and friends (and one another) is time well spent. This is harder for me to live out than it is for my husband. He is a natural people person. Most days I'd rather paint the fence. (It's a selfish attitude, I know.) Without a doubt, we know God has blessed us with a gorgeous home so that we can bless other people. We want to practice hospitality. God is teaching me to be humble because I'd rather not invite people over until our house is "perfect". I'm quickly realizing that the "perfect" day will never come!
So, please forgive me if my yard looks unkept. Believe me, it bothers me more than it bothers you. I'll try to be gracious and not point out all the flaws in my house. This home is a gift from God. I know that. It's beautiful and gorgeous and spectacular. I must keep reminding myself of that fact when I become mired by the details of my never ending list.
Don't get me wrong, I love our new house. It is a complete and unexpected gift from God. Every day Ben and I find something else in our home to be thankful for. For example, this week we were grateful for our west-east exposure. (This is something we never would have thought to look for in a house.) Our backyard faces east and by mid-afternoon it's nice and shady. The kids can play outside without frying in the hot weather.
However, our new home has come with a list. A long, long, long, long list of tasks. We've accomplished a great deal over the past seven weeks, it's true. But every day I feel like the list of unfinished tasks grows longer. The weeds in the yard stare me in the face. The poorly painted bathroom mocks me. The curtainless windows make me feel naked and exposed. The unstained fence seems shabby.
I know most people don't even notice these unfinished details, but the perfectionist in me constantly cringes. I want everything to be done. Finished. There are only so many hours in the day (and limited strength and energy). I hate the fact that I can't get everything accomplished.
As well, Ben and I try to live by the motto "people before things". Time spent with our family and friends (and one another) is time well spent. This is harder for me to live out than it is for my husband. He is a natural people person. Most days I'd rather paint the fence. (It's a selfish attitude, I know.) Without a doubt, we know God has blessed us with a gorgeous home so that we can bless other people. We want to practice hospitality. God is teaching me to be humble because I'd rather not invite people over until our house is "perfect". I'm quickly realizing that the "perfect" day will never come!
So, please forgive me if my yard looks unkept. Believe me, it bothers me more than it bothers you. I'll try to be gracious and not point out all the flaws in my house. This home is a gift from God. I know that. It's beautiful and gorgeous and spectacular. I must keep reminding myself of that fact when I become mired by the details of my never ending list.
Saturday, August 16, 2008
The New Do
I recently cut and coloured my hair. For the past few years I'd been sporting a pretty boring look --- long, straight and natural --- and thought it was time to update my image. My next birthday involves a daunting zero, but my hairstyle hadn't changed much since high school. Time to step into the twenty-first century!
The stylist kept my hair long but she added lots of layers. She also put in some chunky blond highlights. The results are quite different! I'm still getting used to my new look, that's for sure.
As I prepared to go to my appointment yesterday, our son asked how I planned to change my hair. I told him the stylist would add some new colour. "What colour do you think would look nice?" I asked.
"Oh Mommy," our five-year-old replied, "I think pink hair would look beautiful!"
Sure enough, as soon as I returned home our son was quick to compliment my new look. "Wow Mommy!" he cried, "I love your stripe-y yellow hair!"
He paused for a moment and peered at the side of my head. "Mommy?" he asked, "Can you hear anything through all that hair?"
I guess our kids aren't used to seeing their mommy with such a fancy new do :-).
I recently cut and coloured my hair. For the past few years I'd been sporting a pretty boring look --- long, straight and natural --- and thought it was time to update my image. My next birthday involves a daunting zero, but my hairstyle hadn't changed much since high school. Time to step into the twenty-first century!
The stylist kept my hair long but she added lots of layers. She also put in some chunky blond highlights. The results are quite different! I'm still getting used to my new look, that's for sure.
As I prepared to go to my appointment yesterday, our son asked how I planned to change my hair. I told him the stylist would add some new colour. "What colour do you think would look nice?" I asked.
"Oh Mommy," our five-year-old replied, "I think pink hair would look beautiful!"
Sure enough, as soon as I returned home our son was quick to compliment my new look. "Wow Mommy!" he cried, "I love your stripe-y yellow hair!"
He paused for a moment and peered at the side of my head. "Mommy?" he asked, "Can you hear anything through all that hair?"
I guess our kids aren't used to seeing their mommy with such a fancy new do :-).
Extra TastyI couldn't resist buying this magazine in the check-out line yesterday. The new Taste of Home bake sale cookbook is awesome! The pages are full of great photographs and terrific recipes. Everything looks so good, I hardly know where to start. These recipes are great for bake sales, parties, or even holiday baking.
Yummy!
Friday, August 15, 2008
Tasty
I received my new first issue of Taste of Home magazine in the mail yesterday. I was really excited to read it --- until I opened the magazine and an ad for the "Elvis Presley Jewel of Vegas" plate fell into my lap...
..."dazzling (plate) border overflows with hand-applied faux jewels chosen to match Elvis's famed peacock jumpsuit..."
I kid you not.
I quickly grew concerned about the type of publication to which I had subscribed.
Thankfully, Taste of Home cannot be judged by its advertisers. Many of the recipes look great. We've been entertaining quite a bit in our new home these days and I needed some fresh ideas for BBQs. My new magazine has presented plenty of inspiration in that department! Tomorrow we are having some friends over for supper and I plan to make Strawberry Cheesecake Pie for dessert. Yum.
I've run into one problem through --- Taste of Home is thoroughly fueling my recipe addiction. The magazine advertises the latest and greatest Taste of Home publications and I can't help but want to buy them all. I did cave and order Winning Recipes from our book club last week. I fear Cool & Creamy and the Busy Family Cookbook are soon to join my collection as well...
I received my new first issue of Taste of Home magazine in the mail yesterday. I was really excited to read it --- until I opened the magazine and an ad for the "Elvis Presley Jewel of Vegas" plate fell into my lap...
..."dazzling (plate) border overflows with hand-applied faux jewels chosen to match Elvis's famed peacock jumpsuit..."
I kid you not.
I quickly grew concerned about the type of publication to which I had subscribed.
Thankfully, Taste of Home cannot be judged by its advertisers. Many of the recipes look great. We've been entertaining quite a bit in our new home these days and I needed some fresh ideas for BBQs. My new magazine has presented plenty of inspiration in that department! Tomorrow we are having some friends over for supper and I plan to make Strawberry Cheesecake Pie for dessert. Yum.
I've run into one problem through --- Taste of Home is thoroughly fueling my recipe addiction. The magazine advertises the latest and greatest Taste of Home publications and I can't help but want to buy them all. I did cave and order Winning Recipes from our book club last week. I fear Cool & Creamy and the Busy Family Cookbook are soon to join my collection as well...
Thursday, August 14, 2008
Mr. Green Eyes
Our littlest Inkling will be four months old tomorrow. The past few months have been incredibly busy for our family and I can hardly believe my babe is no longer a newborn. No longer a newborn! He's not even a small baby anymore. He's huge! Our babies have all grown to be nice and chubby, but Mr. Timbit certainly takes the prize. I am very curious to find out his weight at our doctor's appointment tomorrow morning.
Our first three babies all had bright blue eyes. In particular, our second son's eyes continue to be a rather startling shade of blue. Our newest family member appears to have taken his cue from a different gene pool. His eyes are definitely darker than his siblings'. I feel fairly certain our timbit's eyes will turn out to be hazel, like his mommy's :-). I'm happy that at least one of our kids will share my eyes.
Mr. Green Eyes, can you stay small forever? Please? I think our family's days with a baby in the house are quickly slipping away. Some days I wish I could freeze time...
Our littlest Inkling will be four months old tomorrow. The past few months have been incredibly busy for our family and I can hardly believe my babe is no longer a newborn. No longer a newborn! He's not even a small baby anymore. He's huge! Our babies have all grown to be nice and chubby, but Mr. Timbit certainly takes the prize. I am very curious to find out his weight at our doctor's appointment tomorrow morning.
Our first three babies all had bright blue eyes. In particular, our second son's eyes continue to be a rather startling shade of blue. Our newest family member appears to have taken his cue from a different gene pool. His eyes are definitely darker than his siblings'. I feel fairly certain our timbit's eyes will turn out to be hazel, like his mommy's :-). I'm happy that at least one of our kids will share my eyes.
Mr. Green Eyes, can you stay small forever? Please? I think our family's days with a baby in the house are quickly slipping away. Some days I wish I could freeze time...
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
A Peek at My Bookshelf
Would you like a sneak peek at some of my latest library finds? I haven't been reading as much as I'd like, unfortunately. The weather has been gorgeous outside and there seem to be a million things to do inside too. When I find a few minutes at the end of the day, here are some of the books I will reach for:
I greatly enjoyed Enger's first novel and am about half way through his second. I find myself completely entranced by Enger's poetic voice.
Amanda recommended Artist to Artist on her Soule Mama blog and our family immediately reserved it at the library. The children love leafing through the pictures and we've discovered several of the profiled illustrators' books on our shelves at home.
If I am to take the plunge into a new knitting project this fall, Baby Knits for Beginners is the book I'll use. This book has knitting patterns I can actually understand!
Pure eye candy. I simply love looking through the pictures in Yarn Play.
The only garment I've sewn for myself used a Built by Wendy pattern. I am curious to read Wendy's instructional book. (And even more curious to look through its included patterns!)
Reading Back on Blossom Street is a purely guilty pleasure. I reach for this novel when I want to relax and turn my brain off. The Blossom Street stories are sweet yarns about friendship and (what else these days?) knitting!
Would you like a sneak peek at some of my latest library finds? I haven't been reading as much as I'd like, unfortunately. The weather has been gorgeous outside and there seem to be a million things to do inside too. When I find a few minutes at the end of the day, here are some of the books I will reach for:
I greatly enjoyed Enger's first novel and am about half way through his second. I find myself completely entranced by Enger's poetic voice.
Amanda recommended Artist to Artist on her Soule Mama blog and our family immediately reserved it at the library. The children love leafing through the pictures and we've discovered several of the profiled illustrators' books on our shelves at home.
If I am to take the plunge into a new knitting project this fall, Baby Knits for Beginners is the book I'll use. This book has knitting patterns I can actually understand!
Pure eye candy. I simply love looking through the pictures in Yarn Play.
The only garment I've sewn for myself used a Built by Wendy pattern. I am curious to read Wendy's instructional book. (And even more curious to look through its included patterns!)
Reading Back on Blossom Street is a purely guilty pleasure. I reach for this novel when I want to relax and turn my brain off. The Blossom Street stories are sweet yarns about friendship and (what else these days?) knitting!
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Great Books for Kids:
Desmond and the Naughty Bugs
by Linda Ashman
"Desmond was a sweet boy ... usually. But it's hard to be good when the naughty bugs show up..." The Sloggies sprinkle Desmond with dawdle dust. A Pesky bothers him in the grocery store. The Squirmies spritz Desmond with Fidgey Mist, and the Whineys settle in on a rainy day.
The Naughty Bugs is a fun book and has become favourite with our young family. The children enjoy reading about Squirmies, Snarlies and Grumblies. We've even started naming our family's own particular naughty bugs. An infestation of Whineys is less daunting when we imagine the colourful bugs behind the naughty behavior!
This is a great book for teaching children to recognize bad attitudes in a fun and friendly way.
Desmond and the Naughty Bugs
by Linda Ashman
"Desmond was a sweet boy ... usually. But it's hard to be good when the naughty bugs show up..." The Sloggies sprinkle Desmond with dawdle dust. A Pesky bothers him in the grocery store. The Squirmies spritz Desmond with Fidgey Mist, and the Whineys settle in on a rainy day.
The Naughty Bugs is a fun book and has become favourite with our young family. The children enjoy reading about Squirmies, Snarlies and Grumblies. We've even started naming our family's own particular naughty bugs. An infestation of Whineys is less daunting when we imagine the colourful bugs behind the naughty behavior!
This is a great book for teaching children to recognize bad attitudes in a fun and friendly way.
Sunday, August 10, 2008
Menu Plan Monday
August 11, 2008
This weekend has been very full and I am feeling completely knackered by the end of it. All I can think about is a hot bubble bath and a good book. If I don't plan our meals tonight I'll be totally (messed up) for the rest of the week, so here's my uninspired menu plan:
Whoopee.
I'm tingling with excitement.
Monday: No cooking (supper with my parents)
Tuesday: Slow cooker lasagna, green salad, cheese toast
Wednesday: Grilled salmon burgers, honey mustard potato salad, corn on the cob
Thursday: Leftovers
Friday: Curried chicken, basmati rice, steamed cauliflower, peas
Saturday: Encore performance
Sunday: No cooking (supper with Ben's parents)
For great meal plans and recipes, check out Menu Plan Monday at Org Junkie.
Saturday, August 09, 2008
Friday, August 08, 2008
Thursday, August 07, 2008
The Sales Pitch
I waited at the grocery store checkout with all the kiddies in tow. Our five-year-old son wanted a treat (a tasty Kinder Surprise kind of a treat). He looked up at me with puppy dog eyes, clasped the egg gently in his hand, and in a serious voice declared...
"Mommy, you have to buy this chocolate egg. It will totally change your life."
I waited at the grocery store checkout with all the kiddies in tow. Our five-year-old son wanted a treat (a tasty Kinder Surprise kind of a treat). He looked up at me with puppy dog eyes, clasped the egg gently in his hand, and in a serious voice declared...
"Mommy, you have to buy this chocolate egg. It will totally change your life."
Wednesday, August 06, 2008
Tuesday, August 05, 2008
A Spotty Performance
Ben commented the other day that I haven't been posting as much to the blog. I used to spend most evenings with my computer on my lap, working on the blog or reading articles. Since our baby boy was born (was it already three months ago?) and we moved to our new house, my nightly routine has changed a great deal. I try to catch a minute or two on the computer whenever I can but the blog updates haven't been nearly as consistent. Sometimes all I can manage is a quick quote or anecdote from the day.
That said --- I am painting the kitchen this week. I figure I should give fair warning that my computer will be gathering dust. I love painting, so this is no hardship in my mind! I think blogging will become more routine again once school starts in September. In the meantime, I apologize for my inconsistent performance ;-).
Have a great week!
Ben commented the other day that I haven't been posting as much to the blog. I used to spend most evenings with my computer on my lap, working on the blog or reading articles. Since our baby boy was born (was it already three months ago?) and we moved to our new house, my nightly routine has changed a great deal. I try to catch a minute or two on the computer whenever I can but the blog updates haven't been nearly as consistent. Sometimes all I can manage is a quick quote or anecdote from the day.
That said --- I am painting the kitchen this week. I figure I should give fair warning that my computer will be gathering dust. I love painting, so this is no hardship in my mind! I think blogging will become more routine again once school starts in September. In the meantime, I apologize for my inconsistent performance ;-).
Have a great week!
Sunday, August 03, 2008
Menu Plan MondayAugust 4, 2008
This week is shaping up to be quite eventful. On Saturday we are hosting a joint birthday party for our mothers. (Ben's mom and my mom share the same birthday. What are the chances of that?) As well, I am writing an exam on Saturday morning and will spend most of my spare time this week studying. As a result, I've kept our menu plan super-simple and have recycled a few items from last week.
Monday: Slow cooker chili, Japanese cabbage salad, cornmeal muffins
Tuesday: 5 minute southwest layered salad
Wednesday: Leftovers
Thursday: Tuna noodle casserole, steamed broccoli
Friday: Encore performance
Saturday: Homemade hamburgers, salads, raw veggie tray, fruit tray, goodie tray, birthday cake, various munchies and crunchies
Sunday: Party leftovers
Please visit Menu Plan Monday at Org Junkie for more great recipes and meal planning ideas.
Friday, August 01, 2008
On the Cusp of Victory
I think we can very nearly (almost, so close, just about) claim to have a potty trained three-year-old. Hallelujah. I seriously thought we might never see the day. Our son has been out of pullups for almost two weeks now. This past week was virtually accident free! (He tried sleeping in underwear for a couple nights, but that resulted in a wet bed. I'm not terribly concerned about night training at this point.) I think we'll wait one more week before we claim complete and total victory. It's so close!
In related news, our two-year-old daughter is also potty training. Phew! It's been an eventful few weeks. She still wears diapers but is averaging three or four potty successes each day. I'll take anything we can get :-). The whole process of pooping is still a bit mysterious to her though, so we may have to wait on that aspect of potty training for a short while yet. I'd sure love to have two new potty training graduates by the end of the summer...
I think we can very nearly (almost, so close, just about) claim to have a potty trained three-year-old. Hallelujah. I seriously thought we might never see the day. Our son has been out of pullups for almost two weeks now. This past week was virtually accident free! (He tried sleeping in underwear for a couple nights, but that resulted in a wet bed. I'm not terribly concerned about night training at this point.) I think we'll wait one more week before we claim complete and total victory. It's so close!
In related news, our two-year-old daughter is also potty training. Phew! It's been an eventful few weeks. She still wears diapers but is averaging three or four potty successes each day. I'll take anything we can get :-). The whole process of pooping is still a bit mysterious to her though, so we may have to wait on that aspect of potty training for a short while yet. I'd sure love to have two new potty training graduates by the end of the summer...
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)