Tuesday, May 27, 2008

Weekend update

Time for my afternoon cup of tea so I thought I would sit down and let you all know what was going on. We had a very busy weekend as we usually do when Michael has it off. On Friday Michael marched in a Red Rally with a bunch of other Mounties, a Red Rally for you non-Canadians is a rally in support of our troops in Afghanistan. He always looks so handsome in the red surge, though because he doesn’t wear it very often he did noticed that is a little tight. They are very unforgiving, when they fit you for them you are probably at the peak of fitness and then they tell you to take a breath in before they take your chest and waist measurement. He says he wants to lose ten pounds, which if you knew him you would laugh, I think he is finally filling out and looking good. He used to be so skinny.
On Saturday night we went to a very nice German restaurant with two other couples from our church, it was amazing authentic food. I had Vienna Schnitzel and speatzle, oh so good! One of the couples came back for dessert, Strawberry Swirl Cheesecake, and to look at our hot water system, we have solar hot water and he is a mini expert so Michael was full of questions for him.
On Sunday afternoon, we had one of Michael's co-workers and his family over for a BBQ. It is always fun to get together with them, our kids play very well together even though their girls are about 2 years older than Wallace and John.
I was almost happy to be back to normal on Monday but then Wallace's soccer season has started and it is going to be a busy one especially while we still have piano, and swimming lessons. Thankfully it doesn’t conflict with golf, which is always on Sunday and Michael always takes him. I never did understand the idea of hitting a little white ball around and then trying to find it so you can hit it again. Oh well it is a daddy and Wallace thing. So now we are into the swing of our week and chugging along quite nicely.

Thursday, May 22, 2008

Prayers for the Chapman Family

Let's remember the family of Steven Curtis Chapman, they lost thier little girl in a tragic accident. Read the article here. Sure makes you want to give the kids and extra hug tonight.

Here is a song he wrote about his daughters and his motivation behind it.

Wednesday, May 21, 2008

Things that a 4 year old says

"Mom can you be quiet I'm trying to concentrate, this is work you know."

While I'm gardening yesterday and he is playing quietly.
"ALERT, ALERT, a poopie is coming!!!" As he takes off to the house.





Saturday, May 17, 2008

Rainy Saturday in May

Today was a very quiet Saturday, it is the long weekend and its raining and so the activities had to be indoor. The boys get to watch TV on Saturdays and mommy and daddy get to sleep in, its a very good routine. I love Saturday mornings!!!! After Michael and I had breakfast Micheal and John played two games of Junior Monopoly, much to John's satisfaction he won both games. Then there was a rousing game of "Get Daddy", which is both boys favourite activity. It is a combination of play fighting and police defensive tactics. Lets just say Mommy doesn't play at all. Then it was Wallace turn and he and Micheal played 'Star Wars' Monopoly and Micheal made amends and won. Wallace was a good loser though, all part of growing up. It ended off with a snuggle on the couch watching the movie 'Underdog'. I must say it is a very funny movie and would recommend it.
And what did I do all day.....knit.
A very good day, even if it was raining.

Thursday, May 15, 2008

Does any one else.....

like routines. I love routines, I actually typed live and I guess that applies too. I love to know what is coming next and not to be rushed for time. I also have to admit I don't like schedules, especially tight ones, I have found they don't work well with my perfectionist personality. I'm really a defeated perfectionist because if I let my guard down I don't do anything because I can't do it perfectly and a schedule brings out the worst in me.

I've been developing a simple morning routine, starting small and adding to it as I become comfortable with the changes so as not to overwhelmed myself. When I know what is coming next it removes the stress and what I like best about it is that it doesn't matter what time I start we can always follow the routine and get things accomplish. Recently I've added doing a load of laundry and baking a loaf of bread in the bread maker each morning, that way we always have clean clothes for the many changes of John and fresh bread for his continual need for PB and honey sandwiches.

We also have a routine for schoolwork and for the days of the week, the boys seem to like routines too.

Wednesday, May 14, 2008

Butternut Squash Soup

Tonight I made a yummy butternut squash, it was plain and simple and very good. Last night I roasted a medium, quartered and seeded butternut squash at 350F for about 1 hour. Let it cool and then peeled it. Then tonight I sauteed some onions and garlic in a little oil, added some homemade turkey broth that I had in the freezer, the butternut squash and about an inch of thinly sliced fresh ginger. I brought all that to the boil and then simmered for about 30 min and then pureed it with a stick blender and seasoned with a little salt. It was a delight to eat. Which was very nice after our hectic day.

Tuesday, May 13, 2008

A garden?

The boys and I are busy planting a garden today. It was supposed to be rainy and yucky for the rest of the week but we are pleasantly surprised by the lovely day we have out side. I even have a couple of loads of bedding out hanging in the breeze.

We aren`t really gardeners, I thought studying botany this year might help, but the verdict isn`t in yet. Today we planted a row of beans and a row of peas. Later we will be planting lettuce, Swiss chard and basil in some big planters on the deck. My back is tender and I have to stop for a while so I don`t end up in agony and being yelled at by Michael and my chiropractor for over doing it. In the non food department we planted 4 silver lace vines to climb our arbour. They are supposed to grow any where from 20-40 feet in a season so with our northern exposure we will hope for 20 feet. Here are a couple of pictures of what is may look like, if we had green thumbs.



Wednesday, May 7, 2008

Wednesday.....

is over and I think I am glad. I'm tired and ready for bed, although we both know that I will finish this post and snuggle up on the chesterfield with Micheal and watch "Raiders of the Lost Ark" on tv.

We didn't do school today, it was much to nice a day, but we did practice piano. Wallace has a recital to practice for and has been asked to play the offertory at church in the near future. The recital piece that he chose is called "Big Teddy, Little Teddy" and it is the cutest waltz around, we all hum it for several hours after practice is over. The offertory piece that he has picked in "Here I am to Worship" it is a relatively easy arrangement so we will probably be ready in a few weeks.

This afternoon we went into town to do our shopping and go to swimming lessons. John has come a long way this session. His teacher has confidence and that has made all the difference, he will attempt most of what she asks and is so proud of himself when he actually does it. Last week he went into the deep end, of course he had a life jacket on but up until last week it didn't matter, life jacket or in someones arms he steadfastly refused to go past the buoy line. This week he plugged his nose and valiantly tried to put his face into the water. This is his third session in this level so I'm wondering if he will finally achieve it this time. I don't really care how many times it takes I just want him to get comfortable in the water.

Tomorrow is a home day, I love a home day.....a nice quiet day!

Tuesday, May 6, 2008

Awards at Olympians

Tonight we had our finally evening at Olympians. Wallace and John have worked very had this year and were rewarded tonight with gold medals. I am very proud of them and yes, I did a lot of reminding and helping but they were cooperative and willing to work. Above is a picture of 2 tired boys with their prized possessions.
Here is John with his group. He was the youngest and yet only he and another girl earned the gold medal. They used puppets and recited a couple of thier verses.
Here is Wallace after he received his medal. His leader was a little bit long winded but we got through it. This is his 3rd gold medal in a row, we are very proud of him.
And of course they had to do the 'taste' test.