Monday, May 28, 2007

Dear is Home - All is Well

Dear is home - All is Well. That is how it feels - I know, I know some people think how sappy but that is how it is here. We are whole again. It always feels better when we are all together. He is home for a month and then has to go again. This next while will be the challenge, Dear has to go away for 1 yr, for work. He will be home a few times and we will meet at other times. I have such respect for single Moms, I do not know how they do it. People in my situation often compare us to single Moms but I get to look forward to us being together again (That helps me get through) single Moms do not have help coming or anyone to swoop in to rescue them when they need it. I am only temporarily inconvenienced - well in some ways I am not even that. We joke because when he goes I have a vehicle - we only have one, I have freedom in a sense and we have more disposable income - he makes more when he is away. We do, however, have no family where we live, Dears career keeps us moving. There is good and bad in that too. The good is we have grown to depend deeply on each other, the bad no babysitter around the corner. Give and take.

Now for the lighter side of life!

There is something I wanted to talk to you about - I wanted one as soon as I saw it. I thought -WOW. Maybe it will not be your thing but This is Genius - Yes,Little things amuse me (I could make a bad joke at this point but I will refrain)!


http://www.lehmans.com/shopping/product/detailmain.jspitemID=5912&itemType=PRODUCT&RS=1&keyword=peanut+butter
Have you seen these, I never have in Canada but yesterday I was visiting http://divinedomesticity.herhangout.com/ and there it was - Hello!! We always buy the xxxl container of natural Peanut butter from Costco and what a mess mixing it up - I store it upside down but somehow that does not help. PEOPLE OF COSTCO -Please, Please stock these!!!! Definitely one of those - Why didn't I think of that? ideas.

Have a good day and enjoy the time your have with you loved ones.

Friday, May 25, 2007

The Dear Project








Yeahhhhhhhhhh!!! It is Friday and Dear is on his way home!!!! The Red eye into Toronto(Arrives 6am) and then another flight home!!!! So tomorrow morning we will be together again – for a month, but we are not thinking of that right now. While he is in the Wild Blue Yonder here are some pictures of the on going Dear project!!! It is a queen size quilt with every ones names hand embroidered on it and some mushy stuff too! I hope to finish it this month before he is off to the next destination. You will notice it is also my banner picture . Over the next month all I have to do is get it together.....ya that is all. The picture above is taken from behind - it looks like stained glass. A lot of work but worth it. The backing will be flannel perfect for those northern nights. No pattern made it up as I went- sorry for those who asked.



Today is a busy day, I am going to put the icing on the cake using this recipe for Italian Butter Cream http://cafejohnsoniarecipes.blogspot.com/2007/03/amateur-cake-decorating-101.html . The cake Lindsey shows here is almost identical to the birthday cake I made for Will. The is my new favorite icing, all that butter mmmmmm do not use anything but real butter mmmm. It takes colour really well but does need to be cool not one to take out on a hot, hot day to a picnic and leave it sitting around. I may post pictures of the cake later minus the royal icing do das - I did not make those this time - they are easy as well. The only problem is leaving them laying out with 3 boys running around! This is how it went at our house:

Mom; Who took the Cake things?

Boys; Not us Mom!

Mom; Ok, tongues out - all of them blue!

See what I mean - Place them up high to dry.
I will head off now and get that icing made. Have a good day all. We are anxiously awaiting the arrival of Dear - I do not know if I will post for the next few days! We will see.

Cake



Here is the cake not perfect but good - it is hot, hot here and the butter cream melts. Blue... because Dear likes it. Icing made and cake decorated in about 35 min not bad - could be better but so much to do today. Last minute Penny - sad, sad.
Oh and for lunch today - Blue butter cream icing. Wouldn't the boys be talking now if only they could see my tongue!

Thursday, May 24, 2007

Sweet toppings

This is what I did today. The icing has lots of cocoa just the way I like it. I had a relatively peaceful day. I hope you did too. Dear we are counting down the hours.

Wednesday, May 23, 2007

Nothing is done yet!


Dear arrives on Saturday and ...Nothing is done yet! I like to have everything spotless, he thinks this is silly since he knows what the place really looks like! Not that is ever really bad....well, the family room, not always good. The van is another story, I do not know why, but a vehicle to us is just that... a vehicle. Yes, we clean it out but rarely dust it or anything like that. I hope to do that this evening - if it cools down. The weather has taken a dramatic turn for the better.


Did I mention - THE GRASS IS GROWING!!!! Amazingly enough! Second time may be the charm. Finally, some success. I am, however, being cautious in the Unable Gardeners skill until I see that 3 inch growth I need for the first mow. After that, I charge highly exorbitant fees but may be available! Now, I need to pick out a fertilizer... fun, fun new territory! My neurosis has not ebbed. Now the thrill seems to be in seeing how much it grows - MEDS, MEDS PLEEEASSSE!

Will had his birthday earlier this month and the picture is of the boys enjoying the day. Dear had his B-Day on the same day. So, I decided to wait for the party and the 10 or so enfants dans la classe de maternelle until he got home - I mean He really should share in the day with all those children! I know Dear you do not have to thank me for thinking of you, it is just what I do! Have a good day and I hope it is as nice where you are.

Tuesday, May 22, 2007

The Death of a Mouse


Well, again an unexpected absence as you can tell from the title - a technical difficulty! Doubled when your computer is 6yrs old uses a PS2 port instead of a USB port and no one sells PS2 here, ARRRGH ( I did not even know what these things were before this morning!)! The long and short of it - the boys were playing computer monopoly, the mouse lost and we ended up paying - isn't that always the way! So, I had to buy a mouse and an adaptor, total - 50 big ones! Surprise Dear - you are the proud owner of a lovely basic black nothing special mouse + adaptor! However, Bill Gates says Thank You Verrry Much ( In his best Elvis impression of coarse!).


The long weekend was really rather uneventful, redid the lawn (Do not even go there as we speak my mind is twirling - like a hamster on a wheel - anything happening, anything happening, anything happening, aaaarrgh). It was not a low fat weekend shall we say, I am experimenting with recipes for homemade marshmallows (Even the mistakes were yummy!) -the boys loved this idea, made the ice cream and to top it off I had to make chocolate squares. At least I can picture myself working out, I mean like a clear image, that counts for gym time....right?

The picture - Chocolate marshmallows with a light dusting of powered sugar, so they do not stick. Yummy. Enjoy!


Saturday, May 19, 2007

Yummy!

I have taken a few days off. I spent those torturing myself - yes, I did the laundry!!! It is so nice to see the floor in the laundry room again - almost forgot what it looked like. My problem is not the washing of the laundry but the folding and putting away. I am definitely not the Queen of laundry but the Queen of the clean laundry pile!

I am not the Queen of the garden either it is with a sad heart that I The Unable Gardener report that I am still Unable! I am on the side of the learning curve most people would be ashamed of but I cannot lie - the yard still looks awful. So, I had a load of top soil brought in and will try once more! Yes, I have not been defeated yet! Lord, someone tell me to stay down!

The boys had a Spectacle Du Printemps (Spring Concert) at their school earlier in the week, it is amazing the talent and hard work they put into their final concert. Jacob takes piano as well as plays harmonica, Will sang Dans la Foret (He will start violin in the fall) and Tristen plays violin as well as recorder. Believe me the musical talents come from Dear - not me. The concert was class groups performing together. So good!

We have ordered a new camera and camcorder, it seems we are missing lots of shots. So, hopefully, next week at this time the picture quality will improve!

Here is a recipe for soy milk ice cream that has become popular around our house. With Wills allergy we use soy - you could use a combination of cream and milk if you wanted! Sorry but French keyboard is locked on and I cannot use the regular buttons for some things (Like slash, question mark, quotes .....and on.) so I had to write it out the long way until Dear gets home - NEXT WEEKEND , YEAH!!!!!!

Chocolate Soy Milk Peppermint Ice Cream recipe by me

3 c Chocolate soy milk

4 egg yolks

6 Tbs Sugar

1 quarter tsp peppermint flavoring

1 Tbs Cornstarch

2 handfuls Chocolate chips (Reserve one for the end)

a half cup of peppermint candy (I used candy canes left in the cupboard)

Heat the chocolate soy milk in a saucepan, until just about boiling - melt one handful of chocolate chips in it. Stirring so the chocolate does not stick. Let stand off of heat. In a bowl whisk the egg yolks, cornstarch, sugar and peppermint flavoring until lemony coloured. Ladle some of the chocolate mixture into the egg mixture stirring than pour into the saucepan, return to heat, cooking until thickened. Cool the custard stirring occasionally then place in fridge (**Alternate method ) After the custard is thoroughly chilled throw in the handful of chocolate chips and candy then place in the ice-cream maker, and let it reach soft ice cream stage - then place in freezer. Enjoy!
**If you want your ice cream finished faster place the saucepan on to a bowl filled with ice, it will cool the custard much faster.


Have you ever noticed that when you make ice cream children come out of no where- I have seven at the house today ! That is a good ice cream day. Have a good ice cream day all!

Wednesday, May 16, 2007

Look Back and Laugh





Ok, so here is the thing, life sometimes life throws you a curve and you cannot comprehend at that moment everyone is yelling DUCK right at you! Well it happened to our oldest this week, over the smallest of things, thankfully, his hair. He decided for Mothers Day he would let me cut his hair, no I am not a hairdresser but have always cut the boys hair . Nor did I ask to cut his hair - hair is not a big deal to me, unless you refuse to wash it! He has not had an official hair cut in 2 years, Minus the major back cutting he did himself at Christmas after a parent, Yes an adult, commented he looked like a girl! Insulting for him at 10 yrs old. However, I recall in the stands at a hockey game a parent from the other team commenting on how tough that blond girl is and Jacob the middle son said in reply- That girl is my BROTHER! (He is the one with the sense of humor). So, I cut it, at his request asking - Are you sure about this !??? Yes, Mom....He hated it, although, it was very nice and he wished he had left it that way (The whole hind site thing!). Well, options I can do it again or you can get it done downtown. Downtown Please! Ok – so Mondays in our town all hairdressers are closed! So he stays home – Yes, Dear and I spoke and he thought he should go to school but I let him stay (Having suffered cases of, what I felt were incredibly bad hair cuts myself a time or two.) a mental health day,I said - he is a A+++ student in a school that is completely in his second language –French. He can take a day.

Next day –aaaaaaaa what a mess – The professional (I will use that term lightly) hacked it off!!!!! All of it, after blatantly clear instructions to leave it as long as possible – Well, my hockey playing tough guy lost it - tears everywhere. I could not believe the mess – with the woman stating – What... I give that hair cut to all the young guys who come in here! AAAAAAAAARGH, so we rally at home then head to the barber to have it cut off – I mean all the way. We resigned our selves to the fact it probably could not be saved. But with the gentle hand of a true professional! He managed to keep some of it for him! One of the perks I can actually see his face and His green eyes ( Where does he get those - ask Dear since he has one green eye and the one blue eye!) Oh the drama! Today we can look back and laugh!




You will not believe this - I got a package in the mail!!! With a dress,
perfume and a love note from my Dear! After me going through all that bidding, I get a beautiful summer dress from him - Why did he not tell me! Thank you, thank you, thank you Dear - I love you! Yes, I know how lucky I am. Have a good day everyone.




Tuesday, May 15, 2007

The Dress





I won it, I won it, I won it!!!!! The dress! Doing my happy dance! I am so thrilled. So Dear here is the dress - now you will know what to look for at the airport! The last month is almost over, although, it has drug on. Cannot wait until you are home!

Today, was grocery day one of my favorite days, I love to shop for food. Clothing shopping, no way, always seems to be bitter disappointment when something does not fit. Epiphany, perhaps the love of food and clothing not fitting has some relation hmmmmm - I will consider this while I am baking chocolate cookies this evening. I also went to the thrift shop and bought 2 lamps (Surprise, Dear) - I will clean them up and take pictures.

I have seen a few sprigs of fresh green baby grass! Or maybe it is wishful thinking. The tree is beautiful though- we have the same or similar tree in the front yard but it does not produce fruit. Things are looking up are far as the unable gardener goes, for now! However, therapy might be helpful for the cyclic nature of my lurking and peering into the yard. Perhaps a compulsion disorder. The things gardening does to a person! I hope I survive.

Sunday, May 13, 2007

Handmade Gifts are the best


Three boys and 3 wonderful Mothers Day Presents - The handprint by Will nicely painted blue, The Jewerly box by Jake and The decorated box by Tristen. I am Thrilled - doublely when I noticed each went out of their way to make their presents special and decorated how I would like it. The box by Tristen is decorated with VINTAGE Buttons - I am talking bakelite, pearlized, rhinstone and heavy silver Canadian National Railroad Buttons. Jacob hand painted tiny flowers and felt lined the jewerly box and Will added a little sparkle(But not too much - his words!). Heaven. I hope your Mothers Day is as wonderful as mine - and Dear the flowers are in full bloom today. Take care all - and call your Mother!

Saturday, May 12, 2007

Watching the grass grow.....


Literally, I am watching the grass grow....well nothing has happened yet, but I cannot help myself I am neurotic. Everytime I go outside I head to the back yard just to look! What is up with that - I keep thinking to myself A Watched Pot Never Boils but still I find myself standing on the brick work peering over the freshly strewn lawn seed to see if just perhaps, maybe, something is happening. I need therapy! So, if anyone asks I am watching the grass grow-I need to get back to the sewing machine - at least I would have something to show for that!
I told you we have 2 dogs, Caramel was beginning to have a complex because he did not make it to print. Here they are Caramel on the left and Alex (Who goes to school). Have a good weekend all. Thanks for the comment Dear talk to you tonight!

Friday, May 11, 2007

Life...it Happens


Today, was really rather uneventful, I volunteered (Voluntold - right Manon) for the MS Societies carnation campaign for Mothers Day. To make a long story short our 2 hours turned to 4 when our replacements did not show up. Oh well, It was good to be outside with a friend for the day.


I thought I would tell you, those of you who do not know, about - www.skype.com an online free phone service! If you sign up and make me and other friends your contacts you can talk for free through your computer and there is video conference service too- look it up. Dear and I also signed up for the $35 dollar a year calling to regular telephones service for Canada and the US anytime. Something to think about!


As you may have noticed no pics of the boys yet - I am torn about that - let me know if any of you have any experiences with this. Dear and I will have to converse about that as soon as we are in the same country! The count down is on 15 more days.


Not too exciting and not much crafting going on at this point! Have a great weekend everyone! Happy Mothers Day! Thanks for the Flowers Dear!
(The picture taken by me at the beach last weekend - not quite picnic season.)

Thursday, May 10, 2007

I am it!


Well, well, well only blogging 5 days and I am hit with a tag – so that makes me it! Thank you Apple Head (There is a link under friends section) for the quick initiation into the blogging world! So, here are the rules:


The rules: • Start with 7 random facts/habits about yourself • People who are tagged have to write their 7 things on their blog • Then choose another 7 people to get tagged and list their names

1. Marianne started by talking about bananas, so will I - I like them but I really like them with peanut butter – in a sandwich, of coarse, but that sandwich has to be made with a whole wheat soft tortilla or wrap and never, never cut the banana into pieces or mash them –that completely wrecks it for me.

2. I sing (Surprise Dear) very loudly and badly when I am driving alone in the van.

3. Dulse – love them –dried seaweed and not the trendy type found in sushi – although I like that too!

4. Milk- yuck! But just recently! I use to have more milk than coffee or tea in my cup but not anymore – black thank you very much. Now, I stick to soy in everything else. You know what is even more weird – I grew up on a diary farm.

5. Ground beef grosses me out!!! I like ground turkey, chicken or veggie ground round much better. Yeah, we had beef cows on that farm too!

6. Pork – never eat it – Has to do with a certain pet pig going to market. Scarred for life! I am realizing that is what farm living did to me! I loved it though.

7. I sleep with socks on! I rarely wear them at any other time just to bed.

So there you have it a few strange facts about me. Most of them are about food – go figure – love to cook, eat and grocery shop! I really do not know another blogger – none! If you reading this feel free to play tag with me!

Oh and Dear, the picture just for you....another little something I am working on. Yes, that was a great big kiss! Have a good day all - and remember to kiss your dear today!

Wednesday, May 9, 2007

The fun stuff






For any of you who know me, you know I dabble in crafting (Quilting, sewing, painting, baking and lots of things with the kids). I cannot tell you how much fun I have been having since finding blogging. Today, I have 2 big Thank Yous to send out. First Regarde les pictures!!! The baskets from AppleHead I learned how to make from her tutorial at: http://applehead.typepad.com/applehead/2006/05/hey_presto_a_li.html These are the greatest baskets- as you can see, I have made many in different sizes and shapes and they are all lined! Her site is a regular inspiration for me, take a look around she has lots to see, very talented.
Oh, I have no idea how to post pictures further down the page! Darn learning curve - I will have to ask my 10 year old! I will start a new post so I can add pictures - In case you thought I did not know what I was doing - You guessed right!

Continued....




So, the interlude gave me time to grab my bag empty it and take pictures! This thank you is for Tiny Happy, her tutorial on the shoulder bag is so easy to follow. Here is the link : http://tinyhappy.typepad.com/tiny_happy/2006/06/shoulder_bag_tu.html . I take this bag everywhere - teachers are now begging to have one!!! Maybe the end of the school year gift! She is very talented, as well, search her blog for many other crafty ideas!


So, this is what I have been up to lately. Still need to put the grass seed down but did get the rest done. I did not take before pictures, I was too embarrassed, silly I know. But now I have moved on to more grandiose plans - involving cocoa bean mulch, river rock and a bench. Who knows maybe I will become a gardener yet - NOT! Have a good day! Oh and Dear never fear there is still lots left for you to do when you get home!

Tuesday, May 8, 2007

The Unable Gardener


I am so thankful to the previous owners of our house....Why? You might ask, because they had a green thumb and as far as curb appeal goes you could not get any better than our house. However, we have managed to reek havoc upon the backyard like no other family could!!! 3 Boys, 2 Dogs! So, today, I have been gardening in the backyard.Although, I thoroughly enjoy staying home with our boys, quilting, baking and most everything to do with the house (With the exception of laundry-pure torture!) gardening could be the death of me! We need grass - where there use to be grass, we need grass where there use to be garden (We took it out because it was so large) We Need A Landscaper because if this does not fruitfully produce - I do not think I can do it again!!! I will leave you with a picture from our wonderful, previous owners section, garden. If you cannot reach me please send a search party to the backyard - I have probably managed to bury myself with the flowering crabapple tree I purchase today (Suprise Dear!!!). Signed - The Unable Gardener

Monday, May 7, 2007


I have a confession to make ……I am a bad mother… TO OUR DOGS!! Two weeks ago I was ready to throw in the towel- How do golden retriever owners do it – I mean great with the kids, love to swim, run forever (Just not AWAY…for long enough!) but brains…. How completely unfair for them or that was what I was thinking, Until, our dog trainer (Yes, Alex (See picture –says all) goes to school) said his behaviour - all our fault!!! But, but, but we did not get them until they were 2 – they already had bad habits and unfortunately were treated horribly – Our fault! So she says – you have let their behaviours continue – so, I am not liking her attitude – perhaps there is too much truth in it for me! ? We have to pen them, WE have to be rough at times, WE have to make them tough again (Since last owner kicked it out of them), WE HAVE TOO! Now wait a minute – how is that again – WE! What part of that equation will be missing – Dear! Who does not want to lighten our load by 165lbs – the total weight of our 2 golden retrievers . So, Monday nights, Alex and I have a standing night class – with attitude from Mom – Oh and did I mention the S&M looking collar he has now! Totally frightened me but I am no longer being drug (Literally) down the street! Oh and Dear owes me favours – lots of them!!!! That always keeps a smile on my face. Have a good day all!

Sunday, May 6, 2007

Hi Dear


Hi Dear,

If you are reading this - I have succeeded in starting a blog!!!!! And I have outed myself at the same time - I am the one quietly traveling through others writings to see how it is done and view their beautiful creations. I never leave messages either - I know bad, bad, bad!
Now lets see - if I can add a picture!! I did it! That is a little something I am working on for my Dear. Well, I guess that is it for my first entry. Hurray, I am a blogger!!!!