On the Road!

>> Monday, June 30, 2008

My parents are on their way. They left this morning and are driving half way to Seattle. They will stop in a little town called Marrit BC and spend the night then finish the trip to Redmond Washington tomorrow morning. They are excited to stay the week at my Aunts and have lots planned. The usual shopping, nature walks my dad loves and eating my Aunt's wonderful cooking they also have a big treat planned. Wednesday night, they are going to watch the Seattle/Toronto baseball game! Friday, they will spend the 4th having a picnic at the park with a big bucket o' chicken, watching the fireworks.
After the weekend, on Tuesday they will fly to Chicago then on to Albany. Arriving late Tuesday night, they plan on heading straight to the hotel. The next morning they will come over for breakfast and our vacation with them starts!

I am so excited for next week to come! I'm sure I will be posting tons of pictures and bore you with 50 animals at the zoo and 60 shots from around the Baseball Hall of Fame. Be warned!

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So hot...

>> Sunday, June 29, 2008

Not the weather but I just LOVE having a guy who can work on a car. There is just something so sexy about seeing my hubby all dirty and greasy from replacing the suspension in his car. I don't know if its just the ultimate masculine image or what. The last couple of Saturdays he has replaced the suspension, rewired his sterio, done basic maintenance and car wash. Today he is replacing the rear swaybar. I've always been attracted to guys who are hands on and boy did I score with my hubby.

Some ladies may be sleeping with the mail man.... I'm sleeping with my mechanic!

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Last week

>> Saturday, June 28, 2008

Monday starts my last week watching Julian. I can't believe I've been babysitting him since March! There has been a lot of good times, especially in the beginning. The last two months have been a struggle though. I think there is lots of jealousy between the kids. Julian is used to being the only with his Grampie, Grammie and Mom all doting on him and here there is 3 kids and 1 adult. I'm not sure why but he started to show a lot of aggression towards Christopher especially. Hitting kicking, pushing, throwing toys at him. I'm sure it's a way for him to show Christopher that HE is the big kid around here, dispite being only 2(5 months older to be exact) he is much much bigger.

I know it will be very hard for my sister in law because she has yet to find a replacement for me but with my parents coming next week I really didn't have a choice. I choose not to watch him after they leave because, well its summer time and we would like to spend time together as a family. Chris has a week day off and it is always when Julian was here so it was a wasted family day. Soon, Elizabeth will be in preschool as well. I would like to work with her over the summer and get her more prepared. I do feel guilty for putting my sister in law in this situation but it was suppose to be temporary from the start and she's had 4 months to figure something out. I think I mostly feel like if she looses her job over this, Chris's family will blame me. I don't know why I feel the need to make everyone happy. I need to keep reassuring myself that this is best for MY family and their needs come first.

I hope we finish off the last week with Julian on a positive note. The kids will miss him, they did enjoy another kid to run around with. Maybe I will start a playgroup for my area.

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Just a tad bit of confusion makes a very unhappy little girl!

>> Friday, June 27, 2008

When we do our BIG shopping at Walmart, I usually give Elizabeth two bucks to buy herself and her brother a treat. She usually gets two of the cookie to go containers. Chocolate chip for her and Teddy Grams for her brother.
Well she was looking in my wallet and there are two bills in there. She wants them badly. Problem is..... they are both 100's LOL
She doesn't understand the difference between the 1 dollar and 100! Why can't American's have coloured money and loonies and twoonies!? It would be SO much easier to tell her she can't have the "brown one" (Canadian hundred) and has to have the "gold coin" (loonie).

Come on people, work with me here! I hate your green money, (do not let this statement confuse you. I love to SPEND your green money)! Put some colour into it!

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Painful Beauty

>> Thursday, June 26, 2008

Yesterday, while hanging laundry on the line, Elizabeth decided to search the back yard for flowers. She loves flowers, especially dandelions if you can count those as flowers. I guess in her 4 yr old mind, they are beautiful!

She found some pretty purple flowers growing along the fence and presented them to me, letting me know that she checked them for bugs. I went around to the front of the house, making the mistake to leave the backyard gate open. She followed me and spotted the big bush of beautiful dark purple petals. Not thinking, it never crossed my mind to warn her not to pick these beautiful flowers because they are wild roses and roses have thorns. The minute I heard her screech in pain, I knew what happened. She came screaming "My BooBoo My Booboo" blood trickling down from her pinkie finger. "Those flowers HURT, Mummy!" Pointing accusingly at the beautiful flowers.

On our way in to the house I stopped and picked a big beautiful rose for her, I thought all her pain shouldn't be without reward.

She held her rose in one hand, and her little pinkie up in the air as we walked to the back yard, still crying a little. Into the house, a Carebear bandage cured all and she went off to admire her rose. Only to slam two more fingers of the same hand in a door an hour later. Two more Carebear bandages.

Ahh, the hardship of a 4 yr old drama queen.

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Very Proud

>> Wednesday, June 25, 2008

A while back in this post in fact, I was worried about Christopher's lack of language and his total frustration with being unable to communicate with us his needs. The last list of words I posted about here has grown.

I am very proud so announce his list of words he now uses regularly!

hi
bye
juice
please
more
car
ball
two
thank you
welcome
good boy
up
down
dinner
cracker
cookie
water
outside
there(use when he does something like puts the remote on my desk he will say there)
paper
cool
peepee
poopie
bum
bath
good boy
baby
and finally....love you

He has been working very hard at repeating us and admittedly some of these words are probably only understood by Chris, Elizabeth and myself but they are words none the less!

My son can TALK!

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Huggies Overnights

>> Tuesday, June 24, 2008

With the weather being so warm, Christopher likes a sippy cup of water in bed with him. I don't blame him. Even with a fan blowing on him, it gets quite stuffy in his room. The problem is though, he was waking up soaked right through his diaper! I was changing the sheets on his bed every morning.

I didn't think the size of the diaper was the problem as it still fits very good. He is on size 4's and there is plenty of room in them. I sent Chris to walmart to get some Huggies Overnights to see if that would work. Hoping and praying because at 20 bucks a pop, we can't afford for them not to work!

Into bed he goes, sippy cup in hand and slept through until 7:30 this morning. I was so happy to have a DRY baby! He was much happier too! I hope this wasn't a fluke and these diapers really do work.

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Teen Pregnancy Pact

>> Monday, June 23, 2008

What are your thoughts on this?

I, of course, think its horrible. What a waste of youth! But who is at fault here?

The girls- Yes, of course, but they are still kids and naive to the pressures of their peers.

The men- Again yes, but it takes two to tango and I believe they were totally duped into it. They had no idea what the girls plans were!

The parents- Of course, Parents have a roll in this. Parents need to be more active in their teens lives. It is so easy to think "not my daughter" but that thinking is what makes you a grandparent at 35! Talk to your kids, don't yell and demand and make threats but talk to them! I think a lot of parents go wrong with "forbidding" and being too strict just daring kids to rebel.

The school system- We NEED MORE FUNDING for in school sexual education. Clearly, Parents alone isn't working, especially in this day in age where parents are busting their butts working with the economy like it is. Parents need help. We need to get it through these girls heads what they are getting themselves into! Abstinence of course is #1 important but Safe Sex must be taught. Reality checks for these girls about what taking care of a baby is really about. Show them that it's not some fairy tale! And I don't mean by a 30 min long video from 1972 about child birth.

Finally the media- Really, look at the influence out there. Babies are the new hot trend. Britney, Nicole, and now new teen mom herself Jamie Lynn. Girls see on the tv and in all magazines how CUTE it is to have a baby belly and push a designer stroller. I just went into my pile of magazines that my MIL insists on giving me every month and on every cover there is 2 or 3 baby bellies! Articles about what celeb is buying their baby this month.

They say it takes a village to raise a child but it also takes a village to PREVENT TEEN PREGNANCY! Parents are not perfect, we are trying our best but with all these outside influences it is so so hard. We need to work together. Stop bickering about which way is right and which is wrong and combined the efforts!

*Stepping down from my soapbox*

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Honey Mustard Chicken

>> Sunday, June 22, 2008

Now a lapse in brain function has blocked out any memory of posting this recipe before so lets just pray and hope I haven't so I don't look like an idiot and a lazy one at that because I don't want to go back and search for it!



1/2 cup yellow mustard
1/2 cup honey
1 tsp ground ginger
1 tsp black pepper
1 tbsp lemon juice


Mix ingredients well and set aside. Dredge your chicken(whatever sizes you want, keeping boned and boneless separate as they cook for different lengths) in a flour salt pepper mixture and place in greased baking dish. Bake at 350 for about half an hour for half hour for boned and 15 for boneless. You want the chicken to be almost cooked through if not all the way. Pour your mixture over the chicken and back for another 30(boned) or 15(boneless) minutes.

Serve with rice, so good!

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She found me!

>> Saturday, June 21, 2008

I started my life in Williams Lake, British Columbia. I went to Poplar Glade Elementary school and in the 2nd grade I met my first best friend. Her name was Michelle and we did everything together. We were friends right up until 6th grade when I moved to Fort St. James. A year later she moved to Nelson and we lost all contact.

For the past 10 or so years, I've been looking for her. Using the internet to search her name, using MySpace and finally using FaceBook. Yesterday, I got the shock of the day when I saw a request from Michelle!! Of course I accepted right away. It is so nice to be in contact with her. We have a lot of catching up to do!

Through her, I also tried to make contact with two other girls from elementary school. I hope they remember me. I pink fuzzy sparkly heart FaceBook!

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We are having a baby!!!

>> Friday, June 20, 2008

Well not WE but my friend Jen! She is in a hospital near Dallas as I write this, enjoying a nap with her epidural making things so much more comfortable. We are texting back and forth as things progress and I am awaiting the final "SHE IS HERE" text!

In advance,
Congratulations Jen, Mike and Big sister Sara! Welcome to the world Baby Emma!!

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Thank God it's Thursday!! Randomness

>> Thursday, June 19, 2008

So we've talked about the Great Escape and the Penis Perv, Christopher's newest funny move is during diaper changes, especially when changing his clothes too. He likes to get up, naked, and run a victory lap around the living room, do a little bum shake then come settle down to get his new diaper on. He really cracks me up. He has such a funny sense of humour. If Elizabeth isn't going to be an actress, Christopher will be in stand up!

I didn't have Julian yesterday so we had a fun relaxing day at home. It was a bit rainy and cold so we had to stay inside. Watch the Curious George movie(twice) and I made some very yummy chicken on the grill with Sweet Baby Ray's BBQ sauce. If you haven't tried it, get some! It is so good! I don't usually buy sauce, I make my own and was planning on it right up until it was time to cook then I remembered the Sweet Baby Ray's Chris bought to try. I recommend it and will keep some in my pantry for the days I don't feel like making my own sauce.

I will leave you all with this INSANE CRAZY YouTube video my dad sent me.

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The countdown is on

>> Tuesday, June 17, 2008

My parents will be here on the 8th(well at my house on the 9th) of July. We are so excited! This is the first time they have come during the summer and the first time we can actually do stuff. Their first visit was at Christmas, it was cold. Their second visit was when Christopher was born and well spending 3 days in the hospital then at home with the baby, we didn't get to do much outside the house.

This time, however, we have plans to go to an orchard to pick fresh berries(pie anyone?) going to the local wild animal farm and even to Cooperstown to see the Baseball Hall of Fame and Farmers Museum! Of course, some days shopping and touring the area too.

My parents rented a minivan so we can all go in one car, although Chris will be working most of the time who needs him. As long as the kids and I fit!

I know my parents are going to be amazed with how much the kids have grown. They see them on webcam often but enjoying how crazy and goofy my kids are in real life is a truly loud fun experience!

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Here is something I never thought I would say!

>> Monday, June 16, 2008

"Christopher, We do not take our penis out of our diaper!!"


I went to get him from his nap and he is standing there with his shorts pulled down, diaper down and his little winker out for all to see!

I don't know how they walk around with those things!

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Let them eat cake!!

>> Sunday, June 15, 2008

Wedding cake that is! I know there are thousands of people who disagree with me but I think it is wonderful that some states are getting out of the dark ages and allowing same sex marriage! There are many people, family and friends of mine, who think this is just the biggest insult to God and his people but I think Love is LOVE! God gave us the gift of love and I believe would be happy for those who share their love and are not killing each other.

This is 2008, we have all evolved, we have grown with technology, with our changing ever adapting world. I love the people that argue that its not the Christian way, well folks, not everyone is Christian! I was not married "in the house of God" does that make my marriage any less valid then the people down the street who were married in the Church? I don't think so! Why does everyone have to follow what one basic religion says? There are many many religions that all believe the same basic rules and some that believe totally different rules. Who is to say which is the RIGHT way or if there even is a true calling? Does that make everyone else liars?

I think its wonderful to see more people committed to each other. Declaring their love and uniting. Two people, be it man and man, woman and woman or woman and man, should be allowed equal rights. It is better to be in a loving committed same sex marriage then to be all holier then thou, going to church on Sunday but are having an affair with your secretary on Monday!

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The Great Escape

>> Saturday, June 14, 2008

I thought if I ever blogged about The Great Escape, I would be talking about the 6 Flags amusement park near Lake George NY, full of fun photos of us on roller coasters and us having a grand ol' time.

Unfortunately, The Great Escape I am talking about is my son. He finally figured out how to get climb out of his crib. This opens a whole new area of problems for us. Luckily, he isn't in any danger if he goes get out. His bedroom leads into our room and he would wake one of us up in the middle of the night and our door is closed so he can't get out. We don't have any stairs and everything is child proofed and gated off anyway. During the day, I leave our bedroom door open so the A/C can work throughout the apartment and I would see him running gleefully to freedom!

I think the biggest problem I am facing, is the fact that my baby is no longer a baby anymore. He is about ready for us to take the rail off his crib and turn it into a toddler bed. I am not ready for this. I am not ready to let go of possibly my last baby. Why do they need to grow up so fast?

Chris jokes that both Christopher and Elizabeth were conceived with a bottle of scotch. Hmm The liquor store isn't that far, I can walk!

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One small step up

>> Friday, June 13, 2008

Chris's current job title right now is Manager Trainee, which basically means he works all over to learn the job. As of Monday, his new title will be Sales Manager! Small raise and one step up in the store! I think he has mixed feelings and there is some cons as well as pros to the job but none the less he is working his way up. Hopefully a his own store will be in the not so distant future and a new start in a new town for us!

Congratulations Chris, I am so proud of you!

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Thoughts and Prayers

>> Thursday, June 12, 2008

I want to send this post out to all who recently were evacuated and lost their homes in the floods in the Midwest.

I also want to send out my deepest sympathy and prayers to the families of the 4 boy scouts that lost their lives in the tornado that ripped through their camp and sending positive thoughts to all those that were injured.

I would like to remind you to please prepare yourself for natural disaster. Severe weather can hit anywhere. Please make sure you have your Emergency Kits ready. Please don't think "It will never happen to us"

Copied from the American Red Cross website

Build your emergency kit:

There are six basics you should stock for your home in the case of an emergency:

water, food, first aid supplies, clothing and bedding, tools and emergency supplies, and special items for medical conditions.

Keep the items that you would most likely need during an evacuation in an easy-to carry container. Below is a comprehensive list of what should be included in your kit – recommended items are marked with an asterisk(*).

Possible containers include a large, covered trash container, a camping backpack or a duffle bag.

Water

* Store water in plastic containers such as soft drink bottles. Avoid using containers that will decompose or break, such as milk cartons or glass bottles. A normally active person needs to drink at least two quarts of water each day. Hot environments and intense physical activity can double that amount. Children, nursing mothers, and ill people will need more.
* Store one gallon of water per person per day.
* Keep at least a three-day supply of water per person (two quarts for drinking, two quarts for each person in your household for food preparation/sanitation).*
Food

Store at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food. Select foods that require no refrigeration, preparation or cooking, and little or no water. If you must heat food, pack a can of sterno. Select food items that are compact and lightweight.

Include a selection of the following foods in your Disaster Supplies Kit:

* Ready-to-eat canned meats, fruits, and vegetables
* Canned juices
* Staples (salt, sugar, pepper, spices, etc.)
* High energy foods
* Vitamins
* Food for infants
* Comfort/stress foods
* Food supplies during an emergency

First Aid Kit
Assemble a first aid kit for your home and one for each car.

* (20) adhesive bandages, various sizes.
* (1) 5" x 9" sterile dressing.
* (1) conforming roller gauze bandage.
* (2) triangular bandages.
* (2) 3 x 3 sterile gauze pads.
* (2) 4 x 4 sterile gauze pads.
* (1) roll 3" cohesive bandage.
* (2) germicidal hand wipes or waterless alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
* (6) antiseptic wipes.
* (2) pair large medical grade non-latex gloves.
* Adhesive tape, 2" width.
* Anti-bacterial ointment.
* Cold pack.
* Scissors (small, personal).
* Tweezers.
* CPR breathing barrier, such as a face shield.

Non-Prescription Drugs

* Aspirin or nonaspirin pain reliever
* Anti-diarrhea medication
* Antacid (for stomach upset)
* Syrup of Ipecac (use to induce vomiting if advised by the Poison Control Center)
* Laxative
* Activated charcoal (use if advised by the Poison Control Center)

Tools and Supplies

* Mess kits, or paper cups, plates, and plastic utensils*
* Emergency preparedness manual*
* Battery-operated radio and extra batteries*
* Flashlight and extra batteries*
* Cash or traveler's checks, change*
* Non-electric can opener, utility knife*
* Fire extinguisher: small canister ABC type
* Tube tent
* Pliers
* Tape
* Compass
* Matches in a waterproof container
* Aluminum foil
* Plastic storage containers
* Signal flare
* Paper, pencil
* Needles, thread
* Medicine dropper
* Shut-off wrench, to turn off household gas and water
* Whistle
* Plastic sheeting
* Map of the area (for locating shelters)

Sanitation

* Toilet paper, towelettes*
* Soap, liquid detergent*
* Feminine supplies*
* Personal hygiene items*
* Plastic garbage bags, ties (for personal sanitation uses)
* Plastic bucket with tight lid
* Disinfectant
* Household chlorine bleach

Clothing and Bedding
*Include at least one complete change of clothing and footwear per person.

* Sturdy shoes or work boots*
* Rain gear*
* Blankets or sleeping bags*
* Hat and gloves
* Thermal underwear
* Sunglasses

Special Items

* Remember family members with special requirements, such as infants and elderly or disabled persons

For Baby*

* Formula
* Diapers
* Bottles
* Powdered milk
* Medications

For Adults*

* Heart and high blood pressure medication
* Insulin
* Prescription drugs
* Denture needs
* Contact lenses and supplies
* Extra eye glasses

Entertainment (based on the ages of family members)

* Games (cards) and books
* Portable music device


Important Family Documents

* Keep these records in a waterproof, portable container:
o Will, insurance policies, contracts deeds, stocks and bonds
o Passports, social security cards, immunization records
o Bank account numbers
o Credit card account numbers and companies
* Inventory of valuable household goods, important telephone numbers
* Family records (birth, marriage, death certificates)
* Store your kit in a convenient place known to all family members. Keep a smaller version of the supplies kit in the trunk of your car.
* Keep items in airtight plastic bags. Change your stored water supply every six months so it stays fresh. Replace your stored food every six months. Re-think your kit and family needs at least once a year. Replace batteries, update clothes, etc.
* Ask your physician or pharmacist about storing prescription medications.

Food and Water in an Emergency

If an earthquake, hurricane, winter storm or other disaster strikes your community, you might not have access to food, water and electricity for days, or even weeks. By taking some time now to store emergency food and water supplies, you can provide for your entire family. This brochure was developed by the Federal Emergency Management Agency in cooperation with the American Red Cross and the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Having an ample supply of clean water is a top priority in an emergency. A normally active person needs to drink at least two quarts of water each day. Hot environments can double that amount. Children, nursing mothers and ill people will need even more. You will also need water for food preparation and hygiene. Store a total of at least one gallon per person, per day. You should store at least a two-week supply of water for each member of your family.

If supplies run low, never ration water. Drink the amount you need today, and try to find more for tomorrow. You can minimize the amount of water your body needs by reducing activity and staying cool.

Water Sources

How to Store Water
Store your water in thoroughly washed plastic, glass, fiberglass or enamel-lined metal containers. Never use a container that has held toxic substances. Plastic containers, such as soft drink bottles, are best. You can also purchase food-grade plastic buckets or drums.

Seal water containers tightly, label them and store in a cool, dark place. Rotate water every six months.

Emergency Outdoor Water Sources
If you need to find water outside your home, you can use these sources. Be sure to treat the water according to the instructions on page 3 before drinking it.

* Rainwater
* Streams, rivers and other moving bodies of water
* Ponds and lakes
* Natural springs

Avoid water with floating material, an odor or dark color. Use saltwater only if you distill it first. You should not drink flood water.

Hidden Water Sources in Your Home
If a disaster catches you without a stored supply of clean water, you can use the water in your hot-water tank, pipes and ice cubes. As a last resort, you can use water in the reservoir tank of your toilet (not the bowl).

Do you know the location of your incoming water valve? You'll need to shut it off to stop contaminated water from entering your home if you hear reports of broken water or sewage lines.

To use the water in your pipes, let air into the plumbing by turning on the faucet in your house at the highest level. A small amount of water will trickle out. Then obtain water from the lowest faucet in the house.

To use the water in your hot-water tank, be sure the electricity or gas is off, and open the drain at the bottom of the tank. Start the water flowing by turning off the water intake valve and turning on a hot-water faucet. Do not turn on the gas or electricity when the tank is empty.

Three Ways to Treat Water
In addition to having a bad odor and taste, contaminated water can contain microorganisms that cause diseases such as dysentery, typhoid and hepatitis. You should treat all water of uncertain purity before using it for drinking, food preparation or hygiene.

There are many ways to treat water. None is perfect. Often the best solution is a combination of methods.

Two easy treatment methods are outlined below. These measures will kill most microbes but will not remove other contaminants such as heavy metals, salts and most other chemicals. Before treating, let any suspended particles settle to the bottom, or strain them through layers of paper towel or clean cloth.

Boiling: Boiling is the safest method of treating water. Bring water to a rolling boil for 3-5 minutes, keeping in mind that some water will evaporate. Let the water cool before drinking.

Boiled water will taste better if you put oxygen back into it by pouring the water back and forth between two clean containers. This will also improve the taste of stored water.

Disinfection: You can use household liquid bleach to kill microorganisms. Use only regular household liquid bleach that contains 5.25 percent sodium hypochlorite. Do not use scented bleaches, colorsafe bleaches or bleaches with added cleaners.

Add 16 drops of bleach per gallon of water, stir and let stand for 30 minutes. If the water does not have a slight bleach odor, repeat the dosage and let stand another 15 minutes.

The only agent used to treat water should be household liquid bleach. Other chemicals, such as iodine or water treatment products sold in camping or surplus stores that do not contain 5.25 percent sodium hypochlorite as the only active ingredient, are not recommended and should not be used.

While the two methods described above will kill most microbes in water, distillation will remove microbes that resist these methods, and heavy metals, salts and most other chemicals.

Distillation: Distillation involves boiling water and then collecting the vapor that condenses back to water. The condensed vapor will not include salt and other impurities. To distill, fill a pot halfway with water. Tie a cup to the handle on the pot's lid so that the cup will hang right-side-up when the lid is upside-down (make sure the cup is not dangling into the water) and boil the water for 20 minutes. The water that drips from the lid into the cup is distilled.


Food Supplies

When Food Supplies Are Low
If activity is reduced, healthy people can survive on half their usual food intake for an extended period and without any food for many days. Food, unlike water, may be rationed safely, except for children and pregnant women.

If your water supply is limited, try to avoid foods that are high in fat and protein, and don't stock salty foods, since they will make you thirsty. Try to eat salt-free crackers, whole grain cereals and canned foods with high liquid content.

You don't need to go out and buy unfamiliar foods to prepare an emergency food supply. You can use the canned foods, dry mixes and other staples on your cupboard shelves. In fact, familiar foods are important. They can lift morale and give a feeling of security in time of stress. Also, canned foods won't require cooking, water or special preparation. Following are recommended short-term food storage plans.

Special Considerations
As you stock food, take into account your family's unique needs and tastes. Try to include foods that they will enjoy and that are also high in calories and nutrition. Foods that require no refrigeration, preparation or cooking are best.

Individuals with special diets and allergies will need particular attention, as will babies, toddlers and elderly people. Nursing mothers may need liquid formula, in case they are unable to nurse. Canned dietetic foods, juices and soups may be helpful for ill or elderly people.

Make sure you have a manual can opener and disposable utensils. And don't forget nonperishable foods for your pets.

Food Storage Tips

* Keep food in a dry, cool spot - a dark area if possible.
* Keep food covered at all times.
* Open food boxes or cans care-fully so that you can close them tightly after each use.
* Wrap cookies and crackers in plastic bags, and keep them in tight containers.
* Empty opened packages of sugar, dried fruits and nuts into screw-top jars or air-tight cans to protect them from pests.
* Inspect all food for signs of spoilage before use.
* Use foods before they go bad, and replace them with fresh supplies, dated with ink or marker. Place new items at the back of the storage area and older ones in front.

Nutrition Tips

* During and right after a disaster, it will be vital that you maintain your strength. So remember:
* Eat at least one well-balanced meal each day.
* Drink enough liquid to enable your body to function properly (two quarts a day).
* Take in enough calories to enable you to do any necessary work.
* Include vitamin, mineral and protein supplements in your stockpile to assure adequate nutrition.

Shelf-life of Foods for Storage
Here are some general guidelines for rotating common emergency foods.

Use within six months:

* Powdered milk (boxed)
* Dried fruit (in metal container)
* Dry, crisp crackers (in metal container)
* Potatoes

Use within one year:

* Canned condensed meat and vegetable soups
* Canned fruits, fruit juices and vegetables
* Ready-to-eat cereals and uncooked instant cereals (in metal containers)
* Peanut butter
* Jelly
* Hard candy and canned nuts
* Vitamin C

May be stored indefinitely (in proper containers and conditions):

* Wheat
* Vegetable oils
* Dried corn
* Baking powder
* Soybeans
* Instant coffee, tea and cocoa
* Salt
* Noncarbonated soft drinks
* White rice
* Bouillon products
* Dry pasta
* Powdered milk (in nitrogen-packed cans)

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The heatwave is over!

>> Wednesday, June 11, 2008

4 days of 90+ heat, two of those 95+ and its over for now. Yesterday, we had a tornado watch from 10am until 1am because of the severe storms that were forming. Lots of damage around the area because of high winds knocking over trees into houses and cars, lots of people without power. Quite a few schools closed early yesterday to get the kids out of the hot schools back home safe with their parents while the storms hit.

I'm glad the heat wave is over and am looking forward to the low 80 temps we have coming up this week!

The sunburn, still hurts.

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In Pain

>> Tuesday, June 10, 2008

Despite lathering myself up with sunscreen yesterday I got a mother of a sunburn after an hour in the pool. The kids are fine, they had SPF 50 and I only had SPF 35. Lesson learned, use the kids lotion! Everything from my chest up hurts, my skin feels like it shrunk 3 sizes. This. Really. Hurts.

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The Eulogy

>> Monday, June 9, 2008

My dad emailed me a copy of my Grandmere's Eulogy and I thought I would share. It is very cute and fits her to a tea. Randy and Sharon mentioned are my parents. I am copying this just as it was sent to me so there are a few errors.

It is very cute and I giggled in many parts. Sharon and Randy that are mentioned, those are my parents


I would like to thank everyone on behalf of my family for coming & sharing this celebration with us.

Mom was born on Oct 15th 1911 in Cache Bay ONT. The 14th of 15 children.
She grew into adulthood in the Kapus Kasing area. She entered nurses training in 1929 & graduated as an R.N. from St. Josephs Hospital in Sudbury in 1932. Four years later she married Ray Sturney & lived in Sudbury where Barbara, Robert (Bob), Richard (Dick) Sharon & I were born. In 1948 Dad moved to New Hazelton to work in the local mines. –Mom with five children in tow followed in 1949, arriving by CNR on Oct 30th
a bitterly cold winter day. My mother says that after looking at the house my father had prepared or not prepared – no electricity – no running water – no sewer & you could see thru the cracks in the walls. If she had, had the money we would all have been on the next train back to Ontario. But she has no money so the family started chinking the walls
(it was a log building) & stoking the big pot bellied stove in the middle of the house.
The winter of 1949/1950 was one for the record books. For seven weeks that winter, school was closed & we all huddled around the stove. My mother survived. It made her strong! So strong my younger brother Lyle was born in November 1950.
My earliest memory of mom goes back to 1950 when she was pregnant with my brother Lyle. I remember being fascinated with her big belly & she took my hands & pressed them on her & told me that there was a baby inside. I remember it very clearly.
I was 3.
I want to share two early lessons of life, taught to me by mom. One day when I was six or seven, I was with a group of my peers & we were teasing a “country boy” about his shoeless feet. Us town kids we all had shoes.
Unfortunately, for me, as the young fellow made his way out of town he walked past our house & mom came out to see what the fuss was about. She quickly saw the situation and sent everybody packing for home, brought me inside, sat me down & gave me a real serious talking to. She told me she wasn’t mad at me, but she did not like what I was doing & was very disappointed that I could be so mean. I protested we were only having fun. She said “do you think that boy was having fun.” Would you like to be him? How would you feel?. I have never teased anybody in a mean spirited fashion since.
I learned another hard lesson the day I had a fight with my sister over a 5 star chocolate bar. I HAD possession but Sharon took it to a higher authority. Mom.
“Ray won’t give me any of the chocolate bar”, Mom said “Ray, you give Sharon half of the bar”. I took a table knife & cut the bar in 2 pieces & gave her one. But that wasn’t good enough for my sister. Again she protested to mom. My mom came into the room, looked at me & said who cut the bar in half. I said that I had. Well then your sister gets to choose which half she wants. I’ll never forget the look of triumph in my sister’s eyes.
I wanted to smack her so hard. She, of course, took the piece I had reserved for myself. The next time I was forced to cut a bar in half I was a little more precise. The wisdom of Solomon in a little house in 1950’s New Hazelton & I was on the learning end. But this story should put an end for once & for all to the unfounded family rumors that I was my mother’s favorite son!
Roasted chicken on Sunday, fish on Friday, fresh bread, homemade soup, donuts & fresh pies, rhubarb, raspberry whatever was in season. My mother had long mastered the kitchen arts. Knitting, crocheting a master of both. A sample of her fine handiwork is on display at the back.
Mother was wise with a fine sense of humor. One of the bits of wisdom she handed down to us was from her father, who was commenting on a birth that came not long after a wedding.
“The first one can come ANYTIME” he said “But after that it takes at least 9 months.”
Officially discipline was enforced in the Sturney household by crucifixion or bye being crowned, all though none of us can remember either actually happing. We quickly learned that is was a empty threat.
My mother was a victim of the times when it came to smoking. In those days -50’s-60’s- smoking was an adult rite of passage. Most adults did it, children aspired to do it. She did it. But when it came obvious that it was a very real health hazard she quit.
She had the strength & will to quit & became an example to us all.
My mother had a love & passion for sports. She was a partisan & rabid fan.
Some of my early memories are of the ball park in Old Hazelton where mom & dad & their close friend and bridge partners Carl & Elsie Drake cheered on the Hazelton baseball teams. Pete Heit who was a catcher for the good guys was a favorite of hers & if things weren’t going so good he was in a perfect position to hear mom’s comments.
“like you bunch of bums or goons”, “you bunch of goons smarten up”! “Do you have a HOLE in your glove Billy”. She loved her sports. There was no middle ground & once her opinion was formed it was VERY hard to change. She loved the Toronto Maple Leafs, which meant she hated the Montreal Canadians. When the hockey playoffs were on a great deal of glee would be enjoyed by Montreal fans (they won all the time) if they could engineer a conversation about the great exploits of the Habs within earshot of mom. She always reacted the way they wanted, but on those rare occasions when Toronto did win, it was returned with kind!
Delcourt Parent loved to phone over during a game when the Habs were doing well –
the conversation was in French so I knew who mom was talking to- I’m not sure what was said, but it was spirited- sometimes even heated, and would prompt a phone call back if the situation changed.
The summit series in 1972 changed all that, Montreal became a team she could cheer for (if they played the Red Army) the Soviet Union became her most hated team EVER!! Randy was witness to this a few years later. Sharon was up visiting & Randy had to work. So after work he drove to Hazelton arriving about 6:30am. Mom answered the door & there was Randy wearing a Soviet Union hockey sweater!! Mom never said a word. She closed the door with Randy still outside & went & woke Sharon to go let him in. The hockey jersey disappeared.
The only time I was able to steer my mother in a sport related area was Wayne Gretzski. He was trumpeted so much in the press that mom was turned off of him. I told her to take Peter Gzowski’s advise, just relax & enjoy his skills. She did & like all of us became an Oiler/ Gretzski fan. We enjoyed him together. But when he went to the States that was it for him. Canada first- Canada second & Canada always!
Rob & mom watched soccer together over the past ten years or so. Sat morning at Grandma’s. Mom was a died in the wool Man-U fan. Rob- whoever played Man-U fan.
The day mom left us May 20th was the 5th anniversary of her granddaughter, Cathys’ death. We think Cathy came & talked her Grandma into leaving with her.
Bless them both. Tina came to the hospital & told us that a bright rainbow formed as she drove down. Maybe it was Mom & Cathy on their way.
I wondered what Cathy could have said to entice mom to go with her & it was a few days later that it all came clear.
Did anybody here watch the soccer game between Manu & Chelsea- the final game of the European Cup. It went to a shootout and was still tied after 9 shooters. Chelsea had one shot left. They had the game in the bag! But - when the last man shot-
he slipped & although the goaltender jumped the wrong way He MISSED the net!
But Man-U went on to win the game.
I think Cathy told her- “you know- if you came with me just as we slip into heaven- you can maybe cause someone else to slip”. I’m not saying this is true but it seems odd that Manu needed a miracle & GOT one, just after mom left.
My mother was such a positive person. Thru all the tough times, my dad’s long illness & slow death. My younger brother Lyle born with Down Syndrome. A long & deep continuing hurt in her heart. My step father Gill’s illness & death. My sister Sharon’s bad accident. Breast Cancer- she was a survivor! The loss of Cathy & Barbra Lynn her granddaughters & problems that we all came to her with, she was never bitter always fair. No matter what, mom was in your corner & you knew it! When they were grown, she helped the grandkids when they were grown she helped the great grandkids. Always giving her love & understanding. If you needed her she was there.
Where did my mother’s strength, passion & love come from. – HER CHURCH. Right here where we are gathered today. My mother was deeply in love with & dedicated to her church. In her times of greatest need she trusted in her GOD & accepted his will. She had faith. She drew her strength from her faith , & gave her strength, dedication & love back to her church. Always there to help. Always there to help.
She was FIRST & ALWAYS a mother. When only 11 she was nicknamed
“little mother & momma cat” because she loved looking after her nieces & nephews.
In the following 85 she never changed.

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What an incredible night!

>> Sunday, June 8, 2008

Dinner was simply amazing! We got to the restaurant and they brought us to our table at the back of the restaurant. It was quite busy and needed an updated interior decoration but the atmosphere was very nice. Our waitress was a bit new but did her job very well. It was busy and you could tell she was getting a little bit flustered.

The meal was incredible. We started with a nice light salad. I had Caesar and Chris had a green salad with a Parmesan peppercorn dressing. Both of our dressings were made by the house and I've never tasted a Caesar as good as theirs!

Next we had escargot in mushroom caps. Chris had never tasted escargot before and although he thought they were a little weird, he enjoyed them. They were not exactly what I am used to because there was so much juice from the mushroom caps but I thought they were good as well.

On to our entree. Chris had two lobster tails, cheddar mashed potatoes and white asparagus with a light hollandaise sauce. I had the house special of prime rib, baked potato and the asparagus as well.

My prime rib was cooked perfectly and just melted in your mouth, creamy and buttery. Just perfect. I've never had prime rib as good as this. Chris was amazed by his lobster as well.

Our desserts, I don't even have the right words to describe the burst of flavour from mine. I ordered a mixed berry cake and Chris ordered the Tiramisu. His was perfect, probably one of the best Tiramisu I've ever tasted but mine... Mine was an explosion of berries. A light crumb cake topped with a Chantilly cream and a mixture of 4 or 5 different berries. Each bite was heavenly!

After our dinner we went to the movies. We got our tickets for the 9:30 Don't Mess with the Zohan and Chris played a few games in the arcade before the show started. The movie was very funny, definitely for the Adam Sandler lover. We had a 20 minute long intermission, though, because the projector stopped working half hour into the movie. Despite that, we had a great time.

We got home at 12:30 and collapsed in exhaustion from the night. We couldn't of asked for a better anniversary!

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Baby it getting a little hot in here!

>> Saturday, June 7, 2008

Upstate New York is starting the first day of a June Heatwave! Mid 90's until Wednesday and high humidity is going to make the weekend very uncomfortable! Thank god, we have our a/c set up and blasting!

I love hot weather and don't mind the 90's but its the humidity that kills me! I am used to hot dry summers where thundershowers actually cool you down instead of making it hotter and more humid!

Wish me luck that I don't melt into a puddle tonight on our date or at least that my makeup stays ON my face and not dripping down my shirt!

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The Date

>> Friday, June 6, 2008

I just made the arrangements for our big anniversary date tomorrow. The babysitter is set, the reservations have been made and we've picked the movie.

Now this goes without saying, these are the PLANS and no way means we will actually get to see them through but we are hopeful!

I made reservations at Brandon's Ritz Terrace for 6:30. Their menu looks amazing! The dessert menu is incredible as well. After, we hope to catch the 9:30 show. Either Indiana Jones or the Zohan. Depending on which is available.

5 years, it has been incredible!

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Thank God it's Thursday!! Randomness

>> Thursday, June 5, 2008

Today is our 5th anniversary! 5 years ago, on a Thursday also, we were married by the Mayor in Broadalbin NY with our friends Tim and Julie by our side. We eloped suddenly to much dismay of our families but we are both just as in love today as we were back then.

Here is a little blast from our past!


Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Photo Printing - Photo Books



Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Photo Printing - Photo Books



Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Photo Printing - Photo Books



Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Photo Printing - Photo Books



Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Photo Printing - Photo Books

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Summer is here Summer is here! Shout it from the rooftops Summer is here!

>> Wednesday, June 4, 2008

Well we are in our first week of June and the humidity is coming! I thought it was time to bring out the pool. Now, when I say pool, you must use your imagination and think like a 18 month old. The pool we have was Christopher's infant pool and doesn't hold much more then 4 or 5 gallons of water. The kids love it though, splashing and there is always the hose! Until we get a bigger pool later this month, this will do! Look at the fun they have.


Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Photo Printing - Photo Books



Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Photo Printing - Photo Books



Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Photo Printing - Photo Books



Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Photo Printing - Photo Books


and of course lets not leave this gem out!


Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Photo Printing - Photo Books

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Two Two Two GOO!

>> Tuesday, June 3, 2008

Christopher has been coming out with new words left and right. His latest thing is counting, or well trying to count.

I apologize in advance for the crappy video, it was on my cell. Here he is and if you listen carefully you can hear him trying to rev himself up by saying two two two goo!


Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Photo Printing - Photo Books



Here is Christopher trying to be a big boy on the bike.


Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Photo Printing - Photo Books

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Yay for the girls!

>> Monday, June 2, 2008

I made an order to JustMySize for a convertible bra. I love convertibles because you can change the straps to suit any cute summer top! I got my order today and tried it on. The girls are in heaven and right where they are suppose to be! It can be so hard to find a bra that fits in a store and an even bigger gamble shopping online so I am very impressed with this purchase! Great price, comfortable, and was shipped in only 3 business days! What more can you ask for?

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Dark Chocolate Cake

>> Sunday, June 1, 2008

I made this last night and it is so dense and dark! Very very yummy if you are a serious chocolate cake lover!

INGREDIENTS

* 2 cups boiling water
* 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
* 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
* 2 teaspoons baking soda
* 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1 cup butter, softened
* 2 1/4 cups white sugar
* 4 eggs
* 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract

DIRECTIONS

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease 3 - 9 inch round cake pans. In medium bowl, pour boiling water over cocoa, and whisk until smooth. Let mixture cool. Sift together flour, baking soda, baking powder and salt; set aside.
2. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at time, then stir in vanilla. Add the flour mixture alternately with the cocoa mixture. Spread batter evenly between the 3 prepared pans.
3. Bake in preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes. Allow to cool.


I used just a canned butter cream frosting because I was out of everything to MAKE frosting but this would be amazing with my mom's Wacky Cake Frosting!


Wacky Chocolate Cake Frosting
3/4 cup Soft Butter
3/4 cup plus 2tbsp icing sugar
2 tsp Vanilla
6 tbsp milk
6 tbsp boiling water

Beat butter and sugar, while beating on high speed, add milk+water slowly. When finished add vanilla.
If too soft add more icing sugar.

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