Water Bottle Thingamajig

I've seen different versions of these Water Bottle Tag Drink Holder Thingamajig around the Internet and always wanted to make them. I decided last week was the time - crafting sooths my souls and heals my spirit. I made 12; I couldn't be stopped until the last cupcake sticker was gone.

Now I just have to figure out what to do with them all. Chances are good, if you stop by my house you will be leaving with a parting gift.

Finally some sugar and spice

Some thing I seriously lack in this house is girly things. I don't get to make all the cute dresses, hair pieces or accessories I desperately want to, which is why I am so glad that my friends have daughters and their daughters like girly things.

I saw this purse over at Skip to my Lou and thought is was so cute I had to make it. Once I started sewing I realized it was meant to be sewn as a project with your daughter - great summer time activity idea.

So Cute, So Fun.

My play date with Janelle - making cupcakes - what a treat!

I later learned Janelle's dog also thought these cupcakes were mighty tasty. Yet another reason we remain a dog free house.

Win Win

Doesn't this seem like the perfect way to cool down on a hot summer day? The boys went wild with the water and I finally have clean screens.

T-Ball

The t-ball year of baseball is by far the best year of all. The kids are beyond cute, the confusion is high, the excitement is loaded and the games are short. Jarom was our power house hitter - POWER HOUSE!

and how could you possibly call yourself a ball player if you came home with a clean uniform - sliding into every single base is a must.

Yes I did make these!

and if you don't examine, inspect or scrutinize these cupcake to closely you will be as impressed as I am delighted with the outcome.

Nolan has a shark obsession, which doesn't actually seem like a strong enough word to describe his loves of sharks. When he is a grow up man his occupations will be a marine biologist - specializing in sharks. This I find very interesting because a. Nolan has a fear of deep water and b. he is afraid of sharks. But because I am such a fabulous mom, I have yet to bring these points to his attentions, and instead let him enjoy his dreams.

But, I digress. Nolan and a fellow classmate have in their spare time this school year been doing a research project on sharks. They gathered lots of fun little tidbits, then Spencer and I helped Nolan assemble his project into a PowerPoint presentation which he is presenting to the class as I write this.

Along with his presentation he asked me to make shark cupcakes, since my cake decorating skill are very limited I hunted the Internet in search of a cupcake I thought I could handle and thanks to the folks at A Baked Creation I found a pattern.

When the Cousins Get Together

There's tomfoolery

and Cowboy times,

and lounging with your favorite pal.

There's water bombs,


and mesmerizing flames,


and joyful memories until they're together again.

I'm back

The last couple of months I've taken a break from blogging - not sure if anyone reads this anymore - I do know a couple of people still do, because I get e-mails every once in a while asking where I've been.

I've been taking care of my grandma. A couple of months ago my grandma fell and I felt like she wouldn't be with us much longer and I wanted to be with her. A couple of weeks before she passed away, I knew the end was close, so every moment I had to spend with her I did. It was a blessing to me to be living here and able to share that time with her.

So now I'm back. Back to my "normal life" and I'll be sharing it with you on a semi regular basis.

The Next Joe Montana

Photo and video editing at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Rachel and Paul came down for Easter Week-end. Paul is a football coach and Jarom is a rough and tough tackle man. Paul is teaching Jarom the ins and outs of the game and Jarom loves it.

Catching Up

not really sure what I've been doing that would prevent me from posting for almost a month, but I'll try to think of all or at least some of the wonder goings on at the court house this month.

1. Finally after months of waiting, Thursday Spencer got a notice in the mail letting him know that he was a genius and passed another exam. He wrote another one yesterday. I'm not sure what the count is now or how many he has to take; after 14 years of working on this degree, I'm starting to lose count on everything - did he go to school for 10 years of 25? It all starts to become distorted. But I will venture a guess that this was 6 out of 10; but as previous mentioned I really have no idea. But if you check back after Spencer has seen this post I'm sure he will have the correct statistics for you.
2. Jarom lost his two front teeth. I love his gummy grin and listening to his mispronounced sentences. The first tooth he lost, when his ever loving grandpa shoved a ball in his mouth; knocking the tooth out and causing Jarom to swallow it. Jarom had a bit of stunned look on his face, but I was quick to let him know that the tooth fairy would still come and joked that he would poop the tooth out in a couple of days. Jarom thought this was so funny, he was sure to share all the details with his kindergarten class the next day.
3. Swimming lesson, soccer, basketball, and gymnastics are all done and now I find myself with two glorious weeks of not having run kids, from one activity to the next. Whatever shall I do with all my time? Perhaps it will be listening to them proclaim how bored they are.
4. About 3 weeks ago I joined the gym. It's been great. I've loved it. This week my body is finally starting to get used to the work out; every single muscle in my body no longer hurts and makes every movement I make complete and utter torture.
5. Joelle came to visit. It was magical. & we had really delicious pink slurpees.

That's all I think of for now, but if I think of any thing else I'll be sure to post.

The Wait is Over

Not that you were really waiting, as it's been sooooo long you probably forgot all about me and my project. I finished it a couple of weeks ago, but I wanted to finished up the "space" before I shared the finish product with you. After searching all of this town, I have yet to find a print that would be perfect on the wall behind and so I've decided to share with you anyhow.

Before

Step 1. Stripping all the old paint off.

I actually loved this step, it was delightful to see all the old ugly paint bubble up and reveal a glorious grain pattern in the wood with each graze of my scrapper.

Step 2: Sanding, sanding and more sanding.

Note to self: next time invest in an electric sander.

Step: 3 Staining - I actually failed to take a picture of this step

Step 4: Clear Coating

I had one coat left to do to complete the project and the weather dipped below freezing, Spencer brought the dresser inside so I could finish the job (I think he wanted his garage back).

My finished project - and I love it.


I know that many of you are questioning whether or not I actually did this myself or if Spencer did it and I am just taking the credit. Well my doubting friends, aside from some teaching on how to properly apply stain and clear coat, I did it all myself.

Calling All Girl Friends

Back in my early days of Winnipeg, when my kids were little and Spencer was gone every Thursday night to YMs my girlfriends would come over and we have a girls night. We would craft as we watch the Thursday night line up on TV and we would of course eat fabulous desserts.

I loved this time in my life. Some of my best and life long friendship were created and fostered during these evenings. This Walnut Brownie with Maple Butter Sauce from Bakerella is the perfect treat for just such an occasion; as much as I want to make it, it seems like something only to be made and shared with girlfriends, talking, laughing and sharing.

I've long had a love affair with brownies and upon reflection I've decided that like all wonderful things in my life my love of the brown chocolaty wonder is linked to precious memories. Growing up I have countless memories of evenings spent in the kitchen with my sisters and mom; laughing and eating brownies still gooey hot right out of the pan.

Behold the Castle

The Boys built this castle yesterday and asked if I would take a picture and then post it on my blog so all of you could see it. They are very proud of it.

For those interested, The castle is built out of Imaginext - the old version. I've recently (just now) learned that Fisher Price has revamped the Imaginext line, made it for a younger age and the kids are no longer able to build and rebuild the castle.

This has been one of our families all time favorite toys. Hours and hours have been spent, constructing castle, planning attacks and fighting battles.

I Seriously Love This

The only place I found to make such a purchase is the UK. If anyone know where such a beauty can be bought, I have the perfect wall just waiting.

One School One Book

The kid's school is in the midst of working on this project - One School, One Book. Every child in the school received their very own copy of - Ida B by Katherine Hannigan. Every night we read 2 chapters and then the following day at school the boys answer questions and complete projects.

I think it's an interesting undertaking. Jarom has no interest in the book and at first Nolan merely tolerate it, but as we delve deeper into the story and learn about Ida B and her family we become more intrigued.

Ida B is a free spirit, who couldn't be herself at school and as a result she has been home schooled for the last 4 years. Her best friends are the trees in the apple orchard and the brook; when she is seeking wisdom or comfort she goes to visit a wise old tree up on the hill. Last night in our reading Ida's mother was diagnosed with cancer, under going chemo and Ida B is being sent back to school.

I find this book interesting and I enjoy Katherine's descriptive writing style. The book deals with deep issues at the interesting to discuss with Nolan. I'll be interested to see how the book ends and Nolan's thoughts on the project.

Even Dr. Pepper tastes better in this

I have a project

and I am soo excited about it.

It's going to take me awhile to complete my project, but I am so delighted with my little find I couldn't help but share it with all of you. It may take days, weeks or even months, but it will be fabulous when it's completed.

A Whole New World

Jarom loves to swim. Most Wednesday morning I try to take him. It's a good way for him to burn off that excess energy he has an abundance of. Today I took my camera along; when I got to the pool I remembered it was waterproof and thought, hey wouldn't it be fun to take some underwater pics of my kookie Jarom.

After a apprehensive moment I plunged the camera under the water and here are the results.

Jarom's friend getting in on the action.

Do we have another Architect in the making?

This morning while we were doing Jarom's "homework" he decided to put the letters into piles according to whether or not he liked them. And even though the letter O is in his name he still doesn't like it. When I asked him why he didn't like those letter, he broke into a lengthy explanation about lines and the way they really should be going. It all sort of reminded me of many conversations with Spencer.

How does that happen?

Today our RS lesson was Elder Nelson conference talk on Celestial Marriage. During the lesson one of the Sisters mentioned that her and her husband had been married for 70 years and never had an argument. 70 years no argument.

I seriously want to know how this happens. I've heard this same statement during conference addresses or in a story from one of the lesson manuals and to be quite frank I sort of thought they were made up. No one I have ever personally been in contact with could make such a statement.

Seriously, how do you go through 70 years of marriage and not argue? I want to know. I'm going to become best friends with that Sister and find out all her secrets or maybe I shouldn't because I bet bitting your tongue and self control are a major part of it.

Mr. & Mrs. Paul Rachmistruk

It was the most perfect day for a Winter Wonderland themed wedding. We awoke to a snow fall that was enough to cover the ground, but not enough to cause problems.

The day was, as every wedding day should be, filled with love, happiness, a beautiful bride and a an entranced groom.

Make photo slide shows at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Hobo Tote

My sewing skill are very limited, add that to my inability to follow pattern directions and what follows is me calling, Tricia or Sister Gatz and them basically holding my hand as I complete my sewing project.

Which is why I am so proud that I completed this awesome Hobo bag all by myself!!! Feel free to pat me on the back, as I've been doing a bit of back patting myself!

So I've been trying to find a pattern for a cute tote bag I can take along shopping with me, in an effort to be a little more environmentally friendly. I came across this pattern at jcaroline creative, and after finding this so cute material and then spending a week, cutting, thinking, picking out and sewing, I finally finish it. I love it, and I may go shopping right now, so I can put it to good work.

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?