Bacon

I love love love bacon. I am allergic to the nitrates in bacon and even that doesn't stop me from consuming more then my fair share of magical food. It's wonderful. Since I love Bacon so much I knew I had to make some has a started my Felt Food extravagonza.

All you do is cut two pieces of dark brown felt into a bacony shape (Ive seen it done with red as well... but I like the brown) Then glue some white onto one of the browns for the fat. (I used scraps from the egg whites) then blanket stitch the two browns together. Voila! Bacon!

Now Im off to story time and bed hopefully since I feel miserable! I was hoping to be a crafting machine this weekend but this sore throat and achy muscles is killing me! hopefully tomorrow is better and I can let my creative side out!

A New Discovery

Tonight we had my good friend and a wonderful photographer, Kim Hawkings take some family pictures for us. She took us to a place I never knew existed and I have spent the majority of my life in Calgary. Just outside the city limits there is a place called Ann & Sandy Conservation. Its just a wildlife preserve. We didn't get very far in down the path since we have little Jaxon who hates the outdoors and pricklies in the grass. But from what I saw it was a beautiful area. I dont know if Id called it a hike but a good walk. I'd like to go back and do some exploring! There is an honor system, they ask for a $2 per person donation. No one is there to make sure you donate but come on lets all make sure we help places like this out!
  Jaxon was hungry and tired so I have to give a shout out to Kim for doing the pictures. Im glad I know how talented Kim is because Im sure despite the lack of pictures Jaxon allowed her to take and his grumpy attitude, that she still got some wonderful shots! I cant wait to see them!

Eggs

I was trying to wait to post this until I had the bacon done... but I just couldnt wait any longer... I think they are just too darn cute! I have made felt eggs! Sunny Side Up!

I think they are good enough to eat!  I love making them because they are just so easy to make.

1) Cut two egg whites out of white fabric

2) Cut 1 circle out of yellow (yolk)

3) use a glue gun to attach the yolk to one of the whites leaving a little space for stuffing the yolk

4) Put a small amount of stuff in the yolk and then use the gluee gun to seal the rest of the yolk

5) Blanket stitch the two whites together..

Done and Done!

I must say I have fallen in love with this blanket stitch!

A Tastey new Side

AHHHH bacon and green onions... is there anything better???
I found this recipe in a martha Stewart book (fresh fast food) its pretty yummy and really simple to make

Cook bacon in a pan... remove from pan and then add 2-3 cups frozen corn to the pan with the bacon grease. Saute the corn until warm through (about 5 minutes) Meanwhile cut up 4 (ok 5) strips of bacon and 3 green onions. Sprinkle some red pepper flakes (it really depends on how spicy you like things as to how much you add... I used about 1/2 Tbsp) Then turn off the heat but leave the pan on the cooling burner. Add bacon and green onion. stir to combine and serve. Its so Good! Forget a side, Id eat a whole plate of just this!

Back to Cards

I have come to realize that I have way too many hobbies! The last few weeks I have been consumed with making felt food and reading the host. But today I got alot done. I returned to my cards. I had forgotten how much I love to paper craft. I am currently working on 3 year of cards kits as christmas gifts. So I know its not christmas, but I figured the kits need variety so this is what I was inspired to make today. I love making cards!
But I have had a busy day today... I guess Im onto my manic stage again. So keep watching because in the coming days I will post a couple new recipes, an updated project list, a few quotes and even some more felt food. Im super excited to share all my adventures!

5 Cheese Baked Ziti

One of my favorite restaurants is the Olive Garden. I dont get to go often because its way up in the north and I live in the south of Calgary. One of my favorite dishes is their 5 cheese Baked Ziti... and I finally found a great copy cat of that recipe! I make it all the time now! (and I will admit that its not always 5 cheese... sometimes I will be missing a cheese or two and then I just double up on the cheeses I do have...)
5 Cheese Baked Ziti

Ziti Sauce
4 Cups Tomato sauce (your favorite pasta sauce!)
2 Cups Alfredo Sauce
1/2 cup Ricotta Cheese
1/4 cup Mozzarella cheese shredded
3 Tbsp Fontina cheese, shredded
1 tsp garlic powder

Ziti Topping
3 cups Mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup bread crumbs
3 Tbsp Romano Cheese, grated
3 Tbsp Parmesan cheese, grated
1 Tbsp garlic, chopped
3 Tbsp veg. oil
3 Tbsp Parlsey, chopped

1 lb dried Ziti
1 cup Mozzarella cheese

Prepare ziti sauce; Combine all ingredients in a large bowl. Store in fridge until ready to use
Prepare Topping; Combine all ingredients until well combined
To make entire dish; preheat oven to 350. Spray a 13x9 bakign dish with non stick spray. Prepare the pasta according to pkg. pour 1/2 cup of sauce on the bottom of the pan. Once the pasta cooks, drain it and add the remaining sauce to the pasta. Stir to combine. Pour into prepared pan. Top with mozzarella cheese and then the ziti topping. bake for 30-40 minutes (until bubbly and golden brown)

this makes lots... serves like 8!

Weekly menu

This weeks menu isnt so much about the mains but about the sides. I dont know what happened but I have really focused on trying new sides lately... so hopefully it pays off!
Monday - Leftovers (Sunday is our normal left over day but we had a BBQ with friends instead... so now we have tons of food)
Tuesday - Smokies with a bacon sauted corn
Wednesdy - Chinese Chicken salad
Thursday - Breakfast hash
Friday - chicken with an Almond Rice pilaf
Saturday - BBQ Burgers
Saunday - Leftover!
   Well Im off to get into my jammies... I dont know what is wrong Im just so tired lately!

Book Review

I have been entralled with a book the last week or so... The Host by Stephanie Meyer. I know its not a new book so many of you may be surprised that it has taken a book worm like me so long to read it. Well after the Twilight saga I have avoided everything Stephanie Meyer. I am trying very hard to be the anti twilight... Ill admit it I read them all (in a week) but looking back on it all I can think of is how stupid the story line is.. anyways... thats why I avoided The Host. But I finally caved and read it. Its sooooooo Good. I was So surpised I like it as much I as did.
   When I entered motherhood I developed a new love for sleep. Thank goodness for PVRs because not even my favorite TV shows would warrant me staying up past 930 or 10 pm. But the other night I was up until almost 11 reading this book. I still wanted to read more but I forced myself to sleep!
    Stephanie Meyer is a super romantic so of course there is the Love Story built into a significant portion of the story, but it also really made me think. The Host is written in first person. The story told from the point of view of an alien parasite who has taken over a human body but the human refuses to give up all her mind. So you here her thoughts through out the story too. These 'souls' as they call them self have taken over the planet. So you instinct to to class them as the bad guys, but as you get to know Wanderer/Wanda I found myself torn. Who did I want to survive the alien Wanda or the human Melanie. They both deserved so much more the life was offering. It was an interesting battle for me to struggle with in my own mind.
   Stephanie Meyer needs to work on her endings though...I felt it was predictable. But I dont want to give anything away so Ill stop talking about it!

  All in all I liked it and Ill for sure be adding it to my collection. So if you havent read it go read it and if you have read it... read it again!

Biggest baking fail ever

Today I tried making pillow cookies... I got the recipe from Bakerella but I must be slightly retarded today because they so didnt turn out. I have no idea what I did wrong! I took them out of the oven and they were still raw so inorder to get them cooked I had to double the cooking time and then the edges were super crispy. So I thought I could salvage them and cut the edges off but then it wasnt anything special because it was too much cookie dough and you didnt really notice the brownie stuffed inside... so im think Ill try it again and tweak it like I normally do... maybe Ill 1/2 the amount of dough for each cookie and then you will at least notice the brownie center. Has anyone else tried these cookies... any tips??? I consider myself a decent cook and baker but these little failures have be stumped! so needless to say I have nothing to post... since I was going to post about the cookies... but that was a flop!

Banana Blueberry Muffins

Now that Owen is basically eating all normal people food I am always on the look out on ways to introduce different flavors to him and still provide healthy meals. And since Jaxon has become a picky eater I always try to sneak in a new flavor for him too... basically I have just gotten tired of making peanut butter sandwiches 3 times a day!
In my hunt I found these yummy muffins for my little men.. well I dunno how yummy they are since I cant STAND banana but from everyone else I hear they are pretty darn good. Jaxon will mostly eat them until he gets freaked out by a blueberry and Owen devours them... but Owen will eat anything and everything!
I was mostly just impressed with myself for making something healthy not snacky for a change! GO ME!
I found this picture on my camera... its from the batter for these Muffins... Jaxon took it. Nice shot Buddy!

I have to give credit where credit is due... this is a Martha Stewart recipe (not one from me) But its a good one! And I know how hard it is to find really good muffin recipes! This is a keeper

Banana Blueberry Muffins

1 cup whole-wheat flour
3/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup wheat germ
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
1/3 cup granulated sugar
1/3 cup packed light-brown sugar
2 large eggs
2 ripe bananas
1/3 cup milk
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 cup frozen blueberries




Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Line a 12-cup muffin pan with paper liners. In a bowl, whisk together flours, wheat germ, baking soda, and salt.
In a large bowl, beat butter and sugars with a mixer until light and fluffy. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. In another bowl, mash bananas with a fork. stir in milk and vanilla.
With mixer on low, alternately add flour mixture and banana mixture to butter mixture, beginning and ending with flour mixture; mix just until combined. Fold in frozen blueberries.
Divide batter among muffin cups. Bake until a toothpick inserted in the center of a muffin comes out clean, 25 to 28 minutes, rotating pan halfway through. Let cool in pan 10 minutes;

I have little fingers in this house hold so I made mine mini muffins... So the cooking time is different. In my oven I baked them for 10 minutes and then rotated my pan and let them bake another 5 minutes.

Spinach!

So my new obession with felt food continues. I figured after making Ravioli and cookies I should make something extra healthy... so I made Spinach. Im planning on making lots of other veggies too but these little leaves seemed like they would be pretty easy. And they are. I also figured the since I wasnt going to be pinking the edges I wanted to do a blanket stitch to mke them look cute and complete. So then I had a problem.. I dont sew... not even a little. So I have another new love; the internet. I found a great site that taught me step by step on how to blanet stitch.. now I know Im not pro but I think Ive done pretty well for a self teach 2 days ago!
I had thought about trying to teach myself to use a sewing machine but I like the look of the blanket stitch and I can do it while I watch TV in the evenings once he kids go to bed... ok in the afternoon while owen naps and Jaxon watches Spongebob (once my kids are in bed I am in bed!)
these are super simple
1) Just free hand a pattern (If I can do it so can you!)
2) Cut Two leaves out of dark green
3) on one of the leaves hand stitch some veins
4) Blanet stitch them together
Done and Done!

Makes my life easy...ok easier

Today was another lazy day. I wasnt feeling too hot but at least it was nice out and the boys and I could get outside more today then yesterday. I found this picture on my computer and I had to share it; one because its so cute and two because I love these shopping carts! I wish all shopping carts came with steering wheels and two seats! My Boys love them and will sit still for all my grocery shopping, even the big trips! Who ever thought of these gets a Nobel Peace prize in my books... its sure makes my life more peaceful!

I love the internet! Today I googled Blanket stitch and I found a really fun blog that taught my how to do it. Im still no pro but Im getting pretty good. I was going to post pictures of the felt food I made today but we had a big thunderstorm this evening and the power was on and off so I didnt get any pictures. Ill post them tomorrow.
Also Im reading and really enjoying a new book (well new to me book) Stay tuned for the review...Im about half way through so give me about a week... maybe!

Point Programs

Hello World!
  Today was a boring rainy/cloudy/windy/cold day here. So me and the boys stayed inside most of the day... except for a trip to Walmart. So nothing too exciting happened here... except that we had far too much screen time for the boys... it seemed like Jaxon was either watching TV, playing Wii, playing DS or playing computer all day... I hate those days. So I have decided that come the fall/winter I need to be better prepared for inside days. I want to make up "Fun Boxes" filled with all sorts of crafts/games to play in the house. What are some of yoru favorite inside activities??? I need ideas!
  So here is my mom tip for the day... Join Point Programs! I love free stuff, so I love Point programs. I am an airmiles Junkie and redeem for gift cards almost every 2-3 weeks. Since I have had the babies I have joined Nestle points and I get points for buying formula (which is a thrill since its so darn expensive) Every couple of containers of formula gets me a coupon for free gerber treats. (Owen eats those things non stop! although he eats anything non stop!) And I have recently discovered pampers points to grow. I wish I had found this one sooner. you dont get many points for the amount you spend but then again you had ot buy diapers and wipes anyways so why not earn free stuff. Im saving up for a Monster bowling set for one the boys come christmas time... I only need 2000 more :S wish me luck! Anyways... there is my little rant on point programs.. .Im a huge fan... those are the ones i use more often but I also do shoppers optimum points and sobeys points. but not as often. Hey we all love free stuff right!

Another Week... Another Menu

So here we are at the start of yet another week. Why can't weekends last forever?!?! I have had a great weekend filled with reading and lots of work on my new obession; felt food! But it looks like we may have a rough start to our week as Jaxon napped from 5-7 so it will be a late night... but still an early morning... which makes for a grumpy mommy since I didnt get to nap!
But here is the Menu I have come up with for my family
Monday - Thai chicken Thighs and Potatoe skins
Tuesday - Quesadillas
Wednesday - Pasta Bake
Thursday - Chicken Meatball subs
friday - Some sort of chicken and rice dish... yet to be determined
Saturday - I dunno.. ill see what looks good at the seafood counter
Sunday - Leftovers (as per the norm!)
  It looks like I have a few projects that need to get done this week. I need to make 90 invites to the RS activity next month and I need to teach myself the blanket stitch. Those are the two major projects... but Im sure Ill think of more to keep my hands busy!

Book Review

I have finished another book... and Im torn on how I feel about it. The book is called The Red Pyramid by Rick Riordan (the same man who wrote the Percy Jackson series) It's the first book in a new series he is working on called the Kane Chronicles. I was really excited to read it because Percy Jackson dips into Greek Mythology the Kane chronicles will dip into Ancient Egyptian mythology. (For those of you who dont know since I first watch Indiana Jones I have dreamed of being an Acheaologist... I actually studied it in university and have loved Egypt and all its mysteries)
  Ok on to why I am so torn... It has the potential to be a really fun, intriguing story. One filled with just enough facts to be believable but since its all mythology still fictional. But there is a major flaw that drives me bananas as I am reading it. It's written in first person (which I have nothing against) but the two narrators are YOUNG teenagers... we are talking like 12-14 and they are siblings. Why you may as is this a problem?? because the author has decided to write like a 12-14 year old... so you get all the attitude and bickering that goes on between the two siblings. I found it really annoying to be reading someting Carter is supposedly telling us and then to have a comment to Sadie made in square brackets.. eg... [dont look at me like that its true] Mostly I was like "COME ON just get on with the story" One other thing I didnt like was that they made the Ancient gods too modern... I really doubt Set would make a joke at sadie's expence by saying "Come on thats magic one-oh-one" but I guess that part could be that I hold Egyptian god's very dear as I am so passionate about them. I just think Set is better then that!
  There was one quote that I love from this book. I cant find it now but it went along these lines 'fair does not mean that everyone gets the same. Fair means that everyone gets what they need' I really love that.

  So all in all where do I stand on this new book and series... hmmmm.. I'll read them all but I wont buy them. thank goodness for libraries!

Im Obsessed

I have discovered the felt food band wagon and I have jumped on board. I am in love! They are super cute and incredibly simple to make. I am having a blast thinking of fun new foods to make. these are going to make wonderful chrismas gifts!
So far Ive made the Raviolis that I posted earlier and now I have made these super cute sugar cookies. They are so easy.

1)Make two different sized heart patterns (I used cookie cutters for mine)
2) Cut two bigger hearts out of light brown and one smaller heart out of whatever color you want the frosting to be.
3) Using cross stitch thread; stitch little lines randomly all over the colored heart for sprinkles
4) Using a hot glue gun; glue the colored heart to one of the brown hearts
5) Glue 2/3 of the way around a the heart and attach the seccond brown heart.
6) Stuff with a little stuffing and finish gluing the edges together.

I think Ill try to teach myself a blanket stitch for my next food I do... my list of ideas just keeps growing faster then I can turn them out! If only I could get paid to make felt food.... hmmmmmm now there's a thought!

Shrimp

I love shrimp! I love it even more since I came up with this recipe... I guess its not the shrimp that makes it so special but the sauce. I got this idea from a recipe for Bang Bang Shrimp... but I tweaked it alot... so now I dont even think I could call it my take on Bang Bang shrimp... its something entirely new... and it needs a name...

 Unnamed shrimp

Sauce

3/4 cup Mayo

2 Tbsp Asian Hot Chili Sauce

1 Tbsp Honey

1) Mix together and set aside

(its simple yet amazing!)

Shrimp

1 lb shrimp (peeled and tails off)

2 eggs

Panko

1) heat 2 inches of oil in a dutch oven to 350 degrees 

2) Dredge Shrimp in eggs and then in Panko

3) Drop into oil and deep fry for 1-2 minutes

4) remove and dip in sauce... enjoy!

Yes mom I will make you some next time Im in Edmonton... OH I just had an idea... Ill make this shrimp with my Jamician beef and have a beyond AMAZING surf and Turf! now Im super excited!

Light up shoes

Light up Shoes are awesome! I cant remember where Jaxon (my three yr old) found out about them... but for months now he has been asking for light up shoes. So finally today I took him to get new shoes. Since he got blisters from his old ones (apparently they were too small) I felt like that worst mom ever... he went in wearing a size 7 shoe and left with size 9... yeah Im that kind of mom! Anyways... light up shoes... I was lucky walmart had like a dozen different light up shoe styles. Jaxon was in heaven! He picked out some backyardigans ones. He talks about his light up shoes all day! Even though it was flip flop weather he insisted on wearing his new light up shoes to the park tonight. I hope they dont die soon!
   LIGHT UP SHOES ROCK!

Ravioli

Ever since I found the idea to make play food out of felt I have been obessed with the idea. I think its the cutest thing ever! So I have started to make a bunch of it for Christmas gifts.I know I will have to teach myself how to use my sewing machine (that idea scares me!) but for now I have made some no sew Spinach and Cheese Raviolis... I love a glue gun! And I think they are adorable!

I think they turned out pretty darn cute and they were so simple. Ready here is how its done!
1) Cut two pieces of green or orange felt into 2- 3inchx3inch square
2) Hot glue gun around the edge of one square
3) Place a cotton ball in the glue square
4) Top with second square.
5) Cut edge with pinking sheers.
VOILA!
next Im thinking all attempt cookies...and I have a whole list of other plans... so if you have ideas or super cute patterns send them too me! PLEASE

My Current Projects

I love to be busy... actually Im pretty sure that I need to be busy or else Ill explode. I rarely sit still and I always have projects on the go. So I thought Id share with the cyber all the projects I currently have on the go!
1)Update the Family Scrapbook
2) Update Jaxon's Scrapbook
3)Update Owen's Scrapbook
4) Update my Bucket list scrapbook
5)Organize my recipes into a book
6)Door Names for my kids' rooms
7) Las Vegas Alphabet scrapbook (I need to do 3-4 of these for a girls trip in May 2011)
8) Card Sets (im making a years worth of cards as christmas gifts... Im making 3 sets)
9) Halloween Party (Im planning on doing a huge Halloween party for the kids in October!)
10) Owen's First birthday Party (Aug 27th!)
11) FHE Chart
12) Felt Food (Im making 5 sets of play food out of felt as christmas gifts)

Now I also have a couple projects I would like to do but Im still trying to figure out how to do them
1)Personalized hot wheels car mats for my two boys for christmas
2) A t shirt quilt for my dad for christmas
3) an Animal Bag (thats a big "love sac" with a zipper that you use to store stuffed animals)

What projects are you working on??? See something on my list that caught your eye... Im always up for a project buddy!

Menu

Do you know what is worse then starting a new week... starting a new week after a week of holidays! BOO!! But I am looking forward to this week. I have been really tired lately but I have a new burst of energy after talking with one of my crafty friends and we are both starting Christmas projects! YAY! yes I know its July... I like to get it done early! Then I can enjoy the season! Ill work on my current list of projects and then Ill post those tomorrow for you!
  Since its Sunday its time for my weekly menu... I went shopping in my mom's freezer and fridge before I left so Im excited that I wont have a very big grocery list at all... pinching pennies!
Monday - Chicken Pizza
Tuesday - Egg Sammies (I have a thing that night... so it has to be a fast dinner)
Wednesday - Bang Bang Shrimp
Thursday - Chicken Fajitas
Friday - undecided... Ill look through my recipes!
Saturday - BBQ Burgers!
Sunday - Leftovers
Thanks again for the food mom! And to all you who read this... if you see something that sounds yummy... just ask for the recipe and Ill post it for you!

Horton hears a Who

Finally we have found something that Jaxon likes better then Spongebob! Its Horton Hears a Who... since we have been in Edmonton he has watched it 3 times a day every day! Ok... he will only watch it all the way throw once a day but he still wants it on over and over and over again! He thinks its hilarious! Thankfully Mama and Papa have said we can take it home with us! Looks like Ill have to go and buy the book so we can bring horton to bed time with us! Now Ill be on the look out for a stuffed Horton too! Its actually a really cute movie... so if you are looking for something that the kids will love and you can enjoy too watch Horton Hears a Who!

Nuts for Nuts

I love nuts! Cashews, almonds, pecans... they are all so yummy! This afternoon while my boys napped (since they were up at 5am) I made this yummy little nut snack. I found the recipe in Fresh Food Fast by Martha Stewart... although Ive twicked it a little to suit me!

Sweet and Spicy Almonds

2 1/2 cups Almonds, unsalted
1/2 cup Sugar
1 tsp Cayenne
1 tsp Salt
1 Tbsp Honey
1 tsp Olive Oil
1 Tbsp Water

1) preheat over to 350. Lay almonds on a baking sheet and toasted unto fragrant... about 8 minutes.
2) in a large bowl combine sugar, cayenne and salt.
3) in a different large bowl whisk together honey, oil and water.
4) Add almonds to wet mix. Stir to coat
5) Transfer almonds to the sugar mix (do not include the excess liquid) Stir to coat
6) Let cool in a single layer on a wax lined baking sheet

They are so yummy!

The True Canadian Treat

I am a proud Canadian... and I have been reminded recently of a truly canadian treat that we all love. Thank you Jaxon for reminding me how yummy those little Timbits are! They are wonderful! A little mouthful of goodness... and ok I know they arent healthy even if you try really hard to pretend... but they make great little treats for outings. We get a small box when we go someplace like Heritage Park or the Zoo... they make an extra special treat for when you eat lunch there. I just thought Id send you a reminder of how yummy they are since I had forgotten. Its a good thing I dont know how to make them!

A Cheap Thrill

I have discovered the cheapest way to have fun on a backyard. Water guns... and not the crazy super soaker ones. All you have to do is go to Walmart and get the cheap ones... I bought an 8 pack for $8 and those little guns squirt far... I was soaked by the end of the fun! My three year old Jaxon loved it! All we did was chase each other and squirt each other and refill the guns and start all over. What a fun afternoon!

Book Review

I finished reading Fablehaven 4 Secrets of the Dragon Sanctuary... I was pleasently surprised. There was one major twist that I only half figured out so I was still sort of shocked to learn it all. And I am left concerned about one character, so hopefully they will make another appearence in the last book. This wasnt my favorite of the 4 that I have read so far. But it was better then book 3 Grip of the Shawdow plague. I am starting to find this books pretty repetitive which is sort of dissappointing. Dont get me wrong I still enjoy them, but it always seems like everyone underestimates Kendra and Seths abilities and then they (kendra and seth) use their new magical powers to save the day again. Hopefully the final instalment will have more twists and turns. All and all Ill still buy these books because they are really fun, fast reads but I think 5 books was a bit much for the series... maybe 3 would have been better.

I am now taking a break from Fablehaven before I read book 5. I currently have the first book in the Kane Chronicals by Rick Riordan called The Red Pyramid. So Ill read that before I have to return it and then Ill read fablehave book 5. Keep watching for the book review on the Red Pyramid in a week... or so!

Chuck E Cheese

So here we are at my parents place up in Edmonton, and since it is monday its also family night and what do we do here in Edmonton for Family night?? Chuck E Cheese! And I learned something new about my sweetheart... he had never been to a Chuck E Cheese before! I WAS SHOCKED! But both Jaxon and Tim had a blast and we got lots of tickets (491) and Jaxon got to pick out 6 prizes this time. it was Awesome.
Jaxon is fairly new to Chuck E Cheese because we used it as a Potty training bride. Yes I am that kind of mom... I am not above briding my child. But the best part... it worked! I told Jaxon that if he could stay dry then he could keep coming back... and sure he still has his accidents, lets face it sometimes its a close call for even me, but I think its been only a handful in the months that he has been trained! I tell all parents take their untrained children to chuck E Cheese and then tell them they cant go back until they go on the potty... voila! Potty trained child... Yes it is that good!

Menu

I am about to head off to Edmonton for the week with my two boys. We will be visiting Mama and Papa while daddy goes camping. I am the anti camper and I know I need to get over it and take my boys camping but Jaxon just barely got potty trained and being slightly OCD will freak at the sight of the out house and the thought of Owen crawling around and eating who knows what (deer poop) from the ground makes me gag!
  Anyways... one thing I love about being at my moms is she is always as eager as I am to try new recipes! So here is a Menu filled with new recipes!
Monday - Chuck E Cheese (its Jaxons favorite Family Night when at Mama and Papas)
Tuesday - Crispy Ginger Lime Chicken
Wednesday - Moo Shu Pork
Thursday - Jerk Chicken
Friday - Pasta with sausage and swiss chard
Saturday - Leftovers
Sunday - Travel day (so dinner will be a surprise!)
   All of these recipes will come from Martha Stewarts Fresh Food Fast... its looks like a book filled with amazing recipes! So Ill let you know how it goes!

Breakfast Potato Skins

I have been trying to use up the food in my fridge before I leave for my mom's house for the week. Tonight was supposed to be pizza night but my fridge was already too full of leftovers for my liking. So I made up theses little beauties!
They are AMAZING!!!!

Breakfast Potato Skins

5 Russett Potatoes
2 Tbsp melted butter
1 cup Ricotta Cheese
2 egg yolks
2 Tbsp Parmesan Cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
about 1/2 cup sausage, diced (bacon would also work... but I had sausage)
1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese

1) If you dont have left over potatoes in the fridge; bake potatoes directly on the rack at 350 for 1 hour, allow to cool then cut them into quarters. Scoop out flesh, leaving 1/4 inch on shell. Brush both sides with Melted butter, place on a baking sheet skin side up and crisp at 425 degrees for 15 minutes.
2)Prepare Topping; Mix ricotta, egg yolks, Parmesan cheese together. Season with salt and pepper.
3) Once potato skins are crisp flip them over (they should now be skin side down) and top with ricotta cheese and then sausage and then grated cheddar cheese. Broil until melted and bubbly.
4) ENJOY!

Heritage Park

Today we woke up to a deary cloudy day. Which was ok with me since it as house cleaning day. But Days were I am at home all day doing nothing too exciting make me miss the days were I am able to get my boys out of the house and doing something fun. So I thought Id share one of our favorite places here in Calgary. HERITAGE PARK. I am actually a little surprised at how much fun my three yr old Jaxon has when he is there. I bought an annual pass this year figuring it will force me to go and make use of the pass I had spent money on. We had been three times already this year and have many more visits planned. They have fun events through out the year, like Day out with Thomas, Rail Days, a Harvest Sale, etc, etc. but Jaxon's favorite part of this historical village is the Midway. He loves the rides. He is big enough to ride the mini ferris wheel on his own but I go on the rest with him. They have the catterpillar, the whip, a mini ferris wheel, a big ferris wheel, swings (which he has not attempted), a Carasoul and even mini boat swings.

Besides the Midway he also loves to ride the train the circles the park. Jaxon loves trains! We tried the Ferry but it was a but long for my little man.
My favorite stops??? Well the bakery is to die for and I have a sweet tooth so I always stop at the candy store too.

HAPPY CANADA DAY!

  I love being Canadian! I may be baised but Im pretty sure Canada is totally awesome! To celebrate Canada Day we had a BBQ with friends. I had spent some time this afternoon making little quizzes for the BBQ but forgot to bring them over... yep Im that kind of mom! So here are my quizzes (I had to share them with someone!)
Canada… The Basics


1) What is the origin of the name "Canada"?
Canada is a name derived from the Huron-Iroquois kanata meaning, a village or settlement

2) Who was the first Prime Minister of Canada?
Sir John A. Macdonald

3) How many oceans touch Canada?
THREE - the Atlantic on the east, the Pacific on the west and the Arctic to the north

4) How many countries border Canada?
ONE - the United States of America

5) What are the provinces and territories?
British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Newfoundland, Prince Edward Island, Yukon, Northwest Territories, Nunavut.

6) When was the most recent territory in Canada formed?
April 1, 1999

7) In what year was O Canada proclaimed Canada’s National Anthem?
1980

8) What is the name of the highest mountain in Canada?
Mount Logan

9) How many time zones in Canada?
SIX

10) What are the capitals of the province’s and territories?
-BC – Victoria
-AB – Edmonton
-SK – Regina
-MB – Winnipeg
-ON – Toronto
-QC – Quebec City
-NB – Fredericton
-NS – Halifax
-PE – Charlottetown
-NL – St. John’s
-YK – Whitehorse
-NT – Yellowknife
-NU - Iqaluit

And here is the other one!
Famous Canadians


1) Who was the first French-Canadian Prime Minister of Canada?
Sir Wilfrid Laurier

2) Who led the Metis in the rebellions at Red River in 1870 and in the northwest in 1885?
Louis Riel

3) What is Laura Secord famous for?
Laura Secord warned the British of the impending attack on Canada by the Americans during the war of 1812 and because of this warning the British won the battle

4) Lucy Maud Montgomery published Anne of green Gables in what year?
1908

5) Who was the first Canadian in Space?
Marc Garneau

6) Who was the seamstress on the first Canadian flag
Joan O’Malley

7) George Orton was the first Canadian to win an Olympic gold medal. What sport was it for?
2500 m Steeplechase

8) Thomas Ryan invented what game?
5 Pin Bowling

9) This Canadian author studied for 7 years to be a Jesuit priest.
Robert Munsch

10) Who is often referred to has the Father of the underground railway/
William Still