Mmmm... baking

I love to bake.  I love the aromas that are produced from the scientific combination of butter, sugars, eggs, flour, spices and other ingredients.  I also love hearing my kids tell me how good the house smells.  A few years ago, Joshua told me that Aunty Heidi made the BEST chocolate chip cookies.  So, being the good mom I am, I got the recipe from her and have now perfected them.  Today I doubled the recipe and came out with 7 dozen splendid chocolate chip cookies! 

First mix the butter

Add the white sugar

And the brown

Keep mixing until creamy, scrape once in a while

Add the eggs and vanilla

Keep mixing until smooth

Add the flour and... mix some more

Add the chocolate chips (you can't have too much of those)

Mix until well blended

Drop by the spoonful onto a cookie sheet

Bake... to perfection

Yes, they do taste as good as they look

My trick to the perfect shaped cookie-

the Pampered Chef scoop-

yup, it's that easy!

This would be one of those days

... that I'd like to call my mom and complain.  Some things haven't gone the way I'd like them to and I need to vent. 

*sad*

Day 3

I did another day of shred and found it much more challenging than the first two days.  I'm hoping my stamina improves as I continue.  Today I am also throwing in a 6 Km walk to a park (and back). 

Day two

of my workout plan.  My sister said it gets easier after day 4... we shall see.  I'm looking forward to when my Turbo Jam comes in the mail for something new to add to my routine.

Just one of those days...

Yes, the school work was completed... not without some prodding and encouraging.
Yes, the bedrooms got cleaned... eventually.
Yes, I squeezed in a workout... I'm not in very good shape.
Yes, I baked... that's my stress outlet.
No, I did not clean the bathrooms... maybe tomorrow.
No, I did not get to go to the park... again, maybe tomorrow.
No, I did not begin potty training... she won't go to kindergarten in diapers.

... I guess there's always tomorrow.

Good morning

How I love to start my day.  A cup of freshly ground Starbucks coffee {their house blend}, poured into my favorite sweater mug.  Adding just the right amount of French Vanilla Creamer and a pinch of sugar.  Yum!

Wordless Wednesday

Absolute Perfection

Tuesday Musings

I've been slacking on the blog end of things lately and it was actually my husband who brought it to my attention.  I just haven't felt like anything has been worth writing about.  So in point form, I will simply update about what's going on here:

- Sarah is infatuated with shoes.  A pink pair of Mary Janes to be exact.

- Advil was my friend today.

- I like the tins that tea comes in.  But I don't like loose tea leaves.  Thankfully, Doug does and he happily uses up the leaves and brings home the empty tins.  *love him*

- I love my kids' school, their teachers and the fact that they only go twice a week.

- I love my homeschooling group of friends.

- I love breakfast for supper... or anytime for that matter.

- I wish I knew more about my camera.

- Andrea and Sarah are becoming great friends.

- Arianna is doing so well in school. *smile* 

- After buying another pair of shoes (on clearance) for Sarah, I think I know where she gets her love of shoes from...

- I have only spent one day at home alone with Sarah since school started.

- I would like to scrapbook more.

- Doug and I have been doing biweekly breakfast dates.  It is such a refreshing time to catch up on each other.

Her own sense of style!

The tins

The pink shoes

The new purple shoes

Such a good big brother

Not sure about this one...

Sarah now "smiles" on command

Painting with Sarah

 

Contest Giveaway!

I just completed a survey HERE for a chance to win a lens mug!  How COOL would that be if I won!!

Off they go...

... to school.  I am SO glad they are only gone twice a week.  I'd miss them terribly!  I do feel blessed to have access to a program that I can home education 75% of the time and have them experience a traditional school as well.  Anyhow, here's the pictures of my munchkins ready for their day!

Starting the day right... with pancakes!

Excited and slightly apprehensive...

Not sure what this look says...

My 10 year old looking SO grown up! 

My 11 year old looking just AS grown up... a young man indeed!

Not so sure yet...

And then there was one!

September 1st...

There's a lot of hype in my social circle as today is when most of the kids return to school.  I say "most" because my own will be home today.  They will go to school tomorrow and then home again on Friday.  In case you are new to my blog or didn't know, my kids go to school part time and are homeschooled part time.  They attend a small school specifically designed for home educators and are taught by teachers on Tuesday and Thursday.  The subjects done at school are Social, Science, Art, Gym, and Music while I teach Math and Language Arts at home on the other three days.  I'm not 100% sure when I will begin the home part... maybe today, maybe Friday or maybe even next Monday.  That's the joy of home education.
I want to be organized this year.  Generally, I don't like to stick to a hard schedule but I'd like to follow some sort of  routine.
My goals this school year are:

• to maintain a positive attitude towards learning and hope my kids do the same
• to help build into their lives, a solid foundation that is Christ Centered
• to make Bible study (reading, learning, living) a daily focus
• to encourage the kids' potential to the fullest and making them proud of what they do and who they are
• reading... lots of reading.  I hope that they will learn to love to read like I do

It's going to be a good year.  I have one in grade 6, one in grade 5 and one in grade 1.  Here's to a new year!!

I am who I am

I was doing my hair today and I realized that I will never be a *cool* or *hip* mom.  I don't like the bangs that I had cut in.  I don't care for layers because pony tails are too difficult to put in.  The bangs are too short to slip behind my ears and always are in my face.  So I am constantly on the hunt for bobby pins to get them out of my way.  I like jeans and tee shirts and hoodies.  I will never have the body to wear the *in style* skinnies that other people can wear.  I would like to be fitter and trimmer... I'm working on that.  I cannot change my style so I will be happy with who I am.

Monday Musings

• Arianna learned to tie her shoes today.
• Sarah is talking more and more.
• Joshua and Andrea are getting along incredibly well.
• I am tired of the cooler weather and rain (it IS still August).
• I have a new printer that prints amazing quality photos.
• I am getting ready to start school this week (or maybe next).
• I love my kids and each of their unique personalities that makes them who they are.
• I wonder what I will do on the two days of the week that the kids are at school.
• Today I was told by Joshua that I was the best mom in the world. *smile*
• I was nursing Sarah this morning and when she was done, she says to me with a grin: "Yum!".
• I truly believe my purpose in life is to serve God, be a wife and a mom. 

Arianna...

What can I say about this spirited 6 year old?  She is almost in grade one.  I am having a tough time with that since she is one of my "babies".  I don't want to believe that my soft hearted, quiet, introverted daughter is ready to face the world of school.  Good thing it's only part time.  Today she mastered tying her shoes... a big accomplishment for her.  She also had a hair cut (done by me) which makes her look even older! 
She is charming.
She is free.
She loves her friends.
She is testing her limits.
She fits perfectly in our family and in my heart.

Comment Moderation...

To my regular readers and commenters... I'm sorry I've had to make commenting more secure.  I've had a few *spam-like* comments left and I've decided that I don't want that any more.  Thank you for continuing to read, enjoy and comment on my blog! 
Have a great day!

Back to School Pictures...

So the kids don't go back until next Thursday and since I'm homeschooling, it doesn't matter when I take their pictures!  Here's just a few... it wasn't a great photo shoot but it's ok.... for now.

It's August!

It is barely the middle of August and my four kids are wearing jeans and long sleeved shirts outside!  I can't believe how the weather has turned so cool already.  I'm not ready for fall when we've hardly had a summer...

It's still green now, but I have a feeling it won't be for long...

Mom Agenda Giveaway!

I've bought some cloth diapers from Snugs Boutique and on their BLOG, they are giving away a cool desktop planner!  I would love one in pink!!

So quiet...

Joshua, Andrea & Arianna are at VBS this week for 3 hours per day.  When I got home with Sarah, it was amazingly quiet and still.  She just puttered around as she *helped* me organize the pantry, and I happily listened to her chatter.  It gave me a glimpse of what my Tuesdays and Thursdays will look like when the kids go back to "school" in a few weeks.

Thursday Musings

*Borrowed this idea from Kelly*

• Three weeks from today my three oldest will be in school.
•  I think we've had more rain and thunderstorms this year than in a long time.
• Sarah is talking up a storm and is so much fun these days.
• Arianna is sporting a 6 year old attitude that frequently needs adjusting.
• Andrea is a wonderful sister who loves caring for Sarah.
• Joshua is growing and changing before my eyes.
• Doug and I went on our first evening date, leaving all four kids home alone (Joshua and Andrea were our babysitters).
• Thinking of all the back to school shopping I need to do.
• Looking forward to three being in VBS next week to do the previously stated shopping.
• Missing my sister who is camping this week.
• Desperately missing my nice camera lens which is at the Nikon "doctor".

Life...

I have come to the realization that I am at a very different stage of life than many of the friends I had when the kids were younger. 
I have chosen to keep my kids at home for their education while many of them have gone back to work full time as soon as their youngest was in school..
I had a baby when everyone was *done* having kids 7 or 8 years ago. 
I am struggling as I find myself drift away from the people who used to be closest to me.
I look forward to park days when I can visit with other homeschooling moms and share stories and ideas.
I am loving what I do and try hard not to let the friendship distances that have been created affect me too much. 
Unfortunately, I miss those people.  They were my support in my tough days and shared in my joys.
I thought we'd be friends for life...

Treadmill

Got on the treadmill on Monday... it was an easy 30 minutes on the pre programmed "Fat Burn" setting.  Felt good and missed doing it yesterday.  Went back on this morning and it was tough.  I only managed 20 minutes and my legs were really sore.  Maybe I'll try later during Sarah's nap...

Happy Anniversary

13 years ago, I married my best friend. 
The man who loves me the most.  The one who cares about me and likes me for who I am.  No one said marriage would be an easy road but Doug has made my past 13 years fun and exciting. 
We have had our ups and downs like any other couple but our personalities make us so perfect for each other.  I find it great that we can say we've never fought.  Sure, we've had disagreements, misunderstandings and even the odd quarrel, but we are both peacemakers and look for the best way to resolve the issue as soon as we can.  I love that about us.  I want us to be an example for our kids.  One where they see the love and respect we have for one another and the determination we have to make it work.
I'm generally pessimistic, he is my eternal optimist (I love him for that).
Raising our four kids... definitely requires a team effort.
Three miscarriages... so thankful I had his strength to lean on when I thought I couldn't go on.
The excitement of moving into a new house last November... I'm glad I shared that fun with him.
Family trips to zoos, parks, camping...
The list could go on but 13 years is a long time to cram into a blog. 

Happy anniversary Doug.  I love you lots!

Day trip....

On Thursday, Doug and I decided at the spur of the moment to take the kids to Fort Edmonton Park.  We quickly scrambled and got the five kids (ours plus a friend of Joshua's) loaded into the van.  I was excited and happy to be heading out with the family!  It was a great experience to relive and visit the eras that the Fort showed us.  The four main eras were the original Fort which was the hub of the fur trade, 1885, 1905, and 1920.  The kids loved seeing how people lived over 100 years ago and it was great to see them really think about how previous generations lived.

We may not realize it but we take something as simple as running water for granted.  Today Joshua, Andrea, Arianna and Bryce learned that it wasn't always as easy as unreeling a garden hose to water the plants.

Pumping the well

Hauling water to the front to give the plants a drink.

I wish in retrospect that we had bought the two day pass.  One day didn't seem to be nearly enough time to go through it all and get the full experience.

The back side of the main house in the original Fort.

A wall of supplies in the fur trading house.

A sod roof... great insulation for our extreme summers and winters.

The kids looking over a wall into the sheep pen.

The ol' steam engine.

Pretty ladies waiting for the train.

Two very hot boys!!

We had ice cream in an ice cream parlour, walked along seemingly endless boardwalks (very thankful for a good stroller), relived the "olden days" and rode a good old fashioned carousel.  The kids spend some time at the shooting range in the Penny Arcade and Andrea was later reprimanded (in fun of course) by the fine ladies at Rutherford House that ladies shouldn't take part in those types of activities.  

It was hot and mosquito-y.  My poor Sarah's head feels like a ball of braille when I feel her head.  They attacked her arms, legs and back as well!  By the next morning, she was rubbing and scratching all over.  

But, heat and bugs aside, it was a wonderful day.  The kids were well behaved, we all learned a lot and had a great time as a family.

Two

Sarah is now two. 
Two means lots of "no" from both of us.
Two is defiant in a way that helps her express her feelings.
Two is exciting as she learns so many new things.
She's conquered the stairs, up and down.  Pleased as can be about it too.
Two is scared of loud noises like lawn mowers, machines, thunder or dogs barking.
Two requires discipline.  Redirecting, a scolding or a tap on the hand.  
Some parts of being two are tougher than others. 
Two is full of hugs and kisses on demand.
Two is loving and sweet.
Two wants independence and yet is still so dependent.
I love two.  Learning and absorbing things like a sponge.
Trying new challenges and conquering their world.

Just one...

at home this week.  The older three kids are at an all day performing arts camp put on by the church.  One is easy.  One is quiet.  One is peaceful.  Getting groceries is easy and even enjoyable. 

Now... what will I do tomorrow?

Wordless Wednesday

Such Sweetness!

Sad day today...

~Shirley Van Neck~
March 23, 1955 - July 13, 1999

I can only imagine what it will be like, when I walk by Your side...
I can only imagine, what my eyes will see, when Your Face is before me!
I can only imagine. I can only imagine.
Surrounded by Your Glory, what will my heart feel?
Will I dance for you, Jesus? Or in awe of You, be still?
Will I stand in Your presence, or to my knees will I fall?
Will I sing 'Hallelujah!'? Will I be able to speak at all?
I can only imagine! I can only imagine!
I can only imagine, when that day comes,
when I find myself standing in the Son!
I can only imagine, when all I will do, is forever, forever worship You!
I can only imagine! I can only imagine!
Surrounded by Your Glory, what will my heart feel?
Will I dance for you, Jesus? Or in awe of You, be still?
Will I stand in Your presence, or to my knees will I fall?
Will I sing 'Hallelujah!'? Will I be able to speak at all?
I can only imagine! Yeah! I can only imagine!
I can only imagine! Yeah! I can only imagine! I can only imagine!
Yeah! I can only imagine!! Only imagine!!!I can only imagine.
I can only imagine, when all I do is forever, forever worship You!
I can only imagine.

I don't know what I'll do when I get to Heaven to meet Jesus but I am sure looking forward to being reunited with my Mom. It's been 11 years and it's by the grace of God that I get through some days. I think about her daily and although the pain of missing her is duller than it used to be, I still feel sad when I think about her.
I think she would be a wonderful Oma to Joshua, Andrea, Arianna, Sarah, Benjamin and Lucy. She would have doted on them and loved them so much.
When I have a cup of tea, I'm reminded of how much she enjoyed a few cups during the day. My sister and I even drink it the way she did hers... sweet with milk.
Mom had kept a journal and in it she had written some of her fears about the heart surgery and leaving her family. His answer to her was "I love you and I love your family and no matter what the outcome, I will take care of all of you." I have truly felt His hands around me during the last 11 years. She wanted us to keep our faith strong and to keep trusting in Jesus. I hope I'm doing a good job of that.

Losing...

I feel like I'm losing many of the friends I used to have. 
I don't know if I am to blame or not but the network of people that I used to hang out just isn't the same. 
I miss them.
I'm lonely for real people.
I feel alone.

*sigh*

This is why I don't like dentists...

I went in yesterday for a cleaning and check up.  I knew I had some problems.
I was told I needed numerous fillings plus three root canals.
Today was the first appointment.  Root canal turned out to be an extraction. 
The freezing is wearing off and I feel miserable.

But I'm going to have nice teeth when all is said and done.

Good byes are tough

Especially when you are 10 years old and your best friend is moving to the other side of the country.  Cassie came over to day good bye to Andrea and at 9:00 Andrea had to walk Cassie back to her house.  She is hurting inside right now and I'm hoping and praying I do a good job of loving and comforting her through this transition.

Pure Sweetness

I woke up this morning to a little two year old snuggled up against me.  I must not have brought her back to her bed when she woke up at 1:15 in the morning.  There is a joy in my heart when I see her little face smooshed in the bed, her right hand grasping the soother that's tight in her mouth, and her little bottom high in the air.  Slowly she stretched, cat-like... fingers splayed, soother pops out, legs stretch as far as she can (wow she's getting tall!).  She turned over to her side, tried to open her eyes and gave me a smile that can win any one's heart.  Oh, I'm so blessed!