31 Days to Clean

Thursday, 29 March 2012

Cozy day

Today we had 'one of those' mornings, and I needed to just step back and change things to get some peace in our home.

We made some warm cinnamon apple muffins with granola topping and cuddled together while reading the Prince and the Pauper. Much better :)

Tuesday, 27 March 2012

Messy Lasagna

Friday, 23 March 2012

Mmm

BBQ fish, lemon rice, and veggies!

Monday, 19 March 2012

A day for the books! Or the Blog :)

All day my kids kept saying 'mom, are you going to blog about this?'. How could I say no to them? :)

This morning we were marveling at God's beauty with the fog still rolling in the fields and the sun showing it's brilliance above, absolutely stunning. Of course we had to be outside and enjoy it. We didn't take a 'break' last week since we ran a Worship Camp, so I had the kids still do some school while I was preparing each day. So this week we are going to add some extra fun to our days!

First, we learned about Saskatchewan together, which was more fun than j thought it would be. Then we dove into microwaves, mostly how they work and how they were invented, the videos we found on this were interesting! After this, we spoke and sang in Spanish, which is always a fun time, and finally, the kids took turns with their typing class and played outside.

So far this doesn't seem very exciting I know, but it really was!

I decided to try BBQ-ing (for the first time) and grilled us up some hot dogs :) and made a homemade salad dressing for our spinach salad- delicious!

After we were energized we went on a biking adventure. The road we choose happened to be all torn up, but we continued on.

Last year when we went biking, I would sometimes bike at the front and then wait for the kids to catch up, then continue. Today, I was at the back of the pack to start and quite glad for it! I caught up to them once we got to the hills though:)

We took part of the Cataraqui Trail and soon realized this adventure was going to get messy! Some wanted to turn around and go home, but we kept going! Through big mud puddles, soaking wet muddy grass and just a big mess we biked! Once we got to the end we realized, we still had to bike all the way back home!

It seemed to go much quicker until... Rachel's chain came off....

After we all oiled our hands quite well trying to put it back on we came to the conclusion that we were not going to get it on. So Rachel took my bike and I jogged with hers- my training is paying off :)!

After just over a kilometer I was very happy to see a young man outside his house working. He kindly helped us, with the assistance of tools, and we were on the road again.

I must say, we all have a greater appreciation for pavement and the wonderful work that Tim does :)

The cookies just came out of the oven to thank the young man for his help! I don't think I could have kept up much longer.

Today's adventure is not yet over, as the clothes dry on the line, Ryan sits with a new friend playing guitar, and Rachel works away at a puzzle, we are all thankful and refreshed by this gifted day from God!

Friday, 9 March 2012

Nothing is impossible!

Oh it feels so great! I really never thought this was possible! But,with God all things are possible!

Today is day 9 in a row for my running, jogging is probably a more appropriate word :).

I started out doing 2km mixing walking and jogging, and today I am up to 3.5 km jogging the whole time! So exciting!

To put it into a better perspective of my speed I'll let you know some numbers.

Ryan did 5km in 27 minutes while I did 3.5 km in 27 min 37 seconds (he passed me in my last 500 meters! But that's ok! I'm still happy with the results!

We've signed up for a run in July- a 5km for me and Ryan is thinking of training for the 10km!

Remember nothing is impossible with Jesus Christ!

(note in photo: I did have coat, mots and hat on when i ran, but I had to cool off!)

Thursday, 8 March 2012

Wonderful Day

I love days like today where the air is crisp and fresh, smelling of Spring! When a morning run fills your Senses with awe of The Creator.

Piano lessons where little fingers tap the keys even better than the time before and music starts to fill the room.

Straggly hair gets a fresh cut and a handsome little fellow emerges from underneath.

Soup simmers in the crockpot after fresh veggies and things have been chopped and prepared, warming my nose and my heart with the smell.

Grandma and Grandpa come by for a surprise visit.

And afternoons are spent curled up with good books in hand taking us away to places afar.

God is good.

Isaiah 63:7 I will tell of the kindnesses of the LORD, the deeds for which he is to be praised, according to all the LORD has done for us--yes, the many good things he has done for the house of Israel, according to his compassion and many kindnesses.

Tuesday, 6 March 2012

Please pray with me

Struggles in our home are really testing me.

Today I am thankful that I woke up early to spend time at the feet of Jesus.

I am also thankful that ...."Each time he said, "My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness." So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me." 2 Corinthians 12:19

His strength. Because I don't have any.

And I am thankful today for friends.

Friday, 2 March 2012

New Favourite Thing

On pinterest I found this beautiful idea!

I always dread between 3:00-4:00 when my mind has to start thinking...what will I feed my family tonight? Trying to have something delicious, healthy, and FAST!

Some days, at least half of the week! We are running out the door right after a meal, so there isn't a lot of time to prepare and eat...unless I think ahead enough to know what I'm going to make!

We've tried making different meal plans before, tried writing out our meals for the week in advance, but I always found it so time consuming, and often times repetitive, and seemingly pointless!

When I saw this idea I got really excited and made our own! I have high hopes for this method in our family.. I like that meals are pre planned, but I don't have to write or type them out. I like that they are easy to switch, and it will even look nice on my wall:)

Do you pre plan your meals? How does it work in your home?