The Happy Doodler

2012-01-23T10:47:00.000-04:00

2011-12-24T18:59:00.000-04:00

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

2011-12-18T16:56:00.001-04:00

JOY

Dear daughter is loving photography and takes such great "selfies". This is my new favourite.

2011-12-12T16:51:00.000-04:00

Plans for Christmas Dinner

Making these potatoes!

2011-12-10T17:22:00.002-04:00

Made some Cake Balls today!

Orange Flavored Cake with butter cream icing, dipped in Chocolate and decorated with caramel. :)

2011-11-18T11:04:00.001-04:00

Source: weheartit.com via Chelsea on Pinterest

2011-11-15T17:25:00.009-04:00

New Recipes :)

Baked Veggie Egg Rolls

Pistachio Cranberry Cookies

Lemon-Blueberry Yogurt Loaf

Creamy Basil Pesto

Chipotle Cilantro Lime Rice

Strawberry Mango Smoothy

2011-11-14T21:34:00.000-04:00

I am related to this super star! :)

2011-11-04T09:47:00.004-03:00

1st Job!!

Our son got a call last night and was offered his 1st ever job! :) He will be working at a Hotel at the Banquet Centre setting up, serving, etc at events.

Thankful for willing Grandparents to drive him to get to work at 4:00 today! :)

Way to go J!!!!

2011-10-24T16:34:00.001-03:00

ONLY 2 MONTHS until CHRISTMAS EVE!!

2011-10-09T17:55:00.005-03:00

ThanksGiving 2011

2011-09-27T18:04:00.002-03:00

Walk a Thon

Just had my work walk a thon this past Saturday. It was a big success and I am thankful for all the hard work that many people put into this event. Thank you for all who sponsored Shaun in the walk. The Centre raised about 15 thousand dollars!! :)

2011-09-17T20:50:00.004-03:00

Joy?

So...we have this dear friend and she is such a gifted writer. I believe that I have posted her Blog before but it's time to do it again.

click here! (clicking will take you to her Blog)

Juliet talks about losing her joy and then finding it again. At the end she asks a question: "Where do you find joy? And what threatens to steal it from you? If you were list ten things that bring you heartfelt joy, what would they be?"

2011-09-16T18:07:00.002-03:00

CONGRATS to the Man I Love!

Next week he will be starting a new part time teaching job (plus keeping his "old job) at a College here in our City! So exciting!!

Hooray for you, Babe!

2011-09-06T10:00:00.004-03:00

Hello Fall!

Our Girl: Grade 9

Our Boy: Grade 11

2011-09-05T17:49:00.003-03:00

Last Day of Summer

The kids return to school tomorrow. Bitter Sweet.

Here are a few pics of flowers that we picked from the Garden.

2011-08-29T17:26:00.002-03:00

Fall

It is starting to cool off...Fall is in the air. The kids are ready to get back to school. I am looking forward to the routine that Fall will bring.

I have been doing a fair amount of baking. My hand has been forced with dear daughter's soy allergy. The benefit is that we are eating next to none packaged foods. And maybe (?) I am spending less of groceries. But...maybe not.

Lemon Blueberry muffins are in the oven as I type. Last week I made Banana Oatmeal Berry Loaf and chocolate cookies. Those disappeared fast as DD took them with her to her friend's cottage. DD will be home tomorrow but the cookies and loaf, will not! ;)

2011-08-22T09:50:00.002-03:00

The Year of Medical appointments

What a year we have had with illness and many, many trips to see Dr's and specialists. We seems to be picking up momentum lately.

We all have our own areas of struggle:

Husband: liver -apt in Nov
Son: neurological -apt. in Oct
Daughter: Allergies apt in Oct
Me: Sinus -apt. in Sept

I hope it is true the quote that says: "What doesn't kill us, makes us stronger."

2011-07-31T23:47:00.004-03:00

My Son is a Rock Star

Our dear Son has found a new love: DRAMA!

I am not too sure if he knew what he was getting into when he volunteered to "help out" at our VBS this Summer. Turns out that he had many, many lines to memorize as the lead role. His character was hilarious: a man who is obsessed with Pandas and wishes that he was one, himself!

Well, he did an amazing job!! I have also heard from others that he was incredible working with all the Children in the Games events as well. (It's my Blog and I can brag if I want too!)

2011-07-24T15:47:00.004-03:00

Soy

Soy is in so many things that you would never think! Here are some of the things that it hides in:

GUM
CHOCOLATE
ICECREAM (not all kinds but many of the cheeper kinds)
BACEL (and other butter substitutes)
Gummy Bears and many other candies
Mayonnaise
Granola bars (and almost any packaged cookie type product)
Ice Caps (from Tim Hortons)

This isn't fun at all! :( Tirzah is still waiting for her official testing but it is pretty clear that she is allergic to Soy. After a few bites she starts to cough as her breathing is restricted and it becomes hard to swallow. She doesn't go anywhere with out her benedrill and epipen. Thankfully, she hasn't needed to use her EpiPen.

She is happy that she can eat McDonald french fries and a double hamburger. :)

2011-07-13T09:56:00.004-03:00

How to Use an EpiPen

Beautiful Daughter has had 2 more reactions to food. We were able to get her into see the Dr. The Dr feels that it may be an allergy to Soy or Sulphites. Basically, it means that BD can't eat anything that is packaged. She is 99 pounds (5 feet 8), so not being able to eat so many things is a challenge. We are learning and finding things that she can eat. The past 4 days have been good and reaction free.

BD now has a puffer (would help if it was an allergy to Sulphites, as it flares up asthma), Benadril and an EpiPen with her at all times. This week she is volunteering at a music camp in the mornings. She brings her own snacks with her and is very careful what she puts in her mouth.

2011-07-07T15:36:00.003-03:00

Anaphylactic Allergy

Yesterday, while out and about dear daughter had quite a scare. She had packed herself a lunch and got around to eating it at 2:30. Left over pizza and a (nut free) President's Choice chocolate dipped granola bar. Suddenly...her lip was tingling and then became numb. Her breathing became restricted. HELLO ALLERGIC REACTION! 2.5 hours later, she came home and told us what happened. My reaction was to run to the closet and yell to her...."Come and take this Benadrill!" 20 minutes later, she says to me: "That feels much better." OH.MY.WORD.
This would scare any parent, I am sure of that.

What is she allergic to? Here is the ingred list of the bar:
Click here!

My guess is that she is reacting to the soy.

I called her Dr. today and the soonest that they can see us in late July. Ugh! So...where ever dear daughter goes, so does Benadrill! And no more granola bars!

2011-06-28T15:52:00.004-03:00

Day Off

It is a hot and humid day, here in Canada. *3 days away from celebration our Country's Birthday!

So, what is a girl to do on her day off?

drink a coffee
eat a bacon and tomato sandwich (it was maple bacon, for those who must know)!
cut the grass
take a break
drink a lemon aid
go through teenager 1's clothes, sorting through outgrown things to donate, etc
look for missing wallet (teenager 1's wallet)...found it!
cut more of the grass
spend time on facebook
talk to a dear friend on the phone
email husband at work
send sister an email
talk to mom on the phone
eat a banana
back outside to cut the grass

2011-06-24T21:01:00.003-03:00

A Special Girl on a Special Day...

2011-06-15T10:10:00.002-03:00

Summer is on it's way!

Busy, busy, busy!

Planning a Grade 8 Graduation
Enrolling in Summer camps
Teens studing for exams, doing term papers and projects...
Attending to the gardens (a few at home and a large community garden at our Church).
The occasional motorcycle ride with my Love
Bicycle rides on the bike paths through out our beautiful City
Getting a proper diagnosis for a family member (we think it is: Adult Sensory Processing Disorder)
Waiting for sinus relief (I have been ill for 5 months, although not horribly so)...I have an apt to see a specialist the end of Aug.
going to have to say good bye to one of my best friends as they move back to the Maritimes. :*( I am sad for me, but happy for them as they move forward in their life journey! :)
Spring cleaning the house...

What are you up to?

2011-05-24T12:47:00.002-03:00

I have officially started Gardening!

Consider these some "before" pictures as they really are quite boring at this point. But in a few weeks everything will be 4 times the size, all lush and lovely. I will take "after" pictures when they get to that point and re-post the pics!

Mom and I went to a garden centre this morning. I bought: impatience, dahlias, gazina, alyssum, and snapdragons. I am going out again shortly for more Garden Centre shopping with a friend at a different Green House. :) Can't wait....flowers make me HAPPY!

2011-05-17T22:48:00.004-03:00

Grieving

Our Ranch friend, Carrie passed away this morning.

We will always remember her laughter, her smile and her great love for her family and life.

Click here to read her Obituary.

2011-05-11T20:14:00.000-03:00

People are often unreasonable, irrational, and self-centered. Forgive them anyway.

If you are kind, people may accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives. Be kind anyway.

If you are successful, you will win some unfaithful friends and some genuine enemies. Succeed anyway.

If you are honest and sincere people may deceive you. Be honest and sincere anyway.

What you spend years creating, others could destroy overnight. Create anyway. If you find serenity and happiness, some may be jealous. Be happy anyway.

The good you do today, will often be forgotten. Do good anyway.

Give the best you have, and it will never be enough. Give your best anyway.

In the final analysis, it is between you and God. It was never between you and them anyway.
• Mother Theresa

2011-05-09T10:13:00.002-03:00

The Teenaged Years

Do you remember when you were a teenager? I do. I hated Grade 10. Looking back now, I see that I was perhaps clinically depressed. By the grace of God, I did manage to come out of the depression. It has been deeply impressed upon my memories as being a very dark and difficult time. Who says the teenaged years are the best years of your life? (Not me!)

Well, one of our teenagers has decided recently that they HATE school. They want to be home-schooled or change schools (to a very expensive private school). Husband and I do not see that either one of those is an option. What to do, what to do...

I read a quote yesterday (on someones facebook) that as Parents our job is not to take the bumps out of the roads that our children walk on. But, it is our job to help them as they walk down that road.

2011-05-02T22:24:00.003-03:00

Spring has sprung...out some the shorts and the flip-flops! Check out those dirty feet!!!

2011-04-24T23:15:00.006-03:00

Sunbeams. Easter. Anniversary.

Dear Husband took a few pictures today. This one is our favorite. What a beauty (she is)!

Today is a special day. It is Easter! AND it is our 18th Wedding Anniversary. Happy Anniversary!

2011-04-18T19:42:00.006-03:00

Serious Illness

A childhood friend of ours is very ill. She is 40. Has 2 children and a husband. She has a mother and a sister and friends who love her. She is thin and fit and beautiful. Right now she is in the ICU and will face heart surgery first thing Tuesday morning.

I am praying for our friend. That she will get the surgery that she needs and that she will be healthy once again.

*********************************************************

*Update:

The surgery went very well. However, she is still critically ill. Her Kidneys have failed and there is much infection (staph) in her body. Over the next few days of her kidneys be on dialysis and the hope is that they will rebound and function on their own.

2011-04-15T10:17:00.009-03:00

Stupid Sinuses!

I was sick most of February and some of March as well. 2 rounds of antibiotics, a nasal spray with a steroid in it, neti-rinces 3 times a day and all that "fun" stuff!

Fast forward to now; mid April. Guess what has returned? Unwelcome congestions, pressure in my ears, stingy eyes and annoying tickle in my throat. Ugh!

What do you do to stay healthy?

2011-04-13T09:55:00.001-03:00

Need envelopes? Make them!

tutorial for envelopes

2011-04-13T09:30:00.010-03:00

Juliet deWal

My husband and I have a dear friend who has written several books and is sure to write many more. She now has a Blog. Check out her tender words of healing and hope...(by clicking on the underlined title below)!

Inspite of all the Damage

(Photo credit: Magdalena Leaker)

2011-04-11T10:01:00.001-03:00

This is me at a Fund Raiser Dinner for the Crisis Pregnancy Centre (that I work at). It was a good night and I didn't die from stage fright!

2011-04-08T11:20:00.003-03:00

Oh how they have grown!

2011-04-04T11:14:00.002-03:00

Sugar update

It is getting easier not to eat candy, ice cream, cookies, white bread, etc... as time goes on. I so wanted some mints (on the weekend) and found some sugar free kinds! :) Yay! I ate them all though...

Today is weigh in day (great scale at my work place) so we shall see if I have had any more pounds shed...

2011-03-30T11:01:00.002-03:00

Sugar update

I am not missing sugar too much although this in only day 6 (out of 30)! I had one day when I forgot and had a cookie as well as juice. Oops!

****** Update*******

I lost 2 pounds!

2011-03-25T11:35:00.001-03:00

Sugar

I am giving it up for the month. No sugar. Wow!

2011-03-22T16:46:00.006-03:00

Happy 65th Momma

2011-03-02T10:12:00.005-04:00

Happy 14th Birthday!!

Our Girl is growing up so very fast! We had a "family party" for her and enjoyed a meal of her choice: Greek pasta, sausages, nachos and dip with Cheesecake for dessert.

Gifts: curling iron, straightening iron, mirror, 2 pr earrings, movie, watch, money, book, eye lash curler!!!

She will have a party with her friends this weekend. :)

Love you Buttercup!

2011-02-22T11:45:00.002-04:00

Grace is for Sinners

I bought her book today. Can't wait to read it...

Here is a clip about her life:

2011-02-22T10:31:00.003-04:00

Days off

I have been blessed with having 5 days off in a row, with today being "day 4"!

What have I been up to and what will I do:

through a party for an amazing 16 year old (that was so fun)!!!
Church it up
lunch with friends
remove old blinds
replace with new ones
file taxes
pay bills
listen to great music
watch some movies (Emma, Extraordinary Measures, and Patriot Games)
play some new Wii games
drink lots of coffee
tidy up
more cleaning
catch up on reading some blogs

2011-02-18T10:06:00.002-04:00

Pier 1 Imports

I love this Side Board Table that is for sale at Pier 1. I am hoping that I can get my Dad to build me something just like this one. What do you think, Dad?? ;)

2011-02-15T15:23:00.000-04:00

HAPPY 16th BIRTHDAY to our first born!!

2011-02-09T10:30:00.002-04:00

New Music

Had a real bad day yesterday:

discovered mouse poop
a water leak (too much snow up against the house)
car had to go to the shop (turned out to be little cost, thankfully!)
got a HUGE electric bill

I am convinced today will be a better day! I started my day out with hugs good bye from both teenagers and husband, coffee and bought 2 new cd's from i-tunes. :) I also have a lunch date with my husband to look forward to for later today!

2011-02-01T21:01:00.001-04:00

Ideas

Here are a few sweet crafty ideas that I came across today:

Bubble Gum Jewels

Yarn Fun

2011-01-24T10:31:00.004-04:00

Deep Freeze

Today is -26 with a -36 windchill. BRrrrr! Take note that I have to walk to work today...only a 10 minute walk but it takes less than that for skin to freeze! So, I will be all bundled up in snow pants, hat and scarf.

2011-01-11T12:53:00.003-04:00

7 Months

I have been working Part Time for 7 months. I am still adjusting. Learning to not let "work thoughts" consume my time when I am at home. Learning to let my mind rest so I can fall asleep at night. Next month I need to go out of the City to take some training...I will be away for 2 different weekends in the short month of Feburary. That will be another challenge for me, being away from my family and also having to be STILL and learn!

The kids are doing more chores and dear husband has been making some meals. He loves cooking meat and just bought himself some new knives and a knife sharpener. *The proper tools add to the enjoyment, you know! We have tried so many new herbs and spices, since he has been working his magic. Yum!

I have been cooking some new things in the Kitchen too: bean and cheese burritos, corn bread, beef and snow peas, and stews).

We have changed up the furniture lay out in the livingroom and we keep purging...the garage is full of things that we have taken out of the house. I think we will have a Yard Sale in the Spring.

Exams are only a few weeks away for dear son. He is "slaving" away on assignments and will soon be studying. He turns 16 in a little more than a month. Yikes!

Dear daughter will soon make a decision on where to go to High School in the fall. 2 choices for her: either she will continue on with her French or she will focus on the Arts (drama, music and fine art).

2011-01-02T19:09:00.004-04:00

AMY BUTLER has found her way to my City! Yahooo!! I have 9 new file folders. Love, love, love!

ps. photo's were not taken by me, but are from the Amy Butler web site.

2010-12-31T15:51:00.006-04:00

Milestones of 2010

dear daughter turned 13
I got a job at the Crisis Pregnancy Centre
we got a new car
husband discovered he had some health issues (liver related)
I lost 13 pounds
took a marriage course
we celebrated 17 years of marriage away at a beautiful Inn
i got my drivers license (my G1...I will take my G2 in the new year)

As 2010 approached, I felt God showing me that it was a year of change and I was to get ready to be stretched. That sure turned out to be the way things went!

Husband and I had some time to talk during a recent date about what we feel like God is showing us for this new year coming. The word we got was: Intentional. We have some personal goals this year. We will be joining a gym and working out together 3 days a week. (This should help with the health issues that husband has discovered and should also help me keep the lost weight off). Maybe it will even be fun!? We also want to be intentional to READ. Life has been very busy this year and we have not made time to read. We want to read for fun and to read to learn and grow.

Husband also got another word: captivated....more info on that coming later.

What is your "word" for 1011?

Happy New year!

2010-12-25T21:15:00.004-04:00

Merry Christmas!

Husband didn't like the pic that we took (a selfie) of each other so I won't be posting that one!

The pic on the top is part of my "stocking" from husband and kids. They give me a gift basket type thing (not really a stocking at all) and have it all displayed beautifully. I was thankful that dear daughter took a few pics for me before things got moved. :)

2010-12-15T13:51:00.000-04:00

Do you think I made enough?

2010-12-14T12:27:00.000-04:00

Christmas Tree 2010

2010-12-10T16:49:00.003-04:00

How many days...until Christmas?

If you want to know, just ask our daughter as she is counting down the days!
I do know that I only have 6 more shifts at work until my Holiday time begins!

Dear daughter got sick, then husband, then son...I am hoping that I stay clear of this nasty bug that seems to sap all your energy. Husband has been working half days, the past few days and still isn't better. Hopefully, we will all be well to enjoy the Holidays!

Things are work are very quiet with all the Clients busy getting ready for thier own Christmas Celebrations.

At home, the house is decorated and we are pretty much ready to celebrate. One thing that I have really enjoyed it shopping on-line at Old Navy. Free shipping and it comes right to our door! :)

Merry Christmas

2010-11-30T13:02:00.002-04:00

Less than a month away...

...CHRISTMAS!

My lovely daughter and I have been making some little decorations out of felt and floss (thanks to dear husband gifting me last year with a book and supplies).

I am busy organizing 2 Parties for Mom's Groups, at my work as well as working some extra shifts while my boss holidays in Mexico.

Today I was able to stay at home and get house work done and a little bit of time to play too (computer and baking time)!

2010-11-08T10:29:00.004-04:00

Christmas is coming...

It is chilly here in Canada! We have had snow (just a dusting) 3 times all ready. All of us are wearing winter coats and I guess it is only a matter of time before the winter boots come out as well. We are all ready enjoying Christmas music although we have held off on decorating (for a few more weeks).

We have a new (to us) car and I drove it for the 1st time yesterday. I really like it. I was driving on a straight road and got up to a fairly good speed. I am getting better but my calf cramps up as I am still not as relaxed as I should be. It will get better. I can take a road test in March...then I can drive by myself!

I am loving my job and it is challenging me in many ways. That is a good thing. The kid's are growing up so fast and I am proud of the young man and young woman that they are growing into. It's pretty amazing to have teenagers!

What is new with you in your little corner of the world?

2010-10-10T18:58:00.006-03:00

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

2010-10-05T19:37:00.002-03:00

Will you Love me in the Winter

Brian Doerksen has a new CD out and I bought it today. It's called Level Ground.

So far my favorite song is: Will you love me in the Winter. It is an honest song about going through a very difficult season. I love how genuine he is...and I am hoping that Shaun will learn to play and sing this one. It's too new for me to post a youtube video of it but I will post the lyrics.

Will you Love me in the Winter

Changes bring a chill

as the last leaves fall

and the Winter closes in

I try to stay warm

but it's hard alone in the dark night of the soul

My heart aches

I feel numb

I struggle to go on

When my body breaks

When my thoughts have failed

Will you love me still?

In the Winter

I remember Spring

the thrill of budding life

Now just a faded memory

I gave what I could

Did my best to serve

Now there's nothing left to give

My flesh fails

My thoughts collide

This question lingers...

Will you love me still?

In the Winter

2010-09-30T22:37:00.002-03:00

Excitement

Dear Daughter made her school soccer team!!!! She is so pumped! I am so happy for her. She had to deliver papers and flyers in the pouring rain today for about an hour and a half (all by herself), yet nothing could ruin her happy mood! :) She smiled from ear to ear and is probably still smiling to herself as she falls asleep in her bed.

Not Exciting

Dear son and husband are both on strong meds to heal up nasty Sinus Infections. I feel like I may have one too but want to wait it out a bit longer...

2010-09-28T10:17:00.002-03:00

Favorite

One of my favorite songs ever. When we sing this at Church something wells up with in me and I bawl like a baby. What is your favorite song?

2010-09-17T10:16:00.003-03:00

Love and War (by John and Stasi Eldredge)

We will be taking this course in the Fall. Eventually, husband and I will be part of a marriage mentoring team in our Church. I am pretty excited about it!

2010-09-16T10:58:00.005-03:00

"Our Boy" is looking mighty fine these days!

...all dressed up to serve treats at the premier of his Youth Night at our Church. The Band BREATH was there for the night and I think they all enjoyed the concert.

2010-09-15T09:42:00.001-03:00

On the right track!

11 pounds and counting! :)

2010-09-13T11:16:00.001-03:00

Today is WW weigh in day...gulp!

It's been 1 week...time to see if there are any (more) results!

***********

I will add the results later tonight.

2010-09-09T09:52:00.002-03:00

Weight Watchers

Over the past 17 years I have gained about 33 pounds. That bugged me...so I tried to loose some. I had limited success. Over a 3 month period I was able to loose 7 pounds. Since I seem to have arrived at a stand still I have joined Weight Watchers (on-line version). I hope to loose 16 more pounds. That takes me to a weight that is about 10 pounds heavier than I was when I was 19. Seems fair! :)

So, I have paid for 3 months of this service and I will see where that takes me. Today is weigh in day...I have an excellent scale at work so I shall see if there are any results from 4 days of following WW.

I enjoy tracking my eating on line and the program calculates my points for me. The site has ideas for choosing more filling meals that are better for you. So far, so good!

I am hoping the healthier eating/weight loss will help with problems that I have been having with my feet (heal spurs) and that I will have more energy.

2010-09-07T09:52:00.006-03:00

1st Day of School

Grade 8 for Our Girl and Grade 10 for Our Boy! :)

2010-09-01T12:51:00.003-03:00

Life...

...has been too busy and I find that I am missing my friends!!! I think that things will slow down with Fall coming.

How important are friends to you at this season of your life?

2010-08-28T21:06:00.006-03:00

Our Girl

2010-08-26T10:13:00.001-03:00

"And as He stands in Victory. Sin's curse has lost it's grip on me. For I am His and He is mine!"

2010-08-20T09:54:00.003-03:00

For you Mommy!

My Mom is wondering why I am not posting much on my Blog.
Working part time has taken over, I suppose. In point form here are a some things that we have been "dealing" with in the past 3 months...

sinus infection
stomach flu
2 bladder infections
heal spurs (both heals)

There has been some fun stuff too! Like:

a 2 day family Holiday at Waterpark, shopping at Ikea and a night in a Hotel
a visit from Relatives that I haven't seen since I was in Grade 2 (about 29 years ago)!

My darling husband has been doing more of the cooking around here. :) He has been learning to grill all kinds of stuff. Wonderful!

The kid's love that I am working. To them it translates into:

eating out more
us saying yes to more things (since we can afford it)
some healthy independence

What has your family been up to this Summer?

2010-07-31T19:06:00.002-03:00

Quote Worthy

The hardness of God is kinder than the softness of men, and His compulsion is our liberation. • C.S.Lewis

2010-07-17T21:21:00.003-03:00

Ahhhh Summer!

A different Summer for us, with me working Part Time. I landed a job (my dream job) as Director of Client Services in June at a local Crisis Pregnancy Centre. This week I will be starting my 8th week there. I am LOVING the job, just loving it!! I feel that it fits me like a glove (even though I have much to learn).

The kid's are staying busy with friends and "dates" with their Grandparents. Our Girl just returned home after joining my parents at the Cottage for a few days. We barely had time to kiss and hug her before we were driving her to a friends house for a sleep over with 5 other 13 year olds for a night of Chick Flicks (and maybe some sleep). Our Boy is off to a friends house next week who has a something of a recording studio in his house. The boys will play radio host and are taping a few hours of our Boy being a radio host. Should be fun for them. They have been planing this for many months. After they spend the day listening to music, they are coming here for a sleep over. Thank goodness, I don't work every day -I wouldn't be able to keep up with our teenagers!

My garden is growing very well. I have been eating green and yellow beans. I am trying to be patient an wait for some tomatoes to ripen!

We did spend a few days as a family, joining my parents at a cottage they rented. Unfortunately, our computer deleted all our pictures from that trip. I will probably be able to "borrow" some of the pictures that my parents took though, and will post those later as well. Ya'll need to see pics of the stunningly beautiful cedar strip canoe that my Dad made for us.

Happy July all!

2010-07-07T15:52:00.003-03:00

Sizzling

Here is a little excerpt from our weather network:

"It's another “triple H” day in Ontario and Quebec: hot, hazy and humid. And while this may be the type of weather beach-goers dream about, these types of conditions can also be dangerous. Here's a breakdown of what you need to know during this week of sizzling temperatures.

THE HEAT AND HUMIDITY

In both Ontario and Quebec, temperatures will once again be soaring into the 30's this afternoon, with the humidity making it feel more like 40."

Can you say: "I'm MELTING!"?

It has been so stinkin' hot that all we really want to do it lay around or leave the house and be somewhere that has central air. We have a little window air conditioner in an upstairs window but it really isn't doing the trick.

The kid's have been swimming the past 3 days in a row but are finding that they need to take a break as they are getting sunburned (even though they are wearing sunblock).

Last night, we went to the movies and enjoyed Toy Story 3 (3D)...it was cool and comfortable...and the movie was sweet. Very touching. I still can't get over the fact that Our Boy could be leaving for College or University in only 3-4 short years! Yikes!!!

How are ya'll staying cool this Summer?

2010-06-30T17:47:00.004-03:00

Paint chip projects by Matthew Sporzynski

I found the coolest ever paint chip projects at a How About Orange (one of my favorite sites)!

2010-06-23T10:40:00.002-03:00

Update

It's been about a month now, since I started working part time at my new job! Every day brings something new and I am learning lots. I am really enjoying the challenge. The kid's are happy for another income source (teenagers...they DO care about $$$) and it seems that the only one of us that is having trouble adjusting to this new routine is the DOG! Whittaker has been getting into plenty of trouble, especially in the first two weeks of me working. I think he is better now and not into as much mischief.

Today, our son writes his last exam and will be bringing home 4 of his friends to celebrate. Celebrating to 15 year old boys = food + wii games + more food!! Our daughter will be finished School next week. She is hoping to go to an art camp for 1 week this summer (a day camp), while her brother is hoping to go to a Teen Camp (over nights too). We hope to see some family and rent a friend's Cottage.

I will be turning 37 in a few weeks and will celebrate with my family and my parents. Shaun says that he will make me his famous Key Lime Pie (really, it is like a huge cheese cake...I will be sure to take pictures).

My dad is almost finished making us a stunning and gorgeous cedar strip canoe...can't wait to get it out on the Lake!

Hmmm...well that is all that I can think of that is new around here. Oh...Mom and I went Strawberry picking yesterday and just in time too. Later in the afternoon we had heavy rain and thunder and lightening storms!

Happy Summer, everyone!

2010-06-14T11:25:00.004-03:00

Flower Power in Whites

2010-06-12T21:50:00.003-03:00

Working Part Time!

I was very excited to get my 1st Pay check this past Friday. It's been 15 years since my last pay check!

Work is going very well and I am learning lots. I feel that I am totally where I should be and am thankful and happy.

2010-06-02T11:05:00.004-03:00

Garden news in June

Peonies
Lavender
Poppies
climbing rose

2010-05-31T09:54:00.004-03:00

900th post!

Four years ago my journey in Blogging began. My thoughtful husband knew I would enjoying the "journal" part of it and thought it would inspire me to be more creative. He set me up an account and named it The Happy Doodler (since I doodle on everything and anything).

Lots has happened in that 4 years. Changes. Good changes! A move, a new house, a new job (husband's), and both our children became teenagers. Today marks another change. After being a stay at home momma for 15 years, today my life changes. I will be working out of the home 3 days a week at a Crisis Pregnancy Centre, assistant to the Director.

I am thankful. Happy. Excited. Humbled (with out God, I can't do this job)!

I don't know, maybe it's just me, but I feel like I need to change my Blog name...Any sugesstions?

2010-05-28T13:18:00.007-03:00

Aladdin Musical

Our girl did a fantastic job singing and acting the role of "narrator" in her school Musical this past week. Three nights in a row she preformed with a great cast. I think she is both beautiful and graceful, sings like an Angel and acts with magnificent talent!

2010-05-26T12:34:00.007-03:00

Garden update in pictures
Location: Canada

2010-05-19T11:49:00.006-03:00

Triple Jump!

Here is a series of pictures of Our Boy at his latest Track Meet. Those long legs are serving him well!! ~He will be attending his 3rd meet this week to do his Hurdle race. Hopefully, my Love and I will get to see him (run and jump)!

Our Girl has also made it to another Track meet with her long jump and High Jump. Unfortunately, I don't have any pictures. She has long legs herself and she placed 1st for High Jump at her school.

Mother's like to brag, don't they? Well, I do anyway! :)

2010-05-11T15:12:00.004-03:00

Mothers Day

For me, Mothers Day was memorable. Our Boy made me a delicious Omelet for breakfast. (Our girl was sleeping in late as she had just been away camping with her Youth Group.)

My Love decided to gift me with 2 raised gardens (4x4) so I could grow a herb and Veggie Garden this Summer! The weather was terrible on the weekend but we were determined to get the gardens built, and filled. We did it!

Today, I planted some peas, nasturtiums and radishes. It is still pretty cool out so the rest will have to wait. Eventually, though I will plant: tomatoes, peppers, herbs, onions, beans, cucumbers and zucchini.

2010-05-06T10:52:00.002-03:00

Got Felt?

Get crafty and make these sweet finger puppets. Tutorial at "the idea room"!

2010-05-04T22:09:00.003-03:00

New Recipes to try this week (and maybe next week)

Garlic-Chicken Pasta with Spinach

Falafel Pitas with Tzatziki sauce

5 minute Southwest Salad

Vietnam Fried Rice (with Pork)

2010-05-01T18:06:00.004-03:00

GRILLED CHICKEN POCKETS

4 chicken breasts
1 green pepper
1 onion
1 banana pepper
2 potatoes, chopped in cube size
Aluminum foil
Pam olive oil spray
Salt & pepper
Garlic powder
Parmesan cheese
Mayonnaise
A grill would help

Use enough foil to make a square big enough to make a folded pocket. Spray foil with Pam. Place 1 chicken breast on each square of foil. Spread mayonnaise on top of each piece. Put all vegetables on top of chicken or close around it. Sprinkle each chicken piece and vegetable with salt, pepper, garlic powder and ground Parmesan cheese.

Fold foil and seal the edges so the steam won't escape. Cook about 20-30 minutes on the grill rack.

I haven't tried this yet...but I want to!

2010-04-26T20:46:00.010-03:00

8 of over 200 pictures my Love and I took on our little Anniversary getaway

2010-04-24T13:57:00.007-03:00

17th Wedding Celebration

Seventeen years ago, I said "I do" to this man! Time has flown by and our love is far richer than I had dreamed. Like fine wine is our love!

My love took this pic of me smelling my Anniversary Roses just this afternoon...

My love and I on our wedding day: 1993 April 24th Prince Edward Island

2010-04-23T13:17:00.003-03:00

Orange Date Muffins

The best muffins of all times! A bit more work because of having to use the blender but so worth it, I promise. ~"A delicious orange flavor with little date flecks throughout. Scrumptious!"

1 Whole, unpeeled orange, cut up
1/2 Cup orange juice
1/2 cup chopped dates
1 egg
1/2 cup butter or margarine, softened

1, 3/4 cups flour
3/4 cup sugar
1tsp baking powder
1 tsp baking soda

Cut oranges into 7-8 pieces. Remove any seeds. Combine orange pieces and juice in blender. Puree. Add dates, egg and butter to blender. Blend. Pour into medium bowl.

Measure flour, sugar, baking powder and soda in separate bowl. Mix thoroughly. Pour over top of orange mixture. Stir to combine. Fill greased muffin cups 3/4 full. Bake in 400 oven for 20 minutes (my muffins were very large {and I doubled this recipe} so I needed to cook my muffins for an extra 10 minutes). Remove from pans after 5 minutes standing time. Makes 12-16 large muffins.

2010-04-15T21:28:00.002-03:00

I've Got Something Better For You

It's been way too long since I have read a book. Most of the reading I do is on the internet. Not that this is a bad thing but I have been wanting to sit and read the old fashioned way! Several years ago someone had given me an old (12 years old) Max Lucado book called Just Like Jesus.
Here are my favorite parts from Chapter One:

"God loves to decorate. God HAS to decorate. Let Him live long enough in a heart, and that heart will begin to change. Portraits of hurts will be replaced by landscapes of Grace. Walls of anger will be demolished and shaky foundations restored. God can no more leave a life unchanged than a Mother can leave her child's tear untouched.

This might explain some of the discomfort in your life. Remolding of the heart is not always pleasant. We don't object when the carpenter adds a few shelves. But he has been known to gut the entire west wing! He has such high aspirations for you. God envisions a complete restoration."

Max goes on to tell the story of one of his girls at the toddler stage. One day while playing at the park they were approached by an ice cream sales man. Max bought his little one a treat but when he turned to give it to her he saw that her mouth was full of dirt. He says:
"Did I love her with dirt in her mouth? Absolutely. Was she any less my daughter with dirt in her mouth? Of course not. Was I going to allow her to keep the dirt in her mouth? No way. I loved her right where she was, but I refused to leave her there. I carried her to the water fountain and washed out her mouth. Why? Because I love her.

God does the same for us. He holds us over the fountain. "Spit out the dirt, Honey", our Father urges. "I've got something better for you."

2010-04-12T13:25:00.004-03:00

Meal Plan

Monday: Taco Ring and salad

Tuesday: Grilled (in Canada we call that BBQ'ed) Steak and potatoes, veggie

Wednesday: chicken quesadillas

Thursday: Pasta and meatless sauce (I like to have at least 1 vegetarian meal a week )

Friday: Garlic and Lime Chicken, rice veggie

Saturday: (having company over for Brunch) Quiche, fruit salad with yougart, sausages, bagels, baked good....YUM!

Sunday: possibly this salad

What are you eating this week?!

2010-04-08T14:24:00.007-03:00

Celebrating

Soon my Love and I will be celebrating our 17th Wedding Anniversary!

Sometime this month, we will be going away for a night away at this gorgeous Bed and Breakfast. We will be bringing the camera and hope to take some portraits of one another beside the beautiful window or in front of the exposed stone wall.

Here is the write up re. the room:

A headboard created from refinished from rural Quebec frame the King-sized bed & compliment the exposed limestone walls and beautiful original stained glass window.

Leather chairs in front of a gas fireplace offer a calm oasis.

A large walk-in double shower with four body sprays and rain forest shower offer relaxation with a modern twist.

A desk, phone, high speed internet access & a television are also provided.

2010-04-06T10:33:00.002-03:00

Jesus Vs. the Easter Bunny

Bunny:

eats carrots
beat turtle in foot race
fuzzy and cute
comes as a marshmallow

Jesus:

came and died for our sin
ROSE FROM THE GRAVE!!
gave us life and freedom

HAPPY EASTER!!!!

2010-03-29T13:54:00.004-03:00

Meal Plan

Saturday: BLT wraps

Sunday: Angel hair pasta with snap peas, mushroom, orange peppers and Alfredo sauce.

Monday: Sirloin Tip roast (in the Crock pot), mashed potatoes, gravy and corn

Tuesday: Chili and corn chips

Wednesday: Potato and Sausage Bake, peas

Thursday: left over Roast

Friday: maybe left over chili over baked potatoes??

What are you cooking this week?

2010-03-27T20:59:00.002-03:00

FOOD!!

Check out this beautiful Site. A friend of mine (thanks Am!) sent me a link earlier this month. The photography is gorgeous so many delicious recipes.

2010-03-26T17:08:00.003-03:00

NEWS

Say hello to the new Director of Client Services (at a local Pregnancy and Family Health Care Centre)!! I start in June and am very excited! It was the job I was praying for.

*feeling very thankful*

2010-03-25T10:45:00.005-03:00

Baaaah....Housework!

I am the kind of person that loves to make messes...planting flowers, baking, crafting, reading the paper and then throwing the pages here and there. I can go to bed at night with dishes all over the counters (dirty dishes) and I don't loose one wink of sleep over it!

It's nice to be so relaxed EXCEPT when the house looks so messy!!! We don't have a huge house, so normally it isn't too hard to keep tidy. I am just getting over a tummy bug and things have gotten out of hand here this week. There are bathrooms to clean, garbage bins to dump, furniture to dust, carpets to vacuum.

I read an article once called: The messie's manual. It was humorous but also had some helpful tips for someone like me (a "messie")! It suggested that you always start to tidy from the door which guests enter and then work your way into the rest of the house.

I better get to it...

Happy Spring Cleaning!

2010-03-20T17:49:00.004-03:00

Black and White Cheesecake Squares
makes 24

2 cups plus 2 Tbsp. all purpose flour
3/4 cup cocoa powder
1 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt
10 oz (2.5 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
2 cups granulated sugar
3 large eggs
2, 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1/2 confectioner's sugar

1. Preheat oven to 325. Coat a 9x13 inch baking pan with cooking spray. Line dish with parchment, leaving a 2 inch overhang on both long sides, then spray parchment.
2. Sift flour, cocoa, baking soda, and salt into large bowl. Cream butter and granulated sugar with a mixer until smooth. Add 2 eggs and 2 tsp vanilla, and beat until smooth, scraping down sides of the bowl. Reduce speed to low, add flour mixture. Increase speed to medium, beat until incorporated.

3. Reserve 1 cup of dough, cover and refrigerate. Press remaining dough into bottom of prepared dish. Refrigerate for 30 minutes. Bake until base is set and eges are puffed, about 25 minutes. Let cool in dish on wire rack.

4. Mix cream cheese, confectioner' sugar and remaining egg and 1/2 tsp. vanilla in a medium bowl. Spread over cooled base, crumbled reserved dough on top. Bake until filling is set about 25-30 minutes. Let cool in dish on wire rack, then lift out using overhang. Cut into 24 squares. Squares will keep, covered and refrigerated for up to 3 days.