So the coolest gift I received this year was my one touch can opener...It's awesome!!! just place it on the can and watch it go...no sharp edges either!
What's the greatest gift you got??
Friday, December 29, 2006
The Fam..
Here's our family photo from Christmas at my Aunts. It's the first picture we have taken of everyone from my mom's side ...in a long time.
sicky, sicky...
(WARNING...post is a little 'sicker' than usual)
So it went a little something like this.
Ashlyn was getting back to her fiesty self, Gabe was happily playing with his new tractors, I was eating leftover apple pie for breakfast and it was sooo delicious.
BAM ..it hit me. RUUUUUNNN. I ran, and made it just in time to taste my pie for the second time while watching the lovely pastry make it's final demise in the toilet water. Oh no. Ohhhh nooo. And thus it began.
Throughout the period of the next 24 hours I was living on the toilet with a bowl on my lap. Yup. Both Ends. At the same time. Horrific. The worst was that my stomach didn't realize it had nothing in it, and yet it continued to try to empty itself, with all the strength it could muster. You know, the kind of wretching that leaves no time for taking in air, just so much force, that your eyes are left bloodshot, and you are just wishing and praying that somehow it would all end...in whatever fashion necessary. I was envious of dead people at that point.
Around 5 on the same day...(when I was just about at my worst...) Gabe thought he'd join in, and left the poor hubs racing for a bowl and some diapers. Poor little guy got so worn out from vomiting that he would fall asleep between gags. Annnnd last but not least, the hubs began the Norwalk journey at 6. That left us with 1 toilet (as no one was running up a flight of stairs, when already we were doing the diarrhea shuffle) and 2 adults ...thankfully the timing worked out. As soon as I finished for a moment, the hubs was close behind, ready to keep the pipes a'flushin.
We all slept in the livingroom, by the light of the Christmas tree. I was left to keep vigil on both boys, as Gabe would give us no warning for the next round and Dwight was just so sick, I couldn't bear to make him hold a bowl for someone else's vomit.
By the next morning, Dwight and I had passed the worst of it (literally) and Gabe was still feeling the effects. We all had naps, and while napping Gabe threw up all over his bed, giving me and extra 2 loads of laundry to do before bedtime. whew. I was EXHAUSTED.
It's one thing to take care of yourself while sick, but taking care of your entire family, is hard. Ashlyn was running aroung poking us all, wanting to play...while Gabriel was politely thanking me each time I held the bowl for him, wiped his face and changed his diaper. 'Thank you Momma..." he would say in his tired little voice. It was so sad.
Anyway, I'm happy to report that we all slept pretty well lastnight (except for Ashlyn, who in typical Ashlyn style, decided to flip her bottle upsidedown and let it leak all over her sheets.....I was too beat to change her sheets so I put a dry blanket under her...(arrggg Ashy!)) and we've been able to hold down some toast and clear fluids.
If nothing else, this has made me re-appreciate the taste of wet cold water on my lips, a glorious popsicle, and an indoor toilet....(Oooo can't imagine an outhouse...ack.)
So it went a little something like this.
Ashlyn was getting back to her fiesty self, Gabe was happily playing with his new tractors, I was eating leftover apple pie for breakfast and it was sooo delicious.
BAM ..it hit me. RUUUUUNNN. I ran, and made it just in time to taste my pie for the second time while watching the lovely pastry make it's final demise in the toilet water. Oh no. Ohhhh nooo. And thus it began.
Throughout the period of the next 24 hours I was living on the toilet with a bowl on my lap. Yup. Both Ends. At the same time. Horrific. The worst was that my stomach didn't realize it had nothing in it, and yet it continued to try to empty itself, with all the strength it could muster. You know, the kind of wretching that leaves no time for taking in air, just so much force, that your eyes are left bloodshot, and you are just wishing and praying that somehow it would all end...in whatever fashion necessary. I was envious of dead people at that point.
Around 5 on the same day...(when I was just about at my worst...) Gabe thought he'd join in, and left the poor hubs racing for a bowl and some diapers. Poor little guy got so worn out from vomiting that he would fall asleep between gags. Annnnd last but not least, the hubs began the Norwalk journey at 6. That left us with 1 toilet (as no one was running up a flight of stairs, when already we were doing the diarrhea shuffle) and 2 adults ...thankfully the timing worked out. As soon as I finished for a moment, the hubs was close behind, ready to keep the pipes a'flushin.
We all slept in the livingroom, by the light of the Christmas tree. I was left to keep vigil on both boys, as Gabe would give us no warning for the next round and Dwight was just so sick, I couldn't bear to make him hold a bowl for someone else's vomit.
By the next morning, Dwight and I had passed the worst of it (literally) and Gabe was still feeling the effects. We all had naps, and while napping Gabe threw up all over his bed, giving me and extra 2 loads of laundry to do before bedtime. whew. I was EXHAUSTED.
It's one thing to take care of yourself while sick, but taking care of your entire family, is hard. Ashlyn was running aroung poking us all, wanting to play...while Gabriel was politely thanking me each time I held the bowl for him, wiped his face and changed his diaper. 'Thank you Momma..." he would say in his tired little voice. It was so sad.
Anyway, I'm happy to report that we all slept pretty well lastnight (except for Ashlyn, who in typical Ashlyn style, decided to flip her bottle upsidedown and let it leak all over her sheets.....I was too beat to change her sheets so I put a dry blanket under her...(arrggg Ashy!)) and we've been able to hold down some toast and clear fluids.
If nothing else, this has made me re-appreciate the taste of wet cold water on my lips, a glorious popsicle, and an indoor toilet....(Oooo can't imagine an outhouse...ack.)
Tuesday, December 26, 2006
Mama.
364 days until Christmas comes again. On a typical boxing day I get sentimental about how the festivities have ended and how things just seem to become their 'usual' again. But this boxing day was much different. I could feel a sort of release of all things stressful, a joy in resuming the mundane day to day routine. It was odd. I felt.....old. I can see that I am beginning to become the 'parent' .... I am fitting in to my motherly role, and finding that there is a whole different side to Christmas on this end of things. It's much more about everyone else and wanting everything for them. The biggest smiles, the tastiest food, the 'feel' of Christmas.
Ah yes...the 'feel' of Christmas. I never realized how much was put into creating the 'feel'. I appreciate my childhood so much more... and I think that, if for no other reason than that alone, (respecting your childhood and those involved in creating lasting memories for you) everyone should have a child. You will understand the effort, the stress, the desire to please, and the pure love of anothers joy.
Having children changes you. completely. It's SO not about you anymore...and it's okay. It's time to give, to love, to please, and become the one with open arms...reminds me of the book 'The giving Tree' by Shel Silverstein. It's about a tree that loves a little boy so much and takes so much joy in spending time with the boy, having him swing on her branches, eat her apples, collect her leaves.... but the boy gets older and doesn't spend as much time with her, he comes back from time to time in his life and she wants so much to make him happy that she gives all of herself...she gives him her branches, her bark, her trunk to make a boat...He sails across the world and eventually when the boy comes back, He is an old whithered man. The tree feels as though she has nothing left to give him, he says he doesn't need anything, just a place to sit. She finally gives what she has left...her stump. He sits, and the tree is so happy again.
This is like motherhood, constantly giving, but in that giving is so much joy. It was so pleasing to see the smiles on my babies faces. The hugs were so gratifying, and the laughter was music.
Ashlyn came down with a flu bug lastnight and was up every half hour throwing up. I took her into my bed and into my arms and I stroked her back and her hair, I cleaned her, I kissed her and I held her. It was so wonderful to be needed.
Ah yes...the 'feel' of Christmas. I never realized how much was put into creating the 'feel'. I appreciate my childhood so much more... and I think that, if for no other reason than that alone, (respecting your childhood and those involved in creating lasting memories for you) everyone should have a child. You will understand the effort, the stress, the desire to please, and the pure love of anothers joy.
Having children changes you. completely. It's SO not about you anymore...and it's okay. It's time to give, to love, to please, and become the one with open arms...reminds me of the book 'The giving Tree' by Shel Silverstein. It's about a tree that loves a little boy so much and takes so much joy in spending time with the boy, having him swing on her branches, eat her apples, collect her leaves.... but the boy gets older and doesn't spend as much time with her, he comes back from time to time in his life and she wants so much to make him happy that she gives all of herself...she gives him her branches, her bark, her trunk to make a boat...He sails across the world and eventually when the boy comes back, He is an old whithered man. The tree feels as though she has nothing left to give him, he says he doesn't need anything, just a place to sit. She finally gives what she has left...her stump. He sits, and the tree is so happy again.
This is like motherhood, constantly giving, but in that giving is so much joy. It was so pleasing to see the smiles on my babies faces. The hugs were so gratifying, and the laughter was music.
Ashlyn came down with a flu bug lastnight and was up every half hour throwing up. I took her into my bed and into my arms and I stroked her back and her hair, I cleaned her, I kissed her and I held her. It was so wonderful to be needed.
Saturday, December 23, 2006
Merry Christmas to you!
A very Merry Christmas from our family to yours, and wishing you a wonderful, memory filled holiday!
May God bless you... and may we remember the reason for the season,
Leanne, Dwight, Gabriel & Ashlyn
Friday, December 22, 2006
Little Boy Blue...
The other day, Gabriel decided to open up Daddy's trumpet case from when the Hubs was in highschool. He slid the case into the living room and popped open the hinges and was in awe of the golden instrument inside.
Once the hubs realized what Gabe was doing, he decided he ought to show the little man how to operate this new found toy. He played us a rendition of our highschool song....complete with the 'dum da da dum da dum.....CHARGE!!" (this ought to put a smile on Medway's Alumni) and as well he played "Last Post" the song played on rememberance day. The kids stood in wide eyed wonderment as daddy's cheeks puffed up and the sound blasted from the golden toy, Gabe was almost speechless when 'Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star" was played.
Finally it came time for the little man to learn to purse his lips and 'pppppttttt' into the mouth piece. The hubs and I were then staring in wide-eyed wonderment as Gabe played a few notes using the correct mouth positioning.
It seems as though he's discovered a new-found talent....
I'm wishing the new talent was sign-language or playing a dog whistle....you know, something I can't hear.
Once the hubs realized what Gabe was doing, he decided he ought to show the little man how to operate this new found toy. He played us a rendition of our highschool song....complete with the 'dum da da dum da dum.....CHARGE!!" (this ought to put a smile on Medway's Alumni) and as well he played "Last Post" the song played on rememberance day. The kids stood in wide eyed wonderment as daddy's cheeks puffed up and the sound blasted from the golden toy, Gabe was almost speechless when 'Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star" was played.
Finally it came time for the little man to learn to purse his lips and 'pppppttttt' into the mouth piece. The hubs and I were then staring in wide-eyed wonderment as Gabe played a few notes using the correct mouth positioning.
It seems as though he's discovered a new-found talent....
I'm wishing the new talent was sign-language or playing a dog whistle....you know, something I can't hear.
Thursday, December 21, 2006
Dolly Man...
This is what happens when you fail to pack extra clothes for your 2 year old. He comes home from Grandmas house ...wearing doll clothes.Wednesday, December 20, 2006
Stones....of the kidney variety.
So far so good, laundry and I are maintaining our bond. I'm getting a little low on the fabric softener after my 'clothing escapade' but lucky for me, we're off to do our monthly shop today. I'm hoping to keep it small, but I know how many wonderful Christmas treats will be out there...
I've been on the brink of having a kidney stone for the past few days. A powerful pain in my left side (easily mistaken for back pain..) is the first clue that a stone is imminent. I was prone to having these about a year ago and after having an ultrasound done, it was discovered that I have several....in both kidneys. They range in sizes, the largest being close to 7 mm. I've read that a 7 mm stone is nearly impossible to pass, so quite often a laser is involved in blasting them into tiny pieces that are passable. Yay for lasers.
The worst stone pain I've experienced was when I was 36 weeks pregnant with Ashlyn. We rushed to the closest hospital and once they saw me they were convinced I should be at the childrens hospital where babies are delivered. After I screamed at them, vomitted, and had a Dr. do a cervical check....pretty much all at the same time, I was admitted and treated for a kidney stone.
Ahhhh Morphine, the drug that cures all. Although it makes me incredibly itchy, and strangely enough my nose can smell the drug as it passes through my body (I know that sounds weird, but I can really smell it!!) it really helps to dull the pain to bearable. Kidney stone pain has been compared to labour and some of the worst pain experienced by mankind. I'd have to agree. It breaks me into a cold sweat, makes me vomit from the sheer pain, makes my body tremble, and turns my urine brown. It's horrible, and would make a wonderful torture tactic if they knew exactly what creates them. It's different in different people, some people it's hereditary, some dietary, and a few other causes. You'd have to catch a stone and have it analyzed in order to understand it's origins. So far, I've had no such luck in collecting one, elusive little suckers.
Believe it or not though, I've been given a remedy that's helped keep them at bay for over 6 months now. (It would be working for me now too, if I wasn't such an idiot when it came to remembering to take pills...) It's called Magnesium Oxide. I went from having kidney pain every month it seemed, to having none. at all. The remedy comes from my cousins, aunt who is a naturo-path of sorts. I was tenative at first but realized nothing could hurt more than a stone anyway so I may as well dive right in....and it worked.
So now if only these magic little pills can stop a stone that's already started, ....I'll be in luck. If not...prepare the morphine for Christmas day, and I'll be wishing you a Cherry Mistmas.
I've been on the brink of having a kidney stone for the past few days. A powerful pain in my left side (easily mistaken for back pain..) is the first clue that a stone is imminent. I was prone to having these about a year ago and after having an ultrasound done, it was discovered that I have several....in both kidneys. They range in sizes, the largest being close to 7 mm. I've read that a 7 mm stone is nearly impossible to pass, so quite often a laser is involved in blasting them into tiny pieces that are passable. Yay for lasers.
The worst stone pain I've experienced was when I was 36 weeks pregnant with Ashlyn. We rushed to the closest hospital and once they saw me they were convinced I should be at the childrens hospital where babies are delivered. After I screamed at them, vomitted, and had a Dr. do a cervical check....pretty much all at the same time, I was admitted and treated for a kidney stone.
Ahhhh Morphine, the drug that cures all. Although it makes me incredibly itchy, and strangely enough my nose can smell the drug as it passes through my body (I know that sounds weird, but I can really smell it!!) it really helps to dull the pain to bearable. Kidney stone pain has been compared to labour and some of the worst pain experienced by mankind. I'd have to agree. It breaks me into a cold sweat, makes me vomit from the sheer pain, makes my body tremble, and turns my urine brown. It's horrible, and would make a wonderful torture tactic if they knew exactly what creates them. It's different in different people, some people it's hereditary, some dietary, and a few other causes. You'd have to catch a stone and have it analyzed in order to understand it's origins. So far, I've had no such luck in collecting one, elusive little suckers.
Believe it or not though, I've been given a remedy that's helped keep them at bay for over 6 months now. (It would be working for me now too, if I wasn't such an idiot when it came to remembering to take pills...) It's called Magnesium Oxide. I went from having kidney pain every month it seemed, to having none. at all. The remedy comes from my cousins, aunt who is a naturo-path of sorts. I was tenative at first but realized nothing could hurt more than a stone anyway so I may as well dive right in....and it worked.
So now if only these magic little pills can stop a stone that's already started, ....I'll be in luck. If not...prepare the morphine for Christmas day, and I'll be wishing you a Cherry Mistmas.
Monday, December 18, 2006
Saturday, December 16, 2006
Stocking stuffers - check
Presents - check
Gift wrap bought- check
Holiday spirit - check
Getting children all riled up for the big day - check
Wrapping done - ...... nope.
Dwight's favourite cookies baked- ....nope.
Hey speaking of baking....I have a good dip recipe (from my mother in law) for anyone looking for something tasty over the holidays. It's a mexican-y type dip that's hardy and Dee-licious. Anyone that's been to a part-ay with me would have tried it already....
Here 'tis:
Mexican Bean Dip
you'll need:
1 lb ground beef - browned and drained
1 tomato - diced
1 green onion - diced
1 can re-fried beans
2 packages softened cream cheese
1 package taco mix
2 cups shredded cheese (I like to use Kraft shredded tex-mex...saves the finger tips...lol)
Turn heat to low after browning the beef in a large skillet, add taco mix as per the package directions. Then add 1 can re-fried beans and stir until mixed. Add 2 packages soft cream cheese and mix until uniform.
Pour mixture into a shallow casserole dish, sprinkle shredded cheese and diced tomatoes and green onion on top. Put in 350 degree oven for 15 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbling.
Serve with Tostitos scoops or your favourite nacho chip .....Enjoy!
Presents - check
Gift wrap bought- check
Holiday spirit - check
Getting children all riled up for the big day - check
Wrapping done - ...... nope.
Dwight's favourite cookies baked- ....nope.
Hey speaking of baking....I have a good dip recipe (from my mother in law) for anyone looking for something tasty over the holidays. It's a mexican-y type dip that's hardy and Dee-licious. Anyone that's been to a part-ay with me would have tried it already....
Here 'tis:
Mexican Bean Dip
you'll need:
1 lb ground beef - browned and drained
1 tomato - diced
1 green onion - diced
1 can re-fried beans
2 packages softened cream cheese
1 package taco mix
2 cups shredded cheese (I like to use Kraft shredded tex-mex...saves the finger tips...lol)
Turn heat to low after browning the beef in a large skillet, add taco mix as per the package directions. Then add 1 can re-fried beans and stir until mixed. Add 2 packages soft cream cheese and mix until uniform.
Pour mixture into a shallow casserole dish, sprinkle shredded cheese and diced tomatoes and green onion on top. Put in 350 degree oven for 15 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbling.
Serve with Tostitos scoops or your favourite nacho chip .....Enjoy!
Window..
Isn't this pretty? It was the sun flooding through our ice block window the other morning, casting brilliant light shows on our walls.
Friday, December 15, 2006
Our first Christmas craft.
Doesn't it bring you back to the days when the teacher would say 'Let's decorate the classroom today' Oohhh I lovvved that day. Mainly because it meant no math... and because we were that much closer to Christmas Holidays.
Tell me how much you love the scotch tape. I do......I'm secretly wishing it'll take off some of the paint, then I'll HAVE to re-paint my "it's blood red, oh-my-goodness it's blood red, I thought it would be darker.." living room. It's great over the holidays, but when Christmas is over ...enough of the festive colours already.
Finito.
It's over. I touched every piece of clothing in our house yesterday. I washed, I folded, I boxed, I put away. I've also decided to wear a sack cloth from now on......no, not really BUT ..if you see me wearing the same outfit on several occasions, know it's by my own free will, and not for any other reason than my abhorrent dislike for laundry. Who knows, perhaps now laundry and I may form a bond, an alliance of sorts....it'll stay clean, and I'll stay happy.
I've posted several 'laundry depots' around the house in the most necessary locations and hope to do a load a day to stay on top of it. I think I can, I think I can .....It feels wonderful to have things so organized in the laundry department, I even cleaned my laundry room and am now trying to convince the hubs to finish the floor. We have front loads and because of the high velocity that they spin at, we were told to put them on a cement base. So..we did that and tiled the floor beneath them, but didn't finish the rest of the floor. At the time I was just so happy to have a new washer and dryer and to have it out of my front entrance. (that's where D's grandparents had it located for ease of use)
I hope to get out sometime today and drop off my boxes, before I change my mind about something...
Tuesday, December 12, 2006
Mount Clothing.
Today was a day of new goal setting.
As we've now reached one financial goal, I've noticed myself not nearly as keen about my budget as I was, when I was striving to lose our debt load. Sooo, the hubs and I decided to set new financial goals ...big ones :) I am so excited about them, it's renewed my zeal for all things cheap and on sale. I get to pen out some numbers tonight to see how far my 'slim pickins' budget can get us, and how long it will take to reach our new goals.
The feeling I get when I've set goals for myself is so infectious that it quickly spreads to other areas of my life. The need to feel organized is a huge desire of mine. I read proverbs 31 and about how a Christian woman runs her home, and I so want to make the most of my time. I have days where I just get so down thinking of the work that needs to be done and re-done. Having children doubles the workload and often makes it very repetitive. (Mind you the pros outweigh the cons by far!! I would much rather be cleaning up chocolate pudding fingerprints, than not. I am so blessed to have the life I have and I feel that as Dwight and I obey God in every aspect of our lives, we are blessed further. )
Having said that,... my biggest struggle is the laundry around here. I'm sure I've mentioned that before and I think I've even mentioned the ambitious goal I have of trying to cut down on the amount of laundry. I now have to implement that goal. This involves rummaging through every piece of clothing we own (umm....alot of which no longer fits and I am holding onto for the sheer possiblility of me re-gaining my girlish figure ...ha.) I hope to also cut down on towels, dish cloths, and bibs. I've already done the kids clothing and they now have matching outfits to last a week each.
I think tomorrow I will load piles onto the dining room table, grab my trusty empty diaper boxes, and go nuts. I might even take a few photos for you, it'll be something worth remembering. This will hopefully help cut down on clothing spending, sometimes I buy new things because I've forgotten about other things that are in the laundry ...sick huh? I know, I know...it's an illness. And to be honest ...it's not a shopping illness, it's a laundry illness. I dread that duty in my household because I cannot stay on top of it, there's just too much. I dread even approaching Mount Clothing.
So...in maintaining the spirit of goal keeping...
Here goes nothin'.
As we've now reached one financial goal, I've noticed myself not nearly as keen about my budget as I was, when I was striving to lose our debt load. Sooo, the hubs and I decided to set new financial goals ...big ones :) I am so excited about them, it's renewed my zeal for all things cheap and on sale. I get to pen out some numbers tonight to see how far my 'slim pickins' budget can get us, and how long it will take to reach our new goals.
The feeling I get when I've set goals for myself is so infectious that it quickly spreads to other areas of my life. The need to feel organized is a huge desire of mine. I read proverbs 31 and about how a Christian woman runs her home, and I so want to make the most of my time. I have days where I just get so down thinking of the work that needs to be done and re-done. Having children doubles the workload and often makes it very repetitive. (Mind you the pros outweigh the cons by far!! I would much rather be cleaning up chocolate pudding fingerprints, than not. I am so blessed to have the life I have and I feel that as Dwight and I obey God in every aspect of our lives, we are blessed further. )
Having said that,... my biggest struggle is the laundry around here. I'm sure I've mentioned that before and I think I've even mentioned the ambitious goal I have of trying to cut down on the amount of laundry. I now have to implement that goal. This involves rummaging through every piece of clothing we own (umm....alot of which no longer fits and I am holding onto for the sheer possiblility of me re-gaining my girlish figure ...ha.) I hope to also cut down on towels, dish cloths, and bibs. I've already done the kids clothing and they now have matching outfits to last a week each.
I think tomorrow I will load piles onto the dining room table, grab my trusty empty diaper boxes, and go nuts. I might even take a few photos for you, it'll be something worth remembering. This will hopefully help cut down on clothing spending, sometimes I buy new things because I've forgotten about other things that are in the laundry ...sick huh? I know, I know...it's an illness. And to be honest ...it's not a shopping illness, it's a laundry illness. I dread that duty in my household because I cannot stay on top of it, there's just too much. I dread even approaching Mount Clothing.
So...in maintaining the spirit of goal keeping...
Here goes nothin'.
Announcing...
We have a new member in the family...little Zachariah Hendrix Burt. He was born on Saturday in North Carolina, where Alison (Dwight's Sister) and her husband Jason live. As seen in the photo above he has a proud big sister Jada.Gabriel and I will be going to visit in January. This will be my second time on a plane and Gabe's first, should be interesting :)
Monday, December 11, 2006
2 parties down, a couple more to go.
Here is a pic of the girls from 'Ol Medway High...(we're missing a few). I ripped this picture off Kelly's blog http://lifeandbears.blogspot.com/ for lack of using my own camera that night. (Sheer laziness AND my camera just wouldn't have done justice to these lovely ladies...it was like the first digital camera ever made) You'll have to read her post for a lovely description of the party and old friends.
On Sunday we were off to Hamilton for a family Christmas (my side). It was held at the new house/mansion of my aunt and uncle. It was just exquisite, the house was beautifully done for the holiday season and there was way too much food, as per the norm. It was an eventful day what with meeting new additions to the family, watching the heimlich manouver in action, and enjoying the feeling of motion sickness while standing in a dining room (they're on lake front property..literally 10 feet from the lake...absolutely beautiful)
Today we're just kickin' back and relaxing after a whirlwind of a weekend.
Here is a pic of the girls from 'Ol Medway High...(we're missing a few). I ripped this picture off Kelly's blog http://lifeandbears.blogspot.com/ for lack of using my own camera that night. (Sheer laziness AND my camera just wouldn't have done justice to these lovely ladies...it was like the first digital camera ever made) You'll have to read her post for a lovely description of the party and old friends.
On Sunday we were off to Hamilton for a family Christmas (my side). It was held at the new house/mansion of my aunt and uncle. It was just exquisite, the house was beautifully done for the holiday season and there was way too much food, as per the norm. It was an eventful day what with meeting new additions to the family, watching the heimlich manouver in action, and enjoying the feeling of motion sickness while standing in a dining room (they're on lake front property..literally 10 feet from the lake...absolutely beautiful)
Today we're just kickin' back and relaxing after a whirlwind of a weekend.
Saturday, December 09, 2006
Party Time...
Tonight we're off to our first Christmas party. It's a party for old friends and good times. Most of us went to highschool together... Good Ol Medway High. My sister in law, Patti, is the festivity co-ordinator, she's held this party every year and it's been a great way for us all to stay in touch. It's a pot-luck affair, and tonight I'm bringing my signature dish...meatballs. This year with a new twist...a different sauce, we'll see how it goes over. Nothing special really, just threw 'em in the crock pot with some sauces, and hope for the best!
I've also been a busy bee this morning baking
cookies. They are sugar cookies with a buttercream icing, and fondant polka dots.Tomorrow is another Christmas party at my Aunt and Uncles in Beamsville (near Hamilton), looking forward to a turkey dinner with all the fixins', and time with family. For that party I baked an Oreo Cheesecake and a hot chili dip. (and some sugar cookies)
It's 2:30, I have yet to dress either child, I need to get stamps for the 40 cards I wrote out this morning (between batches of cookies), I still have yet to shower, haven't picked out our clothes yet, the dishes are piling up and the hubs is napping on the couch.
Tis' the Season....
Friday, December 08, 2006
Wintertime
Winter has hit hard. Scratch the 'over a foot' I had thought we'd get on yesterdays post...try over 2 feet. They did an unofficial measurement in London and it was 63 cm. Constant snow for 24 hrs has left lots of folks snowbound, and I'm sure they're loving it. Everything from the transit system to the malls to schools and taxis....they've all been cancelled.
We were without television this morning as the satellite dish was covered in snow, so the hubs took little man out to frolick in the snow and brush off the dish so I could enjoy some Christmas tunes. Here are some pictures:
The hubs had to get to work this morning, no calling in stranded, for him. He made to work in time, it was close, but he was able to bear the elements and made it in time. His trusty high rubber boots were the key to his success (and the fact that his work front door is only 70 feet away from the house door.)
We were without television this morning as the satellite dish was covered in snow, so the hubs took little man out to frolick in the snow and brush off the dish so I could enjoy some Christmas tunes. Here are some pictures:
Thursday, December 07, 2006
Inches, lady, inches.
What a blustery day.
I made an error this morning in thinking there are 12 cm in a foot when in fact there are 12 INCHES in a foot (I was reminded by both my husband and Jen, that if we do decide to homeschool, this is in fact a common equivalent, and that perhaps I should brush up on my conversions, I said 'Huh?, my kids ain't gonna know no measurements, all they's need to know is how big my hand is in relation to their bee-hind *snap *snap.....lol, kidding, kidding)
Anywho, even though I was mistaken, I do believe there is the potential of over a foot of the white stuff. It's been squalls on and off all day...
I was tempted to go out and play, but that would involve me getting 2 kids dressed in snow gear and possibly threatening my hair-do. Can't have that now. Not since I just got it straightened, and it would only take one lone drop of sweat or a snowflake for my hair to re-bound to kinks and curls. So, thus my children were left to stand grasping the back of the couch, gazing longingly at the snowflake parade outside. They'd rather help me clean the house anyway. Mmmmwaa hahahahaha...
Perhaps tomorrow I will allow them to see the light of day, and their little eyes will be blinded by the natural light, they will fall to the ground kissing the snow, eating it and enjoying the wonderous outdoors. Acting as though they've been locked up for years. After being in the dungeon for so long with chest colds, they will feel free...
I made an error this morning in thinking there are 12 cm in a foot when in fact there are 12 INCHES in a foot (I was reminded by both my husband and Jen, that if we do decide to homeschool, this is in fact a common equivalent, and that perhaps I should brush up on my conversions, I said 'Huh?, my kids ain't gonna know no measurements, all they's need to know is how big my hand is in relation to their bee-hind *snap *snap.....lol, kidding, kidding)
Anywho, even though I was mistaken, I do believe there is the potential of over a foot of the white stuff. It's been squalls on and off all day...
I was tempted to go out and play, but that would involve me getting 2 kids dressed in snow gear and possibly threatening my hair-do. Can't have that now. Not since I just got it straightened, and it would only take one lone drop of sweat or a snowflake for my hair to re-bound to kinks and curls. So, thus my children were left to stand grasping the back of the couch, gazing longingly at the snowflake parade outside. They'd rather help me clean the house anyway. Mmmmwaa hahahahaha...
Perhaps tomorrow I will allow them to see the light of day, and their little eyes will be blinded by the natural light, they will fall to the ground kissing the snow, eating it and enjoying the wonderous outdoors. Acting as though they've been locked up for years. After being in the dungeon for so long with chest colds, they will feel free...
Monday, December 04, 2006
An Ode To Christin Ebert
I thought I would do an acrostic, this seemed to be the kind of simplistic poem I exceled at in school.
I thought I would do an acrostic, this seemed to be the kind of simplistic poem I exceled at in school.
Could a been a Doctor with that brain, but decided on making a go of Tree Farming with her husband Tom, a man who excels in Cartoon drawings ....amazing really.
Heart of gold, would do anything for anyone at the drop of a hat, she's currently loving her sisters baby, Miss Orianna, to help out in a time of need.
Really loves cranial massages and anything in the esthetics department...lucky tree farmers.
I've been friends with her for quite some time, Her husband is my step cousin, we were introduced to the family not too long before her and Tom got married.
Super fashion-ista extrordinaire, when it counts...
The oldest girl in a family of 12 children!! (don't tell her...but it's made her a little crazy...)
In love with her 2 babes, Aiden and Alyssa.
Not a self-proclaimed chef, but makes one darn good steak!
Every time she's around , there's a laugh to be had! She's got a contagious personality...
Business savvy, she's one smart cookie when it comes to managing their farm
Everyone should look at her blog to learn even more about this great woman... http://eberttreehouse.blogspot.com/
Really allergic to cats, last time they were over, her eyes swelled up and throat nearly closed but she could still hold a great conversation ...lol
Trusts her life in the hands of her Lord, knowing He's in control :)
Answers...
Well here they are folks, the long anticipated answers to 'Farm Trivia...' (say with loud echoing celebrity voice)
#1 - Allis Chalmers Tractor
#2 - An Auger for boring holes
#3 - A murky puddle, that has FLIES all over it ....little teeny ones ( it was very cool actually, they would fly away as a cloud when you drew near, then softly land again almost as a wave, I kept doing it, just to watch them. I know....the things we do on a farm :)
#4 - Jerseys
I loved the answers and some were just down right hilarious. I thought 'The Team' (Jen and Chrissy) were gonna win it, but at the last moment Christin pulled in with a comment full of right answers (other than the puddle with flies...) If 'the team' had gotten auger, before Christin, it woulda' been theirs. Close game girls, close game.
So now that leaves me with a promised prize of a post 'all about Christin'...Coming soon!
#1 - Allis Chalmers Tractor
#2 - An Auger for boring holes
#3 - A murky puddle, that has FLIES all over it ....little teeny ones ( it was very cool actually, they would fly away as a cloud when you drew near, then softly land again almost as a wave, I kept doing it, just to watch them. I know....the things we do on a farm :)
#4 - Jerseys
I loved the answers and some were just down right hilarious. I thought 'The Team' (Jen and Chrissy) were gonna win it, but at the last moment Christin pulled in with a comment full of right answers (other than the puddle with flies...) If 'the team' had gotten auger, before Christin, it woulda' been theirs. Close game girls, close game.
So now that leaves me with a promised prize of a post 'all about Christin'...Coming soon!
Friday, December 01, 2006
Farm Trivia
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Here we are for another installment of 'Farm Trivia' (say with loud echoing celebrity voice)
The name of the game is to identify each picture. Starting with the letter picture, and going clockwise.
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#1) What are these letters found on and what is the full word?
#2) What is it?
#3) What is it?
#4) What breed of cows do we have on Garsholm Farms?
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The must-have prize for the oh-so-lucky winner of this game will be a future post all about you. You know you want it.
Who do I think will win?? Wellllll, if Miss Patti G. is reading this blog like she says she is... :) Any others raised on a farm will have a better chance than those city peeps, but I would love for you to prove me wrong....Do it, Do it!
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