Splat!

The maple syrup was down to one jar and the raspberry syrup ran out long ago, so it was time to make up another batch of each.  With a little extra time during Louis' nap before supper, I started a batch of raspberry syrup.  It's simmering in the  pot below ... just waiting for it to get thick enough to ladle into jars.

I'd ladled everything into jars and had poured the last bit into a smaller jar.  Some spilled down the side of the jar, so it needed to be cleaned up.  I didin't want to create a sticky lid, so I started wiping down the jar ... without putting the lid on it.  AND ... I created the mess shown below. 

Who would've thought 1/2 to 3/4 cup of syrup could create such a huge mess.  The pic doesn't even show the big splat that landed on my right pant leg.  Thank goodness the jar didn't break and thank goodness my beige shoes we not covered in syrup (just a couple little spots - easy to clean).

2 Months!

The last two months have gone way too fast. 

This little guy is so fun to have around. 

He is happy and loves to snuggle; he hardly ever fusses. 

He's already over 16lbs. and the size 1-2 diapers are becoming too small.

He is much loved; we are blessed!

New Year TO DO List

Last year, I subscribed to Martha Stewart's magazine, Living.  I haven't subscribed before, but a subscription was only $5 ... I couldn't resist the temptation.  Anyway, in the first couple pages of the magazine, she has that month's calendar and each day shows something to do or an event.  It's secular, of course, and most of the events are personal or not something I would choose to do.  However, she does list some tasks that we should all put on a master calendar to help us remember 'TO DO' at least once each year. 

I especially liked some of the January reminders.

1. Make space in library for recent editions and dust books (tops and spines)

2. Clean out closets

3. Vacuum and dust refrigerator coils - I've always thought I should do this, but never have ... maybe I should start...

4. Order seeds for vegetable and flower gardens

5. Clean coffee grinder by pulsing bread in the grinder

Items I would add to the list of January reminders:

1. Write thank you notes for Christmas and Birthday gifts

2. Take down Christmas tree and store ornaments ... after Epiphany, of course!  **This could possibly be moved to the February reminder list**

3. Encourage the kids to snow-shoe and cross-country ski at least once a week.  Thank goodness we finally got snow!  I know I'm not the only 'one' who loves snow ...

4. If I haven't yet, make a list of New Year's Resolutions

Monday DayLook - January 4, 2010

For Today:  January 4, 2010

Looking out my back porch... I didn't realize until last week how deep the snow in our backyard really 'is'!  My SFG boxes, which are at least 18 inches deep are mostly covered (you can see a little tiny lip on each box) and  the nails, which hold the twine in place, stick up and frame each box in a funny way.  I enjoy the change to white frosting the trees and covering the brown/black dirt that is my normal view.

I am thinking... how wonderful it is to have snow.  The kids can have fun digging, snow-shoeing and x-country skiing when it's not super cold.  And, what a sweet, peaceful baby I have been blessed with in Baby Louis.

I am thankful for... all the family and friends we were able to spend time with over the Christmas season.  And, of course, I'm thankful for all the wonderful gifts I was given during that time, too.

From the sewing/craft room (aka. laundry room!)… my mom had a hoped we would all be able to complete a sewing project during our Christmas stay at the farm.  I brought fabric, and it is cut out into squares.  Hopefully I'll get the squares sewn into 'mug rugs' (fabric placemats, sort-of) for my cups of tea.

From the school room... started up lessons today.  I'm sure there will be a few bumps while we get back into a routine, but today is good.

From the kitchen... my mom made a great Cranberry Coffee Cake during our stay and I made it again for our visit with Graham's Godparents this past weekend.  I saved back 1/2 can of whole cranberry sauce and hope to make the cake again this week.  It's moist (thanks to sour cream) and tangy (thanks to the cranberry sauce).  I'll try to post the recipe and pics on my cooking blog.

I am reading... all the wonderful Christmas cards and letters sent by friends and family.  I love catching up with old friends at this time of year.  Whoever said Christmas letters are 'not polite' is dead wrong, in my opinion!

I am hoping... for another quiet and peaceful week.  I also hope to get our thank-you's written and sent this week.

I am hearing... small quiet sounds ... the swing - rocking Louis back and forth during his early morning nap ... hum of the gas fireplace ... clicking of my nails on the laptop keyboard.

State of the house… new things need to find a home, so we're in a bit of disarray in the basement.  But, the kids are enjoying their new gifts.  The laundry room isn't too bad and the kitchen has stayed organized, too.

A successful moment…  we stayed up to see the New Year ... but only because Angelina kept running back to check the time and woke us (Eric and I) up from our sleepy state of reclining on the couch while the kids took turns playing Wii.

A few plans for the rest of the week…
Monday: No dance tonight, so we get a Monday evening at home.

Tuesday: Inside fun and outside winter action for the kids ... endless possibilities.

Wednesday: Angelina's dance class is tonight because the school was still closed on Monday.

Thursday: Same as Tuesday, but include preparation for the weekend's travel.  I hope to bake the Cranberry Swirl Coffeeckae today.

Friday/Saturday/Sunday: Travel to Bismarck, stay with friends, Angelina & Dash participate in a Crop Judging workshop, possible ski outing with friends & travel home again.

A picture memory... 

Grandma Golden Acres arranged a craft for all the grandkids out in the shop (Grandpa spent quite a bit of time cleaning to prepare!).  All the kids made handprints in plaster 

 

I've been using images from Antique Clipart the past few days and have so enjoyed them!  They remind me of my Grandmother.

Epiphany

Yesterday, we spent the day in Fargo with friends (Alex's Godparents) and attended Mass at the Cathedral of St. Mary.  At the last minute, Zeke was asked to dress up as one of the Wisemen and take part in the procession and help bring up the gifts during Mass.

Louis wasn't calm, so I needed to stand in back.  I was able to see FatherWilhelm hold each 'Wiseman' and give the boy a little push to walk at the right moment.  It was one of those moments where you wish you had a camera ... but didn't. 

The Wisemen were dressed in shiny finery with hats fitting their stature.  Zeke's was a tall pointed hat and he was dressed in an orange tunic trimmed in gold.  Before he walked he glanced over at me with his shy half grin.  I worried that he'd trip on the shoe laces sticking out from under the 'slightly too long' tunic.   He didn't trip, but I did tuck in the shoe laces before he processed up the aisle with the gifts later during the Mass. 

Zeke sat up in the front pew with the other Wisemen.  He sat still, thankfully! 

~Happy Ephiphany ~

My little archaeologist...

Zeke was so excited to receive this 'kit' from his Godparents for Christmas.  He set to work immediately!

Had I known how dusty the project would be, or how fine the dust would be, or that it would stick to the table ... I would have asked him to do the project in the garage!  Oh well, it'll soon be done (at least it won't last as long as moon sand!) and he's having a blast.

The Triceratops is in this block somewhere.  He's already uncovered two whole bones and has a start on another.