Picture Friday

I thought I would post a few pictures this morning that really bring smiles to my face. They are why we have to do the things we do. To give our children what they need.

Yesterday after Jill studied for her Friday spelling test,she came into the kitchen and said Momma I want to help you make supper.

So I told her that the garlic bread needed to be made. I LOVE HELP!

This morning after getting up and having breakfast,getting ready for school the girls had time before the bus. Jill wanted to do some Math quizes on the computer.

She looks like she has "water in her basement" with her pants riding up. TO CUTE!

Jayne was bright eyed and bushy tailed this morning, after getting ready she danced all around the house with her stuffed horse named Sasa,  Jill bought her for Christmas.

She loves to make crazy faces and act all silly. MY SILLY BILLY!

YEP! IT'S MOMENTS LIKE THESE THAT MAKE ME SMILE........

Have a great weekend everyone.

Bad News

HB came home from work yesterday with the news that no one wants to here. He got his lay off. The company did not get there contractors for the 2011 year, so are only keeping 4 employees. I could not believe it. We were in this boat a few years back and it was not a good time or good feeling. He made a lot of phone calls last evening and is hopeful that he will get work with another company. He also contacted friends that are high ranks in mines both at the southern end and out in Ontario. They can find work for him but he will have to travel.(I have done this before and it is very hard on us but if he has to then we will manage)
I will spend the day setting out to see where our nest 3 pays will go. (last day Feb.19th) As long as our bills get paid we can survive. We have freezers full of food and I will cut back on everything else for the time being.
It really is a shock as we were not expecting this at all.
Well I better go make breakfast for the weeones.

Mid Week Catch up

It has warmed up (if you might say) to -27 today and no wind chill. Yesterday was -38 and the weeones are beginning to get cabin fever,from not getting outdoors.
There is only so much playing and dressing up and doing hair styles you can do to your dolls.

Justin has been reading his new book (Saving Zasha by Randi Barrow) and playing Video games. No snowmobiling this week.
HB has been trying to catch up with the snow removable.
As for me I am trying to get some crafting done. I am now wearing my new slippers that I was telling you about and just love them. (of course now the girls want some)

I made them a little to big but they still stay on really good.

I placed my order from Australia. I ordered a new craft book and a pattern,both from the Janelle Wind Collection. (we enjoy reading her and her Daughter's blog Daily)

Don't you just love those storage bins. They would look so cute in Jayne's Room. (the colors would so match and she needs tons of storage for those little things)

See she needs all the room she can gain, as there rooms are tiny.

This couch takes up all her room but she just loves it.

Ok back to my crafting the pattern I ordered if for a nice market bag to do my shopping in. I am really excited about it and have already ordered some fabric for it.

I figure that if I can get this bag made and maybe a few projects in the book, then Spring will be here. 

Yesterday I cleaned most of the day and did laundry. Made a pot roast for supper and had toss salad with it. Tonight I have some Pork ribs on boiling and will make up a BarB Que sauce for them in the oven for supper,with herb rice and beef fried mac (with the roast beef left over from last night) 

While I was cleaning up yesterday I decided to give a purpose to the can that Jayne bought me for Christmas. I decided to to use it as a pom pom storage. 

I am always spilling these things out of there bags.

But not anymore.

Well I'm of to make a bread apple pudding for desert. Take care and I hope you all are staying warm.

                                                                                                                

-40 Bitter Cold

We have had 2 days now of bitter cold. This morning being the worse so far. -40 with the wind chill. We have had to put wood in the fire every 2 hours throughout the night. Tonight and tomorrow are suppose to stay the same with wind chill of up to -38 overnight.

We had a long week last week. I am always happy when it is Monday meaning it is a new week ahead. Last weeks recap.
MONDAY  Went away with my friend 3 hours away to for her dog to see the vet there. Did a little shopping and back home.
TUESDAY Justin was home sick with a bad cold.
WEDNESDAY Justin still home sick......
THURSDAY Justin felt better and back to school he went. Jayne home with a bad headache. Jill came home after school and felt the same,so no guides tonight.
FRIDAY both girls home with headaches. went into town after HB got home and before Storm hit and picked up takeout for a treat for supper.
SATURDAY huge snow storm over three feet
SUNDAY went into the city for a drive to pick up a parcel from a lady for the girls that they had won on Ebay. (A whole lot of My little Pony's)

Yep I am happy it is Monday again.
I ordered a new craft book on Saturday and hope it will be in within a week or so. I am also doing so bidding on some Amy Butler Fabric on Ebay. My poor fabric bin is so low. I need to order some felt and more fabric.
I am still awaiting the wood from HB to work on the girls doll houses. The snowstorm put us behind. These are my crafting months and I am also wanting to order a few patterns from the Amy Butler collection. (I will post a crafting post tomorrow for my blog, as I have been wanting to for sometime now)
Today I need to tidy, and do a bit of dusting. I don't think it is a good day for bread,so I will make do with what we have left. I am going to make a couple of batches of cookies as we are all out. Just peanut butter ones and chocolate chip ones. We are having baked pork chops in the over with a bread crumb coating mix and mashed potatoes and veggies for supper. Maybe a rice side dish as well.
Yesterday morning I made up a quiche and was it ever tasty. Just 4 eggs a little splash of  honey mustard, salt and pepper, cut up ham,fresh parsley,grated cheese,fresh mushrooms,and green onions. baked for 30 or so minutes in a pie shell that I had froze. We served it with toast and ham slices that were fried up in the cast iron pan. What a great Sunday brunch.
Well I better get up and put another stick in the stove. Have a day!

Saturday Snow Storm

We woke up this morning to this.

AND THIS

AND THIS

When is Summer Coming. Hummmm!Camping,swimming, (I'm dreaming of those days)

Have a great weekend! 

Thursday

We cleaned up all the snow after supper last night and ended up with about 10 inches with a lot of wind. HB did the driveways and I cleaned the doorways at the barns,and house. We came in and the girls had finished the dishes and were waiting to go have there baths. Justin he was feeling better and Jayne had a bad headache.
Today I got up and made oatmeal muffins for breakfast.

We had maple sausages with oatmeal that I put on in the slow cooker before going to bed. I got HB off and running and went to get the weeones up for school.

When I went to get Jayne up she still had a bad headache,so she stayed home for the day. She got up and had a bite to eat then layed back down for awhile. I decided to go and help her tidy up her room with her. She likes it when Mom helps clean and move around her room.
I did a few loads of laundry and made a new batch of powdered laundry detergent. (I was getting low)
Tonight Shepperds Pie with toss salad and homemade bread is on the menu for supper. (I also put bread on to rise this morning)
This afternoon I want to get the rest of my slippers finished. I received some phentex (I think it is spelled that way) yarn from a friend for Christmas and wanted to get them done ASAP. for myself.
Jayne finished her next Plastic canvas project and I will post those pics tomorrow of the Halloween decor for her Bedroom door.
I wanted to get them something new for a crafting thing for the girls to do. I think I have decided on Aunt Marthas Flour sac.http://www.marymaxim.ca/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/topcategory_10003_50001
Have any of you ever done these before. When I was about 9 or 10 my aunt( the one I always talk about that has passed on now) did some with me. But since then I do not really remember to much. I do remember it being a whole lot of fun and remember making a small doll's blanket quilt with it.
Well I should go and put another load of laundry in.
Take care and Stay warm,as our temps are going down again tonight to -20. So I guess we will have to be keeping wood in all night again.

A Perfect Pony

Last evening we had a very sad evening. We lost our pony of many years. (she was the beginning of our farm) Nannabelle lived a very good life. She was the world of my both my girls. She was how all three of my children learned how to ride on. Rest in Peace Nannabelle. You will always be with us in our hearts and minds.

Today it has been snowing all day. It started last evening and it is still snowing. (we are at about 8 inches) BUT.....we still had school. Justin is still home from school with a bad cold.
I spent the day cleaning up doing my usual routine. (laundry,dishes,floors)
I also got my supper prepared for tonight. Chicken and rice and noodles. Now that everything is done I am going to try to knit a bit for awhile. I am knitting myself a new pair of slippers as mine are getting pretty ratty. I am also wanting to start a new secret project for the girls. I am wanting to make them with the help from HB a new doll house for each of them. I have been ordering some mini stuff off of Ebay. (re-ment)  I decided it was time for a new doll house when they had to put there big one out in the summer room at the back of the house because it was to big for there rooms, and when I went into Jill's room yesterday and seen she had her dolly put to bed in her dirty sock. (yep it is time.)

Talking about Ebay the girls won there bid last night on a huge my little pony lot. ( $28) and it is only 1 hour away so we plan on going there this weekend to pick it up. If the roads are bad the lady told me that she could also put it on the bus for us so that it would be a lot cheeper.

The weather has warmed up a lot with it only being -2 today. (what a differance) I decided to let the fire go out and we can clean the ashes before supper when HB gets home. It is hard to believe how quick the house cools off hen the fire is out even when it is warmer then it has been out there.
Yesterday morning was the coldest yet this year. However you would have never known being in here as it was so nice and toasty. When the girls got up for school yesterday morning I had to take a couple of pictures of them.

She looks so comfy.

This is what Jill does every morning when she comes down stairs. She lays on the floor in front of the wood stove.
These are those moments I want to remember to keep close to me.
Take care and stay warm. Thank you for all your kind words and thoughts yesterday.

Tuesday Tib bits

It is another freezing bitter cold day of -25 degrees. The funny thing is tomorrow it is going to warm up and we are expecting snow for the next three days. (no wonder we catch colds.)
Yesterday I went away with my friend to take her English bulldog (Tank) to the dermo vet three hours away. He has had super skin problems since she had gotten him about 6 months ago. Undecided if it was allergies or something else they decided to spend the money and get him checked my the right people. We left right after the bus for the weeones and got there about 10:30 and at 11:30 they left go out while he was put to sleep to have some biopecies done. (poor guy) We went to Costco and she picked up a few things. Then we went to Old Navy where I bought Justin a new pair of jeans and a coke cola tee shirt. I also picked up the girls each a shirt with owls on it.(we all love owls) We grabbed a quick bite to eat at Arby's and headed back for Tank. HE slept most of the way home,and we were back shortly after 4. (Fast trip) I had a good day though as it was very nice to get out with a good friend.
A couple of days ago we had to put our old pony that started the farm into the barn. She has lost a lot of weight and has gone down hill fast. (To fast) Last night we spent the night taking turns with her. We have her on meds,and gave her some Brandy. She was with the chills and running a fever. Today she is not even standing I have spent most of the day out there. trying to get her to eat. The vet will be coming tonight. I think this is the end for her. Please pray for her .

Burrrr It's cold outside

We had a stay at home getting things around the farm done kinda weekend. It was cold with the high of-12 all weekend.
Tomorrow I will be gone for the day with a friend to the big city 3 hours away. She has to take her dog to the vet there for a check u and I said I would go along with her. The is a costco there so we are hoping to get a chance to go. I will be back on Tuesday with more posts all about my day. Take care and enjoy your Monday everyone. I will be leaving at8 and returning around 4:30.
I am excited to go as we are expecting good roads and good weather tomorrow.

Two Packages In The Mail,And Tooth Trouble

Yesterday morning after blogging the snow and wind began to get worse. My Father called and said that he had spoke to a Bus driver in town and he was told to stay close to the phone. So I turned on my radio and waited to see if the schools would close. After about a half hour the weather changed it stopped snowing and the wind dyed down. So no luck.
Our supper of Penne was good last night. Everyone enjoyed it and I would make it again. The girls got ready for there group.
Jayne had finished off her bunny she is making for Easter out of Plastic canvas and did a great job.

These stitches were abit different from what ahe is use to doing. But caught onto it right away.
I am still working on the doll's fridge and Jill is working on her piece. (Pictures yet to come)

Yesterday afternoon I got a call from Valerie the woman who runs the receiving department of our local general store. She told me that I had 2 parcels in. One being a order I had made for new running shoes for Jayne,and the other being a mail parcel. I was so surprised to go and see what it was. After taking the girls to there meeting and dropping them off.HB and I went to the store. It was a parcel from my friend who lives about 1 hour away and is 5 minutes from the Dollarstore in the city. She is always sending parcels of stuff from the dollarstore that she finds for all of us. (I love that store and wish I had one closer) She sent the weeones stuff this time. A new purse for Jill and all the goodies to go in it. Play money and coins,cell phone,lip gloss and a new coloring book. Jayne got 2 new pens that are mickey and minnie mouse that kiss(with the help of magnets) a new doodle pad book,and a new bag to carry it all in. Justin got some new pens,a new screwdriver,and a pair of socks. She is so good like that. When she does come to visit or we go there,I always bring her Yarn(as she loves to knit) I guess it is like a barting system. I will take some pictures tonight of all the goodies.
The other parcel for Jayne was her new PINK!!! converse running shoes. I had ordered for her 2weeks ago. She has needed new running shoes for inside at school and has really wanted a pair of converse high tops.

They did not have them in her favorite Lime Green so pink was the next best thing.......
After getting back home last night Jayne complained of a tooth ache all the way home. She said that one of her back teeth was ready to come out and it was hurting. Well after a lot of wining and having something for the pain. She went to bed and after 10 minutes came back down stairs and wiggled and wiggled and got Daddy to wiggle a little bit more and there it was problem solved. Tooth was out and pain was gone. Tooth fairy came and she is so happy.
Today I am going to pick them up at school and we are making homemade pizza and garlic fingers for supper. It is so cold out there that it will be a good night to stay in and stay warm with a fire. The girls will be playing with all there new stuff I am sure and Justin wants to play his TV game thing that has a hunting game on it. I on the other hand will curl up in my chair with my reading light and finish that fridge in plastic canvas. HB well I am sure he will hit the couch and watch some TV. (It has been a short but long first week back) and there is no other place I want to be tonight then right there.
Have a great weekend and stay good and warm everyone.

Northeaster

Yep that's what we got up to this morning. We could hear the wind hitting the windows and howling throughout our little home. It is snowing and the northeast wind is making it hard to keep it warm inside. Always when we have a northeast wind, the house is very hard to heat.
But the weeones still had school and HB left for work. (So it's business as usual here this morning) I find they don't cancel school like they use to. They did not even get a storm day last year.
I made scrambled eggs,bacon and toast for breakfast and they dressed super warm. I am making a Penne Pasta recipe for supper and will have Garlic bread with it. (Nice comfort food when it is cold out there)
I came across this recipe and have been wanting to give it a try.
http://www.food.com/recipe/baked-penne-with-ground-beef-and-tomato-sauce-198891
sounds yummy!
Our Pie went over well last night.

There was not a slice left......
Tonight the girls start back (weather permiting) with there Girl Guide groups. It seems like forever since we were last out on a Thursday night.
They have been busy here at home playing with that marble run I had got them.(who would have thought a $2 toy would bring so much joy) but leave it to my kids.

Today I am going to work upstairs tiding up and vacuuming under the beds. I find if you keep up with it, then it is not so bad. I also want to clean up my tiny jam packed closet. I can never seem to find anything in there. I know I have a book in there that I got years ago with a Time magazine about country homes and I want to read it. I also have 2 scarves that I bought last year for .10 cents at the thrift stove that are in there somewhere.
Well If you don't hear back from me in the next little while. It means I too got lost in there. (Please then send Martha Stewart to come and help me get straightened out......
Take care and enjoy your day!

Keeping busy

Well the weeones survived there first day back. (I was sure they would) they came home a little tired and very hungry. (which I knew they would) So after homework,and a really great new supper.(by the way it was really good. They could not get enough) Southwestern Chicken
I did a few changes, instead of a whole chicken I used 8 leg attached thighs,and cook it on a cookie sheet in a big roaster for 1 hour.
his recipe makes 8 servings


4 tsp (18 mL) vegetable oil
1 tsp (5 mL) paprika
3/4 tsp (4 mL) chili powder
1/2 tsp (2 mL) pepper
1/2 tsp (2 mL) cumin
1/4 tsp (1 mL) coriander
1/4 tsp (1 mL) cayenne pepper
1 large chicken, (about 4 lb/2 kg)

Combine oil, paprika, chili powder, pepper, cumin, coriander and cayenne; brush over chicken. Truss chicken and marinate in fridge for 1 to 8 hours.

Set chicken breast side up on greased rack in shallow roasting pan. Roast in 325°F (160°C) oven for about 35 minutes per lb (500 g) or until juices run clear when pierced with fork and internal temperature reaches 185°F (85°C). Transfer to platter; let stand for 10 minutes before carving.


Dipping Sauce

Serve this easy-to-make dipping sauce with roast chicken. 

This recipe makes 2 servings


1/2 cup (125 mL) chicken stock
1/4 cup (50 mL) prepared barbecue sauce


In saucepan, whisk stock with barbecue sauce; bring to simmer over medium-high heat, whisking. Serve with chicken.
The weeones loved the dipping sauce.(I had some BarBque sauce I had made this fall in the pantry. 
I served it with rice and noodles,peas,and carrots.


Last evening the girls made a batch of Chocolate chip cookies,and I made a apple pie that I found this good recipe over at http://ajoyfulchaos.blogspot.com/ (this is a really great blog by the way)
I made the pie for the friends over on the other road that brought us the baking goods. I sent HB and Justin over with it last night. They were so excited. (I figured a pie would be better then squares after the holidays.) Well I started something as the weeones asked if I could make a butterscotch pie for desert tonight. (Of course I will) we are having meatloaf with potatoes and I have bread on rising as well for tonight.
I got the most of my housework done already,so I might get a chance to finish up the girls fridge in plastic canvas for there dolls today.
Well I should go and get my stairs cleaned off. Take care and stay warm. We are at -2 degrees here today,and are expecting 2 inches of snow tonight. It is suppose to be a windy morning tomorrow with 50 km/hr winds.

Tuesday Tib bits

We had a little dumping of snow over the weekend and took all weekend to clean it up. (having so many doorways in the barns,sheds,and other buildings) But after everything was done settled into a nice evening of A potato scallop and ham supper,then a TV Sunday night with the family. Watching our Sunday night show Heartland. We also watched the season finale of Sarah Palin's Alaska With popcorn.

Jill loves that Santa hat.(I think she has even went to bed with it on) 

Monday was the last day home for the weeones. They played with there new marble run that I had bought the night we went to the city and I got to go to the Dollarstore. We cleaned up and got things ready for the big first day back to school.

Today I spent all day wondering how they were making out,and crying as I worried about them. I washed my floors,and did laundry to keep my mind off of them,HA did not work. I got some cutup chicken ready for supper and will make a southern oven fried chicken with rice and noodles for my hungry family that I worry about so much. (By the way, Yes I am a worry wort they were happy to go to school today and see all there friends.It is only me.)

Tomorrow I want to give my Bathroom a good cleaning,and give my stairs a cleaning as well. I will hit the upstairs on Thursday and see how much laundry I can get done as well.  So I guess it is a cleaning week for me. 

Well I must go and chop up my veggies for the rice and then it's off to the bus for Jill. WOW did the day ever go by fast. 

Take care and stay warm, it is a nice day here a high of 1degree today.

Saturday Snow Storm

We awoke to more of that white stuff. Well we were pretty lucky and did not get hit to hard with snow. Only 10 inches this time. The weeones went out to clean the front walkway and play a little.

My Little man aways willing to help out.....

Everyone loves the snow.....

I also noticed that the bird feeders need to be filled. So I guess I better keep the birds happy. Take care and stay warm!

A Storm Is Brewing

We are expecting yet another winter storm for the weekend. Snow snow and more snow. (Justin is happy as he can set more of his snares for rabbits and gets to ride his skidoo more.
We are still planning on going out for supper tonight so I wanted to get all my house work done today. I also wanted to spend sometime crafting with the girls as they are going back to school on Tuesday. We are working on some felt projects (which I will post after they get done)
Last evening we had a nice warm night snuggling on the sofa watching Sarah Palin's Alaska (which we all love)
Tomorrow we are wanting to try a new cookie recipe that uses oreo cookies. YUM! you can find this recipe on one of my favorite recipe blogs http://picky-palate.com/

YUM YUM!!!!
Let you all know how they turn out. Well I'm off to get the rest of my laundry done. Take care and have a great weekend.

Thursday tib bits

Good day, it's another very bitter cold day. We woke up to -20 with the windshield. Burrr! It has only warmed up to -16, so it is a good day to stay in and keep a warm fire on and see what's new in the etsy world on the net. I found so much to add to my wish list. he is a few of my favorites.

I also got a very nice knock at the door last evening. It was from a friend who lives on the next road. His wife only bakes at Christmas time and had so much left over baking goods. She wanted me to have all of it as she said it would go bad before she uses it again. They brought a box full of chocolate chips (some bags not even open) coconut,dates,sweetened condenced milk,glazed cheeries,different nuts,butterscoth chips, bakers semi sweet chocolate blocks,and more. What a treat. I told HB that I wanted to make a batch of something and give it to them for all these goodies. She knows I do a lot of baking and said she really thought of me. 

HB called from work today and asked if I would like to go out for Supper tomorrow night. His work company pays for a supper twice a winter at our local skidoo lodge. The company gives their guys tickets.(which is a nice thing) They are having a Chinese Dinner. YUM! We did not go last year when they did it,as I was just not feeling well. 

Tonight we are having a roast of beef with gravy and potatoes,and veggies. (we were suppose to have this last night but with Hb away for work the girls and I had speghetti instead.) 

Justin should be coming home today from his grandparents as well. They worked on the bathroom reno there but spent a lot of there time making beef jerky. I can't wait to try hers. She makes hers with ground beef. 

Well it is that time of day to get a move on. Take care and stay warm.

What A Evening

Yesterday afternoon after blogging I got my new recipe ing. all chopped up and ready to start supper. I was trying a new pork recipe called Mushroom baked pork strips.

I chopped all those mushrooms I had from the holidays left in my fridge.

Finely chop up 1/2 cup of onion. (tear tear)

Also finely chop up the garlic as fine as you can and also I used dried parsley

I used my own pork. Cut it up in thin strips.

1 lb (454 g) boneless pork loin chops
1 tbsp (15 mL) olive oil
1/2 onions, diced
2 cups (500 mL) sliced mushrooms
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 tsp (1 mL) salt
1 pinch pepper
1/2 cup (125 mL) light sour cream

1/4 cup (50 mL) chicken stock
1 tsp (5 mL) lemon juice
1 tbsp (15 mL) chopped fresh parsley

                                                                 
Cut pork crosswise into thin strips.

In large nonstick skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat; stir-fry pork, in batches, for 2 to 3 minutes or until browned but still slightly pink inside. With slotted spoon, transfer to plate.

Add onion, mushrooms, garlic, salt and pepper to pan; cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, for about 10 minutes or until no liquid remains.

Return pork to pan. Stir in sour cream and stock; cook, without boiling, for 1 minute or until hot. Stir in lemon juice.

Sprinkle with parsley.



So just as I was setting the table HB came in and said he needed to head into the city to get something for work. (A 45 minute drive on good roads) He wanted us to go along with him. He had the company truck and the girls and I could get dropped off at the Wal mart there and he would come back for us. Well  let me tell you it did not take us long to get our supper ate and ready to go. (The girls got gift cards for Christmas and have been just wanting to get out there. 
Well after a long drive as the roads we not there best, we got there and they had a ball shopping. Jayne got another ZUU ZUU pet and a outfit for it. 
And Jill well........ You never guess what she found. Yep a friend for her Blythe!

Looks like she is all ready for our cold days here! 


After a long ride back home the 2 new friends met.

We stayed up a little later last night as HB did the barn work and then came in to watch a bit of TV while I sat and worked at my plastic canvas and the girls oh of course they played with there new friends.


Today I need to get some laundry done, and tidy up the house. Jayne wants to make up a cinnamon bread and Jill wants some carrot muffins. So I guess some grating will be going on today in our home as well. 
Well I wish you all a great day and stay warm Gals!