Christmas baking 2012

Here it is. My somewhat ambitious Christmas baking plan. I'm not sure how I'm going to find the time to make everything or who on earth is going to eat it all, but these recipes looked like things I had to try this year. I'm incredibly flattered that anyone at all cares what I am baking, so thank you for visiting my blog (that I have somewhat abandoned as of late) and for your kind Facebook comments. 

Here we go!

1.  Chai Spiced Sugar Cookies. I like Chai. I like sugar cookies. Seems logical to make these.

2. Salted Caramel Frosted Kahula Brownies. This one seems a little intense. It involves making the salted caramel sauce, adding it to the frosting and also making the brownies. I love Starbucks' Salted Caramel Mocha, so if this recipe tastes anything like that I'm sure it will be worth it. 

3.  Avalanche Bark. Looks easy-pease. I'm a big fan of throwing a bunch of stuff into a pan and cutting it up into squares and voila it tastes great.  

4.  Mint Chocolate Chip Cookies. Terry saw this recipe on my Pinterest page and demanded that I make them immediately. If you have ever met Terry you'll know that he can be super demanding. Ha. This recipe calls for Betty Crocker sugar cookie mix to be used, which I think is a bit like cheating. I would rather use made-from-scratch ingredients but those recipes didn't look as good as this one. I guess I can allow it just this once. Just for you, Terry. 

5.  Pecan Pie Bars.

6. Peanut Jim. This is an old family recipe, made by my Grandma Vermeulen. It is incredibly sweet and addicting. Because it has Cornflakes and Rice Krispies in it, we used to joke as kids that it was an acceptable breakfast. I'm sure she would approve. 

Peanut Jim

1/2 cup brown sugar

1/2 cup corn syrup

1/2 cup peanut butter 

2 cups Corn Flakes

1 cup Rice Krispies

Melt (do not boil) the above ingredients together in a small saucepan. In a large bowl, mix together Corn Flakes and Rice Krispies, then add melted ingredients. Mix well and put into a greased pan. 

For the icing:

5 tablespoons butter

1 cup brown sugar

1/2 cup milk

1 tsp vanilla

Boil the ingredients together for 3 minutes, cool completely and add 1 cup icing sugar. Pour into pan and spread over cornflake mixture. Cool in fridge then cut into squares. 

7. Butter tarts. With homemade pastry. I may be pushing it on this one by making my own tarts. I don't have a recipe for you for this one. I still need to get it from one of my old co-workers. I'll post when it's available but I'm sure there are tons of butter tart recipes out there. I just know that hers were to die for and I must get that recipe!!!

8. Lemon Snowdrops.

9.  Cookies n' Cream fudge. I've never made fudge before. Can't go wrong with anything with that many Oreos in it.

10. Reese's Krispies.

That's it. 10 things. A bit much I think. But I want to make them all, and I have about a month so I should get to all of them. I might throw in some cinnamon sugar pretzels or spiced nuts, and I'm sure I'll end up making Peanut Butter Marshmallow Squares at some point.

I would love to hear what you are making!  Post some of your fave Christmas recipes in my comments, or on my Facebook page.

Happy Christmas baking!!!

No blog, I haven't forgotten about you.....

It's just that my computer is a hunk o' junk and typing on the iPad or my phone is annoying.  First world problems.  Sighhhhhhh.

I've missed so many important things.  Like the time we were all ready to go out the door and Eli started to poop.  Or when he fell down the stairs the other day.  Or when Lucas told me "Mommy, you're the worst" but then later that day said "Mommy, I love you with all my heart and I love my little brother too, you know that?"  Or when I almost died because I didn't have my usual daily dose of two McDonald's iced coffees.  Important stuff.

I LOVE SUMMER.

And weekends off.  In the summer.  Saturday mornings are my favourite time of the week.  I miss my boys so much while I'm at work all week and Saturday morning is my favourite time.  I am not the kind of Mom that can stay home every day with her kids.  I love my boys to pieces, but I need to go to work to miss them.  I've found that it's healthy for me.  Also I need to go to work so I can live in my house, buy groceries, etc.  Minor details. 

This past Saturday morning we ventured to the Kinsmen Park pool.  I should mention that Saturday mornings have become my alone time with my boys, as Terry has been working like a crazy person laying sod for our yard, building a deck, moving dirt and a whole lot of other yard things that I don't even care to know about.

Remember Oregon Trail?  If you don't then you're too young to be reading this blog.  Or too old.  Ha...just kidding Mom.  Someone  (Lee V I am looking at you) should invent a similar game. But instead of trekking across Oregon with your wagon (and if you are lucky enough, some oxen), you are a Mom (or Dad) with a number of kids in tow taking them on an outing.  Forgot to apply sunscreen?  One of your kids suffers major sunburn.  So frazzled by the task of leaving the house that you forgot diapers? I'm sure I don't need to tell you what happens here.  Points deducted for temper tantrums, hungry or thirsty children, mosquito bites, missing naptime, losing an item somewhere along your travels, and not being able to spot your child on the playground within 5 seconds.

That right there is a million dollar idea.  Lee there you go, develop an iPhone game like that.  Who needs to win the Lotto Max Jackpot when I have such brilliant ideas like this one.

Anyway, that is how I felt on our outing at Kinsmen Park.  We had an awesome morning swimming, and having a picnic and playing on the playground, but sheesh it is mentally and physically challenging to keep track of everyone and everything.  I swear the planning that is involved is more work than my brain did at work all day today.

But then we got home, got the boys in bed and I unpacked all of our bags and FELT LIKE I WON OREGON TRAIL.  Everyone is sleeping, happy, not sunburned, and home safe.  I WIN.  Hear that?  It's a horn.  My horn.  I'm tooting it.  So what. 

OK FINE I'LL UPDATE MY BLOG

Quit bugging me already. Just kidding. You 5 or so people who read this never bug me. You're great!!

It's March. Or baby making season as it's known around these parts. Not this year friends. It might be the time of year, or the fact that Eli is at the age that Lucas was when we started thinking about another baby, but I just can't get Baby #3 off my mind. The problem is that I always thought I wanted three kids. Now I'm not so sure. I look at my boys and think "Is this it? Are we finished?". I think I would be just fine and so happy with the family I have right now. But would I always wonder?? There are so many factors.

CONS: I'm not excited about the prospect of being pregnant again. I don't want to put my body through another baby. I'm not sure we can even afford another baby. Do people work full time with 3 kids these days? Daycare would be outrageously expensive. Not to mention all of the other things that are down the road with activities and sports and school, etc, etc. I think my lifestyle would have to change. It's no secret I like to buy stuff. Putting that out there sounds selfish, but it's reality. Terry already has me on what I think is a tight budget - I don't want to make it tighter!

I would have to grow another arm for a third tattoo.

Plus I'm freaking tired. There was a stretch there where I could not make it through supper and putting the kids to bed without falling asleep somewhere in between.

Biggest CON - WHAT IF THERE WAS MULTIPLE BABIES THIS TIME?!?! GAHHHHH!!!

PROS: With my change in employer, there would not be the financial hardship of going through another mat leave this time. I would never wonder if I should have had another baby - our family would be for sure 100% complete. There are too many intangible PROS to list. Like savoring my last tiny newborn baby and knowing that it will be my last. Giving Lucas and Eli another little sibling. Having a house full of (let's face it......) all little boys and having my hands full in the most wonderful way.

The good news is there is no rush. I'm not looking for answers today, or any time soon. I am taking a breather to enjoy the family I have right now.

2011 Review

On this day last year, I was celebrating the fact that it had been four days since I had been puked on by my very new little baby. I was lamenting the fact that I felt more like a walking milk truck than a human being, and that getting out of the house daily with a newborn and 2 year old all in our winter gear was quite the challenge.

This year with both Terry and I working, our new challenges are getting out the door on time in the morning and making it through supper and bath time without collapsing from exhaustion.

2011 was a complete whirlwind. Craziness. I don't know how we even managed to make it through the year in one piece actually. In the spring we put our house up for sale. I would recommend to anyone just to win the lottery, buy your dream home, hire packers and movers and decorators, move in without lifting a finger, and then sell your old home when you are all moved out. If you are not a millionaire, that sucks. Because moving with two small children is the worst. Moving in general is the worst. I would like to say that I will never move again, but I am sure our needs will change as the boys get older and I will be complaining about how hard it is to keep my house clean in order to sell it when there are two very messy teenage boys around.
We are very happy in our new home, especially now that the basement is finished and the boys have a space to run around and play and we have a space to relax and watch movies.

In May I returned to work part time at a new and very exciting job. I had mixed feelings about returning to work when Eli was only 5 months old, but it was so worth it.

Starting in September, Terry went off work for the last 3 months of my maternity leave to stay home with the boys and I went up to full time at work. This was so great for many reasons. Most importantly that I got to leave the house in the mornings by myself knowing the boys were going to have a lot of fun with their Dad while I was at work. There were lots of days when I would come home to find everyone still in their pyjamas. I guess when you are too busy playing Play Doh, trucks, dinosaurs and Transformers, there is no time to get dressed. Terry and I tend to run our respective ships a little differently when we are home without the other, but I think it was great for the boys and for Terry to have this time together. Lucas still tells me he wants me to go to work so he can stay home with Eli and Daddy. Thanks Lucas, love you too.

This fall I took up the task of petitioning the city to install a better play structure in our neighborhood park. I am very proud to say that I have word from the city that there will be another play structure added, with construction starting in the spring. SUCCESS. I'll believe it when I see it. It had better not be a giant dragonfly shaped piece of junk to match the giant praying mantis piece of junk that is already there. I was assured that the community association will be consulted as to what kind of play equipment will be added to the park and you can bet that I will be at that meeting with bells on. BELLS.

2011 was also a really sad year for our family. My Grandpa Stevens passed away in July and my cousin Kory passed away very unexpectedly in October. I know we are all still grieving.

The last few months of the year will always be crazy busy in our house. We celebrated two birthdays leading up to the holidays, and hosted the Fusco's for Christmas. I got to spend some time with my beautiful niece Ottavia, and Lucas and Eli loved having Grandma Jackie and Grandpa John stay at their house. I think Lucas and Ottavia really hit it off. Lucas told me the other day that he loves his little brother Eli, and now he wants a little sister "like Ottavia". OK Lucas, I'll see what I can do. You might have to wait a while for that one. Hosting Christmas was so fun, spending late nights playing Scattergories (I am pretty sure my father in law John won for best answers....) and visiting with everyone.

Terry and I rang in the New Year watching the World Juniors on the couch and having our usual conversation about what 2012 will bring. My hopes for 2012 are that things will slow down a little bit around here (is that asking too much?!?!?), so we can relax and enjoy. Not too much planned for this year and definitely no resolutions. I conquered all of my resolutions last year so I figure I am good for at least another year. Maybe just one resolution to get Eli's baby book done. You guys, Lucas can start kinder-soccer this summer and I can barely contain my excitement. One of the many, many things to look forward to in 2012.

My boys

Lucas is 3. THREE!!!!

We had so much fun at his birthday party. We being everyone but Eli. As it turns out, he is not such a big fan o f crowds. He is, however, a big fan of cupcakes as you can see.

Dear Lucas,

I can't believe you are three. You are getting so big so fast. I am so proud of the little boy that you are becoming, and Eli could not ask for a better big brother. I told you that you are Eli's "hero" and that means he wants to be just like you. You told me "Mommy, you are my hero" and made me cry. You are so proud of your little brother Eli, and I know you two are going to be best buddies and drive your mother nuts. You are such a smart, caring and wonderful three year old and you are getting more fun each and every day. I love you so much Lucas, Happy 3rd Birthday!

P.S. Lucas don't worry, we will conquer this potty thing together. I know you can do it!

- Mom



Eli's first birthday party was a little more subdued. Chicken Mushroom Rigatoni, Teddy Bear Cupcakes and presents. He was in a much better mood for his own party, and we had a nice relaxing time. He remembered from Lucas' party that he likes cupcakes, and that's pretty much all he ate for supper. Only allowed on your birthday. Pulling off two birthday parties before Christmas is going to be difficult every year!


Dear Eli,

My littlest guy is not so little anymore. Eli, my favourite thing is when I come to get you out of your crib in the morning and you give me the biggest hug and nestle your head right into my shoulder. You don't hug anyone else like that. Just Mom. You just learned to give kisses, shake your head no and wave goodbye. No walking yet, but please don't hurry! You love your brother Lucas so much, and are off like a rocket to his room when I ask you where he is and to go wake him up for the day. Every time I look at you with your sweet brown eyes I melt just a little. You are my sweet little boy, please never change or get big! Happy 1st Birthday Eli, we love you so much.

- Mom

Christmas baking 2011

It's coming. And I'm not ready. Not by a long shot. Gifts to wrap, goodies to bake, last minute shopping to do. House to clean, and on and on and on.

Whoever planned for my two boys to have their birthdays in the weeks before Christmas wasn't thinking. How inconsiderate for them both to have birthdays so late in the year and put me behind my Christmas schedule.

My Christmas baking list for this year:

1) Butter Tart Bars - they were such a hit last year that they were gone well before Christmas and I had to make another batch

2) Salted Caramel Buttercrumb Bars - Shortbread + salted caramel = heaven.

3) Samoa bark - this one was tricky and I would do a few things differently if I made it again, but still delicious

4) Peanut Butter Marshmallow Squares - so easy and so good.

5) Peanut Butter Cup Cookies - a peanut butter cup wrapped in a peanut butter cookie. Can't go wrong.

6) Peppermint Brownies - another Christmas staple (the recipe for this one actually came from a BOOK.....so there is no link...sorry)

7) Homemade Oreos - I know these aren't very "Christmasy" but who cares

8) Rolo Pretzel Bites - Easy!

I am about 3/4 done. Just the brownies and buttertart bars left to go. I really don't think I am going to get around to baking sugar cookies this year. Which is too bad because they are my favourite. They are just so time consuming.

Merry Christmas!

Just a quick note:

I am currently sitting in Starbucks at the West Edmonton Mall sipping coffee, listening to Christmas carols and reading Ellen's new book and really, really enjoying this time to myself (I am here for work this week mostly.....and also to shop....obviously.). I just looked out the window and saw a Mama snuggling a still sleepy 1 year old and really, really miss my boys.

Story of my life: I want both. I want to be with my kids every second of the day because I don't want to miss a thing and I love them in an indescribable way. I want to go to work and love and appreciate my job every single day. I want to cherish this time to myself as it is few and far between, but I wouldn't have it any other way.

It is impossible to do all of these things at once, but I think I'm close!!

More posts to come.....

Remembering Kory

Wednesday October 19th, my 21 year old cousin passed away suddenly. The following weekend was a blur. Everything seemed like a really bad dream. And now, while the rest of us go back to some sense of normalcy, for his mom and dad (my aunt and uncle) and his sisters, things will never be quite the same. Speaking about this so briefly seems as if it is just a footnote, when in fact, I am doing my best to be brief out of respect to my family and their privacy. After something so tragic, I look at both of my baby boys and hug them a little tighter.

Goodbye 20's!

Falling asleep on the couch the minute after I put Eli to bed has become a Friday night ritual. I think it is a side effect of a long week. In this case, it has been a long couple of weeks with no reprieve on the weekends. As soon as the thought crossed my mind that things might been slowing down around here (finally!) they seem to pick right back up again. God help us when Terry returns to work and we are both working full time. Probably best if I just don't think about it.

For my 30th birthday two weeks ago, my awesome friends whisked me away for a girls night out at the cabin. I am so fortunate to have such an amazing group of friends who would organize a weekend away for me. Even though I was hesitant about a night away from the boys, it was a perfect way to say goodbye to my 20's. 30 is not the new 20. We were all asleep by midnight. My birthday celebrations lasted all weekend and by the time my actual birthday rolled around on Monday I was all birthday'd out! Thank you thank you thank you to all of my friends and family for an amazing 30th.

Playground update: Last week I brought my completed petition to the community association meeting, and spoke about why there is a need for a preschool play structure in our park. I was prepared and organized, thanks in part to my advisor Terry, and the information I presented was well received by the community association and president. The community association is drafting me a letter of support, which I will include in my report to city council. I hope to present my report along with my petition in early November. I have also been in touch with the community consultant from the city, who has been extremely helpful in answering my questions and keeping me informed of the park review process. The review process will take some time, but hopefully we can work together this winter and if all goes well, maybe we will have a playground in the spring!!

Defiance

I think the terrible twos have hit us a little late. I thought we avoided them somehow. But no, Lucas has figured out how to be defiant at exactly the perfect moment. In public.

I enrolled Lucas in gymnastics, his first unparented activity. The first two classes we attended, I watched from the sidelines as Lucas sat attentively and listened to the teacher and actively participated in class. I was so proud of him, and felt sorry for the mom and dad who could not for the life of them keep their child involved in class. Then I became that mom that all of the other parents are silently judging. I'm not sure what happened in the last two classes, but all of a sudden Lucas has just up and refused to do what he is supposed to. Last week I chocked it up to being tired and grumpy from not having a nap that day. But today there was no such excuse. It is incredibly frustrating this defiance thing, and I tried multiple approaches today with no success. A friend of mine blogged about a book that helped her ("Honey I Wrecked the Kids") that I just might have to pick up for myself.

My favourite act of defiance so far is the going limp strategy. Taking Lucas up to the line to go do a somersault and all of a sudden he has no bones or muscles in his body to hold him up. UGGGGHHH. And then he gives me the look. The "You can't make me do anything look". All I am thinking at this moment is "DO AN F-ING SOMERSAULT KID SO I CAN GO SIT BACK DOWN. NOW." Somersaults. These are the stresses in my life right now. Trivial.

Lucas has been a wonder-child. We have had it really easy with him and I know that. So hopefully this is a minor blip and we can continue on thinking we are the best parents ever. Ha.

I know already Eli is going to give us a run for our money, and we are not prepared. I might actually have to baby proof this time. The kid makes a mad dash for the stairs the moment the baby gate is removed. For a second I think we are having a nice bonding moment as I hold him and gaze into his big brown eyes, until he sees something he is interested in over my shoulder, at which point he starts clawing at my face trying to get me to move out of the way so he can get to the thing he is absolutely not supposed to have. Nightlights and computer cords mostly.

Playground update: 24 signatures to go!! I meet with the community association next week to get their support and after that it is city council. Stay tuned.....I know you are all on the edge of your seats.