Another quilt

A few weeks ago, I was shown a quilt tutorial on a BLOG called Aesthetic Nest.   It inspired me to try it since it was totally different than what I've normally done.  It was a lot of fun... especially to do something new.  Here's a photographic journey of what I did!

Fabric choices... LOVE the bright prints.

 Starting the sewing

110 diagonal seams!

 The finished product

I love the chenille.  I did a few things differently but that adds a personal touch right?

The time has come!

 I suppose that after 2.5 years, I can no longer excuse the condition of my body because I *just had a baby*.  Yeah, that baby is pushing 3 years old now.  I stepped on the scale and was very disappointed and frustrated at the numbers.  They aren't outrageous but on my shorter and smaller frame, it wasn't good.  So with some fierce determination and perseverance, I accomplished a 40 minute workout with Turbo Jam.

It was a doozy of a workout but I am sure that with Turbo Jam, Jillian Michaels and Couch to 5K, I will get in shape and drop those numbers on the scale.  I will DO IT!

I love my kids

Because I love them:

• I am their advocate when they need support and encouragement
• To the best of my ability, I will make sure they are safe, happy and healthy
• I will listen to their side of the story first and hear them out
• I know what is best for them
• I will make sure they do their best in everything they do
• I will teach them to be respectful, polite and courteous
• I will not show them the easy way all the time 
• They will be taught and shown how to succeed in life
• Life skills will be learned how I want them to be learned
• I get to decide how they they will be educated
• I will help them best they can be
• They will love God and be taught how to be like Jesus, even if it is a daily reminder

I am a toddler

I borrowed this from my friend Stacy's blog.  I thought it was very appropriate for my own 2.5 year old!

I am a Toddler

If it is on, I must turn it off
If it is off, I must turn it on
If it is folded, I must unfold it
If it is liquid, it must be shaken, then spilled
If it is a solid, it must be crumpled, chewed and smeared
If it is high, it must be reached
If it is shelved, it must be unshelved
If it is pointed, it must be run with at top speed
If it has leaves, they must be picked
If it is plugged, it must be unplugged
If it is not trashed, it must be thrown away
If it is in the trash, it must be removed,
inspected and thrown on the floor
If it is closed, it must be opened
If it does not open, it must be screamed at
If it has drawers, they must be rifled
If it is a pencil, it must write on the refrigerator, monitor or table
If it is full, it will be more interesting emptied
If it is empty, it will be more interesting full
If it is a pile of dirt, it must be laid upon
If it is a stroller, it must under no circumstances be ridden in without protest.
It must be pushed by me instead
If it has a flat surface, it must be banged upon
If Mommy’s hands are full, I must be carried
If Mommy is in a hurry and wants to carry me, I must walk alone
If it is paper, it must be torn
If it has buttons, they must be pressed
If the volume is low, it must go high
If it is toilet paper, it must be unrolled on the floor
If it is a drawer, it must be pulled upon
If it is not a toothbrush, it must be inserted into my mouth
If it has a faucet, it must be turned on at full force
If it is a phone, I must talk on it
If it is a bug, I must swallow it
If it doesn’t stay on my spoon it must be dropped on the floor
If it is not food, it must be tasted
If it IS food, it must NOT be tasted
If it is a car seat, it must be protested with arched back
If it is Mommy, it must be hugged

Untitled (for now)

While I was online this morning, I was searching and researching different home school boards.  I am looking in particular for a board that accepts and encourages "parent-led" education.  I mentioned some of my concerns and thoughts a few days ago since that's when I was beginning to feel it was time to move on.  I had read the following on a website I found:

"We believe that while the government has a responsibility to see to it that its citizens are receiving an education, parents have been given primary responsibility and authority from God to determine the content and nature of what their children are taught. That is why educational services, as an extension of this parental authority, must be operated and directed by parents who together with teachers, educational assistants, and administrators develop a community that is faithful to and consistent with parental responsibility." ~Roots Homeschooling~

Their philosophy on home education was exactly what I needed to read.  Such encouragement that I AM making the right decision.  The kids love the home days and tolerate the school days.  When I asked each of them individually if they'd be interested in returning to full time home schooling, I received eager enthusiasm by all.  Another few months to complete the current year and then we'll dive into a whole {sort of} new endeavor. 

It's time

To start looking at home-school school boards.  I don't even know where to begin this endevour.  I have heard so many good things about so many boards that I know the research will be extensive.  Onto the next phase of life...

Cinnamon Bread

I love to bake.  Cookies, squares, breads... whatever.  Bread though is one of those really fun things for me.  I love watching and seeing the yeast *grow* and expand in it's hot liquid.  Today I used a recipe from The Pioneer Woman.  It was SO delicious and yum!  The smell of baking bread filled my house and my mouth watered at the anticipation of tempting my taste buds!  It took a lot of time but was super easy!

 butter melting in milk

 adding the yeast

 project coordinator

 mixing it all up

 ball of dough

 magic comes to life... it has risen

 rolled it out

 sugar, cinnamon and I added brown sugar

 ready to be rolled up

 the second rising

hot out of the oven

My kids devoured half of this loaf after school and I am guilty of enjoying two sweet slices of my own.  So amazingly good... I can't wait to make it again.  I will probably double it though to make two right away.

The recipe can be found at Ree Drummond's site HERE.  I love her blog and wish I could write and photograph as eloquently as her. 

Colorinc Contest!

There is a Giveaway at Colorinc that I would love to get!
Click here >> GIVEAWAY to find out more!

What a great prize this would be to win!!  I see endless possibilities of creative photography with these actions!

Reader Contest...

Coming soon... watch for details!

Thankful Thursday (01.13.11)

• Coffee and it's partner French Vanilla Creamer
• A garage with an automatic door opener
• Friends who encourage and support me
• The freedom to chose how my children will be educated
• Coffee dates with friends
• A warm house to live it
• A husband who loves me unconditionally
• Receiving a note from my 6 year old telling me that I am "the best mom in the universe" You can see the picture at my other blog: 

 
PROJECT 365.

Snow Candy

I had read on Facebook of a friend who made snow candy.  So we did it today as well!

 1 cup of sugar

 A pan of snow

 Mixture of 1 cup sugar, 1/2 cup corn syrup, 1/2 cup Rogers Golden Syrup

 Stir

 And stir... until it is 285* (I guessed... no thermometer)

 Drizzle over the snow

In just a few minutes, the candy hardens into a firm, sweet and sticky treat!

Considerations

Even though my kids go to school twice a week, I consider myself a homeschooling mom.  I mean 75% of their education is done at home.  I have a child who is not embracing the "away from home" part of the program.  I can tell because she tells me most mornings that she doesn't want to go.  Today I sent her despite the fact that she's been fighting a cough and such.  I received a call at 11:20 with a little voice on the other end saying her tummy hurt and asked me if I could come and get her.  I did.  She didn't appear very sick when we arrived at home.  She is coughing, yes.  She is stuffed up, yes.  Is she really sick?  I think not. 

This leaves me to wonder if I should follow my gut instinct and go back to full time homeschooling like I did a few years ago?  Or should I just keep her home for another few years.  I am not a very out going person and I hate when I have to defend my choices.  I know that I will receive questions and even disapproval from people.  I want to ensure that my children don't grow up with the same fear and intense dislike of school that I did.  Schooling can be fun and doesn't have to be done in a traditional classroom.  Kids can learn at home, in the kitchen, in the garage, on the computer, at the museum, at science centers... there is such a big world out there to learn in.  And maybe for my kids (or at least one of them), maybe the four walls of a traditional classroom isn't the place to be.

I just pray that I will do what I know and feel is right.

Tuesday Tumblings

• I started today with a visit from a very good friend
• It is three weeks until my 35th birthday
• I really do have the bestest in-laws
• I saw a man driving while eating soup.  No hands on the wheel for approx. 1.5 km!
• I do very much love my iPhone
• Coffee is (and likely always will be) my favorite morning beverage
• I *heart* homeschooling
• There is about 3 feet of snow in the field behind our house
• -29* is too cold for anything

Happy Tuesday my readers!

Video Giveaway!

Shutterbox Designs is giving away a NEWBORN POSING VIDEO on their site!  I would love to win this as it would help me expand my photography skills! 
Wish me luck!

You never know

When an event will completely throw you off guard.  I attended the funeral of a good friend's mom this afternoon.  She was 85 years old.  A long life of being a mom and a grandma. 
Two lines into the first song and I broke down.  I thought I'd be good.  I thought "it's been 11.5 years, I will be fine".  But when the song that was being sung would have been one that my own mom would have liked, there was nothing that held me back.  Once I started, I had a hard time stopping.  My own grief is still so fresh, new and painful. 
When I picked the girls up, my friend who was watching them said it's like lifting the lid again.  All the emotions come pouring out after being held in.  Held in due to busyness of life, raising little ones, homeschooling the big ones, keeping the home running, being a wife and mother.  Then in those quiet moments in the church, where the craziness is left at home, the hurt bubbles and rises to the surface, coming out in a torrent of tears. I then thought how selfish I must be.  At someone elses' mom's funeral and here I am caught up in my own sadness and hurt.  How unfair that is to them.  I am so very sorry.  I am thankful for the arms that hugged me this afternoon.  Those who knew my mom and loved her too.  I felt like a little girl who just wanted to be in her dad's lap one more time.  To have his strong arms around me, telling me that it would be ok.  I am thankful for the dad-like arms who did hold me.  
I miss my mom so incredibly much and would love nothing more than to hear her voice, see her face and be reminded of how much she loved me.

Library vs Television

I ended 2010 thinking my kids watch entirely too much television.  It would be {in part} my fault since I agreed to all the programming channels that we had.  I also was noticing a negative effect on the kids and how they talked to me and each other.  I wasn't liking it.  So this morning, we went to the library for the first time in YEARS!  It's cost me $15 for a card that can be used at most libraries in Alberta!  We signed out a bunch of books and we're going to re-program our heads.  More reading and less TV.

By reducing our television programming, I was able to cut our bill in almost half!  That will be such a nice treat next month.  Here's to changes in lifestyle and changing our thinking.

Scrapbooking...

Oh how I love to scrapbook and oh how it's taken a back burner position in my list of things to do.  My good friend KELLY is giving herself a goal of three pages a week and I'm going to try to keep up to her.  The kids' books all need updating and I have more than enough pictures to work with.  I'll probably do some digital, some paper and some hybrid!  Wish me luck and I look forward to sharing them with you!

My go-to person

I think everyone needs one of those.  Someone who knows *just about everything* there is to know about you.  Quite often, it's Doug.  My husband.  But... there are the times when I need to talk about him to someone.  For over 30 years, my go-to person has been my sister.  Our mom encouraged us to be friends white growing up.  And even though we had our sisterly squabbles, disagreements and arguments, we always came out on good terms with one another. 

I suppose we are quite different.  Growing up, Alicia was a huge fan of Barbies.  Driven by education goals and career minded.  Interesting how those growing up days led to her career path as an adult.  Long years of post secondary education to become a junior high teacher.  This would be one of the big differences between us... I couldn't wait to be done school, get married and begin a family.  As a little girl, I always wanted to play with dolls.  Being a mom was my greatest goal in life.  It's neat to see how our childhood play-things helped form who we are as women. 

Since Alicia had her first baby nearly 3.5 years ago, our similarities have multiplied.  Suddenly, we could share stories about sleepless nights, diaper rashes, potty training and different discipline ideas.  What a joy to be able to experience motherhood together.  I was so excited to know that my last baby and her second would only be months apart.  It is delightful to see Lucy and Sarah get bigger and grow up together!  Add a mischievous Ben to the mix and we have such entertaining visits! 

Our visits... oh there is so much I could say about them.  We talk about absolutely everything together.  Our kids, husbands, friends, church, life at home, our families... you name it.  We meet at parks weekly during the summer as we try to sip our coffees while at the same time, ensuring our toddler daughters are not falling off something!  We walk the mall, with coffee in one hand, pushing a stroller with the other.  We can be interrupted numerous times by kissing hurt knees, wiping a bum, stopping a fight or checking in on the quiet kids and yet, still manage to stay on topic and not miss a beat!

Alicia is my go-to person.  (Probably even moreso than Doug)  If something makes me laugh, cry or scream in frustration, she knows it.  She understands me and loves me no matter what.  There have been days where we've talked on the phone in the morning, met at my house for coffee and then talked two or three more times on the phone afterwards yet. 

I love her.  She's smart, beautiful and accomplished!  I am so thankful that God gave us each other.  There are days when I think I'd be lost without her.  I had read a quote a little while back and I love how well it pertains to us:


There can be no situation in life in which the conversation of my dear sister will not administer some comfort to me.  ~Mary Montagu

We've had our ups and downs and through all the storms we've weathered, we are still the best of friends.  I am so wonderfully blessed!

Happy New Year

It is January 1, 2011 and numerically it can look like this: 1-1-11... a day in history that will not occur again.  Kind of neat.  This weekend was spent at the *Fidelak Lodge*, also known as Doug's parent's place.  Every few years, they like to go to Fairmont together and this year, they needed someone to watch the house and dog.  We were asked and happily agreed.  It was kind of like a vacation but not too far and so much like home already.  We had the fire in the fire place lit ALL day... so gloriously warm!  I never had cold feet!  The time away from home was great.  I'm actually a little sad to think we have to go home tomorrow and that in just one day, routine will settle in again.  School, voice lessons, and the regular day to day things. 

I wish all my family and friends a wonderful and blessed 2011.  I hope this year is full of all the things you've dreamt of and hoped for.  My hope is for greater faith in God and learning to trust Him more.  I know He is in control and I pray that I will be filled with His Spirit and love.  I want to make sure that God is first and centre of my life.  My husband and children come next.  They are of utmost importance to me.  Their well being, education and life is on top of my list.  I will make sure that they are provided for spiritually, emotionally and physically.  I know that God will help me parent them.  Doug is the love of my life.  My partner.  My friend.  I will ensure his needs are taken care of and that I am the wife he needs.  I pray that our relationship grows stronger this year and that great things happen for us. 

HAPPY 2011!  

May this year be a wonderful one!

Christmas Recap

We are slowing returning to our regular scheduled program.  This Christmas was less stressed than previous ones as we chose to spend Christmas Eve at home,  On Christmas morning, the kids eagerly opened their gifts and once that was done, we enjoyed our traditional cinnamon bun breakfast.  The same one that we've been eating since I was a little girl.  While I was cleaning up, the kids hurried off to enjoy their new treasures.  After Sarah had a much needed nap, we headed out to Doug's parent's place for a turkey dinner.  Although I'm not a real fan of large groups (you can read about that HERE), I managed to enjoy the afternoon nicely.  We made sure we were home on time to watch one of the new movies received and spend the last part of the day together as a family.  On Boxing Day, we headed back to Doug's parent's to exchange gifts with them in a more quiet setting.  Their guests were mostly gone and it was nice to be able to talk to them one on one and really visit.  Again, we headed home in time for Sarah to have a good nap in order to be good for our evening.  A long standing tradition is that my siblings and I get together on the 26th for a quieter get together and exchange presents.  Because there are 7 of us adults, we draw names and that way each couple only needs to buy two gifts.  It's easier on the pay cheque that way.  Our meal consisted of delicious appetizers and yummy baking treats.  My kids (including Sarah), didn't settle down until we left at 11:00.  It was a very quiet ride home though! 

This might very well be the first time that I didn't get to the end of the festivities with thoughts of how to simplify for the following year.  As the kids get older, they are becoming much more well behaved which truly helped in the enjoyment of the holidays.  I wasn't behind the camera much.  I wanted to be there to help take the dolls or Barbies out of their packaging, to inspect the newest Lego set or get excited at the money in hand as my children's faces glowed in the excitement. 

I hope you and your family had a blessed Christmas and we pray for a happy and wonderful New Year for all of you!  God bless.

Christmas Eve

This is the night that our family has been eagerly anticipating for a year.  Tonight is different from many.  We went to church at 4:00 and then delivered cookies to the firefighters who have to work tonight.  We were treated to an all out tour of the firehall, trucks and some equipment.  After ordering pizza in for supper, we opened one present (jammies of course) and snuggled on the couch for some movie time.  What a wonderful and blessed Christmas Eve this has been.  I am sure this is the first *annual* Christmas Eve tradition for our family and I look forward to many more like it.
Tomorrow we will enjoy our traditional Cinnamon Sticky Buns... the very same buns we ate growing up at home. We will take a few minutes to read the Christmas story and remember why we truly celebrate Christmas.  While the buns bake, Doug and I will watch the kids open their presents which is a highlight of the day.
I hope this Christmas is as wonderful and special for you and your family as it is for ours.

Dear Sarah

You have reached a milestone today... you are exactly two and a half years old.  I am so excited to see what the second half of this next year brings us.  Here are things about you that we love and make you who you are:

• You do not sleep through the night (this isn't a good thing)
• You are still nursing.  I love the connection you and I have this way.
• Your vocabulary is increasing and you try to repeat us as best you can.  My favorite words are: Joshie, 'Nana (Arianna), cupie, downie, movie, all donie, bah-bee (baby- think Martin Short from Father of the Bride), need you mom, daddy, mine, Mama (grandma)... Everything you say ends in *ie* sounds.
• Your favorite foods are cold cereal like cheerios or rice crispies, Ritz Crackers, cheese in any form, sandwiches with peanut butter, bananas, yogurt and oatmeal.  Notice the lack of veggies and meat in that list?
• Your face lights up anytime one of your siblings walks into the room.
• Bolt is your favorite movie... especially on Daddy's iPhone while sitting on his lap.
• You look for trouble and get into EVERYTHING.
• You are the sunshine that greets me in the morning.
• You hate your carseat {still}.
•  Everything is yours in your opinion.
• You love to help bake with me.
• You have not been blessed with much hair yet, much to my dismay.
• You are not potty trained.
• You are pretty much the center of attention in this home.
• You are still really small.  About 22.5 pounds.

I love you sweet girl.  Happy 2.5 years!

From a 6 pound little doll...

To a 22.5 pounds fun, talking toddler

Christmas 2010

I made a decision for my family this year.  That the entire day of Christmas Eve would be spent together.  We wouldn't go visiting anyone this year and that the day would be full of *us* and things to do with just the six of us.  For the first time in many years, I don't feel the crazied rush and hub-bub of the Christmas season.  I have all the presents wrapped and under the tree, baking is done and in the freezer, the cards were mailed out in the last week of November... I was on the ball.  Being this organized has really helped me relax and take in some of the beauty and magic of Christmas.  One of my favorite passages in the Bible is Luke 2: 1-20... the written account of how the birth of our Saviour came to be.

¹In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. ² (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) ³ And everyone went to their own town to register.
 ⁴ So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. ⁵ He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. ⁶ While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, ⁷ and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.
 ⁸ And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. ⁹ An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. ¹⁰ But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. ¹¹ Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. ¹² This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”
 ¹³ Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,

 ¹⁴ “Glory to God in the highest heaven,
   and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”

 ¹⁵ When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”
 ¹⁶ So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. ¹⁷ When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, ¹⁸ and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. ¹⁹ But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. ²⁰ The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.

Camera Strap Giveaway

Ok, I LOVE these straps from CITY STRAPS.  They are giving away one of these super cool and cute camera straps and oh, I'd love to put one around my neck!  Check out the giveaway here:

Camera Strap Giveaway

Mr. Chairman

And I'm the chairman's wife.  That means I have to share him when we go to church.  I don't like sharing too much and I don't do it well.  It makes me sad when he has to leave in the middle of the service to take care of something that only the chairman can do.  Communion is lonely since he has to be one of the men who serves.  He has spent full days (weekend days) doing chairman duties.  People call him at {almost} any hour of the day.  Maybe I'm selfish. 

I'm happy

Since Sarah was born, we never had a full set of stockings.  There were only five because Sarah came four years after Arianna.  Of course, I would never have found a match, and yes, it was crucial that they match.  (Call me crazy) When I was getting groceries yesterday, I saw these and fell in love!  The color, the size, the style... so lovely.  

We don't have a nice fire place to mount them on and I didn't want to hang them on the railings where the kids' hands would always be touching them.  So, until Christmas morning, they are pinned to the window valence in the living room.  Oh but they are so pretty!

Last night

When Sarah woke up, I slipped into her room and held her close.  She nursed for a few minutes and then with the rocking of the chair, fell asleep.  I had mixed thoughts of how big she's getting while at the same time, thinking how little she still is.  It was precious and sweet to hear her steady breathing, knowing she was about to slip into a deep sleep while held in my arms.

For the first time ever...

I AM DONE ALL MY CHRISTMAS SHOPPING EARLY!!

I like it when

• all of my *babies* are home for the night
• Sarah says to me "I need you"
• Doug is home on time for supper and has no plans to go out
• the house is quiet and peacefull
• the coffee is ready for me in the morning
• I clean the kitchen the night before
• the snow starts to melt and signs of spring are coming
• the only lights on are those that are sparkling from my Christmas tree
• my kids sleepily greet me in the morning all soft and warm
• I know what I'm having for supper early in the day
• I have time to myself in my huge bathtub
• people remember my birthday
• my kids are home from school
• we take family trips together
• friends pop in for coffee
• I get together with my sister
• my two year old sleeps in my arms
• the house is clean
• I hear my kids playing together happily
• I have a visit with my mother in law
• the furnace kicks in and I'm reminded of how blessed I am
• I get into my van which is in the garage
• I hear the older kids teaching the younger ones
• Arianna reads to me
• Andrea tells me how much she appreciates talking to me
• Joshua confides in me
• we have an entire day of no TV
• I remember to trust God and lean to Him
• He shows me I should have trusted in the first place

I have two of the BEST

kid watchers in the world! 

*Disclaimer: they are not a "babysitter" because my pre-teen children don't like that word*


As my children get older, childcare becomes more of a gray area.  They aren't really old enough to stay home on their own at night and yet, it isn't right for me to hire someone who is only a couple years older than them to "watch" them.  That means I need to have someone quite a bit older to come over. 

I consider myself extremely blessed that I am usually able to get one of my two cousins to come and watch the kids.  Both of them are willing to come to my house and hang out with my four.  My kids love it when they come over and I can go out, knowing that they are in very good care.  Also, not having to drive someone home late at night is nice!

 Ashley is on the left, Megan on the right and their lovely mom is in the middle.

Wordless Wednesday

Just who I am

Last night we attended the first of a few Christmas functions that we need to this season.  It was a gathering of 35+ people including one pre-teen helper and a new baby.  Being totally honest, I don't like large functions of many people.  I am not the type of person who can just start up a conversation with anyone so I often feel on the outskirts of the little groups.  I listen to scraps of chatter here and there and intercede my thoughts when a moment comes available.  Even as the day of a large function approaches, I wonder if anyone will talk to me, who will I sit by and will that person be someone I know well enough to make a conversation flow. My dear husband on the other hand is quite successful at moving around the crowd and visiting with anyone.  He even makes small with the cashier at the grocery store whereas I'm not so much a talker.

Now, if I'm in a living room with two or three friends and a pot of coffee, I am much more in my element and can relax in my comfort zone.  I can hear every one who is talking, I generally know the people quite well, and know that I will be *safe*.

Only a few more gatherings of this Christmas season to go to.  *Phew*

Some feelings

are just so hard to put into words.  I have a heart ache that no one can really fix.  *sigh*

{Friday Photo}

Isn't she beautiful?

Photography Blog

I wanted a place to post the pictures that I take as an amateur photographer.  Come and check out my first *job* here:

PHOTOGRAPHY BY STEPHANIE

Tagged!

1. What time did you get up this morning?  6:30... that's when  Sarah got me up

2. How do you like your steak?  well done 

3. What was the last film you saw at the cinema? Um... not a clue, it's been that long.

4. What is your favorite TV show?  I like Grey's Anatomy and Survivor

5. If you could live anywhere in the world where would it be?  somewhere that it never snowed

6. What did you have for breakfast?  Slice of toast and coffee

7. What is your favorite cuisine?  Canadian/American... I like burgers, chicken and pizza

8. What foods do you dislike?  I don't eat eggs or onions

9. Favorite Place to Eat?  Boston Pizza or Red Robins

10. Favorite dressing?  Citrus Honey Poppyseed... goes great with spinach

11.What kind of vehicle do you drive?  Pontiac Montana

 12. What are your favorite clothes?  Yoga Pants and long sleeved shirts
  
13. Where would you visit if you had the chance?  Somewhere warm 
,  
14. Cup 1/2 empty or 1/2 full?    1/2 empty... Good thing Doug says 1/2 full... we are good for each other

15. Where would you want to retire?  Again... somewhere warm

16. Favorite time of day?  first thing in the morning if I'm up before the kids

17. Where were you born?  Edmonton, Alberta, Canada

18. What is your favorite sport to watch? Figure skating, gymnastics

19. Who do you think will not tag you back?  Not sure but I hope I get lots of replies

 20. Person you expect to tag you back first?  

21. Who are you most curious about their responses to this? I am looking forward to hearing from everyone

22. Bird watcher? Occasionally when I'm at my in-laws' 

23. Are you a morning person or a night person? Definatly morning

 24. Pets? a little lap dog, named Sadie

25. Any new and exciting news that you'd like to share?  Mmmm... nope

26. What did you want to be when you were little? a mom and a nurse... I'd have been a terrible nurse though

27. What is your best childhood memory?   Christmas mornings... cinnamon sticky buns and oranges for breakfast

28. Are you a cat or dog person? Dog

29. Are you married?  Yes, for 13 years now.

30. Always wear your seat belt?  Absolutely... even if I'm moving the van from the garage to street

31. Been in a car accident?   Yes

32. Any pet peeves? people getting used to driving winter roads, mean and obnoxious drivers, waking up to a messy kitchen, too much noise and chaos

33. Favorite pizza topping? chicken, spinach and feta cheese

34. Favorite Flower? roses

35. Favorite ice cream?  I don't like ice cream really... maybe Jack's mixed soft serve

36. Favorite fast food restaurant?  Wendy's... spicy chicken 

37. How many times did you fail your driver's test?  I didn't fail 

38. From whom did you get your last email?   Carolyn

39. Which store would you choose to max out your credit card? Superstore... clothes and food all in one place... I'm so practical. 

40. Do anything spontaneous lately? Nope 

41. Like your job?  I'm a homeschooling, stay at home mom... yes, I love my job 

42. Broccoli? Cauliflower?  both are good

 43. What was your favorite vacation?  I still remember going to Disney World with my family the year I graduated... you are never too old for Disney! 

44. Last person you went out to dinner with?  Myself!

45. What are you listening to right now?  Sarah talking to me and the Wii playing upstairs 

46. What is your favorite color?  purple

47. How many tattoos do you have?  No.  Never will

48. Coffee drinker?   Oh yes!  White Mocha from Starbucks, French Vanilla Cappaccino from Tim Hortons or creamed coffee at home

49. How many children do you have?    Four.  One boy and three girls

Change of plans

It's a good thing we've determined our family is flexible.  For a couple years now, we've been going to church on Saturday nights.  It's nice because it leaves Sundays to just stay at home and relax as a family.  As we were eating our early supper (need to leave home at 5:45), Sarah had a major coughing fit and promptly threw up.  Not just a little bit but a huge amount of puke spewed forth from her.  Poor babe.  Shortly after, Andrea began to complain of a headache.  I'm sure it was from staying up until 11:00 last night and getting up early with her friend during their sleep over.  Then, while we were eating, Arianna was goofing off and banged her head on the table which brought out more tears.  Joshua had been at a friends' the night before and was up late as well.  So after all that commotion, we decided that staying home was in the best interest of our family.
We then signed up for Netflix and had a family night full of popcorn, chips, chocolate and warm milk to drink.
We can always go to church in the morning....

Time out

for my sister and I.  We found out that both our husbands had today off and so we jumped at the opportunity to hang out at the mall.  No strollers, no babies, no toddlers, no diapers bags... just two moms enjoying a morning to themselves.  We checked out some stores that are simply not child friendly and enjoyed a leisurely cup of coffee at Starbucks.  What a time of refreshment for both of us!

School Pictures... Take two

... take that Life Touch!

November 11

My previous post said that I had nothing left to give. 
How selfish of me when thousands of men and women gave *everything* for my freedom in this country. 
I am so thankful for all those who selflessly fought and died for the people of Canada. 
Freedom to vote.  Freedom to pray.  Freedom to worship our God.  Thank you.

Let us not forget

I have

nothing. left. to. give.

Can anything else go wrong...?

One week ago today, I realized my keys were missing.  The one van key and a house key.  Plus the automatic unlock/lock remote.  I don't really enjoy unlocking the door manually and it's a pain when I have a toddler on my hip and a bag or two of groceries.  After calling up a dealership, I was told it would be $135 for a new remote, $30 for a new key and at least $60 to program the remote and key to the van.  A total of $225.00.

Last weekend as I was sewing up a bib, my sewing machine stopped working right.  Something with the bobbin thread not cooperating.  I have to take it in to the store and probably expect a $100 charge to get it fixed.

The past few weeks our main TV has been acting up by taking a long time to turn on.  Well, it finally gave up this weekend.  The part that Doug thinks it needs is about $125 US, not including charges that may incur if we need to hire a repairman. 

*sigh*

Halloween

I don't like the idea of Halloween. Perhaps it is because my siblings and I were raised that way... I don't know.  We usually just attend the function at our church and then head home for some family time.  This year, being the first year on this kid filled street, allowed the kids to go trick or treating.  Something about it still feels odd to me and I really don't know what we'll do next year.  Even though the kids had a great time, I'm undecided.  I love dressing the kids up though...

Arianna & Delaney

Sarah my ladybug

Andrea in her personally designed Maid Marion costume

Joshua the construction worker