Thunderstorms

I love thunderstorms. Just rain in general I've always loved. Except when tent camping, of course... Yesterday we had a few storms here in southern Ontario. The boys and I watched through our livingroom window in between making date squares. April showers bring May flowers! Hooray!

The Best Way to Eat a Snack

Is laying on the floor, of course. NUMs!

Music Monday - How Deep the Father's Love for Us

Patience

Another tired day.

Little one keeping me awake until 1:00. Then 4:00. Then 6:00.
I don't like mornings much, and the lack of sleep makes this one a bit of a trial. Although the children are cheerful at breakfast, I am not. I try not to let it show.

They want a bath. Sure! That will give me some quiet time for my morning devotions.
I warm up my coffee, which has gone cold waiting for me.

Screaming heard in the bathroom. One constantly pestering the other. I catch myself yelling again. Too many warnings. Two time outs. More discipline. Will I ever get my devotions done? Will I get anything done in the house with my hands pulling my hair out?

As I warmed up my morning coffee for the third time, I thank God for my two little blessings and ask for more patience.

Ah, patience. Why can't I always have you? Why can't you come to me instead of anger, which makes me say, "Why do I have to keep telling you....!!"

Lunch is made with constant interruptions for attention and interventions. One spills an entire cup of milk all over clothes and the floor, while the other one keeps standing in his chair and screeching for something he can't have. I catch myself being exasperated again.

Patience.

Lunch hour is over, clean up, (-ish) child washed. Again. As I warm up my coffee for the sixth time, I realize how patient God is with me and feel ashamed of my impatience. Instead of yelling "Why do I have to keep telling you?" our loving God constantly forgives, gently washing me clean.

I thank him again for my precious littles and pray for forgiveness. And my constant daily request -Help me become a better child of yours.

A crash and scream in the living room.

Patience.

Hendrie Valley

Waiting patiently!

Snuggly warm.
Look, a duck!
Daddy's turn.
Disappearing into the reeds...

...and coming out with a new plaything.
A pretty bird! Watching the adventurers climb.

Walking Home

For Dad's birthday during March Break we went to the Hendrie Valley in Burlington, part of the Royal Botanical Gardens. The area we visited was mostly boardwalk over marsh and is a great spot for feeding birds. I didn't get a lot of shots of birds, besides a woodpecker and a mute swan- which I will post next- but I did get this cute shot on the way back.

Music Monday - Love Them Like Jesus

Family Collage

Chili Cheese Fries

3-4 medium potatoes, cut into evenly sized wedges
canola or olive oil
1/4 cup Parmesan cheese
1 tsp chili powder
1/4 tsp each garlic powder, salt, pepper

Put potato wedges in a bowl, drizzle with a little oil, tossing to coat. Combine the remaining seasonings and toss with the oiled fries. Arrange wedges on a baking sheet and bake at 475 degrees for 20-30 minutes, turning once or twice to get an even browning. Serve immediately.

Lemon Bars

Shortbread Base
3/4 cup butter, room temperature
1 1/2 cups flour
1/2 cup icing sugar

Filling
2 lemons, room temperature
4 eggs
1 1/2 cups sugar
1/4 cup flour

Mix together the butter, flour and icing sugar. Pat into a 8x11 pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes or just until the edges turn brown.
To make the lemon filling, wash and dry the lemons. Grate the zest of the lemons using a lemon zester or use the small holes of a cheese grater. You need 2 tablespoons of zest. Juice the lemons with a juicer or by squeezing them in your fist after cutting them in half. You need 1/3 cup. Whisk together the eggs and sugar. Stir in the lemon juice, zest and flour. Pour the filling over the shortbread and return the pan to the oven for 20 to 25 minutes until the edges are lightly browned. Cool and dust with icing sugar. These bars can be frozen.

A Tired, Tired Boy.

Coughing all night makes for a tired boy come suppertime. Both boys got fevers at the end of last week and ended up rash/cough/runny nose. A-team's back on inhalers and Mommy's got a sore throat and nose too. Thankfully Daddy's still fine!
Come on, summer! :D

Books Books Books

We are a family who loooooves books. We're so happy that our love of reading has rubbed off on our boys! Anytime, anywhere, you can find them "reading" a book!
What are you reading?

Still Here!

I hope to do some catching up on my blog, and getting into the habit of blogging more frequently. Everyone is healthy (for now) and I have no projects, so no excuses! As for the catching up at home...I think we're all in order now. Monday was such a write-off. Have you ever had one of those days when you're just way too tired to do anything but the basics? And to top that off you have a weather-headache? The boys didn't seem to mind that I passed some time on the couch. At least they still got to wrestle with their mama. All fun and games until someone gets a foot in the eye, though.

The reason for the exhaustion? A wonderful weekend of fun and fellowship! As part of the organizing team for the Women of Worth retreat, there wasn't much time for "retreating," as such, and, being busy, I didn't get as "into" the speeches as I hoped, but it was a blessing to be a part of, nonetheless. Just experiencing the emotional support we have in our sisterhood though Christ was amazing. Not to mention the tear-inducing drama talents of some of my dear friends Mrs. Bob and Mrs. A. And the hilarious drive home with the two of you...that was the best. I'll miss you both very much when we part ways...

That brings me to another subject: our year of change. After almost seven years of waiting and wondering what the Lord has kept in store for us, he has blessed us with an exciting new move...to Alberta! Stu has received a job offer at a school there starting this fall. Most of my readers (if you still read my pining blog) know already but I figured I would announce it officially. :)

I hope to write more on the subject, but first I must pelt you with pictures. I have so many yet to upload to bring this mostly-photo-blog back up to date.