Monday, May 30, 2011

It's Wild Around Here!

We live in a subdivision. A standard middle class, newly completed subdivision.There are roofs as far as the eye can see. We can see pretty far actually because there are no trees to block the view. Infact the closest thing we have to actual trees are cedar shrubs and hosta plants. Baby trees are planted and growing but do you know how long it takes a tree to grow large enough to shade a house or hang a swing or support a birds nest? I'll tell you...a lot longer than the wildlife are willing to wait!

For a treeless pavement jungle, we have an abundance of wildlife. I understand the displaced creature phenomenon, a part of me is horrendously guilt ridden at having been a part to animal expropriation. I try to make up for this by leaving peanuts out and not spraying my lawn.

Our yard is like a animal freeway. Two weeks ago Michael stepped out onto the porch in the still darkish hours of dawn only to almost trip over a skunk. If I sit at my kitchen table to write I don't get much accomplished because I am completely mesmerized by the band of squirrels who race along the fence tops like they are driving the rodent autobahn. Fluffy tailed squirrels are not the only thing that utilizes the pressure treated skyway. The regiment of neighbourhood cats love it as do the occasional raccoon or possum.

We are situated directly below a Canada Goose flight path, "Cover!" is a very popular cry on our block. There are smaller birds too; robins, chickadees, nut-hatches, finches, swallows, crows, doves and pigeons. That's along of pressure washing!

My favourite creature with a tail is a chipmunk. I 've even given him a name "Chippy" (I know highly original) Chippy has a circuit...across the yard - behind the stoop - through to the neighbours yard - back in a race along the lower fence rail - through the fence and race along the back neighbour's flower box...Repeat! again and again and again and again until the person watching is completely dizzy. Seriously he's so fast I can't even get a picture!

Then there are my rabbits, mother bunnies, father bunnies, baby bunnies all plotting against my new tiny suburban garden! The bunnies are cute and I can keep them at bay with black bird netting so we're good. I am afraid though that if the animals ever organize the humans in their territory might be given a run for their money!

Gratitude today that rabbits don't realize that their thicket is actually a peonie bush. The squirrels don't know their fence posts from their tree tops. Bird crap is highly washable and skunks are mostly nocturnal!

Spend some moment everyday in reflection of gratitude and happiness. Even if the time found is standing in line for coffee...use is wisely.


Michelle


Did this post brighten your day? make you smile? If so I'd be ever so grateful if you shared it on Facebook or Twitter. Someone else might be in need of a smile - Thanks!

Sunday, May 29, 2011

All Quiet On the Homefront.

It has been a restful couple of days, with no real concrete plans just some items on the "I'd like to" list. Items which we did get to; the market and some planting, a cake for a friend, some hockey.

Happy Birthday Sue! (like the cake says LOL)
We managed it all, along with the requisite parental discomfort we are able to dispense to our teenagers.

It has been a little quiet around here too. I've been nurturing my food blog Smothered in Butter a little bit. It's young after all and I'm working out some kinks and fiddling with content and layout...click over and have a look...tell me what you think. Today's post is Me vs. Market...Michael vs. Mud

Hopefully the weekend is a precursor to what the week ahead has in store. I'm going to need some 'take it easy' if I'm going to celebrate turning 40ish (that more than 40 less than 50 and all you're getting out of me!)

There is going to be a lot of gratitude this week, I have a lot to be grateful for. Life after all has been pretty good to me so far.



Spend some moment everyday in reflection of gratitude and happiness. Even if the time found is standing in line for coffee...use is wisely.


Michelle


Did this post brighten your day? make you smile? If so I'd be ever so grateful if you shared it on Facebook or Twitter. Someone else might be in need of a smile - Thanks!

Thursday, May 26, 2011

Thursday, Your Turn @ the Table


I never thought that I would be saying my gratitude was Twitter. Yes, I said it. No I'm not 16, no I'm not trying to recapture my youth, get hip with my teenagers or escape reality.

I have however figured it out! It took me 3 weeks and I'm pretty sure that I keep sending meaningless retweets to people I don't know. I have followers, I don't know any of them and I'm not certain why some of them are interested other than the shear thrill of virtual competition. Who cares! Twitter is cool! I'm learning things about my region that I didn't have a clue about. I'm getting real time information on happenings, crop progress and updates on the television I'm missing while I tweet.

Oh ya and that brainless relaxation that is so hard to come by ;)

Your turn @ the table...What are you grateful for today?

Wednesday, May 25, 2011

Wednesday's Example of Domestic Bliss #9

A lot goes on in our house on a day to day basis. Little surprises me; snowballs in the freezer, laptops on the bathroom counter, shoe boxes filled with rocks.

Every once in a while something stops me cold...Like a crime scene...

Exhibit #1


Exhibit #2

 Gratitude today that I know the evidence is man-made or rather kid-made.

The teenagers who live in an frequent our home are 'creating' zombie blood. It's the first phase in the creative process, I'm told that I can expect our home and yard to host the filming of a Zombie movie this summer. With any luck they will be bringing in a housekeeping crew to assist with production!


Spend some moment everyday in reflection of gratitude and happiness. Even if the time found is standing in line for coffee...use is wisely.


Michelle


Did this post brighten your day? make you smile? If so I'd be ever so grateful if you shared it on Facebook or Twitter. Someone else might be in need of a smile - Thanks!

Tuesday, May 24, 2011

Holocaust - A Spoken Word Poem

This Poem was written by my 13 year old KJ. Some days I'm not sure what I will be grateful for in my post...then there are days like today.

I should ask to check homework more frequently. KJ will not be happy that I've used her Poem and posted it here for everyone to read, she's a very private person that way but sometimes as a Mom...well you just do things because then seem right.

Holocaust

Imagine you were born in 1920
Your family is Jewish
and you live in Germany

In 1933, a few months after you turn 13
Hitler and his Nazi Party gain power

But you're not worried - not yet

They make promises of wealth
and "economic recovery"
so you're not worried - not yet

You can't go to the movies,
Your Dad lost his job
You're getting worried

By your 15th birthday
most of your relatives are dead

Imagine you were born in 1920
Your family is Jewish
and you live in Germany

In 1935, a few months after you turn 16,
They've found you
They've found you hiding

Your family has warned you about this day
the day you will be taken away

Sent to a camp
A camp without tents, or fires, or s'mores
this camp
is a concentration camp

Imagine you were born in the year 1920
Your family is Jewish
You live in Germany

You have a job now
but you're not getting paid

Your job
is to shave people's heads

Friends, family, strangers come around
you shave their heads
not to speak one word

No one knows whats going on
that once they enter through that door
they won't come out alive

No one knows when their life will end
You could be killed today, tomorrow
or next week

You might die from starvation
This is not a pleasant situation



Not often does homework bring me to tears...today was an exception

Monday, May 23, 2011

Chicken Adventures

Mr. Serious has a very important school project in the works right now. For months he has been reading The Little Red Hen. He has to practice the text until he is really comfortable with it, this week he will 'present ' the story to his grade 1 class summarized in his own words like a verbal book report.

I've listened to the story over and over. I could retell it.

Me: "Who will help me set the table?"

Reply "Not I" say E-man, Lula, KJ, Mr. Serious, King and Tippy Toes

Me: "Who will help me fold these clothes?"

Reply "Not I" say E-man, Lula, KJ, Mr. Serious, King and Tippy Toes

Me: "Who will help me vacuum this carpet, dust these shelves, sweep this floor?"

Reply "Not I" say E-man, Lula, KJ, Mr. Serious, King and Tippy Toes

Me "Who will help me take out this garbage, clean this bathroom, change these beds?"

Reply "Not I" say E-man, Lula, KJ, Mr. Serious, King and Tippy Toes

.....

You get the picture.

The Little Red Hen was clearly a mother. What they don't tell you is that The Little Red Hen and Chicken Little were the same person feathered character. All that "I will do it myself" eventually sent The Little Red Hen mad and running around shouting jibberish about the sky falling. Does anyone else find it coincidental that once The Little Red Hen went mad everybody was on board, shouting and screaming about the sky falling and informing the King? Even in fables the characters can get behind a cause. First they drove that poor hen crazy then they joined forces to push her over the edge.

If life imitates art you should see a post sometime next week about me getting clonked on the head by a piece of the great blue sky.

Until then I am grateful that some father thought the plight of mothers funny enough to turn it into a book series and that he chose a hen not a pig for the character.

Spend some moment everyday in reflection of gratitude and happiness. Even if the time found is standing in line for coffee...use is wisely.


Michelle


Did this post brighten your day? make you smile? If so I'd be ever so grateful if you shared it on Facebook or Twitter. Someone else might be in need of a smile - Thanks!

Sunday, May 22, 2011

Saving The Space Between Raindrops

It's May...Fresh food is springing up all around us. The Space Between Raindrops is in danger of morphing into a food blog!

Gratitude today that Blogger allows multiple blogs!

An Invitation to you... Come over and join SMOTHERED IN BUTTER a place for all the ramblings from my kitchen!

Stop by, follow, leave me a comment...I'd love to know what you think! I'd be very grateful if you spread the word too!






Spend some moment everyday in reflection of gratitude and happiness. Even if the time found is standing in line for coffee...use is wisely.

Michelle

Did this post brighten your day? make you smile? If so I'd be ever so grateful if you shared it on Facebook or Twitter. Someone else might be in need of a smile - Thanks!




Thursday, May 19, 2011

Thursday, Your Turn @ the Table

I've reached Thursday with a mixture of sadness and gratitude.

Sadness that today is my last 'stay home Mom' day. I've so missed being here, taking care of things, being available to love when needed vs. when time permits. I've loved hearing my kid's stories and troubles in real time not recap. Having time to pour over home cooked meal preparation, some time to write and minutes left over for laundry has been heavenly. I can't believe that I so mistakenly thought that once my kids were all in school full time that I would not be needed so much around here. I won't lie, the last 7 days have been a strong emotional reminder of what I always wanted for my life and what I've been missing so badly.

Sure, I was crazy those 13 years I spent at home. Show me a SAHM that isn't just a little bent. I was crazy, there were days when I wanted to drive the entire house over a cliff... but I was happy. So was the rest of my family. We still are today, it's just a different kind of happy. It all leaves me feeling like the world's largest hypocrite. I tell my kids everyday to "walk confidently in the direction of their dreams." then I leave the house to spend my day in a life I have no passion for.

So what would it look like if I walked confidently in the direction of my dreams?

... My days would be focused on the emotional life of my family not the financial needs. I would be indulging a passion for writing and food. I would be laughing real laughter, not the kind I manufacture to move me through the day. It would be basic but heavenly, full of surprises (the good kind you don't even know you had in store)

This moves me to the gratitude portion of today. Today I am grateful for the unscheduled 7 days off from the necessary and the time it has afforded me to indulge a little bit of the life I would prefer to lead. Gratitude to Michael and our kids for forgiving my absence in the name of affording life. Gratitude for the person who has the opportunity in their back pocket for me to pursue the life I crave. If you are the person at the Food Network looking for a real life person to home test recipes, put their family up as taste testing guineapigs and write about it please click here with the details of this or similar senario...I'm interested!

My turn @ the table was long winded today...extra gratitude for letting me get it all off my chest. Thank you!

Your turn @ the Table....What's your gratitude?

Wednesday, May 18, 2011

Wednesday's Example of Domestic Bliss #8

A mad hunt for the elusive yesterday. Scotch Tape! I wonder if I'm the only one????

I buy Scotch tape in packs of 3, always with the 'bonus' roll if I can find it. (Can't beat a bonus right?) At Christmas I buy 3 or 4 packages. When a birthday approaches, I buy another roll or two just to make sure we have tape on hand. I must have 40 rolls of the sticky staple in the house... I just can't find a single one!

I have no clue what we use it on, we wrap in gift bags, I never see anything held together with transparent stickiness. My kids need it all the time but never for a decipherable reason. Everytime I hear "where's the tape?" a prickle runs up my back climaxing in a dull pain at the base of my skull and I dread the next 45 minutes. It's always imperative and never found. 

My domestic Bliss today is actually found away from home, at my office. We don't have a single use for scotch tape in financial services but I've put a roll in my desk. This way, when someone at home asks "where's the tape?" I always know where a roll exists!

Spend some moment everyday in reflection of gratitude and happiness. Even if the time found is standing in line for coffee...use is wisely.


Michelle


Did this post brighten your day? make you smile? If so I'd be ever so grateful if you shared it on Facebook or Twitter. Someone else might be in need of a smile - Thanks!

Your Motorcycle is My Cat

For a very long time Michael has wanted a motorcycle. He's been researching and looking. We've had discussions about bringing a motorcycle into the house. He has promised to get all of the safety equipment and to take the courses and to always be responsible on and for his motorcycle. I have been nodding my head, playing devil's advocate and encouraging his research. Truthfully, I've been placating him much the same way you do with a child who wants a pet. Casually agreeing and faining interest are usually enough to be supportive of an idea long enough for husbands and children to move on to some other desire De jour.


Its a gamble, 9 times out of 10 an interest is passing...1 time out of 10 they call your bluff and bring the motorcycle home. 


I like to play that I have a hard time with the motorcycle. It would be remiss of me after all, to pass up an opportunity to be 'difficult.' Secretly, I am really quite thrilled for Mike. He is so excited about his new bike, just like a kid who got a new puppy. 




There is that pet thing again, the topic seems inescapable....I've suddenly had a vision of the future.


Lula has been going on about a cat. A kitten actually. The research of costs, accessories and 'kitten free to a good home' ads have begun. As too, have the promises to love, care and clean up after little 'Mortimer.' (they name them you know, before actual acquisition. It's a tactic, naming something makes it harder for Mom and Dad to say no.) I have begun nodding my head and encouraging the research. Except in this case I secretly am truly encouraging the research, I would love a cat too.
How can you resist?




The suggestion of bringing a cat into the house has incited an uproar from the family's contingent of dog lovers. KJ is taking the bargaining position, offering to forgo birthday and Christmas presents and opt out of back to school clothes, whatever it takes to increase our family by one dog.


E-man is our man on the fence but not without a plan. He is very cleverly siding with whomever seems to be in the best position of getting what they want at any given moment. Dog, cat, motorcycle doesn't matter, he's like the dark horse on survivor, playing to the good side of the strongest alliance. He's going to win either way. 


This all puts me somewhere in the future... riding on the back of a motorcycle, holding a small dog in a purse, while at home, a cat quietly fills his litter pan and sleeps on top of my desk, in the room I've just converted into an office because the last of the kids has left for University, leaving their pets in the capable hands of Mom and Dad. 

Can you resist this either?

It's inevitable! KJ wants a dog like Lula wants a cat. Lula wants a cat like Michael wanted a motorcycle. Michael brought a motorcycle home so we are going shopping for dog tags and litter pans.


Wait until they find out what I want!


Gratitude today is for the art of negotiation and compromise in the pursuit of family harmony.

 Are you in negotiations at home too? What was the last thing you got that you weren't sure you wanted?

This is my post that was lost when Blogger went down...I am SO grateful to have it back!

 
Spend some moment everyday in reflection of gratitude and happiness. Even if the time found is standing in line for coffee...use is wisely.


Michelle


Did this post brighten your day? make you smile? If so I'd be ever so grateful if you shared it on Facebook or Twitter. Someone else might be in need of a smile - Thanks!

Tuesday, May 17, 2011

Food-Day Tuesday...Leftover Confessions

I heard something unbelievable the other day. I was chatting with a friend about food, dinner to be exact and she was whining a little bit because she has to cook something new everyday and there is always too much and she ends up throwing it in the trash.

WHHAAAAA! I think my eyes must of darn near dropped on the floor "Why do you throw it out? Why don't you enjoy it for lunch the next day? or re-invent it for dinner some way? or, at the very least, freeze individual portions to feed those ever starving teenagers that live in your house? Goodness knows a microwaved portion of leftover lasagna beats a Pizza Pocket any day of the week!

Her answer was "My family won't eat leftovers." Secretly I thought 'maybe they don't like the original either' "Seriously?" I inquired "They won't even turn last night's ham into a fabulous sandwich on a crusty roll with fresh greens, grainy mustard, soft cheese and onions?" (excuse me...I'm just nipping off for a snack...back in a minute.)

"nope!" was the reply I got.

I couldn't believe it. I started to ask around and was astounded by the number of people who do not eat leftovers! I really can't believe it!

In our home I cook with 'leftover intention' that is to say that I plan meals and dishes with leftovers in mind. Sunday's roasted chicken becomes Tuesday's potpie. Thursday's fish becomes a fabulous addition to a spring salad lunch on Friday. Spaghetti from Monday makes a nutritious hot lunch for Tuesday. Those pancakes made at home heat up just like toaster pastries without the chemicals. If I make enough Dinner on Friday...well when people are winging in and out of the house on Saturday, there is something quick and healthy when they have time for dinner.

Beyond the glorious culinary possibilities of leftovers, there is the senseless waste of food. I can't believe that so much really good food is hitting the trash bin. Just in my small circle I know families who are struggling to put good nutritious food on the table. I feel guilty for tossing 2 tablespoons of mixed veg that gets shuffled to the rear of the fridge unnoticed until grocery day. I can't imagine disposing of what remains from an entire meal. I'm feeling the guilt for my friends.

If guilt alone is not enough to convert a leftover phobic. Think dollars and cents. If you are pitching 1/4 of what you make every day that amounts to an entire weeks worth of groceries over a month. How much do you spend on groceries a week.

I spend about $200/week on groceries for our family of 5 (sometimes 8 or 9)

Quick math... $200 a month in the bin x 12 months of waste = a pretty nice family getaway!

(I'll be back in a minute...I'm mentally escaping to spending $2,400.00)

Okay, so today has been a bit more of a rant than a rah-rah but seriously I can't bend my head around this. If you simply can't bring yourself to eat leftovers (and I feel immense sadness for what you are depriving yourself of) buy less, cook less, half the recipe. If you can't do the math at least send something over to the neighbour's...save them the trouble of cooking.

Am I the only one shocked by this? What's your take on leftovers? Got a leftover solution to die for? Please help me save my leftover phobic friend!

Gratitude today that Food-Day Tuesday just helped me rationalize my plastic food storage container illness, kitchen experimentation and a really great thing to spend money on!

Spend some moment everyday in reflection of gratitude and happiness. Even if the time found is standing in line for coffee...use is wisely.


Michelle


Did this post brighten your day? make you smile? If so I'd be ever so grateful if you shared it on Facebook or Twitter. Someone else might be in need of a smile - Thanks!

Monday, May 16, 2011

Is This Thing On???

Today's gratitude is inspired by my young E-man. It's a request actually and he will be incredibly grateful for your help.

The year end school talent show is looming and every year E-man is determined to participate. The only problem we generally encounter is the logistical confines of bringing a skating rink or a skateboard park in for his performance. He's not yet been able to join the ranks of performers.

This year however he has a plan...he's going to build on his natural sense of humor and perform a stand-up comedy routine.
suprised?
This is where he is asking for help. There is a need for fresh material. 'G' rated school based humor preferably, it is public school after all and I still need to show my face around the halls for another 3 years. I'd like him to graduate grade 6 unscathed and preferably before he turns 30.

With enough time to perfect a routine and some new material that does not contain to word "fart" he'll have them rolling in the aisles.

So go ahead...give us what you got! Could I ask also, that while you are on your knees digging that joke book out of the cupboard, that you say a little prayer for me? Something along the lines of "Lord, please save my friend from public humiliation at the hands of her son." (have you ever met a comic who didn't make fun of his parents?)

Spend some moment everyday in reflection of gratitude and happiness. Even if the time found is standing in line for coffee...use is wisely.


Michelle


Did this post brighten your day? make you smile? If so I'd be ever so grateful if you shared it on Facebook or Twitter. Someone else might be in need of a smile - Thanks!

Sunday, May 15, 2011

Once I Ruled the World

I used to be fantastic! Don't laugh, it's true. There was once a time when I made the world go-round. Granted the world was small, but I ruled it magically. I was the queen of playdough and silly songs and playground coolness. With a single word I could make everything right with the world, ridding it of monsters and bullies and sadness. There was even a time when I used to have the answers to some of life's toughest questions.

In just a few short years my reign has come to an end.  Now the most magical thing I can produce is a ride to the mall. The only answers I have are incorrect and the only thing I can make right is spaghetti.

How does that happen? I'll tell you...

First we teach kids how to talk, then they learn to talk back. We teach them to explore their world and they learn that there is more out there than we can offer them. We teach them to stand up for themselves, and they stand up against us. We teach them to make choices but we never suspect that they will choose things we don't agree with. We ask them to be responsible and they don't need us so much anymore. We tell them to grow up, and they do.

Knowing all of this doesn't make a bit of difference. The job of a parent is to teach people not to need you anymore. You still have to encourage them to speak, to explore, to be strong, thoughtful and responsible. You still have to teach them to grow up. (Despite how painful those teen years are going to prove to be.)

I have discovered that as you become less and less fantastic you need to have some sanity saving strategies.

I'm not going to lie...

  • I use country music like garlic. I play it loud. It keeps everyone out of my hair long enough to get the housework done.
  • I creep facebook pages and twitter posts. With my online urban dictionary bookmarked I can almost figure out just how much discomfort I'm dishing out and adjust accordingly.
  • I listen to people with little children fret and complain and in my mind I reminisce about the days when my troubles were small and I ruled the world. (FYI that grin on my face is is more Cheshire cat than 'isn't that cute', if you only knew what you're in for)
  • I weep. I don't cry, crying is for babies. Weeping is the battle song of those enduring inevitable adversity. (just a note here; they know they bring you to tears but they must not know when, weep in private)
  • I have a safe room, a place I go to rant or weep. Lately the garage has been my safe room. Michael's motorcycle is there, so is Michael. We are a team...this is our situation room. (just a note here; ranting is a good tool to use openly on occasion, it keeps everyone on their toes, be the ticking time bomb)
  • Perhaps my most effective strategy is to let Michael take one for the team. I let him be the bad guy, he knows I'm going to throw him under the bus and he's good with that (like he has a choice) We talked about this a long time ago. I did the labour and delivery thing, his sacrifice here might just make us even. 'Even' is going to be important if we are going to enjoy staring at each other in an empty house not many years from now.
I know that the teenage years are the final push that will present us with fabulous adults to share time and conversation with. I just want to laugh along the way. I don't want to wait until after because well, truth be told I'm not convinced I'm going to come out with enough marbles to remember what I wanted to laugh about. I'm also a little afraid that it might be like childbirth and I might forget everything.

If you are still fabulous and the ruler of the world...soak it in! If you are no longer fabulous and in the heat of battle...chin-up, fist bump, fist bump, boooyahh...you can do this! (we can do this? can't we?) If you are on the other side enjoying your adults...do share...what got you there? what was your best strategy?



Spend some moment everyday in reflection of gratitude and happiness. Even if the time found is standing in line for coffee...use is wisely.


Michelle


Did this post brighten your day? make you smile? If so I'd be ever so grateful if you shared it on Facebook or Twitter. Someone else might be in need of a smile - Thanks!

Friday, May 13, 2011

While Blogger Was Busted....

Blogger is back. My most recent post however is not (insert four letter literary crayons)

While the folks at Blogger were troubleshooting and creating solutions here is what I created...


A birthday cake for a Redwings Fan.
After being eliminated last night I thought about calling
and asking if they wanted something else.

Instead I offered my condolences

A Mickey Mouse Club birthday cake
for a 1st birthday.





















What did you do while your Blogging hands were tied???

Spend some moment everyday in reflection of gratitude and happiness. Even if the time found is standing in line for coffee...use is wisely.


Michelle


Did this post brighten your day? make you smile? If so I'd be ever so grateful if you shared it on Facebook or Twitter. Someone else might be in need of a smile - Thanks!

Wednesday, May 11, 2011

Wednesday's Example of Domestic Bliss #7

Today a Danish story...

We were holding a bake sale at work on Monday to raise money for local children's charities. Homemade Danish and Puff Pastry doughs are among my favourite stress busting activities. Having more than adequate stress to release an excuse to bust some was very welcome.

So I took the time over the weekend for to make some Danish for the bake sale. I mixed and rolled and folded and rolled and folded and rolled and folded and rolled and folded. I rolled and twisted and waited and baked and glazed. I had fun, I had helpers, I had less stress.

Then I proudly took my treasures in for the bake sale...

and they put them with the store bought cookies.



Spend some moment everyday in reflection of gratitude and happiness. Even if the time found is standing in line for coffee...use is wisely.


Michelle


Did this post brighten your day? make you smile? If so I'd be ever so grateful if you shared it on Facebook or Twitter. Someone else might be in need of a smile - Thanks!

Tuesday, May 10, 2011

Tuesday Food-day

The inaugural Tuesday Foodday post! I'm going to have to work on the title, it sounds like it should rhyme better.

I had planned on a post expressing my extreme pleasure of making Danish pastries this past weekend, the event, the time and the helpers were all targets of my gratitude.

Then my food friend showed up at work this morning and handed me the Food & Drink magazine available free through our local Liqueur Stores. I was delighted! Not only with the glowing recommendation to try the Barley Risotto, but with her thoughtfulness! While she professes that it was no big deal, (claiming her frequent visits to the establishment meant she didn't go out of her way) it was to me. I've been feeling a little out of sorts these last few days and well, I know that Bonnie has been too, so it was a big deal that she would think of me.  A very big gratitude to my food friend Bonnie today. You might not know it but you made my day!

I'm inspired to pass along "a Bonnie" today. I think I'm going to surprise someone today to, with a tea or a phone call or by letting them have my place in line or my parking spot close to the door...

Heck, why don't we all! Pass along 'a Bonnie' today! What will you do? What did your do? How did the recipient react? How great did you feel?

Spend some moment everyday in reflection of gratitude and happiness. Even if the time found is standing in line for coffee...use is wisely.


Michelle


Did this post brighten your day? make you smile? If so I'd be ever so grateful if you shared it on Facebook or Twitter. Someone else might be in need of a smile - Thanks!

Sunday, May 8, 2011

Happy ILYFD

A couple of post absent days around here, I do apologize my mind has been preoccupied with the eventuality that is Mother's Day. (A few extra days of "Your Turn @ the Table" seems to have been okay though. I've enjoyed reading your gratitudes.)

Truthfully every time I thought about writing in the last couple of days I've been struck with the same question; how? Mother's Day is coming and how am I going to write that post? How am I going to string lines together that don't sound incredibly ungrateful? I should probably just get this line off my chest in the interest of the 'how'; I hate Mother's Day. (If you read this you will understand that I am not fooling around).

So I'm not doing it! That's right, I'm stomping my feet and have my arms crossed firmly over my chest and yes, I am pouting! I'm not doing it. I will not be made to feel guilty because I can't love my mother well enough, I will not feel bad because I'm doing laundry or refereeing a domestic. I won't be made to feel inferior because I'm just a regular mom not some super mom like those featured in magazines and news stories. I don't want to celebrate an observance that brings sadness to so many of my friends who are missing their mothers. I won't and Hallmark can't make me!

Instead I present another option for the 1st Sunday in May. International Love Your Family Day. Okay it might not catch on Internationally but go big or go home I say. I suspect from conversations that a strong following of mothers who would rather celebrate anything but Mother's Day is waiting for something better. The switch might actually have a chance.

So here goes. My post for ILYFD.... My family and a snippet of what I love about them!

In order of appearance

Michael
Does an amazing job of manifesting his life. Reminds me everyday through laughter and gratitude that it's all about the journey.  Has an incredible talent for faith, justice, laundry and dishes ...XOXO

Lula
My beautiful 'do it all' who approaches life with an 'all in' attitude. Full of compassion and a sense of humour that never fails to catch me off guard. Amazingly talented in the realms of art, love and make-up...XOXO

KJ
My gorgeous young lady with wisdom beyond her years, snaps me back to reality with  logical humor. Strong, capable and always thinking. Displaying incredible talent in the pursuits of creative expression, friendship and nail art....XOXO
E-man
My handsome man with the plan. All boy, full of adventure, gross humor and bruises. A math-magician with exceptional talents in snuggling, thoughtfulness and trickmastering anything with wheels...XOXO

 

I hope you enjoy International Love Your Family Day. If you are a mother who suffers emotional turmoil on the 1st Sunday in May please feel free to take up the challenge spread the word, twist the sentiment of the day and share the love of your family.

Heaps of gratitude today for the privilege of having an amazing family to spend my mothering on. Fantastic kids who display endless reasons to wear my title with pride and a loving man who wears his Father, Husband (and occasionally the Mother hat too) better than any I've seen.

Happy ILYFD...how are you celebrating?


Spend some moment everyday in reflection of gratitude and happiness. Even if the time found is standing in line for coffee...use is wisely.


Michelle


Did this post brighten your day? make you smile? If so I'd be ever so grateful if you shared it on Facebook or Twitter. Someone else might be in need of a smile - Thanks!

Thursday, May 5, 2011

Thursday...Your Turn @ The Table

Thursday again, this week is just flying by isn't it? Thursdays you know are the day we 'get around the table' around here and ask "what's your grateful?"

This morning I am grateful that for the first time in many long months, the first sound I hear after the air siren blare of my 5:30am alarm, is not the howling whipping wind outside my window. Finally it's warm enough and bright enough. This morning I heard birds chirping!

Your turn... what is YOUR grateful?

Spend some moment everyday in reflection of gratitude and happiness. Even if the time found is standing in line for coffee...use is wisely.


Michelle


Did this post brighten your day? make you smile? If so I'd be ever so grateful if you shared it on Facebook or Twitter. Someone else might be in need of a smile - Thanks!

Wednesday, May 4, 2011

Wednesday's Example of Domestic Bliss #6

I worked from home yesterday. A nice treat. I thought it would be nice to treat my family too. I decided to whip up a batch of chocolate chip cookies between calls, emails and letters.

When I went to the cupboard for the star ingredient here is what I found...


Gratitude to my children today for saving my waistline.


Spend some moment everyday in reflection of gratitude and happiness. Even if the time found is standing in line for coffee...use is wisely.


Michelle


Did this post brighten your day? make you smile? If so I'd be ever so grateful if you shared it on Facebook or Twitter. Someone else might be in need of a smile - Thanks!

Tuesday, May 3, 2011

The 2 Great Food Fights of 2011




It's no secret that I am a conflicted individual when it comes to food. I spend a portion of my days serving up fast food to carb, fat, sugar addicted individuals. I cringe everyday actually that I dawn that polyester uniform and visor. While I realise that my tenure within the establishment was always meant as a temporary solution to an employment problem the guilt is immense.

I can not tell you how many times a day I want to say "have a nice day, I do apologize for contributing to your health crisis. Could I ask you not to come again? Perhaps we could meet out back and I could share some healthy eating suggestions. Please stop killing yourself." 

I really want to say this but I don't because truthfully, I need this job for another couple of months until my real job transitions into it's full-time status. I need this job serving bad food so that I can put good food on my table and into my children.

I remember when I took the job initially. My kids laughed, they didn't believe me. They were concerned that I would have an emotional melt down going to the job on a daily basis, they said "isn't that hypocritical?" then they said "You're not going to bring it home are you?"

I felt wonderful. Food fight #1 the daily internal conflict of how I live vs. how I finance it.

Food Fight # 2 is more of a real time battle. Filled with strategy, culinary weaponry and convert operations. I've never gone to war over food in our home. My children eat every vegetable and fruit imaginable (except brussel sprouts, for which I also harbour a strong dislike, so we don't argue) It's been a simple matter of what's been offered up since day one. Babyfood started with vegetables for entree and fruit for dessert, fruits and veggies were the snacks provided to toddlers. Dinner always includes veggies. Lunches get bagged everyday so that lunch away from home is nutritious too. As a result our kids reach for their 5 to 10 without a second thought. Sure they enjoy sweet snacks too but it's a balancing act.

Okay perhaps kids who eat lamb, seafood and quinoa may seem a tad alien to most people but I promise dinners are peaceful. No vegetable battles. Until recently...

Circumstances within our extended family have brought our 3 young nephews to share our home on a routine basis. I was prepared for the changes in family schedule Wednesdays and alternate weekends. I was prepared for the time, patience, laundry, sleeping arrangements and toy chaos. I was not prepared for 'culinary warfare.'

Off the list: carrots, beans, tomatoes, corn, cucumbers, apples, oranges, pears, lettuce, peppers, onions, plums, kiwi, pineapple, broccoli, mushrooms, watermelon, cantaloupe.....perhaps a list of accepted food would be shorter. On the list: Chicken nuggets, French fries, hotdogs, grilled cheese sandwiches, bananas, milk, cookies, dunkaroos, fruit gummy snacks, juice, crackers....well you get the idea.

I was stunned. Determined to introduce my love of healthy food to my young impressionable nephews, they have no idea what they are missing.

It was quickly evident with the number of beans, grapes and peas stuffed in pant legs and pockets, the apples flushed down the toilet and the sweepings from the floor that a little creative presentation was necessary.

First we went to the grocery store so that I could get a handle on what they did like to eat. Maybe they had a palette for fruits and veggies, perhaps I just wasn't stocking the fridge with what they like. Well that was an eye opening mission, clearly I wasn't off track in my assumptions and since I wasn't willing to stock my cupboards with cheezies and dingdongs I had my work cut out for me.

Time to built my arsenal...

I use my kids. I take no shame in dragging them into the conflict. I use their names and food choices. I hold them up as examples of kids choosing good foods.

I use my kitchen. I give everybody meal preparation jobs. cutting, washing, setting the table. Anything to give them ownership of what was going on the table and hopefully into their mouths.

I make sure I offer something I know they will eat along with one or two items I am sceptical of.

I choose basics. No sense going for avocado if I can't get them to eat apples.

We make muffins and rice cereal treats. Yes, I use their own creations against them. These items have become rewards for trying something new at any given meal.

I employed flexibility. The request is that you try everything at least. If you really don't like it you don't have to clean your plate of it but you have to taste it at least.

We have specified battle times. Lunch and Dinner.

So far the Food Fight seems to be going at an even draw although I think I may be gaining ground. My table picnics and grocery store games are having some positive affects on our mutual understanding.

In 8 short weeks we have moved carrots, peppers, peas, corn, pears, tomato sauce (cleverly disguising mushrooms, onions and celery) savory sauces and perhaps the greatest accomplishment FISH onto the accepted foods list!!!! granted the fish was disguised as "fingers" but they know what they were eating and I think we might be able to serve some sans breading!

The War is far from won but we celebrate every minor victory with high fives and mentions of pride. I think we might actually be fighting on the same team to some degree. The struggle is that the time we have to expose their tastebuds to different foods is limited. The day is not far off when they will leave our table save for the occasional visit for dinner. The goal is to change there perception of food so that they are risk takers, willing to try things they haven't before.

So those are the 2 great Food Fights of 2011. One internal and one active conflict. In an attempt to ease my conscious a wee bit and to further fuel my imaginative culinary weaponry I have signed on to Jamie Oliver's Food Revolution. Lula gave me the book as a gift for Christmas, knowing how I adore Jamie and my ever growing cookbook collection. Putting it All Into a Bowl of Chili was a post I made not too long ago around this book and I hope to do more. This is kind of why I chose Tuesday for this post. I was thinking about a weekly food centered offering...Tuesdays seem like a good day.

What do you think about Tuesday Foodday? Do you have food battles raging in your home? Any tips or tricks you're willing to pass along? I'd love to add your ideas to my arsenal!

Stop by The Food Revolution site and join your name in the pursuit of better eating!


Spend some moment everyday in reflection of gratitude and happiness. Even if the time found is standing in line for coffee...use is wisely.


Michelle


Did this post brighten your day? make you smile? If so I'd be ever so grateful if you shared it on Facebook or Twitter. Someone else might be in need of a smile - Thanks!

Monday, May 2, 2011

Teaching Kids to Vote

It is Election Day in Canada. Being privileged to live in a country that allows every person to have a voice demands you stand up and mark your 'X' (in Canada we still do it that way; pencil..ballot..'X'..into the box) Voting is how we express our gratitude for the privilege of living in a free country. If you question if this is true...ask a veteran their opinion.

We have conversations in our home about the duty of voting, we've taken the kids with us to the polling stations.  We are, afterall, raising the next generation of voters. There is importance in leading by example.

Fortunately, among many of the families we know this seems to be a common practice. It would appear that the future is in good hands. Good hands provided that this next generation understands the weight of their vote. How do you teach that their vote is their 'choice'?

You give them choices, you let them practice. You give them an array of options making sure they understand the possible outcome of each choice. There are plenty of opportunities to do this.

Tonight's example.... brought to you by E-man....

Here is our voter, contemplating the choices;

Homework or No Homework

He has two options
  • come in... get the homework done and the rest of the week is his to enjoy out of doors and with his friends
  • Ignore my suggestion and spend the rest of his week answering the door and telling his friends why he can't come out to play.
Polls are open for 45 seconds. (in fairness he had advance poll voting opportunities)

Evidently, we're doing an adequate job of teaching the ins an outs of democracy. While he may have marked his 'X' for the 'not so right' choice he has learned at least, that his vote also allows him the privilege of complaining about the outcome. Something he'll be doing a great deal of over the next 5 days.


Spend some moment everyday in reflection of gratitude and happiness. Even if the time found is standing in line for coffee...use is wisely.


Michelle


Did this post brighten your day? make you smile? If so I'd be ever so grateful if you shared it on Facebook or Twitter. Someone else might be in need of a smile - Thanks!

Sunday, May 1, 2011

Gratitude Highlight Reel

It's been a while since I written a gratitude highlight reel.

This week's gratitude in 5...4...3...2........

Kids + crayons = magic
E-man's run-in with his hockey net resulted in a black eye and a lot of attention from friends salivating for a great story. E-man's black eye is almost faded, resulting in less parental explaining to do. Michael is grateful for an exam appeals process. Lula had a great time with friends Saturday night; hanging out, eating crap, goofing off. KJ was included in the fun. It has finally stopped snowing. The cheap Easter chocolate is almost eradicated. Lula's directorial debut has been edited, burned and submitted for marks. Actors are not all temperamental creatures. KJ enjoyed a 10 day weekend. KJ goes back to school tomorrow. Our drugstore rewards points are reaching a rewarding level. A cure for ear wax has been discovered. Preparing for Investments Funds Licensing (if my brain doesn't implode) Mr. Serious is trying new foods. King is an awesome cleaner upper after playing. TippyToes said grace at dinner Friday "Thanks for food and sleepovers at Uncle Mike & Aunti Chelle's." KJ takes runner-up in her modelling show, securing some awesome bucks off the year end workshop. The fridge got cleaned out. Leftovers were managed spectacularly this week. Happy Birthday to my fabulous sister. Board games rock, so do potluck and red wine.  Michael took Mr. Serious, King, TippyToes and E-man to the park to run off some steam and give me time to blow off some steam. The grand opening of the grocery store returns Lula to normal. E-man gets a RipStick. We never need to worry whether he's going to wear his helmet or not, helmets are like seatbelts. $10 Bluenotes jeans. Michael gets a roadtrip this week. Advil can be purchased in bulk. Twitter is not that difficult (I think). KJ's friend came through surgery ok and is on the mend. Air mattresses are indispensable.

Looking back over it; it's been a really great week! Not without a few clouds and showers but I can't remember how much rain we got.


Spend some moment everyday in reflection of gratitude and happiness. Even if the time found is standing in line for coffee...use is wisely.


Michelle


Did this post brighten your day? make you smile? If so I'd be ever so grateful if you shared it on Facebook or Twitter. Someone else might be in need of a smile - Thanks!