knowing me, knowing you #2

Time for the second installment of my monthly interview feature for both me and you, Knowing Me, Knowing You. I have to say I was very happy and surprised at the turn out for the first edition. Thanks to all who participated. And now for this round's questions.....

#1 What crafts/hobbies are you into?

Short answer - Too many.

Long Answer - I knit. I'm not setting the world on fire with it, but I sure can knit a fine scarf. I actually attempted to make something I had seen my Grandma make a lot of and it has turned out to be an unmitigated disaster. I am not happy with it at all. I wish she was here to show me what I am doing completely wrong. Ugh it's been ticking me off all night. Oh and I wish I knew how to crochet. Mom, wanna teach me?

I mess around with beads, making adorable book bracelets which are pretty much the best bookmarks ever invented. And bracelets. I'd like to give other stuff a try. Now to find the time to really pour over those magazines the Mommy Project lent me.

All of the sudden I'm scrapbooking (digitally) with a plan to do some actual do some actual paper stuff too. I know I said I wouldn't, but really how long could I legitimately resist? I also have lots of wood working projects in mind for Michael and I. And some super cute Christmas stuff. Oh and I want to get more creative with my baking/cooking. And there's probably other stuff I'm forgetting.

#2 What is your laundry strategy?

Aren't we all bogged down by the laundry? I don't know about you, but I do okay until the putting away part. Then I suck. I have a system that works with varying degrees of success. The pain in the ass is when it doesn't I have nobody to blame, but myself because I only need to be a little bit organized for it to work. Back when I was on maternity leave I used to do a load of laundry everyday, unless it was raining because I line dry my clothes. Then I realized the utter stupidity of a plan that had me doing laundry everyday. You don't have to be a rocket scientist to calculate that at that rate you had no possibilty of ever being caught up on your laundry.

So instead I shifted my major laundry day to the weekend. I will still throw a load or two in through the week, but the majoirty of it gets done on the weekend. I have four laundry baskets and the clothes get sorted thusly; Mike's, mine, the girls and linens. So the girl's clothes get washed together, dried together and folded and put together in the same basket. So I have one full basket of kid stuff going to kid rooms. Then repeat with mine and the linens (I don't do Mike's laundry because he's a fuss ass) Seems pretty simple, huh. Somehow I just can't seem to get through all the steps and will often still have full baskets of clean clothes the following weekend. So I'll have to take, literally, 10 minutes to put away last week's clothes and I won't put away this weekend's clothes because I already put away laundry and I really hate to do it again.

#3 You walk into a bank and there are people waiting ahead of you for an open teller. You step into place behind the last person waiting.... here's the question... are you waiting in line or are you waiting on line?

You're in line. The people ahead of you and behind you are forming a line. You are the line. I never understood how you were on line. I'm thinking this is a American thing, since I've heard this phrase on television shows, but I could be wrong.

#4 Do you Facebook?

Oh absolutely. I triple red puffy heart facebook (wanna be my friend?) With facebook I keep up with family I don't get the chance to see. I've reconnected with old friends and neighbours. I can continue to have fun with friends (by mocking them mostly). And I don't mind being creeped (hi Heather and Tracy) And for those of you who are lucky enough to be on Michael's friends list you know my ultimate joy is to highjack his status line. And because he loves me, he lets me. Either that or he can't figure out how to change his password.

#5 Where would you like to have a shopping spree and what would you buy?

Well ordinarily I would say Chapters, oh the Chick Lit books I would snatch up. And all the Marian Keyes. And some classics. And some canning books. Oh and Cookbooks. So many books. But I've really been bitten by the cooking/baking bug and again, so I've been pouring over Golda's Kitchen. Oh the things I would buy. Like the mini castle bundt pan. And the heart shaped mini cheesecake pan. And silicone baking cups. And cookie moulds. And mini silicone moulds. And canning stuff. I really want to give it a try this year, but will need to purchase all the equipment to get me going.




So now the rules, they're pretty simple. Post your answers to these questions on your own blog in the next few days. Remember to link back here in your post and sign the Mr. Linky too, so we can all see what you have to say. Please make sure you link to your actual KMKY post and not your blog's front page. Any front page links will be deleted. And most importantly, have fun!

tiny moment - a calling maybe

For quite some time there has been a satin bathrobe hanging on a peg in my bedroom. It went with a set of satin summer capri jammies that Granny bought me ages ago. The other night I caught Abby looking at it somewhat longingly.

Would you like to wear it? I asked my loves to dress up every chance she gets little girl.

She quickly nodded yes and I handed it over to her.



She slipped it on put her hands together and said, "Now I look like Margot"*



*Margot is the Minister at our church. And I'm pretty sure she doesn't use a clothes peg to hold her robe closed.

thankful thursday

Well it's Thursday and time to be thankful. I've heard it raises your level of happiness by 25%. I'm all in for that. And now my list....

I am thankful.....

1) That Maya survived a tumble down the stairs tonight without a single mark. I was upstairs, Abby down and Mike out at a meeting. Maya was on the way back down the stairs when I heard the first bump. My initial thought, it's either a toy or it's her. By the time I got to the top of the stairs she was in a heap at the bottom. I figure she fell between half and two thirds of the way down. She was scared more than anything and she screamed lots as I checked her over for bumps or bruises, but it did lead to one funny conversation.

Maya: I fell!
Me: I know you did.
Maya: I went round and round and round.
Me: I know you did, but you're okay, right?
Maya: I almost killed it.

By which, I think she meant, I almost died. Even still, where do they learn this kind of stuff?

2) That Mike was elected second vice president of our local agricultural society. That puts him in line to be President in 2011. (Hmmm wonder if that makes me the first lady?) I'm very proud of him. Mike has dedicated many hours volunteering at the fair over the years. It's nice to see him recognized in this way.

3) That my Darlene (and Sherry too) had a great time on her much deserved vacation in Cuba with her family. I know what a big deal it was for her to take this trip.

4) That Mike got home early from his meeting tonight and helped me clean up the house. Nothing like a nice tidy house to come home to on a Friday afternoon. Now there will be nothing keeping me from flaking out on the couch as soon as I get home.

5) That I had a chance to chat with Mr. The Mommy Project this afternoon. And I am happy to report that even though they've been battling this nasty cold over at their place too, the baby is doing well and eating well and Normie is getting a little bit of sleep. Hoping to meet her soon!

tiny moments - little my pie

Oh I have so many stories to tell you. Like all about how the Grandparents Club is working out. Or that Abby's been wandering around here in a satin bath robe held shut with a clothes pin. Or the tiny bedrooms issue that is ongoing with Michael and I. Or my to-do list for 2009. It's all gold Jerry! For tonight I am still trying to get my house back in order and still attempting to catch up on my sleep. And I'm wishing and praying really hard that all these sick germs leave so I can go hold that brand new baby that moved in across the street.

How about a couple of tiny moments to tide you over?



Here's my sick Little My Pie in the wee morning hours when I snuck out from under her for a bathroom break. Yes that is her sucky. Yes I caved. No, I am not proud of it. But when you have little one who is so clearly uncomfortable, who would lie in my arms half asleep and whimpering you just do what you have to do to make them comfortable to get some much needed rest.



Still living in her jammies, but feeling well enough for an impropmtu game of Hullaballo. Now that she can pick out her shapes and her colours, she can play with Abby.

what's cooking wednesday - honey bun cake

Well I certainly didn't mean to wander off and desert you all. I'd like to tell you that I've had no time to blog because I've been across the street satisfying my baby lust with The Mommy Project's newest addition. When in fact I have been annihilating all traces of said baby lust by suffering through the world's worst cold in tandem with our Little My Pie. It appears the only known cure for this particular cold is for Maya to wrap herself around me, spider monkey style, and then proceed to cry for endless hours that she wants her Mama. Even though I was right there. Yeah it was dreadful.

Anyway I am many hours behind on my sleep since I was the only one allowed to care for the little princess I got even less sleep then I normally do when I'm healthy. I had to make sure that she stayed in a some what upright position so she could sleep. So I'm going to post the recipe up here tonight and the picture will have to wait until tomorrow. Batteries are charging.



Honey Bun Cake

1 package yellow cake mix
3/4 cup vegetable oil
4 eggs
1 cup sour cream

1 cup brown sugar
1 tbsp ground cinnamon

Preheat oven to 325 degrees F. In a large mixing bowl combine cake mix, oil, eggs and sour cream. Stir by hand approximately 50 strokes or until most large lumps are broken up. Pour half the batter into an ungreased 9 x 13 glass baking dish. Combine the brown sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl and sprinkle over the batter in the baking dish. Spoon the other half of the batter into the cake pan, covering the brown sugar and cinnamon. Bake for 40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean.

Drizzle with a glaze while still warm. 2 cups icing sugar, 4 tbsp milk and tbsp vanilla. Remember to use a clear vanilla or oyour glaze will be tinited.

Recipe Notes: I have a lot of cake mixes. Granny likes to stock me up. She scored some great cake mix deals her last trip to the states so I am set for quite some time. Since I have a pretty great stockpile, I'm always on the look out for recipes that go beyond the instructions printed on the box. This cake was a huge hit. I made it for Scrabble night (part of the Granparents Club) and everyone enjoyed it. I made mine in a star shaped bundt pan and layered the cinnamon and brown sugar in three layers instead of one in the middle. It came out a little more cinnamon bun reminiscent when it was cut into slices. I will definitely make this again. Thanks to allrecipes for the recipe.





What is What's Cooking Wednesday and how can I play?

What's cooking Wednesday was born out of a desire to get out of that what's for dinner rut. Playing is easy, on Wednesday post a recipe that has been tried and tested by you and then pop over here and add your name to the Mr. Linky. When entering your name also add the name of the recipe in brackets and make sure you link to your What's Cooking Wednesday post and not just your blog's front page. And don't forget to link back here, the home of What's Cooking Wednesday.

So for example I would write Shan (Speedy Chicken Stir Fry) in the name section. For the URL section I would post this: http://shanrev.blogspot.com/2007/10/whats-cooking-wednesday-speedy-chicken.html

I'll let you in on a little secret. Much to Kaffy's chagrin, my WCW recipes are almost never made on a Wednesday. So feel free to cook and photograph whenever you have time and join us posting on Wednesday.

she's here

I got the message last night. The Mommy Project's Baby K has arrived safe and sound. With ten tiny fingers and ten tiny toes all accounted for. Yep, I know her name, but nope I'm not telling. I'll let Normie fill you in on all the details.

Congratulations to the whole K family on their newest little girl.

coming or going

One of the key parts of mastering potty training is be able to pull up/pull down your own pants. Maya is managing this part of it a tiny bit better than the actual toilet training. She can get them on, they just might not be facing in the right direction.



*this picture was taken a few days ago. All suckies are still missing. I haven't found any yet, but either has she.

more of thankful thursday

I wouldn't count on a Thankful Thursday post from my buddy The Mommy Project since she's getting ready to bring Baby K into the world tomorrow. I am so very excited for her! And cannot wait to meet the little one! Not to mention find out her name already! Aside from the arrival of Baby K this is what I'm thankful for....

1) Never having had a bladder infection myself because from what I hear they SUCK! Although that knowledge would be helpful as I try to diagnose what exactly Maya's problem is tonight. "My bum bum isn't working." Just isn't descriptive enough. Ninety minutes of late night problem solving, on my own, is leading me to believe it's a "colon issue" and let's leave it at that.

2) Dr. Google. What a wonderful and truly terrifying thing it is to be able to search your own symptoms online and have good ole Dr. Google spit out a diagnosis for ya.

3) Maya just peed on the toilet. For reals y'all! All on her own. And without appearing to be in any pain. She's got some rapid fire machine gun toots going on though and is in much better spirits.

4) Evenings spent hanging out with family, just chatting.

5) That my baby sitter is a hairdresser too. I have yet to see either of the girls get their hair cut. One less thing I have to schedule into our evening hours is good with me.

if only the potty training were this easy

Tonight at bedtime there wasn't a sucky to be found. Mike and I both searched the house from one end to the other and came up empty handed. She has three suckies on the go, so we should have been able to lay our hands on one, but it was not to be. While we were searching Maya had already gone upstairs and climbed into bed and she laid there waiting for me to tuck her in.

After Mike and I had searched our way through and backtracked to do it again there was really nothing left to do, but go upstairs and tuck her in. When I got up there she held her arms out for her blanky and asked for a glass of water. She wasn't mentioning the missing sucky so neither did I. It was when I came back with the water that she told me she "needed my sucky." I told her honestly that I couldn't find it, but when I did she could have it. She said okay and rolled over.

That was it.

She went to sleep with out it.

I still can't believe it. I have also yet to find a sucky, but that will be my mission. I must find them before she does and get rid of them. She's proven that she's capable of going without one, so I better jump on that.

what's cooking wednesday - buttercream frosting

I am about to make a shocking confession. Please take a moment to prepare yourself.

Okay?

Before this past weekend I had never made my own buttercream frosting. There I've said it. Actually I didn't think it was that big of a deal until more than a couple of people were shocked by this on Saturday night when I admitted to making some for Maya's birthday cake. Usually I use Duncan Hines or the stuff from the Bulk Barn if I'm decorating since Duncan Hines doesn't crust up. But that was before I got my beautiful new mixer that Michael spent his Survivor Pool winnings on.

Remember the cake I made last year for Abby's birthday? When I did the icing transfer that I wasn't entirely happy with? Well I was planning on using that technique again, but with Royal icing. I thought it would make the transfer a lot more forgiving when it came to placing it on the cake. I broke Ariel in half last time trying to position it on Abby's cake. So I whipped up a bunch of royal icing and set to work.

I had intended to make this a tutorial for this installment for WCW because I think it's a wonderful and cheap alternative to grocery store cakes. Personally I loathe grocery store cakes. Then I got distracted by actually finishing the project and forgot to keep taking pictures of the steps. Here's what I did get though.



First you need to find yourself a stencil. You can draw it or use a colouring book or something along those lines. The stencil I used is a colouring printout from the Little Einstein's set at Playhouse Disney. You want to look for a stencil that is pretty simple. Especially if it's your first time. The less detail the better. Tape the stencil to a cookie sheet or a cutting board or any solid surface that will easily fit in your freezer. Over top of your stencil tape a piece of waxed paper so the entire stencil is covered.



Using a crusting icing (like buttercream, recipe to follow) mix a small amount (enough to do the entire outline) with black food colouring. Fill your piping bag and using your writing tip (#2?) outline your design on the waxed paper. If you'd like you can let this "set" for a few minutes while you get your next colour(s) ready. Now in this case I was only using a couple of colours, mostly red. So I mixed up the red and filled in between the black lines. Remember you're working backwards so colour in your pieces in a way they need to make sense on the reverse side. Finish "colouring" your piece however you'd like and then pop it in the freezer to freeze for a couple of hours or so. With royal icing you can let the pieces air dry. I left mine to dry overnight.

Here's where I'll break in and tell you about my first attempt. The royal icing as great for making a rigid piece that held up to handling while I positioned it on the cake. And once I had it on the cake I hated it. For some strange reason the black outlines bled into the red. So instead of have nice clean lines, they were fuzzy. Very fuzzy. Having never used royal icing before I couldn't tell you what the issue was. What I do know is it looked like poo, despite what Granny and Mike tried to convince me of.

I still had buttercream icing left and I knew I could have a new buttercream icing transfer in the freezer in no time. My Mom tried to convince me to leave it, but the longer I stared at it the more I hated it. so I decided to pull it off and start from scratch. Mom suggested I save that one in case I needed to use it in the end, but it broke into pieces during the removal process.



See I told you, fuzzy lines. So in less than an hour I had a new Rocket tucked away in the freezer. With buttercream, because it doesn't dry as rigidly as royal icing you need to freeze it so you can it will stnad up to the transfer process. Basically just put it on your cake, waxed paper side up, and peel the paper off. Just go slowly and be gentle, your piece will be a little fragile.

What I love about this method is the transfer part can be made in advance and stored in the freezer until you need it. Also it allows the kids to have the cool character birthday cakes without my having to pay huge bucks for grocery store birthday cakes that I don't like. Or put out a bunch of money on Wilton character pans that I will use for one year and then stick in the closet. Plus I never would have found a Rocket cake pan and he's pretty much the reason she gets up every morning.

And now the recipe for the buttercream icing I used.



Vanilla Buttercream Frosting

3 cups powered sugar
1/3 cup butter, softened
1 1/2 tsp vanilla
1 - 2 tbsp milk

Mix powered sugar and butter in a medium bowl with a spoon or electric mixer on low speed. Stir in vanilla and 1 tbsp of the milk.

Gradually beat in just enough of the remaining milk to make the frosting smooth and spreadable. If the frosting is too thick, beat in more milk, a few drops at a time. If frosting becomes too thin, beat in a small amount of the powdered sugar. Frosts a 9 x 13 inch cake or an 8 or 9 inch two-layer cake.

Recipe Notes: This frosting turned out very well for my first attempt. Just remember to use clear vamilla or your icing will have a slight tint to it, which mine did, but after all the other stuff I didn't really care.




What is What's Cooking Wednesday and how can I play?

What's cooking Wednesday was born out of a desire to get out of that what's for dinner rut. Playing is easy, on Wednesday post a recipe that has been tried and tested by you and then pop over here and add your name to the Mr. Linky. When entering your name also add the name of the recipe in brackets and make sure you link to your What's Cooking Wednesday post and not just your blog's front page. And don't forget to link back here, the home of What's Cooking Wednesday.

So for example I would write Shan (Speedy Chicken Stir Fry) in the name section. For the URL section I would post this: http://shanrev.blogspot.com/2007/10/whats-cooking-wednesday-speedy-chicken.html

I'll let you in on a little secret. Much to Kaffy's chagrin, my WCW recipes are almost never made on a Wednesday. So feel free to cook and photograph whenever you have time and join us posting on Wednesday.

dear maya

Dear Maya

Today you turn three. Which is hard to believe. It can't be just three short years you've been helping make up the center of my life. You're tiny, my Little My Pie, but at the same time everything about you is big. Your emotions, your love, your temper, your ideas. All big.

There seems to be this definite noticeable shift with you. All of the sudden you're taller. I can tell by your short pants. Your posture, your mannerisms all scream that you are no longer a toddler, but a pre-schooler. Even if it will be two more years before you begin school thanks to having your birthday at the beginning of the year.

School will be an interesting experience with you. One I am both looking forward to and dreading just a little bit. Abby, I always knew, was ready for school. I knew that she was going to love school. You, I am not so sure about, but I don't think the issue will be your ability.

You're one smart little cookie. You've been able to identify numbers one through ten for six months or more. This past week you've turned your attention to the alphabet and are now able to recognize most of the letters. It boggles my mind that you've apparently taught yourself this skill. You love to do puzzles and manage to put even brand new ones together in no time. What's interesting when you put a puzzle toegther is there is very little fumbling. You know which piece you need next and discard the others with a firm no as you set it aside.

What I do worry about is how you will handle the structure. The sitting quietly on the carpet, waiting your turn, lining up, having your day broken into pre-determined sections. You like things by your terms or what I let you believe are your terms. I wonder if you'll be the kid that Miss Kindergarten Teacher has to put at the front of the group so you're always within arms reach to keep you focused. Then again you could surprise me. You usually do.

For all my complaining about your temper and the temper tantrums and the battles I wage with you almost daily on a myriad of things you truly are the sweetest child. You have so much love you give so freely to your Dad, Abby and I. You demand Abby hug you when she gets home from school or after any separation. You request kisses from Daddy using your little finger to point out the exact spot he needs to put them. This past weekend as you watched me decorate your birthday cake with your beloved Rocket you told me I was awesome. You know just the right moment to snake those little arms around me neck and whisper in my ear, I wub you Mama. You never fail to say God bless you if you hear one of us sneeze. Even if we happen to be in different rooms. Or ask if we're okay after a cough.

Of course you can also go from zero to pouting in record time. One's never sure what will set it off, but it could be something as simple as a "new" face at the dinner table. Change is a hard thing for you. You're still wearing a winter hat that used to be Abby's before you came along and Lord help the person that tries to put one of the half a dozen new ones you got this winter on you. You have been known to attempt to yank off a new outfit and have gone to the sitter in your jammies because the getting you dressed just wasn't worth the fight at that time of the morning. Luckily once we get you past that initial hump you usually do okay, but boy getting there can be a real drag on your poor Mommy's patience. I used to think I had a lot of it, but you can go through it all pretty quick some days. It's been an amazing journey, these past three years with you. I cannot wait to see what experiences three will bring to us.

I love you
Mommy xo

what i can do

My New Year's Resolution for the past two years has been to pay it forward as much as I can. That can mean something as simple as baking cookies for your neighbour. Or something as large as organizing a team to participate in the Relay for Life. The fact is if I had a lot more money than I do I would happily give it to causes that are important to me. I would shower money on the NICU where both girls spent their very early days. I would give to cancer research until my pockets were empty. I would help my struggling church stay afloat. But I can't. I don't have that kind of money. So I have to get more creative in the ways I give back.

I spend my downtime watching TV, but also knitting scarves and hats for a local organization to hand out to those in need. I am still trying to figure out how I can knit for the NICU/Children's hospital that took such great care of the girls. Or rather if they have a need for it. The cost of a few balls of wool can easily work their way into my budget.

I have given my time to committees where I am a small cog in a larger fundraising machine. I am great at writing donation letters. Something I am planning to start again soon for a function at Abby's school.

I organized our team last year for The Relay For Life. It was one of the most incredible experiences in my life and I cannot wait to do it again. Any of last year's team members willing to participate again let me know. It's less than six months away.

And I have at least one new project for this year. I have a bad habit of putting off getting my hair cut. I let it grow and grow while I shove it up in a pony tail and then complain that to myself that I always have it in a pony tail. Since I already live my life like that I thought I may as well let it go a few inches longer and donate the pony tail to locks of love or a similar organization.

So why do I do this? The simple answer is because I can. I am able. I am not the world's best knitter, but I can knit a scarf. Very well, if I do say so myself. I can grow hair. I can write a letter. And it makes me feel good. It makes me happy to give of myself.

And since I'm in a giving kind of mood, here's an easy one for you:

From January 12 through February 28, for every UPC from a Quaker Oatmeal hot cereal product families enter at www.startwithsubstance.com, Quaker will donate one bowl of oatmeal to Share Our Strength, a childhood hunger organization. You’ll need to be a Facebook member to participate.

“This post was written for Parent Bloggers Network as part of a sweepstakes sponsored by The Quaker Oats Company.”

birthday girl

Well Little My Pie is three. Or she will be officially on Monday. We had her party tonight at our church hall with our family and friends. It was a fairly simple family dinner type affair. Albeit on a larger scale then most maybe. What can I say we have a big family. Surprisingly the evening had a definite theme to it (Little Einsteins) starting with the cake.



This is my second attempt. For now let's just leave it at that. The whole first attempt debacle needs a post of it's own. Those of you who have in fact already seen attempt number one I appreciate you saying that it looked just fine. Trust me, it did not.



As usual we had way too much food. Thanks to Granny, who contributed more than her fair share and we more that appreciate every little bit of it. And Grandma Linda and Papa, who definitely went above and beyond as well. Thanks seems like a small word sometimes, don't you think. We were a few invitees short this year, so I have a huge pile of leftovers here. And this year we got to share the fun with The Mommy Project's family. We were so happy they were able to join us for dinner as well.

Apparently word got out about Maya's devotion to the Little Einsteins. Most of her gifts ran along that theme. Which thrilled her to no end. Robin found a Rocket suitcase, which is the cutest thing ever. And Maya got her very own pencil crayons (thanks Mommy Project) that she was happily scribbling with this morning. Abby got a set from Grandma Linda and Papa, but she decided she needed them at school and ever since Maya has been missing the pencil crayons. There was also a gigantic Barbie Diamond Castle horse and carriage that Maya herself almost fits into.

Maya did great with the crowd. She only needed to cling to me at the very beginning. Thankfully Grandma Linda distracted her with some toys. The rest of the night she spent being passed back and forth between Robin's big girls. When she wasn't running aimless laps around the tables. Or playing an endless game of hide and seek where she found an awesome hiding spot.



That she was nice enough to share with Jamie.



So really it was as close to perfect as it could get.

no tell us how you really feel

Well the potty training is only going marginally better. She's doing great at the sitters, taking herself off to the bathroom without needing to be prompted. She has been asking to use the bathroom a bit more at home, but she's yet to actually make it in time.

Granny decided to help things along and bought Maya her very own potty kit, that includes a book about going potty, some "magazines" for her to read while she's in there and her very own roll of toilet paper. So tonight Granny and Maya curled up together on the couch to read the potty book. Granny was about 2 pages in and explaining the whys and the how tos in child friendly vocabulary when we heard Maya in a little sing song voice say....

I don't care!

thankful thursday

As you know The Mommy Project told me that listing the things I am thankful for will increase my happiness by 25%. And I'm all in for anything like that. so without further ado, my list...

I am thankful for....

1) Showers. For the past 6 months I have been trying to get Abby to have a shower. Even though she showered when she was at the cottage with my Mom she was not going to repeat the performance here. The thing is Abby and Maya have vastly different bathing requirements. Maya has dry sensitive skin and Abby needs products that are harsher than Maya's skin can tolerate. It was a bit of a juggling act to get them both clean while not turning Maya into a baby crocodile. A few nights ago I bribed Abby with the promise of a shopping trip to the book store for new fairy books if she would only try it. She tried it. She loved it. No more baths for her. And bath night just got a whole lot easier for me.

2. Friends and family who will help us celebrate our Little My Pie turning three this weekend. I am really looking forward to spending time with everyone. And I think Maya might actually enjoy her birthday this year. She finally seems to be more comfortable in larger groups. I think this may be the year she isn't glued to some part of me for the whole night.

3. Heather, who I just met this past year. And what a year it's been! I thought it was pretty great of her to loan me her Twilight series, but then she offered to loan me extra Wii controllers and fun games for Maya's party. Best of all... she's going to let me try out her Wii Fit! Yep triple love that Heazer.

4. Girl Friends. I got an email from my Aunt the other day, in it she mentioned how great girlfriends are and it got me to thinking about my own girlfriends. I have more girl friends now than I have had at any other point in my life. As I have mentioned a time or three million before I am a very shy person, but in the past year I've really been putting myself out there and the rewards have been amazing.

5. The cake decorating tools I inherited from my Mom. Lets me create my kids birthday cakes myself and builds memories for them like my Mom did for me.

and what will the birthday girl have

Tonight Mom and I were on the phone figuring out what to serve for dinner for Maya's birthday. We're having a family dinner for her on Saturday night. We discussed the benefits of this dish over that. Planned out who was going to shop for what. Seems really funny considering Maya doesn't eat. Anything. Ever.

what's cooking wednesday - pizza fondue

The night of our big Christmas celebration with Robin, Tim and the girls I decided to make some appetizers to munch on before dinner. I can't remember when I stumbled across the Year of Crockpotting Blog, but I'm pretty sure I was tipped off by the Mommy Project. Ever since I've been reading and saving recipes to try at a later date. This seemed like the perfect night to try out her pizza fondue. Between the two of us there are 6 girls so this seemed like it would be a huge hit. Kids love pizza!



Pizza Fondue

1 cup pasta sauce
1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
10 pieces pepperoni, diced
1 cup shredded cheese

Count out 10 pieces of pepperoni. Then eat the rest of the package.
Put the pasta sauce into your Little Dipper, and plug it in. Add the Italian seasoning and diced pepperoni. Shove in the cup of shredded cheese. I promise it will fit. Cover and leave plugged in (there are no heat settings on a Little Dipper) for 45 min or so.

Stir well and serve with tortilla chips, bread sticks, or crustini.

Recipe Notes: Well I don't have a little dipper crockpot, but kinda wish I did. Even though I totally don't need one. At all. For any reason. I just threw everything in a pot and got it all melty on the stove. Then I transferred it to my fondue pot with a tea light underneath it. Even that got to be too warm once we all started digging in. And it was yummy. I made a double batch and there wasn't much of anything left when the night was over. My girls, of course, wouldn't eat it, but Robin's loved it. A couple of things I would change, increase the cheese. I'd like it a little more stringy. Oh and use mozzarella. All I had on hand was cheddar, but mozzarella would be a lot better I think. Also I think this would be good with a couple of pieces of (cooked) bacon diced up in it. Really any of your favourite pizza toppings would work. I'm looking forward to playing around with this. We served this with crackers and nachoes, but I think it would also be great with soft bread sticks.





What is What's Cooking Wednesday and how can I play?

What's cooking Wednesday was born out of a desire to get out of that what's for dinner rut. Playing is easy, on Wednesday post a recipe that has been tried and tested by you and then pop over here and add your name to the Mr. Linky. When entering your name also add the name of the recipe in brackets and make sure you link to your What's Cooking Wednesday post and not just your blog's front page. And don't forget to link back here, the home of What's Cooking Wednesday.

So for example I would write Shan (Speedy Chicken Stir Fry) in the name section. For the URL section I would post this: http://shanrev.blogspot.com/2007/10/whats-cooking-wednesday-speedy-chicken.html

I'll let you in on a little secret. Much to Kaffy's chagrin, my WCW recipes are almost never made on a Wednesday. So feel free to cook and photograph whenever you have time and join us posting on Wednesday.

updating you on wii

Well it's been a week of Wii boxing and I am still enjoying myself immensely. Although I didn't make it everyday this past week. Maya had ordered a 2:30 am wake up call for Friday morning. Apparently that was prime time for her and I to hang out. Needless to say by 6:00 I was passed out on the couch.



Here is my meteoric climb up the ranks of Wii boxing. Notice my pint sized cheerleaders. Usually when I box they sit ringside (aka the couch) and cheer me on. Although something seems not so right about Maya sitting and shouting at me to "Get him Mommy!" So it's been a steady climb for me as I knock out virtual opponent after virtual opponent. And then I came across Max. Max is a killer! It's not very often I even manage to land a punch on him. He annilihates me in no time. I have managed to knock him out once and I was so excited about it until the Wii boxing commission wanted me to fight him again. Of course even if I manage to get through two fights with him and win, what do I think is going to happen? That they'll give me someone easier to fight? I'm not thinking so!

I wish I could tell you if there's been a loss of any kind, but I am currently without a scale. Which is fine. I'll clear that problem up when I purchase a Wii Fit. One of these days. In other exciting news I may just have a walking buddy. Well currently I have an offer from a friend. I'll let you know if it actually pans out. (See you Friday ML?)

And finally today is delurking day! So come on out of the wood work and say hello.

searching for mr right

This morning found both girls piled in bed with Mike and I which is fairly typical for a weekend morning. Maya (with sucky firmly in her mouth) has climbed up into my lap and I am rehashing a conversation with her that we'd had last night at bedtime. One she was much more agreeable to last night then she appears to be this morning.

Me: So we're going to give your sucky to Jamie's baby, right?
Maya: blinks
Me: Right?
Maya: blinks and then slowly nods her head
Me: So we'll take your sucky over to Jamie's Mom and tell her she can have it for the new baby.
Maya: blinks
Me: Because you're a big girl and big girl's don't need suckies.
Maya: No! I a baby!

Which is a cute little story until Abby says............

Abby: I have NO idea who I'm going to marry!

What?! - Which is what I would have asked her if I hadn't been laughing so hard that I had to concentrate on not peeing my pants.

tiny moment - pudding face

Guess who fed herself some chocolate pudding before dinner?

thankful thursday

Time for another Thankful Thursday! According to my good friend the Mommy Project writing down what we're thankful for can increase our happiness by 25% and I'm all in for that.

And now the list....

1) Once again I am thankful to my pal Normie from The Mommy Project. This time for introducing me to digital scrapbooking. And I am sure Michael is thankful I have found yet another thing that keeps me on the computer for hours.

2) To carry on the theme I am thankful for the fabulous ladies at Shabby Princess who have beautiful digital scrapbooking kits that they are giving away for free.

3) I am thankful for the day off to be able to attend Abby's postponed due to weather Christmas concert.

4) And that Will Ferrell met John C Reilly and together they make movies that had Mike and I crying with laughter last night.

5) And most of all for this pretty sweet life I have here for myself. A husband I love, kids I adore and family that is really just the best! I am so lucky to be a part of it all.

again with the twilight

So yeah, I have it. Twilight mania. I just finished the series. The fourth one was my favourite, just in case you were out there wondering. And I already want to read them again. Seriously! It's weird. I am so not a 14 year old girl and yet here I am acting like one. Just as I predicted Courtney and I discussed the book at length this weekend when Robin and the crew were over. The fourth book was also her favourite and she's re-reading it for the elventy billionth time. I just don't get it. Is there cocaine on the pages? What makes it so appealing? I mean I read it and I don't get it. I haven't been this invested in characters in a book since my preteen obsession with the Sweet Valley High Series. Oddly enough the Sweet Valley series was criticized for a plot line that had one of the twins falling in love with a vampire and another one that had both of them battling a werewolf.

I haven't seen the movie yet and probably won't until it comes out on dvd because Mike will not go see it with me and Robin's already seen it and that would be it for my list of potential dates. Well I guess I could talk Grandma Linda into going, but she hasn't read the book yet. And it's only speculation at this point that she'd even want to read the book. Even though she does because we're pretty much book soul mates. Whatever she reads I read and vice versa.

All this to say I was damn excited when I popped over to my buddy Julie's blog and saw she had taken a Twilight quiz. What choice did I have, but to take it and find out that...


Take the Quiz and Share Your Results!

You are thoughtful and care very deeply for your family. A loving home is of great

importance to you and you always try to make people feel welcome. Although you have a great capacity to love, you also have a great capacity to hurt, so at times you can be

sensitive. You're firm when you need to be, but people trust your judgment and

appreciate the kind way you always handle things.

Oh my gosh that is so me! Truly!

And which Twilight heroine are you?

Thanks to Twilighters Anonymous for the great quiz!

what's cooking wednesday - spicy cheese ball

Oh do I love me a cheese ball. That being said I almost never make them. And I would never buy one because 100% of the time they are rolled in crushed nuts and you know how I feel about nuts in my food. No? Well blech, no, actually double blech should cover it. Robin, Tim and the girls were over for our annual Christmas dinner and on a whim I decided to make a cheese ball. Of course I hopped onto allrecipes.com to track down a good one. I am a self taught typist and often times my hands just cannot keep up with my brain so a little typo brought me to this recipe.

But do you want to know the other exciting bit? Before the holidays my Mom had lent me her food processor thinking it would help me with my cookie extravaganza. I didn't end up using it because... well I won't lie to you.... it intimidated me. I have never used a food processor before and I had no idea how I would make cookie dough in it. Now in reading the recipe I saw the word minced a couple of times. Mincing is not my favourite thing. All that tiny chopping, while I realize is necesary, is also a pain in my ass. And then it hit me.... a food processor can mince.

So I gave it a try, threw everything in it and turned it on. Nothing happened. There was no mincing. No chopping or mixing either. Well what the hell? I tried turning it on and off a few more times because that should fix things up. Not surprisingly that didn't work. Then after staring at it for a minute or two I noticed I hadn't plugged it in. So I plugged it in and turned it on. Nothing. Well! Really! What the hell? Turns out the lid needs to fully be in the locked position. Who knew? After that it was all gravy. I turned the dial and in a second everything was minced and mixed and chopped. I big red puffy heart the food processor.



Spicy Cheese Ball

2 (8 oz) pkgs of cream cheese, softened
3/4 cup shredded cheddar
1/4 cup shredded pepper jack cheese
1/2 green bell pepper, minced
1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and minced
1 tsp worchestershire sauce
1/2 tsp garlic salt

In a medium bowl combine all the ingredients and mix together until fully combined. Shape into a ball and roll in cilantro. Serve with crackers.

Recipe Notes: Well I didn't have pepper jack cheese so it was straight cheddar with some fresh ground pepper thrown in. I skipped the green pepper because I'm not a huge pepper fan. Espcially in it's raw state and used an onion instead. I also used jarred jalapeno rings, five of them I think. And I never have garlic salt so I just dropped a clove in. Using the food processor there was minimal prep to be done. So this came together in no time at all. And since I made mine into a snowman I didn't roll him in anything.




What is What's Cooking Wednesday and how can I play?

What's cooking Wednesday was born out of a desire to get out of that what's for dinner rut. Playing is easy, on Wednesday post a recipe that has been tried and tested by you and then pop over here and add your name to the Mr. Linky. When entering your name also add the name of the recipe in brackets and make sure you link to your What's Cooking Wednesday post and not just your blog's front page. And don't forget to link back here, the home of What's Cooking Wednesday.

So for example I would write Shan (Speedy Chicken Stir Fry) in the name section. For the URL section I would post this: http://shanrev.blogspot.com/2007/10/whats-cooking-wednesday-speedy-chicken.html

I'll let you in on a little secret. Much to Kaffy's chagrin, my WCW recipes are almost never made on a Wednesday. So feel free to cook and photograph whenever you have time and join us posting on Wednesday.

maya vs the potty

So my amazing friend Karen has been bragging all over the internet about her amazing daughter who does incredible things like use the potty! And just on the day I was going to post about Maya and her complete refusal of any and all things potty related. She may just go to kindergarten in a pull up.

Yeah...... jealous much?

In her stocking this year Santa tucked a package of panties. Maya was excited to get them and excited to wear them. Or so she said. Come the Saturday after Christmas I tried to put a pair on her and you would have thought I was attempting to dip her in a vat of sulfuric acid. Somehow I managed to prevail and she was wearing a brand new pair of polka dot undies. A mere sixty minutes from the moment the panties covered her bottom she had a total of three accidents. We stood in the bathroom, her and I, and I attempted to clear her up while she shouted at me....

I AM NEVER GOING POTTY!!!

Variations on that theme are very popular here.

I AM NEVER EATING! - popular at dinner time.

I AM NEVER GOING CAR! - popular whenever we need to leave the house.

I AM NEVER GOING BED! - popular at nap and bed times.

But this is about the potty. After the three accidents in an hour it was nap time and I slipped her back into a pull up. She's going to be three in a couple of weeks and I'm not really sure what to do with her. I thought that, like Abby, the transition to panties would speed the potty process along, but she's content to pee where she stands whether she's in a pull up or not. She has zero interest in it. Well I shouldn't say that, she is a champion potty tooter. When she does ask to use the potty that's all she does.

She has been asking to wear panties, occasionally, just like she occasionally asks to use the potty. Typically she wants to use it right after I've put her to bed because she knows that will buy her a trip downstairs to the bathroom, prolonging that bed time by just a little bit. She knows that I have treats for her if she would only go, but it's not enough to persuade her.

My instinct is to let her go. I figure if she is starting to show interest in wearing undies and sitting on the toilet those are good signs. Then I start to second guess myself because everything with Maya is a struggle to one degree or another. It's hard for me to gauge just how much is just her being stubborn, because oh boy is she stubborn, and how much of it is she's really not ready just yet. Just another instance in my Mommy career when a crystal ball would come in handy.

Any and all potty advice will be gladly accepted.

tiny moments - colouring

Today was our last day of holidays. Abby's back to school tomorrow. Maya's back to the sitter's. I am back to work. So today we decided to go low key. We all slept in. Well Maya and I did. Mike and Abby were up well before us. We lazed around in our jammies and watched movies. This picture, though, I think sums up the entire day.



The two of them had disappeared upstairs where I found them in Abby's bed both colouring in this mini colouring book one of them got for Christmas. They got a dozen colouring books between them and a brand new package of paper, but here they were colouring together in a book that measures about 4 inches by 6.

ouch

I am hurting. A lot. I have been whining to Mike about it all day. And then I whined to Robin some more when she got here. So much that Robin ended up giving me a back rub just so I'd shut up about it already. Have I mentioned I love her. Because I do. But before we go too much further let's back up for a minute so I can state the obvious.

I am not at my ideal weight. I would like to be at my ideal weight, but... you know, whatever. Back just before I got pregnant with Abby I lost somewhere between 20 and 30 pounds, but then... you know, whatever. I lost the weight by eating a lot of salads and riding my exercise bike. I was committed to that thing and I logged a lot of miles. I "rode" all the way to Michigan. It was effective, but I hated it. I still hate it. Actually, I hate it more now then I did then.

Since Maya was born I have been making promises to myself that I will work that time on the exercise bike back into my schedule. But I don't and the truth is I really don't want to. The ideal time, for me, to ride that hateful contraption is right when I get home from work. Unfortunately it is not the ideal time for the rest of my family. The ideal time for my family is after the kids are in bed, but the kids bedtime means wind down time for me. And I'm not willing to give that up for the bike.

Now I love to walk, but hate to walk on my own and don't really like walking with the iPod. I hate that disconnected feeling, not truly feeling aware of my surroundings. I'm weird that way, I know. The other thing I can't seem to do is find a walking partner. I get lots of offers, but no follow through. For Mike and I to go together it means dragging the kids along and then we're stopping to inspect every twig and blade of grass along the way. And to be honest, Mike would rather walk on his own with his iPod. Apparently I'm too chatty.

Fast forward to the Christmas of 2008, the BlogMother clan gets up in the morning to find that Santa has left them a shiny new Wii video game system. At some point Mike tells me he's heard of people losing weight from boxing with their Wii. As I have mentioned a time or twenty before we are loving the Wii. All four of us. Maya can't quite play yet, but she likes to grab the nunchuck if it's not already in use and "play along". She's also very encouraging when you play, always ready to congratulate you on a strike and so on.

Friday night we had company over and after they left and the kids were in bed Mike and I fired up the Wii. And we started boxing. When it was my turn Mike commented that I was pretty good at it. So I kept boxing. Next thing you know I had knocked out 10 opponents in a row, most in the first round and none got past the second round. It took a little over half an hour and I was sweating by the time I was done. More importantly I had enjoyed myself, immensely.

Today muscles that I don't normally use were screaming, but still I played. Maybe not as vigourously as yesterday, but I did box a couple of show-off fights for Robin and the kids. I am now at Pro status and the fights are getting tougher. When we first set up the Wii I took the fitness test and was horrified to see my Wii Age was 61. I am proud to say that yesterday it was 24, a good decade younger than my actual age. I didn't take the test today. I was afraid I'd be around 80, if I did.

I am looking forward to purchasing a Wii Fit, when they, once again, become readily available in stores. I'm also on the look out for Wii games that require a somewhat more vigourous game play. Once I get my hands on a Wii Fit expect to see some progress reports here to help keep me on track.

knowing me, knowing you #1

Announcing a new feature to my little corner of the web. I'm going to give it a try and hope it catches on as nicely as What's Cooking Wednesday did. I'm going to hosting a monthly interview post. I'll post the questions around the first of the month and you're welcome to answer them on your own blog.

I've been trying to come up with a name all morning with nothing but Knowing Me, Knowing You coming to mind. Try as I might, it appears to be stuck there. So for lack of anything better I give you the very first Knowing Me, Knowing You post.

1. Making any New Year's resolutions this year or do you think the whole idea of resolutions is ridiculous?

I don't really make resolutions, but I do see a new year as a new start and spend some time thinking about what I'd like from the coming year. For me in 2009 I'd like to be healthier and find ways to give back that are more than just offering up a donation to a favourite charity.

2. Read/Watched anything good?

So I just finished up the Twilight Series and while I thought the third book dragged a little, overall, I loved the series. I borrowed these books from Heazer, but I could see getting a set of my own since I think there's a high re-read-a-bility factor there for me. And yes I did just invent a word. I thought it was a fun series that I was easily caught up in.

And I am clearly last to board this ship as well, but I've just started watching Little Britain USA as well as the original BBC show, Little Britain. So very funny. Mike actually started watching it first and kept insisting I watch it with him. If you haven't seen it before it's like a raunchy Saturday Night Live, only there are no musical acts and no guest hosts and it's not live. I'd be hard pressed to pick my favourite character but Ellie Grace and the lady that works at the hospital are way up there.

3. Blog you can't stop reading...

I have really been enjoying the new to me blog Dollar Store Crafts. Some of the crafts are a little meh, but they've had a really good idea or two.

4. George Clooney and Brad Pitt are together on the cover of the French edition of GQ. You can check out the sexiness here. Quick question..... who's hotter?

George Clooney, no question. I still haven't forgiven Brad for that whole Angelina thing. And I know you didn't ask, but Jennifer Aniston... way hotter.

5. When it comes to movies do you prefer the theater or dvd?

Although a night out is always fun, I really do prefer to watch movies on dvd for a variety of reasons; I can stretch out in my jammies under my favourite movie watching blanket. Snacks can be theme oriented around the movie (great for family movie night). Even if I don't want to get that fancy at least it will be something better than that popcorn that I can't stomach more than a handful or two of. And the extras. I love the extras on a dvd. Especially the gag reel. And I don't have to watch the entire movie in one sitting if I don't want to.

So there we have it the first knowing Me, Knowing you installment. I hope you'll play along on your blog and dont' forget to sign the Mr. Linky if you do. And if you have any suggestion for next month's questions drop me an email and let me know.

And now for the Knowing Me, Knowing You rules. You must link to the KMKY post on your blog, not just your blog's front page. Any links not linking to a KMKY post will be deleted. And there's no rush to answer the questions the day I post them. Just remember to come back here and let me know you played. Thanks and have fun.

and more to be thankful for

Happy New 2009 to everyone! A brand new year, so full of possibilities. What better time for a Thankful Thursday? Word on the street is it will increase your level of happiness by 25% and I'm on board for anything that does that.

And now on to my list......

I am thankful for

1) 2009 - like I said it's a brand new year. Who knows what it will hold. It already looks pretty good to me.

2) Michael for usually being on board with all my grand plans for this little family of ours. For things like family movie night, family game night, the grandparent's club, living greener and teaching the kids to give back.

3) The crafty wheels in my head that keep turning and turning. Even if I only see a few of them to completion. It's huge fun for me to just dream and design. Right now I'm working on Maya's birthday cake. In my head it looks fantastic.

4) That we've only had two Wii related accidents thus far. Both just moments ago. (I am writing this in the early afternoon, but it will post later tonight). One when Maya got knocked onto her bum by a very excited six year old tennis player. The second, Abby, when her right hook met left hook and pinched a finger between the two controllers. She's a power boxer. What she lacks in technique she makes up for in never ending flurry of punches.

5) That my Wii Fitness age is currently lower than my actual age. It's true today, may not be tomorrow though. I have a whole post planned about the Wii and my all encompassing love for it. Stay tuned.

And just because I can....

6) I am thankful for new friends. In my last post the question was asked, Who was the best new person you met? And I am kicking myself because I totally forgot to say the Fabulous Widney Woman, who I only met because of Normie & Dave! (Thank you for that Normie!) She's is an amazing lady and I'm not just saying that because she brought me corn bread!

I hope you'll join us in listing the 5 things you're most thankful for. If you do, don't forget to link too and stop by The Mommy Project, our hostess for Thankful Thursday, to sign the Mr. Linky.