Zuidhof Family

Books, books, and more books!

2011-11-06T16:44:00.000-08:00

I've been reading some great books and I keep adding to my list of "to-read" (thanks to goodreads and all my friends that keep posting books they like or want to read! If you're on goodreads, add me as your friend, I'm always looking for new ideas!)

I'll start with a few books on my "to-read" list...the list is much longer than this, but these are at the top of the list
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now, what I'm currently reading...(yes, I am currently reading all 3 of them. which one I read on a given day depends on what kind of mood I'm in)

this one makes me laugh, it makes me feel better about not being "perfect" when it comes to all the things you're supposed to do...

I really just started this one, maybe the first page. but I've heard that it is amazing!

I really never liked Oprah, the only reason I'm reading this is because I know how it ends! I'm interested to see how it all comes about. The author decided to see if doing all the things that Oprah says we should do will really make life better...she did everything Oprah said to do for a
full year...

Now for what I've read recently...

We read this for a book club I'm in. I didn't like it, it's an easy read, but not worth the time (in my opinion)

I read this awhile ago, but I really enjoyed it, especially with the whole Eat, Pray, Love hype. I liked this one so much better than Eat, Pray, Love. If you want to read something like that, read this one!

Becoming Isaac inspired me...I've blogged about this series before, but as a follow up...I am taking a pottery class because of this book and LOVING it!! Pottery is a great way for me to bring out my inner artist!! I'll blog about my pottery adventures another day!

This is my latest read. I found it very interesting! If you've read it, I'd love to hear what you think...

Rhythmic Gymnastics

2011-08-30T20:55:00.000-07:00

I started rhythmic gymnastics a long time ago. I loved it! I have always wanted to coach, and now I have the opportunity...I am joining up with the Taber Gymnastics Fitness Club (click for a link to their blog). I am so excited to coach! I thought I'd post a few great videos for those of you that don't know what Rhythmic Gymnastics is all about...

I LOVE my jobs!

2011-08-09T18:10:00.000-07:00

I consider myself lucky. I know there are a LOT of people out there that HATE their jobs, so much so that it causes physical pain. I am lucky because I have 3, soon to be 4, jobs that I LOVE! My number 1 job is being a mother. I know that there are many days that I don't really love it, but in the long run, it is the best job EVER. My kids amaze me, and I love when they give me a hug or say "I love you" just because. What more can I say? I love my job as MOM.

Job number 2 is the job that pays the bills, and most often, that is the job that is hated the most. So many people work only to pay the bills and look forward to the day when they don't have to do that job any more! But, I LOVE my "work" job. I love the work I do in the operating room (and it's not just because most of my patients are "asleep"). I love the challenge of learning something new every time I go to work. I love the people that I work with! That's what makes the most difference. we have a great team in the Taber operating room. Thanks to all that make my job great!

I'm going to skip to my upcoming job number 4...starting this september I get to start coaching Rhythmic Gymnastics. For those that don't know what that is...it's gymnastics with ribbon, ball, hoop, rope, clubs. instead of bars, beam, vault. I miss it so much since I was young and I've always wanted to coach, now I can! I'm looking forward to teaching and growing!

Now for job number 3. I must say that this is the best job EVER! (If you HATE your "work" job, just ask how I can help you make the move to something you LOVE). SCENTSY. I don't just love it because I'm addicted and it feeds my addiction (oh boy does it ever!). I don't just love it because it gives me a little extra each month to spend on what I WANT (with minimal work to get that money). I don't just love it because of the great incentives offered to consultants (check out the great warmer I earned this summer!).

I love it because Scentsy is an amazing company, run by some AMAZING people. Heidi and Orville Thompson are so...I can't think of a word amazing enough...they give and give and give some more! At the recent Scentsy convention in Texas, Heidi spoke on the power of one. Part of her keynote speech was a challenge to post sticky notes with encouraging thoughts for others to come after you. I was so touched by her words! maybe I'm the ONE, or maybe it's YOU! don't let the moment pass you by, no matter what it is...a kind word, a hug, or even a smile can make the difference in the life of others. So, watch out for my sticky notes (beware, they could be anywhere, even facebook)! This is a clip from Heidi...

this video is an example of how amazing Heidi and Orville are...

The Foremost Good Fortune

2011-05-30T09:40:00.000-07:00

I haven't blogged for awhile, not sure why. But, I'm determined to do better. This last month has been a rollercoaster for me. Mostly I'm tired of cleaning my walls. It seems like every night there's something new to clean off Kayla's wall. She is a budding artist that loves to try new mediums...paint, crayons, permanent markers, makeup, poop, pudding, we've seen it all. The rule is that if you make the mess, you clean it up. That means that if she's made the mess after she was sent to bed, then fallen asleep, she gets woken up to clean up the mess. (maybe that's mean, but it's all I can do to keep sane). Any help in this area would be welcome!! Several months ago Kayla got into my makeup (the good stuff from MAC) and ruined it all. I lived without. A few weeks ago I got my hair cut really short and had a desire to wear some makeup, so I went to walmart and bought some new makeup. Last night, after listening to Kayla and Blake giggle and chitchat they were finally quiet. I went to check on them and found Kayla sleeping, covered in makeup and the wall covered as well...come to find out she wasn't alone (her lying brother had his own punishment). I love my children, but some days I really would rather work full-time and let Chris stay home!

On that note, I'm reading a great book that reminds me to take time for my kids...The Fortunate Good Fortune. a memoir by Susan Conley. It is a story of a family that goes to China on a great adventure. Susan writes the story of their adventure, then the story of how she finds out that she has breast cancer. There is one part in the book, after she has gone through surgery and treatment, when she just wants to spend time with her boys rather than being annoyed with them. I hear people tell me all the time that as bad as these days may seem, there will come a time when I miss them! What I'm trying to do is make the most of these days while I have them!!

ps. if you click on the link above or here it will take you to Susan Conley's website, watch the trailer for the book...it's excellent. Read the book too!

April

2011-04-17T10:44:00.000-07:00

this has been a busy month so far...and all about Kayla!

We started on the first with Kayla's birthday. I decided that I would do some April Fool cupcakes. Peas and Carrots, mashed potatoes, and corn. They were delicious. Kayla got Tangled, and loves it. So much so, that she used some of the money she got to buy a new princess dress like Rapunzel's and some long golden hair to go with it!

It's been such a busy time that Kayla has taken to falling asleep under the kitchen table...

this is Kayla before her surgery. I brought some stuff home to prepare her so the masked faces wouldn't scare her.

We had a crazy play day with some friends. 2 new babies plus the crazy kids running around having a great time. We'll miss the Robison's when they move.

It was my Grossmutti's birthday this month (my grandma). and all that were close enough came for lunch and visiting in Cardston. This is only part of the family (more will be around for the reunion in July) and the picture was grandkids and great grandkids.

this is the cake that Cassidy made.

Our latest adventure happened this past friday. Kayla cries everytime I comb her hair, and NEVER lets me put pigtails in. This day she actually let me put in pigtails without a single tear. I was out late for bookclub the night before and so I decided to have a nap on friday afternoon. I woke to Ryker telling me that Kayla had cut her hair. I came out to see only one pigtail...I called my friend and hairdresser, Chandra, who told us to come right over! Chandra did a great job at fixing it! good thing Kayla is so cute, and that she's keeping her earrings in!

This picture is Kayla after I told her that Chandra was going to fix her hair. She picked some up off the floor and said "Chandra fix my hair", like she would be able to put it back on!

It was a bit more dramatic when the other pigtail was out.

She sat still through the entire fix! something else that she's never done before!

The finished cut looks really good and I think the short hair suits her (it's also way easier to comb her hair everyday!)

I've learned my lesson...no more naps and the scissors are all locked up. We're still not sure if she had help. Kayla says Ryker helped. Ryker denies it. I believe Kayla.

tonsils (and adnoids)

2011-03-27T10:18:00.000-07:00

There isn't a time that I don't remember Kayla snoring. It was about a year ago that we really started to be concerned about it. Chris was sleeping on the floor next to her bed one night and noticed that she stopped breathing several times during the night. I took her in to see our family doctor (who is the best family doctor I've ever had). He referred us to an ENT (ear, nose, throat specialist). It took several months to get in to see her. I thought I would have to put up a fight, but she pulled out the consent for surgery right away without even asking about it. After several more months of waiting we finally received the OR information and a date for surgery in mid-February. Surgery was this past wednesday. Kayla did really well and was up running around by that afternoon. Because she isn't quite 3, she got to stay overnight for monitoring before they sent her home. I was a rough night...I think she's like her dad, in that codiene does not make her tired, it makes her wired! she got very little sleep that night, none the next day when we came home. she got a little more the next night, but it wasn't until Friday morning when I gave her just tylenol that she slept for 4 hours (with her brother and sister running around her). She still has to stay home until next wednesday, and take it easy for another week after that, but she's on the mend and doing great. Here's a few pictures from her hospital stay...

this was her waiting for her turn to go into surgery. (loving her new scentsy buddy)

she gobbled up all the popsicles she could get her hands on.

the iPod saved me, she watched Bratz Babies about a million times while she was in the hospital.

even with her right hand bundled up with the IV, she figured out how to eat plenty of jello.

Keep Calm and Carry On

2011-03-14T19:37:00.000-07:00

Keep Calm and Carry On was a poster produced by the British government in 1939 during the beginning of the Second World War, intended to raise the morale of the British public under the threat of impending invasion. It was little known and never used.

In the Spring of 1939, with war against Germany all but inevitable, the British Government’s Ministry of Information commissioned a series of propaganda posters to be distributed throughout the country at the onset of hostilities. … The posters were intended to offer the public reassurance in the dark days which lay ahead.

The intent of the poster was to convey a message from the King to his people, to assure them that ‘all necessary measures to defend the nation were being taken’, and to stress an ‘attitude of mind’ rather than a specific aim.

At the end of August 1939 three designs went into production… The first poster, of which over a million were printed, carried a slogan suggested by a civil servant named Waterfield. Using the crowns of George VI as the only graphic device, the stark red and white poster read ‘Your Courage, Your Cheerfulness, Your Resolution will Bring Us Victory’. … The third design, of which over 2.5 million posters were printed, simply read ‘Keep Calm and Carry On’.

… The ‘Keep Calm’ posters were held in reserve, intended for use only in times of crisis or invasion. Although some may have found there way onto Government office walls, the poster was never officially issued and so remained virtually unseen by the public – unseen, that is, until a copy turned up more than fifty years later (2001) in a box of dusty old books bought in auction. (Barter Books)

I recently found this poster on Simply Fresh Designs. At first, I just passed it by, not really liking the style. The quote never really meant anything to me until today...After cleaning up messes all day long, then fighting with my girls to go to bed and picking up the books in their room 3 times!!! I took a deep breath, called their Dad, and tried not to scream, cry, or throw things (not a good thing to let my kids see) and this quote came to mind. As hard as it is some days to carry on, we do. I'll admit that I'm not the best at keeping calm and it's something that I want to do better. So, I printed out a copy and hung it on my wall as my new motto.

Keep Calm and Carry On!

waiting sucks!

2011-03-08T20:03:00.000-08:00

This seems to be a week of waiting...
waiting for test results from Jeff's surgery,
waiting for my scentsy order to come,
waiting for the tax return to come,
I'm not a very patient person, so I had to distract myself by trying some new recipes...
both are for the slow cooker.
both are from fix-it and forget-it kids' cookbook.
both are deserts.
both turned out delish!

Tapioca Treat

8 cups of milk
1 cup small pearl tapioca
1 cup sugar
4 eggs
1 tsp vanilla
1 cup crushed pineapple, drained (I used a whole can)
1 cup grapes, cut in half (I added 1 can mandarin oranges, drained instead of grapes)
1 cup frozen whipped topping, thawed (I just realized that it's just 1 cup, I added the whole tub-it worked out great)

mix the milk, tapioca, and sugar in your slow cooker with a wisk.
cover your slow cooker. cook on high for 3 hours.
crack the eggs into a mixing bowl. beat them. add the vanilla to the eggs.
use a ladle to scoop out a little of the hot milk and carefully add to the egg mixture. stir the hot milk into the eggs well.
add the egg mixture to the slow cooker.
cover. cook on high for 20 min.
chill the tapioca completely. this may take 3 hours.
after tapioca has chilled completely, stir in fruit and whipped topping.
serve cold.

the whole family loved it!

Pumpkin Pie Pudding (I made modifications based on what I had)

2 eggs
1 can solid pack pumpkin
1 can sweetened condensed milk
1/2 cup milk
2 Tbsp butter
1/4 cup vanilla sugar (I got this at costco, and it's the best ever)
1/2 cup Biscuick baking mix
1 Tbsp pumpkin pie spice

beat eggs, add pumpkin and milk (both) mix well.
melt butter, add to pumpkin mix.
add sugar, baking mix, and pumkin pie spice. mix well.
pour into slow cooker.
cover, cook on low for 6-7 hours, or until it sets (you will know it is set if you move the slow cooker gently and the food doesn't move.
let the pudding cool before serving. eat warm or at room temperature.

The rest of the family didn't try this one yet, but I'm loving it!

Let me know if you ever try any of my recipes, and how you like them...

coming soon, my scentsy order should be here soon, I'll let you know how wonderful it smells!! (if you want a sample, send me your address)

life is hard

2011-03-03T16:42:00.000-08:00

Some of you may know what's going on in our family right now...my brother-in-law, Jeff B (my youngest sister's husband--both my sisters are married to Jeff's), had brain surgery almost a year ago. they found a tumor and took it out. There were some complications after and lots of time spent in the hospital. They thought they were in the clear until a month ago, a routine MRI showed lesions, they're unsure exactly where they are and what is growing. Tomorrow is the start of this new journey for them. He's going to have surgery, they'll biopsy the lesions and decide from there what needs to be done.
All of this makes me appreciate all that I have...health, family, the gospel of Jesus Christ...So, we'll be saying lots of prayers in the next few days, please include Jeff, Cassidy and Archer in your prayers.

feeding my addiction

2011-02-26T08:18:00.000-08:00

I'm addicted to Scentsy. It took me a long time to get my first warmer, but after that I was a goner!
It started with an old high school friend hosting a fundraiser for a girl in our area with cancer. What better time to order something, I got some great smells, 2 beautiful warmers, and I helped out someone in need. Since then I love trying new scents. We got my son a buddy for Christmas and he loves it! Even my husband has started asking about something to put in his stinky work truck (he works in the sewer treatment plant)...I'm going to get him a travel tin to put under his seat. With all the money I keep spending, Meghann suggested I become a consultant and make some money off my addiction. Now I can introduce others and feed their new found addicitons...
Never heard of it? it is basically flameless candles. Warmers (using lightbulbs) melt scent filled wax. The smell fills the room. There are tons of different smells to choose from, so you're sure to find at least one that you like. I am often surprised to find that I like smells I never thought I would.
check out my new website. You can ever order directly from the website (if you're in the US and want to order, just send me a message and I'll tell you how to do it). If you want to smell the available scents, just let me know.
I'm excited for the new plug-ins available in Canada again and the March scent, Jumping Jelly Bean!

images from the Scentsy spring/summer 2011 catalog

the wrong book

2011-02-22T20:18:00.000-08:00

I love books! I love to read! I've always had tons of book available to me (I love the library). When we started having kids I always made sure that we had lots of kids books and we read to them every day. I always wanted my kids to love reading as much as I do. Christmas and birthdays always bring new books. This year for Ryker's birthday he got a book called The Wrong Book by Nick Bland. It's a book about Nicholas Ickle, who is trying to tell his story but keeps getting interupted. Today Ryker was upset that Kayla was trying to take the book (insert screaming here), I let them work it out and the next thing I heard was Ryker "reading" the book to Kayla (he has the entire book memorized) and Kayla repeating the parts she knew (this is a big step in her speech, she's doing awesome with her speech) and Blake listening intently. These are the moments I love the most about being a mom!

Texas Sheet Cake is the Devil!

2011-02-19T18:28:00.000-08:00

The other day at work we got talking about cookies and brownies. One of my coworkers said that her husband loves frozen cookies and brownies....brownies....Texas Sheet Cake is really good frozen (it doesn't quite freeze through, just really cold)...I haven't made Texas Sheet Cake in a long time...mmmmmm....so yesterday, I make Texas Sheet Cake....bad idea! It's soooo yummy...I don't know how it ever made it to the freezer before...this one won't...you should try it some time....

I use my stone bar pan (you need a large pan with edges ie. jelly roll pan)

mix together:
2 cups flour
2 cups sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt.
set aside.
in a sauce pan melt:
1 cup butter
add:
4 Tablespoons cocoa powder and mix well, add:
1 cup boiling water.
stir and let boil for 30 seconds.
add chocolate mixture to flour, stir together.
in measuring cup mix together:
1/2 cup buttermilk
2 eggs, beaten
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 teaspoon baking soda
add this to main batter and stir until smooth.
pour in pan

bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes.
while the cake is baking...
in the same sauce pan, melt:
1 cup butter
when melted add:
4 Tablespoons cocoa powder
mix well, boil for 30 sec, remove from heat. add:
6 Tablespoons milk
1 teaspoon vanilla
stir, add:
1 lb powdered sugar
stir until smooth.
pour over still warm cake.

you might want to wait until it's cooled off, or not (but take caution if you don't)
ENJOY!! like I mentioned before these are equally delicious directly out of the freezer (if they make it that long)

so delish!!

Kayla loves them...

24 hours later...(don't ask who ate most of it)

My wonderful hubby...

2011-02-15T15:13:00.000-08:00

...surprise. without even reading my valentine's post, Chris bought me flowers for valentine's day! It was a pleasant surprise, he even had Ryker pick them out for me.

Happy Valentine's Day!!

2011-02-14T11:44:00.000-08:00

I've never really been big on celebrating Valentine's Day, just the usual valentine's cards in elementary school (when did valentine's become more than just a card with names??). I don't expect Chris to get me flowers or chocolates. The kids did get toast with a heart this morning (cinnamon toast to boot), and they'll get a treat after dinner tonight. I did want to blog about love or hearts or something...

It seems appropriate that I am currently reading Before my Heart Stops by Paul Cardall. It is a book of his life with "half a heart". I'm really enjoying this book, not sure if it's because I worked in PICU where we treated "heart kids"

This is the remarkable true story of one man's struggle to survive long enough to get a second chance at life.

Award-winning musician and popular speaker Paul Cardall was born, essentially, with half a heart. After living more than three decades with a congenital heart defect and undergoing six major heart surgeries and numberless procedures, Paul was informed that his heart would not beat much longer.

"Paul was a poor candidate for a heart transplant," says Angela T. Yetman, MD. "It would be technically difficult and possibly fatal ... but Paul was determined to beat the odds." And beat them he did.

Along the way, Paul wrote down his thoughts, feelings, and observations in an online blog called "Living for Eden," named for his three-year-old daughter. This book reflects those blog entries and additional intimate insight into a miraculous journey that convincingly shows that God knows us personally and that we are put here on earth for a reason.

Paul says, "I'm a witness that these soul-stretching experiences can offer us, if we let them, joy, wisdom, happiness, and a personal relationship with God."

After reading his story, you might also ponder the question, What do I need to do with my life ... before my heart stops?

the potter

2011-02-10T12:41:00.001-08:00

I just finished book 3 of a great series about the Potter of Neiderbipp. This is a great series by Ben Behunin about discovering and becoming the best that we can be. Being better than we are, casting out fear and accepting God's will for us. These books have made me want to try pottery. I've wanted to try it before, but these have really sparked a desire. Taber has an arts and craft society, and according to their blog, are going to offer potter classes soon. I'll be the first one signed up when they do! So, if you're looking for a good book, or something new to try, these are great inspiration!

post 100

2011-02-10T10:32:00.000-08:00

I was just going to do a quick blog about the Valentine's we made for Ryker's class, but I realized that this will be my 100th post. How can I not make it special! Problem, I have no idea how to make it special! So, I guess you just get a boring post about valentine's and maybe some new recipes...

I found this cute idea at sisters stuff blog and had to try it out. I love valentine's day, but hate that kids valentine's are all about the candy. I wanted to do something different, but more than just a silly card. Here's what we got.

I did freezer meals with a friend this week and wanted to come up with some new ideas. Here are two that I came up with. The first I've had before. The second, I hope it tastes as good as I think it will. Note: I make big batches of both, so I'm going to put down the amounts I used, if you want I can break it down to one meal.

Ham and Potatoe Casserole (A twist on funeral potatoes)

3 bricks of cream cheese
2 cans cream of chicken soup
2 cans cream cheddar soup
1000 mL sour cream
4 cups shredded cheddar cheese
4 bags cubed, frozen hashbrowns
8 cups cubed, cooked ham

mix cream cheese, soups and sour cream in large bowl. add hashbrowns, mix to cover potatoes. add cheese and ham. mix well. divide into 8x8 pans (this gave me enough for 6 pans). cover with tinfoil. freeze. To serve, thaw, cook at 350 degrees for 1 hour (or until bubbly and hot in center).

Southwest Chicken

8 cups cooked, shredded chicken
1 jar of kraft sizzling salads spicy fajita cooking sauce
1 jar of kraft sizzling salads barbeque ranch dressing
2 cups ranch dressing
4 cans black beans (rinsed)
3 cans kernal corn

mix dressings/sauce, add chicken. stir until chicken coated. add beans and corn. mix well. divide into large freezer, ziploc bags. (I got 6 from this recipe). To serve, thaw, warm over stove. serve over rice, in tortillas, or over salad. Enjoy.

Scent of the day: Sandalwood and cranberries! YUM. in the bedroom: My Wish! What are you smelling today?

Hawaiian Haystacks

2011-02-03T12:20:00.000-08:00

I've been craving Hawaiian Haystacks for the past few days, but it just doesn't seem to be working out...first we were in Calgary when I first wanted them. Hard to make them in a hotel room! then, on the way home from Calgary I wasn't feeling good, at all! Strep throat is back! yuck. I haven't been able to eat since we've been home, therefore, no hawaiian haystacks. I guess I could make them for just my family, but then I'd still have to make them later for me too (seeing just doesn't fill the craving). Until I'm feeling better I'll keeping thinking of them. until then, what are your favorite toppings for hawaiian haystacks?? I love pineapple, coconut, crunchy noodles, and cheese!

All is well! All is well!

2011-01-31T06:07:00.000-08:00

Life isnt always easy. At some point in our journey we may feel much as the pioneers did as they crossed Iowa. Up to our knees in mud, forced to bury some of our dreams along the way. We all face rocky ridges, with the wind in our face and winter coming on too soon. Sometimes it seems as though there is no end to the dust that stings our eyes and clouds our vision. Sharp edges of despair and discouragement jut out of the terrain to slow our passage. Occasionally we reach the top of one summit in life, as the pioneers did, only to see more mountain peaks ahead, higher and more challenging than the one we hae just traversed. Tapping unseen reservoirs of faith and enduranace, we, as did our forebears, inch ever forward toward that day when our voices can join with those of all the pioneers who have endured in faith, singing, 'All is well! All is well!
Ensign, May 1997, 61

This was a quote my sister found recently and posted. For those of you that know Cassidy, you know what's going on...or you can read about it on her blog. I love my sister and my heart breaks for what they are having to go through right now.
This past weekend my mother-in-law was taken to Calgary for major surgery. She is currently in the ICU in Calgary and stable. She will have to go back into surgery every day until they have removed all the dead tissue. There's always a risk that things could go bad at any time. Thus, we are going up to Calgary today to visit and spend some time with family.
All of this makes me think about how to explain death to my children. I am grateful for the knowledge I have of our Heavenly Father's plan and that I can be with my family forever, That no matter what happens, Heavenly Father gives us trials to make us stronger and will never give us trials that we can't handle. Ask me if you want to know more about what I believe!

Freezer meals

2011-01-28T09:44:00.000-08:00

I love having 2 freezers. It leaves lots of room for me to make meals for the month as well as having bread, chicken, meat and veggies (and those cookies from my last post)! I'm always looking for new recipe ideas (so if you have any, please send them to me).
I often find some great ones on onceamonthmom.com. they post a monthly menu of breakfasts, lunches and dinners. the recipes are for 2 or 4 times the regular recipe, and they have a schedule for the cooking day. The menu is for 2 families, cook one day, split the meals and feed your family for the month. I have been doing it on my own for awhile now. I don't do all the recipes, but I choose some I think my family would like and make those. I don't always do it all on one day, sometimes I just make extra of what I'm making for dinner and freeze the leftovers. Then on days I work, or am out all day I will pull something out the night before or morning of, throw it in the crock pot or set the timer on the oven. Next month I'm getting together with a friend and we're going to pick 2 meals each, make enough for 4 meals of each recipe, and switch so we've got 4 different meals times 2. (do you understand what I'm trying to say?).

Here's a recipe I tried this month, I wasn't sure we'd like it, but it was good.

Cranberry Chicken and Rice (this makes 2 meals)
6 cups rice, cooked
1 cup apple juice
3 pounds chicken breast
1 tsp salt
1 tsp pepper
1 tsp garlic powder
2 pounds fresh cranberries
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp ground ginger

place rice in 8x8 pan, pour juice over rice. nestle chicken in the rice (I used cooked, chopped chicken) sprinkle with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. (adjustment) chop cranberries, mix the sugar, cinnamon, and ginger sprinkle over cranberries. put cranberries over chicken and rice (next time I think I'll use dried cranberries and reduce the amount of sugar). Freeze. To serve: thaw. uncover and bake at 350F for 50-60 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through. (because I used cooked, cubed chicken I cooked for 20-30 minutes). Enjoy!

best cookies in the world

2011-01-28T08:36:00.000-08:00

I hate hard, crunchy cookies! cookies should be soft and chewy. There's nothing better than warm, soft cookie. I'm always looking for a great recipe. For chocolate chip I always go back to one tried and true recipe that makes a soft chewy cookie...
Chipits Chewy Milk Chocolate Cookies
(you know that recipe on the bag of Hershey's Chipits milk chocolate chips)
Beat 2/3 cup melted butter (I use soft margarine)
2 cups lightly packed brown sugar
2 eggs
2 tbsp hot water
mix well.
Stir in 2 2/3 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt
Stir in 1 package Hershey's chipits milk chocolate chips
Drop from small spoon onto ungreased cookie sheet.
Bake at 375 degrees for 8-10 minutes.
Makes about 5 dozen cookies.

I use my pampered chef small scoop to get uniform sized cookies and cook them on my pampered chef stone. I never use regular cookie sheets anymore, there's no other way to bake cookies.

I always make a double batch of cookie dough. then, rather than baking all the cookies, I use the small scoop to make dough balls. I fit as many as I can on a cookie sheet (this is where I use my regular cookie sheets) don't leave any space and then flash freeze the balls (put them in the freezer until frozen, about an hour). Then, put them into a freezer bag and back in the freezer. That way, I can just pull out however many I want and bake them. Fresh, warm, soft, chewy cookies without the mess of making them! It's awesome.

I also tried some oatmeal raisin cookies (except I turned them into oatmeal blueberry cookies, no nuts)
Chewy Oatmeal Raisin cookies
1/2 cup (1 stick or 4 ounces) butter, softened
2/3 cup light brown sugar, packed
1 egg
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
3/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon salt (I often use a half teaspoon, but I like more salt in my baked goods)
1 1/2 cups rolled oats
3/4 cup raisins
1/2 cup walnuts, chopped (optional)

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a large bowl, cream together the butter, brown sugar, egg and vanilla until smooth. In a separate bowl, whisk the flour, baking soda, cinnamon and salt together. Stir this into the butter/sugar mixture. Stir in the oats, raisins and walnuts, if using them.
Bake them for 10 to 12 minutes (your baking time will vary, depending on your oven and how cold the cookies were going in), taking them out when golden at the edges but still a little undercooked-looking on top. Let them sit on the hot baking sheet for five minutes before transferring them to a rack to cool.

I still haven't make up my mind about the cinnamon, but they are nice and chewy!

Thanks guys for commenting on my last post! I know there's more of you out there, but I'll let you remain anonymous for now. Thanks for reading my blog and making me feel loved.

I gave pampered chef a plug (I really do love all the pampered chef stuff I have and use it all the time).
Now for Scensty...I have been wanting to try mixing scents for awhile, but all the "recipes" I have found are for scents that I don't have. So, today I tried one on my own...Perfectly Pomegranate and Sunkissed Citrus (one to one). YUMMY!! It smells delicious! I can't wait for March 1st, plug-ins are back in Canada!

are you there?

2011-01-23T18:48:00.001-08:00

I have this nifty little thing on my blog that tells me when people visit my blog and where they're from. It makes me feel good that people are visiting my blog. The only problem is it only tells me where you're from, not who you are. If you're reading this, leave a comment and tell me who you are! (please, just to satisfy my curiosity) Thanks in advance! (you could leave your blog address, then I can read what you have to say!)

Happy Birthday Ryker

2011-01-08T20:46:00.001-08:00

5 years ago we were at home watching the World Junior's final game (Canada vs. ???). My water broke, it's wasn't a big gush, just like I had peed my pants. I wasn't feeling any contractions, so we decided to wait until the end of the hockey game (besides, the doctor wouldn't be there either, he'd be watching the game too!). Things didn't progress as expected, but by 330 Sat morning we had a beautiful baby boy! It's hard to believe that it's been 5 years already. Ryker is an amazing addition to our family.
This year the kids had to go to the sitter on his actual birthday. Ryker decided that he didn't want it to be his birthday when he had to go to the sitter's house. even when Chris dropped him off and said happy birthday, he said "we're not having my birthday today"! such a funny kid. Friday was bowling with Mom, Dad, and Ryker. then mcdonald's for dinner. tonight was dinner with family. Lots of presents, lots of fun! and now I have a 5 year old.

update...

2011-01-05T20:45:00.001-08:00

Just wanted to update you all on my progress. I've been working very hard on one of my goals, not so hard on the others. I have lost 5 lbs to date this year! yeah me! want to know how I did it? I got a nice little infection from Ryker, strep throat. it has taken up residence in my tonsils and refuses to leave. I am understanding why Kayla has had some trouble talking (my mother in law thought she had called the wrong number when she called yesterday). My tonsils are like smalls rocks in the back of my throat and it hurts like crazy. (Sorry Ryker for giving you such a hard time about not swallowing your spit, as gross as that is, it hurts to swallow). I have spent the past 3 days on the couch doing nothing but watch old episodes of NCIS and eating nothing but chicken noodle soup and drinking gingerale (and trying to swallow tylenol/advil/antibiotic pills). I am slowly starting to get better, but not as fast as I would like. Chris has been awesome in helping with feeding the kids and taking them to the sitter (I was supposed to work 4 days this week, that didn't happen, but they still went to the sitter otherwise the house would be in worse shape than it is). What a way to start the new year!

I did have a great idea to try project 365 (take a picture a day for a year) but that went out the window. So now I'm going to try for project 52 (a picture a week for a year) I'm sure as soon as I get going on it, it'll be a picture a day, I hope. I'll try to post them for you all here when I'm feeling better!

new year, new me...i hope

2011-01-02T17:08:00.000-08:00

It's the new year and I don't usually make new year's resolutions (probably because I don't tend to keep them and end up feeling worse). This year I really need to make some changes and I am hoping that by putting them out into blogger world anyone reading this will help me on my journey...
Since having 2 babies so close together I've had trouble losing that extra "baby weight". Now that my baby will be 2 in May, I need to stop blaming them and do something about it. Starting with getting a treadmill from my in-laws, I plan to use it whenever I watch TV, or when the kids watch a movie. I've been signed up for Weight Watchers Online, but not really doing anything about it...they've made some changes and I'm going to do the same.
Today I went to tell Ryker he spends too much time playing DS or iPod, then I realized that I need to be a better example...thus, I quit facebook. cold turkey, no going back, no matter what Chris says about me being back on tomorrow afternoon, if not tonight.
I've got more, but these are going to be the biggest ones. wish me luck!

Christmas is almost here...

2010-12-18T17:49:00.000-08:00

a friend suggested an elf on the shelf to help the kids be "nice" in the time before Christmas. Here's our elf, we named him Munchkin, and he watches during the day and takes a report back to Santa at night. He finds a new place to watch each day (the kids really like finding him in a new place every day)

a few pictures of our tree...nothing special, but it's ours!

some new wall art I found!

here's my latest addition to my nativity collection. I made it for Super Saturday this year, it was super easy and looks great now (it is finished, I just didn't get a picture of the final project)

some of my other nativities...

This is my favorite nativity..

here's for you unbelievers...I believe (I've also been watching Miracle on 34th Street)

Christmas is in the air!

2010-12-10T19:23:00.000-08:00

I am so excited for Christmas this year! I am done all my shopping. I've made chocolates. I've made crafts for teacher/friend gifts. We're going to make reindeer cookies tomorrow. I've even wrapped most of the presents!! I had to be on the ball this year, as most of December I am either working or on call (which means I can't leave Taber), which cuts into shopping time. Not that I like shopping in December, it's great to have it done before the crazy rush. (Tell me, who really wants to go to Walmart or Costco or anywhere near the mall on a Saturday in December????)

We are keeping it simple this year, my family is going to Whitefish to ski/play for Christmas. I'm excited to get together with everyone and spending some time away!
It has really helped me enjoy the season. I really haven't had any stress this year and I'm loving it. I'm also loving the smell of Christmas (thank you Scentsy, I just got my silver bells scent and I'm LOVING it!!)
I hope that you are all enjoying the season and taking time to remember Christ and his birth, as that is the whole reason for the season!
Merry Christmas All!!
Here's a few pics of my kids...not recent, but still great.

I love it when everyone has a nap, even better when they all have a nap at the same time!!

My girls LOVE their dad!

I heard once that Canadians eat more icecream/slurpies in the winter than in the summer!

latter day chatter

2010-12-04T21:49:00.000-08:00

I recently stumbled across a great blog with tons of great ideas (she's on facebook too). I love all the great ideas she's got and have a few new "helpers" for sacrament meeting tomorrow. I can't wait to try them out. You can check her out too, just click here.

Smells so good...

2010-11-25T13:05:00.000-08:00

I have been meaning to try some scentsy products for a long time, I finally ordered some (as part of a fundraiser) from a friend from highschool, Meghann Clements and now...
My house smells delicious!! Even Chris doesn't seem to mind, and he hates anything that smells.
click on Megann's name above to check out her website...

What I believe...

2010-11-21T19:00:00.000-08:00

credits for these pics go to simply fresh designs

life goes on...

2010-11-19T12:35:00.000-08:00

I haven't blogged for awhile, and I don't know if anyone has missed me, but I'm back. You can read and enjoy, but I need to blog more often for me. I've been thinking about awesome things in my life. Some days it's really hard to see them, like days when K is getting into everything! Just a small list of things she has gotten into in the past few weeks... jello powder (she chews through the box), dirt, snow (she and B love eating the snow and don't care what color it is), ALL of my makeup, nailpolish, toothpaste (she LOVES eating my toothpaste). She is much like a tornado. But then there are days like today... while I was saying the prayer at lunch time I realized that she was talking and was repeating what I was saying. I slowed down and let her say the prayer! This is the first time she's done this. In case you don't know, K has been going to speech therapy since last spring. She wasn't talking at all and now she's talking a lot more, it's not easy to understand her, but I especially love when she speaks in a full sentence!
I hate laundry and dishes. I wish I could blame work for nothing getting done at my house, but really, it's just me being lazy. (and spending too much time on facebook...I'm taking the challenge that our bishop is extending to the youth in our ward, to spend less time on facebook) Chris is awesome about helping me with the laundry (dishes too, actually) but a few weeks ago I was switching loads and I managed to get all the laundry from the washer to the dryer without dropping a single item of clothes. This wouldn't be such a big deal if it was towels or adult clothes, but it was kids clothes and socks! It made me smile. We'll see if I can do it again this weekend as I tackle the mountain of laundry waiting for me.
One last awesome thing for today...tomorrow is super Saturday, and this year I am excited about the crafts that we're doing. I'm always excited when there's a nativity (mine have been up since Nov. 1, by the way), even better this year, I got to pick it. It's super easy and I am excited to add it to my collection. I'm also excited to have another craft day with some friends, to make even more fun crafts for Christmas. I'll post pictures later (some pictures will have to wait until after Christmas just in case certain people happen to check my blog before then).
Welcome back, hope your day is AWESOME!

Another AWESOME thing...finding your keys

2010-06-25T21:14:00.000-07:00

As I was reading my AWESOME book I read one entry about finding lost keys...You know, you are ready to walk out the door and you realize that you don't have your keys, you search and search, (he goes on and talks about stages of searching) then open your door and find them hanging out of the lock.
Well, a few weeks ago, as Chris was walking out the door to go to work after lunch he handed my keys to Kayla. First, never, ever give keys to Kayla! she loves playing with keys especially real ones. Second, if you do, keep an eye on her. I wasn't really paying attention and didn't see what she did with them. later that day I was looking for them and couldn't find them. I didn't really worry about it...days later we still hadn't found the keys (I totally blame Chris for this one). We went on vacation and I was quite concerned about leaving without my keys...who knows if she left them outside and someone picked them up, if we lose Chris' keys we don't have another spare...We went, no one used them to steal all our stuff, and we didn't lose Chris'. Then one day Chris asked Kayla to throw something in the sink, he watched her throw it in the garbage! We figured that my keys were long gone, having gone out with the garbage. A few days later I was getting ready for teacher leadership (for church) and needed somewhere to put some water bottles. I opened up a big bucket we had sitting in the hallway waiting to be taken downstairs...there were my keys!! it was AWESOME!!!!

1000 awesome things...

2010-06-19T08:01:00.001-07:00

I got a new book today. I've seen it around, but picked it up at WalMart (that's Ryker's favorite store!) And now I'm inspired...It's all about the little things that make your day. It started with a blog and hasn't stopped. Now I'm going to join in on the awesomeness! (I think I got that from watching Chuck, it's awesome if you haven't seen it before) I haven't blogged for awhile, but I am going to be better (not that anyone has noticed, but it will be good for me) I am going to include some of the things that make my day better when I'm having a bad day, or the things that just make a great day awesome!
*living on higher ground, literally. It's been raining here and most of Southern Alberta is flooded out (highways are covered in water, fields are lakes) but we've had no problems so far with water in our house!
*a job that I love. I just got a new job this week. I'm now working in the operating room at the hospital here in Taber. I love the nurses and doctors that I work with. It's a challenge, and I love a challenge.
*dancing. Blake is our little dancer (she danced before she walked) and will dance on command!

*sleeping babies. I love when everyone has naptime, doesn't happen too often, but when it does it's AWESOME

what makes your day awesome??

A year in the life of...

2010-01-01T07:03:00.000-08:00

...the Zuidhof family. Another eventful year.
January--Ryker turned 3. the theme was superheroes! he's all about superman, spiderman, batman, even the xmen!

February--this always seems to be a quiet month for us. I took some time to do a photoshoot or two with the kids as I got my indoor studio set up this month.

March--another quiet month. This month we discovered Kayla's love of TimBits (and food in general)

April--Kayla turned 1. She has really grown up fast. She loves to tag along with her big brother and do everything that he is doing.

May--Blakelee Jean joined our family on May 5th. She looks just like her big brother and is the perfect addition to our family.

June--we got a new tent! it's awesome, and huge! we can put the playpen in, the bassinet for Blake, ryker's airmattress, and our double air mattress! with room for everything else. our first camping trip was in Lola and Grandpa's backyard, the perfect spot for camping!

July--We went to the Lethbridge Air Show again. It was fun and hot. I think next year the girls will stay home. It's tough to keep them entertained when it's so hot!

August--Cornfest was definately the hilight of this month. Ryker still talks about cornfest and wants to go all the time. He loved the rides and we all had a great time eating and visiting with friends (mom's even took a break and went back for a few rides alone. This month Ryker also experienced his first friend moving away. We still miss having Thomas and Colton (Larissa too) next door to play with!

September--Ryker started Joyschool this month. He had some trouble getting into it, but really does love going and the kids that he goes with!

and here is Kayla doing everything her big brother does, backpack and all...

October--I had my gallbladder removed. I don't know if this surgery was worse than my sections, but the fact that I came home the same day and didn't have time to recover in the hospital certainly didn't help. but we got through it and I'm much happier without the pain of gallstones (definately the worst pain I've ever felt in my life).

November--I went back to work this month. I got a sweet position at the Taber Hospital (casual with benefits) and it works out great with my little ones.

December--What can I say? Christmas was quiet, the best way to spend time with your family. Some day I'll get to editing all my pictures from december and post some for you all.

In the mean time I thought I'd share some of my favorite things from 2009 and what we're looking forward to in 2010

favorite things...
book club, I love interacting with the ladies in my bookclub and I'm grateful they let me join them.
Photoshop, I invested in photoshop cs4 this year. best thing ever! I love what i can do with my pictures now
wii, we've had this for awhile now, but I still love it. I especially love the wii fit (i need to use is more often) and the new super mario bros. game (i love mario!)
my church callings, most of this year i was teaching relief society and i really enjoyed it, now I'm in the primary presidency and am especially loving this calling! it's great to interact with all the kids in our ward!

things we're looking forward to in 2010...
Kayla learning to talk. she still just grunts and her only real word is "Mom"
our vacation to st. louis in May. we get to take the train, it's going to be a great adventure!
Chris only having to be oncall every 6 weeks instead of every 3!
all the other great things in store for our family.

I hope that your 2009 was a wonderful as ours! All the best in 2010!!

My busy life!

2009-11-17T18:52:00.000-08:00

After 18 months of being home full time with my kids it is time to go back to work! I would LOVE to be able to be at home with my kids full time, but a some not so smart financial choices means that the sooner I go back to work, the sooner we can be debt free. Won't that be wonderful!
The great thing is the job that I got. I could have just gone back to ICU in Lethbridge picking up casual shifts, but that means 12 hour shifts plus driving at least 30 minutes there and back. I didn't really want to work "the floor", I wanted to work in emerg here in Taber. One day I was just checking the posted positions and there was one posted for 8-8hour shifts in a month in active care (that's where the patient is when they are admitted to the hospital). I liked the idea of 8 hour shifts (I can still come home after a shift and spend time with the kids, or leave after they're in bed), and 8 a month is perfect for me. I applied and got the job. I started last week and it has been really good so far. My favorite part is that I get to do some maternity as well. I've never worked with mom's and babies, but I got to help with a delivery this weekend and I loved it! I can't wait for more.
Here's a few pics of my girls...Kayla LOVES having her picture taken!

did you notice i wasn't blogging???

2009-10-16T20:58:00.000-07:00

Well, it's been awhile since I last blogged. Life has been super busy and I'm trying to catch up with everything. The blog has been ignored, because, well, does anyone really care what I've been doing? I still keep up with my list of friends. (if you have a blog and it's not on my list, send me the link, I'd like to stalk you through your blog).
Here's a few of the things that are on my mind these days...

My kids. wow, three kids is busy. I really love my kids and love hanging out with them all day. Ryker is LOVING joy school (we'll do a big joy school post another time) and I love taking my turn teaching (I'm super excited for the Halloween party we're having). Kayla is in nursery now. It's so nice for her to have somewhere she is allowed to run around and play, and have a snack, and play with her brother and friends at church. She's our "silent" kid, 18 months and not talking...Ryker likes to talk for her. Blakelee is getting soooo big! It truly amazes me how fast they grow. Blake and I are part of a program for a grade 5 class where we go in and visit the class once a month during the school year and they get to watch how she grows and develops. we had our first class today and it was so fun to visit with the kids and see how excited they were to meet her (she loved the attention).

church. I've got a new calling in church. I'm the 2nd counsellor in the primary. I'm excited to be a part of primary. I don't really know the kids in our ward, so I am slowing learning their names (don't know if it's age, or babies that have turned my brain into mush! it's harder now to remember names). It's been fun so far, and I get to teach my first Sharing Time this Sunday. I'm a little nervous, but it'll be great!

work. Well, I've been off for 18 months, it's time to go back. I applied for a great position at the Taber Hospital and now I'm just waiting to hear when my start date is. It's a casual with benefits position that guarantees me 8 (8h) shifts in 4 weeks. The shifts are based on my availability and so I can work when Chris is able to stay home with the kids. I love the flexibility of nursing and I am looking forward to the opportunity to stretch my brain.

photography. business is slow, but I'm keeping at it. I love taking pictures so I'll continue doing what I love! (let me know if you want pictures done for Christmas, I'm sure I can squeeze you in)

surgery. well, I never thought that I would be excited to lose a part of my body or have surgery that didn't end with a new baby, but I am. About a month ago I had this awful pain in my chest, I'd had it before, but never that bad. It was so bad, in fact that I made Chris take me to the hospital (I almost called the ambulance, but he said he could get me there faster). I thought I was having a heart attack the pain was so bad. They did an ECG, and all the things they do in emerg, then told me it was probably my gallbladder (stupid cheesewiz!) and booked an ultrasound. Gallstones! terrible, awful things! "lots of gallstones" as the report said. my family doc referred me to a surgeon (of my choice, I went with the cowboy, had luck with cowboys so far, my ob is a cowboy) who told me he would take it out. there wasn't even the option of having the stones removed (which didn't really bother me). his office called today and said they had a cancellation, would I like to go in next friday, otherwise i would have to wait until December. Yes, I'll take Friday. It's a day procedure, they go in through the bellybutton and suck it out (kinda). I just have to "take it easy" for a week. ever try to take it easy with 3 kids under the age of 4?? we'll survive, and the pain will be gone (I've had more "attacks" but nothing that sent me back to emerg).

books. I have 5 new books waiting to be read (plus a few from the library waiting to be picked up). so, I've got to get cracking....but, if you're looking for a good read, try Still Alice by Lisa Genova. It's a great book about Alzheimer's from the perspective of a 50 year old professor at Harvard that gets early onset Alzheimer's. It will change your perspective of Alzheimer's. If you know anyone with Alzheimer's, I would suggest you read it (and I bet most of you know someone with it). I found it at Walmart and think it's worth buying. (if you live close to me and would like to borrow it, just let me know).

well, that's it for now. can't wait to hear what you've been up to...

I am a mother!

2009-09-18T14:22:00.000-07:00

Our book club this month read the book "I am a Mother" by Jane Clayson Johnson. Have you read it? you should... I really enjoyed this book. Never apologize for being a mom. There is nothing better than being a mom. Jane Clayson Johnson was a host on the Early Show and a career woman before she married her husband and resigned from her job and chose to be a stay at home mom. The book tells of her experiences leading up to this and peoples reactions to her decision. One thing I enjoyed about this book was that I didn't feel guilty for not being the perfect mom, but I did feel that the work I do for my family is important! Her big thing was how the world says "I'm just a mom" as if we should be doing more, get a doctorate, work in an office. It's ok to be a mom and to be proud to say it.
I am a mom! and I love being a mom!

Joy School

2009-08-26T10:24:00.000-07:00

So, many moons ago, when I was 3 or 4, my mom joined several other moms and we participated in Joy School. Last year I got thinking about it, and thought it would be fun for Ryker. I googled it, and came to a website where you had to join to access the program. I didn't join at the time, I didn't have anyone else to do it with and couldn't see myself doing it all alone. Then, a few weeks ago, a friend called and asked if I was interested in joining a group of moms to start Joy School for our kids. I got excited and agreed to join them. I signed up on the website (click here to check it out). and began preparing for Joy School to start. When I told Ryker about it, he got really excited (living across the street from the school he asks me almost every day if he can go to school). Next Tuesday is our first day and I am so excited! I got the music CDs in the mail yesterday and have been playing them for Ryker and Kayla all day (some of the songs are the original recordings from when I was in Joy School!)

What is Joy School?? It's like preschool (kinda) but the mom's take turns teaching for a week (2 days a week) at their home. the kids learn from different units (the joy of my body, the joy of the earth, the joy of sharing and service, etc) through songs, activities and stories.

Once a month

2009-08-06T06:18:00.001-07:00

So, a friend sent me a link for a site called once a month mom. As I started reading it I get really excited. It's all about once a month cooking. You take one day and cook like crazy and come out with meals to put in the freezer for the entire month. This site is great because they have the menu/recipes/shopping list for each month that you can print out and go. you don't have to do any of that work!! I'm going to start this in September...hopefully I'll find someone to do it with me, if not, I'll have 2 months worth of meals (which include breakfast, lunch, AND dinner) as the recipes are enough for 2 families of 4. If you have any good freezer dinner recipes let me know, I'd love to hear about them...

Friends

2009-08-03T09:31:00.000-07:00

Just over a week ago, on a beautiful Friday morning, I was up early with the front door open, enjoying the cool morning air before the heat set in. Ryker woke up, got dressed and sat on the front step waiting...He was waiting for the neighbors to wake up and come play for a little bit. He seemed to understand that he wouldn't be able to play with them like he has almost every day since the weather started getting nice. They were moving that day, and though they would be back to visit their grandma and grandpa, it would never be the same! Here's a few pictures of the kids playing that day. We miss you guys!

Canola field

2009-07-22T15:00:00.000-07:00

Ever drive past those fields of YELLOW and think how cool they look? Well, the other day my sister, Cassidy, called and suggested a photo shoot in a canola field by my parents house...here's a sneak peak at our shoot. More can be seen on my photography blog.

Candy land

2009-07-12T06:38:00.000-07:00

I've got a new post that needs your opinion on my photography blog...
check it out and leave your thoughts!

click here

Blakelee's blessing

2009-07-08T13:01:00.000-07:00

We had Blake's blessing this weekend. We were happy to have family and close friends come enjoy the evening with us.
For those that don't understand...As members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, we don't believe that children need to be baptized. They are not to be baptized until they reach the age of accountablilty (8 years old). However, when a baby is born there is the opportunity to say a special prayer on behalf of the baby, in which they are given a name by which they will be known on church records (same as legal given name), and ask Heavenly Father for blessings on the baby for their life. It is not a requirement, but a wonderful blessing.
Here's a picture of Blake in her blessing dress...

While my Sister Sleeps

2009-06-29T12:56:00.000-07:00

I saw this book at the library and thought it would be a good novel to read (yes, I judged the book by it's cover). I didn't expect it to be such a thinker, but it was! Here's the authors summary...
At 27, Molly Snow is the youngest of three siblings. Feisty but hard-working, she has always been overshadowed by her older sister, Robin, an elite marathoner who is favored to shine at the upcoming Olympic trials. When Robin suffers a heart attack during a training run and fails to regain consciousness, her family is devastated.

As Molly's parents fold under the heartbreak and her brother retreats into the cool reserve that is threatening his marriage, Molly is the one left standing. By default, she is thrust into the role of family spokesperson, not only with friends and the media, but at Snow Hill, the family's hugely successful tree and plant nursery. More crucially, Molly becomes her sister's voice when Robin can' t speak for herself. In the process, she finds her own voice.

While My Sister Sleeps is more than a coming-of-age story. Taking place over six days, this novel explores a family in crisis, peeling away layers of relationships to expose one startling truth after another. Mother to daughter, sister to sister - it is a story of rising to a challenge and making hard decisions, then loving enough to let go.

I really enjoyed reading this book and pondering the issues raised, some of which are important to me, having seen these types of situations from the nurses perspective. Wills and living wills...do you have one? I am a firm believer that EVERYONE should have a living will (a personal health care directive for what you want done in case you can't express your desires and assigning someone to make the decisions for you that knows what you would want done). yes, I have one. Another issue raised, organ donation...did you know just because you check yes to being an organ donor on your ahc card, it is still up to your family to make the decision! make sure that they know what you want done (better yet, but it in your personal health care directive/living will).
This book helped me see the family side of things. So many times I don't understand why families have such a difficult time making decisions when the outcome seems so obvious (brain dead is brain dead, there's no coming back and no real quality of life). I hope that I've been a caring, understanding nurse in situations I've been in, and I hope that this eye opening book will help me even more the next time I am caring for someone's mother/father, sister/brother, friend.
I really think that you should all go to the library and read this book...

Father's Day

2009-06-25T18:55:00.000-07:00

This is what we did for dad and grandpa's...

monday's list of things to do...

2009-06-22T07:16:00.000-07:00

For anyone that knows me, you know that I make lists for EVERYTHING. It's the only way I can survive without forgetting something...like wipes on an outing to the park, or someone's swimsuit on vacation, or milk on a trip to Safeway! well, I've got a list of things I need to do this week, and I thought if I posted the list it would make me more accountable. (and maybe I'll work on the list rather than spend my time on facebook). so, here goes...
sweep and mop the floor (sweeping could be done after every meal, but i aim to get it done at least once a day).
laundry (it nevers ends!)
dishes (another task that never ends, my goal is to have dishes done each night before i go to bed so i'm not having to do them every morning)
pay bills
clean off the table (it seems to pile up with everything...bills, flyers, hair clips, movies, pictures, leftover seeds, and anything else you can think of)
thank you notes
update simple moments website
get kids haircuts
return books/movies to the library (maybe even watch the movies i borrowed)

I'm sure there's more I need to do, but we'll see how long it takes me to get this done. For now, I'm going to have a shower while the kids are sleeping (can you believe that all 3 are sleeping at the same time????)

Reading list

2009-06-15T14:10:00.001-07:00

Here's just a list of some of the books I would like to read this summer...
Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte(I'm reading this right now and we're discussing it in book club this week)
Nights of Rain and Stars by Maeve Binchy
While My Sister Sleeps by Barbara Delinsky
Three Cups of Tea by Greg Mortenson and David Oliver Relin
Still Alice by Lisa Genova
The Choice by Nicholas Sparks
The Last Lecture by Randy Pausch
The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency by Alexander McCall Smith
Stolen innocence by Elissa Wall
Any other suggestions? Ever read any of these? What did you think?

Flowers and vegetables

2009-06-15T13:04:00.001-07:00

I've tried to plant a vegatable garden every year for the last 5 years. Some years are better than others. I've had to leave a few gardens behind when we've moved. In Okotoks we used a community garden plot. I've stuck to vegetables, because, if you know me at all, you know that I can kill flowers (any house plant) with out even trying. Last year, in an attempt to increase the "curb appeal" of our house (we were selling) I planted some flowers, and managed not to kill them! This year, in our new home, I inherited some perenials (are those the ones that you don't have to plant year after year? I never know). They grew all by themselves! It's nice to not have to worry about them (I'll have to look into what needs to be done in the fall so they keep coming back). I even planted a few annuals (the ones that need to be planted every spring?). and planted some strawberries too. We weren't sure if the garden plot would be great for this year (there were some trees blocking the sun), so we took advantage of an empty, irrigated field and planted peas, bean, tomatoes, onions and beets. Chris cut the trees down in our yard, and we ended up planting more vegetables in the backyard...potatoes, lettuce, carrots, zucchini, spaghetti squash, and some herbs. I'm excited for the harvest in the fall!

I don't know what these are, but they're pretty.

pretty sure this is one of my zucchini plants.

Garden butterfly.

these look like pansies, they came up all by themselves (I always thought pansies had to be planted year after year).

my strawberries are already blooming. i love strawberries!

I really don't know if this is a flower or a weed, but it's cool!

peonies (i've got one with a pink tinge on my table, beautiful!). these were covered with ants and my mom told me that they need the ants to bloom. i looked it up online, and that's not true (but many people believe that).

poppies??

Pansies that I did plant.

I can't remember what they're called, but i planted purple and white ones.

Iris'. they weren't blooming when i took this picture, but I love when they are blooming.

orange pansies. ryker picked these ones (his favorite colour is orange)

my garden girls. kayla loves to play in the dirt (mostly she eats it)

blake is happy to sleep in the sun! (for now)

I'll try to remember to post pictures of the vegetables as they grow.

Camping

2009-06-15T11:34:00.000-07:00

So, this past weekend we decided (Friday morning) to go camping...that means, Chris goes to work and leaves me with 3 kids, piles of laundry, and an unorganized storage room (the black hole for stuff we had nowhere else to put). Because Chris gets off work at 3:30, we figured we could get wherever we were going at a decent time...we finally left Taber at 6pm! We had planned on going to Waterton, but it would have been WAY late by the time we got there, so, instead we called to make a last minute reservation at the Michel Family Campground. We set up camp in my parents yard and had a great time. We roasted marshmallows for s'mores on Friday night and enjoyed a sun filled Saturday with Lola and Grandpa Wally. Auntie Shelsea, Kenyon, and Tayvee even stopped by on Saturday to play! It was a great way to start the camping season, now that we've got everything found and organized we can actually make it to our destination the next time.

Grandpa even helped set up the tent.

Kayla got a new hat

Ryker loves his Diego bed.

Blake kept warm all night.

Kayla had a rough night, and fell asleep before we got to the end of the driveway when we went for a walk by the creek.

book review

2009-06-05T18:16:00.000-07:00

At our book club a few months ago, rather than discussing a book, we all brought books that we had read and really enjoyed. I loved this discussion and seeing the kinds of books that everyone has read and recommended. It's always nice to get another perspective and read a book you would have never thought to pick up otherwise. The only problem with this was that I came home with a list of 30+ books that I wanted to read. I ended up buying about 6 books that week, not all of which were on my list, but that caught my attention while I was looking for other books. I know, I could just go to the library, and I do, but I LOVE books and love having them in my home to read again and again. I did get some books out of the library...I love being able to look them up online, put them on hold, and pick them up when I take the kids to get their books (ever try looking for a book with 3 little kids running around??)
I read 3 books (a series) by Deborah Ellis. The lady that recommended them was reading them because her grandchildren are reading them in school. That said, they are junior fiction, and a very simple read. Simple read does not mean simple content...

The first in the series is the Breadwinner. All the books are based in Afganistan after the Taliban took over, they deal with how children survive, girls especially. the Breadwinner is about Parvana. "One day, Parvana's father is arrested by the Taliban -- the extreme religious faction that controls Afghanistan -- and the family is left without anyone to earn money and shop for food. Forbidden to work as a girl, Parvana must transform herself into a boy to save her family. The Breadwinner is a novel about loyalty, survival, families and friendship under extraordinary circumstances."

Parvana's Journey is about Parvana's search for her family after they are seperated. "Her father has just died and she has no idea where her mother and siblings are. As she crosses through the wilderness she bands together with other children and they all try to take care of each other as they search for her family."

Mud City is about Parvana's friend, Shauzia, and her quest to flee Afganistan and go to France. "We find fourteen year old Shauzia and her dog Jasper in a refugee camp in Pakistan having left her miserable life in Kabul, Afghanistan behind. She carries with her a magazine cutout of a field of lavender flowers and dreams of one day visiting France and seeing the ocean. She decides that the only way to make her dream come true is to leave the refugee camp and instead earn money on the streets. Living on the streets is dangerous, scary, adventurous, and she even spends a night at the local jail. She discovers that navigating her way through a country full of Afghan refugees is not easy and that her dream of escaping her miserable life may well be out of her hands."

I really enjoyed these books. They opened my eyes to some of the situations that the children in Afganistan find themselves in every day. I would recommend these books to anyone. It made me appreciate the quality of life that I have and the blessings I enjoy each day in a free country. I think that books like these are important for our children to read, they need to understand that life is not the same for all children around the world.

Summer begins

2009-06-04T06:42:00.000-07:00

I love the warm weather, after being inside most of the winter it's nice to be able to get outside every day (without bundling all the kids up).
Shelsea and her kids were down for the Cardston 1/2 marathon (go Shelsea and Mom), so we had a picnic at Henderson. For the past 6 months my sister, Cassidy, has been wanting to take Kayla to get her ears pierced, but can't seem to find someone that will do it...finally they decided to get them done that day. Shelsea found a cute set of studs, and they pierced them at the park! Kayla did really good, she cried when they did it, but was playing just a few minutes later. They look really cute, she looks like a little girl now, not my baby anymore!
We took some pictures in the park and had a great afternoon visiting...

Walden

2009-05-25T17:58:00.000-07:00

For book club this month we read Walden, by Henry David Thoreau. This book is a classic, first published in 1854. Thoreau was born in 1817 and lived in the Boston, Massachusetts area. He attended Harvard and rubbed noses with some of the great minds of his time. In 1845 he moved to Walden Pond and began writing Walden. He lived a life of bare minimum for two years before returning to civilization. He did not wish to live the life of a hermiy. He hoped to isolate himself from society in order to gain a more objective understanding of it. Simple living and self-sufficiency were Thoreau's other goals. He was truely ahead of his times, though I'm not sure what he would think of our times, as he saw his own times as fast paced and materialistic!
I did not read the entire book, as it is quite deep and requires focus (a difficult task with busy children and little sleep). The parts I did read, I quite enjoyed. It made me consider what I can live without, how can I simplify my life. In discussing the book, we talked about finding our own Walden's Pond...a place that we can go to/a moment we can take to leave the world behind and enjoy the simple things in life.
When I got home that day I was sitting on the front step watching Ryker play, feeding Blakelee, listening to Kayla sleep, I enjoyed one of those "walden" moments...
My goal is to have more of those moments in my life. Summer should be a great opportunity for this, as we are taking a break from tv and turning our sattelite off for a few months. More time to get out and enjoy the sunshine!

Henry David Thoreau is quoted a whole lot more than you would think...do you recognize any of the following quotes?

Aim above morality. Be not simply good, be good for something.

All this worldly wisdom was once the unamiable heresy of some wise man.

Be true to your work, your word, and your friend.

Beware of all enterprises that require a new set of clothes.

Every generation laughs at the old fashions, but follows religiously the new.

The birds in my front yard...

2009-05-15T12:23:00.000-07:00

Many years ago, in elementary school, I did a report on "the birds in my backyard". It was all about birds that live in Southern Alberta. All I really remember is visiting a couple in Welling that raised peacocks. I had a big display with pictures and descriptions of all the birds...Today, I will tell you all about the birds in my front yard. We've got a tree in our front yard that was full of berries this winter. When the birds arrived this spring, they were in heaven! I could identify the robins, but there was another kind of bird (a waxwing) that I'd never really noticed until now. They came in large numbers enjoying the berries... One day we were playing in the living room (which has a big window to the front and our berry tree) when there was a big bang on the window. It sounded like when Chris would throw a snowball at the kids while they stood in the window watching him, but there was no snow, and no one even close to the house... I was confused, but went on with life, not thinking about it. Until it happened again...and again...finally, I figured out what it was. The birds, while feasting on the berries, were startled by a car or something from the direction of the road, and flew off in the direction of the house. Some of the birds didn't make it over or around the house and flew straight into the window!! We wondered if maybe the berries had fermented and the birds were getting drunk on them. Many of the birds were simply stunned, then managed to fly away. Some, however, were not so lucky. Those birds, I am pretty sure, became a midnight snack for the neighborhood cats.
Here's some pictures...

Blake and her siblings...

2009-05-13T20:55:00.000-07:00

Ryker and Kayla love Blake! Ryker always wants to hold her and help take care of her. Kayla comes up and gives her hugs and kisses (and pokes her) all the time. They both love to watch her sleep, if only they could just let her sleep...

Welcome to the world...

2009-05-08T20:14:00.001-07:00

This week we welcomed the newest addition to our family, Blakelee Jean Zuidhof. She arrived at 10:17am on May 5th, weighing 7lbs 11oz, and 20 1/2 inches long. I thought I'd post a few pictures for those that have waited so patiently...

She is an angel and a special part of our family. We're happy to have her with us. I'll try to get more pictures and posts up soon, but right now I am enjoying time with family and trying to recover from this physically and emotionally draining week...

Just chillin'

2009-04-27T13:56:00.000-07:00

I haven't posted much, but I haven't done much either... I've still got easter pictures and some of the birds that love our front yard on the camera, but I'm simply too lazy to download them, and blog about them. Give me a month, once I've had this baby (which is scheduled to arrive on the 5th of May, and we're still trying to find a name for), and gotten into a new routine, I'll post more (and lots of pictures of all 3 kids)! Until then, this will have to do (unless I somehow manage to find some extra energy later in the week)...

Pregnant

2009-04-15T11:55:00.000-07:00

A friend of mine has this posted on her blog...
You know your pregnant when….
* You ask your husband to push you out of the bed…
* You brace yourself before sneezing so you don’t wet your pants…
* You go to the bathroom and on the way back to whatever you were doing you realize you have to go again….
* You can’t paint your own toe nails any more…
* You break down and ask your husband to help you shave your legs…
* Your fingernails are growing at a rapid pace…
* When people ask you how you are feeling all the time :)…
* Buying baby clothes becomes more important than paying the bills…
* You freak out if you don’t feel a flutter in your belly every hour…
* When you cant wait to sleep on your tummy….
* You have forgotten what its like to sleep through the night without having to get up every hour to pee…
* Walking around walmart for an hour exhausts you…
* Your gracious walk is becoming a waddle…
* You tend to get more annoyed at things more than normal…
* Your husband has to tuck you in at night cause the pillow in the front and the rolled up blanket behind you makes it difficult to reach the covers yourself…
* You cant see anything below your belly button..
* When your belly button starts looking like Kyle XY because it is about to “pop”…
* When you cry at EVERYTHING…
* Your belly now resembles Buddahs and everyone seems to agree since they all want to rub it..
* When you crave oranges and pickles and french fries all at once…
* When picking a baby name is so much more important than any other matters in the world…
* You seem to have turned 85 in the second trimester according to the pain in your back and legs..
* When half the commercials on tv make you cry, the other half make you hungry, and a select few manage both…
And when even though every day and every trimester brings a new pain, sideffect, or sickness you are still counting down the days till you get to see your baby and after 13 hours of labor you are holding your baby in your arms and you know you would go through it all again in a heartbeat..

I'm scheduled for a c-section on the 5th of May. And looking forward to not being pregnant any more. This has been my worst pregnancy by far, and it doesn't help that I've been pregnant for 18 of the last 22 months! I'm taking a very long break after this. I am looking forward to another beautiful baby girl joining our family.

Kayla turned 1!

2009-04-09T11:21:00.001-07:00

Kayla turned one on April 1st! The first was a quiet day for us and we had some brownies after dinner and let Kayla open some presents. I like those kind of birthdays, nothing big and fancy!

the following Saturday we had grandparents and aunts and uncles (those that live close by) over for cake and ice cream.

I think that Kayla's favorite present was her new cabbage patch doll!

Pay it Forward

2009-03-19T20:08:00.000-07:00

Pay It Forward...I got in on this on a cousins blog, and a friend on facebook, so I guess it's my turn now. So this is how it works - The first 5 people to leave a comment on this (my) post will receive a hand made gift from me during this year. When and what will be a surprise. (I make no promise that you will like it.) There's a small catch...You knew there would be didn't you? Post this on your blog then come back and leave a comment, telling me you're in. Fun, huh? Remember, only the first 5 comments receive the gift. Come on! You know you want something from me!!

Book Club

2009-03-19T19:41:00.000-07:00

When we are in Okotoks I was part of a great book club. I loved reading a different book each month, sometimes books I'd never think of reading. I loved getting together with other ladies and discussing the books. Especially with so many different opinions and perspectives. Since leaving over 2 years ago I haven't had the chance to become part of another book club, until now. Thanks to a new friend here in Taber (Sheri Gurney), I got myself invited to a great book club. I attended my first meeting today and had a great time. It was fun to get together to discuss this month's book, Recovering Charles by Jason Wright. It's an interesting book. It talks a lot about Hurricane Katrina, and the devestation that resulted. I didn't like the character development (or lack thereof). But, it does give a new perspective on alcoholisms effect on families...

2009-03-16T07:33:00.000-07:00

check out this super cute blog...the burnt daisy!

MMMMM...Timbits!

2009-03-09T09:03:00.000-07:00

pictures can tell a much better story than I can...(just a note, we don't always let kayla walk on the table, we were both within arms length)

Photography Blog Giveaway!

2009-02-27T20:14:00.000-08:00

Please check out my photography blog, and pass it on to family and friends!

I'm just so tired!

2009-02-27T06:48:00.000-08:00

I've been tired a lot lately, but this week has just been awful! I started out the week wishing I could go back to bed and sleep the week away. Too bad that it never happened. We've all caught the awful cold that is going around and on top of being pregnant, it has drained every ounce of energy I had left. It doesn't help when Ryker has decided that he really doesn't want to nap and Kayla never naps for more than 20-30 minutes (twice a day if we're lucky). Am I a horrible mom for being glad that Kayla was sick this week too? it meant for longer naps for her and a chance to at least lie down for a few minutes each day. We're all starting to feel better, but Kayla decided that it was time to wake up at 430 this morning! She fell asleep at 7, but only slept for about 30 minutes, so I'm hoping for another nap later today. I'll be glad for Saturday, Chris is good about letting me have a nap while he watches the kids. And at least he'll be able to come to church with us this week too (he's had to work the last 2 Sundays) and he's got a short work week next week (3 days)!

Photo Shoot

2009-02-10T15:01:00.000-08:00

Ryker and Kayla got some new clothes this past week, so we did a photo shoot to show off the cuteness that is my kids...
The onsie Kayla is wearing and the cute flower in her hair are both from Cute like Me, a homebased business started by a friend of mine, Hailey Stuckart. Check out her blog and website, tons of fun.
Ryker is sporting the cute tie that his cousin, Kenyon, sent to him for his birthday. Super cute, easy to put on, and he loves it. Shelsea even sent the pattern so we can make more (it's super easy too). Thanks so much Kenyon, Tayvee, Shelsea and Jeff.
I'm just going to post a few photos, to see the rest you have to check out my photography blog. I'm loving by new business and looking forward to taking pictures for all of you. (There are special introductory prices now in effect, so act quickly to get the deals).

Happy Valentine's Day

2009-02-09T12:13:00.000-08:00

Ryker's 3rd Birthday

2009-01-14T09:14:00.000-08:00

This year we did 2 different birthday parties, the saturday before his birthday and the saturday after. both were superhero parties, which ryker loved! he's all into superheros of any kind...spiderman, superman, batman, x-men...
The night before his birthday (which was the 6th) we were watching the jr.world hockey tournament. it made me remember the night he was born... we were watching the canadian team play sweden when my water broke. i wasn't having any contractions, so we decided that we would wait until the game was over (there was probably 30 min left). we watched canada win, then went to the hospital. i figured the doctors would be watching the game anyway, so no big deal! we had plenty of time. ryker was born around 330am... this year canada won against sweden, again!

Christmas

2009-01-14T08:56:00.000-08:00

Here's a few pictures of Christmas...the first is my favorite.
This is Kayla after she got Ryker's Santa chocolate!

A Year in Review

2009-01-04T18:47:00.000-08:00

I know I haven't posted anything Christmas yet, but all the pictures are still on my camera, waiting. some day I'll find enough time to download them and get them posted for the world to see. until that day comes I thought I'd reflect on the year gone by and look forward to the year to come.

2008 was a great year for the Zuidhof family...

January- Ryker turned 2. many people just don't believe that he's only 2, he's a big boy for his age, but he's growing up super fast!

February/March- We started renovations on our kitchen...We more than doubled counter and cupboard space, making tons of room for all my kitchen gadgets. too bad we had to leave it behind (only to get a teeny tiny kitchen in return)

April- april fool's day was more than jokes for us this year, Kayla Michel Zuidhof was born that afternoon. She was welcomed with open arms and her big brother loved her from the moment he met her! Unfortunately, that night Chris and Ryker were heading home and hit a cow on the highway. Both were uninjured (after being assessed by the emerg docs) and sent home. The van, however, did not survive. That led to us looking for a new van just days later. It all worked out in the end. I also turned 30 later that month, that's all we'll say about that.

May- Kayla was blessed, we kept it small and invited family over on a Saturday night to keep it special for our little family. I hope that we can continue this tradition with the next child too.

June- weather was warming up and we were getting ready for summer with the first horseback ride of the season. Ryker even got up on Cosmo this year (they're just breaking him and no one could stay on him).

July- Chris and I participated in our first triathlon! We did the Magrath triathlon as a team, with a good friend, Barb. I swam the dam (st. mary's reservoir), Chris biked into Magrath, and Barb did the run for us. It was a great day, and a great way to get into a triathlon without the stress of doing it alone. We also attended the Michel family reunion and had a blast! The family is getting so big and we rarely see all the cousins. It was a great opportunity to spend time with family we don't see very often (we missed the ones that couldn't make it).

August- This month I did a full triathlon by myself. I did the "supersprint" distance in Fort Macleod (and I must say they it was very well done, though a very hot day). I did much better than expected and it made me realize that I could do the sprint distance on my own. I signed up for and completed the triathlon in Lacombe (again, very well done, especially considering it was their first), and managed to meet my personal time goal.

October- Chris transfered to Taber. He's still working for Epcor water services (a company that has treated us very well since he started with them three years ago). The move to Taber has been a good one. He's now lead hand over distribution and collection (which means...he's in charge of water lines after it leaves the water plant and sewer lines before they get to the treatment plant), sometime in the new year he'll help with starting up the new sewer plant.

November- Busy trying to pack the house with two little kids running around, I woke one Sunday morning and Chris noticed something wrong with my face...it turned out to be Bell's Palsy! (at least it wasn't a stroke) it slowed me down a bit, but I still managed to get things packed up. We also got to be at Cassidy and Jeff's wedding at the end of the month! It was great to be a part of the day with them.

December- on the 1st we took possesion of our new home! after just over a week of being "homeless" we finally got to move into the "pumpkin house" (ryker's name for the house). It gave us time to settle a bit, then enjoy Christmas with family. We had Chris' family over on Christmas eve, and my family over on Christmas day. (it was nice not having to load up the kids to go all over).

Potty time

2008-12-23T06:56:00.000-08:00

Ryker has refused to use the potty. I'm not sure why, but he is more than happy to wear a wet, dirty diaper all day long and sees no need to use the toilet (I think it takes away from his play time). Since we've moved we are right across the street from an elementary school. Ryker likes to watch the kids going to school and wants to go to school too. I've told him that he can't go to school if he doesn't use the potty, occassionally, when I tell him that he will immediately go to the bathroom and sit on the potty (but never actually pee). The other day he was sitting on the potty when he saw his dad's book...

8 things

2008-12-14T06:12:00.000-08:00

Rules:Post rules on your blog. Answer the six "8" items.

8 things I did yesterday:
*attempted to organize the basement (it may take several saturdays)
*made an updated price list for my Photography business
*went out in the freezing cold
*ate way too much for dinner
*played canasta
*avoided cleaning the living room
*slept in (thank you chris)
*went to bed late

8 things I look forward to:
*Christmas
*spending time with Chris
*naptime (for me and the kids)
*finding a new book to love
*baby #3
*having the house unpacked and organized
*summer
*chocolate

8 restaurants I like:
*East Side Mario's
*Swiss Chalet
*Panago
*Montana's
*KFC
*Ric's grill
*Eddie's (in Picture Butte)
*Boston Pizza

8 things on my wishlist
*Photography studio
*a new camera
*more cricut cartridges
*a new nativity set (or 2 or 3)
*a trip to the Philippines
*a nice long vacation with my family
*healthy babies
*new furniture

8 Favorite TV shows:
*Criminal Minds
*ER
*NCIS
*Grey's Anatomy
*The Biggest Loser
*Survivor
*the Amazing Race
*Private Practice

8 People I tag: (you're it!)
*any 8 people that would like to do it :)

I'm a believer

2008-11-20T13:36:00.000-08:00

For anyone considering acupuncture for anything...go for it! I can't say how impressed I am with it. As you may recall from my previous post about bell's palsy, I have had a rough few weeks. On Monday I went for my first acupuncture treatment (ever) and the results were amazing! All weekend I was in pain almost constantly only relieved by Tylenol 3's (which I didn't take during the day because they knock me out). After monday I have only taken 2 and haven't used any in the last 3 days. I've also got back most of my muscle control to my face. which means, I can smile, my eye doesn't bother me and I hardly notice that I don't have full control. I've got another treatment on Friday, which I'm hoping will fix it all and take away the mild ache that I still occassionally feel.
Thank you all for your prayers and concern for me, I really needed it. Now I just have to finnish packing and get all the stupid paperwork done to finalize all the buying and selling.

Freedom to vote

2008-11-14T13:10:00.000-08:00

I am not from California, but I can't help but comment on what is happening there recently...
In the recent vote California also voted on "proposition 8" regarding marriage...proposition that amended the state Constitution to restrict the definition of marriage to a union between a man and a woman. 52% of voters said yes, making same-sex marriage illigal in the state of California.

Here is my personal belief. I am a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. As such, I believe that marriage is a sacred union of a man and a woman. I don't agree with same-sex unions, but I don't hate those that choose to live that way.

After the vote, it should be done. However, it is not. There have been protests and even acts of vandalism, most of which have been targeted at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormons). Most recently the Los Angeles temple was targeted and subsequently closed for most of Thursday.
The Church has released a statement regarding recent events. Also of interest to me was the statements released by Catholic bishops in Sacramento and Salt Lake. I particularly liked the following statement

“I call upon the supporters of same-sex marriage to live by their own words — and to refrain from discrimination against religion and to exercise tolerance for those who differ from them. I call upon them to accept the will of the people of California in the passage of Proposition 8.” Bishop William Weigand, head of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Sacramento.

I do not wish to offend others with this post, however, I do wish all of you to know my belief on this issue. We need to stand up for what we believe when called upon to do so, then when the time has passed accept the consequences gracefully.

Bell's Palsy

2008-11-09T15:07:00.000-08:00

This week has been a trial for me...last Saturday night I had a really bad headache, possibly the worse I've ever had. I went to bed early in hopes of it going away. When I woke up Sunday morning I still had the headache, Chris was good and let me sleep in a bit. When I did get up he was getting ready for church and I was talking to him. I smiled and he asked me what was wrong with my face. I told him it felt a little numb. I was getting concerned, but not too bad, until I tried to brush my teeth. You know that feeling after you go to the dentist and he tells you to spit, but all you can do is let it drool out of the side of your mouth? That's all I could do. So, we packed the kids up and went into Lethbridge to the emergency room (I won't go to the Urgent Care in Picture Butte, I'm a nurse and I know better).
The trip into town was long and scary for me, I had no control over the left side of my face and all I could think about was that I was having a stroke. Once we got to emerg they took me straight back (because the symptoms were of a stroke). The nurse took my vitals and did all that she could, then sent Dr. Kwan back. Dr. Kwan was great! Here I was, crying like a baby, and he reasured me that he was going to figure out what was wrong. When he found out I work in ICU he said, "you really are thinking the worst possible thing, aren't you?" Yes, I was! He reasured me that it was most likely Bell's Palsy, NOT a stroke. He did call Dr. Wynder in to reasure me (he's the neurologist in Lethbridge). and Dr. Wynder told me the same thing.
What is Bell's Palsy? basically, it's inflammation of the facial nerve, it tries to get out of a tiny hole in the skull and the pressure causes facial paralysis. they think it's caused by a virus (possibly herpes simplex, cold sores) and common in pregnancy (women are 3 times more likely to get it while pregnant, but they don't know why). it usually goes away after 10 days to a few weeks, but can become chronic. (jean cretien has chronic bell's palsy). i still can't control the left side of my mouth (can't spit, smile, and so many more things). my eye won't close all the way, so it's super dry (lots of eye drops and I tape it closed at night) and just generally annoying. i've got some pain from where the nerve tries to come through, but that is getting better. Now my facial muscles are starting to hurt (I don't know if that is normal). I've heard that acupuncture can help and someone suggested one in Lethbridge to me today, so I'm thinking about trying that. (It's not like I've got much to lose).
As for pictures, no way. I feel like a dork and can tell that people are wondering what's wrong with my face. I don't mind people asking, but I hate the look when they don't.

Happy Halloween

2008-11-05T07:55:00.000-08:00

I love Halloween. Actually, I love most holidays! But I love seeing kids dressed up in all kinds of cute costumes. I was even smart this year and bought the kids costumes several weeks in advance, so we weren't stuck with the leftovers! My other favorite part of Halloween, carving pumpkins. I've gotten into the extreme pumpkins lately, though this year was pretty mild. I didn't get a picture of Chris' goalie mask pumpkin, though. I was impressed with his creativity. This year we had Pablo (from the Backyardigans) and a baby donkey-dragon (from Shrek 3)

It's official

2008-10-24T13:43:00.000-07:00

All conditions were met for both houses and we officially have a new home in Taber! I'm excited, but not looking forward to moving, especially with Chris. I really hate moving with Chris, he is the biggest grump whenever we move (and will admit it). More news for us, we are currently expecting baby number 3.

Our new home

2008-10-14T10:57:00.001-07:00

We didn't waste any time in finding a new house. Our house sold on Thursday and we looked at houses in Taber on Friday morning. By Friday night we had an accepted offer on a house, with much thanks going out to our AWESOME realtor! Mark Kozak at Century 21 in Lethbridge (part of the Action Team). Here's a few pictures of our new house (as long as conditions are met)...

Science Center

2008-10-14T10:48:00.001-07:00

Chris had holidays for the last 2 weeks. It was so nice to have him home and the kids loved having him around all the time. We didn't do a vacation really, just took 2 days and went to Calgary. The first day we went to the Telus World of Science. It was so much fun for Ryker. I think he enjoyed everything! The second day was shopping for the kids (I love going to the Children's Place).

Michel Family Reunion

2008-10-14T09:57:00.001-07:00

This July was the Michel Family reunion. Every 3 years my dad's siblings (and their kids and grandkids) have a reunion for all that can come. With 10 of them (plus all of the kids) it's not an easy task. This year we met at twin lakes (close to silvan lake) and my aunt Vroni and uncle Roger were in charge this year. They did an awesome job and everyone had a great time! Thanks so much for all they did! Here's just a few of the pictures that I took while we were there.

lunch

hanging out

A Day at the Beach

Fun and Games

More Summer Fun

2008-10-14T08:42:00.000-07:00

July 1st we went to Raymond for the Parade then had a BBQ at Lola and Grandpa Michel's.

back in May Chris had a conference for work in Edmonton, so we went the weekend before and spent 2 nights at the WestEd Mall Hotel in a cowboy theme room.
Ryker loved the top bunk. though he was too little to sleep up there, he had fun when he could.
Kayla slept through most of the time we spent in the wave pool.
and Ryker loved the Sea Lion show.

just a taste of Ryker's personality, he's learning to love dancing.

checking out the horse with Uncle Dave at a Capner BBQ.

We're Moving!!

2008-10-09T15:58:00.000-07:00

So, for those of you that already know, Chris got a job in Taber. It's still with Epcor, but a promotion. He is now lead hand for distribution and collection. For anyone wondering what that is, basically, he is in charge of workers that take care of all the water and sewer pipes in the town. That means a move for us. We are very ready to leave Picture Butte, it has been a good experience for us, and one that we don't regret. It brought us back to Southern Alberta and we've made some great friends here. Our house has been on the market since mid July and no offers. It was starting to worry us as Chris is now commuting to Taber each day and didn't want to do that in the snow. Our worries are gone. We sold the house today and will start looking for a new house in Taber. Wish us luck!

Our Summer, Part 1

2008-10-01T20:13:00.000-07:00

Here is part of our summer, in no particular order...

Ryker loves to "exercise". whenever i pull out the wiifit, he always gets a turn. I guess I'm setting a good example for him.

We went to the Lethbridge Airshow this year. It was the first time I'd ever been and it was great. Ryker had a blast watching all the airplanes!

Of course, we protected those little ears from the loud planes.

I loved this, the new mode of transportation for the RCMP.

We celbrated Wellings 100th Birthday this summer! how can you not celebrate Welling without the boot toss?

I played on this merry-go-round when i was little. i don't think it's up to standard.

this cake was awesome, it has the old church that was torn down to make room for the new church.

Ryker loving Rock Band

My first full triathlon. these are from Fort Macleod. Chris, Barb Cobb (a friend from our ward) and I were a team for magrath. I did the supersprint distance in Fort Macleod. and I did the Sprint distance in Lacombe.

New cousin, Tayvee Rain Malin.

Going for a horse ride at Grandpa and Lola Michel's.

More to come another day...

technical difficulties

2008-07-29T12:37:00.001-07:00

Summer has been so fun so far. I can't believe that July is over! I wish it could be summer all year long (but then we wouldn't apprieciate it as much). I have so many pictures to post, but I'm experiencing some technical difficulties... For those of you that don't know, we are trying to sell our house. Chris got a job in Taber (same company) at lead hand for distribution and collection (of water, ask Chris if you want to know more). He'll train his replacement here in Picture Butte (once they hire one) and then he'll start in Taber. As part of selling our house we've moved the computer into my craft room to make it look more like an office. With that we don't have cable in that room, therefore, no internet with that computer. so we're using Chris' work laptop to go online and I can't get my disc to work. One day I'll figure it out and have tons of pictures for you all to see. Until then I'll keep trying and keep taking pictures. Happy Summer to all!

Ryker and his new camera

2008-06-30T08:09:00.000-07:00

We got Ryker a cheep camera for his birthday in January. He didn't really show any interest in it until a few weeks ago. but being 2 he dropped it a few too many times and it wasn't really working, so I decided he could use our old digital camera that is just sitting around. Here are a few pictures that he took. I was quite impressed.

Summer is here.

2008-06-29T15:22:00.000-07:00

I am so excited for summer. It's going to be a great one. It seems like we've got plans for every weekend, if there aren't plans, we are going camping. Just a few of the things we want to do this summer... the Michel family reunion, Magrath Triathlon (I'm swimming, Chris is biking, and a friend of ours, Barb, is running), Lethbridge Airshow, Fort Macleod triathlon (i'm doing this one all on my own, yikes!), cornfest, and lots of camping. we'll finnish summer off with a family vacation in september, though we're not sure yet what we're going to do. I've also got a pass to the pools in Lethbridge, so we'll spend lots of time at Henderson Pool (outdoor pool). We'll post lots of pictures of all the fun we have.

Oma and Opa

2008-06-24T10:19:00.000-07:00

Oma and Opa (Chris' grandparents) came out for a visit...

First horseback ride of the season

2008-06-24T10:08:00.001-07:00

Ryker wanted to go for a horse ride at Lola and Grandpa's house the other day. Grandpa put him up on Maggie and he went for a ride up the "mountain". He would have rode her all day if we let him.
The new foul is fun to watch. I named her "Pepsi". A few (ok, more than a few) years ago the Michel reunion was a horse camp. We all brought horses and set up camp then went out on day trips. There was a horse named CoCo. Someone asked one of the cousins which was their favorite horse, they answered "Pepsi", meaning CoCo (Coke). I guess you had to be there! Anyway, the new horse is the colour of Pepsi.

Kayla's Blessing

2008-05-26T13:04:00.001-07:00

We decided to bless Kayla on Saturday, May 10th. We invited family and kept it simple. It was really nice to have family there to share in her special day.

Photo tag

2008-05-13T11:56:00.000-07:00

I thought this was fun (thanks Jerusha).
#1 your kitchen sink (dishes are never done)

#2 your favorite pair of shoes (i'm so glad flipflop season is here)

#3 your fridge

#4 your laundry (never ending)

#5 closet

#6 what your kids are doing right now (ok, these were actually taken yesterday, but it's a good idea of what they do all day)

#7 favorite room (living room/dining room--it's got the tv, computer, books, table where we all eat and where i read my scriptures, there's space to play, dance, and cuddle)

#8 the toilet

#9 fantasy vacation spot (anywhere with my family is my dream vacation)

#10 portrait of you today

my latest adventure

2008-04-29T17:48:00.000-07:00

I've started a new business. Check out my new website:

www.simplemoments.ca

When the 2 year old is quiet!

2008-04-18T12:08:00.000-07:00

For anyone with a 2 year old, you know that when they're playing and it suddenly goes quiet...there's trouble. Often with Ryker quiet moments involve markers, playdough, anything he knows is off limits when there's no one watching him. A few days ago Ryker was playing alone in his playroom when I suddenly realized that he was quiet. I jumped up to see what was happening. Much to my surprise...

Gratitude

2008-04-12T19:59:00.000-07:00

I am taking time to be grateful for the blessings in my life. At the same time let me share with you the story of Kayla's first day in this world...
As posted, Kayla was born on April 1st. It was a scheaduled c-section, so we had time to get things organized. Ryker spent the day with Grandpa Michel, chasing cows, fixing tractors and loving life. He came to the hospital and was sooo excited to see his new "seester". he wanted to hold her and kiss her and didn't want anyone but mom to see her. It was a blessing for me, as I had been worried about how he would react to her. It has continued to be good. He loves her and does his very best to take care of her and protect her.
After visiting for a little while Chris and Ryker went to dinner with Grandma and Grandpa Zuidhof, then headed home. It was dark (close to 10pm). Chris had called to say goodnight and I turned off my cell phone for the night. Ryker fell asleep watching a movie in the van. Just before Picture Butte Chris says a truck flashed his lights and next thing he knew there was a black cow in front of him on the highway. He didn't even have time to hit the brakes, the cow did it for him. Airbags went off and Chris got out of the van (the smoke/dust/whatever it is from the airbags was overwhelming). He went around to check on Ryker. Ryker woke up when Chris opened the door and since the movie was still playing, continued watching the movie. Chris called 911 and they sent the ambulance/fire trucks/police. (One person that heard the call was confused when they said there was a vehicle vs. cow collision, I can only imagine getting that call). The cow ended up behind the van, dead.
Chris didn't know the number to the unit at the hospital, so he called the ICU (he knew that number from calling me at work). the unit clerk, Mary, came over to tell me that there'd been an accident, but everyone was ok.
They ended up bringing Chris and Ryker to the emergency dept. just to be sure (Chris' neck was bothering him). My nurse was kind enough to wheel me down in the wheelchair so that I could see them (as i couldn't walk that far after surgery earlier that day).
Everyone got a clean bill of health. For this I am very grateful. I know that Heavenly Father was watching over our family that day (and every day). He protected them from what could have been much worse.
We will never forget the day of Kayla's birth for so many reasons!

Kayla Michel

2008-04-07T16:59:00.001-07:00

We welcomed Kayla Michel Zuidhof into the world on April 1st. She is the perfect addition to our little family.

2008-03-28T06:39:00.000-07:00

1. WERE YOU NAMED AFTER ANYONE? yes, first name is after my mom. middle name is after a great grandma

2. WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU CRIED? surprisingly, i can't remember. probably watching a sad movie or tv show.

3. DO YOU LIKE YOUR HANDWRITING? yes, unless i'm in a hurry or have a yucky pen.

4. WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE LUNCH MEAT? honey ham or salami

5. DO YOU HAVE KIDS? one right now (ryker), two in 4 days (or sooner)

6. IF YOU WERE ANOTHER PERSON WOULD YOU BE FRIENDS WITH YOU? I sure hope so.

7. DO YOU USE SARCASM A LOT? no, but occassionally i do use it.

8. DO YOU STILL HAVE YOUR TONSILS? yes

9. WOULD YOU BUNGEE JUMP? yes.

10. WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE CEREAL? shreddies.

11. DO YOU UNTIE YOUR SHOES WHEN YOU TAKE THEM OFF? no. i generally avoid shoes with laces. i'm excited for flip flop season to be here.

12. DO YOU THINK YOU ARE STRONG? strong in what way? physically? i could be stronger. emotionally or mentally? yes.

13. WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE ICE CREAM? it changes frequently. though i don't really like chocolate ice cream.

14. WHAT IS THE FIRST THING YOU NOTICE ABOUT PEOPLE? smile

15. RED OR PINK? it used to be red, but more and more i'm loving pink.

16. WHAT IS THE LEAST FAVORITE THING ABOUT YOURSELF? weight.

17. WHO DO YOU MISS THE MOST? michelle, cuz she's so far away.

18. DO YOU WANT EVERYONE TO SEND THIS BACK TO YOU? Only if they want

19. WHAT COLOUR PANTS AND SHOES ARE YOU WEARING? jeans, blue socks, no shoes (i'm in the house, no shoes in the house)

20. WHAT WAS THE LAST THING YOU ATE? i thought about having toast, but haven't gotten around to it yet, so...cheeseburger, fries and a strawberry sundae (dinner last night)

21. WHAT ARE YOU LISTENING TO RIGHT NOW? wilber (cbc cartoons)

22. IF YOU WERE A CRAYON, WHAT COLOUR WOULD YOU BE? purple

23. FAVOURITE SMELLS? the smell right after it rains.

24. WHO WAS THE LAST PERSON YOU TALKED TO ON THE PHONE? Karen

25. DO YOU LIKE THE PERSON WHO SENT THIS TO YOU? Yes

26. FAVOURITE SPORTS TO WATCH? i like watching the olympics and hockey.

27. HAIR COLOUR? light brown

28. EYE COLOUR? Blue

29. DO YOU WEAR CONTACTS? nope

30. FAVOURITE FOOD? mmmmm food. i love food.

31. SCARY MOVIES OR HAPPY ENDINGS? happy endings, i hate scary movies

32. LAST MOVIE YOU WATCHED? Nancy Drew

33. WHAT COLOUR SHIRT ARE YOU WEARING? green

34. SUMMER OR WINTER? summer

35. HUGS OR KISSES? both

36. FAVOURITE DESSERT? a dq blizzard

37. MOST LIKELY TO RESPOND? Fellow bloggers

38. LEAST LIKELY TO RESPOND? Casual onlookers

39. WHAT BOOK ARE YOU READING NOW? one by the author of the monk who sold his ferrari

40. WHAT IS ON YOUR MOUSE PAD? an ocean scene

41. WHAT DID YOU WATCH ON T.V. LAST NIGHT? law and order

42. FAVOURITE MUSIC? i like most music, especially country

43. ROLLING STONES OR BEATLES? the Beatles.

44. WHAT IS THE FURTHEST YOU HAVE BEEN FROM HOME? Philippines (though that was home at the time)

45. DO YOU HAVE A SPECIAL TALENT? i can make a list for just about everything.

46. WHERE WERE YOU BORN? Lethbridge, Alberta

next i'm going to tag...trina, michelle, sarah, and shelsea.

2008-03-20T06:29:00.000-07:00

I know Tina didn't tag me, but I though this was fun, so here's my own...

1. What was I doing 10 years ago?
let's see, 10 years ago, I was living in Lethbridge, working at United Furniture warehouse, having fun, avoiding growing up.

2. 5 things on my to do list
> paint ryker's new room
> move everyone downstairs into their new rooms
> make sure we have all we need for new baby (I think we're almost ready)
> take some cool pictures for my new picture frame
> help chris reduce the stress in his life

3. What snacks do I enjoy?
> what snacks don't I enjoy? lately, it's been frozen fruit, milkshakes (homemade), popcorn, and chocolate.

4. What would you do if you were instantly a billionaire?
> buy a new vehicle for me, one for chris, finish renovations, build my dream home, pay off debts, go to the philippines, let chris stay home and travel the world with my little family.

5. 3 bad habits
> I spend too much time on the computer.
> I eat too much junk food.
> I have a very hard time saving money.

6. 6 places I lived
> Welling, Alberta
> Lethbridge, Alberta
> Philippines
> Edmonton, Alberta
> Okotoks, Alberta
> Picture Butte, Alberta

7. 5 Jobs I've had
> gas jockey at the welling store
> sales person/manager at United Furniture Warehouse
> Special needs caregiver
> Registered Nurse
> Mom

8. 5 things people don't know about me
> I like to plan meals for the month and do one major grocery shopping trip each month.
> I make lists, lists for everything. I'd be lost without my lists.
> I love photography. I'm starting my own business with it (ask me if you want to know more)
> I'm sick of being pregnant and uncomfortable.
> My dream home is close to my parents. I want to raise my family in Welling

hugs and kisses for baby

2008-03-18T15:09:00.001-07:00

Is this what they call nesting?

2008-03-17T12:47:00.000-07:00

Well, 15 days to go and I'm not sure we're as ready as we thought we were for this new little baby. It's a little too late for that, though. C-section is booked.
We don't have a name picked out yet. But then I always remember Trina and Erick who took the full 7 days to come up with Shole's name. I'm having a hard time thinking up boy names, because I'm still convinced it's a girl (so much that I've packed a cute little dress for baby to come home from the hospital in). Girl names are a little easier, but then we've got to find something that both of us like and that goes well with Michel for a middle name (That's the only part of the name that I know we want to use).
I'm making up the meal calendar for April and going through the freezer to see what's ready to go to make things easier for Chris and Ryker. Normally my meal calendar only includes dinner, but I think this months needs to include breakfast lunch and snack. that way I know Ryker will get to eat no matter what. Lucky Chris gets to do the grocery shopping on his own.
I have no idea how Ryker is going to handle the new baby. some days I think he'll do great, other days I'm not so sure. It will be interesting to see. It's hard to prepare a 2 year old for a new baby.
As for our renovations...they continue. the cupboards are all in (and wonderful!) and the flooring is done in the kitchen/dining room/living room (we even got a nice area rug for the living room). Chris is working on the hallway (painting and flooring), then they'll get a door/wall put up in Ryker's new room on the holiday Monday. After that it's time to paint Ryker's room and put curtains up in our new room. then we're ready to move in. it's cutting it close, but renovations will never be done, so we'll take what we can get.
If you haven't figured out the date yet, the baby will make it's appearance on April 1st. I didn't choose this day, but we just do what the doctor says.

Home Renovations

2008-02-11T05:56:00.000-08:00

We've been in our home for over a year now, with intentions to renovate the kitchen from the begining. It has finally begun. We had hoped, with help, to be able to get new cupboards in and lay the laminate flooring all in one day. those dreams were crushed! but we did manage to get most of the cupboards in (minus the damaged/missing pieces that we have to reorder, yuck). next week we'll get the counter top and flooring in. then we'll continue the flooring into the dining/living room. I'm super exctied about the cupboards. they look great and it has more than doubled the space we've got. here's some pictures from before and during (after pictures will come when it's all completed).

this is the floor transition from kitchen (stick and peel tiles) to dining room (hard wood)

cupboards before

more before cupboards

ripping up the floor in the kitchen

building the cupboards

Ryker loving the new pantry

new cupboards are in

so many cupboards!!

The Terrible Two's begin (kidding)

2008-01-07T21:39:00.000-08:00

Ryker turned 2 on Sunday! I can't believe how fast the last two years have gone. His favorite things these days are Diego and Cars. He got a Diego cake and a cool Cars mat, among other things...

A year in review

2008-01-03T10:18:00.000-08:00

2007 was a great year for the Zuidhof family. we've had lots of good times, here's a few highlites:
January--we celebrated Ryker's 1st birthday with family, first the Zuidhof side, then the Michel side (Lola and Grayson and Cassidy were in Argentina for the first part of the month climbing). ryker loved the games and food, but wasn't so sure about the cake.
April--natalie had a small crisis when she turned 29 (hopefully it won't happen at 30)
May--

We enjoyed the Taber parade.
June--

July--we had a great summer, playing, swimming, and taking a few short trips to waterton and montana.

August--this month brought some exciting news for our little family. One more will join us in April 2008.

October--We had thanksgiving in Picture Butte this year. It was great to have lots of family and lots of food. Ryker enjoyed the cherry pie the most (with the pie filling I canned this year) yummy!

Halloween was fun too. Ryker was a lion, roar. we left dad at home and went trick or treating in Welling (the best way to trick or treat).

November--we actually managed to finnish most of our Christmas shopping this month.
December--we got to celebrate when Grayson and Diana got married in the Alberta temple.
Christmas was fun. ryker got some great presents and we got to spend time with family.

we are looking forward to another year of fun and family. wishing you all a happy new year!

Tagged

2007-11-21T15:18:00.000-08:00

Rules
1. The player lists 6 facts/habits about themselves - try to find 6 you haven't already posted about.

2. At the end of the post, the player tags 6 people and posts their names, and then goes to their blog and leaves them a comment, letting them know they have been tagged and asking them to read your blog for the rules.

6 things about me

1. I love Christmas. My tree is up (though still waiting for decorations). and I'm itching to start playing Christmas music.

2. I am addicted to playing nintendo wii. in particular, mario (anything mario). my latest one is super mario galaxy. I could play it all day, every day. i have to force myself to turn it off so that I get things done around the house.

3. I love cooking. I love trying new recipes. luckily my husband is willing to try just about anything once, as long as i make meatloaf or shephard's pie occassionally.

4. I am sure that i'm having a baby girl in april. don't ask me why. (though I'll be just as happy with another little boy).

5. I want to get into photography. I got a great new camera and would love to do family portraits, etc. ever since we took photography in grade 8 i've had a desire to take pictures. (if you want to give me a try, just let me know).

6. I love my van. even with just one kid it's the greatest thing in the world. i never have to worry if there's enough room for the stroller and all my groceries. I wouldn't give it up for anything.

there, now you know me a little better.

now i'm tagging shelsea, chris, michelle, mandy, diana, cassidy. (i know that not all have blogs, so i figure those that don't can post theirs on facebook).