A brief summary of one afternoon two weeks ago.....
I had an almost laughable afternoon.....the 4 hours I had between language class and dinner slipped away faster than I could blink.....with not much getting done....well actually, the only thing that got done was that we eventually made it to the park......eventually. Frustrated is the nicest word to describe what I was this afternoon......here's a glimpse at what got me to that point.....
I announced it was time to go to the park.
I went upstairs to quickly change into shorts.
Lily decided she wanted to wear a sundress instead of shorts/T-shirt, so she changed.
Kaitlyn had to change out of her princess dress-up dress into shorts/T-shirt, so she changed too.
We put sunscreen on all of us.
I filled up 3 water bottles with ice and water.
I grabbed 2 peaches for a snack on the go.
I forgot my hat and sunglasses upstairs.
The girls went to use the bathroom.
I went out back to get the Chariot ready.
The girls finally emerged and were about to hop in, when Kaitlyn needed to get something.
I ran upstairs to help her find this 'thing' she was looking for....and couldn't find it.
Lily was on her way into the house saying she wanted to color a picture for me. I said that now is not a good time.
Finally both girls were in the stroller, diaper bag packed, water bottles and a snack readily available.
The left tire needed some serious air so I called Phil to come and fix it.
We couldn't find the bike pump = Chariot out of commission.
I put the Chariot in the backyard.
The girls gathered their hats and drinks and headed for the van.
I ran inside to get the keys.
Girls hop in and get buckled up. I discover that Lily is not wearing any underwear.
I closed the van door quickly, very quickly.
I ran upstairs, got some undies and shorts and ran out to the van, unbuckled Lily, dressed her, buckled her back up and closed the door.....more slowly this time.
Cranked the Air Conditioning and floored it.....deep breaths....deep breaths.
Met up with some serious traffic trying to cross 4 lanes to get to the park.
Eventually decide to turn right, then turn around in a parking lot just down the road.
Met up with some more traffic trying to turn right out of the parking lot.
Very ineffective driving decision.
I floored it out of the parking lot, the van went 0-60km in 3 seconds.
We arrived at the park....finally.
I told the girls I needed to sit for a while by myself because I was feeling very frustrated.
I think they got it.
15 minutes later Kaitlyn ran over and I held my arms out for a hug.
She gave me a good one.
I asked her what she felt when mommy was being grumpy.
She looked at me sheepishly and said "I think you don't love me?"
My heart almost broke in 2.
I hugged her and told her I will always love her no matter what happens or what she has done or what I have done.
I asked her to forgive me for being grumpy and pouting when things didn't go as I planned.
I told her that even mommies have a hard time having a joyful heart in all situations (which we are really focusing on right now with both kids....so much for leading by example!) and that I needed to ask Jesus to forgive me and to help me have a joyful heart no matter what.
Kaitlyn nodded in approval, gave me another hug and ran off.
My soul felt light, the sun shone a bit brighter after that and turns out that we had a great time at the park.....once we got there.
Later that night, I heard Kaitlyn telling Lily that even mommies and daddies have trouble obeying Jesus, and that we need to ask Jesus to change our hearts.
Glad that she knows we are in need of God's grace, just like her.
Monday, July 30, 2012
Saturday, July 14, 2012
Adventures in the Kitchen # 5: Peanut Butter and Chocolate squares
Okay, I have to admit.....I am cheating a bit on this post. I have made this dessert before.....but it was like 10 years ago, back in University....so I figured the statute of limitations has run out on that and I can consider this recipe an adventure all over again! :) Peanut butter and chocolate together is my weakness.....and I had the biggest craving for this delish combination when this recipe conveniently popped back into my head.....so here it is.....a totally sinful delight....
Peanut Butter and Chocolate Squares (no bake)
Prep Time: 7 min (plus time in the fridge to harden)
Serves: A lot of people! (9 x 13 baking pan full of yumminess)
1 Cup melted butter
1 Cup peanut butter
2 3/4 Cups Icing sugar
2.5 Cups Graham Cracker Crumbs
2 Cups Semisweet Chocolate Chips
- Combine melted butter, peanut butter, graham cracker crumbs and Icing sugar in a medium size bowl and mix well.
- Press mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9" x 13" baking pan
- Melt chocolate chips in a double broiler or in the microwave (1 min on high)
- Pour Melted chocolate over the crumb crust and spread to the edges
- Cool in the fridge for 5-10 minutes and then cut into pieces (this will make it easier to cut later)
- Return squares to the fridge to harden completely (20 minutes)
Enjoy!
Peanut Butter and Chocolate Squares (no bake)
Prep Time: 7 min (plus time in the fridge to harden)
Serves: A lot of people! (9 x 13 baking pan full of yumminess)
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| Makes a bunch so you can share with your neighbours! That way you won't be tempted to eat them all yourself :) |
1 Cup melted butter
1 Cup peanut butter
2 3/4 Cups Icing sugar
2.5 Cups Graham Cracker Crumbs
2 Cups Semisweet Chocolate Chips
- Combine melted butter, peanut butter, graham cracker crumbs and Icing sugar in a medium size bowl and mix well.
- Press mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9" x 13" baking pan
- Melt chocolate chips in a double broiler or in the microwave (1 min on high)
- Pour Melted chocolate over the crumb crust and spread to the edges
- Cool in the fridge for 5-10 minutes and then cut into pieces (this will make it easier to cut later)
- Return squares to the fridge to harden completely (20 minutes)
Enjoy!
Thursday, July 12, 2012
First Visitors!!
We are happy to announce........WE HAD OUR FIRST VISITORS here in Quebec!!! David and Courtney (friends from Three Hills and fellow pilot) came this past weekend as part of their long road trip to Alabama. It was so nice to have a little reminder of Three Hills in our house for 3 days.....lots to talk about and of course......we gave them a crash course in 'survival french' (Bonjour, Comma ca va, Ou est le salle de bain? etc) and showed them a bit of the city. Who wouldn't love this beautiful city? We busted downtown once the kiddos were asleep (the couple we are living with were home just in case you were wondering!) and encountered some serious traffic because the famous annual "Festivale d'été" was happening....apparently Lionel Ritchie was performing (is he still singing??).....there were hords of people, young and old walking the streets, enjoying the perfect night temperatures, the pretty lights, and the beautiful backdrop of the Chateau Frontenac.......we stopped into a quaint restaurant called "La Creperie" (The crapperie as David pronounced it! haha) and enjoyed some french delicacies while listening to some live acoustic music (in french and english). Twas a great night, finished off with a classic Beaver Tail, which Courtney is now addicted to. Mission accomplished! :)
Looking forward to our next visitors......another chance to explore this gorgeous city.
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| So many people were out and about, enjoying the summer festival. |
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| The grand finale to an awesome night: Beaver Tails! |
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| The Beautiful Chateau Frontenac |
Monday, July 9, 2012
Quirky Quebec
You know when you travel to a place you've never been before, you seem to notice things that are out of place, odd, crazy, different and very cool? I have mentally compiled such a list in the almost 2 weeks we have been living in Quebec City......some are constructive suggestions on how to improve life for tourists and foreigners such as us and others are just mere observations about this place that is so different from the rest of Canada......
1. You cannot turn right while at a red light.....seriously inefficient and a major patience testing rule!! I suggest an immediate revision of this traffic law. :)
2. Phil and I thought that we at least had the french word "Oui" (which means "yes") totally downpat before living here...turns out you need to sound like you are a quacking duck (minus the "q" and "ck" sound) when you say that word....after much practise....we are now experts at the "quack". :)
3) If you are over the age of 65, you will most definitely be in seriously good shape and participate in exercise such as biking, running, rollerblading, speed walking etc....Phil and I are aspiring to add at least one of those activities into our days.....so we can keep up with the Seniors! :)
4) The speed limit on the highways is 100 km/hour, yet no one drives faster than that....in fact we are among the fastest drivers when we are obeying the speed limit....it is killing Phil that everyone drives slower than the speed limit!
5) Beaver Tails will never get old! Queue de Castor anyone??
6) No Frills Grocery Store is called Maxi, and Shoppers Drug Mart is called Parma-prix and good ole' IGA is the same here....and just as expensive!
7) Looking for "old" cheddar cheese in the grocery store??? NOPE!! Just mild and medium cheddar......which is probably a sign that we should investigate some of the other thousands of gourmet cheeses that French culture has to offer....YUM!
8) Everyone in Quebec that we have met (minus a few exceptions) are very eager to switch to speaking English so they can practise (after hearing our brutal accents) which is nice for us as it allows us to actually understand what people are saying.....however.....not so helpful as we are trying to practise our french!! Sometimes we continue to try to speak in french, and other times we succumb to the ease of a conversation in English.
9) People are curious once they hear us speak......not so much in the downtown area as there are so many tourists and languages present but once you step into the suburbs......people are intrigued as to why we are here....and what a great opportunity to tell them why! :) in french of course! :)
Well, gotta run.....Les Nouvelles awaits.....our homework for tonight! (to watch the news in french)
Bon Soir!
1. You cannot turn right while at a red light.....seriously inefficient and a major patience testing rule!! I suggest an immediate revision of this traffic law. :)
2. Phil and I thought that we at least had the french word "Oui" (which means "yes") totally downpat before living here...turns out you need to sound like you are a quacking duck (minus the "q" and "ck" sound) when you say that word....after much practise....we are now experts at the "quack". :)
3) If you are over the age of 65, you will most definitely be in seriously good shape and participate in exercise such as biking, running, rollerblading, speed walking etc....Phil and I are aspiring to add at least one of those activities into our days.....so we can keep up with the Seniors! :)
4) The speed limit on the highways is 100 km/hour, yet no one drives faster than that....in fact we are among the fastest drivers when we are obeying the speed limit....it is killing Phil that everyone drives slower than the speed limit!
5) Beaver Tails will never get old! Queue de Castor anyone??
6) No Frills Grocery Store is called Maxi, and Shoppers Drug Mart is called Parma-prix and good ole' IGA is the same here....and just as expensive!
7) Looking for "old" cheddar cheese in the grocery store??? NOPE!! Just mild and medium cheddar......which is probably a sign that we should investigate some of the other thousands of gourmet cheeses that French culture has to offer....YUM!
8) Everyone in Quebec that we have met (minus a few exceptions) are very eager to switch to speaking English so they can practise (after hearing our brutal accents) which is nice for us as it allows us to actually understand what people are saying.....however.....not so helpful as we are trying to practise our french!! Sometimes we continue to try to speak in french, and other times we succumb to the ease of a conversation in English.
9) People are curious once they hear us speak......not so much in the downtown area as there are so many tourists and languages present but once you step into the suburbs......people are intrigued as to why we are here....and what a great opportunity to tell them why! :) in french of course! :)
Well, gotta run.....Les Nouvelles awaits.....our homework for tonight! (to watch the news in french)
Bon Soir!
Wednesday, July 4, 2012
Too Busy To Write
I have been so delinquent in writing these past two months...we have been so busy and I just haven't had the mental energy to sit down and write. But things have slowed down...a little. :) We have now officially been living in Quebec City, Quebec for 1 week. We haven't really had time to sit down and let it all sink in...that we are considered 'on-the-field' missionaries now, that this is the last place we will live before moving to Chad, and that we are going to be bilingual after our time here (we hope?!). Oh well...there will be lots of time to ponder these things once we settle in...
I must admit, things are going really well...I don't know what I expected it to be like...well...maybe I did...you see, I have not had the best experiences in Quebec thus far in my life and I must admit, those unpleasant moments had tainted my view of "La Belle Province" BUT it is not at all what I thought it would be. Everyone we have met and talked to has been so nice, and patient (as we butcher their beloved language) and helpful...but thank heavens for the GPS because helpful or not, directions in French just don't cut if for us at this point! :)
It has been humbling (once again) to see God's perfect timing and provision...when we saw our leave date, June 1st, come and go, when we couldn't find a tutor, or a place to stay in Quebec...we were wondering what to do...we knew something would come up, but when?
We are here for such a short time (usually language learning happens over 1 year) as we leave in 6 months, and God knew we needed some sort of fast track help...so He provided not only a house for us to stay in, but a beautiful Christian retired couple to live with for 2 months, like exchange students do...learning by emersion...already after 1 week, we have learned so many french words/phrases from them...we are learning in class as well as at home.
The couple we are living with knew of a lady who wanted to babysit our kids while we were in language studies...Monday - Thursday for 3.5 hours in the morning...she is a Christian and she is a beautiful, gentle, fun, patient person who will show love to our kids when we are away. Hopefully she will teach them some french too! (she is bilingual)
Kaitlyn will be going to Kindergarten in the fall, and will attend the only Christian school in Quebec City (next closet one is 2.5 hours away) and it is 100% french! I have no doubt she will learn French faster than me! She is super excited to go to school, I on the other hand am excited for her but I know I will miss her when she is away...and I know Lily will really miss her big sister too. We have to find someone to look after Lily starting in September but we have lots of time to figure that out.
So as you can see, God has proven Himself over and over, providing just what we need in his timing.
We already have several people who are coming to visit in the summer...anyone else? :) The old part of Quebec City is like a mini Europe...with its cobblestone, skinny streets, quaint cafés and luxurious shops and hotels...Phil and I are looking forward to exploring this beautiful city...
ps. I feel that since I have started learning french, I am having a hard time writing and speaking in English....weird huh? Hope my English comes back to normal soon! :)
I must admit, things are going really well...I don't know what I expected it to be like...well...maybe I did...you see, I have not had the best experiences in Quebec thus far in my life and I must admit, those unpleasant moments had tainted my view of "La Belle Province" BUT it is not at all what I thought it would be. Everyone we have met and talked to has been so nice, and patient (as we butcher their beloved language) and helpful...but thank heavens for the GPS because helpful or not, directions in French just don't cut if for us at this point! :)
It has been humbling (once again) to see God's perfect timing and provision...when we saw our leave date, June 1st, come and go, when we couldn't find a tutor, or a place to stay in Quebec...we were wondering what to do...we knew something would come up, but when?
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| A quiet breakfast on our first full day in Quebec |
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| My dream toy when I was a kid....a REAL car to drive!! ps. Lily is a crazy driver! |
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| Michel is showing the girls how to make Croissants (I LOVE FRENCH FOOD!) |
So as you can see, God has proven Himself over and over, providing just what we need in his timing.
We already have several people who are coming to visit in the summer...anyone else? :) The old part of Quebec City is like a mini Europe...with its cobblestone, skinny streets, quaint cafés and luxurious shops and hotels...Phil and I are looking forward to exploring this beautiful city...
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| Winding through the old streets of Quebec City.... |
Monday, June 11, 2012
May in Review
Limbo.....that is the theme of May......nope....not the fun dance that one performs whilst shimmying under a bar......but rather in our case, Limbo refers to us not knowing where we would be moving to learn French.....I must admit it is a tad stressful packing up your things not knowing where we would be moving them in a matter of weeks. I feel this state of 'limbohood' (is that a word??) is like #16 on the list of 'life lessons of a missionary' (out of a bazillion!!) and I am only just beginning to experience this list ....some have been great, others not so much fun to go through. In the end, I know I will look back and see how perfect the timing was on all of this....but dang....for now, I just wanna know NOW!!! :)
In the meantime, here is a snapshot (a lot of them!)) of what we did in May.....
In the meantime, here is a snapshot (a lot of them!)) of what we did in May.....
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| Rainy Day Fashion |
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| Pretty in Pink (always!!!) |
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| Lawn Maintenance Crew |
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| Special vistors and friends - The Armbrusters |
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| As if these still exist?? The girls enjoying a roadside treat! |
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| The Cousins |
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| I have no words to describe the HIDEOUS outfits!! :) |
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| Best Friends (and just so happens they are family too!) |
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| Besties |
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| Great friends from the past..... |
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| Golfing with dad |
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| ICE CREAM!!! |
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| The 'gloating' photo....they beat us home |
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| Reading with Auntie Em |
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| Silly Lily (I LOVE your blue eyes!!) |
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| Mother's day gift..... Phil tried them on Kaitlyn and he said they looked good on her....so he bought them for me! :) |
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| Sweet sisters |
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| Working up the courage to dip the toes in (it was 65 degrees) |
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| Bathing beauties |
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| First "swim" in the arctic pool |
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| Solid Friends.....Adam & Nicole make it hard to leave |
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| Splash Park (not as good as Three Hills) |
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| Us |
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| Surprise! Lily is on the swing! |
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| Our 'new' sandbox (found it on the side of the road) |
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| Our newest activity.....Tennis! |
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| Slip n' slide fun (plus dish soap for speed!) |
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| Artistic creations |
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| Pancake people |
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| Oh my..... |
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| On a treasure hunt....for the letter X |
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| Emmy & me |
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| Lily carrying her kitty |
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| Kaitlyn practising carrying a 'baby' |
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| Swinging fun at the neighbours house |
Monday, May 14, 2012
Adventures in the Kitchen # 4: Moroccan Chicken Couscous
So I am currently obsessed with the following spices: cinnamon, cumin, coriander and turmeric.....and will basically cook anything that uses those spices....they give such a yummy, rich, flavourful taste in your mouth.....and this recipe meets all my expectations. I ended up substituting Quinoa for the couscous just because I wanted the extra protein (cooked the Quinoa in a separate pot, which allowed for the extra juices from the chicken and veggies to be used as a sauce for the Quinoa....YUM!). Easy to prepare, and so beyond delicious! Enjoy!
Moroccan Chicken Couscous
Serves: 4 -6
Prep Time: 15 min
Cook Time: 36 minutes
Ingredients
2 Tablespoons olive oil
1/4 Cup sliced almonds
3/4 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1/2" pieces
1/2 Teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 Bunch green onions, white and light green parts only, thinly sliced
1 Zucchini, cut in half lengthwise, thinly sliced
2 Carrots, cut in half lengthwise, thinly sliced
1 Teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 Teaspoon ground cumin
1 Teaspoon ground coriander
1/4 Teaspoon turmeric
1 1/4 Cups low sodium chicken broth
1 Large tomato, chopped
1/2 Can chickpeas, drained
1/2 lemon, zest peeled into 1/2 inch thick strips, juice to taste
1/3 Cup raisins
3/4 Cup whole wheat coucous
Directions
1. Warm oil in a dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add almonds, toast until golden (2 min). Using slotted spoon, transfer them to a bowl.
2. Season the chicken with the salt, pepper, add to pot and cook until browned (10 min). Using slotted spoon, transfer chicken to a plate. Add the green onions, zucchini, carrots and cook for 6 min. Mix the cinnamon, cumin, coriander and turmeric, saute 1 min.
3. Add the chicken stock, tomato, chickpeas, lemon zest and raisins, bring to a simmer. Return chicken to pot, cover and simmer for 10 min. Using a slotted spoon, transfer chicken and vegetables to a serving bowl. Season with lemon juice, cover and keep warm.
4. Add the couscous to the liquid remaining in the pot, cover and turn off heat. Let rest 5 min, fluff couscous with a fork. Serve chicken and vegetables over couscous, garnished with almonds, extra raisins and shredded coconut.
Taken from Fitness Magazine, October 2011.
My hubbie enjoyed this one....our plates were so clean I considered putting them back in the cupboard without washing! :) As for the kiddos, Lily gobbled it up after loading on some more raisins and coconut and Kaitlyn took a bit more convincing. How food "looks" is a big deal for her....if something looks weird, she says she doesn't like it, but once she tried a bit or two....she mustered enough courage to finish half of her portion. So the final conclusion for our family is that I would definitely make this again.....4 out of 5 people gobbled it up (Grandma was with us for dinner too) which is a winner in my books!
Moroccan Chicken Couscous
Serves: 4 -6
Prep Time: 15 min
Cook Time: 36 minutes
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| A bowlful of flavour! |
Ingredients
2 Tablespoons olive oil
1/4 Cup sliced almonds
3/4 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1/2" pieces
1/2 Teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 Bunch green onions, white and light green parts only, thinly sliced
1 Zucchini, cut in half lengthwise, thinly sliced
2 Carrots, cut in half lengthwise, thinly sliced
1 Teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 Teaspoon ground cumin
1 Teaspoon ground coriander
1/4 Teaspoon turmeric
1 1/4 Cups low sodium chicken broth
1 Large tomato, chopped
1/2 Can chickpeas, drained
1/2 lemon, zest peeled into 1/2 inch thick strips, juice to taste
1/3 Cup raisins
3/4 Cup whole wheat coucous
Directions
1. Warm oil in a dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add almonds, toast until golden (2 min). Using slotted spoon, transfer them to a bowl.
2. Season the chicken with the salt, pepper, add to pot and cook until browned (10 min). Using slotted spoon, transfer chicken to a plate. Add the green onions, zucchini, carrots and cook for 6 min. Mix the cinnamon, cumin, coriander and turmeric, saute 1 min.
3. Add the chicken stock, tomato, chickpeas, lemon zest and raisins, bring to a simmer. Return chicken to pot, cover and simmer for 10 min. Using a slotted spoon, transfer chicken and vegetables to a serving bowl. Season with lemon juice, cover and keep warm.
4. Add the couscous to the liquid remaining in the pot, cover and turn off heat. Let rest 5 min, fluff couscous with a fork. Serve chicken and vegetables over couscous, garnished with almonds, extra raisins and shredded coconut.
Taken from Fitness Magazine, October 2011.
My hubbie enjoyed this one....our plates were so clean I considered putting them back in the cupboard without washing! :) As for the kiddos, Lily gobbled it up after loading on some more raisins and coconut and Kaitlyn took a bit more convincing. How food "looks" is a big deal for her....if something looks weird, she says she doesn't like it, but once she tried a bit or two....she mustered enough courage to finish half of her portion. So the final conclusion for our family is that I would definitely make this again.....4 out of 5 people gobbled it up (Grandma was with us for dinner too) which is a winner in my books!
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