Only at Grandpa's

I don't think I have to tell you have excited Nolan was to be trying out Grandpas' gun.

A couple of weeks after we arrived in Alberta, Noli went over to his friend Levis house. Levi 's brother used Nolan and Levi as targets while he shot at them with his pellet gun (I actually have no idea what kind of gun it was) I as his mother (and a city mother at that) was a little alarm, but Nolan thought it was the greatest time ever and has been begging to shoot a gun ever since.

Last night Nolan and his cousin Jake were given a lesson in the art of sharp shooting. Grandpa took them out and the boys shot at tins cans. I think Nolan liked it a little too much.

As a side note - we enjoyed a Strate Family reunion this week-end so I'll be posting about that soon.

Reese Reunion

Yesterday we went to Milk River to meet some of our relative (Spencer's side of the family) who are visiting from Germany. It was a fun afternoon spent, visiting with family and as you can see the kids had the best time riding the Go Kart. Nolan was a little nervous at first but quickly starting ripping up the trax. Jarom had no trepidations and immediately took off; we had to send someone responsible (thanks Amanda) along to make sure my wild boy came back in one piece. The boys had a great time playing in the rain, climbing in the fort and riding around the Reese Farm.

Indian Days

Rachel came down on Saturday and took Nolan, Jarom and I to Indian Days. It was so cool. I was totally amazed with all the costumes, the bead work and feathers. It was awesome to watch the dancing, hear the singing (not sure if that is the correct term, I want to say chanting, but that does seem right either) and listen to the beating of the drums. The men's fancy dance was my favorite as the costumes were unbelievable.

After the dancing was over, we took the kids to enjoy the rides. I was very nervous about letting Nolan on the rides, as he can not handle the tire swing at the park and I could envision an re-enactment of the Amusement Park scene from The Sandlot. But all was well.

Jingle Dress Dance

Ladies Fancy Shawl Dance

Men's Fancy Dance

Nolan and Jarom Enjoying their Umpteenth treat of the day

The Ferris Wheel, surprisingly was their favorite ride.

Happy Birthday Morgmyster

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Robin Hood

Auntie Patrice is very cool. Tuesday she took the boys for the afternoon and when Nolan and Jarom were returned to me, they were sugared up and the proud owners of bow and arrows. Jarom saw this hat and had to have it as he becomes Robin Hood every time he puts it on. Now my days are filled dodging arrows as they whiz by my head.

Patrice also took them to see Wall-e, which apparently is not as good as the kids had anticipated, but Nolan has just informed me that there were a couple of funny parts. Then she made coke bottle rockets with the boys and sprayed them with pop. Only an aunt would do such a thing.

Lake Francis

Nolan loves the mountains. I know it's been said time and again, but Nolan is almost a clone of Spencer; the only thing stopping him from being an actual clone, is the extra thick head of hair he inherited from me. The mountains are a part of him and anytime spent there is amongst the happiest.

Saturday Nolan and Grandpa, along with my dad's neighbours the Steed's, hiked to Francis lake. They started off in Waterton National Park and drove the boat into Glacier National Park, then began the hike at Goat Haunt. It was a 6 mile hike into the lake taking them 3 hours to hike into the lake and 2 1/2 hours to hike out.

Nolan was especially pleased when he caught 2 fish. Nolan is a catch and release man, but the Steed's kept their fish cooking up 3 of them. Nolan did not enjoy eating the fish, but apparently cutting off their heads, tails and gutting them was a good time.

Nolan came home dirty, blistered, exhausted and happy!

Good Times

Tuesday my parents were headed up to Calgary to visit their good friends, the boys and I tagged along so we could hang out with Rachel. We Went to A&W for dinner and ate pretty much the best onion rings ever made. Yum! We order 3 helpings and still wanted more. Then we headed off in search of cowboy hats for the boys, but instead the kids ended up with another webkinz and soccer balls. Thanks Auntie Rachel! Then we headed off to the park to test out the soccer balls and played a highly competitive game of football.










Grandma Kaye invited to us to spend Wednesday afternoon with her. We went to a new fountain park. The kids had tons of fun dashing through the water - even Kaye got wet. So Fun.

My Uncle Mel came for a visit and quickly became beloved by Nolan and Jarom. Uncle Mel took Nolan fishing, was introduce to UNO and SKIPBO (showing no mercy to his younger opponents crushing them time after time in defeat)and engaged in many battles. The boys, and their mom, were very sad to see Uncle Mel Leave.

Rantings of an Overcharge Consumer

I totally feel the need to rant. In fact I don't think I will feel better until I have had many people listen to my rantings so I am posting in on my blog there by reaching more people. I'll try to keep it short.

Jarom is allergic to the protein in cows milk so he drinks goat milk. In Winnipeg I paid $5.49 for 2 liters which bothered me, but since I have no other choice I paid the money. After an unpleasant trip to Safeway on Monday I was informed that they were no longer carrying goats milk, but Save on Foods did.

Yesterday I made my way to Save On and found the desired goat milk when I got to the till it cost $6.49 FOR 2 liters - 2 LITERS! Is it just me or does that seem a tad high?

The Make Over

While the kids and I have been in Alberta"playing", Spencer has been in Winnipeg working all day and then coming home and doing all the repairs our house needs to be ready to sell. He has repaired, painted and poured a new front step as the old one was crumbing away and a bit of an eye sore. It was back breaking work mixing and pouring the concrete, but it looks amazing!

He sent me pictures this morning and I was so impressed with his work I wanted to share and express my appreciation to him for all he does for our family! Spencer is an amazing father and husband who always puts his family first.

We miss you and can't wait for you to join us in Alberta!

New Favorite Thing

If you are anything like me the thought of coming up with another idea of what to cook for supper is Pure torture!

I found this new site that sends 4 - 20 minute meal recipes every week. This was the first week I've been able to try out the recipes and they are so good.

I made the salmon cakes - which don't really sound appealing, but are so delicious - Nolan even ate them. Tonight we made the Chicken with Mango and Pepper Salad which was met with rave reviews!

Check it out and sign up for the 20 minute supper club

http://www.wish.ca/food/

New Beginnings

Ok, all those of you who are faithful followers of my blog may have noticed that when something is going on in my life I take a break from blogging. There is some weird connection in my head that makes me believe that it’s not really real until it appears on my blog.

So here it is... we are relocating to Southern Alberta.

This comes as a totally shock as neither Spencer nor I thought that we would ever return “Home”. We didn’t go looking for a change, but nonetheless we were ready for one and it found us. On a whim Spencer applied for a job, not really thinking he would even get an interview as he wasn’t qualified for the job. But want him they did and once we heard the offer we knew we couldn’t turn it down. So in the last two weeks we have been going crazy trying to get ready to move before we came to Alberta to celebrate my grandma’s 90th birthday.

Spencer will be the Assistant Director of ???? at the U of L. He is, as I understand it, over all the construction that goes on at the university. I don’t think that really does it justice, but I’m sure if you check back Spencer will have left a lengthy comment as to what the job all entails.

How we all feel about this move.... shocked, nervous, stunned, heartbroken, angry (Nolan) excited for a change – if you can think it we’ve felt it.

Saying Good-bye to Winnipeg and all the people we love there was harder than I ever thought it would be. How do you say good-bye to people who have become your family? How do you say good-bye to a place that helped you grow into who you are?

Winnipeg and our friends there were a blessing. We had so many people touch mine, Spencer’s and our kid’s lives. I’ve never been good at emotional outpourings and the last two weeks have been just that. Since I tried to be strong when saying good-bye to those I love, I would cry (more like sob) alone at 4 in the morning, so stupid. I am so thankful for the time our family spent in Winnipeg, the people there are amazing and we will miss them.

Here’s to starting new chapter in our lives

90 years

Under protest we planned a celebration for my grandma’s 90th birthday. Although grandma repeatedly griped about the event; she had a great time. Grandma was radiant all day basking in all the attention!

I had such a great time reconnecting with cousins I hadn’t seen in many years. I wish all our family could have been there, but there are plans in the works for a family reunion next summer so hopefully more family will be able to attend.

Strawberry Goodness

Canning in one of my favourite domestic duties, scrap that, it is my favourite. I love the way the jars look all lined up on the shelves. Unlike making supper, cleaning the bathroom, doing the laundry and the list goes on – canning is satisfying. After the meal is consumed, the bathroom is grungy and the laundry baskets are once again spilling over; I can go down and gaze at the beautifully arranged jars of goodness.

Now all I have to do is learn how to make bread to go with my jam.

Best 3.99 I ever spent

This morning I learned that a Indiana Jones action spoon which lights up while you eat will get Jarom to eat his cream of wheat without thrashing around on the floor complaining.

Can I get a life time supply?

What's the Third?

When Spence and I got married he introduced me to the Law of Threes – Which states that bad things happen in groups of three. Our family has tested this Law out over the years and I have become a believer.

Last Friday – I was picking the kids up from school and the breaks went totally “soft” (this is a term that I have since learned). I had to push the brakes all the way to the floor to stop and even then it took a long time. I waited for Spencer to get home from work and then mentioned there was something wrong with the brakes in the Van. Spencer went out to take the van for a test drive and as he was backing out of the drive way the brakes completely failed and he rolled into the fence behind our house. The top of the fence post hit our back windshield totally shattering it. There is a nice dent in the van gate and a ding in the bumper. We got the brakes fixed on Saturday and I dropped the van off at the body shop on Thursday.

All things Considered I feel very blessed. I was just so thankful that nothing happened while my kids were in the van that the rest didn’t really seem to matter.

Tuesday I went up stairs to brush my teeth and discovered the bathroom sink cracked with chip in it and a puddle of water on the floor. Now I don’t know exactly what happed, but I do have my theories.

I will soon be the owner of a new windshield, van gate, bumper and bathroom sink- Lucky me.

Jarom

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The end of the school year seems to be coming at a rapid pace. This is Jarom’s last week of pre-school. Last week they had concert and here is just a little snippet for you to enjoy. I especially love it when Jarom and his friend start to break-dance. I had no idea he had such talent. I missed filming the best part, but there is a bit of him mov’in and grov’in.

Since this is for the most part my Journal I just wanted to add some of Jaroms favorite things – so I can remember when I am old and grey!

Favorite Food: squishy potatoes and gravy

Favorite Color: all the colors, but green is the most loved

Life’s aspirations: To be the Yellow Wiggle. If that does work Jarom would like to be a Jedi and if for some reason that doesn’t work out he would like to be a fireman.

The Immovables

The Mutual theme this year is “Be steadfast and immovable always abounding in good works” (Mosiah 5:15). For our New Beginning this year, as a presidency – I am serious blessed with awesome counsellors, we decided that the 3rd Thursday of every month would be our “abounding in good works activity” and we would perform service. We had T-shirts made for all the girls, brainstormed a team name; called ourselves the “Immovables”, had it printed on the back of the shirts and then we wear them to each of our service activities.

We’ve done different service activities; provided babysitting at the church so couples could go out with there significant other on Valentines day, cleaned the church, made sandwiches and took them to homeless shelters. Some activities have been more successful than others. Teaching girls why we do service and having them experience the true meaning of service has always been a bit of a struggle.

Tonight we went to a nursing home; our main purpose in going was to visit with the people and sing to them. We brought music from their era and one of the girls brought her dog and another leader brought her guitar. When we arrived I could tell that the girls were nervous. The people living in the home were at different stages health wise and mentally, which can be a little scary when you're young; I was a little nervous about how the girls would react.

At first the girls huddled together at the side, but people started to notice the dog and wanted to pet her. We gave the girls a push and told them to mingle around. At first they timidly approached a person and inquired as to their name and politely asked questions about their lives. It was so fun to watch the people light up when the dog would come near them or how their demeanor would change as the girls talked to them and held their hand. After we had been there about an hour I was having a lovely chat with a man named Bill and two of my girls were visiting with a woman just behind Bill. One of the girls looked at me and said, “I like coming here, it makes me feel good. I want to come back”.

I’ve learned so many things as yw’s president. I’ve learned that we try and try and try and then suddenly it happens, the girls have an experience that helps them to understand a principle or gain a testimony of what we have been trying to teach them. I was so proud to be a part of these outstanding girls.

Yum!

I have brownies...with icing. Want to come over?

Catching Up

I have a lot of catching up to do as I have been neglecting my blog site for the last couple of months. It seems we are a busy little family always up to something, although I feel as though our lives are starting to repeat on a yearly cycle. Depending on the season, you could look up a blog posting for the same month the pervious year and it would pretty much be accurate as to what we are all up to right now. There have been some highlights that I did want to touch on. Hopefully you have a while to read or I guess you’ll have to read in small sections.

MY BIRTHDAY
Yes it’s sad, but true, I am indeed a year older. I have officially reached the age where I no longer wish to acknowledge the fact that I have celebrated another birthday- yet I'm doing a blog post so that says other wise. I had lots of birthday wishes and kisses from the 3 amazing guys in my life. Lots of my family and friends called to help me celebrate(not really the word I want to use but it seems the most commonly used word to describe birthdays).

There seemed to be an overwhelming theme that I needed some new clothes as everyone treated me to an amazing summer wardrobe. I am all set for the summer and will be looking good. Spencer got our good friend Tricia to come and watch the kids and he took me shopping. Although it was very hard for me to accept such a gift, I will say that I am thankful to have a friend that loves me so much that she wanted me to have something she loves so much and treated me to a pair of LuLulemon pants. All I can say is – they really are as comfortable as everyone says, I’m hooked. If you don’t own a pair yet, grit your teeth and get yourself a pair.

KAYE COMES TO WINNIPEG
We look forward to Kaye’s (Aka Spencer’s mom, playdough grandma, grandma Kaye) every year. It is so fun to have her here. Kaye brought lots of fun activities to do with the kids - balloon tying being at the top of the list, they also did puzzles, sidewalk chalking, stories, singing to Raffi and so many other fun things I could go on and on. We of course made our daily (although it seems a little more like hourly) trips for ice-cream, gelato, frozen yogurt, more gelato, more ice-cream, you get the idea. Next year I am going to bring my camera so I can take pictures of all the places we consume a frozen dairy treat.

I pulled Nolan out of school for an afternoon and we all went to the Zoo, followed by a trip to the BDI(ice-cream). Friday night being Kaye’s last night we decided to go to Horton Hears a Who. Totally fun and cute- take your kids. We arrived at the airport bright and early Saturday morning only to discover that due to a terrible snowstorm in Calgary her flight had been cancelled and she would be spending another day with us. We were all delighted as we had planned a bonfire and never had time to roast some wiennies. We went to a park by our house and fulfilled our roasting plans and had wonderful afternoon.

To be continuted as I have to put Jarom to bed.

Apostle Song

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A Wife’s Prerogative

I have lots to share! The last couple of weeks have been busy with Kaye and my mom visiting, not to mention the great lumpia roll, but I wanted to brag about my amazing ultra talented husband.

We had lots of good news last week. After an agonizing month (for Spencer) we learned that Spencer did indeed pass another exam. Yippee!!! He left the exam feeling like he had failed, but I’ve learned after 13 yrs of marriage that this is probably not the case and remained optimistic. This means 3 exams down and 6 more to go.

On a huger note, Spencer has finally, after 5 yrs of working, completed his intern hours. 5600 hours total spread across 16 categories of professional experience. This means that, after he passes his last 6 exams he will officially be an architect.

Spencer has worked on many projects, gaining the respect and admiration of all those he works with. His bosses love him and I happen to think he is an architectural genius.

Spence was a design architect and contract administrator on the Seven Oaks Emergency redevelopment project and the architecture is mainly his design. All those who have seen the designs are thoroughly impressed. Because the design and planning was approached in a modern new way, doctors from all over the city are vying for the opportunity to work in such a remarkable new facility. He is also assisting with the design of renovations to Victoria General Hospital Emergency.

FHE

For FHE on Monday night I wanted to talk about love and kindness in our home. I think all things considered our family is pretty good, but there is always that continually striving for peace, love and harmony. I spent most of Monday trying to think of a way to teach the importance of family and how we need to treat each other with kindness. Then I remembered a story from my childhood.

One winter my grandma and grandpa Blumel let us toboggan off their roof. They had an addition on the side of their house that had a lower roof – perfect for sledding off of. We would climb up the ladder and slide down and drop a few feet to the ground; the drop was high enough that we had to make sure we were feet first or we could have gotten hurt. I still remember how much fun this was.

I remember one time on my way down I got turned around so that I was sliding back first. I started to panic as I thought about what would happen if I couldn’t get myself turned around. I tired to get my body positioned feet first, but no luck. I hit the edge of roof and braced myself for the impact and prepared myself for a broken arm or leg, I felt myself sailing through the air and then I felt Shane catch me.

I told the boys my story, related it to our family and went on to talk about how important our family is; how we need to treat one another and look out for one another. It was gratifying to tell the story and have their full attention and then have them participate as we set goals as a family.


This is our family’s favourite FHE game. Nolan and Jarom love to be in charge of the game and usually this is the one they decide to play. We set up all the pictures of the first presidency and the apostles and then the kids set their bowling pins on top. Whoever’s pin you knock down first you have to say his name. If you’re right you are rewarded with a small treat, candy, mini marshmallows, chocolate chips, whatever we have on hand. This actually works really well, Nolan know almost all the apostles and Jarom know lots of the names – just doesn’t always get the right name with the right pictures.

I remembered

Ok, this one is a tad on the lame side and I know many of you will just be shaking your head wondering what sort of state my house is in – could be worse, bit could always be better.

I have anyways hated the smell of bleach and the weird funky feeling that plagues me long after my work is done, so for many years I have not used bleach. I had something I had to buy bleach for and then for some reason starting bleaching everything and anything I could get my hands on. The curtains in my kitchen are gleaming white, my white towels are finally rid of the blue paint smears, but my favourite of all is my sink. I had no idea the transformation that bleach can do to a sink. I filled the sink with hot water, dumped in a bunch of beach and my sink now shines like never before. I love it.

Some of my Favorite Things

Last week I had 4 favorite things to share, but right now I can only think of 3, I'll post the 4th once I remember it.


I tried Dove Cream oil – Jasmine and vanilla scent at my mom house last month and loved it. Normally I would not have tried such a product.

Ever since my pregnancy with Nolan and a very long car ride home with Patrice and her clothes aromatic with vanilla scented fabric softener, vanilla scent has made me feel like puking. However, this body wash is soft and creamy on my skin and the scent makes me feel so happy as I can smell it long after my shower is over.




On the recommendation of many people I watch the movie August Rush this week. I was a little worried after hearing so many great things about this movie that it would fail to live up to all the hype – as has been my experience in the past, but August Rush delivered in a big way. I loved this movie and would highly recommend it to anyone.


I love Salad and the find of a new great recipe make me totally excited - I made this one last Sunday and all those who consumed it agreed it was one of the best ever.

Strawberry-Spinach Salad

1 lb asparagus spears
1/3 cup bottled poppy seed salad dressing
1 tsp finely shredded orange peel
1 tbsp orange juice
8 cups fresh baby spinach or assorted greens
2 cups sliced fresh strawberries and/or blueberries
3/4 cup to 1 lb cooked turky, cut into 1/2 inch cubes
1/4 cup pecan halves, toasted

1. Snap off and discard woody bases from asparagus. If desired, scrape off scales. Cut into 1-inch pieces. Cook asparagus, covered, in a small amount of boiling lightly salted water for 3 to 5 minutes or until crisp-tender. Drain asparagus. Rinse with cold water. Let stand in cold water until cool; drain.

2. Meanwhile, for dressing, in a small bowl stir together poppy seed dressing, orange peel, and orange juice; set aside.

3. In a salad bowl combine asparagus, spinach, berries, and turkey. Place on salad plates. Top with pecans. Serve with dressing.

* When I made the salad I omitted the turkey and blueberries. But if you left the turkey in it would make a really good main dish.

Update

Here is a point form run down of all the exciting goings on for the last couple of months.

· After years and years of living with a fridge that barely worked and a stove that apparently didn’t work at all, not to mention the rust color – which for some odd and unexplainable reason I really liked, we (or I guess I should say I, because Spencer wanted to do it years ago) finally broke down and bought a new fridge and stove. I have very much enjoyed both a working fridge and a stove. It’s been a whole new experience and I’ve had to learn how to cook again, now that my stove cooks with more than one temperature.

· Jarom and Nolan finished their swimming lessons. Both are given the opportunity to repeat their level. Which is good because Jarom is as far as he can go until he turns 6 so even if he had passed he would still get to do the class again this spring.

Nolan is in level 5 which meant he spent the whole class in the deep end swimming laps. Nolan has always had a fear of deep water and spent the first 4 classes terrified he was going to drown. I was so proud of him for conquering his fear as he kept getting into the pool each week!

· Jarom was enrolled in Gymnastics for the first time this year. He loved it and was a natural. He does a great cartwheel, handstand and skin the cat. It’s been really fun to watch as he progressed through the weeks – he starts his second session next week.

· Nolan finished up his 2nd season of basketball. He is a great little player and looking forward to attending b-ball camp this summer.

· I took a quick trip back to Alberta for a week-end in February. My parent’s basement flooded, as most of you know, and after a tearful phone call from my mom, I wanted to be with them. It was lots of fun, I got to have lunch with my sister, dad and mom, get a pedicure with my mom, and spend time gabbing with my sisters.

· It seems like I had lots more to share, but nothing else comes to mind. I’ll update if I think of something else later.