Time once again for thankful Thursday. I've been told (by The Mommy Project) you can increase your happiness by 25% just by regularly listing the things you are thankful for and I am all in for that. And now on to my list.
I am thankful for...
1) That scratch ticket Grandma Sandi picked out for me. I had been agonizing over how to spend my birthday money (gosh do I sound like a 12 year old or what?) Should I buy canning supplies at WalMart or baking supplies at Michaels? I know, I am such a party animal. Well thanks to Grandma Sandi's crosswords ticket I know have an equal amount of cash to spend on both.
2) Mary-Lynne and her suggestion we take the kids and the husbands and do our walking at the Royal Botanical Gardens Sunday night. It was a great time with great friends.
3) The note home from the teacher that said Abby's been really focused on her work this past week. That's a big deal for my little social butterfly.
4) Abby being such a rock star yesterday morning and getting ready to go to school in world record time.
5) The taxes being signed, sealed and delivered as of last night. Even better -- Mike and I are both getting a refund this year. His substanially more than mine, but that's fine. It all goes into the same pile.
What are you thankful for?
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
i was that mom
Last night I was up with Maya from about 2 am. She was restless and complaining of a sore stomach. She would sleep in little snatches and then wake up calling for me again. She finally gave in and started throwing up just after 4 this morning. By the time Mike got up to get ready for work Maya had settled enough that we both drifted off to sleep on the couch. Me thinking that Mike would take Abby to the sitters to get on the bus there so I could sleep for as long as Maya would let me.
So you can imagine I was surprised to have Abby leaning over top of me saying -- um, Mom, I think I need to get dressed.
Well yeah you probably do, considering your bus will be here in 15 minutes. That's 15 minutes people!
Startled to full awakedness I flew off the couch throwing clothes at Abby and telling her today was the day to set the landspeed record for getting dressed. I raced into the kitchen and made her lunch in about 17 seconds. Next I shoved her in the bathroom hoping she could brush her hair and her teeth at the same time while I grabbed myself some clothes. I love my jammies, yes, but I was not wearing them out to the bus. For some reason that was a line I was not willing to cross this morning, as screwed as I already was. Abby raced for the back door asking what coat should she wear. Really she's asking me what the weather will be like -- does she need her rain coat, a warmer coat or a spring coat. I may have yelled back -- just grab anything -- I'm not sure, it's all kind of a blur.
I am not quite sure how we accomplished it, but she was at her stop with time to spare. Maya slept through the entire event. As for me, there was way too much adrenaline in my system to even attempt to get back to sleep. And by the time is was down to a normal level Maya was up and crying because the cat was looking at her. So now, many hours, many drinks of water, many Mommy snuggles, many soda crackers later I am finally going to sleep. Night all.
So you can imagine I was surprised to have Abby leaning over top of me saying -- um, Mom, I think I need to get dressed.
Well yeah you probably do, considering your bus will be here in 15 minutes. That's 15 minutes people!
Startled to full awakedness I flew off the couch throwing clothes at Abby and telling her today was the day to set the landspeed record for getting dressed. I raced into the kitchen and made her lunch in about 17 seconds. Next I shoved her in the bathroom hoping she could brush her hair and her teeth at the same time while I grabbed myself some clothes. I love my jammies, yes, but I was not wearing them out to the bus. For some reason that was a line I was not willing to cross this morning, as screwed as I already was. Abby raced for the back door asking what coat should she wear. Really she's asking me what the weather will be like -- does she need her rain coat, a warmer coat or a spring coat. I may have yelled back -- just grab anything -- I'm not sure, it's all kind of a blur.
I am not quite sure how we accomplished it, but she was at her stop with time to spare. Maya slept through the entire event. As for me, there was way too much adrenaline in my system to even attempt to get back to sleep. And by the time is was down to a normal level Maya was up and crying because the cat was looking at her. So now, many hours, many drinks of water, many Mommy snuggles, many soda crackers later I am finally going to sleep. Night all.
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
what's cooking wednesday - royal icing
Further proof that the world truly is a small place the photographer at the wedding we recently attended was someone Mike and I had gone to highschool with a hundred years ago or so. We had the opportunity to chat and catch up a little bit over the course of the evening and it turns out she's got some mad baking skillz that put mine to shame. You know on top of being a kick ass photographer too. Lucky me, through the magic of facebook, I am able to message her eleventy billion times and ask -- how'd you do that?
Now I've been using an icing sugar/corn syrup/milk/lemon extract icing for my sugar cookies. It's lovely to look at, with it's glossy finish, but a bit of a pain to work with. There's not much control there. It's more of a "free flowing" icing. And there is an incredibly long set up time if you're going to bag them. They really need to dry overnight. My new baking guru suggested a give royal icing a try. So I did with my silent auction cookies.
3 tbsp merengue powder
4 cups icing sugar
6 tbsp water
Beat all ingredients together on low speed for 7 - 10 minutes until icing forms peaks.
Recipe Notes: These days they're making royal icing with merengue powder instead of raw egg white. You can pick it up at a craft store like Michael's. I liked how quick and easy it came together. Much easier than the other icing I use. The control is much better too. I made my flooding or fill in icing a little too watery, but that's an easy fix for next time. I was also very pleased with the drying time. They were baggable in a fraction of the time I am normally used to. The only other change I made was to do 2 tbsp of lemon extract and 4 tbsp of water. I like you to know you're eating a lemon sugar cookie. So I go a bit heavier on the extract in the cookie and in the icing. I am definitely happy for the tip!
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, 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
Now I've been using an icing sugar/corn syrup/milk/lemon extract icing for my sugar cookies. It's lovely to look at, with it's glossy finish, but a bit of a pain to work with. There's not much control there. It's more of a "free flowing" icing. And there is an incredibly long set up time if you're going to bag them. They really need to dry overnight. My new baking guru suggested a give royal icing a try. So I did with my silent auction cookies.
3 tbsp merengue powder
4 cups icing sugar
6 tbsp water
Beat all ingredients together on low speed for 7 - 10 minutes until icing forms peaks.
Recipe Notes: These days they're making royal icing with merengue powder instead of raw egg white. You can pick it up at a craft store like Michael's. I liked how quick and easy it came together. Much easier than the other icing I use. The control is much better too. I made my flooding or fill in icing a little too watery, but that's an easy fix for next time. I was also very pleased with the drying time. They were baggable in a fraction of the time I am normally used to. The only other change I made was to do 2 tbsp of lemon extract and 4 tbsp of water. I like you to know you're eating a lemon sugar cookie. So I go a bit heavier on the extract in the cookie and in the icing. I am definitely happy for the tip!
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, 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
Monday, April 27, 2009
i'm not sure there's much difference between the two
We're all loaded in the van on the way home from work, the sitters and school. We're waiting to make a turn when --
Maya: Where are we goin?
Mike: We're going crazy.
Maya: I don't wanna go crazy. I just wanna go home.
Maya: Where are we goin?
Mike: We're going crazy.
Maya: I don't wanna go crazy. I just wanna go home.
Sunday, April 26, 2009
sweetest kid evah
Saturday night I was feeling less than stellar. Mike had given the girls a bath while I lay prone on the couch. Feeling I should at least do something, especially since Mike had worked (playing farmer) that morning I managed to drag myself upstairs to put Maya to bed. I ran into Abby on the way out of Maya's room and she stopped me --
Mom, I know you're not feeling well so I'm going to tuck you in like you tuck me in. I really hope you're feeling better tomorrow.
And she led me down the hall to our bedroom. I climbed between the sheets and she pulled them up to my chin. She came around to Mike's side to make sure the comforter was high enough on that side and then she said --
I'm going to tuck myself in now.
And off she went to her own room. It was only a minute before I heard the door to her room open again and she was back --
I forgot to kiss you like you kiss me.
And she kissed my forehead and then leaned across me for a quick hug.
Seriously -- sweetest kid evah!
Mom, I know you're not feeling well so I'm going to tuck you in like you tuck me in. I really hope you're feeling better tomorrow.
And she led me down the hall to our bedroom. I climbed between the sheets and she pulled them up to my chin. She came around to Mike's side to make sure the comforter was high enough on that side and then she said --
I'm going to tuck myself in now.
And off she went to her own room. It was only a minute before I heard the door to her room open again and she was back --
I forgot to kiss you like you kiss me.
And she kissed my forehead and then leaned across me for a quick hug.
Seriously -- sweetest kid evah!
Saturday, April 25, 2009
abby writes #3
Abby is back for some more guest blogging today. She has been loving reading all of your comments and is still working on answering the list of questions she received from her first guest blogging stint. Today she answers --
Your Mom likes to cook and bake a lot. What's your favourite thing Mom cooks for you?
shanin is the gdis cook in the hoi in tiyer werld the best thing she mad was cookees and cac
Your Mom likes to cook and bake a lot. What's your favourite thing Mom cooks for you?
shanin is the gdis cook in the hoi in tiyer werld the best thing she mad was cookees and cac
Friday, April 24, 2009
friday high five - earth day
Since this past Wednesday was Earth Day I'm sure you've all been wondering what the BlogMother does to help reduce her carbon footprint. So for this week's Friday High Five (hosted by Angela's Adventures and Minor Mishaps) I'm going to let you know the 5 big things I am doing to help make this world a little better.
1) We do our laundry in cold water, wash with biodegradeable detergents and in the warmer months we line dry our clothes. When we do use the dryer (or the diswasher) I am trying to get the in habit of putting it on later at night and not during peak hydro periods. Then when Ontario hydro starts their smart meter program I'll be paying a lower hydro rate for off peak times. So, very good idea to get in the habit early.
2) Just recently I have been taking my travel mug to work with me. This replaces my (double cupped) paper cup for my tea.
3) I had been toying with the idea of going veggie once per week, but instead I read about this great idea over at a peek inside the fishbowl and I'm going veggie for breakfast and lunch every day. So it's been big salads all week. Although I will admit to having a turkey burger for lunch one day. What can I tell you, Darlene brought me lunch for my birthday. And it was the most delicious lunch ever!
4) I recycle water. We live in a rural area and our property has no well. There is no city water available out here, so we have water trucked in put in our holding tank. We collect rain water from the roof and are very concious of water conservation to help make a load last as long as we can. I also reuse dehumidifier water and the water from warming up the shower to flush the toilet.
5) I have stopped buying single use packages wherever I can, like juice boxes, the girls take litter less ones. The one I'm most impressed with is remembering to bring our reusable shopping bags with us shopping every week. No more plastic grocery bags to get rid of!
1) We do our laundry in cold water, wash with biodegradeable detergents and in the warmer months we line dry our clothes. When we do use the dryer (or the diswasher) I am trying to get the in habit of putting it on later at night and not during peak hydro periods. Then when Ontario hydro starts their smart meter program I'll be paying a lower hydro rate for off peak times. So, very good idea to get in the habit early.
2) Just recently I have been taking my travel mug to work with me. This replaces my (double cupped) paper cup for my tea.
3) I had been toying with the idea of going veggie once per week, but instead I read about this great idea over at a peek inside the fishbowl and I'm going veggie for breakfast and lunch every day. So it's been big salads all week. Although I will admit to having a turkey burger for lunch one day. What can I tell you, Darlene brought me lunch for my birthday. And it was the most delicious lunch ever!
4) I recycle water. We live in a rural area and our property has no well. There is no city water available out here, so we have water trucked in put in our holding tank. We collect rain water from the roof and are very concious of water conservation to help make a load last as long as we can. I also reuse dehumidifier water and the water from warming up the shower to flush the toilet.
5) I have stopped buying single use packages wherever I can, like juice boxes, the girls take litter less ones. The one I'm most impressed with is remembering to bring our reusable shopping bags with us shopping every week. No more plastic grocery bags to get rid of!
Thursday, April 23, 2009
thankful thursday - the birthday edition
This was supposed to post last night, but for some unknown reason it didn't. So you're getting it today instead.
Time for Thankful Thursday. It's been said you can increase your happiness by 25% just by listing the things you are thankful for. And I am all in for that.
I realize it was a somewhat melancholy birthday for me, but there was still much to be thankful for....
I am thankful for --
1) My brother's phone call. Dave and I rarely talk on the phone unless it's to finalize plans for something. And yes, he did call because it was my birthday, but we stayed on the phone chatting about tv shows and movies and just stuff for a while. It was a nice birthday treat. Oh and the highlight of the call -- for me-- was when he admitted to voluntarily watching the Sex and the City movie. Twice! He also seemed very pumped about the sequel.
2) All of my friends at work (and Dave) who made me promise not to waste my birthday dinner by having salad.
3) My Mom for bringing me Cinnabons. Oh my gosh they are uber delicious.
4) Papa and Grandma Linda for being so understanding about the change of plans.
5) And my Michael for being the best husband!
What are you thankful for?
Time for Thankful Thursday. It's been said you can increase your happiness by 25% just by listing the things you are thankful for. And I am all in for that.
I realize it was a somewhat melancholy birthday for me, but there was still much to be thankful for....
I am thankful for --
1) My brother's phone call. Dave and I rarely talk on the phone unless it's to finalize plans for something. And yes, he did call because it was my birthday, but we stayed on the phone chatting about tv shows and movies and just stuff for a while. It was a nice birthday treat. Oh and the highlight of the call -- for me-- was when he admitted to voluntarily watching the Sex and the City movie. Twice! He also seemed very pumped about the sequel.
2) All of my friends at work (and Dave) who made me promise not to waste my birthday dinner by having salad.
3) My Mom for bringing me Cinnabons. Oh my gosh they are uber delicious.
4) Papa and Grandma Linda for being so understanding about the change of plans.
5) And my Michael for being the best husband!
What are you thankful for?
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
our sunday best
Who knew we cleaned up so good? For those of you not friends with me on facebook, here's a rare family portrait of the four of us at wedding we attended recently.
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
what's cooking wednesday
Well Whats Cooking Wednesday has been pre-empted by real life, once again. Tonight I am planning on a quiet low key night with my girls, my Michael and my Mom to acknowledge the passing of another year. I am touched and endlessly thankful for all the birthday well wishes on facebook and in real life. I am not one to get meloncholy about my brithday, but this year I had a myriad of little things bubble up on me unexpectedly. So I had a little cry which led Abby to ask her Dad "what did you do to her?" Which made me laugh and then cry some more while Mike proclaimed his innocence to a somewhat skeptical Abby. Nice to know, even at (almost) seven, she's got my back.
And since I'm pretty sure my What's Cooking Wednesday friends aren't all at home weeping over a bunch of little things that account for nothing on their own, I'm putting up the Mr. Linky to see what you're all cooking up in your kitchens.
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, 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
And since I'm pretty sure my What's Cooking Wednesday friends aren't all at home weeping over a bunch of little things that account for nothing on their own, I'm putting up the Mr. Linky to see what you're all cooking up in your kitchens.
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, 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
Monday, April 20, 2009
guest blogging again
Well Abby was very excited to read all your comments from her last guest blogging stint. And now she's back to answer some of your questions!
Who is your favourite TV character?
my fravri character? is the rodruner it is the fastis of them oll.
Who is your favourite TV character?
my fravri character? is the rodruner it is the fastis of them oll.
Sunday, April 19, 2009
bad blogger
So I totally dropped the blogging ball last night. I've been blogging for quite some time now (over three years) so I really have no excuse. I should have known better. Here's the thing, any blogger worth her salt knows you never go anywhere without your camera and you take pictures of anything that may even marginally resemble blog fodder. It's what they teach you on day one. Here I had an evening full of bloggable fodder and didn't snap a single picture. So you'll just have to imagine what I'm about to tell you.
First a little back story. Remember last month when Heather and I got together and watched Twilight in our jammies? Well we had a lot of fun, so much fun we thought we should do it again. Instantly we decided on the Sex and the City movie, which Heather claims she invited me out to see when it was in the theater. I maintain since the words -- hey Shan, would you like to go to the movies with me this weekend to see Sex and the City -- never actually came out of her mouth it's not my fault I wasn't aware we had plans to see it. Any whoooo, we made an actual date to watch the dvd at my place and then I got the bright idea to invite some more friends.
Now as much as I talk about doing these sorts of things, I never actually do them for a whole lot of different reasons. I think I'm too shy. There's a hole in the bathroom wall. My living room floor needs to be refinished. My furniture needs to be replaced. You know, the usual stuff we all deal with. This time I just took a deep breath and jumped right in.
Once I had done that -- in my head -- then I agonized over to who to actually invite. I have mentioned before that I have more girlfriends now than I ever have at any other point in my life. Which is great, but a lot of these are kind of new relationships and much like when you first begin dating someone it's all a big riddle. How do they really feel about me? Maybe they won't want to come and watch a dvd in their jammies with me. How will I handle the rejection? Maybe I like them more than they like me. Also, a night like this needs the right mix of people to be successful and I was going to be inviting people from different areas of my life. How would they all get along? And other such thoughts that would keep me awake at night (which was a nice break from the usual stuff that keeps me awake). In the end I closed my eyes and started clicking names to invite. Then I hyperventilated until last night.
And somehow I ended up with a pretty terrific mix of people --
There was my Robin, the ultimate #1 best friend. Who is involved in every area of my life. She is wickedly funny and loves all my friends as her own as soon as she meets them.
As luck would have it Auntie Yoli was able to hang out for a brief moment. Auntie Yoli makes her own fun wherever she goes and can totally hold her own in any group. She is also wickedly funny.
Then there was Heather, from my work life. She can trick you by being all quiet and coy in the beginning, but when you least expect it she will make you laugh harder than you ever thought you could. She's also a notorious facebook creeper so she probably "knew" all my friends before she got there.
And lets not forget Normie, The Mommy Project. Someone who had best friend material written all over her as soon as I (eventually) met her. I mean she'd only been across the street right under my nose for 5 years, my fellow Martha Stewart wanna be. She is also wickedly funny.
And then there was Jen. We've been neighbours for 100 years or so. I have always admired Jen for the supermom that she is and wondered how she did it all. In the past year or so there's been a definite shift in our relationship that's brought us beyond friendly neighbours. She is, most certainly, wickedly funny.
And that leaves Mary-Lynne, someone else I've known for a very long time, but our relationship as well has become something more than what it was. I'm not even sure when and how it happened. Is she wickedly funny too? Oh yes. Yes, she is.
Notice a trend? I like to roll with wickedly funny people. So, did we laugh last night -- you bet we did. We drank Cosmopolitan-like punch -- thanks to me. We drank actual Cosmos from martini glasses -- thanks to Normie. Who unfortunately had to bail early since Baby Colie was needing her Mama. We all enjoyed the movie even those who hadn't seen the show before. We enjoyed a buffet of snacks including I love you peanut butter chip cookies like the one Miranda got from a boyfriend on the show. I also tried to make some miniature wedding cakes that crumbled during the icing process. It was a really great night with really great friends that I didn't take a picture of. Total blogger fail. Oh well, there's always next month.
What shall we watch then?
First a little back story. Remember last month when Heather and I got together and watched Twilight in our jammies? Well we had a lot of fun, so much fun we thought we should do it again. Instantly we decided on the Sex and the City movie, which Heather claims she invited me out to see when it was in the theater. I maintain since the words -- hey Shan, would you like to go to the movies with me this weekend to see Sex and the City -- never actually came out of her mouth it's not my fault I wasn't aware we had plans to see it. Any whoooo, we made an actual date to watch the dvd at my place and then I got the bright idea to invite some more friends.
Now as much as I talk about doing these sorts of things, I never actually do them for a whole lot of different reasons. I think I'm too shy. There's a hole in the bathroom wall. My living room floor needs to be refinished. My furniture needs to be replaced. You know, the usual stuff we all deal with. This time I just took a deep breath and jumped right in.
Once I had done that -- in my head -- then I agonized over to who to actually invite. I have mentioned before that I have more girlfriends now than I ever have at any other point in my life. Which is great, but a lot of these are kind of new relationships and much like when you first begin dating someone it's all a big riddle. How do they really feel about me? Maybe they won't want to come and watch a dvd in their jammies with me. How will I handle the rejection? Maybe I like them more than they like me. Also, a night like this needs the right mix of people to be successful and I was going to be inviting people from different areas of my life. How would they all get along? And other such thoughts that would keep me awake at night (which was a nice break from the usual stuff that keeps me awake). In the end I closed my eyes and started clicking names to invite. Then I hyperventilated until last night.
And somehow I ended up with a pretty terrific mix of people --
There was my Robin, the ultimate #1 best friend. Who is involved in every area of my life. She is wickedly funny and loves all my friends as her own as soon as she meets them.
As luck would have it Auntie Yoli was able to hang out for a brief moment. Auntie Yoli makes her own fun wherever she goes and can totally hold her own in any group. She is also wickedly funny.
Then there was Heather, from my work life. She can trick you by being all quiet and coy in the beginning, but when you least expect it she will make you laugh harder than you ever thought you could. She's also a notorious facebook creeper so she probably "knew" all my friends before she got there.
And lets not forget Normie, The Mommy Project. Someone who had best friend material written all over her as soon as I (eventually) met her. I mean she'd only been across the street right under my nose for 5 years, my fellow Martha Stewart wanna be. She is also wickedly funny.
And then there was Jen. We've been neighbours for 100 years or so. I have always admired Jen for the supermom that she is and wondered how she did it all. In the past year or so there's been a definite shift in our relationship that's brought us beyond friendly neighbours. She is, most certainly, wickedly funny.
And that leaves Mary-Lynne, someone else I've known for a very long time, but our relationship as well has become something more than what it was. I'm not even sure when and how it happened. Is she wickedly funny too? Oh yes. Yes, she is.
Notice a trend? I like to roll with wickedly funny people. So, did we laugh last night -- you bet we did. We drank Cosmopolitan-like punch -- thanks to me. We drank actual Cosmos from martini glasses -- thanks to Normie. Who unfortunately had to bail early since Baby Colie was needing her Mama. We all enjoyed the movie even those who hadn't seen the show before. We enjoyed a buffet of snacks including I love you peanut butter chip cookies like the one Miranda got from a boyfriend on the show. I also tried to make some miniature wedding cakes that crumbled during the icing process. It was a really great night with really great friends that I didn't take a picture of. Total blogger fail. Oh well, there's always next month.
What shall we watch then?
Saturday, April 18, 2009
i woke up with a slightly larger head this morning
Last night Mike and I helped out at a fundraising dinner, penny sale and silent auction for Abby's school. It was a very busy night, but all the volunteers were great and I had a lot of fun. We were a bit worried about how our silent auction donations would fair in these tough economic times and we did definitely see a decrease, but the night was still an amazing success and we made close to $3000 for our little rural school. Yay us!
For my part, I did what I've been doing best -- or at least the most these days. I baked.
I admit I was nervous putting them out on the table. I told Mike if they didn't sell for a reasonable amount of money my ego would be crushed. And yes, I did sneak away -- when I could -- and check out how the bidding was going. I am very happy to say they brought a total of $42 to Abby's school and there was some disappointment expressed from the losers. So I left the event feeling pretty good about myself.
I was surprised that they went for so much when you consider that my buddy ML was wandering around telling people they were horrible tasting cookies, so she could win them herself.
One of the bouquets went home with Abby's little friend -- who's a boy, but not a boyfriend, Mom okay -- and his Mom called me this morning to complain about them. Uh oh. When she asked her little guy how he liked the cookies he said -- well I don't want to hurt your feelings. And then he wondered if she would ask me for the recipe.
I wonder if I could use that as a testimonial if I decide to go pro?
For my part, I did what I've been doing best -- or at least the most these days. I baked.
I admit I was nervous putting them out on the table. I told Mike if they didn't sell for a reasonable amount of money my ego would be crushed. And yes, I did sneak away -- when I could -- and check out how the bidding was going. I am very happy to say they brought a total of $42 to Abby's school and there was some disappointment expressed from the losers. So I left the event feeling pretty good about myself.
I was surprised that they went for so much when you consider that my buddy ML was wandering around telling people they were horrible tasting cookies, so she could win them herself.
One of the bouquets went home with Abby's little friend -- who's a boy, but not a boyfriend, Mom okay -- and his Mom called me this morning to complain about them. Uh oh. When she asked her little guy how he liked the cookies he said -- well I don't want to hurt your feelings. And then he wondered if she would ask me for the recipe.
I wonder if I could use that as a testimonial if I decide to go pro?
Friday, April 17, 2009
friday high five - easter pictures
Time for another Friday High Five, hosted by Angela's Adventures and Minor Mishaps.
We had a wonderful and somewhat laid back Easter weekend. Uncle Dave and Auntie Mel came Sunday and spent the night. We had some brunch with Papa and Grandma Linda after church on Good Friday. I did some baking and the Easter Bunny left a little treasure hunt for the girls. And I took some pictures --
Here are my five favourite, in no particular order.
In a blink Abby is going to be 7. Seven! We are hurtling into the tween years. I have asked her to stay six on her next birthday. A request that was flatly denied. So for now I'm trying to enjoy all the "little kid" moments. Like wearing a bucket on your head just because you can.
Abby just loves her Uncle Dave (and her Auntie Mel too!). This would be the new leaner version of Uncle Dave. I don't think you could find an ounce of body fat on him. I guess that's what happens when you start preparing for a 1000 km bike ride.
This red coat of Maya's makes me melt every time she wears it. (Actually when both girls wear them it's almost too cute for words. I must get a picture of it!) Easter Sunday she was in total Diva mode and would not take off her coat or sunglasses for the Easter egg hunt at Papa and Grandma Linda's. Everything about this picture just screams Maya.
It seems Maya's new favourite thing these days is sticking out her tongue in response to just about anything you ask her -- Maya smile and I'll take your picture with Grandma.
Now Mike and Abby both thought these were bear faces, but really it was supposed to be what bunny bottoms look like as they are disappearing down the bunny hole.
and because I couldn't pick you get a Friday High Five Bonus --
The bunny cake I made for dinner at my Mom's that we were all too full after dinner to even eat.
We had a wonderful and somewhat laid back Easter weekend. Uncle Dave and Auntie Mel came Sunday and spent the night. We had some brunch with Papa and Grandma Linda after church on Good Friday. I did some baking and the Easter Bunny left a little treasure hunt for the girls. And I took some pictures --
Here are my five favourite, in no particular order.
In a blink Abby is going to be 7. Seven! We are hurtling into the tween years. I have asked her to stay six on her next birthday. A request that was flatly denied. So for now I'm trying to enjoy all the "little kid" moments. Like wearing a bucket on your head just because you can.
Abby just loves her Uncle Dave (and her Auntie Mel too!). This would be the new leaner version of Uncle Dave. I don't think you could find an ounce of body fat on him. I guess that's what happens when you start preparing for a 1000 km bike ride.
This red coat of Maya's makes me melt every time she wears it. (Actually when both girls wear them it's almost too cute for words. I must get a picture of it!) Easter Sunday she was in total Diva mode and would not take off her coat or sunglasses for the Easter egg hunt at Papa and Grandma Linda's. Everything about this picture just screams Maya.
It seems Maya's new favourite thing these days is sticking out her tongue in response to just about anything you ask her -- Maya smile and I'll take your picture with Grandma.
Now Mike and Abby both thought these were bear faces, but really it was supposed to be what bunny bottoms look like as they are disappearing down the bunny hole.
and because I couldn't pick you get a Friday High Five Bonus --
The bunny cake I made for dinner at my Mom's that we were all too full after dinner to even eat.
Thursday, April 16, 2009
thankful thursday
Time, once again for Thankful Thursday which is being hosted by the Fabulous Mommy Project. My very good friend and neighbour. She tells me I can increase my happiness by 25%, just by writing down what I'm thankful for and I'm all in for that.
I am thankful for..
1)An Easter visit with Dave and Mel. It flew by way too fast, but it's always good to see them.
2)That Dave and Mel got to spend Easter Monday with the girls while Mike and I were at work. They went to the park and Maya even rode home on Uncle Dave's shoulders. Which is huge when you consider that meant she would actually have to acknowledge his existence.
3)The warmish spring weather which led to a front porch hang out with my favourite gal Jenni this afternoon.
4)My Michael. He's been out a lot this week, but tonight he stayed in and cleaned the kitchen and scrubbed down the bathroom while I was doing number three.
5)And, once again, ShaNancy and Ashley who helped me out with a little errand. I appreciate it ladies, it made my week a ton easier.
I am thankful for..
1)An Easter visit with Dave and Mel. It flew by way too fast, but it's always good to see them.
2)That Dave and Mel got to spend Easter Monday with the girls while Mike and I were at work. They went to the park and Maya even rode home on Uncle Dave's shoulders. Which is huge when you consider that meant she would actually have to acknowledge his existence.
3)The warmish spring weather which led to a front porch hang out with my favourite gal Jenni this afternoon.
4)My Michael. He's been out a lot this week, but tonight he stayed in and cleaned the kitchen and scrubbed down the bathroom while I was doing number three.
5)And, once again, ShaNancy and Ashley who helped me out with a little errand. I appreciate it ladies, it made my week a ton easier.
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
a kids this and that
So I know I still have to tell you all about the awesome Easter weekend we had -- and I will, but before that I need to share some random kid news with you.
First and the biggest news of all. Sucky is MIA and has been since Sunday afternoon. Maya asked for it Sunday night when I put her to bed. I told her I couldn't find it and she went to sleep without it -- eventually. That was the last time she asked for it. Now I just actually have to find it and dispose of it before she finds it and remembers how much she loves it.
Yesterday Maya ate a banana flavoured popsicle. And liked it. Sure it's a popsicle and not exactly the healthiest thing in the world, but it was a new food. I hope it's a trend that continues.
Today Abby tried craisins. She didn't like them, but she gave them a shot.
Also tonight, she blew me away with her reading. There were very few words she had to stop to sound out. She brings reader books home from school, but this week she forgot to trade her books out for ones she hasn't read yet. So tonight we picked a book off our shelf to read. She was thrilled beyond belief to be reading one of her very own books.
So far this week Mike hasn't been around much at all. He's had meetings and commitments and a tractor to deliver for our dairy farming friends. I'm not going to lie to you, the house has slid slowly out of control while I've been holding down the fort on my own. Tonight as the girls changed into their jammies there was a sitcom on the tv and the characters were making a joke about how clean people have clean houses. Out of no where Abby pipes up with -- clean people have clean houses, we're somewhere in the middle. That's definitely true around here this week! What a funny girl she is.
First and the biggest news of all. Sucky is MIA and has been since Sunday afternoon. Maya asked for it Sunday night when I put her to bed. I told her I couldn't find it and she went to sleep without it -- eventually. That was the last time she asked for it. Now I just actually have to find it and dispose of it before she finds it and remembers how much she loves it.
Yesterday Maya ate a banana flavoured popsicle. And liked it. Sure it's a popsicle and not exactly the healthiest thing in the world, but it was a new food. I hope it's a trend that continues.
Today Abby tried craisins. She didn't like them, but she gave them a shot.
Also tonight, she blew me away with her reading. There were very few words she had to stop to sound out. She brings reader books home from school, but this week she forgot to trade her books out for ones she hasn't read yet. So tonight we picked a book off our shelf to read. She was thrilled beyond belief to be reading one of her very own books.
So far this week Mike hasn't been around much at all. He's had meetings and commitments and a tractor to deliver for our dairy farming friends. I'm not going to lie to you, the house has slid slowly out of control while I've been holding down the fort on my own. Tonight as the girls changed into their jammies there was a sitcom on the tv and the characters were making a joke about how clean people have clean houses. Out of no where Abby pipes up with -- clean people have clean houses, we're somewhere in the middle. That's definitely true around here this week! What a funny girl she is.
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
what's cooking wednesday - pizza pockets
This is something I threw together one afternoon when I had some pizza dough to use up. It's similar to something we would buy at a bakery that used to be in town, but has long since closed up. I've been known to keep a box of pizza pockets in my freezer -- occasionally -- these are way better!
You will need pizza dough for this. You can buy it or make your own.
Also your favourite pizza toppings.
Cut your pizza dough into golf ball sized pieces. Roll them out into a circle about 6 inches across (or so). Place your favourite pizza toppings in the middle of the circle and fold the dough in half (like a perogie) and pinch the edges together. Cut a small vent in the top of the dough and bake in a preheated oven at 400 degrees F for 15 minutes.
Recipe Notes -- I've made this a couple of times now. Make enough pizza dough for 2 crusts and I get over a dozen of these tasty little pockets. Now I've suggested making them with pizza topping, but I actually haven't made pizza ones yet. I've done tex mex with ground beef, taco seasoning, cheddar and salsa. Also burger ones, with ground beef with a squirt of ketchup and mustard mixed in, onions and cheddar. It would also be great with any of your favourite sandwich fixings, like ham and cheese. These get tossed in the freezer to be pulled out for lunches or snacks.
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, 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
You will need pizza dough for this. You can buy it or make your own.
Also your favourite pizza toppings.
Cut your pizza dough into golf ball sized pieces. Roll them out into a circle about 6 inches across (or so). Place your favourite pizza toppings in the middle of the circle and fold the dough in half (like a perogie) and pinch the edges together. Cut a small vent in the top of the dough and bake in a preheated oven at 400 degrees F for 15 minutes.
Recipe Notes -- I've made this a couple of times now. Make enough pizza dough for 2 crusts and I get over a dozen of these tasty little pockets. Now I've suggested making them with pizza topping, but I actually haven't made pizza ones yet. I've done tex mex with ground beef, taco seasoning, cheddar and salsa. Also burger ones, with ground beef with a squirt of ketchup and mustard mixed in, onions and cheddar. It would also be great with any of your favourite sandwich fixings, like ham and cheese. These get tossed in the freezer to be pulled out for lunches or snacks.
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, 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
Monday, April 13, 2009
cracked the code
I have to confess I had to get help to crack Maya's code. Like a lot of the commenters, I could pick out words here and there. And I certainly got the monkey monkey monkey at the end, but what was the rest? I finally asked my sitter what in the heck she was singing and she helpfully sang it for me with a chorus of little voices accompanying her. I was impressed at the number of correct responses. You guys rock! The version Maya sings, goes as follows.
I went to the animal fair
The birds and the beasts were there
The big baboon, by the light of the moon
was combing her auburn hair
The monkey fell out of his bunk
and slid down the elephant's trunk
The elephant sneezed
And fell to his knees
and waked up the
monkey monkey monkey monk.
She sings this all day long in a continuous loop. It's one of those moments I'll be happy to have on video one day.
I went to the animal fair
The birds and the beasts were there
The big baboon, by the light of the moon
was combing her auburn hair
The monkey fell out of his bunk
and slid down the elephant's trunk
The elephant sneezed
And fell to his knees
and waked up the
monkey monkey monkey monk.
She sings this all day long in a continuous loop. It's one of those moments I'll be happy to have on video one day.
Sunday, April 12, 2009
name that tune
For the past couple of weeks Maya has been singing this song that our sitter taught her. Only problem -- we had no idea what she was saying. At all. And we're her parents. We should be fluent in Maya. We spent a few days trying to decipher the code....
Go on give it a try. Just what is she singing?
Go on give it a try. Just what is she singing?
Saturday, April 11, 2009
guest blogging
Recently Abby discovered my blog and she is tres excited about the idea that her Mommy is writing about HER!! everyday. Of course she now feels it's only fair that she gets a chance to write about her Mommy. So today please welcome the Fairy BlogMother's first guest blogger -- My Abby Girl.
My mom is the best mom in the hol intier werud I luve her so much .my mom is the best mom ever becuse shee did maereed my dad
My mom is the best mom in the hol intier werud I luve her so much .my mom is the best mom ever becuse shee did maereed my dad
Friday, April 10, 2009
friday high five - food network
I watch a lot of the Food Network. Luckily Mike is willing to indulge me. More so then my second addiction which is HGTV. I've picked up a lot watching chefs and cooks a like on television and for this week's Friday High Five (hosted by Angela's Adventures and Minor Mishaps) I'm going share the five best things I've learned from The Food Network.
1. Always use fresh ground pepper. You never see them grab a pepper shaker on a cooking show. It's always fresh ground. Usually with those huge honking wooden ones. There's probably a good reason for that too, but I make do with my cheap acrylic one.
2. Invest in good knives. Or at least one good knife. I've always had cheap knives that you can pick up at WalMart or wherever. I thought they were fine. I didn't think it made a difference. I was seriously wrong. I recently got a set of good knives as a bonus with the addition of my KitchenAid mixer. Wow. There is really no comparison. It makes every little chopping job a trillion times easier.
3. Spring loaded tongs! After a while I began to notice that almost every chef on every show uses those spring loaded tongs. So I picked up a pair at the dollar store and then wondered how I'd ever lived with out them. I now have three pairs, but could do with two or three more. They are definitely the kitchen utensil I have in my hands the most.
4. This one comes from Rachael Ray, who isn't one of my favourites, but it's still a kick ass idea -- a garbage bowl. We have an organics program in our area, so our compostable materials goes into a seperate garbage can. Having a garbage bowl on the counter while I'm cooking makes it a lot easier to keep our compostables seperate from the landfill garbage.
5. And finally -- owning a diner looks like it could be a whole lot of fun. And my Michael even agrees. Who knows, maybe one day.
And before I go I have to correct a little mistake I made in yesterday's Thankful Thursday. I forgot to mention that -- I am so thankful that Auntie Yoli surprised me at work Thursday afternoon. And I am not even embarrassed to tell you I squealed like a tweleve year old girl at a Jonas Brothers concert when I saw her. It was only a quick little mini visit, but it was good enough when you figure how it's been since I've seen her. Loving you Yoles!
1. Always use fresh ground pepper. You never see them grab a pepper shaker on a cooking show. It's always fresh ground. Usually with those huge honking wooden ones. There's probably a good reason for that too, but I make do with my cheap acrylic one.
2. Invest in good knives. Or at least one good knife. I've always had cheap knives that you can pick up at WalMart or wherever. I thought they were fine. I didn't think it made a difference. I was seriously wrong. I recently got a set of good knives as a bonus with the addition of my KitchenAid mixer. Wow. There is really no comparison. It makes every little chopping job a trillion times easier.
3. Spring loaded tongs! After a while I began to notice that almost every chef on every show uses those spring loaded tongs. So I picked up a pair at the dollar store and then wondered how I'd ever lived with out them. I now have three pairs, but could do with two or three more. They are definitely the kitchen utensil I have in my hands the most.
4. This one comes from Rachael Ray, who isn't one of my favourites, but it's still a kick ass idea -- a garbage bowl. We have an organics program in our area, so our compostable materials goes into a seperate garbage can. Having a garbage bowl on the counter while I'm cooking makes it a lot easier to keep our compostables seperate from the landfill garbage.
5. And finally -- owning a diner looks like it could be a whole lot of fun. And my Michael even agrees. Who knows, maybe one day.
And before I go I have to correct a little mistake I made in yesterday's Thankful Thursday. I forgot to mention that -- I am so thankful that Auntie Yoli surprised me at work Thursday afternoon. And I am not even embarrassed to tell you I squealed like a tweleve year old girl at a Jonas Brothers concert when I saw her. It was only a quick little mini visit, but it was good enough when you figure how it's been since I've seen her. Loving you Yoles!
Thursday, April 09, 2009
thankful
It's thankful Thursday again. It's been said that listing the things you are thankful for can increase your happiness by 25% and I'm all in for that. Now, on to my list --
I am thankful for....
1) An Office double header tonight. Both new episodes too. That means a full hour with my secret boyfriend Mr. Jim Halpert.
2) Giant Tiger. I'd never been before, but my friends at work rave about it. I scored some very sweet deals, like a DVD of 8 Atomic Betty episodes (one of Abby's favourites) for only $2.99. The Easter Bunny liked that very much!
3) Meeting up with the past. The photographer at the wedding we were at this week was someone Mike and I went to high school with a hundred years ago. We had fun catching up.
4) A long weekend. I know I already had a day off this week, but a long weekend is always appreciated. Especially when you're getting paid for it.
5) My buddy ShaNancy for making my laugh very hard this afternoon. So funny! Big Mouth!!
I am thankful for....
1) An Office double header tonight. Both new episodes too. That means a full hour with my secret boyfriend Mr. Jim Halpert.
2) Giant Tiger. I'd never been before, but my friends at work rave about it. I scored some very sweet deals, like a DVD of 8 Atomic Betty episodes (one of Abby's favourites) for only $2.99. The Easter Bunny liked that very much!
3) Meeting up with the past. The photographer at the wedding we were at this week was someone Mike and I went to high school with a hundred years ago. We had fun catching up.
4) A long weekend. I know I already had a day off this week, but a long weekend is always appreciated. Especially when you're getting paid for it.
5) My buddy ShaNancy for making my laugh very hard this afternoon. So funny! Big Mouth!!
Wednesday, April 08, 2009
okay then
Tonight as I tucking Abby into bed she had this to tell me --
I don't eat any sweets. Except gingersnaps. I love gingersnaps. I think I'm going to marry them.
I'm not really sure what one says to that.
I don't eat any sweets. Except gingersnaps. I love gingersnaps. I think I'm going to marry them.
I'm not really sure what one says to that.
Tuesday, April 07, 2009
what's cooking wednesday - chocolate chip muffins
When I was a kid muffins were huge.Which is to say they were popular. Everyone was making muffins in the early 80's. I can still remember flipping through my Mom's muffin cookbooks and those Mmmmmuffins places that were at the mall. And was it just me or was everyone making zucchini muffins? Cooking, much like fashion, goes through trends and I don't think muffins are as popular today as they were twenty-five or thirty years ago, but my kids still enjoy them.
I have mentioned here that I have been baking more of my kids lunch time snacks. I feel better knowing if they are eating cookies at least they are made at home and I know exactly what's in them. Not to mention it's cheaper and takes very little time. For some reason though, when it came to muffins I always made them from a mix and really if I'm going to do that I may as well buy the pre-made stuff. I don't have many cookbooks, since I prefer the internet for recipe searching (as do a lot of other people -- recipe searches are what bring people here the most), but I do love my Big Red Cookbook from Betty Crocker. That's where I found this quick and easy chocolate chip muffin (Maya's favourite) recipe.
--imagine a picture of chocolate chip muffins here and I'll see what I can do for you tomorrow--
Chocolate Chip Muffins
3/4 cup milk
1/4 cup butter, melted
1 lrg egg
1 3/4 cup flour
1/2 cup mini semisweet chocolate chips
1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
1/3 cup packed brown sugar
2 1/1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp salt
Heat oven to 400 degrees F. Grease the bottoms only of a 12 medium sized muffin pan or use paper liners.
Beat milk, butter and egg in a large bowl with a fork or whisk. Stir in remaining ingredients until flour is just moistened. Divide batter evenly among muffin cups.
Bake 18 - 20 minutes or until golden brown.
Recipe Notes: Well if you've been reading here for any length of time you know I skipped the nuts all together and switched the semisweet for milk choco chips because I have no room in my life for nuts in my baking or semisweet chips. No other changes were made. I will definitely be making these again. They didn't take much longer to make than the mix you add egg and water to and I almost always have all those ingredients on hand.
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, 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.
I have mentioned here that I have been baking more of my kids lunch time snacks. I feel better knowing if they are eating cookies at least they are made at home and I know exactly what's in them. Not to mention it's cheaper and takes very little time. For some reason though, when it came to muffins I always made them from a mix and really if I'm going to do that I may as well buy the pre-made stuff. I don't have many cookbooks, since I prefer the internet for recipe searching (as do a lot of other people -- recipe searches are what bring people here the most), but I do love my Big Red Cookbook from Betty Crocker. That's where I found this quick and easy chocolate chip muffin (Maya's favourite) recipe.
--imagine a picture of chocolate chip muffins here and I'll see what I can do for you tomorrow--
Chocolate Chip Muffins
3/4 cup milk
1/4 cup butter, melted
1 lrg egg
1 3/4 cup flour
1/2 cup mini semisweet chocolate chips
1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
1/3 cup packed brown sugar
2 1/1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp salt
Heat oven to 400 degrees F. Grease the bottoms only of a 12 medium sized muffin pan or use paper liners.
Beat milk, butter and egg in a large bowl with a fork or whisk. Stir in remaining ingredients until flour is just moistened. Divide batter evenly among muffin cups.
Bake 18 - 20 minutes or until golden brown.
Recipe Notes: Well if you've been reading here for any length of time you know I skipped the nuts all together and switched the semisweet for milk choco chips because I have no room in my life for nuts in my baking or semisweet chips. No other changes were made. I will definitely be making these again. They didn't take much longer to make than the mix you add egg and water to and I almost always have all those ingredients on hand.
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, 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.
Monday, April 06, 2009
it went easier than i thought
I figured my biggest hurdle in getting a family of four from work, school and the sitters on time to a five o'clock wedding on a Monday night was going to be Maya. This is the kid that doesn't handle change well and the thought of having to get her into her new fancy dress, tights, shoes and dress coat was giving me palpitations. Simply because it was all new clothes and nothing like her usual uniform of yoga pants and long sleeved tees.
It must have been my lucky day because when the time to get her dress on -- she did! Well actually she initially told me no and wanted to put on her jammies instead, but what she picked as her jammies was the dress and I wasn't about to correct her. I will admit to offering up a silent prayer of thanks as she pulled on her tights or big socks as she called them and happily slipped her feet into her "new princess shoes". She was even happy to put on her dress coat.
The wedding was lovely. Abby deemed the kissing part "embarassing" and actually got a bit weepy when the ceremony started. The girls stayed up way past their bedtime, so we let Abby take the day off school and so she could sleep in.
It must have been my lucky day because when the time to get her dress on -- she did! Well actually she initially told me no and wanted to put on her jammies instead, but what she picked as her jammies was the dress and I wasn't about to correct her. I will admit to offering up a silent prayer of thanks as she pulled on her tights or big socks as she called them and happily slipped her feet into her "new princess shoes". She was even happy to put on her dress coat.
The wedding was lovely. Abby deemed the kissing part "embarassing" and actually got a bit weepy when the ceremony started. The girls stayed up way past their bedtime, so we let Abby take the day off school and so she could sleep in.
Sunday, April 05, 2009
this and that
I have an absolute crushing headache and there isn't a speck of Advil to be found in the house. Desperate times call for desperate measures so I ate some of Abby's chewable Advil. Here's hoping it works.
I'm not quite sure what happened to this weekend. It just seems like it was only beginning a minute ago and here we are on Sunday night.
I watched the Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford this weekend. Wow! Who knew Casey Affleck could act like that. Brad Pitt's no slouch either. Really a great movie.
Abby had four pages of math homework this weekend. That could be where my head ache originated. Math is a bit of a struggle for her, I think more because she doesn't like it than she can't do it. She'd much rather be singing or painting or creating things out of toilet paper rolls.
We're going to a wedding tomorrow evening. The girls have new dresses to wear and are completely beside themselves about the whole thing. Although Abby says she is not looking forward to the kissing part because "that will be gross".
I'm not quite sure what happened to this weekend. It just seems like it was only beginning a minute ago and here we are on Sunday night.
I watched the Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford this weekend. Wow! Who knew Casey Affleck could act like that. Brad Pitt's no slouch either. Really a great movie.
Abby had four pages of math homework this weekend. That could be where my head ache originated. Math is a bit of a struggle for her, I think more because she doesn't like it than she can't do it. She'd much rather be singing or painting or creating things out of toilet paper rolls.
We're going to a wedding tomorrow evening. The girls have new dresses to wear and are completely beside themselves about the whole thing. Although Abby says she is not looking forward to the kissing part because "that will be gross".
Saturday, April 04, 2009
it's the same only different
I'm reading Abby's report card and it says that she sometimes has trouble with skip counting -- counting by 2's, 5's and 10's.
Me: Abby, your report card says you have trouble with skip counting. So you know what that is?
Abby: Yeah. One, two, skip a few, ninety-nine, one hundred.
Me: Abby, your report card says you have trouble with skip counting. So you know what that is?
Abby: Yeah. One, two, skip a few, ninety-nine, one hundred.
Friday, April 03, 2009
friday high five - free day
Time for a little Friday High Five hosted by Angela's Adventures and Minor Mishaps.
I am about to make the most obvious statement in the world -- Once you have kids your time is no longer your own. And that's fine with me. I was fully aware of what I was signing up for. But let's just pretend for a minute. Pretend I have an entire Saturday all to myself. What are the five things I would do?
1. Browse all the wonderful crafty things at Michaels. Pick up every single thing in the baking aisle and dream about all the wonderful things I could create with it. Go check out all the pretty yarn. Wander up and down all the aisles full of crafts I don't even do -- yet.
2. Hit up Chapters and grab myself a tea and pour over the cook books, discount chick lit (my absolute favourite kind) and the magazines.
3. Watch a movie that isn't animated or have talking animals in it. With ice water in a glass that only I will drink out of and popcorn in a bowl that only my hands have been in.
4. Read an entire book on the couch under a blanket.
5. Bake and decorate cookies in the middle of the day, instead of late at night after the littles are asleep.
What would you do?
I am about to make the most obvious statement in the world -- Once you have kids your time is no longer your own. And that's fine with me. I was fully aware of what I was signing up for. But let's just pretend for a minute. Pretend I have an entire Saturday all to myself. What are the five things I would do?
1. Browse all the wonderful crafty things at Michaels. Pick up every single thing in the baking aisle and dream about all the wonderful things I could create with it. Go check out all the pretty yarn. Wander up and down all the aisles full of crafts I don't even do -- yet.
2. Hit up Chapters and grab myself a tea and pour over the cook books, discount chick lit (my absolute favourite kind) and the magazines.
3. Watch a movie that isn't animated or have talking animals in it. With ice water in a glass that only I will drink out of and popcorn in a bowl that only my hands have been in.
4. Read an entire book on the couch under a blanket.
5. Bake and decorate cookies in the middle of the day, instead of late at night after the littles are asleep.
What would you do?
Thursday, April 02, 2009
thankful thursday
I have heard that you can increase your happiness by 25% just by listing the things you are thankful for. And I am all in for that. Now, my list --
I am thankful for.....
1. The lovely spring weather. Even if it is only going to hang around for a day or so.
2. Abby's beautiful new red coat -- pictures to come -- that Granny got for her for a steal. It's a lovely flared trench coat (look at me pretending I know what I'm talking about) and it makes her so happy to wear it. She even wore it to take out the recycling tonight.
3. Abby's very awesome report card. I think my favourite comment in the whole thing was this one -- "Abby sings music from a variety of cultures with considerable appreciation and understanding." That's my sweet little girl.
4. Abby being so awesome. Abby was playing with some friends after school and one kid suggested they go play at another kid's house. The rules for playing outside are simple -- she can't got past x's house in one direction and y's house in the other direction (for the purposes of bike riding) and if she is playing at someone's house then she needs to stay there unless she's cleared it with Mike or I first. Well the suggestion of this kid broke both rules, so Abby told them she wasn't allowed to go. One of them told her to "disobey her parents", but she stood firm. She came home in tears, her feelings hurt, because they all went off to play without her, but she told me she knew she would be in trouble if she went and that we had rules to keep her safe. Mega proud parenting moment for Mike and I both.
5. Maya -- just for being Maya. Earlier this week she wandered away from Grandma while shopping at WalMart which led to a missing child announcement and likely took 10 years of Grandma's life. For her part Maya came through her big adventure with a smile on her face and she is still telling us multiple times a day that "Gramma was missing" and "Gramma was cwyin".
What are you thankful for?
I am thankful for.....
1. The lovely spring weather. Even if it is only going to hang around for a day or so.
2. Abby's beautiful new red coat -- pictures to come -- that Granny got for her for a steal. It's a lovely flared trench coat (look at me pretending I know what I'm talking about) and it makes her so happy to wear it. She even wore it to take out the recycling tonight.
3. Abby's very awesome report card. I think my favourite comment in the whole thing was this one -- "Abby sings music from a variety of cultures with considerable appreciation and understanding." That's my sweet little girl.
4. Abby being so awesome. Abby was playing with some friends after school and one kid suggested they go play at another kid's house. The rules for playing outside are simple -- she can't got past x's house in one direction and y's house in the other direction (for the purposes of bike riding) and if she is playing at someone's house then she needs to stay there unless she's cleared it with Mike or I first. Well the suggestion of this kid broke both rules, so Abby told them she wasn't allowed to go. One of them told her to "disobey her parents", but she stood firm. She came home in tears, her feelings hurt, because they all went off to play without her, but she told me she knew she would be in trouble if she went and that we had rules to keep her safe. Mega proud parenting moment for Mike and I both.
5. Maya -- just for being Maya. Earlier this week she wandered away from Grandma while shopping at WalMart which led to a missing child announcement and likely took 10 years of Grandma's life. For her part Maya came through her big adventure with a smile on her face and she is still telling us multiple times a day that "Gramma was missing" and "Gramma was cwyin".
What are you thankful for?
Wednesday, April 01, 2009
knowing me, knowing you - april
Time again for the monthly interview project I started. I hope you'll play along on your blog or in the comments here. If you do play, make sure you come back and sign the Mr. Linky.
1. Who does the grocery shopping in your family?
Here's the thing -- I make up the meal plan, with input from the family. I go through the flyers and plan out what to ad-match that week and make up a grocery list. And then Mike and I *used* to do the grocery shopping together right after work on Monday night. But that was before Mike joined about a gazillion committees and Monday night went from "grocery night" to "meeting night". For the past few weeks Mike has been taking the grocery list and doing the shopping by himself first thing Sunday morning. Which has led to a startling discovery -- when Mike shops without me our grocery bill is $40 - $60 LESS PER WEEK! This is also known as being 100% on and sometimes even under budget. So guess who's pulled permanent grocery shopping detail?
2. Are you watching American Idol? If so, who are you picking to win it?
This is the first season of American Idol I've ever watched. I mean we usually watch the audition episodes, but bail out by Hollywood week. This year I was immediately sucked into to Danny Gokey's story. And even though The Mommy Project mocked me a little bit for it, I will admit I did cry real tears when he told the story about losing his wife. And just like that I was emotionally invested and I had to know how well he did. It will be interesting to see if Danny does not make it to the final (which is just crazy talk -- he totally will) if I continue to watch when he's gone. Oh and I'm picking, my boy, Danny to win -- in case that wasn't completely apparent. Although Adam is growing on me a lot.
3. What is your favourite type of fruit?
I would have a hard time picking between strawberries and pineapple. A nice firm apple is good too.
4. Are you a night owl or a morning person?
A night owl, no question. I stay up way too late on a regular basis. It's the only time of the day nobody needs me for anything. The kids (and usually Michael) are tucked into their beds. My time is my own. I will admit I am finding it more difficult to keep up the pace of it as my age starts to creep nearer to 40. Friday nights usually find me crashed out in bed not long after the kids have gone to sleep.
5. Speaking of bed -- when you're sleeping do you have your socks on or do you take them off?
Before Maya arrived on the scene I needed jammies, socks and multiple blankeys to keep me toasty at night. I swear being pregnant with her raised my core temperature permanently. While I carried her my feet were felt incredibly hot -- to me anyway. I went without socks as often as I could get away with and still now I can't sleep in them anymore. Unless, and this is the only exception to the rule, I am extremely tired. Then I just feel really cold all over and must have socks.
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! Have suggestions for next months questions? Leave me a comment or send me an email and let me know.
1. Who does the grocery shopping in your family?
Here's the thing -- I make up the meal plan, with input from the family. I go through the flyers and plan out what to ad-match that week and make up a grocery list. And then Mike and I *used* to do the grocery shopping together right after work on Monday night. But that was before Mike joined about a gazillion committees and Monday night went from "grocery night" to "meeting night". For the past few weeks Mike has been taking the grocery list and doing the shopping by himself first thing Sunday morning. Which has led to a startling discovery -- when Mike shops without me our grocery bill is $40 - $60 LESS PER WEEK! This is also known as being 100% on and sometimes even under budget. So guess who's pulled permanent grocery shopping detail?
2. Are you watching American Idol? If so, who are you picking to win it?
This is the first season of American Idol I've ever watched. I mean we usually watch the audition episodes, but bail out by Hollywood week. This year I was immediately sucked into to Danny Gokey's story. And even though The Mommy Project mocked me a little bit for it, I will admit I did cry real tears when he told the story about losing his wife. And just like that I was emotionally invested and I had to know how well he did. It will be interesting to see if Danny does not make it to the final (which is just crazy talk -- he totally will) if I continue to watch when he's gone. Oh and I'm picking, my boy, Danny to win -- in case that wasn't completely apparent. Although Adam is growing on me a lot.
3. What is your favourite type of fruit?
I would have a hard time picking between strawberries and pineapple. A nice firm apple is good too.
4. Are you a night owl or a morning person?
A night owl, no question. I stay up way too late on a regular basis. It's the only time of the day nobody needs me for anything. The kids (and usually Michael) are tucked into their beds. My time is my own. I will admit I am finding it more difficult to keep up the pace of it as my age starts to creep nearer to 40. Friday nights usually find me crashed out in bed not long after the kids have gone to sleep.
5. Speaking of bed -- when you're sleeping do you have your socks on or do you take them off?
Before Maya arrived on the scene I needed jammies, socks and multiple blankeys to keep me toasty at night. I swear being pregnant with her raised my core temperature permanently. While I carried her my feet were felt incredibly hot -- to me anyway. I went without socks as often as I could get away with and still now I can't sleep in them anymore. Unless, and this is the only exception to the rule, I am extremely tired. Then I just feel really cold all over and must have socks.
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! Have suggestions for next months questions? Leave me a comment or send me an email and let me know.
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