Sunday Links

I am posting this early because I plan on not being on the computer at all tomorrow. So here you go.....


Man Performs 22 Acts of Kindness on his 22nd-Birthday  :: How great  would this world be if everyone thought like this man.

Say It With Me I Am So Blessed

Applesauce or Pear Sauce Spice Cake

Dear Sweet Mom Who Feels Like She Is Failing



Gratitudes
1. That I have a wonderful family.
2. That I I have got all the scheduling and planning done for the girls.
3. That mandarin oranges are now on sale.

 

Old School Bus

I found this the other day while I was surfing the net. I absolutely love the craftsmanship and detail in this bus.

Gratitudes
1. That I am supposed to get a call this week about the cake instructor position.
2. That I had a great day with Emily today, we went shopping and then cuddled and watched movies.
3. That dinner is easy tonight so Rob said he would cook, I just have to lift it in and out of the oven.
 

Finished Another One...

I finished my cake decorating course last night. Here are the flowers I made..

The instructor has recommended me to take over for her since this was her last class. I have already applied at the Wilton site and now just need to apply at Michael's. But I have been having issues with their online application, so I spoke to the supervisor that was on and she gave me the email for the lady who is in charge of the cake classes. So I emailed her and now I just wait and see.


Gratitudes
1. That it was a beautiful day today.
2.That my class is finished and I heard that they might be coming out with another new course next year.
3. That I finally got paid for the cake I did a few months ago.

Jake at work

My baby working hard.

Gratitudes
1. That I finished my cake class and have applied to take over as an instructor.
2. That it is the weekend. YAY!!!
3. That  Rob is starting to feel alot better, but is still taking it easy.

Wordless Wednesday

Gratitudes.
1. That it is raining.
2. That I got alot accomplished this morning.
3. That Rob gets his staples out this afternoon.

Art Project

I did and art project with the girls yesterday based on one of Paul Cezane's works, "Apples and Oranges." It showed them how to make objects with basic shapes and how to give them dimension using chalk shading. Here are the pictures.

 

 

Gratitudes

1. That the girls are very proud of their finished art work.

2. That Frank has his MRCP today and hopefully we will get the results quickly.

3. That I have some great neighbours who came to our rescue and allowed us to use their harspray to set the chalk on the art work.

 

 

Meal Plan Monday

Sorry I haven't posted lately. I have been really busy with regular life stuff, and then you add on doing some of Rob's jobs, and trying to keep him in bed, and doing all the running around picking kids up and I haven't had alot of time. Then this weekend my computer decided that it should have a temper tantrum and refused to work.

Anyways I managed to get it fixed this morning and hopefully it will continue to behave itself.

Here is the meal plan for this week. We are only using things we have in the house right now since the balance of our grocery budget for the month is now $0.38. Stupid dog!! He normally doesn't touch the cat food but this month we have caught him eating it a few times, so the cats ran out of food and we had to use the last $30 from the budget to buy cat food that should have lasted all month. I will say it again "Stupid Dog!!!!"

OK, here is the meal plan

Sunday - chicken pot pie
Monday - leftovers
Tuesday - spaghetti squash with sauce
Wednesday - stir fry
Thursday - leftovers
Friday - macaroni
Saturday -  pancakes



Gratitudes
1. That the leaves are changing colours and starting to fall, I love autumn.
2. That Emily cuddled Daddy lots over the weekend and it encourged him to actually stay in bed.
3. That a friend dropped off a few bags of produce that she was given.

Small Home

I saw this cabin in a post on another blog, and I absolutely love it.

The Cabin

Cat's Meow Blog

I love how simple everything is, how uncluttered and open the space is. I love how everything is useful yet decorative. I could totally see myself living there!! Much better than all those huge houses on the Parade of Homes Tour.



Gratitudes
1. That Rob's surgery went well now we just need to try and keep him on bed rest for the next three weeks.
2. That so many people are praying for him.
3. That Jake helped me get the janitorial work at the school and church done last night and Frank said he would help tonight.




 

Wordless Wednesday

Gratitudes
1. That Rob's surgery is today, praying that everything goes well.
2. That I managed to get all the chores done before I had to take Rob to the hospital.
3. That a friend dropped off a bunch of snacks and cereal for the kids, that will help alot with the grocery budget this month.

Another Food Post

The last few days  I have been pretty busy processing more food. I went crab apple picking with my neighbour and when I got home I got straight to work.

14 Jars Crab Apple Juice

 

14 Jars Crab Apple Sauce

 

5 Jars Crab Apple Liquer

 

I also finally got aroud to processing the zucchini I got at the farmers market a week ago. I got 23 bags of it into the freezer, all ready to go into casseroles and chili.

 

Zucchini

 

 

Gratitudes

1. That I finally got that zucchini dealt with.

2. That I have been finally trying some of the things that I have pinned on pinterest.

3. That Rob has today off to get some stuff done before his surgery tomorrow.

 

 

Meal Plan Monday

Sunday - chicken ceasar salad
Monday - tuna casserole
Tuesday - chili
Wednesday - leftovers
Thursday - quesadillas
Friday - stir fry
Saturday - fish

Gratitudes
1. That the boys were in really great moods this morning and were joking and laughing all morning.
2. That Shirley bought lunchables and brought them over so I don't have to make lunch for the girls today.
3. That today looks like it will be another beautiful day and there is a chill in the air that says autumn is here.

 

Sunday Links

How To Make Your Own Blueberry Syrup


Grain Free Granola :: Gluten free. YAY!!


America Is Safer Than Ever, So Why Are Parents So Scared? :: A great article


The Comparison Trap


Gratitudes
1.That today is a beautiful day!!
2. That I finally found some pants that fit Emily.
3. That we are having salad for dinner so no cooking for me. 

Parade of Homes

photo source

 

For the first time ever Rob and I went and checked out the Parade of Homes. What a disappointment!!  We knew that all the houses were going to be large because that seems to be what everyone has to buy nowadays. But we were floored by how much wasted space was in these houses. Out of the 11 homes there was only 2 that we thought were even worth looking at, and absolutely 0 that we would ever consider buying. Even if we won the lottery!!

It was funny to listen to some of the comments that people were making though. One older couple was discussing the bedrooms in one house and the wife said "These bedrooms are so small." I laughed and told her that I was thinking the exact opposite. She kind of looked at me funny until I told her that we were raising 5 kids in a mobile home to which she said, "Oh my, I am so sorry, I am so sorry!" She was apparently so sorry that she repeated herself 3 times. LOL!! It is so true that it is all in your perspective. 

After we looked at all the houses we stopped at the new frozen yogurt store that just opened up the road from us, Tutti Frutti. It is a self serve type thing and once you are done serving they weigh your bowl for you to pay. The prices were actually pretty good and the yogurt was amazing!! Definitely will be going back there.


Gratitudes
1. That we have a wonderful small home.
2. That I found zucchini at the farmers market for an amazing price.
3. That I am having so much fun at this cake class.


 

Homeschool Picnic

Yesterday the homeschool group had a back to school picnic. They held it at the Esplanade and had some activities planned for after the picnic.  The kids got a tour of the Heritage House, and the Museum Gallery, then they got to do an art project. Rob and I went with them for the tours and then I joined the other parents while Rob stayed with them for the art project.

They had a presentation on how to use the First Class system that you get access to, it has alot of resources for using with younger kids and when you have older kids doing online work it allows them to link with their teachers and submit homework. Then they had a curriculum exchange and there was 5 big boxes full of stuff for free. I found a grade 4 math curriculum for next year, a geology book that will work with their science this year, 2 books that will fit in with their socials this year and next year and Hamlet in everyday English ( that is for me to read).

 

Gratitudes
1. That we all had a good time at the picnic yesterday.
2. That I am going to pick up honey tonight and Shirley is going to come with me.
3. That last nights cake class was alot of fun and the instructor has asked me to take the teaching course, and take over for her because she wants to retire.
 

Wordless Wednesday

Gratitudes
1. That the girls started belly dance classes last night and had fun.
2. That the girls started piano lessons today and love it.
3. That we went and picked some crab apples so I can make the crab apple liquer.

Homeschool Fun

The girls are getting alot accomplished and are doing alot of it independently. I love the workbox system!!  I sit with them at the table so I can help if they need it, and either work on my bible study, work on a blog post, reading, menu planning or budgetting.  Yesterday they baked butterscotch confetti squares after doing their book work, they had a blast and were very proud of themselves. When the twins got home from school the girls rushed to serve them some and then rushed to get more when Shirley arrived to pick Rebekkah up.

After they are done everything they usually go and play and I mark their work and get their stuff ready for the next day, it usually only takes me about 20 minutes to get everything ready. I have been spending alot more time getting all the photocopying done. The books we ordered ended up being back ordered so I found some of the stuff in town and the rest I just switched but was only able to find 1 copy of some of them so have to photocopy for the other girl to use.



Gratitudes
1. That the boys had a great time at cadets last night.
2. That Emily went to bed really quickly so I had time to watch a movie and relax before the boys got home.
3. That we are going to do our first art project today.

Meal Plan Monday

Been busy this weekend doing more canning. I got 4 more jars of spiced apple juice and 12 jars of turkey stew canned.

Here is the menu for the week::

Sunday - chicken ceasar salad
Monday - turkey stew, the one jar that didn't seal
Tuesday - spaghetti
Wednesday - fish
Thursday - leftovers
Friday - split pea soup
Saturday - stir fry


Gratitudes
1. That the girls were excited to start school work this morning.
2. That I got the whole house straightened up really quickly this morning.
3. That cadets starts tonight for the boys and the are excited too.
 

Sunday Links

False Guilt and Depriving Kids

Make 24 Hour Go Bags For Your Kids

DIY Fruit Leather




Gratitudes
1. That there is a potluck after church, love the fellowship and sampling new foods.
2. That I have gotten so much canning completed and still kept up on regular stuff.
3. That I have a friend that loaned me a pressure canner to try and it has allowed me to can alot of suff I wouldn't be able to do normally.










 

Quick Breakfasts

 

I found this awesome recipe on pinterest and thought it would be the perfect way to make breakfasts ahead of time. This way the boys get a healthy and yummy breakfast without having to rush around and worry about being late. After I used up all the bacon I remembered that I had frozen a bag of leftover sausages awhile back so I made some egg muffins.

 

 

Bacon Egg Cups 

Makes 12 cups

12 slices bacon
12 eggs
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
pinch of salt
1/4 tsp black pepper

 

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Whip the eggs, salt, pepper and cheese with a fork. Spray non stick spray in 12 muffin tins. Wrap each piece of bacon inside the sides of each muffin cup.

Fill each bacon lined muffin cup 3/4 of the way with the egg mixture

Bake for 30-35 minutes, until the egg cups are golden brown and don’t jiggle. Use a knife to scoop them out of the tins. Serve immediately.

Each cup is about 100 calories. So you can eat a few of them for breakfast and not feel guilty about eating TOO much junk, but you still get some tasty bacon!

 

 

Egg Muffins

Makes 12 muffins

 

12 eggs. beaten

whatever toppings you want

I used half a cooked and chopped sausage in each cup and a sprinkle of cheese.

 

Preheat oven to 350 F. Spray muffin pan with non stick spray. Fill muffin cups 2/3 full with eggs then sprinkle on toppings. Bake or about 30-35 minutes. 

 

 

 

Gratitudes

1. That I found this great idea for making breakfasts easier.

2. That it is the weekend and Emily and me are going to hang out.

3. That so far this month we are doing awesome with our grocery budget and might even come in under budget.

New Shelves

Rob finished putting the rest of the shelves on and I filled it all up with the canning. Then I washed all the empty jars that were really gross and put them on the new shelves. I am really happy with how great it looks.

I can't wait too get the rest of the jars filled, it's nice know to know that I made all this healthy yummy food. It gives me a great sense of accomplishment. It's even better knowing that all of it didn't cost alot.




Gratitudes
1. For all the yummy food.
2. That Rob and I are have finally planned a date night.
3. That we are still getting tomoatoes from the garden.

Wordless Wednesday

Gratitudes
1. That I have such a sweet guy that brought me flowers again.
2. That I got 12 more jars of spaghetti sauce canned.
3. That the girls had a great first day of school.

Meal Plan Monday

Here is the weeks menu.

Sunday - spaghetti
Monday - chicken ceasar salad
Tuesday - tuna melts
Wednesday - hamburgers
Thursday - spinach quiche
Friday - fish
Saturday - leftovers

I am in the process of making a list of all the meals we eat and like so we can rotate through them. I find we are eating the some of the meals so often that even though we enjoy them we are getting sick of them, so hopefully this will help.


Gratitudes
1. That we have dollar stores around here so I can find some of the things I need at a great price.
2. That Frank brought home some food that was left after his shift so I don't have to make lunch today.
3. That my kids get along so well.

Sunday Links

Cucumber Onion Salad  :: This sounds yummy.

 

I love this song.

 

 

 

Gratitudes

1. That the boys are both loving school and their new jobs.

2. That everything is organized for the girls to start school this week.

3. That the nights are getting cooler, I love fall.