I Love That Man

Ian headed out to see a movie on his own this afternoon and I whined told him that I would miss him.

Look at what he sent me from his iphone...



Sigh...

I love that man.

5QF ~ July 9th

Yippee! It's Friday :-)

This week we had a brutal heat wave and I was miserable and full of complaints. (yes, I know it's hard for you to imagine me as a complainer. /sarcasm) Thankfully it rained this morning and cooled things right down.

I intended to vlog today, but when I saw Heidi's vlog over at From 3 to 5 I was intimidated and decided to forgo it for today. She vlogged in an undershirt and pj pants after we discussed how gross it is to go out in public wearing an undershirt or pjs.

Ok. Maybe the emphasis on gross was mostly mine. But we all know how I feel about public pj wearing by now. Know that I also despise it when men wear white undershirts as t-shirts. The under in undershirt is a pretty big clue that it goes under something.

Meh.

On to Mama M's Five Question Friday meme!




1. What is one food you could eat everyday?

I could eat tuna casserole covered in cheese every day. With a side of M&Ms.

2. Are you working in the career you thought you would be when you were 18?

Nope. I planned on being a successful lawyer or child psychologist. Today, I'm a SAHM...something I was never going to be but I am oh so happy now.

3. What is something that you wish you would have done when you were younger and you didn't?

I wish I never dated my first boyfriend. He was such a creepasaurus, pushy and very emotionally abusive. And furthermore, he was grody and a very, very, very bad kisser.

4. What color are your kitchen walls?

Green. When I decided to paint our kitchen many years ago, I thought green would be a nice, fresh colour. As I was painting I got sick of the colour and was afraid my kitchen would turn out like something in The Incredible Hulk's house. But it turned out really nice. Ian - who dislikes the colour green - really likes it. I'd like to repaint it but he doesn't want me to.

5. Do you remember what your very first favorite song was?

You betcha! It was Rhinestone Cowboy and I was six years old. Oh yes, friends...I was super cool even back then.

Want to play along? Head on over to Mama M's blog My Little Life and get in on the fun!

Just Thursday

We are in the middle of a heat wave and I'm so bleepin' hot I can't think straight.

Imagine my joy when I came across this blog meme on my hilarious friend Heidi's blog From 3 To 5. It's hosted by Murdock's Mama {who is utterly sweet and adorable}.



Outside my window… is intolerable heat and creepy darkness

The time is…9:59 pm

Today I feel… anxious

I am thinking… about bedtime and how I wish it would hurry up

At the moment, I am thankful…that I am able to be at home with my children

I am going… to my Mama's house tomorrow and I can't wait to see her

I am wearing… beige shorts and a light green top

I wish… that things would come together in such a way that I won't have to return to work until Jordan is in school full days

I am reading…I Will Carry You by Angie Smith from Bring The Rain

I am working on… my relationship with Jesus

I am hoping… that one day I will be more patient and forgiving

I am hearing… Jordan squealing as Sam tickles her, and Ian's video game

I bet you didn't know… that I get very teary - and will sometimes cry - when an ambulance or fire truck comes along with the sirens and lights going and everyone pulls to the right

One of my favorite...things to do is to colour when I am feeling stressed or anxious

Thanks Murdock's Mama !

Tuesday's Treats ~ Takin' The Day Off

Things Kids Do That I Don't Understand ~ Take Two

One of the many things Sam likes to do is to make his own lunch.

Being that I am often busy with a gazillion things at once, I am grateful that he is willing to do this for himself.

Usually he chooses to eat a peanut butter sandwich. I appreciate his choice because you can't set fire to the kitchen if all you're doing is slapping some PB on a slice of bread.

I guess he decided to kick things up a notch because this is what he made one day last week:



Now, I love me some M&Ms and I love me some peanut butter, but never together.

Again I say...never.

We went to the African Lion Safari yesterday and rather than buy lunch there, I packed some of Sam's beloved peanut butter and a loaf of bread, along with some snacks.

Apparently my straight PB sandwich was considerably lacking because this is what Sam did to make it "better":



I don't know how he ate that, but he did.

I ate my PB sandwich, had a few chips and maybe even a bit of popcorn as well. So really, what was in his belly was also in mine. But it all didn't arrive the same way, thankyouverymuch.

I go back and forth between appreciation for his creativity and being completely grossed out.

Do your kids do this or does mine have the corner market on this type of thing?

Book Review ~ His Princess: Girl Talk With God

You're the daughter of the King!

Like a loving father, God holds you in the palm of His hand. He loves you no matter what you wear, what you say, what you've done, or how you feel. And He wants you to live a wonderful life.

In His Princess Girl Talk with God, Sheri Rose Shepherd helps you experience God's unending love for you through forty devotions. Sheri remembers what it was like to be a teen girl, and she connects your experiences with God's love. Through these stories, love letters from God, Scriptures, and prayers, you'll feel just how much God treasures you--His Princess.

~*~ ~*~ ~*~

I was really excited to review this book, with the intent to pass it along to Julie to add to her bookshelf.

This book is comprised of 40 devotions, each with a personal story from the author's life, a letter from God and a Bible verse.

At first I really enjoyed this book. I thought the love letters from God were sweet, and a few of them really pulled at my heart. It's amazing how at times my love for the Lord can be so child-like. What it's supposed to be, right?

But then I started to count how many times the author referred to her life when she was overweight and how she wasn't liked, but when she lost the weight she was popular. She talked often about beauty and her history with beauty pageants, and how outward beauty didn't matter, yet I felt these frequent parallels to be conflicting. Young girls are impressionable, and I felt that she placed too much emphasis on outward beauty, perhaps unintentionally.

There were a few points in this book that I disagreed with, and felt so strongly about them that I will not be giving this book to Julie after all. It's a little old for her, and a couple things go against what I have been - and will someday be - teaching her.

One little nitpicky thing... I had folded the corners of a couple of the pages that stirred me, and when I was about two thirds into the book, I noticed that one of the letter's from God were duplicated.

Also, as sweet as referring to the "Lord as Your Daddy in Heaven" was at first, the constant references to him as daddy got a bit tiresome. The book is geared towards young women, and I found the daddy reference to be a bit young for that age group. using Father would have a better impact, in my opinion.

Overall, while there is some good content in this book, it isn't one that I will be recommending to anyone.

"Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available at your favourite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group".

A Few Rambly Things

Happy Canada Day to my fellow Canadians!!

This week is passing by in a blur and I can't believe it's already Thursday night. Ian was home today so we had a nice and slow day, just hanging out together. The children have been enjoying their first day of summer vacation and have been playing outside for hours.

I have been making cake balls today and will be coating them in chocolate shortly. I'm sending a dozen over to Julie's friend's house as a thank you for having her over so often, and a dozen for my nephew for his great report card.

Speaking of Julie, last week she tried to sneak a frog into the house to keep overnight. I can tolerate hamsters and guinea pigs, and maybe even a bird or two, but I draw the line at frogs. Turns out that very frog already spent the night and day at Casa Kate, tucked into Julie's bottom dresser drawer. Grody. Apparently the neighbourhood bully convinced her to keep it for the next two weeks. Umm...no way, so Julie, the frog and I went to this girl's house to speak to her mother. Turns out it's her foster mother and I heard all about how difficult this child has been. I felt sad when I left. Ian released the frog into the creek.

I continue to be exhausted and went back to my doctor yesterday. It was a frustrating appointment but I left with what I wanted: a referral to a gynecologist, a requisition for blood work and an ultrasound, and a new prescription. I tried so hard to stay on track to get what I wanted while he spoke to me condescendingly, rudely and at times, with frustration. We don't seem to click and I am no longer confident in his medical care for me. I'm tired of his "let's wait and see" attitude. This issue is affecting the quality of my life and I'm beginning to get depressed. I can't afford to let that happen.

This week I decided to try introducing potty training to Jordan again. I bought a large bag of M&Ms which she loves (the apple doesn't fall far from the tree) and worked out a system. She gets one M&M just for sitting on the potty. She loves that part. Monday morning started out rough as she piddled on my favourite chair AND my couch. But after her nap I asked her if she wanted to go and she said yes. I gave her an M&M and while she was eating it I asked her if she wanted to make pee pee in the potty for me (I have no idea what to say as I'm out of practice) and she shrugged and said "yeah". And she DID IT! I was so excited I just about spilled the entire bag of M&Ms all over the bathroom floor! The first day and we had results. I high fived her and cheered for her at the top of my lungs. She was so proud of herself. Here we are on Thursday and she cries to get off the potty as soon as she's eaten her participation M&M.

I am SO excited for tomorrow. We're taking the children to the African Lion Safari and we're going to drive through the reserve. I can't wait!! Giraffes and lions and monkeys wander up to cars so we'll get an up close look at them. Apparently the monkeys are rather destructive so we'll need to take our windshield wipers off and put the antenna down.

Have you heard of the group Selah? I love them. I recently heard their song Unredeemed and it is so beautiful. I can't help but cry when I hear it. I could just play it over and over and over.



The children and I love to watch Wipeout and I'm always saying how I'd love to see Ian on the show. He's very competitive and I think he'd more than likely win. WELL! Imagine my excitement when I found out that there will be a Wipeout Canada and today was the cutoff for applications! I told Ian about it and he was all over it and submitted his application. How exciting would it be to see him on that show?? I don't know if I could handle the excitement.

Speaking of Ian, he's home now and brought pizza with him. No cooking tonight! Have a great evening, friends!

Black And White Wednesday ~ June 30th

Join in on the fun at The Long Road to China!

Book Review ~ Momology: A Mom's Guide To Shaping Great Kids

Your go-to book for successful mothering.

Mothering is part art, part science, and always a work in progress! Backed by more than thirty years of research-based ministry at MOPS International, Momology is designed to help you be the unique mother God created you to be--because better moms make a better world.

~*~ ~*~ ~*~

I am always looking for ways to be a better mom. I hope I never stop! Momology is a terrific resource for parenting and is full of tips and suggestions and life experiences.

The author has written this book in what she refers to as "nap sized bites", which I - the mother of a very busy 2 year old - certainly appreciated! Each section has four components: Field Study, Mom Stats and Voices, research information and the author's own experiences as a mother.

I liked all the tidbits of information, the statistics and the thought provoking questions at the end. I appreciate when a book has me thinking about it long after I've put it down.

While this is a great resource to read on your own, I think that if you read it with a friend or a group, you could get so much more out of it.

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available at your favourite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

Book Review ~ Out of the Spin Cycle

Following Jesus shouldn't be just one more thing to do.

Motherhood sometimes feels like a list of expectations. You may be busy or even overwhelmed. But you are also strong and brilliant. And here's a secret: a lot of those things on your list of expectations are things Jesus never expected you to do on your own.

In Out of the Spin Cycle, author and speaker Jen Hatmaker takes the words and deeds of Jesus, adds the humor of a young mom's life, and offers messages of grace and encouragement. Covering areas such as worry, marriage, priorities, money, and the comparison trap, this dynamic Bible teacher brings Jesus's message alive in short, to-the-point devotionals for your busy life. This is a devotional for you--the woman inside the mom--the Bible student, the learner, the world-changer.

So put aside that to-do list for a moment and discover the ways Jesus can lighten your mother load.

~*~ ~*~ ~*~

I absolutely loved this book.

Loved.it.

Each chapter is it's own topic, and each topic has an applicable Bible passage that ties in. The author does a great job of explaining the passage and making it very "modern day".

She poses thought provoking and certainly conversation starting questions at the end of each devotional, along with a Step Out Of The Spin Cycle suggestion.

Author Jen Hatmaker is refreshingly funny and authentic as she shares her own mothering experiences. I loved her conversational style of writing. It felt like we were just sitting together, talking over a cup of coffee. I found myself nodding and smiling a lot throughout this book. It's a keeper for sure.

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available at your favourite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

Tuesday's Treats ~ Frozen Lemonade Squares

With how hot it's been lately - everywhere, from what I'm hearing! ~ I thought this cool treat would be perfect to share with you this week.

You won't believe how easy this is to make!



You'll need:
9 Honeymaid Low Fat Honey Grahams, finely crushed (approx 1 1/4 cups)
1/3 cup of butter or margarine, melted
4 cups of frozen yogurt, softened
6 oz of frozen lemonade concentrate, thawed

Step One:
Mix graham crumbs and butter; press in the bottom of a 9 inch pan

Step Two:
Beat yogurt and lemonade with a mixer until well blended; pour over crust

Step Three:
Freeze until firm (at least 4 hours)

I told you it was easy!

This is a light and refreshing dessert that is perfect for a hot summer day.

Saturday Night Sewing Project

I don't know what came over me today, but I was overcome by the urge to sew something. My beloved sewing machine, Sassy Susie, has been at my mom's house since my last sewing project.

So... I decided that today I would try to sew something all by myself, something I haven't done before. I have always sewn under parental supervision.

Hi Mom!

I've been told by a couple of people that pillowcases are easy to make, so that's what I decided to do.

Before we even started looking at fabrics, I was distracted by this piece of adorableness, just as I was when I was there last week:



I wondered if Sassie Susie would fit in it so I could transport her easily since I don't have a carrying case for her. The starting price was $45.99 marked down to $22.49.

I couldn't say no.

Good thing I didn't because Susie fits perfectly inside.

Score!

After looking around for a short bit, Julie and I chose these prints and I purchased a metre of each:



She liked that the pattern was summery. I liked that it was only $3.00 / metre.

We swung by my mom's to pick up my machine and headed home. Once the girls were in bed, I set up the ironing board and iron, and plugged Susie in.

I turned on my ipod and got into the zone.

I was really surprised at how quickly I finished the first pillowcase.

I wanted to squeal with self-satisfaction but didn't, because I didn't feel like putting the kids back to sleep again.

After fitting a pillow into the case, I discovered that not only was it too long, but it was too wide. I ripped out my stitches and took the width in by a few inches.

Here's Julie's pillowcase:



Oh yeah, I was on a roll, so I sewed Jordan's pillowcase as well:



Pretty easy!

Sam wants me to make one for him too, so I guess I'll be heading back to the fabric store tomorrow.

If you're looking for a weekend sewing project that doesn't take up too much time or effort, this is the way to go.

5QF ~ June 25

Dear YouTube, Please stop making me look like a moron in the still shots. Thanks. Love, Kate

Come play along at My Little Life!

Black And White Wednesday - June 23

I love this picture because it looks like Jordan was praying while sitting on the beach.

I think I'm cheating with this meme because Ian actually took this picture. Must give credit where credit is due!

Join in on the fun at The Long Road to China!

Tuesday's Treats ~ Chocolate Malt Cake

Being that Father's Day was this past Sunday, I wanted to make today's treat something that Ian would like specifically. He loves Maltesers so I knew this cake would be perfect.



You'll Need:
1 chocolate boxed cake mix
1/3 cup of chocolate malted milk powder
Water, vegetable oil and eggs as called for on cake mix box
1 cup of whipping cream
1/4 cup of chocolate malted milk powder
1/2 teaspoon of vanilla
1 cup of Maltesers, if desired

Step One:
Heat oven to 350. Spray bottom of 15x10x1-inch pan with cooking spray.

Step Two:
In a large bowl, stir together cake mix and 1/3 cup of malted milk powder. Beat in water, oil and eggs with an electric mixer on low speed for 30 seconds. Beat on medium speed for 2 minutes, scraping the bowl occasionally. Pour into pan.

Step Three:
Bake for 29-34 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the centre comes out clean. Cool completely.

Step Four:
In a medium bowl, beat cream, 1/4 cup of malted milk powder and vanilla on medium until stiff peaks form. Spread over cake. Place Maltesers in a resealable freezer bag and crush with a meat mallet or rolling pin. Just before serving, top with crushed Maltesers.

Ian's rating? 8/10.

Score!

Father's Day

Father's Day is a bittersweet day for me.

When I was six years old, my dad moved out.

I was the only kid I knew that didn't have a dad living at home and for the first time in my life, I felt shame.

The kids on the street and at school were always asking me were my dad was, so I created a lie that he was a truck driver and was on the road for months and months at a time. I couldn't have them knowing that he didn't love me enough to stay with me.

Of course, just because he wasn't living at home with us didn't negate the love he felt for us....but try telling that to a little girl who believed with all of her heart that she wasn't good enough, and who would face a lifetime fighting against that inner voice that told her she just wasn't worth it.

I don't have memories of my father reading me bedtime stories, or tucking me in at night. I don't remember what it felt like to have my little hand tucked inside his big one. I don't remember what it felt like when he hugged me. I can't remember if he ever told me I was beautiful.

When I was 14, my father died suddenly. I never even got to say goodbye.

Oh Daddy... how I miss you. Even after all of these years, I miss you so much.

But the Lord is good. He sent me Ian.

I knew that Ian would be a wonderful father when I saw him with my 1 year old nephew for the first time. He was gentle, encouraging, loving and oh so fun.

Whenever we went anywhere, children would just gravitate to him. I don't think there is a child that has met Ian that hasn't loved him.

I can still remember how tiny Sam was when he was first born and he seemed even smaller in Ian's strong hands. He held him with such gentle care and I knew Sam would always be safe with him.

I remember the tears in his eyes when Julie was born. She was so small and delicate, and Ian held her so gently, as if she would break.

By the time Jordan arrived, I had had a front row seat to several years of watching Ian rocking the father role. I knew she would be well loved by him.

Like I said, I knew Ian would be a wonderful father, but he has exceeded my hopes, dreams and expectations in ways I can't find the words for.

He has coached little league baseball and soccer. He has kissed owies, and scared away monsters. He has played and encouraged and prayed over and loved these children.

Our Sam has grown into a kind and compassionate young boy under his father's loving care, and I know without a doubt that he will become a strong, compassionate and godly man. How could he not with Ian as his example?

Our girls, Julie and Jordan.... They are safe and secure in the knowledge that their father loves them. They know what it feels like to be told by their father that they are beautiful and worthy and delighted in.

Ian is tireless when it comes to loving on our children and he works so hard to provide for them, without a single complaint. He puts them before himself, so they always know they matter and are important.

He helps with school projects. He explains math. He builds bunk beds. He sources out the best video games. He brushes little girl hair. He taught Sam and Julie how to swim. He changes diapers. He blows bubbles. He shares his love for the Lord with them. He shares his beloved chicken wings. He cuddles them. He teaches the importance of laughter. He gives Sam girl advice. He reminds Julie that she will be a prize to the man she chooses to marry. He continues to take her to 3-D movies because he knows that one day she will overcome her fear and stay for the entire movie. He goes to Jordan during the night to soothe her when she has nightmares, even though he has to get up early to go to work. He hugs away the hurt when pets die.

He seldom says no. He spoils. He delights in his children and takes his role as father very seriously. He knows they are blessings from the Lord and he is committed to raising them up with a strong foundation in Christ. He encourages them to question what the Bible says, because he knows the answers are there.

Ian, I wish I had words to explain how you have healed the wounds in my heart, just by being such a loving father. Every time you hug them, or tell them you love them, or laugh with them, a piece of my heart is restored. I appreciate all that you do for us.

Thank you for being you, and for loving our children so well. You truly are the World's Greatest Dad, and we love you so much.

5QF ~ June 18

I was really looking forward to this weekend. We were going to spend the day with my mother at the cottage she rented on the beach, but now it's going to rain tomorrow so we won't be going.

:-(

I'm so disappointed.



Moving on to Mama M's Five Question Friday blog hop! I was going to vlog today but didn't have time to.

This week's questions are...

1. What is your favorite thing about summertime?

Watermelon!

2. What is your ideal retirement location (if money didn't matter)?

Somewhere by a beach. Water soothes me.

3. Do you live in the same town you grew up in?

Yes. Although, it's gotten very busy and overcrowded. I'd like to move to Cow Country but I'd miss my family too much.

4. What nervous habit did you have as a child that you kicked to the curb before becoming an adult?

I was supposed to kick those habits to the curb before I became an adult??

5. What is the most embarrassing thing that happened to you while on the job?

When I worked, I was in Credit and Collections. I was working on a spreadsheet for a very large company, listing all of their overdue invoices. I made one little typo and instead of the company owing us $40,000 I had it listed as $400,000. That little error made it's way right to the president of the other company's desk. Everyone at that company, and the company I represented, was cross with me. I was SO embarrassed and was afraid I'd lose my job.

Happy Friday everyone!

Tuesday's Treats ~ Toffee Crunch Blondies

If you are looking for a super easy and quick treat to make, try these Toffee Crunch Blondies!

You'll Need:
1/2 cup of butter, softened
1 cup of brown sugar
2 eggs
2 cups of flour
1 tsp of baking powder
1/2 tsp of baking soda
1/4 tsp of salt
1 package of Skor Toffee Bits
1 cup of chocolate chips

Step One:
Beat butter, brown sugar and eggs until smooth

Step Two:
Add flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Mix well.

Step Three:
Add 1 cup of chocolate chips and 1 cup of Skor Chips

Step Four:
Spread evenly in a greased 13 x 9 inch pan and bake for 23-28 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from oven and sprinkle remaining Skor Chips over top. Cut into squares

Perfect for a summer picnic or after school snack :-)

I've Reached My Limit For Drama Today

Just when I think I will never again have a blog worthy story to share with you, one of the kids or animals come through for me.

This afternoon I was cleaning my kitchen and had just cleared and swept the floor when the phone rang. It did that annoying three ring thing that tells me it's a telemarketer, so I kept going.

Seriously...if I'm doing housework I cannot afford to be interrupted because who knows when I'll get started again.

I started to wash the floor when the phone rang again. This time it was Ian calling from the office. He said he was on the other line with the alarm company and that our house alarm was going off.

Um... no it wasn't. All was quiet on the home front. Well, as quiet as things can be with a house full of children and pets.

Yes, they insisted, the alarm is sounding and no one is answering the phone.

Oops. I guess it wasn't a telemarketer calling after all.

Well it's not, I repeated. Then Ian realized it was the silent panic alarm thingy we keep upstairs in case of emergency. He asked if Jordan could have pushed it.

Sigh. Yes, of course she could have and more than likely did.

I didn't think that thing even worked.

He explained to the alarm company that our 2 year old likely set it off. They informed him that the police had been dispatched and were enroute, and could not call them back.

Super!

I may or may not have mentioned my obsession with police response times. While I should be concerned for the welfare of the party that had to call the police, in reality I am much more concerned with how long it took for them to get there.

Let me tell you. It didn't take long for them to arrive. I made it to the front door in time to see two cruisers come squealing in and stop in front of my house.

My neighbours certainly got an eyeful as they darted from their cars, hands on their weapons, shouting "Ma'am! Are you alright!"

It was like an episode of COPS.

I felt all sweaty.

I think I was old enough to be their mothers.

I have had a lot of drama today already. This was like the icing on the cake.

They kept trying to look past me into the house. I guess to see if someone was in there with me.

After asking for my identification to prove I lived here, they wrote down my information and started to leave.

One officer turned around on my lawn, lowered his sunglasses all David Caruso style and asked me one last time...

"Ma'am... are you sure you're ok?"

I felt like an ass.

And that is just a piece of the drama I had to endure today.

The End.

5QF ~ June 11

Special thanks to the folks at YouTube for showing this particular dorky picture

Come play along at My Little Life!