Check and Check

• Book flight to Scotland - check
• Make plans - check
  
• Get CDN$ exchanged for British pounds - check
• Pack suitcase - check
• Get really excited - check
• Unpack and repack suitcase - check
• Get stressed out about not being able to fit everything in suitcase - check
• Get nails done - check
  
• Break zipper on carry on bag - check
• Make a bazillion lists - check
• Get toenails done - check
• Take a look at my suitcase one last time - check
  
• Say goodbye to all my blogworld friends and let them know I will miss them for the next 12 days - check

Looks like I'm all ready to go! I will possibly post a time or two or three or four while I'm across the pond. I will miss catching up with you all on a daily basis but I will promise to get caught up as soon as I get home! See you soon....

I've been tagged...

This crazy 8's game has been floating around blog land and I was tagged today by Kayla at Livin' the Great Life.

Here it goes...

8 Things I'm Looking Forward To:
1) Leaving for my trip to Scotland with my SIL tomorrow
2) Seeing my BFF and Young in Scotland on Wednesday
3) Going to the Isle of Sky on Thursday
4) Eating fish and chips in Scotland on Thursday
5) Going to the Highlands in Scotland on Friday
6) Visiting my BFF's flat in Scotland on Friday
7) Going shopping with my BFF in Scotland, every day for the next two weeks
8) Going to see the castle where Harry Potter was filmed in England

(...can you tell I have a one track mind right now?)

8 Things I Did Yesterday:
1) Went to church
2) Had lunch with small group
3) Visited with my BFF's mom
4) Visited with a friend and her kids
5) Went grocery shopping
6) Went for a bike ride
7) Packed, unpacked and repacked my suitcase 3 times
8) Went to look at a (ugly) house

8 Things I Wish I Could Do:
1) Buy a house this summer
2) Be done grad school
3) Have 6 babies (not all at once)
4) See my nieces and nephew everyday
5) Go to Italy and France
6) Keep my house clean for longer than 56 seconds
7) Stop writing lists compulsively
8) Get a pedicure every month (I just got one today with a gift certificate I'd been saving since last September).

8 Shows I Watch:
1) LOST
2) Brothers & Sisters
3) Desperate Housewives
4) Grey's Anatomy
5) American Idol
6) King of Queens
7) Wheel of Fortune
8) Family Feud

I'm not going to tag anyone, but go ahead and join in if you want!

On Friday I Love...

~ getting up early to head to my hometown

~ getting a whole bunch of slobbery kisses from my 9 m/o nephew

~ having lunch with my mom and dad

~ sneaking a package of Reese peanut butter cups on the grocery conveyor belt when my mom isn't looking

~ visiting with my grandparents

~ going for a walk with my mom

~ rolling up my sleeves because it's so hot

~ seeing my sister in Bro-in-law

~ celebrating my brother's birthday

~ eating BBQ'ed hot dogs

~ enjoying time with my family (minus the fabulous dude -- boo being on call at work)

~ ETA: receiving my yoga mat as my prize for the family fitness challenge

~ ETA: seeing my dad drop his BRAND new blackberry on the ceramic floor and hear him wondering why it won't even turn on.

What do you love on Friday?

Pay It Forward

I was going to wait a few days after posting the winners of my giveaway to post this, but I just could not wait any longer!!

Recently, I "met" N. in blog world through my House a Home Challenge and Giveaway. A few days ago, she posted about a Pay It Forward chain and I decided to sign up. She wrote in her post that the first five people who left a comment would receive something from her within the next year. To be one of those 5 people, you had to agree to do the same thing on your blog. So I decided to give it a shot!

So, giddy up gals! The first 5 people to leave a comment on this post indicating that they want to participate in "Pay It Forward" will receive something special from me at some point over the next year. It could be next week, it could be in a few months, it could be 364 days from now.

Here are the rules:
1. Leave a comment letting me know you'd like to participate. You must be willing to provide me with a mailing address, obviously.
2. Post a "Pay it Forward" on your blog where you link back to me and extend the same offer to 5 of your readers.
3. Promise that you will follow through and send something special to those 5 who comment on your blog.

(I'm sorry but I can only open this contest to residents of Canada or the United States)

The little something something's don't have to be extravagant, just something that you select with that specific person in mind. I already have some ideas of things I will select for certain people if they decide to join.

Can I get a drumroll.....please

Well, ladies (and one gent), the big moment is finally here. All the entries have been collected and tallied and a winner has been selected. I am so glad that so many of you participated in the giveaway and challenge. I had such a blast reading all the lists about what makes everyone's house a home. Many of the lists were so creative and I am thankful that I have met some new blogging friends along the way. So much fun.

So, without further ado. With the help of Random.org, I have determined the winner to be ....

Mr. Fishy from Evan's Blooger
(yes he is my brother. yes i was mildly disappointed when he won. yes i considered selecting a new number and letting someone else win. but no, i didn't).

So, congrats, Ev! Please e-mail me ASAP and let me know what your (Logi's) choice of plaque is. If you don't remember the selections, go here and check them out.

But, wait, there's more. Since I am so ticked off that my stinky brother won this giveaway excited to be celebrating the completion of my first year of grad school I decided why stop at ONE winner? Since there are THREE prizes I might as well give them ALL away!

So I chose two more random numbers to give prizes to.

The SECOND place winner is .... BECKY from The Journey

The THIRD place winner is .... EMILY from Did I Say That Out Loud?

Okay, okay, I know what you're all thinking. Quite suspicious that all three winners are people who I know in RL and/or relatives. I honestly did not mean for this to happen. That's the luck of the draw.

So, each winner needs to e-mail me with their choice of prize. Evan gets first choice, Becky gets second choice (so send me your top two choices) and Emily gets third choice (so send me your top three choices).

Thank you to everyone else who entered and keep your eyes peeled for some more giveaway fun in the very (and I mean VERY) near future.

Last Chance!

Just a reminder to you all that today is your very last chance to enter my House a Home Giveaway. To read what it's all about, go here. To see my list and enter your own, go here. Entries will be accepted until 9 pm this evening. I will post the winner tomorrow!

Prayer Vigil for Stellan

I know many of you are praying for Stellan already. If you haven't heard about him, go here to read about his story. Many of you also know that his surgery is coming up tomorrow. I'd like to organize a sort of prayer vigil for him, if possible. The goal is this: to have someone sign up to be praying for him at each hour of the day tomorrow. From 12:00 A.M.-11:00 P.M. on Tuesday April 21.

If you are interested, please leave a comment and let me know what hours you would like to sign up for. As the comments come in, I will post the person's name beside their time(s). I know doing this less than 24 hours before the surgery might make it difficult to fill the entire 24 hours, but I think it can be done!

12:00 A.M. - Jessi

1:00 A.M. - Emily M.

2:00 A.M.

3:00 A.M. - me

4:00 A.M. - my Fabulous Dude

5:00 A.M. - me

6:00 A.M. - Becky

7:00 A.M. - My Mumma

8:00 A.M. - Snow White

9:00 A.M. - The Reality of Happily Ever After

10:00 A.M. - Logi

11:00 A.M. - Shelley

12:00 P.M. - Snow White

1:00 P.M. - Emily M.

2:00 P.M. - Kim

3:00 P.M. - Mr. Fishy

4:00 P.M. - Me

5:00 P.M. - Caley

6:00 P.M. - Denise

7:00 P.M. - My Fabulous Dude

8:00 P.M. - Kristin

9:00 P.M. - Emily M.

10:00 P.M. - Emily

11:00 P.M. - S.

Let's plan to storm the gates of heaven with prayers on behalf of this little man, his mama and the rest of the family. If you feel so inclined, post a link back to here on your blog to get more readers involved.

Update: I am so thankful for the response to this prayer vigil. Within a few hours, we managed to fill all but one slot (2 am). Although, I know I was awake on and off all night praying, so I am sure he was covered in prayer throughout the night. They had a long rough, night. As of two hours ago, Stellan was being prepared to head into surgery. Be sure to check out MckMama's blog and/or Twitter to stay update. Keep praying.

Menu Plan Monday

Just a few more days left for my giveaway!!

This is an exciting week! By the end of the week, I should be officially done my first year of graduate school. Actually, I'm hoping that by Wednesday that will be the case, but we'll see! Here's what's cookin' at our place this week...

Breakfasts
Hot Cross Buns
Mocha Bagels (still a few in the freezer)
Granola and Yogurt
Fruit Smoothies

Lunches
Leftovers
Greek salads

Suppers
Monday: Taco Salad
Tuesday: Steak and Veggie Stirfry (leftover steak from weekend)
Wednesday: Out to celebrate the completion of year #1 of grad school and scholarship!!
Thursday: meatloaf (just plain ol' meatloaf as per my hubby's request), mashed potatoes, peas
Friday: To my parents for Mr. Fishy's Bday party (BBQed Hot dogs!!!!)

Snacks
Homemade Granola
Sesame and Flax Flatbread
Fruit
Kettle Chips (but just a few...)

Head over here to find out what others are eating this week.

A Great Weekend

Aside from this happening, I had a great weekend! It was busy and fun-filled.

Friday night started out with a surprise party for my friend A. who is getting married in two weeks. There are ten people in my graduate class (all girls) and we have become quite close over the year. So, as a final celebration we decided to have an end of year party but planned for it to be in her honor. She was quite surprised when she arrived and realized what we had been scheming and it was a blast.

I'm sorry to inform you, though, that the party was much less elegant and much more tame than some of you implied in your comments. My decorations and food were nothing fancy. It was potluck style, so the other girls did most of the work. I basically just served heat-and-serve appetizers and Taryn's black and white cheesecake squares (which are incredible by the way). I meant to take a picture of the spread of food but I had 9 ravenously hungry woman on my hands and before I thought about it, all the food was gone. The decorations were non-existent aside from a "Bridal Shower" banner and the games were (relatively) tame. We played Pin The Boobies on B. (the groom). It was so fun. I stalked her Facebook photos for a picture of him, blew it up and then we drew a body on large construction paper to post on the wall. We then "dressed him for the beach" since they are getting married in Cuba by sticking construction paper bikini tops onto him while blind folded. It was much harder than I expected.

Next, we played the oh so classic toilet paper bride.

The last game we played got a little more interesting. In this game, each team gets a list of chocolate bars and candy. You then have to come up with a phrase or saying involving that type of candy. So, for example ... if the chocolate bar in question was Mr. Big... well, you can imagine. And if you can't imagine, I don't want to destroy your innocence.

The party was a blast. Below is a group shot ... all but one of us who couldn't come because her boyfriend got sick unexpectedly and they had to go to emerg. The second photo demonstrates my extraordinary photoshop skills as I added her to the group shot. Love it!

On Saturday, my brother, Mr. Fishy and my SIL came for the day. The boys worked on the boat in the morning and then did some fishing. I marked papers and SIL copied down some recipes from my recipe books in the morning and then we did a little shopping in the afternoon. We finished off the evening with a BBQ, a trip to Toute Sweet and a campfire. I also got some really exciting news on Saturday. I found out that I was offered a provincial scholarship for next year! This really takes the pressure off of us as we go through another year of school. What a blessing!

Today the weekend ended with another Bridal Shower. After Friday night, A. was telling us that she was so shocked we could surprise her because no one is ever able to surprise her. She was convinced the only reason it remained a secret was because her fiance didn't know about it. Little did she know!! Her wedding party planned a Bridal Shower Luncheon in Niagara Falls. Once again, she was completely shocked. Only two of us from school were able to go to this one. It was a lovely afternoon and I was able to meet some of her family, her friends and her wedding party. The process of getting to the shower on time was quite interesting (picture this: two girls carrying a rather large gift, running around in high heels, in the wrong hotel, trying desperately to get to the right place before the bride, worrying that the elevator doors will open and she will be standing there) but once we were there it was a blast. Below is a photo of the bride and I. You can see Niagara Falls behind us. It's funny how we sometimes forget how cool it is that we live so close to one of the most visited areas in the world.

When I returned home, I marked more papers and did my menu planning for the week. When I asked the FD what he wanted to eat this week, he requested meatloaf. Then a few moments later he said, "Just plain old meatloaf. Please no chickpeas, no lentil things, no shredded veggies. Just plain meatloaf please". Ahh, bless his sweet heart. We then went grocery shopping, to the Superstore to grab a few things for my vacation and then to visit our dear friends G&P for a few hours. It was a busy weekend. I am tired, I am joyous, and I am entering a new week feeling full of life. I'd love to hear what the rest of you did this weekend.

And one last thing, don't forget the enter the giveaway if you haven't yet. It's open until Wednesday!

Seeing Things

My eyes are playing tricks on me this morning. As I was drying my hair, I came across a little strand that seemed to be of the GREY variety.

This could only mean one thing ... I must be seeing things.

Day Dreaming...

I spent this morning marking exams and then went out for a lovely run/walk with the dog around noon. Honestly, it would have been more of a run than a walk if the dog hadn't gotten tired and refused to run. Seriously, shouldn't it be the other way around? Let me tell you, I was so pumped to wear Capri's and to have to tie my jacket around my waist because I was too hot. Could it be? Is Spring really here?

I have spent the rest of the afternoon in the kitchen getting things ready for my party tonight. All the girls in my class are coming over for the evening and little does ONE of them know, it's actually a surprise Bachelorette party for her as she is getting married in a few weeks.

As I began the process of preparing Taryn's Black and White Cheesecake Squares, I started battling with my hand mixer. Whenever I use this thing it results in frustration, dough flying everywhere and me giving up and mixing by hand. During this bout of frustration I started day dreaming ....

My thoughts began fluttering as I pondered the day when mixing will be easy. The day when I will find joy in scraping the batter from the side of the bowl. The day when all of my ingredients will remain inside the bowl rather than on my shirt, my cupboards, my walls and my floor. In my dreams I had a vision of the perfect mixer.

Someday, Sweet Baby, you will be mine. But for now, it's back to reality.

I'm off to cut out construction paper bikini tops. Yes, we are most definitely playing "Pin the Boobies on the Groom" tonight.

Psst..Don't forget to enter my giveaway!

House a Home Challenge and Giveaway is here!

If you haven't read about my House a Home Challenge and giveaway yet, go here and check it out.

I had a lot of fun thinking of the top 10 things that make my house a home. It was actually more difficult than I expected but it made me stop and reflect on the memories we've made in our home and the special things that are attached to those memories. In no particular order...

1. The fireplace. We absolutely love our fireplace. We use it as our primary source of heat for the most part. I think this winter we (I) only turned the baseboards on once. I often forget to keep the fire going during the day when I'm working at home and find myself shivering my buns off so I have caved and turned the heat on a few times. But aside from a cheap way to heat our home, the fireplace offers a very relaxing atmosphere in our wee home. In the fall, I look forward to having our first fire. Many of my best memories involve being curled up on the couch under a warm blanket, drinking mint hot chocolate and laughing with the hubby.


2. Rooster measuring cups. The theme in my kitchen is roosters and these measuring cups came from my Grandmother's kitchen. My passion for cooking, baking and all things domestic was strongly inspired by this amazing woman and so it is only fitting that I would prominently display something of hers in my own kitchen. They remind me daily of the lessons she taught me.


3. Our dining room table. This table is more than a table to me. This is the place where I feed my family and my friends. This is the place where my husband and I meet at the end of the work day and discuss our day's events. Because we live in a small apartment, this table has become very multi-functional. This is where I do my homework all day, play games with my SIL and friends, scrapbook and eat.This is also one of the first of many projects that the hubby completed for our home. See the chair cushions? He covered them with the fabric from the curtains at our first apartment. Good thing one of us is handy.


4. The garden. Last year we planted a garden for the first time and quickly decided that it is something we'd like to do each year. There is such a sense of accomplishment to harvesting your own vegetables. I am eager to get a much larger garden planted this year so that I will be able to preserve food for the winter months as well as share our bounty with our loved ones.



5. Magnetic weekly calendar. Yes, I'm serious. This made the top 10. I'm sure you've mostly all gathered by now that I'm an organizational freak. Being organized makes me so happy. This calendar is one of the first purchases I made when we took possession of our first apartment and I have loved it ever since. It cost a ridiculous amount, I think. I can't remember but something tells me I paid like 24.99 for it or something crazy like that. But, it has been worth every single penny. Each section is its own piece, so at the end of each week, I wipe it off and move it to the bottom. I love always having the current week at the top and having an entire month at a glance. So now if you're looking for me at any time in the next month, you will know where to find me.


6. The beloved bread machine. In one of my Q&A posts I revealed that this is my most loved kitchen tool. Since I started making all of my own bread products in the new year, I have come to rely on this baby so much. I use it anywhere from 2-5 times per week. I get so much joy from trying new recipes. Being in the kitchen is like therapy for me. When I am stressed or overwhelmed, it helps me to take a few minutes to be by myself in the kitchen baking something. This bread machine has become a real part of our home.


7. The hope chest and quilt. For many many years, long before we were dating, the fabulous dude promised me that someday he'd build me a hope chest. This year for Christmas he did just that. The love and time that he put in to building this is incredible. It is something I will truly cherish for the rest of my life and that I will hope to pass on to future generations. On the end of my bed just above the hope chest is my favourite quilt, that he also gave me as a gift. It says "Home Sweet Home", "Home is Where the Heart Is" and "There's No Place Like Home" around the border with pictures of houses on it. It is cozy and warm and captures the essence of the way I feel about my home. I really feel that these two pieces go together because they are symbolic of the home that we have made together.

8. Deacon's Bench. The bench pictured below was built for us as a wedding gift by my Grandfather. There is something about a hand made piece of furniture that is so special. Nothing can top this. My grandfather passed away a few months ago and instantly the value I place on this bench has increased. Like the measuring cups from my grandma, this piece reminds me of my grandfather's strength and love everyday. It is something I will cherish for the years to come and will pass on to my children and their children along with stories and memories of my grandpa. It is located near the entrance to our apartment and is coupled with our wedding photo, a stone sculpture we got on our honeymoon and a stand that says "Love Life". This area of my home reminds to me stop and think about what's really important everyday. (This photo also made me realize that the wedding picture is a wee bit crooked).


9. Scrapbooks. My scrapbooks document so much of our life together. They are symbolic of all the memories we have made as we have grown together as a family. (P.S. I am always eager to show them off, so for any of those who know me in real life, I'd love to show them to you at ANY time).

10. My family. My home would not be complete without my family. And, although my family is very small right now, I look forward to adding to it as the years go by. Right now it's just me, the fabulous dude and Nika. My hubby is my best friend and my partner in everything. We have laughed, cried, suffered, fought, loved and learned in the few short years that we've been together. We have welcomed a teeny tiny puppy into our home who is no longer so teeny tiny. We have moved. We have started new jobs. We have graduated. We have gone back to school. We have failed. We have achieved. We have lost. We have gained. We have learned so much from each other and made so many memories here -- and that's what makes this house a home.

(Yes we actually dressed her up like this and made her sit for a photo. Then the hubby thought it would be funny to photoshop himself in there. So, thanks to my bro for this lovely photo. They look alike, don't you think?).

So, there you have it. Those are the things that make my house a home. Now let me see what you all have come up with. Mr. Linky will be open until next Wednesday, April 22 at 9 pm. At that time I will draw the name of one lucky winner to pick their prize (which can be seen here).

Here are the rules:
1. Write a post documenting the top 5-10 things that make your house a home.
2. Linky directly back to this post (I'm sorry - but I will delete those who don't).
3. Leave a comment and let me know if you have placed my button on your sidebar and/or written a post advertising this giveaway (one extra entry for each).

Dear Family...

This is a letter of apology

Dear Dad, Mom, Kris, Dave, Evan, Logi and my sweet Fabulous Dude,

I am writing this letter as a public apology to you all. I am so sorry that I smoked all of y'all in the first quarter of our Family Fitness Challenge. I am sorry that I kicked your butts so far into the ground that you might possibly never resurface again.

I am sorry that none of you can keep up with my mad exercise routine. I am sorry that I am so fit and toned and that my stamina cannot be rivaled. I am sorry that you are all so jealous of the exquisiteness of my muscles. I am sorry that my the flatness of my abs puts the rest of you to shame.

I am sorry that I will soon be enjoying a brand new exercise mat and possibly some new weights just as soon as Dad gets around to giving me my prize while the rest of you will be without.

Please forgive me for being so in shape.

Love, Lucy

Menu Plan Monday

I don't even want to think about what happened with my menu planning last week. Seriously, I have to either go big or go home. I didn't sit down and write out my weekly menu on Sunday and it was mayhem. I only cooked once. Monday we grabbed Harvey's when we were out running errands. Tuesday I went to Spicy Thai with the girls from school and FD grilled a burger (this outing was planned so I didn't feel guilty about it). Wednesday I cooked (gasp!) turkey enchiladas and Thursday we grabbed take out on our way up north to the in-laws. Then we were at their place for the weekend, so I was off the hook. But as soon as I got home last night I decided it was time to get back on track and get a menu figured out for this week before I get completely derailed again.

So, without further ado - here it is.

Breakfasts
Mocha Bagels
Homemade granola and yogurt
Fruit smoothies
Harvest Grain Bread (recipe coming soon, I promise)

Lunches
Greek salads
Turkey sandwiches
Turkey soup

Dinners

Monday
BBQ'ed chicken breasts
Fried Rice
Squash
Asparagus

Tuesday
Sausage and Perogy Casserole
Peas

Wednesday
Snow White's Unstuffed pepper skillet in whole wheat tortillas

Thursday
Crockpot stew
Biscuits

Friday
Hubby is on his own because I'm hosting a bachelorette party - it will be a potluck so I won't have to prepare much food.

Saturday
Steak
Mushrooms
Baked potato
Grilled veggies (Company's a comin'...)

Sunday
Bridal shower luncheon

Head on over to I'm an Organizing Junkie to see what others are cooking up. And don't forget to read my last post introducing my giveaway!

House a Home Challenge and Giveaway

ETA: CHALLENGE IS NOW OPEN - CLICK HERE TO SEE IT.

What makes your house a home?

Lately, I've been contemplating this very question in our wee apartment. A house is just a building with four walls but a home is what happens when you inhabit that building and make it your own. So what is it? Is it a special item? A gift that someone gave you? Something you've made? Special memories you've made there? A piece of furniture? The family you've started while living in your home? A special tree you've planted in your yard? Whatever the case, I am really interested in hearing about what makes Your House a Home.

So, without further ado, I am introducing ....

Over the next few days, I want you to start thinking about the top 5-10 things that make your house a home. On Wednesday I will post my top 10 things and include a Mr. Linky. I will leave the Mr. Linky open for ONE week for you to add your own posts to it. You can all link up and share your snapshots and stories documenting the things that make your house a home. Your list can include anything. Things that are really unique to you, things that are not so unique but you love, people, animals, decorations, furniture, places, things inside or outside, anything that is monumental in transforming the four walls of your house into a home.

Everyone who links up with their own post will be entered with one chance to win one of these ...


(which will undoubtedly become your newest favorite that that makes your house a home!)

Also, in order to get the word out about this Mr. Linky party, you will be given an extra entry if you write a post advertising this challenge and display my button somewhere on your sidebar (one extra entry for doing each of those things). If you blog about the challenge, please link directly to either this post or the Mr. Linky post which will go up on Wednesday so people can find it. PLEASE leave a comment on this post and let me know if you have posted and/or added my button so I don't miss adding extra entries to the draw.

So, to make it clear.

1. Link up with your own post about what makes your house a home = 1 entry
2. Write a separate post about this giveaway = 2 entries
3. Grab my button and post it on your sidebar = 3 entries

Don't forget to come back on Wednesday (or any day in the week following) and join the Mr. Linky fun and see what makes everyone's house a home.

The contest will close on Wednesday April 22nd at 9 pm at which time I will draw one winner who will get to select which plaque they would like! Are you in?

<center><a href="http://www.lindsaycramp.blogspot.com/"><img alt="Lucy's House a Home Giveaway" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3611/3399725039_6f0ebf7e60.jpg?v=0" border="0" /></a></center>

P.S. One HUGE shout out to my bro and SIL for making this button for me and helping me figure out all this crazy HTML stuff.

Are you thinking what I'm thinking?

You may have heard me mention before that there is a factory store in my hubby's hometown that I love to frequent. I can always find great deals there. So, this weekend while we're visiting his family I had to make a trip. All of their Easter stuff was 50% off so I picked up a few things to add to my (non-existent) Easter/spring decor for next year.

This baby blue bunny holding an egg was $2.45. The picture doesn't show it will but it's super cute. Baby blue and roughed up a bit.

The half egg on a bird's nest was $1.50. The bowl looks like it's an speckled egg cracked in half.

I got a bunch of these speckled eggs and nests on a stick for .30 each. I plan on taking them off the stick and arranging them in the bowl above. This picture is fuzzy but it was the best one I could get.


I also found a little somethin' somethin' for YOU (not an Easter decoration but cute nonetheless).

So, are you thinking what I'm thinking?

You got it ... check back early next week for my contest and giveaway!

Q&A - Answers Part Three

Taryn asked: "What is the best place on earth you've ever been?"

Answer: I was having a lot of trouble thinking of an answer to this question. I wasn't sure how to pick the best place. Then, I read S.'s answer to this same question, and immediately I knew my answer. Here's part of what she wrote: "Have you ever been somewhere or with someone and you felt the strongest sense of peace and joy and you recognized it as God wrapping his arms around you, saying, "Child, this is what happiness is. Breath and I will take care of everything."... as soon as I read that I knew the best place on earth I've ever been is on top of the bluff at Strawberry Point Christian Camp. This is the summer camp I grew up going to. It's where I officially met my husband and many of my closest friends and most importantly, it's where I accepted Christ as my savior. One of the activities at this camp is hiking up a rock face to the bluff and spending a time in devotion while looking out over a magnificently beautiful view of God's creation. Although I grew up in a Christian home and was surrounded by God's word through my entire life, this was the place where I first felt God and knew Him as my own God.
Tereasa asked: "What's your fav thing to do on Wednesday nights?"

Answer: Hang out with you, eat popcorn (with not TOO much salt on it), drink Pepsi and watch LOST! Occasionally add some chocolate and there couldn't be anything better!

Thanks for all the questions, everyone.

Q&A - Answers Part Two

The questions have kept coming and so will the answers. This is a blast. You can see my answers to the first round of questions that readers asked me here. As long as you keep asking, I'll keep answering.

Holly asked: "What are you doing your graduate work in, and what are your career plans when you're done?"

Answer: I am currently working on a Master of Arts degree in Child and Youth studies. What exactly is that, you ask? Well, I'm not sure. It's an interdisciplinary department that explores children and youth through the lenses of psychology, sociology, anthropology, cultural studies, media studies, women's studies etc. My research kind of takes on the sociological/cultural studies/media/women's studies approach and looks at "Smart Girls" in high school. Specifically, I look at how two dominant ways of speaking about girls (as either victimized and oppressed and as empowered and confident) shape their experiences in their classrooms. It's all quite interesting to me. My career plans? Don't ask. I really don't have a clue what I'm going to be when I grow up. The program is not an education degree. After my undergrad degree in Child and youth, most people go on to teacher's college but after working as an assistant in a JK/SK class and doing placements in primary school, I decided teaching is not for me. There are many options available with my degree but I haven't really narrowed in on where I want to go. So, we'll see where the Lord takes me once this step is done.

Anon asked: "What is your favourite Sunday of the month? The first, second, third, fourth or if you're lucky, fifth?"

Answer: Well, that's obvious. The fifth one of course. Thanks for asking.

Anon asked: "Who do you think is a better person? Katie or Amy?"

Answer: Depends on who is the one asking all these strange questions. Whichever one is asking, the opposite one is a better person.

Anon asked: Where does your sister fit into your description of best friends? Or is she in a class all on her own?

Answer: I have no idea what this really means but I'm going to go with a class of her own. My sister is bizarre and she can't be compared to anyone else. But she does rock my world.

Kristin (my sister) asked: "If you could do one thing with your nephew what would it be?"

Answer: At this moment? Snuggle and dance with him. I miss that lil gaffer so much. Eight hours is too far apart. At any time during my life? I would love to take him to the zoo someday.

Snow White asked: "What is your favorite ingredient to cook with? What's your most loved cooking tool in the kitchen?"

Answer: My favorite ingredient is mushrooms. I put mushrooms in nearly every main dish I cook. If the recipe doesn't call for mushrooms, I find a way to add them. I'm sure you're not surprised about this answer if you read this post. A close second is cumin. It is my absolute favorite spice. Oh yeah, and chocolate is pretty grand as well (as I devour a Dark chocolate mint lindor from my secret stash). My most loved cooking tool in the kitchen...? How dare you ask me to choose just one. I wouldn't want to hurt the feelings of any of other things. I actually use most(all) of my "special" kitchen tools and appliances. I think that's just because I have tons of cupboard space and so everything is easily accessible. In our old place, a lot of my not-so-common kitchen tools were in storage and I hardly ever lugged them out. But here, I have everything within reach. So, my most loved ... I think I have to go with ....

...the bread machine. To the rest of my precious kitchen tools/appliances/gadgets, please know that Mama still loves you.

I hope you all have a fantastic Easter weekend. Enjoy your time spent with your family and friends and don't eat TOO much! We are spending the long weekend with the FD's family. He was going to go on his own and I was going to stay home to get some more work done but a few nights ago our 2 1/2 year old neice called to talk to me and said "I love you to my house now". I think the translation is "I'd love for you to come to my house please". Who can say no to that cuteness?

Q&A - Answers Part One

Wow! I've received some really interesting questions today since I asked you to ask away! I've had fun thinking about how I am going to respond to all of them throughout the day. So, I'll give them my best shot.

My brother asked me: "Have you ever peed your pants in an arena?"

Answer: Yes. When I was about 8 maybe my brother and I begged my dad to let us go to the arena with him one night and watch him play hockey. It was probably past our bedtime and everything but he let us. Actually, that's the way I remember it. The truth is my mom was probably out for the night and he didn't want to miss hockey so he made us tag along. About half way through the game I realized I had to piddle. I went to the washroom and started to undo my belt. But, things did not go as plan. For some reason I was unable to undo the belt. I went back into the stands and asked my brother to assist me. Being the kind older brother that he is, he refused. He would not help me get my belt undone and alas, I went my pants all alone in the ladies room at the arena. Evan had to go knock on the glass at my dad's bench and tell him what had happened. My dad's response, "Well, she'll just have to wait". I sat in my own urine for the rest of the game. Thank you so much, dear brother, for asking that question.

Denise asked me: "What is your biggest pet peeve? What things irritate you?"

Answer: I had trouble thinking of an answer to this one. Not because I am some incredibly patient person with no pet peeves but because I have so many. To pick just one ... Well, I wouldn't say this is my BIGGEST pet peeve but I will share it because it is currently irking me at this moment. In our living room, we have a 3 seat couch and a 2 seat love seat. The way the room is arranged, there is one spot out of the five that is ideal for watching TV and being comfortable which is the corner seat of the couch. IT IS MY PET PEEVE WHEN MY HUSBAND SITS DOWN THERE AND WILL NOT MOVE TO LET ME HAVE THE GOOD SPOT. Yeah, you guessed it. I'm sitting on the love seat while he's stretched out in the good spot. But for real, a big pet peeve of mine is when there are spelling and/or grammar mistakes on professional things. For example, last year we got a letter from our vet clinic letting us know Nika was due for her shots and the letter appeared to have been written by a six year old. This drives me absolutely bonkers because it makes their business seem so unprofessional. This is also the case when I see mistakes on signs, billboards and other such things. I wish I could write all day about my pet peeves but I will leave it at that.

C asked: "If you had to eat one food for the rest of your life, what would it be?"

Answer: Hands down, fresh cut chip wagon french fries loaded with ketchup and vinegar.

Ashley @ The Happy Little Home asked: "Do you like living in Canada? Do you think it's a lot different from the US?"

Answer: Hmm. This is tough. I would say, yes I like living in Canada, although I have nothing to compare it to. I've never lived anywhere else. Do I think it's a lot different from the US? Well, in day to day living, no I don't think so although there are a number of features that define the two countries. I only live 25 minutes from the border to the US so I do spend a bit of time there. I like Canada because I really like getting to experience all four seasons each year (although sometimes SOME seasons like to stick around a little too long), I love living in an igloo, driving my dog sled to work and drinking beer all day while watching hockey and chasing polar bears.

My Aunt Shelley asked: "Do you still use a lot of TP like you did in that picture in grandma's bathroom?"

Answer: I guess I need to explain this one. My grandma has a picture on display in her washroom of a little girl, about 2 or 3, sitting on the toilet with her dress pulled up, surrounded by an entire roll of toilet paper. That little girl? That'd be me. No, Aunt Shelley, I no longer use that much toilet paper. Are you kidding? I have to PAY for that stuff myself now. One sheet maximum! But seriously, that's a funny question because I distinctly remember Grandma teaching me that if I "folded" my TP rather than scrunching it up into a ball I could manage with a using a lot less paper and getting more of the job done. Sounds like a silly lesson, but I still fold my toilet paper to this day. (Do I notice a theme among the questions being asked by my family members?)

Shalay asked: "If you had to choose 5 movies to watch for the rest of your life, what would they be?"

Answer: Tough one...I guess I would choose 1. Pride and Prejudice, 2. Beauty and the Beast, 3. Cheaper by the Dozen, 4. Mona Lisa Smile, 5. Harry Potter and the Prison of Azkaban. I surely hope the day never comes when I actually have to make this choice. I love watching movies.

Sassenachs in Scotland asked: "What are you doing on April 29th?"

Answer: Stepping off a plane in Glasgow and being greeted by YOU!

Anon asked: "When did you know you were going to marry your fabulous dude? Is there a specific moment that sticks out in your mind?"

Answer: One time during high school I remember a group of us talking about our futures and he said that he regularly prayed for the family he hoped to have someday in the future. He said he prayed for his future wife and his future children on a daily basis. I think that's when I knew that his children would be my children. That was about 2-3 years before we started dating. Once we started dating there was never a question in my mind. When we started dating we both just knew it was now "our" time and the rest is history.

Anon asked: "Whats your favourite memory from high school?"

Answer: Hmm, do I have to pick just one? High school rocked! My favourite memory though I think would probably be doing a lip sync to "Joyful, Joyful, Lord We Adore Thee" from Sister Act at the school talent show with Katie, Ashley and Mark. It was the first time we had ever convinced Katie to do something like that and she rocked the show!

Anon asked: "Who is your best friend?"

Answer: I always used to fight with my dad about this because he was convinced you can only have ONE best friend while I am of the persuasion that you can have different best friends in different categories. See, FD's my best friend because he's my soulmate and my life partner and I go to him first with everything. My mom is my best friend because she's always been there for me and takes care of me, to this day. But for the sake of the question, Katie is my BFF! Has been since we were about 13 and still is to this day because .....

Anon asked: "What is your favourite thing about your best friend?"

Answer: We are the same to the core. We've got roots.

Anon asked: "What are you afraid of?"

Answer: Snakes and my husband dying.

Anon asked: "If you were only allowed to read one novel for the rest of your life, what would it be?"

Answer: Twilight.

Anon asked: "Who is your favourite singer/group?"

Answer: I seriously cannot choose one. Probably Casting Crowns.

Anon asked: "What's your favourite colour?"

Answer: Green

Wow. I didn't mean to answer them all in one post but I was having so much fun that I couldn't stop. Got more questions? Keep asking!!

Now my question, WHO THE HECK ARE YOU ANON AND WHY DID YOU ASK ME SO MANY QUESTIONS?

A Blank Page...

I have nothing to post about. My brain is so swamped with school work that I can think of nothing else. I feel like my brain is a piece of bread that has been soaked in milk for two weeks.

I need a little break so I'm posting anyway. Last week, Mrs. Smith gave her readers a chance to ask her any questions they would like. I've seen this done on other blogs before and always find the Q&As quite interesting. Now, I realize that I am not an overly interesting person and that you might not have too many questions about what it's like living my high life, but I thought I'd give it a shot.

So, ask away! I will answer (almost) anything unless it's too embarrassing. My parents read this blog.

A Lesson and a Grow-Op

First of all, thank you all so much for your encouragement, prayers and well wishes for my presentation last Friday. Unfortunately, it did not go as well as I had hoped. Of course, my nerves got the best of me causing me to stumble over words and get dry mouth syndrome (I'm really going to have to get that under control before my real defense!) My professors also asked me questions I did not expect and suggested way more changes than I anticipated. So, the task before me is daunting. I thought I was about this close to being finished my final paper and now I realize I am actually only about this close. I have a telephone consultation scheduled with one of the professors (the more approachable one) tomorrow which should be helpful. Needless to say, I was quite discouraged on Friday and came home with a very heavy burden weighing on me.

However, God spoke to me over the weekend and taught me a very important lesson. I have come to realize that even if I don't get an A in the class (which I likely still will), it doesn't really matter. I get SO caught up in it all so easily. But in the end, who cares? If I don't do well in this class, I still have a wonderful husband, fantastic parents and siblings, amazing friends and a supportive church family. I can still cook food, bake bread, scrapbook, pray, be a mama *someday I hope*, take care of my home, walk with my God, grow, learn, enjoy nature and the list goes on .... There are so many things that I enjoy and am good at that don't have anything to do with academics. And when it boils down to it, those are the things I want to cling to. This doesn't mean I will never get stressed about school again or that I am going to stop trying hard but I have gained a little perspective after a discouraging experience followed by an encouraging weekend spent with my mom, my husband and my church family. I have always been good at school but that is only one part of my identity and it does not, and should not, be all that defines me. I want to be first a child of God, second a faithful wife, a trustworthy friend, an encouraging sister.... My academics/career comes so far behind all of those things and I am slowly learning that.

"Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things". - Col. 3:2.

On another note, we have a sweet little grow op set up in our laundry room. Gardening season is fast approaching and so we've recently started our tomatoes in doors in hopes that they will be strong enough by mid-May to be transported outdoors. Last year we bought tomato plants but this year, we decided to try from seed. This year we are the fabulous dude is planning on increasing the size of our garden so we can enjoy more fresh veggies when the harvest comes. Maybe this year I'll be a better helper.

Deep Breath

... something I have forget to do sometimes. Although the term is "winding down" it is really just "winding up" for my classmates and I. All of our assignments and marking will be due in the next two weeks.

This afternoon, I will be giving an ultra scary presentation. Let me tell you, this assignment has sucked the life right out of me. Without going into too many details, let me just say that the assignment stinks. Honestly. All of the students (and a number of faculty members) agree that the assignment is counterproductive to the goals of the course and the program, however, no matter how many complaints are made over the years, it just seems the chair of the department and the professors of the course won't make many changes.

The assignment is difficult because we are basically asked to squish squash our own research projects into the form of a research proposal while conforming to a ridiculous number of guidelines that do not fit with our own projects. We then have to defend our proposals to our classmates and professors, take the suggestions given to us in the defense and re-formulate our proposal. Also, there are two professors teaching the course who rest on completely opposite ends of the theoretical spectrum, making it quite difficult to please them both.

So, today is the day. This is the presentation I have been dreading for the past 2+ months. I have lost countless nights of sleep, been stressed to the max, had mini-breakdowns, made myself sick to my stomach and now it's here. And surprisingly, I am incredibly calm. Honestly, I can't believe that I am not totally freaking out right now. I spent most of the week practicing and memorizing and thinking of answers to the aspects of my research that I suspect I might get called on and now I am calm.

I'm sure the calmness will probably leave me while I am driving to school. The butterflies might make their way into this tummy of mine as I am sitting in the class listening to the presentation ahead of mine. But, the fact that I am not currently throwing up is a good sign. So, if you feel so inclined, please pray for me and wish me luck as I take a deep breath, strut myself to the front of the classroom and show them who's boss!

WFMW - Stinky Sweater

I've never joined up on Works for me Wednesday before because I didn't really feel like I have anything amazing to share. I enjoy reading some of the tips that are posted and have made use of many of them. But today when I realized it was being posted as backwards edition, I decided to do so because I have a dilemma and I need help!

I have a stinky sweater. I got it for Christmas and the make up is 60% acrylic, 25% nylon and 15% wool. APPARENTLY, the tag says hand was only in cold water. Well, folks, I don't always read the care instructions on my clothing in time. I washed the sweater in the machine and now it stinks. Like musty, nasty stink. I have tried hand washing since then, hoping to get the stink out. It still stinks. Does it stink because I put it in the washing machine? I really love the sweater and it wasn't exactly cheap so I don't want to hear that it's doomed to stinkdom for the rest of its life. Does anyone, ANYONE, have any suggestions as to how I can un-stinkify my dear sweater?


Check out We Are That Family for more Works For Me Wednesday Dilemmas.