Snaps

One of the gifts Madison received for Christmas from her Grandma was a new camera. She had tried some cheap cameras before, but nothing as fancy as this one. It's better than mine! Here are some shots she took with her new tool.

Upon seeing his sister snapping away, Kai wanted in on the action. He borrowed my camer and took loads of photos, including the following:

A lovely time had by all

My in-laws were flying into the lower mainland to spend Christmas, so we packed up the kids and headed down there to join the rest of the family. It has been years since we were all together at Christmas and we were looking forward to the kids playing together and eating some world-class turkey dinner.

First we had a day of visiting with some old friends and shopping for gifts for the children at an overcrowded and panicked mall. It was nice to catch up again with our friends, and the shopping was successful in that we came away with enough things for the kids to unwrap come Christmas morning. The kids had been playing with their cousins under the supervision of Kent’s family so we relaxed at their place before heading back out to Mission.

Christmas eve was spent shopping for groceries (Superstore was mobbed!), cooking, and making a gingerbread house with the kids. Kent and I even found time to go out for a run together, and after we cleaned up we opened presents with my Mom and Ken. The kids got lots of great gifts and were so excited to get new stuff. After dinner we piled into the truck and went to look at some lighted houses on the way to an open-house at some friends’. The kids had a blast racing through their big house and playing with the older kids. Kent and I got a tour through the manse, where we drooled over their newly built, beautiful home. The kids got to bed late that night, and I still had to make the pudding for Christmas dinner before I could turn in.

In the morning, Kent and I got up early in anticipation of the kids’ excitement to open presents and see what Santa brought. But the kids slept in until we finally had to wake them! Honestly, they never sleep in on weekends. But up they got and their little eyes shone when they saw the full stockings and presents under Grandma’s little tree. The pudding was done after steaming all night in the crock pot, so I prepared the sauce while the kids played with their new toys, and then we gathered up our wares and set out to Kent’s side for festivities. The minute we arrived we dove into a gift extravaganza with the kids pulling out toys and clothes from the Santa Sacks Bruce and Pam had prepared for them. They got lots of great stuff, including some fancy jewellery and toys from their cousins. We packed them up to go and visit Great Nana, and when we returned it was time for a delicious dinner.

Boxing Day we headed into town to visit friends on the way to my Dad’s. The kids were happy to see their uncle, and proudly showed off their gingerbread house village. Another lovely meal there, with many dessert options, and we the kids were again spoiled with gifts. Driving back to Mission that night, we were marvelling at how well the kids were holding up with all these late bedtimes and so much visiting.

Next day was spent cooking and prepping for Mom’s open house. I’d pre-made some of the food, and the rest was ready with fairly little fuss. The guests started to arrive in the late afternoon, and the kids were wildly excited to entertain them. After some living-room tumbling and recitals, we swept them away to the bedroom to watch a movie while the rest of the party unfolded. Lots of guests came, ate, and chatted into the evening, so I declare a success!

Back home with piles of toys to put away, we are exhausted and looking forward to a few days in our pyjamas before school starts again. Thanks to all our family and friends who hosted us and made time for visits, Christmas truly is about seeing and spending time with our loved ones!

More Christmassy Stuff

Madison and Kai had their Christmas concert at school last week. They had been practicing with their teachers and classmates, and were eager to show their stuff on the stage. Kent and Caylie and I attended the evening performance where the school was mobbed with excited children and bemused parents and grandparents. Madison’s number included a joke by herself, and a rap complete with “cool” poses and dancing. Kai’s number included speaking into the microphone solo, and singing along with his class to welcome everyone to the show.
Caylie’s preschool class also hosted a concert for parents and families. They had prepared several songs and poems, and Caylie decided not to be shy that day. Everything went well and she participated in all the events until Santa made a guest appearance. When it was Caylie’s turn to sit on his knee and receive her present, she balked and wanted nothing to do with him. She refused even to utter a single thank-you from the safety of my arms, but he was forgiving and assured her that she was on the good girl list.

Caylie’s ballet class had a special lesson allowing parents to come into the studio to be the audience for the day. The teacher had prepared special tutus for all the girls to wear and feel extra festive. They did their usual class, but we parents could feel more involved in the dancing. The children have also been preparing for their first Tae Kwon Do test. This week they were honoured to have an audience of Grand Master Park visiting all the way from Edmonton to review their progress. It was a very somber occasion, and the kids were on their very best behaviour. First they performed their pattern in front of the masters, the rest of the students, and assorted parents and relatives. Madison’s pattern went off without a hitch, and Kai and Caylie completed theirs accompanied by a young black belt helper. Then it was time to demonstrate their understanding of the kicks. They showed that they had mastered the front, roundhouse, and ex-side kicks, and then they could relax a bit while the higher belts did their sparring and board breaking. Whew! They were so nervous about the test, but the waiting to find out if they passed and if they get their new belts is even worse!
I also tested later that evening for my first belt and was on pins and needles in anticipation of the results. Then on Saturday’s class each student was called up to hear their scores and receive their new belt. The kids (and I) all passed the test! We’ve all graduated to yellow-stripe belts and can begin work in the new year towards our yellow solid.

So now school is out for the winter break, and we are planning some surprises for the folks we’ll be visiting over Christmas. We’re looking forward to seeing everyone and sharing some food and fun!

How to make a perfectly hideous gingerbread house:

Step 1- Choose a complicated design - Those pre-made kits or cottage style designs are for n00bs. You’re an accomplished domestic and way beyond that! Pick something with dormer windows, covered porches, or octagonal turrets so you can show your talent and really impress everyone.

Step 2 - Who needs a pattern? - And don’t bother to measure either. You don’t need blueprints just for a gingerbread house, a quick sketch should do it. Never mind that the angles of your gables and chimneys could be tricky, this isn’t rocket science. You can always eyeball it while you’re cutting the dough.

Step 3 - Make really intricate cuts - This house is going to be so spectacular! Everyone will be so impressed with your shaped windows with panes and your fancy filigree details. Martha Stewart is going to call you and ask how to make such a fantastic house!

Step 4 - Don’t worry about perfect ion while baking - Darn, the dough keeps stretching out of shape as you transfer your cut pieces to the pan. Oh well, it’ll be fine. You’ll just cover it with icing if it doesn’t match up just so. It’s still going to be awesome. Maybe you should donate it to an orphanage after everyone has seen it so it can bring joy to more people.

Step 5 - Don’t trim the pieces while soft - Oh no! The dough puffed up unevenly and all the fancy cuts you made are puffed over. Oh well, you’ll just add lots of detail with icing later. Now to cool the gingerbread before moving it so it doesn’t break. That would really be a disaster.

Step 6 - Holding the pieces while they dry is really boring - Well, it’s too late to trim the pieces after they’ve cooled because now they’re rock hard. So just stick them together with icing anyway, and nobody will notice where the gaps are. But it’s taking so long for the icing to dry. Luckily you read somewhere that you can prop them all with pop cans and come back later when it’s dry. Easy-peasy!

Step 7 - Use lots of candy - Oops! While you were folding the laundry the pieces slipped despite the pop cans and now the icing has hardened with them off kilter. So the house is lopsided, but that won’t matter once the candies are all stuck on. The more the better, right?

Step 8 - Enjoy! -Well, you mounded as many candies onto the roof as possible and piled them up on the sides too. But the gaps between the roof and walls still show and if it were a real house it definitely wouldn’t pass any hydro-smart tests. The roof looks pretty saggy, maybe you should have used fewer candies up there. Oh well, it’s the thought that counts, right? It’s not like you were hoping for any awards; this was all for the children’s entertainment in the first place (and they’re happy just to scrape up the leftover icing).

Christmassy stuff

This week the kids had their “bake walk” at school. The tickets were $1 each and they could do the walk for some baking brought in by many of the parents in the school. All proceeds went to the South Okanagan Women in Need Society. So we sent Madison and Kai to school with a twoonie each to buy tickets, and I baked some cupcakes to donate.

I wanted to try the reindeer cupcakes with the Santa in a sleigh idea I saw in a baking book from the library. They turned out pretty well, even if it was my first time working with fondant icing!

Madison and Kai both won something and they each chose sugar cookies (one of the only items left by that time). They were so excited when their number was called! Kai was beside himself as he raced to the library where the goodies were on display.

Next we had the Santa Claus parade in downtown Penticton today. We bundled up with lots of layers and warm woolies and joined the throngs. Everyone was sipping Tim Horton’s and stamping to keep warm in the cool afternoon. The parade had lots of local organizations and businesses marching or floating down Main Street. Kent and I were cold and done before it was over, but the kids begged to stay on and see the last float with Santa and Mrs. Claus waving merrily from the top. The Christmas Season has officially begun!

"Happy Cow" Shepherd's Pie

This is what I’m making tonight for dinner. It’s from Mom’s Ayurvedic recipe book. Feel free to substitute whatever vegetables you have in the fridge (shredding whichever ones the kids don‘t like).

1lb boneless, skinless chicken breast (or veggie ground if you like that stuff)

1 onion (chopped)

2 tsp ginger (minced)

3 cloves garlic (minced)

2 stalks celery (chopped)

1 zucchini (shredded)

1 cup green beans

2 carrots (chopped)

½ head cauliflower (chopped)

2 tbsp tomato paste

1 tbsp parmesan cheese (grated)

1 cup chicken or vegetable stock

3 medium sweet potatoes (cooked and mashed)

Salt and pepper to taste

¼ cup cilantro (minced)

Brown meat in a skillet with 1 tbsp olive oil. Add vegetables and saute until soft. Add all ingredients and simmer until cooked (20 minutes). Pour vegetable mix into a baking dish and spoon mashed sweet potatoes over top. Spread and pat even with a fork and sprinkle with parmesan cheese. Bake at 350 for 35-40 minutes.

Holiday Gifts

Image via Wikipedia

A friend was asking for ideas for saving money during the holidays (and the rest of the year too). Her family is feeling the crunch of moving, spending, and overspending with Christmas just around the corner. I had a few ideas, and as I was pouring them out and hogging the message board, I realized I felt strongly about the subject.

I really think that Christmas is for spending quality time with family and friends. For enjoying each other’s company and reaffirming our affection for one another. For laughing at inside jokes and welcoming newcomers into our circle. For enjoying the children and grandchildren as they learn about the magic of the season. For sharing food and stories and warmth on a cold evening.

Yet somehow a few Christmases ago I found myself full of anxiety and tension over lists. Lists I wrote down of everyone to whom I needed to send a card. Lists of everyone for whom I needed to buy a gift. And lists in my head of how much money each gift should cost, what I gave them last year, what they gave me, how much money they probably spent, etc etc etc. I shopped and shopped for the gifts so I could cross the people off the list. Each thing had to be just the right price, just the right taste for the recipient, just the right size and colour. As Christmas grew closer my anxiety grew as well. Would everyone like their gift? What if someone else bought them the same thing? What if they spent more on my gift than I spent on theirs? What if I’ve forgotten someone I should have bought a gift for? What if someone gives me a gift when I wasn’t expecting them to? So I bought extra “gifty” things just in case I needed an emergency gift. Needless to say, this all added up to quite a bit of spending every year. And quite a bit of anxious worrying. And my focus was not where it should be: on my loved ones and what I love about them.

Truthfully, we don’t need a lot of that stuff. It’s just something pretty in a box for the sake of having a box to open. Obligation dilutes the spirit of what the holidays are all about. So here are my ideas for cutting back on spending while focusing more on the important things.

Reduce - My husband and I have agreed not to give each other gifts. Instead we might buy something for the house or the family. We have asked that extended family also abstain from gift-giving with us; our gift to them is that they don’t have to buy us a gift. And I used to worry about the proper gift for service providers like my mail carrier, garbage collector, and hairdresser; I have since reduced those gifts to a simple note, or a smile and word of thanks.

Simplify - Of course we still buy and give gifts to our children on Christmas. But they don’t need piles and piles of toys. One (hopefully well chosen) toy, one activity, and one book or useful item is plenty for a child to receive. They can really appreciate their new treasures if they are fewer but more meaningful.

Homemade - For teachers, instructors, and other peripheral recipients we have often made gifts ourselves. Baking, treats the children helped with, crafts, decorations the kids made, etc. It really is the thought that counts in this case, because our budget would really not allow for a very special store-bought gift. The important thing is that with the making of each gift we really think about the recipient and what makes that person special.

Donate - Our society is one of excess and there are many in the world who live without the basic essentials. One idea is to give a yearly donation to a cause like World Vision. Help the kids choose a goat or pig, and then give cards to the people on your gift list describing the merits of “their” gift to people in need.

Ask for what you need - For the people who will still insist on buying gifts for us, sometimes we make suggestions of things we really need. Our parents like to outfit the kids with most of the new clothes they ever need in a year and that takes a lot of the burden off of us. Sometimes they pay for the kids’ activities or equipment. Christmas stockings can be filled with practical items like toiletries and underwear.

The holidays will still hold some pressures and worries. But hopefully some of the tension will be eased for our friends and family who no longer have to worry about buying us a gift. I hope they put that money towards something nice for themselves, or towards something really needed. And hopefully now we can spend more of our attention and energy on enjoying our family time together this Christmas.

Oh, and just because we have reduced our gift-giving and spending at Christmas time, doesn’t mean we never give gifts to our people. During the year if I see something that I know somebody I love would enjoy, I might buy it for them as a surprise. Often I make personalized projects for my folks as well - the time and effort involved are well worth the reward of presenting my finished work to them. And because “just because” gifts are not tied to a deadline, I have the leisure to work at it and finish it whenever life allows.

The spirit of giving at the holidays is a wonderful tradition. The gift of one’s time and attention is really a beautiful offering, no matter how much or little it costs.