Friday, March 29, 2013
Wednesday, March 27, 2013
The Race Begins...
It's official. The Race Begins Today!!
You know that race I'm talking about... the one where you are going somewhere and need to get backed up and ready to go. In our house it actually started on Sunday when I had Arnold take out the suitcases. Then they sat around for a bit until Arnold put them in the "proper rooms" for everyone.
Then this morning Jack headed out. He is going home to Sarnia tonight instead of tomorrow with us. He has a few things he needs to get done and is heading out faster. So instead of hauling his suitcase with him to work then on the train he packed up his backpack with some PJ's and a days worth of clothes. We will be bringing his suitcase with us (which is now sitting at the front door so we dont' forget!)
But this afternoon/evening, our craziness begins.
Today, before bed, I need to get the boys to pack all their stuff for the Easter weekend at my parents house. Which needs to include 1 "nice" outfit, 1 "semi-nice" outfit, and 2 days of "other" clothes. Socks, underwear, pjs and "must sleep with toy" are always a must. As well as their homework (which will come home tomorrow).
Then I need to pack myself up and get ready to go.
But the worst has to be packing my husband. Mainly cause I don't... and then it's this mad rush for him to get his bags packed.. which always results in "hunny can you grab..." text messages. Not that it's a problem, I'm just blessed I can be home to do this for him, but also that everyone else sends the same message
So tonight... the race begins.. we need to pack up our clothes and get moving!! For this weekend we are in Sarnia for the Easter Bunny!!
You know that race I'm talking about... the one where you are going somewhere and need to get backed up and ready to go. In our house it actually started on Sunday when I had Arnold take out the suitcases. Then they sat around for a bit until Arnold put them in the "proper rooms" for everyone.
Then this morning Jack headed out. He is going home to Sarnia tonight instead of tomorrow with us. He has a few things he needs to get done and is heading out faster. So instead of hauling his suitcase with him to work then on the train he packed up his backpack with some PJ's and a days worth of clothes. We will be bringing his suitcase with us (which is now sitting at the front door so we dont' forget!)
But this afternoon/evening, our craziness begins.
Today, before bed, I need to get the boys to pack all their stuff for the Easter weekend at my parents house. Which needs to include 1 "nice" outfit, 1 "semi-nice" outfit, and 2 days of "other" clothes. Socks, underwear, pjs and "must sleep with toy" are always a must. As well as their homework (which will come home tomorrow).
Then I need to pack myself up and get ready to go.
But the worst has to be packing my husband. Mainly cause I don't... and then it's this mad rush for him to get his bags packed.. which always results in "hunny can you grab..." text messages. Not that it's a problem, I'm just blessed I can be home to do this for him, but also that everyone else sends the same message
So tonight... the race begins.. we need to pack up our clothes and get moving!! For this weekend we are in Sarnia for the Easter Bunny!!
Monday, March 25, 2013
Marriage Mondays ~ Do Devotions TOGETHER
When Arnold and I went away for our couples weekend it was really for us to reconnect. We just needed to check in with eachother. After everything that our family had been through we wanted a weekend where Arnold and I, away from the kiddos, could chill out and see how eachother were doing.
That's truly what we used the weekend for. While we were there God had different plans for us completely.
One of them, I'm sure Arnold wasn't too impressed with, was buying alot of books!!
When we arrived, because we booked so early, we got their book "Men are like Waffles, Women are like Spaghetti". I didn't really read it but we brought it to session. The mores sessions we went to the more I knew I would be enjoying this book right along with them.
When it came to our freetime on Saturday Arnold and I scoped out the book table. I knew what I wanted, give or take a few books, and we got the devotions book (along with alot of other books).
We talked about when to start. Do we wait until after Otis's service? Do we wait until we can start at the beginning of the month? Do we start Monday?
Yes!
We chose to start on the Monday. Knowing the longer we waited the more chance this book had of collecting dust more than anything.
So we started, and went strong for a few weeks. We did our devotions at breakfast. It's really the only meal of the day that we know we will be together. Some days, we knew it was going to be a quick day I would sit in thebathroom and do the reading while Arnold had his morning shower. Or he would read while I was making our waffles for "Waffle Wednesday". We knew we had to get our devotions in. And it worked.
This book gave us 5 days of devotions to do in 7. Which ment for us we did have 2 "spare" days to get caught up if we missed a day.
Well... it happen. We missed a day, or 12. We both realized that we weren't getting our devotions done. We weren't making the time with God and we weren't making our time with eachother and we weren't learning what was ment to be learned in our devotions.
So we got back at it. We have started our devotion time together. You can tell the difference. We can feel the difference. Just in the short time doing them Arnold and I are feeling closer together and more "aware" what we need from eachother. It's a great way to learn about eachother as well. I'm glad we got back at it.
Not only are we closer to eachother, but closer with God. And when Arnold and I are closer to God we are better parents to our boys and a much better family.
Do Devotions together. It could be a short devotions, or something longer. Maybe something you have done before. Just get back on the bandwagon and do those devotions.
That's truly what we used the weekend for. While we were there God had different plans for us completely.
One of them, I'm sure Arnold wasn't too impressed with, was buying alot of books!!
When we arrived, because we booked so early, we got their book "Men are like Waffles, Women are like Spaghetti". I didn't really read it but we brought it to session. The mores sessions we went to the more I knew I would be enjoying this book right along with them.
When it came to our freetime on Saturday Arnold and I scoped out the book table. I knew what I wanted, give or take a few books, and we got the devotions book (along with alot of other books).
We talked about when to start. Do we wait until after Otis's service? Do we wait until we can start at the beginning of the month? Do we start Monday?
Yes!
We chose to start on the Monday. Knowing the longer we waited the more chance this book had of collecting dust more than anything.
So we started, and went strong for a few weeks. We did our devotions at breakfast. It's really the only meal of the day that we know we will be together. Some days, we knew it was going to be a quick day I would sit in thebathroom and do the reading while Arnold had his morning shower. Or he would read while I was making our waffles for "Waffle Wednesday". We knew we had to get our devotions in. And it worked.
This book gave us 5 days of devotions to do in 7. Which ment for us we did have 2 "spare" days to get caught up if we missed a day.
Well... it happen. We missed a day, or 12. We both realized that we weren't getting our devotions done. We weren't making the time with God and we weren't making our time with eachother and we weren't learning what was ment to be learned in our devotions.
So we got back at it. We have started our devotion time together. You can tell the difference. We can feel the difference. Just in the short time doing them Arnold and I are feeling closer together and more "aware" what we need from eachother. It's a great way to learn about eachother as well. I'm glad we got back at it.
Not only are we closer to eachother, but closer with God. And when Arnold and I are closer to God we are better parents to our boys and a much better family.
Do Devotions together. It could be a short devotions, or something longer. Maybe something you have done before. Just get back on the bandwagon and do those devotions.
Friday, March 22, 2013
Thursday, March 21, 2013
This is the day
Every time I hear those words I think of the song:
This is the day. God made this day. Not just this day, but the one before it, and the one that comes after it. He made them all.
God made this day 1 year ago. March 21st. We found out this day that God had blessed us with a baby. After 2 years and 8 months of infertility. Finally, we were having a baby.
Shortly after learning we were expecting, we had a miscarriage.
But THIS was the day that the Lord had made. And WE would rejoice and be GLAD in it.
Today... we are so busy. Between a dentist appointment, follow up counseling appointments, school, swimming lessons and Zumba, I know Arnold and I will be taking a moment to remember.
This day 1 year ago, God made this day and He blessed us. He blessed us with our little Baby Casey.
This is the day, that the Lord has made. And We will rejoice and be glad in it.
This is the day (This is the day)
That the Lord has made (that the Lord has made)
We will rejoice (We will rejoice)
And be glad in it (and be glad in it)
This is the day that the Lord has made
We will rejoice and be glad in it
This is the day. This is the day, that the Lord has made.
This is the day. God made this day. Not just this day, but the one before it, and the one that comes after it. He made them all.
God made this day 1 year ago. March 21st. We found out this day that God had blessed us with a baby. After 2 years and 8 months of infertility. Finally, we were having a baby.
Shortly after learning we were expecting, we had a miscarriage.
But THIS was the day that the Lord had made. And WE would rejoice and be GLAD in it.
Today... we are so busy. Between a dentist appointment, follow up counseling appointments, school, swimming lessons and Zumba, I know Arnold and I will be taking a moment to remember.
This day 1 year ago, God made this day and He blessed us. He blessed us with our little Baby Casey.
This is the day, that the Lord has made. And We will rejoice and be glad in it.
Monday, March 18, 2013
Marriage Mondays ~ "Good Relationships Don't Just Happen"
I've been trying to use my own photos for this but when I found this on Pinterest I knew I had to use it for a blog entry. Lets just say it sums it all up:
This is so true. Not just for a married couple but for anyone. Friendships. Siblings. Parent/Child.
I can you tell you about friends of mine. We were best friends when we were kids. Our parents were best friends so when both families had 2 girls it was destine for us to be "best friends". While I may not have always been a best friend to this girl, I would count her as one of my bestest friends right now. If there was something really driving me crazy she would be someone I would text/call/facebook. It's not something that happens alot but knowing that relationship is there is so comforting.
Then there's my siblings... oh man! My brother lives with us (in case anyone didn't know yet) and while he may be in the other room it does take time to have a relationship with him. It may seem like an older sister being a pain in the ass but hey, isn't that why I'm here? To make sure things are really going on in his life?
And then there's my kids. I know we are "bonded" together but I want to meet the mother who has never ever wished she didn't have kids for a day. Just one whole day to be lazy in bed, not have to do kids laundry, break up fights, keep on top of their homework, worry about them, or just generally being a mom. Sometimes it really does take a large, healthy dose of patience to love my boys. They are my world but it does take some thing....
Then there is my husband.
There's this little joke about when Arnold asked my parents if he could marry me. It was the same weekend that my sister got married. He asked if he could marry me.. my dad's response "If you can afford her you can have her!". Arnold took that to heart. He can "afford" me. He can afford my whims, he can afford my freak outs, he can afford my craziness, my slight OCD. His greatest payoff? My love, trust, friendship and patience.
We both have a large amount of patience for each other. Mine might be slightly (ok ALOT) less than his but it's there. We know that we both have days where loving each other is going to be hard for that day. We know that the payoff is there. We have a great relationship.
It's work, it's real hard work. But with some time, patience and two people who really truly want to be together (and love each other) it works.
This is so true. Not just for a married couple but for anyone. Friendships. Siblings. Parent/Child.
I can you tell you about friends of mine. We were best friends when we were kids. Our parents were best friends so when both families had 2 girls it was destine for us to be "best friends". While I may not have always been a best friend to this girl, I would count her as one of my bestest friends right now. If there was something really driving me crazy she would be someone I would text/call/facebook. It's not something that happens alot but knowing that relationship is there is so comforting.
Then there's my siblings... oh man! My brother lives with us (in case anyone didn't know yet) and while he may be in the other room it does take time to have a relationship with him. It may seem like an older sister being a pain in the ass but hey, isn't that why I'm here? To make sure things are really going on in his life?
And then there's my kids. I know we are "bonded" together but I want to meet the mother who has never ever wished she didn't have kids for a day. Just one whole day to be lazy in bed, not have to do kids laundry, break up fights, keep on top of their homework, worry about them, or just generally being a mom. Sometimes it really does take a large, healthy dose of patience to love my boys. They are my world but it does take some thing....
Then there is my husband.
There's this little joke about when Arnold asked my parents if he could marry me. It was the same weekend that my sister got married. He asked if he could marry me.. my dad's response "If you can afford her you can have her!". Arnold took that to heart. He can "afford" me. He can afford my whims, he can afford my freak outs, he can afford my craziness, my slight OCD. His greatest payoff? My love, trust, friendship and patience.
We both have a large amount of patience for each other. Mine might be slightly (ok ALOT) less than his but it's there. We know that we both have days where loving each other is going to be hard for that day. We know that the payoff is there. We have a great relationship.
It's work, it's real hard work. But with some time, patience and two people who really truly want to be together (and love each other) it works.
Friday, March 15, 2013
Monday, March 11, 2013
Marriage Mondays ~ March Break
This week our "Marriage Mondays" has been put on hold for a bit. See for about 4 years now I've been taking my neice during March break. As soon as the kids were in school (and potty trained) they would all come to my house for my version of "Camp Heslop".
This week is no different. Except this year all of my neices are here. At least the ones in Ontario.
So instead of doing our Marriage Monday post I'm showing you the beauties and cuties I'll be spending my week with
This week is no different. Except this year all of my neices are here. At least the ones in Ontario.
So instead of doing our Marriage Monday post I'm showing you the beauties and cuties I'll be spending my week with
Friday, March 8, 2013
New Food Fridays #3 ~ Chicken and Cheese Taquitos
This is one I made from online. I asked the boys what they all wanted for this months meals. Kyler asked for hot dogs, Arnold asked for Shepards Pie, Jack asked for our new Turkey Tortlini Soup and Quinton asked for Taquitos!
I found this version on Pinterest. I did change it a bit since I didn't want to fry anything.
Chubby Chicken and Cream Cheese Taquitos
Prep Time - 15 minutes
Cook Time - 18 minutes
Total Time - 32 minutes
"The golden crunch of tortillias gives way to a creamy chicken and cream cheese filling that is easy to love."
Ingredients
3 cups of cooked shredded chicken (suggested to use rotisserie)
6 ounces of cream cheese, softened
1/3 cup of sour cream
1/2 cup of salsa
1 + 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 + 1/2 cups chopped baby spinach, sems removed
coarse salt and fresh black pepper, to taste
9-10 (6 inch) flour tortillas
begetable or canola oil, for fying
Serve with your choice: sour cream/quacamole/salsa/taco sauce/ ranch dressing
Instructions
1 - In a large bowl mix together the chicken, cream cheese, sour cream, salsa, cheddar and spinach. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
2 - Working with one tortilla at a time spread 2 heaping tablespoons of the chicken mixture off center and spread out like a log. Roll up an set seam side down on a platter. Repeat until all tortillas are filled and rolled.
3 - Add enough oil to a large skillet to generously cover the bottom. Heat on medium to medium-low heat, cook tortillas in batches. Turning to brown each side. Remove to paper towles to drain
4 - Serve with your choice of dunking sauce.
We did the same thing... minus steps 3 &4.
I mixed everything together with the mixer. We used shredded rotisserie chicken from the grocery store and I mixed everything in the mixer. Cutting up the spinich I used sizzors to cut off the tops and then snip it all together.
Instead of cooking in the frying pan I brushed a cookie sheet with oil lightly and placed the rolls on it. Then brushing the tops lightly. I put this all in the oven at 425F for 12-15 minutes. They were PERFECT! Seriously. This meal has been requested almost every other day since then!
I found this version on Pinterest. I did change it a bit since I didn't want to fry anything.
Chubby Chicken and Cream Cheese Taquitos
Prep Time - 15 minutes
Cook Time - 18 minutes
Total Time - 32 minutes
"The golden crunch of tortillias gives way to a creamy chicken and cream cheese filling that is easy to love."
Ingredients
3 cups of cooked shredded chicken (suggested to use rotisserie)
6 ounces of cream cheese, softened
1/3 cup of sour cream
1/2 cup of salsa
1 + 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 + 1/2 cups chopped baby spinach, sems removed
coarse salt and fresh black pepper, to taste
9-10 (6 inch) flour tortillas
begetable or canola oil, for fying
Serve with your choice: sour cream/quacamole/salsa/taco sauce/ ranch dressing
Instructions
1 - In a large bowl mix together the chicken, cream cheese, sour cream, salsa, cheddar and spinach. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
2 - Working with one tortilla at a time spread 2 heaping tablespoons of the chicken mixture off center and spread out like a log. Roll up an set seam side down on a platter. Repeat until all tortillas are filled and rolled.
3 - Add enough oil to a large skillet to generously cover the bottom. Heat on medium to medium-low heat, cook tortillas in batches. Turning to brown each side. Remove to paper towles to drain
4 - Serve with your choice of dunking sauce.
We did the same thing... minus steps 3 &4.
I mixed everything together with the mixer. We used shredded rotisserie chicken from the grocery store and I mixed everything in the mixer. Cutting up the spinich I used sizzors to cut off the tops and then snip it all together.
Instead of cooking in the frying pan I brushed a cookie sheet with oil lightly and placed the rolls on it. Then brushing the tops lightly. I put this all in the oven at 425F for 12-15 minutes. They were PERFECT! Seriously. This meal has been requested almost every other day since then!
Monday, March 4, 2013
Marriage Mondays ~ Think Ahead
I've been talking alot about little notes of love. How those little gestures can mean so much to the other person. Today is no different.
We all know a few weeks ago was Valentine's Day. We know for us it is never a "big" holiday. We always chill out at home. Infact I don't think we have ever been out ON Valentine's Day.
This year was going to be different. A girl from school was going to babysit for us. Her first time babysitting and a great treat for us to go out on Valentine's Day.
The week before I spent alot of time trying to figure out just what to do for my husband. I mean he has everything he wants... me! Right!?! I'm sure there is more he wants but I would have to be enough.
I still wanted to do something super sweet. So Sunday night I came up with a "plan". On Monday I was going to get up early and mail off something for my husband. Then reality hit.. I had a daycare girl on Monday morning and if this was going to happen it was going to happen EARLY! And I do mean EARLY.
So Monday morning I kicked my hubby out of the house in record time (well not kicked, but strongly encouraged by completing some of his tasks). Then the boys and I came up with 14 reasons Arnold is my valentine. The boys were a "Great" help by suggesting things like "can play on the wii with us". Here are a few of my suggestions.
I quickly signed and sent the card away before my daycare girl got there. Oh yeah, I'm that good!
Every day during the week I got more and more excited about when his card would arrive at work. Turns out, that it arrived perfectly on Valentine's Day. And he was the *only* one on the 2nd floor to get his card. I love it when things work out perfectly!
I, was *so* blessed. My husband feels that showing the boys, by example, of how to love the woman in their life. And true to his word, he took the boys out the night before and they bought flowers and hid them in the house (I'm still not sure where the hiding place is!). Valentine's morning I woke up to 2 bouquets of flowers at the top of the stairs, complete with sweet cards. Quinton gave me beautiful orange tulips and Kyler gave me some colourful mums. Arnold gave me pink (almost purple) roses. Everything was beautiful!
I am one lucky lady.
While thinking ahead of Valentine's day is always a good idea, it doesn't have to stop there. Think ahead about a date, or special date coming up. Even just another day of the week. Those "just because" cards are the best.
I dare you. I dare you to think ahead and drop something in the mail for your special person in your life. See what a difference a card can make!
We all know a few weeks ago was Valentine's Day. We know for us it is never a "big" holiday. We always chill out at home. Infact I don't think we have ever been out ON Valentine's Day.
This year was going to be different. A girl from school was going to babysit for us. Her first time babysitting and a great treat for us to go out on Valentine's Day.
The week before I spent alot of time trying to figure out just what to do for my husband. I mean he has everything he wants... me! Right!?! I'm sure there is more he wants but I would have to be enough.
I still wanted to do something super sweet. So Sunday night I came up with a "plan". On Monday I was going to get up early and mail off something for my husband. Then reality hit.. I had a daycare girl on Monday morning and if this was going to happen it was going to happen EARLY! And I do mean EARLY.
So Monday morning I kicked my hubby out of the house in record time (well not kicked, but strongly encouraged by completing some of his tasks). Then the boys and I came up with 14 reasons Arnold is my valentine. The boys were a "Great" help by suggesting things like "can play on the wii with us". Here are a few of my suggestions.
Loving Husband
Amazing Father
Hard worker
Good with your Hands
Godfearing Man
Strong in Every Situation
Attentive to my Needs
I quickly signed and sent the card away before my daycare girl got there. Oh yeah, I'm that good!
Every day during the week I got more and more excited about when his card would arrive at work. Turns out, that it arrived perfectly on Valentine's Day. And he was the *only* one on the 2nd floor to get his card. I love it when things work out perfectly!
I, was *so* blessed. My husband feels that showing the boys, by example, of how to love the woman in their life. And true to his word, he took the boys out the night before and they bought flowers and hid them in the house (I'm still not sure where the hiding place is!). Valentine's morning I woke up to 2 bouquets of flowers at the top of the stairs, complete with sweet cards. Quinton gave me beautiful orange tulips and Kyler gave me some colourful mums. Arnold gave me pink (almost purple) roses. Everything was beautiful!
I am one lucky lady.
While thinking ahead of Valentine's day is always a good idea, it doesn't have to stop there. Think ahead about a date, or special date coming up. Even just another day of the week. Those "just because" cards are the best.
I dare you. I dare you to think ahead and drop something in the mail for your special person in your life. See what a difference a card can make!
Saturday, March 2, 2013
A Reminder Of All Things New
I know that alot of the Facebook status updates and Twitter updates were about how people wished spring would come now! Right now!
The "storm" we had this week was another reminder of why people want spring. The slushy weather was horrible. My boys were told to bring extra socks to school. On Friday, Kyler even took 3 pairs. One for when he got there and after each of the recesses. Smart kid! He knew he would get wet feet, so there's no point in avoiding it at all.
While the storm is sucky, and the weather isn't idea anymore it's still winter.
The thing I love about winter is the way things look "new". When the blanket of snow covers the world and things look fresh, new, white again.
I will always remember this one day I was in high school. We had early band practice and I needed to get there early enough to warm up. I remember turning down this one corner on Lakeshore Road and seeing the most beautiful sight ever. It had snowed the night before and everything was covered in this beautiful white snow. Everything. It was such a gift from God to see His grace. And the reminder that all things are "new".
On our "storm" day this week I was reminded of this again. While the weather was yucky and slushy and just not nice there was still a reminder of all things new. New things are coming. The bulbs are going to be coming up soon, the weather will change and things will be new/warm again!
For now ....
Enjoy the beauty
The "storm" we had this week was another reminder of why people want spring. The slushy weather was horrible. My boys were told to bring extra socks to school. On Friday, Kyler even took 3 pairs. One for when he got there and after each of the recesses. Smart kid! He knew he would get wet feet, so there's no point in avoiding it at all.
While the storm is sucky, and the weather isn't idea anymore it's still winter.
The thing I love about winter is the way things look "new". When the blanket of snow covers the world and things look fresh, new, white again.
I will always remember this one day I was in high school. We had early band practice and I needed to get there early enough to warm up. I remember turning down this one corner on Lakeshore Road and seeing the most beautiful sight ever. It had snowed the night before and everything was covered in this beautiful white snow. Everything. It was such a gift from God to see His grace. And the reminder that all things are "new".
On our "storm" day this week I was reminded of this again. While the weather was yucky and slushy and just not nice there was still a reminder of all things new. New things are coming. The bulbs are going to be coming up soon, the weather will change and things will be new/warm again!
For now ....
Enjoy the beauty
And just for a smile:
Friday, March 1, 2013
New Food Fridays #1 ~ Apricot-glazed Pork Dinner
This year for Christmas I got a new cookbook. Well 2 actually. I'm working my way through the Betty Crocker Cookbook (New Edition "The Big Red cookbook"). I'm going to try and include page numbers if possible.
Today's meal came from page 566
Today's meal came from page 566
New Food Fridays ~ Back Again!
I'm finally getting caught up in life and, at the same time, trying to make things a bit more "simple".
When I was in grade 7, my teacher, Mr. Burger, always told us to "KISS".... I know I know... but it stands for :
So I'm following that and changing things up a bit. Last time I attempted the "New Food Fridays" I never managed to keep up. Writing everything out took so long, getting pictures edited and keeping things organized just didn't work for me.
This time around I'm trying something a little different. I'm going to work on getting the meals up every Friday, but without typing everything up. I've got pictures of the recipes I've made. If it's something I've found online I'll type it up for you, or share a link.
Hope you enjoy them!
PS you may notice the first bit will all be in alphabetical order. This is because when I finally figured out what I was going to do that's how they ended up!
When I was in grade 7, my teacher, Mr. Burger, always told us to "KISS".... I know I know... but it stands for :
Keep It Simple Stupid
or
Keep It Sorta Simple
So I'm following that and changing things up a bit. Last time I attempted the "New Food Fridays" I never managed to keep up. Writing everything out took so long, getting pictures edited and keeping things organized just didn't work for me.
This time around I'm trying something a little different. I'm going to work on getting the meals up every Friday, but without typing everything up. I've got pictures of the recipes I've made. If it's something I've found online I'll type it up for you, or share a link.
Hope you enjoy them!
PS you may notice the first bit will all be in alphabetical order. This is because when I finally figured out what I was going to do that's how they ended up!
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