Birthday treats !!!

For some time now Ana has had a plan to go over to Mrs. Tonkin's house to decorate cakes.  Once Mrs. Tonkin was given the heads up to this plan of hers...a date was set !!  They decided that Keisha & Anthony's birthday would be a great reason.  So I whipped up some lovely lemon cupcakes and Ana packed up her supplies and waited & waited for what seemed like a life time for Mrs. Tonkin to finish work !  Finally it was time & off she went......

She had a great time and has been invited back, which is lovely !!  Keish & Anthony were really thankful and LOVED her work !!!  This year we've celebrated their birthday twice.  Once with Grandma Chris & the Aunties down in Victoria.....

where we had a special lunch at Montana's with cake & crazy horn hats !  Then off to the cinema to see the latest Harry Potter.

 And then again to day.  It just so happened that their birthday landed on the busiest night of the week for us. So today we've had birthday breakfast, birthday treat with their classes, after school birthday cupcakes, birthday roast beast dinner and finally last but not least more birthday cupcakes ! 

It's been a lovely day even if it's been a bit hurried.  Happy Birthday my Loves !!!

Privacy.....

After much internal dialogue I have decided to switch are online journal/blog over to invite only.  This has not been a simple decision on my part.

When I first started blogging my intention was for it be an online scrapbook of sorts for my children ( my plan is to have each couple of years printed & bound) and an inexpensive way for our family & friends to keep up with our day to day life.  However, over the last several months I find myself struggling with what to say or not say.  It's seem like every time I turn around there is another story/incident of the authorities using blogging as amo in their investigations.  Then there are those who seem to delight in just being rude & nasty.  Let's not leave out the random people stealing content from others for their own purposes!  Since I have little trust in the system and don't want to use aliases....I think this is the best option.

Thirteen !

Anthony ( Tony) David Williams Shepley

( Spring 2003 - 3yrs)

( 2008 - Our last summer in Alberta)

( 2009 - Camp Homewood )

( 2010 )

Thirteen

Keisha Maria Williams Shepley

  ( Feb'01 - 3yrs + 2.5 months)

( 2003 )

( 2008 - photo shoot with Aunty Vanessa)

( 2009 - Camp Homewood)

( 2010 )

Granola grades 4/5/6 style....

This morning my school kids & I made a double batch of granola for some upcoming projects.  I've tried several recipies over the years.  I think I've found a keeper.....

Homemade Granola

2 1/2 cups regular or quick-cooking oats
1 cup shredded coconut
1/3 cup seeds of your choice ( I like flax & sunflower)
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup butter
1/4 honey
1 1/2 tsp. vanilla
1 cup dried fruit
1 cup nuts

Preheat oven to 350 degrees

1. Combine oats, coconut, seeds, nuts & dried fruit
2. In a small sauce pan combine the remaining ingredients over medium heat until bubbley
3. Drizzle over dry ingredients & stir until thoroughly coated
4. Spread mixture onto two baking sheets
5. Bake until golden ( 10 -15 minutes)
6. Remove from pan into heat resistant bowl & allow to cool completely

Some quiet Sunday moments.....

The goodies are starting to be......

.......packaged up !!!

I spy....

Homeschooling group - Wednesdays

Wreath making.....listening......helping.....playing......sharing.....reading.....confidence building......

creating.....talking......turn taking.......being patient.......laughing.......peaceful learning....... 

Playing, baking, learning, laughing, puppy loving....

.........all before 10 am !

Playin in the rain.

( Stories Beach, Port Hardy B.C.)

We remember.......

Winds blow, poppies grow, in November we remember long ago and far away many died to keep us free from wars fought so distructively. Now we wear poppies for all to see.

                                                                                                           - author Kristen Quigley