Jezebel

Grazing has become my newest favorite cookbook. So with the holidays here, food is in full swing too. Whether this is baking, giving, receiving, partying, etc. Recently I attended a Ladies Christmas Party (thanks little Merry!) and was required to bring an appetizer. Easy and tasty were priorities for me. So thanks to the ever industrious Julie, I assembled the creamy & zippy Jezebel. Try it! It'll be a hit with guests/ family/friends...even strangers will rave and request the recipe.
And, come on, isn't the name just fun? Jezebel. Nothing like a brazen, well-to-do hussy to brighten your holidays.

Jezebel
1 block of cream cheese
1 small jar of apricot jam
1T horseradish
2tsp dijon mustard
Mix Jam, h'radish & mustard together in jam jar. Heat in microwave approx 1 minute, pour over block of cream cheese. Serve with snack crackers. Yum!

Jezebel

Grazing has become my newest favorite cookbook. So with the holidays here, food is in full swing too. Whether this is baking, giving, receiving, partying, etc. Recently I attended a Ladies Christmas Party (thanks little Merry!) and was required to bring an appetizer. Easy and tasty were priorities for me. So thanks to the ever industrious Julie, I assembled the creamy & zippy Jezebel. Try it! It'll be a hit with guests/ family/friends...even strangers will rave and request the recipe.
And, come on, isn't the name just fun? Jezebel. Nothing like a brazen, well-to-do hussy to brighten your holidays.

Jezebel
1 block of cream cheese
1 small jar of apricot jam
1T horseradish
2tsp dijon mustard
Mix Jam, h'radish & mustard together in jam jar. Heat in microwave approx 1 minute, pour over block of cream cheese. Serve with snack crackers. Yum!

28 Months (a little late)

W is in the midst of being two. 28 months. He's independant and still sticks close to his parents when necessary, he's sweet, loving and huggy and two minutes later shyness, sullenness & a refusal to say hello may occur....you just never know. I've decided that this 2 business is just a dress rehearsal for the teen years. They're the same, just different sized bodies. As frustrating as it can be to live with a toddler, it's fun and heartwarming just too.

He makes us laugh. He's quite vocal and the things he finds interesting to talk about are surprising at times....like nose picking, nakedness and today at "diaper time" he was telling me about particular parts of the anatomy that he, his brother and father share. Apparently I do too! I thought these discussions would start a year from now? Wrong again.

W loves to sing, dance and act out scenarios from TV. He imitates Lord Farquad from Shrek, and the dance of the butterfly, ladybug, beetlebug and grasshopper from a Baby Einstein DVD. It's too cute and often causes a laugh from B & me even though we've seen this drama presentation a time or two.

Lately, his favorite songs at bedtime are "Silent-Good-Night", "Manger" and "Toys". Is there a better way to end the day than snuggled with your child in a comfortable chair, with a cozy blanket, singing Christmas carols? I think not. "Silent good-night, holy good-night...."

28 Months (a little late)

W is in the midst of being two. 28 months. He's independant and still sticks close to his parents when necessary, he's sweet, loving and huggy and two minutes later shyness, sullenness & a refusal to say hello may occur....you just never know. I've decided that this 2 business is just a dress rehearsal for the teen years. They're the same, just different sized bodies. As frustrating as it can be to live with a toddler, it's fun and heartwarming just too.

He makes us laugh. He's quite vocal and the things he finds interesting to talk about are surprising at times....like nose picking, nakedness and today at "diaper time" he was telling me about particular parts of the anatomy that he, his brother and father share. Apparently I do too! I thought these discussions would start a year from now? Wrong again.

W loves to sing, dance and act out scenarios from TV. He imitates Lord Farquad from Shrek, and the dance of the butterfly, ladybug, beetlebug and grasshopper from a Baby Einstein DVD. It's too cute and often causes a laugh from B & me even though we've seen this drama presentation a time or two.

Lately, his favorite songs at bedtime are "Silent-Good-Night", "Manger" and "Toys". Is there a better way to end the day than snuggled with your child in a comfortable chair, with a cozy blanket, singing Christmas carols? I think not. "Silent good-night, holy good-night...."

7 Months - Don't Blink

Looking at Baby R these days, I see so many changes in him. He is maturing by leaps and bounds before my eyes. Some of these changes are subtle; like his hair growing in and some are obvious; such as the ability to sit up, a new tooth, eating solids, laughing at his brother, becoming more vocal and getting up on all fours. Oh no! Please do not crawl soon. I am not ready for crawling. I love this snuggly baby stage and am not ready for the on the go stage. As much as I want R's babyhood to go slowly, it'll be interesting to see what his personality is like throughout toddlerhood and beyond.

He is a doll. Easy to please. Content. Mostly happy and just the most loveable little guy. We are so blessed.

7 Months - Don't Blink

Looking at Baby R these days, I see so many changes in him. He is maturing by leaps and bounds before my eyes. Some of these changes are subtle; like his hair growing in and some are obvious; such as the ability to sit up, a new tooth, eating solids, laughing at his brother, becoming more vocal and getting up on all fours. Oh no! Please do not crawl soon. I am not ready for crawling. I love this snuggly baby stage and am not ready for the on the go stage. As much as I want R's babyhood to go slowly, it'll be interesting to see what his personality is like throughout toddlerhood and beyond.

He is a doll. Easy to please. Content. Mostly happy and just the most loveable little guy. We are so blessed.

More Mom...

She's on the mend. Yay! It's been a stressful 10 days but enlightening and positive as well. My little mom is still in hospital, but if all goes well she'll be out for Christmas. Here's hoping!
Of course, she has a long road of healing ahead of her and there's alot of planning and organization to take place in regards to her being home alone. What she is able to accomplish on her own, what she will need assistance with, the everyday things that we healthy and able people take for granted, but it'll all come together. Also, the next treatment she'll undergo tomorrow should make the world of difference in her energy level. If the transfusion has the desired effect she'll be a new woman within the next few days.
It was a relief to spend time with her this past weekend. Just to see her lightened my heart. Many thanks to my in-laws as they took care of the boys for me while I spent time in the hospital. That was so helpful to me as I couldn't be there otherwise. Plus the boys had a wonderful time at the farm. Especially W who probably wore out his Gram-Oh Doe. She'll need some RnR after three days with W.
Of course, Christmas will be different than we had originally planned. Which is okay. In the big scheme of things, a little change never hurts. Keeps one adaptable and flexible. Really, we have more to celebrate this year. Alot of gratitude to share. And that is an important lesson for me now and always.

More Mom...

She's on the mend. Yay! It's been a stressful 10 days but enlightening and positive as well. My little mom is still in hospital, but if all goes well she'll be out for Christmas. Here's hoping!
Of course, she has a long road of healing ahead of her and there's alot of planning and organization to take place in regards to her being home alone. What she is able to accomplish on her own, what she will need assistance with, the everyday things that we healthy and able people take for granted, but it'll all come together. Also, the next treatment she'll undergo tomorrow should make the world of difference in her energy level. If the transfusion has the desired effect she'll be a new woman within the next few days.
It was a relief to spend time with her this past weekend. Just to see her lightened my heart. Many thanks to my in-laws as they took care of the boys for me while I spent time in the hospital. That was so helpful to me as I couldn't be there otherwise. Plus the boys had a wonderful time at the farm. Especially W who probably wore out his Gram-Oh Doe. She'll need some RnR after three days with W.
Of course, Christmas will be different than we had originally planned. Which is okay. In the big scheme of things, a little change never hurts. Keeps one adaptable and flexible. Really, we have more to celebrate this year. Alot of gratitude to share. And that is an important lesson for me now and always.

Mom update

Hopefully if all goes as planned, my mom will be transferred to her local community hospital tomorrow. It's taken ALOT of convincing of the hospital staff to not send her home. Apparently, just because she cannot walk, dress herself, etc plus is on oxygen, etc there is no reason to tie up a hospital bed. Our system is less than stellar. However, thanks to my sister, brother and mom's family doctor the decision has been made to transfer to her home hospital. Thank goodness. Anyway, here's hoping that the weather in the area quiets down so that she can be transported. Right now the roads in the area are terrible; icy, drifting, and snowing and the ambulance couldn't travel today due to the conditions.
Here's hoping all goes well....

Mom update

Hopefully if all goes as planned, my mom will be transferred to her local community hospital tomorrow. It's taken ALOT of convincing of the hospital staff to not send her home. Apparently, just because she cannot walk, dress herself, etc plus is on oxygen, etc there is no reason to tie up a hospital bed. Our system is less than stellar. However, thanks to my sister, brother and mom's family doctor the decision has been made to transfer to her home hospital. Thank goodness. Anyway, here's hoping that the weather in the area quiets down so that she can be transported. Right now the roads in the area are terrible; icy, drifting, and snowing and the ambulance couldn't travel today due to the conditions.
Here's hoping all goes well....

Worry & Gratitude

This afternoon I received the call that everyone dreads. The call from a hospital staff member advising you that your family member has been admitted. My heart sunk and my voice froze as the nurse advised me that my mom had been flown to the hospital today due to a motor vehicle accident this morning at 9am. It was already 12:45pm and I was the first family member to be notified. At that time, Mr. Nurse wasn't able to tell me anything as she was still in ER undergoing tests. It's been a long, helpless day waiting by the phone, contacting siblings, her work & responsibilities, debating whether to up heave my immediate family in order to travel out of town and then finally speaking to my mom, if only for a moment. We still don't know alot, only that all in all she is okay. So, with the worry etched on my heart, there's gratitude there as well. Gratitude that someone was watching over her and kept her relatively safe. Gratitude to the guys who stood and talked to her until the paramedics and fire department were able to free her from the vehicle. Gratitude to my brother and sister who are there with her now. Gratitude to my husband who dropped everything to be with me and would do anything to allow me to be with my mom. And gratitude that tomorrow is a new day.

Worry & Gratitude

This afternoon I received the call that everyone dreads. The call from a hospital staff member advising you that your family member has been admitted. My heart sunk and my voice froze as the nurse advised me that my mom had been flown to the hospital today due to a motor vehicle accident this morning at 9am. It was already 12:45pm and I was the first family member to be notified. At that time, Mr. Nurse wasn't able to tell me anything as she was still in ER undergoing tests. It's been a long, helpless day waiting by the phone, contacting siblings, her work & responsibilities, debating whether to up heave my immediate family in order to travel out of town and then finally speaking to my mom, if only for a moment. We still don't know alot, only that all in all she is okay. So, with the worry etched on my heart, there's gratitude there as well. Gratitude that someone was watching over her and kept her relatively safe. Gratitude to the guys who stood and talked to her until the paramedics and fire department were able to free her from the vehicle. Gratitude to my brother and sister who are there with her now. Gratitude to my husband who dropped everything to be with me and would do anything to allow me to be with my mom. And gratitude that tomorrow is a new day.

Heavenly Peace

"Silent-Good-Night? Sing Mommy?"
This is W's request for Silent Night during his bedtime routine. However, it really is the first verse he enjoys the best as he sings a little off key in a toddler's falsetto, "...heavenly peace....peace..."
It's too sweet.

Heavenly Peace

"Silent-Good-Night? Sing Mommy?"
This is W's request for Silent Night during his bedtime routine. However, it really is the first verse he enjoys the best as he sings a little off key in a toddler's falsetto, "...heavenly peace....peace..."
It's too sweet.

Party Party

The cliche of home parties conjours up visions of middle aged women ooing and awing over fancy plastic containers and then there's the silly games that are played. Like a post marriage bridal shower. So not for me!

Yet, this stay at home mom business seems to be introducing me to more and more home party opportunities. I've yet to attend one. The invitations have been extended, but I did place my first fancy plastic container order, and I have to admit I was a little excited to receive the mini hand chopper. (Ugh! I can hardly believe this is me! It cracks me up.)

Anyway, I'm even toying with the idea of hosting a party. It's the first three that I'm considering looking into further. Check them out:

Piece of Mind Jewellery

Norwex

Luscious Bags

Salt City Candles - don't really want to have the party...does anyone know where I can get these? I love the Holiday Cafe candle that my mother in law gave me for Christmas last year. They're so fragrant and do not smell fake.

Beauti Control - This is a home spa party line. Recently I received a gift pack with body lotion, body masque, eye pads and a neck bag. The eye pads and neck bag are so wonderfully relaxing.

Party Party

The cliche of home parties conjours up visions of middle aged women ooing and awing over fancy plastic containers and then there's the silly games that are played. Like a post marriage bridal shower. So not for me!

Yet, this stay at home mom business seems to be introducing me to more and more home party opportunities. I've yet to attend one. The invitations have been extended, but I did place my first fancy plastic container order, and I have to admit I was a little excited to receive the mini hand chopper. (Ugh! I can hardly believe this is me! It cracks me up.)

Anyway, I'm even toying with the idea of hosting a party. It's the first three that I'm considering looking into further. Check them out:

Piece of Mind Jewellery

Norwex

Luscious Bags

Salt City Candles - don't really want to have the party...does anyone know where I can get these? I love the Holiday Cafe candle that my mother in law gave me for Christmas last year. They're so fragrant and do not smell fake.

Beauti Control - This is a home spa party line. Recently I received a gift pack with body lotion, body masque, eye pads and a neck bag. The eye pads and neck bag are so wonderfully relaxing.

Piece of Mind Jewellery

Check out Jane. Her craft and talent is funky and lovely. Great gift to yourself...or a friend.

Piece of Mind Jewellery

Check out Jane. Her craft and talent is funky and lovely. Great gift to yourself...or a friend.

Busy, busy , busy

Oh to sit and compose an interesting and enjoyable post! We've been so busy lately and I need to post but it just seems that the most opportune times evade me. I used to post during nap time, but that's a distant memory and an intense longing! Hit and miss at best. And now in the late evenings, all I want to do is sleep.
Did I say we've been busy? I've been out every evening since Friday. That's unheard of for me! So fun, yet so tiring and a little challenging for all involved. This busy social schedule isn't about to slow down quite yet, as choir performances are in full swing. Plus, there's shopping to be done and baking. Did I tell you that when I went out tonight (choir) I left my favorite husband home to tuck W in bed for the night, take his own supper out of the oven and then bake two batches of Ginger Molasses Crinkles which I had pre-mixed. What a great guy!
So, here's to finding a quiet moment that's not after 9pm as to when I can update my neglected blog.

Busy, busy , busy

Oh to sit and compose an interesting and enjoyable post! We've been so busy lately and I need to post but it just seems that the most opportune times evade me. I used to post during nap time, but that's a distant memory and an intense longing! Hit and miss at best. And now in the late evenings, all I want to do is sleep.
Did I say we've been busy? I've been out every evening since Friday. That's unheard of for me! So fun, yet so tiring and a little challenging for all involved. This busy social schedule isn't about to slow down quite yet, as choir performances are in full swing. Plus, there's shopping to be done and baking. Did I tell you that when I went out tonight (choir) I left my favorite husband home to tuck W in bed for the night, take his own supper out of the oven and then bake two batches of Ginger Molasses Crinkles which I had pre-mixed. What a great guy!
So, here's to finding a quiet moment that's not after 9pm as to when I can update my neglected blog.