Saturday, October 29, 2011

Advent Wreath

Aside from occassionally opening a calendar of plastic-like chocolates, I haven't done much in the past to prepare for Advent. Now with a family I'd like to start some traditions and thought this wreath was a simple and unique idea. It's handmade by the 15 year-old son of the author of this book I've written about, and 100% of the proceeds go to Compassion. You can't go wrong. There are a limited number so incase you're interested in getting one, you should move quickly. I'm looking forward to the memories and lessons that our family will share together.

Wednesday, October 26, 2011

Living Simply.... part one

This is something I've wanted to write about for a LONG time. I feel like I have so much to say and yet have no idea how to articulate it all, so please bear with me and my ramblings. No doubt there will be many posts on this topic. This is not something I've written much about on my blog, but I am a follower of Jesus. Growing up with all things Christian my entire life, it's always been part of me. To make a long story short I have struggled with that label and my whole relationship with God for a good decade at least. I think it began in my university days. I decided to go to a Christian university (whatever a "Christian" anything means) and each year when my eight months were done, I worked at a Christian camp and back and forth I would go with a three month break living in Zambia working at a... you guessed it... Christian school. Basically I became pretty jaded about God, didn't know how to have a relationship with him, didn't really know what difference he made in my life. I knew a lot of the time I was faking it so assumed that many around me must be doing the same. I knew in chapel I was supposed to have this intense look on my face when I was singing, possibly if I was brave to raise my hands when the emotional bridge came along. I knew the Bible studies to join, the prayers to pray, the things to say. But I got tired of it. In some ways I still am quite tired of it and am generally not a huge fan of most things part of the Christian culture. I have struggled, wondering if Jesus was really for me, if I was only part of this only because it's what I grew up with. I have more doubts than I ever have, more questions, more things that annoy me. Sometimes I feel pretty messed up and discouraged on this journey, but in the midst of the mess I know that I really do want to follow Jesus. Much of the other crap associated with Christianity I'm willing to leave behind, but Jesus? Yes, I'll follow Him.

Okay, that was a long preamble. One of the main things I think (let's be honest, I know) that Jesus teaches is about our relationship with money, giving generously to those in need and living simply. For the most part, I think Christ followers in our culture, myself definitely included, could get a big fat FAIL on that one. I struggle with it everyday and yet more and more it's something that's stirring in me, something I desire for myself and my family, my community. It's something I think that anyone who calls themself a follower of Jesus needs to get on board with and start taking seriously. We make a lot of money. We are rich. In fact, we are in the top 1% wealthiest in the world and I'm guessing almost everyone reading this is there or somewhere close. And yet I am greedy, I want more, I want more stuff, a bigger house, more savings. Even with it being top of mind I am constantly failing. Heck, I've lived among some of the world's poorest people. Yes, I'm one of the few that have seen it firsthand and yet I still fall into our culture's trap of wanting more. We give a lot of money away but that is only just a start. I need to intentionally be making decisions about my lifestyle as to whether they will benefit me, or others who are in need. I want to live simply and I want to be part of a community that wants the same. I think it's pretty hard to do on your own. But I'm discouraged with myself and those around me. I really think we've messed up on this one. No happy conclusion and many more thoughts on this one to come, but for now I'll leave you with a blog post from someone who is gets it a lot more than I do. It left me with a lot to think about.

Wednesday, October 19, 2011

Back to Work

Recently, after over a year and a half, I've been able to put my teacher hat back on. While I've primarily decided to stay home with my boys, I've decided that supply teaching once or twice a week is good for all of us. The boys go to a wonderful babysitter from our church who watches children in her home, where they are interacting with other kids and learning a lot. Getting out with twin toddlers is tough so aside from a few playdates, social events and church on Sunday they usually just have each other. It's also been good for me to do something else I love outside of the home. I've really been enjoying it. I am pretty much just working at my school so most of the kids know me, the routines are familiar and the staff are friends. Sitting the staff room, socializing for an hour at lunch is glorious and a real treat. While supply teaching is a little different than the usual teaching gig, it reminds me that I really do love my job. It's funny to me that teaching 25 kids can feel like a break from 2 toddlers, but it is.

But even after working only 6 days so far in this school year, it is crystal clear to me that I am not cut out to work full time outside the home. As a twin mom, a common thing I hear is "I have no idea how you do it" and that's my thoughts towards moms who work outside the home everyday. Because Joel generally does drop off and pick up I see my boys for less than 2 hours a day when I work. I don't like that. It doesn't feel right. We've since bought a second set of car seats so I can pick them up earlier on some days which will add a few hours to our day together. While every family has to make the decision that works best for them, I know that my heart is at home with my boys. To keep my job I'm required to go back to some degree next September so we will have some decisions to make. I love the flexibility I currently having by picking and choosing when and if I work and someone who will watch the boys when needed. I know it's a very unique situation. As the school year continues I'll figure out if I want to cut back and won't go over my self-proclaimed maximum of twice a week. I'm thankful to be part of such a wonderful profession but ultimately that I get to do the best job in the world as a mom.

Thursday, October 13, 2011

Why I Don't Own a Smartphone

Is that what they're called? I'm so out of the technology loop. Rumour has it that Blackberry was down yesterday and many people were faced with the dilemma of how to keep on living without their little devices connecting them with the world. How did they tell the time? Know what to do next? Text their friends? Do business? People are often buzzing about the latest iPhone on Facebook (I know we're on #4 now, right?) and the amazing new things it can do, who's going to line up for it, etc. It's hard to go anywhere these days and not see someone staring at their little device. I, however, seem to be one of the few people without one. I am clearly behind the times. I have an old-school PC pay-as-you-go cell phone I use for emergencies, if I really need to contact someone when out or occassionally call Joel from the grocery store to find out if we need milk. More recently I've even sent a few text messages, albeit brief ones as I don't have a proper keypad. I think I've maybe sent 10 or so in my entire life! As much as I want to be the cool kid on the block I've decided, at least for now, not to join the wonderful world of smartphones. Here's why...

1. I'm cheap and they are expensive. As far I can tell you can't get a plan for under $50 a month, most much more than that (please enlighten me if I'm wrong!). I don't like spending money and would much rather pay my $20 every few months for my pay-as-you-go deal.

2. I'm too afraid of getting addicted. I already waste too much time on my computer. I don't have a laptop so it's not like I can be on it all day but when I can I find I let it suck away too much of my time and energy. There's something nice about having a message in your inbox, and add text messaging to that, I wouldn't trust myself to not always be checking.

3. Along those lines, I see how attached some people are and I don't like it. I find it irritating being at a social event or family gathering and someone is on their phone. Is it really that important? Barring an emergency can't you just engage with the people that are in front of you in real life? One of the saddest things is seeing two people eating in a restaurant, both on their phones or a parent glued to them while supposedly hanging out with their kids. That being said, most of my friends have them and seem to be able to use them in moderation. It can be done!

4. I just don't need to be in contact with people that badly. The phone and internet work for me. I spend a lot of time at home and I don't need one for my job. I know people use them for work which I get. Joel has one but doesn't really use it after work hours.

Will I ever own a smartphone? Probably. I imagine that when my little phone eventually dies I won't have many other options. I'm not against them if they are used well. They certainly have their benefits and help people to keep in touch more frequently. My only real issue is when I see them taking away from quality real life interactions and I have enough struggles that I don't need another temptation right now. If you can find me a plan for less than $20 (I know, I'm dreaming) than this deal-lover may be convinced! If you're a Smartphone user, what do you like about it? What issues, if any, do you have with them?

Monday, October 10, 2011

Happy Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is quite possibly my favourite weekend of the year. The fall colours are peaking, delicious turkey dinners are ready to be consumed and there is lots of time with family. But two years ago Thanksgiving day took on a whole new significance. It was the day I took a pregnancy test (or three), certain I wasn't pregnant, only to get the shock of my life. An ultrasound a week or so later revealed that I was going to have not one, but two babies and my life has never been the same. I am still overwhelmed at the two gifts I've been given in my sons and for their amazing dad who I get to do life with everyday. I have much to be grateful for!

Thanksgiving 2009...




Thanksgiving 2010...





Thanksgiving 2011...



Thursday, October 6, 2011

Election Day... again.

Today is our provincial election. It feels like I'm always going to the polls. As I've been moderately been following the lead-up today I've been thinking a lot about whether or not I SHOULD vote. Besides voting for my mayor I think this election affects me most. Being a teacher, the provincial government influences my profession quite a bit. So I've done what I can in the time that I have to try and get informed. Education is my main issue and quite honestly I'm fairly neutral about most others. Our union sent an email with a grid of where the parties stand on issues pertaining to education. I found that they pretty much said the same things. I watched the debate (before my PVR cut it off) and found they all say a lot, but I don't necessarily believe they are going to do anything they say. I tried to get informed in other ways but quite honestly, I had no clear convictions about who to check off on the ballot. I've made a decision but I consider it my "best guess."

I'm married to someone who doesn't vote. He honestly doesn't care. You hear a lot that if you don't vote you have no right to complain and I agree with this. Not once in our 8 years together have I heard him complain about any of that stuff. Someone came to our door recently representing a party and when he told them he wasn't planning to vote the man was appalled. He said he had to do it for our children and his children. I thought that was a bit dramatic. So is it okay not to vote? If you really don't care and are happy to let the people that do, decide? I've come to the conclusion that it is okay. I often hear that voting is a privilege and it's true. But if we don't feel convicted about something I think it's okay not to take advantage of the privilege. We don't live in country run by dictators whose position of power could literally mean life or death for thousands. I think those situations are different. I absolutely believe that everyone should have the right to vote and we should work towards making that happen just like I believe everyone has the right to clean water. But someone without clean water would probably much rather I work towards helping them get some, than drinking water myself just because I can.

I want to have a say in what happens so I vote. I plan to teach my boys about it and keep them informed but ultimately the decision is theirs. That's part of living in a country with freedom. I'm sure not everyone agrees and would love to hear your thoughts.

Tuesday, October 4, 2011

One Thousand Gifts


I’ve been thinking a lot about gratitude this year. It was all sparked by reading about this book on a few friends’ blogs. I was really excited to read it although it ended up taking several months. I found the writing a bit too flowery for my tastes and hard to get through, but loved the concept of it. Like the writer, I struggle with finding joy in my life. Although I’m overall a happy person, it’s easy for me to find the negative in something and I often catch myself being more critical than I’d like. I think discontentment has become a bit of an epidemic in our culture. What’s the antidote? Thankfulness. And not just spouting off a few things we’re thankful for in our bedtime prayers... intentionally hunting for all the good gifts that surround us each day and taking time to acknowledge them.

This morning as I was getting ready to take a shower, I took off the lid to my shaving cream and out poured rusty water all over my freshly washed bathrobe. I was so annoyed and audibly let my frustration be known. After all I had just taken it out of the dryer and would have to throw it back in the wash. Then I caught myself. Seriously? This is what I’m upset about? So I immediately tried to think of things to be thankful for... the invention of the razor and shaving cream, clean water, a bathrobe, a washing machine and dryer (definitely not the norm in most of the world), time in my day to fit in a shower... the list could go on. That simple act of being thankful helped my attitude take a 180 degree turn in a matter of seconds.

But gratitude, at least for me, requires discipline, and disciplines require intentional practice. In the book, the author has been challenged by a friend to write down one thousand gifts that she observes around her and she’s been doing it ever since. Apparently it’s been quite life transforming. So when I finished the book this summer, I decided to try it. I bought a journal and left it open in my kitchen to write down things I was thankful for. Then September came, the journal got closed, never to be re-opened. I got to 17. But I’m ready to start again and intentionally work towards making gratitude a central part of my life. With Thanksgiving weekend coming up, what better time. I want to choose joy and see how my life changes because of it. Anyone want to join the hunt for one thousand gifts?

Monday, October 3, 2011

Workout Train - Halfway There

I'm one month into my two month goal of 22 workouts and I'm happy to be at 13 at the halfway point. October will be a busier month with a few getaways planned and hopefully working a bit more (already have a job booked for Wednesday!) so I'm glad I'm slightly ahead. Last Friday the boys were at the babysitters and I had no job so decided to try hot yoga for the first time. I bought a voucher off of Dealfind for 20 classes for $20!!! To make it even better, a few friends bought the deal which meant Dealfind paid me. They've sent me cheques for a total of $103 so I actually consider the yoga, a haircut and highlights and 3 hours of housecleaning that I bought, all to be free. Yes, fireworks are going off in my deal-loving brain. Anyways, hot yoga was extremely intense. I walked in thinking, "Weird, it's not very hot in here" only to have sweat dripping out of every pore of my body within minutes. I thought I was going to be sick a few times but perservered and was praised, along with my fellow rookies, by the intructor for not giving up. There is someting I love about a good sweat, knowing my body is getting rid of a bunch of toxins. I will definitely be back for more.

Another goal I have from now until Thanksgiving is to watch less TV. By the time the boys are in bed and the house has been tidied we don't feel like doing much so we often relax on the couch with one of our favourite shows. I'm not against TV and I really enjoy the few shows we follow, but this week I want to be intentional about finding other things to do... having deeper conversations, enjoying a glass of wine, reading a book, calling a friend, going to a hot yoga class perhaps! So we're not going to watch any TV in the evenings this week. It occassionally goes on during the day while I fold laundry or the boys eat. Today I was watching part of the leaders debate I had recorded and still have no idea who I'm going to vote for on Thursday. I'm all for relaxing and having some downtime each day and looking forward to finding other ways besides the TV to enjoy it. At the end of my life I'm not going to wish I watched more TV, but there are plenty of others things I will have wanted to invest my time in. Time to change some habits!

Saturday, October 1, 2011

Sweet Potato Shepherd's Pie

My goal for cooking has been a few new recipes every month. This past week, with no teaching jobs on the horizon, I found myself trying several new ones. My Wagjag suscription deal to Canadian Living is paying off! On Thursday I did my biggest one of the week... Sweet Potato Shepherd's Pie. I've never been a huge fan of Shepher's Pie. I think I've always found it bland, but I like that it contains ingredients for a balanced meal for my boys. We also rarely eat beef at home (steak at a restaurant is another story) as I substituted all ground beef for turkey, but I thought the iron would be good. Turns out swapping regular potatoes for sweet potatoes made all the difference in taste for me.


This recipe takes some time (lots of peeling and chopping) and has a long ingredient list. It states 40 minutes of hands-on time but mine was at least double, if not triple that, partly because of the twin toddler factor. But the part that makes it worth it, besides being delicious, is that it makes enough for two pies so you can freeze one for later. I will definitely make this again, probably on a weekend when Joel can help me with the chopping. So here is...



Sweet Potato Shepherd's Pie



2 lb (900 g) extra lean ground beef


3 cloves garlic, minced


1/4 cup tomato paste


3 ribs celery, finely chopped


2 onions, finely chopped


2 carrots, peeled and diced


1 turnip, peeled and diced (my first time cooking with a turnip)


1 sweet green pepper, seeded and diced (I think I used orange instead)


2 bay leaves


1 1/4 t salt


1 t dried thyme


1/4 t ground nutmeg


2 T all-purpose flour


1/2 cup sodium-reduced beef broth


1/4 cup water


1 1/2 t Worcestershire sauce


4 lb (1.8 kg) sweet potatoes, peeled and coarsely chopped (I used 3 large, 2 small to get 4 lbs)


1/3 cup milk


2 T butter


In a dutch oven (I used a large wok), cook beef and garlic over medium heat, breaking up with a spoon, until browned, about 10 minutes. Stir in tomato paste; cook, stirring, for 1 minute.






Stir in celery, onions, carrots, turnip, green pepper, bay leaves, 3/4 tsp of the salt, the thyme, pepper and nutmeg. Cook, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are tender, about 15 minutes (this was perfect for my finely chopped vegetables... might need a bit longer if they're bigger).

Stir in flour; cook, stirring, for 1 minute. Stir in broth, water and Worcestershire sauce; simmer for 3 minutes. Discard bay leaves. Divide between two 8-inch (2 L) square baking dishes.



Meanwhile, in large pot of boiling salted water, cook sweet potatoes until tender, about 12 minutes. Drain and return to pot over medium heat; cook, stirring, until dry, about 1 minute. Stir in milk, butter and remaining salt; mash until smooth (I used an immersion hand blender as I found it hard to get smooth with a regular masher). Spread evenly over each beef mixture.Bake 1 of the pies in 350°F (180°C) oven until bubbly, about 35 minutes. (Make-ahead: Cover remaining pie with plastic wrap then foil and freeze for up to 1 month. Bake, uncovered and frozen, in 350°F/180°C oven for 50 to 60 minutes.)


The half-devoured finished product

*Found in the September issue of Canadian Living*