old women and cars

I know this is old, but I still get a laugh...

This one really takes the cake though:

i've learned...

Somehow I always thought I'd have it all together by age 22-25. I'd have life figured out, my beliefs, myself, my feelings... and slowly I'm learning that, well, you're never done learning. I've learned a lot about myself in the last year, some good, most not so good. I realize that I never really knew what I believed about a lot of stuff... kinda floating along, just for the ride. And when you have kids, somehow that doesn't cut it. They start asking questions, and you gotta have answers!

A few things I've learned in the last year:

1. I'm stubborn. Extremely so. It's "all or nothing" for this girl...

2. Doing it "just because" doesn't cut it anymore. I need more than that.

3. Kids need more than that.

4. You can't hide what's important to you, right or wrong, from a 5 year old.

5. I'm compassionate. I don't always do the right thing, but inside I really do care. A lot.

6. I'm extremely sensitive. Sometimes good. Sometimes really really bad.

7. God really does love me. Way more than I ever dreamed... believe me, I tested Him this year.

8. I've done a lot of pretending... I like the real me better.

9. God has a plan for everyone.

10. Sometimes? It's not the easy path...

random thoughts

1. I discovered something very important today... 5 and 3 year old boys can actually help a lot with housework. Especially when they have something withheld from them until the job is complete!

2. I'm still having caffeine withdrawal headaches, and I'm about to cave and go brew a fresh cup of steaming, caffeine-laden java.

3. Today I decluttered my and Tech Guy's closets. Our bed is piled high with stuff we don't need. What is wrong when the bed is full and the closet is still full?

4. I also cleaned out the fridge and the pantry.

5. I feel like today has been a success so far. Now I want some coffee. Or some sleep.

caffeine free

So, big news. I'm officially off caffeine. No kidding. My 6 cups of coffee every morning? A thing of the past. My Coke Zero every afternoon? Gone.

Sunday I ended up having an ECG in the ambulance at the fire hall, because my heart was acting up... turns out I just get PVC's like many other many people. But it got me thinking... I'm 27, and eventually I'm gonna have to start taking care of my body. I won't be young forever. So I took the plunge, and after 3 days of withdrawal (again, not kidding; those were bad headaches), I'm caffeine-free!

And, not surprisingly, I even sleep better now.

P.S. You should have seen the looks on their faces in Starbucks when I asked if their espresso came in decaf! (It actually does, btw!)

the answer is no. N-O

I have no patience with people who can't take "no" for an answer. And I've had plenty of experience with this because of these lovely people from Orlando, Florida who love to keep calling and harrassing me. Actually they're very polite on the phone, very polite but completely clueless as to the meaning of the word "no". It was one of those deals where you get this email for this great vacation deal and while I know there's no such thing as a free lunch and everything, I still clicked the link and entered my phone number. Yeah. Dumb. So this was last August and they told me they'd send me my free package in the mail and if we liked it and all then we could pay the $500 and have a great vacation. To shorten this lengthy story, they charged us the $500 but we never got the package. Tech Guy phoned them and got them to refund our money, and all was good.

Anyway, we thought that was the end, but today a guy phoned again. He seemed to know the whole history of us and he launched into this thing that he could understand that, me being Canadian I probably had issues with the US and he really could understand that, since he'd lived in Canada for 2 years (2 years!) and he knew that we had issues with the US and that was okay, blah blah blah... WHAT?! I informed him I had absolutely nothing against Americans... I have 3 siblings and many friends down there, and absolutely no reason to hate just for the sake of hating. So he kept on with his spiel; I tried to say, "Sir, we're not interested," about 4 times and it was hopeless.... Meanwhile the boys were shrieking and demanding my attention...

So finally I said, "You know, my boys really need me so maybe you could call when my husband's home."

Orlando Guy: "Why?"

Me: "My boys need me right now."

OG: chuckles "Your boys will always need you. Okay, let me tell you about our package."

Me: frustrated "This is exactly my problem with you people, you don't take no for an answer!!"

OG: "Oh, okay, well I'm sorry we couldn't help you."

click

on recipes

I just posted a new recipe over on my recipe blog... head on over to check it out! And be sure to click on "subscribe" at the top of the page so you don't miss the rest of my recipes!

changes

I'm here. I really am. This past week has been indescribable... the phrase that comes to mind is "battlefield of the mind" because it feels like a war is waging in there. But, the best thing is, that for every dark, dark moment... there is a touch from God like I've never known before. And that is why I'm a Christian, why I hang in there... I would not trade it for the world!

Besides all that, life has been crazy busy. Tomorrow is the only day I'm home and not otherwise busy this week... doctors appointments, Play & Art on Wednesdays, haircut appointments, yearly physicals, babysitting... and evening meetings at our church. Every evening. They are enlightening, inspiring... but also exhausting..!

In the last while I've felt like I need to prioritize my time a little better... God, husband, kids and then whatever else there's time for. Sadly my kids have been rather neglected and their attitudes are revealing that now... I've decided to take a little more time with them, reading stories, playing play dough, and most importantly, teach them how to live godly lives. And something has to give... wasted internet time! I want to keep up my blog, no worries there, but I've got to give a little when it comes to hours spent... it's a challenge I'm taking up! I still check email regularly, and I'll be keeping up my blog so don't be shy... I still wanna hear from you!!

sad

There is just so much sadness & sickness in the world... I think spending time online has shown me that more than anything. I get daily requests for prayers for this baby dying or that mother fighting cancer... and it can get a person down if you're a "cup half empty" type of person already (check!)...

Today it got personal. I got an email from one of my closest friends... her brother- and sister-in-law have been spending time as missionaries in Kenya and this morning they lost their little baby girl they had worked so hard to save. They have only one child, a 5-year-old girl, and this baby was prayed for and long awaited. It seems so sad, so unfair... And although we aren't that close friends of theirs, they are from our church group and we were in the same young couples' group for years. Please pray for them, especially for little J (the 5-year-old) who so badly wanted a little sister, and who had to learn so young about saying goodbye...

on blogging

I've hit a blogging slump... surprise! Anyway as I was browsing blogs this morning I came across two posts on the topic of blogging that totally could have been written by me.

This one covers commenting and as she says, comments are our paycheck, the validation of ourselves as writers...

This one explains how the writer has gained confidence through blogging... I so can identify with that!!

So that's all for today... until I can get past this writer's block and produce something a little more personal...

discontented

In spite of the globalization of so many products and stores, there are still a lot of things made and sold in the US that are not available in Canada. Or at least not near where I live. On the top of that list would be Krusteaz Cinnamon Crumb Cake mix. I honestly don't know why I can't buy it here - Costco carries the Krusteaz buttermilk pancake mix, which I use all the time! So if any of you feel extremely generous, you could just pop a couple of those boxes in the mail for me. Thanks. =)

I do realize that there are also items in our grocery stores that are not available in the US, too. Rogers Golden Syrup, for one. We could not live without it here; it goes on the toast every morning together with peanut butter. Yummo! But there's definitely a lot more stuff available in the US than in Canada.

And the stores..! We finally got Bath & Body Works, we also have a Pottery Barn and (soon!) Crate & Barrel. But what I really want is a Target! My closest one is in Kalispell, MT, which is a 7 hour drive and we only do it once a year or less.

Oh, and the other thing? Why are groceries so much more expensive in Canada? I pay $3-4 for a brick of cream cheese, $2-3 for a can of Pillsbury Crescent Rolls and my sister tells me she pays $1 across the border. What's up with that?!?!

lonesome

Tech Guy left yesterday morning for 5 days in L.A. I'm an independent girl, I love my space, my freedom to get up when I want and stay up as late as I want... but man, do I miss that guy!!

It is winter here, and this is what he had the gall to send me:

for you my friends...

Hey God, got a minute ?

It's just me again.

You know, I have this group of friends

that I need you to take care of and watch over.

They are not all from my town,

and some not even in the same province.

They're scattered all over.

We send e-mails to each other,

speak on the phone at times, and

there are a lot that I have been lucky enough

to share a real hug with over the course of time!

There is so much going on in the world,

and it scares me.

You see, I care about these friends,

and God that's why I am asking you

to please watch over them and protect them.

I would never have imagined that

I could care and even love

these special friends so much ~

they HAVE made such a difference in my life!!

The truth is : loving and truly caring about a person

begins in the heart, and it stays inside of the heart.

I ask you God, to please give my friends

health, happiness and peace.

Please take care of them, and guide them.

I have been so blessed to have found

so many special friends from all around.

I have learned that although some of us

have different beliefs and we live differently,

we are so much alike,

all hoping for the same things in life,

and a little bit of true happiness.

Please God,

Bless each one of these friends

that have touched my life in one way or another.

I know that each one of these folks

has been placed in my path for a reason,

so I ask you once again God ;

please protect them, guide them,

keep them safe, love them and

Bless them throughout their lives.

Amen

~Author Unknown~

52 things...

52 things to do in 2009: (thanks to Darcy for this idea!)

1. Go on a treasure hunt with my boys.
2. Say Good Morning...
3. ...and mean it.
4. Visit an old friend.
5. Invite a stranger for dinner.
6. Tell my parents I love them.
7. Buy an extravagant handbag.
8. Find organizers for everything in my house...
9. ...and use them.
10. Go for a walk in warm rain.
11. Splash in some puddles.
12. Let the boys get my house dirty while having fun...
13. ... and not care.
14. Help a new mom out.
15. Give the UPS guy a thank you card.
16. Blog passionately.
17. Start a life scrapbook for each of the boys.
18. Go camping (something we've never done!).
19. Give someone a special unexpected gift, just because.
20. Paint a wall with chalkboard paint.
21. Give to a charity.
22. Help out at a soup kitchen.
23. Recycle.
24. Tip a fast food employee.
25. Go on a difficult hike.
26. Learn to do something I'm afraid of.
27. Hold a baby.
28. Display the boys' art.
29. Buy a new spice and learn to cook with it.
30. Shop on etsy for gifts.
31. Teach the boys to cook.
32. Learn a new song.
33. Hand deliver invitations to a tea at my house.
34. Cuddle with the boys and tell them stories about their babyhood.
35. Buy some new books.
36. Hang up wind chimes.
37. Teach the boys more about nature.
38. Learn to make an incredible Italian dish from scratch.
39. Dust my baseboards.
40. Learn how to roast coffee.
41. Go for coffee with a new friend.
42. Focus on local spots for field trips.
43. Volunteer at a nursing home with the boys.
44. Watch a thunderstorm on the porch.
45. Pray for the homeless.
46. Help a farm family with harvest.
47. Travel somewhere we've never been.
48. Offer to babysit for an overwhelmed mom.
49. Invite a grandma over to teach the art of pie-making.
50. Look through my wedding album.
51. Thank my mother-in-law.
52. Forgive that someone.

indeed we are

Last night when I went to help the boys out of the bathtub, I noticed there was water all over the floor. Again! In an effort to gain some control, I asked why there was water all over the floor. Noodle looked up at me and piped up, "Because we're us!"

Truly.

a few changes

There's been a few changes around here, as I'm sure most of you have noticed. That is, if you're not seeing this in a reader... yes, I have a fixation with that topic!! And yes, I read everything in Google Reader too, but every once in awhile I still visit blogs directly because they are so beautiful I feel like I'm missing out if I don't! 

Anyway... back to changes... the url for my blog has changed to www.betweenloadsoflaundry.com with the ".blogspot" removed. And, I now have a recipe blog as well, where I'll be posting all recipes from now on, as well as all previous recipes. It'll be much easier to search and find what you're looking for this way. Again a huge thanks to Darcy - without her, none of this would have happened!

clean and fresh for the new year

A huge thanks to my friend Darcy over at Graphically Designing... she cleaned up my blog beautifully and gave it a nice fresh new look.  If you're seeing this in a reader, you really should stop by and see it in person. It's way cool!

post-holiday blues

I am finding this seriously hard to get back in the groove. I drag myself out of bed in the morning, prop my eyes open enough to get some coffee going, and try to motivate myself to accomplish something worthwhile. I'm having no cooking inspiration, and I haven't even properly cleaned after all our company. And on top of that, it's been so cold I haven't ventured out a whole lot so the walls want to close in a little... 

I didn't make any New Year's resolutions... I told Tech Guy if I really wanted to make a big change in my life, why couldn't I decide on March 27th just as well as January 1st?? Although if I were to make a list (you know, theoretically), it would probably read like this:

1. Get more active with the boys

2. Make a more consistent routine

3. Eat healthier and drink more water

4. Find a cleaning/organizing schedule that works

5. Carve out uninterrupted God time (even if it means getting up earlier!)

Not in any particular order, obviously!

new years and more

Even though it may have seemed like I kinda went out with the old year, I'm actually alive and quite well. Not sure if I can say so much for the rest of the household, other than alive as far as I know. Tech Guy's at a hockey game, so the jury's still out on his status. We were at the in-laws over New Year's. Actually caught the new Ramada for nights which was not bad other than icy cold swimming pool, paper-thin walls, and very delinquent parents allowing their kids to roam the halls, noisily (how else do kids operate??), at seven o'clock on New Year's morning! That's right, 7:00 a.m. When you and most of the rest of the world have actually been out. Late. For once. 

And the icy pool? I'm actually not kidding about the "icy" part. When you live in Canada, you have to heat your pools. Even in summer. This was not summer. In fact, this was -20. So was the pool (well, not quite, but the heater did not work. At all!) and I took a dare (twice!) to swim across it. I succeeded in a heart rate of 108 which was similar to what I got at Curves. Who knew that all you needed for cardio was to jump into a pool of freezing water?! We could learn some serious weight loss tips here folks!

We hung out with some extended family that we don't see whole lot, from Oklahoma, Kansas and Idaho, so it was good... and then the runs hit our family. And since I vowed to not describe bodily functions in too great detail on my blog, you will be spared. But I did actually throw away some perfectly good little pairs of shorts because A. we were not home and B. I borrowed some Pull Ups. The poor kid (Noodle) had no idea how to handle it because it came completely without warning or control. Ick.

Then on our way home, we attended a wedding reception at the Calgary Zoo - a cousin of Tech Guy's. It was a lot of fun, we got to know some new people and see some more extended family... the boys did awesomely for 4 hours of mostly adults mostly sitting... I really can't complain! We would have left them somewhere except we weren't coming from home. The meal was absolutely 5-star, chicken cordon bleu with beautifully sculpted vegetables, and some kind of yummy molded chocolate-y dessert that was similar to a truffle, rich and creamy but not too sweet:

Zoo Style Caesar

Crisp romaine and red leaf lettuce topped with spicy croutons, fresh bacon bits, in house vinaigrette, and an Asiago cheese crisp.

Chicken Cordon Bleu

A culinary classic, breaded chicken breast stuffed with Italian proscuitto and smoked Gouda cheese, served with a herb white sauce, chateau potatoes and turned vegetables.

Chocolate Silk Cake

Rich dark chocolate and almonds coated in ganache glaze with citrus coulis

Every dish was a chef's dream, beautiful presentation & every bit as delicious as it looked!