Christmas In February

One of the simple things that gives me a thrill is seeing the postman's little mail car pull up and stop in front of my house.

Like he did this past Monday morning.

What did he have, you ask?

Well, he had two packages for yours truly.

See?

So exciting!

The top package was from my sweet friend Amy from Mac or Cheesy.

Girl Guide cookies! I have heard much about the wonders of the Thin Mint cookie and Amy convinced me to let her send me a box. When I say convinced I mean she twisted my rubber arm.

Thank you Amy! They were delicious!

And the next box came from my sweet friend Melissa from My Scrumptious Treats.

Let's look inside :-)

Something for the children too!

Eeeeek!!!

These mini ones are Jordan's favourites...

And these are my favourites...

This was the biggest bag of M&Ms I've ever seen. It's resealable. Resealable!

Julie's favourites...

And mini packages in each of the children's bags.

What fun!

Amy and Melissa - thank you so much for your kindness! I love you both to bits and pieces! Thanks for loving on us like this!

xoxo

Date Night

Things got pretty exciting around here this past Saturday night.

Ian and I went on a date.

I think our last date was in April of last year.

Shame.

My mom gifted us with an evening out for our birthdays last month, and it worked out that this past Saturday was perfect. We were seriously in need of some Ian and Kate time.

Sam had planned to go to the movies with his friends, and Mom came over to stay with the girls and Matthew.

It was wonderful. Just Ian and me. Adult conversation, peppered with talk of our wonderful children.

Plans for our future once this season ends.

Lovey eyes across the table.

Holding hands.

And lots of delicious food.

For starters, I ordered this three cheese dip appetizer. Oh my, no words to describe how delicious this was.

I can't remember what this was called but the chicken was incredible. The pasta had peas and bacon in an alfredo sauce. So good!

Ian ordered wings. They were so spicy that I could feel my eyes watering!

We ordered cupcakes for dessert.

Ian had a chocolate cupcake with chocolate frosting.

I had a red velvet cupcake with cream cheese frosting. I've never had red velvet before and wanted to try it. It tasted like a regular cupcake that was reddish inside.

It was such a lovely evening and my belly was full long after I went to bed.

Hopefully it won't be another ten months before we have another date!

I Won!

It's that time again.

Roll Up The Rim To Win time!

Ian brought home a steeped tea for me this morning after driving Julie to school.

I love their steeped tea.

So good.

When I finished it I rolled up the rim and...

...won a free donut!

Definitely a good way to start the day!

Counting Mine {166-180}

Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good;
his love endures forever.
Psalm 107:1
Thank you for reaching out to me with so much love and kindness these last few days. It means so much.

xo

~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~
166} sleepy children with full bellies
167} fun answering machine messages
168} discovering a fellow believer in the workplace
169} the refreshing shock after jumping into cold water
170} the heavy, dreamless sleep I have when I have a cold
171} the pride in Ian's voice when he says "this is my wife, Kate"
172} my name
173} that last cold diet pepsi tucked at the back of the fridge
174} the quiet stillness in the house before everyone wakes
175} birds perched together, side by side
176} a clear night with lots of stars
177} cutting into a piece of fabric
178} my "Kate Space", a small desk in the corner of my bedroom that is all mine
179} when Ian calls me Katie
180} going into the weekend with a clean home
~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~
If you are counting your own blessings and blogging about them, will you leave me a comment with the link to your blog, or share them with me at katieb38@hotmail.com? I'd love to know how you are being blessed through your journey!

Counting Mine {1-15} Counting Mine {16-30}
Counting Mine {31-45} Counting Mine {46-60}
Counting Mine {61-75} Counting Mine {76-90
Counting Mine {91-105} Counting Mine {106-120}
Counting Mine {121-135} Counting Mine {136-150} Counting Mine {151-165}

5QF ~ February 17

I haven't been in the mood to blog much this week in case you haven't noticed. Everything feels like an effort these days and something has to give. I strive to be positive here but it's becoming more of a struggle and that shows.

I don't feel like I can be truly honest about what I'm feeling like and that's hard. I've put a lot of effort into growing this blog and it isn't as private as it used to be. People I know in real life read what I write - although some deny it strongly which I will never understand - and that means I have to censor much of what I discuss here.

Writing about only the good stuff makes for a lighthearted read, although not an entirely honest one. But if I write about how hard things are right now then it becomes a drag and who wants to read that?

Life is really, really, hard right now and there is so much more going on that I haven't talked about because I can't. My heart is breaking and my feelings are so raw. I cry a lot.

I continue to be humbled by the people who have reached out to me (and my family) in ways that I never would have imagined and have really touched my heart. I could live to be a hundred and not be able to repay their kindness. And then there are those who I thought would have been a support to us but have chosen not to be. It's beautiful and sad all at the same time.

I don't know what to do with this blog. I don't want to pretend to be happy all the time, and I don't want to turn people off with negativity. I don't know how to balance the two extremes right now.

Please don't feel as though you have to comment on this part of my post. I'm just talking some thoughts out.

Let's move on.

~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~

So it's Friday, which means it's time for Mama M's Five Question Friday blog hop.



1. What do you do when you are really upset to calm yourself down?

Ian will usually make me a cup of tea and that often helps. For the times I'm really upset, I cry. In the shower, in my room, in the car. I'll pull out my personal stash of colouring books and drink my tea, colour and cry.

Then I pick myself up and get back in the game.

2. Do you go all out for V-day or is it just another day?

It's never "just another day", but at the same time, it isn't a really "out of the ordinary day" either. There is a lot of love in our family and that is demonstrated on a daily basis.

We exchange cards and have chocolate and such, but we don't make it a national holiday or anything.

3. Are you more or less productive when Hubs is away?

Probably more. Everything falls to me, so I have to make sure I step it up. All the meals, clean-up, diaper changes, bedtimes, dog walking, locking down the house so the killer doesn't get me, etc.... I'm the only one.

I always try to make sure the house is clean and tidy for his return. Who wants to come home to a mess???

4. What is your favorite time of day and why?

Lately it's been 9pm. While Ian puts the girls to bed, I take Matthew upstairs and get him ready for bed. Once he's sleeping, I either spend some time reading my bible and praying, or watching my shows. It's quiet me time.

5. What is your go to karaoke song?

I have never done karaoke but I know what I'd sing. I've always known. It's Raining Men. Oh yes. That would be my go-to karaoke song.

But.... then I think I might like to sing Someone Like You by Adele. Yep. That would be a good one too. I'd make my hair all big and put on some fancy Adele-like makeup and sing my heart out.

Although the last time I sang that song Jordan asked me to stop because I was "breaking it".

That's it. Have a great day!

~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~
Head on over to Mama M's blog My Little Life to join in on the fun!

Malachi 3:3

I came across this story recently and I haven't been able to get it out of my mind, so I thought I'd share it with you today. Maybe it will speak comfort to you as it did to me.

~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~
"He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver."
Malachi 3:3

This verse puzzled some women in a Bible study and they wondered what this statement meant about the character and nature of God. One of the women offered to find out the process of refining silver and get back to the group at their next Bible Study.

That week, the woman called a silversmith and made an appointment to watch him at work. She didn't mention anything about the reason for her interest beyond her curiosity about the process of refining silver. As she watched the silversmith, he held a piece of silver over the fire and let it heat up. He explained that in refining silver, one needed to hold the silver in the middle
of the fire where the flames were hottest as to burn away all the impurities. The woman thought about God holding us in such a hot spot; then she thought again about the verse that says:

"He sits as a refiner and purifier of silver."
She asked the silversmith if it was true that he had to sit there in front of the fire the whole time the silver was being refined. The man answered that yes, he not only had to sit there holding the silver, but he had to keep his eyes on the silver the entire time it was in the fire. If the silver was left a moment too long in the flames, it would be destroyed.

The woman was silent for a moment. Then she asked the silversmith, "How do you know when the silver is fully refined?"

He smiled at her and answered, "Oh, that's easy -- when I see my image in it."

~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~

Ian and I are definitely feeling the heat of the fire these days. Yet I find so much love and comfort in simply knowing and trusting that the Refiner and Purifier will not take His eyes off of us until He sees His image in us.

We continue to try to endure this season well. These are hard days indeed. There is more going on than what I have shared here on my blog, and we are getting very tired, very quickly.

Thank you so much to those of you that continue to pray for us. We appreciate it more than we could ever say.

Wishing you a beautiful day full of His blessings.

Isaiah 41:10

Isn't this picture amazing?

I love it, and it makes me feel so comforted.

Praying you feel the Lord's peace and presence with you today and always.

Kindergarten Registration

Things were very exciting for Jordan 'round these parts today.

Today we began the registration process for her to attend Junior Kindergarten this fall!

She's been longing to go to school for months now and loves to pretend like she has homework to do. She'll pull out her crayons and colouring books and sit at the table with Sam and Julie while they do theirs.

Ian and I took her over this morning to sign her up. I'd forgotten how much paperwork is involved!

While I filled out form after form, Ian took Jordan to the gym so they could watch a class and see what goes on.

She was pretty excited.

I was hoping that we'd be able to take a quick peek into the kindergarten classroom before we left. I've stayed in touch with Sam and Julie's kindergarten teacher, Mrs. B, and was happy to see her today. She not only let us peek into the class, but she gave Jordan a full tour.

I'd forgotten about the little desks and chairs.

And the smell of paint and fun.

And different activity stations.

And the little sink for little hands to reach.

She was so shy! I couldn't believe it. I loved watching her trying to take everything in.

So yeah, she's excited.

I have to go back tomorrow with a copy of her immunization record, and then that will complete her registration. We'll schedule a classroom visit for early September and then we wait. And listen to her talk about school. Over and over and over... ;-)

It's strange. I thought I'd be sad, but I'm not. I'm really excited for her. She's ready for something more. We don't get out a lot, so she doesn't really interact with other kids her age except for Sunday school.

Now, once the Fall hits and I have to actually leave her there, that's when the tears will come!

At least I still have Matthew to keep me company!

Tuesday's Treats ~ Lemon & Lime Poppy Seed Cake

The grocery store down the street sells a lemon coffee cake that I just love. What I don't love it the price tag. The only time I will buy one is if I'm having company over for coffee or it's my turn to bring something to a gathering.

When I saw this recipe in my Taste of Home magazine I couldn't wait to try it.

And now you can too :-)

You'll Need:

1 yellow cake mix
1 package of instant vanilla pudding mix
1/4 cup of poppy seeds
4 eggs
1/2 cup of water
1/2 of canola oil
1/4 cup of lemon juice
1/4 cup of lime juice

Glaze
1-3/4 cups of confectioners sugar
2 tablespoons of lemon juice
2 tablespoons of lime juice

Step One:
In a large bowl, combine the first eight ingredients. Beat on low speed for 30 seconds, then beat on medium for 2 minutes. Pour into a greased and floured 10 inch fluted tube pan.

Step Two:
Bake at 350 for 40-45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the centre comes out clean. Cool for 10 minutes before removing from pan to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step Three
In a small bowl, combine glaze ingredients until smooth. Drizzle over cake.

~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~
Just a couple of things to note here. For my own personal preference, I felt like 1/4 cup of poppy seeds was a lot. Next time I think I would put in a little less. My baking time was about 42 minutes, and for the glaze, I only used 1 & 1/4 cups of confectioners (icing) sugar for the consistency I wanted.

I intended to take some of this cake over to my Mama's house, but it didn't quite make it.

Sorry Mama.

I liked this cake. For me, it leans more towards a coffee cake than a regular cake. I'll definitely make this again.

Counting Mine {151-165}

What a week! Lots of highs and lows, and much to be thankful for in between.

The other day my sweet friend Marie sent me an email saying she was praying this verse over me:

"However, as it is written:
“What no eye has seen,
what no ear has heard,
and what no human mind has conceived”[a]—
the things God has prepared for those who love him-"
1 Corinthians 2:9

Marie sends me emails of love and encouragement regularly, reminding me of the truths I need to cling to. She lifts me up and prays for my family and I am so thankful for her. Her emails always seem to arrive on a day when I need them the most. She is definitely one of my one thousand gifts :)

~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~
151} little girls with polished nails
152} drive-in movies
153} picnics
154} slow dancing with my Ian
155} disco
156} Ian's well worn, well read bible and all the written notes within it
157} garbage exemption day
158} when Julie let's me blow dry her hair
159} reading a bible verse and hearing it in a fresh way
160} staying in hotels
161} free samples
162} cars that stop when there's no crosswalk, just to let children cross
163} when Jordan picks out all the orange m&ms to give to me
164} stores with pretty bags
165} a restored marriage
~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~
If you are counting your own blessings and blogging about them, will you leave me a comment with the link to your blog, or share them with me at katieb38@hotmail.com? I'd love to know how you are being blessed through your journey!

Counting Mine {1-15}
Counting Mine {16-30}
Counting Mine {31-45}
Counting Mine {46-60}
Counting Mine {61-75}
Counting Mine {76-90
Counting Mine {91-105}
Counting Mine {106-120}
Counting Mine {121-135}
Counting Mine {136-150}

There is this house in my neighbourhood that is having a hard time letting go of Christmas.

See what I mean?

It looks like Santa keeled over on the porch.

It's February 4th now, sweet neighbour of mine.

Time to pack it up already.

Unless they're waiting for December to roll around again...

5QF ~ February 3

I can't believe how quickly this week has gone by.

Yesterday was an awesome, awesome, day. I went and had my hair coloured and cut for the first time in a very long time. How long, you ask? Well, my last visit was July 16th.

Shameful!

My roots were as long as my arm, I think.

Mary, my wonderful stylist, fixed me right up and I was on my way in no time.

I was feeling pretty good let me tell you. I was actually feeling...prepare yourself... sexy.

Yep.

It's amazing how a good cut and colour can make a woman feel so good about herself.

She even told me which brand of hair colour to purchase to be able to do touch ups at home to save money. So thankful for that.

I don't know what got into me today. It was my turn to drive the children to school and I invited Jordan to come along. That girl loves errands of any kind so she was very happy to come with me. We dropped the kids off at school then went to Walmart to pick up a couple of items. As soon as we returned home I put the groceries away and started making cake balls. After that I made a Shepherd's Pie for our dinner tonight, a cake that I'll share with you on Tuesday, and a casserole to take to my mother's house. And then I made baby food for Matthew that left me feeling like a rockstar.

Busy, busy, busy.

Since I went on and on about my new hair on twitter yesterday and didn't show a picture, I figured I'd vlog my Five Question Friday today while my hair still looked pretty awesome.

Ok, two things about this video. First, the sound is wonky and it goes normal and quiet and Matthew never stopped moving but I just can't re-do this video again. And second, I actually did this video last night but I'm trying to talk like I did it today but I kept messing up. Again... I can't do this video again.

Ready?

Me too!

~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~




**As usual, my sincere thanks to the folks at YouTube for freezing on a frame that makes me look like a moron.

~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~

Head on over to Mama M's blog My Little Life to join in on the fun!

Making Baby Food With The Baby Bullet

I tried my hand at making baby food today and I'm excited to tell you about it.

This is not a tutorial because making homemade baby food isn't rocket science. If I can do it, anyone can do it.

With THIS!

Best baby gift ever.

Matthew has been eating baby food from a jar for awhile now. Mostly because it's convenient and because I wasn't sure what foods he could eat without having issues. I didn't want to go to the effort of making something and then finding out he couldn't tolerate it. Now that I know, I am free to make it from scratch.

Before I show what I did, I have to show you two things first.

First, would you look at how cute these little jars are! They look so happy. And they have a dial on there that you set to the date you made it, so you always know how fresh it is.

And this itty bitty spatula!

So cute!

Ok, first thing I tried was corn. See?

All I had to do was press it down a few times to puree it. The more you press the more pureed it gets. I didn't want it too smooth because he's ready for more texture now.

Voila!

Sorry for my blurry pics. I took them on my iphone and I was a little excited.

Such happy little jars.

Next I made some green beans.

Kind of gross.

I don't like green beans unless they're a certain brand in a can. These were not canned green beans and I don't have to eat them so I'm not fussing about it.

And after.

See that little container thing under my hand? That's for the portions you can freeze. So awesome.

See?

I also made peas, but I spared you those pictures.

And all my (blurry) little happy jars ready for the fridge.

Making my own baby food made me feel like a rockstar today. I wanted to puree everything!

Run kids! Run!

I've always formula fed my babies, and they ate food from jars. I always kind of admired other moms that made their own baby's food to be honest. And today I feel pretty good about myself for taking the time (30 seconds ha) to make Matthew's food fresh.

Apparently anything we're eating can be put into this Baby Bullet and pureed for him to eat. It's so easy to use and easy to clean. I really like it.

I sound like a commercial. I can't help it :-)

Seriously though, if you're looking for a baby gift that will make an impact, I strongly suggest this. Easy peasy.

:-D

Back Off

I saw this on Pinterest today and it made me smile.

Some days - like today - the spiritual attack is so strong and I feel worn down.

I feel like it's a battle all day between me and him. He pokes at my fears and I counter with a bible verse. Back and forth, back and forth. All day long.

I'm tired.

Yet I'm peaceful.

This is one of my favourite verses.

I've been praying this verse for about a week now and it's comforting. I love the reminder that not only is He with us, but He goes before us as well. That we're not alone.

I know God is with us. I feel Him. Verses I've memorized will pop into my mind right when I need them. That's the Holy Spirit.

I pray daily that God will give me what I need to be the encouraging, supportive and loving wife that Ian needs and deserves, especially now.

It feels like things are getting harder. But that's ok. We can do hard. I don't know when things will change for the better, but I know God can change our circumstances in a second. It's hard to wait, but knowing He is coming to help makes the waiting easier.

He is good. Always, He is good.