Afternoon in the valley...

This afternoon Glen & Anna invited us to join them

at their cabin in the back 40

for some tobogganing and 'fresh air' hiking.
It was a gorgeous day so we figured we were up for it.
Since the cabin isn't accessible by road in the winter,
you have to park on the road and hike in.
Although it was nothing like the first year when we
hiked in snow up to our hips, it was still a good work-out..
(work-out does NOT sufficienty describe what we did)
I think I scared away all the wildlife with my
huffing and puffing...and grunting..
oh, but it felt good....eventually :)

not sure we should go that way dear


it'll be a while before we enjoy sitting at
this table again


the boys in tow back to the top


taking a break...

or stock-piling ammo??!


nice slide Dust (sorry...what is that called?)


ummm...maybe in a few months we'll try this one...
after I'm in shape


our view from the cabin as we enjoyed some
sloppy joes & grilled cheese with the hot iron...
beautiful way to end a wonderful day.

Thanks guys for the invite!!

Memory lapse...

Ok...so I obviously haven't posted enough recipes because after adding a new recipe today I can't remember how to get it to show up on the sidebar.
I'll get it yet, but it's there if you go to the 'kitchen' link from my profile.

Food to warm the soul...

Lately I've been in a slump as far as feeling
like I've accomplished much of anything.

Yesterday was my day off and often I just feel like vegging...
however, this turned out to be an energy-burst kind of day.
Actually... as I was lying in bed contemplating what
the day would look like and thinking how wonderful
it would feel to sleep in,
I suddenly remembered I had made a haircut appointment..
... in 20 mins!
Up I jump and fly into the shower... don't know about you,
but I don't like to leave the house before I'm feeling fresh and clean!!
Funny how quickly I can get ready if I have to!!

While out I managed to get one other thing
checked off my "To Do" list - felt good!
Came home for what I thought would be a short while
before heading out to do a few more errands... and then...
I got the urge...no DESIRE...to make something special for supper.
Now, I don't mind cooking usually, but coming up with the menu is
always the challenge.

I decided on Italian sweet and sour sausage... it's one of our favorites
and I love making it because it's so simple!
Bonus... makes the house smell like you've slaved all day!


This is all you need..
(farmer sausage, Italian-style tomatoes and tomato sauce,
vinegar and brown sugar)

With that taken care of and some extra time on my hands
I decided to try my hand at making... PRETZELS!!
Might not sound like a big deal to you,
but ever since I experienced REAL german pretzels
I've been on the hunt for a good clone.
I think this recipe comes close....and yes, I want to share!

These were absoloutely yummy and the texture
was so close to what I remember...
just need to make them bigger next time!
The three of us ate every last one of them at dinner...
The recipe? it's a keeper and I'll share it in the next couple of days.
What's cookin' at your house??

ever happen to you???

I head to our bathroom to brush the pearlies

open the cabinet door and find this....

my favourite toothpaste :)


SQUEEZED flat!!

well... I figure
I can squeeze some more out of that!!

and I do..


wait a second...
something's wrong with this picture!



my toothbrush isn't green
- it's turquoise!!!
ARGHH!

A whirlwind.......

I know it's been a while but as you can see from the last few posts, not only was our life busy with all things Christmas, we also had birthdays and a birth to celebrate!

A little recap...

Christmas was such a delight now that we could finally see and hold the newest family addition.. Jillian is such a sweetie and we're so grateful she's here! She made it into this world on time to take part in the Baby Dedication service a few days later!

We missed our first Christmas program in 27 years in our church! I must say that it felt a little odd. We had a gathering to go to and since none of our kids were involved in the program this year, we didn't go. Our Youth actually did an entire service the week before Christmas. They did an amazing job and when the entire Youth group went on stage to sing at the end, I had goosebumps! I hope this becomes a new Christmas tradition.

It was interesting to work around feeding schedules and nap times but we did manage to do the traditional Christmas Eve pizza & candlelight and all the little ones were awake when we opened presents. Rowan was especially fun to watch. A little tradition we have is for each person to say what they're thankful for. Even Rowan participated. When asked what makes him happy, he quickly responded, "Selah makes me happy!" He's so sweet with her. I can't wait to watch these little ones growing up together.

In between gatherings we managed to get in a combined birthday party for Warren & Heather. They both enjoy the same kind of food so coming up with a menu was the easy part. What I hadn't planned on was working until almost 4:30 - Yikes!! I rushed home and amazed myself at how quickly I could make 5 dozen vereneke - a record for me for sure :)

What would normally have been a house full of youngsters playing and adults in every room, turned out to be a much smaller event as we got together with my extended family. Some couldn't be there due to other gatherings and others were sick. The flu bug has hit particularly hard this year. I must say, though, it was nice to all be able to fit around the table, although some people will be eating left-overs for a while!

New Years' Eve was spent with friends and family at church, playing games until we welcomed the new year. With so many young families, the closer we got to 2008 the smaller the group became as one-by-one couples bundled up their little sleepy-heads and went home. Had a lot of fun learning some new games - so beware if you come by in the next little while, I'll be pulling out the cards!

Other than that, we've managed to stay fairly healthy considering how many others have been sick over the holidays. Hubby had a bug for a couple of days but he's back to his normal self. I, on the other hand, had to be different - no flu for me...just a nasty sinus headache for over a month now, which seems to be getting more intense instead of better (I am not one to get headaches). Today is sunny and bright and should make me happy, but I'm cowering inside...staying away from the windows.

I'll try to post some pictures soon - haven't had time to download them - OH YES...I got my camera back...except, there was a problem with my S1 so they sent me an S3 to replace it. I'm happy!

Wishing you all many blessings in 2008!!