Thursday, December 23, 2010

a dessert ...in time for the holidays

Hello Everyone!

We are all busy preparing and enjoying the holidays and counting down the days till Christmas Eve! Believe it or not it is tomorrow night!! This past month we have been busy attending school pageants, carol sing alongs at an old age home, decorating, reading nativity stories and watching classic Christmas movies on t.v.  Have I mentioned that I simply LOVE this season?!!!



I thought it might be fun to share a familiar recipe with you all here as well.  This recipe is for a desert that my mother and grandmother made each and every Christmas when I was growing up, and I am proud to have also made this every year since our firstborn was a baby.  It goes by many different names, but I like to call it "Pineapple Delight".  It is very simple, fun for girls to help with  and I have had positive comments on it.

Here it is:

PINEAPPLE DELIGHT



A) CRUST:

2 cups graham crumbs
1/2 cut melted butter

-mix thoroughly and keep out 1/2 cup of graham crumb mixture for the top of the desert later.
-press crust mixter into a 9X13 Pan
-put in oven at 300* for 10 minutes
-cool completely

B) ICING LAYER:

1 1/2 cups icing sugar
1/2 cup butter
1/2 tsp vanilla to taste
enough milk to make spreadable

-mix all together and spread on top of the cooled graham crust in the pan

C) PINEAPPLE FILLING

1 large can of crushed pineapple (well drained!)
1/2 pint whipping cream

-whip cream on high till stiff, adding small amount of icing sugar if desired
-fold in pineapple in the whipped cream
-spread on top of the icing layer generously

Top the whole dessert with the remaining Graham Crumbs  and Chill (so it sets and flavors combine)
After the dessert has been chilled overnight, cut into squares, serve and enjoy!

and thats it!!

Our family can polish off a pan of these squares in no time!




Well there is still alot of small things I need to tackle tonight so that tomorrow it will be easier paced and we can enjoy our Christmas Eve day and night.  Hope you all have a blessed holiday! I will be back soon to update and post some pics.
Good Night!

Sunday, December 5, 2010

Bring on the Cravings!

Hello everyone!

So, these days we have been busily preparing for Advent and the holiday season .  I have been enjoying every minute of it and loving the joy on our children's faces over things such as the first real snowfall, putting our star on the top of the decorated tree, tasting gingerbread dough and also our first sips of hot apple cider. There is something so magical about this season and I am reminded of my own childhood Christmas memories.

We have also been so wrapped up these days in the anticipation and excitement of announcing our news to family and friends! Well by the title of this post, you may have guessed it..hehe.... We are simply thrilled, honoured and soo grateful that we have been Blessed again and I am carrying the Gift of Life within!! Yes...we are Expecting another little precious one come spring!



This pregnancy has been relatively smooth going, with a little bit of morning sickness the first few months...and a bit of tiredness. We had an ultrasound at 11 weeks and it was simply amazing to see this little one on the screen with heart beating ever so fast and little limbs moving!


As the technician moved the doppler across my belly, I could feel tears coming..in that moment it was so "REAL" and watching our little one really moved me and I kept whispering praises to the Lord and the tears kept coming. Maybe it was hormones and I was a tad emotional, but I was just in awe at the miracle of Life before our very eyes! I felt so proud to be a woman and that God was forming this precious little one so precisely and intricately within my very own womb....words can't even sum up that moment in time, yet it is engraved within my heart forever.

When we told the other children, they jumped up and down in excitement and it was awesome to spend the night talking about the new baby.  Our little Elijah pats my belly everyday now and says "I'm petting the baby"..its quite adorable.



I have been really trying to get all the required nutrients in and even with taking my prenatal vitamins, I Crave Protein constantly.  I have tried over the months to satisfy it with beans, and lots of other substitutes for meat but it just doesn't cut it.  There was one night where I was so frustrated and finally at 9:30 at night, dear hubby ran to the grocery store for me and bought me a nice Sirloin steak!  Since then I have been having steaks every week...and the craving is satisfied. I crave horseradish and sauerkraut too, which is so weird!



Tomorrow we have another ultrasound scheduled out of town as they have a nicer facility and over the pregnancies, I have found they take their time and do not rush us out of there. The technician is very thorough in describing everything to us and even includes the husband and children...
We have debated finding out the sex of this little one, however as tempting as it will be, I think I would regret it later. I have never found out for ANY of our babies, and its that extra curiousity and suspense that gets me through those last few weeks of pregnancy and Labour. We'll see. Maybe we will find out afterall?...!

I will update on everything soon!

Thursday, November 18, 2010

I'm still here....just been busy

Hi...just wanted to pop in...since I haven't been on here in awhile

Life is just so busy right now...with lots of amazing things happening and lots of preparations for the new season.
The weeks fly by and with a  housefull of Littles, the fun never ends.

It has finally started to snow where we are and I am so happy it looks like its not all melting away.



Nothing like waking up to big fluffy flakes falling from the sky, and a nice hot cup of cocoa. I have been tempted lately to start blasting Christmas tunes, but I think I'll wait till we put up our decorations and tree for that.

I've started my Baking with the girls for our Christmas festivities. This is my favorite time to put on my assortment of Christmas aprons and make lots of wonderful treats for the season. There is always a party to attend, a play, an event or gifts to give, so having alot of baking done ahead really helps!



I am doing alot of my traditional squares and cookies, but the Children have seen some cute new recipes in magazines that I think I may try.

On another note, I have not even started Christmas shopping! I've browsed alot, and I'm making lists but thats about it. Usually dear hubby and I take a weekend away each November and head down south for the Vaughan Mills mall and of course we go to Yorkdale and Eaton's Centre in Toronto.  I find the city we're in is so limited in variety and I enjoy the time checking out new stores and finding great things down south that we may not find here.
We also love to dine at the Keg..as its our tradition. We're not sure though which weekend we'll go away yet, or if we'll just do it sometime in December this year...(although that may be just too hectic as the malls are so jam-packed and CRAZY then....!!) We'll see.
Well thats about all I have time to write for now! I have homework to do with children and need to get baths happening...until later..

cheers!

Wednesday, October 20, 2010

sweet deals!

Today I went shopping and bought some sweet little things I thought I'd share for fun

I was excited when I came across a new product and  decided to try it out. I sometimes use Johnson's products on our babies and toddlers and this is apparently their new line! It's called "Honey Apple" and it smells sweet just like a fresh crisp granny smith apple (thus the name! lol ) and has a soothing scent as well that lingers. Now the Wal-Mart here only had the baby wash, but I'm hoping they will carry the cream as well soon.


Our Hannah was needing some new bibs. It's surpising how many washings a bib goes through and how stained  they can get over time. I have noticed that Hannah's clothes were getting dirtier as the small bibs just don't cover her as well. I found these today and I really liked them!  Also, Gerber has very good prices and good quality products.



Are these not the sweetest patterns?! they remind me of Hannah's nursery bedding that has the same core colors. I just think Pink and Greens look so great together. Plus they are easy clean and durable. The best part of these bibs are the "crumb catchers" ...what a great idea!

I also needed to buy new pyjamas for the older children and since Lidiyah loves pretty nightgowns, I came across this one and knew she would love it! It's supersweet for a little girl like her.



It made her happy when she saw it.



It's always fun to come home with fun purchases that are great deals!

Monday, October 18, 2010

supper

Tonight we're having a traditional meal of Moose Stew and Bannock.
This will be only my second time ever making bannock and I'm using a totally different recipe too. Hoping it's edible.


Here is the recipe for Bannock I am using

4 cups flour
1/4 cup sugar
2 tsp salt
2 tsp baking powder
1/4 cup lard
2 cups lukewarm water






Mix dry ingredients together, add lard and mix
Mix dough until it is hard enough to knead into a ball, careful not to handle too much
Let dough stand 10 minutes (which i totally forgot to do!) before rolling on cookie sheet
After its all rolled out on a cookie sheet until it is 1/2 inch thick, then poke holes with fork!
bake in 400 degree oven for 40 minutes



This is the finished bannock. In my opinion it did not rise well! guess I really need to let the dough sit awhile. The texture was fine nonetheless.
Now all to do is cut it into rectangles and dip it in our stew.

Bannock is so versatile too in that you can add so many different ingredients to your liking (berries, currants, raisins, cheese...etc..)


The Moose stew is very simple!

First cut and dredge your meat generously.




Meanwhile have your pot of broth, veggies (potatoes, carrots, turnip, lots of onions) and cooking on the stove till soft cooked.
Then I dropped the meat into a hot pan with oil and browned it over medium heat, not enough to cook the meat though.



After you are satisfied with how browned the meat is, take it off the heat and add to your pot of broth with vegetables. Continue to cook and stir for about 1/2 hour more and shut off heat after thickened.
That is basically how I make my moose meat stew..nothing fancy and no certain recipe. You get the idea though.


Hope you enjoyed a glimpse into our kitchen! The children simply enjoy this meal and always ask for second helpings.

 





Friday, October 15, 2010

Friday Fun

So its Friday!!

Fridays have that extra special feel to them...I'm not exactly sure why but I find they just do. Friday is the day that I catch-up on any major housework that wasn't done during the week and I tackle the deep scrubbing so that our weekends are completely free from cleaning! Other than the usual loading of the dishwasher and a few laundry tasks, we do nothing else around the house and focus on being together as a family.

Fridays are also the day I do the big grocery shop for 2 reasons.
1) sale flyers start Friday mornings.
2) I can focus on my menu plans and have my fun meals for the weekend ready to roll with fresh ingredients and I dont have to wait till Sunday nights (like I did before) to think of menu planning for the week ahead.

I try to buy a special treat on Friday's for the weekend, nothing big, just something we don't usually have during the week.

Friday nights I do NOT cook. Ever. Sometimes that means we have a casserole prepared ahead or sometimes we order in. Tonight we have ordered Hawaiian Pizza for the children and Deluxe for the adults. The children are all growing (like kids do!) and we are at a point where we now order PARTY SIZED pizza just to fill them all up! You know you have a Large sized Family when the children's order alone is a Party Pizza! I like it too because there is usually some leftover's for Saturday lunch.



We like to stay up late Friday's and watch movies, or seasons of our favorite tv shows. The children really enjoy watching Little House on the Prairie's which we find sweet. Our oldest actually used some allowance and saved up just to buy the next season that we didn't have of LHOP.
Sometimes we watch Planet EArth episodes.



Another bonus about staying up late on a Friday night is that the children sleep in on Saturday! (ironic I'm writing this because it just so happens that tomorrow morning is the ONLY exception! but due to an event-!)

Tomorrow we have a fun conference we are attending put on by the Early Years Centre. The conference has over 15 different worshops/sessions with awesome hands-on learning oppurtunities that are interactive for both children and parents.  We enjoy taking part in it every year, as there are wonderful booths, displays, demos, draws, healthy snacks and great entertainment for the whole family. I will take some pictures and post soon! (check out http://www.letthelearningbegin.ca/  if any locals are interested and want to come out in the morning! )

Hope you all have a great weekend spending it with family and friends!

Wednesday, October 13, 2010

I'm Thankful

As Thanksgiving season is upon us I have pondered my blessings and have realized we have  so much to be thankful for. Each day I wake up and have breath I am truly thankful. Life can bring some down times and even in these times I have learned over the years to find joy amidst every trial. If I look hard enough, I find "bits of grace" woven throughout our journey and upon reflecting this I realize I may not know the bigger picture but I am confident in the One who does.

 Sometimes I fail to notice the simple things in my day that all add up to sweet moments with my friends or family. I want to include these simple blessings because they are all a part of my Life and make me smile when I remember them or take a moment to savor them.



I am THANKFUL for:

warm cozy nights reading to excited children snuggled on a big couch

hot stew in a crockpot with dumplings bubbling on top

braiding my little girl's long dark hair

getting on the floor to build train tracks with the boys

paintings and drawings handed to me to put up on the fridge



wet drooly kisses from a little toddler who wants to kiss me on the cheek

hearing about my beloved's day at work

long heart to heart conversations with my girlfriends at ladies night out

spa nights with my little girls with mud masks, cucumber slices, and manicures

wrestling with the boys, all 3 of them!

listening to oldies with my dad, just because thats what we always did

children that charge at Grampa when he walks in the door

yummy "turkey in the oven" aromas that fill the house and remind us of thanksgivings past...

soft lullabye music in the wee hours of the morning as I rock my toddler back to sleep

hard belly-laughs with the children as we remember funny things they've all said

quiet time before the house stirs




the lovely scent of freshly bathed children who insist on having baby lotion on their faces after bath

warm flannel sheets washed and adorned on our queen sized bed

crisp fall evenings for family walks to the nearby park

prayers said by children who love God




Blessings 1-20 that I am truly thankful for!  I am a blessed woman and I could think of so many more little snippets of wonderful things....but maybe for some other posts...as I think of them...
What are you thankful for ?!








Monday, September 27, 2010

The Family Table

Hello!

I just wanted to write about something today that I believe is an important aspect of our Home and thought I would share a bit about it.
We are big believers in the "Family Table" and have strived to implement it more consistently into our lives. The idea basically comes from growing up with parents who made it a rule that no matter what , each night we sat together as a family for dinner. Now this took some sacrifices and planning on my parent's part as they had a very busy Landscaping business and Dad had alot of men who worked under him and plenty of deadlines and big jobs to complete. Often Dad worked late in the night just  to accomodate our Family time earlier in the evening. That is something I never really thought about or appreciated about my parents until now that I am a  parent myself.. They MADE IT WORK. They just did. Most importantly, they valued us children and made us priority  and to make sure they were the ones to "train us up" in the way we should go.



I remember we had a very long sturdy table and it was often a  very full table, with not only us four children,  but often neighborhood kids who were playing at our house who were invited to stay. My mother was a great cook and delighted in surprising Dad with new recipes she tried and raised us to be the most non-picky eaters mainly because of the variety she offereed and exposed us to as children.
Now I am not saying you need to be an amazing chef to enjoy this routine, it just brought that much more excitement when we could smell the aromas coming from Mom's kitchen while we were playing hide and seek downstairs.



When we were called to the table, the girls helped Mom to serve the dishes and the boys were responsible for filling the cups with drinks. We would sit down and Dad would sit at the end and it wasn't long before we were all sharing about our day. Halfway through our meal, Dad would start telling us stories or teaching us some moral principal and thinking back now, he often would relate it right to the events we had talked about already from that day. He had such a way of explaining things and was not only interesting but humorous. We learned so much from those family discussions and it brought Life to our home. We looked forward to what Dad and Mom would have in mind for our talks each night. This was also the time that Dad would say positive things over us and we grinned ear to ear, especially when it came to our turn. I have fond memories of learning valuable lessons  at the Family Table.



As much as I have carried these memories through the years, I realize they were a starting point for me to continue on with the tradition. Now that we have a housefull of Children and many personalities developing it has been interesting at our own Family Table. We really enjoy getting to know each child and teaching them how to interact, take turns, share and be mindful of their sibling's feelings. It poses a challenge as well, especially with toddlers and preschoolers to teach them to sit quietly even when they are done their meal.
Eventually they get used to it and even babble away adding their two cents in. The children all laugh , especially now when Hannah does it. 

It is amazing how much our children will pour out their hearts (even the Boys!) when we give them the oppurtunity. Many disagreements between siblings have been sorted out too at meal time.  Often we will give them a verse, a quote, a poem and ask them to comment and even the young ones like to particiapate.

I found a great book that we have used as a guide lately in our family discussions and would recommend it. It is called "Gather Round the Dinner Fable" by Steven James (Honor Books Publishing company) It starts off with an idea, an activity or object lesson and discussion starters. Sometimes as parents it is not always easy to come up with exact topics or discussions, and we have found this book is helping us do just that!


Well I hope that by sharing with you all a bit of insight into our Home, it may bless and encourage you to implement something like this in your own home. It doesnt have to be anything too extravagant, just simple. What is important to children (we have noticed) is the Quality Time spent with them, getting to know them and sharing lifelong lessons with them is something they do cherish and look forward to!



Wednesday, September 22, 2010

A busy Nest....

Hello Everyone!
Life has been busy as usual at the "Nest" and we've all been adjusting to new routines, projects and back to school life. My days fly by and sleep is something i definitly have not had enough of!
We have a teething toddler who has been up frequently in the night, a big boy who is night potty training, and older children who enjoy chatting instead  of sleeping when it comes to bedtime. Needless to say, our nights are sometimes late and interupted. Life goes on in a busy home with many "littles" and we must persevere. I have been blessed to catch a few naps in the afternoons and am so happy that "Family Quiet Hour" has been a success thus far!



The children have started their programs again but this year we have decided to be more conscientious as to what we involve ourselves in. Last year I noticed we seemed to be running to different programs and were not home as much as I think we should have been. These programs were beneficial and provided great learning/social oppurtunities,  but as a family I realized  our time together was not as relaxing and often rushed. I sometimes had a playgroup in the morning, and then we would go the drop-in playcenter and by the time supper came, we had fussy children who were simply exhausted and ready for bed! This mama knows better this year , and are reaping the benefits already! All around the children are well rested, better behaved and we are not as stressed.
All in all its been a great September and I am excited as we move into the Fall season. I have been noticing the leaves are changing colors and even starting to fall. I love each season as it arrives and Fall happens to be one of my favorites!

Well, I am off to switch laundry but wanted to leave a quick update!
Have a great week everyone!!

Monday, August 23, 2010

How to be Perfectly "Miserable"....

How to Be Perfectly Miserable

Think about yourself,
Talk about yourself,
Use "I" as often as possible,
Mirror yourself continually in the opinion of others
Listen greedily to what people say about you,
Expect to be appreciated,
Be suspicious,
Be jealous and envious,
Be sensitive to slights,
Never forgive a criticism,
Trust nobody but yourself,
Insist on consideration and respect,
Demand agreement with your own views on everything,
Sulk if people are not grateful to you for favors shown,
Never forget a service you may have rendered,
Be on the outlook for a good time yourself,
Shirk you duties if you can,
Do as little as possible for others,
Love yourself supremely and ...
Be Selfish!

This recipe is guaranteed infallible!!

Author Unknown..



Sunday, August 22, 2010

are these little girls not Sweet?!

I found this video years ago and was captivated by it!http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W8dZom-srPM
Check it out..they did so well for their age...

Saturday, August 21, 2010

Smoothies...a building Block for Healthy Living

One of our favorite things to do is make nutritious smoothies. They are easy and fun to blend up. I would recommend a good quality blender because once your family gets a taste of these, they will be asking for Smoothies often!

The Basic Smoothie:


2 bananas

10-12 frozen strawberries

1 cup of apple juice
 
 
The High-C Smoothie:

2 bananas

1 orange

2 kiwis

10-12 frozen strawberries

½ cup of frozen blueberries

1-2 cups of orange juice
 


Eclectic Smoothie

2 bananas

1 apple

1 orange

1 chunk of fresh pineapple

1-2 cups of apple juice
 
There are so many variations and options. You can add any fruit and sometimes you can add soymilk, whole milk or rice milk.  Our family enjoys these as a wholesome breakfast, midday "pick-me-up" snack
or even a bedtime snack. I sneak in some BarleyLife for an added serving of fibre and important vitamins especially for the little ones.
 
 
 

Peaches n' Cream Smoothie

2 Bananas

1 cup of frozen peaches

1 cup apple juice


Exotic Smoothie:

2 bananas


1 mango

2 kiwis

½ a papaya

10-12 frozen strawberries


1-2 cups cranberry juice



Berry Refresher:



2 bananas


1 cup of raspberries


½ cup frozen blueberries

10-12 frozen strawberries


1-2 cups cranberry juice


Happy Smoothie Making!

Around the Corner....

Hello All!

We have been blessed here at the "Nest" and have been soaking up whatever sun we can, savoring Summer.
I have found that the last week has been getting cooler and some nights we've been doubling up the blankets. That can only mean that summer is almost on the way out and around the corner is September and Fall. 




I have been making it a purpose to try to "rise up early" again like I do every year around this time. I am trying to train my body to get on an earlier schedule so that I have a few weeks to ease up to it.  Sadly, with me it's been hit and miss. I admit it-I love my sleep too much. 



I think I may need to head to Wal-Mart and purchase an alarm clock. I know too well the feeling of starting the day later and trying to play "catch-up" the rest of the day. NOT how I want to start September. My personal goal is to be up out of bed at 6:30 and I think that is more realistic than my original 6:00 a.m goal. It doesn't help that the children enjoy their sleep in the mornings too and sometimes can sleep in till 9:00 am!


 Along with getting up early, I have started to write out my routine in my Home Management Binder and started to fill out my menu plans and lunchbox ideas for September. It takes some planning and organizing to get 2 preschoolers up ready for their programs, and  4 children ready for school. 


 The mornings are full with making lunches, getting diapers changed, overseeing that  6 children are dressed appropriately, boys hair combed, girls hair done up, wholesome breakfast made and eaten in set amount of time,  6 sets of  teeth brushed, 6 faces washed, homework put in proper backpacks, and all outdoor clothing on properly. Not too mention prayers that are prayed, kisses and hugs exchanged and words of blessing spoken over their day. It is very busy but I wouldn't trade it for anything.





With that being said, we still have to finish purchasing back to school clothing and switch over from summer to fall clothing. This includes going through ALL the clothing in all the dressers and getting rid of clothes that are out of season and no longer fit. I have an account with a second-hand store called "Mainly Clothes" here in town that carrys "mint" condition Brand name clothing . I bring my clothes there for exchange of in-store credit. Last time I went to browse there, I had $25 in my account from my old stuff being sold! It felt so great to be able to buy more kids clothes with my in store credit- it felt like I was getting it all for free!

Yesterday I bought all the children their new socks and underwear, because after a year of washing it is incredible at how many mismatched sets there are, and of course with boys there are numerous holes in their socks. I like to start Fresh. I bought some of their school supplies too.  I bought them cute stainless steel hot food containers for their lunches, as with many children they do get bored with sandwhiches all the time.


We are trying to be as prepared as we can for this school year. I find each year that comes around it does get a little bit more challenging because there is usually one more child starting school and it takes me a good few weeks to get my routine down pat and for things to run smooth in the morning...that is until I messe it up by sleeping  in!! ha!


Praying I will be able to master getting up early in the next 2 weeks!!! 






















Sunday, August 8, 2010

Summer Fun!

Hello Everyone;


We have been enjoying our summer days here at the Nest immensely. Each day has been filled with activities, beach days, daytrips and lots of birthdays. We have four birthdays alone just in the month of August! That has meant alot of  BBQ's, spending time with loved ones and friends, and CAKE.


One of the fun things the children enjoy doing each summer is creating their own "Lemonade Stand". This is often set up in our living room and the odd time they are allowed to go out to the front of our house on the sidewalk to setup and sell their lemonade to families or children walking by. They are at the point now where they can make the lemonade on their own with minimal help and its wonderful to see them work together cooperating for their common goal.




They spend the morning creating their own signs, making their own  little money box and getting all the cups and the pitcher ready. With their permission I thought I would share with you all the recipe that  they use. It is super easy , yet is not necessarily for the health conscious ! ha!

 

EASY LEMONADE

Mix well in a 2 quart pitcher:
1 cup lemon juice
1 cup sugar
6 cups of cold water
Chill until ready to serve~

PS. For the most enjoyable lemonade experience, pour into frosty clear glasses and garnish with a sliced lemon and a fresh strawberry or cherry !!

oh...and dont forget the ICE!

I will post later in the week  but just wanted to say hello and update you all.

Cheers!