Cookies for Breakfast

Every once in a while I come upon a recipe worth sharing. Okay, it probably happens more often than not but most of the time they don't feel worthy of sharing on here. All that to say, I've found one.

Breakfast Cookies.

Filling. Nutritious. Easy to make. Delicious.

They make a good snack, a good breakfast, or a good dessert.

But even with all that, I still haven't figured out how to take flattering pictures of food. Good thing these taste better than they look. But I guess you'll have to make them to find out for yourself.

Here's the recipe if you happen to be interested. I make a batch and then keep them in the freezer for us to pull out as we need. James takes some in his lunch most days and the boys and I eat them for a snack...they thaw out quickly because they are a soft cookie.

Porridge Oats Breakfast Cookies

1 cup ROGERS No Additive Whole Wheat Flour

1 tsp baking soda

3/4 tsp salt

1/2 tsp allspice

2 tsp cinnamon

2 tsp ginger

2 eggs

1/3 cup oil

1 1/4 cups unsweetened applesauce

3/4 cup brown sugar

1 tbsp grated orange rind

2 tsp vanilla

3 cups ROGERS Porridge Oats

3/4 cup sliced almonds

1/2 cup sunflower seeds

1 cup cranberries

Combine flour, baking soda, salt, allspice, cinnamon and ginger; stir well and set aside.

Place eggs, oil, applesauce and sugar in a large bowl and beat together well. Add orange rind, vanilla, porridge oats, almonds and sunflower seeds and stir until well combined. Add flour mixture and stir well. Add dried cranberries and stir until well distributed.

Using about 1/4 cup of cookie dough (I use slightly less) for each cookie, place on prepared cookie sheet (I use parchment paper) and press down with a fork to form a cookie approx. 3.5" in diameter. Bake at 350 for 15 - 20 minutes or until lightly browned. Let cool on the cookie sheet before removing.

Parachutes

For some reason I am continually amazed by the imagination my 3 year old possesses. Maybe because I would never have thought that a mat could become a parachute. I know, what I was I thinking...or not thinking. Of course a mat is a parachute.

And I'll prove it.

Don't these look like parachutes, just ready for take off?

The boys were actually sliding off the mats on the couch at the same time and crash- landing on the floor, sort of using their parachutes. Of course, as soon as I pulled out the camera their antics changed but perhaps this will still be entertaining.

Ironing Board

My mom found me a mini ironing board at a garage sale a while back. I finally picked it up when I was home a few weeks ago. The poor thing was well used and in need of a bit of TLC. I, of course, was going to throw some kind of cover on it and make it work (my idea actually wasn't too bad) but then it turns out that my husband enjoys doing upholstery. Who knew. And the guy is a raging perfectionist at it too. Bonus.

So I got everything out and let him go. Let me rephrase. I got out all the fabric that he'd need and he got out his tools. His air tools, no less.

Due to the construction of the ironing board I think it was a bit of a challenge but overall, I think he enjoyed himself. I sure enjoyed watching him.

And I got a funky ironing board to use that will fit nicely beside my sewing machine on my sewing table.

Good thing I've got some projects to work on while I try it out!

My boys

My boys are boys.

They like to play.

Outside.

With water.

In the sandbox.

With trains.

In the bathtub.

And with anything that looks remotely interesting. But that's a whole other story.

Birthday Quilt

So, this year, in less than a month, I celebrate my 30th birthday. Other than not being able to believe that I am old enough to turn 30, I have no issues with it. Just another day and hopefully a cake of some kind. But because 30 is supposed to be some kind of big deal and because I really don't like being the center of attention, I decided I wanted to celebrate my birthday in a fun and colourful way that would involve my friends and family I have spread all over the continent.

My mom and youngest sister thought my idea was great and so the Great Birthday Quilt of 2012 was born. Letters were sent out to various friends and family asking them to send me (the birthday girl) a fat quarter (18" x 22") of fabric that reminded them of the birthday girl. Now I not only get to enjoy the anticipation of mail but mail that contains fabric. Not just any fabric, fabric that is for me, bought specifically for me. And then I get to figure out a quilt that will use each and every piece of fabric (the exception being the Superman fabric my brother-in-law bought me... maybe...). How's that for a challenge?

I say, bring it on!

Here's what has arrived so far:




From my friend Amanda. I think this will be on the front and back of the quilt ;)

From my friend Laura. She has such a hard time picking one that she sent me three. What a sweetie!

In order L-R, from my sister Laura, her husband, Jacob, my mom, my other sister Amy and my Grandma Thiessen.

I can't wait to see what will be showing up in the mail the next few weeks!

Ducks

When we lived in Moose Jaw last fall, the boys and I would go walking in Crescent Park. A lovely park that has a creek/pond sort of thing running through it. Which is home to a variety of waterfowl. My then 2 1/2 year old was fascinated by the ducks. Especially ducks that would put their heads under water to look for food. Why, you ask? Because when a duck's head goes under, its butt goes up. Nothing was funnier to a 2 1/2 year old than that. Ever since then he has tried to mimic them.

Head down, butt up and if you are really good, both feet in the air. He usually settles for putting just one foot up in the air.

This has apparently been observed enough times by the younger brother that he, too, tries to be a duck. With not quite the same amount of success...

And a little less patience for doing it repeatedly.

But don't kid yourself. It's just a matter of time.

Sewing Update

My various sewing projects keep me busy in my down time. Which isn't very much right now because I'd rather nap (or go to bed) than spend the quiet time in my house sewing. Now, don't get me wrong, I still do some sewing but I just don't have the same drive to get it done. Although my growing "To Do" list is starting to be drive in itself as the list is only getting longer.

Without further ado, here is where things are at:

Penguin
This penguin was formerly a puffin. I altered the foundation piecing pattern to make it into a penguin. I have done one trial run of the penguin and am now awaiting my sister-in-law to see if she wants any other changes done to it. This penguin will be the center of a baby quilt for my brother's baby, due in September. Needless to say, this quilt has moved up the priority list as September really isn't that far away anymore.

This is the pattern I have to work with. Crazy, perhaps. But it is a different way of piecing that was on my list to learn...of course, that was before my life got super crazy. Regardless, I'm having fun figuring it out and it is a good challenge for me.

Even if it is a good challenge and I'm having fun, it doesn't mean that this little tool isn't my best friend. I don't want to think about how many seams I ripped out multiple times trying to get that blasted beautiful penguin just right.

Backhoe Quilt
Unfortunately for my son, this quilt has been put on the backburner for a while so I could fiddle with the aforementioned penguin. This quilt was really fun to piece but quilting it is proving to be a HUGE challenge...both of my patience and my skill. The appliqué piecing of this quilt was also on my list of things to learn and I found it a fairly easy skill to pick up.

Here is the quilt in the piecing stage. The flatbed truck, crane, dump truck and backhoe were all part of the quilt pattern I bought. I designed the cement truck and roller (not pictured here), just for some added fun. And to appease my 3 year old.

Here is the quilt, all pieced with the quilting started.

A close-up of my attempt at quilting. Trying to quilt curves is more than tricky when working with a whole quilt on a regular sewing machine while using a walking foot. I'm seriously questioning my sanity when I pull this one out to work on. Which is maybe why it still isn't done. Hmmmm.

Occasionally I have a good idea; this time I pieced a machine and made it into a placemat for my 3 year old to use at our glass-topped table. They work like a charm, are easily washed of the inevitable ick that finds its way off the plate and onto the placemat. Bonus? They whipped up fast and were FUN. No frustrations. Just sew and go.

Organize
And for something that any crafter would find useful:

Boxes that zip shut and have handles on either end. I purchased this set of three nesting boxes a few weeks ago and they have become my favorite buy. The smallest one (open) holds all my sewing notions and accessories. The other two boxes house fabrics and current projects. Sooo worth the $20 they cost me.

Mom, take a picture!

My oldest son is well-trained. He does something cute, his father and I giggle or make a comment and then the boy says, "Take a picture of me, Mom. Take a picture of me!". And he has learned to be persistent. Because he'll keep saying it until I get the camera out and take a picture.

Sometimes it is worth it.

'Cause the kid can be just so darn cute.

And his little brother just sits by, taking notes.

Now, if only the little bugger would start talking.

Jungle Gym

I think I must have signed a form in the hospital after giving birth to two boys without knowing it. You know, the one that consents to my boys using my body as a human jungle gym.

Is it really that fun flopping on me, with my elbows that jab into your belly and the hip bones that protrude into your face? Oh wait, it's me that has to endure the misplaced elbows, knees, chins and wrists bearing your full weight of 25 or 33 pounds. And somehow you always manage to find the softest parts of me to put those wonderful joints of yours. No wonder my muscles shudder when you come near.

So tell me, did I miss something?

Amy Michelle

FIVE years ago today, my friend Amy got married. On Vancouver Island. On the beach. With a decadent meal at a very posh restaurant to celebrate. And I was there. I was honoured to be there. I was honoured to be a part of her day.

Doing touch-ups before the ceremony. June 2007

But there was a slight problem. See, I found out somewhat last minute that I was to make a speech about Amy. This wasn't the problem; Amy is a wonderful friend and I wasn't short of lovely things to say about her. The problem was that I botched the actual speech part. The talking part. I had this wonderful speech in my head and it didn't come out my mouth. Stupid mouth.

It has haunted me for FIVE years.

So today, I want to set the record straight.

I have Amy to thank for my life. Overly dramatic? Perhaps. But my life would not look the same if I had not met her.

She introduced me to the arts: A few weeks into our roommate adventure I ended up attending a sound stage opening with Amy. In jeans. Not only did we feel a bit out of place in the sea of black ties but we forwent the hobnobbing to explore the sound stage. It was epic. Oh wait, perhaps that was a better example of showing me how to be real. In any circumstance. Either way, it made an impression and continues to impact me.

Me, Ginny and Amy. Spring 2007

She showed me what it was like to be passionate about something: She loved the arts and was currently taking a film degree at university. She surrounded herself with visual creativity and learned everything she could about filming and photographing.

She helped me be hospitable and generous: She'd bring people home from her church to enjoy the meal I had prepared. We were able to share the little we had and in turn we gained a time of fellowship and comraderie.

Me and Amy. My wedding, September 2007

She allowed me the freedom to dream: We dreamed of owning an art and retreat center that offered people a chance to relax and connect with different artistic outlets. We dreamed of Bed & Breakfasts. We dreamed of the places we were going to travel to. We dreamed and dreamed. And though our lives may have turned out differently than we had dreamed, those dreams allowed me to start to discover who I am and what my passions are.


She showed me what it looked like to have God in your life: Not overzealous, not fanatical, just a this-is-part-of-my-life sort of thing. A nonchalant-ness that freed me from chains of shame, guilt and expectations. For this there will never be enough words to thank her.

Amy, me and Lane. Summer 2009

And above all else, she showed me what it was like to fall in love with a man. To go with the flow and enjoy the ride. And that good things can come when you least expect it, from the most unexpected places.

Happy Anniversary, Amy and Garth! 

Baby #3

Today I went for my first midwife appointment.

Yep, I get a midwife! 

The idea of someone who is going to care for me and form a relationship with me is so appealing. Relaxing. Contented-ing. I just want someone to look after me. I look after my family every day; I like the idea of someone looking out for me while I carry my third child. I'm tired of being numbers: weight, belly measurements, blood pressure, urine proteins and glucose levels. I'm more than that and I'd like to feel respected as another human being.

My midwife went through all my bloodwork with me, point by point. Nevermind that it was all fine; just the fact that she told me what I was tested for and that it all had good results was reassuring. And trust-building.

She asked if I minded being weighed. And then weighed me in kilograms and refused to translate it into pounds, telling me that this was my normal pregnancy weight. Ahhhh.... how refreshing.

But there is nothing as special as hearing the baby's heartbeat for the first time. It sounds the same with every baby but that first time is always so miraculous. And today I got to hear Baby #3's.

And for those who are curious, Baby #3 is due mid-December. And I'm seriously considering delivering this one at home. How relaxing would that be?!