sowing the seeds

This has been a interesting school year so far.  I think the kids are starting to come into their own, and find their groove with the rhythm of homework, extra curricular activities and social lives.

Although we are still very involved with supporting their achievements, both academic and social,  it seems like we've started to "let loose" a little.  To let the kids make their own mistakes...to not continuously remind but let them forget on occasion, to bring their homework to school. Or to stop hounding them to complete an assignment and let them scramble and complete it at the 11th hour.

As a parent, the role of "protector" is so ingrained in us, that it's hard to let go of wanting to micromanage our kids.  Let's face it,  it's sometimes unbearable to watch them stumble because in our minds, it feels like we've failed them.

However, I think we really fail our children when we try to protect them too much.  The difficulty is trying to reassure ourselves that it's OKAY to (once in a while) let our kids feel that sting that comes with consequences.

I've always said that the hardest part of being a parent is learning to let go.  As much as it's difficult to do, I will have to keep reminding myself that they need to strive to overcome obstacles and learn from those mistakes.

Right now we're just sowing the seeds...so they can grow and become stronger.

Sweet and Salty Roasted Pumpkin Seeds

Roasted pumpkin seeds are a great healthy snack.  This recipe combines both salty and sweet recipes that I've used in the past.  To make these sweet, omit the salt and pepper.  To make these salty, omit the sugar and cinnamon and replace the butter with olive oil.

Ingredients

• 2 cups fresh pumpkin seeds (from 1 large or 2 medium size pumpkins), rinsed.
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 2 tsp. brown sugar 
• 3/4 tsp. salt
• ½  tsp. pepper
• ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon

Directions

• Preheat the oven to 300° F. 
• Spread the seeds on a silpat or parchment paper lined baking sheet and bake until dry throughout, 50 minutes. (or you can skip this step if you dry the seeds overnight, spread out on a baking sheet)
• Increase the oven temperature to 350° F.
• In a large bowl, toss the seeds with the butter, sugar, salt, pepper, and cinnamon. 
• Return the seeds to the baking sheet continue baking, tossing occasionally, until the seeds are golden brown (approx. 10 to 15 minutes.)

Enjoy.

all that matters

With the economy still in flux and the general population holding onto work and wages to meet the demands of raising a family, sustaining a lifestyle, or just to make ends meet, there has been a lot of talk about how global economics are changing and how people (women in particular), need to "lean in" to succeed.

I know I'm quite late in the discussion of "leaning in"...it's been discussed in countless of articles that either validate or debunk the question if it is possible for women to "have it all".  But sometimes I wonder if there is a bigger question, that's not gender specific, that we really should be asking?

As a society of responsible adults, maybe we should re-examine the idea of what "all" is?  Does having it all mean working exhausting 14 hour jobs to have 90 inch flat screen televisions, luxury cars that outnumber the drivers in the house, and mortgaged-to-the-hilt mansions filled with more stuff?

What exactly are we striving for?  And worse, what message about self worth are we telling our kids?

Sometimes I wonder if "having it all" really means "keeping up appearances".  I remember watching a documentary on the decline of manufacturing in North America, where in one scene, a man who already owned 6 televisions in his house, bought another mammoth one because it was "so dirt cheap". What value are we teaching when we make so many sacrifices (hard work to make these purchases, scarce available space in the house, over consumption of electricity, more time spent in front of a screen and less with each other) just to own a $200 flat screen TV?

I'd like to start a new movement...called "having all that matters". Because I don't think having every single one of those things are definitions of "success".  And while I believe all of us should pursue our own personal goals, whether it's a career or lifestyle goal, we should really be asking ourselves, to what end are we doing this?  At the end of the day, what exactly are we bringing home?

Although I don't have 6 flatscreen TV's, with my own definition, I guess I really "have it all", because I have what matters to me and I know exactly what I have at home.

And that's something we can ALL strive for.

"All That is Sweet Cookies"
(Maple Banana Peanut and Chocolate Chip Cookies)

Adapted from the Kraft Peanut Butter Cookies

(makes about 12-15 cookies)

Trying to name these cookies was a task in itself, as it had all of the yummy qualities of what sweetness means to me.  The Canadian influence of maple syrup.  The peanut butter and banana qualities of a morning breakfast treat...and chocolate.  As sweet and rich as this sounds, there are no refined white sugars, so it's not as lethal sounding as it seems.

Ingredients

• 1 cup smooth peanut butter (I used all-natural peanut butter:  warning, it makes the cookies dough texture more "wet" when mixed). 
• 1 ripe banana, mashed
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp. baking soda (optional...this makes the cookie more "banana bread" like in texture)
• 1 egg
• 3 tbsp. pure maple syrup
• 1/2 cup organic chocolate chips

Preparation

• Heat oven to 325 F.
• Mix together peanut butter, banana, vanilla and baking soda until smooth.
• Add egg and maple syrup .
• Gently fold in chocolate chips.
• Drop tablespoons onto cookie sheet.  
• Bake for 20 min. or until lightly browned. (Do not overbake.) 
• Cool completely.

Pair with milk or enjoy on it's own.

the gift that keeps on giving

During Thanksgiving, we always give thanks to our family, friends and loved ones who have touched our lives in such a beautiful way.

It is always a time of reflection...it's a time I hope my children will one day, think of when they are having troubles or worries...to be grateful that we generally live healthy and happy lives, and there are so many things that we have that many people do without.

Unfortunately October is also a time where consumerism takes over, and the world seems overwhelmed more with costumes and light up pumpkins.  When I was purchasing a few last minute flowers and decorations for Thanksgiving, the sales person keep pushing the sales of costumes and the like...I responded that I wanted to enjoy Thanksgiving first...thank you very much.

As years go by, I have started to notice that Thanksgiving celebrations aren't really celebrated (or "promoted" in marketing terms) as much in the stores any more.  It's like we go straight from back to school to Hallowe'en.  Sure there are some nice fall wreaths, pumpkins and the like, but when I was trying to get a large (to feed my 15+ crowd) turkey, the store managers said they didn't order as many this year, and I was hard pressed to find a turkey that would suffice (and also be large enough to keep on giving after the big day, with leftover turkey for pies, soups etc.).  I was thankful this year I did find one.

I don't know where the fundamental cultural shift occurred, because Thanksgiving is not about religion.  It's about being truly thankful for the opportunities we have.  The fundamental basics of humanity, such as food, water, shelter, clothing, education, safety...things that we ALL should be thankful for, no matter what spiritual path (or not) that one takes.

I am so very thankful for the family and friends that I have.  And even if Thanksgiving celebrations don't appear to be treasured by the "commercial world", I will always treasure this time of year, because it reminds me to be grateful that I am able to share this time with the ones I love.  A love that is the true gift that keeps on giving.

Turkey Pot Pie

(serves 4-6 people)

This recipe can be a bit time consuming, but it's totally worth it and uses up most of the main Thanksgiving leftovers (turkey, peas, carrots, turkey stock, etc.), especially if you make more than one pie. I usually double or even triple the recipe below...one to eat the day after Thanksgiving, one or two to freeze for another night.

Pie Crust

• 2 1/2 cup of flour
• 1/4 tsp. salt
• 1/2 cup butter (cubed)
• 1/2 cup vegetable shortening (cubed)
• 3-4 tbsp. cold water

Directions:

1. In a large bowl, mix the  flour and salt together.
2. Cut in with a knife or pastry blender, the butter and vegetable shortening.
3. Blend together until a pea-sized crumb mixture forms.
4. Slowly add cold water until just moistened.
5. Form loosely in a ball and refrigerate for 30 minutes while you're making the turkey filling.

Turkey Filling

• 1 1/3 cups peas and carrots
• 1 tbsp. finely chopped leeks
• 1 tsp finely chopped garlic
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup turkey stock (I used the turkey stock I made with the the giblets, onions, carrots, celery and herbs...chicken stock would do here).
• 1 1/2 cups milk (or table cream)
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 tbsp. fresh), to taste
• 1 tsp. poultry seasoning (optional)
• 2 cups diced turkey
• salt and ground black pepper to taste

Directions:

1. Melt the butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and leek until softened.
2. Stir in the flour and cook until a thick paste.
3. Pour in the milk and stock and continue stirring while cooking until the mixture is smooth.
4. Add the thyme and poultry seasoning and continue to cook and stir until the mixture thickens.
5. Stir in the cooked vegetables and the turkey. 
6. Season with salt and pepper. 
7. Cook until heated through, stirring frequently, 5 to 7 minutes.

Assemble & Bake:

• Roll out the pastry dough into two- 9" circles and place one on the bottom of a 9" pie dish. 
• Place turkey filling into the dough.
• Top with the other pastry dough circle.
• Pierce a few holes on the top with fork to let the steam out of the pie. (I usually like to make a "T" with the fork piercings so if I freeze this, I know it's a turkey pie!).  You can freeze at this point, if you're not baking right away.
• Brush the top pie crust with a little milk.
• Bake in a preheated oven at 375 degrees for approximately one hour. (you may need to cover the edges with tin foil at the 30 minute mark, to prevent the edges from burning).

Serve, Freeze, Eat or Give.

what's leftover

I think I may have had a slight epiphany these past few weeks.

I have always been a firm believer that preparation is half the battle to success.  And when you plan, prepare and do everything that you can to ensure that everything goes "according to plan", I've realized that there needs to be a point of realization where you need to say, "I'm done, I'm ready, just go". To accept that I've done all the research, preparations, planning and organizing that I can possibly do up to this point, and now it's no longer up to me to determine the end result.

Whether it's inhibitions or predetermined ideals, it is the story that we tell ourselves in our head that paralyzes us to move forward, and I think I've finally come to understand that although we will continue to plan and prepare for life events ahead of us, we will also have to remember to step back and let nature take it's course and see where the path takes us...and start enjoying the fruits of our labour.

With many (many) preparations for overnight trips and parties these past few weeks, I noticed a common thread,  a running "theme" perhaps.  No matter how prepared and organized we were, there were always surprises that made us adjust our plans as we went along, and because we had all the tools necessary, both logistically and mentally, we were able to be flexible with those plans.  And the outcome still turned out great.

At the end of it all...after checking off all those lists and making sure we were "ready to go", what was leftover to do, was just to enjoy.

This Thanksgiving, we have so much to be thankful for...amazing children, a wonderful love and support of family and friends, and this thrilling journey called life. And if there is still anything leftover to do, we'll embrace that new path and have the confidence that everything will turn out alright.  Actually, better than alright.

It will turn out beautiful.

Happy Thanksgiving

Crustless Leftover Turkey Quiche

(6-8 Servings)

This is a great way to use leftover Thanksgiving dinner, especially for a light brunch the next day.  It's not labour intensive, so it gives you a break from cooking and helps clear your fridge with items you already have on hand...or whatever is leftover.  

Ingredients

• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
• 2 teaspoons minced garlic
• 6 eggs, lightly beaten
• 3/4 cup milk (I used what I had on hand...3% homogenized milk...you can use heavy whipping cream for a thicker consistency)
• 1 1/2 - 2 cups cubed cooked turkey
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup peas
• 5 bacon strips, cooked and crumbled (optional)

Directions

• Preheat the oven at 375°
• In a cast iron skillet, saute onion and garlic in oil until tender. 
• In large bowl, combine eggs and milk. 
• Stir in the cooked turkey, cheese, peas and bacon.
• Pour egg mixture on top of the onion/garlic mixture in the skillet. (if you don't have a cast iron skillet, mix both the egg and onion mixture in the bowl and pour into greased 9-in. deep-dish pie plate.)
• Bake at  35-45 minutes or until a knife inserted near the center comes out clean. 
• Let stand for 10 minutes before cutting.

Enjoy.

having a ball

As we start to begin what is known to our family as "party season" with birthdays and Thanksgiving, it's a time of year where it's easy to get caught up with the preparation of guests, food, gifts...and lose sight of how special this time of year really is.

Since one child is going on a school camping trip smack dab in the middle of all these parties, it's just one more thing to pack, organize and be prepared for.  With so much going on, I was hoping I'd take a more simpler route this year and just book a pre-packaged party.  But as I begin booking venues, I realize sometimes what appears to be simple isn't really that simple after all.  One venue only accepted complicated online reservations and couldn't guarantee a party room until mere days before the event.  Another venue  couldn't guarantee there would be a place to store gifts while the children are enjoying the venue's activities (so I'd have to shuttle gifts to the car before they played!). What a circus!

Maybe I'm worried what really will be missing, is the element of the personal touch.  Because at the end of the day, I just want to create happy, memorable moments, and I hope it doesn't get lost in the busyness of logistics.

I suspect that I feel this way because I am watching my older child go off independently on a camping trip, and part of me misses that time when they were really young.  An age before they were old enough to dress themselves.  An age when they had sweet little birthdays with a few select friends and family were invited to eat cake, do a small craft or activity, and enjoy opening presents.  A time that seemed slower, where I  actually got to capture little moments.

As the kids get bigger, maybe I just need to be faster to catch up with them. With all the giggling, smiles and "It was the best trip EVER!" or "I had the loudest, most outrageously awesome birthday party ever!"...I will capture a different, more bigger moment.  When they'll still enjoying being a kid and the world seems like one big circus...and they're just having a ball.

Quick Party Cheese Ball

Ingredients

• 1 cup (8 ounces) Cream Cheese
• ¼ cups Sour Cream
• 1 cup Finely Shredded Cheddar Cheese
• ¼ cups grated Parmesan Cheese
• ¼ cups Finely Chopped shallot (or red onion)
• ½ teaspoon Garlic Powder
• 1 teaspoon Lemon Juice
• ¼ teaspoons Freshly Ground Black Pepper

Directions

• Place all ingredients in a large bowl. 
• Beat with a hand mixer on medium-low speed until well combined.
• Scrape the mixture onto a piece of plastic wrap. Cover with the plastic wrap and shape into a ball or log. 
• Put the cheese ball on a plate and place in the refrigerator to harden, at least 30 minutes (it's best if it is 1 hour).

Place on a serving plate. Allow to sit for approximately 15 minutes before serving.  Serve with crackers.

walk the walk

As a family who loves an adventure, we are very fortunate to have happy healthy children who can participate in many active outdoor activities.  As my kids jump and play, so very often as parents, we worry if they'll land on their two feet...or fall.

I think it's the "fall" part that worries most parents.  As much as we do everything that we can to give our children the best we can afford...provide lots of healthy meals, give them opportunities to explore the world, and provide a warm and loving home to rest or express their dreams and worries, often that isn't enough to ensure our children will aways be happy, safe or healthy forever.

Sometimes I think of those parents, who've relied on medical staff and resources to help their own children (as I've written in my post, here), as they go through many emotional, physical and financial struggles that are companions to their children's dire medical needs. How do they do it?

This Saturday September 28, our family along with my husband's company, Delvinia & Asking Canadians, will be participating in The Great Camp Adventure, a 20km camp-themed challenge-by-choice adventure walk to help raise money and awareness to support the SickKids hospital's most urgent needs and support those parents who rely on them.

Although we've never had to use the services of SickKids Hospital, to be honest, it's comforting to know that they're there.  We have been long supporters of the Sick Kids Foundation and it means a lot to us to contribute to the efforts that strive to provide better, healthier lives for kids everywhere.  I'm grateful that our kids are healthy and strong right now, however one never knows what lies ahead, and making sure the SickKids Hospital has all the necessary resources is just one more way I feel ensured that our children will be supported in case they don't "land on their two feet".

I can't wait for our family to experience our first family walkathon.  I can't wait for the kids to experience first hand, that no matter who falls, we're there to support and encourage, to help each other stay or get back up on two feet...so together, we can walk the walk.

SickKids Foundation

To donate to our family's walkathon team, click here:  The Great Camp Adventure

building blocks

As the kids have started to settle into school for another year, I still think back on the learning experiences of this past summer. I feel that learning is not just confined to a classroom and can occur all year long from real life experiences (whether it is observing the tides on the beach or picking up rocks when on a bike trail).  However, let's face it, kids enjoy being online on their down time, and sometimes I worry about those  times when the kids are not unplugged...when they're too connected to the games that can distract them from discovering what's in the real world.

Our "unplugged" basement.

Earlier this past summer, my son and I had an interesting conversation about one of his buildings in his Minecraft game (for those who don't know, it's an online game that builds virtual worlds with virtual building blocks).  He was animated in his description, and explained that the "cornerstone blocks are always the strongest, because they are the pillars of the foundation of which you can build something strong".  (yes, his words).

I liked how that sounded.  Cornerstone. Pillars of strength.  I'm always astounded with the mature insight this young boy (so often) has and I was intrigued with what he was building in his virtual world.

A fresh coat of paint can do wonders for an old corner fireplace. We used
Benjamin Moore "Cloud White" #OC-130 for the brick, trim and lower half of
the wall, and Benjamin Moore "La Paloma Gray" #1551 for the upper wall.

I asked him how he chose what materials to use to create his "buildings".  What determines his choices? As I listen to him, so much is revealed about what he learns...not only about how to build like an engineer, but how his choices also relates to building character.   He chooses material based on strength and durability and knows that a good strong neutral floor is the foundation that makes a solid base and provides the ability to stand tall and the confidence to be flexible and add depth or "character" with details.

There were so many flooring options to choose from....it could be overwhelming,
but choosing the most classic styles and colours was the route to go for us.

It's amazing how much more upscale a room can look with a simple
update in flooring...we went from linoleum to marble-style porcelain.

He learned that the colour of the wall can play an important part of attracting visitors into the room and knows at his tender age that soft serene colours make people feel restful and peaceful while darker hues brings warmth and comfort.  A comforting space for family and friends to feel welcome.  How little decorative elements can make a plain house look "phenomenal" (his words), and you don't need a lot...sometimes it only takes a few simple details.

We wanted to choose a chair rail with a simple but detailed profile.  By painting the chair rail,
baseboard and lower wall all the same colour, the room now looks more sophisticated
for the adults but still comfortable and durable for the kids.  The room also looks larger too!

It was amazing how our "Minecraft" conversation was a foreshadow of events to come.  A few days later, our basement was flooded during a torrential rain storm.  Luckily our good friend, who owns a commercial building and renovation company, was able to fit us into their busy schedule (they don't normally do residential projects), and we had our own "pillar of strength" to help us through this unexpected situation.  They did a beautiful and professional job with our basement renovation.  Coincidentally enough, their company name is...Cornerstone.

Now we can return to our playroom, and enjoy the family activities we once enjoyed before the flood...and play some games, both old and new ones like Chess or Minecraft, and build more foundations, more pillars of strength for our family...building blocks of lifetime memories, learning and good times.


Please note:  The opinion in this post is unpaid and unsolicited, and is solely based on the quality of workmanship and service we received.  A great big thank you to our friends...Jim, Adam and the rest of the team at Cornerstone.

the big apple

It's been a few years since we've been to New York.  There is something about that city that stands so vividly in my mind.  Maybe it's the energy and the perseverance of the people that draws me to that city.

On this particular day, there is not much for me to say, other than what I had already written about after our last trip to New York, which included a visit to the 9/11 Memorial site.  Many wrote to tell me how much that post really touched them...so to honour those who lost their lives, without further adieu, here is my post again.

a hole in the heart

(originally published October 5, 2011)

After a whirlwind weekend of indulgent window shopping, seeing the bright and dazzling Times Square, admiring the million dollar architecture and enjoying the scrumptious culinary delights in NYC a few weeks ago…we felt we needed to end our weekend trip by visiting a special place to bring us back to reality and reflect how fortunate we really all are.

{Above photo, courtesy of CNN}

You see, ten years ago, we had planned to be right here in New York.  Before going on a London/Paris excursion on Sept. 12^th, we were planning on stopping by as a post birthday celebration, before heading to London.  But circumstances led to us to stay home instead. Now, not a September goes by when I don’t think about what could have been. It’s amazing how many stories you hear, of someone missing their flight, and someone else taking their place.  How one person was saved because of someone else’s sacrifice. 

Ten years later, looking at the void where the towers were, the enormity of it, the place where monumental heartache took place…I realized that for every hole that is created, somewhere else, another hole is filled.

And even though life seems unfair on the surface, we are guided to fulfill a destiny, a purpose.  And for some reason, all our lives are intertwined in some form or another, with meaningful adjacencies.  (to read a beautiful article about how meaningful adjacencies relate to this memorial, please read Paula Grant Berry's CNN article)

I hope I fulfill my purpose in life…to help create a simple world of love, kindness, and appreciation for our beautiful world and those who fill it.  And especially, during this upcoming Thanksgiving season...to remember to be grateful, and thankful for all we have.

To simply…fill the holes.

Heart Shaped Jam Filled cookies 

(makes approx. 30-40 cookies)

Ingredients

• 3/4 cup butter
• 1 cup of granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar plus 4 tbsp extra for dusting.
• 1 egg
• 1 tsp vanilla
• 2 cups all purpose flour
• 1/2 tsp baking soda

Preparation

• Beat butter and sugar together in a large bowl.
• Add the egg and vanilla.  
• Add the vanilla and 1/2 tsp of baking soda
• Slowly mix the flour into the mixture until dough consistency.
• Refrigerate for approximately 1 hour.
• Preheat oven to 350degrees
• Roll out the dough into desired shapes, creating enough for a solid bottom and one with a cut-out on the top.
• Bake for approximately 10 minutes, or until the edges are golden.
• Top one solid cookie with your favourite jam, and sandwich with a cookie with a cut out.
• Dust the cookies with powdered sugar.

Enjoy...with all your heart.

step by step

On the first day of school, I attended the school's "first day" assembly.  As the principal spoke, I could feel this tug-of-war within me...wanting to sit around the campfire with my children for just one more week longer, but also wanting them to spread their wings and join their school friends once again, learning to adapt to new teachers, new schedules, and new rules.

I started to think about the many articles I've read recently, about how some parents are feeling as they send their adult children for the first time to post secondary school, and I realized that what I'm feeling today is just the first step towards that "mixed feeling" moment of the future, when my kids will someday move on to college or university.   Today is just a preparatory step.

I started to look around the school gymnasium...paying attention to little details like how the lights reflected on the ceiling, the smell of freshly washed floors, and the nervous excitement I could feel in the air. For some reason I wanted to pay attention to all of this, as if for a brief moment, time felt frozen because I'm staying in the moment, not planning ahead for what I'm going to do for the rest of the day.  Maybe one day, I will remember this moment as a special memory where I once remembered the smell, the light, the feeling of elementary school and wonder where the time went?

Just as this moment is only one step in my journey as a parent to prepare my children (and myself) to grow and spread their wings, I hope my kids will realize how each of their steps are important foundations toward becoming adults that (I believe) will change the world.

I want to remember that moment when they took their very first step, and how it must have felt like trying to climb mountains but with every courageous attempt, I want them to realize after conquering it, that those mountains were really just large rocks after all.

The kids, particularly our son, loves to "parkour", which is overcoming obstacles in his environment
 as quickly and efficiently, using only his body and his surroundings to propel himself.  Both kids loved
these Reebok* shoes, which were light but had a strong grip to give them speed and momentum. 

I want to remember when they first rode their bikes without training wheels...how worried they were to go too fast or they'd fall and scrape their knee, and I want them to look back as they ride their two-wheeled bikes today, and realize the freedom they now have because they kept trying and kept moving forward.

I want to remember when they were little, how they tried with all their might and frustration to catch every ball, and I want them to realize that sometimes they may miss a few throws, but with persistence and practice, they will catch more and more every time.

In each stage I hope they will rise to the challenge of new experiences, and we'll be there to support and guide, whether in person or in spirit.  We will do our best to give them the tools they need.  Books, running shoes, bikes...anything that will help equip them so they can take each step, so as parents we can savour in the memory, and the kids can look back and learn from it.

With all these steps, maybe as parents we too will learn...and be better prepared when we reach that "mixed feeling" moment in the future as we send our kids to college or university.

Mmm...well...we'll see.  We'll just have to take it one step at a time.

*A big thank you to Michelle for providing the ATV19 Reebok shoes for each step of our kid's outdoor adventures this past summer.  Reebok Kids ATV19 footwear is available at Foot Locker, Sears, Sport Chek and through www.Reebok.ca.