I'm off to have a quick rest, but wanted to describe the scene in the living room.
I am sitting on our couch amidst - literally, on top of and surrounded by - unfolded clean laundry. Beside me - on top of laundry and a certain young boy's favourite book, Thomas and Friends - sits my copy of "Raising Your Spirited Child". On my other side, a mostly eaten bar of dark chocolate. On my lap, the computer, with which I surf the web looking for yahoo groups to join that will sympathize and answer all my questions about helping my twins, one of whom is very spirited, learn to fall asleep in their big kids beds. The kitchen, my view from the couch, is cascading with dishes left over from last night's dinner with guests.
And...
I am okay.
Hoping to get a quick rest before we head to the studio and see a bit of recording in action, followed by a bbq with friends.
See you later.
Aimee
Saturday, August 30, 2008
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
The gift easel
Here is the easel that our neighbor loaned us. The kids love using it, and I am delighted with their creating and creations.
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
2 hrs later
it is quiet.
there was screaming.
laughing.
uproarious giggling.
wrestling.
pooping.
nakedness.
bedsharing.
crying.
pinches and head bonks.
frustrated parents.
tired wired children.
now maybe there will be some sleep.
continued prayers welcomed and required.
there was screaming.
laughing.
uproarious giggling.
wrestling.
pooping.
nakedness.
bedsharing.
crying.
pinches and head bonks.
frustrated parents.
tired wired children.
now maybe there will be some sleep.
continued prayers welcomed and required.
Transition
As we speak, okay, as I write, Lance is sitting in Elijah and Eva's room "supervising". Each child is laying (hopefully, they were when I left) semi-quietly in his/her big boy/big girl bed. They finally figured out how to climb out of their cribs so we bit the bullet and are making the transition. Please pray. I have no idea how it will go with two two year olds, now unpenned.
Joyous Harvest
Blackberries are in season and we have found some great patches near our house. There are a few stems just outside our back door - perfect for a couple of handfuls to toss into into a salad, but nowhere near enough to satisfy the blackberry monsters that inhabit our home. Down our alley is a much more bountiful patch. I took the kids in their wagon one morning. Upon arriving I was distraught (inwardly mind you) that a 70ish white haired grandmother had beat me there and had her pail already 3/4 full! Argh. Well I did get a few berries - I was hoping to get enough to gorge that day and also to freeze for the winter. No such luck. I went back sans kids last night and got more, still not many, but I do have a few frozen now. On our walks to different parks I have been scoping out various blackberry locations. I'll have to get out on my own again and load up. Picking with the kids around ends up not being very productive as they ask for more berries almost constantly. Elijah calls them "black blueberries" and Eva is quite specific about how many she wants in her hand, yesterday she said,
"I need one. I need two. No ... (thinking) FIVE".
Here are some photos of a recent feast:
Sunday, August 24, 2008
Swimming satisfaction
One day while the kids were napping I pumped up our little pool. There was much excitement when they discovered it on our front patch of grass after their nap. As you can see they had a lot of fun!
Saturday, August 23, 2008
Friday, August 22, 2008
Pancakes
Baking/cooking with the kids, as in letting them stir/mix things, barely crosses my mind. If I had just one two year old - maybe. But with two - no way. One evening Lance declared that he and the twins would be making pancakes. We usually use a great mix from Anita's Organic Grain Mill - it's super quick and easy. But that night Lance decided to make them from scratch. The pancake making had it's ups and downs. Here are some photos:
As you can see, the kids had a great time. It was quite messy and involved intervention from two adults at times. I guess that's why I don't attempt it on my own.
The pancakes turned out to be amazing - a new favorite recipe. It was a buttermilk pancake recipe, but we subbed yogurt and a little water for buttermilk since we didn't have any, also used whole wheat flour. They were so moist and light and nutricious. Yum.
bye.
Aimee
As you can see, the kids had a great time. It was quite messy and involved intervention from two adults at times. I guess that's why I don't attempt it on my own.
The pancakes turned out to be amazing - a new favorite recipe. It was a buttermilk pancake recipe, but we subbed yogurt and a little water for buttermilk since we didn't have any, also used whole wheat flour. They were so moist and light and nutricious. Yum.
bye.
Aimee
photos
I'm currently - while waiting to be sure Eva is asleep before climbing into bed myself, murphy's law says the moment I pull the covers up to my chin is the moment she yells out that she needs to use the potty - getting the photos off my camera and will soon post some - particularly for friends and family far away. In the mean time here is one from when Jane was out. Now the thing about this is I meant to post it a long time ago, can't remember if I did, and don't want to search my blog to see if I have. So, here it is (possibly again).
When Jane was here we visited the Greater Vancouver Zoo (formerly known as the Vancouver Game Farm, but I guess that sounds like the game will be farmed and consequently eaten). On the way we realized we'd forgotten the stroller... that could make for a LONG afternoon. I remembered these bike carts, and we rented one. Lance tried to rent it for two hours but the lady said they only rent them in one hour segments because they're so hard to pedal that people never want it longer than an hour. Oh. I was a hard ride, not that I was pedaling. I'm not in the picture and I'm sure it looks like there is no room for me, and there wasn't. I squeezed in between Lance and Jane who did the pedaling. Good thing they don't have much for hips or it would never have worked. Sometimes on steep hills they'd have to get out and push. We brought smiles to many people as they saw our overstuffed cart passing them by, or being pushed up hills. We had a great time - except for me missing the lion/tiger feeding because Eva had to pee, and Lance and Jane trying to deal with a drifting cart, a screaming and escaping boy and arms full of snacks and an expensive camera. The kids liked the animals - especially the donkeys, but their favorite part of the day was the playground and juice boxes.
All is quiet here so I'm going to sleep.
Aimee
When Jane was here we visited the Greater Vancouver Zoo (formerly known as the Vancouver Game Farm, but I guess that sounds like the game will be farmed and consequently eaten). On the way we realized we'd forgotten the stroller... that could make for a LONG afternoon. I remembered these bike carts, and we rented one. Lance tried to rent it for two hours but the lady said they only rent them in one hour segments because they're so hard to pedal that people never want it longer than an hour. Oh. I was a hard ride, not that I was pedaling. I'm not in the picture and I'm sure it looks like there is no room for me, and there wasn't. I squeezed in between Lance and Jane who did the pedaling. Good thing they don't have much for hips or it would never have worked. Sometimes on steep hills they'd have to get out and push. We brought smiles to many people as they saw our overstuffed cart passing them by, or being pushed up hills. We had a great time - except for me missing the lion/tiger feeding because Eva had to pee, and Lance and Jane trying to deal with a drifting cart, a screaming and escaping boy and arms full of snacks and an expensive camera. The kids liked the animals - especially the donkeys, but their favorite part of the day was the playground and juice boxes.
All is quiet here so I'm going to sleep.
Aimee
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
buying friends?
Okay, well of course not...but when a youngish mom from across the street came by selling Mary Kay and wondering if she could come over sometime and give me a free facial I jumped at the chance. Yes I like Mary Kay, no I cannot afford it. Will I buy something? Probably. Is that bad? I'm withholding judgement there. I've been feeling the need to meet other moms in my neighborhood but not really knowing how. So here one knocks on my door (had her 10 yr old lovely daughter with her). Who knows what will come of it, but I am glad to at least have met another mom nearby.
I've been meaning to tell you about my other neighbor encounters.
One day Sandra - a 70ish grandmotherly type - stopped me outside my house and asked if we were new here and if we were Christians. Wow, how did she know, do we have a Christian look? Then she asked if we were from Abbotsford. Ahh, the truck my uncle and cousin used to move us used to belong to an Abbotsford church and emblazoned across the side of the box were the church name, location and meeting times. Anyways Sandra invited us to her church and then assured us she would stop by again with extras from her garden. True to her word the next day a bag of "garden goodies" including cucumber, blueberries and fresh herbs was hanging on our doorknob. A couple days later she was by again, dropping off a bulletin from her church and saying that if we ever needed babysitting "grandma" was just down the street... Don't know if we'll go to her church I don't think it is a good fit for us. One tip off was her exclaiming about how well behaved the pastor's kids are and how the church is really good at training kids. To behave well? Sit quietly? Obey? We're coming from a church that met in a gym and where our rambunctious two year olds were enjoyed and had space to run around as needed. We don't really sit well. :) Lance thinks we won't visit her church, and I sort of thought we should...but that was solely for people pleasing purposes. Do you think the kind words and garden goodies will run out if we don't visit. :)
Also met Maria - a mid-fifties lady with a gorgeous eastern European accent. She stopped by when the kids and I were having our first tries at painting. I had brought water colour paints and newsprint sheets outside on our front grass patch. She stopped and mentioned a garage sale with children's toys just down the street. She met the kids and then asked if they'd like an easel. OF COURSE! I'd been wanting an easel for them. She is saving it for grandkids, but said we can use it while we live here. She brought it over later in the day, saying it took so long to bring it over cause her husband had to replace the hinges. It is a homemade wooden kids easel, with two clips so the kids can work side by side. She also passed on a big stack of large white paper (from her husband who works in construction, I guess the paper is from construction drawings). I was very grateful, for the easel and paper, but even more so for the neighborhood connection.
just got off the phone with my sister and enjoyed a wonderful talk. Yesterday was a very low day for me and today I am feeling very full and blessed (well not physically full, right now I REALLY need a snack). Ending it off with a talk with Cara was perfect.
Hope you are well.
Aimee
I've been meaning to tell you about my other neighbor encounters.
One day Sandra - a 70ish grandmotherly type - stopped me outside my house and asked if we were new here and if we were Christians. Wow, how did she know, do we have a Christian look? Then she asked if we were from Abbotsford. Ahh, the truck my uncle and cousin used to move us used to belong to an Abbotsford church and emblazoned across the side of the box were the church name, location and meeting times. Anyways Sandra invited us to her church and then assured us she would stop by again with extras from her garden. True to her word the next day a bag of "garden goodies" including cucumber, blueberries and fresh herbs was hanging on our doorknob. A couple days later she was by again, dropping off a bulletin from her church and saying that if we ever needed babysitting "grandma" was just down the street... Don't know if we'll go to her church I don't think it is a good fit for us. One tip off was her exclaiming about how well behaved the pastor's kids are and how the church is really good at training kids. To behave well? Sit quietly? Obey? We're coming from a church that met in a gym and where our rambunctious two year olds were enjoyed and had space to run around as needed. We don't really sit well. :) Lance thinks we won't visit her church, and I sort of thought we should...but that was solely for people pleasing purposes. Do you think the kind words and garden goodies will run out if we don't visit. :)
Also met Maria - a mid-fifties lady with a gorgeous eastern European accent. She stopped by when the kids and I were having our first tries at painting. I had brought water colour paints and newsprint sheets outside on our front grass patch. She stopped and mentioned a garage sale with children's toys just down the street. She met the kids and then asked if they'd like an easel. OF COURSE! I'd been wanting an easel for them. She is saving it for grandkids, but said we can use it while we live here. She brought it over later in the day, saying it took so long to bring it over cause her husband had to replace the hinges. It is a homemade wooden kids easel, with two clips so the kids can work side by side. She also passed on a big stack of large white paper (from her husband who works in construction, I guess the paper is from construction drawings). I was very grateful, for the easel and paper, but even more so for the neighborhood connection.
just got off the phone with my sister and enjoyed a wonderful talk. Yesterday was a very low day for me and today I am feeling very full and blessed (well not physically full, right now I REALLY need a snack). Ending it off with a talk with Cara was perfect.
Hope you are well.
Aimee
i think we might drown - literally
we are clearly back in the Fraser Valley. The rain is incredible. My family is finishing their naps (I had a lovely one too) and I am sitting in a quiet house (I love that) save for the sound of the torrential downpour outside. Last night we slept with our window open and the rain sound - which I usually like - was almost too loud for sleeping. Today I like the rain. I'm wearing a longsleeve shirt for the first time in weeks, wearing my favorite jeans and enjoying feeling a little chilled.
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
last day
today is the last day of Lance being in the studio - until the very end of august - and we are all so ready. He loves making music, but is really missing being with us (isn't that great!). He didn't see the kids at all yesterday and left this morning forlornly saying good-bye's to his lovely family. He's home for supper tonight which is good - and which means I should think of something besides peanut butter sandwiches and cheerios.
Last night the kids fought sleep for a LONG time. Eva was released from bed for three (legitimate) potty breaks. Elijah got one diaper change. There were a couple short and snappy stories - mama wasn't feeling too creative or all that patient. They talk a lot in their room after bedtime (it's naptime now and they've been talking for quite awhile - there's also been one diaper change and one potty break). I chuckled last night when I heard this conversation:
Eva: "Mama, MAMA, I (s)cared of Elijah"
Elijah: "Why?"
Eva: (whining) "I (s)CARED of LIJAH!"
Elijah: "Why?"
quiet...
Elijah: "You (s)cared of me?"
Eva: "yeah"
Elijah: "You (s)cared of me Eva? Why?"
We'll never know as she refused to answer.
Hoping they fall asleep soon so I can sleep too. Didn't get to nap yesterday. Had a midwife appointment which I got lost on the way to. Everything is looking good. Baby is lying head down but a little sideways, so praying that it will descend properly and not get a shoulder lodged in there. Still as wiggly as ever. Started thinking about what we need to get organized for the arrival of this little one. I'm 34 weeks now so the end is swiftly approaching.
tired and hoping,
aimee
Last night the kids fought sleep for a LONG time. Eva was released from bed for three (legitimate) potty breaks. Elijah got one diaper change. There were a couple short and snappy stories - mama wasn't feeling too creative or all that patient. They talk a lot in their room after bedtime (it's naptime now and they've been talking for quite awhile - there's also been one diaper change and one potty break). I chuckled last night when I heard this conversation:
Eva: "Mama, MAMA, I (s)cared of Elijah"
Elijah: "Why?"
Eva: (whining) "I (s)CARED of LIJAH!"
Elijah: "Why?"
quiet...
Elijah: "You (s)cared of me?"
Eva: "yeah"
Elijah: "You (s)cared of me Eva? Why?"
We'll never know as she refused to answer.
Hoping they fall asleep soon so I can sleep too. Didn't get to nap yesterday. Had a midwife appointment which I got lost on the way to. Everything is looking good. Baby is lying head down but a little sideways, so praying that it will descend properly and not get a shoulder lodged in there. Still as wiggly as ever. Started thinking about what we need to get organized for the arrival of this little one. I'm 34 weeks now so the end is swiftly approaching.
tired and hoping,
aimee
Sunday, August 17, 2008
in these moments too
tonight, after a busy weekend in Abbotsford and a cranky car ride home - which included a stop to view and purchase a jangly vintage guitar (found on craigslist) for tomorrow's recording - while Lance was working on prep for tomorrow I found myself in the twins' room - again - this time in response to the cry, "I too high mama, hep me". I found first one child - of the female variety - and then the second - our little husky voiced man - following suit - half way out of their cribs, straddled and perched high and apparently in need of my help. After placing them back in their proper locations it was then suggested, again by the girl and agreed to by the boy, that I should pat their backs. Two children, separate cribs, 4 feet between, and a 7.5 months pregnant mama sidestepping between, alternating, three pats for you and three pats for you. Back and forth, back and forth. Eva, who is the most fond of the patting, was also patting her own back, not the most conducive to relaxing and sleeping I imagine. It was during this moment that my mind jumped ahead a couple months:
A mama, no longer pregnant, alternating back-patting between two cribs, now without the tiresome belly, but in exchange wearing an infant on her chest as she rocks between the beds.
And as it seemed overwhelming and ridiculous God reminded me that He would be there in those moments too, just like now.
I'm counting on that.
Aimee
ps. It also occurred to me, that the mama would probably be breastfeeding the infant while back-patting the others... I really don't see this scenario as far-fetched. Will report if it actually happens.
A mama, no longer pregnant, alternating back-patting between two cribs, now without the tiresome belly, but in exchange wearing an infant on her chest as she rocks between the beds.
And as it seemed overwhelming and ridiculous God reminded me that He would be there in those moments too, just like now.
I'm counting on that.
Aimee
ps. It also occurred to me, that the mama would probably be breastfeeding the infant while back-patting the others... I really don't see this scenario as far-fetched. Will report if it actually happens.
Friday, August 15, 2008
beautiful music
Lance has been bringing home samples of the new music he's been working on in the studio. He brings home rough versions on his ipod and plays them for the kids and I. Beautiful!! The kids dance and twirl and hop like crazy, inviting papa, "You wanna dance too" and leaving mama to sit contentedly on the couch (after a whole day on my own and a 7pm return time I'm TIRED). I love watching my kids and husband dance together. And the music is lovely - refreshing. And the music maker is refreshed too.
Wanted to let you know that Lance is playing a a show at the HOJ tomorrow - Saturday. Come on out and enjoy! Details at HOJ
While typing I am "Gracie Puppy", and am being tossed imaginary treats, which I bring much delight to a little girl by catching and chomping and declaring yummy with a bark. Eva is Courtney - of course.
Well I better get a snack happening here and hopefully that will buy me enough time to wash, cut and freeze the peaches we brought home from Vernon. They're perfect right now and will swiftly pass their prime.
Today the kids are playing with clothes pins, which Elijah refers to as "pinch clippers".
bye for now.
Aimee
Wanted to let you know that Lance is playing a a show at the HOJ tomorrow - Saturday. Come on out and enjoy! Details at HOJ
While typing I am "Gracie Puppy", and am being tossed imaginary treats, which I bring much delight to a little girl by catching and chomping and declaring yummy with a bark. Eva is Courtney - of course.
Well I better get a snack happening here and hopefully that will buy me enough time to wash, cut and freeze the peaches we brought home from Vernon. They're perfect right now and will swiftly pass their prime.
Today the kids are playing with clothes pins, which Elijah refers to as "pinch clippers".
bye for now.
Aimee
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
trying to prepare
It has gotten in my head that I should be making a freezing meals so that when this new baby arrives we will still be able to eat and not have to break the bank buying convenience foods.
So now that I have this idea I don't know what to make. Any suggestions for easy to make/freeze/reheat meals? Now once I get ideas/recipes from you I'll have only one excuse left - limited energy. But I overcome that in spurts so I should be able to make a few things.
Lance is in the studio (Jonathan Anderson's - Buena Vista Studio) this week and next working on finishing the new album. We're pretty excited - there are lots of great new songs! I'm also getting a few days of "normal" life - as in, I stay at home with the kids and Lance is away. This has been a lovely summer of having him around. The kids have really enjoyed it and so have I!
We were in Vernon this weekend visiting Kaack's and Friedrich's. Had a great time. Picked cherries - it was incredible. We way overpicked and have since been sharing our bounty. Monday I picked blueberries at my Aunt's farm and then, after a lovely lunch at HOJ (and tour of the new expansion) we went out to Forstbauer's farm to visit Niklaus and Lindsey and their girls. We had a wonderful time and the kids left very dirty and full of blueberries.
Okay better go.
Aimee
So now that I have this idea I don't know what to make. Any suggestions for easy to make/freeze/reheat meals? Now once I get ideas/recipes from you I'll have only one excuse left - limited energy. But I overcome that in spurts so I should be able to make a few things.
Lance is in the studio (Jonathan Anderson's - Buena Vista Studio) this week and next working on finishing the new album. We're pretty excited - there are lots of great new songs! I'm also getting a few days of "normal" life - as in, I stay at home with the kids and Lance is away. This has been a lovely summer of having him around. The kids have really enjoyed it and so have I!
We were in Vernon this weekend visiting Kaack's and Friedrich's. Had a great time. Picked cherries - it was incredible. We way overpicked and have since been sharing our bounty. Monday I picked blueberries at my Aunt's farm and then, after a lovely lunch at HOJ (and tour of the new expansion) we went out to Forstbauer's farm to visit Niklaus and Lindsey and their girls. We had a wonderful time and the kids left very dirty and full of blueberries.
Okay better go.
Aimee
Thursday, August 7, 2008
Lance
I don't know a better husband or dad.
Lance is
creative
sensitive
hilarious
rambunctious
thoughtful
strong
handsome
smart
deeply loving
wise
honest
artistic
forgiving
hopeful
31 today
Lance ran outside in an extreme hailstorm (some hailstones were as big as my big toe!) because he wanted to know what it would feel like. He actually did it twice because the first time I didn't catch a photo. We laughed like crazy... and he got welts.
Lance's response to the unique flavour of "Thums Up" soda.
For our move to BC Lance booked a lovely hotel in Valemount. He was adamant that after a long hot drive we would need a pool. The kids just LOVED going down the waterslide with Papa and as soon as they were done would start asking for more!
I'm glad you chose me Lance. And I would choose you again everytime.
Aimee
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
And Some photos for far away family and fans
These photos are from our trip to Kinasao (Christopher Lake SK) - one week before we moved. Haven't been taking many pictures lately so I delved into the archives for these. The indoor photos are from Lance's concert which everyone enjoyed immensely. The kids loved the lake too, each in their own way.
Peach Blueberry Scones - success!!!
This morning I made peach blueberry scones and they turned out perfect! Hooray. I think I actually underbaked them a bit to keep from over doing it. No matter. Less than twelve hours later the only one remains of the double batch. I was particularly pleased with this rendition of Company's Coming's "Apple Scones". I used whole wheat flour as per my usual, added tonnes of walnuts for protein and energy, added some wheat germ and subbed half the milk for concentrated pineapple juice (to sweeten it up a bit, since I don't add the suggested sugar). The kids mostly wanted to pick out and eat the blueberries but did eat the scone parts too. I think Lance was pleasantly surprised with this baking attempt. Pretty sure it was the butter - I didn't skimp.
The kids have been absolutely delightful and absolutely owly today. It is very hot, and even though our place is cool I think it still gets to them. We had a great time "swimming" in two huge rubbermaid tubs and a laundry basket in the front yard. Eva particularly likes pouring and transferring water so she was in her element transporting water from one tub to another with various bowls and buckets. Elijah liked marching and stomping in a tub, making waves and splashing a lot. He also loved splashing me repeatedly with water from a tiny bucket. It was so hot I welcomed it.
Saw my midwife today, baby decided to flip so it's facing down. Praise God. Hoping that the little rascal stays that way now. Everything is going well with this pregnancy. I continue to feel tired (no surprise there, third trimester in August and two year old twins, that'll wear a girl out).
Lance has registered for his fall courses and is gearing up for school. I'm excited with him. He so loves to learn, wrestling with and sharing ideas. He's going to love it.
I went to the best concert of my life last night. My folks came out and looked after the kids - HUGE thanks to them! - and Lance and I headed down to Deer Lake Park (just minutes from our house) for the Weakerthans/Feist concert. It was wonderful. The Weakerthans are so quirky and witty with their lyrics and melodies and I know a lot of their songs (doesn't that make a concert more enjoyable?) I was smiling the whole time. Oh, and before I go on I should describe the venue. It's a HUGE natural amphitheatre. So we were sitting outside on a lovely summer evening on a this large gently sloping field which is surrounded by trees (and concession stands!). We got a great spot - really close so we could see the bands well. Okay, moving along. I like Feist's music but am not as familiar with it. Her show had great variety, I particularly liked some really folky acoustic songs she did. But the absolute highlight were the visuals. There were two girls on stage (at the back) who created moving images with shadows (these were then projected onto the big screen behind the band. They used cutouts, fingerpainting, faux gems, gauzy fabric... to created lovely images, sometimes abstract, other times figurative. Wow. I couldn't take my eyes off the screen. I got tired of standing sometimes (the WHOLE crowd stood for her ENTIRE concert) and sat/laid on our blanket, but only for a couple songs, and only if the girls weren't doing their thing during those songs.
So it was wonderful. I said to Lance that I felt it was my birthday present not his, since I had such a good time. Well turns out he had a great time too! Good thing or I would've been disappointed.
That's it for tonight.
Aimee
The kids have been absolutely delightful and absolutely owly today. It is very hot, and even though our place is cool I think it still gets to them. We had a great time "swimming" in two huge rubbermaid tubs and a laundry basket in the front yard. Eva particularly likes pouring and transferring water so she was in her element transporting water from one tub to another with various bowls and buckets. Elijah liked marching and stomping in a tub, making waves and splashing a lot. He also loved splashing me repeatedly with water from a tiny bucket. It was so hot I welcomed it.
Saw my midwife today, baby decided to flip so it's facing down. Praise God. Hoping that the little rascal stays that way now. Everything is going well with this pregnancy. I continue to feel tired (no surprise there, third trimester in August and two year old twins, that'll wear a girl out).
Lance has registered for his fall courses and is gearing up for school. I'm excited with him. He so loves to learn, wrestling with and sharing ideas. He's going to love it.
I went to the best concert of my life last night. My folks came out and looked after the kids - HUGE thanks to them! - and Lance and I headed down to Deer Lake Park (just minutes from our house) for the Weakerthans/Feist concert. It was wonderful. The Weakerthans are so quirky and witty with their lyrics and melodies and I know a lot of their songs (doesn't that make a concert more enjoyable?) I was smiling the whole time. Oh, and before I go on I should describe the venue. It's a HUGE natural amphitheatre. So we were sitting outside on a lovely summer evening on a this large gently sloping field which is surrounded by trees (and concession stands!). We got a great spot - really close so we could see the bands well. Okay, moving along. I like Feist's music but am not as familiar with it. Her show had great variety, I particularly liked some really folky acoustic songs she did. But the absolute highlight were the visuals. There were two girls on stage (at the back) who created moving images with shadows (these were then projected onto the big screen behind the band. They used cutouts, fingerpainting, faux gems, gauzy fabric... to created lovely images, sometimes abstract, other times figurative. Wow. I couldn't take my eyes off the screen. I got tired of standing sometimes (the WHOLE crowd stood for her ENTIRE concert) and sat/laid on our blanket, but only for a couple songs, and only if the girls weren't doing their thing during those songs.
So it was wonderful. I said to Lance that I felt it was my birthday present not his, since I had such a good time. Well turns out he had a great time too! Good thing or I would've been disappointed.
That's it for tonight.
Aimee
Monday, August 4, 2008
Why I'm not a baker
Two instances of semi-disastrous baking come to mind.
Did I tell you about my snickerdoodle cookies? Jenna asked me to make cookies for Soren's baptism lunch (months ago now). I agreed - cookies are simple right? Well the odds were against me from the get go. First of all I chose snickerdoodles - one of my favorite cookies. Second I couldn't for the life of me find both beaters for my mixer. Third, I was starting the project at 10pm. I mixed up the batter best I could with an amputee mixer. I formed and baked the cookies. The timer went off and upon opening the oven I laughed right out loud. They were the most haphazard cookies I'd ever seen. Some lumpy. Others half flat half round. Some looking exactly like when I put them in. A few looked just right. Lance had a good laugh when I presented the pan to him. Now let me tell you, they tasted great. That's part of the problem. As someone who cannot eat sugar I do very well if sugary treats aren't in the house. Some things I'm not tempted by, but my favorite cookies fresh from the oven??? My will power melts instantly. Once I have a bite there's really no turning back. So I ate too many cookies - trying to just eat the oddest ones. I did bring them to the lunch, laughing as I showed them to Jenna (who, if you aren't aware is both an excellent cook and a fabulous baker).
Then last night I tried to make a yogurt cake that mom had recently made and brought by. It is the kind of cake that can have many alterations and still turn out great. And so I altered it, quite a bit. But this is not where the problem was. I got the recipe off a blog and there were 150 comments in response, and would you believe I read every one? Yes I did and by the time I finished reading them I felt I was on pretty intimate terms with the recipe. One comment that kept coming up was that everyone who made it had to bake the cake WAY longer than expected. So I mixed the batter up, greatly anticipating my raspberry orange version of the cake, and popped her in the oven. Checked it at the listed baking time, laughed right out loud at the sight of my cake - I used a different pan size/shape than the original recipe called for - though this size/shape was mentioned in the list of possible changes. Anyways the cake was practically spilling over the pan. Also, as I suspected, it wasn't near being fully baked. Back into the oven.... for TOO LONG. Oh dear. I pulled out a very very browned cake, verging on burnt. Shoot. But, under that crunchy layer of brown there lay a delicious cake. Now if I knew myself a bit better I would have known that I actually don't like orange flavor that much and should've just left it out. The recipe was meant to be lemon/berry, but having no lemons or lemon juice, I figured that orange would also be lovely. If you like orange that is. Oh well. We ate the cake (some last night and some today). And I will try it again - this time with lemon, and baked under my more watchful eye. Here's the link to the recipe My alterations were as follows: whole wheat flour, 1% yogurt since that's what we had, raspberries instead of blueberries, orange zest instead of lemon, no sugar, 1/8 cup of splenda, half the oil called for, and I didn't do the glaze (but imagine it would be incredible). Mom's version of the cake was delicious (she did blueberry lemon) and I think I'll do that next time too.
I added a couple new links for you (and me) to explore. One new section "Eating" has a link for toddler foods, I'm wanting a few more ideas for meals and snacks for the kids. I like that healthy yet fun and delicious ideas I've seen there so far. Also moved Mennonite Girls Can Cook to that section. Added "Study in Brown" to the great reads. Tonia is a friend of Ann's (of Holy Experience) and they've co-written books together. Check out her blog and also her links there is some neat stuff there. And if you check out her sons photo blog I'm sure you'll be impressed - it's in her links section "Speed45" I think. He's 15ish and takes incredible photos and knows way more about photography than I'll probably ever know.
That's it for now. Think I better check on the overly chatty supposed to be nearing sleep kids.
Hope you are well.
Aimee
Did I tell you about my snickerdoodle cookies? Jenna asked me to make cookies for Soren's baptism lunch (months ago now). I agreed - cookies are simple right? Well the odds were against me from the get go. First of all I chose snickerdoodles - one of my favorite cookies. Second I couldn't for the life of me find both beaters for my mixer. Third, I was starting the project at 10pm. I mixed up the batter best I could with an amputee mixer. I formed and baked the cookies. The timer went off and upon opening the oven I laughed right out loud. They were the most haphazard cookies I'd ever seen. Some lumpy. Others half flat half round. Some looking exactly like when I put them in. A few looked just right. Lance had a good laugh when I presented the pan to him. Now let me tell you, they tasted great. That's part of the problem. As someone who cannot eat sugar I do very well if sugary treats aren't in the house. Some things I'm not tempted by, but my favorite cookies fresh from the oven??? My will power melts instantly. Once I have a bite there's really no turning back. So I ate too many cookies - trying to just eat the oddest ones. I did bring them to the lunch, laughing as I showed them to Jenna (who, if you aren't aware is both an excellent cook and a fabulous baker).
Then last night I tried to make a yogurt cake that mom had recently made and brought by. It is the kind of cake that can have many alterations and still turn out great. And so I altered it, quite a bit. But this is not where the problem was. I got the recipe off a blog and there were 150 comments in response, and would you believe I read every one? Yes I did and by the time I finished reading them I felt I was on pretty intimate terms with the recipe. One comment that kept coming up was that everyone who made it had to bake the cake WAY longer than expected. So I mixed the batter up, greatly anticipating my raspberry orange version of the cake, and popped her in the oven. Checked it at the listed baking time, laughed right out loud at the sight of my cake - I used a different pan size/shape than the original recipe called for - though this size/shape was mentioned in the list of possible changes. Anyways the cake was practically spilling over the pan. Also, as I suspected, it wasn't near being fully baked. Back into the oven.... for TOO LONG. Oh dear. I pulled out a very very browned cake, verging on burnt. Shoot. But, under that crunchy layer of brown there lay a delicious cake. Now if I knew myself a bit better I would have known that I actually don't like orange flavor that much and should've just left it out. The recipe was meant to be lemon/berry, but having no lemons or lemon juice, I figured that orange would also be lovely. If you like orange that is. Oh well. We ate the cake (some last night and some today). And I will try it again - this time with lemon, and baked under my more watchful eye. Here's the link to the recipe My alterations were as follows: whole wheat flour, 1% yogurt since that's what we had, raspberries instead of blueberries, orange zest instead of lemon, no sugar, 1/8 cup of splenda, half the oil called for, and I didn't do the glaze (but imagine it would be incredible). Mom's version of the cake was delicious (she did blueberry lemon) and I think I'll do that next time too.
I added a couple new links for you (and me) to explore. One new section "Eating" has a link for toddler foods, I'm wanting a few more ideas for meals and snacks for the kids. I like that healthy yet fun and delicious ideas I've seen there so far. Also moved Mennonite Girls Can Cook to that section. Added "Study in Brown" to the great reads. Tonia is a friend of Ann's (of Holy Experience) and they've co-written books together. Check out her blog and also her links there is some neat stuff there. And if you check out her sons photo blog I'm sure you'll be impressed - it's in her links section "Speed45" I think. He's 15ish and takes incredible photos and knows way more about photography than I'll probably ever know.
That's it for now. Think I better check on the overly chatty supposed to be nearing sleep kids.
Hope you are well.
Aimee
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