Meal Planning

This post was made for Tuesday but for some reason, it didn't post...so here it is now...

On Saturday, I decided to make some meals to put in the freezer to make suppers easier this week...here is somewhat of a meal plan for this week:

Monday - French Onion Chicken Noodle Casserole

The prep was very easy and it looked and smelled delish. We had it last night and well Ricky and I ate it.  The kids didn't like the look of it.  It was good but I wouldn't add so much onion...I think I would omit the Onion dip altogether.  Will add this to my list of Pinterest Worthy recipes.

Tuesday - Chicken / Steak Quesadillas

Tonight is Brownie night so it's a quick meal.  I prepped some diced chicken and steak in taco seasoning and all that we have to do is assemble and cook tonight. I decided to make one pizzadilla too (which was pizza sauce, pepperoni and cheese) and mine was made with seasoned steak and kimchi.  Maddy put her nose up and was like "I don't like that..." then she tried it and said "mmm, this is good".  Mission accomplished.

Wednesday - Cheesy Stuffed Pepper Casserole

I love stuffed peppers but I hate the fact that when the peppers are cooked in the oven, the skin sorta falls off...this works great.  Tastes the same but without me having to pick off the skins.  The recipe though, makes a lot, probably enough for two freezer meals.  I also added quinoa in my rice mixture.

Thursday - Spaghetti

I made a small batch of spaghetti sauce on Saturday while I was cooking up a storm.  We all love spaghetti.

Friday - Whatever

I don't plan meals on Fridays.  We just swing it.

Happy Friday!

Throwback Thursday

 

Halloween is this weekend and although I would have loved to taken a look at all the kids Halloween costumes in the years past, my Facebook was being slow and I couldn't find them all.  So instead...I went through some photos and pulled some that looked like costumes...so this is a photo crazy post and in no particular order...

Maddy - the strawberry (I loved this costume)

Tanner's First Halloween

Maddy the Witch

Tanner the Penguin

Kitty Kat and Puppy (and soother)

Mickey and Minnie (new hats made by Maria)

Maddy being a silly hot dog at Value Village

My Bunny Family!

Tanner the Builder

Dr. Tanner

The whole trick or treating crew last Halloween

Tanner last year as a Monster

My leprechauns

Maddy the Monster

Cutest Bunny around...

Tanner wearing a mustache

Home and School Committee Spirit


Happy Thursday

What I'm Loving Wednesday...and not

- loving that the actual Hurricane Patricia did not hit anywhere near us...not loving that we are getting torrential rain and wind today because of "her"

- loving that today is my niece's birthday...not loving that she's 16, what???

- loving that the teachers are striking for changes...not loving that this inconveniences parents and we have to find sitters for our kids those days (we had Monday off, Nov 4th and if things aren't set by then, there is a possible two day strike between Nov 9 - 12 and another three day strike Dec 1, 2 and 3rd)

- loving that Halloween is this weekend...not loving that I have to load everyone in the car to go to the outskirts, then come back to do town...I wish everyone was close!

- loving that I am going to take the kids to Carlingwood on Saturday morning to trick or treat and visit Peter Pan and Cinderella...not loving driving to the city on weekends (when I'm there all week, but I am doing it to pass the day...and to do something with Josee and Landyn)

- loving making cute Halloween treats for daycare and school...not loving that I have to find time this week in the evenings to complete

- loving that Maddy has put on her entrepreneur hat and has started making really simple Christmas ornaments to sell at the Craft sale...not loving I burnt myself on them last weekend

- loving that I get to drive in by myself for the next two weeks...not loving that it may or could snow (haha)

- loving that today is pay day...not loving that it's my last pay until after Christmas *update...oops, I realized last night that I do get one more before Christmas, I get paid once a month and for some reason, I was freaking out yesterday that this was my last one...phew!

- loving that I am checking things off the Christmas lists...not loving that it's just saving in virtual shopping carts and in my head, I need to start clicking BUY

Happy Wednesday!

{Weekend Rewind}

This weekend was good!

Friday
Ricky stayed home with both kids so that meant I could get up, do my own thing and head out as soon as my hot chocolate was ready.  And that I did...I drove in complete darkness, all the way to work!  I was at work early, because I wanted to leave early.  My day was made when I went to Starbucks to get my morning Cool Lime Refresher...and my name was on it, finally!  Ricky took the kids to the bush and they caught two partridges.  Maddy even held them...and cleaned them...gross!  I left work early, did a return, got an oil change on the car and did groceries.  I grabbed Subway for supper for the crew then went to  visit my grandparents (and drop off my 20 lbs of potatoes).

Saturday
I had plans to do nothing.  I wanted to give the house a thorough clean.  I wanted to organize, de-clutter and clean everything...and that I did.  I vacuumed under the beds, dusted nooks and crannies, I did all the laundry and made meals for the week (more on this this week).  Maddy and I made Christmas ornaments that she wants to sell at the Craft Sale.  I was pleased on how they turned out.  By noon, I was done and ready to relax...except I didn't.  My mom ended up going to get to Rylie for the night so we visited with them until 6:30 pm.  Ricky was home around 8:30 from working back at the camp and it was an early night. 

Sunday
Ricky went back to the camp again and I had another busy day planned.  We went to Church, I taught Sunday School then came home and had lunch.  I started cooking my potatoes for the Harvest Supper and decided to make some chocolate chip muffins and 7 layer squares (I was craving something sweet).  I finished all the laundry, downloaded some songs and just basically watched the pot boil.  Once they were done, I drained, and started mashing and bagging.  A little after 3, Maddy and I loaded our cooler of potatoes and headed to the hall to go help out at the Harvest Supper for our Church.  It was a great turn out, as usual, we were busy and on our toes cleaning off tables and re-setting tables.  We stuck around to hear that Papi won the 5 homemade pies from the raffle, then helped clean up and headed home.  Another early night at the Belland household.

How was your weekend?

Today / Tomorrow / Next Week

TODAY

- I am riding solo
- I drove in darkness and was in work early
- I am planning on leaving early (because I was in early) to get an oil change and groceries!
- I am having my last free Korean lunch
- Ricky is home with both kids, voluntarily
- Ricky and the kids are going to the bush
- is Friday, yay!
- I am running to get groceries...blech
- I am bringing 20 lbs of potatoes to my 94 year old grandmother to peel and cut (because she enjoys doing it) for our Harvest Supper (I'll cook them, mash them and stuff them in Ziploc bags in my cooler on Sunday, that's my share, it's an equal job)


TOMORROW

- is Saturday
- I am cleaning...cleaning and cleaning
- I am hoping to bake
- I want to re-organize and vacuum under the beds (random right lol)
- I will get my Sunday School lesson ready
- I will start Maddy's brownie project to get her pet badge

NEXT WEEK

- is the last week that I will have Ricky driving, then he's off for three weeks for the hunt, boo
- I will be getting Halloween treats and bags ready for daycare friends
- I will be getting Halloween costumes ready
- is the last week of October, crazy
- I will campaign for our elections, GO EDDIE GO!
- Maddy has her Halloween party at Brownies
- the teachers are striking

Happy Weekend!

Throwback Thursday

I am throwing it back to a year ago today.  This was my blog entry from that day (in my former blog):

October 22nd will never be a "normal" day in Ottawa...or any day after as far as I am concerned.  I am sure everyone all around the globe heard what happened in Ottawa yesterday.  

What started out as a "normal" day turned very grizzly by 10 am after Michael Zehaf-Bibeau decided to go to the National War Memorial and shoot Cpl. Nathan Cirillo while standing guard at the unknown soldier tomb.  This happened just steps away from my work office - everything immediately around me went into lockdown.  I didn't really know what to do - but I turned off my episode of Desperate Housewives and was glued to CTV news and Twitter all day waiting for updates.  The first two hours I would say were the most critical and scary.  There were statements telling everyone to not look out windows - don't go near rooftops and basically just stay away from the downtown core altogether.  I wasn't going anywhere.  I was also alone which made the experience a little more frightening.  Co-workers immediately started calling to see if all was okay at the office and would wait for updates.  I got home last night at 7:30 pm when the lockdown was finally lifted.

Michael Zehaf-Bibeau is just a name to me and he didn't deserve to die.  He should be serving justice for what he did but instead, to me, he got the easy way out.  He left a young soldier, a 24 year old father dead.  It baffles my mind and even though they say there is no threat anymore, and they have video coverage that shows he was most likely the only shooter, I still have many questions.  If he was the only shooter, then why were there "reports" of other shootings after Michael was shot inside Parliament?  At one point they thought they had a second shooter.  I realize that at the time it's all speculation and media but I can't come to think that they really, truly don't know.  There were earlier reports of  grey motorcycle taking off....where is it now?

I am feeling uneasy because I frequently take walks down that way and I have met people in that exact spot to buy stuff from online used sites....will I ever trust myself to walk in that direction again?  Probably not anytime soon.  

I did get up this morning, I did get dressed and I did head into the office.  Why?  I can't let this take over my life.  I have to keep listening to reports and updates, I have to better understand this and eventually I hope to feel safe again.  I also apparently need to pay attention to this ISIS business and what is going around the World...I tend to block that out.

I don't think Ottawa will ever be back to "normal" though.  That is my opinion.  When you are thrown in that situation, it becomes very real.  I was scared to leave my office just to go to the washroom.  I feared that I would have to spend the night.  I worried that I was going to die of starvation (okay, that is exaggeration, I actually had snacks)....but all in all, I can't let this get to me.

We were more of a high risk because there are two departments in my building that made us high risk therefore, we were one of the last ones to be "released" but in all reality, I believe that we were safer inside and I actually worried about leaving.  Thankfully I had an escort to my car in the building next over (thank god cuz the parking garage was in darkness).

I still think of this day...and I feel that maybe in the light of things, security has been beefed up and it seems everyone is more alert.  Since starting my new job, I feel a lot more secure in this building as it is always being patrolled because we house a number of embassies.  I like the fact that the Security Services of the House of Commons is right beside me, but I can't help but feel scared of events like this still happening.  Today they are having a sombre service at the War Memorial where Cpl Nathan Cirillo was killed. It will feature a fighter jet flypast, a 21-gun salute, an honour guard and moments of reflection.

I'll go back a month ago, September 22nd, I was watching Twitter and saw a report of a shooting in Wilno.  My sister's in laws are in that area so I sent her the Tweet.  I was literally glued to it all day.  By late afternoon, they had a law firm on lockdown and the court house on lockdown (which are in close proximity of me)...to say I was a little scared was an understatement.  All I kept thinking was, oh no, not again.  Thankfully they caught the lone shooter.  Unfortunately, three innocent women lost their lives that day. 

I guess we just have to be used to this stuff, if it's going to happen, it's going to happen.  My new co-workers (who love in the UK) were shocked when I told them that in Ottawa there are shootings, probably one somewhere every night...some we hear about, some we don't...some are obviously more serious and some are not.  They were taken back...they couldn't believe such a thing.  We have seen enough of it lately but I guess the best we can do is be prepared...so as always, I have lots of snacks in my drawers, water in my fridge and prepared for a lockdown situation.

Happy Thursday!

What I'm Loving Wednesday

- that the elections are over

- Grey's Anatomy

- the weather yesterday, compared to Monday

- my craft sale that I am organizing is completely full and under way

- my Saje Wellness diffuser, still

- pay day is next week...I am okay with getting paid monthly, this time though, there was a lot that came out

- Maddy is joining dance activity that I am organizing at the school (we can only hope that it will continue, that all depends on numbers and how many kids actually come out to it)

- I am planning on getting TWO goes of Korean this week...possibly today and Thursday, or Friday...I have to buy one more then I get a free one and then they are closed until Spring (boo)

Happy Wednesday!

Random Thoughts

- am I ever glad that the elections are over...I know NOTHING about politics and I am sick of all the ad's and commercials (but I am happy with the outcome - go Liberals Majority!)

- In two weeks we get to vote again, well just our Ward in our community and I hope the outcome is the same as last night...the one I vote for.  Go Eddie!

- yesterday a memory popped up with a picture of us with our trophies because we won the car rally...thankful that we came in 3rd place this weekend

- I finally decided on a tattoo...I am getting this on my wrist...now to book the appointment!

Mine will have two hearts: 1 pink for Maddy and 1 blue for Tanner

- tonight I don't have to drive or pick up the girls from Brownies

- I should be glad that the Jays have made it to where they are, but honestly, I may get more TV time if they were done...with hockey starting and football, I get zero TV time

- the teachers at Maddy's school are striking in Monday...I hope this stuff all ends soon too

- Maddy is going to visit Rapha on Monday because both of their schools are striking...Maddy is in the English school board and Rapha is in the French so they never get the same PD days, but this worked out!

- yesterday was like the coldest day in Ottawa for October 19th and I believe it...I froze all day.  The kids were in winter coats and boots, hats and mitts. I, on the other hand came in my Toms because I forgot to change into my boots

- I bought some Cranberry Lemon Lime (by Sprite) on the weekend...and it's yucky...it tastes dirty haha!

- Hunting season is just around the corner...I like this time, Ricky is gone on weekends and most nights during the week but the upkeep and dealing with the kids is what gets me...I told him last night there will be no hunt if these kids don't start behaving...he looked at me with shock!

- I ordered Maddy's school pictures like forever ago...and I still haven't gotten them

- I am trying to bring dance activity to our school...we'll see Thursday night how many actually come forward and do it...

That's all for today...I am super tired for some reason...maybe I was having sweet dreams of Justin Trudeau...bahaha!

Happy Tuesday!

{Weekend Rewind}

Well that was a good weekend...

Friday night was rushed.  We had some stops to do before even getting home, then we grabbed Maddy at daycare, went home, swallowed some Subway and got ready for the School Halloween Dance.  Of course I took no pictures of their costumes, but I will for Halloween.  Tanner looked so cute in his astronaut costume!  The kids had a great time.  We had about 55 kids (we only have 67 in the whole school).

Saturday morning we got up, I got the kids packed for their day and made sandwiches and packed the cooler for our day.  It was Car Rally Day (AND we had our first appearance of snow, obviously it wasn't staying but it snowed off and on all day.) Last year we didn't get to participate because the year before we won first place, so last year we were the coordinators.  The kids were picked up around 9 am and they were spending the day with my parents.  They went to Hugli's Pumpkin Patch.  Our team all met at Jill's where we got into our "costumes".  The theme was "Let The Games Begin" and we went as Guess Who.  The rally was good...but we found it really hard.  What was even harder, trying not to come in first place...and believe me, it's really hard.  We are not going to waste our day "throwing it", so we tried our best.  At like 5:15 we realized that this is the latest we have ever been.  We started at 11:10 and we were still out on the road.  We had to be in by 6.  We finally reached the end.  Within an hour, the hosts this year gathered at the front and started reading the answers.  I really thought I was going to have to go out and get some air, I couldn't breathe.  We were still not called in the Top 10, then the Top 5....finally, finally, our car was called - 3rd place!  We couldn't have been happier.  The kids ended up staying the night at my parents and Ricky headed back to the camp.  I unpacked our things, and put my 70 year old body into a hot bath, followed by bed.

Sunday morning I was up early and decided to head to the city with my parents to visit my sister.  I needed some Rylie time.  We stayed for lunch and a little visit then ran off to get some groceries for the week and headed home.  Maddy finished her homework while I made Cream of Broccoli soup and then we just had bacon, sausages and French toast for supper.  We were all beat.  We folded laundry, caught up on some shows and were in bed by 8 pm.

How was your weekend?

I have a Problem...

I think I have OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder)...maybe not extreme or anything but I definitely feel that I am obsessed with some things, especially cleanliness.

My friend Hollie always laughs at me cuz I can't stand my kids being dirty.  My house does not have Play Doh, I hate the stuff, I hate the little bits all over my kitchen floor.  I do not let my kids paint - paint is messy.  I will therefore especially not let them finger paint.  I even hate my kids using glue. 

One time Hollie was watching my kids and she sent me a picture with my kids in the puddles, mud and dirty water playing.  Yes, they were having fun and I totally get the whole "if your kids are dirty, it means they are having fun"...I just don't like it.  I think I get this from my daycare.  My daycare is OCD she says.  She creams those kids with Johnson Lotion after nap time, if they spill a little bit of milk on them, you are sure to be picking up your kid in a wardrobe change.

On Monday we were at my father in laws...the kids were playing in the leaves and I was actually okay with it.  The grass was a little wet so they were likely going to get a bit damp.  After about an hour of them raking leaves and jumping in them and starting over again...they came inside.  I took one look and literally went into panic mode.  Picture me...Tanner is literally trying to get back outside to play in the leaves and I notice there is rust all over his running shoes and his new skinny jogging pants from Gap.  I freaked (mostly because I don't normally shop at Gap, it's usually way too priced for my liking and especially for kids that may get dirty) and immediately ran for paper towel to start to see if this rust is going to come off.  My sister in law was standing there with her mouth open and was like "you are nuts", "they are having fun", "let them be kids".  Basically, shut your mouth I was thinking...these are NEW pants and these are his only running shoes (she even said something like "so we get him new shoes").  Once I got him cleaned up, I went out back, put the old rusty wheel barrow away and told my kids to stay away.  I did calm down eventually....until I noticed that Maddy had grass stains all over her new grey GAP jogging pants.  I did freak out at her and was like "nice Maddy, new pants, ruined now".  Her kid response "it will come out, Momma has stain stuff and everything comes out" (update: she wore those pants this morning and the stains were gone).

Anyways, I don't think it's too serious and I don't think it's bad that I feel this way.  I do send Tanner to daycare in "daycare clothes" cuz I know he is going to get dirty and have fun with his buddies....but on my watch...if my kids are wearing new clothes, they will not be getting dirty! 

Oh...and yes, I am that Mom that spits on her fingers and wipes their face...even in public!

Happy Weekend!

Throwback Thursday

This weekend is Car Rally...it's pretty much everyone's favourite day of the year.  It is an event that is organized by our Lionettes group.  It's a day that you load up friends, food and drinks, tour the back roads and answer questions. 

I can't remember when I started the car rally, but it was definitely in my "teen years".  Somewhere along the line, maybe even before I started, it was agreed that, the winners of the rally would be the leaders the next year...so for example, two years ago, our car were the unfortunate winners and we had to make the route last year.  Last year was a stressful time doing this but we pulled it off and at the end of the day, we were happy to have experienced it once...our goal now, top 5 is good! 

Every year there is a theme and it's up to you if you want to dress up or not.  We haven't dressed up in a while because it used to be the same team that always won and it's just an extra chore really.  We just enjoy the day now.

In the past I have dressed in jammies, dressed up as the Addams Family, hunters, a Carribean Wedding, Humpty Dumpty....I think that's all I can remember at the moment. 

Every car leaves in 5 minute intervals, you load your car and you follow a book of instructions.  You have to drive some many km's stop, and get out, look around for the answer.  It's quite fun.  It's also challenging because you don't know how to think.  The answer could be right there in front of your eyes, but other times, there are tricks and you have to search and search for your answer. 

My favourite part of the day is when we come back to hall and get to talk to everyone and listen to what everyone put for answers.  This is usually the time that we don't think we have a chance.  Eventually the leaders are brought out, the papers have been corrected and they read the answers.  We actually write all our answers down so we can mark ourselves...this is when the shaking usually starts.  They will then start naming the car numbers...since we have had the same group for YEARS, at least 7, I don't remember being in the bottom of Top 10...in the last couple of years, Top 5...two years ago, FIRST PLACE.  The only time that you don't want to come in first place.  You aim for second if anything.

This year we have joked that we would put a few answers like this:

Question: How many fence posts do you see?

Our Answer: Blue

Can't wait to go touring with my gang, eating snacks and laughing!  I want to think that even though we don't want first that my gang will still try and aim for the Top 5 at least...I don't want to go out and be complete slackers!  I like the challenge (and the occasion fight...with the result of "I told you so").

Happy Thursday!

What I'm Loving Wednesday

- that it's Wednesday already...I wish every week was a short week

- I am not completely alone this week at work...I have two visitors from the UK, however, I may only see them in passing!

- that Maddy has sold 3 cases of mint Girl Guide cookies (I can't believe so many people like them)

- today, the kids at school bring home their pumpkins that they harvested themselves in the Spring

- the Halloween dance at school this Friday night...my whole family is going actually, I am making Ricky come...and well because of that, Tanner will be there! 

- I have a costume, sorta for the dance - a pair of inflatable wings...the girls will love it

- Grey's Anatomy...I have tried to get into this on many occasions, I have recently borrowed the first three seasons and I am loving it

- it's Car Rally this weekend, best weekend of the Fall...I'm hoping the weather changes (would love for it to be like Monday) but as long as it's not raining, all is good!  I dress for the weather!

- the kids are going to Hugli's in Pembroke with my mom and dad while we're touring the back roads trying NOT to win!

What are you loving today?

{Weekend Rewind}

This is my 100th post in my new blog - woo hoo!

This weekend was a long one because it was Canadian Thanksgiving...let's recap:

Friday
I stayed in the city and met Hollie, picked up Josee and ran to Walmart before meeting the rest of the girls for supper.  We strolled around Walmart, shared lots of laughs and had a great time.  We joined the rest of the ladies at East Side Mario's where we filled our bellies with free salad and bread, some yummy Peach Bellini's and brought most of our supper home! 

Saturday
I tried to do some cleaning in the morning but everyone was up early that morning and therefore very cranky.  Tanner needed a nap and was back down for a nap by 9:30 am.  Ricky and Maddy ran to the bush to do their "thing" while I tried to nap...whomp whomp whomp, fail!  Around 1:30, we were ready to head over to my parents where we spent the afternoon playing cards.  My brother came (we missed Sue, she had to work), my grandparents came and my uncle was there (Shannon, Casey and Rylie decided to stay in the city), we ate turkey dinner, lasagna and Reese's Peanut Butter Cheesecake.  Following supper, dishes were done, we played more cards and was home by 10:00 pm.

Missed my sweet girl this weekend, but her and Mommy and Daddy went apple picking!

Mom's Reese's Peanut Butter Cheesecake

Sunday
Felt really weird not having any Thanksgiving festivities.  We headed to Church where Maddy pretty much sold all of her Girl Guide cookies.  We had a quick lunch and I headed to Shawville to do a few groceries while Ricky took both kids to the bush.  I got home before them, unpacked groceries and started on my desserts for Monday's dinner.  I made a Blueberry Cheesecake and Social Tea Squares and I also made a Shepard's Pie for supper.  We all sat around the table and carved pumpkins.  I drew their designs, we all de-gutted (except Tanner who was disgusted), I toasted the seeds while Ricky cut the faces.  We had early baths, ate supper and watched TV for the rest of the night.

Monday
We packed up early, picked up Hollie's Granny and headed to Campbell's Bay to spend the day at my father in law's.  The plan was to extend his deck...and well it got done without too many fights. My father in law is somewhat stubborn and was acting as the Foreman...regardless, everyone pulled together and got it done!  The kids raked and played in the leaves.  We had an early supper/late lunch and were home by 4:30 pm.  The rest of the night was getting ready for the week, watching TV and bed early!

How was your weekend?

Brownies

This year we decided to sign Maddy up for Brownies.  I thought it would be a good life lesson thing she can do as an extra curricular activity.  I wasn't sure what to expect.  A month in, it seems all they do is crafts, so I asked some questions the other day to get some answers especially in regards to earning badges.

There are different levels of Girl Guides - starting with Sparks, then Brownies, Girl Guides then Pathfinders.  Maddy is a Brownie this year and will be advancing to a Girl Guide next year (due to her age).

We ordered her outfit this week (later than normal) so I can't wait until she gets to wear it every Tuesday night.  The sash will be full of colourful badges at the end of the year.

They have so many "keys" that they can choose from and on those keys there are many different badge options.  Our group chooses which badges will be beneficial for the year.  This year they are going to be doing:

- Pet Badge: this will be an ongoing activity in which the girls will eventually present to the group.  They are to care for a pet, explain what they need to do etc...in the event that they don't have a pet, they can just imagine or ask a friend.  Maddy doesn't have a pet, so we are going to maybe walk Cosmo (Hollie's dog), and do a Bristol board presentation with pictures.  Other kids will bring their pets in for show and tell...the possibilities are endless I suppose.

- Cooking Badge: they are hoping to prepare a supper for the parents towards Christmas, the girls will help and get their cooking badge.

- Skating Badge: in February, they will go skating at the rink...Maddy will have to get practicing this year.

- Camping Badge: not sure what this badge will entitle but they usually have a campout during March Break...obviously not outside, but inside where they have their meetings.

There are other badges that they will get throughout their year at their regular meetings.  I am not looking forward to stitching all these badges onto the sashes...I hear that it's thick and hard to do...perhaps a project for Nanny!

I am excited to see what she learns this year.  I think it will teach her to have more self esteem as there are lots of presentations and standing in front of others. 

We also have Girl Guide cookies!!  In the Fall we sell Chocolate Mint and in the Spring we will have the Chocolate/Vanilla ones.  Let me know if you want some ;)

Happy Friday

{Thankful} Thursday

With Thanksgiving happening this weekend in Canada, I thought I would share some things I am thankful for this Thanksgiving:

- my family: immediate and extended

- my friends: close and far

Hollie and I at my birthday supper

 - blogging: it lets me share my thoughts

- our health: we are so lucky to be relatively healthy and also to have a great health system if something does happen

- a full time job: its more than just having money...it's about being able to support our family

- Church: growing up we always went to Church then I "disappeared" for a while...when I got pregnant with Maddy and moved back to our town, I wanted to start going again, but I didn't want people to think it was just so I could baptize Maddy...I am thankful that we were welcomed with open arms and have been going ever since!

- food on our table: when I see people on the corners of the street downtown basically begging for something to eat, it breaks my heart.  I am so thankful that we have what we have (even if groceries do cost a fortune).

Thanksgiving Basket of Apples I received as a gift from our Property Management at work

- luxury things: I am thankful that we can afford to have vehicles, buy things for the kids and for ourselves, take vacations and trips and not have to worry about money

- holidays: I love having a day off work and I love the excuse of getting together, and of course, the food

- Netflix and tablets: to save my sanity when I need a break from the kids...

- our town: most of the time anyways...I am glad that we have a roof over our head and can let my kids grow up in the same little town I did, stay close to family and attend small schools!

What are you thankful for this Thanksgiving?

What I'm Loving Wednesday

- a night out with the girls on Friday night to celebrate two birthdays

- after some disappointing times eating at Eastside Mario's, we are giving it a second, fifth chance!

- Thanksgiving weekend...what do I love about it...family time, extra day off...not so much the food, I am not a turkey fan or pumpkin pie

- Long weekend is among us

- I bought the next season of Rookie Blue...and now I'm done it...now have to wait for Season 6 to come out

- worked out a car pool schedule for Maddy's brownies...last night I only had to do the pick up...not as much rushing around to do when we get home (other than feed Maddy)

- my old, ancient iPhone 4S...she is getting slower BUT she is still updating which is good right...however, she is getting slower.  The problem I am having, I will not fork out hundreds of dollars to pay for a phone...so the ones they are offering me for $0, are only 8 GB or 16 GB...going from a 64 GB to that small is killing me...I guess I'm holding on a bit longer until they give me an iPhone 6 (which comes in 64 GB).

- my daycare provider Sophie - for two reasons...she hates to inconvenience us parents, so when she had to have a major surgery last Monday, she brought in her sister to run daycare (she used to have her own daycare and is just as loving as Sophie is).  Also...that Sophie is slowly getting better!

- my diffuser...I just love it!

- my Moroccan oil treatment I did last night in my hair...considering I blow dry and straighten my hair every single night, I thought it was time for a conditioning treatment

What are you loving today?

Letters

Remember the day when we wrote letters?  Remember the days when there were such a thing as pen pals?  Remember passing notes in school?  I don't think this happens anymore, like ever.  Everyone is always on their phones and texting, and really why not, it's a lot quicker than waiting for Canada Post. 

I used to have a pen pal - she was a girl the same age as me and she was an aboriginal.  I don't remember where she lived but we continued our friendship over 3 years I think.  I used to pass notes in class to friends, meet up between classes and exchange letters...letter writing to family was common too.

At the beginning of this school year, Maddy came home after the second day feeling rather sad that one of her good friends was not going to their school anymore.  I asked why and she continued to tell me that the teacher told them that she was no longer within our boundaries and had to go to the school in the next town over.  This was devastating to me because this happened after the child attended our school for four years...AND we need numbers in our school and this small detail made us lose a number.  What could I do though, right?

Anyways, we ran into her at the Shawville Fair and we had a brief discussion.  Maddy really enjoyed seeing her friend and her mom reassured me that Starla was adjusting to the new school and making friends (thankfully, she is an easy going girl and adapts to change well...the mom is upset and mad though of the whole situation).

A couple weeks ago, Maddy was sitting down and writing.  After a couple of minutes, I asked her what she was doing.  She told me she was writing a letter to Starla.  Awww...

I never saw the letter, she put it in an envelope and put it on the counter for me to find her address and mail it to her.  The problem:  I forgot. Yesterday morning, it dawned on me, so I started looking for it...I found a blank envelope and assumed it was that...not taking any chances that it could be something else, I opened it...I read her letter and just melted...my little girl was all of a sudden so grown up!

Here is a picture of her letter...I am so proud of her that she sticks to her friendships even when the situations have changed.  She included her phone number so I hope that she will call and stay in touch. 

My little girl is growing up so fast, it's scary.  Before she knows it, she will be the one texting to her friends, until then, I think pen and paper is great!

Happy Tuesday

{Weekend Rewind}

Friday...

- I went and bought this diffuser from Sage Wellness...with a bottle of Immune Antibacterial Diffuser Blend...my family is not getting sick

- I also got this Achoo Kit...as a promotion!

- Ran to Walmart and got some storage units

- Stayed at home instead of visiting Nanny and Papa, cleaned the house, and organized Maddy's room

Saturday...

- Ricky was in a golf tournament for Oktoberfest

- Made Pillsbury Pumpkin cookies

- Hollie and the girls came over for the day

- Butch and Dan stopped in for a visit

- I turned my heat on for the first time (don't tell Ricky)

- Washed my front window inside and out...finally

- Did laundry

- Watched Soccer Mom on TV with Maddy (but didn't get through it all, taped the rest)

Sunday...

- Went to Church with the kids and participated in World Communion

- Had green fried tomatoes for lunch from my Aunt's garden

- Took my Nanny to a party for her niece Susanne who turned 50

Maddy and the Birthday Girl

- Ricky took Tanner to the bush to put some deer feed out and do a little partridge hunt!

- Had pizza and subs for supper

- Watched last week's Survivor

- Baths and bed

How was your weekend?