tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1938024597444137062024-03-05T05:51:21.698-08:00Washing DishesDanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05024945557712428511noreply@blogger.comBlogger103125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-193802459744413706.post-4222642649991848272012-07-20T08:59:00.000-07:002012-07-20T08:59:43.269-07:00Life with three!I have been meaning to update and write my birth story, but alas, life has been a bit busy lately!<br />
<br />
Three kids is busy. It hasn't been too hard yet though. Except I am typing this with one hand because my daughter is asleep on my lap right now...<br />
So it's been a series of adjustments for sure!<br />
<br />
I will write out my birth story at some point, just not one-handed. I will say it went exactly how I wanted it to and am so thankful.<br />
We have a beautiful healthy baby girl and her older brother and sister love her. They have adjusted really well.<br />
<br />
We are off to baby K's checkup - she's growing like a weed! I'm guessing she's up to almost 12 lbs already!Danahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05024945557712428511noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-193802459744413706.post-81299320102024500872012-05-15T12:20:00.001-07:002012-05-15T12:24:15.902-07:00Birth planI brought my birth plan to my last appointment. I was a bit worried that my Doctor wouldn't agree to everything I had on there. But she agreed to it all and said it looked good.<br />
<br />
I had been wishing I had tried to get a midwife again (I wasn't "allowed" when I had my daughter because we lived out of Saskatoon, apparently it's different now) when I had some issues getting in to see my Dr. this past month, but feel good about it now. I really like her and feel comfortable with her. She didn't make it to my last delivery so I'm hoping it will work out this time because I know she knows what I want and will try her best to make sure I have the delivery I want.<br />
<br />
I wasn't as adamant the last time, now I know exactly what I want. I'm no expert but after giving birth two times I have a pretty good idea of how things go. And as long as there are no complications, I hope to have a natural birth that goes according to the baby's timing, no one else's. <br />
<br />
I do not want to be asked over and over again why I'm not getting an epidural, or coerced into getting artificial drugs to speed things up if they are not going as fast as someone wants them to. <br />
I'm pretty sure this labour won't take very long anyway. I know from last time that my recovery was way better without drugs.<br />
I know that I can do it. <br />
I know that I want my baby put on me as soon as she's born and that all the "washing up" things can wait.<br />
I know that as long as there's no cord trouble we are leaving it for at least three minutes so that she can get all the iron stores her little body will need.<br />
<br />
My husband knows what I want and will be a good advocate as well. <br />
<br />
I am getting impatient to not be pregnant. I want to meet our baby. I can't wait to see what she looks like.<br />
I will be so happy to not have constant heartburn, and to sleep on my back or stomach. To not be so sore all the time. To be able to walk and not waddle. To hold my big kids on my lap! To be able to cuddle with my daughter and give my son a real hug! And to not be grumpy all the time! <br />
<br />
I'm pretty sure my whole family wants this to be over soon too :)<br />
<br />
Two weeks (or less)!Danahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05024945557712428511noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-193802459744413706.post-74225766198023367452012-03-14T08:02:00.004-07:002012-03-14T08:35:10.198-07:00SpringWe are now into year three with no dad. It's hard to explain how it feels. And sometimes I just want to not talk about it at all.<br /><br />I think I am just pushing emotions away right now because I'm already emotional enough being pregnant and mom to two other kids, trying to keep up my house while running a daycare.<br />That has been hard and I made the decision to be done a month earlier than I had planned. I'm just so tired. And still feel sick a lot. (so thankful for diclectin!) And we've dealt with some illnesses around here the past month that have been exhausting. <br /><br />But enough complaining, it doesn't help anything. <br /><br />I<strong> am thankful</strong> for friends who call and email and text and pop by and who understand when I can't call back, but love me anyway. <br />For my kids who love me no matter what, want to be with me even when I'm grumpy.<br />For a healthy baby growing inside me. (we can't wait to meet you!)<br />For my husband who has been cooking almost all of our suppers lately and does laundry when I am too tired to walk up and down the stairs and who works hard to take care of us. <br />For my family who are walking this same road as me and try to stay positive. (and excited for my mom - who just bought a new house!)<br />For my daycare families who have been so understanding.<br /><br />That Spring is on it's way! Time to start thinking about flowers (tulips are my fav) and long walks and sunshine and BBQ's and relaxing on our deck!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhasC4-dTRFR2-3YshS-Y8Nq8J6D3GhBQWNukdFY33UvBpdLJe_vnfWAy928XC6o2SrLEwyu2zXAjQ6mNQ9A7CtgfhemNkDV77wXbdgW33snVo6nXXwyDIdfeaLL9MUnwb_YS97MJSi64c/s1600/IMG_7924.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhasC4-dTRFR2-3YshS-Y8Nq8J6D3GhBQWNukdFY33UvBpdLJe_vnfWAy928XC6o2SrLEwyu2zXAjQ6mNQ9A7CtgfhemNkDV77wXbdgW33snVo6nXXwyDIdfeaLL9MUnwb_YS97MJSi64c/s400/IMG_7924.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5719775565997399362" /></a>Danahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05024945557712428511noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-193802459744413706.post-3040278708275931872012-02-14T11:05:00.000-08:002012-02-14T09:22:14.520-08:00One more thing that annoys me...People posting this statement on Facebook:<br /><br /><br />"Depression, anxiety and panic attacks are NOT a sign of weakness.<br /><br /><br />They are signs of having tried to remain strong for too long. Did you know that<br /><br /><br />1 in 3 of us go through this at some point in our lives? Would you post this on your<br /><br /><br />wall for at least one day? Most people won't but it's Mental Health Awareness Week.<br /><br /><br />Share the support! Let those who struggle know they're not alone."<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />First of all, I've seen this posted many times over the past couple of months. Is it actually<br /><br /><br />Mental Health Awareness Week? Nope.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />When I googled Mental Health Awareness Week - this is the site I found:<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.uwindsor.ca/mentalhealth/">http://www.uwindsor.ca/mentalhealth/</a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />So it was Mental Health Awareness Week at a the University of Windsor from January 16-20th.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />I also found this:<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://miaw.ca/en/campaign/overview.aspx">http://miaw.ca/en/campaign/overview.aspx</a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />From that site it says -Mental Illness Awareness Week is September 30 - October 6, 2012.<br /><br /><br />That one seems like the National site for this.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />As someone who has struggled with Depression off and on since I was 18, I find it very frustrating to see that I "tried to remain strong for too long". This is not true!<br /><br /><br />I had a chemical imbalance in my brain that led me to become depressed. There are factors that triggered it. But that is not always the case.<br /><br /><br />Mental Illness is a real illness. It is the same as being diagnosed with diabetes or any other disease. It's just not as straight forward to treat or diagnose. It can come and go. Medication does help. And taking it does not make you a weak person.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />I really hate the attitude that I tried to stay strong for too long and then basically gave in and let myself become depressed or had a panic attack.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />There really is no way to completely understand mental illness unless you've experienced it.But you can learn more about it. And simply putting a status like that up on Facebook doesn't do a whole lot of good.Danahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05024945557712428511noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-193802459744413706.post-33694094046801276952012-02-08T12:41:00.000-08:002012-02-08T16:29:41.547-08:00Things that annoy me (I'm allowed - I'm pregnant)1. Being called a babysitter. I run a business. It's a daycare. I am 29 years old, not a teenage babysitter.<br /><br />2. Being asked to supply muffins for the teachers at the school, while running said daycare, while pregnant, on a day when my son is not in school, (and feeling like I cannot say no) when I know there are plenty of other mom's who are not as busy as I am.<br /><br />3. People assuming because I work at home, I don't actually work.<br /><br />4. Small children crying outside my door while I try to have some semblance of privacy and go pee.<br /><br />5. "Window's Technicians" calling at 7:30 in the morning.<br /><br />6. People assuming because it's been almost 3 years that I am "over" my dad's death. Do me a favour - just imagine your dad died completely unexpected. Think about it for a minute. Then tell me how you might feel... (even three years later)<br /><br />7. When people call me during drop -off and pick-up times, and wonder why I'm frazzled.<br /><br />8. Having to confirm appointments I've already made. I should only have to call to cancel. grrr.<br /><br />9. When people post what they've just Pinned on Facebook. If I wanted to see what you've pinned I would follow you on Pinterest. (I will write a whole post on Pinterest at some point)<br /><br />10. Spelling mistakes in books and on websites. Especially small business sites - get someone to proofread your stuff!<br /><br />11. My eye that has been twitching for three days.Danahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05024945557712428511noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-193802459744413706.post-55048226013621420722012-01-23T12:23:00.000-08:002012-01-23T14:10:54.755-08:00money money moneyI am trying to put money away each month for when I have no income. But am worried that we aren't going to be able to pay all of our bills come summer.<br /><br />I would not consider myself someone who is frivolous with money. But I would say we spend what we make for the most part these days. We get the groceries we want (although we need to have a LOT of food when running a daycare), we go out regularly. We bought our kids some toys for Christmas, we have two vehicles that we fill with gas every week and get take-out on occasion (especially these days when I have no energy to cook after a full day with kids)<br /><br />I do remember what it is like to be poor. To not be able to afford toilet paper or toothpaste or the food you want (meat!) or go out with friends for supper. So I try not to waste money.<br /><br />We do not have cable, we pay 7.99 for Netflix every month and that is all. We do not have new furniture, neither of us goes for regular haircuts or salon visits, I don't have gel nails, we get hand-me-downs for our kids (still buy the occasional clothing item but not a whole lot), we do not go shopping every weekend or get Starbucks everyday, I didn't buy a whole new maternity wardrobe - I borrowed clothes from friends.<br /><br />We do not go on holidays every year. We have never been anywhere tropical. However we do go visit family at least every other year in Nova Scotia, but stay with family and apart from flights, don't spend very much money while we are there.<br /><br />We bought our van second-hand with cash.<br /><br />I use coupons and usually shop at Costco or Extra Foods (when they have their discount days).<br /><br />I am seriously considering a diaper service for the baby when she is born. It is $27 a week, which is less than disposable diapers. I know I would not be able to keep up with laundry if I were using my own cloth diapers. I can barely keep on top of laundry right now as it is. So this is a possible option for us. The service is already driving out to where we live, so it would just be one more quick stop for them.<br /><br />I am running out of ideas though...<br /><br />I guess I just need to think of more ideas and look at our budget and ways to cut it...Danahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05024945557712428511noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-193802459744413706.post-28453152287864821422012-01-11T08:12:00.000-08:002012-01-11T10:56:16.457-08:00Another January6 posts in the last year. That's pretty bad. So I doubt anyone checks this anymore.<br /><br />Sometimes I miss blogging, other times I just don't care. I really don't have time to just sit down and write, but on the other hand it would probably be good for me to get some thoughts out.<br /><br />I am halfway through my third pregnancy. I don't remember a lot from my last pregnancy. My dad died when I was at this stage with my daughter.<br />I measured 6 weeks ahead at my past appointment and apparently did when I was pregnant with my daughter too but have no recollection of this. It's strange and I also feel guilty. With my son I kept track of everything and did for the first part with my daughter but then stopped. I just did not have the energy. And now with this one, I just haven't had time. And honestly sometimes forget that I am even pregnant.<br /><br />It's hard to believe that in March it will be three years since my dad died. Three years since I saw him, hugged him, heard his voice. It's gone by very fast yet very slow.<br /><br />Back to present day, I've been running a daycare out of our house since May. It's been good but hard. Lately I have been feeling really cooped up. I think just being stuck inside almost all the time is getting to me. It's been a warm winter, and we have gone outside to play but you still can't be outside all day long. And I won't drive with all the kids. We don't have enough carseats and I don't want that responsibility.<br />So here we stay, trying to keep the kids entertained with books, colouring, toys and snacks. (and the occasional Sesame Street or Diego episode)<br /><br />Since I don't qualify for a mat leave, realistically and financially I can only take four months off when the baby comes. This is frustrating as I would love to be able to just have a year at home with just my kids. But we made this choice when I quit my job and we moved into this house. And I am very thankful for the house we live in and everything we have. <br /><br />It's been nice to have a bathroom on the same floor as our bedroom and to not have to go down a steep of stairs six times a night!<br /><br />So, not much else going on right now. Trying to figure life out and enjoy it. Trying to not rush through the day so I can go to sleep , but to spend quality time with my children while I only have the two. Trying to be happy with all the blessings I have and not envious of other's lives. Trying to not think too much about all that my dad is missing here on earth.<br />Trying to love Jesus and not continue questioning why our family has had to go through this heartache. Trying to appreciate that other's have it way worse and we were so lucky to have him for the time we did. Trying to enjoy the family that is here and love them.<br />I'll keep trying.Danahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05024945557712428511noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-193802459744413706.post-37457618907690173292011-10-11T14:15:00.000-07:002011-10-20T07:35:14.558-07:008 yearsWow! It's been awhile. However I was blog snooping today and see that most of my friends who have blogs have also been neglecting theirs, so I don't feel too bad.<br /><br /><br /><br />What a summer it's been. Actually what a year. Seriously. If you told me a year ago that I would be living in a different house and running a daycare I never would have believed it. What a crazy year!<br /><br /><br /><br /><br />It was our <strong>8th Anniversary</strong> yesterday and <a href="http://washingmydishes.blogspot.com/2009/10/6-years-already.html"><em>this post</em> </a>still rings true.<br />So now it is 8 years, two houses, three kids, a minivan (something we said we'd never get!) two new jobs and too many events to name.<br /><br />We went out for supper last night and were talking about what life was like when first got married. It's funny how we thought life was so stressful, yet we had a nice apartment and made a decent amount of money, could pay all of our bills and had no kids or a house to worry about.<br />Sometimes I wish we could go back to that time and just enjoy it.<br />But that is how life goes. It's all perspective now.<br />Sure it was stressful being newlyweds when none of our other friends were married, I worked two jobs and was going to University. But I still wish I could go back and tell my 21 year old self to just relax and enjoy things.<br /><br />I guess the lesson is to just live in the moment. Not to worry about tomorrow and to enjoy life. Because you never know what's going to happen. And worrying never changes a thing.<br /><br />So Happy 8 years to my wonderful husband. I am SO thankful for you.Danahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05024945557712428511noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-193802459744413706.post-33226360024027046322011-05-10T19:53:00.000-07:002011-05-10T20:10:54.349-07:00thoughtsWe moved. We are settling into our new house. Life has been insanely busy and I barely have a moment to read blogs let alone write in my own.<br /><br />So here are some random thoughts:<br /><br />2 year old house vs 102 year old house = awesome<br /><br />We have too much stuff<br /><br />Toddlers are hilarious. My daughter is adorable.<br /><br />My four year old is so ready for school. He is driving me crazy (in a good way) with questions. Yet he declares that he "knows everything"<br /><br />I miss my dad<br /><br />I really hope our old house sells soon<br /><br />I would like to see our nephew and meet our niece.<br /><br />I love summer weather<br /><br />I have amazing friends<br /><br />Life is a breath<br /><br />So blessed to be a mom and have a great mom, grandmas and mother in law<br /><br />I love Chai lattes<br /><br />So many people need help. What can I do?<br /><br />I will never catch up on laundry<br /><br />Pray without ceasing<br /><br />My sister in law is a good listener and I complain to her too much<br /><br />My husband loves me. No matter what.<br /><br />Jesus does want us to be happy. And to love unconditionally<br /><br />Heaven is really real.<br /><br />I am So blessed. I cannot take anything for granted.<br /><br />Love.<br /><br />The world is going crazy.<br /><br />Love is all you need.Danahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05024945557712428511noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-193802459744413706.post-91158745078127901332011-04-04T08:32:00.000-07:002011-04-04T09:09:21.233-07:00We have no idea...Ten years ago I attended a DTS (discipleship training school) through YWAM in Scotland.<br />For the outreach portion of the school I went to Izmir, Turkey for two months. We worked alongside a missionary couple there who spent a lot of time working in the slums of Izmir.<br /><br />I spent a lot of time with one family in particular. They were very poor. They had a two room apartment where the grandma, grandpa, mom and three little girls lived. The Grandpa had throat cancer and could no longer speak, and he made a bit of money selling balloons on the waterfront. The mom had to prostitute herself out when they ran out of money. I had never been around such poverty before. And the family accepted me as one of their own and loved me to bits. They were so friendly and loving. They always made me cay (chai tea) and always wanted me to eat whatever little bit of food they had. They had so little and shared it so willingly.<br /><br />The missionary couple were from Denmark and moved to Izmir with their two small children. They learned Turkish and gave up their comfy life in Denmark to move to Turkey to share Jesus with the people in Turkey. They are an amazing family.<br /><br />I have received updates from this family for the past ten years. They have gone through some very tough times. Yet, they stay in Turkey and serve the people there because that is what they have been called to do.<br />I received an email from them today. They have been working with a church in the red light distract of Izmir and the other day a man attacked the pastor.<br /><br />This is an excerpt of the email:<br />"<span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;" ><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:10pt;" >This Friday there was an evening of worship, and unfortunately we couldn’t be there. But at some time during the evening, our pastor was standing in front of the church, talking to a Turkish man, when a young man approached them, pulled a gun and started firing it at our pastor. The gun was shooting with blanks, but since they didn’t know that, they were shocked. Then the man pulled a rifle and wanted to shoot at them with that, but after they got over the shock they jumped upon him, tackled him and held him down. He managed to fire the rifle once, and it was loaded with real bullets, so it was only in the last second that they saved their lives. Besides the gun and rifle, the man also had pepperspray, smokebombs, a knife, and two guns with rubber bullets. They police came and took him away, and now we have a guard in front of the door when we are gathering. Every Sunday, since we started joining the meetings, there have been people making problems and noise in front of the church. This is a reality we face every day here, we never know when we can be attacked by a religious fanatic, but we pray to God for protection and boldness.</span></span>"<br /><br />Reading this made me so thankful for the freedom to go to church on a Sunday and not to have to fear for my safety.<br />We have no idea how dangerous it can be in other countries. We are so blessed.<br /><br />And we need to remember to pray for those who are living in other places...<br /><br /><br />Slum in Izmir<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7fvib_OVveLGTg_KVHOKYFd8HpRLwzSkNsYMfGYLXsfENudOennEA87ev75lNAiJzn43_0-v_QDvYPaY285_5D14341xFeYUQIW8qhHFxZnWXO_dIHvdKCTJzEl89hyphenhypheni8-o98IK3PmvY/s1600/turkey+slum.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 276px; height: 183px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7fvib_OVveLGTg_KVHOKYFd8HpRLwzSkNsYMfGYLXsfENudOennEA87ev75lNAiJzn43_0-v_QDvYPaY285_5D14341xFeYUQIW8qhHFxZnWXO_dIHvdKCTJzEl89hyphenhypheni8-o98IK3PmvY/s400/turkey+slum.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5591760675443231010" border="0" /></a>Bazaar<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxwv3sXCnM7z2WKBdWZ8yfOYGWFYhyphenhyphen3s0e63x6XaL0vGs7ayVmZv4V7eAclNR9ZngBfC0pBo8cB6kcX33KR3XOYcn_kAhyCYcnis2JSaYkilOhZ0OXgda89yiwBKtrrU_3lzziPh0R5W4/s1600/bazaar.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxwv3sXCnM7z2WKBdWZ8yfOYGWFYhyphenhyphen3s0e63x6XaL0vGs7ayVmZv4V7eAclNR9ZngBfC0pBo8cB6kcX33KR3XOYcn_kAhyCYcnis2JSaYkilOhZ0OXgda89yiwBKtrrU_3lzziPh0R5W4/s400/bazaar.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5591760671420784354" border="0" /></a>Danahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05024945557712428511noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-193802459744413706.post-63027438383709173782011-03-30T07:22:00.000-07:002011-03-30T08:03:35.187-07:00ch ch ch changesBad blogger, I know. I kind of forgot I had a blog.<br /><br />So much has happened in the last two months.<br /><br />Our daycare provider informed us that she would be moving in the summer. This came as a surprise and also a blessing in disguise.<br /><br />I've been needing a change from work and the way life is now. I've been the community librarian for the past 6 years and while I love my job and the people I get to interact with, I've lost my energy for it.<br />So, we decided that if we could find the right house I would quit my job and stay home with our children and start a little daycare myself.<br /><br />Getting kids to fill my daycare has proven very easy. I already have 11 part-time kids. All of whom I know their parents and know that the kids are great and will get along with mine. Which of course is top priority.<br /><br />Finding the right house was more of a challenge. We looked at almost every house that was for sale in town. Every one that was in our price range was terrible. Smelled like smoke (or worse), was lived in by someone being charged with murder (true story), needed tons of repairs or didn't have a basement and was very tiny.<br />Finally we looked at one that was over our budget - and it was perfect. Two years old, unfinished huge basement with big windows (perfect for a daycare), lovely kitchen, an ensuite (be still my heart - I've been dreaming of a bathroom on the same level for 7 years now!), nice size yard with great deck, wonderful neighbours, attached garage etc etc (and did I mention wonderful neighbours?)<br /><br />So, with some help from my wonderful mother, my friend who is a mortgage broker and running numbers over and over again (looking after one or two kids every weekday) it will be possible.<br />So we put an offer in. And got our house!<br />Then I gave my notice and the search is on for another librarian.<br /><br />It all happened very quickly, but I know God is in control. So I'm trying not to feel overwhelmed.<br /><br />We get possession next week! We'll paint, move in and then fix up our 102 year old house (with some help from my wonderful uncle, brother and rest of my family) then hopefully sell our old house fairly quickly. And get on with things!<br />I hope to start taking kids in May once we're settled.<br /><br />We are so excited to have a house where we'll be able to have people over for BBQ's and gatherings. I'm even having my whole family over for Easter supper!<br /><br />Feeling so blessed.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAX7apX4l33Yx97FKRwd60uIcjBLfmm_MmipcS_2EeOm_mOpZslrH2eHy8ETNpsspCHwb1ktC3QdRCcMdrzeZBzuvBot8SAB4mAQXvzELXGjb2Orkl5acF-DinSMdMap_3_Zxt5SmqFII/s1600/kitchen.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 256px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAX7apX4l33Yx97FKRwd60uIcjBLfmm_MmipcS_2EeOm_mOpZslrH2eHy8ETNpsspCHwb1ktC3QdRCcMdrzeZBzuvBot8SAB4mAQXvzELXGjb2Orkl5acF-DinSMdMap_3_Zxt5SmqFII/s400/kitchen.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5589887914648350594" border="0" /></a><br />Did I mention I get a fabulous kitchen! I am dreaming of all the lovely cookies and treats and bread and meals that my kids and I will prepare in this kitchen.<br />Walk in pantry, normal size stove (I have an apartment size one in right now), huge fridge, big window, open with enough room for more than one person at a time!<br />I cannot wait!Danahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05024945557712428511noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-193802459744413706.post-90281110119730286182011-02-11T08:35:00.000-08:002011-02-11T15:47:04.582-08:00Perspective<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGbQY567mw_SY9d2kT9MgtAD3aB0YHSWTgfxOTfH0Uc_4GFz3XRVMETFbkpgCBTO3Y1GnH-dXRa35p1skhEGxul1PKxwz9e4KyEGrhQlu1qZDgoW-lMAQlGoZDbdRiBjZnZ5HsgnvNEb8/s1600/003.JPG"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGbQY567mw_SY9d2kT9MgtAD3aB0YHSWTgfxOTfH0Uc_4GFz3XRVMETFbkpgCBTO3Y1GnH-dXRa35p1skhEGxul1PKxwz9e4KyEGrhQlu1qZDgoW-lMAQlGoZDbdRiBjZnZ5HsgnvNEb8/s400/003.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5572582509769730562" border="0" /></a><br />Recently I've been reading quite a few blogs about loss and grief and faith. You never know when things will change drastically. It can happen in a minute.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Life is a Breath</span><br /><br />A little perspective is a good thing. I am beyond blessed. I have so much to be thankful for. I had my dad for 26 years and even though I am sad, I need to remember to count my blessings. And also to enjoy the family and friends I do have here - not always be longing for the ones that are gone. There is always someone who has it much worse than me.<br />In the grand scheme of things, our family has had it pretty good. Everyone experiences loss at some point. It's just a matter of when...<br /><br /><br /><br />My friend <a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://alittlestone.blogspot.com/">Becky</a> also lost her dad recently and blogged one day about how we need to remember our blessings despite our sadness and grief.<br /><br /> <a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.howcantheyhear.org/?p=2705">How Can They Hear</a><span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span>is heartbreaking and inspiring. They just lost their daughter. I cannot imagine how painful that must be.<br /><br />This is a family member of some friends. <a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.gillianb-journeying.blogspot.com/">Journeying</a><span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span>is an amazing woman who lost her husband in a car crash. Her children were all severely injured but are on the mend.<br /><br />My <a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://lamentationsandjoy.blogspot.com/">mom</a>. What can I say? I love her and am so grateful for her. As I've said before, to see her remain rooted in faith, be a single parent at this stage of the game to my 10 year old sister (also to my brother and I), Grandma to five others, and to continue teaching and active in her career is amazing and also inspiring.<br /><br />A blog written by <a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://widowsvoice-sslf.blogspot.com/">different widows</a><span style="font-weight: bold;">.</span><br /><br />A woman named <a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://sweetcarolinebaby.blogspot.com/">Bonnie</a> who lost her husband while pregnant with their second child<br /><br />A grieving <a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://sadandchara.blogspot.com/">husband and father</a><span style="font-weight: bold;">.</span><br />It's hard not to be feel a little depressed when reading all of these. But it's also hard not to be encouraged, inspired and uplifted too.<br /><br /><br /><br />Today, be encouraged and inspired. And count your blessings. One by one.<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://sadandchara.blogspot.com/"><br /></a>Danahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05024945557712428511noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-193802459744413706.post-64762355320751853402011-01-31T11:02:00.000-08:002011-01-31T11:50:18.297-08:00PreciousIn the Grief Share group I did last year, they talked about Miracle Moments. Times when you get a glimpse of Heaven or something that is a reminder from the person you have lost.<br /><br />This is one of mine.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPKjGo9BmlgGpr4JwfNMQPD7FyvoWLO1M_1EKgXMmt438vrO2pQyiXVr77TWNuWzfFIazJ4YxnndHlmocJlPtXgtqhKcp8k3ifgjv9wQhnvnWiuwlwMQSVs-CsXBRSb8KbVpeGQYX_40Q/s1600/IMG_7354.JPG"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPKjGo9BmlgGpr4JwfNMQPD7FyvoWLO1M_1EKgXMmt438vrO2pQyiXVr77TWNuWzfFIazJ4YxnndHlmocJlPtXgtqhKcp8k3ifgjv9wQhnvnWiuwlwMQSVs-CsXBRSb8KbVpeGQYX_40Q/s400/IMG_7354.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5568432428470120354" border="0" /></a>My dad left this note in my Bible right before I was baptized when I was 17.<br />It has always been one of my favourite verses.<br /><br />I have always kept the note right there.<br /><br />The first time I found it after he died, I fell apart. But now it is one tangible thing that I can look at whenever I need to.<br />I am so thankful to have something with his handwriting on it, and for the verse itself.<br /><br /><br />It is one of my most precious possessions.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQYjG_7g0AxN3v6aveZli9q6zNNVcghBZ8lIZD5w-z51T5yY5VywLEBygN9tvB9j8mAvDBhkn2IgfAP1D5uhpdTo5UPjHMbhn5WsFhcybka9p5IhQvAbx_26KJLPG6_2zks6tUaKFpBGE/s1600/IMG_7356.JPG"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQYjG_7g0AxN3v6aveZli9q6zNNVcghBZ8lIZD5w-z51T5yY5VywLEBygN9tvB9j8mAvDBhkn2IgfAP1D5uhpdTo5UPjHMbhn5WsFhcybka9p5IhQvAbx_26KJLPG6_2zks6tUaKFpBGE/s400/IMG_7356.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5568435740821017490" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br />We also found a note in my dad's wallet with this verse written on it after he died.<br /><br />It was included in Rick's message at the funeral.<br /><br /><h2 id="passage_heading"><br /></h2><h2 id="passage_heading"><br /></h2><h2 id="passage_heading">Isaiah 41:10<br /></h2> <p><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"> So do not fear, for I am with you; </span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"> do not be dismayed, for I am your God. </span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">I will strengthen you and help you; </span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"> I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. </span></p><br /><br />I am struggling right now.<br />Some friends lost their dad last week after a long battle with cancer. My heart breaks for them.<br /> It seems there is heartache everywhere I turn<br /><br />Yet there is hope. Which I cling to.<br /><h2 id="passage_heading"><br /></h2><h2 id="passage_heading">1 Thessalonians 4:13 (The Message)</h2> <h5><span style="font-weight: normal; font-style: italic;">And regarding the question, friends, that has come up about what happens to those already dead and buried, we don't want you in the dark any longer. First off, you must not carry on over them like people who have nothing to look forward to, as if the grave were the last word. Since Jesus died and broke loose from the grave, God will most certainly bring back to life those who died in Jesus. </span><br /></h5>Danahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05024945557712428511noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-193802459744413706.post-25727776611161457812011-01-27T07:28:00.000-08:002011-01-27T09:09:49.496-08:00Good Deals<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3WnhiHSVPl1_zNQ7QXAewSljfRbrb09dXiUpQxYeh7bOiooljX03oPbzh1tFE-N6kPFhqs3UmTDmkWhUNxJKWq6cfKD5OoGixbOoErGS2ZcHAMuLwG4z45QqVXEB4y8Q94mY0scGk6Uw/s1600/shoe.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 260px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3WnhiHSVPl1_zNQ7QXAewSljfRbrb09dXiUpQxYeh7bOiooljX03oPbzh1tFE-N6kPFhqs3UmTDmkWhUNxJKWq6cfKD5OoGixbOoErGS2ZcHAMuLwG4z45QqVXEB4y8Q94mY0scGk6Uw/s400/shoe.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5566912511112286146" border="0" /></a><br />This is my latest addiction - searching for deals online.<br /><br />I don't buy a lot. But have got a few really good deals:<br /><br />- a fair trade, organic cotton adorable dress for my daughter for $12.50.<br />-awesome <a href="http://www.autonomieproject.com/">Autonomie Project</a> Fair Trade Sneakers with organic cotton and sustainable soles for $25 total (shipping included)<br /><br />-<a href="http://www.ecobumz.com/">Ecobumz</a> organic bamboo, AIO cloth diapers for $12 each (just waiting not-so-patiently for my washer to be installed by a plumber so they can be washed to try them out. The joys of living in a century old house with OLD plumbing)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu9VZmJcD8cbPtEkltQk_OVwZlzKE0xQ7BV_ryd8HvZIMje17Pv6SrneLiD6xOIq0RrW8Fr4QElEyMrXZHiH1RkZAn3BH0G10pY7PZzdqwOcdvJWng03GX0EecyIeP-cBnbsQcPlkaeLk/s1600/diaper.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 360px; height: 389px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu9VZmJcD8cbPtEkltQk_OVwZlzKE0xQ7BV_ryd8HvZIMje17Pv6SrneLiD6xOIq0RrW8Fr4QElEyMrXZHiH1RkZAn3BH0G10pY7PZzdqwOcdvJWng03GX0EecyIeP-cBnbsQcPlkaeLk/s400/diaper.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5566912961018981314" border="0" /></a><br />-half priced amber necklace to try for my teething daughter because I was too cheap to pay full price for something I wasn't convinced would work. I do think it has helped though!<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />Some points to remember before buying:</span><br /><ul><li>Deal a day sites can actually be bad for your budget. They’re all about buying on impulse. They create a sense of don’t-miss-out urgency that’s hard to resist. Take a few deep breaths before you buy and ask yourself these three questions:</li></ul> <blockquote><p>Can actually use the item? If not, it’s not a bargain at all.</p> <p>Is there a possibility you’ll want to return the item? All sales are final at some sites.</p> <p>Is it still a deal after you factor in shipping costs?</p></blockquote> <ul><li>Keep in mind that some of the items may be final sale (no returns). Read up on the site’s return/exchange policy before you buy.</li><li>Do a quick price comp to make sure you’re getting the deal you think you are.<a href="http://www.jasmere.com/referral/777781e1%3EJasmere.com%3C/a%3E:%20check%20back%20soon%3Cbr%3E%3C/li%3E%3C/ul%3E%3Cspan%20style="> </a></li><li>Shipping timelines on some items may be extended.</li></ul><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />These are some of the sites I look at</span>:<br /><a href="http://mamabargains.com/" target="_blank">Mamabargains</a><br /><a href="https://www.ecobabybuys.com/" target="_blank">EcoBabyBuys</a><br /><a href="http://babyhalfoff.com/" target="_blank">BabyHalfOff</a><br /><a href="http://babysteals.com/">BabySteals</a><br /><a href="http://kidsteals.com/" target="_blank">KidSteals</a><br /><a href="http://www.babyheist.com/category_1/Heist-of-the-Day.htm" target="_blank">BabyHeist</a><br /><a href="http://www.hippobargains.com/" target="_blank">Hippo Bargains</a><br /><a href="http://www.oliviaplace.com/" target="_blank">Olivia Place</a><br /><a href="http://minibargainz.com/" target="_blank">MiniBargainz</a><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Some of my talented friends have started their own businesses! Check these out and shop locally!</span><br /><br /><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://threeleafdesigns.blogspot.com/">Three Leaf Designs</a> specializes in eco friendly, organic or alpaca (sometimes local yarn) hats. Children and adult hats available for custom orders. Amy's hats are gorgeous!<br /><br /><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://oddduckcreations.blogspot.com/">Odd Duck Creations</a><span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span><span>makes handmade custom hats, diaper bags, and accessories made to fit your own personal style. Karis can pretty much make anything you ask her to! I gave her a picture of shoes I liked and she made some for my daughter.</span><br /><br /><div id="content" class="hfeed"><div class="fpb_media"> </div> </div>Danahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05024945557712428511noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-193802459744413706.post-37554944286095008862011-01-24T15:19:00.000-08:002011-01-24T16:17:52.515-08:00Yummy<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii1Iwddp0cpjAY5eYrc4BJ5mYryooYPC6rKBFkGPx1_wi5edFTMlPn1LrGQNL95Qkr115kP4Bu9WMNo4pJ6UrYi2iqg6-CcgWdHRnVH0t2Gsy-q5j051cPaNpvjNCk4B7ea0k3HQgU7EA/s1600/muffin.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 223px; height: 167px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii1Iwddp0cpjAY5eYrc4BJ5mYryooYPC6rKBFkGPx1_wi5edFTMlPn1LrGQNL95Qkr115kP4Bu9WMNo4pJ6UrYi2iqg6-CcgWdHRnVH0t2Gsy-q5j051cPaNpvjNCk4B7ea0k3HQgU7EA/s400/muffin.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5565911083407843586" border="0" /></a><br /><p><strong>We made <a href="http://ciaoflorentina.com/2010/11/20/blueberry-and-ricotta-muffins-recipe/">these</a> today and I have to say they are some of the best muffins I have ever made. And I make a lot of muffins. It's an easy breakfast or take to work food. Plus my kids will always eat them.</strong></p><p><strong>The ricotta cheese makes them so goooood! They don't taste cheesy though.</strong></p><p><strong>I cut the sugar down to 1/2 cup instead of 3/4 cup and they were definitely still sweet enough. I only had frozen blueberries and they worked just as well. Just make sure not to add them until the very end. It also made more than a dozen, so you could fill the cups up more or just make more muffins.<br /></strong></p><p><strong>Make sure you do the streusel topping!<br /></strong></p><p><strong><br /></strong></p><p><strong>Blueberry and Ricotta Muffins Recipe</strong><br /><strong> </strong><em>( makes 12 )</em></p> <p><em>Dry Ingredients:</em></p> <ul><li>1 1/2 c flour</li><li>3/4 c sugar</li><li>1/2 tsp sea salt</li><li>2 tsp baking powder</li></ul> <p><em><strong>Wet ingredients:</strong></em></p> <ul><li>1/3 c canola oil</li><li>5 Tbs whole milk</li><li>2 tsp vanilla extract</li><li>1 egg</li><li>3/4 c ricotta cheese</li><li>1 c fresh blueberries</li></ul> <p><em><strong>Streusel Topping:</strong></em></p> <ul><li>1/4 c sugar</li><li>2 tbs flour</li><li>1 tbs butter</li></ul> <p><strong>1.</strong> Mix the dry ingredients and the wet ingredients separately then using a spatula stir the two together until incorporated. Don’t over mix.</p> <p><strong>2. </strong> Fold in the blueberries then fill 12 muffin silicone cups 3/4 of the way full. Top with 1 tbs of streusel topping if desired or just sprinkle some sugar on top then bake @ 375″F for 20 min or until a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean.</p> <p><strong>3.</strong> Cool in the muffin cups on a wire rack for 10 min. Turn upside down and the muffins will slide out</p>Danahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05024945557712428511noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-193802459744413706.post-73981767367270090192010-12-20T13:28:00.001-08:002010-12-20T13:47:13.792-08:00Christmas is coming...This is my 3rd blog - have been blogging since 2005 and I have always posted this at Christmas but it really is one of my favorites:<br /><br />Because of the tender mercy of our God,<br />by which the rising sun will come to us from heaven<br />to shine on those living in darkness<br />and in the shadow of death,<br />to guide our feet into the path of peace."<br />Zechariah's song, Luke 1:78,79<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI8YVvLsdRh3RMGqJINjzY3ubBiDCZ1TP9t6ZWoszbYatEX6EEUaeeXXh_6v4_TCj2ArpEMGV7YggMLzCM4he0xAzinBHruWwJKqSk8NWM5Re0H2dgszljcQlf2cz-wysO7hjED43c7-Y/s1600/sun+rise.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 278px; height: 181px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI8YVvLsdRh3RMGqJINjzY3ubBiDCZ1TP9t6ZWoszbYatEX6EEUaeeXXh_6v4_TCj2ArpEMGV7YggMLzCM4he0xAzinBHruWwJKqSk8NWM5Re0H2dgszljcQlf2cz-wysO7hjED43c7-Y/s400/sun+rise.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5552876243783350690" border="0" /></a><br />I love these verses.<br />This is what Christmas is about. Our Messiah coming to save us.<br /><br />I am really loving my friend <a href="http://jasonissocool.blogspot.com/">Karina's blog</a> these days (and always :). Beautiful pictures and posts that are making me think. She has been doing Advent readings and I'm really enjoying them.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidtH9TAw527TD5RQRtoWQttxeLnM_pB-XDYp3NAeiRQMF8k5rqdCt4OobeuzAhMuNLw979OHVxPwijPC331aziSroZiQaZh-o9g_xqE9FLNXbIMce1zOPeRE_I1tC1YmRpm_8CrEJ8aUE/s1600/nativity+2.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 268px; height: 188px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidtH9TAw527TD5RQRtoWQttxeLnM_pB-XDYp3NAeiRQMF8k5rqdCt4OobeuzAhMuNLw979OHVxPwijPC331aziSroZiQaZh-o9g_xqE9FLNXbIMce1zOPeRE_I1tC1YmRpm_8CrEJ8aUE/s400/nativity+2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5552873300896341314" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />Can't believe it is only 5 days until Christmas! I'm not feeling too stressed. I don't really have any shopping left and other than getting a couple of things ready for work, cleaning my house and doing some baking I am good to go.<br /><br />Speaking of cleaning my house... that is my one Christmas wish. *a clean house*<br />That would be wonderful :)<br /><br />But if I got one of these - I don't think I'd be impressed:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEaG7OCHtf9v6w51qrb3UGt3d1-dZyA_s9v41tvVnrfqVMPSLaoQBUE2yK-AzzjDhCv81xI1PruQ73i21v1-4LBygJicIYt0OGvGEvLgk3nYCnuoI8ptKiEHPHvfIAEcPlqsI8JBpb1F0/s1600/50%2527s+hoover.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 293px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEaG7OCHtf9v6w51qrb3UGt3d1-dZyA_s9v41tvVnrfqVMPSLaoQBUE2yK-AzzjDhCv81xI1PruQ73i21v1-4LBygJicIYt0OGvGEvLgk3nYCnuoI8ptKiEHPHvfIAEcPlqsI8JBpb1F0/s400/50%2527s+hoover.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5552877301354668898" border="0" /></a><br />Although we do need a new vacuum...<br /><br /><br />And some more fun for you :<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzXYKQ2HrMULhckNbxHI5J3oriTFjNuW4JvxCAh5kT1FbZMiDbqodDAnzryjoSX_GpvAHTr3o6m8KEyz0y87nFctImgAp4UaEXl3XRvwZdgRe4gKj7CGS-hQqegtWglt6zj8qHCXErqwI/s1600/50%2527s+iron.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 205px; height: 246px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzXYKQ2HrMULhckNbxHI5J3oriTFjNuW4JvxCAh5kT1FbZMiDbqodDAnzryjoSX_GpvAHTr3o6m8KEyz0y87nFctImgAp4UaEXl3XRvwZdgRe4gKj7CGS-hQqegtWglt6zj8qHCXErqwI/s400/50%2527s+iron.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5552879779122568354" border="0" /></a><br />Yes Santa - nothing says, "I love you like a new ironing board!"<br /><br />So cheesy:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimBdNPbI38DnqQH3_rKAoVQmTNnO-mSWfkyagU3MswOK46XKCS0bq3lUFo5hjPoKfZQoR-J5eLeR0CKQ3LC8v-zs5DV0K1md0T556boTPIjIB9xcZxKJmNVlHfJe4bwDyZ0apLVIJztK8/s1600/kodak.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 283px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimBdNPbI38DnqQH3_rKAoVQmTNnO-mSWfkyagU3MswOK46XKCS0bq3lUFo5hjPoKfZQoR-J5eLeR0CKQ3LC8v-zs5DV0K1md0T556boTPIjIB9xcZxKJmNVlHfJe4bwDyZ0apLVIJztK8/s400/kodak.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5552882840176041426" border="0" /></a>Hilarious:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDlslpWVDgsNCKgxISsl82PCut0ZKTNj-xfsCONQDCSziZFwCZsl3_ZPjENDumOkmQmziOrYc1nzVhxfJ3Z7fxbW-brFr-znxQ0TwgI6DgUn7COHmncF5JhhW0gHQrvmW9b58NKic9TAg/s1600/camel.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 223px; height: 226px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDlslpWVDgsNCKgxISsl82PCut0ZKTNj-xfsCONQDCSziZFwCZsl3_ZPjENDumOkmQmziOrYc1nzVhxfJ3Z7fxbW-brFr-znxQ0TwgI6DgUn7COHmncF5JhhW0gHQrvmW9b58NKic9TAg/s400/camel.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5552882832082035666" border="0" /></a><br />And this for my friend Erica:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbRz24mYirmJfjvYiO23HHPYXhiB3l16FaM48OXy26rvwucv8ZlIYbFiW_jvEkdq3PEaL5d-5RPqLtEgGApiwmN1kjD8uozJame0V2sbElhYODI0DAPpdy4zhk2DoO1_elLJfn18DVh9g/s1600/tupperware.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 193px; height: 261px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbRz24mYirmJfjvYiO23HHPYXhiB3l16FaM48OXy26rvwucv8ZlIYbFiW_jvEkdq3PEaL5d-5RPqLtEgGApiwmN1kjD8uozJame0V2sbElhYODI0DAPpdy4zhk2DoO1_elLJfn18DVh9g/s400/tupperware.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5552882830783550242" border="0" /></a>Danahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05024945557712428511noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-193802459744413706.post-7184097264523311862010-12-16T19:16:00.000-08:002010-12-16T19:31:42.188-08:00like a childAs I was putting my son to bed tonight, I was praying with him, thanking Jesus for the good day and the snow and for Christmas when he piped in and said, "and thank you that you have Papa."<br />So I asked if he meant that Papa is in Heaven with Jesus and he answered yes.<br /><br />We have had such a hard time explaining to him that Papa is with Jesus in Heaven and that we will see him again someday when we die. At times - we've wondered what he understands and if we've explained it properly. When I still don't understand everything myself, how do I explain it to a four year old? But it sounds like he's getting it.<br /><br />So, that made me smile. And cry, at the same time.Danahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05024945557712428511noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-193802459744413706.post-52698619480239692732010-12-13T11:39:00.000-08:002010-12-13T18:57:17.136-08:00The Winner, baking, and more links! (just cause I can)The Winner of some awesome Norwex kitchen helpers is Becky!!! Yay for you! (send me your address and I'll mail you some cool stuff)<br /><br />Today my son and I made some<a href="http://washingmydishes.blogspot.com/2009/12/i-should-never-have-made-this.html"> <span style="text-decoration: underline;">Monkey Munch </span></a>and <a href="http://lickthebowlgood.blogspot.com/2009/11/cozy.html"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Pumpkin Spice latte</span></a>. The monkey munch turned out pretty well. I used regular white chocolate chips and I have to say, they are not as nice as <a href="http://epicureselections.com/en/products/product.aspx?id=3833">Epicure Belgian White chocolate</a>. They didn't melt very well and I ended up having to add more butter and then some <a href="http://epicureselections.com/en/products/product.aspx?id=3832">Belgian Milk chocolate</a> to make it more smooth. But it worked out. My son's favorite part is shaking the bag to spread the icing sugar around :)<br />The Pumpkin Spice latte was really good too! I didn't use half and half but milk instead, and didn't have whipped cream to top it off but it still tasted yummy. Will definitely be making that again!<br /><br />This is kind of a random post, but that's life lately!<br /><br /><br />Some of my favorite songs lately:<br /><object width="480" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/QemZQKKJbRU?fs=1&hl=en_US"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/QemZQKKJbRU?fs=1&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="alwa ys" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object><br /><br /><br /><object width="640" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/PGrx6etMl0w?fs=1&hl=en_US"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/PGrx6etMl0w?fs=1&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="640" height="385"></embed></object><br /><br /><br /><object width="480" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/OIRE6iw-ws4?fs=1&hl=en_US"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/OIRE6iw-ws4?fs=1&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object>Danahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05024945557712428511noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-193802459744413706.post-56086616479546334732010-12-11T06:43:00.001-08:002010-12-11T07:18:02.260-08:00What a weekI don't mean to be a whiner, really I don't, but this is how our last week has been:<br /><br />Last Friday - baby girl (I know she's not really a baby anymore but she's MY baby) threw up all night long. Literally every half hour. We kept her in our bed and would just hold a towel, or wipes or whatever we had that was still clean under her while she threw up. Poor girl, she had nothing left in her. Finally at about 5 am she was done. We slept for a couple of hours after that.<br /><br />Saturday -We decorated our tree and house for Christmas, cleaned up a bit and just hung out at home. Then that night my husband and I went to his staff Christmas party. The kids did fine with the babysitter. Supper was fab, party was fun but the chairs were really uncomfortable. At the end of the night, my back was sore.<br /><br />Sunday - Early morning, baby girl is throwing up again. No church for us. But our son had to go to Sunday school to practice for his Sunday school Christmas program. Thank goodness for my mom who picked him up and took him there. I tried to clean up, make some food and do laundry, knowing that I might not have the energy to do those things throughout the week if this continued. Later that evening little boy starts throwing up. Every half hour. We let him sit on the couch, drink ginger ale and watch Diego episodes until 10 o'clock. Then put him to bed. My husband and I took turns getting up everytime he threw up in the night.<br /><br />Monday - I started throwing up. Husband had to come home from work to look after the kids. Enough said.<br /><br />Tuesday - Kids had upset stomachs, but were ok. I was in some serious pain though. Went for a massage while my lovely friend watched my kids. Found out my hip was displaced. (I've had problems with my SI and hips since giving birth to my daughter)<br /><br />Wednesday - Tried to get into my chiropractor, couldn't. Called my mom and cried. She brought me some painkillers. ;) Went to my RMT who did an adjustment on my back. Could barely walk. My mom took my kids to their daycare so they could have some attention and I took some painkillers and iced my back. Slept the day away :) (anyone who received an email etc from me that day might have been confused - I was pretty loopy) Missed work.<br /><br />Thursday - Baby girl threw up, little boy had upset tummy. I felt a bit better, did some dishes etc, but probably pushed it too much and hurt my back more. Missed work again. Then threw up all night long.<br /><br />Friday - Finally got to my chiropractor for an early morning appointment. Felt a lot better. Actually made muffins with my son. Tidied the house a bit. The kids and I did some colouring and got out some more Christmas decorations. Husband brought supper home but did not eat it.<br />Then he threw up all night long.<br /><br />Today - daughter was up at 6am (teething?) is now back down for a nap and my son and I are watching tv. I have a feeling we will not be doing too much today. <br />I am hoping and praying that this is the end. We have a very busy day tomorrow and I am quite ready to get out of the house, get back to work this week and get ready for Christmas. So many things that I wanted to get done - Christmas photos and cards, wrapping presents, baking, visiting with some friends. My brother and sister-in-law are moving today and we can't even help out.<br />Two weeks until Christmas! I am so glad I don't have more presents to buy. That is one thing that I was on top of.<br /><br />*I will do the draw sometime today or tomorrow*Danahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05024945557712428511noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-193802459744413706.post-48338653235987599562010-12-07T08:40:00.000-08:002010-12-08T14:42:44.279-08:00Christmas, happy things, lots of links aaand a Giveaway!Big F for me. I did not finish my 30 days of gratitude. Meh, oh well. Move on...<br />Christmas is coming, our tree is up and we are getting excited! I am done my Christmas shopping and just want to do some baking etc to get ready.<br /><br />I had a crappy couple of weeks. Might blog about it later but don't really feel like having this blog all about how sad etc I am<br />Let me say one thing though, one bathroom when everyone is sick is not fun. I really wish we had one more bathroom in this house!<br /><br />Some nice things that happened to me last week:<br /><br />I won not one but TWO giveaways on blogs!<br /><br />The first was on my friend Kim's <a href="http://kim.humanclay.ca/index.php/2010/11/30/drumroll-please/">blog</a>. She made some wonderful things for an <a href="http://kim.humanclay.ca/index.php/2010/11/15/someones-going-to-smell-yummy/">at-home pedicure</a>!<br />I can't wait to try everything! I think I'm going to pick the orange nail polish...<br />Thanks Kim!<br /><br />Then one evening after the kids were in bed, I was lurking around on Facebook, saw that Kim had entered in a draw on the Simple Kids FB site and thought - why not? So I did...<br />and I won! I won one of these awesome playhouses for my kids!<br /><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/missprettypretty?section_id=5577944&order=price_desc&page=1">Miss Pretty Pretty Playhouses<br /></a><br />Now to choose one that isn't too girly, that both kids will play with AND that my husband and I will agree on...<br />Being a librarian, I think the <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/44784701/our-local-library-card-table-playhouse">Library</a> one is neat, but growing up my dad had a market garden and so <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/60229600/farm-stand-card-table-playhouse">this one</a> is pretty cool.<br /><br />We were all sick with the flu this weekend and a friend brought over some chicken lemon rice soup one night. So sweet of her! Plus that is my favourite kind of soup! That made life so much easier! My husband had to stay home from work yesterday because I was out of commision so having food in the fridge to heat up for meals was so nice! Thanks Connie!<br /><br />And now... in the spirit of Christmas and to copy my friends Kim, and <a href="http://http//easterncaramella.blogspot.com/">Erica </a>and Karis who gave away a beautiful hat (check out her website <a href="http://oddduckcreations.blogspot.com/">Odd Duck Creations</a>) ....<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">I am doing a giveaway!!! Because I am not crafty and don't have much creative talent I am going to give away some </span><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://norwex.com/norwex.php?lng=7&cnt=38">Norwex </a><span style="font-weight: bold;">(because I sell it and love it). I will do some shameless self promotion in another post about the merits of this wonderful stuff!</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">But for now in honor of the name of my blog - Washing Dishes, I will give away some of </span><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://norwex.com/category.php?lng=7&ctg=5&cnt=38">these </a><span style="font-weight: bold;">lovely items to help you wash your dishes better!</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">So, if you'd like to win, simply leave a comment. And to make it interesting and because everyone else is doing it, answer the question - what is the room you hate cleaning the most in your house?<br /><br />**I will do the draw on the weekend!**<br /></span><br />Good Luck!<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><blockquote></blockquote>Danahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05024945557712428511noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-193802459744413706.post-40932484797690237622010-11-22T06:17:00.000-08:002010-11-22T07:35:51.974-08:00New weekI just couldn't get my act together to blog something that I am grateful for everyday. Last week was hard.<br />I'll try again. It's a new week.<br /><br />Working backwards:<br />Today I am grateful for my husband who gets up early every morning, drives to work in the dark and cold, works all day and then comes home to help me with the house and kids. We decided when we had kids that it was important for me to be home with them and I am thankful that he works hard to support our family so that I can be.<br /><br />Yesterday I got to go out for supper with three of my dearest friends. And although I tire of hearing about calorie counting (probably typical for a group of women our age but so frustrating) it was still a great night. I love my friends and am so grateful to have them in my life.<br /><br />Saturday was relaxing rituals. Oh I am so grateful for a husband who lets me sleep in on Saturdays and who lets me unwind in a bubble bath if I need it in the evening. I love having a bath, enjoying a cup of tea and then curling up with a good book. So relaxing!<br /><br />Friday was being grateful for water. Yes I am grateful that we don't have to worry about our drinking water or how we will have a bath or wash clothes etc.<br /><br />Thursday was being grateful for a mentor. I can't pick one, there are so many women in my life who have helped me on this journey.<br />Of course my mom is the biggest influence in my life. We've always been close but we are closer now than ever since losing my dad. She is such a strong, smart wonderful woman. I can go to her with anything. She is the best mom and grandma.<br /><br />My two grandmothers are great examples to me and I love them both. Both of my grandpa's died in 1995 - I've watched how my grandmothers have kept going and loved their families. They are both strong women and I am thankful that they are my heritage.<br /><br />My mother in law is a huge blessing to me. I know she prays for us constantly and her faith encourages me. She is a great mom, mom in law and grandma. Just wish we got to see her more often!<br /><br />My aunt whom I've always admired. One of her many admirable missions in life is body acceptance at any size. She has made me think a lot about this issue and I am grateful for that.<br /><br />Lorna, my second mom when I was a teenager. She is one of the sweetest people I have ever met and I knew I could talk to her about anything.<br /><br />Carol who is a surrogate sister, mom and grandma to so many who know her. I can talk to her about anything, she has such faith and loves unconditionally.<br /><br />Others who have made a difference in my life: Joanne, Kim, Holly, Nicole, Bonnie, Joanne N, and my other friends who are so wonderful to me.Danahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05024945557712428511noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-193802459744413706.post-22989779224932068492010-11-18T06:31:00.001-08:002010-11-18T07:46:10.730-08:00If my heart wasn't already broken...This is a picture that my little sister drew a little while ago.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlThwiV7eqs_4aSzuacEG0xUIBjyfOq_qT-Zw68-BQU2Sh2diSqimEjZZaFnYpSXr_rfkbN5Hbzt75u-vIy3BZuxymG5J8l9vsy8Oi5r-Ahd84cUaidNHX6WU7dEzeT4KDjDtsYJQjXw4/s1600/IMG_6901.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlThwiV7eqs_4aSzuacEG0xUIBjyfOq_qT-Zw68-BQU2Sh2diSqimEjZZaFnYpSXr_rfkbN5Hbzt75u-vIy3BZuxymG5J8l9vsy8Oi5r-Ahd84cUaidNHX6WU7dEzeT4KDjDtsYJQjXw4/s400/IMG_6901.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5540898520903927458" border="0" /></a><br /><br />If you can't read it it says<br />My family <br />- Me Mom Dad (Happy) Happy Happy<br />My family without my Dad (Sad)<br />- Me Mom Sad Sad Very Sad<br /><br />(and then there's a dinosaur or something beside my mom - not sure what that is? :) )<br /><br />I am missing my dad lots right now. I don't mean to be depressing and don't even really tell people anymore. I know people think I/we should be "getting over it" already. It's been almost two years. But we miss him and feel his loss every single day.<br /><br />I baked cookies with my little sister the other night. We talked about how dad liked black licorice allsorts. My sister and I would both always try them because they were so pretty and we liked the coloured candy parts but not the black licorice part.<br />She mentioned that she dreamt about dad the night before. I had dreamt about him as well so we thought that was kind of neat.<br /><br />It makes me so sad that she doesn't have our dad for this part of her life. She doesn't have her daddy that she needs very much as she becomes a teenager. He won't be there to bug her about her crushes and her first boyfriend. He won't be there to bug the boys that come around and make them nervous when he takes his fake leg off.He's not here to help her make some of the most important decisions of her life. He won't be there to walk her down the aisle when she gets married.<br /> Sad sad very sad.Danahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05024945557712428511noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-193802459744413706.post-46505274367450900152010-11-15T19:36:00.000-08:002010-11-15T19:42:51.227-08:00Nov.15<span id="profile_status">Local Shop or Group<br /><br />I'm grateful for all the stores we have in our little town. We can buy milk if we're out, get supper from the restaurant if we don't feel like cooking and buy almost anything you need from the Drugstore (snacks, medicine, cookbooks, toys, candles - you name it)<br /><br />I am also grateful that we have a library in our town. And not just because I'm the librarian... :)<br /></span>Danahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05024945557712428511noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-193802459744413706.post-25730835056250069132010-11-14T07:07:00.000-08:002010-11-14T07:24:49.011-08:00Nov.14Yesterday was being grateful for Home Sweet Home...<br /><br />I am grateful that my husband and I were able to buy our own home when we did. And as much as I complain about this 102 year old house, I am still thankful for it. It keeps us warm and sheltered, has room for us all and people always say it is "cute" when they walk in.<br /><br /><br />Today - Sunday Special - What am I thankful for right now?<br /><br />Yesterday we spent time with my family, celebrating my little sister's 10th birthday. It was her birthday on Friday and they were spending last night at a hotel so the kids (my sister, nieces and nephew and mine) could swim.<br />I am so extremely grateful for a family that I love and that I love to spend time with. These past 20 months without my dad have been so hard, but I am grateful that we have stuck together and are still close.Danahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05024945557712428511noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-193802459744413706.post-56930208597011640562010-11-12T11:53:00.000-08:002010-11-12T12:28:02.141-08:00Cultural Heritage #12My Heritage:<br /><br />I have a big mix - I am Russian, Polish, English, Scottish, Irish, Metis, American *gasp* (my grandmother's family came from the USA in the early 1900's) and probably some more in there. In the past couple of years we have found out that my great great grandmother was Jewish, married a Polish man and they decided to hide her Jewish heritage. We don't know the whole story, but the timing of it makes sense.<br /><br />I love my Scottish history. I loved being in Scotland, the people are so wonderful and the country is so beautiful. So that is the one I relate to the most. I need to find out more about the rest of my heritage and am proud of it all. But I am most definitely a Proud Scotswoman!<br /><br />My dad at my brother's wedding - so proud wearing a kilt!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGJzxs6GhRzCL2Cd49Ni7OVeSiMIToP7MKgcsfGLpbOUWHPXb5XH6LUgXYDYQ-aZiUaeQ2tG80k-srB3pDUPBmhVOatZPiTQQIM9plrciwyM-CRyLJ_p1UPrGu1xIbZNRs2f84QEevR60/s1600/dad+kilt.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 248px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGJzxs6GhRzCL2Cd49Ni7OVeSiMIToP7MKgcsfGLpbOUWHPXb5XH6LUgXYDYQ-aZiUaeQ2tG80k-srB3pDUPBmhVOatZPiTQQIM9plrciwyM-CRyLJ_p1UPrGu1xIbZNRs2f84QEevR60/s400/dad+kilt.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5538756572608884258" border="0" /></a>Danahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05024945557712428511noreply@blogger.com1