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

To say I'm annoyed would be an understatement !!!

I AM SO TIRED OF ADULTS ACTING BADLY !!!!!

Typically I'm the kind of person who tries her best to give people the benefit of the doubt.  To try and see both sides of the situation.  To a fault at times!

It seems lately that everywhere I turn I'm either witnessing or hearing about yet another incident of people who work with children acting VERY poorly.  Then it's topped off by everyone involved trying to shift responsibility by sticking their heads in the sand or trying to shift the blame/responsibility onto someone else.

I'm so tired of keeping my opinion to myself, towing the line and making excuses.  I am in no way perfect.  I have made decisions that I regret.  I have made mistakes that I have needed to apologize and take responsibility for.

I have been told several time that my expectations are too high for people to reach.  You know what, after years of questioning whether this is true...I've decided that I don't care.  I want people that choose to work with others, who choose to be responsible for other and those people who are responsible for them to buck up and get control of themselves.  Stopped screaming at children !  Start following the rules of conduct you signed up for ! Think before you speak and remember that you are a role model whether you like it or not !!

Lots of munching & Penquins marching

After a really smooth day we've decided to end it with a family movie, our blankies & some homemade snacks.  My big boy headed off into the night on his own to Junior Rangers.  It's hard to believe he's almost 13 !!!

The way to his heart and ever lasting loyalty.......

( yesterdays crisp with vanilla yogurt)

I Love the feeling of being productive !!

( Chocolate Chip Flax Cookies)

( Pumpkin Bread  & Oatmeal Wholewheat Blueberry Flax Muffins )

( Apple Raspberry Blueberry Crisp )

( Pumpkin Muffins)

( Lasagna )

I sure do.......

- like feeling like I'm getting closer to being emotionally healed.

- feel secure when my fridge, freezer's & cupboards are full

- like having no debt.

- like feeling like we have roots in our new community.

- LOVE this boy.....Anthony's best bud is a perfect addition to our family !

- dislike adults acting badly around my kids.

- like knowing I have the freedom of choice.

- feel supported.

- like reminiscing with my kids over " Bill Nye the Science Guy" DVD's.

- miss spending more time with my niece & nephew's.

- enjoy watching my little boy push his boundaries.....

- miss my sister's.

- am looking forward to catching up with friends & family in Victoria soon.

- am thankful it hasn't snowed yet.....

- Love that I started this online journal !!

Up & Down, Up & Down

Well, today's the first home day in several weeks.  Over the last week & a half we've made two trips down island for dental appointments.  Ana still has one more to go in a few weeks.  Ana like many little ones I know with poor prenatal care, has very weak enamel on her baby teeth.  Despite eating really well, brushing her teeth & on going dental care..her poor little teeth just rot !  In the last week & a half she has had three of her upper teeth removed & several fillings.  Her next appointment she will be having an upper spacing appliance installed.  She was so brave and with the help of a little sedation she did amazingly well !!

While my girl & I were in Nanaimo the rest of the clan was hanging with the amazing Nana Val in Comox. On this last trip I had planned a little fun family time.  After dropping Piper off at the kennel & checking into our motel we heading to Shamrock Farm's to stock up on sweet pumpkins.

This morning I started on my Christmas baking.  I have stacks of recipies ready to go and really not a lot of time to get it started.  I'm a little worried that maybe I've over committed myself.....oh well !  If need be I'll modify my plans as I go if necessary.  Today it's....snowballs & some of the cookie doughs that require being chilled & are happy to sit in the fridge until I can get to them !!!