Well, I just created a nice, long post catching everyone up on the time I have been away. Went to publish it and lost it. It took me almost an hour to type, so I'm not about to re-type it all.
Well, I'm just too busy for blogging these days. Not sure why, but I just can't think of anything to write and there is just way too much going on with the kids being out of school and caring for the feathered flock and the house and gardens.
I'm sure I won't be gone too long, but will resume posting here when I feel more "into it".
Kay over at the Rustic Cottage is having a giveaway until Friday June 6, 2008 at midnight. Go on over and leave a comment to be entered! Check out her great blog, too!
Well, it has been so busy around here for the past couple of weeks, I haven't made time to blog. I've just made other things a priority.
We held a bridal shower last Sunday for Connie's dd20 who is getting married on June 21, 2008. It went very well and everyone seemed to have a great time. I took me TWO days to get the house ready! I'm a perfectionist and if everything's not perfect, it just won't do. It sure adds a lot of stress, but that's the way God made me (hmmmm, I'll be speaking to him about THAT one!!). Connie & her niece Grace, did an awesome job with the food and there was LOTS left over! I must admit that I'm glad it's over. I am enjoying a very clean house and have been careful to keep it that way! It gets difficult with the birds as they really require a lot of cleaning, but I love them, so it's worth it. A special thanks for my DH for his help in getting ready for the shower - couldn't have done it without him!
Monday afternoon, Connie & I took my dd10 and her African dd13 to get fitted for their dresses for the wedding. The dresses are so cute! $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ Ouch! It really hurts to spend $200 on a dress my dd will probably only wear once! YIKES!
So, on Tuesday, Connie & I went out to (hopefully) buy our "mother of the bride" outfits (I'm considered Connie's children's SECOND mother!! LOL!). We were anxious about not being able to find anything what with our weight (yes, both of us are the same) being a little more than we want. We were, however, pleasantly surprised at finding a wonderful store in Langley that was able to outfit both of us!! That is a big load off our minds. The sales lady there made it fun for us and we had a "rack" we took around the store to put whatever we chose onto. We also had some dressing rooms to ourselves so we could model our many outfits and combinations of outfits until we chose the ones we liked! We had a blast, although I spent WAY more than I had planned! Of course, it seems wherever we go and whatever we do, Connie & I ALWAYS have fun - EVEN in Africa when the heat and humidity is killing us!!
Wednesday we went BRA shopping. We wanted to feel as good UNDER our wedding outfits as we did on the outside. Now, you have to know that I've been putting this off for literally YEARS! I didn't want to spend the money on a new one because I thought I'd lose weight - etc. etc. - you know the story. I had never even been properly fitted for a bra. Well, Connie suggested we go to the Bay in Langley to get measured properly and look at bras. Am I sorry I put this chore off for so long! The lady there was so professional, sweet and knowledgeable - I wish I'd gone in years ago! I got fitted PROPERLY and bought THREE new bras! My old, worn, too-small bras are gone now. It is so important to have a bra that fits properly - it makes all the difference in the world AND if you have a proper fitting one, you REALLY shouldn't feel it at all! A huge bonus for me was that they didn't cost as much as I thought - that's why I ended up buying three.
I have to say that I'll be glad when this wedding is over. I'm getting to the point that when I hear the word "wedding", I just want to barf! I would never tell the bride that as this is her special day, but it's true - the groom's family has been very difficult about the whole thing and has made it awful for everyone else involved. Funny how people who profess to be Christians can act in such a way - certainly NOT the way I understand followers of Christ to be and I'm a baby Christian..... Oh, well! We all must be accountable for OUR OWN actions and will have to stand before God someday.
On a tragic note, one of the Canucks' up-and-coming defensemen, Luc Bourdon, was killed in a motorcycle accident on Thursday morning in his native New Brunswick.
He was only 21 years old and had only had his motorcycle for a few days. What a terrible thing to happen to someone who had his whole life ahead of him. He was the no. 10 draft pick in the NHL in 2005 - only 9 back from Sidney Crosby. Very, very sad. Just another reminder that we should live each day to its fullest as we never know if it will be our last. Rest in Peace, Luc. I really feel for his poor mother - this lady raised Luc by herself and he was her life. She could really use your prayers.
I am enjoying the gardens right now. A lot of things are in beautiful bloom right now. I'll try to get some photos later today. I love to look out and see colour in the gardens. I also bought two hanging baskets this week along with my annuals that I will be planting in my oak barrels. I hope to get out today to get it done.
Friday afternoon I took both kids to the dentist for check-ups and cleanings. They both did well and have no cavities. Ds's baby teeth are all out and the lady said his 12-year molars and poking through. They seem to grow up so fast (well, it seems so fast some days - other days, it's jut taking WAAAAAY too long - LOL!!!).
Oh, I almost forgot! Ds12 was in a chess tournament last Saturday. Out of 200 kids in grades 6-8 (he's in grade 6) he came in SECOND! He got a trophy and everything - great work, hockey boy!! Dd10 also participated and won 2 games!!! We are very proud of them both!!
That's my quick update. I hope to post some photos later. Have a great day everyone!
I thought I'd post this recipe since it's just SO easy! I was always afraid to try baking bread until I tried this recipe - it's SO easy and delicious! Do try it - believe me, if I can do it, anybody can! SERIOUSLY!
Here is also a wonderful and easy BUN (called "Bonnie's Buns") recipe. Again, it's VERY easy - yes, I was scared to try it, but it turned out WONDERFULLY!!! Give it a go!
DISCLAIMER: These are NOT photos of MY baking! I was in a hurry when I posted this, so I borrowed them from where I got the recipes. Someone posted a comment about my good job baking, but I cannot take the credit here, unfortunately. I will, however, be sure to take photos next time I bake!
Well, it's Mother's Day again! I'd like to wish ALL of the mothers out there a very wonderful Mother's Day! Mothers come in a lot of different forms ... There are mothers whose babies are in Heaven waiting for us, those whose babies are very much alive and very active every day, those whose babies are all grown up and moved away, and those who never had babies - for whatever reason. Moms also can be moms to furry and feathered creatures great and small - they all require our nurturing, love, patience and guidance.
You are all special on this day. I wish a special blessing for all of you!
HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!
This is what I awoke to this morning ...
Chrysanthemums are one of my MOST favourite flowers! I always love to see fresh flowers on the counter or the table - aren't these beautiful????! And so bright and cheery!! I am also being taken out for breakfast! YUMMY! Another of my favourite things (I have lots!!)! DH and I used to go for breakfast once or twice a month before we had kids - I really miss it sometimes.
It's raining her for our Mother's Day, but that doesn't matter. What matters is that my two kids are healthy and happy and all my furry and feathered ones are an absolute joy. I am blessed beyond measure .... I hope that you are too!
Thinking of all you Moms out there today - you are loved and you are blessed!
Well, last Saturday was certainly a very fun day! Sorry it's taken me SO long to get on here and write about it! As you know from my previous post, it was my dear friend Connie's birthday! She's 29 AGAIN - we're not sure just HOW LONG she's going to be that age, but she does look ageless, so I guess as long as it works.....
As I said, we had a great day. Connie, her niece, Grace and myself went out shopping, eating, laughing and more shopping and more laughing! It was so fun! So glad that Grace joined us - she is a lovely , Godly lady and it was a priviledge to have her along and to get to know her a little better!
Here's a pic of Connie & Grace outside of our favourite store in Abbotsford, which was our first stop ...
Aren't they gorgeous???!! And speaking of gorgeous, just LOOK at these beautiful flowers! Of course, Connie is more beautiful than all of them, isn't she? No doubt!
After a few stops, we enjoyed a lovely lunch in Fort Langley. The food was excellent and the company was beyond measure! Here's a photo of the three of us - I thought about not posting this photo as I really dislike having my photo taken, but I figured I'd be leaving out a large chunk of our day if I didn't. As my mother always said, "cameras don't lie". I certainly don't hold a candle to Connie or Grace, but I guess I'm the way God wants me, so I have to be content with that. Notice the grey hair and the need for a dye job?
As I said, we had SO much fun! Connie's DH had prepared a wonderful spaghetti dinner for us for when we got home and it was SO yummy! He also looked after my dd, as my DH and ds were away in Edmonton at a hockey tournament. So, it was a great day and so nice to enjoy the fellowship and love of these two lovely ladies and then be treated to a wonderful dinner.
It was a great day and I was blessed beyond measure to be a part of it!
Grace & Connie - thank you for such a wonderful day!
I almost forgot - THIS was a wonderful find I made on this special day. I got this Mixmaster for $35!!!! It's in brand-new condition!!! It doesn't have dough hooks, but I've ordered some online for $15, so should have them soon! I'm not too fussy on the colour, but it doesn't matter - it's what it does that's important, not the colour, right? Besides, I've wanted one for a long time!
Today is a very special day. My dear friend, Connie (aka Schatzi from New Beginnings), is having a birthday!!!!!!!! She's 29 AGAIN (sheesh, how many times are you allowed to DO that???!!)! Happy Birthday my sweet friend!
A more loving, giving, loyal, godly, dedicated friend you could never wish to have - and I have all that and more in Connie. My life has never been the same since we met back in 1999 (RIGHT, dear??!!! ) We've been through so much together including flying to Africa (Liberia) to bring home their adoptive daughter. What an adventure!!! I am always blessed in seeing Connie, and love her dearly.
Today Connie, her niece, Grace, and I are going shopping ALL DAY to celebrate Connie's birthday! Can't wait - should be LOTS of fun! When our shopping day is over, we will come home to a delicious dinner cooked lovingly by Connie's DH - isn't that wonderful!!!???
And so, if you have time today, please take a moment to visit Connie and say hello and wish her a very Happy Birthday.
When I think of my dear friend, I am reminded of this scripture:
John 15:13 Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.
So, Connie, my dear, special friend, I hope that today is the beginning of a year full of dreams come true and answered prayer for you! Love ya, dear! You are a very special lady and I thank the Lord for bringing you into my life - I am SO blessed by you!
My dearest friend, Connie came over for coffee this morning so we could discuss some wedding shower arrangements for her beautiful daughter, and also to DO THE DRAW FOR MY BLOGGY GIVEAWAY!
I printed out each entry ...... and then put them into a tin ..... shook them up REALLY well .....
The we said a little prayer .... then Connie made the draw .....
And .... the winner is .....
Amanda at seventhheaven !!!!!!!!! CONGRATULATIONS, AMANDA!!! I will be contacting you by e-mail to get your particulars so I can get your winnings off to you hopefully today or early tomorrow morning!
Thanks so much to EVERYONE who entered my fun giveaway celebrating my 100th post! I'll be having another giveaway, but not for a few weeks.
I'd also like to thank Connie for helping with the draw!
Today is your LAST day to enter my blog giveaway. Check out here to see what it's all about and what I'm giving away. I wish everyone luck and don't forget in order to be eligible, you MUST post about my giveaway on your blog. Leave your name and contact info on the original contest posting(comment section) and I'll be making the draw on Thursday, May 1st, in the afternoon. I'll get my dear friend, Connie to pick a name from a hat.
Have a look at THIS article. Pretty scary stuff - makes it very apparent who's side the Government is on.
Just a quick reminder to enter my blog giveaway here. REMEMBER THAT YOU MUST MENTION MY GIVEAWAY ON YOUR BLOG TO BE ELIGIBLE. That's the only requirement. I will take entries up to noon on Thursday, May 1, 2008 (this Thursday), so don't delay! Good luck to all who have entered!
I somehow came upon Glenda's blog tonight. This amazing lady is a SINGLE mom now since her husband left her. She is trying to raise FIVE children, and all TEENAGERS no less! She is still homeschooling and is also trying to do odd jobs around the community to make money to keep their home running.
We need to pray for Glenda. Through it all, she remains thankful to the Lord for everything and takes everything day by day - what an inspiration she is! Please, if you have time, pray for Glenda and her children. Also, if you have time, please stop by her blog and offer some words of encouragement - I'm SURE that she could use it!!
Just a reminder for those who have entered my blog giveaway ... please don't forget in order to be eligible, you must post a mention on your blog and link back to me. This will ensure that your name gets entered into the draw on May 1st, 2008. Good luck, everyone!
My dear friend Connie made lunch for me today. I had been out to Curves and then had a few errands to run including getting DS's skates sharpened, going to the bank, a stop at Wal-Mart, etc. Nothing exciting at all! Connie called me on my cell phone and asked if I had time to pop by for lunch and coffee. Now, isn't that sweet of her?????
What a treat! Lunch was YUMMY - tuna & cucumber sandwiches along with her special spinach and strawberry salad (mmmmmmm!!!) and a lemon muffin for dessert along with a nice, hot cup of coffee!!!! We've both been busy with life over the past 3 weeks or so as we had the flu run through our house. Seems like forever since we've seen each other - it hasnt' been, but it feels that way as we were seeing each other every day for a while.
Can't even imagine life without you, dear .... my world travelling companion (BIG inside joke there!)!! So nice to see you again! Thanks for the yummy lunch and sweet visit! I'm so thankful that God brought you into my life - pretty amazing when you consider the different places we've come from! Thank you, Lord!
Don't forget to enter my bloggy giveaway for the draw that will take place on May 1st. Don't forget to mention my giveaway on your blog - that's the only condition of entry. Good luck to everyone!
Well, I have to be honest here. I am SO disappointed at the response to my giveaway! So far I only have TWO entries and well, that's nice for those two ladies, but it certainly was NOT what I was expecting! Perhaps my blog isn't read as much as I thought, although by the looks of my Stat Counter numbers, it's not THAT bad. I was going to have another giveaway soon after this one, but not if this is the response I get. How disappointing! UPDATE: OK, participation is coming along - slowly!
Well, today was the first day I've been to Curves in THREE WEEKS! This was the first day that I felt really well enough to leave the house with the distinct purpose of EXERCISING! I have to admit, it felt really good! They have a new electronic tracking system in place now where the machines track how you are performing and keep you accountable to use your cardio and energy levels properly!
I'm attaching a photo of the eggs we are being blessed with daily now. With the addition of three new laying hens to our flock (one is a bantam, meaning small), we are way up from the one egg we were getting every three or four days! I've even given Connie a dozen already 'cause we had plenty.
This is Ebony (below). She is the latest addition to our outside flock. She was found wandering the roads of Delta and the Delta Animal Shelter asked me if I wanted to take her and, of course, I said yes! She's a bantam and is a real cutie-pie! The nice bonus is that she is now laying eggs!!! She wasn't the first few days she was here, but now that she's settled into a routine and knows how things work around the yard, she seems to be laying regularly. Her eggs are about half the size of a normal egg - oh, so cute!!!
Well, that's all I have time for today. Have to get spaghetti sauce going for supper.
Blessings to all, and don't forget to enter the giveaway HERE! ** YOU MUST MENTION MY GIVEAWAY ON YOUR BLOG IN ORDER TO BE ELIGIBLE **
It's been a couple of weeks since I've blogged. We've had a nasty cold/flu go through our house - first it was me who was sick, then dd, then the latest one was ds. Let's just say that we've gone through MANY BOXES of Kleenex and lots of fever and cough medicines between the three of us!!! Hopefully we're on the downside of it now.
And now, onto the exciting part of this posting......the GIVEAWAY! Since this is my 100th posting, I thought I'd celebrate by having a little bloggy fun and having a giveaway. All you need to do is post a comment telling me you'd like to be entered (one entry per person, please), and on May 1st, 2008, we'll draw one name from all the entries! I will then contact you about getting your prizes! Please be sure to identify youself on your comment (ie. no anonymous entries, please!). The only condition of entry is that you mention my giveaway on your blog - isn't that easy?
So, what am I giving away? Well, I have two Bayberry scented soaps, a Nicole Nordeman prayer journal, a copy of "Redeemed", signed by my dear friend and author, Donna Dawson, a copy of "Day By Day With Billy Graham" - a devotional book, a small birdy notebook, and 7 packages of three Crayola Kids' Flossers (one-time dental floss pics for kids).
I hope to see lots of entries.
**The draw was made on May 1, 2008. Go here to see the winning name. **
Last weekend was the Pet Expo - we had a great weekend. It was busy and tiring - standing on cold concrete sure takes its toll on you after two long days. I took Maya, my Quaker, on Saturday and she was a very good girl. She stayed on my shoulder most of the time - she's a mama's girl - and is pretty well potty trained, so I didn't get pooped on at all! On Sunday, I took Theodore, my Timneh African Grey. He was quite stressed by the whole ordeal, but towards the end of the day, he had settled down quite a bit. You can never tell how they are going to be - they are little beings too and we have to respect how they are feeling. I did put him back in his travel cage a couple of times with his blanket covering him so he could just rest and relax during the day.
On Tuesday evening, DH, dd, ds and I all went to a seminar put on by the Langley School District. It was a seminar by Terry Small, an expert on how we use (or don't!!) our brains! The seminar was entitled "How to get better grades in school". It was very interesting and Mr. Small kept us captivated the entire 2 hours. You can visit his website here. He had lots of great tips on how to keep our brains stimulated and how important it is to keep using your brain as you grow older. Did you know that the #1 brain food is PRUNES and that eating just ONE a day can help cut your chances of getting Alzheimer's Disease by 93%????? Just one a day!!! Amazing! You can also sign up for his "Brain Bulletin" on his website. It's a free, monthly e-mail that give you lots of tips and information about your brain.
Wednesday I went to Curves and convinced Connie to join me even though she didn't feel like it. After our work-out, the three of us (Connie, Stephanie (Connie's dd22) and I) went to Tim's for coffee. We had a nice chat/visit and then went our separate ways. Of course it's always nice to spend time with my dear friend!
Ds had his public speaking competition on Thursday night. He had been chosen from all of his class along with 3 others to compete at the District level. We went to watch the competition and all of the kids did really well. I should mention that ds is in a late French immersion class, and so all the speeches of the evening were in French. It was difficult understanding some, but I did understand more than I thought I would. Ds did very well, coming in 3rd place. We were very proud of him - I even passed up a chance to go to the Canucks game in order to watch him - can you say "Mother of the Year"?
Speaking of the Canucks, they lost their chance at any post-season play Thursday night. In a must-win game, they lost to Edmonton 2-1. It's very disappointing as a fan - I can only imagine how the players must feel. It was heartbreaking to see Roberto Luongo's (our goalie - see photo below) emotional post-game interview. He has worked extremely hard this season, and has been through a lot personally, so it must be especially difficult for him. Such is life in the NHL. I'm looking forward to watching the playoffs and seeing what develops even if the Canucks aren't there. Also, I hope that the team does some much-needed housecleaning in the off-season. We need some goal-scorers. Our Defence is pretty good, but we need some more energy and talent at the front end. On a brighter note, congratulations to Roberto and his wife, Gina, who celebrated the birth of their first child, Gabriella, on Thursday, March 27, 2008!
Canucks goalie Roberto Luongo
Yesterday was dd's 10th birthday (incidentally, Roberto Luongo's as well - he turned 29!!). We all went out to dinner last night - me, DH, ds, dd, Grandpa Tapp and Oma and Grandpa from Chilliwack. We went to Apple Betty's - a wonderful buffet-style restaurant in Abbotsford. Afterwards, dd went to have a sleep-over in Chilliwack for the weekend with Oma & Grandpa. DH will pick her up on Sunday evening after ds's hockey practice Sunday afternoon.
Yesterday (Friday), I took my Dad to have some blood work done at the Cancer Clinic at Surrey Memorial Hospital. He is a prostate cancer survivor, but has to have check-ups at regular intervals. He has to see the Doctor next Friday.
Dad and I picked up two ISA Brown hens from the Delta Animal Shelter while we were over in that area. They seem very friendly and according to the young lady at the shelter, they have left a couple of eggs as appreciation over the past couple of days! We got home and let the two out in the chicken pen and our own brown hen was trying to check them out and wasn’t too happy with their arrival. The roosters were both trying to herd them as roosters do. Here’s a photo of the two new arrivals (extreme left and extreme right) scratching around with Elvis the rooster (second to left) and our hen, Juliette (second to right). The two new girls are pretty thin – I could feel their keel bones very prominently when I carried them to the barn. I’m sure they’ll be plumped up in no time – just LOOK at Juliette!!!!
Below is a photo of Kitty the white broiler hen we picked up from the Delta Animal Shelter about a month ago. She was found wandering around a construction area and I was asked if we could take her. She spends a lot of her time inside the barn, but on occasion she wanders out and basks in the sun. She hangs out with Forrest, our Special Needs rooster. They are buddies and sleep side-by-side at night. Broiler chickens like Kitty are bred for one purpose – meat. They are not known for any life longevity. Kitty will, however, have a wonderful home here for the rest of her life. She already has troubles walking as the feet cannot handle the heavy weight of the body. Ds and I discovered yesterday that she has a bad case of lice. We dusted her heavily with some de-lousing powder. As you may or may not know the lice suck the blood and the poor bird suffers immensely. I think she may have come with it because none of my other chickens have it. Anyways, she’s dusted and so are all the nesting boxes and the floor of the barn. We will re-do her in a couple of days. Poor Kitty – I feel so bad for not checking her out sooner! She sure wasn’t too happy being held upside down and powdered. This is the best way to get full coverage between all the feathers. When we got back inside, we had some of the nasty brown creatures on us and both had to strip down and take showers – YUCK! All our clothes are in the washing machine. Are you itchy yet??? The joys of living on the farm!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
So, that was our week. It's Saturday morning now and I'm about to uncover all the parrots and get them their breakfast. I have some cage cleaning to do today as I was busy most of the day yesterday.
This is post #99. Check back soon as my 100th post will be a bloggy give-away that you won't want to miss!
Well, it seems that spring is here. The crocuses are up! Aren't they beautiful???! It's been quite chilly the past few days and there's even been snow flying, but nothing accmulating, thank goodness!
I probably won't be posting until Monday as I'm busy with the Pet Expo happening here in Abbotsford all weekend. I'll have my little business there plus be with Greyhaven as a volunteer. I'll have one of the birds with me, so it will be tiring as it's always stressful making sure that they are comfortable. There are also lots of other animals, so one has to be diligent in keeping the birds safe.
Blessings to all! Enjoy all that spring has to offer around you!
So, DH's family came over yesterday evening for a nice Easter dinner. We had a great salad with baby greens, grapes, feta cheese, tomatoes, and cucumbers then followed by yummy ham & scalloped potatoes along with red cabbage, corn, steamed cauliflower, bean salad, potato salad & buns. For dessert, we had a wonderful apple crisp that SIL Anna made and brought - YUMMY! I LOVE apple crisp! We had a great evening, and DH did a lot of the clean-up and ran the dishwasher, so that was a real treat!! This morning, I just had to unload the dishwasher and get another load going.
From left to right - FIL, BIL, SIL, MIL. It's always nice to have people over, but I do get stressed by it before-hand. This time, DH helped me cut up stuff for the salad and that helped a lot while I was cleaning bird cages and vacuuming. So, we were all able to have a nice visit. DH's father was in the hospital last week with a seemingly minor incident (for 5 days), but you just never know. I think this has made him look at things a little differently - I could be wrong, but it's sure the impression I get.
It's been nice having the kids home for Spring Break. They're at ages now where they're able to help out a little more and it's a more enjoyable time overall.
Hope you all had a great Easter weekend. He is Risen!!
Blessings to all!
~ Audrey ~
P.S. This is post #97 - stay tuned for my bloggy giveaway for my 100th posting!!
I love country living. I'm a stay-home mom of two children - one biological and one adopted from Thailand. Wife to a wonderful hubby. Also Mom to 8 parrots, 1 Jack Russell Terrier, one cat, 3 goats, 1 guinea hen, 4 roosters, thirteen plump brown hens, one oversized duck and a beautiful pea hen. Daughter to the King only by His grace.
Of course, it seems wherever we go and whatever we do, Connie & I ALWAYS have fun - EVEN in Africa when the heat and humidity is killing us!! 
Last weekend was the Pet Expo - we had a great weekend. It was busy and tiring - standing on cold concrete sure takes its toll on you after two long days. I took Maya, my Quaker, on Saturday and she was a very good girl. She stayed on my shoulder most of the time - she's a mama's girl - and is pretty well potty trained, so I didn't get pooped on at all! 
