Saturday, January 31, 2009

Maya's 1st Birthday Party January 31,2009





We celebrated Maya's first birthday today with many friends. The kids had a fantastic time as the venue was the Y which was great at they have the bouncy castle, some mats, nets and music set up. After some energy was exerted we moved upstairs to the party room where pizza, fruit & veggies were served along with a very decadent chocolate cake with pink icing. 

It is always great to see our friends and know that we are blessed to be home and celebrating such moments in each others lives!


Thursday, January 29, 2009

Projects on the go January 29,2009







While the weather has been up and down, I have managed to keep myself and Sam busy with a few projects here and there. Today I was working on some barrettes and Sam was coloring some flower Valentines. He still has a few more to go but thought I would snap a picture while he was down for a nap. This is the flower project.

Wednesday, January 21, 2009

Walk in the crisp morning air January 21,2009

This morning we managed to get out for a walk in the crisp air. Everyone needed it. I need to get out and take a few pictures as I have been in a slump so hopefully I can find a project that I can challenge myself with. Here are a few from the walk. I love the first on as Bronwynne is looking for the ball and there Sam is with the ball in his hands. Welcome to the circus!






Monday, January 19, 2009

Trying something new... January 19,2009

So today I am trying a soup(Salsa Chicken &  Black Bean) I found on this wonderful website. This woman took a 365 challenge to a whole new limit and did it. So I have found myself wondering and thinking I should be utilizing my crock pot a little more.

I hope you can find something you like and I will let you know how my soup turns out. 

Edited to say the soup is DELICIOUS! You must try it! I served it with some broken tortilla chips, avacado & sour cream. Yummy!

Monday, January 12, 2009

Grandpa's BIrthday Dinner January 9,2009




Saturday night we took the time to honor Grandpa's 65th Birthday. We had to do the dinner a few days earlier than is actual birthday as Darren was heading back to work. All worked out though. We saw most of the family and hopefully everyone enjoyed the dinner that I prepared. I didn't managed to grab a few shots of dinner or everybody singing Happy Birthday I don't know where my head was but you just can't do it all right!

Oh well here are a few shots of Grandpa opening up his prezzies. I think Sam was slightly confused he knew it was Grandpa's bday but was some how going on about Santa. Someone really needs to straighten that kid out hey! LOL!

On a side note I thought I would share the dinner recipe that I made. I actually snagged this recipe from our friend Georges. I just love it.


Orange Chicken
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Recipe By: from Georges Dawood
Serving Size: 0

Ingredients:

8 chicken breast
1 tablespoon flour
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 medium red onions
3-4 crushed garlic
1/2 teaspoon fennel seeds
1 bay leaf
1-2 grated & juiced oranges
28 ounces can of tomatoes
14-19 ounces can of cannelli beans/white kidney beans(drained)
salt & peper to taste
3-4 slices bread
2 teaspoons olive oil

Directions:

1. Toss chicken in flour coat evenly. Brown in oil then transfer to casserole dish.

2. Slice onions into wedges. Add to pan and cook. Add garlic. Continue to add fennel seeds, bay leaf ,grated orange peel & juice, tomatoes, beans & seasoning.

3. Cover tightly and cook at 375 degrees F for 30-35 minutes until chicken is cooked.

4. For topping coat bread with olive oil and place on casserole and cook for 15-20 minutes more until golden and crisp.

Enjoy!

Thursday, January 08, 2009

Super Sam! January 8,2009

We officially have a Super Sam in the house! I found this tutorial  awhile back and was anxious to tackle the project. One minor set back was that I no longer had a working sewing machine. But my friend Jill came to my rescue she had a machine at her house. So a couple hours or chit chat and sewing and voila!



Sunday, January 04, 2009

Surprise Party for Judith! January 4,2008




This afternoon we attend a surprise party for Judith. For a bit a backround information Judith is my sister's best friend they have been friends since Jr. high from my memory. But I can say now that she is a friend/sister in our household. Karen & Judith have come to see Darren & I everywhere we have lived from Yellowknife to Nova Scotia. They didn't make it our to Calgary together but Judith did pass through the airport one time and we did managed to get out for a quick visit together. We are fortunate that she is right there to help, be a friend or just lend a hug when one is needed.
So today we raised our glasses in honor of her 35th Birthday. All the best!

Thank again Karen for throwing a great party!

Cheers!

Thursday, January 01, 2009

Ringing in 2009! December 31,2008 & January 1,2009






We had the chance to ring in the new year with our friends. The Fields had once again opened their home to us all and our children. The kids danced, the men made comments which we intend to continue to ignore and the ladies laughed. Seriously we all had a wonderful evening and are grateful that we are able to have a chance to have gathering such as these.

Thank you again!
Happy New Year!