Another good one

Super yummy supper.

Italian Sausage Soup

I substitute chicken broth for the beef broth (Jarom friendly) and Navy beans for the Northern beans as I couldn't find them in a can. So good. Spencer and I loved it - the kids, not so much. But I will be making it again.

Simple Delight

I bet you can just imagine the wonderful aroma filling my house. There is nothing so comforting as the smell of fresh bread. The kids and I love it, we devour slice after slice covered in melted butter and honey.

The smell of fresh baked bread is for me a trip down memory lane to my childhood. My grandpa Blumel, who I adored as only a granddaughter can adore her grandpa, was an expert bread maker. My mind is immediately filled with memories of him whenever I catch the scent of that heavenly aroma or walk down the wood aisel of Home Depot. Those two smells will forever remind me of my grandpa - fresh bread and saw dust.

Simple Whole Wheat Bread

(I've learned that for best results - use unbleached white flour)

I've Decided.

The wind blows here like crazy. Some days I hide in my house as if the wind and I are at war, only I am under siege and the wind is performing a full frontal attack. I find myself wondering if the house will still be standing when the assault is over.

For awhile there I kept trying to decide what is worse: -40 tempts for days, weeks, even months or the wind. I kept saying I'd wait until March to decide. March seemed to be mine and the kids breaking point; we'd been locked in the house to 5 months and the cold was down deep in our bones.

Saturday I decided; I'll take the wind. It was a glorious +7 outside.. The kids played, and played outside (take note of the lack of winter coats). I cleaned the outside of the windows in my shorts and a T-shirt. It was wonderful.

Chicken with a twist.

Well, My dear friends, as I sit here trying to remember where my bubble envelops were stashed upon arrive in our new digs; I thought I would share with you our last night supper.

I found this savory little number while cruising through the blog site Gourmet Mamma.

For this recipes and many more check it out.

Moroccan Chicken and Couscous.

Sewing Afternoon

I spent the most delightful afternoon, locked away in the computer room, watching season 6 of the Gilmore Girls (I saw season 5 on sale the other day and have been addicted ever since) and sewing up these pouches. They are whimsical and quirky and so fun to spend an afternoon with.

Since I love sharing things I love so much with my friends, I would like to send one of my pouches to the first person to leave me a comment telling me how utterly adorable they are. Don't forget to mention which one you would like to receive.

Heads up... I'm hoping there are enough chocolates left for me to have a Valentines Day Giveaway. What could be better than celebrating the Day of Love with a box of chocolates?

85 Years Young

Last week we hosted a birthday party for my grandma Strate. It was great to gather with family and Party!!!

Jarom picked out the cake, he saw it in the cooler and wouldn't even entertain the thought of another option.

Nolan made grandma this crown - too bad we forgot about it until the end of the party.

Menu:

Apricot Glazed Pork Tenderloin

Harvest Salad
Oven Roasted Potatoes

Corn

Sweet Things

I LOVE these Kisses.

In Canada they are only available during Valentine Season. All year I anticipate the time when they will finally don the shelves of the local stores. Imagine my delight when I first saw them Friday. I will admit I am a little stingy with sharing them, so if my chance I share them, I must really, Really, REALLY love the person.

Another Christmas come and gone

I have this thing about not being able to blog until I've blogged about certain events. I become overwhelmed as times goes on and can't really think of what to say - it's sort of snowball effect that leaves me guzzles Cokes and staring at the computer screen willing my fingers to start their magical tapping on the keys.

As I share with you are wonderful experience that was Christmas, I first feel the need to express how utterly wonderful it was not to have to load our presents and paraphernalia into the van and drive for hours making the tiresome drive through -40 degree weather and blizzard conditions.

We were all sick for Christmas... it was horrible. So I'll hit on some of the highlights so that I can move onto other post where I ramble on for...

Christmas Eve was a gathering of a whole lot of Courts. Kaye, all the brothers, their wives and kids gathered at Dan and Mandy's for Christmas Cheer. It was, as always, a very fun night. This picture shows off all the Court Grand kids and yes, this was pretty much the best picture we got.

Christmas Morning was at my parents.

I share this picture with you, because photos of pure happiness are my favorite.

How were your holidays?