The kids are smart. I can say that in honesty as I am told it alot lol. Lauryn is flying through her readers now, picking it up as quick as her sister did. These are excellent readers, and the workbooks Mom made for them are so great. She is doing great at it. Amelia was qizzed by me for her dictee last night, but she needed reminders about gender and punctuation-she just was rushing so she could do other things-she certainly knows the phrases. I am anxious for report cards as usual. Little JR loves to bring me pictures of things pointing at them fervently, telling me what they are-when I say "yes that's a squirrel" or whatever it was he was saying, then he trucks off. This goes on frequently!
Well as I finally post this-Amelia only got one point off on her dictee. Practice paid off, for sure.
Monday, October 29, 2007
Sunday, October 28, 2007
Dad
I feel I did my walk down memory lane last week, when I found the note from Dad instead of today. I was having a very long run today thinking it was close to 10 km, and thinking of Dad when I was little. He used to call me nicomus, because I was so dark when I was born and the name stuck. It branched into wee rooster for the way I cried, then deenie and there it stayed. Dad loved his kids so much, no one came before us really, I always knew Dad was so proud of everything I did. My fondest memories of Dad? His reading to us, saying prayers with me, going for walks in the field, playing ball as a family, helping him on job sites, and talking on the phone inn later years. Dad was great to talk politics and world isssues with-and he loved his grandchildren. Amelia was his pride, though he loved noni, he did not get to spend much time with her as we were far away. Every father should aspire to be like he was, I can say that with all honesty and perhaps some prejeudice.
To you Dad, you are never far from my thoughts, and I love you.
In memory of Peter, 1923-2005
To you Dad, you are never far from my thoughts, and I love you.
In memory of Peter, 1923-2005
Friday, October 26, 2007
Halloween partiessss etc
Well I am preparing to have a kids halloween party. We are expecting 10 kids plus our own, only 2 invitees aren't coming, but one is the kids "cousin" and the other is a good friends son, so they will be here another day. I made spikey spidey cake, I decorated about a dozen cookies, made the cheese swamp dip, bat puffs, witches fingers. We are also having swamp punch, blue tortillas(seem spookier than plain), eerie crudite, and some ghoulish brains, worms, and spiders. I have several games lined up: a treasure hunt, pin the face on the jack-o-lantern, mummy wrapping, pumpkin making contest, and bobbing for apples, a 2007 more sanitary version(own pail, own apple!). The kids each have parties to go to after our party too, plus one of our guests is staying longer, so busy day. Good thing Mia is helping, because Dave got notified he is flying on Sat 2 days ago. I was not impressed, but what do you do, it is the nature of the business. Noni then has another party to attend on Sunday as well.
Well I now add this after the fact, the parties went really well, the kids had a blast! Our party was 5 yo's for 1 hour, then the second hour was the 5 yo's, plus the 8-9 yo's. We had team activities with older ones paired with younger ones and the kids had a ball. The third hour was just the older girls, then the 4th hour was just Amelia, Keadon and Cameron. It was so much fun, however, next year I will do two separate parties for the sake of simplicity. I feel haloweened out after this weekend, we had no energy to attend a party we were invited to after Amelia got home from her last party at 9pm, so we stayed in.
Sunday we went out for breakfast and skipped gymnastics. The kids were too tired this am after such a long day on Sat. After we dropped off Lauryn at her 3rd party on sunday, we went to the mall for some starbucks and looking around. I ended up getting a hoodie at american eagle, although i am still looking for a new hat and scarf to go with my new coat, and Amelia picked out some marbles at the explore store-she wants to collect them. Lauryn's second party yesterday was a mad science birthday party-very cool, they made slime!
We watched Prom Night massacre IV last night of all things, it was predictable, but kind of fun in a cultish way. We have 3 pumpkins to carve and Lauryn's class is having a halloween party that I need to bring snacks for. The kids are getting lots of wear out of their costumes this year, which is good since they were good costumes. In the back of my head I am getting ready to shift into Christmas mode, I am planning to completely revamp my main tree. I have almost 2 doz new glass balls in etched clear and adding a new color-a shade of almost olivey green, for lack of a better description(gluckenstein), new ribbon in that shade from homesense,and the awesome faux frosted berries I got in Kingston. I am remving my old ribbon garland for good this year-enough years with that. I look forward to the change. The cranberry pillars are all changing to the same green shade with the spiced apple oak as I picked up a ton of them.
I feel melancholy right now, still somber with thoughts of Dad. I also am thinking of impending change. While it is exciting, it is sad too, to close different chapters.
Well I now add this after the fact, the parties went really well, the kids had a blast! Our party was 5 yo's for 1 hour, then the second hour was the 5 yo's, plus the 8-9 yo's. We had team activities with older ones paired with younger ones and the kids had a ball. The third hour was just the older girls, then the 4th hour was just Amelia, Keadon and Cameron. It was so much fun, however, next year I will do two separate parties for the sake of simplicity. I feel haloweened out after this weekend, we had no energy to attend a party we were invited to after Amelia got home from her last party at 9pm, so we stayed in.
Sunday we went out for breakfast and skipped gymnastics. The kids were too tired this am after such a long day on Sat. After we dropped off Lauryn at her 3rd party on sunday, we went to the mall for some starbucks and looking around. I ended up getting a hoodie at american eagle, although i am still looking for a new hat and scarf to go with my new coat, and Amelia picked out some marbles at the explore store-she wants to collect them. Lauryn's second party yesterday was a mad science birthday party-very cool, they made slime!
We watched Prom Night massacre IV last night of all things, it was predictable, but kind of fun in a cultish way. We have 3 pumpkins to carve and Lauryn's class is having a halloween party that I need to bring snacks for. The kids are getting lots of wear out of their costumes this year, which is good since they were good costumes. In the back of my head I am getting ready to shift into Christmas mode, I am planning to completely revamp my main tree. I have almost 2 doz new glass balls in etched clear and adding a new color-a shade of almost olivey green, for lack of a better description(gluckenstein), new ribbon in that shade from homesense,and the awesome faux frosted berries I got in Kingston. I am remving my old ribbon garland for good this year-enough years with that. I look forward to the change. The cranberry pillars are all changing to the same green shade with the spiced apple oak as I picked up a ton of them.
I feel melancholy right now, still somber with thoughts of Dad. I also am thinking of impending change. While it is exciting, it is sad too, to close different chapters.
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
Best Sugar Cookies
These are our favorite for years, handsdown. I make them every year, at least twice a year. The dough rolls well and can handle little kids rolling and re-rolling!
1 1/2 cups butter, softened
2 cups white sugar
4 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
5 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
Directions 1. In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until smooth. Beat in eggs and vanilla. Stir in the flour, baking powder, and salt. Cover, and chill dough for at least one hour (or overnight). 2. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Roll out dough on floured surface 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick. Cut into shapes with any cookie cutter. Place cookies 1 inch apart on ungreased cookie sheets. 3. Bake 6 to 8 minutes in preheated oven. Cool completely.
I often use different flavourings, such as orange or almond extract to give the cookies a different flavour.
1 1/2 cups butter, softened
2 cups white sugar
4 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
5 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
Directions 1. In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until smooth. Beat in eggs and vanilla. Stir in the flour, baking powder, and salt. Cover, and chill dough for at least one hour (or overnight). 2. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Roll out dough on floured surface 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick. Cut into shapes with any cookie cutter. Place cookies 1 inch apart on ungreased cookie sheets. 3. Bake 6 to 8 minutes in preheated oven. Cool completely.
I often use different flavourings, such as orange or almond extract to give the cookies a different flavour.
A note from the past
I found a note from Dad yesterday. I was picking up books that Josh had flung from the bookshelf when I noticed a small piece of paper with writing on it. I picked it up and recognized Dad's handwriting. It said We all go before God. Yes, one receives salvation even on the death bed if one repents and calls on Jesus for redemption. The soul, the breathe of life returns to God." On the back of the note I noticed it waas written on a receipt. Although it was faded, the date was legible-October 29, 2003.
This paragraph was very typical of Dad's writings, religion and politics were his main themes, the two so often intertwined. Yet what was so poignant about this verse was two-fold. Firstly, it was written exactly two years and and a day before he died. Secondly, the latter part of the phrase was actually words Mom chose for his headstone. Mom chose those words randomnly, just based on her knowledge of Dad's beliefs. It was so odd. I love finding notes from the past, it is like hearing from those beyond the grave. Even though Dad often tells me things in my dreams, little notes have very big sentiment. As I near the anniversary of his death, I find myself thinking so often of Dad again, more than usual. As strange as it may sound, I found myself looking through a catalogue noting what good gifts certain items would have made for Dad. For the first time since he died I found myself upset that I would no longer be able to buy him gifts for his birthday in just over two weeks or for Christmas.
This paragraph was very typical of Dad's writings, religion and politics were his main themes, the two so often intertwined. Yet what was so poignant about this verse was two-fold. Firstly, it was written exactly two years and and a day before he died. Secondly, the latter part of the phrase was actually words Mom chose for his headstone. Mom chose those words randomnly, just based on her knowledge of Dad's beliefs. It was so odd. I love finding notes from the past, it is like hearing from those beyond the grave. Even though Dad often tells me things in my dreams, little notes have very big sentiment. As I near the anniversary of his death, I find myself thinking so often of Dad again, more than usual. As strange as it may sound, I found myself looking through a catalogue noting what good gifts certain items would have made for Dad. For the first time since he died I found myself upset that I would no longer be able to buy him gifts for his birthday in just over two weeks or for Christmas.
Monday, October 22, 2007
Concern, work and halloween
After some contemplation and concerns, I have re-publicized my blog temporarily. I will no longer list my blog address, but I will leave this open temporarily. I won't elaborate on this right now, but hopefully I can keep this up.
I started studying today, currently reviewing professional responsibilty and accountability. I will try to get through two units a day until I am through my notes. I am doing this simply for my own review, getting prepped for work. I returned a call to a facility today, I need to hear back to arrange to go in there. I will check into child care further tommorrow, and see what I can arrange. Seems like a lot of prep for this, but I'll do what I can.
I am also going to bake halloween cookies today, I am chilling the dough right now, the kids will help. We are going to the boo at the zoo today too, after swimming and pilates. Should be fun, its a nice day. I also am working on the outdoor setup, I have some of the groundwork set up, slowly getting there!
Update: I started this earlier, just am now posting it. I got an exciting call today, but I will say more when I know more. We also went to Boo at the Zoo, it was fun and the weather was much nicer than last year. Lauryn was scared of the zombies though, Josh kept saying "wow!" at everything. Amelia was nervous with some areas, but not out and out scared. She was very scared of the haunted forest, but so was Keadon, pair of turkeys! I am finishing baking the cookies for the party, Abbi and Lauryn helped make some this afternoon, it was a lot of fun. I have some of the games planned, but I still have to prep fro the spooky treasure hunt, and make a ton of things for other games, and finish decorating. I am too busy to get some of it done tommorrow, and I still have to clean. Uggh. Not sure how I will accomplish all this, I really am not. Yesterday found me scouring the woods for large spooky branches, tommorrow you will find me out hauling logs for my "creatures".
I did a pilates class today, I am glad I have retained my flexibility despite missing the first few classes due to schedule conflicts. It felt good to get such a whole body toning. I am too tired to post more, the last cookies are out of the oven and Dave is done studying.
I started studying today, currently reviewing professional responsibilty and accountability. I will try to get through two units a day until I am through my notes. I am doing this simply for my own review, getting prepped for work. I returned a call to a facility today, I need to hear back to arrange to go in there. I will check into child care further tommorrow, and see what I can arrange. Seems like a lot of prep for this, but I'll do what I can.
I am also going to bake halloween cookies today, I am chilling the dough right now, the kids will help. We are going to the boo at the zoo today too, after swimming and pilates. Should be fun, its a nice day. I also am working on the outdoor setup, I have some of the groundwork set up, slowly getting there!
Update: I started this earlier, just am now posting it. I got an exciting call today, but I will say more when I know more. We also went to Boo at the Zoo, it was fun and the weather was much nicer than last year. Lauryn was scared of the zombies though, Josh kept saying "wow!" at everything. Amelia was nervous with some areas, but not out and out scared. She was very scared of the haunted forest, but so was Keadon, pair of turkeys! I am finishing baking the cookies for the party, Abbi and Lauryn helped make some this afternoon, it was a lot of fun. I have some of the games planned, but I still have to prep fro the spooky treasure hunt, and make a ton of things for other games, and finish decorating. I am too busy to get some of it done tommorrow, and I still have to clean. Uggh. Not sure how I will accomplish all this, I really am not. Yesterday found me scouring the woods for large spooky branches, tommorrow you will find me out hauling logs for my "creatures".
I did a pilates class today, I am glad I have retained my flexibility despite missing the first few classes due to schedule conflicts. It felt good to get such a whole body toning. I am too tired to post more, the last cookies are out of the oven and Dave is done studying.
Saturday, October 20, 2007
Our day and stuff
We went out for supper today, the kids picked the restaurant and everyone was good. We then all went for a walk through the forest. We really enjoyed that, it was so relaxing, such an adventure for the kids, but I am paranoid about poison ivy, so we stuck to the various trails. We came home and were to have family night, baked some cookies, tried to play a game, but JR was not co-operating about his bedtime. I am so tired tonight, but I am watching a movie, so I will stay up a bit longer. I had a stressful time getting everyone organized this evening, we didn't get to wind down properly. Tommorrow Davey will be home from Texas, so we will have a nice family evening and get our games in. Next week we will do all our parties, so no down time much then either I guess.
I am growing bored of facebook, and I would like to pull the plug on it in some ways, but it is an easy way to keep in touch with more than 1 person at once. I am so glad I re-connected with Chantal and Susan, but I read an article about how narcissitc it can be and I had to agree. Granted, blogging can be seen that way, but I did this for my own use, like a diary really, and I am going to de-publicize it probably at some point, but at the moment the money keeps me plugging away at it publicly.
I am growing bored of facebook, and I would like to pull the plug on it in some ways, but it is an easy way to keep in touch with more than 1 person at once. I am so glad I re-connected with Chantal and Susan, but I read an article about how narcissitc it can be and I had to agree. Granted, blogging can be seen that way, but I did this for my own use, like a diary really, and I am going to de-publicize it probably at some point, but at the moment the money keeps me plugging away at it publicly.
Friday, October 19, 2007
Play and Halloween
Noni is off at a playdate today, that kid could play 7 days a week with her friends, they are always clamouring to play. We have invited 12 kids to our party, 1 is not coming, so it will be busy. I am so excited-we have one every year, but this will be the largest. Auntie and Uncle are probably taking mimi and Keadon to the haunted forest after, so Halloween fun all weekend. We have a total of 5 parties that weekend, including our own. We are going to Boo at the zoo very soon, I have our tickets now. I am glad the weather is nice, it reminds me of kingston-warm and raining, which is does straight until Christmas basically-wish it would do that here.
Josh is doing his jig to his tad music-he can do that for ages, and it has to be certain songs, he is so funny! I have to go dance with him now and clean the rec room for girls movie night tonight!
Josh is doing his jig to his tad music-he can do that for ages, and it has to be certain songs, he is so funny! I have to go dance with him now and clean the rec room for girls movie night tonight!
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
My sharp lil man knows his colours
I had to blog this-this evening Josh was playing with his discovery toys shape sorter that has coloured doors that open with matching keys. He was fiddling with the blue door and said "oh keys" and proceeded to choose the blue key to open it. So I turned it to the orange door and said "where is the orange key?", he then chose the correct key to open it. I then continued and said find the red door, which he did then I asked him to find the red key, and he was able to find all the colours on it and choose the right keys! Josh gets read to alot, he is such a sponge. H e learns in the same manner as his sisters-so cool.
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
More learning, evasion tactics
Josh knows the difference between full and empty. Walking through the school today he was pointing at bulletin boards, I had commented on one saying it had pumpkins etc. We got to the next one and it was empty. I said oh this one is empty, he then said "empty". The rest of the day, whenever he had a cup that was empty he would tell me "empty". Well, the cutest part was him in the bathtub tonight. He would fill a cup up with water, say 'full", then dump it out and say "empty". I guess he is already learning some opposites! maybe he is ready for the opposite game I did with the girls when they were little!
Mimi is a master at the art of time wasteage sometimes. She can stall around and squander away time with little tasks like no one I know. When she works and focuses, she works so hard. However, if the challenge or interest is small, she becomes a master at evasion tactics I swear. Usually, she will start reading a book, then ask a million questions per chapter, and the things she asks are complicated so it takes some explaining. Good thing she remembers everything you tell her, or I would be repeating myself constantly. Inquiring minds, I know, but sometimes I really have to think about the answers too!
Got to love sales at the gap, got a nice sweater and shoes, also old navy, nice sweater for cheap. I didn't make it to the body shop, got my dr's appt in today and all is going well it seems, so hooray for that. I need to make Josh's 2 yr appt very soon.
Mimi is a master at the art of time wasteage sometimes. She can stall around and squander away time with little tasks like no one I know. When she works and focuses, she works so hard. However, if the challenge or interest is small, she becomes a master at evasion tactics I swear. Usually, she will start reading a book, then ask a million questions per chapter, and the things she asks are complicated so it takes some explaining. Good thing she remembers everything you tell her, or I would be repeating myself constantly. Inquiring minds, I know, but sometimes I really have to think about the answers too!
Got to love sales at the gap, got a nice sweater and shoes, also old navy, nice sweater for cheap. I didn't make it to the body shop, got my dr's appt in today and all is going well it seems, so hooray for that. I need to make Josh's 2 yr appt very soon.
Schedule, run, stuff
Dave's schedule is a nightmare until he is finished-24 trainers and 10 flights. A lot to pack in in so little time. We are going to enjoy a nice family holiday when he finishes, a nice hotel and some R&R-maybe skiing and shopping. It has been quite the year, we are all tired.I miss my hubby when he is so busy.
My muscles are so sore. I have been doing extra walking with the kids and I am feeling it. Despite running almost daily, my muscles are tired from the walks. It works different muscle groups, pushing the stroller or pulling the wagon. It is just as well I had to miss pilates yesterday, I had a run and 80 minutes of walking, that is plenty.
I am heading shopping a bit today, check out some sales and holiday product, hoping to snag some boots, flats, and new body shop stuff-I am due for some free product! I want to see what the plum scent is like, sounds intriguing, and I am a huge vanilla spice fan. Speaking of which DH is picking me up some midnight poison in the US-can't wait!
I am making crispy chicken, vegetarian curry, basmati rice for supper, going to be rushed as I have to have us all out the door for 4 for gymnastics tonight. So busy today. Well I have stalled over coffee long enough, have an appt, and get kids to school today.
My muscles are so sore. I have been doing extra walking with the kids and I am feeling it. Despite running almost daily, my muscles are tired from the walks. It works different muscle groups, pushing the stroller or pulling the wagon. It is just as well I had to miss pilates yesterday, I had a run and 80 minutes of walking, that is plenty.
I am heading shopping a bit today, check out some sales and holiday product, hoping to snag some boots, flats, and new body shop stuff-I am due for some free product! I want to see what the plum scent is like, sounds intriguing, and I am a huge vanilla spice fan. Speaking of which DH is picking me up some midnight poison in the US-can't wait!
I am making crispy chicken, vegetarian curry, basmati rice for supper, going to be rushed as I have to have us all out the door for 4 for gymnastics tonight. So busy today. Well I have stalled over coffee long enough, have an appt, and get kids to school today.
Monday, October 15, 2007
Blueberry Banana Muffins-this is a staple for us
1 cup all-purpose flour
2 cup whole wheat flour
1 1/4 cup white sugar
1/2 cup ground flax
1 cup quick cooking oats
2 teaspoons baking powder
2 teaspoons baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 cup blueberries
3/4 cup chopped walnuts, optional
2 bananas, mashed
2 cup buttermilk
2 egg
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
DIRECTIONS
1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease 2- 12 cup muffin pans, or line with paper muffin cups.
2. In a large bowl, stir together the all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour, sugar, ground flax, quick-cooking oats, baking powder, baking soda and salt.
3. Gently stir in the blueberries and walnuts. In a separate bowl, mix together the mashed banana, buttermilk, egg, oil and vanilla.
4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry, and mix just until blended. Spoon into muffin cups, filling all the way to the top.
Bake for 15 to 18 minutes in the preheated oven, or until the tops of the muffins spring back when lightly touched.
2 cup whole wheat flour
1 1/4 cup white sugar
1/2 cup ground flax
1 cup quick cooking oats
2 teaspoons baking powder
2 teaspoons baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 cup blueberries
3/4 cup chopped walnuts, optional
2 bananas, mashed
2 cup buttermilk
2 egg
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
DIRECTIONS
1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease 2- 12 cup muffin pans, or line with paper muffin cups.
2. In a large bowl, stir together the all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour, sugar, ground flax, quick-cooking oats, baking powder, baking soda and salt.
3. Gently stir in the blueberries and walnuts. In a separate bowl, mix together the mashed banana, buttermilk, egg, oil and vanilla.
4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry, and mix just until blended. Spoon into muffin cups, filling all the way to the top.
Bake for 15 to 18 minutes in the preheated oven, or until the tops of the muffins spring back when lightly touched.
Josh is learning
Josh can point out a few shapes while we are reading I noticed. I have not been actively trying to teach him shapes, but I think I will now since he knows a few. He also pointed out santa very excitedly in winner's the other day ago. Too funny! H e seems to know most animals and their sounds now too. What a turkey!
Halloween, thinking about life changes, cornbread and calzones
I really wanted to put down more thoughts in a journal-like fashion, however, I tend to do my thinking as I run or walk, and busy little people keep me from my computer. So, here I sit on my bed with Josh watching Max and Ruby and typing, as I do want to have a record of some of these days.
The halloween party invitations are printed, I will pick them up tommorrow, and get them out on Wednesday. It will be about 10 kids plus ours, bigger than In wanted but the girls wanted their closest friends so that is it. I have the menu chosen and the games, we are making halloween cookies this weekend. Davey is in Texas this weekend, so we will have a fun kids and Mom weekend. The good thing about him going is he will do a bunch of our Christmas shopping while there. I picked up Lauryn and Josh's tree ornaments too-holiday Barbie and thomas train sets. i already had the flower fairy for mimi. I put up Dave's spiderweb and we bought our pumpkins. he is the master carver in our house-he has made some amazing pumpkins over the years. I am surprised at how creative he is.
I was thinking about my husband today, just remembering when we first fell in love and that breathless kind of feeling, the excitement. What is funny is that even though I miss and feel nostalgic for those carefree times, he still makes me feel that way sometimes. I know it sounds goofy, but its true. Hey, I am surprised by it too, 12 years after we met, but we are just the right person for each other, our faults and all seem to make up for what the other lacks. I spend, he is careful with his money, is just an example! After having Josh I was at a weight high-40 lbs heavier than I am now, I embarked our entire family on a health food overhaul-high fibre everything, greens and more greens, tomatoes, garlic, salmon, green tea-anti-oxidant city. I also completely stopped drinking pop, and to this day rarely touch the stuff. When he was a year I started pilates, and that was what made the difference. Within a month I had shrunk by 2 sizes, and I was back running frequently. By the time I weaned Josh in the summer this year I then dropped further to my highschool weight and there I have stayed. I have kept us on our healthful eating, it can be challenging when the kids get picky, but Dave has even maintained his weight and he has a big appetite. It has paid off for us all. It does not mean we don't endulge our love of cheeses, wine and olives, we live by the moderation rule. I like food, love to cook and try new and exotic recipes and ingredients, being fit in between just lets me enjoy these things more I guess, but it was a long haul and hard work. When you are 25 you have youth and a high metabolism on your side. Now that I am heading for 35, my metabolism requires input from me more than it did. I remember thinking I couldn't gain weight, foolish 20 something thought I guess, when I had kids that certainly became more of an issue. It's funny how naive we can be at times.
So basically, after all that rambling about my fitness then lack thereof, then coming back to fitness, I had to wonder what was similar in my life now compared to last time I was at this weight. Not that I haven't had spells of hitting the gym for a couple of months steady here and ther over the years, just that I have really changed my whole lifetsyle in the last 10 months. I am not newly in love, but I am newly experiencing life I guess being home longer with my kids and really embracing this time. I am heading back to work shortly, and am back at school, choosing to change my career path-not unlike the beginning of my career years ago. I do wonder if my life changes spurred my health choices or if my health choices spurred life changes. Maybe I won't know that answer, but either way I am happy with the end product-and Dave and I are enjoying each other more now than when we met.
I baked Cheddar and sage cornbread, spinach calzones and pizza today. The cornbread was super and we are going to eat the pizza-right now!
The halloween party invitations are printed, I will pick them up tommorrow, and get them out on Wednesday. It will be about 10 kids plus ours, bigger than In wanted but the girls wanted their closest friends so that is it. I have the menu chosen and the games, we are making halloween cookies this weekend. Davey is in Texas this weekend, so we will have a fun kids and Mom weekend. The good thing about him going is he will do a bunch of our Christmas shopping while there. I picked up Lauryn and Josh's tree ornaments too-holiday Barbie and thomas train sets. i already had the flower fairy for mimi. I put up Dave's spiderweb and we bought our pumpkins. he is the master carver in our house-he has made some amazing pumpkins over the years. I am surprised at how creative he is.
I was thinking about my husband today, just remembering when we first fell in love and that breathless kind of feeling, the excitement. What is funny is that even though I miss and feel nostalgic for those carefree times, he still makes me feel that way sometimes. I know it sounds goofy, but its true. Hey, I am surprised by it too, 12 years after we met, but we are just the right person for each other, our faults and all seem to make up for what the other lacks. I spend, he is careful with his money, is just an example! After having Josh I was at a weight high-40 lbs heavier than I am now, I embarked our entire family on a health food overhaul-high fibre everything, greens and more greens, tomatoes, garlic, salmon, green tea-anti-oxidant city. I also completely stopped drinking pop, and to this day rarely touch the stuff. When he was a year I started pilates, and that was what made the difference. Within a month I had shrunk by 2 sizes, and I was back running frequently. By the time I weaned Josh in the summer this year I then dropped further to my highschool weight and there I have stayed. I have kept us on our healthful eating, it can be challenging when the kids get picky, but Dave has even maintained his weight and he has a big appetite. It has paid off for us all. It does not mean we don't endulge our love of cheeses, wine and olives, we live by the moderation rule. I like food, love to cook and try new and exotic recipes and ingredients, being fit in between just lets me enjoy these things more I guess, but it was a long haul and hard work. When you are 25 you have youth and a high metabolism on your side. Now that I am heading for 35, my metabolism requires input from me more than it did. I remember thinking I couldn't gain weight, foolish 20 something thought I guess, when I had kids that certainly became more of an issue. It's funny how naive we can be at times.
So basically, after all that rambling about my fitness then lack thereof, then coming back to fitness, I had to wonder what was similar in my life now compared to last time I was at this weight. Not that I haven't had spells of hitting the gym for a couple of months steady here and ther over the years, just that I have really changed my whole lifetsyle in the last 10 months. I am not newly in love, but I am newly experiencing life I guess being home longer with my kids and really embracing this time. I am heading back to work shortly, and am back at school, choosing to change my career path-not unlike the beginning of my career years ago. I do wonder if my life changes spurred my health choices or if my health choices spurred life changes. Maybe I won't know that answer, but either way I am happy with the end product-and Dave and I are enjoying each other more now than when we met.
I baked Cheddar and sage cornbread, spinach calzones and pizza today. The cornbread was super and we are going to eat the pizza-right now!
Friday, October 12, 2007
Butter chick pea curry
4 medium potatoes, cubed
2 medium carrots, chopped
vegetable or chicken broth, enough to cover vegetables or water
2 tablespoons canola oil
1 medium yellow onion, diced
1 teaspoon minced garlic
2 teaspoons curry powder
2 teaspoons garam masala
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon salt
1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed tomato soup
1/2 cup cream or milk
1 (12 ounce) can chickpeas, rinsed and drained
1. Place potatoes and carrots in a saucepan, cover with water or broth, and bring to a boil over high heat; simmer until the potatoes and carrots are tender. Drain, and set aside.
Warm oil in a skillet over medium heat. Stir in onion and garlic, and cook until the onions are soft and translucent. Stir in curry powder, garam masala, ginger, cumin, and salt. Cook for 1 or 2 minutes, stirring. Pour in soup, cream, and chickpeas. Stir in potatoes. Simmer 5 minutes.
2 medium carrots, chopped
vegetable or chicken broth, enough to cover vegetables or water
2 tablespoons canola oil
1 medium yellow onion, diced
1 teaspoon minced garlic
2 teaspoons curry powder
2 teaspoons garam masala
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon salt
1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed tomato soup
1/2 cup cream or milk
1 (12 ounce) can chickpeas, rinsed and drained
1. Place potatoes and carrots in a saucepan, cover with water or broth, and bring to a boil over high heat; simmer until the potatoes and carrots are tender. Drain, and set aside.
Warm oil in a skillet over medium heat. Stir in onion and garlic, and cook until the onions are soft and translucent. Stir in curry powder, garam masala, ginger, cumin, and salt. Cook for 1 or 2 minutes, stirring. Pour in soup, cream, and chickpeas. Stir in potatoes. Simmer 5 minutes.
Busy, baking, holiday spirit
What an insane week this has been. Dave's schedule has been off the charts, or should I say "maps". He had over 20 hours of flight maps to do, so he has been logging in some long hours. As a result, I have had to do the entire homefront show myself, which has been a juggling act. The kids are tired this week too-we didn't get home until 2130 last night-way late for JR and Noni for sure, and late for Mimi the nighthawk even. Tonight we are taking it easy, even though Mimi has gymnastics for 4 hours, the rest of us are staying in and having a movie night.
I have been trying to get baking in too, I baked pumpkin cookies with caramel icing, banana and blueberry muffins, and oatmeal peanut butter cookies are baking right now. Cookies are a cinch since I got my patisse mat, zero sticking and virtually no cleanup. Parchment still has its place, but this is better.
The kids were beside themselves that the Bay finally has its holiday section mainly put together. JR was shouting "trees, trees!" and of course "oooh balls!" What got me though was him squealing and pointing and saying santa. He couldn't remember from last year, although he loved sitting on santa's knee last holiday, so who knows. They did not want to leave. I found a number of glass ornaments I liked(I know, brave). I had some glass ones on the tree last year, and only one breakage. I am hoping the other trees will deter him from the largest one. I said I am hoping!! I am trying not to think too much about Christmas yet, as we still have Halloween to do. Noni just got invited to a Halloween party, on the day after we had been tentatively planning ours! Two of the kids are the same ones we are inviting, but some others are different, so hopefully it all works. I need to firm up my plans, soon.
I got called for two jobs which I said no to, as they were both full time. What a pain!
I have been trying to get baking in too, I baked pumpkin cookies with caramel icing, banana and blueberry muffins, and oatmeal peanut butter cookies are baking right now. Cookies are a cinch since I got my patisse mat, zero sticking and virtually no cleanup. Parchment still has its place, but this is better.
The kids were beside themselves that the Bay finally has its holiday section mainly put together. JR was shouting "trees, trees!" and of course "oooh balls!" What got me though was him squealing and pointing and saying santa. He couldn't remember from last year, although he loved sitting on santa's knee last holiday, so who knows. They did not want to leave. I found a number of glass ornaments I liked(I know, brave). I had some glass ones on the tree last year, and only one breakage. I am hoping the other trees will deter him from the largest one. I said I am hoping!! I am trying not to think too much about Christmas yet, as we still have Halloween to do. Noni just got invited to a Halloween party, on the day after we had been tentatively planning ours! Two of the kids are the same ones we are inviting, but some others are different, so hopefully it all works. I need to firm up my plans, soon.
I got called for two jobs which I said no to, as they were both full time. What a pain!
Tuesday, October 9, 2007
Rain, Halloween, Christmas
Raining and quite cold today. I like the rain, especially in the spring and fall, but we haven't been out other than to the school today. I am home doing laundry, making turkey stew and biscuits. I tried a new recipe for whole wheat biscuits, but I won't post it as it still needs some tweaking yet. I also made some headway with documents today, and may get all sent out tommorrow.
I brought out our spooky lemax houses today,Josh stared at them transfixed for awhile. It was so cute. i am sure he doesn't remember them from last year. I was going to set up more, but Josh was stalling not wanting to nap, so I haven't yet. I have a cute hallmark haunted tree that is animated and plays music I will surprise the kids with soon. We got mimi's costume, a vampiress, noni is going to be Belle, and Josh a tiger. I sent treat bags home with Mom to my nieces, since we will not see them on Halloween. Things are coming together, I am planning a kids party with maybe 7 or 8 kids this year. I will make my spider cake again, as it was a big hit, and I have some new spooky recipes to try this year.
Dave is seeming better, went to work this pm. He is gone to Texas next week, I wonder if he will get to see Mike down there or not. He is so close to being done, I can't wait. My parcel arrived from LL Bean today-wow fast shipping. It looks nice, really well made, can't wait for the rest! I am anxious to finish my holiday shopping, I haven't a lot to get, but I am anxious to get doing it. I am doing my main tree different this year, I have a lot of clear heavy carved glass balls to add on this year, and I think the plaid ribbons are going to go this year, I am also thinking a new tree topper. I like to change things up every year, just to make it interesting. The kids tree and snowmen trees also have many new additions, so they should be good too. I am also doing a slightly different color scheme in the living room area, a kind of mossy green for a base color. I always look forward to getting in my bins, I forget what I have and I always buy new end of season stuff, so I get a few surprises once I get in there!
I brought out our spooky lemax houses today,Josh stared at them transfixed for awhile. It was so cute. i am sure he doesn't remember them from last year. I was going to set up more, but Josh was stalling not wanting to nap, so I haven't yet. I have a cute hallmark haunted tree that is animated and plays music I will surprise the kids with soon. We got mimi's costume, a vampiress, noni is going to be Belle, and Josh a tiger. I sent treat bags home with Mom to my nieces, since we will not see them on Halloween. Things are coming together, I am planning a kids party with maybe 7 or 8 kids this year. I will make my spider cake again, as it was a big hit, and I have some new spooky recipes to try this year.
Dave is seeming better, went to work this pm. He is gone to Texas next week, I wonder if he will get to see Mike down there or not. He is so close to being done, I can't wait. My parcel arrived from LL Bean today-wow fast shipping. It looks nice, really well made, can't wait for the rest! I am anxious to finish my holiday shopping, I haven't a lot to get, but I am anxious to get doing it. I am doing my main tree different this year, I have a lot of clear heavy carved glass balls to add on this year, and I think the plaid ribbons are going to go this year, I am also thinking a new tree topper. I like to change things up every year, just to make it interesting. The kids tree and snowmen trees also have many new additions, so they should be good too. I am also doing a slightly different color scheme in the living room area, a kind of mossy green for a base color. I always look forward to getting in my bins, I forget what I have and I always buy new end of season stuff, so I get a few surprises once I get in there!
Monday, October 8, 2007
Turkey day, wine and cheese, the day
Well turkey day went off without any major upsets! The food all turned out, the bird was moist and my favorite stuffing came out nicely. We had a total of 10 ppl, a couple of friends joined us and we had some crazy after dinner conversation! Josh got some early birthday gifts since Granny won't be here for his party, he got a half dozen trains for his collection and some tracks. He also got a fire truck(very noisy!), a recording book, a remote CAT front loader-also noisy! He is sitting monkeying with his trains right now-he calls them choo choo trains, it is so cute.
We went to the wine and cheese the night before. It was lots of fun-how could all the wine and cheese you could eat not be fun?! The crowd was very small compared to last year, probably because they held it on the holiday weekend this year. Dave felt sick the next day and thought it was some of the cheese, but by late evening he had chills, so it seems he has come down with the flu like Josh and I did.
It has been raining steady today. We all kind of got up a bit late, and have been lazing around, I did get a run in this am, then we have sat around watching a scooby doo movie and relaxing. We are heading out with Granny, auntie and uncle, probably hit Starbucks and do some shopping if things are open. Well they just arrived, so I am off!
We went to the wine and cheese the night before. It was lots of fun-how could all the wine and cheese you could eat not be fun?! The crowd was very small compared to last year, probably because they held it on the holiday weekend this year. Dave felt sick the next day and thought it was some of the cheese, but by late evening he had chills, so it seems he has come down with the flu like Josh and I did.
It has been raining steady today. We all kind of got up a bit late, and have been lazing around, I did get a run in this am, then we have sat around watching a scooby doo movie and relaxing. We are heading out with Granny, auntie and uncle, probably hit Starbucks and do some shopping if things are open. Well they just arrived, so I am off!
Friday, October 5, 2007
Turkey day planning etc!
We are getting ready for turkey day, the kids are off for 4 days. Today we are going to organize our plans for table settings, meal planning and I am going to bake a pumpkin roll. We may go on a nature walk if the weather co-operates and see how many different leaves we can find. Dave is off at noon today, so we will go shopping too-lots of sales. I need to pull the turkey out this am-it is qn almost 30 lb bird from the hutterites, nice turkeys they have. I will brine it Sat night after we get back from the wine and cheese.
Mimi and Josh are helping right now choose napkin rings and favours to put at the place settings. I think we have decided on the centrepieces for the tables. I love doing up holiday tables, so much fun. We are having either 10 or 16, I won't have the numbers until today or tommorrow. Next is planning for our Halloween party, I have been buying things and planning for that for awhile too-I can't wait! I really enjoy doing that every year, it is a blast for the kids. Noni is still snoozing this am, we all stayed up late(except JR!) to have nachos and watch a show as a treat for the long weekend.
On a side I am pleased with the levels of homework mimsters has been bringing home this week, she is still breezing through it, but it is requiring more thought processes. The teacher had indicated she would be tailoring the work according to individual ability, which is really good. Josh is also back to his normal self-it appears his two year molars are pushing up. He has been a beast with all of his teeth. I have also discovered severe exhaustion seems to go along with pms now for me. Looking back I have figured it out. What a pain.
I need to quit stalling over my coffee and get to work-the weekend awaits!
Mimi and Josh are helping right now choose napkin rings and favours to put at the place settings. I think we have decided on the centrepieces for the tables. I love doing up holiday tables, so much fun. We are having either 10 or 16, I won't have the numbers until today or tommorrow. Next is planning for our Halloween party, I have been buying things and planning for that for awhile too-I can't wait! I really enjoy doing that every year, it is a blast for the kids. Noni is still snoozing this am, we all stayed up late(except JR!) to have nachos and watch a show as a treat for the long weekend.
On a side I am pleased with the levels of homework mimsters has been bringing home this week, she is still breezing through it, but it is requiring more thought processes. The teacher had indicated she would be tailoring the work according to individual ability, which is really good. Josh is also back to his normal self-it appears his two year molars are pushing up. He has been a beast with all of his teeth. I have also discovered severe exhaustion seems to go along with pms now for me. Looking back I have figured it out. What a pain.
I need to quit stalling over my coffee and get to work-the weekend awaits!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)