Easter Fun

This past weekend we were able to celebrate Easter as a family.  We were expecting some company.  My mom, Jason's mom, brother and nephew Zach were all coming to stay for the weekend.  When we have company we usually have Bowen sleep in Ashton's bedroom on the bunkbeds so we can put someone in Bowen's room.  I told Bowen that Grandma was coming and was going to sleep in his room so could he please go and straighten up his bedroom.  Awhile later Bowen called down to me that his room was all ready.

Needless to say we had a bit more work to do.

Everyone arrived Saturday night.  Sunday morning the boys hunted for their Easter baskets that the Easter bunny had left for them.

After we all headed to church.  Jason was the only member of our bishopric there that day so he conducted sacrament meeting and I was able to sing a vocal solo "Gethsemane" by Sally Deford.  It is such a powerful piece, I'm so glad I had the opportunity to sing it.  I saw a few wet eyes so I hope it touched those that heard it.    Then off to primary where I had sharing time.  We read scriptures about Jesus' crucifixion and resurrection and for each scripture I had an easter egg with an object in it that represented the scripture.  I think the kids really enjoyed it - they listened and had fun passing around the objects.  I love working with the primary children, they have such a special spirit and a hunger to learn the gospel.

After church we came home and Jason and the boys coloured easter eggs while I got dinner ready.  Of course, I forgot to take any pictures - but here is a picture of the finished product.

Jason's brother Tyler, his wife Jill and their little boy Dane were able to join us for dinner.  We had ham with glaze, asparagus with hollandaise sauce, scalloped potatoes, green salad, jello salad and mom's homemade buns.  I must say it was so delicious.  For dessert we had banana cream pie, and Jason had made a chocolate pie that was so good!!

Jason wanted me to show the different layers - it really was delicious, and so easy!

It was so nice to spend Easter with some of my family.  I love all the fun traditions that go with Easter, but especially for my knowledge of the sacrifice my elder brother Jesus Christ made for me.  Holidays without my Dad are so hard, and I always think of baby Kenny and Steve and so many other love ones I've lost and how because of the atonement we can all live again and I'll see them all and that brings me such comfort.  How grateful I am - I am truly blessed.  HAPPY EASTER

Yummy Crock-Pot Dinner

I'm always on the lookout for yummy crock-pot dinners.  My crock-pot is a lifesaver when I'm busy in the evenings teaching.  I made this last week and it was a hit.

BEEF STROGANOFF



1/3 cup             All purpose flour
1 tsp                 Salt
1/4 tsp              Pepper
1/2 tsp              Paprika
2 lbs.                Beef Round steak, cut into 1/2 inch thick strips

1 1/2 cups        Chopped onion
1/4 tsp              Garlic powder
14 oz.               Canned tomatoes, with juice, broken up
1/4 cup             Ketchup
2 tsp                 Beef bouillon powder
2 cups              Sliced fresh mushrooms

1 cup                Light sour cream (I admit I used regular sour cream)

Combine flour, salt, pepper and paprika in  plastic bag.  Place a few strips of steak in at a time.  Shake to coat.  Place in 3 1/2 quart slow cooker.

Mix next 7 ingredients in bowl.  Pour over steak.  Cover.  Cook on Low for 7 to 9 hours or on High for 3 1/2 to 4 1/2 hours.

Stir in sour cream last 30 minutes of cooking time.  Serves 6.

I served mine over egg noodles.  So yummy, and so easy!  Enjoy!!



10 Fabulous Years!!

I know this blog is horribly late but I wanted to be sure to acknowledge Jason and my tenth wedding anniversary.

Jason and I first met in June 2000 at a house party.  We barely spoke that night but ran into each other quite a bit that summer as we had mutual friends.  Our first "date" was on labour day - we went to the zoo and then to an imax movie.  I wasn't exactly sure if it was a date as he had a friend of mine call me to invite me to come up to Calgary to join him.  We went out quite a few times during the next two months.  Then Jason told me that he was moving to Calgary to start a new job at Aurum Dental and he wasn't sure if he could do the "long distance" thing.  I told him of course he could because I was up in Calgary all the time to visit my cousin Sheri - I wasn't letting him go that easily!  A few days later out of the blue my cousin Janelle's husband called me and offered me a job as his office manager at his sign company in Calgary.  I was getting tired of my current job (I'd been there 13 years), and was ready for a change, and there was also the fact that Jason was going to be in Calgary so I jumped at the chance.  Two weeks later mid November I was up in Calgary starting my new job, and Jason followed 2 weeks later.

We had lots of fun dating each other, and I knew I was falling in love and was desperately hoping that Jason was feeling the same.  New Year's Day we were hanging out at my place and I finally got the nerve to tell Jason that I loved him - I still can't believe I found the courage to say it first!  He told me he loved me too - the best day ever!  The next day we were watching a movie at my house and it was starting to get late.  Jason turned to me and said "I don't want this to end", I looked at the time and replied "well it is kind of getting late and I work tomorrow", he answered "no, I mean I don't want THIS to end .....  will you marry me?"  At first I wasn't sure he had actually meant to say it - but I of course said yes and the rest is history.

We were married 3 months later on March 24th, 2001 in the Cardston Alberta Temple.

This was our engagement picture - sorry for the quality I had to scan it.

Our wedding was beautiful.  We were so happy and so many of our family and friends were there to enjoy the day with us.  We had a family dinner in Cardston hosted by Jason's mom and then travelled to Champion for a Calling Reception.  Mom had prepared a great spread, the gym was decorated really beautifully and we had a string quartet playing music for everyone.  After we headed to Edmonton for our honeymoon.  We stayed at the Bridal Suite at the Fantasyland Hotel.



Our Bridal Party - look how tiny Cora was!

For our tenth anniversary this year we decided to be nostalgic and headed back up to Edmonton to stay for a couple of days.  We didn't stay in the Bridal Suite but got a gorgeous executive room with a jacuzzi hot tub.

It was so great for just the two of us to get away.  Mom came and stayed with the boys and we found out after we got home that she had been sick the whole time we were away.  She assured us that the boys were good, but I felt so bad that she'd been sick.

It was such a good time - I only wished it had been longer.  We relaxed, shopped, went for dinner, went to movies, soaked in the hot tub and just enjoyed each other's company.  How grateful I am that we have found each other.  I know in my heart that we were meant for each other.  Thanks hunny for the best 10 years and I look forward to what the future holds for us.

Anniversary Flowers - I love getting flowers!

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!!

I May Have Created a Monster!

Yesterday Jason and I took the boys to a Model Train show at the Soccer Centre.  I noticed a banner a couple of weeks ago and looked it up on line and looked like something the whole family would enjoy.  It was a lousy day outside so it was a good one to spend indoors.  I'm so mad I forgot my camera as I would have liked to have gotten some pictures.  The boys were totally into it.  There were all different kinds of exhibits with all different sizes of trains.  Some of the work done to make the backdrops were amazing.

Jason was very entriqued and I think I may have created a monster as his creative juices are already working as to what he could create.  Building the sets really appealed to him and I've always had a love of miniatures so I must admit it would be pretty fun.

The highlight of the show was a big display made entirely of lego.  It was huge and very detailed with lots of trains and a section even of downtown Calgary complete with authentic looking c-trains.

To complete our family day we took the boys to Montana's for supper.  Bowen was so hungry I don't think I've ever seen him eat so much.  He had a loaf of cornbread, a pretzel bone, his entire pizza, a few apple slices and a mini ice cream cone for dessert.  He even asked for a snack before bed at 7:30 p.m.

It was a fun day and I'm sure we will make the train show an annual outing for us.

Mystery Solved

Last week my visiting teachers had set up an appointment time to come by my house for a visit.  I was spending the morning in the living room by my big picture window reading my latest bookclub book.  The time I'd had expected them to come came and went so I just kept reading.  My friend Shelley phoned a bit later to see if I had finished the book (she needed to return it to the library) and asked if my visiting teachers had left.  I told her they never came - they visit her as well and she told me they had left her house over an hour ago.  I concluded something must have come up and didn't think about it again.

On Sunday one of my visiting teachers came over to me and asked if something had come up and if that was why I hadn't been at home on Wednesday.  I assured her I was home and had been sitting right by the front door.  She said they had knocked twice and rang the door bell.  I thought maybe they had the wrong house but she assured me they knew they had the right place.  So she set up another appointment for today.  They arrived a little late but both laughing to the point of near hysterics when they got to my door.

They told me they had pulled into the driveway of what they thought was my house.  Evelyn had BANGED on the door - thinking Vernetta had just knocked to softly last time.  When that didn't work Vernetta tried the door and it was unlocked so she opened it.  The first thing they noticed was a strong smell of smoke and thought maybe I had company, Vernetta also thought the entry looked a bit different but then started calling my name into the house.  About then Evelyn noticed the number on the door said 149 not 141.  Realizing their mistake I guess they hightailed it out of there (as quick as sweet little 80 year olds can) and drove two doors down to my house.

Vernetta had the giggles for about 20 minutes about it.  It was so funny to see her get such a kick out of it.  It was like two high school girls up to highjinks.  I love my visiting teachers - they are hilarious!

A Great Read

This month's bookclub selection was "The Forgotten Garden" by Kate Morton.

I really enjoyed this book.  It is about a little girl who is abandoned on a ship headed to Australia.  It jumps back and forth between when she was little and her search as an adult to find out where she came from as well as her granddaughter taking up the search to solve the mystery.

I wasn't able to go to bookclub this past month so I hadn't read the book.  My friend Shelley had borrowed it from the library and had liked it so encouraged me to read it before she had to return it.  Of course I procrastinated getting started so I spent Thursday morning reading to finish it.  I'm really glad I did though.  Definitely one I would recommend!  Now to do some housework that got neglected.

Bowen's Shopping

Yesterday Bowen was playing on the computer on the lego site.  Afterwards he came to me and showed me a piece of paper.

He explained to me that he wanted to get a Lego Atlantis set and he had written down how much it cost (I actually think it is the item #) and then wrote his name with an arrow so I'd remember that he wanted it.
He also heard on the radio that you can win 6 MILLION DOLLARS!  He has been bugging me for days to win that 6 million dollars for him so that he could buy the lego death star, he said with 6 million he'd even be able to get one for Ashton too.

When I told him I didn't think we could win the money he replied "well can you ask dad then if he has the money".  I wish!  He's becoming a bit money obsessed lately.  What a silly boy!

Is He There for Real?

Today as a family we enjoyed watching General Conference on TV.  Rachel, Jared and Liam were up for the weekend - which was fabulous!  We had lots of fun and ate "way" too much.  Rachel's poor little pregnant tummy could barely stand it!  Liam and the boys played together well and it is fun to see them enjoying each other. 

But back to conference.  When President Monson was speaking I asked Bowen if he knew who it was.  He replied "President Monson".  A few minutes later he came over to me and whispered in my ear "is he there for real?"  I guess with so much on TV that isn't real - he just wanted to be sure.  I assured him that he was there for real and it made me reflect on how grateful I am that he is there - for real.  I also very grateful for my knowledge that Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ "are there for real" too.  My testimony is very precious to me and I acknowledge all that I have to my Heavenly Father and my elder brother Jesus Christ.  How blessed I am to be a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.  I look forward to 6 months from now when we can hear from the prophet and apostles again.

Ouch!

So I've been looking for my wedding CD so I can blog about our anniversary this past week.  I still haven't found it so I thought I'd share my most recent ouchie.  I was getting stew ready to put in the crock pot after church today (we're having the missionaries for dinner) and Jason was browning the stew meat for me.  I was walking past the stove to grab the salt and pepper and some grease splattered out of the pan and right onto my FOOT!

The picture doesn't really do it justice.  I don't know how something so small could be so painful.  It still smarts!  Jason feels bad, I'm going to see how long I can milk it.

Bunking Together

When we were expecting our third baby (Kenny was stillborn May 2nd, 2008), we purchased bunk beds that Ashton and Bowen would share when the baby came.  So when we moved into our current home we put each of the boys in their own rooms but still set up the bunk beds in Ashton's for when we needed it.  Since the need didn't arise we left the boys in their own rooms - I found they go to sleep quicker if they are alone, but we do however let them use the bunk beds on weekends. 

Last night the boys asked if they could sleep in Ashton's room, since it is Spring break I said sure.  The boys headed up to bed, usually Ashton takes the bottom bunk and Bowen takes the top.  I think they were tired because they only talked for a little bit.  When I was heading to bed I went in to check on them and found this -

So much for buying bunk beds!

Birthday Celebrations

For Ashton's birthday this year I told him he could invite a couple of buddies and we would do whatever he wanted to.  He decided to invite his good friends Miller and Dylan and to go to a movie.  After school we headed to the mall to see the movie "Rango".  The movie was pretty fun, the boys liked it.  I never thought to check the rating as several people had told me they had taken their kids - there actually were a couple of swear words in it.  Hopefully I won't get any complaints from the parents.

The boys waiting for the movie to start.

After the movie we went to the food court for hotdogs and fries.

How cute are they!

After supper we headed back home to open presents.

Ashton was very happy with all his presents.  He got Beyblades from Dylan, Star Wars Color Explosion and a Star Wars T-shirt from Miller, Atlantis Lego from Bowen, and a Darth Vadar Alarm Clock and Air Hogs from us.

Ashton obviously happy with what Bowen bought him.



He loved his Darth Vadar Alarm Clock!

Bowen had a few meltdowns about how awesome Ashton's presents were.  I'd hear him whispering "don't let it be awesome" as Ashton opened them.


It's not my party but I'll cry if I want too!

 After presents came the cake.  Ashton asked for a Dairy Queen cake this year.  Sponge Bob of course, one of his favorites.

The boys tried out some of the new toys including the Air Hog Vectron.

It was a fun day, and I'm tired so I'm off to bed.  To finish it all off on a great note, Ashton's report card came home today and it was just awesome.  I'm so proud of him.  His teacher wrote that "his enthusiastic and energetic ways are refreshing".  I totally agree but would perhaps add "sometimes exhausting".

Happy Birthday Ashton - We Love You!!

Look Who's "7"!!

For most people today is St. Patrick's Day but for me it will always be - ASHTON'S BIRTHDAY!  It was the one day Jason told me not to have him.  I've never handled people telling me what to do well.  I still remember the day Ashton was born like it was yesterday.  I went into labour about 2 a.m. in the morning, we headed to the hospital around 7:00 a.m. and Ashton was born at 12:58 p.m.  He was such a cute baby.  A little turned up nose and chubby cheeks.  We were so happy and proud and we still are. 

Ashton is a very sensitive, kind little boy.  He enjoys playing with his brother.  He does well in school and has lots of friends.  He is so smart and loves to learn.  His favorite TV shows are Mythbusters and How It's Made.  He is very responsible and seems to have wisdom beyond his years.  Don't get me wrong he can also be a very silly boy and likes to do all the silly boy things.  We love having Ashton in our family and I'm sure he will grow up to be a great man.

We are having his birthday party tomorrow but I made his favorite supper for him tonight.

Pancakes, strawberries, chocolate milk and a grape popscicle for dessert.


Leprechaun tattoo on his cheek from school!



Happy Birthday Ashton!

Recipe Tuesday

Last night I made one of our favorite meals that is so fast and easy I thought I'd put it on my blog.  Jason requested I make it a few days ago and I finally got around to it. 

Honey-Glazed Chicken Stir Fry

12 ounces skinless, boneless chicken breasts
2 tablespoons honey
2 tablespoons vinegar
2 tablespoons orange juice
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 teaspoon cornstarch
2 tablespoons cooking oil
2 cups loose-pack frozen mixed vegetables
   Hot Cooked Rice

1.  Rinse chicken, pat dry.  Cut chicken into 1-inch pieces; set aside.
For sauce, in a small bowl stir together honey, vinegar, orange juice, soy sauce and cornstarch; set aside.

2.  Pour cooking oil into a wok or large skillet.  Preheat over medium-high heat.  Stir-fry frozen vegetables for 3 minutes or till vegetables are crisp-tender.  Remove vegetables from wok.  Add chicken to hot wok.  Stir-fry for 3 to 4 minutes or till chicken is no longer pink.  Push chicken from the centre of the wok.  Stir sauce; add to center of the wok.  Cook and stir till thickened and bubbly.

3.  Return cooked vegetables to wok.  Stir all ingredients together to coat.  Cook and stir about 1 minute more or till heated through.  If desired, serve immediately over rice.  Makes 4 servings.

I usually double the ingredients in the sauce to make extra for the rice.  YUMMY!!

A good friend had brought over dinner for us on Sunday night so we still had our dessert we had planned for dinner on Sunday, so we had an extra treat and had dessert on a weeknight.  I maybe overdid the whipped cream a little.

You can never go wrong with Strawberry Shortcake!

Now to figure out what to have tonight - any ideas ...

You Know You're a Good Parent When ...

Final words from Bowen tonight as he was crying in bed.

"I can't believe we have the worst parents ever!"

Lunch with Leslye

My good friend Leslye, who lives in Lethbridge, was coming into Calgary today to do some shopping and gave me a call this morning and we met up for lunch.  Leslye and I were really good friends when I lived in Lethbridge before I got married 10 years ago.  Even though we don't live in the same city anymore and probably see each other about once a year we always seem to just fall back into our friendship naturally whenever we see each other.

We met at the Cheesecake Cafe, had a great lunch (despite the lousy waitress) and had a great talk and lots of laughs.  Oh, and of course the cheesecake.  It turns out we both have the same favorite flavor of cheesecake - the Cheesequake.  So good!  I'm looking forward to having the other half of mine after supper tonight.  I'm grateful that she has been such a good friend to me and I look forward to the next time we get together.

My "New Do" and Slight Panic

I love getting my hair done - unfortunately by the time I get highlights and then a cut and styling I can only afford to do this process about every 6 months.  Saturday was one of those lovely days.  It is so therapeutic to me to have my hair fussed over and the head massage they include at the salon I go to is heavenly!  My hair probably doesn't look very different to everyone else - but I had her include more layers and she took off a bit of length, but I like the overall look and it feels great to have bangs back again.

This shot sort of shows the back!

So the mystery of what is going on with my health never seems to fail me.  Friday another new symptom arrived - not one I want - kind of a scary symptom actually.  I'll leave out all the gory details.  Luckily I already had an appointment set up with my doctor for me and the boys for Monday morning.  The boys checked out great - although they haven't put on the weight in the last year that the doctor expected.  He's not concerned about it but wants me to bring them back in 6 months just to check again.  I think they are probably just going to take after their father and be skinny kids.  As for me, more tests to come, a CT scan of complete abdominal and my back, a pap test, and perhaps another ultrasound.  Hopefully we will get to the bottom of things soon.

I've had a few bad moments of complete panic worried about the worse case scenario, but I eventually calm myself down and know I'll be able to handle whatever is going on.  I need to rely on my Heavenly Father more - why is giving up control so difficult.  I'm sure I'm driving my husband crazy.  He's not used to this emotional mess - currently his wife, or maybe he is!  Either way he is so supportive and just lets me have my rants and then holds me and lets me cry.  I'm praying now that I don't need to wait to long for these tests to happen.  I also realize so many are going through far worse things and that perspective (when I'm thinking straight) helps me.  However, I've sure appreciated how concerned my family and friends have been.  I have several people who check in on me often to see what is going on now!  Thanks so much.  Your support, love and prayers mean alot to me!

The Results Are In!!

So I had my follow up appointment with the GI Guy today.  All my biopsy results after the colonoscopy came back normal - such a relief!!  He thinks that perhaps my pelvic floor has weakened and is not quite functioning normally and could be causing some of the things I'm feeling.  So he's ordered a pelvic floor examination.  Should I google to see what is involved with this test - or just go in blissfully ignorant.  I think I'm leaning towards the blissfully ignorant.  In addition he recommends I have my doctor order at least x-rays or perhaps even an MRI to check out the back and leg pain.  My blood shows indicators of inflammation so it is possible the pain is arthritis.

The only upsetting thing today was the 1 1/2 hour wait at the hospital, and the $8.75 parking fee.  I'm happy that my doctors are being thorough, but so far nothing serious is showing up.  I'm feeling much calmer about the whole situation and am very grateful for good news, so far.  Thanks to all my family and friends who have kept me in their prayers. 

World Math Day

When Ashton got home from school today he asked if he could go on the computer and play math games.  MATH GAMES? - sure!!  He had gotten a username and password from school and went on his school's webpage and could access games to play against kids all over the world.  How awesome is that!  He's played quite a few rounds and even won a couple.

Happy World Math Day!

Fantastic Five

This past Saturday, February 26th was Bowen's "5th" Birthday!  I still can't quite believe that he is 5 years old already.  Where did all that time go.  Bowen has never had a friend party so now that he is in preschool we decided that he could invite all the boys from his class for a party at our house (all 14 of them).

A few weeks ago Bowen picked out his invitations - Transformers - and got to work addressing the invitations to give to his friends.



I just noticed Bowen is wearing a Bumblebee shirt - how fitting!

Nine little 4 / 5 year olds arrived on Saturday at 11:00 a.m. ready for fun.  I pulled out my camera to capture the moments and of course my battery was dead.  Quickly got it on the charger and got pictures for about half of the party.  Jason had prepared games for the boys complete with medals for the winners.  A bean bag toss, pin the symbol on Optimus,

Target practice - shooting at Megatron,

Bowling, Bop It!

And no party would be complete without limbo.

After games the boys ate pizza, chips, grapes and juice.  I'm always amazed how much food little kids can put away.

After lunch Bowen opened presents.  What a haul!  He was so excited, loved every present and remembered to thank his friends.

Bowen with all his friends and presents.

Next the boys returned to the basement to smash open the pinata.



Jason had rigged up a pulley system to raise and lower it.

It finally took a big whack from Jason to get all the candy flying. 

We finished up the party with birthday cake and the boys watched a Transformers cartoon until their parents arrived at 1:30 p.m.

Later that afternoon we took the boys to the movie "Tangled".  Such a cute movie.  The boys and Jason and I really enjoyed it.  We returned home and Bowen opened the couple of gifts we had for him.  Had hotdogs for supper (his favorite) and then played with new toys until it was time for bed.

Bowen is such a special little boy and I feel he is such a blessing to have in our home.  We call him our "Drama Queen", as he is a bit over dramatic, but he is also very loving, kind, and so funny!!  He is so smart and I can't wait to see what kind of a man he will grow up to be - actually I can wait. 

We love you Bowen - Happy 5th Birthday!