Canoe up the Pitt River July 24,2011

We had been hoping to get out on the canoe a little more than we actually did but this day was perfect. Our neighbour recommended this paddle. We to a preview of where we would launch the canoe when we peddled our way over on our bikes one day.

Well the sun was shining and the water was calm a perfect day to be out on the water. Poor Bronwynne got left behind for this trip. Sam was anxious to get out on the water and learn how to paddle. We did managed to paddle for a while until the hunger gods told us to pull over for a picnic lunch. We admired other boaters paddling by and watch the clouds drift over the blue sky. I even managed to grab a few shots as Sam was paddling. 

Charlesworth's in town July 21,2011

Our dear friends the Charlesworth's were in town and were kind enough to have us meet them down in Granville Island. It was lovely to be downtown on such a fantastically  sunny day. We waited in anticipation for their little commuter bus to show up and when we finally spotted them Sam's face lit up like a Christmas tree.
We spent the time by first and foremost getting some lunch! Catching up on regular chit chat. Walking around seeing local art, food and beautiful boats.

Before you knew it it was time to leave. We hope that they too had a lovely day!

Craft projects July 14 & 19,2011

In lieu of the not so summery weather around here Sam & I have been quite busy with a few craft projects her and there. One of the projects was called star in jars, we were pretty excited about this one. Especially knowing that there was suppose to be glowing. I was even surprised when I found glow in the dark paint at Micheals. Well we set straight to work with some select jars painting away. Then we let them dry in the window sill for the day. When night came we held or breath and waited and waited and not to much glowing proceeded. FAIL! So I am on the look outfor glow in the dark powder that you add to paint if anyone knows where to get some.

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An additional project that we worked on was making sidewalk chalk. Now this was allot of fun. We found some in expensive plaster of paris at OPUS. Mixed with some paint and water and voila, SIDEWALK CHALK! We poured ours in a variety of molds to see which ones would work better. We tried money rollers and toilet paper rolls, both worked out well. Sam was amazed when he came down the next morning and the chalk had dried. This was also a science experiment as there was an exothermic reaction happening.

Trip to Whistler July 8-11,2011

Managed a little get away to Whistler as Darren's schedule is quite busy with that thing we call work. So we booked a room, dropped Bronwynne off at Grandma & Papa's and head up to the mountains. (we could take Brownynne next time the hotel allows them)

The weather was pretty decent considering our July has been not so inconsistent. On the way to whistler we stopped and the Britannia Mining Museum, well worth the stop. Sam loved every moment of it. Our days were filled when we did arrive in Whistler. We would ride our bikes in the morning with Sam on his trail a bike then come back for lunch and switch. Sam would ride his regular bike. This idea of this thinking gave us a chance to go farther and explore, then build his confidence in the later part of the day. We managed to do both trail and path riding which was fantastic.

The village was full of buskers and live entertainment. We ate out a few times and enjoyed an array of tasty treats. A good little get away!

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Canada Day BBQ July 1,2011

On this Canada Day long weekend my husband was home. That is nothing short of a miracle especially since he did not request the time off. Well we had to make the most of it by asking our dear friends if they would come over and have a BBQ.

We kept the event very simple by just cooking burgers and having salads and some munchies. Everyone was kind enough to bring something as to make it easier on me which I am very grateful for. It was lovely to have all our friends over and get a couple shots of the kids in a group which hadn't happened in a few years. We have had some additions and a few more are on their way. Sam had helped me prepare our deserts the day before we tried something new as I was on my kick from baking in canning jars we tried, Peanut Butter Cups(Cake) in a jar.They turned out fabulously it is something I would make again and they were a hit with both the adults and the kids. We also make a angel food cake with some strawberries.

It was delightful to have our friends over to not only celebrate Canada's Birthday but just to say how grateful we are that they our in our lives. Thank you.

Angler Fish June 27,2011

Sam and I thought it would be fun to embark on making an Angler fish such as this. So we set out designing and cutting out our cardboard. Sam decided on painting his a cobalt blue. He sat at the table carefully painting his pieces. When the next day arrived and all the pieces were dry we had picked up some larger brads as I did not have the correct size in the house. As we began assembling the pieces Sam's enthusiasm grew.Once all was assembled including his lure. Sam had him moving. It was great to do and we look forward to maybe constructing a dinosaur or crocodile one in the future.

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An experiment June 24,2011

In light of my recent zest for all new and exciting projects and challenges. I had been reading all about deserts made personal and a fresh idea. I had been bookmarking recipes to try and was wondering where to start. I began to think about the any fruit coffee cake recipe given to me by my cousin Simone and thought that would be a great place to start. I already knew the recipe worked now to figure out how it worked in the jars.

As I start to assemble the ingredients and supplies required I was getting really excited. Sam kept popping in to ask what I was doing and well to be honest I didn't know if the ideawould really work so I just kept say I was experimenting.

And boy did this work I will be more apt to try this with many more recipes in the future. I love the internet I give me such inspiration.

Happy Baking!

Pizookie June 22,2011

As previously mentioned I have been in a small rut. We had painted the house and I hadn't really been preparing proper meals. I cheated and purchased so pre-made items from Costco. The last week I have been trying to get back to the swing of things. The weather was getting a little better, plants and edibles are growing in the garden, overall life has been coming together.

I find that I readmany blogs and use them as resources. And as I was reading through a regular blog, she referred to these deep dish cookies called PIZOOKIES. Well right then and there I knew it was a must. I scribbled down the ingredients and went right to the kitchen as I combined the dough I remembered I didn't have any of the all important ICE CREAM. I spoke to Sam and he was more than happy to get on his bike and ride up with me to the grocery store. We returned and Darren had removed the delicious Pizookie. It is mentioned to eat the pizookie while it is still warm with ice cream and thatis exactly what we did! SCRUMPTIOUS!

RECIPE USED FOUND HERE

Back to our regular programming... June 22,2011

So here I am again apologizing for not being around. One minute I am here and taking pictures, tweeting about it following some great people to inspire me and well. HALT!

I don't know what happened. I take full responsibility but I have to say the many grey and wet days we had did not help to motivate me.

I have had an epic fail on my second attempt with my 365.

So second day of summer I am here and ready to go. We have had a busy few weeks at out house. School is winding down, Father's day, my Dad's birthday, we painted our house, lots of bike riding and learning how to ride on a bigger bike thanks to cousin Sarah.

So I won't bore you with all of the details but let you know you are more than welcome to check out some pictures on my flickr account and I will be back with some regular updates on projects, day trips and cooking/baking attempts.

Welcome Summer 2011!

Unexpected Trip April 14-18,2011

On minute I am at home enjoying my regular hobbies(laundry, cooking & cleaning) the next I am packing for Darren, Sam, Bronwynne & myself all separately of coarse.

Darren had picked up an extra pairing and was heading to Cancun for literally a day and half. He encouraged me to come and well our worlds were turned topsy turvy for a few days.

Grandpa & Hunni had offered to take Sam as they could take him to school for the Thurs & Fri. Bronwynne was heading to Grandma & Papa's with couple of dog walk from Chris.

So I hopped on a plane headed to Toronto for the evening with Darren. It was quite fun as I haven't been doing much travelling. So we stayed the night there enjoyed a fine shawarma for dinner. I had Darren out of his groove so wenapped and apparently that is forbidden as it alters your clock. Whoops!

The next morning we got ready and headed to the airport to catch the flight to Cancun, once I was confirmed on the flight I was feeling a bit better. When we arrived I hopped on the bus with the crew and headed to the hotel . It was beautiful! We changed into our suits and headed right down the beach to meet up with the crew. The evening we headed to the old part of Cancun via public transportation for the full effect. We dined an authentic restaurant and had them turn on the hockey game, score! Once we returned I literally fell into bed for a wonderful peaceful sleep.

The morning had us enjoying the buffet for breakfast then off to adventure to the Isle of Mujeres, we walked about 15-20 minutes down the road took a ferry across. Once we arrived we rented a golf cart and toured around the island for the afternoon. It was lovely. We saw turtles, some ruins, a fertility god and lots of iguanas. Had a snack of chips and guacamole on the beach, then returned to the ferry. By the time we returned we were wiped so we headed down the the pool, took a dip and ordered dinner. After our bellies were full and we were cooled off we returned to get ready to head to Regina for the evening. I know hard to compare to Cancun.

We spent the night had breakfast then I left to be picked up by my in laws and Sam who I missed terribly. Darren returned later that evening!

I am one lucky lady! Thanks to everyone to helping me.

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In our world April 2-12,2011

Hmm I guess I forgot about my little blog.

A speedy update then back to our regular programming.

We have been having a lot of rain so on the day that it is not raining we have managed to get out to enjoy the sunshine and blue sky. As we did they day we headed to the Delta Dykes we headed out in Darren little sunday driving car, so Bronwynne got left behind(don't tell here we were there). It was a beautiful day and I did manage to snap a few pictures here and there.

A few days later we headed over toGrandma & Papa's and took apart their no longer required hot tub. Sam of coarse thought this was terrific as we made a trip to the dump in Papa's truck. Life of a 5 year old hey! Well it did go rather well and now they have freed up a good chunk of space on theirdeck. Now spring can arrive.

Sam also started blast ball with his cousins Aiden & Sophie. Hopefully the weather can continue to get better so we are not standing out in the pouring rain and the kids can have a good time. Looking forward to making some memories since they are all able to do this together.

Shower for baby Nofield March 26,2011

One of my dears friend is about to embark on the journey of motherhood and I along with my friends had the honour of hosting her baby shower.

The planning had begun and I was like a kid in a candy store I love planning events. Jodi & her husband Jim had already let us know that they were expecting a baby boy. The furniture had been ordered and the room was coming together. I took my colour notes from there. Thus, and assortment of blues, browns and some white to soften the colour pallet. I had begun making large tissue puffs for decorations, I selected a collection of papers to make a bunting for over the fireplaces and to make tags.

I had stumbled upon an idea to have a milk and cookies party along with your traditional fair. So I set aside time to begin baking a couple cookies each day. I felt like a keebler elf the entire week. It was too much fun.

My Mom was kind enough to come out and help me make an assortment of tea sandwiches. Including asparagus, egg, tuna,cucumber and maraschino cherry with cream cheese. We had a wonderful time rolling and cutting off all the crusts. They sure turned out beautifully.

My girlfriends were also kind enough to bring some additional baking,tasty basil sliders, platters of fruits and vegetables.

We ended up with a nice group of ladies and good friends. I had been anticipating their arrival as well the arrival of the guest of honour. My living room was covered with an assortment of gifts large and small. Pastel colours peaked out along with diaper cakes piled high.

The ladies moved around nibbling, chatting and catching up. A good friend Jill had set up in my craft room and each guest was asked to put together a page for the baby's album. So between crafting and eating we were a busy group.

And when our tummies we full we set to the task of watching Jodi as she opened each carefully selected baby item. The oh's and the ah's were in full swing. After the unwrapping of lovely goodies. I asked my guest to joining me in a cookie, or two or three. I proceeded to unwrapped an icebox cake for the ladies to enjoy. With their Milk & Cookies.

I hope everyone had as much fun as I had putting the day together. And most of all that Jodi, Jim are blessed with a happy and healthy baby. We all can't wait to meet Baby Nofield!

MORE PICTURES HERE

On a side note some of the cookies that were served were as follows

Lightly Spiced Benne Sesame Cookies

1 cup sesame seeds, toasted 2 egg yolks

½ cup all purpose flour 1 teaspoon cider vinegar

½ teaspoon baking powder ½ teaspoon vanilla

½ to 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

½ teaspoon ground nutmeg

¼ teaspoon salt

½ cup packed light brown sugar

2 tablespoons butter, softened

1. Preheat oven to 375˚. Coat non stick cookie sheets with non stick cooking spray: set aside
2. Blend sesame seeds , flour baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt in small bowl. Cream sugar and butter in medium bowl with electric mixer until light and fluffy. Add egg yolks, vinegar and vanilla : beat well .
3. Drop dough by rounded teaspoonfuls 2 inches apart onto prepared cookie sheets. Slightly flatten cookies with fork.
4. Bake 5 to 6 minutes or until edges are just golden. Remove from heat. Cool 1 minute on cookie sheets; transfer cookies to wire racks to cool completely.

Soft Ginger Cookies

2 cups all purpose flour ¼ cup packed light brown sugar

1 ½ teaspoons ground ginger ¼ cup canola oil

1 teaspoon baking soda ¼ cup molasses

¼ teaspoon salt ½ cup fat free sour cream

¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon 1 egg white

¼ teaspoon ground cloves

1. Preheat oven to 350˚
2. Combine flour, ginger ,baking soda, salt, cinnamon and cloves in a large bowl. Beat brown sugar , oil and molasses in large bowl with electrick mixer and medium speed 1 minute until smooth. Add sour cream and egg white: beat until well blended. Gradually add flour mixture, beating at low speed until well blended.
3. Drop dough by round tablespoons 2 inches apart onto uncgreased cookie sheets. Flatten dough to 1/8inch thickness with bottom of glass sprayed with nonstick cooking spray.
4. Bake 10 minutes or until tops of cookies puff up and spring back when lightly touched. Cool 2 minutes on cookie sheets. Remove to wire racks:cool completely.

Makes about 2 ½ dozen cookies

Creamy Lemon Nut Bars

½ butter or marg. 1 pkg. (8oz) cream cheese softened

1/3 cup powdered sugar 2 cups granulated sugar

2 teaspoons vanilla 3 eggs

1 ¾ cups flour divided ½ cup lemon juice

1/3 cup pecans, chopped 1 tablespoon grated lemon peel

1 tablespoon powdered sugar

1. Preheat oven to 350˚ F. Line 13 x 9 baking pan with foil; spray with cooking spray. Mix butter, ½ cup powdered sugar and vanilla in large bowl. Gradually stir in 1 ½ cups of the flour and pecans. Press dough firmly onto bottom of prepared pan. BAKE 15 min.
2. Beat cream cheese and granulated sugar in medium bowl with electric mixer on high speed until well blended. Add remaining ¼ cup flour and eggs ; beat until blended.
3. Stir in lemon juice and peel. Pour over baked crust in pan. Bake 30 minutes or until set. Remove from oven. ; cool completely. Sprinkle with 1 tablespoon powdered sugar cut into 32 bars.

Gold fish crackers March 21,2011

What do you do on the first day of spring break. Well you thought were going to head out side and enjoy the sunshine! NOT!

So we spent the morning making homemade goldfish crackers sourced from Smitten Kitchen.

I of coarse did not have a goldfish cookie cutter so we used a small heart. Well boy were these easy and very tasty.

Soccer Jamboree March 18,2011

So in lue of the previous incident we didn't know if Sam was going to participate in the soccer wind up. When we arrived on Saturday morning only a couple of our team members showed up so Sam had to play. Well it was a great time and the kids gave it their all. We had a fabulous experience with joining soccer and hope that we will do it again.

The kids played three games 20 minutes each and because we didn't have many players the boys had to play the full games. Go Rhinos.

They end of the games the kids enjoyed some hot dogs, juice and some Tim Bits of coarse! Coach Dave & Coach Deb handed out awards, certificates and a new soccer ball.

PS the finally photo is taken by Julie Kilby

St Patricks Day March 17,2011

Well this was as exciting as Christmas at our house. Our teacher at Kindergarten had infused the children with such wonder and excitement for St.Patricks day it was fantastic. Throughout the whole month the kids had been reading, doing crafts, writing letters to Leppy the leprechaun and building houses(secretly they are traps). Well on St.Patricks day she mentioned doing a pancake breakfast, green of coarse. I was asked to help which I gladly accepted. Sam march happily to school, he waited patiently as he was told to stay in the cloakroom while I continued to help out. Well when the kids arrived what did they find but all of their house had been visited by Leppy and his friends, letter and treats were left for them, it was fantastic. I went off to start making the green pancakes. They spoke about the little visitors and read a few stories. Well when we served the pancakes they were gobbled up in a flash.

An amazing time was had by all the kids!

So as we were getting ready to leave, the kids putting their coats on and collecting their little house. Sam decided to mix it up a bit. One minute I was putting stickers on everyone the next my kid is flying towards the cloakroom on the floor. Blood was everywhere, Sam had a serious gash on his head! One of the parents passed me a wad of paper towels to put some pressure on the wound. The teacher is telling me to take him to the office. Well I was pretty lucky not only was the principal there helping but two student nurses from TWU. They went right into mode. I just kept affirming Sam that all was well. Next I bolted home to get my car. Returned to the school, and headed to the hospital. Well on my way I decided it was probably a good idea for some backup. So I pick up Mom & Dad J for help. We waited in the hospital for a couple of hours but to no avail did we progress. I was noted that the local clinic might to stitches so I gave a quick call and we were off. Well during this entire time Sam was in pretty good spirits, well until they started the stitches. Mom & Dad had to step in and hold him down while tears streamed down my face. Finally the ordeal was over! Now to heal!