Today was the day Josh decided to open his other bottle of rootbeer. We were ready for it this time we even made sure we were at the sink.
Please let me know if the video does not work. Thanks.
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
SEWING UP A STORM
Living in the far north we are almost guaranteed that there will be days during the Christmas holidays when it is just too cold to venture outside. Before the kids came home for the holidays I told each of the girls to pick out a sewing pattern and buy all the necessary materials to make a garment over the holidays. We had lots of fun, and a little aggravation, creating these fabulous garments. 
Great job girls.
Great job girls.
CHRISTMAS - PART 3
As usual, Oscar was very excited about opening presents. He didn't bother with any of the presents under the tree until the stockings were opened - then everything was free game. He really enjoyed opening his present.
After the presents were done he collapsed in his new bed.
One of the highlights of our Christmas dinner was having Naomi cook the turkey, complete with bacon. Mmmmmm. The turkey was awesome.
Meanwhile, Brian, Hannah and Josh were working hard on preparing the potatoes.
A couple days after Christmas Josh decided to use the rootbeer making kit Santa brought. It was great fun mixing it all together. 
It was only a couple days before Josh was able to enjoy his creation. It was very funny because when he went to open the bottle it literally opened with a bang. The rootbeer started flowing all over the counter and he was madly trying to get the cap back on to no avail. But after a quick cleanup he was able to relax and enjoy his creation.
After the presents were done he collapsed in his new bed.
One of the highlights of our Christmas dinner was having Naomi cook the turkey, complete with bacon. Mmmmmm. The turkey was awesome.
Meanwhile, Brian, Hannah and Josh were working hard on preparing the potatoes.
A couple days after Christmas Josh decided to use the rootbeer making kit Santa brought. It was great fun mixing it all together. 
It was only a couple days before Josh was able to enjoy his creation. It was very funny because when he went to open the bottle it literally opened with a bang. The rootbeer started flowing all over the counter and he was madly trying to get the cap back on to no avail. But after a quick cleanup he was able to relax and enjoy his creation.
Friday, December 25, 2009
MERRY CHRISTMAS - PART 2
Since it's Christmas everyone has been taking the opportunity to relax and just enjoy some quiet time. We bought a set of books for each of the kids. Hannah and Josh opened theirs early simply because Josh needed to read a novel for his english class and I was sure he would enjoy the ones we bought for him (which he did, by the way).
Oscar is in heaven with all the family home. He hasn't been feeling all that great. But is very content to have everyone here.
Oscar went nuts when I sat down with a gingerbread cookie. He scampered over top of Naomi and her book, hopped up on the arm of the couch and stared intently at my cookie waiting for a small morsel.
Josh has picked up an amazing talent for spinning a basketball. Hopefully all my christmas ornaments will be safe. LOL.
Oscar is in heaven with all the family home. He hasn't been feeling all that great. But is very content to have everyone here.
Oscar went nuts when I sat down with a gingerbread cookie. He scampered over top of Naomi and her book, hopped up on the arm of the couch and stared intently at my cookie waiting for a small morsel.
Josh has picked up an amazing talent for spinning a basketball. Hopefully all my christmas ornaments will be safe. LOL.
MERRY CHRISTMAS - PART 1
Merry Christmas everyone!
I began taking pictures this week and realized that I still had some pictures left from the beginning of December. When I decided it was time to put the lights up outside I discovered that we had been in a bit of a hurry when we disassembled them last year. Hence the rats nest:
On December 24th I took this picture from our back door at 9:00 am. The picture makes it look lighter outside than it really is. So happy that the days will be getting longer from here on.
This past week has been busy with a variety of different activities. Including watching movies, playing on the computer, and baking.
I made ginger sparklers and skor shortbread:
Josh made some very delicious and nutritious sugar cookies. He used some whole wheat flour just to see what would happen and they turned out fabulous.
The girls iced the cookies. They are very creative.
I also whipped up some gingerbread men while the kids were still in bed yesterday morning.
Naomi tried her hand at making caramel popcorn and discovered that she is very good at it. Another delicious treat.
Of course no Christmas is complete without chocolate. Candycane chocolate bark, almond bark and almond berry clusters:
I began taking pictures this week and realized that I still had some pictures left from the beginning of December. When I decided it was time to put the lights up outside I discovered that we had been in a bit of a hurry when we disassembled them last year. Hence the rats nest:
On December 24th I took this picture from our back door at 9:00 am. The picture makes it look lighter outside than it really is. So happy that the days will be getting longer from here on.
This past week has been busy with a variety of different activities. Including watching movies, playing on the computer, and baking.
I made ginger sparklers and skor shortbread:
Josh made some very delicious and nutritious sugar cookies. He used some whole wheat flour just to see what would happen and they turned out fabulous.
The girls iced the cookies. They are very creative.
I also whipped up some gingerbread men while the kids were still in bed yesterday morning.
Naomi tried her hand at making caramel popcorn and discovered that she is very good at it. Another delicious treat.
Of course no Christmas is complete without chocolate. Candycane chocolate bark, almond bark and almond berry clusters:
Monday, November 30, 2009
BIG BUSINESS NABS ANOTHER ONE
We are just elated today. We found out that Josh has his first job. He is starting at Staples today. I know he is excited too. Good luck Josh. I know you will do well.
UPDATE: He was told by one man that he had a job, but it turned out to be an interview. So, he will have to keep looking.
UPDATE: He was told by one man that he had a job, but it turned out to be an interview. So, he will have to keep looking.
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
WHAT GOES THERE???
Since Brian and I have become empty nesters we have noticed a few things that are dramatically different around our house. One being the decrease in the number of dirty dishes. When the kids are home the dishwasher is operating once or twice a day. With just us we put everything in, even the pots and run it maybe once a day. Another thing is the quietness in the house. I've even taken to listening to radio stations on the satellite just to fill in the quietness. The cost of groceries has gone down dramatically too - our bill at the store is half of the usual amount. But one of the first things we noticed was that we no longer needed a large garbage can in the kitchen - it was taking so long to fill it that it was too smelly. So the last time I was in Whitehorse I invested in a small can for the house and a large can for outside. Apparently there is some creature outside that likes the improvements we've made, although I'm sure he also finds them very frustrating. Since I know how diligent animals can be at getting into garbage cans, I bought one that is designed to stop animals. Therefore, we frequently find the garbage bag on the outside of the can in tatters. I wonder how long until the dog, or fox, realizes that plastic is not in any of the food groups and is not supplying him any nutrition?
Saturday, October 31, 2009
WINTER WONDERLAND
Today, much to Oscar's disgust, we woke up to gently falling snow. I love being at home with the wood stove crackling while the snow is falling. It is so peaceful. Here are a couple pictures taken from the doorway of our house. Beautiful, isn't it?
Thursday, October 29, 2009
HALF WAY THERE!
Today I wrote my kinesiology exam. It was quite intense. I studied hard for over a week. The course was covering the following, plus a whole lot more. It is very indepth.
Now that it is over with it is time to focus on the next part of the course. I am used to writing one exam per course, so having a midterm is throwing me off. It feels as though I should be done and moving on to something else.
So, if you have been wondering why I have not been very responsive to emails, blogs and phone calls it is because I have been consumed by studying. Taking 3 courses is definitely taking up a good portion of my time.
The course isn't over, but at least I have a reprieve before finals hit in December.
Now that it is over with it is time to focus on the next part of the course. I am used to writing one exam per course, so having a midterm is throwing me off. It feels as though I should be done and moving on to something else.So, if you have been wondering why I have not been very responsive to emails, blogs and phone calls it is because I have been consumed by studying. Taking 3 courses is definitely taking up a good portion of my time.
The course isn't over, but at least I have a reprieve before finals hit in December.
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
3 MINUTES OF FAME
Last weekend Brian was in town for a school training session. Since he was in anyways, he decided to stay an extra day and participate in the Yukon Emergency Medical Services skills competition. He was on a team with our local supervisor, Tim, and another man from Carcross. His moment in the spot light was captured for all to see (he's holding the patient's head):
Sunday, October 18, 2009
BECOMING STUPIDER BY THE DAY!
(Oh, I crack myself up. LOL.)
Somehow I neglected to tell the saga of Naomi having her wisdom teeth extracted. This occurred at the end of September. It was quite an event for her and I was very disappointed that I could not be there with her. However, Cory managed to get back to Kamloops and hold her hand while she endured the pain. (I just had to throw in a picture of her actually working in the shop.)
Now it is time for Hannah to have her wisdom teeth removed. She went to our regular dentist back in September and they wanted her to leave them in for another year. However, her retainer has been getting quite tight as the wisdom teeth push all her other ones around. So, I phoned the orthodontist and was very fortunate to get them while they were in Whitehorse. They squished her in and he wants the teeth removed before they undo all the work the braces did. We are also very fortunate that the oral surgeon will be in Whitehorse at the end of October. And guess what? They had room for Hannah. So, with much fear and trepidation she is facing the same fate as Naomi in 2 more weeks. November 1 is d-day for her. Mwahaha! 
Somehow I neglected to tell the saga of Naomi having her wisdom teeth extracted. This occurred at the end of September. It was quite an event for her and I was very disappointed that I could not be there with her. However, Cory managed to get back to Kamloops and hold her hand while she endured the pain. (I just had to throw in a picture of her actually working in the shop.)
Now it is time for Hannah to have her wisdom teeth removed. She went to our regular dentist back in September and they wanted her to leave them in for another year. However, her retainer has been getting quite tight as the wisdom teeth push all her other ones around. So, I phoned the orthodontist and was very fortunate to get them while they were in Whitehorse. They squished her in and he wants the teeth removed before they undo all the work the braces did. We are also very fortunate that the oral surgeon will be in Whitehorse at the end of October. And guess what? They had room for Hannah. So, with much fear and trepidation she is facing the same fate as Naomi in 2 more weeks. November 1 is d-day for her. Mwahaha! 
Saturday, October 17, 2009
CAN'T GET OUT OF BED
Recently Brian and I decided that it was time to buy a new duvet as ours was getting past its prime. So I scoured the internet for deals and finally decided on one. However, just a new duvet wasn't all that was required. We also decided it was time to replace the cover. This involved another indepth internet search. We finally decided on the cover we wanted and made the order. It came in the mail yesterday. So, despite my migraine, I set about getting it all put together. The result is a bed so comfy that it is really difficult to get out of it. The new duvet turned out to be quite luxurious, making me feel like I'm sleeping in a very posh hotel. If I didn't have this exam next week, I would probably still be laying in bed, relaxing. However, duty calls and I cannot do that. Next trip in to Whitehorse I will be shopping for material for curtains, and new lamps to complete the look.
Sunday, September 6, 2009
THIS ONE'S FOR YOU, DAWN
Dawn, so sorry I didn't get around to posting these recipes before, but here they are at last.
CHICKEN SOUP
I boil chicken, or turkey, bones until the meat falls off the bones. You will have to replenish the water as you go. Sometimes I add onions and celery to the water. After the bones are cool enough to handle remove all the bones and keep the liquid and meat. Then I just add chopped potatoes, carrots, onions, and peas, (or whatever you want). I throw in 2 packets of chicken oxo and salt and pepper to taste. Then just let it cook.
You can add a flour/water mix to make it thicker, or just add enough vegetables to make it more like a stew if you want.
BEEF BARLEY SOUP
(one of my favourites and it's actually out of a recipe book. LOL)
2 tsp oil
1 onion, chopped
2 carrots, sliced
2 stalks celery, sliced
2 cups cubed, peeled rutabaga (I only add this if I have it - I usually use potatos)
1/4 cup pot or pearl barley
1/4 tsp each dried thyme, dillweed and pepper
1 can beef stock (or use oxo and water)
1 1/2 cups cooked cubed beef
In large saucepan heat oil over medium heat; cook onion, celery, carrots & potato for about 3 minutes or until onion is softened.
Stir in barley, thyme, dillweed and pepper until barley is coated.
Stir in meat, beef stock and 3 cups water; bring to boil.
Cover and reduce heat to simmer.
Cook for about 45 minutes or until barley is tender.
Okay, now I am craving soup! Hope these work for you.
CHICKEN SOUP
I boil chicken, or turkey, bones until the meat falls off the bones. You will have to replenish the water as you go. Sometimes I add onions and celery to the water. After the bones are cool enough to handle remove all the bones and keep the liquid and meat. Then I just add chopped potatoes, carrots, onions, and peas, (or whatever you want). I throw in 2 packets of chicken oxo and salt and pepper to taste. Then just let it cook.
You can add a flour/water mix to make it thicker, or just add enough vegetables to make it more like a stew if you want.
BEEF BARLEY SOUP
(one of my favourites and it's actually out of a recipe book. LOL)
2 tsp oil
1 onion, chopped
2 carrots, sliced
2 stalks celery, sliced
2 cups cubed, peeled rutabaga (I only add this if I have it - I usually use potatos)
1/4 cup pot or pearl barley
1/4 tsp each dried thyme, dillweed and pepper
1 can beef stock (or use oxo and water)
1 1/2 cups cooked cubed beef
In large saucepan heat oil over medium heat; cook onion, celery, carrots & potato for about 3 minutes or until onion is softened.
Stir in barley, thyme, dillweed and pepper until barley is coated.
Stir in meat, beef stock and 3 cups water; bring to boil.
Cover and reduce heat to simmer.
Cook for about 45 minutes or until barley is tender.
Okay, now I am craving soup! Hope these work for you.
Saturday, September 5, 2009
CAMPING TRIP
Now that Brian and I are kid-free, we decided to go out an enjoy ourselves. So, on Thursday we headed out camping. We meandered down the South Canol Highway to Quiet Lake. The drive took us through nothing but wilderness. It's only about 130km from Ross River, but takes about 3 1/2 hours to drive it.
The scenery along the way was gorgeous with all the fall colours.
When we arrived at Quiet Lake, it was very quiet, but it was raining. We were feeling a little glum about camping in the rain until we saw the dining shelter. Since we were the only ones at the campground we made ourselves at home. We took over the shelter with all our gear. 
We set the tent up near the wood stove and were toasty all night.
Brian got right to work chopping wood to get the fire going.
Oscar was very happy there was a wood stove to curl up by. Like us, he doesn't like the rain much.
Unfortunately with all the rain, Oscar tended to be a little muddy. He had to be wiped off before he could go in the tent.
After we had enjoyed a steak dinner with steak marinated in the sauce Naomi brought from Ireland. Delicious. And all the work was done we were able to relax by the fire.
Friday morning we put the canoe in the lake and trolled around hoping for fish. However, apparently there are no fish in the lake. LOL.
On the way home we stopped for some grouse along the road. I actually killed my first grouse. I'm such a redneck. YAY! It was so good.
We had a fabulous time just meandering around the country. We are looking forward to more of the same.
The scenery along the way was gorgeous with all the fall colours.
When we arrived at Quiet Lake, it was very quiet, but it was raining. We were feeling a little glum about camping in the rain until we saw the dining shelter. Since we were the only ones at the campground we made ourselves at home. We took over the shelter with all our gear. 
We set the tent up near the wood stove and were toasty all night.
Brian got right to work chopping wood to get the fire going.
Oscar was very happy there was a wood stove to curl up by. Like us, he doesn't like the rain much.
Unfortunately with all the rain, Oscar tended to be a little muddy. He had to be wiped off before he could go in the tent.
After we had enjoyed a steak dinner with steak marinated in the sauce Naomi brought from Ireland. Delicious. And all the work was done we were able to relax by the fire.
Friday morning we put the canoe in the lake and trolled around hoping for fish. However, apparently there are no fish in the lake. LOL.
On the way home we stopped for some grouse along the road. I actually killed my first grouse. I'm such a redneck. YAY! It was so good.
We had a fabulous time just meandering around the country. We are looking forward to more of the same.
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
WATCH OUT WORLD
Yesterday Hannah took her road test in Whitehorse. My heart was beating a hundred beats a minute at least while she was out on the test. It took her 2 full years to complete her 50 hours of driving time. LOL. She is a very good driver, but she just doesn't like to drive. She was so relieved to pass because now she never has to drive again. She even told the driving instructor that. LOL.
Congratulations Hannah! We are very proud of you.
Congratulations Hannah! We are very proud of you.
CHANGES
Yesterday was the day we became empty nesters. After leaving Naomi in Kamloops in August, we left Hannah and Josh at the dorms yesterday. Both the kids were excited to be at the dorms. Hannah was ecstatic to be with her beloved Ben again.
Josh was completely settled in, playing video games with his new roommate and his friends from Ross.
While they were having the time of their lives, Brian and I were driving back from Whitehorse. The house is strangely quiet this morning - not that I'm complaining. I think this new chapter in our lives will be interesting for all of us.
Josh was completely settled in, playing video games with his new roommate and his friends from Ross.
While they were having the time of their lives, Brian and I were driving back from Whitehorse. The house is strangely quiet this morning - not that I'm complaining. I think this new chapter in our lives will be interesting for all of us.
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