Tonight we made plans to visit my friend Ashley in West Lorne. Ben wasn't around but I still brought Nathan with me. I know I've bragged about being on our own this week and being able to take care of ourselves but tonight we got some help.
Nathan went to the grocery store this morning to buy me some strawberries that were on sale and Debbie (who works at the store and knew we were heading to Ashley's for dinner) saw him and sent him up to her place to pick up a meatloaf for us for dinner.
We cooked it at our place and then traveled the 25 minutes to Ashley's to heat it up a bit. It was delicious and I think we all appreciated the parental presence.
Wednesday, February 27, 2013
Tuesday, February 26, 2013
Ice Storm
Today we had a quiet day around the house. Nathan and I both decided it was time to get rid of some things that were cluttering up our closet so between the two of us we put together a garbage bag full of clothes for Goodwill.
I made plans for tonight with my friend Becky who lives near Sarnia (about an hour and a half away). We've been friends since high school and for some reason she keeps moving further away from me. We left about 3pm since Becky was working during the day (teacher) and took the scenic route through a few town (ie. Strathroy) instead of the highway...OK we got a little lost but we still made it on time!
About 3/4 of the way there we heard on the radio that there was an ice storm warning for midnight. We were a little freaked out but we'd already come so far.
After a visit at Becky and Mike's place with their two kids, the four adults headed out to dinner at a local place called Skeeter Barlow's. It's right on the water and Mike said that in the summer the place is standing room only. I can understand that and not just because of the location - the food was really good!
It was fun to have a double date but we had to end it a little earlier than we wanted to so that we could start our drive home.
The weather was really bad on the way home - we were the only vehicle besides the transport trucks. I think we went 70 most of the way. It took us 2 hours to get home but we were in no rush so we went slow and steady.
Nathan was so exhausted when he got home he just headed straight up to bed.
I made plans for tonight with my friend Becky who lives near Sarnia (about an hour and a half away). We've been friends since high school and for some reason she keeps moving further away from me. We left about 3pm since Becky was working during the day (teacher) and took the scenic route through a few town (ie. Strathroy) instead of the highway...OK we got a little lost but we still made it on time!
About 3/4 of the way there we heard on the radio that there was an ice storm warning for midnight. We were a little freaked out but we'd already come so far.
After a visit at Becky and Mike's place with their two kids, the four adults headed out to dinner at a local place called Skeeter Barlow's. It's right on the water and Mike said that in the summer the place is standing room only. I can understand that and not just because of the location - the food was really good!
It was fun to have a double date but we had to end it a little earlier than we wanted to so that we could start our drive home.
The weather was really bad on the way home - we were the only vehicle besides the transport trucks. I think we went 70 most of the way. It took us 2 hours to get home but we were in no rush so we went slow and steady.
Nathan was so exhausted when he got home he just headed straight up to bed.
Monday, February 25, 2013
What Day is This?
Today was a long and confusing day. After a short nap (sleeping from 10pm-1:30am) the four of us (Nathan, my parents, and I) packed up the truck and headed for the Toronto airport. My parents are taking a week long vacation to an all-inclusive resort in the Dominican Republic. My parents try to go on a vacation each year but they haven't been in a few so it was a big deal that they are finally able to get away.
As we dropped them off at 4:30am my Dad asked if we would be OK on our own. Nathan and I laughed because I think my parents forget that we do live on our most of the time. We're like real grown-ups!
After we dropped them off we headed to Scott and Sara Lyon's apartment downtown TO. We delivered a table and chair set that we no longer needed.
After that we were pretty hungry so we went to Denny's to split a Lumberjack Breakfast before stumbling into Nathan's parent's house for a 4 hour sleep.
We passed the day lazily - watching movies, reading, and enjoying a Shamrock Shake from McDonald's. We stayed for dinner with Nathan's parents before heading back to Boxall.
We had to head back because we're in charge of manning the corn-stove (a fire stove that burns corn instead of wood) and like a pet, it needs to be tended every few hours.
As we dropped them off at 4:30am my Dad asked if we would be OK on our own. Nathan and I laughed because I think my parents forget that we do live on our most of the time. We're like real grown-ups!
After we dropped them off we headed to Scott and Sara Lyon's apartment downtown TO. We delivered a table and chair set that we no longer needed.
After that we were pretty hungry so we went to Denny's to split a Lumberjack Breakfast before stumbling into Nathan's parent's house for a 4 hour sleep.
We passed the day lazily - watching movies, reading, and enjoying a Shamrock Shake from McDonald's. We stayed for dinner with Nathan's parents before heading back to Boxall.
We had to head back because we're in charge of manning the corn-stove (a fire stove that burns corn instead of wood) and like a pet, it needs to be tended every few hours.
Sunday, February 24, 2013
Ashley's Birthday
Tonight we headed to Debbie and Casey's for Ashley's birthday dinner. We arrived at 5:30 and after visiting and appetizers we had a big dinner of stuffed chicken and roast beef.
After dinner Ashley opened her presents and she got a mini cupcake maker. I am so jealous! I don't know how often I would use one but it seems like the perfect toy for special occasions - plus I love the colour.
For dessert instead of birthday cake we had s white chocolate cheese cake with an Oreo crust that Debbie made. It was the best dessert ever!
When we were preparing to leave for the party I came downstairs to find my mom and I dressed identically in black tank tops , blue jeans, and white dress shirts. This actually happens a lot with us. We decided not to change and go as twinsies.
After dinner Ashley opened her presents and she got a mini cupcake maker. I am so jealous! I don't know how often I would use one but it seems like the perfect toy for special occasions - plus I love the colour.
For dessert instead of birthday cake we had s white chocolate cheese cake with an Oreo crust that Debbie made. It was the best dessert ever!
When we were preparing to leave for the party I came downstairs to find my mom and I dressed identically in black tank tops , blue jeans, and white dress shirts. This actually happens a lot with us. We decided not to change and go as twinsies.
Thursday, February 21, 2013
Through the Looking Glass
Shelley is planning an Alice in Wonderland tea party for my niece, Scarlett's, birthday party next month. She asked if I could make her an Alice costume. I said I would if I had the fabric to do it but that I didn't want to have to buy fabric for the dress. Well, I started to go through the boxes that I received from Marlene's friend and there it was - a HUGE bolt of blue fabric. I had no excuses so I got to work.
It was a lot easier to make this dress because Scarlett has some clothes here so I was able to get accurate measurements. The apron was really fussy to make but I took my time and lined the whole outfit. All she'll need are some white tights and black shoes and she'll be ready to go!
It was a lot easier to make this dress because Scarlett has some clothes here so I was able to get accurate measurements. The apron was really fussy to make but I took my time and lined the whole outfit. All she'll need are some white tights and black shoes and she'll be ready to go!
Wednesday, February 20, 2013
Group Hug
It seems to be a very difficult season.
Between family and family friends we have felt the grief of losing 7 people this winter. Some were old and ill for a long time, some were young and illness came quickly, and others were taken in tragic circumstances.
On Monday my family went to a funeral for a man that was our neighbor for decades. He is also my Dad's best friend's father. I remember Bob fondly and the sadness of the day was compounded that only 9 months ago we buried his grandson, a boy I grew up with.
It has been difficult to return to the funeral home that Nathan and I have seen the inside of two too many times in the last two years but it's also overwhelming to see the hurt of so many people we care about while Nathan and I are at a stage where we have happiness.
When we were shopping last Saturday in the mall in Windsor, we ran into Andrew Banar and his mother. Andrew has a clothing line (Group Hug Apparel) that he designed and sells for children's hospitals and advocacy groups.
After a quick introduction and chat we were about to leave when Andrew said, "Ok, group hug!" and the four of us hugged in the main center of the mall. It was actually wonderful. I would never initiate a group hug in a very public place but it reminded me of the comfort we can recieve from others and how simple it is to give it.
http://www.cdss.ca/fr/canadian-down-syndrome-day-heroes-andrew-banar.html
Between family and family friends we have felt the grief of losing 7 people this winter. Some were old and ill for a long time, some were young and illness came quickly, and others were taken in tragic circumstances.
On Monday my family went to a funeral for a man that was our neighbor for decades. He is also my Dad's best friend's father. I remember Bob fondly and the sadness of the day was compounded that only 9 months ago we buried his grandson, a boy I grew up with.
It has been difficult to return to the funeral home that Nathan and I have seen the inside of two too many times in the last two years but it's also overwhelming to see the hurt of so many people we care about while Nathan and I are at a stage where we have happiness.
When we were shopping last Saturday in the mall in Windsor, we ran into Andrew Banar and his mother. Andrew has a clothing line (Group Hug Apparel) that he designed and sells for children's hospitals and advocacy groups.
After a quick introduction and chat we were about to leave when Andrew said, "Ok, group hug!" and the four of us hugged in the main center of the mall. It was actually wonderful. I would never initiate a group hug in a very public place but it reminded me of the comfort we can recieve from others and how simple it is to give it.
http://www.cdss.ca/fr/canadian-down-syndrome-day-heroes-andrew-banar.html
Tuesday, February 19, 2013
SuperBoy
One of my favorite sewing projects is to make dress-up clothes for kids. I like to make them because it's a chance to be creative, make a pattern, and it usually only takes a fraction of a what a bigger project takes (ie. a quilt top).
My friend Becky had asked me a couple of weeks ago if I could make her son Everett, who is turning 3 next month, a Superman cape. I offered to use an 'E' instead of the 'S' and she agreed that it would be a fun idea.
I was able to do the project because I had some scrap material left over from an earlier project. I haven't taken on many new projects because I don't have the fabric selection (at the lower price) that I did while I was in the US. However, I already had red satin and had JUSTENOUGH to pull the cape together. I really liked how it turned out and I think Everett will be happy next month when he gets to try it on.
I didn't make my own pattern for this piece (I did have to adjust the measurement because Everett is younger than the boy in the blog post) and it was really easy to follow. Even though I love how the red satin looks - I hate working with satin! It's awful and I'm happy the scraps are used up.
Here is the tutorial for anyone who is interested:
http://www.momsrising.org/blog/how-to-make-a-superhero-cape-by-lara-from-howdoesshe/
My friend Becky had asked me a couple of weeks ago if I could make her son Everett, who is turning 3 next month, a Superman cape. I offered to use an 'E' instead of the 'S' and she agreed that it would be a fun idea.
I was able to do the project because I had some scrap material left over from an earlier project. I haven't taken on many new projects because I don't have the fabric selection (at the lower price) that I did while I was in the US. However, I already had red satin and had JUSTENOUGH to pull the cape together. I really liked how it turned out and I think Everett will be happy next month when he gets to try it on.
Here is the tutorial for anyone who is interested:
http://www.momsrising.org/blog/how-to-make-a-superhero-cape-by-lara-from-howdoesshe/
Sunday, February 17, 2013
Country Cooking
Sometimes I forget how "country" my family and home life can be, and then - like the moment you step out of the room you went into and forgot what you were looking for only to remember again, it comes flooding back.
Today my parents invited Fraser and Shelley (my brother and sister-in-law) over for turkey dinner. I was a little concerned when we came home from church and the turkey was still defrosting in the sink. Then 5 o'clock rolled around and there was still a raw turkey on the counter. At that point it was time to head out to the garage for the turkey dunk. My brother braved the hot oil (lucky we had the old dry wall surrounding the pot in case it exploded) to lower the turkey into the deep fryer. A deep fried turkey! It takes 3 minutes per pound so in half an hour we had a fully cooked (and quite delicious) turkey. I still prefer the old fashioned way but the meat was moist and it tasted almost exactly as it would have if it had been cooked in the oven.
We all went out to watch the initial dunking (even though it was -14 degrees outside). I remember a few years back standing around our driveway, some of us sitting on the tailgate and a car stopping at the end of our drive and a woman starting to take pictures of us - a complete stranger. It was really wierd but then I looked around tonight and saw what she saw. Oh well, it was a lot of fun.
Scarlett showed up at the house in the Tinkerbell costume that I made her for Christmas and she and Tanner amused themselves for most of the night with the box of new washing machine came in (and a pack of crayons).
Today my parents invited Fraser and Shelley (my brother and sister-in-law) over for turkey dinner. I was a little concerned when we came home from church and the turkey was still defrosting in the sink. Then 5 o'clock rolled around and there was still a raw turkey on the counter. At that point it was time to head out to the garage for the turkey dunk. My brother braved the hot oil (lucky we had the old dry wall surrounding the pot in case it exploded) to lower the turkey into the deep fryer. A deep fried turkey! It takes 3 minutes per pound so in half an hour we had a fully cooked (and quite delicious) turkey. I still prefer the old fashioned way but the meat was moist and it tasted almost exactly as it would have if it had been cooked in the oven.
We all went out to watch the initial dunking (even though it was -14 degrees outside). I remember a few years back standing around our driveway, some of us sitting on the tailgate and a car stopping at the end of our drive and a woman starting to take pictures of us - a complete stranger. It was really wierd but then I looked around tonight and saw what she saw. Oh well, it was a lot of fun.
Scarlett showed up at the house in the Tinkerbell costume that I made her for Christmas and she and Tanner amused themselves for most of the night with the box of new washing machine came in (and a pack of crayons).
Saturday, February 16, 2013
Shopping Day
Today my mom, Nathan and I went to Windsor Crossing- an Outlet mall in Windsor Ontario a few kilometres from the Canada / USA border. I've wanted to get a new Coach purse for a couple of years. My mom bought me a small one that I love, but 2 weeks later I was diagnosed as a diabetic and there's never enough room to carry all my supplies.
I wanted to get a simple leather purse but its s big purchase for me so I've been debating and looking for just the right style. Today Coach had a 50% off everything sake so I knew it was the perfect time to shop.
Nathan helped me pick out the perfect bag and after walking around the store clutching it for 25 minutes I finally placed if on the counter. I love it and it fits my wallet, insulin, and meter perfectly.
On our way home we hit some bad stretches of road. It went from perfectly clear to near white out conditions. One the 1.5 hour ride home we saw 15 cars in the ditch (one was flipped over). Most of the cars didn't appear to be in too much trouble but a few were really far off the highway. We were able to take our time and make it home safely.
I wanted to get a simple leather purse but its s big purchase for me so I've been debating and looking for just the right style. Today Coach had a 50% off everything sake so I knew it was the perfect time to shop.
Nathan helped me pick out the perfect bag and after walking around the store clutching it for 25 minutes I finally placed if on the counter. I love it and it fits my wallet, insulin, and meter perfectly.
On our way home we hit some bad stretches of road. It went from perfectly clear to near white out conditions. One the 1.5 hour ride home we saw 15 cars in the ditch (one was flipped over). Most of the cars didn't appear to be in too much trouble but a few were really far off the highway. We were able to take our time and make it home safely.
Thursday, February 14, 2013
Happy Valentine's Day!
Today we started the day on a happy note - literally- Scarlett made us this adorable Valentine!
Nathan and I didn't have any big plans for today but we wanted to get out if the house. On Tuesday I spent some time going through cards and gifts we received when each of the boys were born. Some were still unopened because I just couldn't handle it at the time. In one of the cards I found a Tim Horton's gift card. Nathan and I decided to use it today to have a delicious lunch and treat ourselves to a little date.
After lunch we headed to the library. We usually hit up the library once a week so we were due. I found a couple of books I wanted to read and as I was getting ready to check out I saw a really cool display. For Valentine 's Day you take out a wrapped book to have a "blind date with a book". I thought it was an amazing idea- especially for me (I stick to what I know and like).
I opened my package and found Toni Morrison's novel, Home. I'm excited to go on my second date of the day!
Nathan and I didn't have any big plans for today but we wanted to get out if the house. On Tuesday I spent some time going through cards and gifts we received when each of the boys were born. Some were still unopened because I just couldn't handle it at the time. In one of the cards I found a Tim Horton's gift card. Nathan and I decided to use it today to have a delicious lunch and treat ourselves to a little date.
After lunch we headed to the library. We usually hit up the library once a week so we were due. I found a couple of books I wanted to read and as I was getting ready to check out I saw a really cool display. For Valentine 's Day you take out a wrapped book to have a "blind date with a book". I thought it was an amazing idea- especially for me (I stick to what I know and like).
I opened my package and found Toni Morrison's novel, Home. I'm excited to go on my second date of the day!
Tuesday, February 12, 2013
Pancake Tuesday
I know quiet a few women who have lost children, some from before Michael and John, some after, some from support groups, some from the internet, but what I've learned if that we all grieve differently.
I've never been someone who needs to be at the grave site or have a birthday cake, to release a balloon into the air or put an announcement in the paper. They're all right ways, but I never know what to do. Nathan and I do have our annual talk, "are you OK?" "yeah...are YOU OK?"
It's been two years since Michael was born and we're doing OK. We spent the day running errands, chatting, and having a few tears over lunch (I always cry when I'm eating - I don't know why). It was a good day though, we were apart last year and it was tough. Being together just makes things better.
For dinner Nathan made pancakes from scratch and we had a big pancake dinner Shrove Tuesday in preparation for Lent (even though my Mom is the only Catholic in the family). We had the best toppings and went all out on our dinner (shhhh.....meat included).
I've never been someone who needs to be at the grave site or have a birthday cake, to release a balloon into the air or put an announcement in the paper. They're all right ways, but I never know what to do. Nathan and I do have our annual talk, "are you OK?" "yeah...are YOU OK?"
It's been two years since Michael was born and we're doing OK. We spent the day running errands, chatting, and having a few tears over lunch (I always cry when I'm eating - I don't know why). It was a good day though, we were apart last year and it was tough. Being together just makes things better.
For dinner Nathan made pancakes from scratch and we had a big pancake dinner Shrove Tuesday in preparation for Lent (even though my Mom is the only Catholic in the family). We had the best toppings and went all out on our dinner (shhhh.....meat included).
Saturday, February 9, 2013
Happy Birthday Ben!
We headed to Toronto for the weekend for a family visit but most importantly, to celebrate the second birthday of Heather and Ian's son, Benjamin.
We arrived in Brampton on Saturday morning. Our trip was delayed a day because of the big snow storm that hit southern Ontario on Friday morning. I can't remember when I last saw so much snow! Our road wasn't plowed until 2pm but my Dad brought the backhoe from the farm to plow the driveway.
Once we got to Toronto we were able to have a quick lunch and rest before heading to Tottenham to Heather and Ian's. Heather made a delicious lasagne and Marlene made a really cool fish cake for dessert.
After dinner we had coffees, played some Scrabble (and debated on what game we could play next time with 6 players) and headed home around 9:30pm.
Most days I'm frustrated that we're doing a lot of waiting around, waiting for residency to start, not working, spinning our wheels, etc. but it's times like these I'm thankful to have these five months to watch the kids grow and get to know our families better.
We arrived in Brampton on Saturday morning. Our trip was delayed a day because of the big snow storm that hit southern Ontario on Friday morning. I can't remember when I last saw so much snow! Our road wasn't plowed until 2pm but my Dad brought the backhoe from the farm to plow the driveway.
Once we got to Toronto we were able to have a quick lunch and rest before heading to Tottenham to Heather and Ian's. Heather made a delicious lasagne and Marlene made a really cool fish cake for dessert.
After dinner we had coffees, played some Scrabble (and debated on what game we could play next time with 6 players) and headed home around 9:30pm.
Most days I'm frustrated that we're doing a lot of waiting around, waiting for residency to start, not working, spinning our wheels, etc. but it's times like these I'm thankful to have these five months to watch the kids grow and get to know our families better.
Sunday, February 3, 2013
YMCA
Nathan went to Toronto to visit his family for a few day (with a Super Bowl party with his friends mixed in). I headed to church on my own this morning and the pastor, Andre, who is also the head of Youth for Christ in St. Thomas delivered an amazing sermon. I was nervous about going to the new church alone - Nathan is my social buffer, but I'm so glad I went.
After church I met with my good friend Becky at her mom's house. Becky lives over an hour away but she was in town for. Her nephew's birthday party. I know most of Becky's family and they invited me to tag along to the party at the YMCA so Becky and I could visit.
The party was awesome- the few covers gym time, food time (cake and drinks included) and swim time. AND the whole afternoon was run by YMCA staff! It was such a great party because it was controlled and organized... and the cake was really tasty.
After the party Becky and I dropped off the kids with he husband Mike, and enter to Tim Hortons for a quick coffee catch-up session before we each headed home for dinner. Becky has been a great, consistent, and honest friend to me over the years and I really appreciate having her in my life.
After church I met with my good friend Becky at her mom's house. Becky lives over an hour away but she was in town for. Her nephew's birthday party. I know most of Becky's family and they invited me to tag along to the party at the YMCA so Becky and I could visit.
The party was awesome- the few covers gym time, food time (cake and drinks included) and swim time. AND the whole afternoon was run by YMCA staff! It was such a great party because it was controlled and organized... and the cake was really tasty.
After the party Becky and I dropped off the kids with he husband Mike, and enter to Tim Hortons for a quick coffee catch-up session before we each headed home for dinner. Becky has been a great, consistent, and honest friend to me over the years and I really appreciate having her in my life.
Saturday, February 2, 2013
Blast From the Past
Nathan was cleaning out some of his belongings in my parent's basement today and came across a box of old papers that his parents had given him awhile back. The box had old passports (including the stamp for entrance to Kenya), swimming lesson badges, and (my favorite) Nathan's report cards. Even Nathan had to agree that most of them are still pretty accurate.
Friday, February 1, 2013
Walk Around
We finally had a break in the freezing cold temperatures and I was able to get out and go for a walk. Unfortunately the warmer weather brought rain, mud, and fog, but I pulled on my rubber boots an headed for my traditional walk around the farm. It felt so good to be outside and although I didn't see any of the deer that have been visiting our yard lately, it was great to get some exercise outside of the house and not feel so cooped up.
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