New Beginnings

Our long weekend has come to an end and how sad to see it go....but so thankful that the weather was awesome....Saturday the temps. reached 29 degrees (C)...and Sunday was 31 degrees.

Saturday was so beautiful that we spent the entire day out in the yard.  We cut all the grass and  the vineyard...we brought out the patio furniture and cleaned it all up...ready for summer .  We planted Anika's garden.  She was so excited.  Unfortunately, we were so busy I forgot to get pictures.  The kids played in the sprinkler...then we threw smokies on the barbecue and relaxed the evening away, watching the hummingbirds at our feeders and watching the sunset....couldn't ask for a better day.

Sunday we went to church and just relaxed the rest of the day.  The weather was just as beautiful as Saturday, but it is our day of rest and that is exactly what we did "rest"....plus I was aching all over from the day before and couldn't even "muster" the energy for anything.  DH took the kids in the evening to see the new Chronicles of Narnia movie, while I stayed home and worked on some "wedding stuff". 

Today, (Monday) I took Tianna and two friends to the biggest mall here (almost 500 stores)....they wanted to buy a couple of things and I am looking for a "mother of the bride" outfit....came home empty handed....Not sure what I am going to do....and all I got for my day was aching feet and a bad headache.  So after I complained a bit a couple of my children massaged my feet, dh gave me Tylenol and a coffee.  I am totally exhausted from shopping....now I know why "shopping" is one of my least favourite things to do. 

Right now while I am typing there is a breeze coming through the window and the smell of freshness after a rain is wonderful...I am truly blessed.

My African Children are officially "Canadian Citizens....we will have a celebration this weekend...but here  are a couple  photos of them and  their certificates.  We can now apply for their new passports. 

 ....did I have the best, most amazing, awesome, terrific Mother's Day ever????

Because:

1) I have the best kids in the world...who take the time to make special gifts for me.

2)  They pampered me the entire day.

3) They love me even when I screw up.

4) I had food to eat...and probably too much.

5)  The roof does not leak on my home.

6) I went to church.

7) Have a reliable van to drive to church.

8) Couldn't decide what to wear....oh my what a dilemma

9) A dh who loves and cares for his family.

10) Coffee

11) Cash in my pocket so that I can tithe.

12) Freedom

13) A God who blessed me with six children....and the list could go on and on

 I am so blessed

So now let's remember and pray for all those suffering in Myanmar who do not have what I just listed...the death toll that has risen to over 250,000 people....families who are now not only suffering physically, but mentally as they must grieve the loss of all those things we take for granted every day.

So this week and the weeks to come, when we think about grumbling and complaining....let's remember those who have lost "everything"... the visual views of hundreds of dead bodies floating in the waters, children wandering in the streets with no one...sick people everywhere and no medicine or water .....and now for those left behind all that is left for them  is "hope"....hope that someone will rescue them...that they will survive.  And those without hope?????

We need to pray!

Here are photos of things happening around our homestead this week.  No matter our circumstances, we can always find ways to be thankful...here are some of mine.....

Because of the price of wheat, it is definately cheaper to make your own....and nothing smells better than homemade bread baking in the oven.

Our dd made this delicious cake with her caregiver and decorated it  by herself....so nice she thought of us and wanted to share.

Finally getting the vineyard  up to standard after the long cold winter.... doesn't it look nice when things are pruned and the grass is cut....still working though on Round-up between each plant.....one acre down, three more to go.

Got some flowers and herbs planted....let's hope I do not kill the herbs this year

My boys.....what more is there to say

I am finally managing to get some desperate weeding done in the front flower bed...there were so many dandelions that you couldn't even see the soil....but sure starts to look beautiful when the weeds are pulled.....

I guess kind of like our lives...When we begin to  weed out the evil that seems to  slowly manifest itself because of  "spiritual neglect", others around can finally see the beauty that has been hidden by bad attitudes, grumpiness, laziness, discontentment and the list could go on.

If I do not go outside daily and spend a little time removing the new  weeds that pop up in my garden, before you know it, my flowerbeds look the same as before....so is the same with our day to day life ....I need to daily confess my sins, keep my thought patterns pure, spend quiet time just me and God and read my bible....cause when I neglect those things, the weeds of sin starts to grow once again and the people around you can no longer observe the beauty  that they once saw or know is there because we have abandoned the most important aspect of our lives....as our gardens need tending to, watering and  sunshine, how much more do we as people need spiritual tending too....life giving water and the warm  Sonshine to help us grow so that the world can see a glimpse of the gardens of our hearts....and not the weeds

I love looking at beautiful flower gardens, how much more, people love looking at others who show kindness, compassion, smile when someone walks by,  lend a helping hand and again, the list could go on.

...what a wild and crazy weekend....like Audrey said, "feel like I've ran a marathon"....I am so tired today.  Didn't accomplish too much....Managed to finish three loads of laundry....and cook dinner.

I did however have a wonderful weekend.  Audrey, Grace and I had a blast shopping, eating and more shopping.....Here is what they bought me for my birthday.

It is a welcome planter box...but I think I will put house plants in there and leave it in my entrance way....otherwise if it is outside my front door, I will not get to enjoy it as much.

Dh made an awesome Spaghetti dinner with garlic bread and caesar salad...then we did a chocolate Fountain for dessert instead of cake...the kids had a blast with all that chocolate.

Sunday we had friends over who also have adopted from Thailand....they have a son the same age as Daniel.  We had such a great time that I totally forgot to take pictures of our day.....I decided to do a "Thai Lunch" in celebration of our boys and their soon to be new adopted child...which we pray happens soon.  I decorated the table with all Thai things....and we had Thai ribs....actually they are Korean ribs, but we added a couple different ingredients and said it was Thai...I made Thai rice, spring rolls and my friend brought an awesome salad....and once again, NO photos

Took the boys to get their Tuxedos for the wedding...here they are trying on different styles.

Today is my birthday...and yes Audrey I am "still" 29....I will be spending my day with my dearest friend Audrey and my amazing niece Grace.  We are heading off to a day of shopping, eating, antiquing and wherever else our vehicle takes us.  Then home to a dinner being cooked by my dh and children.

Actually, children have already started my birthday wishes....6:30am---clinck, bang, (son taking out the toaster)....7:10----"mom, how do you close this coffee lid".....7:25am...door opens children singing "Happy Birthday to me"---bringing tray with coffee and toast for me and dh....

What a way to wake up on a Saturday

Will post pictures of our day, since apparently Audrey is bringing her camera.

P.S.  This day, 29 years ago.....my great grandfather passed away....He died from complications to Shingles...He died approximately 20 or so  minutes before I was born ( can't remember the exact time)....so this day is also special to me for that reason.  May I carry on a legacy that will be not only pleasing to my heavenly father, but would make great-grandpa proud.

I love homemade soap....unfortunately, I have not been successful at making it....I guess practice is the key along with great ingredients.  Here is a photo of two very different kinds of soap...but both look and smell great.   I have only used  the blue one which I received from Ellie....she makes wonderful smelling soaps.  Because I am allergic to perfumes and strong smells, Ellie chose very subtle fragrances for me.  Two out of the three I received, our family has already used and this is my last one.

Yesterday, while at Audrey's house helping with her draw, she gave me the other soap pictured here. Audrey purchased soaps  from Dalyn over at Hick Chicks Soap Barn ....I have only smelled this one and it was awesome.  Thank you Audrey for sharing with me.  I think I need to order myself a few things.  "So Dalyn if your reading this, I need to place an order.  I was thinking of maybe adding a few small  things to the gift bags that Audrey and I are preparing for the Bridal Shower....won't that be a great gift for  some lucky women to receive at the party?" 

Staying Fresh and Clean thanks to Woman out there who have a passion for Soapmaking and home businesses. 

It has been a very busy week around here.  It is the time of year again where there is lots of work to do in the vineyard.  Our children do not get paid for doing their daily chores, but working in the vineyard is different....this is one "chore" that is not minded because they know that at the end of it, cash goes into their pockets.

It has been a  beautiful week, so the children and I have been trying to get lots of weeding completed despite that fact that most of us all ended up with colds and bad coughs.  I kept Anika home from school today because she was sneezing so much that I didn't want her spreading it around.

Getting closer to the Wedding date, so "mom" is getting a bit stressed and nervous.  But thanks to my dear friend Audrey who offered to host the bridal shower.  She removed a huge weight that I didn't know was there until she made the offer.  Thanks my dear friend......now if only I could get my "mother of the bride outfit"....Yikes

Dh and I are to be taking dancing lessons, but that has not happened...so it will be quite a laugh for all those folks watching...well, at least it will give people something to talk about after it's ALL over.

I have also been baking break every day this week....with the cost of bread going up so high, it is still incredibly cheap to making your own.  We usually go through 1-2 loaves a day.  I also started making my own hotdog buns, and hamburger buns with this recipe from my cousin's blog.  Unfortunately, I never seem to get a chance to get a picture of the buns, because they are so delicious and get eaten very quickly around here.

Well, that about sums up my week so far.  Enjoy your evening everyone

Ethan having a foot massage and Daniel working the remote....already starting "a guy and his remote"

......more of a "good thing".  Or by the smile, "a great thing".

Lemon Muffins...makes 40 large muffins.

6 cups flour

4 cups sugar

1 tsp baking soda

1/2 tsp salt

8 eggs

2 cups sour cream

2 cups melted butter

3 tbsp grated lemon peel

2 tbsp lemon juice

Streusel:

1/2 cup flour

1/2 cup sugar

1/8 cup cold butter

Glaze:

1/2 cup sugar

1/3 cup lemon juice

In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking soda and salt. In another bowl, whisk the eggs, sour cream, butter, lemon peel and juice.  Stir into dry ingredients just until moistened.  Fill greased or paper-lined muffin cups 3/4 full. 

In a small bowl, combine flour and sugar; cut in butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.  Sprinkle over batter.

Bake at 350 degrees for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.  Cool for 5 minutes before removing from pans to wire racks.  In a small bowl, whisk glaze ingredients, drizzle over warm muffins.

Tianna's favourite past-time

Our first outdoor picnic of the season...It was such a beautiful day yesterday that some of the kids wanted to eat outside...didn't even have our summer tables out....but who needs that when you have a floor or rubbermaids.

FYI....  After I posted these pictures I realized that Ethan was wearing the same clothes in the top pictures as he was in a previous post...this is why I got rid of five bags of clothes....they seem to wear the same thing over and over again....I showed these pictures  to Ethan , and he says..."so, they are my favourite" I guess then  he won't mind having less clothes in his closet

....go visit the birdlady and leave a comment on her blog....this is her 100th post and she is giving away amazing prizes.

Congratulations dear friend on your 100th blog entry.

Took the kids to V V Boutique (a.k.a. Value Village) to do some shopping.  I spent $203.85.  Here are the deals I found...

--four pairs of brand new running shoes for boys.

--five pairs of pants for boys.

--five pairs of shoes for Anika

--one bathrobe for Stephanie

--three nighties for Stephanie

--two belts for boys

--one nightie for "me"

--three casual shirts for dh

--seven skirts for Anika

--three pairs of Jeans for Anika

Great day for "deals".

After a hard day of trying on clothes

.....friends go to a restaurant for take-out....

They bring you some too. This was absolutely amazing....Dh and I have dissected this delicious dish, and now we will see if we can come up with something similar....will let you know.

This is what happens when you make a first attempt at "dipped candles but  do not use wax specifically for "dipped candles"...who knew there was a difference..

This is what happens when you have special friends who think about you when they go out shopping....thanks Audrey

This is what happens when you tell your children to turn the TV off....they play!!

This is what happens when you still have leftover Easter candy.....you share with your siblings.

......Daniel decorating cupcakes for school.  Yesterday was a busy day running here and there....I am trying to combine my errands and children's activities together as  the price of gas is soaring to heights unknown.....UGH

I am deep in spring cleaning right now.  I cleaned the main bathroom and it sure feels great to get those kinds of things out of the way.  I also went through ALL our winter and summer clothes and ended up having  five garbage bags of clothes to give to our church as we have a "free clothes swap" twice a year.  We have one happening in a couple of weeks.  Anyone can go and take anything they need for FREE....it is a great outreach to the community.  So I went through everything we own  and could not believe that I had so much stuff....but thankfully my closets are organized and we help others too.

Had coffee with Audrey yesterday.  Hadn't seen her for a while and we always have a blast when together. Haven't made it to Curves for a while....life just seems to happen very quickly and before you know it, another day has passed and I have not exercised.  Oh well, there is always tomorrow

 .....this is what my son Ethan said to me at 2:30am....this morning.  We had gone to see a World Vision presentation at Trinity Western University.  You were given a set of headphones and a mini-ipod.  You were taken through these curtains as a story of one child's life was given to you through audio.  The props were  unbelievable and so well done.  You felt like you were in Africa...it brough back such vivid memories for me.  The sounds of the audio were so real.  The stories of the four children were also true stories, just their names were changed to protect them. 

Anyway, one of the booths behind a curtain was a representation of a girl aged 15 who had died giving birth to a baby....and the sister was telling her story.  There was no one to care for the baby who was this girls niece so she at age 7 said she would raise the baby.  On the ground was a blanket that looked like a "body bag" where the girl was to be laying.  It was very surreal. Ethan was very afraid to proceed through each curtain...so last night he was having nightmares about people dying and he woke me up to tell me he was afraid and couldn't sleep.  I should have let him sleep with us, but I was too tired...so I prayed with him and then sent him back to bed and told him to talk to God until he fell asleep.  When he woke up this morning, he said that he slept fine after praying.

Dh and I were not sure how our African children would respond to such a presentation...but we felt it important for ALL our children to see and experience something so real.  Anika seemed okay, but it brought up a lot of discussion which is good because they themselves have suffered a lot in Africa and these images brought back their our mental images that perhaps are buried.  Anyway, I hope Ethan sleeps well tonight.

Here are a few photos of the rest of our weekend.

Dh getting the mowing deck on the tractor and ready for another season.

My boys having fun with dad's tools.

Having a snack break...Daniel trying to be funny and Ethan with a piece of melted cheese hanging from his lip....hilarious.

Did you ever wonder how margarine is made?  You know, the stuff that’s supposed to taste like butter and be healthier for you?  I couldn’t help wondering because if it’s not butter, then what is it? 

 This is what I found out from this blog.

First, margarine is made from vegetable oil.  Along with using high pressure and high temperature to remove the oil, hexane is used to remove the last bit.  Hexane is a carcinogen (causes cancer), and is mostly removed later on, but trace amounts remain.

Second, the oils are steam cleaned.  This kills any bacteria, but also destroys any vitamins and anti-oxidants that were in the oils.

Third, the oils are then mixed with finely ground nickel, which acts as a catalyst for the hydrogenation process.  Nickel is also a carcinogen.

Fourth, the oils are again put under high temperature and pressure, and hydrogen gas is introduced.  The hydrogen atoms are forced into the oils.  This turns the oils from a liquid into a semi-solid.  This semi-solid pretty much takes the form of a grey greasy substance.  Emulsifiers are added to remove any lumps.

Fifth, the grey grease is steam cleaned again, and bleached to turn it white (after all, who wants to eat grey margarine?). 

Because you now have a lump of stuff that has practically no nutritional value or taste, synthetic vitamins and artificial flavors are added.  A natural yellow color is added to make it look like butter.  Until the 1950s, margarine had to be white so people wouldn’t mix them up.  Now people don’t know the difference.

So which would you choose…a bleached, colored, artificially flavored greasy lump…or….nice fresh, lightly salted butter right from the cow?  I know what I’d choose.  In fact, I don’t know if I can ever eat margarine again.  Yuck!

....naming them one by one.

I love that Hymn " Count your blessings"....sometimes life gets so crazy and seems to spin out of control that we forget to stop and see around us all the blessings that God has given....so here are a few of my blessings that I see around me today.

My daughter who loves food and that hat.

My boys who also love their food...Daniel eats with such passion

Good Food....breakfast cookies and fresh strawberries...Yum

Children at play.

Our Peach Tree in bloom

Flowers...

Our Rotti....Maggie, truly "man's best friend

....It certainly was a wonderful day.

Because of all the company that would be coming and baking that needed to be prepared fresh (including  these amazing buns which I got  from here.)...dh and I decided it best to attend the Saturday evening service at our church.  It was once again an awesome service....always things to learn and applications to put into practice.

Our home was filled with all of DH family.  His sister was visiting from Colorado and his brother came back from  Nigeria where he had been helping my other SIL and BIL with  missions work.  So including our family of eight there was 19 of us in total.  We had so much fun.  We even all sat down (which we have never done) and watched a movie called Racing Stripes....it was hilarious. 

The food was amazing as usual and we probably ALL ate too much....here is a recipe that my DH came up with when I told him I wanted to make Stuffed Mushrooms.  We made about fifty...and here was the last six--just managed to get a photo before they were all gone....I call these,

Ken's Mushroom Caps

1-8 ounce package cream cheese

2 cloved of minced garlic

4 tbsp chopped green onion

1 tsp Italian seasoning

3 tbsp red wine

Few drops of Hot sauce

1/2 cup fresh Parmesan Cheese

1 cup Cheddar Cheese

1 cup Mozzarella Cheese

I drizzled a little bit of melted butter and olive oil on the bottom of the pan and then placed all the caps in the mixture....they grated a bit more Mozzarella over top before baking in the oven at 350 degrees for 20 minutes.

***These were amazing....definately a keeper for this family.  Everything turns purple because of the wine, but once they are baked you can't even tell...the purple colour seemed to disappear.