Jun. 6, 2009 -

Where does this go?

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Jun. 6, 2009 -

Where does this go?

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Sep. 15, 2007 - Saturday morning

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Sep. 15, 2007 - Thursday Evening

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Sep. 7, 2007 - How long does it take to do supper dishes?

I guess that depends on how many interuptions you have.  Tonight I timed myself just for fun.....anyone for a guess?  54 min.  Now I have to mention that I do not have a dishwasher, that I had breakfast and lunch dishes to do as well, snack dishes, and some baking dishes.  I like to have a 'clean' kitchen, everything  dried and put away.  W was getting ready for work so we had to talk as he was leaving, interruption number one.  Then the boys had set up cones and cans in garage to make a race course for their bikes, I had to take a picture of that, another interuption.  DJ kept knocking on the door every two minutes, he can't open it yet, more interuptions. Finally, the boys had pretended that they had died and wanted me to draw their chalk outlines on the pavement, can you tell their dad is a cop?  I wonder how long it would take if I could do the dishes in one fall swoop? 

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Sep. 3, 2007 - The First Day of School

We have just completed our first day of school.  How was it? In one word I would have to say disorganized.  What can you expect, last night after the evening service a family in the church invited every one over for a wiener roast, as a last blast before school starts.  I suppose most of the children wouldn't be going or doing school today as it is a holiday but I have to be unusal as always.  We did't get home till after 11 and that is late for me let alone CW and DJ.   We were just getting up at the time I had planned to start.  I figure that today we worked out some of the kinks that would have needed to be worked out regardless when we started our lessons.  Over all I think the plan will work but am looking forward to seen it done on schedule.  Grade 4 and Junior Kindergarten here we come.

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Aug. 6, 2007 -

I thought I would take a moment an update you after my long silence.  We have had a very nice summer, if not extremely busy so far.  We been back from Ontario for almost 2 weeks and I can hardly believe it.  While we were in Ontario we had a great visit with my mom and dad and with my friends in Windsor.  

 I traveled with my friend from here, she was going to visit her son and his girlfriend.  The trip went very well, we talked the whole trip and it made the time pass very quickly for me.  We, the boys and I, spent the first week at my brother's and my friend Barb's in Windsor.  We didn't do much exciting but visit, swim and let the kids play and reconnect after a year of separation.  CW's got 2 friends that he's had since birth, their mom's and I were all pregnant for the first time at the same time, we all had boys and I think we had our first play date when CW was 3 weeks old.  Every time we are together we take a picture of the 3 of them and get copies and all the boys have them framed on their dressers.  Barb's daughter and CW are more like sibilings and still get along great which surprises us because they are both growing up and we are waiting for the day when she is 'too old' for little old CW.  Barb's little one is the same age as DJ, they have an interesting relationship, if they got to spend more time together I'm sure they would work out all the kinks.....right Barb.     I did get to go out with my girl friends for dinner, we went to my favourite restaurant and had a lovely meal and a long chat, there is a lot to catch up on. 

The second week we were at my mom and dad's and we were busy.  We went to Niagara Falls on Saturday, which was fun and I was grateful that my back/hip held out for most of it as there was a lot of walking involved.  CW and DJ were great.  I was a little concerned for DJ as he has no fear.....and Niagara is not the place to be brave, but he was really good and listened very well, although I did keep an eagle eye on him.  We didn't visit the commerical area at all, I don't think CW knows that all that stuff exist up on the hill.  On Sunday my parent's church had their closing programme for their VBS and since it is a huge church they do this up big as well, it was a BBQ and carnival.  The boys enjoyed themselves but by the end of the afternoon they were tired and grumpy.  On Monday we headed for the beach, and on Wednesday we went to the zoo.  Then on Friday we went to Story Book Gardens with my brother and his family.   I was a great park with several large climbing structures and mazes.  They also had a jumbo size splash pad. DJ is afraid of the water or rather hates water in his face but did amazingly well, I think the excitement outweighed his fear.

When we got home we had a birthday party for my dad, he had turned 60 back in February but we weren't there to celebrate.  Everyone was there except W so we had a big family BBQ, with an ice cream cake and a variety show.  Each of the grandchildren did a little something for Papa, it was neat.  DJ said his memory verses that he had be learning and sang a song along with his favourite CD.  CW said some of his memory verses and played a piece on the piano.  My brother's kids did stuff too. My sister doesn't have kids yet...actually isn't even married quite yet so she took pictures and video.  I think my dad really enjoyed being spoiled, he said that he always wanted a summer birthday and now he knows why.

We left really early on Sunday morning for our return journey, this time by myself.  I was nervous.  Everything went well until I hit Montreal, then I had the detour of my life.  It was over an hour and a half out of the way, with signage in French only.... and I had a mini panic attack.  (This is where CW snickers and says mini? ;) ) but God was with me and we made it through in one piece.  I was jittery for the rest of the day but we made it to the hotel in one piece.  The second day was a piece of cake in comparison with no major cities to drive through, I was glad to get home though.  Twenty-two hours driving in two days is plenty.

 W thought that my trip home was supposed to cure my home sickness but actually quite the opposite happened.  My desire to move home is more acute then ever.   I am glad to be in my home, I just wish I could transplant it to somewhere in southwestern Ontario. 

These last two weeks I've been cleaning and organizing and prepping for school.  W has been working a lot of overtime, which is good and bad.  We have managed (or I should say W) to pay down our debt, now all we have left is our mortgage.  It feels very liberating.  We thank God for providing the means to do this!!!  W will continue with all this over time until our family vacation in a couple of weeks.  We've rented a housekeeping cottage in Cape Breton.  W and the boys have never been there and I haven't been since I was 13 we are very excited about it. Not sure the boys will enjoy the Cabot Trail but they will definitely enjoy the Fortress of Louisburg.

 

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Jun. 15, 2007 - The Ants go Marching

We just came in from getting our little charge off the bus for the last day. She won’t be returning this year, next week is going to be busy with family commitment so W ask her mom to make other arrangement for the last week of school. It will be nice to not have to remember that she is coming at 2 o’clock in the afternoon, I’ve been fearful that one day I would forget and not be here to pick her up. Now it is just us, for the rest of the summer. I enjoy spending time with my boys and am possessive and rather dislike interruption to our order. Others may not see it as order but to us, it is how things work and it is good.

On the way back down our driveway, which by the way is over ½ a kilometer long, we observed the neatest thing. They was an army of ants marching across our driveway. We decided to follow them to see what they were up to, at least the ones that DJ didn’t step on. We never did discover the source or the goal of the trip, they we in the bush and well I didn’t feel like getting all dirty and cut up by the thorns. We did see them march, over the road, around rock, and even over a gully by using a stick as a branch. I was quite impressed by CW powers of observation. He wanted to keep looking but I think I have a writing prompt for Monday morning’s creative writing.

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Jun. 9, 2007 - A typical Saturday

Today was a typical Saturday and I have to admit I love these kind of Saturdays.  Now that CW is old enough he can get breakfast for himself and DJ.....cold cereal and an apple.  I get to sleep in, oh it feels so good.  Saturday is the only day that the boys get to watch TV so they pop in a movie and I get an hour of extra sleep.  Then I like to have a lazy morning of coffee and breakfast and then I just putter around the house, doing laundry and tidy up and knitting. At the moment I am working on a work sock for W and a cute cotton pink sweater for my niece. When W got up he mowed the lawn which needed it, it looked like a forest.  Then we relaxed over a glass of iced tea, and admired his handy work.                                                                                                                                        

I prepared and early dinner, W is on nights and I like to have us eat together at least once a day.  Today we had BBQ chicken legs, sauteed zucchini, brown rice and a spinach salad.  It turned out quite yummy.  Then W got ready for work and I made his lunch.  The boys have been spending a lot of time outside, it great for them, we waited so long for spring and now that it is here they are really enoying it.  Now they are bathed and watching the new release of Charlotte Web and enjoy a big bowl of popcorn.  I think it is a great way to end our typical Saturday.

Tomorrow is the first Sunday  of the summer so no Sunday School so it just church.  I think the boys will miss it but I know that the teacher need a time of rest so that they are refreshed in the fall.

SCG.....enjoying the nice weather in Nova Scotia.  

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Feb. 16, 2007 - What been going on in our home? not much and everthing

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Dec. 17, 2006 - One of my favourite movies

SecondHand Loins

We just finished watching this movie....the general consensus.....we are going to buy it.  It isn't a chick flick, it isn't an adventure movie and it isn't a children's movie, it is all of those things rolled into one.  The cast of Michael Caine, Robert Duvall and Haley Joel Osment are great together.  Osment's character, Walter, is dropped off by his mom for the summer at the home of his long lost uncles.  The story is all about the relationship and the adventures that take place between two eccentric bachelor old men and a young boy.  I can't say enough about it, one of the if not the best feel good movies ever.  I don't know why more people don't know about it, see it the whole family will love it!!!!!

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Dec. 16, 2006 - What's for Dinner?

Upsidedown Popover Pizza

1lb sausage meat                                     Poppover Batter

1 onion, chopped                                     1 cup flour

1 clove of garlic, minced                         1 cup milk

2 tbsp flour                                          2 eggs

1/2 tsp oregano                                     pinch of salt

1/2 tsp basil                                          directions

15 oz  tomato sauce                                 combine and blend with either a handblender or

8 oz mozzarella cheese                           stand blender

Popover batter

1/4 cup parmesan cheese

Directions

In a large skillet cook meat until browned.  Por off xs ft.  Add vegtables and cook until onion just begins to soften.  Stir in flour, spices and tomato sauce, cook until sauce is heated through.

Pour into a 9x13" pan and top with mozzarella. Pour popover batter on the top and sprinkle with parmesan cheese.

Bake in preheated 425°F for 25-35 min.

Serves 4-6

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Dec. 15, 2006 - A movie Review

Walter and I watched The Constant Gardener  last night.  I didn't really know what to expect, I had heard someone on the radio mention it in passing, so I went on the library web site and reserved it, I was something like the 140th person waiting for it so I figured it must be good.  Wow, what a movie, I don't think I really even smiled during it.  It was depressing but in a really good way, the story was meaningful and had a purpose.  I learned something, it wasn't just an there for entertainment.  So if you are in the mood for a serious story and the kids are in bed, it may just be a movie for you.

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Dec. 14, 2006 - A favourite Christmas treat

Hello Dollies or Magic Cookie Bars 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs

1/2 cup (1 stick) butter or margarine, melted

1 (14-ounce) can EAGLE BRAND® Sweetened Condensed Milk (NOT evaporated milk)

1 cup (6 ounces) butterscotch-flavored chips

1 cup (6 ounces) semi-sweet chocolate chips

1 1/3 cups flaked coconut

1 cup chopped nuts

	Preheat oven to 350°F (325°F for glass baking pan). In small bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs and butter; mix well. Press crumb mixture firmly on bottom of 13x9-inch baking pan.
	Pour EAGLE BRAND® evenly over crumb mixture. Layer evenly with remaining ingredients; press down firmly with fork.
	Bake 25 minutes or until lightly browned. Cool. Chill if desired. Cut into bars or diamonds. Store leftovers covered at room temperature.

If you are interested in making your own sweetened condensed milk it is very easy and cost effective too.  I copied this recipe from the Hillbillyhousewife web site, which I absolutely love in my journey to lower my grocery buget. 

Sweetened Condensed Milk

• 1 cup hot tap water

• 2 cups sugar

• 2 cups instant non-fat dry milk powder

• 6 tablespoons melted margarine

• Blender or electric beaters

   

First get out your blender.  You can beat the mixture with electric beaters if you prefer, but a blender really does a better job.  A food processor would probably work pretty well too, but I've never tried it.  So anyway, measure your hot water into the blender.  Add the sugar, dry milk powder and melted margarine.  Put the lid on the blender and whirl it around for a full minute.  The mixure will be kind of thin, but will thicken up after standing for about an hour.  This recipe makes about 3 cups, or the equivalent of two cans of condensed milk.  Each store-bought can of sweetened condensed milk contains about 1-1/2 cups.  So this recipe is equivalent to two cans.  The mixture may be measured and used right away in any recipe calling for sweetened condensed milk.  Or for longer storage, divide the mixture equally between two clean pint size canning jars.  Store them in the fridge for a week.  Or for longer storage, freeze them for a few months, and then just thaw before using.  Every time you use this recipe instead of buying the name brand stuff from the store you will save about $3.00.  Not bad for less than five minutes work. 

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Dec. 13, 2006 - Christmas Quiz

1. Wrapping paper or gift bags? wrapping paper

2. Real tree or artificial? Real, we live in the Christmas tree capital of the world, our tress are shipped all over the place, so when it just  $12 to cut down  any tree any size

3. When do you put up the tree? Any time after Dec 1st.

4. When do you take the tree down? Around the first week of January.

5. Do you like eggnog? Too much.

6. Favorite gift received as a child? can't really remember

7. Do you have a nativity scene? More than one. We even have one that is meant for the boys to play with.  

8. Hardest person to buy for? my in-laws

9. Easiest person to buy for? The kids.

10. Worst Christmas gift you ever received? Granny underware from my granny.

11. Mail or email Christmas cards? Mostly mail.

12. Favorite Christmas Movie? White Christmas

13. When do you start shopping for Christmas? The first of Nov.…

14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present? Possibly.

15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas? Christmas baking

16. Clear lights or colored on the tree? coloured-the new led lights

17. Favorite Christmas song? Angels we have heard on High

18. Travel at Christmas or stay home? Walter works most Christmas' so we stay at home, I wish we could be at my parents though

19. Can you name all of Santa's reindeers? I suppose if I really tried.

20. Angel on the tree top or a star? Angel.

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Dec. 13, 2006 - What's for Dinner?

We are having a good old fashioned spagetti dinner.  The kind I remember from my childhood, comfort food if you ask me. 

Spegetti Sauce

1- 28 oz can of diced tomatoes

1 lb lean ground beef

1 thinly slice onion

several cloves of garlic, minced

2 tsp of basil and oregano

3 stalks of celery- sliced

3 med carrots sliced

Directions- Brown ground beef , add onion and saute till clear, add can of diced tomatoes, garlic, basil and oregano, celery and carrots. Simmer  till vegetables are tender approx 20 min.

Serve over noodle of your choice with a salad and garlic buns.

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Nov. 30, 2006 - Dinner Theatre

Last night we went to a dinner theatre with Walter's co-workers and let me tell you I was dreading it.  I haven't yet really enjoyed a work party, for reason I'd rather not discuss here. Last night though I really enjoyed myself.  The meal was very tasty and the theatre was all about the music from the eighty, and I graduated in 1988, so these were song for my teenage years.  We sang along with all the songs, it was a lot of fun.  The people we sat with added to the entertainment, Walter called it the icing on the cake.  It really does pays to pray ahead of time and look for the best in every situation.   

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Nov. 29, 2006 - after a day off

We had a pretty slow day yesterday and today isn't getting off to too much of a better start although we have done math, language arts and science. 

We are now going to put mister Daniel down for a nap.  He is one grumpy dude today but he was up till after 9 last night because I took him to Olympians with me.  It was fun, because it was 'store' night and the kids got to shop with all of the Olympian bucks that they had earned over the fall months.  Connor bought a lightsaber, and he was in his glory.  Daniel thought it was cool too and couldn't understand why Connor didn't want to share his brand new toy with him.  The concept of sharing isn't in the fore front of Daniel's learning curve.  I can't wait to see what Christmas is going to be like.   I think his learn curve will take off then.

Tonight Walter and I are going to a dinner theatre with his collegues from work and if I am honest I'm not thrilled about going.  I need to get over it though and have a good time.  At least we don't have to drive, his Corporal offered car pool with us and he is doing the driving.  This really is a good thing because Walter has been working so much in the last few days that I was wondering if he'd be able to stay awake on the way home after the show. 

Walter is off for the next 4 day though and that will be great, the boys always act funny when they go any amount of time without playing with their dad.  They have this game that they play called GET DADDY where the yell get daddy and then jump all over him and tickle/wrestle him to the ground.  When Walter isn't around they try to play GET MOMMY but I'm not really into that game so I tell them its a special game just for Daddy's and thier sons.  Daniel accepts this answer and Connor rolls his eyes and walks away.  Tomorrow morning I am sure there will be a rousing game of GET DADDY right after breakfast, if they can wiat that long. 

Daniel is off to bed, Connor to have some quiet time reading to himself and I'm off to tidy the house after yesterday's bomb went off.

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Nov. 24, 2006 - Errand day

We got a slow start to our day, but that was okay, I didn't feel like rushing.  We left the house by nine, which really is an hour after the goal time.  We drove to Bridgewater in the rain, I was amazed at how many people whizzed by me.  I don't really like to drive in the rain, with all the stories Walter tells of the accidents that he has been to because people were driving too fast in the rain and hydroplane out of control.  I just shake my head at all these people who think that it will never happen to them.

 

When we got to the grocery store it was basically empty so I let Daniel walk beside the cart as we shopped, that really only lasted about halfway through the store when he decided that he wanted to go one way when we needed to go the other.  He didn't like it very much but hopefully he will remember the next time, I know he thought that he was a big boy just like his brother. 

 

At home I put the groceries away and then stepped it into high housecleaning gear.  Nothing glamourous but I feel a sence of accomplishment.  I'm always amazed at how long it takes to do a thorough vacuuming of the house. 

 

I made a pizza and salad for supper which was yummy.  (Hillbillyhousewife, strikes again!!!! I've never struck out with any of her recipes.)

 

Now its time to relax, do some knitting and talk to my beloved.

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Nov. 23, 2006 - the LYS

Yesterday we took a trip to the local yarn store to buy some sock yarn for my sister and her boyfriend's Christmas present.  Sorry Em if you are reading this but you knew anyway what you were getting for Christmas, now the rest of the world knows too.  I fortified myself in two ways so that I would not buy extra yarn, I took Walter and the boys, can't do too much brousing with them along and all the way to the store I kept saying over and over to myself....just sock yarn, just sock yarn.  I only bought sock yarn.....too much sock yarn for just two pairs of sock but still just sock yarn...so I guess it was a partial victory.  I was wondering if anyone ever uses up thier yarn stash and needs to buy new....I mean they couldn't do another project unless they went to the yarn store.  I know that I have enough yarn to last years and years without buying any more, I have all of mine and all of my grandma's that she gave up when her eyes got to weak to knit or crochet, and yet there is some strange force pulling me to that Local Yarn Store.  Does anyone else feel that pull.

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