Helping Dad

We have lived in this particular house since mid-March, making it about 4 months here. Also meaning that we have about 5 months left here. For some reason I figured that it was about time (and worth the time) to start putting stuff on the walls. Don't ask. When we lived in Moose Jaw it was one of the first things I did but somehow I missed it this time when we moved.

Regardless, we now have a few things up on the wall and wow, does it feel good. Feels a lot more homey. But the real story is about dad and his boy.

Our boys love to help, in any way, shape or form. For this particular project Lane just happened to be able to use tools. Real tools. And most of them his. To say he was excited might be an understatement.

To hang the quilt in our living room they used nails. Dad started one and then lifted Lane up so he could "help" drive the nail in with his own hammer. He had no problem hitting the nail, he just didn't have quite enough "umph" to drive it in. No matter. That's what dads are for.

The living room was easy. On to the kitchen/dining area. Using power tools are way more fun! And yes, our son has his own drill. And he got to drill his very first hole using an actual drill bit. Cloud nine? Not really, but definitely proud of himself.

Using a screwdriver to drive the screw into the hole he drilled. It's not quite as easy as dad makes it look.

See? Dad to the rescue.

And here's the finished product. A bit of colour, a bit of art and a little bit of us. We're liking it.

Even if the kid has to make a funny face just because the camera is out.

Just Us

Facebook and blogs are deceiving. Most of us like to show our good sides and hide the bad and/or mundane parts of our life - we show the highlight reel, per se. I'm really no exception to the rule although I do try to give an honest peek into our life.

We all have our moments. The kids aggravate me. They push my buttons and I react disproportionately. It happens. I'm working on it. And in between those times life is just like life in a lot of other houses.

We eat breakfast. Some days it is cereal. Some days I put forth a bit of effort and make something: waffles and syrup, pancakes and bacon, french toast, or, for my southern husband, sausage and biscuits. But it certainly doesn't happen every day.

I do the dishes. Almost every day. Sometimes I'm brave and let the kids "do the dishes" too. They love it and I try not to cringe.

We read books. We're book people so there are always books lying around our house. Kids books (lots) and adult books. Somewhere in between everything going on my husband and I find time to read books...sometimes even the same book. Our kids are developing a love of books too.

The kids whine. I see a lot of this whiny bugger. The kid is so close to talking and is starting to get really frustrated that he can't communicate. Needless to say, there is a lot of crying and whining going around right now.

We play. Some days, like maybe once a week, I manage to get creative with my kids. Last week my oldest was all about the play-doh. Somehow I managed to make a car out of the stuff...

We learn. My husband is great with our kids. He loves to teach them things and they love the time spent with him.

See? Nothing spectacular about our house. We eat, sleep and well, you know, the usual.

But inbetween the normal, mundane, chaotic world of raising kids we grab glimpses of fun, laughter and just darn cute. And we hold on tight.

The "Da" Cacophony

Somedays our house gets a little loud.

But we get a chuckle or two out of it, even if the kid was at it for many minutes before my husband pulled the camera out.

Fabric

The Great Birthday Quilt of 2012 has seen quite a few fabrics show up in the mail these last couple of weeks.

From my grandparents in BC, my aunt in Washington, her daughter brought a piece back for me from Thailand, another aunt and her family in BC, a friend in Nipawin and my cousin in Lethbridge.

From the Koop family.

From my aunt and cousins in Saskatoon.

The "Thiessen Blue" from my aunt in Calgary.

From my brother.

From my brother's wife.

From our old next-door neighbour in Nipawin.

From my in-laws in North Carolina.

From my dad, my youngest son, my husband and my oldest son.

There are stories to go with each piece of fabric, making this quilt more and more special. It may look funny, it certainly isn't all going to match but every time I use it I will be reminded of all the different people in my life. Perfect for celebrating my 30 years.

Whale Time

Our whale pool survived the move down south and lives to be played in for another summer. A lot has changed since the first time eyes were set upon this marvelous beast.

All fear is gone. It is a toy and it is good.

Wet is good. Cold doesn't really matter when you're having fun.

Splashing is FUN. Even better if you can get your little brother wet. Especially if he doesn't like it yet.

See for yourself:

Whales aren't monsters after all.

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.