My cousin has been visiting from New Zealand, he leaves next Wednesday and it's been lovely having him visit. We went to Jasper Winery to listen to music and our friends (Jami and Jim) met us there, it was a great time catching up with all and chatting. Then he stayed over night with us and we chatted until the early morning hours (I saw the newspaper delivery guy) and watched the thunderstorm roll in. It's been ages since I've been up that late and considering my little ones would be awake in a few hours, we finally went to bed. I'm doing pretty well considering, but we'll see how that lasts later today.
We shared memories, talked about what's been going on since the last time we saw each other and just talked. The last time he was here in Iowa was 10 years ago, Darren and I had just started dating (7 months) and I was still in college.
I've seen my cousin on both trips we've made to New Zealand, but it's amazing how differently life has been through these years. We had a bbq for him last weekend and I invited a few friends and family over and last night, he said how great it's all been and how beautiful my life is (and it is). And it hit me, life isn't about those big moments or waiting for what's next, it's the accumulation of all the small, quirky, everyday stuff that give your life meaning and flavor. And my life is beautiful and full because of the people I surround myself with, my friends, my family, my children - those are the real relationships and I can't push relationships with those that really don't have an interest in our life.
It's nice to have him here and just spend that time with one another, I will miss him greatly when he leaves.
"Waiho i te toipoto, kaua i te toiroa - Let us keep close together, not wide apart" - Maori Proverb
Friday, July 23, 2010
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
The chickens are growing....
They are huge, well compared to when we brought them home. We are still unsure if one is a rooster, there has been no crowing (at least none we can hear), but one is getting spurs on the back of it's feet and someone had told us that is indicative of a rooster. I'm hoping that he/she is not as both have seem to adjust to life with us. They let us touch them, pick them up, feed them and if they are inside their coop and I come outside and call to them, they come running out.It's been quite fun having the chickens and I know that I would be a wee sad if we had to say goodbye to one.
The kids enjoy watching them and feeding them and although I know for sure that Yoder (our dog) would love to get at them, for the most part both dogs just seem to adjust to having them in the backyard. When we first put them in the coop, everytime they would walk outside to their pen, the dogs would bark at them, but the chickens have adjusted and so have the dogs.
Anyway....just wanted to post an update and new picture of Shelle and Auroara.
Thursday, July 8, 2010
Yum, Yum
Updated: I made some more lavender cupcakes and this time used a buttercream frosting and by far this was the best! It was a nice flavor, the glaze seemed to make the cupcakes a bit much on the sweetness factor, but the buttercream was perfect combination. I will definitely be using buttercream for future attempts.Well I finally attempted to make the lavender cupcakes. Anytime I am making a batter from scratch, it makes me a wee nervous because if you don't get it right, it affects the entire batter, taste, and look.
The recipe for the batter was surprisingly simple and they were quite good, there was just a hint of lavender, almost a softness, but they were delish.
The only thing I would change, is perhaps using a buttercream frosting instead of the icing glaze that was recommended. So, the next time I make these, which will definitely be again, I will use buttercream frosting.
Here is the recipe:
Ingredients for cupcakes
1/2 c granulated sugar
1/4 teaspoon dried lavender flowers
1/2 c butter (room temp)
2 eggs
1 c self-rising flour
2 Tablespoons milk
Ingredients for icing:
1 1/2 c powdered sugar, sifted
1 egg white
food coloring (purple or green)
12 sprigs of fresh lavender
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees, line muffin tin with cupcake liners
- Put the sugar and lavender flowers in a food processor. Process briefly to mix
- Mix the lavender sugar into a bowl with the butter and beat together until pale and fluffy
- Beat the eggs into the butter mixture, one at a time, then sift in the flour and fold gently. Stir in the milk, then spoon the mixture into the muffin cups.
- Bake for 15-18 minutes, depending on your oven (mine took 15 minutes). The cupcakes should have risen and be a golden color
- Let the cupcakes cool
Icing:
- Gradually beat the powdered sugar into the egg white in a bowl, then add a few drops of food coloring
- Spoon the icing over the cupcakes, then top each one with a sprig of fresh lavender or candy sprinkles. Let set before serving
“It is more fun to talk with someone who doesn't use long, difficult words but rather short, easy words like "What about lunch?" - Winnie-the-Pooh
Friday, July 2, 2010
I'm not gonna grow up.....
Isn't that how we would like it to be for our children? We went and saw Toy Story 3 and when we came home, I was watching my son play with his toy Buzz and I asked if he was going to take Buzz with him to college. He replied, "Nope, I'm not gonna grow up, I'm gonna stay your little boy forever."
And then a few days later, we were at the dinner table and he says, "Momma didn't you tell me that you don't want me to grow?" To which I said, "yes I did, but you know there is nothing we can do, you're gonna grow and become a big boy" and then he crosses his arms and in a matter of fact voice, says, "that's it I'm not eating any healthy foods so I won't grow!"
I love witnessing my children in action, their amazement and curiosity of the world. And as much as I would love for them to stay little forever, I love witnessing them grow. And I know the time will come when my children are grown, I will be reflecting back on all these moments and wonder where it all went. So until then I'm gonna savor my moments with them, enjoy their silliness (even though sometimes it drives me crazy) and enjoy being their mommy, because that too will one day simply become "mom."
"All children, except one, grow up. They soon know that they will grow up, and the way Wendy knew was this. One day when she was two years old she was playing in a garden, and she plucked another flower and ran with it to her mother. I suppose she must have looked rather delightful, for Mrs Darling put her hand to her heart and cried, ‘Oh, why can’t you remain like this for ever!’ This was all that passed between them on the subject, but henceforth Wendy knew that she must grow up. You always know after you are two. Two is the beginning of the end." — J.M. Barrie (Peter Pan)
And then a few days later, we were at the dinner table and he says, "Momma didn't you tell me that you don't want me to grow?" To which I said, "yes I did, but you know there is nothing we can do, you're gonna grow and become a big boy" and then he crosses his arms and in a matter of fact voice, says, "that's it I'm not eating any healthy foods so I won't grow!"
I love witnessing my children in action, their amazement and curiosity of the world. And as much as I would love for them to stay little forever, I love witnessing them grow. And I know the time will come when my children are grown, I will be reflecting back on all these moments and wonder where it all went. So until then I'm gonna savor my moments with them, enjoy their silliness (even though sometimes it drives me crazy) and enjoy being their mommy, because that too will one day simply become "mom."
"All children, except one, grow up. They soon know that they will grow up, and the way Wendy knew was this. One day when she was two years old she was playing in a garden, and she plucked another flower and ran with it to her mother. I suppose she must have looked rather delightful, for Mrs Darling put her hand to her heart and cried, ‘Oh, why can’t you remain like this for ever!’ This was all that passed between them on the subject, but henceforth Wendy knew that she must grow up. You always know after you are two. Two is the beginning of the end." — J.M. Barrie (Peter Pan)
Sunday, June 27, 2010
So far, So good....
We've got week one down since implementing "chore" charts for the kiddies. I added up all their stickers and they each get $3.50 for the chores they completed. The kids absolutely love their charts and every day they are excited about doing most of them.
I did find my sweet pea putting a sticker on one item, which was "Picking Up," it was a few hours after breakfast and when I asked her why she put the sticker there, she said, "once I put the sticker there, I'm done for the day." I had to laugh and reminded her that is not how it works, but overall, they are doing great. They enjoy checking their charts to see how one compares to the other and if one of them has more, then they ask if they can do an extra chore to catch-up.
Not to mention that $3.50 isn't bad for a 4 and 5 year old, it makes me wonder if I should have tried this earlier, but they are probably at the right age for this. I think the nicest part is that it is giving them some responsibility, both have animal care and they take this pretty seriously. My sweet pea almost knocked over my little man as they were both trying to be the first to feed the dogs and cat. I told them that each one gets a dog and mommy feeds the cat and if we give extra food for the chickens then each one gets a chicken.
When the hubs informed them of how much they made this week, my little man said, "I'm going to "ToysRUs," I hope he can find something for under $3.50 because I'm not giving out any loans.
"Today was good. Today was fun. Tomorrow is another one" - Dr. Seuss
I did find my sweet pea putting a sticker on one item, which was "Picking Up," it was a few hours after breakfast and when I asked her why she put the sticker there, she said, "once I put the sticker there, I'm done for the day." I had to laugh and reminded her that is not how it works, but overall, they are doing great. They enjoy checking their charts to see how one compares to the other and if one of them has more, then they ask if they can do an extra chore to catch-up.
Not to mention that $3.50 isn't bad for a 4 and 5 year old, it makes me wonder if I should have tried this earlier, but they are probably at the right age for this. I think the nicest part is that it is giving them some responsibility, both have animal care and they take this pretty seriously. My sweet pea almost knocked over my little man as they were both trying to be the first to feed the dogs and cat. I told them that each one gets a dog and mommy feeds the cat and if we give extra food for the chickens then each one gets a chicken.
When the hubs informed them of how much they made this week, my little man said, "I'm going to "ToysRUs," I hope he can find something for under $3.50 because I'm not giving out any loans.
"Today was good. Today was fun. Tomorrow is another one" - Dr. Seuss
Thursday, June 24, 2010
The Never Ending Day....
Does it strike you? Those restless moments while you are lying in bed and then a thought crosses your brain, then another, and another until your brain is on super mode with all the things you didn't get done, all the things you need to do, and then future things you should do. ARGH!!!! It hit me hard last night.
I kept laying in my bed thinking if I just lay and close my eyes, I will fall asleep, nope. I tried meditating, nope. Nothing and I'm not sure what time I finally fell asleep, but I remember starring at my clock around 3:00 am and then I woke up at 6:00 am to try and get some work done before everyone else in the house awoke.
And I know that it's my body telling me I need to give some time to myself, I react to stress in two ways, stomach aches and insomnia, I'm not sure which is better and I'd prefer neither, but it's hard to take that moment of quiet time, especially for myself. I feel like I'm getting hit from every direction lately and the light bulb moment hit me as I was staring out the window...for every action there is a reaction, and so forth, so forth until you stop it.
Yes, the little light bulb went off - you can do one of two things: react and propel the situation or do nothing.
Lesson learned after numerous events these past two months, I get it!!! I tend to believe that when you pray/ask for guidance, the higher spirit doesn't say "poof" there you go...instead you are presented with life events, your daily interactions and you never know how that interaction will change you. And I can say that I had forgotten, prior to my children and wedded bliss - I would approach all interactions asking myself the following: "what can I learn from this and how can I use it to make me a better a person because the person I am interacting with is no better or worse than I am."
And then tah-dah...it all unfolds...a few weeks ago, I went to the Iowa Metaphysical Fair and had a reading done by a clairvoyant, after I sat down and only said my name, she took my hand and said, "Who's been throwing the temper tantrums lately and she said you reaction didn't help, it's stubbornness." I laughed and thought, yeah...indeed in a matter of two weeks I had gotten into some serious issues with several people in my life (not at the same time or the same issue). She said that it will only get worse, I told her I knew that and that I can feel it brewing and she reminded me that it's up to me how it unfolds...learn from what is happening now to better prepare me for what's to come. She also confirmed numerous other things that she couldn't have possibly known. And several times today, I was presented with "moments" that I would have reacted to, but I didn't....I paused and decided no reaction necessary, which you know some habits are hard to break :)
And so here I am dishing it all out for you to read....which I debated on posting.
Earlier this week, I had seriously considered deleting my blog. I don't keep my blog a secret from anyone, most people in my life know that I've had a blog for the last couple years. Some choose to read and others don't, but when you start to feel like you have to edit yourself, you have to ask is it enjoyable anymore and I'm just not sure anymore. I enjoy doing this, it's an outlet for me as well as keeping my written journal. I appreciate those who follow my blog and the comments you make, but it's frustrating when someone can take something I've written over a month ago and try to make something bigger out of it, when these are my feelings...
The title of my blog is plan as day..."The rants and raves of a wife, mother, and more." What I type in my blog are my personal feelings to things and events happening in my life. I'm not perfect, I don't claim to be, I make mistakes, I'm just trying to live my life and hopefully learn from the things going on in my life. So, this is just a thought, if you are only interested in reading my blog because you want to stir the pot, just ask yourself what is the outcome I am wanting to achieve?
"My actions are my only true belongings. I cannot escape the consequences of my actions. My actions are the ground upon which I stand." ~Thich Nhat Hanh
"Our deeds determine us as much as we determine our deeds." ~George Eliot
I kept laying in my bed thinking if I just lay and close my eyes, I will fall asleep, nope. I tried meditating, nope. Nothing and I'm not sure what time I finally fell asleep, but I remember starring at my clock around 3:00 am and then I woke up at 6:00 am to try and get some work done before everyone else in the house awoke.
And I know that it's my body telling me I need to give some time to myself, I react to stress in two ways, stomach aches and insomnia, I'm not sure which is better and I'd prefer neither, but it's hard to take that moment of quiet time, especially for myself. I feel like I'm getting hit from every direction lately and the light bulb moment hit me as I was staring out the window...for every action there is a reaction, and so forth, so forth until you stop it.
Yes, the little light bulb went off - you can do one of two things: react and propel the situation or do nothing.
Lesson learned after numerous events these past two months, I get it!!! I tend to believe that when you pray/ask for guidance, the higher spirit doesn't say "poof" there you go...instead you are presented with life events, your daily interactions and you never know how that interaction will change you. And I can say that I had forgotten, prior to my children and wedded bliss - I would approach all interactions asking myself the following: "what can I learn from this and how can I use it to make me a better a person because the person I am interacting with is no better or worse than I am."
And then tah-dah...it all unfolds...a few weeks ago, I went to the Iowa Metaphysical Fair and had a reading done by a clairvoyant, after I sat down and only said my name, she took my hand and said, "Who's been throwing the temper tantrums lately and she said you reaction didn't help, it's stubbornness." I laughed and thought, yeah...indeed in a matter of two weeks I had gotten into some serious issues with several people in my life (not at the same time or the same issue). She said that it will only get worse, I told her I knew that and that I can feel it brewing and she reminded me that it's up to me how it unfolds...learn from what is happening now to better prepare me for what's to come. She also confirmed numerous other things that she couldn't have possibly known. And several times today, I was presented with "moments" that I would have reacted to, but I didn't....I paused and decided no reaction necessary, which you know some habits are hard to break :)
And so here I am dishing it all out for you to read....which I debated on posting.
Earlier this week, I had seriously considered deleting my blog. I don't keep my blog a secret from anyone, most people in my life know that I've had a blog for the last couple years. Some choose to read and others don't, but when you start to feel like you have to edit yourself, you have to ask is it enjoyable anymore and I'm just not sure anymore. I enjoy doing this, it's an outlet for me as well as keeping my written journal. I appreciate those who follow my blog and the comments you make, but it's frustrating when someone can take something I've written over a month ago and try to make something bigger out of it, when these are my feelings...
The title of my blog is plan as day..."The rants and raves of a wife, mother, and more." What I type in my blog are my personal feelings to things and events happening in my life. I'm not perfect, I don't claim to be, I make mistakes, I'm just trying to live my life and hopefully learn from the things going on in my life. So, this is just a thought, if you are only interested in reading my blog because you want to stir the pot, just ask yourself what is the outcome I am wanting to achieve?
"My actions are my only true belongings. I cannot escape the consequences of my actions. My actions are the ground upon which I stand." ~Thich Nhat Hanh
"Our deeds determine us as much as we determine our deeds." ~George Eliot
Monday, June 21, 2010
Lavender, how I love you so...
Update to this post: I tried out my lavender sugar scrub and WOW! I can't get over how smooth my skin feels and not to mention I used it to shave my legs and they are super soft! This is definitely a gift item I will be making more of! If you want the "how to" in making your own sugar scrub, click here
Happy Summer Solstice! The sun was not out long today and it was rainy and humid, but I made sure the kids and I got outside for part of the day.
My lavender is growing madly and I love it. I love the smell of lavender and the color; not to mention all the great things you can do. I found a recipe for lavender cupcakes, which I decided I will make for my upcoming tea party, I can't wait to bake them. I'll be baking a few in the next couple days.
I also made a lavender sugar scrub (thanks to Domestic Witch, she is so creative and crafty) - I still have the last steps to do, such as take the lavendar out and break apart the sugar, but so far it is looking great and when I opened the lid, the smell was intoxicating.
We have a garage sale coming up, so I think I will put some in little jars and sell them along with some homemade laundry soap. I'm not worried if those don't sell because I can use them for myself and I'm making more of the lavender scrub to give away to friends. It makes me wonder what great things I can do with Rosemary and I definitely have plans for more herbs next year.
"As Rosemary is to the spirit, so Lavender is to the soul." - Anonymous
Happy Summer Solstice! The sun was not out long today and it was rainy and humid, but I made sure the kids and I got outside for part of the day.
My lavender is growing madly and I love it. I love the smell of lavender and the color; not to mention all the great things you can do. I found a recipe for lavender cupcakes, which I decided I will make for my upcoming tea party, I can't wait to bake them. I'll be baking a few in the next couple days.
I also made a lavender sugar scrub (thanks to Domestic Witch, she is so creative and crafty) - I still have the last steps to do, such as take the lavendar out and break apart the sugar, but so far it is looking great and when I opened the lid, the smell was intoxicating.
We have a garage sale coming up, so I think I will put some in little jars and sell them along with some homemade laundry soap. I'm not worried if those don't sell because I can use them for myself and I'm making more of the lavender scrub to give away to friends. It makes me wonder what great things I can do with Rosemary and I definitely have plans for more herbs next year.
"As Rosemary is to the spirit, so Lavender is to the soul." - Anonymous
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)