A Green Halloween

It was a green Halloween in our house.

Growing up we never bought costumes.  We always found what we needed to make them and we were never allowed to be scary.  Them's were the rules.  Pretty much the same rules apply in my house.  I have mixed feelings about Halloween.  Do I want to encourage celebrating a holiday that is associated with evil and gore?  Not really but do I want to ostracize my kids my not allowing them to have fun with their peers?  Nope.  There will be many times during their lives when they will have to stand for their beliefs.  I'd rather let them have fun and be kids while they can.

So Hannah went as a Recycled Halloween Costume.  She had bits and pieces from different costumes and a recycling sign around her neck.   People though it was clever.

Parker went as Indiana Jones.  I started working on his costume in June as he was into Indiana Jones with the movie coming out.  He had wanted to buy a whip at Walmart for $25 so I made him one for $1.   He had the coat, boots and pants and in the summer we found the scout shirt and water bag at Value Village.  The hat was my grandfathers hat.

Lydia wore the same costume Hannah wore when she was three.  Little Red Riding Hood.  It's a nice warm fleece cape that Aunt Sarah brought back from Turkey.  When Hannah wore it, Parker was a baby and he went as the Big (little) Bad Wolf. 

I went as the Big Bad Wolf.  I used my butt ugly fur coat that I usually wear with my butt ugly owl hat.  (purchased 5 years ago on Halloween day when I was working at Frenchies)  I wore the same wolf ears that Parker wore.  That fur coat has kept me warm on halloween for five years now.  I'll have to re-purpose it again next year.

Make a Smilebox slideshow

It's work night tonight

It's going to be a productive day.   Went to playgroup today and I wore my orange Great Pumpkin sweater.  Lydia is now watching the classic Charlie Brown movie.  It's always on late and the kids never get to see it so I downloaded it this morning.  Someone is coming to pick up the sofabed that is taking up space in our basement.  Woohoo.  Then I can rearrange and make a better play area. Cara is coming over to do some card crafting, I am sewing and our girls are going to a middle school Halloween dance.  :(

I can't believe I have a child old enough to go to a dance.  I'd love to go and spy.  I'll post pics later of their costumes.  They are pretty awesome.

When Momma is sick

I was struck with the stomach flu yesterday.  While we were at playgroup.  Hopefully I didn't pass it to anyone else.  I started to feel very nauseous so we left early and stopped on the way home for Natural Source Gravol and gingerale.  Not fun to do with three kids in tow and one of them asleep.  The gravol did the trick for a few hours but by 3pm, I was sick.   The extra kids left by 4pm.  I'll skip the rest of the gory details.  Jeff had to take the older kids to their activities and Lydia stayed home with me.  She climbed in bed to watch Family Channel but said I was yucky so she kept her distance.  Every once in a while she'd say "How you feeling?"

This morning as I packed the kids lunches, she packed hers.  I really didn't have it in me to argue with her so whatever she wanted, went in her lunch bag.  She did a great job.





We've had a great lazy day.  She's played dollhouse and on the computer.  We watched Alvin and the Chipmunks and had great naps.

Now if only the laundry was done....

Crafting with Cara and Sarah- Countdown to Christmas

So how do busy moms get their crafts done in time for Christmas?  Book the time.  Cara is working on Christmas cards this year and I am making hair clips, doll diapers, a cloth book and pillowcases for gifts.  Last week me made the commitment to craft on Thursday nights.  Jeff takes Parker to judo, drops him off and then goes to watch Survivor with his aunt.  The girls are in bed by 7:30 and Cara gets to escape bedtime at her house.

We have peace and quiet, can chat if we like or watch Thursday night tv while we work.  I think Joanne might be joining us.

 





It's great knowing we have this time set aside to get these projects done.  We're both procrastinators.  There are times when I think about getting my stuff out but remember our craft date.  It's easier to do when you aren't multitasking.

Great news!!!!

Ok, I had to come back and post this story.  I used to work as a nanny for Mary Jean.  She is also friends with my mom and they both had breast cancer in 2005.    http://www.cbc.ca/canada/prince-edward-island/story/2008/10/21/pe-mammography-irving.html

Mammography unit donated to Charlottetown hospital

Last Updated: Tuesday, October 21, 2008 | 5:00 PM AT Comments7Recommend6

CBC News

Mary Jean Irving presented the Queen Elizabeth Hospital Foundation with a donation of $750,000 on Tuesday for the purchase of a new digital mammography unit.

While the contribution was made on behalf of her company, Master Packaging, Irving said the donation was personal. In 2005 she was diagnosed with breast cancer and told she only had months to live.

She received extensive treatment in Boston, and now that she's healthy again, she said she wants her hometown to be able to offer the same level of care.

Irving's donation, paired with the Charlottetown hospital's fundraising efforts over the last year, means the QEH now has enough money to replace both of its existing mammography units. The two current units use film; one is nine years old and the other is eight.

Machines breaking down

Head of radiology Dr. Kim Hender said both units are in desperate need of replacement. The older machine has been breaking down regularly and is reaching the point where it can no longer be repaired.

The mammography procedure for patients will not change with the new units, but the pictures won't have to be developed and so will be available more quickly, and it will be easier to move them around for specialists to read.

The new machines are due to arrive in four to six months

Au Revoir

Looks like I won't be blogging much for a while.  My computer is dead and I really despise using a laptop.  Hit the wrong spot on the mouse pad when you are typing and the cursor jumps to another spot.  PITA.  And I don't have any of my bookmarks or access to photos.  Grrrr

Out of the cocoon

It's amazing to see a child develop isn't it?  Usually we see the biggest differences between infanthood and toddler hood.  I can't tell you how many ways my son has changed in the past year.  I wrote this blog post on the weekend  http://blog.canadianparents.com/sarahnb/2008/10/18/what-has-happened-to-my-kid-alien-abduction/
Today he played in a soccer jamboree.  It was simply for fun and his school had three teams playing so each team played three times.  Parker chose to go in nets.  Yup, the unathletic kid up against a team of wild kids, trying to kick a ball at him.  He caught the ball!! 

I was also speaking with the OT who assessed him this summer.  I told her he was in Judo three times a week and how attentive the instructors are in helping him.  She was very impressed and said if he is doing that then there really isn't a need for him to have physical therapy to work on body awareness and gross motor.  We're doing it all through Judo.

At church it's been mentioned recently how Parker seems to have absorbed so much and anytime they quiz the kids on what they've been learning, he has the answers.....now that his sister has moved up in age groups.  He's also been coming up with obscure questions lately.  It's interesting to see the things he's thinking about.

What has happened to my kid? Alien abduction?

What has happened to my boy? Jeff bought him a book last night, Knights of the Lunch Table: The Dodgeball Chronicles.  Parker has not stopped reading it. It's a graphic novel and 150 pages. He's to pg 92.  Seriously I caught him doing Hannah- type stuff today. Like standing in front of the laundry basket that he was supposed to be emptying, and reading. Right now he's laying in front of the fire place reading while the tv is on 3 ft away.

 

Parker does not have a love of reading like his sister.  It's near impossible to find books that he will willingly look at let alone read.   Avatar and now Knights of the Lunch Table are really the only books he wants to read.

Here's a good review and when he's done, Parker will be giving his own review of the book. http://comicsworthreading.com/2008/09/25....all-chronicles

1st Annual Great Mitten Challenge

One of the most dreaded fall chores is sorting through the mittens.  I despise it.  This year I thought why not make a game out of it?  It's getting colder out and I always have to go digging for mittens for the first time for Halloween night.  So this afternoon I gathered the kiddos and gave them each a basket.  Lydia was to gather the hats, I did scarves, Hannah and Parker were to pair mittens.  All the odds got tossed and all the too small hats and mitts will be donated.



Before- I think we have way too many



Yes we do!



We lost a kid in there.



This is the face of a cheater.  Quite deliberately, while I was explaining the game, Lydia cathered an armload of hats.  She stood by her tote and said "ready, set, go" as she dropped her load into the tote.  Quite proud that she's young enough to get away with it.



All together now.



It's more fun with cowboy boots.



End result- 1 basket of mitts, 1 basket of hats and scarves, 1 bag to toss and 1 bag to donate.

Tomorrow's project- coats and snowpants .  I honestly don't know how larger families keep it all organized and everyone outfitted.

Lydia is quite enthralled with the changing of the seasons.  At first she was worried about the trees and wanted to fix them by putting their leaves back.  Now she's excited that when the leaves are gone, we'll get snow.

And we'll be ready.

Charges Dropped

I am so glad to see an end to this story.  http://www.cbc.ca/canada/prince-edward-island/story/2008/10/14/pe-fraser-charges.html#socialcomments

 Master Cpl. Robbie Fraser was charged with manslaughter after an incident in Afghanistan.  I'm pretty sure Robbie Fraser went to my high school and therefore would have been in the reserves with my brother and friends.

An accident is an accident and does not equate to manslaughter.  Even Walsh's wife wanted the charges dropped.

And more PEI news- http://www.cbc.ca/canada/prince-edward-island/story/2008/10/06/pe-intercity-bus.html?ref=rss&loomia_si=t0:a16:g12:r4:c0.123139#socialcomments

I also went to school with Caroline Bertram.  She likes to stir things up and she is a get'er done type of person.

I recommend.... Sudsmuffin

Getting ready for my shower this  morning, I remembered a foot soak that I had picked up quite a while ago at Sudsmuffin  I never have the time nor ambition to soak my feet.  I put the plug in the tub, tossed some in and started my shower.  What a refreshing way to wake up.  I think the peppermint and tea tree would be great combined with the steam for a cold.  Check out their cool promo to earn free Sudsmuffin stuff.  http://skinfulscentsations.com/streetteam.html

But before you go, take a look at this yummy muffin of soap.  http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=7432160

A Fall Stroll with cousins

Make a Smilebox slideshow

I'm stuffed, how about you?

We had a great meal with just our family this year.  It was much more relaxed with no company coming.  I had intended to turn the oven on before we left for church, the turkey was ready and just needed to be turned on.  Oops.  As we got there I realized I hadn't turned the oven on.  Left Jeff and the kids for Sunday School and booted 'er back across the city.  Good thing, I also forgot to turn the crockpot to low.  We would have had cold turkey and crispy dressing.

I had to take some pictures.  Lydia was so funny.  Oh, I "wub" 'weet potatoes, I "wub" mashed potatoes, I "wub" corn, I "wub" butter.  In the past we haven't been able to keep cranberry sauce on the table as she would eat the entire bowl.  This time she wasn't so keen on it.  Speaking of cranberry sauce, I've never had to make it as my mother always gives me a jar for Thanksgiving/Christmas.  I never knew how easy it was.  Was she trying to pull one over on me?  It's 1 bag of cranberries, 1 cup of sugar and 1 cup of water.  Boil til the berries pop.  If you want to get fancy, use orange juice instead of water.  Who knew it was so easy. 

I found a great squash casserole.  I don't eat the stuff but Jeff loves it and his sister grew them this year.   http://www.kraftcanada.com/en/recipes/baked-squash-casserole-111387.aspx

I think I'll start assigning dishes to the kids to help with.  Hannah can do the cranberries, Lydia  tears the bread for the stuffing- she did yesterday.  Parker can help peel potatoes.

Make a Smilebox slideshow

The cake was a big hit.

Mmmmmmmmmmmm Turkey Day

I have a 19 lb turkey to cook and it's just the five of us.  Mil also gave us two more turkeys today since they were $.99/lb.

Now what all do I need to make?

Mashed potatoes with sour cream in them..NB potatoes are soo bland.  The sour cream gives them some flavour.  Sweet potatoes with apple, corn, carrots, squash, rolls, stuffing, cranberry sauce and for desert a new pumpkin cake recipe from Kraft.

Cara’s Crockpot Stuffing 1 cup butter 2 cups chopped onion 2 cups chopped celery 12 1/2 cups dry bread cubes-  (I bake them in the oven until crisp and sprinkle Bell's on them before baking 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning 1 1/2 teaspoons dried sage- the spices I substitute bell's for1 teaspoon dried thyme 1/2 teaspoon dried marjoram 1 1/2 teaspoons salt 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper 4 1/2 cups chicken broth- might not need all of it2 eggs, beaten 

DIRECTIONS:

1. Melt butter or margarine in a skillet over medium heat. Cook onion & celery, in butter, stirring frequently. 2. Spoon cooked vegetables over bread cubes in a very large mixing bowl. Season with poultry seasoning, sage, thyme, marjoram- (Bell's), and salt and pepper. Pour in enough broth to moisten,(might not need all 4-1/2 cups) and mix in eggs. Transfer mixture to slow cooker, and cover. 3.Cook on High for 45 minutes, then reduce heat to Low, and cook for 4 to 8 hours.























Crock Pot Sweet Potato and Apple Combo
4 large sweet potatoes, peeled and sliced

2 large Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored and cubed * I added extra

1/4 lb. butter or margarine, melted * I suggest skipping this

1/2 C. brown sugar

1/2 C. apple juice

1 t. cinnamon

1/2 t. nutmeg

Peel and slice sweet potatoes. Peel, core and cube apples. Place both in slow cooker.

Mix the melted butter and brown sugar. Spoon it over the apple and sweet potato mixture. Pour apple juice over the sweet potato and apple mixture. Sprinkle with cinnamon and nutmeg.

Cook on Low for 6 to 8 hours. * cooked on high for 3 hours

And for desert:  http://www.kraftcanada.com/en/recipes/luscious-four-layer-pumpkin-cake-88186.aspx

Guess I should go pick up a few groceries and get started.  I need a lock on my kitchen doors.

That and some happy pills for the grouches in this house.  Sleepovers ruin long weekends.

Run For The Cure 08

For those of you that took part, Thank You.

For those of you who contributed, Thank You.

For those that let this opportunity pass by, start thinking about taking part next year.

Make a Smilebox scrapbook

Seasons of change

Fall seems to be one of the most noticable changes and in our house there's always something going on in Sept/Oct.  This year seems to be pretty smooth sailing yet hectic.  I've been busy organizing my Pink Party in time for Run for The Cure, the Quintessence Breastfeeding challenge and we're trying to get a midweek program off the ground at our church.  The kids have started their extra cirricular activities.  Parker is doing Judo and Hannah is doing theatre  at IACT.  Same time, different places.  I drop Hannah off early and her class is a half hour longer than Parker's.  It works well.   Lydia and I have settled into playgroup and i'm planning on taking her swimming on Thursdays.   Can't beat $2 swims.  I am almost finished updating the October meal plan.  Check out the link in the blog roll on the left.