tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10553052788521210712024-03-13T14:35:52.942-03:00My Delicious Autumnjoannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14187123300897169990noreply@blogger.comBlogger181125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1055305278852121071.post-66316041843989602832016-11-03T20:01:00.000-03:002016-11-03T20:01:48.248-03:00Pumpkin MuffinsI love autumn.<br />
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One of my favourite flavours of the season is pumpkin.<br />
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At the end of September I love to pick up a few sugar pumpkins at the local orchard, cut them in half and roast them letting the smell of pumpkin permeate the kitchen and then filling little freezer containers with cupfuls of pumpkin puree to use throughout the season.<br />
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The puree is perfect for whipping up a batch of muffins for school lunches... or a quick breakfast as we head out the door.<br />
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I will admit they are not the prettiest muffins I make but they are full of fall flavour and honestly we don't end up looking at them for long before they get eaten anyway.<br />
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I love my food processor for recipes like this one. The oats and pumpkin seeds get thrown into the processor and are whizzed up for a few seconds into a coarse flour. If you choose not to do this you could just add the oats unprocessed (use quick oats - not instant) and replace the ground seeds with a 1/2 cup of extra flour or whole wheat flour.<br />
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When I originally made this recipe I used ground walnuts instead of pumpkin seeds - I have also used hemp hearts - they are all good.<br />
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Pumpkin Muffins<br />
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Preheat oven to 350 degrees F<br />
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In a large bowl mix together:<br />
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1 cup all-purpose flour<br />
1/2 cup ground oats (a quick whizz in the food processor is all the oats need)<br />
3/4 cup ground pumpkin seeds (pepitas)<br />
1/2 cup packed brown sugar<br />
1 tsp baking powder<br />
1/2 tsp baking soda<br />
1 tsp ginger<br />
1/2 tsp cinnamon<br />
1/4 tsp nutmeg<br />
1/4 tsp salt<br />
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In a separate bowl whisk together<br />
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1 cup pureed pumpkin<br />
1/4 cup canola oil (melted butter works too)<br />
1 egg<br />
1/2 cup buttermilk (or plain yogurt or milk if that's all you have)<br />
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Add the wet ingredients to the dry and stir together until mixed. Scoop mixture into a lined muffin tin and bake in a preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes until a toothpick inserted into a muffin comes out clean.<br />
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As an option after mixing the wet into dry ingredients you can add a cup of cranberries (fresh or frozen) and stir them in - with this option you may want to increase the sugar if you like muffins a little sweeter.<br />
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Enjoy!<br />
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<br />joannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14187123300897169990noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1055305278852121071.post-14174652127462658572016-10-04T15:26:00.000-03:002016-10-04T15:28:28.286-03:00Big Breakfast MuffinsThe smell of frying bacon drifting up the stairs is the best way to get my kids up and out of bed in the morning.<br />
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I would love to be organized enough to be up early and have a <i>Farmer Boy</i> worthy breakfast on the table ready for my family to all sit down and eat together having a nice relaxing morning before the hubby heads off to work and the kids go to school. (You know, the kind Laura Ingalls Wilder envied when writing about her husband's childhood. Most of what my boys remember about reading that book is the food. Whenever we read it they always wish they could eat like Almanzo). </div>
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I can picture it in my head.</div>
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My reality doesn't look like the picture.</div>
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I'm pretty good at making up a morning batch of muffins or scones that I can hand out as each person is ready - sometimes I can even manage pancakes - but we are never efficient enough to be ready for a sit down breakfast. </div>
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Ever. At least not on a week-day.</div>
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Frying bacon is generally saved for week-ends - which is unfortunate as it really does get the kids out of bed in the morning.</div>
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And then I found something great.</div>
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I love cookbooks. I mean I really love them. When people come to my house they always comment on my walls of books and they are always surprised to find out that one wall is dedicated to my cookbooks. Usually (unless they know me really well) they seem skeptical when I tell them that I use them. I really do. Not always in the traditional way but I read for inspiration and ideas. </div>
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One of my many favourites is <i>Farm-Fresh Recipes from the Missing Goat Farm </i>by Heather Cameron.</div>
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She has a recipe she calls "Breakfast to Go" on page 136... if you don't have the book I do recommend it - and I haven't even been paid to say that. </div>
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I call my version "Big Breakfast" muffins. They are so easy and fast and yummy and you basically get bacon, eggs and toast in muffin form. They are like mini stratas.</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>These are mine after they have cooled - no time for pictures during the morning rush!</i></span></div>
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I like to store ends of bread or leftover buns in a ziploc bag in the freezer. Normally they would be thrown away but they are excellent for stratas or bread puddings. Just remember to take them out the night before - or if you forget like I did - just defrost them in the microwave or toss them in the oven for a few minutes depending on the texture you are wanting - they get more crunchy and crouton like in the oven.</div>
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I made two dozen today. They are still good at room temperature and the kids love them so they each had two in their lunches today - they were happy and my life was a little easier - win/win. The recipe could easily be cut down and adjusted if your family is smaller than my six or you are just wanting them for breakfast. It's a very forgiving recipe so you can adjust any of the ingredients to taste.</div>
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This is what I did:</div>
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Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.</div>
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8 slices bacon - fried and cut into small pieces </div>
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5 small buns (or equivalent amount of bread) - ripped into small pieces - a fun job for young children if you have them.</div>
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2 scallions - I cut them with scissors into small pieces...you can use a knife but I think scissors are easier.</div>
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2 cups grated cheddar </div>
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Mix the above in a medium size bowl ... just toss with hands or if you are more refined than I am use a wooden spoon.</div>
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In another bowl (I like to use my 8 cup measuring cup - the pouring spout is VERY helpful), whisk together a dozen eggs and 3/4 cup milk or cream and salt and pepper to taste (remembering that this will be seasoning the entire dish but also taking into account the saltiness of the bacon). </div>
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Line two muffin tins (or one if you have halved the recipe) with cupcake liners - I like to use ones made of parchment paper as these tend to stick the least.</div>
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Fill the liners with scoops of the bread mixture and you can pack this down a little. Slowly and carefully pour egg mixture into each muffin tin - letting it seep into all the little nooks and crannies between the pieces of bread. You can sprinkle the tops of each muffin with extra cheese if you wish - fresh grated parmesan also works well here. </div>
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Pop the trays into the oven for 15-20 minutes - you want to make sure the egg has set and the edges of the bread bits are nice and toasty brown.</div>
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Cool on a cooling rack and start passing them out as soon as they are cool enough to handle. </div>
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A big breakfast of toast, bacon and eggs all in easy muffin form. </div>
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Whenever I make these everyone is happy.<br />
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Enjoy!</div>
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joannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14187123300897169990noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1055305278852121071.post-65604525350534688482015-06-30T18:36:00.001-03:002015-06-30T18:36:31.844-03:00Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip SconesOne recent morning as I was preparing to bake up something yummy for breakfast I heard a request for something with peanut butter...and something chocolate...and then oooh something with both! <div>
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I will admit that this is not the healthiest of breakfasts and it wasn't something that I could put in a school lunch (not a fan of the nut ban at school), but it sounded like fun and I knew I would be able to produce something that would make everyone happy and it is so rare to actually get to do that. </div>
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Peanut butter + chocolate + breakfast = peanut butter, chocolate chip scones. </div>
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The only problem with these is now my kids want them all the time and giving in to that would just push me from good mom to bad mom status and that is not what I want. </div>
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Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Scones</div>
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Preheat oven to 400 degrees F</div>
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2 cups all purpose flour</div>
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1/2 cup brown sugar</div>
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1 Tbsp baking powder</div>
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1/4 tsp salt</div>
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Whisk the above ingredients together in a medium bowl. With a pastry cutter (or your fingers if your hands aren't overly warm) cut in 1/2 cup butter. </div>
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In a separate bowl gently whisk:</div>
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1 egg</div>
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2 tsp vanilla</div>
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3/4 cup peanut butter ( I use an organic, natural peanut butter - you may have to adjust the amounts if you use a regular commercial brand)</div>
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3/4 cup heavy (whipping) cream</div>
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Add wet ingredients to dry. Mix until combined. (You may need to add an extra Tbsp of cream if it won't come together). </div>
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As the dough is coming together add 1 1/2 to 2 cups chocolate chips (depending on how chocolatey you want the scones). </div>
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With hands form dough into a ball. It should not be wet or sticky but fairly dry yet able to stick together. Line a baking tray with a silpat liner or parchment paper and place dough ball on a flat surface and flatten with palm of hand to create a round of approximately 1 inch thickness. With a pastry brush, brush tops with cream (you'll only need about a Tbsp). For added sparkle and texture sprinkle tops with vanilla sugar (or other decorative sugar). Cut dough into twelve equal sections and place evenly spaced on lined tray.</div>
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Bake for 15-20 minutes on middle rack in oven. (You want them starting to turn golden around the edges). </div>
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Like all scones these are best eaten warm. Enjoy!</div>
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If you are one of those rare individuals who does not like chocolate or if you are just in the mood for something extra peanutty these are also good leaving out the chocolate chips and adding 1 cup of chopped peanuts. I've only made them that way once and they were good but my family is full of chocoholics. </div>
joannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14187123300897169990noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1055305278852121071.post-34242572636411369122015-02-12T18:06:00.001-04:002021-03-04T18:39:13.695-04:00Throw Back ThursdayToday I attempted to start a massive project.<br />
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Aside from what I needed to print for school, I have not printed a single photo in seven years. </div>
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I also have not organized my photos. I do have them backed up on an external hard drive...but I really don't know where anything is. And so, today I decided that now is the time to organize, sort, delete...all of that fun stuff. </div>
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First I had to find everything. </div>
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As I opened up the computer and looked at the many thousands of photos I have accumulated many memories were brought to mind. I smiled, laughed and maybe even shed a few tears. </div>
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What really stood out to me is how fast time has gone by. I mean seriously fast. I quickly scrolled through holidays, birthdays, and numerous road trips. My kids lives flashed before my eyes and I realized how soon they will be grown and gone. </div>
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This was my first "photo shoot" with all four of my kids. I remember thinking how getting four kids to look at the camera at the same time was an impossible task and wondering how long it would take me to get a really good shot of all four of them (still waiting!). </div>
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The baby can't wait to turn eight this year and the oldest has started making plans for university... </div>
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I have put off organizing until tomorrow and am heading out to start the after school run and spend the afternoon hanging out with four of the coolest people I know.</div>
joannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14187123300897169990noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1055305278852121071.post-42632021143207836512014-11-20T21:11:00.000-04:002014-11-20T21:11:58.530-04:00Working Hard and Playing Hooky...I've decided to take more time to work on my photography. Even though I spent a a year in photography school I didn't have as much time to practice as I would've liked. And then post move I've been so busy that I haven't taken much time to work on my photography.<br />
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I don't know why, but I tend to feel guilty taking time to do things I enjoy. I always feel like I should be finding extra work to do. I could always be doing laundry (why does laundry never end?), organizing something or washing the floors. I know practicing photography is useful (especially after spending the money to learn how to do it), but I like it so much that I feel like I should be doing something else. My husband's at work, the kids are at school. I shouldn't be enjoying myself...<br />
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My husband has been trying to convince me not to feel guilty and to take advantage of the time I have. This morning I decided to go out and take pictures of the beautiful mountains that surround us. When I stepped outside I realized that the sky was very overcast but I did see a bit of sun poking through the clouds so I went out anyway.<br />
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I really love the mountains. I missed them so much when we lived in the east. I was able to get a few shots that I was satisfied with considering the weather. I was planning on going alone. But, I brought along some company and enjoyed my time so much.<br />
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My seven and a half year old has been having a hard time going to school over the past few weeks. Every morning he dawdles and begs to stay home. Every morning I manage to get him off to school. The past two days he has been trying really hard to get ready and be on time without me having to drag/threaten/beg him. This morning he looked so cute. He came and told me he was ready. I told him how proud I was of him and that he was doing so much better. He just looked up at me and said (as he has every day this week). Mom, I only want some just me and you time. That's what he has been calling our one on one time for the past few years. He loves just me and you time. But, as one of four he doesn't get enough of it.<br />
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So today, I told him that I wanted just me and you time too. Watching his face light up and feeling his little arms around me and hearing his thank-you mommy's made me feel so happy. I know he shouldn't really miss school. But he's seven and a half already. Time passes so quickly. My kids are getting so big so fast. We had such a fun day together just hanging out. He even helped me with my "work"...<br />
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Normally, he doesn't like modelling for me. He made an exception for just me and you day. I love this toothless smile and I am so happy that I took the time to spend a day with him. Years from now I don't think the occasional day of missed school will be worth remembering... but a day of just me and you will hopefully never be forgotten.joannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14187123300897169990noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1055305278852121071.post-50128944363976862092014-11-17T15:55:00.000-04:002014-11-17T15:55:49.655-04:00Confucius and my lack of perfection...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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"It does not matter how slowly you go as long as you do not stop" - Confucius</div>
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When I started writing this blog I wanted to keep a journal of my life moving forward. I wanted a way to mark our family's progress so that when I looked back I would be able to see how far we had travelled - that each small step we took brought us to a more perfect future. I was hoping that with each decision we made we would be able to see a direct upward moving line.<br />
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That obviously hasn't happened. My life - as I suppose all life - has moved forward and backward, right and left (or east and west in my case) and has curved in all sorts of directions. I sometimes feel like I'm not moving forward at all and I get frustrated.<br />
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But, when I look back I am reminded of how much we have learned over the past five years. Life has been very difficult at times and even though we've been working very hard we've not seen the results that I thought we would. We are not yet where I thought we would be. What I do see is growth and lots of room for improvement and that is a good thing.<br />
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This quote reminds me that even when progress is not speeding along as quickly as I would like it to - it is still there and that is what matters. It is important to relax a little and enjoy the journey - not to expect perfection so quickly because it may not arrive at all in my lifetime. I have to remind myself that a lack of perfection is no reason to give up but is an excellent reason to keep moving forward one tiny step at a time.<br />
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<br />joannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14187123300897169990noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1055305278852121071.post-88572851403719911802014-09-18T01:18:00.000-03:002014-09-18T01:18:16.717-03:00Butternut Squash SoupI've been having some fun with my cookbooks this month. I have been trying a lot of new recipes and using them for inspiration. I have been trying to make the best of a dysfunctional oven and so I have been spending some quality time with my stovetop. Most of my experiments have been successful with everyone enjoying them...a couple have only been enjoyed by the adults (like <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ree-drummond/potato-leek-pizza.html" target="_blank">the Pioneer Woman's leek and potato pizza</a> for some reason the kids took offence to this being called pizza - but I really liked it!)<br />
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One of the favourites this week was Butternut Squash soup. I was inspired with the idea after looking at "My Father's Daughter" by Gwyneth Paltrow but her recipe didn't scream out fall to me and I wanted something that did... so I took the idea of Butternut Squash soup and my general knowledge of soup making and created my own super easy and super yummy recipe. Everybody loved it and wanted more...</div>
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I started with a Tbsp of extra virgin olive oil and 2 Tbsp butter in an enamelled cast iron pot over Medium high heat. I added 1 diced onion and two minced cloves of garlic. Stirred them around a bit just to sweat them a little. Then I added 1 diced carrot, 1 diced celery stalk and 1 diced granny smith apple (nothing says autumn to me like a crisp apple). </div>
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I let these cook up for a minute or two - not letting anything brown (at least not very much). I added some salt and pepper and 1 large butternut squash - peeled, seeds removed and diced. I let these cook for another couple of minutes in the pot and then added a litre of chicken stock (I used store bought this time - I like the organic brand "Imagine" but you could use whatever you had on hand) and about two cups of water - just to make sure the squash was covered. </div>
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The soup was brought to a boil and then simmered for 15 to 20 minutes. Just until the squash was tender. </div>
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When all the veg were tender - I pureed the soup in a blender in three batches. Then just checked the seasoning and served. The soup is very flavourful and really creamy. It really tasted as if there was added cream...but their wasn't...I promise. </div>
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I had a couple of leftover baked potatoes in the fridge from the night before so just for fun I thought I would make some potato croutons. </div>
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I put about two Tbsp of butter in a cast iron pan and tossed in the potatoes that I had diced. I let them develop some colour on the bottom before flipping them over. When they were nearly ready I added some salt, pepper and a pinch of cayenne pepper. </div>
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The potatoes added a nice crispiness to the soup but had mixed results at my table. I heard everything from..."next time leave the potatoes out they distracted from the creaminess of the soup" to "the potatoes made it so much better". Personally, I could have it either way. The potatoes added a little more substance to the soup and I did like the contrast of textures.</div>
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Overall, the soup provided a pretty easy, satisfying meal for my family of six plus grandma and I will definitely be making this again.</div>
joannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14187123300897169990noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1055305278852121071.post-26520677014596639132014-09-07T00:53:00.000-03:002014-09-07T00:53:45.755-03:00Views from my new neighbourhood...and a salad.I am finally feeling settled in and I am loving the fall weather we have been having. I love the cool breeze while the sun is shining and just smelling fall in the air. I am hoping it lasts awhile but I have heard that winter comes on pretty quick in this part of the world. For now I am going to pretend that I didn't hear that and just enjoy fall while it lasts.<br />
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One of my favourite things about living in the Kootenays is the view. Almost in every direction there are views of the amazing BC mountains. I have discovered that the view from our backyard is kind of fabulous.<br />
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When a storm is approaching the light is amazing.</div>
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and there is a hammock...a hammock that is wonderful for lying in and looking up at the treetops and sky. I think I may like it here after all.</div>
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I hear there are a lot of trails to explore and outdoor activities to try... lots for us to discover over the coming years. </div>
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This year, the kids and I have been enjoying exploring Fort Steele. I love history and this is probably one of the best places to learn about the history of the Kootenay region.<br />
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We get to learn while taking in the amazing views...<br />
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the kids get to run around outside... a lot...<br />
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and they get to hang out with farm animals.</div>
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Actually, I may be just as excited about the farm animals as the kids. </div>
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Now that the boxes are nearly done we are having lots of fun exploring and spending time together while school is out. (Teacher strike here in BC - don't get me started on the school system in BC)</div>
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The hubby took his day off this week to build the boys a really cool triple bunk bed. They love it. It was set up in their room last night and we are almost finished setting up their room...should be done tomorrow. They are so excited. I love having a handy husband who can solve the problem of not enough room and just whip up a bed in a day out of a bunch of old two by fours. The boys now have a lot of floor space to play on.</div>
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I have started unpacking my cookbook collection...I've missed it. To celebrate I decided to try a new recipe...</div>
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something simple. Just a salad... but, so yummy!</div>
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I based it on an Ina Garten recipe..."Cape Cod Chopped Salad" from <i>Barefoot Contessa Back to Basics </i>I didn't have all the ingredients for the salad so I had to make some substitutions and then I changed the dressing to go with my substitutions. </div>
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Not sure what I call this one, but here is the recipe:</div>
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1 chicken breast - precooked and diced (I used a breast left over from a roast chicken)</div>
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1 large (double) handful of baby arugula</div>
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1 large (double) handful of mixed baby greens</div>
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1 large granny smith apple, peeled and diced</div>
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1/2 cup pecan halves - toasted (I just dry toasted them in a cast iron skillet)</div>
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3/4 cup fresh blueberries</div>
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6 oz. blue cheese - crumbled</div>
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In a large bowl toss the above ingredients.</div>
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In a small canning jar (I used a 500 ml. jar) pour in the following ingredients:</div>
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3 Tbsp apple cider vinegar</div>
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lemon zest from 1/3 large or 1/2 small lemon </div>
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juice of 1/3 large or 1/2 lemon (approx. 2 Tbsp)</div>
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2 1/2 tsp dijon mustard</div>
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2 1/2 Tbsp pure maple syrup</div>
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salt and pepper to taste ( I used about 15 grinds of each)</div>
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2/3 cup extra virgin olive oil</div>
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put the lid on the jar and shake vigourously. </div>
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The recipe makes extra dressing. If dressing the entire salad I would suggest using half the recipe. Serve immediately after dressing and tossing or bring jar to the table and let everyone dress as desired. </div>
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This served our family of six (all the kids ate it)...but we also had a cheese soufflé...so without the soufflé I would say it serves four. Although, it was so good I probably could have eaten the whole thing myself! </div>
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joannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14187123300897169990noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1055305278852121071.post-50302765528264380572014-08-28T03:21:00.000-03:002014-08-28T03:21:16.074-03:00Blog Therapy<div>
I am slowly unpacking all of our boxes and finding places for everything. Some things have been put into storage until we move...again. While I am grateful that we have a place to live I am not overly excited about being in another temporary position. Something about knowing that I will have to move again in the not too distant future makes me feel a little unmotivated about unpacking. </div>
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Growing up - especially through my teen years - I often felt depressed. I have never been diagnosed with depression or anything I was just a bit of a glass is half empty girl. I had a tendency to focus on the negative. I wasn't completely crazy - there was negative. But, isn't there always? Over the past decade or so I have really tried to focus on the positive. I have made an effort to choose to see the good; because even though there is a lot of negativity around - and it is not too difficult to find it all you need to do is turn on the evening news - there is also a lot of good. Luckily, for the most part this has worked. The more I looked for the good things in life - the easier it was to find them. I have really tried to do what I feel is right and I have been led on an amazing journey where I have learned so much. I am truly grateful for all that I have and all that I have experienced. This past year has been a particularly good one for me. I haven't felt so happy in...maybe ever. I was almost giddy at times. Even though my family had challenges I felt like I could do anything. I laughed more than I have laughed in decades...or again maybe more than I ever have. I was busy and didn't accomplish all that I wanted to, but I learned so much, met so many great people and felt like I was exactly where I needed to be. </div>
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Earlier this year...I knew that where I needed to be was somewhere else. More accurately I knew that my family needed to be somewhere else and I needed to be with my family. As I prepared to move I felt content. I knew I was doing what I needed to do and that is always a great feeling for me to have. I love having the knowledge that I am doing the right thing. </div>
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For some reason, as my family and I moved across country - for the fourth time in six years - and have come closer to family, friends and great Okanagan produce (I would like to say that last one is a joke but it is not - I was so excited to have fresh local peaches this year) I have not been able to shake off a feeling of disappointment, exhaustion, and sadness. </div>
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I feel a little shallow because I know part of it is because we moved from a beautiful, large, Victorian home to a not quite so beautiful, small, basement suite. I know that shouldn't matter but for some reason it does. I find that all the little things that are going wrong have become extra irritating. Things like - the oven door doesn't close fully and the oven doesn't cook evenly, food becomes burnt in some areas while still raw in others - I should just be grateful the stovetop works, right? But, I am more irritated than grateful. </div>
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Normally, I really don't care what people think of me...but for some reason this time...I do. I feel embarrassed. I think maybe it is because I don't have a plan. I always have a plan. I always have a project I am working on. But, right now, I have nothing. My plan was to work on my photography and practice my cooking, which I suppose could explain my irritation at the basement suite (with very little natural light) and the oven that doesn't really work. Maybe my concern isn't so much what others think of me it is what I am thinking of me...right now, it isn't good. </div>
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I feel a little stagnated, when I like to always feel like I am moving forward. I have had three different plans for starting school this fall - two have been last minute and one of those I very nearly forced through. I know that is not right for me this year. But I feel a little panicked. Maybe it is because for the first time in nine years I won't be in school and for the first time since I've had kids I will be home while all of my kids will be in school. I am in a tiny basement suite and I can only do so much cleaning...</div>
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I just had a thought...maybe it is time to make jam.* </div>
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I feel better already. </div>
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Thanks for the therapy session...how much do I owe you?</div>
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*a pathetic little reference to TV... back when I used to watch TV... anyone remember the Friends episode where Monica has the jam plan? Except I don't live anywhere near a dock...or have a friend like Joey...so I may have to think of something else...</div>
joannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14187123300897169990noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1055305278852121071.post-61897535976939805882014-08-17T15:07:00.000-03:002014-08-17T15:07:24.102-03:00summer...so farThis summer, like so many in my life has been hectic and a little crazy.<br />
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We started July with one of our favourite summer activities - Canada Day in Pugwash.<br />
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Celebrating Canada Day in Pugwash is a bit of a Nova Scotian tradition for us. It starts with a parade...</div>
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heavy on the pipe bands - we all love the pipe bands. Then lunch with one of our favourite ladies from church - she is always so generous in taking us in and feeding us...and then a visit to the highland games.</div>
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The highland games are always fun to watch. The boys are always impressed with the strength these men have and I think it is fun to watch a bunch of big guys twirling around in skirts. </div>
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My mother-in-law is from Scotland so all the kids feel a little connected to their Scottish roots every time we visit the games. </div>
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Some of my boys want to try it and prove to everyone that they are the strongest. See that blurry kid back there on the wrong side of the ropes heading for the pitch...the one who had to be moved out of the way before this guy could throw...that's right...he's mine. </div>
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I've been trying to let the kids have a bit of fun whenever I can. I'm trying to loosen up a little and let them enjoy the little things in life more often. They only get to experience childhood once...</div>
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You would think this kid won the lottery when I caught him blowing bubbles in his milk and asked if I could take pictures of him. He obviously thought he was going to be in trouble. It made me wonder...how mean am I usually? Yes milk spilt all over the table and the kid...but he really had fun and I had another opportunity to teach him about cleaning up - win/win. </div>
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I've been feeling little guilty because most of our summer has looked like this. My kids...especially my youngest...have spent so much of their lives living out of boxes. This summer we moved back to British Columbia...new city this time. I am hoping our moving days will soon be over. At least the big moves. </div>
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The only thing that I like about moving is the opportunity it gives me for road trips! (and yes I do realize that it is probably much cheaper and a lot easier to just take a road trip - my entire life has been a little like choosing the shortest line in the grocery store...you know the one...that short line that always takes the longest to get through...a constant lesson in patience). </div>
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I love driving across Canada. And it is a good thing I do because this was our fourth time doing it! </div>
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On this trip we were able to stop and visit some new-old friends in Manitoba. The boys had so much fun - well, we all had fun, but my boys in particular had a great time. </div>
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We all learned a little about shooting guns...</div>
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riding quads...</div>
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and catching frogs.</div>
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As always the trip was beautiful and we loved being back in the mountains. We missed them.</div>
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It has been two weeks since our arrival and I am exhausted. After cleaning our new home, unloading boxes, beginning to unpack, visiting family, and getting in some canning...I am ready for a vacation. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhog7-AzVt4DyTl0wzI5_WGZO65ShSekuuOPrdhWqs0lzAera3sSbP6Zn8Xc6XzTmkReL_1tIaSIbvLtuGwcj3P_AmAlHfTAXuua4gnYgNgiSPTGFMIfeldqGsBaux6PCbU1ECvqpf2ZnAv/s1600/fort+steele.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhog7-AzVt4DyTl0wzI5_WGZO65ShSekuuOPrdhWqs0lzAera3sSbP6Zn8Xc6XzTmkReL_1tIaSIbvLtuGwcj3P_AmAlHfTAXuua4gnYgNgiSPTGFMIfeldqGsBaux6PCbU1ECvqpf2ZnAv/s1600/fort+steele.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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Yesterday, we took the afternoon off to have a bit of family time at the local heritage village. </div>
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It was kind of nice heading back in time for an afternoon. But, that is all the vacation I am going to get for awhile...more boxes are waiting to be unpacked and I refuse to be the family that lives amongst piles of boxes. Maybe I'll have time to sneak in a bit of fun next week...</div>
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joannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14187123300897169990noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1055305278852121071.post-25874092998714410072014-07-01T17:47:00.000-03:002014-07-01T17:47:46.752-03:00Macarons...and a lot of greenI've been super busy finishing up school projects - plus of course all the end of year stuff with my kids, working on house projects, and planning out what's next...etc.<br />
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The usual getting ready for summer around our house.<br />
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For my grad show we are using the theme of colour - I chose green. I also chose to photograph food for my final exhibit. </div>
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I had a lot of fun planning and executing some green photo shoots. </div>
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The shoot that I was most excited about was macarons.<br />
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I have been wanting to make macarons for a really long time but was feeling rather intimidated because I have read many times how difficult they are to make. I had been procrastinating making them in fear of failure. But, when the time came to plan out my grad exhibit I knew I wanted to do macarons.<br />
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Now I won't say they were easy...or that every cookie turned out perfectly...you can believe me when I say they didn't. But like most things they weren't as difficult as I thought they were going to be and I was really happy that I had enough good cookies for a photo shoot.<br />
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I actually learned an important lesson doing this shoot. When I first pulled the tray out of the oven and looked at my creations... I was disappointed. I saw a few cracks. I saw that not all the macarons had the oh so necessary feet...my first impulse was to declare myself a macaron failure.</div>
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But, then I stopped and looked a little closer. One of the biggest things I learned in photography school is to always look for the good. My teacher told us to try and see the best in people when doing a portrait - as a photographer your job is to make them look good, right?! I extended this to apply to my pathetic looking tray of macarons. As I looked I noticed that many of them did not crack and that some even had feet...good looking feet...even if they didn't always extend around the entire cookie...I only needed one good side! Maybe...I wasn't a total macaron failure after all!!!<br />
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I was actually able to get a few shots that I didn't hate - probably the biggest thing I learned in photography school (after learning how to look for the good) is how to see all the things I did wrong in my photos, which hopefully will just encourage me to keep practicing and get better but also has the side effect of making me dislike most of the photos I've taken. But for now - I was satisfied. I ended up with the best shot I could get with what I had to work with...and it gives me a starting off point to improve upon in my next macaron shoot!<br />
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As I finish off school this week I also hit the one year anniversary of our latest move. I have been looking back at all I have learned this year and I am so grateful that we were able to spend the year in the maritimes. I have made many memories and learned so much - obviously about photography but also about life. I had no idea that I still had so much to learn! I know without any doubt that I have been exactly where I needed to be. That really is the best feeling.<br />
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I've done a lot of thinking and praying and changing of plans this year as I have struggled to know what I should do next. I haven't had that same no doubt feeling as I have been planning my upcoming year. There have been things that seem like the right thing to do, but I just haven't been 100% sure.<br />
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Over the past few months the details have been slowly falling into place - it's actually taken most of the year - one little piece at a time. When I think I know, something changes. Frustrating at times but each decision evolves from the one before it and I have almost reached the point where everything feels right. I should have all the details worked out later this week...and will post again soon. What a crazy year it has been!joannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14187123300897169990noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1055305278852121071.post-50329075104704261092014-05-17T22:12:00.000-03:002014-05-17T22:16:30.262-03:00Life in a WhirlwindI just realized that it has been almost exactly six years since we packed up and moved our family of six from BC - driving across Canada - to Nova Scotia. We were so excited for our new adventure. I didn't even mind getting rid of most of my stuff.<br />
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Since then:<br />
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-we had the best summer of our lives exploring the maritime provinces and enjoying the incredible beauty that is found here.<br />
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-my husband spent two years commuting two hours in each direction to Halifax to attend school. We barely saw him. But, we were so excited when he received his Master's Degree.<br />
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-We then moved back to BC - driving across Canada - again getting rid of half of our stuff - and spent a year living in a 600 square foot cottage. It was a great experience and I'm really glad we did it. We were able to spend a lot of time with my family.<br />
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- We then moved to Vancouver (about a five hour distance from where we were). We were so excited for my hubby to fulfill his lifelong dream of becoming an architect.<br />
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- Our first week in Vancouver we both knew we were not supposed to be there - this was not the path for us. One semester later we moved back. We spent a year and a half living in the town we both went to high school in. My entire family (parents, sister and family, and brother and family) were all living in the same town at the same time. My kids were able to spend a lot of time with their cousins, which made me really happy.<br />
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- Last year we got rid of half of our stuff, packed the family up and moved back to Nova Scotia. My hubby taught at Acadia university over the summer and loved it. We were so excited for him to finally be starting a career he loved.<br />
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During all that time I worked on and completed my bachelor of Arts degree majoring in English, minoring in History.<br />
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I started a photography course in September while completing my bachelor's degree (I finished my BA at the end of October and received my degree in March). I finish my photography course in July.<br />
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We've shared our home with exchange students over the past year and have enjoyed spending time with a 16 year old girl from Italy, an 11 year old boy from South Korea and a 13 year old boy from Colombia.<br />
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We've loved spending time with the missionaries from our church and have had them in our home for many, many meals over the past ten months.<br />
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Over the past six years we have learned so much, made many new friends and we have been able to spend a lot of time with old friends and family We have loved our many adventures and all of the things we have seen and experienced. I have felt the love of a Heavenly Father who has guided our path.<br />
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During this time we have also experienced many challenges, trials, and hardships. Our financial burdens have often been heavy. We have always pushed forward having a great desire to do what we feel is right for us. Over the past six years I have felt more joy than I have ever felt in my life. I have also felt a lot of fear and frustration and guilt.<br />
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My hubby has been out of work since October. This has been very difficult for him but he has been incredibly supportive of me and has (mostly) happily played the part of Mr. Mom while I have been at photography school. I have felt a lot of guilt studying photography, but for some reason we both feel strongly that this is something I should do. I have learned so much from this experience and not only about photography. This has been the first time I have daily left home and spent some time alone in fifteen years. My hubby has increased his appreciation of all mother's do...<br />
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We are currently planning and praying and trying to figure out what we should do next... I have been accepted into a Master's of Libraries and Information Systems program. I think this will be a good fit for me. It's an online program so I can do it from anywhere. I think I know what I'll be doing for the next two years. My hubby's career is not so clear. University jobs seem to be getting fewer and harder to get. He has been looking across the country and the few that have become available are very competitive. He couldn't find any available for the fall in his field. He has been looking into trucking...there seem to be more jobs available in that field than any other. But...he needs to upgrade his DL and courses cost money...so we're not quite sure what he is going to do yet. <br />
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We need to make some definite plans soon. Money has to come from somewhere...we're just not sure where yet. Right now I'm feeling a little scared...but, I do have faith that something will work out for us. Hopefully, soon. I've been feeling a lot of stress and varied emotions this week.<br />
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Mostly - today - I'm feeling a little tired.joannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14187123300897169990noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1055305278852121071.post-58263859649867300002014-04-26T10:46:00.001-03:002014-04-26T10:53:16.044-03:00AprilApril has gone by so fast... here is a little of what I have been up to:<br />
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The first week in April my middle son had a birthday... as I was making cupcakes for him my oven died. DIED. Completely. After an hour in the oven I had raw cupcakes. The light was warm enough to activate the baking powder, which allowed them to ooze over the edges of the pan and develop a very thin, light crust on top...<br />
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but they were completely raw. The oven has been dying since we arrived here in July - but, it was waiting for a special moment to die completely. So, I improvised and bought cupcakes and added sprinkles.<br />
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Nobody noticed the difference.<br />
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I'm not sure how I feel about that.<br />
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The kids all skipped school and we went to crystal palace - an indoor amusement park. It was nice to spend some time just with our family. It's been fun having exchange students but I miss spending time together just as a family.<br />
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We have a family birthday tradition of whoever's birthday it is, they get to choose what to have for dinner.<br />
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They can choose anything.<br />
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My daughter always chooses a big greek feast with leg of lamb. I look forward to it all year.<br />
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This year, my son challenged me. <br />
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He chose hotdogs.<br />
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Hotdogs.<br />
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I have never bought hotdogs in my life. I really don't like them. When they ask for them I will usually buy bison smokies...but hotdogs? Really? My poor deprived child was so excited when I served him real hotdogs.<br />
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It was the easiest meal I have ever made. I see the appeal. About ten minutes in the kitchen and dinner was served. But, I still am looking forward to that leg of lamb...<br />
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After the oven died - we had to special order a new one. Ours is natural gas and not many people here have natural gas - so, we had almost three weeks without an oven. The week our oven died there was a sale on BBQ's, so we bought a charcoal grill that neither my husband or I knew how to use. Lucky for us we knew a griling expert...<br />
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and my husband began his grill master training. He's still learning...but we are enjoying his attempts at perfection. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMNsw2VQap8Mxh1Bhqb3wdrT2UVgEAM6QP8JPayizct3wcNGBOwAId01j-yC0vQ9ubx_s4qyAQhPFTTNN5GLOH9AHKBbEmP7JsdvQcfCv3SenVmJ-QTkPbi1emrt1kPh0VCYndQWi8OKzc/s1600/_MG_3225edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMNsw2VQap8Mxh1Bhqb3wdrT2UVgEAM6QP8JPayizct3wcNGBOwAId01j-yC0vQ9ubx_s4qyAQhPFTTNN5GLOH9AHKBbEmP7JsdvQcfCv3SenVmJ-QTkPbi1emrt1kPh0VCYndQWi8OKzc/s1600/_MG_3225edit.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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We've been grilling a lot...pretending summer is coming...or at least spring... it snowed this week again.</div>
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Easter was pretty low key this year, but I had fun decorating eggs with the kids. </div>
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We didn't get too fancy... just coloured them and then I bought some face stickers...</div>
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My six year old loved them and didn't want to eat his.<br />
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I've been busy with school and trying to practice everything I've learned. I think I'll need a few years of practice before I get really good at it but I am having fun.<br />
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The six year old was super excited this week when he lost his two front teeth at once. He looks older now.<br />
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This month I have been thinking about how quickly my kids are growing up. This is a strange year for me. This is the first year I have all my kids in school and it is the first time I am away from home going to school. I miss my family. I feel so blessed to have them. There really is no greater joy than being a mom. </div>
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joannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14187123300897169990noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1055305278852121071.post-91823463304294287242014-03-31T16:33:00.000-03:002014-03-31T16:33:04.370-03:00Sugar Woods<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
While there are many things I love about living in the Maritimes there is one thing that I really dislike... </div>
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Spring.</div>
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or more accurately - the lack of it. Today I enjoyed another snow day (actually freezing rain day but there is still about two feet of snow in my yard). At this time of year I want to be feeling like farmer's market season is just ahead of me. But, everytime I think spring might be coming...I get another snow day. I do love snow days but tomorrow is April...April and it is supposed to snow...again. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKXirE_QgCVjOL-K7481TM507Oyk0UcF4tXdt39OZ0qSr6-Mq-krM0XvehRpA0-bMd7csJHouk1rWggrxpu590n7EqbCKMawBILXivw7S1JLy9myGIBdugaEmNsA__Vx2MsDiGKwhZIF8S/s1600/walkingthewoods.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKXirE_QgCVjOL-K7481TM507Oyk0UcF4tXdt39OZ0qSr6-Mq-krM0XvehRpA0-bMd7csJHouk1rWggrxpu590n7EqbCKMawBILXivw7S1JLy9myGIBdugaEmNsA__Vx2MsDiGKwhZIF8S/s1600/walkingthewoods.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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But, even though I really don't like this weather there is one thing about it that I do love...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrqioxAe3C_37JK_fND0CcKFVaekyR6c7i3kawWwYnDdc6Am93sMuHM7leV9t7AM7BfXHGEZsLSSD0B7zPx2cdlhzUIEjTMQdczTANooJuJE26LLh6u2dMlY2HUGKILTII35cdatnBsQ_u/s1600/bouchardthompsonsign.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrqioxAe3C_37JK_fND0CcKFVaekyR6c7i3kawWwYnDdc6Am93sMuHM7leV9t7AM7BfXHGEZsLSSD0B7zPx2cdlhzUIEjTMQdczTANooJuJE26LLh6u2dMlY2HUGKILTII35cdatnBsQ_u/s1600/bouchardthompsonsign.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
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maple syrup. Seriously...I know I have posted about Maple Syrup before but maple syrup could possibly be what I am most patriotic about. I love living near the sugar woods. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnVV53QwKLkLatKBTNQ9SjB-Nwfp-_-1YY9IMIYzp9jjWPC3vNkKGfpmlRu9y6crNy6aN1RtFWuI4oLMCVlCg4mW1QNrmiVLFnq8-RuIYubE7dFNCTbABye6cpXWTURvj6oT1kvdxxUXqi/s1600/tapping.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnVV53QwKLkLatKBTNQ9SjB-Nwfp-_-1YY9IMIYzp9jjWPC3vNkKGfpmlRu9y6crNy6aN1RtFWuI4oLMCVlCg4mW1QNrmiVLFnq8-RuIYubE7dFNCTbABye6cpXWTURvj6oT1kvdxxUXqi/s1600/tapping.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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Maple syrup is what gets me through a Nova Scotia spring with a smile on my face. Without this lousy spring weather of warming up and then freezing again we wouldn't have this sweet, yummy, perfect, goodness. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOTmWLaLk_Z_ndemq-Y6YluRuXNKQkF1cCqO8s7F1cqT8hboLhibAfETt59l6REcm2aOY0Z52Le4iYmFo-RjkUrxKef6qjSTE9nPrP0cmLQ1xc06vDkMHscnPbvWl2jeX-ZkIDevBTdrCr/s1600/old+tap.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOTmWLaLk_Z_ndemq-Y6YluRuXNKQkF1cCqO8s7F1cqT8hboLhibAfETt59l6REcm2aOY0Z52Le4iYmFo-RjkUrxKef6qjSTE9nPrP0cmLQ1xc06vDkMHscnPbvWl2jeX-ZkIDevBTdrCr/s1600/old+tap.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
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I loved taking the family for a hike in the sugar woods this week.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj10UeU2xYoYSLeCd7DobQYLGbF3KvwG1_hpF_QEEzm3faPfD2Jrtf2-JT6jWDOZ_nKBiHPn7OYfF27xRNXyQXcaXXaKN-s6XkFiL8P6Camm799V0VhCJ4g2-OVfPLiDEE3Jgw-MPSHYrQM/s1600/sugarcamp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj10UeU2xYoYSLeCd7DobQYLGbF3KvwG1_hpF_QEEzm3faPfD2Jrtf2-JT6jWDOZ_nKBiHPn7OYfF27xRNXyQXcaXXaKN-s6XkFiL8P6Camm799V0VhCJ4g2-OVfPLiDEE3Jgw-MPSHYrQM/s1600/sugarcamp.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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Maple syrup is one of my favourite things about Nova Scotia so I guess I can't really complain about the weather.<br />
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This week we visited the Fenwick sugar woods. There are three camps we visited - no one was boiling syrup when we were there - but they were making maple leaves at one of the camps.<br />
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Once the thickened syrup is poured they have to work quickly...<br />
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It was so fun watching them work.<br />
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The sugar syrup set very quickly and after only a couple of minutes they were able to pop out the finished candy.<br />
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We of course had to buy some maple leaves from each of the camps to compare. The middle camp was the creamiest and my favourite. Although, with the only ingredient being maple syrup they all tasted very similar and were all delicious. We also bought and tasted maple cream, maple taffy and of course maple syrup.<br />
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After the woods we went back to our church for a pancake and sausage supper with maple syrup of course.<br />
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So good!joannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14187123300897169990noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1055305278852121071.post-34431778210431824452014-03-17T23:59:00.001-03:002014-03-17T23:59:10.608-03:00Sweet!This month in school we have been focusing on food photography.<br />
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This has been my favourite unit so far. Going into photography school I knew that I wanted to learn more about photographing food. I have been open to new experiences and thought that I might find something new that would excite me even more...I haven't. Food is still my favourite. I really love shooting in natural light ...</div>
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but I have been learning how to do some fun stuff in the studio as well. </div>
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I love shooting food. I think it could be because I love cooking and baking so much and I have very little time to make anything interesting. With food as my homework I can spend more time in the kitchen without feeling guilty. Not that anyone really complains when I spend more time in the kitchen...<br />
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I'm excited about the new things I am learning. I think I am improving...at least I hope I am.<br />
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This quadruple chocolate cheesecake is one of my favourite desserts. It is my most requested cake. I've been making it for a number of years and I have yet to find a recipe that is better. The recipe is an old Philadelphia cream cheese recipe that I haven't really changed all that much.<br />
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I use a 9" springform cake pan and preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.<br />
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The crust is a basic Oreo cookie crust using 1 1/4 cup boxed cookie crumbs (feel free to make your own chocolate wafers and crush them yourself - I did that once - I do love making things from scratch, but life is short and I have to draw the line somewhere. I find the boxed crumbs work perfectly). Add 1/4 cup melted butter to the crumbs and stir to combine. Press evenly into the bottom of the pan. Bake at 350 degrees F for ten minutes. Take out of oven and cool on cooling rack. Increase oven temperature to 425 degrees F<br />
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The filling is: 3 - 250 g. packages of room temperature Philadelphia full fat block cream cheese - I have tried light and I don't think it is as good. I have also tried other brands and they are not as good. This is not a paid advertisement, but if the Philadelphia cream cheese company - aka Kraft - wants to send me some free product I will be happy to take it! I'll just say again - It really needs to be the Philadelphia - regular full fat - block styled - cream cheese...<br />
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I mix the cream cheese in my trusty kitchen-aid mixer ( I may as well continue with my advertising theme - and yes I do love my kitchen-aid mixer - and again - not getting paid to say that). I add three large eggs, 3/4 cup sugar and 1 tsp vanilla and mix until combined well and smooth.<br />
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While this is mixing, I melt - in two separate double boilers/bain maries - 3 oz. of dark chocolate in one and 3 oz. white chocolate in the other (or if you are careful you can melt the chocolates in the microwave just watch that they don't burn). For this cake I think it is really important to use good quality chocolate. I like to use either Lindt or Callebaut.<br />
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When the chocolate is melted, I divide the cream cheese mixture in half. In one half I stir in the dark chocolate and in the other I stir in the white chocolate. I pour the dark chocolate mixture onto the crust and spread it out evenly. Then I carefully scoop the white chocolate batter on top and carefully spread it over the dark chocolate layer.<br />
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I put the cake in the preheated 425 degree F oven and bake for 10 minutes. Then I turn down the heat to 250 degrees and bake for another half hour or until the cake looks soft in the middle still but not overly jiggly (Although once I forgot to change the temperatures and baked the cake at 350 the entire time and it still tasted great...so you choose what works best for you).<br />
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Take it out of the oven - run a thin knife or cake spatula around the sides and let cool on a wire rack. When cool remove sides of pan.<br />
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In a saucepan - pour in 3/4 cup whipping cream and simmer on low heat. Add 6 oz dark chocolate (again using the best quality you can find). Stir until all the chocolate is melted and the mixture is silky smooth...pour or spoon over the cheesecake until the entire cake is covered - make sure the chocolate ganache glaze is not too hot when you do this - or too cold for that matter... chill for at least three hours in the fridge. The cake tastes best the next day.<br />
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This cheesecake is so good that if it doesn't turn out perfectly (as mine sometimes don't - as any experienced baker will notice) it doesn't really matter. The people you serve it too will love it anyway.<br />
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Can't wait to try something new in the kitchen this week-end...joannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14187123300897169990noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1055305278852121071.post-82532362656445148962014-03-15T13:44:00.000-03:002014-03-15T13:50:05.687-03:00Mini Road Trip - Saint JohnAs I sit writing this it sounds like it is raining. It is making me smile. The sun is shining beautifully through my window warming my cheeks and the snow is rapidly melting tricking my ears into thinking it is raining. I'm not getting too excited yet though...there is still two feet of snow in my front yard and the snow mountain my husband made from shovelling the driveway is still over my head. But, if I squint my eyes really tightly and look outside I can imagine it is almost spring.<br />
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Last week I had spring break from school. But, since I attend school in a different province from my kids...they have spring break this week. I wanted to have at least one day off together to do something fun - so I pulled them out of school one day last week and we took a mini road trip to Saint John, New Brunswick.<br />
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It has been so long since we have had a road trip together! (We currently have two exchange students living with us, which brings our family number up to eight and we do not have a vehicle that seats eight. But, there was a day last week where one of our students was on a ski trip and so the rest of us jumped at the chance to take off for the day).<br />
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I also had a food photography assignment for school and Saint John has a really cool, old market. Also, our favourite missionary had been recently transferred to Saint John and we all missed him already and wanted to see him. So it was a win-win-win-win kind of a day. We started our day with lunch at Billy's...<br />
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Billy's was a restaurant that gave me a free lunch when I was a travel agent visiting Saint John for the first time in 1998...<br />
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I remembered it being really good and since it was still there I thought it must be okay... our family has been sampling fish and chips all over the maritimes and I find it a good way to make an equal comparison between local restaurants.<br />
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This one was pretty good...not the best...but also quite far from the worst. I think we all enjoyed our lunch.<br />
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We had a good visit with Elder D - aside from the usual crowd control we had to do with the boys. With all the good-byes my boys have had to make over the past few years it was good to see someone they had just said good-bye to - reminding them that good-byes aren't always permanent. At the end of lunch the owner asked if they wanted to hold a lobster...and really what's cooler than holding a lobster.<br />
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After lunch we headed into the market so I could work on my food photography skills...<br />
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I've heard that photography like writing takes ten years to become professional...I still have a few to go...but I like the practice.<br />
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The market is still in winter mode and is really a glorified grocery store this time of year as far as food goes...<br />
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But, everything was still really beautiful and I had fun rushing around taking pictures - yes, rushing - remember I had five kids with me!<br />
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We ended our day with a visit to the Saint John museum - we had a lot of fun looking at (and playing a little) with the exhibits. We love museums and haven't been able to visit one for awhile so it was really fun being able to spend a few hours there.<br />
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We all had a really fun day although it left us all craving a longer road trip. My daughter keeps asking when we are moving west again...<br />
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I still haven't completely finished unpacking from this move!<br />
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I know I have a few things left to accomplish here...but who knows where life will take us - it's one big adventure.joannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14187123300897169990noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1055305278852121071.post-41646102326379732852014-01-30T10:52:00.000-04:002014-01-30T10:52:02.749-04:00Homemade Beef JerkyThis week-end I finally made beef jerky and it was so easy. <div>
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Time consuming…but easy.</div>
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All I did was: </div>
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1. Buy a roast. I used a sirloin tip because it was on sale. It was about three pounds. I think a round roast would probably work better but this was fine. I put it in the freezer for a few hours and then cut off as much fat as I could. I then sliced it into very thin slices about 1/4 inch thick.</div>
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2. Next I mixed a marinade together in a ziploc bag. I used 1/3 cup of worcestershire sauce, 1/2 cup tamari, 2 tsp sriracha hot sauce, 1 tsp fresh ground pepper, 1 tsp smoked salt (sea salt could be used instead), 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, and 1 tsp smoked paprika. I just put all the ingredients in a ziploc bag and squished them up a bit. Then I tossed the meat in the bag, sealed it and massaged the marinade into the meat trying to coat every piece. </div>
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3. I put the meat in the fridge and let it sit, turning it occasionally for about 24 hours.</div>
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4. The oven was preheated to 170 degrees F.* I pulled out a couple of cookie trays and placed cooling racks on top of them and placed the meat on the racks. I put two trays in the oven and waited. </div>
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5. The thinnest pieces were ready after about four hours. I continued to add extra pieces of meat as I took pieces out. (I couldn't fit all the meat on my racks at once). The entire process took about twelve hours. Around 2am I started getting a little jealous of everybody who has two ovens…</div>
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The jerky turned out really good. Although, I will admit a couple of pieces were a bit too dry because I dozed off for a bit around 4am and didn't get them out of the oven at the right time. But they were still pretty good. The kids loved it. The biggest problem I had was it disappeared way too quickly. </div>
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But isn't that always the way with good food. You spend hours preparing it and it disappears in minutes. I always like to think the faster it disappears the better it is. </div>
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As an added bonus, I think I have earned a new level in superhero status with my boys…homemade jerky. Try it…your kids (and your husband) will think you are awesome.</div>
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*I am not an expert in food safety and am not sure if this is the current recommended temperature…it's just the lowest setting on my oven. </div>
joannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14187123300897169990noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1055305278852121071.post-50171664084697298832014-01-14T14:58:00.003-04:002014-01-14T14:58:30.007-04:00I Made MarshmallowsI may have previously mentioned and if you know me you probably already know this. But, I tend to have a problem with procrastination. It's not so much that I procrastinate…it's just that I like to think…a lot. This is very useful at times. But at other times I spend all my time thinking and then I have no time left to do anything.<br />
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Over the holidays I was playing a game and the question was asked: "Does the world belong to the thinkers or the doers". The general consensus was the doers. I had to stop and think about that.<br />
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Also during the holidays, a friend was over looking at recipes for beef jerky. He wanted to make some. The following week I stopped by and tried some of the jerky he made. I was a little jealous actually. It wasn't the best jerky in the world, but it was pretty good. I was so impressed that he did it. I've wanted to make jerky for a long time. I'm actually embarrassed to say how long - let's just say it has been years. I've read a bunch of recipes, watched a video or two, thought about making jerky. But, I haven't made jerky. I don't really know why. I want to. So, this week I have been thinking about that.<br />
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I've felt a little inspired. I am slowly…very slowly…learning to stop thinking and just do.<br />
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One of the other things I have wanted to make for years is marshmallows. I was talking about it this week-end and yesterday I decided to stop thinking.<br />
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and I made marshmallows.<br />
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toasted coconut marshmallows.<br />
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They were insanely easy…and so good.<br />
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I was so happy I finally made them. <br />
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This week-end I'm making beef jerky.<br />
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I am learning my lesson. I need to think less and do more.joannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14187123300897169990noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1055305278852121071.post-74120635989753866422014-01-07T13:58:00.000-04:002014-01-07T14:01:04.993-04:00Holiday treatsThe holidays went by so fast. I loved being home with my family.<br />
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I also loved being able to spend so much time in the kitchen baking. </div>
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I didn't get to my Christmas baking until a couple of days before Christmas but I still managed to get a fair bit in.<br />
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I was in treat mode all through the holidays. Even my leftovers became treats. I had some leftover phyllo from making spanakopita and a little leftover frozen mango and frozen peaches from smoothie making that became strudel…I love leftovers.<br />
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Even though we have no family here in the maritimes we still managed to squeeze in an extra seven people at our table for Christmas dinner. We hosted a birthday dinner for a friend and had a couple people over for New Year's Eve. We managed to keep our house full of friends and lots of stories, games and laughter over the holidays. <br />
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and treats…there were lots of treats.<br />
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I also was lucky enough to add to my cookbook collection over the holidays…I think the <i>Butter</i> book is my favourite. Years and years and years ago I came up with the idea of having a bakery that made homemade style baked goods. I had an image of my shop and how cute it would be. My bakery never became a reality. I read about Butter in a magazine about six years ago and was finally able to see "my" bakery. When we lived in Vancouver "Butter" was one of the first places I went. It is the cutest shop. I was so excited for the cookbook to come out. I'm really excited about trying all the recipes.<br />
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<span style="text-align: start;"> The holidays went by so fast. I almost can't believe they are over already. I know this is belated - but I hope you all had a very Merry Christmas.</span></div>
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joannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14187123300897169990noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1055305278852121071.post-37762084528128852572013-12-02T14:16:00.000-04:002013-12-02T14:16:07.406-04:00ChangeI find it amazing that it is already December.<br />
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I love looking back on the year that I have had and seeing all of the changes I've made and seeing how much I have learned. This year in particular has been huge for me.<br />
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I think the 5000 km physical change I made has been matched by an equally huge internal change.<br />
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I am so happy.<br />
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I was happy before but this is different. I feel energized. The more changes I make the more excited I get about learning and growing even more.<br />
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I am so excited that I have finished my university degree (I am now looking into graduate schools). I am so excited about photography school (I am learning so much). I am so excited about family and friends and sharing my home with others. I feel more committed to doing the things that I know are right. I find myself looking at people differently. I have learned so much about kindness and friendship and love. I look at my kids differently. I feel so grateful for the fourteen years I had at home with them and I feel excited about discovering a new balance in being with them and getting out and talking to other people. I have been learning so much from the people I have been meeting.<br />
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I have realized that for years I made my family and home an island. A safe place. There is nothing really wrong with that; but, I have been learning how much more fun and interesting it is to let more people into my life. I have discovered that I can learn new things from basically everybody I meet. I feel almost childlike - full of wonder and curiosity. It is so fun.joannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14187123300897169990noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1055305278852121071.post-70511685357672137712013-11-07T13:03:00.001-04:002013-11-07T13:03:09.993-04:00and Exhale...I have finally -FINALLY-finished my bachelor's degree.<br />
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I have had a few days to catch up on some family time and some photography schoolwork - although I am still a little behind.<br />
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I have been working on portraits, which I find difficult.<br />
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I am used to taking pictures of my kids while they are running around. This kind of photography is so much slower and really hard for me. I really have to learn to slow down and think before taking the picture. I am hoping that with my other courses done and my stress level lowering that I will be able to relax a little bit and just enjoy the process.<br />
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I've done some pictures around town and a few more landscapes. I went out early one morning to get better light. I love the early morning light…I just need to learn to love getting up extra early.<br />
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The October holidays went by so fast. We had a great Thanksgiving…and the kids had fun on Hallowe'en. I missed out on a lot of Hallowe'en as it was my final day of class and I was writing my last essay. But, I don't think anybody missed me too much. The boys went trick or treating and filled their bags with candy. I don't usually let them get so much so I think they may have been happy that Dad was in charge this year. </div>
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My husband has been really busy building a dining room table and a wall of bookshelves. He is trying to get the living room put together - I am hoping before Christmas everything will be finished. A couple of the missionaries from our church have been helping in their spare time. We are very grateful for their help. </div>
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I am really happy this month and completely exhausted. I think it is going to take me a few weeks to figure out my new routine. I feel a little strange not having any essays to write! I feel like I am heading into a new chapter of life and I am really excited to see what is going to happen next.</div>
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<br />joannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14187123300897169990noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1055305278852121071.post-50936706746716325142013-09-30T11:42:00.000-03:002013-09-30T11:42:25.549-03:00First month of Photography SchoolAlmost one month into my photography course and I really am loving it.<br />
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I will finish the very last (I promise this time) of my Bachelor of Arts Degree classes at the end of October. I can't wait to finish. In the meantime my life is insanely busy! I am trying to keep up with both courses and find time for my family. It is so difficult to fit everything in.<br />
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I may not be posting much in October as I finish up my degree.<br />
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The next few weeks of photography school are going to be really busy as we finally learn how to use manual mode on the camera...</div>
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and learn photoshop. I am really excited to learn both of those skills because I really have no idea how to do either. </div>
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Hopefully I make it through October... I keep picturing a cartoon image of myself with my brain exploding with too much information...</div>
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I really hope that doesn't happen...but I am a little afraid.</div>
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We have spent a lot of time shooting landscapes and have moved on to portraits. This is the area where I feel really weak. And just to make it extra difficult we have been shooting self-portraits all week! I never get in front of the camera so it has been a bit of an adjustment for me. I do not like posting photos of myself...but in the spirit of education...</div>
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This is me with no edits.</div>
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<br />joannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14187123300897169990noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1055305278852121071.post-79328374581136531422013-09-15T23:30:00.002-03:002013-09-15T23:30:48.336-03:00A Little LoveWow - The past two weeks have been crazy busy. But, I am feeling the love.<br />
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Let's see:<br />
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1. I love our exchange student. She is wonderful. I am so happy that we have somebody who isn't freaked out by the craziness that is our family and someone who doesn't add to the craziness either. So far the experience is perfect.<br />
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2. I love photography school. The only downside is my weeks go by SO fast. I mean freakishly fast. And since this is the beginning and we are learning everything from the beginning, photography has become a little more difficult. (If you are familiar with photography - we have to keep the camera on P setting and can only adjust the ISO). But, I love it and I am learning so much. This is a sample from my homework this week-end. We are just starting landscapes. This is actually portrait style rather than landscape - but I hope it works. I liked it anyway. We are working on framing and ISO, so that is all we are allowed to play with right now.<br />
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3. I love being out of the house. I feel a little guilty saying that because I do really love being home with my kids. But, I have been home with my kids for fourteen years. It is really fun to get out and talk to other adults. Although, everyone in my class is closer to my kids' ages than to my age. But, it is still nice. </div>
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4. I am learning a lot about time management in the kitchen. Being out of the house has brought some new challenges in the kitchen. But, I am loving coming home and making a meal for my family. I am learning to appreciate it even more than I did before. (I can't wait to get some extra income so I can really start playing around in the kitchen...and with extra photography skills too!)</div>
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5. I love how we are all learning to juggle our schedules a little better. My husband is learning to do the school runs in between working. The kids are learning how to help out a little more. I am learning how to juggle two batches of homework everyday ( I still haven't finished my last degree...although I am really getting close now), helping five kids with homework instead of four, being out of the house all day, and still finding time for my hubby, the kids, church, chores and everything else that needs to get done around here. </div>
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I am hoping that soon I will finish my last batch of classes for my BA degree freeing up a little time and energy and that I will be able to find a little time to relax...somewhere in there. If not...I should have my time management skills perfected by the end of the year. </div>
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6. I love that life continually brings changes and learning experiences. I always feel like I am growing and learning and ever so slowly improving.</div>
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7. I love that I have the opportunity to create a life for myself. Although I am limited by time and money I can still constantly move forward and I think I love that most of all.</div>
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joannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14187123300897169990noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1055305278852121071.post-65110419597241859372013-08-31T15:54:00.000-03:002013-08-31T16:02:20.717-03:00Prepping for our International Student<div>
I am just getting ready to pick up our exchange student at the airport. We have been looking forward to her arrival for weeks but as the pick up time approaches our nerves are kicking in. </div>
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The older boys have asked "will she like us?" and the six year old has asked me "will I like her?". Today my answer has been the same to both questions, "I hope so". </div>
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I really want a good experience for all of us. We are looking forward to introducing her to all of the things we love about our new home and hope that we can learn a little more about Italy as well. </div>
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The hubby finished the bed last night...</div>
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and put it up this morning.<br />
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(These photos are a perfect example of why I need to go to photography school. I could not get clear pictures at all.) </div>
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I love that my hubby made a bed out of 2x4s. </div>
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The boys insisted on trying it out. They wanted to make sure she had a good view looking out the window. </div>
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I am happy that we have her room all put together - on time - and I am looking forward to meeting the girl who will be part of our family for the next few months. I hope we can make life comfortable for her. I am sure she is much more nervous than we are. </div>
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I am also really looking forward to seeing what the hubby makes next. The boys have been asking for shark beds...</div>
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joannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14187123300897169990noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1055305278852121071.post-44071214332787506192013-08-29T15:11:00.002-03:002013-08-29T15:11:56.459-03:00Decisions, Decisions...Not feeling great today. I think I have an end of summer cold coming on. But, aside from that possible cold my family and I are all healthy.<div>
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I am so thankful for my family. I feel so lucky to have an amazing husband, four great kids and to know that we all love and support each other. I know that is a great blessing and it is the most important thing in my life. <div>
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After my last post I was introduced to and reminded of a few big problems belonging to other people that helped me put my own problems into perspective.</div>
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For those who asked - my problems almost always tend to be financial. That and trying to maintain all of my values and priorities in a world that doesn't always support them. Well, very rarely supports them ... maybe almost never supports them. It is difficult for all of us in our family to always be doing something different from everybody else around us. Sometimes what we want to achieve seems nearly impossible. But we feel strongly that we are making the right choices for our family and we continue to push forward hoping that at some point everything will work out. I often feel that I make as many steps backwards as I do forwards and wonder if I am really just standing still. But, as I look back I do see progression and improvement although it is never as fast as I would like. I feel like a little kid wanting to cry out, "but I want it all now" and I am constantly reminded that that is not how it works. </div>
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Sometimes not having any money is really annoying. Every time (and I mean EVERY time I seem to finally have the budget balanced something else comes up to knock it off balance). I really don't like having to choose between two things that seem important - this week as I confirmed enrolment in photography school and worked on finishing applications to graduate school - that I was hoping to do next year - I made the discovery that I would not be able to afford both the gas money to drive to school and application fees for graduate school. Money is needed for both in the next two weeks - before payday. So again I must choose. </div>
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Yes, I realize that this could be seen as a really pathetic example of a hard choice and I have had much harder ones. But, this is what is hitting me this week. I will probably look back on it a year from now and understand it better; but, in the moment it feels hard.</div>
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I swear I am not as flaky as I appear. I know I must always look to people like I am constantly changing my mind about going to events or doing things. But, it is very rare that I actually change my mind. Usually I just run out of money. Not having enough gas in the car keeps me from hundreds of events and activities that I want to attend. </div>
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Education is so important to me and is also the area of life that has given me the biggest headache. For my husband and myself it is expensive, time consuming, stressful and surrounded with deadlines that I often have a hard time meeting both physically and financially. For the kids the education they are offered is often not what I am wanting, usually not what the kids are wanting and I have a hard time getting them excited about going. This year is no exception. The kids were doing so well but as we get closer to the actual day of starting...they are hitting the brakes - hard! I am definitely not one of those parents who looks forward to the end of holidays. This is always the most difficult time of year for our family as we prepare to leave our sanctuary and support group and head out individually into the world. There has been a lot to talk about in our house this week as we make decisions and try to encourage each other. Some days I would just like to wrap a cocoon around our house and forget about everything else outside the walls of our home. If only I could.</div>
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On a side note the bed my husband has been working on is almost finished...</div>
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he finished painting it last night and we are going to try a few different techniques on it today to see if we can get the exact look we want...I will post a photo when it is done, which will have to be soon because our exchange student arrives Saturday!</div>
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joannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14187123300897169990noreply@blogger.com0